Monthly Update & Video of the Week

Hello Everyone!

  Time for my monthly update:) I am sooo glad spring is here, and summer is just around the corner! I've been able to get a lot done around the house, cleaning, organizing, and remodeling. Recently, I started a big project, namely completely revamping our living room. We don't have enough bookshelves for our books, so they are scattered around in stacks. My older brother is also storing a bunch of his stuff there too, not to mention the continuous stream of laundry that is waiting to be folded.  I am happy to report that I am nearly FINISHED! It was a big undertaking, but a necessary and fulfilling one :)
  I also cleaned off the top of both our fridges, which had become very cluttered, as well as a shelf in our laundry room. It feels so good to have a clean house!!
  Over the past few weeks, the whole family has been helping to clean the yard, mow, and get ready for a small garden. And my Mom is so excited that she can hang clothes out on the line now that the weather is warmer. Yes, we are all so happy to be making such good progress!
    
              What all projects have you girls been working on?
                         What are you looking forward to this summer?

Interview With Julia ☺

  Every one, I'd like you to meet Julia. Julia is a dear friend of mine, who I have had the pleasure of knowing for a few years now. We became pen pals after she decided to contact me when I was published in The King's Blooming Rose Magazine. We've been BFF's ever since :)

 

Hello Julia! Thank you so much for joining us, I'm really excited to be featuring you today :). I'd like to ask you a few questions about yourself, so everybody can get to know you.

  Hi everyone! I'm really excited to be here! Abby and I have been friends for years now..and it is really special to be interviewed here. :)

1. Do you prefer reading or writing?

    Oh reading! Writing is enjoyable, but it takes a lot more energy. ;)

2. Are you more into cleaning house, or working outside?

  I love both! Though, there are some chores I'd rather skip outside..like raking all the sticks in the spring and leaves in the fall. lol!

 

3. Are fashion and current trends a big deal to you?

  No..but there are some that I think are cute! :D I guess you could say I like certain fashion trends. :)

4. If you could buy anything off the web, what would it be?

  Umm.. I actually have no idea! Possibly a book..but other than that I really don't know. :D

5. If you were given the choice of choosing between archery and marksmanship (shooting skills), which would you choose, and why?

  Archery! I have always thought it would be really neat to try! I've read so many books including bows and arrows.. they've always looked tough, but I love a good challenge!

 

6. What kind of magical creature (i.e. fairy, sphinx, mermaid, etc.) would you be, if you could?

  LOL! I have never thought about it! :D Maybe a fairy? I always thought they were pretty cute. ;)

7. Chocolate or caramel?

 Caramel!!!!!!

8. What fantasy book/book series is your favorite?

 Hmm..I always go back to the Little House series as my favorite, but I also like all the series by Al Lacy.

9. Have you ever made a body scrub or any other beauty product?

  No..not yet, but I am going to try some this spring! :) 

10. Do you enjoy drawing or photography more?

  Photography totally! I can barely draw a stick person. lol!! I really like taking artistic photos. :)

 

11. Are you more of a bike rider or swimmer?

  Um, I really enjoy both, but I'd say bike rider. When I am 'swimming'  I am really just playing in the water. I can't swim very well. ;)

Thank you so much for joining us and sharing a bit about yourself, I'm so glad you were able to do this!

  Thank YOU Abigail for asking me! And thank you everyone for reading this post. If you would like to check out my blog, go to, writingforhisgloryblog.blogspot.com!

~Video of the Week # 2~

                              Hope you guys enjoy!

Newsletter...?

Greetings Everyone!

  I promised a newsletter this week, and a newsletter there shall be! I'm probably going about this rather awkwardly, but I am new to this business, so you'll just have to excuse me :).
  When I say 'newsletter', I mean a little post about what all I have been learning, things I've recently experienced, what my family and I have been up to, and so forth. I'm convinced the term 'newsletter' is not an appropriate word for such, but I can't seem to think of a better one. I would be so obliged if anyone who happens to think of a better term would comment.
  One thing I've recently been learning is how our attitudes radiate our thoughts. Now, you are probably thinking, " I've heard this one before; here goes a little sermon about having a better attitude. Boy, is this typical and boring". You are partially right. This is about emulating a proper attitude. But I hope you will not be bored by the time you finish reading, but rather be encouraged to maintain a right attitude, whatever the occasion might be.
  Recently, I had the opportunity of helping a family member. I had undergone a pretty stressful morning. Mom had been sick during the night, and I had woken up slightly ill myself. Children were hungry, a family member was visiting, there wasn't much food in the house, and company was expected later in the day. After finally getting a portion of breakfast into the oven, I proceeded to scramble our last eggs, amidst the continual (but understandable) whining of siblings. They were constantly reminding me they were hungry, and desiring to know when breakfast would be done. I had people coming at me from all directions, and quickly got cranky and ill humored. I started to snap and yell, instead of gaining control of myself before I had reached that point. I was upset at myself for reacting this way, but their behavior seemed to justify my response, or so I told myself.
  As the day went on, I continued with an unpleasant attitude. I was irritated for being interrupted when I relaxed, I was irritated that no one else seemed to notice how I was being treated, and I was, frankly, a bit incredulous when asked to help the family member later that day. After all, I had been through such a stressful and unpleasant morning, and no one had been very considerate, so I had a right to be. Wrong.  My day wouldn't have been so unpleasant if I had maintained a proper attitude, even when things weren't particularly going smoothly. My attitude was what had made my day so hectic. Unfortunately, by the end of the day, that family member I had the opportunity of helping was irritated towards me for keeping such an ill humor, and seemed as though my grumpiness had rubbed off on them a bit!
  Now, I have told you this story hoping to encourage you to learn from my mistakes, and remind myself to do right. Next time you are in a stressful situation, remember to keep a proper attitude. Otherwise, you will make your day, as well as those around you, even more unpleasant then it already is. It certainly will not be easy, but it will be worth it. Not only will you be better prepared to one day to have a home and family of your own (during which times you will encounter all sorts of stressful situations!) , but you will be ensuring that everyone's day will be much better.
  In love and friendship,
Abby Sue

ANOTHER AWESOME GIVEWAY!!!!!

Hey Girls!

  So I know I just posted about a giveaway last week, but The Modest Mom Blog is hosting an awesome giveaway! It would be great to enter for your Mom for Mother's Day ♥. It ends April 27th, so hurry!!!

~Video of the Week~

  So this is the first video I'm posting in my new  "Video of the Week" series. I'm a big fan of Disney's "Tangled", and found the short sequel on youtube for free! It is so cute, and really hilarious; I hope y'all enjoy it as much as my family does :).
  By next week, I hope to have my "newsletter" posted. After asking everyone's opinions, I received some positive feedback. So... now I've decided to move forward with the idea. I plan on posting one, at least once a month, so be sure to check back now and then!
      Lots of love,
Abby Sue

Ideas...What Do You Think?

Hi everyone!

  Recently, a friend of mine suggested that I start posting a monthly newsletter telling everyone what I've been up to and the goings-on of my little world, or just some random thoughts/ideas I have :) Of course I'd still be posting when I get a chance, but I thought this was a good idea, because here of late I have had a  lot going on and this is a way that I can fit blogging into my schedule, while still keeping it enjoyable. I also thought it would be neat to start sharing cute videos I find on YouTube once a week or every other week.What do you all think? Which should I do, or both? Comment below with your opinions :)!

                                        I ♥ Spring!!!