Jo-with-it's Portfolio

Questionnaire Tag Thingy

2009-11-11T07:16:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by Rachel, for this one. Thanks Rachel!

1. Do you like to write?
It really depends on the topic, and whether or not I'm knowledgeable in it or not. I got ideas a plenty in my head, but they never turn out the same on paper.

2. Favorite books?
Bible, Hinds feet on High places, Millie Keith Series,

3. Do you compose music/write songs?
Nope.

4. Do you like poetry?
Not particularly

5. Love someone so much who made you cry?
Yes

6. Broken a bone?
No

7.Been in a police car?
I don't think so...if I have, I don't remember

8.Been on a boat?
Yup

9.Fallen asleep in school?
I've fallen asleep while doing school, and I do school at home, I fall asleep at home (most often)

So...yes. How is that for a syllogism?(of sorts)

10. Did you sing today?
Not yet, but the day is still young!

11.KFC, Popeyes, or Church's?
Popeyes, but I've never heard of church's...

12.Chick-fil-a or What-a-burger?
Neither

13.Starbucks of McCafe?
No. Coffee is, um, unappetizing.

14.What's your favorite time of year?
Fall, early winter. Late spring.

15.Do you ever talk to yourself?
Yes

16.Do you have a favorite treat you like to buy on occasion?
No...but new sewing patterns are treats right? :-)

17. Do you believe the Bible is the literal Word of God and is infallible?
YES!!

18. What's your favorite sport?
Ultimate Frisbee

19. What color is your ipod?
Black (iPod Touch)

20. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
India - I would like to see the place that Amy Charmichael worked at

21.If you could go to any fictional place, where would you go?
Narnia, and maybe Middle Earth

22.Do you love to write or do you just like writing? Or do you write at all?
I like to write. That's all.

23.What do you want to be when you’re a grown up?
Mother (maybe adopt a couple orphans), Wife, Professional photographer, Tailor, Secretary, Missionary

24.Favorite animal?
yo no se

25. Favorite song?
What genre?! Come on! this is torture! Well, I'll give you my most recent favorite classical song :Humoresque No. 7 in G-flat Major, Op. 101 by Dvorak Yo-Yo Ma plays it so well!

26.Do you like school?
Yes.

27.Are you a people person?
Hhmmmm

28. Do you like to talk?
Depends who I'm talking to.

29.Favorite food?
I don't know...

30.Hobbies?
Crafting, sewing, blogging, crocheting, knitting, photography, woodworking...

31.'Favorite author?
I don't know

32. Favorite weapon?
Hmmmm, the only weapons I've been trained to use are a pistol and a shotgun, but I think it would be cool to learn how to fence and learn archery. the bow and arrow is so cool.

33.Is this a fun tag or are you getting bored?
Kinda bored..

34.Do you like Hannah Montana and all those girly people and movies like Highschool Musical?
No. What do you mean by like? I've never met them, so I don't know what they are really like, but my heart breaks for them when I see them making all these wrong choices and getting chewed up spit out by todays pop culture.

35.What are you scared of?
"I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears, those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed." Psalm 34:4-5

36. Favorite flower?
Callalily, or a daisy maybe.

37.What is the expression on your face?
Kind of a thoughtful stare...I'm thinking about the four calls I've had to pick up through out the time it has taken me to write this tag!

38. Color of your eyes?
Hazel.

Lots of people have already done this tag, so if you haven't yet, and want to, feel free! Then comment and tel me you did it so I can go read it. :-)

Far to great expectations

2009-11-09T16:59:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard that phrase "A blessing in disguise"? It is really nice when it happens (and you actually recognize it). But have you sort of had, oh, what is the opposite of a blessing... and curse I guess? Ok, have you ever had a curse in disguise? I don't mean to be negative, but it is something I've been struggling with, and, well, what is this blog for but to be my soap box? Just kidding. :-) Anyway, last year I did REALLY well in school, honors and the whole shebang and our homeschool co-op. Then it comes around to this year. Aaaahhhh! How on earth am I supposed to live up to all these expectations?! Of course, realistically, probably nobody will remember the great things I did last year, but I remember what other people did last year, so there is always the possibility that they will remember me.

I'm naturally worried about what others think, and quite frankly, that why I don't post very often. If I'm going to post anything it has got to be impressive right?! I feel like Elizabeth Bennet when she said "Neither of us want to say anything unless it will amaze the whole room" (Or something like that =). Anyway, yes. I do have a pride issue. So now this year I got so worried that at one point school consumed my life, and I actually stopped reading my Bible everyday. Some of you are probably thinking "What?! Of all things! School? She let school get in the way?" I know, a shocker, but I actually really do enjoy school, so it wasn't like I was torturing myself.

I let the good get in the way of the absolute best. But you know what? God has been working in me, and as much of a paranoid wreck as I am over grades, I am now willing to fail every single class to grow in God, to get an A+ in the most important course, at the best school ever. Yes, some of the things God will ask of me will be harder than anything I can imagine right now, but it is all worth it. His opinion is the only one that matters.

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."

I Peter 5:6-7

Gathering Almond Blossoms

2009-10-27T19:44:00.000-07:00

Gathering Almond Blossoms

1916 ~ Oil on canvas

Private Collection

John William Waterhouse

Tristan and Isoide Sharing the Potion

2009-10-27T19:39:00.000-07:00

Tristan and Isoide Sharing the Potion

Edit: aka Isolde

1916 ~ Oil on canvas

Private Collection

John William Waterhouse

Concerning swings...

2009-10-23T16:32:00.000-07:00

Fun.

Silly.

Thought provoking.

Romantic.

Delightful.

Breezy.

Magnificent.

Charming.

Oh, how to describe it?

Ok, so does anyone else just love swings? :)

We haven't had one for the longest time, but we finally got down to business and just made it. Of course, there is only one, and it is for my little sister. :( So it is a little small for my 5 foot 11 inch frame. However, it made for a nice Father-daughter project for Emily and my Dad and I. Enjoy the pictures!

Emily sports a funny face in the shop.

Just us girls

Emma snooch

Daddy and Emily

Moi

Getting ready to put it up. Got to love the blowtorch. :-) Perhaps not the most feminine, :/ but they are SO fun.

And Emily steals the camera. Ok, so its not the best photo, but I'd say its a good candid shot for a 4 year old. :-)

Apple Cider Pound Cake

2009-10-18T18:56:00.000-07:00

This recipe is amazing! I found it on Hannah's blog, Trusting In His Love. Thank you so much Hannah!

Apple Cider Pound Cake

2 1/2c. sugar

3 sticks of butter or margarine

6 eggs

3c. all-purpose-flour

1/2tsp. salt

1/2tsp.baking powder

1tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2tsp. ground allspice

1/2tsp. ground nutmeg

1/4tsp. ground cloves

1c. apple cider

1tsp. vanilla extract

Icing:

1/2c. sugar

1/4c. buttermilk

1/2tsp. vanilla extract

1/4tsp. baking soda

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream sugar and butter. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir together all dry ingredients; set aside. Add cider and vanilla to sugar, egg and butter mixture. Add dry ingredients to batter mixture. Mix until well blended. Spoon into a greased 10-in. angel food cake pan or fluted tube pan. Bake at 325 F for about 1 hour and 10 minutes or until cake is done. Meanwhile, combine all icing ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. While cake is warm, drizzled icing over cake. Enjoy!

Rag Curls!

2009-10-12T19:07:00.000-07:00

I was actually very surprised how well these turned out. It was quite easy for me, all I did was sit there and watch Fireproof. :) My grandma put the rags in. I used Penny Raine's e-bookCreatively Simple Rag Curls. You can see her entire selection of books at her bookstore,HERE. What do you think?

(I truly am dreadfully sorry for the closet and quality of pictures, but with the exception of the one below, they are all self portraits, and taken at 11:00 PM!)

Mes parents sont allés en France !

2009-10-09T09:28:00.000-07:00

Wow! This post is so long overdue, but better late than never I guess. School has been a whirlwind of work, and fun, and more work... Anyway....My parents went to France!

Isn't this castle *cough* excuse me, school so lovely? My Dad had to go on a two week business trip to Dijon, so my Mom went as well for one of those weeks. Yes, they do make mustard there. :) While my Mom was there they went and toured a whole bunch of castles, so that is the majority of things you will see here. Enjoy the photos! They were taken by my Dad.

I don't know about you all, but this porch thing looks just like the one at Pemberly in P&P 2005.

Absolutely GORGEOUS.

Is this hall not just begging for a floor sweeping gown?

I just love those variegated leaves!

Photo Contest Opportunity!

2009-09-20T16:59:00.000-07:00

This is my entry for the photography contest at Dallas Valley Photography.

O America!

2009-09-16T12:10:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the late 9/11 post. This song is so beautiful, and perfect for 9/11. Please pardon the strapless gowns. May we never, ever, ever forget what happened that terrible day.

And then Emily wanted one too...

2009-09-14T07:59:00.000-07:00

She didn't have any old pairs of jeans that fit, so we had to make the top part from some leftovers I had.

The Lord's Day

2009-09-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

A Lesson in Botany

Specifically, the root.

-The fruit and foliage are an indication of the health of the root.

-The root channels the nourishment to the plant.

-The root gives support to the tree.

Spiritually speaking, where are our roots.? What are we rooted in?

The believer should be rooted in Christ, love, and righteousness.

1. Christ

Colossians 2:4-7

V. 3 All wisdom and knowledge is in Christ.

V. 4 Beware of persuasive words, do not be perceived. The truth needs no persuasive words.

V.5 Paul rejoiced with them because their roots were in the truth, in Christ. It may be easy to defend the truth with words, but what about deeds?

V.6 He reminds them of their relationship with Christ. Walk in Him, trust and obey.

V.7 What is the key to this relationship? Be rooted in Christ. When we are rooted in him, we have a firm foundation.

If we are rooted in Christ, what are we being nourished with? What about the world?

Pests - The worst pests attack the roots. When they attack the roots the plant becomes unstable. Satan attacks the roots.

2. Love

Ephesians 3:16

V. 16 The inner man, not the outer man, the spiritual man will be be strengthened and empowered through His unfathomable riches.

V. 17 Are we yielded? Is he Lord? he is in our heart, do we make him feel at home?

Love Must Leave When Resentment Moves In

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Colossians 3:13

I do not believe that a spirit of resentment can dwell in a loving heart.

In the course of scores of conferences and hundreds of conversations I have many times heard people say: "I resent that!"

But I have never heard those words used by any man or woman living in conscious Christian victory!

Before resentment can enter, love must take its flight and bitterness take over. The bitter soul will compile a list of slights at which it takes offense and will watch over itself like a mother bear over her cubs.

Few sights are more depressing than that of a professed Christian defending his supposed rights and bitterly resisting any attempt to violate them. Such a Christian has never accepted the way of the cross. The sweet graces of meekness and humility are unknown to him.

The only cure for this sort of thing is to die to self and rise with Christ into newness of life. The man who sets the will of God as his goal will reach that goal not by self-defense, but by self-abnegation. Then no matter what sort of treatment he receives from his fellow men he will be altogether at peace.

The will of God has been done-whether by curses or compliments he cares not, for he seeks not one or the other but only to do the will of God at any cost!

If there be some who take pleasure in holding him down, he is still content within himself, and will not resent them, for he seeks not advancement but the will of God.

August 7 – AW Tozer Renewed Day by Day

3. Righteousness

Proverbs 12:3,12

V. 3 Our profit is for eternity, wicked prosper temporally. The root of righteousness cannot be moved, the wicked cannot be rooted, it is not secure.

It is easier for us to look at the swaying branches, those things above ground, but we are to focus on the roots

V. 12 The righteous root bears fruit. In our lives, the fruit we have also shows the health of our roots.

Might this all be an encouragement for us to drive our roots deeper in Him.

Notes on a message by Dennis Blaser, 8/30/2009

A tiered skirt

2009-09-03T20:41:00.000-07:00

A tag...

2009-09-02T14:50:00.000-07:00

This tag was from Elise, Thank you!

-Thank the person who gave the award to you

-Post ten honest facts about yourself

-Pass the award onto seven others.

1. I'm not fond of my geometry teacher.

2. I don't know what I want to do about college yet.

3. I have way to many articles of clothing.

4. I like Narnia better than The Lord of the Rings...I think...

5. Ah...public speaking isn't as bad as I thought it was...

6. I'm turning into my mom...

7. I don't know wether this is supposed to be embarrassing things or normal things or what!

8. I enjoy foreign language

9. Biology really isn't that bad at all.

10. tags are not my forte!

Blogger is goofing up, and my formatting mixed up, sorry. I tag... the first seven people to comment, because I don't have time to do links!

Sewing Inspiration

2009-08-29T12:16:00.000-07:00

I have been so inspired by some fellow bloggers in the area of sewing lately. Who knew there were such talented people out there?! I've always followed a patterns, for the most part, but these women/young ladies think outside the box. They have really good tips, tutorials, and and ideas on their blogs.

There has also been a lot about drafting patterns recently.

Draft: a. A preliminary outline of a plan, document, or picture.

b. A representation of something to be constructed.

( *sarcasm*Would you believe it was the only the 12th definition!) :-)

The blogs in particular that I love for sewing, are Working with Eager Hands, Pleasant View Schoolhouse, Thoughts and Thimbles, The Art of Clothes, The Garret Corner,and Bramblewood Fashion,

Please enjoy!

Of course, if you've been visiting my blog even for the slightest bit of time, you know that I mostly sew clothing. I do make handbags/purses/totes and have *cough* made a quilt(which was turned into a bag). However, I find clothing the more exciting and rewarding.

Another source of inspiration, of course, is the patterns themselves. Recently Joann Fabrics had a sale where simplicity patterns were 5 for $5, the limit was 10. I got 10. :-)

I got costumes, for the most part

-2573

-2581

-3623

-4080

-8913

-9891

but I also got two nightgown patterns, because we have a couple yards of the softest light green baby fleece you can imagine sitting in the cupboard downstairs... My first attempt at drafting will most likely be making my little sister a gown to match, and I sincerely hope it turns out, because she is SO excited.

-2739

-3573

Speaking of Emily, I also got some costume patterns for younger girls, so when she gets big enough she will not lack dresses!

-2843

-5520

And back to the world of bussines I go!

Where have I been?

2009-08-23T19:58:00.000-07:00

Making stuff in the kitchen + chores...

sewing...

crocheting...

drawing...

getting a better score than my brothers with the BB gun...

and so many other things I can't name them! I can't believe there was a time I sat on the couch and said "I'm bored" There is never enough time!

"The more I learn, the more I find I don't know."

Everyday this semester I must:

-Practice 2 instruments

-5 hours worth of school

-Kitchen stuff

-Household chores

I want to:

-Read

-Sew

-Crochet

-Draw

-Knit

-Cook

-Play

-BLOG!!!

-Shoot

-Bead

I'm sorry, but this blog will have to be put on the back burner. I love writing about all my projects and events, but it takes time! Time that I will seldom have... But don't worry, I'll try to post every, or every other week.

:-D

P. J. Lynch

2009-08-14T10:28:00.001-07:00

I recently discovered P. J. Lynch. Wow. We have to books that were illustrated by him, and I LOVE them! I enjoy his color selections, but especially the emotion he puts into the people. They're just splendid! He does both watercolor and oil, but I like his watercolors best. They are just stunning! The books below are the ones we have, and I tried to sketch Jessie, from the cover of "When Jessie came across the Sea", but it didn't turn out the best. I couldn't make her look expectant and hopeful, but unsure... I'd show you the sketch, but alas! I've lost my camera's battery charger...again. *sigh*

A new tea set

2009-08-13T19:23:00.000-07:00

Or rather Expresso...I think... So what exactly are these? That's one small cup for tea if you ask me! But anyway, it was a very nice garage sale find, and I thought you might want to see them.

Come Join Us!

2009-08-06T08:28:00.002-07:00

Hopeless Romantic Tag

2009-08-04T07:15:00.000-07:00

What two qualities do you want most in your future husband?

A love for God, more than he loves anything else, he must be willing to follow God wherever He leads us. I would also like someone who man enough to admit it when he's wrong... if you know what I mean. He must be caring too, he's got to have a tender heart, and just LOVE children. :) You know, this is kinda silly, I would have to think over this for weeks before the two qualities I wanted most surfaced! Let's just say this, I want someone like my dad.

Is there a fictional character you see as a model for your future husband?

No. I don't think so. But I haven't really thought about it...

Where do you want your wedding?

During the fall, outside somewhere...but it doesn't really matter where it is, it is who is there that really matters.

What are your views on courtship?

Personally, I believe it is the best way. I don't need to say a lot here, because others have already said it so much better. I will wait, no matter how long it takes.

What are your views on your first kiss?

What other views can you have? It is for my husband.

Do you have or want a purity ring/locket

I have a purity locket that my Dad gave to me, and it is special in that way. However, you don't need any type of jewelry to stay pure, and they don't necessarily help. It is just a memorial to show that my Daddy has my heart, and until he gives it away, its his.

Do you have or want a hope chest?

"I'm in the market...as it were..." I do want one, but I couldn't really explain why. You see, I'm a second generation Christian, and my parents didn't do any of this. I suppose somewhere back down the line my ancestors did it, but its died out, not only in my family, but in our culture. I'd like to bring it back in vogue. So, at my request, my father and I are going to make one, and have it done by my 16th birthday next year. Meanwhile, I can start collecting things that will be useful in my own home, as well as heirlooms and such.

Will you wear a veil at your wedding?

I think so.

What kind of wedding dress do you want?

Oh my. There are so many types of gorgeous dresses out there I don't know how I'll ever decide. I have a feeing though, that I'll end up picking something plain but elegant. Maybe a regency gown..?

What flowers do you want in your bouquet?

Calla Lilies. They are So...so....elegant.

What do you want to name one of your daughters~

Elinor May

What do you want to name one of your sons?

Eric or Edwin

Do you believe in the 'knight-in-shining-armor' view of courtship?

What's that? Sounds great to me. :)

What music do you want to play at your wedding?

Classical, but I don't think I'll play it. :-P And we'll have a hymn or two, or twelve. :) But the reception...

Are you a hopeless romantic?

I think it depends when you ask me. Right now? NO. Tomorrow or the next day? Probably.

Feel free to do this!

First Impression

2009-07-31T07:36:00.001-07:00

I got a wax seal! I love it. It is so old fashioned and lovely. The art of letter writing has really been lost in our culture. Texting, emailing, the telephone, and the internet has all but squashed the heart felt letter. We want things, and we want them NOW. Everything is fast, we hardly ever relax and stop to think. Some people even resort to yoga, of all things, to relax and "empty" themselves. Well, I plan to improve my writing skills and write more frequently. To make it more fun, I got a seal with my first initial on it. Here is a tutorial on how to use a wax seal with wax that has a wick.

For beginners, you'll need to trace around your seal, but after a while you will be able to wing it.

Moisten your seal. You can use water, oil, or a pigment stamp that you would use for rubber stamps to make a 2 tone impression.

Light the wick.

Hold wax at 45 degree angle and drip on the circle.

Don't drip till you fill the circle...

this is too much. :)

Press your seal into the wax and hold for 1-3 seconds, then lift straight up. If when you lift up, it doesn't want to come up, leave it down till the wax hardens completely then pull up. You probably did not get all of the crevices when you moistened it.

Voila! You have made your first impression.

2009-07-30T06:34:00.000-07:00

Impulse Hair Cut

2009-07-30T06:27:00.000-07:00

On Monday we went to the EAA Air Venture Air Show in Oshkosh. It was pretty fun but we got rained out. (post coming soon...) That night we stayed at a friends house and had a blast. Well, the next morning Kara and I were just talking with the Moms and my grandma, and the subject changed to hair. I mentioned how I was planning to donate some time, and Kara's mom said that Kara really should get hers cut as well, because it will grow

back healthier and stuff like that. Kara wasn't so sure. So my dear mother, bei

ng who she is says "How about you both go and get it done now? Go rustle up one of the boys to drive you to town." So an hour later we're in the shop, getting our hair cut. I had enough to donate 10 inches, and still have it about 2 1/2 inches below my shoulders, and Kara took probably 6 inches off. Enjoy the pictures! I'm really happy with the way it turned out, and Kara (against her better judgment :-P) loves it to pieces.

Before...

After

The hair that got shipped off...

How I wear my hair now.

Doesn't she look so much older?

Currently Reading...

2009-07-27T05:08:00.000-07:00

The Holy Bible

Lady In Waiting

So Much More

A dress for a friend

2009-07-22T12:53:00.000-07:00

While I was at my friend's house we did some sewing, and this is the final product, enjoy!

I only did a 1/4 of it this time. She learns so fast, didn't she do great?