Busy >< Life Lately

Can it possibly be almost Christmas?  Time certainly flies when you are busy!  Recently, it seems like there are 50 things running through my head each day that I need to get done, and even staying constantly busy, I can only seem to get about 5 of them done.

Grand Opening!

Grand opening?  Opening of what?  Ahh you see that is the big (not so secret) secret.  

This week, I opened an Etsy shop!  Most of my "spare" time for the past 6+ months has been spent researching, sewing, photographing, and working to get this shop opened.

Hank + Tasha // Wedding Pictures

Hey, hey, hey! It has been quite some time since I have posted on here, something I am regretful of.  My life seems to be full of happenings, and firsts right now, and my little blog has been dreadfully neglected.  

On October 4th,  I was able to be one of the photographers as my dear friend Tasha married Hank, and they began their lives together.

Liebster Award

Way back in May, Bethany over at Liberty or Death nominated me for the Liebster award. Well, I am just now able to do it. The Liebster Award is a way for bloggers to get to know each other by answering 11 questions and posting 11 random facts about themselves. Here are my answers to the questions Bethany asked: 

1. If you could have an expenses-paid vacation to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Wow! I am not sure. I really want to see as much of the world as possible, but I am thinking Taiwan or Japan. The reason why I would choose Taiwan is because Mandarin Chinese is the language I studied in HS and will be continuing this Fall. I think it would be neat to go there, and get to use it! Japan, because my daddy lived there for 3 years in the Air Force, and I have heard many stories about it. 

2. What would you like to accomplish by the end of 2014?

Many things! One would be to run 5 miles in 30 minutes. I am at 3.5 in 30 minutes right now. It will take a lot of work, but I know I can do it! 

3. What was the last song you heard?

Shendadoah, before that, probably "Let It Go" from Frozen.

4. What was the last food you ate?

WAFFLES!!!! 

5. Last part of the Bible you read?

It was one of the Psalms, but I don't remember which one. I didn't pay attention which number it was when I read it this morning.:o 

6. What is the best advice on life you can give in up to 3 sentences?

I don't really think I qualify for this, but here is a couple of thoughts, that I have been recently encouraged and challenged by: 

I can do ALL thing through Christ who strengthens me Philippians 4:13 - The best kind of vision to have for your life is one that is bigger than yourself, given to you by God, and ONLY possible to accomplish through HIM. Let's not go through life fearing death, other people, what the future hold etc. fear a wasted life, that could have been used expressing your gratefulness to Christ for your life. 

Oh, and eat chocolate, ride horses, and drive a big truck... Amen. 

7. Are you a morning person or night owl?

MORNING!!! But if working on a project, I am VERY focused, and am known to stay up late working on it. I can stay up late just "socializing" but usually I either: laugh until I have a six pack even at things that aren't funny; or am sensitive to teasing remarks, and pretty much altogether lose my composure. You have been forewarned, attempt at your own risk. 

8. What is your dream car?

A BIG orange, Ford truck, complete with a 6" lift, big ole' mud tires, and Ranch Hand bumper and brush guard. Or a Jeep, an orange one, with mud tires, and, and... oh, never mind I will stop there.

9. Do you have a favorite plant or flower?

Sunflowers!

10. What cause(s) are you most opinionated about?

You probably don't want to get me going on any of them!

11. Is there any quality you think the Lord is growing in you right now (e.g., patience, love, trust)?

Faith in Him that moves mountains, as well as many other things.

Now, I'm supposed to post 11 random things about me? Well...

1. I have lived in 3 different states and 10 different houses. 

2. I was born on a full moon

3. I never cut my hair until I was 13. It was very, very long.

4. Cheesecake is my specialty.

5. As a young girl I was a drama, queen, and most people knew it. I still am, but now usually only those people who know me very well, know it (and those "kindred spirits" who, even if they don't know me well, know I haven't lost it if I get a little, or a LOT dramatic)

6. I have a list of 20 "hobbies, interests, and passions". Trying to incorporate all of them into my life can be a challenge at times, but somehow I mange... Most recently, I started combining karate practice, and horseback riding. 

7. I was not joking on that last comment. I have pictures as proof.

8. This already came out in the Q&A part, but I am learning Mandarin Chinese.

9. My favorite part of karate is Sparring. Which is ironic, because 5 years ago sparring was the part I HATED. 

10. From people who watch me spar, I have been given the names: Tasmanian Devil, Mexican Jumping Bean, and Jedi. Most recently, my sensei said that I am proof of dynamite coming in small packages, so I guess "Dynamite" can be added?

11. In real life conversations, I tend to get on bunny trails very easily. Hard to believe I know, but there was this one time that a friend and I.... Oh, sorry!: ) 

Hope you enjoyed reading these. Now, instead of the customary nominating of other bloggers, I am going to nominate anyone who is reading this and wants to answer all or some of the questions I list, in a comment below, or on your own blog. 

1. Where were you born?

2. Do you play any instruments?

3. Do you play/enjoy a particular sport, competitively or just for fun? 

4. If you were going to be trapped on a remote island, for the rest of your life, and could only choose the Bible, and one other book to have with you, what other book would you choose? 

5. Chocolate and peanut butter or chocolate and mint? 

6. What size shoe do you wear? 

7. What is one of your favorite Bible verses? 

8. What would be your advice on life?

10. What is your dream vehicle?

11. Who is one of the people that God has used most in your life?

Have a Fantabulous Day!

~Maria

Overview of June

Wow!  How can I even begin?  Where do you start when your mind is full and overflowing with thoughts, and you have about 8 weeks of details to sort out?

Graduated!

 Last Friday (May 23) I donned my cap and gown and joined 4 other homeschool seniors from our church for a graduation ceremony.  The planning and whatnot took quite a bit of time but the end result was an enjoyable evening.

eShakti review >< A Touch of Nautical

When eShakti contacted me about reviewing one of their products, I was more than just a little excited.

Life Right Now

Since I am kind of stuck on the couch with a pinched nerve in my neck and upper back, I thought I would write this post out, because I am not sure when else I would be able to.

The Golden Hour

Photo A Day >< April Week 2

I really wanted to have this up on Friday, but due to some technical issues, it was delayed in being posted.  This week, Monday was the only day I didn't take pictures.  Friday came out the winner for the most pictures taken at over 400.: )

Ok, on to the pictures...

Sunday >< Fresh pork+ BBQ sauce = AMAZING!  (As a side note, have any of you ever noticed that bbq sauce goes great on just about everything, meat wise)

Photo A Day >< April Week 1

CELP Results & Horsing Around

Hey Everyone!  Well, as I mentioned in Thursday's post,  I went in for my first CLEP test yesterday morning.   Thank God, I passed!  I now have my first 6 college credits, for Analyzing and Interpreting Literature, after about 2 months of intense study.  Yay!  

Now, on to tackle Western Civilizations 1.

Cell phone pic= bad quality (oh well)

After my test, I went over to an acquaintance's home and worked with her and her horse, teaching them the 7 games plus another.

Newcomers >< Ranch Life

There are some new faces around the ranch, can you guess what they are?? 

Calves!  I have lost track of the running count so far, but there are quite a few already, with lot's more comin'! 

Adventures in Calving >< Ranch Life

Wow! What an afternoon.  What started out as a simple trip back to photograph some of the new calves, for blogging and emailing purposes, led to an entire afternoon of new and unexpected experiences.

Photo A Day >< March Week 4

Monday ><  I won't spoil it for you but definitely watch!  I know it just looks dark, but wait and there is a surprise towards the end.  It is what my brothers did one evening for some entertainment. : p  

A Visit From Friends

Here it has been almost 2 weeks since Jason, Desi, Josiah, and Annalee left and I haven't done a post on their stay.  I didn't really concentrate on trying to get pictures while they were here, but rather just wanted enjoy being around them and soaking up the (too short) time we had with them!

Photo A Day >< March Week 1

And we are back, with another photo a day.  Yippee!  I only missed one day this week.

Winter Fun and Friends

You can't tell from this picture, but this was taken at the top of a big hill called "suicide".  I think it got it name because it is one of the steeper hills that are farmed in our area.  Below, you can see all the tracks from snowmobiling. 

Friday we had some friends over for the evening.

A Walk Through Narnia

Would you like to know a secret?  I am able to go to Narnia.  Or atleast a place that, to me, seems very much like the beautiful world that the children first step into from the wardrobe.  Wanna come a long?


 (Get ready for a lot of pictures)

Photo a Day >< February Week 2

I put together this post last Friday, and thought it was published, but something must have happened.... Oh well, enjoy! 

Good Morning

Sunshine Award >< Q+A

 Becka and Cassie nominated me for the Sunshine Award! Below are my answers to their questions:

Idaho and Chores // Ranch Life

To start this post out, I would like to debunk a couple of myths. 

Number one- Idaho is snow-covered-skiing-paradiso

Grapefruit Body Scrub >< DIY

Over the past 3 years I have been getting into the world of natural DIY skin care.  Besides being so much better for you than chemical store bought "concoctions", they are really fun to make!  Body scrubs are a great place to start out, because they are so easy and forgiving.  This morning I made up this mixture to give a friend and decided to share the recipe here. 

It is a simple, and easy solution to get rid of dead skin buildup and moisturize your skin.  It is especially great during the winter when skin tends to dry out easier and build up faster.  Only requiring three ingredients, it is very refreshing and energizing due to the addition of grapefruit essential oil.  It also makes a wonderful gift for family and friends!

 The key components: Coconut oil, Grapefruit essential oil, and Himalayan salt (sugar works well too)

About 1 cup coconut oil

1 1/2 - 2 cups salt (or sugar) 

Approximately 30 drops grapefruit essential oil (if there is a different scent you would prefer you can substitute it for the grapefruit)

1. Melt coconut oil on stove, just until liquid (will take about 5 minutes).  As a side note, if you don't already own and use coconut oil I would highly recommend getting some.  It is great for skin care, and has many different uses including cooking!  

2. Stir in salt until you get the consistency you are after.  The beauty of this mixture is that you don't have to be exact and can make it however course you want.  I tend to like a more abrasive mixture, but that is just me.  

3. After you have the texture you want add grapefruit essential oil, until you get the strength of scent you like. 

4.  Put into a storage container for yourself or wrap it up pretty for a friend, and you are done! 

Did I mention how good it smells? Coconut + Grapefruit = Wonderful

Any questions? Do you make your own skin care items?

~Maria

Around The Ranch >< Cows

First off, Happy Valentines Day!

 And now, moving on...

Photo a Day >< February >< Week 1

Photo a Day >< January >< Week 4

Winter Riding

Few other things are as relaxing and refreshing, for me than riding.  Summer or winter, in the rain, sun, or snow, on a horse that is being well mannered or one that needs training, it doesn't matter.

A Few of My Favorite Things

Some of the things on my "favorites" list right now:

Family Fun >< Shooting Skeet

For this "fantastic-ly" fun sport you need a few key components:

Photo A Day >< January >< Week 3

Photo-a-Day >< January >< Week 3

Photo-a-Day>< Week Two

Choosing A Pathway

Here I am encountering the first crossroads of my life where, ultimately, I have to make the decisions.  No longer a "little girl" I only have 10 months left to be considered a child and am looking young adulthood, graduation, and college in the face, and trying to smile and pretend I'm not a little scared.

What A Glorious World

Hello 2014...

I only have 5 days, experience in this new year, but I think, no, I know that this is going to be a year to remember.

December '13

I am very late getting these up, but here are some pictures from around the ranch in December. The only animal that made it in was Lilly, the dog we kept from our 12-12-12 litter of pups.