[one oh seven]

[little sylverhood] Took this pretty picture of Sylvers a couple days ago.

[one oh four] 
Pincushion Parade

Hello everyone! It feels good to be back =) To start out with, Christmas was *a.m.a.z.i.n.g.* We went to my Aunt and Uncle's place for Christmas lunch, which was delicious by the way. I gave Aunt Cindy her apron that I made and she loved it =) I didn't get a picture, which stinks. But it was purple. After lunch I laid down on the sofa because I was overcome with drowsiness. Papa John came along and said, "Hey, you took my place!" and then Aunt Cindy called me to come help with the puzzle, so I didn't get a nap in =) But that was ok, because we were DOING A PUZZLE!!!! Yaaaay. I love doing puzzles. Aunt Cindy helped with it, and it was her *first* puzzle. Epic times, I'm tellin ya. And then Uncle John played some Christmas carols on the piano (he's so good, my Aunt says it makes her sick to listen to him. Seriously. It's disgusting.) and THEN he played on his guitar and mom played along on the violin. It was such a good time, just doing the puzzle and listening to my very talented kin. We piled in the van to leave, and looked at Christmas lights for about half an hour. Aunt Cindy got to ride with us! So we just looked at Christmas lights and listened to Christmas music. It was so much fun =) I wish they would start playing Rhema on the radio! She's so awesome! Then when we got home I got mom and dad to watch Sherlock with us *evil chuckle* I think I got em hooked! ;) We stayed up ridiculously late watching the first two episodes. The 26th, Micah and I went home with Aunt Cindy and Uncle David. We ate at Braum's just for Micah =) They were out of eggnog icecream though ={ We went home and Micah went to bed and I talked cameras with Uncle David.Next day we ran around town doing errands until mom and dad came to pick us up. I looked for some boots at the mall but I didn't really find anything. At least, nothing that was "the deal of the century" like dad told us to buy if and only if it was. Today I read about two hours of Herodotus. And watched some Monk. =) And I have a fudge in the fridge. I'm trying out a new recipe that Catherine gave me! Hopefully it turns out ok. It tasted pretty good when I stuck it in the fridge. *licks lips* Well ta ta everyone. Enjoy the pictures! Comment! =) 

~Shaina

This is the puzzle we did on Christmas day.

[one oh five]

[one oh six]
Christmas bokeh

[laughing over spilled mirth]

This is a photo I took quite a while ago... but it went with the subject of the post.

Laughter. It's good for the soul. Actually, it's good for a whole lot of things. Like not getting ulcers, to name one.  And lookee here! "A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones." Prov. 17:22. I don't know about you, but I put laughter in the  " joyful heart" category. Laughter is so amazing for your spirit, attitude, outlook, personality, and health. Yeah, did you know that? It's true. Laughing is healthy for you.  "By the time a child reaches nursery school, he or she will laugh about 300 times a day. Adults laugh an average of 17 times a day." "Science of Laughter" Discovery Health. Now that's just scary! *laughs to self* I'm gonna start laughing more. Have you ever gone to your friend's house and laughed pretty much straight for two hours? I have. You feel so amazing afterwards! Sometimes we play the "Laughing Game," a game where you lay on the floor with your heads on each other's stomachs (it requires 4 people) and just laugh! It's the funniest game. :) Hopefully this made you laugh (haha. Probably not) but in any case, it got me to thinking. 

This is my last post for a while... we're taking a break from the computer over Christmas. So goodbye all and Merry Christmas!

~Shaina.

[the craziness of the senne house]

[one hundred three]

12.23.10

My 'puppup' went with me on a walk in the fields today... and it was *cold* out there! Right now I'm hiding Micah's stash of rubber bands (since the kids are having a rubber band war)  and listening to Josiah ask if John can help him change the baby's diaper because "his bottom is like a blimp!" and getting the fatty part of my arm scrunched by Sylvia's fingernails. And we have one very grumpy baby who just woke up from his nap.

My dad is working late... again. Poor daddy has been working so hard! Two weeks ago he worked eighteen hours one day and twenty four the next. And he's working late again tonight. But after that, he's done... for now. I am ready to have my daddy back! 

From this morning's devotions:  "My son, if your heart is wise, My own heart will also be glad; And my inmost being will rejoice, When your lips speak what is right." Proverbs 23:15-16

I love this verse. 

Song: This. I'm not so in love with the verse, but the chorus is adorable :) And the words are really cute in the verse, too. Yeah. 

So I just discovered this font and I'm in love. It's adorable. Yay. Or, as my friend would say, Kewl.  
So I was reading an article on this show "16 and pregnant" and this was one of the comments... I mean, I knew it was bad... I just didn't know it was this bad.  How.. how.. I'm speechless.This doesn't sound like training up a child in the way it should go.
"I am the mother of three teenage girls. We are a Christian family that attends church every week. The youth pastors tell them that abstinence is the only way. However, I am realistic, I didn't wait, and they probably won't either. I hope they wait to have sex until they are at the very least in a committed long-term relationship and hopefully until they are engaged or married. What I told them though is them having sex too soon will be unfortunate but only 1 millionth as devastating as if they have unprotected sex and get an STD for life or get pregnant. A baby will be there responsibility for the rest of their life. I told them if they choose to have sex, I will not judge them and I will help them get birth control/protection."

Soberly,
Shaina

[let's hear your two cents]

[one hundred two... finally]

12.22.10

Sorry it's been so long folks. I've been *deathly* sick ;) No, really, I was quite sick, so sick that Samantha fled our bed for her life! Deserter. *grrr* Actually I was glad she wasn't in the bed, it gave me room to keep my bowl next to me. Tonight we're going to watch the third episode of Sherlock Holmes! Samantha and I watched it last night and I'm really excited to watch it with mom and dad. =) After dinner tonight I washed dishes and Micah helped me. He's such a cute little guy. Seriously. Tonight everyone was playing rough; throwing pillows and such, and he just sat in the chair with me watching the festivities with his big blue eyes, and then all of a sudden he jumped up and jumped on John's back like a little wildcat. He is an enigma to me. Recently he has warmed up to me quite a bit. It's nice when they get a little older and I'm not the big meany any more =)

Listening: I heard this for the first time tonight... and it was kinda cute! Now the kids and Sam are all dancing to Christmas music in the living room =) It's exceptionally cute. Levi keeps coming up to me with a tissue and having me blow my nose on it.. quite the helpful little feller. Here's something to put a smile on your face =)

 

We never want to be "THAT" good. We just want to be 'good enough.' 

Merry Christmasily,

Shaina.

[competitive boy]

Sunday morning; little bro Joe was throwing up all night last night. My mom told me when he reached no. 7 he pleasantly announced, "Top record!" Quite the competitive boy. So no church for us today. That is, not with other families. My dad read Romans 5 and Corinthians 4 this morning. Then this afternoon we went over to the farm and spent the day with my grandparents. I snitched some of grandma's lasagna and shrimp... it was delish! Aunt Cindy and Uncle David came out and got wood, too. It's always great to see them. The bad thing is we won't see them again until Christmas! =( The other day Sam and I heard "We Are the Champions" on the radio and it reminded us of Noah. He always used to sing it after he won a ping pong game.
Levi is sitting on my lap blowing his nose in a napkin and wiping my arm =) He is hilarious. He always wants coffee, so the other day my mom put a couple tablespoons in his glass of milk. He took a swig and said, "Ahhh... co-ff-ee!"  hahaha. He has the cutest laugh! He also has this thing with zipping people's zippers and saying, "sziiip!"
We're having pancakes and bacon for dinner; yum! =)
So stink. I never got a picture taken today. But it's been good to have this week off. I've been lazy, and it felt wonderful.We had a cribbage tournament tonight.. and I was extremely lucky =) Goodnight all.
Sleepily,
Shaina

[the big day]

 [one hundred!] 12.17.10
I can't believe I've been dong the three sixty five for a hundred days!  =) So exciting.  This is the chain to a blind at Starbuck's yesterday. My mom and sister were on the computers so I wandered around the shop with my camera and took a few shots. This was the best one =)

And today's [one hundred one] 
[the skeleton and the scarecrow went walking] 12.18.10
Today I'm going to go to the farm to make a Christmas present for my Aunt. It's going to look something like this... but slightly different. [In the extremely unlikely case that Aunt Cindy is actually reading this, DON'T look at the link!!!!]

How does everyone like my new blog design? I love it!! :) Thanks to Allison for the link.And also for the music! =)

Borrowed from a friend's facebook status: "Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days!" (Psalms 90:14). Loooove this verse! Allow the Lord to bless you today.
In Him,
Shaina

[ninety eight and ninety nine]

 [ninety eight]
My new camera necklace nestled in my handloomed scarf. I really did take this on wednesday. =) I just didn't upload it til now.

                                                                 [ninety nine]

My earrings leaving a trail to their cute

little holder =) They make some yummy 

bokeh, don't you think?

I cross the plains to california
Be back and lost in by the break of day
Do anything to show i care for you
Do anything for a love so true

And if your heart were under lock and keep
I'd skill the castle walls to set free
If you were born in another rate
I'd turn the hands of time and find a way

Heaven knows i will go, i will follow
Heaven knows i will go, i will follow
I will follow

And if faded called the canyon wide
and you were called upon the other side
I'd cry some tears deep as the ocean blue
and swim a great divide to get to you
~I Will Follow, Susan Ashton.
And I haven't taken a picture yet today =)

[ninety seven... a day late]

[ninety seven]
This is yesterday's photo...sorry I didn't post.. had a busy day. Now we're at McDonald's hanging out giving mom a break. And I should be reading Herodotus.. but instead I'm writing this. I'm drinking the super sweet mocha they have here.... *throws up*
Listening to: This. Again. =) I just love them. And. They and Celine Dion were *meant to be.* Seriously! They sound amazing together. It makes me laugh that their band name is Il Divo. They don't *look* like guy divas!
Also yesterday Samantha and I went on a photo shoot! These are some of my favorites:

  We found an old barn and Sami made this very model-y looking face all by herself!

The gorgeous fall colors.. and a scarf I made make beautiful surroundings for my beautiful sister!

Samantha reminds me of Kate Middleton in this photo!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ninety six]
John had a birthday. So did Sylvia. We celebrated. The end. =)
This is John's cake, btw. It had awesome curvy candles!
I must grudgingly admit another thing into my list of things I love about winter. And it is this: our yearly Dickens kick. Every winter mom reads a Dickens book to us girls, and we always watch all the Dickens movies worth watching. Our favorite, of course, is Bleak House. That is the *best* movie ever, and we just finished it. Esther is my *hero* & I love Ada and learn a great lesson from her. Mr. Jarndyce is so cute and lovable, and Guppy never fails to make me roll on the floor with laughter. This movie makes me cry every time. It is so..... so. It's just great. If you haven't seen it, you MUST see it. Rent it. Make sure it's the new one though... the old one wasn't so whippy =) Anyway, back on topic, someday when I'm bored I'll make a list of things I truly am grateful for about winter. And Dickens will be very near the top of the list.
On a different topic... I love the Carpenters. Not because *I* love them, but because my dad does. Listening to them puts him in his happy place. A Christmas tradition of ours is to listen to their Christmas album while we're setting up the tree and hanging up stockings. Anyway, speaking of music, here's something for you to enjoy. And now I'm tired and cold. So goodnight all!
~Not Nearly Dickensed out,
Shaina

[mostly pictures]

[ninety five]
FINALLY GOT OUR SUSAN AWESOME BOYLE CD!!!!! =) Pretty excited about that. And. We. Are. Seeing. Narnia. TOMORROW. Words cannot express. I did a photoshoot with my friend.. that turned out pretty well, IMO. Let me know how YOU like the pictures :) If you click on them, you can see them much larger and better. =) In other news, we listened to the first serious Christmas music today while making Snowstorm soup. It was precious. =) (no snow :{ yet.)
*EDIT* This. Is amazing. Beautiful rendition of our favorite song, Amazing Grace. Check out some of their other songs... they're great!

Almost fave =)

Close to fave =)

Awesomeness =)

EPIC Kansas clouds =)

Favorite Shot of the day =)

 ~Shaina

The Paint Of War

[ninety three]
Got my warpaint on! ;)
I'm still deciding whether or not I really like this picture. Hmm.... I don't look very fierce, do I?
And if my hair looks darker, that's because it is =) I got highlights last summer, but when winter came around I got to looking, and the highlights weren't lookin so spiffy anymore. I just look better darker in the winter, cause of my skin tone. So mom put some lowlights in night before last. And I love being a total brunette again =) 

 "Then I was beside Him, as a master workman,
And I was daily His delight,
Rejoicing always before Him,
And having my delight in the sons of men."
Proverbs 8:30-31 How I would love to be as wisdom is in this proverb!  Being God's delight daily. Rejoicing always before Him. It fills me with joy to think of it.

The passage I was reading yesterday... I love this [true] story.
"David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will hand you over to me, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground.

So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.

David ran and stood over him. He took hold of the Philistine’s sword and drew it from the scabbard. After he killed him, he cut off his head with the sword.

When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran. Then the men of Israel and Judah surged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines to the entrance of Gath and to the gates of Ekron."

1 Sam 17:45-52
Made mashed potatoes tonight for the first time e.v.e.r. [epic]
Doris is beautiful, and her voice is even more so. For you country music haters  [impossible] , here's a song.

Salad and such.

[ninety two]
Blow, blow, thou winter wind
Thou art not so unkind
As man's ingratitude;
Thy tooth is not so keen,
Because thou art not seen,
Although thy breath be rude.
-Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind By William Shakespeare.
Took this on my way to take a picture of Bekah's deer she got this morning!! Congratulations Bekah!

What I'm listening to. No matter what kind of music you like, I'm almost positive you'll like this. It's really cool. This choir just decided to sing Handel's Messiah in a food court at a mall!
What I'm eating: a yummy, delicious, fresh, crisp, flavorful green salad, and a glass of Arizona green tea. Best lunch EVER. I'm feeling very motivated today, so after I'm done eating I'll probably go do something radical like workout. (whew.. that onion just went to my nose.)
This morning my mom was putting chicken breast in the oven, and she said, "Ok, Shaina, quick cooking lesson. Why am I putting tin foil over the chicken?" I said, "To keep it from drying out..?" Mom gave a derisive "HA!" which was followed by, "Hey, you're right!" =)

Take a look at these ridiculously cool (or maybe just ridiculous) dresses! I like the lotus one: I bet the Lotus Eaters would like it!I love the person that made these =)

Daily confession

[ninety one]
There's a certain solidity and steadfastness in the rocking chairs at Cracker Barrel. They have always been there and always will, it seems. Cracker Barrel would not be Cracker Barrel without rocking chairs and checkers.

A song of Taylor Swift's that I actually *gasp* kind of like. I don't know what's come over me! It's still not a *great* song, but.. you know.. I can stand it. And she has a very cute laugh. =)  So yeah. That's my confession for the day.

A rather unusual bit of deepish-ness.

[ninety]
My new awesome coat =) Now I just need a hat, scarf and gloves to compliment it.
Something one of my Flickr contacts wrote that was *very* good. Check it out.

I've been reading Herodotus for school, and something we discussed in class struck me. When Herodotus says that "custom is king of all,” he means that culture entirely defines people. It takes over our thinking and makes us who we are. And this is entirely true for almost everyone. However, as Christians, our culture should not define us. The Bible, Christ should define us. We should have Christ like thinking rather than American like thinking. We will always have certain parts of us that will be placed there by the culture, but even these must be checked and double checked against the Bible time and again. How do we do this? I believe a large part of it is permeating ourselves in the thinking of Christ. Read your Bible, inhale His word, check what the culture says against what He says. I am not saying that all culture in the way I have been speaking of it is a bad thing; the only way to escape it would be to live entirely secluded by yourself, and that would be a bad thing. Culture is a good thing in its place, but we must make sure that it agrees with the Bible.

Just one last thing: where have all my commenters gone? I miss them ='(

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.."

Or, as my mom said about the house this morning, "It's beginning to look a lot like a pig sty.."
[eighty nine]
A girly day out for "Foosa's" birthday!! 

Song: Real by James Wesley.   
"Where I live, housewives don't act like that
And the survivors are farmers in John Deere hats
Our amazin' race is beatin' the check
Prayin' that the bank ain't ran it through yet

Real, like too much rain fallin' from the sky
Real, like the drought that came around here last July
It's the [darn] boll weevils and the market and the weeds, the prayer they're sayin' when they plant the seeds
And the chance they take to bring us our next meal

I call that real

Real, like a job you lose 'cause it moves to Mexico
Like a mama and a baby with no safe place to go
Like a little dream-house with a big old foreclosed sign
Like a flag-draped coffin and a twenty-one gun goodbye."


Movies: Tangled and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. 
The latter of which I have been planning to watch with my Aunt, Uncle and siblings for like THREE YEARS!!! I am SO STINKING excited!!!! And the former of which looks pretty darn cute. 
[I bought a pair of size 7 shoes that fit me today. yay] =D It feels nice to have small feet sometimes. And don't burst my bubble by saying it doesn't change the size of my feet. You know it's really the size on the tag that matters. In addition to that I got a nice coat at Wet Seal. If you've never been there, just be forwarned: their music just might give you a heart attack. A lady actually fainted while we were there! I'm convinced it was the music. It's SO loud. Love their clothes, not so crazy about the music. At Sonic we were grumpily "You're welcome"-ed, while the father of two adorable twin Asian girls not-so kindly told me no when I asked if I could take a picture. The Christmas spirit is just rife these days!

The story of a goose egg.

[eighty eight]
A day with Uncle David is a happy day. But today is happy cubed, because Aunt Cindy and Uncle Dale are here too! This precious little girl is going to be 5 tomorrow! This morning my lovely mother made a big breakfast for everyone at our place; pancakes, oj, bacon, coffee, and eggs all made an appearance. We sat around the kitchen table listening to Uncle Dale tell stories after breakfast. Seriously, that's what we do when we're around Uncle Dale! He's like the story teller of the family.

This was after the swelling had gone down quite a bit.

Afterwards we went to my grandparent's place, and the kids ran around playing for a while. Well, like my dad says, it's all fun and games til someone gets hurt. Josiah was the (first) one. Someone opened a door while he was running past it and he got a hugantic goose egg on his eyebrow! Probably the biggest one I've ever seen! Poor guy. Grandma was commenting on how we hardly heard him from downstairs. It's because he's not a screamer; he's a howler =) *aaaawwwoooooo* Afterwards, I went to town with Uncle Dale, Uncle David, Aunt Cindy, and Sylvia. We went to Bluestem and I got a birthday present for my best friend, and then we got some vittles at Braums. Had a good drive home listening to Uncle Dale tell more stories and jokes. Tomorrow... I have a whole book of Herodotus to look forward to. =P

Listen.  =) I love this.
You can never have too much Calvin and Hobbes!!

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,  for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. It will be healing to your body. Proverbs 3:1-8 (emphasis added) 

~shaina

[eighty seven] 
So, I got a little mixed up on my numbers.. but they're all straightened out now. Levi is so funny. =)
Laughed Until We Cried.
I love this song =) Especially the last verse. It makes me feel sentimental, something that doesn't happen often.

Last night I was sitting in front of the fire with Micah, and I asked him, "What do you have to say?" He looked guilty and said, "Excuse me?" =P

Still fighting off the bug that's got me by the throat. *gagagaaaacchc* Today mom told me, "I literally do not know what I would do without this fireplace." And I agree. I have barely read any in Herodotus yet, so I need to get going with that.

In sickness and not in health,
Shaina

[seventy seven] Speaking of drawing... :) Samantha and I did a little this morning and last night. I drew Astrid and Hiccup from "How to Train Your Dragon." It was SO much fun! And it went well, so I was happy when I finished. I really couldn't care too much less now, however. All of you Scholites, in the spirit of Thanksgiving should be very thankful today that we're only virtual friends. Because since I love to share so much,* if we knew each other in person,  you would be getting a share of my sickness! *collapses on bed* I've actually been sleeping most of the day.

*Very Short Story* The Dethroning of Hulk.

I walk into my bathroom to wet my hair down for the night; it's a little dirty, but not bad, definitely not the worst it's ever been. My eyes peruse the shower curtain and bathrug, both decorated with large, pink and orange flowers. Sitting quietly on the sink is a petite container of flower-scented soap. So far, so good. But wait! What travesty is this hanging very obtrusively on the back of the door? I cannot believe my eyes. A HULK bath towel?!?! Stunned, I slowly regain my composure. My path is clear. The monstrosity must be banished after a fair trial. He has no defense, and we don't have lawyers out here in the sticks. Properly shamed, he makes his way to "Australia," the boy's bathroom. A very proper place for a criminal such as he! Assured of a job well done, I return to the bathroom where the queen of towels is being crowned after being found in the dungeon. It can now be said that "all's well."

Book completed: The Salmon of Doubt, by Douglas Adams. I know one of you Scholites had read some of his stuff or listened to the radio program, I just can't remember who. Anyway, this is a compilation of little articles and stuff he wrote. Funny as always. Although, when I say 'completed,' I'm cheating a bit, as I didn't read cover to cover. Some of his stuff I just skip over, like when he's talking on and on about why he's an atheist or something. Over all it was very good, though.
Wishing I had one of these,
 
Shaina

 [seventy six]
If you like old tv shows like Roy Rogers, then check out this picture I took a while back. Also another of my drawings.

Listen.
This little girl amazes me. I love her music, too! Anyway, check it out. You'll be amazed.

I know it sounds *very* weird, but I do my best thinking in the tub. When it comes time to post, I have nothing to talk about, so I mostly blather on, but when I take a shower, all these ideas start popping into my head. Namely, the lack of propriety in today's youth. I have been shocked many times at the favorite quotations of friends and friend's friends on facebook, and comments on pictures, all by teens. It has become perfectly fine to speak of things in public that should not be talked about at all except with family/doctor. And to speak of them lightly, jokingly. Ladies and gentlemen have largely disappeared in our culture. What to do about it? Simply act counter-culturally in this, and behave as young men and women should behave. Temper your words with grace and humility, and consider encouraging a friend to do so also if you believe they are unaware of the impropriety of their words.

Speaking of words, my little brother is starting to say more and more of them! I'm so excited. He calls me 'Eena' now x-)
This morning my mom and sister were gone, and I made tea for all the kids and myself and we drank it around the kitchen table. Joey wants to be a chef, so he loves all things food related.
I think I've run out of things to talk about today. =P Except for Levi (you know you want to see another picture) is sitting at the table going, "Eeeeerrrraaauuugghhh" with his toy plane.

****UPDATE**** I should have taken Captain Jack's suggestion... I feel the virus attacking the back of my throat with sandpaper. Heeeellpp!!! I feel like Levi's plane ^ above. *eeeeerraaauuughhh* *ploosh* I need to find the zicam.