It Suits Me -

Summer is here and that means pools are finally open. Yay! So what do you wear to go swimming? With all the choices out there (and a lot of them pretty skimpy) it can be hard to find something that meets your modesty standards and your price range. In my family anything that shows off, your stomach is absolutely unacceptable. I'm always so annoyed to find all the cute red & white striped or American flag swimsuits don't meet our families standard (really why don't they make once piece swimsuits out of that fabric?)  :(.  Well anyway here are some of the swimsuits that meet our standards (note these might not meet everyone's standards but these are acceptable in our home).

~Bathing Beauties~

My sister Brianna is wearing a black & White Polka-dot one piece swimsuit. I think we got it at K-mart. While I am wearing my absolutely favorite (rivaling with an adorable black & white polka-dot one I used to have but accidentally got briers in retrieving a ball that had been bounced out of the pool) swimsuit. It's a navy blue almost dark purple with a white sash, I got it at Target a few years ago. The fun sailor hats we got at Walmart to go with the beach theme birthday party we were having.  I love wearing them with this swimsuit because it reminds me of an old fashion sailor suit and my dad was in the Navy, so it just kind of fits. 

I made this one last year because my sister wanted a new swimsuit but couldn't find one she liked so I decided to try my hand at making my own, I started one for me too but haven't finished it yet. I really love how they turned out! 

~To Cover Up Or Not To Cover Up? That Is The Question.~

If you still are more comfortable out of the pool with a  swimsuit cover on, this is super easy and in my opinion really cute. 

The black skirt is actually a swimsuit cover up that is supposed to be a dress (but I like it better as a skirt) we got at Ross last summer. 

The white shirt is a long sleeve button up I found in my grandma's closet (when I was little she would pretty much only wear this kind of shirt so she has a ton). You could probably find one at a Ross or department store. I rolled the sleeves up and knotted the front. The hat was in my mom's closet and I have no idea where she got it, probably Walmart. And I'm not wearing shoes in the photo but a simple pair of flip-flops would do nicely to get you where you're going.

James 4:8 Come near to God and he will come near to you

Beautiful Costume Inspiration

We went to the Renaissance Fair last weekend and had a great time! If you want to see some more photos we took click here. Lots of people asked if they could take a picture of the four of us together. This year Aubrey was a princess, Brianna a pirate, and Anna and I were Fairies. Which means a lot of glitter was used in the process of getting ready. We weren't even ready by the time we had to go so most of the glitter/makeup went on in the car (don't worry the back seat isn't covered in glitter).  The little children that are there at the festival love fairies and they just gasp when they see us.  They always turn to their parent and say, "Look, a fairy!".  It is so sweet.  We wanted to bring little colored stones to pass out to them as fairy stones but we forgot them in the mayhem that was us getting to the car in a timely manner (ha ha, right dad?)  

Aubrey looked absolutely stunning in this dress! The only problem was her shoe broke while there so I kept having to fix it. So I called her Cinderella for the rest of day. I french braided her hair around her head and bobby pinned it in place (I'll post a tutorial on how to do it soon). It held really well through out the day and look beautiful. Right before we left I sprayed it with glitter so it sparkled in the sun. Everyone there thought she had her hair done in one of the professional hair braiding shops there.  

Dress: We bought at the Renaissance Fair last year

Tank: I have no idea, Africa some place.

Jewelry: Earrings: World Market 

Shoes: I think we got them at Target a really really long time ago?

Accessories: Ribbon Belt: Hobby Lobby  

I adore this dress on Anna! She looked amazing!!!! I pulled the top part of her hair back into a pony-tail leaving her bangs out, and then braided small pieces of hair in the back and let them hang down her back. I put a hair dagger (or if you want to get technical it's a letter opener but why ruin all the fun, right?) through the pony-tale scrunchy to hold it in place. Right before we had to get in the car we sprayed her hair and dress with glitter. Lots of people loved her hair.

Over Dress: My mom made

White shirt: Bought a few years ago at the Renaissance Festival.

Green Skirt: Thrift Store

Shoes: Hers

Jewelery: Necklace: A gift Ring: from Africa

Accessories: Wings: My mom made Hair Dagger: Hobby Lobby

Brianna looks beautiful in this pirate outfit! I think I parted her hair in four pieces and braided each piece separately and then pulled it back into a pony-tail. Then I took a leather strap and cris-crossed it around her hair all the way down securing it with a scrunchy.  A lot of people really love the blue shirt she was wearing! It really popped her eye color out.

Brown Shirt: Thrift Store

Blue Shirt: Renaissance Fair

Skirt: Thrift Store

Boots: Co-op

Jewelry: Bracelet: Burkes Earrings: Burkes Necklace: I made

Accessories: Belt: Hobby Lobby Dagger: Renaissance Fair Bag: Hobby Lobby Bow: Renaissance Fair

Surprisingly the metal on my shirt didn't burn my skin off (just turned it green. LOL!) but this costume was really fun! All I did with my hair is have my mom put it in sponge curlers the night before while my hair was slightly damp and then in the morning I just put it in a side pony-tail.  And of course I had my sister spray glitter on my hair and skin (Let's just say she had way to much fun with a spray can of glitter. I could swear I heard her laughing)

Shirt: I made the chain-mail one link at a time (and it took a really long time and gave me some horribly sore fingers) and my mom made the fabric part (which may I say takes a lot less time then hooking metal circles together)

Skirt: My mom made

Boots: Walmart

Jewelry: Bracelet: A gift Necklace: I made Earrings: A gift Crown: Renaissance Fair

Accessories: Sticker: World Market Ears: Renaissance Fair Wings: My mom made Vambrace (the brown things on my arms): I made

Left Behind...

Last Wednesday my friend Aubrey invited my sister and me to go to youth group with her. It was the first time any of us had gone and also the first time I had seen her since she got back two weeks ago. I was so excited to see her, but I was also absolutely terrified –it is like standing on a really high cliff and knowing something you really want is at the bottom, and the only way down is to jump-. Two (almost three) years is a really long time. We've lived through things the other one hasn't. We've changed. We're not the people we were two years ago. Africa is so much different than America. 

My hands were literally shaking as Brianna and I got out of the car in the pouring rain to go into the church, the parking lot was filled with giant puddles so I wasn't surprised when I climbed out of the car and stepped right into a giant puddle. And of course, when I went to shut my door it wouldn't shut. After three tries I finally figured out why. Thanks to my seat belt which somehow managed to get in between the seat and the door (Don't ask me how), by the time I got in the church I was really wet soaked.

 It was really great to see her! But I couldn't help thinking that we in a way are going to have to become friends all over again. And it was a little bit awkward. I couldn't tell you what she likes anymore because I don't know. The girls we both knew are gone, left behind like the many memories we have made together, of sleepovers and dress up. Of bonfires and the time we went laser-tagging, of playing in the woods and talking late into the night. Oh and yes the pranks we played on one another (and for once being able to stay awake longest paid off). We aren't those people anymore. We've grown up. Made more memories. We lived two years on different sides of the globe. Living lives so differently from the other's life. How on earth do you pick up that friendship that you clung to for two years? By random message on Facebook and quick Skype calls. Punctuated by internet failures and time zone differences. I remember when they first left feeling… left behind. Like they had figured out what they were supposed to be doing and were doing it and I was still sitting here in America trying to figure it out.




What is friendship? What makes a friend? And how do you stay friends when an ocean lies between you?
 
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Ecclesiastes 4:10 

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8

   
I think a friend is someone God puts in our life so that when we trip and fall He can use them to pick us back up and encourage us to keep going. He puts them in our lives to laugh with us and cry with us. He puts them in our life to confront us when we are on the wrong path and tell us the truth no matter how much it hurts, or how angry it makes us. He puts them in our lives to shape us into who we are. So that when those days that we just want to quit and lay down come, they can come up beside us and take our hand and lead us on (and sometimes drag us). So that when we are going through a hard time and we just can't understand why something had to happen they can be the shoulder we lean on. They can be the ear that listens to the crying of hearts. They can be the one that says "I don't know why this happened, but He does. And one day you're going to look back and you're going to understand why that happened," 

 
   
Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light. -Helen Keller

Moses was God's friend and as he spent time with him, he began to be a reflection of God's glory and his face literally shone with it.

Just as Moses could not be in the presence of God without experiencing a change in himself one that could be seen by everyone around him so it is with our friends.

Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two covenant tablets in his hand, Moses didn't realize that the skin of his face shone brightly because he had been talking with God. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw the skin of Moses' face shining brightly, they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called them closer. So Aaron and all the leaders of the community came back to him, and Moses spoke with them. After that, all the Israelites came near as well, and Moses commanded them everything that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. When Moses finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face. Whenever Moses went into the Lord's presence to speak with him, Moses would take the veil off until he came out again. When Moses came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, the Israelites would see that the skin of Moses' face was shining brightly. So Moses would put the veil on his face again until the next time he went in to speak with the Lord. Exodus 34:29-35

Those that we hang out with will rub off on us for the better or worse. Do you hang out with people that will encourage you to shine and radiate God's glory or encourage you to look like the world?

I was never one to be excited to be known as a "Teenager". I told my mom I was not one and didn't want to be called that. Because teens have a reputation that I wanted nothing to do with. I was twelve and saw that they do nothing, help nowhere, and hang out at the mall with others with nothing positive to do with their lives… partying and rebellion?

No thanks! I had been doing chores, taking care of my animals on my own without anyone nagging or telling me it had to be done. I had been cooking, baking, canning and helping with the house and gardens since I was three. And I love it!

Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. -George Washington

Why now was I punished by this badge of dishonor? Just because I had the word teen attached to how old I was? When we told people I was teased terribly and accused of being a "Teenager" by that comment & attitude. I've told my mom that I felt like teen's today act like they do and are not responsible because they are not expected to.

People will most often live up to your expectations and when you set the bar on the ground… Why are we shocked? What we may not realize is that even we are asked to do and be more. God calls us to be more. God tells us to be righteous to live righteously and surround ourselves with friends that want to live righteously. Not to live that way to buy our way into heaven, but because He in His mercy saves me from wrong doings (sin) and because we love Him and want to please Him –we read his instruction manual (the bible) and then do our best to live it, to love and live for Him. To care for and love others and when we do… When we do we shine. Shine like Moses, shine like the moon, a reflection of the light of God's glory. Not that we are not to reach out to those that don't believe, but the closest friends need to be those that are also shining.

Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

 So,how do you pick up that friendship? –Sigh-, to be honest, I don't know. It will take lots of grace and lots and lots of prayer. But, in the end, it's up to God. It's up to Him if we are supposed to be in each other's lives. 

Elf Costume

Finally this is what I wore last year! I could have worn it with wings but decided not to.

Shirt: My mom made

Skirt: Vintage Store

Jewelry: Necklace 1:  I borrowed from my mom 

Necklace 2: I made Crown: I bought there Bracelet: World Market 

Earrings: World Market

Accessories: Headband: Walmart 

Bottle: I bought there 

Ears: I bought there 

Dagger: My Sisters 

Belt: Ross

Shoes:  Borrowed From My Mom

Fairy Princess Costume

I love my friends so much they are such good sports! Today my other best friend is helping me out. She wore this dress two years ago. Doesn't she look pretty? This dress we came up with very last minute but it came out so beautiful. I added a bit of bead work and that was it. The little kids at the Renaissance Fair absolutely loved her!!!! OK so on to her outfit.

 Outer Dress: Ross (I hand beaded it with some beads to make it sparkle.)

Under Dress: My mom made for a Fairy Birthday we has several years ago.

Shoes: Brown sandals 

Jewelry: 

Tear Drop Earrings:World Market 

Green Necklace: Christmas Gift 

Crown 1: Hobby Lobby 

Crown 2: She bought at a booth at the Renaissance Fair 

Makeup: Glitter (Walmart), Eye shadow, blush, Sticker (World Market)

Accessories: Wings (Ross)

Right before we left we sprayed glitter on her hair, arms & dress. She wore a light eye shadow and blush. The sticker she just stuck on her cheek (Sticker from World Market)

Princess Costume 2

Today one of my awesome best friends, Aubrey is helping me out. She and her sister came with us to the Renaissance Fair two years ago right before they moved to Africa as missionaries. This is the dress that she wore. I think she looks absolutely gorgeous! (My room may have looked like a twister hit it the next day but it was totally worth it!) Oh and the giant turkey legs were delicious. We had so much fun that year! Despite the fact that we all we're not wearing sunscreen and it was very very hot that day.

Over Dress: My mom made for me years ago. 

Off the Shoulder White Shirt: She borrowed from my closet. 

Long Green Skirt: Thrift Store.

Boots: My sisters? Not really sure where those came from. 

Jewelry: 

Gold Coin Earrings: My mom gave me and she borrowed them 

Cross Necklace: My Sisters 

Crown: She bought at a booth there.

Makeup & Hair: eye shadow, blush, I think mascara and we spayed her down (or is it up?) with glitter. She has her hair in a simple braid with a part on each side of her face pulled out to frame her face.

Princess Costume 1

Today my beautiful and wonderful twin Brianna is helping me out. Doesn't she look pretty? She wore this outfit 2 years ago, and really loved it! I mean she was just GLOWING when she saw the dress and you could tell that she felt pretty in it.  Isn't that so important?  Everyone needs to feel pretty once in awhile, right?  It reminds me of this day last year.  Man, it was a horrible day... I had gone on errands with my dad up in Kentucky and we started having car trouble.  When I say trouble I mean it felt like the car was shaking apart.  Next thing I know the hubcap goes flying off the car on the freeway and the lug nuts go flying (See, I told you it was a bad day.)  It was hot, and I was scared.

We limped to a repair shop, had to hang out in the sweltering humid day.  At the end of the day, we are driving a rental car, dad pulls into a pizza place and goes in to get us dinner to take home.  A lady pulls up beside us and I didn't even want to look over at her. I was hot, sweaty and my hair was a mess.  The license plate on the back of the car said Florida and she was from Florida.  She came up to me asking where in Florida I was from.  I explained that we were not, but that it was only a rental car.  She seemed disappointed to have us not be neighbors and began to turn to go.  Then she said, You look really beautiful."  I didn't know what to say.  Who me? Today? Now? I smiled and thanked her and God for giving me a little hug on a very bad day.  

Well, here we go.  Here is my sister in her princess dress costume.

Over Dress: Goodwill Prom Dress

Long Sleeve Under Dress: My mom made (It's actually a bible costume from when we were in our church's Easter play from years ago.) 

Boots: Co-op (their riding boots)

Jewelry: 

Cross necklace: A gift 

Crown: Hobby Lobby

She chose not to wear glitter or earrings but did use some blush and like me forgot to use sunscreen (oops)... I think she had a waterfall braid starting at her temples and brought back and fastened together in the back of her head.  I will have a tutorial on how to do waterfall braids up soon for those that are interested. :) 

Fairy Costume 1

Hey guys! My family has a tradition for May, and if you live in TN. you may have heard about it. We always goes to the Tennessee Renaissance Festival, and we always dress up. So for the next couple weeks I'm going to show you some modest yet fun ways to pull costumes off. *Warning* these posts involve sparkle, makeup, fun dresses, cool shoes, beautiful hair styles, wings and usually some ice cream (hehe) oh and maybe some fake ears. Welcome to My Crazy Life!

This outfit is from two years ago and actually was last minute. The dress I was planning on wearing ended up not fitting right so my mom and I came up with this. Note to self in the rush of getting everyone up, dressed, fed, and on the road do not forget to put sunscreen on (These pictures were all taken early in the day)! 

Shirt: My mom made a few years ago

Skirt: Store at the Mall in Huntington Beach

Shoes: Borrowed from mom (always nice to wear the same size as her)

Jewelry: Necklace: Borrowed from my mom 

Crown: I bought at a booth there

Accessories: Butterfly Hair Pins (I made) Wings (My mom made them) Ears (bought at a booth there)

Makeup: Glitter (Walmart) Sticker (World Market -I had my dad cut it in half so I could where it on both sides of my eye-) Eye shadow (Ross) Mascara (Walmart) Blush (Christmas Gift)