Snow, Christmas Celebrations, and Power Outages

I'm in shell shock. Seriously, HOW CAN A WHOLE YEAR GO BY SO FAST? It seems like last month I was watching "War Room" for the first time and playing Scattergories (one of my favorite party games EVER) with friends as part of our church's annual Watch Night Service held every New Year's Eve. And now? Exactly a year later? I'm scrambling to complete a Monthly review before the date changes to January 1, 2017! So, what are we waiting for? Let's jump right in! ;) 

Life:

Well, life has been exciting. Not only have I been working on all the usual things (reading, writing, blogging, family, and church) but also taking a college math course and trying to curb my use of Pinterest and other online distractions the flow of extra writing ideas that never cease to bombard my active mind. *sigh* Ahhhh, the life of an author. ;)

Of course, with Christmas this month, there's been a lot of family get-togethers which have been fun. (No, seriously. I love family parties. We are blessed with awesome reletives.) Annnnnd, bonus excitement: my ONLY big brother flew back his seminary in the snow infested Wisconson for a while. It's been so awesome having him around again. :) 

We had snow. Let me rephrase that statement. WE HAD SNOW!!!!!!! WHAAAT?? Not just the wimpy powdery covering that one can't even make a decent snowball out of let alone snowman either...we had a whole three inches! (Don't make fun of us you back east.) Yes, my friends...let it go down in history that it HAS snowed before in Western Washington. ;P It doesn't always rain. (Though, as I write this blog post it is...) 

As the title announced, we survived a couple short (and one long) power outages. Due to having an old fashioned, wood burning stove, we were still able to have the necessities of life like warmth, food, and coffee. ;) Thankfully, none of the power outages lasted longer than seven hours. :) 

Our church held its annual Christmas Cantata, and four of us sang with three other PK friends as a part of that. If you want to hear that, here's the video: 

(I was playing my flute in the orchestra this year, that's why I'm not in a robe. Just fyi. ;) 

My siblings and I "preformed" a play a couple times throughout this month called "The Ugly Duckling" written by A. A. Milne. Check it out guys.  I'm sure its on Google SOMEWHERE. It's AWESOME. Hopefully, as we get better at it you may even see a recording of it...but we'll see. ;)

Writing:

As you know, I finally completed "Ocean Mist" and am working with a friend of mine on a cover for "The Princess & I". Super excited to get that story finished and published! :D 

I'm currently working on a holiday story called "Alone" which somehow ended up getting waaaay longer then I thought it was going to be...so you all might not hear anything further about it until next year. Whoops. 

Also, my new novel length story I'm hoping to finish is "A New Name". This futuristic re-telling based off the story of Daniel in the Bible is going to take a large amount of work, but I'm excited to share it with everyone soon. :) 

One last project I took on only a couple days ago was the result of a dare from a friend. (Yes, you know who you are. B-) This book called "The Idiot's Guide to Writing Books for Dummies" written under the pen name "I. M. Stupid" is basically a parody off of those really helpful writing tricks and tips books...only instead of giving you help, it's all the worst writing advice I can think of. Generic plot lines, cookie cutter characters, and cliche...everything. It's going to be so much fun. B-) *rubs hands together* CHALLENGE ACCEPTED. 

Reading:

Well, *cough* I didn't get five books read this month. But, the ones I did read are worthy of mention. :)

I couldn't find an image for the book cover, but I also read "The Innocent" by Willowy Whisper
Yes, I know. Three out of five. Believe me, I feel pretty bad about that. HOWEVER. I have an excellent amount of reading materials ready for me this next year. ;)


Editing:

Two of my editors have finished making their remarks, so I'm only waiting on five before I can buckle down and put their advice into action. *coughs emphatically towards the other five editors* Depending on how soon the other ones can finish, I'm going to TRY to set the release day for February 14th. But otherwise, I'll move the tentative date towards early March. 

I'm self-editing "Ocean Mist", and hopefully I'll have beta signups ready to post in February. :) So look for that. 

Music:
Well, because of all the various writing I've been doing this month, a lot of the music I've been enjoying is movie soundtrack or video game music. Here's a few of the favorite ones....And a lyrics video of one of my favorite songs as sung by one of my favorite Christian artists, Jason Gray. :)  

 

Quotes:

Bloggerly News:
This month I participated in the 12 Days of Christmas Link-Up hosted by the fabulous Faith P. from Stories by Firefly! and this month I have a couple exciting extras for you all. 
1: I'm starting a monthly(ish) blog series entitled "Life of an Author" where I will start posting some more writing related things.
2: By popular demand, I'm continuing to post "21 Answers" posts on a monthly basis and I would LOVE some help from you guys on that. Buuuuuuut....more on that when I post the next one in January. ;)
3: I'm going to be taking a survey in my next post where you will be given the change to give me feedback on my blog. (What you like about it, what you think I should change, ect.)
I began following some amazing blogs recently and I can't wait to get to know all you better throughout this next year.
Also, I know I've been a sporadic commenter at best. THIS IS GOING TO CHANGE. I'm really going to try to comment on your awesome posts more and I'm so sorry for not being better at it. *hides face*

 

Goals Reached:

1: Continue the editing process in "The Princess & I" and "Alice & Alyssa"
Yup. Definitely continued...but a ways to go... ;)
2: Finish short story "Alone"
*cough* Yeah.
3: Do a Pet Peeve Post
*triumphant fanfare* FINALLY.
4: Read at least five books
Well, I was close, ok?
5: Write a book review (I'm going to just keep putting this on here until I finally get around to DOING it... -_-)
Hmm...I didn't do very well this month, did I? Two out of five. That's actually...pretty terrible. >_<

 

Goals for January:
1: Have editors finish editing "The Princess & I"
2: Read at least five books
3: Write a book review
4: Finish writing "Alone"
5: Write a "21 Answers" post
6: Write at least five chapters in "A New Name"

 

And there you have December in review. I'll see you back next year for a post on my yearly goals (both accomplished, unaccomplished, and those yet to be accomplished). Until then, I hope you sleep well tonight. ;) 

The Many Faces of the Holidays

Our family have been enjoying this one adorable kind of bird which has been flying around our feeders recently. These little brown and gray bundles of fluffy cuteness are commonly known as the North American bushtits. For fun, I googled pictures of it and added captions to their expressive faces according to the many faces we make during the holiday season. YOU know the ones. 

This is actually an Asian bushtit...but the expression was so perfect I didn't want to pass it up. ;)

 

 

Hopefully some of those were as relatable to you as they were to me. :) Also, I'm sure some of you were squealing at their adorableness along with me. (Please tell me I wasn't the only one who fell in love with these birds...) Which "holiday face" was your favorite? 

Twelve Drummers Drumming: MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

The day you (and I) have all been looking forward too! The day when I stop flooding your blogger feed with Christmas posts! ;) Just kidding. Hopefully you guys have been enjoying this 12 Days of Christmas as much as we bloggers putting it on have! :)

Can y'all believe it's CHRISTMAS!!!! :O It's come so crazy fast!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!!!! :D :D :D

And here is the poem I promised you:

I Don’t Believe in Santa Clause

I don’t believe in Santa Clause,

And let me tell you why:

He’s too fat for chimneys

And reindeer never fly

I don’t believe in elves

Or a North Pole factory

I’m not a three-year-old

Those toys cannot be free

I don’t believe in Jack Frost

Or a red-nosed, cartoon deer

Stockings aren’t filled by magic

Presents don’t just appear

So what do I believe in?

Well, there’s a question just for me

I’ll tell you why in a tale

Of a baby who set us free:

I believe a baby came

To save us from our sin

He was God’s precious Son

And I believe in Him

I believe that He was born

In a stable one dark night

Laid in a hay-filled manger

A burning lamp the only light

I believe that shepherds came

And knelt there in the hay

To worship Him as King

While in Mary’s arms He lay

I believe there was a star

That led some wise men East

Where they found a toddler

Who would be the one High Priest

I believe they gave Him gold

Frankincense and myrrh

They worshiped Him as well

Then escaped from Herod’s lure

After thirty years or so

He was a full-grown man

And after He was baptized

His ministry began

Because of His perfection

Enemies He made

When all He did was good

A trap for Him they laid

Upon a cruel cross He died

As meek as any lamb

He knew He had to do it

For every sinful man

But, thankfully this tale

Doesn’t end that way

Because our blessed Savior

Rose up on the third day

No matter what the devil does

No matter how he tries

To make you forget that Christmas

With all the season’s lies

Remember about the baby

Who traded glory for this earth

To save us from our sin

And give us a second birth

I believe this Christmas tale

Of our Savior, Jesus Christ

Who came down to save us all

Who came to pay sin’s price

Hope you all have a fantastic Christmas day!!! ^_^

Eleven Pipers Piping: One More Christmas Song

One last favorite Christmas song...since it's CHRISTMAS EVE!! #totallynotfreakingout Who else is having a hard time believing Christmas is TOMORROW??? Be honest.

It's almost...sad. I mean, we've been looking forward to tomorrow all these last eleven days...and then its going to be over and we're all going to be like "life has no meaning now". Your blogger feeds are going to feel strangely empty while we who did this crazy amazing 12 Days of Christmas thing take a breather.

But then, we'll realize it's only a week until New Years. :P Annnnd freak out again over having to make our end of the month overview posts. ;)

Ok, I'm sure you're all busy with family and food, so I'll make this post brief by stopping my ramble and giving you the Christmas song I promised you. ;) 

Gaaaaah, I just love that song so much!!! The music, the words, the message...*sighs* I can't believe this is my last Christmas song post. *sniffles* I'm going to miss all these awesome songs in January...

(But I will probably continue listening to them, so never mind.)

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas Eve! :D :D

(CHRISTMAS IS TOMORROW!!!!)

Ten Lords A-Leaping: My Top 5 Christmas Books

Almost done guys...just two more days. I think you'll survive. ;)
Today, I'm bringing you my top five favorite Christmas books. This was surprisingly hard to do because I just realized I don't read all that many Christmas stories. (And it would be weird to put down my Christmas stories that I've written as favorites...so, yeah.) I will refrain from using "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" again, since I did put that down as a favorite Christmas movie...but I thought I'd mention it nonetheless since it IS a good book as well as a good movie. :)

Now onto the top 5 Christmas books. :)

5: "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens

Not only a classic tale, but one that was both original and well-written. Charles Dickens is a favorite author of mine, so of course one of his books should make it into this list. :) It's a famous story for a reason.

4: "Star of Light" by Patricia St. John

The author of "Treasures of the Snow" brings a new Christmas tale to her collection. The story of a brother's love for his blind sister which makes him escape from a wicked stepfather and loving mother, to find a village missionary who says she never turns anyone away. While keeping an eye on his beloved sister from a safe distance, Hamid bit-by-bit hears the Christmas story and comes to believe in this Savior of all men. Despite almost losing his sister multiple times, his faith only grows stronger as he strives to protect the people he loves. 

3: "Christmas with Anne: and Other Holiday Stories"
by L. M. Montgomery
 
If you want to curl up in a chair and read a book that makes you feel Christmassy, this is the one for you. :) I love Montgomery's style, her characters, and her stories. Each story in this book is unique and loveable. ^_^

2: "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

Maybe not exactly a Christmas story, but it sort of is...so give me a break. Who's making these posts anyways? It's an awesome book. So there.

And my NUMBER ONE favorite Christmas book:
"The Gospel of Luke" (from the Bible)  
co-authored by Luke and God ;) 

Was there any doubt? I mean, this book contains THE Christmas story that we read every year while surrounded by shreds of wrapping paper and siblings. It's the story that inspired all other Christmas stories. And, to top it all off, its main character is the reason we celebrate Christmas each year. 


Well? What do you all think of my top 5 Christmas reads? Any you haven't read? Any you might add to my list? Hope you have a fantastic day!! 

(ONLY TWO DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS Y'ALL!!!!)

Nine Ladies Dancing: My Top 5 Christmas Movies

In this post I'm going to reveal my very FAVORITE Christmas movies. My top 5 favorites to be exact. Once I give over this HUGE secret, you have to return the favor in a comment and we'll see how many you share in common with me! :) 

What are we waiting for!! Ready?? 

*drum roll*

5: "The Grinch that Stole Christmas" (the old, cartoon version)

I know, an odd movie to top out as a favorite...but it IS a good movie considering the message behind it: Lights, trees, and presents don't make Christmas. Joy, love, and the knowledge that God sent His Son does that. The other stuff is like frosting on a cake. Yummy, but not really necessary...in fact, it's really just extra calories. 

4: "Buck Denver asks... 'Why Do We Call it Christmas?'"

Famed creator of Veggie Tales, Phil Visher, gives the answers to kids' FAQ about Christmas. "What does Santa Clause have to do with baby Jesus?" "What's Hanukkah?" "Why do we give gifts on Christmas?" and many more! See Christmas and all its traditions in a new light...and the best thing about this video? It's perfectly fine (and enjoyable I might add) for the whole family! Parents, teens, and kids alike will laugh and learn. 

3: "The Shop Around the Corner" 

This movie...is awesome. Granted, having Jimmy Stuart acting as the main character is a huge plus because he really is great at what he does, but that's not the only reason I like it. It's also a funny, uplifting, interesting, and unique story of the lives of the manager and employees in a certain shop during the holidays. 

2: "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe"

Ok, so maybe it's not strictly a CHRISTMAS movie...but it totally counts. Can I hear an AMEN? (Or a "preach it" from you-know-who... B-) 

And my NUMBER ONE favorite Christmas movie:

"It's a Wonderful Life"

Who doubted that this would be it? I mean, honestly! Not only is it a fantastic movie with great actors/actresses, but the message is amazing, and it's fun to watch as well as thought provoking. 

Alrighty...now it's your turn. What are YOUR top 5 favorite movies...if you can nail down five. ;) Have you watched, or not watched, any of the above? (If you haven't, go watch them. *shoos*) Hope you have a great day, and see you tomorrow! :D

(THREE DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS FOLKS!!!!)

Eight Maids A-Milking: A Favorite Christmas Song

I almost like the music ones better than the videos...anyone with me on that one? Well, no matter. I just love Christmas music. *hugs them all* (Ok, excepting the really, really annoying ones...those get to me just like everyone else. And don't call "Let it Go" a Christmas song...please. I beg you on my knees.)

Here's a favorite Christmas song for your enjoyment! :) I love the message behind this song, don't you agree? And, Andrew Peterson (of Wingfeather Saga fame) sings in it!! (Which makes it even more awesome... ;) 

(FOUR MORE DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS GUYS!!!!)

Seven Swans A-Swimming: A Christmas Video

Annnnd, I'm back. Surprised? ;P Well, if you're stalking Faith's blog...then you probably aren't. :) Here's another favorite Christmas video from Studio C bringing you some Christmas cheer on the seventh day of Christmas!! ^_^

Yes, you're allowed to laugh. Just not too loud or your family might give you odd looks. Count yourselves warned. ;)

(FIVE DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS Y'ALL!!!)

Six Geese A-Laying: A Washington Winter

For those of you who DON'T know, where we live it doesn't really snow. In fact, most our Christmases are wet...and more green and gray than white. Sometimes, we get snow though, and here are a few pictures from THIS year's snowfall that we were thrilled to have.

(Special thanks to my cousins: Oliver, Colin, Jubileena, and Graham and my siblings who were nice enough to smile for me. ;)



Yeah, it actually SNOWED. *gasp*

Oliver and Graham waiting for the go-ahead to sled
down our decent sledding hill.

I think our van is trying to be a white ninja...or something.
Not that it worked. ;)

Marta and Jubileena say "cheese" right
before going down our hill.

Yep, Colin can sled down our hill standing up.
It's better than I could do. And there's a ten year difference between us! :O



David and Jubileena...

A true country snowfall. (Check out our awesome sign!! :D)

Sledding actually worked this year...unlike last year,
when the only snowfall we had was a sprinkling over the grass.



Playing that they're reindeer...and Graham is Santa Clause? Funny how the smallest
person ends up acting as the fat, jolly gift bringer! XD

No snowfall is complete without building a snowman or two! :)

The beautifulness...*sighs*

Have you guys had snow yet? Does it even snow where you live? How many inches did you get if it DID snow? Do you usually get a white Christmas, or are yours more like ours where its just normal weather?

(SIX DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!! We're half-way there guys!!)

Five Golden Rings: A Favorite Christmas Song

One of my very favorite Christmas songs is "Carol of the Bells". In this post I'm going to give you my favorite versions (yes, I said VERSIONS) of this song for your enjoyment, as sung by some of my favorite artists. :)

The Piano Guys:

Pentatonix:

Straight No Chaser:

Do you have a favorite version of this song? If so, leave a link in a comment so I can listen to it! :)
Which of the above versions was your favorite?

(SEVEN MORE DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!)

Four Calling Birds: A Favorite Christmas Video

Day number four guys!! If you've put up with these Christmas posts for this long...you probably won't die. ;) Here's a quick Christmas video put on by my favorite comedy sketch group EVER: 

See? That only cost you like what, five minutes of your life? Hope you're having a fabulous day. See you tomorrow! 

(Only SEVEN DAYS until Christmas!!)