Hello December...

It's December!! Can you believe it? It's the season for hot coco, warm blankets, fuzzy socks, and a  book or two, with a fire burning in the fireplace and Christmas music in the background. Doesn't it sound lovely?  I'm very much in the Christmas mood, although I haven't quite been doing what I just described as it has been rather on the warm side of late and there are things to do which makes reading a book go down on the priority list. But the things I have been doing have been keeping me busy and have also been very enjoyable. Why am I telling you this? Because I haven't blogged a great long while so I figured I should post something and, like I said, I'm in the Christmas mood which explains everything, right?
When I think about what I have been up to lately, it brings a smile to my face as I recall all the many fun moments and it reminds me of how blessed I am.
Where to begin...
In October we had some guest from Canada say with us for a conference. My mom and I and the mom and daughter that stayed with us all attended a creation conference that was held at Grace Community Church. It was put on by the Institute of Creation Research, it was an amazing conference and I learned a lot and was loaded with a great deal of information by the end of it. We had a great time at the conference and the entire week we spent with our guests who we meet the day they arrived.
My homeschool group had a fall dress up party in November, it was book themed and I went as Nancy Drew. It was a blast...

School and field trips filled up November. My friend took my bother and I to Magic Mountain and we had a thrilling good time!

I had a handbell concert which was fun and went somewhat okay. We served at Children's Hunger Fund one day and packed dried fruit. Thanksgiving came and we made food and had Grandparents and friends over. The Friday after Thanksgiving we had a Jeopardy night at our house with friends from church.

And then all of a sudden it was December! It came so fast...

Friday we had the homeschool Christmas party at our house, we had a fire pit with s'mores and a crazy gift exchange.

My brothers and I went ice skating with some friends from church on Saturday night and we had a fabulous time!

 
 
 
 
We all had a safe time skating with minimal falls and came home with no broken bones or teeth!
Yesterday my mom and I went to Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child with our homeschool group and sorted shoe box gifts that will be sent to children in the Philippines. It is one of my favorite things we do every year, it is such a special way we get to serve.
Now my mom and I are making my dad two short sleeve button up shirts for Christmas, but he has off for Christmas break in less then two weeks and we just started cutting the fabric today, so that's what we are going to be up to this next week:)
I'm still plugging away at school so that I can graduate in the spring...though I simply can't wait for Christmas break!!!
That's the nutshell version of the last month or so at the Morice household.
It's been fantastic merry time with excitement in the air!

What have you been up to in preparation for Christmas?

Have you been in the cozy, fuzzy, wintery mood? 

Family

A few month ago we were at a wedding and we took a family picture. Now I know this might not sound very exciting, but you must understand something...it is rare for us to get a good family picture. And I mean, for us to be at the same place at the same time and all dressed nice is an occasion that comes along rarely. Not to say that we are never together, but when we are together we may all not be picture worthy. All that to say, it is rather exciting to have a family picture and I wanted to share it with you!

The wedding was a lot of fun!!!

An Encouragement for Girls

In a world of career oriented women, where pursuing a full time job and being independent is just what you "do" and no only that, is encouraged, it is very difficult for us young ladies who have the desire to be a daughter in our father's house and homemaker to not feel alone in our desires and convictions. Being part of the minority of girls who are not planning on going to college and becoming a "career woman", I understand the pressure and discouragement we face as we go against the flow of today's norm.  

 However, I want to encourage all you ladies to stay strong in your convictions as we pursue homemaking and our interests and try not to get discouraged for I know it can be hard.
Here are some quotes and verses that I have found encouraging lately...



But let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God
1 Peter 3:4
Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.
1 Timothy 4:12

This has been on my mind lately being in my last year of school and having lots of people ask me what my plans are after I graduate.  In that, my intentions are not to look down on someone for going off to college, I just wanted to share my convictions.

What would you like to do with your after high school time?

Feel free to share your thoughts on this matter, I would love to hear your input!

Twice as Nice

I got nominated again for the Liebster Award, thank you Emilie!

The rules:

#1: Acknowledge the blog that nominated you.

Emilie at Polished Corner Pillars

#2: Answer the 11 questions that the nominating blogger asked you.
1. How long have you had your blog?
A little less than a year.
2. How did you come up with the blog name you chose.
I love rain and the day after it rains is so lovely, the sun shines through the clouds and there are puddles on the sidewalk...I've named that day a "Honey Crisp Apple Day". So when I was trying to come up with a blog name the first thing I though of was honey crisp apple day but since that was to long I came up with Puddles and Sunshine.
3. What is the one thing you have learned through blogging?
I've learned that I'm not writing for everybody to see, but more for my own personal enjoyment. It's a place to keep my memories.
4. What is the last book of the Bible you read?
1 Corinthians
5. What is your favorite family memory?
Our six week road trip across the country and our five week road trip to Canada!!!!!
6. Was the last person you talked on the phone too?
My grandma
7. If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be?
Israel, I think it would be amazing to see all the places that I read about in the Bible. 
8. What do you do when you are nervous?
Fiddle with my hands, normally I grab my shirt hem and twist it around my finger. I also get quiet.
9. What is your favorite saying?
Oh boy that's a hard one...I don't really know, I've never really thought about it that much. Probably though if I had to pick one I really like it would be " You're weird, I like you" Ellie from Up.
10. What is the last song you listened to?
Radioactive by Imagine Dragons
11. What book would you recommend?
Oh there are so many...If I had to pick one though it would probably be The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom.

#3: List 11 bloggers with less than 200 followers that deserve recognition.
Since I already did this I'm not going to do it again, and everyone I know has already been nominated.

Because I'm not nominating anyone I'm not going to bother doing the last two rules:) 

Thanks Emilie for nominating me I had a lot of fun answering  doing it!!!

Liebster Award

I have been nominated for the Liebster Award, thank you Haley! I now have the privilege to share a little about myself to all you bloggers far and wide.

Here are the rules...

#1: Acknowledge the blog that nominated you.

Haley at Pure Reflections

#2: Answer the 11 questions that the nominating blogger asked.

1. Where were you born?
Panorama City, LA

2. How old were you when you started your blog?

I was 15

3. What's you purpose for keeping a blog?

I had a lot of spare time and my dad encouraged me to start and blog as a way to keep up with writing and give me a hobby.

4. What's your biggest pet peeve?
When people smack their gum.
5. Do you have a signature trait, like an article of clothing or a word that is distinctly YOU?

My two braids. (some people call them pigtails but I refuse to call them that)

6. What's the scariest thing you've ever done?
Hiking in the mountains on a trail that was covered in snow and ice, it was really scary because the trail was a little ledge that dropped off the side of the mountain and it was really slippery. That is the scariest thing I can think of. I have done other scary things but I would consider them more of a thrill!  
7. How old were you when you were saved and became a Christian?

15

8. What's your favorite pastime?

Sewing. I absolutely love it, however I love reading just as much and I would never be able to pick one above the other.

9. What's your favorite book of the Bible and why?

Esther. She was a Godly woman with strong faith in God. She had a steadfast love for God and her people, and was willing to perish for God's people, the Jews. Esther is has inspired and encouraged me greatly.

10. Do you play and instrument, and if so, how long have you played?

I play piano and have been playing for 6 years. I'm currently trying to learn guitar. 

11.Sweet or sour candy?

Definitely Sour. Anything sour. 

#3: List 11 bloggers with less than 200 followers that deserve recognition.
I don't even know of that many blogs, and the few that I do know have already been nominated along the way, so I'm just gonna nominate them anyway:)

Hannah at Hannah's Home Life
Emilie at Polished Corner Pillars

#4: Write 11 questions for them to answer.

1. What, or who, was your inspiration for starting a blog?
2. What is your fondest memory growing up?
3. If you could meet any Biblical person (besides Jesus) who would it be and why?
4. If you could live in any time period, past or future, where would you live?
5. What's the most exciting thing that you've done or has happened to you?
6. Tiny house lots of space, big house little yard?
7. Coffee or Tea?
8. What makes you smile the biggest, broadest, and most often?
9. What is your passion for your future?
10. If you were an inventor, what would be your biggest invention?
11. What are you most afraid of ?

#5: Notify them that they've been nominated!

Of course!

Thanks Haley for nominating me, it was a lot of fun to answer your questions!  

It's Time for some Lighthearted Laughter!

Sometimes we just need a good laugh to wash away all our troubles. 

So, whether you are sad and need a smile...

bored and need some entertainment....

or just in need of a real good laugh...

I hope that whatever case may be, the pictures below will put a smile on your face and a twinkle in your eyes!

 

This one always makes me laugh no matter how many times I see it:)

Okay, so may you have already seen all of these...hopefully it was enjoyable nonetheless!

What one is your favorite?

What one can you relate to the most? 

Birthdays

Last Saturday my grandparents came over to celebrate all the July birthdays. Clint was able to come home for the weekend which was great! We had dinner together and then cake! It was a very nice time.

 The birthday trio

It was fun to be all together as a family.

Mr. Curious

Just a picture of a very curious and bold chipmunk.

I hope it makes you smile!

A trip along the Coast.

Thursday my parents and I along with the Grimes family took a trip along the coast with a destination of San Luis Obispo.  At 8am we all piled into the Grime's car and took off on an adventure!  Restrooms in Santa Barbara was the first stop.  Then we stopped at Cuchuma lake, it wasn't very pretty at all and the water was super low.  We had our lunch on the pier in Pismo Beach next, and then walked along the pier watching people catching fish.  Continuing on, we stopped at a big fruit stand and looked around, enjoyed the animals, and bought a homemade pie.  We then drove by Michael Jackson's house, although all we could see was the gate entrance and guard shack.  Next stop: Avila Beach. It was hot and super crowded at Avila Beach, but we stopped anyway and sat on the beach for a little bit enjoying the water.  After that we went to Montana De Oro state park Beach, which was beautiful!!  Finally by 6:15pm we made it to San Luis Obispo for the Farmers Market.  We got in a really long line for some delicious food and then walked along the street.  Noel and I got a special treat of ice cream in the evening and by that time it was 9:30pm and we were headed home.  We arrived home at 1:30am after a full day.  It was such a fun day and we all had a fabulous time!!!

 The pier at Pismo

Lots of people were fishing off the pier 

 

Avila Beach

Montana De Oro

 The ocean was gorgeous. 

Pictures simply cannot capture the beauty of it all.

 We found little crabs and sea creatures.

 Ice Cream at the farmers market!!!

Thank You!!!

Thank you Emilie for making my blog banner for me!!! 

I really like it and appreciate your kindness in doing it for me:)

Now for all of you who are not Emile, make sure you take time to admire her lovey handiwork! 

July 4th and a Birthday or Two

This year for Independence Day my family drove to Oakhurst to take part in a old fashioned picnic at the Fickling's house. We had some good ole fashion fun and it was a day to be remembered by all!

I didn't get much pictures, however my mom got a few of the water games for the kids and the watermelon eating contest...

 We were all thoroughly wet and refreshed by the end of the game.

Announcer: "Now for the first annual watermelon eating contest!!!!!!" *round of applause, please*

We started with the 5 year olds. The most entertaining out of the three groups for sure.

Next came the middle group of kids...I don't know how old these kids are. 7-12 maybe?

Last of all, the teenagers!

I won the watermelon eating contest!!! It was exciting for sure, considering that I was competing against guys with larger mouths than me. Hannah came in second with a bloody nose.

After the party we all went to "the Rock" at Bass Lake and watched the fire works.  I didn't get any pictures because I was busy watching the fire works, but I think you all know what fire works look like.

Saturday, July 5th was my brother Clint's Birthday!!! Emile, Hannah, and I make him a coffee cup mocha cake to celebrate.

Sunday, July 6th was my moms Birthday!!!

We celebrated it together with Clint's.

I didn't get any good pictures of her because most of the time she was the one taking the pictures. 

Of course at church we all sang to both of them!!!

It was a fantastic weekend, and we cherish all the memories made.

What did you do for the 4th of July?

Any Independence Day traditions?

Blog Makeover

Let's say that I'm trying to redo my blog background...

It means sitting at the computer, that I knowing nothing about

which takes time

and results in sore neck and shoulders

and a unfinished blog background

So...please don't pay attention to the wild colors and unfinished look. 

I will try to sort it all out soon.

Lots of love to you all!!!

Yours truly

A visit with friends and Glacier Point

A few weeks ago my mom and I spent the weekend with some dear friends in Oakhurst, while my brother and dad where on a backpacking trip. We filled up every spare minute, had lots of fun, and made fabulous memories.
Here are a few pictures of our adventures!
Our trip started out in Yosemite valley, and of course one can not visit without seeing a deer!

Friday morning we said goodbye to the guys; who headed off on their hike.

On our way out of Yosemite looking a bit sleepy.

After arriving at the Coxes in the afternoon and having a fun night, the day could not be compete without root-beer floats! 

Sunday was Church and then lunch followed by all the young people playing the cup game. 

Sunday afternoon we took a walk to a lovely meadow.

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After the meadow we drove to Glacier Point for dinner.

I had never been to Glacier Point before and it was a highlight of the trip!

We had a fantastic trip, one not to be forgotten soon!

How is your summer going?

Ever been to Glacier Point?