Disney Madness!!

So, apparently I'm on a Disney Song kick here... haha =)

I thought I'd share with you some of my favorites! 

& maybe get them stuck in your head too ;)

My all time favorite Disney song (I think) ;) 

I won't Say I'm in Love- From Hercules

Kiss the Girl- Little Mermaid

Dig a Little Deeper- The Princess & The Frog

Hope you enjoy them as much as I have been tonight! =)

~Annabeth

Smile ♥

Can you do something for me right now? Yes, you. Can you smile for me?

If you did, I thank you deeply. The world needs more genuine smiles.

I've noticed over the last couple days how there is a constant absence of smiles in day to day life.

There is so much conflict, hate, drama, friction, and pain that it's hard to find the will to smile. 

If we can try to smile through the tears and the pain, then it's my belief we can be better people, and make a better world. 

Personally I find it very hard to smile sometimes, but I find that when I do smile, even if through tears, something in me seems to click, and I feel better.

So, do me a favor, and start smiling today? =)

Live. Learn. Love.

& 

♥ Smile ♥

~Annabeth

Committed Love

Just thinking about this over the last couple days. I've seen so many people lately who go on a date, and one goes to the restroom- or to pay the check, or somewhere not near their date, and one or the other start flirting with another person. When you're in a relationship, be committed or just stay single. The person you're with who's already attracted and faithful enough to be with you is hoping that you two will last. Don't be the one to lead them on and flirt with other people behind their back. If you didn't want to be in a relationship that you know you're not going to be committed to, then don't be in one at all. Simple.

Another thing: When you go on a date, it's to talk to the other person IN PERSON. It's to get to know them personally, or to strengthen the already existing relationship. You are NOT on a date so you can stare at your phones the whole time! Is your phone the one you're going out with? No? Well, then please pay attention to your date! They took the time out of their schedule to see YOU. Not the flip side of your phone. They want to talk to you, not hear you talking to or texting someone else. Pay attention to them!

People wonder why today's relationships are not going so great, or are non-existent. It's because they're interested in YOU (not your phone, Ipod, or other electronic.)

THIS SHOULD NOT APPLY:

but more like:

~Annabeth

Adventure...What a Mysteriously Marvelous Thing!

Adventure. Heros/Heroines. Quests. Bows & Arrows. Swords.

These are all things that are part of myths. They are all things that we can imagine going on (Adventures & Quests), being (Heros/Heroines), and using (Bows, Arrows, & Swords). 

Why is it that we want to go on Adventures so much? Not your "I'm going on an adventure in the Mall" but the real adventures. Across countries, through mountain passages, a fight for what is right, a battle against time, companionship at it's best and worst. Why is it that we long for adventures like those? Because in today's world, they are almost non-existent. With technology, you can click on Skype, and talk with someone thousands of miles away. Facebook chat enables you to send them a message for later viewing. Snapchat sends your picture for a few seconds. If you need emergency help, or need to be protected, you have the police, fire departments, hospitals, FBI, etc. all there to help out. The world has been almost entirely explored. So it feels like there is nothing left for "little ole us" to accomplish that hasn't already been done, or can be done better by someone else. & we already have instant contact with people countries away.

Why is it that part of our soul and mind hope and long for thing like dragons, fairies, elves, Hobbits, and things of myths? Why is it when exploring that old cave, our heart skips a little like a little kid's, and you can't help but wonder if there is such a place as Narnia, and maybe that if you explore hard enough, and long enough in that cave that we might discover the entrance? Or maybe the dragon's lair, brimming full of adventurers whom were long ago defeated, and all of the loot the dragon hoarded? 

We want to feel like the world holds more meaning for us. We want to feel needed like Gandalf in Lord of the Rings. We want to defeat a great evil like Harry did in Harry Potter. We want to fight for a cause of greater good like Legolas in Lord of the Rings and William Turner in Pirates of the Caribbean (Ok, so William isn't as awesome as Legolas, but he's too awesome to be left out!). We want to have a mutual understanding with creatures unlike us, and yet so familiar to us like Hiccup and Toothless in How to Train Your Dragon. 

So how do we come to terms with our adventure seeking spirits? For me, I know my adventuring spirit wants to at the very least see the world on my own. You can only learn so much through books, so I want to see what it looks like without photoshopped images. & what it feels like to me. if I can't explore the unknown, at least I can explore the "known" on my own, and travel over places that those whom did discover it traveled. I feel that this will feed my "adventurous appetite". 

Another idea is to grab a backpack of supplies. No, not your Iphone, Ipod, Ipad, Tablet, Notebook Computer, Laptop, and Kindle. I'm talkin' necessities. Go find some abandoned train tracks. Follow them as far as they go! Or take a map, throw a dart at it, and travel on foot to where ever the dart lands! (if you hit the middle of a ocean, try for throwing for again for land ;) ) Then you can at least enjoy yourselves, and have a bit of "adventure".  Sometimes not knowing where you're headed to, but anticipating it are enough "adventure" to satisfy you. Or knowing you can start another adventure at the end of the tracks might spur you on too! ;)

Granted there won't be Elves, Dragons, or Pixies, so unfortunately if you're looking for a adventure that includes something like that, I can't help ya. But There are many ways to feed your adventuring spirit!  Each person has an individual "appetite" for Adventure. It's up to you to find your niche and go from there.

Whatever you decide to do, don't leave your adventurous soul starving. Feed it imagination. Feed it companionship/fellowship. Feed it adventure. 

Happy Adventuring!

~Annabeth

Good & bad- Life's 50-50 deal...

Life is a 50-50 wash. Light and dark, hot and cold, truth and lies, good and evil. One can not exist,or be truly appreciated without the other. Sometimes, you find pure joy somewhere in the middle. Sometimes not. It's the search that keeps us going. Keep focused on the Light.

Thinking of some friends whom are going through a tough time right now... Some have lost a loved one, and others are going through similar circumstances. I'm just hoping and praying thing turn brighter and more positive for them soon <3

~Annabeth

Beautiful motivator, uplifting, and inspiring disney pictures with "quotes". I think we all need to remember we are special. We are each unique. We are worth it, and others think so too! =)

Have a blessed day all!

~Annabeth

More inspiring quotes!

Just a few more inspirational quotes! I needed a little something inspirational today (rough ending to a full day).

Hope they help your day along! =)

~Annabeth

“Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.” 

― R.J. Palacio, Wonder

I wish every day could be Halloween. We could all wear masks all the time. Then we could walk around and get to know each other before we got to see what we looked like under the masks.

"Wonder" by R. J. Palacio

"A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.” 

― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

“If every person in this room made it a rule that wherever you are, whenever you can, you wil try to act a little kinder than is necessary - the world really would be a better place. And if you do this, if you act just a little kinder than is necessary, someone else, somewhere, someday, may recognize in you, in every single one of you, the face of God.” 

― R.J. Palacio, Wonder

“Now that I look back, I don't know why I was so stressed about it all this time. Funny how sometimes you worry a lot about something and it turns out to be nothing.” 

― R.J. Palacio, Wonder

A Thought, a Poem, a Word for You...

I was looking through a few websites, and I found these saying to be quite inspirational. I hope they help and inspire you, like they did me! I particulary like the first one!

~Annabeth

Friendship Pearls

"A pearl is a beautiful thing that is produced by an injured life. It is the tear that results from the injury of the oyster. The treasure of our being in this world is also produced by an injured life. If we had not been wounded, if we had not been injured, then we will not produce the pearl." 

~Stephan Hoeller 

This is the quote that comes to mind when I'm thinking of friends going through a hard time... So many of them are having a really hard time, because of others picking on them, annoying them, etc. It's hard to see them struggling with these problems. I wish I could just envelope them in a bubble, whisk away all their problems, and protect them from further issues. 

The thing I wish they knew most is that they are a pearl. They are a treasure to so many people. They are so worth it. They are a treasure to ME. We all have those times where life throws us lemons, and obstacles. But those obstacles are just an obstacle course that we can beat. and once we've beaten that course, the lemons can be made into lemonade to refresh us. It's all a matter of perspective, and it will help us in the times and struggles that lay before us. 

If you remember that you're a pearl and can beat the tests, than you're more than half way there.

You can do it my pearls! <3

~Annabeth

Happy Father's Day!!

I just want to say to my Dad, who has always been there for me through every up and down in my life, "Thank you for all you do, and I love you!" <3

and also:

Happy Father's Day to all you Fathers out there! 

~Annabeth

Medieval Flags ;)

I just randomly decided to look up medieval flags, and I found some really neat ones... I especially love the green flag with the Celtic like symbol, and the color of the blue one =) 

~Annabeth

A Great Idea! - Cowboy Joe

A GREAT IDEA!

How many time do you have what you thought was a great idea?  What happened?  Chances are right after you got the idea, you told a friend about it.  And chances are when you told your friend you didn’t really do a great job of explaining it.  And the friend, in a nice way said it was “half baked.”

According to Joyce Kifler, “Every success must have a time of incubation.”  Often when we get an idea, we’re so excited about it that we start sharing it with everyone.  Because the idea is still young and soft and vulnerable, it dies from the constant assault from “well meaning” friends.  An idea should be protected the way we do anything that’s young.

Ms. Kifler suggests, “We can talk the life out of an idea before it has had time to firm up.  The more we talk, the less important it becomes until if finally dwindles to a thought that is not at all what it seemed to be.”

An idea that has had time to become strong will grow and produce what we envisioned it to be.

That way you can “go the distance.”

The Disney Princess's as never before seen!

I found this while (what else!) pinning on Pinterest... I never thought of what a "Real live" Disney Princess might look like...  Personally, I love how they captured both the Princesses and their outfits... although Snow White and Pocahontas could be done a little better... =)

Your Opinions?

~Annabeth

St. Patrick's Day Roundup!

        I promised I would try and get together some of our favorite St. Patrick's Day recipes, traditions, and so forth, and I've done it! Below is the list... Enjoy! =)

They're minty, they're cold, they're 100% refreshing, they're Shamrock Shakes!!  

This next one is a great idea for the kids to set up, and the end result is terrific! Who doesn't love Clover Shaped Cupcakes Tint the cake and the frosting green too, and you'll have some very happy helpers! ;)

This lady played "Mrs. Leprechaun" and actually came up with some pretty neat stuff! 

How cute is this idea?! (Sorry, No link for this one)

Here's a link to an Edible version of the Ireland Flag!

How about some fancy St. Patrick's Day Party setting ideas??

How about Edible Lucky Clovers??

With that, I leave you with this Irish Blessing... 

Have a Joyous day!

~Annabeth

Etsy shop!

Hello all! 
I finally have Saphira's and my Etsy Shop shop up and running! So far we only have ponchos, a pair of wrist warmers, a Mario Mushroom toy/stress ball/softball/etc., Lavender Eye patch, Lavender shoe sachets, and a few other odds and ends... (See pictures below the penguins!)
Check it out: http://www.etsy.com/people/TadOThisTadOThat
We're planning on adding a LOT more things before Christmas!!!!! 

Such as these guys! ↓

Here are the pictures of some of the things we have in the shop right now! (sorry, the pictures are a little crude, but the products are GREAT!)

Leaf Dishcloths

Shoe Sachet

Fall Leaf Dishcloths

Wristwarmers

Lavender Eye patch

Now, how about you go and buy one of the above things from our shop? ;) =D

~Annabeth

♥ Friends and their amazing friendship ♥

 Ok, so I decided to post a few friendship quotes and poems, because I'm just feeling really appreciative of my awesome friends, both ones I've lost contact with for a while, the ones who've been there night and day for me, and every other friend I've ever made! <3 

I love them all! =D

I don't know for sure if these quotes are all credited to the right person, but I loved them, so I thought I'd still post them. If you find one credited to the wrong person, please feel free to comment with the right person, and I'll change it! =D

             Priceless Friend

Whenever I stumble

Whenever I fall

Whenever I need a friend

You always answer my call

You are always there for me

You’ve never let me down

You’ve always shown sincerity

Eased my fears and erased my frown

You are a priceless friend

One I dearly value

And I am so thankful

For everything you do

           Dear Sweet Friend

You are a dear sweet friend

One that I adore

You’re there when I need you

And so much more

And I pray that God

Always has you in his sight

Guiding and looking after you

Morning, noon, and night

For all the goodness

and all love that you share

You deserve all the blessings

That the Lord can spare

Thank you for being a giving soul

You are the most thoughtful

And caring person I know

            A Wish For You

I made a wish for you

Upon the brightest star

That angels in heaven

Will watch over you,

No matter where you are

For you I also wished,

Health, peace and happiness

And a lifetime of dreams come true

Because I’ve found a wonderful friend in you!

                  

                 

Baking Madness, or it the Fall air? ;)

I don't know about you all out there, but I think I've been infested with a Baking bug! I can't seem to stop! Pumpkin doughnuts, breads, yeast rolls (prize winning yeast rolls! ;) ), cookies, and other sweets! I don't know about you, and if you love baking, but one thing about myself, is thatb I LOVE IT. Don't get me wrong, there are time where I REALLYYYYYYYY don't want to make that bread, or those cookies, but that's usually because I don't feel in a mood to eat them, let alone make them. haha =D

 

I'm looking forward to Apple picking sometime soon, and making some Apple:  Pies, Bread, Butter (yes, I did find a recipe!!), and Crisp! =D YUM!

 

I've also been having fun thinking up gift basket ideas for different people. I didn't relize how much fun it would be! =D Lotions, teas, mugs, all sorts of goodies! =D It's fun trying to think of what the different people would like, what colors they like, etc. It's really really fun! =D Now, I just need to find a container I like, stock up on a couple more things, and then it shall be done! =D

 

Tis the season of Fall! =)

 

Country, Fall, school, gotta have it all! ;)

It's official! There's fall in the air! Today is beautiful, but just a tad nippy! Breezy, cool, Acorns pinging off the car (and Neighbor's roof!), leaves are starting to fall (oh dear!!), Sweatshirts, jeans, and Country music!

 

 

It would appear as though everything I was dreading a few days ago (Fall, school, youth group, etc.) Is actually perfect! I'm going to miss the summer air, swimming, etc.... But I also love the fall baking, the crisp air, sweatshirts, jeans, being with other people, etc. It's all beautiful in it's own way!

 

Still adjusting to a few things, but all in all, Life is good! =D