Philip and Esther

New blog!

2011-09-02T10:47:00.002-05:00

Hello there! I will no longer be posting here but, I've started a new blog (and have already posted a few wedding pictures!) which you're welcome to follow me at... estherleclerc.blogspot.com =)
Thank you!
~Esther

One month from today...

2011-04-06T13:16:00.004-05:00

...we're getting married!

Photos taken by my awesome, soon to be sister-in-law, Katherine!

God bless!

~Esther

Green eggs...

2011-01-22T18:08:00.005-06:00

...and the best green eggs that have ever been made too!

On Philip's last trip up here over Christmas..I was doing some quick vacuuming and when I was done I was treated to this sweet, delightful and delicious lunch.

He is such an amazing man...and an excellent cook! I never have really liked breakfast (besides my mother....am I alone in this?) and especially not eggs for breakfast. Philip's eggs are so good that I crave them! He makes them with pesto, feta and just the right amount of spices...and they're just so good.

Oh, and that tea (I'm sort of a tea fan)...mint with rose. Or rose with mint. Either way...it's the best.

Yes, my current favorite tea. And, I need to find more because I am out and that is not good. *wide eyes*

I couldn't bring myself to use the napkin...it's just too precious.

It now lives in my journal and makes me smile.

My very handsome, marvelous darling.

Sort of random but, I just love these pictures and figured they were what this blog is for.

Happy times. *blissful smile*

Oh, and we now have our own web address...

www.PhilipandEsther.com

God bless,

~Esther

Christmas Day with Philip

2011-01-19T20:24:00.011-06:00

It was most definitely the best Christmas ever.

A few pictures from our very cold yet, very, very happy Christmas day photo shoot.

We have fun. *hearts and sh'tuff*

God bless,

~Esther

On the 5th day of Christmas...

2011-01-18T17:57:00.003-06:00

...my true love gave to me...

One diamond ring!

Picture by our sweet friend, Auktweena Renner

I am so blessed and honored to be able to let you all know that as of December 18th...

...I am engaged to the one God has chosen for me...

...my amazing love, Philip Leclerc.

"Also the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be himself alone: I will make him an help meet for him.

So the Lord God formed of the earth every beast of the field, and every fowl of the heaven, and brought them unto the man to see how he would call them: for howsoever the man named the living creature, so was the name thereof.

The man therefore gave names unto all cattle, and to the fowl of the heaven, and to every beast of the field: but for Adam found he not an helper meet for him.

Therefore the Lord God caused an heavy sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in stead thereof.

And the rib which the Lord God had taken from the man, made he a woman, and brought her to the man.

Then the man said, This now is bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh. She shall be called woman, because she was taken out of the man.

Therefore shall man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and they shall be one flesh." - Genesis 2:18-24

I love this awesome quote from Matthew Henry:

"The woman was made of a rib out of the side of Adam; not made out of his head to rule over him, nor our of his feet to be trampled on by him; but out of his side to be equal to him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be loved."

Engagement pictures by my awesome sister, Ashley McClure

Our Wedding website is HERE...go sign our guest book! =)

Yes, I have a ton to post and will...soon!

God bless,

~Esther

Ashley's wedding photos...part 1...and 1/2

2010-11-24T17:31:00.011-06:00

...apparently I'm a goof ball and did something wrong...because THESE were supposed to be in part 1. And, now it's not letting me add them...html mumbo jumbo sh'tuff, big red marks and error messages abound...that would take me far too long to figure out so, I'll just post them as the half. Part one is the part that never ends.

(yes, that was said to the tune of...whatever that Sesame Street song is).

Our Grandmother's wedding dress and veil

Our Grandmother's Bible she carried down the aisle

Another sign made by Ashley

Ashley's creative mind

The ceremony site...out back of our house

Seating chart

Again, all photos were taken by the photographer, Peter Serven.

God bless and Happy Thanksgiving! (Turkey sh'murkey. I seriously just want ribs...and a pretzel and cheese with a large glass of lemonade...)

~Esther

Ashley's wedding photos...part 1 of 29,346

2010-11-21T22:13:00.009-06:00

...okay, so not really. But, this is definitely a part 1 since I have some more I want to share but, don't have them on my lap top yet. And, unfortunately I won't be able to post them all here, there are hundreds, but, I have posted and will be posting more on Facebook than here.

These, what I'll call...ethereal pictures...were taken by the super talented Peter Serven of my gorgeous sister, Ashley and my wonderful brother-in-law, Ryan's...lovely, July 17th wedding.

(how did you like all of those special adjectives?)

Ashley is the ultimate do it yourself bride...all of this is from Ashley's brain.

She is so creative and artistic!

Ashley made all of these little signs (with the help of a friend's Cricut).

All of the decorations/props were gathered and arranged by...Ashley.

Ralph Lauren's Romance... *blissful sigh*

Awesome friends who played for the wedding.

She is so cute!

I've done her make-up bunches of times but, this was the most special and fun time yet!

Slightly, just a lot gorgeous, don't you agree?

My awesome brother-in-law...and the crooked lamp shade...waiting.

My mom showing everyone my grandparent's wedding album.

Ashley modeled her wedding off of their 1953 wedding.

My adorable niece and nephew (I have a bunch!...two on the way...really excited about that!)

All of us bridesmaids...I got to be maid of honor...awesomeness.

The perfect little flower girl angels.

Little Sophia got lost. She is too cute!

The wonderful Mr. and Mrs. McClure!

Alright, happy Sunday and God bless!

~Esther

I'm baaaaack!

2010-09-01T00:52:00.008-05:00

Ahem...I'm alive! And, very happy and have lots to write and millions of pictures to post...and sh'tuff but...for now...some random pictures from my garden will do, right? *grins*

God bless!

~Esther

(Post dedicated to Philip and Emily)

Sunday Afternoon...

2010-06-15T02:53:00.011-05:00

This past Sunday...we randomly decided to do a photo shoot. So. Here are a few pictures from that. =)
One day I will go through all of the pictures and post them on Facebook or here or wherever but, until then...let this be my random update of randomness.

God bless!
~Esther

Hard life.

2010-05-17T10:38:00.002-05:00

God bless!
~Unknown Artist

Just some randomness from that one bike ride...

2010-05-12T16:10:00.003-05:00

Just some pictures from the bike ride that these were taken on...

So, obviously...I wasn't able to share my outfits for the last two days of the Feelin Feminine challenge...I did wear beautiful dresses (I can say that...they were my mom's... =D) but, I didn't get any pictures really...and didn't have much time to post them if I did. Wish I had though...I liked both outfits. =)

Hope you're having a wonderful Wednesday and God bless!
~Unknown Artist

Day 5....outfit 4...

2010-05-09T03:11:00.007-05:00

My super casual, track meet going auntie, bike riding day outfit.
Didn't step foot in the office all day...but, I did go meet some new clients and take some real estate pictures...which is when I took the sweatshirt off and threw on a nice jacket. =)

Photos by Ashley

God bless!
~Unknown Artist

Day 4....outfit 3...

2010-05-08T01:31:00.009-05:00

Here is my outfit for the Feelin Feminine Challenge...

^^green buds! Actually...there are green leaves everywhere...
...but, these were the first bits of green I saw...and...um...you can't even tell...

Photos by Ashley...

God bless!
~Unknown Artist

Day 3...outfit 2...

2010-05-07T02:45:00.006-05:00

Here is my outfit for day 3 of the Challenge...

^^That's my dad's shadow...*grins*

All photos were taken by my dad. Thanks, dad. =)

God bless!
~Unknown Artist

Auntie/Nephew photoshoot and another challenge...

2010-05-05T23:52:00.013-05:00

So, my sweet friend Emily IM'ed me this morning while I was at work asking me if I was doing this month's Feelin Feminine 7 Days in a Dress Challenge...well, after asking when it started....and being told..."yesterday"...I promised her I'd join in as much as I can for the rest of the week.

My sister Ashley took all of these and my sweet nephew, Little Tait posed with me. =)

Here is today's outfit...

^^Cheesiest grin ever. No...I'm seriously...smiling a lot...often...all the time...

Outfit specs:

Turtleneck dress thing...is from...*reaches hand to neck find tag*...Wal-Mart...$7. I think.

Jean skirt is from Fred Meyers

Coat is from my Grandma Sue

Earrings are from Target

And, my old, faithful cowgirl boots...Ebay.

Well, if you care to join in head over to Emily's blog and link up...

Good night and God bless!
~Unknown Artist

On the way home...

2010-05-02T00:33:00.002-05:00

...stopped to take a few pictures a day or so ago...

God bless!
~Unknown Artist

I still love tea BUT...

2010-04-29T19:27:00.006-05:00

...this stuff is pretty delightfully delicious...

Just needs to be organic...that would be a happy thing. 32 ounces of bottled happiness for an outrageous price...unless you're like my awesome sister who gets it at Costco where it comes in a 2 pack...(and then she gave me BOTTLES...of this incredible beverage. She is so good to me...)...anyway...it's less at Costco. Make note of that. For when you want to buy me something. *cheesy grin*

I know, rather random...I took a picture of my juice and am actually posting it on my blog. What a nerd.

I blame this post on the tea. For real. *eye twitches*

Alright, back to work. Hope you're having a tubular (that adjective makes me smirk) Thursday!

God bless!
~Unknown Artist

Gabe + Shannon + Baby Nathan = Maternity Shoot

2010-04-26T20:39:00.005-05:00

I had so much fun this morning taking some pictures of these beautiful people!
Had to share a little sneak peek...

"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate."

- Psalm 127:3-5

God bless!
~Unknown Artist

Democrats on an escalator...

2010-04-23T19:03:00.005-05:00

Just a little funny video for this fantastic Friday...(I'm tempted to change the title to "Politicians on an escalator...")

God bless!
~Unknown Artist

I love this.

2010-04-21T02:07:00.007-05:00

I stumbled across this quote tonight...I have no idea who Mrs. George de Horne Vaizey is...but, her words are beautiful and I couldn't agree more...

"It seems to be the fashion nowadays for a girl to behave as much like a man as possible.

Well, I won't!

I'll make the best of being a girl and be as nice a specimen as I can: sweet and modest, a dear, dainty thing with clothes smelling all sweet and violety, a soft voice, and pretty, womanly ways.

Since I'm a girl...I prefer to be a real one!"

- Mrs. George de Horne Vaizey

I love vintage aprons...picture of me by my sister, Ashley

I pray for the strength and boldness...to be a real girl.

God bless!
~Unknown Artist

Oh, look! It's 'ze beeeeautiful bride....

2010-04-19T20:50:00.006-05:00

Was going through some pictures of a friend's wedding I photographed last September...

...wow, she.is.so.perfectly.beautiful.

My sister Ashley helped plan the wedding and I did the photos and make-up...so much fun!

God bless!
~Unknown Artist

Spring? Winter? Spring? Winter? They both work.

2010-04-16T15:25:00.007-05:00

It was so warm...spring was here. and then...

...a couple days ago it snowed. ALL. Day. Long.

(It's all melted now...but, it looks pretty overcast so, who knows...)

It was funny cause it was still warm...but, snowing...as soon as it hit the ground it melted (ahem, in some places it stayed longer...but, pretty much back to the original snow everywhere I've seen)...craziness.

It was super beautiful...light and fluffy...reminded me of the Nutcracker and the precious little snowflakes.

I took these while walking to the car from the office...
...I should've taken some time to take better pictures but, I didn't.

And, now ends the most random, blunt, pointless blog post ever. *grins*

God bless!
~Unknown Artist

"That they may teach the young women..."

2010-04-13T20:07:00.000-05:00

I shared a little of this in the interview here but, I wanted to post the whole thing on here.

Some wise words, that I agree with 100%, written by my amazing mother a few years ago...

"My children are at an age where we have been tuned into activities with other families such as graduations, going off to college, weddings and the like. I have had some time for reflection on how these things are governed by God's laws.

My own children have suffered from my delayed intelligence and our parental learning curve, but hopefully we can make some impact on our grandchildren and their upbringing. My thoughts the other day went to the situation of several friends with daughters going off to college (leaving Home-the family nest). From girlhood our daughters should be trained in the domestic arts. They should be Mother's right hand helper and always at her elbow.

We took Fridays and did no school work as that was house cleaning day. They were there all of the time so I didn't have the 9 to 3 school hours to put everything in order. We began our home educating around 10 AM after the dishes were done, beds made, and house tidied. I spent 2 to 3 years beginning about 7,6, and 4 years old to teach them, specifically, every Friday how to clean the house. Let me get detailed for just a moment and then I will come to our point. In the beginning we all started in the same room. Maybe the four year old had a sock on her hand or feather duster and dusted. Maybe the 6 year old glass cleaned, but I was there physically moving their little hands. Showing them where they missed, how to do it better, easier, faster.

Would it have been physically easier on me, and faster, more efficient and convenient to send them out to play and work myself? You bettcha.

Was I tempted? Absolutely.

Would things have looked more polished? Yep.

Something inside of me kept at it. By the time that we moved to our new home on 20 acres, the children were 8, 10 and 11. Mom started helping Dad with Real Estate. The girls 8 & 10 could virtually run the house themselves. Was it perfect? No, but it was very good and they were getting better.

Okay one more comment before we get on with it. We baby our kids in this day and age. I am going to tie that statement into our point. very little toddlers are capable of something! everyone has a role, A contribution. Tait earned a whole dinosaur collection a quarter at a time emptying waste baskets at 2 1/2 years old. Let them help and here's why. By 11 years old Tait was under his father's watchful eye.
Dad - Not Mom - Let me repeat - Dad- Not Mom dealt with Tait.
The only thing I could do for Tait is turn him into a girl.
Yes I said my opinions. I am as guilty as everyone ladies, but those opinions need to go through Dad. Tait would help us around the house if we needed him to or he had time, but his jobs were the muscle jobs. The jobs that built character and manhood. He did the outside chores, tended the animal, burnt the garbage, etc.

We learned the hard way. I was feeding my goats one day, because I love to be outside taking care of animals, and wasn't able to do something Don asked of me. When he found out he asked us what I was doing feeding the animals? From then it was a Tait only job. Let your boys learn to be men!

Tait started to work for us at eleven. He studied how to put websites together, html etc. As a matter of fact I remember thinking, he can read this html stuff and understand it, I don't think I need to worry about his math skills. He can figure that out too. Which he did when he was ready and needed them.

Okay here's our point. The Bible says our daughters are to be trained to be keepers at home and helpmeets to, first, their fathers and eventually their husbands. Our daughters should be an integral part of our family life. That is our point. Let me explain. In contrary to modern society, our daughters should not be a financial, or time, convenience, or any other such drain, or burden on the family. They should be viable productive members of the family aiding in the families financial prosperity, spiritual growth, helping to make our home a joyful haven.

Here is a typical scenario: We decide to home school instead of home educate. Mom pulls out a curriculum, tries to make sure its right on track with public school standards and expectations, becomes distraught and frazzled because it takes up her whole day and she can't keep up with her other duties. Everyone becomes moody and frustrated. Many times big battles ensue. Children rarely learn how to "learn" on their own. So we teach our daughters a bunch of academics that have NOTHING to do with God's calling for her. We develop their talents and interest in an avenue that prepares her for a "Career", which will ultimately create competition with, and independence from, her husband.
Then she hits 18. "Schools" finished. What do we do with her now?
Here is the ultimate answer: She can't just sit around the house!
We must find something for her to do. So she is off to college. Off to the mission field. Off to be nanny for someone else.

Here is the message to our daughters loud and clear. We don't need you.
You are not an integral part of our family. We can function great without you. We need to figure out something for you to do.

Well, here's how I came to that reflection. I have watching several families close to ours send their unmarried daughters off and I thought about my two daughters.
I will be in absolute dire straits when they leave.
It is going to take major readjustments to cover their work both domestic and in real estate. I will probably have to "hire" help.

Isn't that the way it should be? When their Daddy turns them over to their life's partner, shouldn't we drastically feel their loss? In our case we have four grandchildren that live with us. It is somewhat like having younger siblings. They have already started the cycle of working with these youngsters. They have them put on big yellow rubber gloves when they scrub the bathroom. (last week for the first time the 4 and 6 year old attempted to clean my bathroom of their own volition). When we cook they are there sitting on the counter learning to break eggs and so on.

And do you know the most precious part of it all? That's when we share with the younger ones, the Gospel, the love of Jesus, character building, wholesome music, memorized scripture, and more.

Yes, our daughters were born for a purpose.
God has ordained them.
Study it in scripture together.
You won't find it on a workbook page or on the SAT.
It is not about us Ladies.
We were born for the Glory of God and for God's pleasure.
Wish I could get my point across like Tait. Sorry for rambling!

Love you all RZ"

My beautiful mom.
She told me she needed a new Facebook profile picture...
...so we took this a few days ago...she's so cute!

God bless!
~Unknown Artist

Part 2 is up...

2010-04-11T20:13:00.005-05:00

Part 2 is posted...check it out HERE...

Related posts:
Introduction
Part 1

I just might go deeper on some of those questions sometime soonish. We'll see. I also want to post the whole article that my mom wrote...it's just so super packed with wisdom!

God bless!
~Unknown Artist

P.S. An encouraging quote for us "behind the scenes" people....
"A dairymaid can milk cows to the glory of God." - Martin Luther

My little nephew, Aiden and I last summer...
...spending time on the river...I love being an aunt!

More pictures from that one walk forever ago...

2010-04-11T18:24:00.007-05:00

Just a few more pictures I took while on this walk...

^^Reminds me of a scene from the Incredible Journey...AND Milo and Otis...hmmm...

^^An airstrip

^^Group picture...
...and new record for...
...how many people I can get in a self portrait picture dealio

Well, I hope you're having a very God honoring Sunday!

God bless!
~Unknown Artist

Part 1 in which I am questioned....

2010-04-05T16:20:00.005-05:00

...it's up! Go check it out!

PART 1

God bless and hope you had Happy Resurrection Sunday!
~Unknown Artist

random shot of my sister and I from a week or so ago.
Yes, we're squinting into the sun...

...but, I still love this...reminds me of a fun day together...and plus, this post looked really boring without a picture...and since I'm at the office...I didn't have any that actually applied to what I'm posting about exactly...but, anyway...this will do. *stop rambling, Esther* Okay, I'll stop... *grins*

Coming soon...excited smile

2010-04-03T20:26:00.009-05:00

So, a sweet blogger friend of mine....asked to interview me
(I know right....*blushes*...seriously, little ol' me! What a compliment! Thank you!).

She asked some great questions (on great topics that I feel very strongly about such as modesty, courting, serving and more!) and I hope my answers give you a glimpse into who I am, why I am what I am, what I do, why I do what I do...etc and that you'll be encouraged.

And so, here I am posting a little shout out...to tell you I'm super excited for all of you to see it and to keep your eyes out for her-soon-to-come-(Mondayish)-post with her questions and my answers.

I will definitely post a link to the interview when it's up but, also, check out her blog...Practically Pink

Oh...also...I am going to be 11 weeks into the cleanse as of this coming Monday. Crazy, much.
I was able to add back in a few things for the first time almost 2 weeks ago...that was exciting!
Just had some popcorn for the first time in over 2 months! *excited grin*
Still downing tea like a crazy woman and learning to like olive oil on brown rice.
As long as it has tons of garlic powder, salt and cayenne pepper on it that is.

Nuts were one of the things I was able to add back in and...well, I went a little crazy...I ate this whole jar of peanut butter in 24 hours. Surprisingly I still like peanut butter.
They make bananas oh so much more exciting.

EDIT: Figured I'd answer your (Kelly's) comment here because I was going to put that in here anyway and forgot. I've lost 20 pounds. Which...I'm really looking forward to gaining back as soon as this thing ends. Mmm...chocolate malts...wait for me!

Post 1 about THE Cleanse
Post 2 about THE Cleanse
Post 3 about THE Cleanse
Post 4 about THE cleanse

How has your week been? Eat anything majorly delicious that this cleanse victim doesn't want to hear about but, does...(because I am now obsessed with food)? What's the weather doing where you're at? It's pretty much spring here! Kind of excited about that just a lot. *grins*

Oh, and I still have more pictures from this walk...that I want to post soonishly!

Also, one more thing...Easter Sunday will always be bitter sweet for us...but, thank you so much for your kind comments on the post below about my brother.
You all are very sweet and I really appreciated it!

God bless!
~Unknown Artist

My big brother...

2010-04-01T04:53:00.005-05:00

"When someone you love becomes a memory,
the memory becomes a treasure."

- Author Unknown

...it's amazing how fast everything can be turned upside down.

Today (March 31st) marks the 8 year anniversary of my brother, Donnie's death.

Yep, Easter Sunday 8 years ago...a day intended for joy and celebration, that promised smiles and laughter...turned into a day of pain and mourning, that provided us with an amount of tears that rivaled an ocean and hearts so heavy it seemed they had sunk to our feet. Life is crazy.

Yet, God still reigns. He is King and He is in control.

Boy, is he missed. Cherish your family. You never know what tomorrow brings. I'd give anything to hear him call me..."goofy!" one more time...

Donald George Zimmerman III 6-18-75 to 3-31-02

We went for a walk last Sunday...

2010-04-01T00:51:00.004-05:00

...and this is what we saw.

More soon...
God bless!
~Unknown Artist

Day 7...the day in which I look like I think it's Christmas...

2010-03-08T23:41:00.006-06:00

...wow. I'm so festive looking. *wide eyes* Wow.
Okay...well...here is my "pretending it's still the holidays" outfit...

Crazy hair...it was windy...!

Aren't they happy? They remind me of Spring!

Pictures by my sister, Ashley...

Outfit origins:
Necklace...vintage!
Cardigan...Old Navy.
Turtle neck is Gap...had it forever...and I love it so.
Skirt is Banana Republic...via Ebay. I'm *usually* too cheap to pay Banana Republic prices! =D Actually, my sister, Ashley, has this exact skirt which she bought from BR when they first came out. And, it's such a super versatile, durable, awesome skirt that I don't think it would be a bad deal even at full price...
Shoes...couple dollars at Wal-Mart.

Well, that concludes this month's Feelin Feminine 7 Days in a Dress Challenge hosted by Sarah Anne.

Day 1's outfit
Day 2's outfit
Day 3's outfit
Day 4's outfit
Day 5's outfit
Day 6's outfit
Day 7's outfit
Hope you all enjoyed the posts!

God bless!
~Unknown Artist

Day 6...

2010-03-07T23:08:00.007-06:00

So, looking back on the week's outfits...I...think...I like...no, I admit it...I LOVE color.
Today's outfit was no exception. =)

In case you wanted to know what my teeth look like. Oh, you didn't want to know? So sorry.

photos by my sister, Ashley...

Jacket...is my mother's...and I am unsure of it's exact location of purchase.
Shirt is from Target....gotta' love their clearance racks!
Skirt...ummm, Sears, Gottschalks or J.C. Pennys?? Maybe...just a guess...it looks like it could be from one of those stores. I'm gonna' go with Sears.
Shoes...so old! No, really...they're Old Navy...and they are old. Making them doubly old.
Flower pin...made by my brilliant sister, Sherry! LOVE it.

Sooooo...how was your Sunday? Happy, sad? Glad, sad? Good, bad? Epic, rad *starts laughing...ummm...I don't use those words very often so...it sounds funny just thinking them...ahem...sorry...gathers composure*?

Day 1's outfit
Day 2's outfit
Day 3's outfit
Day 4's outfit
Day 5's outfit
Day 6's outfit
Day 7's outfit

God bless!
~Unknown Artist

Day 5...happy day!

2010-03-07T01:23:00.009-06:00

Here are day 5's pictures...it was a great day with a bunch of my favorite people!

You can see the snow on my hair... =)

Photos by my sister, Ashley.

Outfit specs:
Dress from JC Penny...
Cardigan...Gap.
Tank top...I don't know but, AWESOME...
Shoes...$2.97 from Target = happiness.
Necklace....*drawing a blank*

Day 1's outfit
Day 2's outfit
Day 3's outfit
Day 4's outfit
Day 5's outfit
Day 6's outfit
Day 7's outfit

Happy Sunday, everyone!
God bless!
~Unknown Artist

Day 4...walk to the mailbox day...

2010-03-06T00:57:00.007-06:00

"It" (the hidden powers that make up Blogger and it's components)...won't let me delete the first two pictures...won't let me cut them, or copy...or delete...or backspace...nothing.
Ugh. So, sorry about that...*EDIT* Yay, "It" finally let me come back and delete one of them and move the rest around...now, you'll never know...muhahahaha...ha.

My sister, Ashley, and I took a walk to get our mail today and that's when she took these for me...

Yes, my hair is crazy. Yes, it is crazy messy. Yes, it is crazy messy crazy.

Outfit specs:
Jean skirt from Sears...for $7
Shirt from Target
Scarf from......I forget where.
Green sweater from Old Navy.
Red coat from...Nordstrom? I think.

Day 1's outfit
Day 2's outfit
Day 3's outfit
Day 4's outfit
Day 5's outfit
Day 6's outfit
Day 7's outfit

God bless!
~Unknown Artist

Day 3.....here and there...

2010-03-05T00:10:00.009-06:00

Today was spent in town...morning office meeting, running errands, tea with my sweet friend and soon to be Mrs.!, more office, the gym...anyhow...just a random, good day out and about.

Here are the pictures of day 3's outfit...

Pictures taken by wonderful Dad!

Two photos from Carli's phone that she uploaded to her Facebook...and that I stole!

Outfit specs:
Scarf is from Old Navy
Sweater thingy...ummm....not sure....
Shirt is from Target
Skirt is Gap
Boots from Target

Day 1's outfit
Day 2's outfit
Day 3's outfit
Day 4's outfit
Day 5's outfit
Day 6's outfit
Day 7's outfit

God bless!
~Unknown Artist

Day 2's outfit made possible by...

2010-03-04T01:54:00.009-06:00

...the one, the only...a wonderful friend and all around lovely person...Jenny Leding!

Yes, my dear friend, Jenny sent me this apron for my birthday and I'm FINALLY posting pictures of me in it...been meaning to for quite awhile. I wore it all day! I love it so! Thank you again, Jenny!

Here is today's outfit...

Ewww...windows are so filthy...can't wait for spring to clean them!

Pictures courtesy of my wonderful mom

Outfit Specs:
Cardigan *takes it off and looks at tag*...what do you know...Old Navy.
Shirt...Old Navy.
Skirt...Gap.
Shoes...Blow Fish is the brand.
Necklace is vintage. =)
Hair is crazy natural.

Day 1's outfit
Day 2's outfit
Day 3's outfit
Day 4's outfit
Day 5's outfit
Day 6's outfit
Day 7's outfit

God Bless!
~Unknown Artist

I wasn't going to...but...

2010-03-03T01:11:00.009-06:00

...might as well.

Might as well what? Oh...yes...join in on this month's Feelin' Feminine challenge hosted by Sarah Anne. Was planning on just watching this time around...but, figured I might as well try and keep up and share my outfits. Though...since it's sort of last minute and my life is crazy busy right now, I may not be able to get things posted each day...who knows. I'll try that's for sure!

Here is today's outfit...I started off with a completely different shirt and skirt...but, the shirt didn't match the skirt so, I changed it. Then as I was getting in the car to go to the office...the skirt ripped. Ran back in and changed into this one.
Then at the gym...after making my daily sauna visit...being the girly girl I am...I changed my shirt again...for no reason...other than this one was in my bag and I thought, "Oh! Crazy pretty..." =)

Some pictures...

Photos by Ashley

Outfit specs:
Shirt...Forever 21...makes me happy.
Skirt...Target...incredibly cheap on one of those amazing sales that I find Target so good at having.
Cardigan is from Old Navy...love it...knowing me it was on sale too.
I'm wearing my very well worn cowgirl boots.
Earrings...Forever 21...they also make me happy.
The hair is gym hair. Which I'll probably end up with gym hair in most of my pictures this week...since I usually am not able to get my picture until after I go to the gym...which means...I'm a mess...but, oh well.

Day 1's outfit
Day 2's outfit
Day 3's outfit
Day 4's outfit
Day 5's outfit
Day 6's outfit
Day 7's outfit

Oh...and then when I got home...there was a package in the mail which was the vintage 60's "dress" (It's actually a pant suit...yes...ahem...it's awesome and looks like a dress...so fun!) my sister bought me (from Etsy!) to wear for her bridal shower (that I'm throwing in June)...and of course I had to try it on as well. So, today's clothing was rather crazy.

Anyway, here are some quick pictures of the "dress" and my precious nephew, Little Tait...

I love him so much!

Quick cleanse update...I've had 8 bananas in the last 3 hours. I think I'll go have another one....Ahhhhh!

God bless!
~Unknown Artist

Mmmm...so...dry, bland and crunchy and stuff...

2010-03-01T02:56:00.005-06:00

...having a midnight snack...rice cakes....*sarcastic excited tone*...oh boy!

*no longer sarcastic but, truly excited tone* Starting tomorrow I only have 2 weeks until I start adding things back in! Can't wait!

Oh...will any of you ladies be joining in on the Evenings with Victoria Botkin starting tomorrow night?? I'm looking forward to it!

Hope you all had as happy a weekend as I did (minus the whole not eating whatever I want thing) and hope you have a wonderful week!

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

Post 1 about THE Cleanse
Post 2 about THE Cleanse
Post 3 about THE Cleanse

“The future lies before you, like paths of pure white snow. Be careful how you tread it, for every step will show.”

2010-02-25T20:28:00.009-06:00

I took these on a walk forever ago...(as in while getting our Christmas tree forever ago)...I posted them on Facebook and am finally posting them here...

God bless!
~Unknown Artist

ONE Month...

2010-02-15T21:53:00.012-06:00

...down!
3 to go. =D

Today is the official one month mark. *excited smile* There is hope!

Only a month and a week and I get to have...wait for it...*drum roll*...legumes. And dried fruit. But, most importantly in 5 weeks....

...I can have juice and vinegar. Juice means smoothies! And, vinegar? Well, a bunless, cheeseless burger...WITH pickles, mayo, ketchup and mustard is VERY exciting. Believe me. I really underestimated the whole not having vinegar thing. You don't fully comprehend how much something means to you until it's no longer there. Yes, I just used a mushy, love line referring to vinegar. I agree, it was odd.

You wouldn't believe how much tea I've consumed since starting this thing...I used to drink it pretty much daily...but, now? I have a tea cup at all times. It's ridiculous. I've found some good ones but, I'm always open to suggestions? Any good teas you love?

I got a chocolate one for Valentine's day that wasn't horrible...wasn't great either...speaking of not great...I've found some doozies of teas too... *disgusted sigh*...nasty. I try to be adventurous *sips regular, old black tea* and experiment...but, I've had some bad ones...nauseatingly, revoltingly, nose scrunchingly bad ones.

When eating out...it's been mostly burger patties...with lettuce, tomato and onion. Funny thing is...I've never liked tomatoes or onions...but, now...in an effort to make the burger substantially more palatable I've come to appreciate them. Like I said...looking forward to that vinegar!

Today I was home all day...and my diet consisted of hot rice cereal, left over prime rib from yesterday's Valentine's day meal, more hot rice cereal, rice cake crumbs (I was going to eat a rice cake but, after eating a few of the crumbs I decided, "what's the point?"...it's like eating air...), tea, more left over prime rib, hot rice cereal, tea, and...*takes a bite of now cold hot rice cereal and sips once hot cold tea*...oh, the monotony!

I think there was some fruit in there somewhere...I hope.

OH...AND...so...the sauna at the gym was down for about 4 days...so.....I used the steam room. WOW. Craziness. The first time I went in with no idea what a steam room was and hadn't put any thought into what it would be like etc...I didn't realize it was a little room that housed a cloud. *wide eyes* I walked in and just stopped....what was I in!? I stumbled around looking for a seat....finally getting to one...I realized there were other people in there with me....though they were maybe a foot or two away I could only make out general people shapes but, there were voices and though I could have gone with the first humorous conclusion...I was in Heaven with angels around me...I decided to go with the less dramatic, entirely more practical conclusion of...I was surrounded by a bunch of strangers. Finally, after hearing every one's life story and all about their in grown toenails and other dangerous diseases...everybody left and I explored the cloud a bit more freely. My eyes started to adjust...no wait! The cloud had just disappeared a bit. Then...*loud hissing steam noise* the cloud was coming back at full throttle. I tripped back to my seat....and sat there in steamy, cloudish, wide eyed quietness...as new people joined me I found they knew the art of steam rooming. You see apparently it fills up the steam for a minute then stops. During that time it gets comparatively less warm. Hence not quite as effective for the whole sweating thing. Well, some of these seasoned veterans passed on the art of tricking the "when to steam" thing...by squirting cold water on it to get it to just keep trucking. By the time the sauna was back up and running I had a gold star and a new love for the sauna.

I also tried turkey hot dogs. Let me just say they didn't make the grade. The taste was okay...but, the texture was that super cheap, nasty, mushy hot dog texture. Yeah, no.

In case you have no idea what I'm talking about...not sure these will help...
Post 1 about THE Cleanse
Post 2 about THE Cleanse

Well, I'm gonna' tottle off now...hope everyone had a beautiful Valentine's day and hope you have a great week!

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

Short and...

2010-01-25T03:24:00.007-06:00

...sweet. Wait...sweet? Ahhhh! *sighs* I want to taste sweet. Waaaa!

Okay, quick update on the cleanse.

My guesstimate is at least 10 cups (these weren't thimbles either...big mugs...) of tea today.
Not barely enough actual water though. And...didn't make it to the gym so.....I think the whole "sweating" thing is gonna' have to wait for tomorrow. Other then that it's been a good week. Couple of awesome friends made yummy, cleanse okay food and my mom's dinners have been great!

Today was my nephew, Miles, baby dedication...so, party! ...but, with parties come food...and dessert. But, it was okay. I made it. With the help of the above mentioned tea. It's odd but, the main "test" was the salmon dip....oh, it looked so good and I love it so. *pouts*

I'm still just trying to get used to the idea of 4 months....it seems like foooooorrrrreeeeevvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Oh well...it's all good and thankfully food isn't the only thing that makes me happy....... *smiles*

Hope you all had a blessed Sunday!

Happy Monday to you and God bless,
~Unknown Artist

Self Torture Day 4 of 120.........

2010-01-21T21:32:00.007-06:00

SO. I'm on day 4 of a 4 month cleanse. I know...insane. *sighs*

But, anyway...just wanted to do a little "life" update...seeing as this is a blog and all.

Here is a link to the cleanse we're (my dad, mom and sister, Ashley) doing.

NO Dairy.
NO Sugars (including honey, stevia, syrups etc)
NO Yeast
NO Grains (except brown rice...thank goodness!)
NO Beans

...and there are a bunch of other NO foods....here is a link to the list...

The YES foods?

All meats (no pork)
Veggies
Brown rice (including rice cakes and hot brown rice cereal)
Tea (and coffee....which is good...because my mom is very much addicted)
Eggs
Fruit (no oranges)

Anyway...it also includes taking some vitamin/supplement things.
Okay, who am I kidding?! It includes taking TONS of vitamin/supplement things! Seriously...tons. 23 to be exact. Crazy. And, between you and me...I've never been good at swallowing those dealios. Throat is way too small. They get stuck. I'm serious. No, really, quit laughing. *gags on vitamins*

Another oh so incredibly pleasant *sarcasm oozing from every word* aspect of the cleanse is...*drum roll*...

....sweating. Yeah. GROSS. Girls shouldn't sweat. But, it's a big deal to this McCombs fella' that's for sure. Once a day. Hello gym. (they have saunas...which mmmm...warmth...in the middle of a cold, Alaskan winter!) I tried the at home option....which is just a hot bath for 30 minutes. I nearly died. It was hot but, it just didn't seem hot enough to do much to me...unlike the sauna...besides making me light headed and tired of the bath tub real quick.

Oh, and water.

Week 9 we get to start adding things back in. I'm looking forward to that already. Juice...that means smoothies! There is hope! Oh....and the vinegar will be nice to have again. And, popcorn. Until then we're boycotting going to the movies because of the delicious smell of tempting popcorn.

It's not the funnest thing I've ever done but, I suppose I'm not really doing it for the fun of it...more the thrill factor. Can I make it? Will I survive? Do I have the will power? The endurance? The guts? That sort of the thing. Oh, yeah and the health benefits. I guess I'm doing it for that too.

So, have any of you ventured into the painfully, healthy world of cleansing?

Well, good night...I need to go take more supplements and drink more water...way behind today...and get some sleep.

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

"A Perfect Hatred"...

2010-01-11T18:09:00.004-06:00

An article by Joel McDurmon put out by American Vision ...

Very worth while read, here is an excerpt...

"The problem is that in modern society, we have let the liberals and
heathen define the values for us.

Instead of gathering our standards of
what is to be loved and what is to be “hated” from God’s word, we are
supposed to accept the shouts of shame from li...berals—shouts which
derive directly from their rejection of God’s word and replacing of God’s standards with their own value system.

Worse yet, we never fire back
from our biblically based definitions: we never expose the liberals as
the real haters—haters of God, haters of righteousness, haters of
freedom.

This leaves the liberals in control of the discourse over
social values."

READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE HERE...

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

Day 7 of 7!

2010-01-08T01:59:00.012-06:00

Wow, 7 days already...crazy.

Well, here are our day 7 outfits....Ash and Lauren's pictures turned out messed up, ugh. They were so pretty too!

^^Lauren's hair is getting so long! Beautiful!

Lauren's Outfit Specs:

Skirt, JCPenney
Top, Costco
Socks, Target
Earrings, Fred Meyer
Boots, MomZ, ~$5
Necklace, belonged to my Grandma

Are we noticing a trend? Target, JCPenney, Fred Meyer, JCPenney, Fred Meyer, Target.... :D

^^Gorgeous Ashley...

^^Our boots.

^^So, by day 7 I have gone crazy....ha, no, but sure looks like it...

^^We were trying to take pictures and she came in and once again...
...wanted to snuggle. Pretty funny dog.

^^Ashley did my hair...in 2 minutes at 7 am...she's awesome like that.

My outfit specs:
White cardigan...Old Navy...
Shirt....Forever 21...for under $4...
Skirt...Banana Republic...on Ebay for next to nothing...
Same boots as day 2 ...from Target
Necklace...not a clue. It's old and if you look you can see nail polish all over it... ;)
Earrings...a Christmas present from the McClures...

I know some of you started a day or so late...so....I'm excited to see the rest of your posts! =)

Remember if you're doing the challenge...add your links to your posts below!

Alright, folks...you can read more about the challenge here...

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

Day 6 of 7....in which we pose with old books...

2010-01-07T00:47:00.012-06:00

So, another day around the house. Tomorrow I actually have to be at an office mtg...so, you'll get to see my version of business clothes. =D

^^Notice Riley...wondering when I'm gonna' notice him...he's something else...

^^One of the most beautiful fairy tale books...ever....

My outfit specs:
Dress is from Target online...it was under $20 I believe...
Shirt is from Urban Vibe....bought it years and years ago...
Camisole is my favorite. Not sure the where and when.
Shoes are a $3 find from Target....*happy smile* I've worn them every single day the last week (house shoes)...so, finally they get mentioned.
Hair in a ballet bun and a shiny, gold head band.

^^"Dying Thoughts"...we grabbed the book as prop...sort of morbid..but, very pretty...

^^Lauren wanted me to let you all know that those are her house shoes. =D

Lauren's Outfit Specs:

Skirt: JCPenney
Top: A department store, I think
Earrings: Fred Meyer, ~$3
Shoes (my house shoes): Payless, I think

^^Whoa, messed this photo up...but, she's showing off her engagement ring.

^^She loves it...and who it's from...quite a bit I guess...

^^Haha, Riley on HIS heat blanket in the background...
...while Ash is covered in Riley hair...yikes!

^^Ashley...and the beautiful book...on her head...
*raises left eyebrow*

I really need to ask Ashley for all the brands and info on her outfits...

Remember if you're doing the challenge...add your links to your posts below!

Alright, folks...you can read more about the challenge here...

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

Day 5 of 7....

2010-01-06T01:04:00.009-06:00

Welcome to day 5 of the Feelin' Feminine Challenge! Another stay home and work on the computer day. I honestly wouldn't probably wear this out....I just wasn't feeling happy in this one. But, it was okay for being home I guess.
Also, pictures were again, last minute, and it gets dark early so, they're kind of blah.

^^Lauren and her son, my nephew, Chub-o. (or Little Tait...). She wasn't actually planning on doing pictures etc today as the Little Tait isn't feeling well etc (SHE says to say she wasn't even going to get dressed...)...but, Little Tait was just too cute to pass up taking a few quick pictures.

Okay...so...here they are...

My outfit specs:
Cardigan...Old Navy
Shirt...a department store in Maryland...I don't remember which...
Jean Skirt...Fred Meyers.
Boots...really, really, really old and worn...they're falling apart....from Fred Meyers....

Remember if you're doing the challenge...add your links to your posts below!

Alright, folks...you can read more about the challenge here...

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

Day 4 of 7!

2010-01-05T00:03:00.010-06:00

Haven't had a chance to take Lauren's yet...but, when she gets home I will! She looked adorable when I saw her (heading to town)...12:08 am update...scratch that. They are now posted. =)

Stayed home today, worked, played, that sort of thing. Nothing too strenuous and nothing requiring a super warm outfit. =)

^^I took Lauren's at 11 pm...Ash and mine are from earlier this afternoon...

Lauren's outfit specs:

Skirt, Gap, ~$5 on clearance
Top, I'm not sure ... some dep...artment store, maybe?
Tank, Target
Socks (under), Fred Meyer
Socks (over), Target
Boots, Nordstrom (They're Uggs)
Necklace, Forever21
Headband, I'm not sure ... maybe Charlotte Russe?

^^My sister, Ashley...always looks amazing. Some people. *teasingly disgusted*...oh, and those are so my tights. They don't look like that on me though. Can we say tomato legs. =D

^^Sometimes I'd love to know what I'm thinking. Yeah, I just cracked myself up.

^^Me apologizing for my Au natural hair.

^^Pretty snow!

^^The dog...kept getting in the pictures and just wanted to snuggle...
...not sure what was going on...but, I informed her that she failed the Challenge but, she still wanted in on the pictures...

^^Oh so contemplative.

My outfit specs:
Scarf...you know...one of those crazy, boho, hippie shops...I think I got at the fair.
Corduroy jacket...vintage! Love it. Someone gave it to my mom and grandmother in the 70's...
Blue (short sleeved) turtleneckish shirt...Old Navy
Skirt...Nordstoms...BP...amazing clearance price
My faithful cowgirl boots...Ariats...Ebay.
My OTHER leaf earrings. I love them too.

Wow, this week is flying by! I'm enjoying everyone's day 4 outfits! Thanks, everyone for the comments as well!

Remember if you're doing the challenge...add your links to your posts below!

You can read more about the challenge here...

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

Day 3 of 7! Lauren, Ashley and I....again!

2010-01-04T02:48:00.011-06:00

Well, 12:30 am so...I'm late-ish. It was a super fun Sunday spent with tons of great friends and family members!
Anyway, onto the outfits...pictures were a last minute, "yikes it's 10 pm", thing...

^^My sister, Ashley...her hair was neat...

^^My sister-in-law, Lauren...looking beautiful as always...

(the little boy is a good friend's...he's a cutie!)

Lauren's Outfit Specs:
Skirt, made by Lauren
Top, Old Navy, $22.50 (the most I'll ever consider spending on a top)
Socks (under), Fred Meyer
Socks (over), Target
Earrings, Old Navy
Coat, Urban Vibe, $15
Scarf, Old Navy, ~$2 on clearance
Boots, MomZ, $5

^^Am I the only one the loves tea yet, never can seem to get to it while it's actually hot?

Well, today I was able to get in a couple warm cups! Yay!

^^Sorry about the lack of shoes...I was wearing my cowgirl boots...when I went outside anyway...

^^Seriously, these are from around 10 at night...
...and my semi, randomly curled hair was getting feisty....

Outfit Specs:
Incredible blue puffer vest...Old Navy...I love vests...
Grey or is it gray? What do you think...hmmm... ahem...turtleneck..from Walmart...$3
Tiered jean skirt...got it at Kohls...It's Chaps Denim...
Brown tights...probably Gap. That's where we always get that sort of stuff...
Earrings are my mom's. =)

Loving everyone's posts! You all are beautiful!

Remember if you're doing the challenge...add your links to your posts below!

You can read more about the challenge here...

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

Day 2 of 7! Lauren, Ashley and I!

2010-01-02T21:09:00.014-06:00

Good evening!

Well, it was a rather chilly day today...but, wasn't out too long in it. Went to town and am now home and sipping hot chocolate. *happy smile*

I'm posting a ton of pictures...because we took a ton...and we had fun! Plus, the first and second one are random not really for the challenge pictures but, I'm not gonna' post them separately so...here they are. =D Also, these are in chronological order...that's why there's some of me, Lauren, me, etc.

^^My youngest nephew, Miles and I in front of our Christmas tree

^^See what you can do in a dress? =D Ahem....no, I didn't actually...

...but...it was funny at the time...

^^My beautiful sister-in-law, Lauren...

^^Was trying to show the buttons on my boots...

After we took those we headed to town...and on the way we stopped and took a few more...

^^My gorgeous big sister, Ashley...she is the ultimate lady...Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly ain't got nothin' on her. ;D

^^Such lovely models I have huh?

Lauren's specs on her outfit are:
Skirt, Ross ($14)
Shirt, Old Navy
Tank, Target
Earrings, Target or Fred Meyer
Necklace, Forever21
Shoes, Nordstrom (Dansko)
Coat, ChristaTaylor.com (Free; I won a drawing for $150 of Christa Taylor clothes!)
Scarf, Fred Meyer
Socks, MomZ
Makeup, Earthfare & Target
Contacts, Fred Meyer
Smile, my parents and Dr. Bocklet Orthodontics

^^hair was in a funky, twisted bun...

^^Me. *smiles*

Okay, specifics on my outfit:

Dress from Old Navy
Long sleeved brown t-shirt...it's my mom's...not sure the brand....
Sweater...uber comfy and green...from Old Navy.
Leggings...Wet Seal...for pittance.
Scarf...is my sisters...no idea where she got it...
Boots are from Target.
Earrings...probably...Wal-Mart...
Flower pin...is actually a jacket pin. Yes, I put a pokey pin in my hair. By myself. It was scary. =D I think it came with a purse. But, I'm not sure. =)

SO...did you notice all three of us are wearing scarves? They are a must for cold weather and they can be so beautiful and feminine...adds pizazz to any outfit!

Remember if you're doing the challenge...add your links to your posts below!

Alright, folks...you can read more about the challenge here...

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

Day 1 of 7!

2010-01-02T00:32:00.009-06:00

Ahem, sorry that this is such a late in the evening post but, it's been a very fun, busy day!

Only had a few minutes and my sister took these very quickly...so, sorry they really aren't that....detailed. Yes, yes, I just posted 3 pictures that are more or less exactly the same and a 4th showing that my hair is a little scary but.....but....we were in a hurry! =D No, really I was sloppy today..."hair?! Hair?! I forgot I had hair?! ...oh, pony tail....yay."

I know, excuses, excuses. Speaking of which...if you don't think you can/should join me in the challenge because a. you wear dresses all of the time anyway, b. you can't do all of the days or c. *insert any other reason here*...my answer to a. would be, "Yes, I do as well...but, it's fun and encouraging to see other ladies doing the same..." and to b., "...that's okay! Do as much as you can!" and to c., "*lowers gaze and gives Estherish look*.

Specifics on what I'm wearing:

Dress...$7 from Target....*thumbs up*

Tank top...from....I don't know but, the brand is Energy.

Boyfriend sweater...$9 from Old Navy...it's super old and dying but, I still love it.

Earrings....Forever 21...do I even need to mention the price? Forever 21 has the best jewelry at super Esther-approved prices...bliss.

Remember if you're doing the challenge...add your links to your posts below!

Alright, folks...you can read more about the challenge here...

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

I challenge YOU to 7 days.....in a dress...

2010-01-01T04:41:00.015-06:00

...or skirt...whichever you prefer. =)

Happy New Year!
I hope that 2009 was a wonderful year
for each and everyone of you
and that twenty-ten will be even better!

And, ladies, what better way to welcome the new year then to do a little challenge?

....no, I don't mean the typical new year's resolutions type challenge...lose weight, work out, be nice etc.

I'm actually referring to Feelin' Feminine's 7 Days in a Dress Challenge!

This is a challenge to wear dresses/skirts....for one week. If you don't usually wear dresses/skirts...or even if you do...I'd encourage you to participate as much as you can. For me, this is a great way to prove to myself and the world that Biblical femininity DOES indeed exist and that we are NOT ashamed of who we are. Women. Ladies. Gals. Females. Equal yet, positively and uniquely distinct and different from Men. Gentlemen. Fellas'. Males. Which many Bible verses confirm. Both equally important and at the same time different. Nothing to be ashamed of or upset about.

I know many of you who read my blog share my convictions to be modest, chaste, lovely, pure, feminine.
But, when we look around at the "norm", movies, magazines, internet, even friends and family; sometimes it just feels hopeless, like we're alone and that we're the only ones with these convictions...and so, I hope this challenge not only challenges but, also encourages. You are not alone.

As 1st Peter 3 boldly and clearly states...our end goal is not to be stylish or attractive (not that those in and of themselves are entirely wrong but, we must always dress keeping 1st Timothy 2:9-10 in mind) but, it is to have a meek and quiet spirit.

And, with all that. I will get on to my version of the challenge and it's details. I am hosting this month's challenge (you can read Miss Lisa's post about it and again, the main challenge post) so, if you decide to join the challenge please come back here and add your link to the list.

Alright, so...the challenge starts today (the 1st of January and ends the 7th)

1. Wear a different skirt or dress each day of the week, have fun! Get creative! Look like the daughter of the King you are!
As the challenge guidelines state,
"...you can easily be modest and fashionable at the same time. Being modest and feminine doesn't mean wearing a skirt that covers your toes and a shirt that comes all the way up to your neck, or has dull colors. No! You can be modest, feminine, lovely, beautiful and stylish all at the same time! Put on a hat if you want; Dress up with some jewelry and fix your hair in a lovely fashion. Fix your hair a different way each day of the challenge week. Be creative and try new hairstyles. Show us pictures of daily activities of you in your skirts. Show us how you can look modest and feminine, yet with some added style."
I wholeheartedly agree!

2. Change up your hair each day...this is the challenging part for me....ahhhh!

3. Post a picture (or a whole photo shoot...fun!) of your outfit each day on your blog.
I can't wait to see your posts!

4. Add your link to the list!
I would love it if you could not only add a link to your site but, each day actually add a link to the specific, individual blog posts with your outfits.
This way myself and others won't have to dig too incredibly hard (I say this cause I was trying to find some previous challenge posts...ahhh...) to find your posts related to the challenge.
If you don't I'll survive but, it seemed like a good way to stay organized to me. =)

It's somewhere around 2:40 AM here (Alaska) so, I'm gonna' turn in but, once again hope you have a happy new year and looking forward to seeing your outfits...

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

Any thoughts?

2009-12-29T16:06:00.016-06:00

"Quit Work to Help Your Husband...thanks, we're ahead of this curve"

Here's an excerpt,

"This feminist author is experiencing an eye-opening revelation -- but it's one that most of us stay-at-home wives and mothers have known and lived for years.

If we've said it once, we've said it a hundred times: a homemaker is not a drudge, a housekeeping automaton, a doll, or arm candy. A wife of vision understands that what she does impacts her family now and in the long term. None of the epiphany experienced by Basham comes as a surprise to women who embrace Proverbs 31 and live it to the fullest.

A husband and wife dedicated to a single vision are far more effective and powerful than a divided household where each half pursues its own interests and goals. This is why a wife who submits to her husband's vision and leadership is anything but a doormat--she is a powerhouse for a serious, long-term success."

I had read this awhile ago but, was reminded of it again when Kelly posted it to her facebook so, HT to Kelly (from ahthelife.blogspot.com)

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

P.S. HEADS UP: Who wants to join me in a few days (first week in January) for the

Feelin' Feminine 7 Days in a Dress challenge?

Get thinkin' about it, ladies! It'll be fun and encouraging! I'm looking forward to it! ...oh, and I mention this because I know many of you have asked...but, you'll get to see me in what I wear in Alaska in the winter!

Pecan Bars and Russian Tea Cakes...(Dedicated to Kinsey)

2009-12-23T21:46:00.012-06:00

Here are a couple recipes I've made the last few days that I wanted to share...pretty standard but, Kinsey asked for some recipes...so, figured I just make a blog post of it! =)

First off...Pecan bars...these are really addicting!

Pecan Pie Bars I

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups light corn syrup
1 1/2 cups white sugar
3 tablespoons margarine, melted
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease the sides and bottom of one 15x10 inch pan.
In a large bowl combine the flour, 1/2 cup sugar, margarine or butter and salt until the mixture resemble coarse crumbs. Press firmly into the prepared pan.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 20 minutes.
In a large bowl stir the eggs, corn syrup 1 1/2 cups white sugar, melted margarine and vanilla until blended. Stir in the chopped pecans.
Spread the filling evenly over the hot crust. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 25 minutes or until set. Let cool before slicing.

^^Press, press, press....

^^Eggs...SO exciting.

^^This is how "chopped" mine were...I never know how small or how large I should "chop" but, these turned out great...

^^Ready to spend some time in the "sun"....

^^All baked

^^I don't usually go for nutty desserts but, these make me happy.

Next up...Russian Tea Cakes...

Russian Tea Cakes I

Ingredients

1 Cup Butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar for decoration

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a medium bowl, cream butter and vanilla until smooth. Combine the 6 tablespoons confectioners' sugar and flour; stir into the butter mixture until just blended. Mix in the chopped walnuts. Roll dough into 1 inch balls, and place them 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake for 12 minutes in the preheated oven. When cool, roll in remaining confectioners' sugar. I also like to roll mine in the sugar a second time.

^^All rolled and ready to bake

^^YUM!

^^Hanging with their new, truffle friends...it'll be a short...but, sweet...friendship

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

You want a title?! Ugh...I have no idea...it's a quote. By Benjamin Franklin. shrugs shoulders That'll have to do...

2009-12-23T20:25:00.011-06:00

"How many observe Christ's birthday!

How few, his precepts!

O! 'tis easier to keep holidays than commandments."

- Benjamin Franklin

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

Housewife Superstars! ...and 7 Days in a Dress Challenge heads up!

2009-12-23T01:24:00.011-06:00

Came across THIS through Ladies Against Feminism.
Just thought it was sort of neat.
I don't know, I kind of think it wanted to be biased against housewives but, in the end...looking at the beautiful examples they interviewed the best they could do was that "some people choose the roller coaster and some people choose the merry go round..." (not a word for word...but, the general idea sort of using their example so, figured I'd use quotations. =D) and decided to let the viewer decide.
I thought all of the women interviewed all did quite well...and the housewives were so pleasant and lovely. Hmmm...inspiring. Plus, you have to admit, the accents are just plain cute.

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

P.S. HEADS UP: Who wants to join me next month for the Feelin' Feminine 7 Days in a Dress challenge? Get thinkin' about it, ladies! It'll be fun and encouraging! I'm looking forward to it! ...oh, and I mention this because I know many of you have asked...but, you'll get to see me in what I wear in Alaska in the winter!

Baaa! Baaa!

2009-12-19T20:28:00.003-06:00

"Democracy is a form of government where two wolves & one sheep vote on what to eat for dinner. A Constitutional Republic is a form of government where no one has the right to vote on what to eat for dinner AND all sheep carry firearms." HT to my sister-in-law, Lauren who got this from someone she knows. She posted this as her facebook status....

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

In the words of Velma, "Verrry Interesting"...

2009-12-19T15:45:00.004-06:00

I am not sure what I think of this actually. First I am mad. Then I realize this is a girl who is in a STATE run PUBLIC school. They have every right to turn her mic off. Just as SHE has every right to say what she wants. Really, it's all about who gives in first. Personally, I think she would be an even better testimony if she was following God's word and at home, learning to be a Godly future wife and mother. Just my two cents. BUT, I do commend her for her boldness.

Wow....is this politcally correct?

2009-12-09T20:32:00.005-06:00

Who cares. Way to go, Dockers!

MEN WORE THE PANTS

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

Did you see this...?

2009-11-25T13:53:00.004-06:00

I just thought it was very neat....MAN TRAPPED IN COMA FOR 23 YEARS
Have a super happy Thanksgiving!

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

Cousin love...

2009-11-19T14:14:00.005-06:00

My nieces and nephews are all so precious!

Here is a picture of Liam, Aiden and their new baby cousin...Miles Zimmerman...they love each other so much!

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

It snowed a couple days ago...

2009-11-12T17:45:00.005-06:00

But, here are a few more pictures from our beautiful fall! It went on and on forever! And, suddenly we have snow...which is also beautiful.

These were taken on a walk on October 31st...

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

Random, wispy, fall picture...

2009-11-04T23:36:00.005-06:00

Hope everyone had a happy Wednesday!

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

You HAVE to watch this...

2009-10-27T00:23:00.002-05:00

We've taken up farming...or at least sticking our heads through holes in painted boards...

2009-10-25T00:16:00.004-05:00

My nephew, Kale

My niece, Izabel

My nephew, Liam

The crazy auntie, Me

God bless,

~Unknown Artist

"ip'n'ide"

2009-10-15T02:43:00.007-05:00

My new all time favorite picture of my nephew, Liam.

Found this when I was posting my August pictures to my Facebook....

...what can I say? He was rather thrilled that he got what he wanted...an "ip'n'ide"...

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

Happy Sunday, Monday, Tuesday days. Days 5-7...

2009-10-07T02:13:00.009-05:00

Day 1's Post
Day 2's Post
Day 3 and 4's Post
Day 5, 6 and 7's Post

So, in my last post I mixed up day 5's pictures with 6's....so, here are the right ones along with days 6 and 7.

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7...today!

^^Blogger is NOT letting me delete this picture...ahhhh!

Alright, that's all for now...I'm beat!
God bless,
~Esther

Catch up on all the busy days day. Day 3-4 of 7...

2009-10-06T21:40:00.010-05:00

Day 1's Post
Day 2's Post
Day 3 and 4's Post
Day 5, 6 and 7's Post

You thought I had had abandoned the challenge, didn't cha'? =D
Okay...so...after my nephew, STILL Mr. No Name, was born on Thursday...things haven't stopped...or if they have...I wasn't around an internet connection to take advantage of it stopping.

Anyhow, so day 3 and 4's pictures were last minute, right before bed, end of the day, "Ash, can you pleeeasse?"...but, oh well...I'll quit with the excuses.

Oh, also...hair. I change what's going on with my hair quite often during the day it seems...and this week really haven't kept that as the focus...as you can tell. =)

Well, I thought I had a couple minutes but, looks like I only have one....gotta' run!
At the hospital and now heading off with Ashley and Ryan...

EDIT: In my attempt to hurry...I posted day 6's pictures instead of day 5's! Sorry...I'll post them both together right now...

Day 3

Don't mind the hair...just came out of a braid...so nasty looking!

Day 4

Day 5...uh nope...this is day 6...oops. =) HERE is day 5 (and 6...and 7)

He doesn't have a name yet...

2009-10-03T18:47:00.067-05:00

I was going to put new baby's name as the title...but...he doesn't have one...yet.
We'll see if he gets one tomorrow. =D

Name or no name...he is so adorable!

Thursday afternoon my brother, Tait and his wife, Lauren gave birth to their second child...and second boy. (I'm the aunt of 8 darlings...6 nephews, 2 nieces...)
Enter: Mr. No Name.

Many of you are familiar with the story of my nephew, Little Tait...Tait and Lauren's first...how he was born 3 months premature and was in the NICU for 3 months...and is now a healthy, happy, chubby baby boy. Also, check out www.LittleTait.com

New baby's due date was November 4th...so, he's about a month and week early.
He was 6 pounds, 9 ounces, 19.5 inches long, pouty lips, sweet cheeks and just plain adorable!
At only 35 weeks along he's having a few issues and is in the NICU...until....well, until he decides to straighten up. ;D Seriously, though...prayers are much appreciated...we're all looking forward to him coming home as soon as possible.

Right before Lauren and Tait went in for the c-section.
Little Tait was intrigued by his Daddy's new head gear.

Right after...Mr. No Name, my Mom, Tait, Little Tait and myself.

Oohing and awwing!

Being whisked down the hallway to the nursery...once there for about 30 minutes or so...
...it was decided that he would have to go to the NICU... =(

....first he got to spend some quality time with his beautiful, recovering mommy!

He loves his hands! And, so do I!

Well, that's the big news...keep this little man in your prayers...hopefully he will be able to come home very soon...

God bless,
~Esther

I'm an aunt...again day. Day 2 of 7...

2009-10-02T16:41:00.008-05:00

Day 1's Post
Day 2's Post
Day 3 and 4's Post
Day 5, 6 and 7's Post

Here is Day 2's outfit for the "7 Days in a Dress" challenge put on by Feelin' Feminine of www.FeelinFeminine.com ...and this month's challenge is hosted by Antoinette .

Sorry I'm so late in getting yesterday's outfit up...I have a pretty good excuse (as my title hints). I'll post about my newest nephew soon!!

Wasn't able to get any pictures of my outfit until 12:30 am...so, that's why...the lighting...is...special and...I look tired...

Blouse from a local consignment shop...

Tank top...from Target.

Jean skirt from Fred Meyers...

Boots also from Fred Meyers...

...and yes...yet, another day without jewelry. =)

I'll post today's outfit and more about Nephew #6 soon!
God bless,
~Esther

Gray day. Day 1 of 7...

2009-10-01T00:11:00.012-05:00

Day 1's Post
Day 2's Post
Day 3 and 4's Post
Day 5, 6 and 7's Post

So, I've been getting asked what I wear...and more specifically what do I wear now that the weather is getting chilly and windy...and soon...there will be snow...and you know I live in Alaska....and it get's sort of cold sometimes...

Well, I thought maybe I'd start by sharing some pictures...if that helps or if anyone is interested?

Side note: I have a side hobby involving make-up artistry (and photography but, yeah...)...and if anyone wants to know how I do my make-up in general or what products I used and how I did a specific look let me know.

Also...another reason for these pictures are that I am once again taking part in the "7 Days in a Dress" challenge put on by Feelin' Feminine of www.FeelinFeminine.com ...and this month's challenge is hosted by Antoinette

...the "sum up" of the challenge is:

1. Skirts/dresses for a week...(that's pretty much all I wear anyway...I'll definitely try to add a little variety as to color, length etc)

2. A different hair style each day.

3. Post a picture of your outfit each day.

Now, I challenge YOU (as long YOU happens to be a girl...or a boy that really wants to make me laugh =D) to join me. Comment and link back to me so that I know to check out your posts!

Here was my outfit from today...

Photos by my sister, Ashley.

Sweater...one of my favorites...from the Gap. I bought it a few years ago...and I don't think it was on sale so, probably $34.

Skirt...it's from Anthropologie originally...but, I bought it off of Ebay. =) I don't generally pay any more than $15 for Ebay clothes...(unless I really love it or have had it before and wore it out...and need another one *thinking of a couple Gap skirts*....)

Boots are from Target. Who know's how much they were. =P

The wool coat...is from Forever21....for $12.99!

And, the amazing flower clip is made by my uber talented sister, Sherry. I think she should start selling them....they're so awesome!

Oh, and hair....yeah...just nothing. =P

Hope you all have a great night!
God bless,
~Esther

A humorous, well presented take on the flu vaccine...

2009-09-30T03:31:00.003-05:00

Ashley's note and pictures of the OTHER engagement ring...

2009-09-24T20:02:00.008-05:00

Here is Ashley's note...I snatched it off of her Facebook. =)

"We celebrated my birthday a day early and had a double party for Mr. McClure (Ryan's father) and I. So before dinner they decided to go look at Ryan's land; which is always a fun thing to do. We took two vehicles and Mr. McClure, Ryan and I made a stop at Tait's house to admire the progress (the other group had to run to the store for "cream").

When we pulled up to the lot they were waiting for us, apparently having accomplished their mission. "Let's go look at the land Ashley." "Okay Ryan."
Into the foliage we go and walk through the pretty trees (my favorite place to be).

Just as we round a secretive fir *gasp* what fairy did this? before us was a little table all arrayed in white linens, china and flowers. I turn from the fairy scene to Ryan for an explanation and *gasp again* he is on his knee with my grandmother's ring in his fingers "Ashley Laura Zimmerman, will you marry me?"

Now you can guess what I answered?

I love you all and I hope to see you at the happiest day of my life.

~Ashley"

And, here are a few pictures of the other engagement ring...

So, she has our grandmother's and Ryan's grandmother's!

I think she should just tell everyone (very seriously) that one is from someone else...that she refused....but, that she liked the ring so much...she kept it... =P
Haha, I'm kidding, I'm kidding...sort of. Though...It would be pretty funny...*twinkle in eye*

Alright, I'm off to celebrate my oldest nephew, Quinn's...11th birthday!

Quinnie poo...he's one amazing, cool, sweet kid!

God bless,
~Esther

Little?! Tait....

2009-09-16T02:06:00.003-05:00

Somebody likes his food....

Just some pictures of the darling cherub (my nephew Little Tait...go here to read his story: www.LittleTait.com)...I took these about a month ago.

Have a wonderful Wednesday and God bless!
~Esther

Philip and Esther

New blog!

One month from today...

Green eggs...

Christmas Day with Philip

On the 5th day of Christmas...

Ashley's wedding photos...part 1...and 1/2

Ashley's wedding photos...part 1 of 29,346

I'm baaaaack!

Sunday Afternoon...

Hard life.

Just some randomness from that one bike ride...

Day 5....outfit 4...

Day 4....outfit 3...

Day 3...outfit 2...

Auntie/Nephew photoshoot and another challenge...

On the way home...

I still love tea BUT...

Gabe + Shannon + Baby Nathan = Maternity Shoot

Democrats on an escalator...

I love this.

"It seems to be the fashion nowadays for a girl to behave as much like a man as possible.

Well, I won't!

I'll make the best of being a girl and be as nice a specimen as I can: sweet and modest, a dear, dainty thing with clothes smelling all sweet and violety, a soft voice, and pretty, womanly ways.

Since I'm a girl...I prefer to be a real one!"

- Mrs. George de Horne Vaizey

Oh, look! It's 'ze beeeeautiful bride....

Spring? Winter? Spring? Winter? They both work.

"That they may teach the young women..."

Part 2 is up...

More pictures from that one walk forever ago...

Part 1 in which I am questioned....

Coming soon...*excited smile*

My big brother...

We went for a walk last Sunday...

Day 7...the day in which I look like I think it's Christmas...

Day 6...

Day 5...happy day!

Day 4...walk to the mailbox day...

Day 3.....here and there...

Day 2's outfit made possible by...

I wasn't going to...but...

Mmmm...so...dry, bland and crunchy and stuff...

“The future lies before you, like paths of pure white snow. Be careful how you tread it, for every step will show.”

ONE Month...

Short and...

Self Torture Day 4 of 120.........

"A Perfect Hatred"...

Day 7 of 7!

Skirt, JCPenneyTop, CostcoSocks, TargetEarrings, Fred MeyerBoots, MomZ, ~$5Necklace, belonged to my GrandmaAre we noticing a trend? Target, JCPenney, Fred Meyer, JCPenney, Fred Meyer, Target.... :D

Day 6 of 7....in which we pose with old books...

Lauren's Outfit Specs:

Skirt: JCPenneyTop: A department store, I thinkEarrings: Fred Meyer, ~$3Shoes (my house shoes): Payless, I think

Day 5 of 7....

Day 4 of 7!

Skirt, Gap, ~$5 on clearanceTop, I'm not sure ... some dep...artment store, maybe?Tank, TargetSocks (under), Fred MeyerSocks (over), TargetBoots, Nordstrom (They're Uggs)Necklace, Forever21Headband, I'm not sure ... maybe Charlotte Russe?

Day 3 of 7! Lauren, Ashley and I....again!

Day 2 of 7! Lauren, Ashley and I!

Day 1 of 7!

I challenge YOU to 7 days.....in a dress...

Any thoughts?

God bless,~Unknown Artist P.S. HEADS UP: Who wants to join me in a few days (first week in January) for the

Feelin' Feminine 7 Days in a Dress challenge?

Get thinkin' about it, ladies! It'll be fun and encouraging! I'm looking forward to it! ...oh, and I mention this because I know many of you have asked...but, you'll get to see me in what I wear in Alaska in the winter!

Pecan Bars and Russian Tea Cakes...(Dedicated to Kinsey)

Ingredients

Directions

Ingredients

Directions

God bless,~Unknown Artist

You want a title?! Ugh...I have no idea...it's a quote. By Benjamin Franklin. *shrugs shoulders* That'll have to do...

"How many observe Christ's birthday!

How few, his precepts!

O! 'tis easier to keep holidays than commandments."

- Benjamin Franklin

God bless,~Unknown Artist

Housewife Superstars! ...and 7 Days in a Dress Challenge heads up!

God bless,~Unknown Artist

Baaa! Baaa!

God bless,~Unknown Artist

Coming soon...excited smile

Skirt, JCPenney
Top, Costco
Socks, Target
Earrings, Fred Meyer
Boots, MomZ, ~$5
Necklace, belonged to my Grandma

Are we noticing a trend? Target, JCPenney, Fred Meyer, JCPenney, Fred Meyer, Target.... :D

Skirt: JCPenney
Top: A department store, I think
Earrings: Fred Meyer, ~$3
Shoes (my house shoes): Payless, I think

Skirt, Gap, ~$5 on clearance
Top, I'm not sure ... some dep...artment store, maybe?
Tank, Target
Socks (under), Fred Meyer
Socks (over), Target
Boots, Nordstrom (They're Uggs)
Necklace, Forever21
Headband, I'm not sure ... maybe Charlotte Russe?

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

P.S. HEADS UP: Who wants to join me in a few days (first week in January) for the

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

You want a title?! Ugh...I have no idea...it's a quote. By Benjamin Franklin. shrugs shoulders That'll have to do...

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

God bless,
~Unknown Artist

God bless,
~Unknown Artist