A little Pinterest closet perusal and some life ramblings...

 Hello lovelies,

I don't exactly know where to start with this post so I pray you to bear with me.  Thank you!

I was scrolling through my Pinterest clothing board when I had some thoughts race through my mind and I wanted to share them with you.  I've pinned these and other outfits that I'll showcase in this post over many months and years.  

When I began to look through these outfits, dreams, ambitions, and aspirations came in a flood.  You see, I usually save outfits that will serve a purpose whether that be for work or play, study or social.  I've been having a tumultuous time of things trying to figure out what's next in my life.  Where do I go?  What do I do?  Who am I?  (I know, so dramatically deep, Sarah.)  

Looking through these outfits reminded me of some of my aspirations and inspirations.  Would you like to be let in on a few?  Sweet!

Ok, this one was a very recent pin but nevertheless, it stood out to me.  I love the cozy yet practical style with soft, light colors.  It reminded me how I want to dress well and comfortably at home doing my daily duties with cheerfulness.  (That's the key-word, cheerfulness. ;)

I love the classic elegance of this outfit.  It looks comfortable yet so stylish!  It also says "grown up" to me too which is what I want to be.  Wearing this outfit, one might feel they could accomplish nearly anything with confidence.

This outfit just shouts Jo and Professor Bhaer to me.  It's studious, classic, and whimsical all at the same time.  Need me to write a solid essay?  Not a problem in this scholarly ensemble.

There's so much to love about this outfit.  I'm a sucker for tights, a good coat, and gloves.  Bonus points for the leather ones!  I also really like how many colors are incorporated.  The more the merrier in my opinion when it comes to outfits!  This is such a versatile yet classy style that would be wonderful for Mass in the morning, classes during the day, and coffee shop visits in the evening. 

Spring is just around the corner.  Wouldn't this outfit be positively smashing for a stroll in the garden or a trip to the library?  The light teal cardigan and the leather belt are some of my favorite parts of this outfit.

With spring, comes picnics.  I absolutely adore sitting on a blanket under the clear blue sky with a breeze rustling the leaves in the trees above.  No picnic is complete without the proper outfit, of course!  Something light and airy that is easy to sit in and feels historic is always my choice.

Now, this is where we adventure a little.  I've had a dream for some years now of being a cowgirl.  I know it's probably not likely in my future but a girl can dream, right?  I may have been raised a city kid but I have had some experience in the country with my friends and I'm not afraid of hard, dirty work.  Of course, this outfit isn't for that.  It would be awesome for a stroll downtown or a night at the rodeo, however!

See?  Good ol' dirt.  But who's to say you have to have boring grubby clothes?  Garden work still requires a cheery uniform!  

Another dream of mine has been to be a teacher.  This outfit definitely fits the bill.  All of the outfits up to this point have been skirts but I really have a soft spot for dresses, pinafores, and jumpers.  Also, puffed sleeves, yes, please!  

This is a fun one.  She styled hiking boots with a strikingly rich outfit.  And look!  Another dress!  Dresses are even better with a sweater or jacket.  These shoes prepare you for nearly any adventure while the outfit is beautiful and exciting.

Finally, an accessory I have yet to make and wear, namely, a shawl.  I do have some scarves that could work as shawls but I have grand plans to knit one (or two or three or more...)  Shawls add elegance to any outfit whisking you away back in time.  They also serve a very practical purpose.  Who doesn't like to snuggle up under an accessory that vaguely resembles a blanket?  I imagine wearing shawls to Mass, outdoors, around the house, reading, drinking tea, visiting with friends, to a wedding, and on a walk with someone special.

I know this post was probably a bit rambly and didn't really explain all my aspirations.  Still, I hope you enjoyed this little perusal of my Pinterest closet and some of the activities I envision with the outfits.  Finally, I wanted to say a word of encouragement.  

I know you may feel like you're at the end of your rope sometimes.  Life can get overwhelming or pretty empty, or both.  We have to remember to look at the bigger picture in small everyday ways.  (I know, that doesn't make much sense, does it?)  But that's the only conclusion I can come to.  I try to look at the big picture and into the future because I'm stuck on something in the now but that can just be intimidating.  I also try to focus on one day at a time but that feels horribly monotonous.  Instead, why don't we try looking at the little moments to come in the future?  These outfits helped me see this for myself.  Since I've associated dreams and goals, some as small as a picnic, others larger such as going to school, with these outfits, I was able to get excited about the moments to come in the future.  Of course, I'm not banking on any of these things happening for sure but little dreams are good to have to help you strive for the future as long as we don't get hung up on these dreams.  Just let them be a little motivation for you and try to live each moment in hope of the future.  Most importantly, live for Our Lord and always strive to please Him.  Even if He seems asleep in the boat of your soul as it's tossed relentlessly on the choppy waves of this life, He sees you and He is loving you in every single moment.  Just because our plans don't work out like we want them to right now doesn't mean Jesus doesn't care or doesn't have a plan for you.  

He's just waiting to unfold His plan for you to see.  Be patient with Him and with yourself.  He's brought you through so many ups and downs already.  He will do it again.  He will satisfy your heart and fulfill all of your dreams.  It may not look exactly like your plans, but believe it or not, it'll be so much better!

Sorry if that was too cheesy.  Sometimes we just need to take a step back, look at some beautiful outfits, and be reminded that no matter our goals or struggles, God's bigger than all of it.  

In cordibus Jesu et Mariae,

Sarah

We Love L M Montgomery Week: Tag!

Hello my lovely readers!!  My poor little blog is still sorely neglected!  But I just couldn't let this week go by without participating in Hamlette's "We Love L M Montgomery Week!"  She's put together such a lovely party complete with this tag, games, and a giveaway so please do go check it all out!

Today, I'll be answering her questions about all things Lucy Maud!  Let's get to it!!

The LMM Tag

1. Who introduced you to L. M. Montgomery's writing? Tell us the story!

You could say my parents indirectly introduced me to LMM's writings through an Anne of Green Gables/Little Women coloring book I had as a child.  I also loved the Anne of Green Gables cartoon. But the first time I picked up an actual copy of Anne, it was in my parochial school library.  The book seemed so big and was above my reading level but I didn't know that until I brought it home and couldn't read the big words and sentences!  Still, I loved the illustrations and couldn't wait for the day that I could actually read the book.

2. What LMM books have you read?

• Anne of Green Gables
• Anne of Avonlea
• Anne of the Island
• Anne of Windy Poplars
• Anne's House of Dreams
• Anne of Ingleside

• Christmas with Anne and Other Holiday Stories
• Chronicles of Avonlea
• Lucy Maud Montgomery Short Stories, 1902-1903

Wow!  You almost don't realize how many you've read until you list them all out like this!  I still need to finish the Anne series and then I hope to read even more!!

3. What movies or shows based on her books have you watched?

As I mentioned in the first answer, I watched the cartoon growing up. Anne's adventures and life were so delightful.

Then, in middle school/high school, I watched Sullivan Entertainment's movies and fell in love with them instantly. (Not the 4th one, however. We do not speak of that one.)

I've also watched the BBC mini-series of "Anne of Avonlea" from 1975 which is also very good in my humble opinion. (More to come on this later in my post for the link-up!)

Finally, I've watched the more recent PBS series which, although delightful, falls a little flat in story, spirit, and casting.

Oh!  And also a few episodes from the first season of "Road to Avonlea!"  I really need to finish it!  It's so precious!!

4. Which LMM character is your kindred spirit, the one you'd like to hang out with in real life?

Is it too cliché to say, Anne?  I mean, I am Anne at heart so would I need to pick someone different?   I suppose so.  Let's go with Gilbert then.  Diana would be wonderful too but over her, I think I'd even say, Phillipa Gordon.  She is a wildly wonderful character and I know she would just lift my spirits anytime I was around her.  She is sensible yet funny and has such a wonderful outlook on life.  Yes, I'd say, even more than Diana, I absolutely love dear Phil.

5. Which LMM character do you relate to the most? And why?

I'm sure many of us will say Anne but I just can't help myself! Back in 2016, I wrote this about relating to Anne:
"Anne and I are both overly romantic, exaggerate, have a bad temper, and are extremely dramatic. But I also like to think we both have generous spirits, a contagious smile, and are great friends."

Yes, that still rings very true.  I also think I've grown up much like Anne did.  We've grown into ourselves, so to speak.  We desire the best for everybody around us and have a very nurturing heart.  Anne is still my best literary friend to this day.

6. Have you ever been to Prince Edward Island?

No, sadly. It is at the near top of my bucket list of places to travel.  It is only preceded by Lisieux, France and Bethlehem.  I've always dreamed of honeymooning there; walking the beaches, strolling the towns, searching out the best and most romantic bridges, seeing "Anne of Green Gables: The Musical", and enjoying everything about it.  God willing, someday I'll make it there.

7. Who is your favorite LMM heroine?

Besides Anne?  Oof!  I haven't read her other series or stand-alone novels so it's hard to say.  There is one heroine from a short story that stuck out to me and I really just loved the story overall.  "The Magical Bond of the Sea" is one of my favorite LMM short stories.  Our heroine is Nora Shelley.  

"It was a wind that sang and piped and keened of many things--but what it sang to each listener was only what was in that listener's heart."

There's just something about a fishing village heroine who needs to discover for herself the life she is called to and deep down loves all the time; a life of drudgery, yes, but filled with the warmth and comfort of home, love, and family.

"They walked up the sands together in the heart of the autumn sunset, with the northwest wind whistling in their ears and the great star of the lighthouse gleaming wanly out against the golden sky."

"I belong to you and the sea.  But I never knew it until I crossed the harbour tonight.  Then I knew--it came to me all at once, like a flood of understanding.  I knew I could never go away again--that I must stay here forever where I could hear that call of wind and waves."

An honorable mention of a short story heroine would also be Marguerite Forrester in "A Sandshore Wooing."  It was a simply delightful story.

8. Who is your favorite LMM hero?

Of course, there's Gil.  But you know who else deserves a mention?  Matthew.  There is something just so comforting about him.  He is so calm and good to Anne from the moment he found her at the station.  He was probably the first person in her life to really just sit and listen to her and answer her questions honestly.  (Well, there were others in Budge Wilson's "Before Green Gables" but that's not Montgomery so we'll leave that for another time.)  Matthew was so good and even heroic in the little ways of life until the very end.  And when I first read the scene of his death in the book, my heart was sobbing.  Yes, Matthew was a hero although we might not think of him that way at first glance.  But he believed in Anne before anyone else, loved her, supported her, and was so proud of her.  He faced the challenges of life with quiet heroism.   (Kind of reminds me of Beth March, don't you think?)

9. Do you have any fun merch related to her books? If so, please share some photos!

Oh yes!!  "Anne of Green Gables" has been my favorite for so long, I have a very nice little collection.  I am so blessed.  I shared most of it over on my old blog here!

10. What are some of your favorite LMM quotations?

Aaah!  There are so many!  Let me just browse my Pinterest and GoodReads highlights really quickly... (This list isn't even including the ones from my Kindle!)  Now, in no particular order...

“Gilbert laughed and clasped tighter the girlish hand that wore his ring. Anne's engagement ring was a circlet of pearls. She had refused to wear a diamond.

"I've never really liked diamonds since I found out they weren't the lovely purple I had dreamed. They will always suggest my old disappointment ."

"But pearls are for tears, the old legend says," Gilbert had objected.

"I'm not afraid of that. And tears can be happy as well as sad. My very happiest moments have been when I had tears in my eyes-- when Marilla told me I might stay at Green Gables--when Matthew gave me the first pretty dress I ever had--when I heard that you were going to recover from the fever. So give me pearls for our troth ring, Gilbert, and I'll willingly accept the sorrow of life with its joy.”

― L.M. Montgomery, Anne's House of Dreams

 

“Even when I'm alone I have real good company — dreams and imaginations and pretendings. I like to be alone now and then, just to think over things and taste them. But I love friendships — and nice, jolly little times with people.”

― L.M. Montgomery, Anne's House of Dreams

“Anne: "But have you ever noticed one encouraging thing about me, Marilla? I never make the same mistake twice".

Marilla: "I don't know as that's much benefit when you're always making new ones".”

― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

 

 

 

“I have a dream," he said slowly. "I persist in dreaming it, although it has often seemed to me that it could never come true. I dream of a home with a hearth-fire in it, a cat and dog, the footsteps of friends -- and you!”

― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of the Island

“Thank goodness air and salvation are still free...and so is laughter.”

― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of the Island

“Gilbert darling, don't let's ever be afraid of things. It's such dreadful slavery. Let's be daring and adventurous and expectant. Let's dance to meet life and all it can bring to us, even if it brings scads of trouble and typhoid and twins!" (Anne to Gilbert)”

― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Windy Poplars

 

“All in all, it was a never-to-be-forgotten summer — one of those summers which come seldom into any life, but leave a rich heritage of beautiful memories in their going — one of those summers which, in a fortunate combination of delightful weather, delightful friends and delightful doing, come as near to perfection as anything can come in this world.”

― L.M. Montgomery, Anne's House of Dreams

 

I know that was a ton of quotes so thanks for scrolling all the way to the bottom!  XD  It is always so incredibly delightful to blog about my love for Anne and LM Montgomery.  Thanks again to Hamlette for hosting this wonderful event!!  I hope you enjoyed this post!!  Let me know in the comments below your favorite things about our beloved authoress!

In cordibus Jesu et Mariae,

Sarah

PS. Here's a bonus quote for you from Montgomery that I was overjoyed to find because I now know she shares my thoughts on knitting!

Courtship: Don’t Let it become a Sinking Ship!

 SOS!  Is an alarm for help from a sinking ship calling out to those around to save the people (the souls) on board.  Well, courtship is another kind of journeying vessel, in a way, and if one has to send out an SOS, “Save our Souls!”  We know something has gone terribly wrong.  So let’s look at some ways to preserve your souls in courtship and not let the ship sink.

1. Be choosy/picky.

In some regards, you can’t be too picky.  It’s important before even “catching feelings” for someone that you set and maintain high standards.  It’s ok if that rules out a lot of random guys around you.  Sure they may be attractive, tall, handsome, funny, and kind, but do they share your values and those of your family?  Even if they share some, are there even one or two big ones that don’t quite match up?  It’s important to make sure you identify your biggest values even before you start to see possible suitors.  Does he attend church? Yes? Great!  But does he attend the same kind of church as you?  Is he Catholic?  Yes?  Cool!  But how seriously does he take his faith?  Seriously?  Yes?  Fantastic?  What are his liturgical preferences?  Does he have any?  Do your ideas and beliefs align?  Is Christ Crucified the center, source, and summit of his life?  Think about these questions and what you desire in a husband.  Is he ok with any old Fr. Jimmy “Mass” with cheesy 70’s music or does he seek out the most reverent, beautiful, and worthy Mass for Our Lord?  And don’t just stop there.  The Catholic community is very nuanced and deep.  There will be lots of things to consider when looking for a future partner.  Try to be detail-oriented.  If we’re not, we could end up making excuses for the differences in opinion that leave holes needing to be patched up precariously.  Not only will these beliefs and preferences affect you; they will affect your future children as well.  It's incredibly important to make sure you both want the same things for your future children, especially where faith community is concerned.

What are his views on family, politics, health (eg. vaccines), community, schooling, gender roles, etc.?  There is a lot to think about and many people don’t know what their expectations or standards are until after they’ve winged a relationship and seen that not every guy, although some are very good guys, meets their important standards entirely.  So talk with your parents, priest, or trusted elder about important standards.  These people know you well and want what's best for you and so they can help you identify important questions when you're coming up blank or preparing the barque of your soul for courtship. 

    2.  Make sure you have a good “crew.”

Many courting couples will only be alone together in public places or in the family home with other family members around.  They may even take a chaperone along on all their outings (which can be a very good and helpful thing.)  But aside from involving your family, it’s important that you keep good friends around too.  Not only are they good for double dates, but friends in general, young or old, single or married, are good to have around.  It allows you to focus on others instead of just yourselves.  Socializing in groups will help keep things balanced.  But not just any friends will do.  Just like in the last recommendation (and even before looking to court in general,) it’s super important to surround yourself with godly and virtuous friends.  These trustworthy souls will be your encouragement and support on your journey holding you accountable and helping you in the pursuit of sanctity.  Find friends that will be the iron to sharpen your iron.  

    3.  “Please, for your safety, keep your hands, feet, arms, and legs inside the vehicle at all times.”

This is a tough one but one I have learned from experience.  PDA; it’s a no-go.  When I was young I thought I’d save hand-holding for engagement.  But when I began courting, I let myself slide.  We agreed we could hold hands but that snowballs into other things.  Our ship was not destroyed by this, thanks be to God, but it certainly let a lot of water on board so when the relationship came to a close, I had a hard time bailing myself out.  Have you ever heard a purity talk about bonding hormones?  Well, they’re real and every hand hold, every embrace, releases these chemically bonding hormones that you’ll just be better off without.  It’s important to remember in courtship that even though you may be “going steady” with one person, you do not belong to each other.  It really should be a very objective relationship in which you allow each other to explore values, beliefs, hopes, dreams, and goals without creating any extra emotional attachments that can be avoided.  There are plenty of other ways to express that you care for someone, (which I’m sure you will end up caring very much for the person you are courting even without signs of physical affection.)  Save PDA at least for engagement.  Don't worry, once you've found "the one", there will be plenty of time for hand-holding. 

    4.  Don't neglect your home port.

It can be very tempting to talk on the phone for hours on end or go out every evening with your special courting friend but be careful not to neglect your duties and your family.  They are the ones God has placed you with in the here and now.  As much as you dream of a future home with your future husband, don't jump the gun and leave your family high and dry.  Make sure to still fulfill your duties as a good daughter or son and enjoy the times you still have with your immediate family.  It may not feel like it, but all too soon, these days will be only distant memories so make them count.  Even though you're discerning marriage, you're probably still a single person living at home and need to take care of laundry, dishes, cooking, cleaning, etc.  Make sure to come into port and take care of business often!  Being faithful in your duties to your family helps to cultivate the virtues of orderliness and diligence in your soul.

Or if you're away from home, don't forget there is still plenty to do for your own self-improvement and well-being.  Don't neglect your own personal growth or daily duties such as work and school just for that extra fun dating time.  You're discerning a future life that will require lots of work and discipline so practice some of it now together and on your own.  

5.  Keep your eyes on the heavens!

This is the most important advice.  When a sailor loses his way at sea, what does he do?  He looks to the skies to find his bearings and orient himself by the sun and the stars.  We too must keep our eyes on the things of heaven whether we're in a courtship or on our own.  It can be easy to neglect personal prayer when you're busy with another person but it is so important to take everything to God in private prayer because He will be the absolute best guide and help for you in this important time of courtship.  Tell him all about your days, your joys, your sorrows, and your questions.  Leave everything in His hands and then pray that He will help you.  He most certainly will.  Don't forget to compare your own observations on the map of courtship with those of God's either.  Examine your relationship from time to time to see if it is leading you towards or away from your heavenly goal.  Does this person sanctify me?  Am I praying less or more than I used to?  Do our values still align?  Have we had disagreements about important matters of faith or morals?  Does my courtship partner seem to be growing closer to God?  If not, are they growing away from God?  You cannot just sit idle.  The little boats of your souls will either float towards God or be swept away by a current away from Him.  If you seem not to be making any progress spiritually, this might be a sign that you are slowly backsliding.  Don't ignore it but redouble your efforts to cultivate virtue and grow in holiness.  Remember to get spiritual direction both on your own and together from time to time.  Read the lives of the saints and ask for their special intercession.

Is this a complete and all-encompassing guide on how to save your souls in courtship?  Probably not.  But I do hope that this advice that I've learned can help you in some way.  Remember that courtship is not just a time to experience romance but first and foremost it is a time to discover if someone would make a good life partner for you.  Life is full of ups and downs, trials, tribulations, and temptations, as well as joys and successes.  Let's pray that we find someone who can help us carry our crosses well on this journey to heaven and who will raise up souls with us for that same goal!

Are there any other helps you thought of to keep your soul from sinking in courtship?  Please do let me know in the comments below.

PS.  Here's something funny for you...

The Winter Wonderland Tag

Hello, my friends!  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  I'm back with yet another tag!  (They are such easy and fun things to post, you know?)  Thank you so much to Samantha over at Bookshire for another wonderful tag!  Let's get started!!

Praecepta:
Link back to The Storybook Journal (the creator of the tag)
Answer the questions; think Winter-y thoughts! Include pictures, if you like.
Tag at least 3 other bloggers, or more if you're feeling ambitious. :)

1. Name a few things you love about Winter and a few things you don't love so much about it.

Winter... I'm not even sure you could call what we experience here in the low desert "winter." 😅  We get lows in the low 40's, maybe the high 30's if we're lucky.  That being said, I do like the cooler temperatures, the ability to bundle up in cute modest winter outfits, drinking tea, seeing Christmas lights, Advent, and of course, Christmas itself!

I don't love the bare trees but other than that, I can't think of much I don't like about winter.  Isn't that odd?  Maybe also the fact that it gets darker earlier but this year hasn't been very bad because our house is all cozy with Christmas decorations. 😊

2. When you were a child, did you "believe" in Santa Claus?

Yes, yes I did.  I know, "shock and disbelief!" 😱  My parents did a wonderful job of playing Santa and the Easter Bunny and I loved Santa.  But Christmas was still first and foremost about the Baby Jesus.  Santa certainly wasn't the star of the show.  When I was 12 or so (if I remember correctly,) I found a receipt for one of my Christmas gifts from Santa in the garage and went to ask my mom about it.  Thankfully my sister didn't catch on so I got to have a good laugh when Easter came around and she still thought the Easter bunny was real.  I don't remember the discovery coming as a shock to me.  It just made sense as Santa was a bit far-fetched since we didn't have a chimney and he was able to visit every kid across the globe in just one night. 😅  It was really a seamless transition, I think.

Credit: Pinterest

Sam also asked if her readers would keep up the legend of Santa for their kids.  I haven't decided yet and I think I would decide that for sure with my future husband.  I have heard of a beautiful tradition of telling your children that the gifts were from Baby Jesus and having them write their wishlist with prayers to Him.  Then when they're old enough, you explain that Jesus blessed mommy and daddy with the ability to get them those toys.  Or maybe I'll just stick with Santa because he is a right jolly old elf. 😉

Credit: Pinterest

3. Is there a book or movie that you really love to read in the Winter as opposed to other times of year?

I'm usually pretty busy around Christmas (both before and after) so I don't get a lot of reading in during that time.  But after the beginning rush of the Christmas season has worn off and we reach mid-January, I can settle in with a good book.  This is the time of year I usually read something new.  One year it was "Little Women."  That was a nice winter read.  I also read "Christmas with Anne", a delightful collection of short stories by my favorite authoress, L.M. Montgomery.  I also like to browse through our box of children's Christmas books that I grew up with.  

4. Is there a particular Christmas movie that you watch EVERY year as a tradition?

Credit: Pinterest

Oh yes!!  There are quite a few.  Our family's absolute favorite movie to watch each and every single year is "It's a Wonderful Life."  Other honorable mentions include "White Christmas", "A Christmas Story", "A Charlie Brown Christmas", and in recent years we've added "The Man Who Invented Christmas" to that list.

Credit: Pinterest

5. Do you usually get a real tree or a fake tree for Christmas? Who's in charge of decorating it at your house?

We've had an artificial tree for a number of years (although there was a time in between when we bought a real tree for a number of years.)  We usually like to decorate it as a family in the week before Christmas.  This year, we decorated it on Christmas Eve and that was a wonderful time.  

6. Does your family usually stay home or go visiting (relatives, friends, etc.) on Christmas Day?

Well, we usually start Christmas Day off at church and then come home and enjoy Christmas brunch as a family.  It's been years since we've exchanged many presents between ourselves on Christmas day proper because in the afternoon we go to our cousins' house for dinner and gifts!  But it is always such a fun time with family, food, games, and Christmas cheer.

7. What does your family usually do on New Year's Eve? Any traditions? Do you ever stay up till midnight?

Our New Year's Eve hasn't really kept the same tradition from year to year.  Some years we're at friends' houses, one year we had Mass and Adoration through midnight, other years we've been at home, and others we've celebrated at our cousins' house as well.  It usually involves sparkling apple cider (or now, champagne!)  This year, we were blessed to attend the enthronement to the Sacred Heart of our friends' home on New Year's Eve!  And yes, I always like to stay up past midnight!  It wouldn't feel right to go to bed earlier. 😄

8. Do you get snow where you live? If so, have you ever built a snowman and named him Olaf?

Snow is a rare phenomenon that graces us every 5 years or so.  The last time we had a light dusting of snow here in the valley was January of 2020.  We do have mountains around though and they get snow every year!  So if you go up there, you can experience snow, skiing (I've never been), and sledding!  2 years ago, my boyfriend and I took a trip up to the mountains and built a genuine snowman.  I don't remember what we named him but I don't think it was very original. 😅 It wasn't Olaf though.  

We also made some vanilla snow ice cream.  😋  When I was a little girl and we got some snow in our backyard, my sister and I made a mini-snowman and used a baby carrot for his nose.

9. If it's snowing outside, would you prefer to go outside and build snowmen and enjoy it, or would you rather stay inside with a blanket and something hot to drink and maybe a movie or a book?

Ooh!  Well, since we don't get snow very often, I absolutely love to go out walking in the snow looking at all the beauty around.  If we had more snow, you could guarantee that I would be out sledding and once I got thoroughly cold, I'd come in for a cup (or two or three) of hot cocoa and a cozy movie or book.

10. When do you start looking forward to or getting excited about Spring?

That depends, but usually in February. 😅  Of course it doesn't really feel like spring until maybe late March or even April sometimes but I'm sure our temperatures feel like spring in other colder parts of the country.  I get excited about spring once I can start wearing lighter layers and it's not so cold out.  

Credit: Pinterest

Wow, that was fun!  Thanks again, Sam!!  Now, to tag three other bloggers...

I Tag:

Katherine and Grace @ The Maidens of Green Gables

Catherine @ Femininity From Scratch

And you!  If you'd like to steal this tag, please do share the link to your answers in the comments below! 

Sending warmest wishes for a wonderful 2023!

God love you,

Sarah