Elk River

‘Twas Friday, the 23rd, and we were not to be found at home. *eerie music* K, not really. I’ll try to be serious for once.
Friday, my family and I went…up (it’s not straight up, it’s more northwest) to Elk River to a Rendezvous historical reenactment type thing with Toby and his family. It was similar to the Stockade here. There were tents set up (Like old-fashioned tents, ya know…) where people camped, and sold things. They were dressed up and all. It was pretty fun :) The thing we probably all spent the most time around was either the Blacksmith one, watching the two dudes make tomahawk heads and stuff, or at the knife-throwing log. That was real fun. Like real real fun. I hadn’t thrown my knife in a while before that, because it had broke, and even though I got a second one, I hadn’t chanced throwing it yet. But I did there, and it stuck all but one time that I threw it. Toby so graciously let me throw his tomahawk a couple times as well. That was also very nice. I think it only stuck…once though…
There was one tent, with this one guy who was trying to get us all to try the pickled eggs. Most of ‘us’ did I believe. I certainly didn’t. They looked, and most likely smelled and tasted nasty. I give everyone who tried it credit. I wouldn’t do it.
I’d probably have pictures to share, except I forgot my camera at home. Yes, that happens a lot. My camera isn’t #1 on my grab-list I guess…Oh well. Sorry, no photos.
There were about…12 tents I think…going by memory here, so could be wrong. But I believe that was about it. And then one came late and sent up too.
While watching the blacksmiths, Dad decided we need a forge. And an anvil. I’d like that too, but Dad, where are we going to get those? :D
We were there from a little after noon, till almost 4:00pm I think. It was enjoyable, to be sure. My personal favourite part was throwing the knives, even if I only did it a few times. It is greatly and immensely grand. Something I definitely enjoy. There’s just something about it. When the blade hits the wood, it’s almost as if you can feel it right from leaving your hand. I don’t know how to explain it, but it’s splendid.
When we left, we (my family) first ran to the Walmart there for a bathroom break (I really had to pee, just in case you all were wondering ;) ) and get some water (I again, was very thristy. My throat was dry.) When we finally tried to get out of Elk River, we had a wee bit of trouble. The roads were all changed and whatnot, since the last either one of my parents had driven up there. I don’t think we left E.R. until like 45 minutes later! We did make it home though! ;) Oh and I didn’t get to see any Elk. Very disappointing. ;)

The Million Dollar Question (100th post!)

Yes, it is time to answer that million dollar question!

The Million Dollar Question: Is tomorrow really my birthday, and am I really getting married?

The correct answer is….no. Unless it is October 9th, and even then it is only half true. The tenth is when I’m getting married. Hahaha, jk. That’s when I’m older ;)
Now in all seriousness. No ’tis not true that saying of mine. I have been saying that nigh unto…three or so straight years. I know, sad. And annoying to some. We all have our little quirks though, don’t we? Now, don’t panic. I don’t say it everyday. Just almost everyday. And I don’t say it on my birthday, or my wedding day. (Which actually has yet to happen, surprisingly…)

I know you were all just dying to know if that question was true (You: Not really, Raechel. Didn’t even know you said it.) so I decided that this would be a good way to do my 100th post. Yep, congrats to me for blogging 100 posts in…a little over a year.As my grandpa said about being on the Jane Austen tour in England, Whoopee.
This blog was started on our beloved Jibe Now. *Sigh* how we miss thee dear friend!
And so ends this thrilling post.

And I wonder

As I sat out on this swing the other day, just thinking,

I couldn’t help but also think that Noah might one day sit there doing the same thing. The tractor swing seems to be the young adult swing, where one thinks about their life, and their future. Dallas did, and how funny that I am now too. Same age no less. Will Noah get to see the same view from swinging?

Not that it’s the most stunning view or anything, but when she’s fifteen or sixteen, will we even still be here? In the house? I personally hope not…but that’s only because I’ve been wanting to move for quite a few years. Not because I don’t like the house or anything, but I’ve always wanted to live up north. Once you’ve been in Duluth, nothing compares – in my opinion at least.
Yes, it’s true, I get weird like this once in a while. And that’s okay. To know me, you’ve got to know the whole package deal. This is who I am, and only God could change that if He wanted to. :)

Book review by me seestor

The following book review was so kindly done by my elder sister, Dallas. The book is “Indelible” by Kristen Heitzmann. It is part of the Blogging for Books program.

“Rescuing a toddler from the jaws of a mountain lion, Trevor MacDaniel, a high-country outfi tter, sets in motion events he can’t foresee. His act of bravery entwines his life with gifted sculptor Natalie Reeve—and attracts a grim admirer.

Trevor’s need to guard and protect is born of tragedy, prompting his decision to become a search and rescue volunteer. Natalie’s gift of sculpting comes from an unusual disability that seeks release through her creative hands. In each other they see strength and courage as they face an incomprehensible foe.

When a troubled soul views Trevor as archangel and adversary, Redford’s peaceful mountain community is threatened. Together with Police Chief Jonah Westfall, Trevor presses his limits to combat the menace who targets the most helpless and innocent.”

A very compelling story!! It follows the story of her novel “Indivisible”, letting us explore her world of Redford’s mountain community even further.. Though reading the novels in order isn’t necessary, for those that enjoy the continuation of stories, I think it adds to the level of understanding. But each book stands wonderfully on it’s own as well. Filled with unique characters, twisting plots, and suspense and mystery (as always!), this book will keep you turning pages until late into the night. I, personally, am a big Kristen Heitzmann fan, and she hasn’t let me down yet! Masterfully written, it will be a favorite. I highly recommend.

Say hello to the soon-to-be Auntie Rae

Yes, I can finally share some VERY exciting news!!!! (Some of you may or may not know this already…)
Okay, well, the reason I haven’t been able to share anything about it, is because she didn’t want anyone to know just yet, as it is so soon, but she has given us all her permission now.
“Who? What?” Haha.
My sister, Dallas, is pregnant!!!! She’s only about 2 1/2 months along, but we’ve been praying strongly over the life in her belly. I cannot wait to be an aunt. It is sooo exciting! Dallas is already starting to show a little bit, and it’s so cute :)
If ye think of it, send up a little prayer for her if ye would :)
(We’re really hoping for twins. Just so you know! Teehee)
So yes, there is the exciting news :)

The death of a ‘dear’ friend has passed.

Okay, so I exaggerate.
Last evening, when we got home (late) from a friends house, I went out to do my chores, and found my dear old bunny, who’s name is Bunny, dead. I guess I technically could say I knew it was coming that morning. He wouldn’t eat, drink, or move from the one spot. (And no, he was not dead yet.) But the amazing thing is how long this rabbit lived. We got three rabbits as babies, and Bunny’s siblings passed away a few years earlier. One due to escaping (this one was Dallas’s) and the other just due to old age. Who knew Bunny would live till very old age? Let’s say because of my love :D
Bunny was about eight or nine when he died. Long life ay? I did love him very dearly, but I am okay. I don’t know exactly why I was not so depressed to see him dead….I mean, I was of course sad, but really, no tears were shed. I guess I’ve found that as I get older, death doesn’t bother me near as much as it did before.
And now the question is: will I get another rabbit? I don’t know. I love rabbits, but we don’t really have room for another one, because Brenda’s two. The one (his name is Thumper, and he is quite evil) has to go into Bunny’s palace. You see, Thumper’s cage that he’s in now is awful and tiny. And then Orange Bunny (yes, he has a proper name, this isn’t it) has a pretty nice size cage – normal size. Maybe next spring I shall get another…we’ll see :)

I’ve been awarded :)

It has been a long time since I have been blog awarded…:P
Thank you Bekah (http://www.simplemodestfashion.blogspot.com/) for these following two awards!

With this award I believe I also have to share 7 things about myself…

1. I have recently begun to throw knives.
2. I am a little tired, and a little sore, because of my hard bed. Time for new one.
3. Watched a ‘Psych’ last night with family.
4. My cat is sleeping on my lap.
5. I’m learning Russian, and can write my whole name in it.
6. Tomorrows my birthday and I’m getting married. NOT! Just kidding. Couldn’t help it though.
7. Today I get to clean guinea pig cages :P

It says to award 15 people, but I know I couldn’t come up with that many, so I don’t think I shall be awarding anyone. If you want to be awarded, Hey, congratulations! I award you! Go ahead and take these awards, and say you’be been awarded :)

Second award is this:

It’s German for ‘sweet’ or ‘kind’. And I like German a lot :P
This one only requires 5 awards, so mayhaps I shall do that… I here-by award:
RaeAnne (raeanne97.wordpress.com)
Bekah (http://www.simplemodestfashion.blogspot.com/) I know you’ve already been awarded, but here ye go again :)
Amy (http://proverbs31ten.wordpress.com/)
Annie (http://andiebelle.wordpress.com/)
I can’t think of another one….sorry!

If ye don’t want it, don’t feel like you have to. I just had to come up with five people ( 5 girls really. These awards are kind of girly :P ) I know blog :D (which I failed to do…)

A song

This following song can often cause me to cry. I practically sobbed when I listened to it the night after Dallas’s wedding…

Why, you ask does it make me sometimes cry? Especially after Dallas got married? Well, because it’s pretty much our ‘childhood’. I don’t know. The beginning of the song describes what Dallas and I did all the time when we were younger, and now that’s over. We’re not young, she’s married. I’ll be sixteen soon. Not six. It’s just one of those things that creates a memory to come back up that you forgot, or not so much forgot, but left in the back of your mind.
Nobody has to understand, I don’t expect anyone too. I just felt like sharing. :)
And don’t think for a moment that I am not happy where I am at. I am abundantly happy. God has blessed my years. I’ll be an aunt someday soon, God-willing. And that is incredibly exciting.
This is the point where someone slaps me, and says “GET A GRIP RAECHEL!” and I say “I’ve got a grip on life. Just reminiscing. And I’m thankful.”

Dinner anyone?

Weird title, yes.
Last evening Dallas and David came out again, this time having dinner with us and staying longer. We had a very good time together, and it was wonderful to see them after so long! After dinner, (which was yummy porkchops on the grill, cheesy-potatoes, and corn.) we went outside, and David wanted to see me throw my ‘new’ knife, and wanted to try as well. We did that for a while, and Dallas soon wanted to try it. I love her dearly, but well, she’s been this way for ever. Not one to play soft-ball or any sport with. Needless to say she didn’t make the target. But she did try, for which we give her credit! Mum was the same way :P And I have a fear that Noah is turning out the same way…but that’s besides the point!
After that we tossed the football Noah had for a bit. David was fun to do that with, because he’d actually throw it long and far. I’m not all that good at throwing the football (way more used to softball) but I can kick it and catch it well enough. Dallas actually did a pretty nice job of throwing, so good for her! I had to stop when the band-aid on right ring-finger fell off. You see, the day after I got my knife, it fell, and just out of instinct I reached for it, trying to catch it before it fell – I caught it, but managed only to catch the blade which was very sharp, and cut deep. My finger will still bleed if scratched :P Thankfully it doesn’t hurt.
Anywho. So that evening was fun. We also had s’mores.
Sunday, I think it was, Dad and I were out throwing my knife (he tried a huge ax, and then a machetes) and Mum had the camera. Scary thought, ay? Just kidding. She did get some decent pictures, but they’re not loaded on here.
Well, this had no theme at all, really. Oh well. Today is the homeschool picnic deal… :( Yes that was a unhappy smiley. I don’t really want to go, for various reasons. I’ll deal though. :)

The Hayride

(Warning: this post may turn out a bit long, due to it’s telling.)
This post is not going to only be subjected to the Hayride, but rather the entire evening. The title sounded correct though.
Once upon a time, there lived a family of…four. (There in fact used to be five, but one up and left for the marrying scheme.) On a Friday evening, they all got in the car (which is more correctly said as a mini-van) and drove three and about a half miles away to a family from church’s house. They also lived on a farm, and had really adorable cows. But that does not partain to this story.
The evening was filled with a pot-luck, a fire, some games for the children if they so desired to play, and of course, the glorious hay-ride.
The young maiden of the family of four previously stated, came wielding her new knife. First, ye readers must know, that this family was not considered ‘normal’ in their church family. This young maiden was thought especially weird. This young maidens name was none-other than a Lady Raechel, who in fact was not a lady at all in proper being or rule. But that shall be her name as of now for this account.
After having a wee bit of food, the Lady Raechel, and her younger sister, Miss Noah, as well as their mother, Duchess Kelly (who in fact was no duchess at all, but shall be for this account.) These three, found seats by a small table, and ate by themselves, while Duke Kelly (who in fact is no duke at all, but shall be for this certain account.) sat near Duke Art, and Sir Dimitri talking about the royal foot-ball or something. Their story is of no ordeal to us though.
As the three Kelly ladies sat and ate, they were joined by a Duke Steve (who in fact is no duke at all, but shall be for this certain account) He took notice of Lady Raechel’s knife, and was greatly surprised. “I am greatly surprised!”
Another someone joined this group, who was indeed Duchess Mary Anne (who in fact is not a duchess, but shall be for this certain account). This group now sat around talking, Lady Raechel unfortunately being the center of attention, who might have been blushing, but laughed none-the-less. Why was this young maiden the center of the others focus? It was for her knife she carried on her person. Duke Steve was as stated, greatly surprised, and leaned in, saying “What peculiar beings these Kelly ladies be! I am astonished, and quite eager to here more.”
Duchess Kelly did most of the talking, but there were many times when Lady Raechel talked directly indeed. The conversation soon waned, and it was time for the mighty carriage (*ahem* tractor) ride. Duke Mike, who was the leader of the church family, helped the ladies up onto the carriages, (which in fact were not carriages, but metal things, with hay in them, but shall be called carriages for this certain account). The ride was pleasant, and few toads were spotted. The ride went off without a hitch, so to speak.
It was now darkening, when the carriage arrived back at the farm, and the talking continued among the villagers.
Over time, Lady Raechel grew quite tired, and knew her animals awaited her at home, the same became of Duchess Kelly, and Miss Noah. The last thing to do was convince Duke Kelly of this matter. They did, and were off toward their own home, where their animals awaited them. And perhaps a pen and paper for Lady Raechel.

The End.

(This account is true, though some words were altered to fit the way of this telling.)