Guest Post

   Hello Everyone!

   Its Chloe here! If you don't know who I am. Well, this is me:

   Yeah, I thought it would be fun to tell you what I think about people. And also, I have a lot of questions I want to ask you guys about things I don't understand. I hope you all can help me get some answers. If not, I guess I will just have to deal with it.
   First question is why do I get those crunchy, no-taste-at-all, make-my-mouth-dry dog biscuits you call treats? While human treats consist of candy bars, candy, potato chips, popcorn, and salted peanuts. I eat my treats, and I try to act excited when I get them. Sometimes, it hardly seems fair.
   Another question that goes along with treats. Why must we dogs do tricks in order to get a treat? I get that we look cute when we do them and you enjoy telling us what to do all the time. Humans can just walk into the kitchen and grab a snack while we have to do endless tricks to finally get that little reward. Sometimes, I wonder if its worth it. *sigh*
   Don't even get me on the subject of my dog food! And they wonder why I'm a picky eater. You would too if you had to eat THAT everyday!
   Why do some people try to pick me up and hold me? I'm a dog. Not a baby. Granted, some other dogs out there like to sit in their owner's lap, but I personally do not.
   Also, why do so many people talk to me in that higher than normal voice? Calling me names that don't really make any sense whatsoever. Um, isn't that the way that people talk to babies? We don't have any babies at our house, but every once in a while someone will come over with a baby. And that's definitely how I heard them talking.
   Oh, and why do I have to sleep on the floor while humans sleep in those huge, comfy beds?
   Well, I think those are all of my questions. But I do have a few things to say. I know I did a lot of complaining on here, but overall, humans aren't that bad. I don't only get those dry, bland treats. They do spend a little extra sometimes to get me things that I really like. Annah likes to give me a little taste of her dinner now and then. I do sleep on a comfy sleeping bag and pillow that they don't use anymore. (I love pillows by the way). Every person seems to know that one of my favorite thing ever is to be petted. When I'm sick or hurt they take me to the vet. That can cost a lot too. Rebecca always takes me around the block everyday. Every once in a while I'll go for a car ride and walk at the park! That and jerky are the best things ever! They always make sure I have water and food. Oh, and did I mention that I don't have to sleep outside like some other dogs I know do?
   I'm just speaking for myself. I don't know what other dogs opinions out there are.
   Thank you for taking the time to read this. Sadly, my best friend Barkley is no longer with us, and we can't have discussions like this anymore.
   Anyway, please don't tell Annah that I got on here to ask these questions. It would be a little embarrassing. I don't know if I'll do another blog post someday. Maybe I will.

   Chloe

P.S. Here is a picture of Barkley.

Miss you

Hi Everyone!

Sorry there will not be a blog post today. It was SO busy today. I just got home about 45 minutes ago. I will try and post hopefully tomorrow, but if not I will on Thursday. I will let you know tomorrow sometime if I have to do it on Thursday.

~Annah

Spring

  I don't know about you guys, but I can't wait for spring to get here in full swing. I really don't know what it is about winter, but I just do NOT like it. I know there must be some people out there like my sister who love winter. So I've made lists on what I do and don't like about winter, and what I do and don't like about spring and summer.

  Things I like about winter:

1. Christmas
2. New Years
3. Our New Years day barbecue
4. Taking pictures of snow flakes

  Unfortunately, Christmas and New Years are only 1 day a year, and taking pictures of snowflakes all winter get old. 

  Things I don't like about winter:

1. Its always cold outside
2. Its so dry
3. When I'm doing something outside for 5 to 10 minutes, I come inside wheezing.
4. You have to put on bulky coats that make it difficult to maneuver around in the car.
5. You have to wear shoes, socks, and slippers in the house.
6. Its gray and grayish brown outside everywhere you look.
7. The nature outside looks dead.
8. When it snows you have to shovel the driveway with the freezing wind blowing on your face.
9. You have to scrape the car free of snow and ice with the freezing wind blowing on your face.
10. When you come out of the store there is freezing wind blowing on your face.
11. You get to look at the dirty snow piled on the sides of the streets.

  Definitely looks like I need to see winter with more positivity. For someone like me, who likes to be inside and outside in my bare feet, who likes to constantly be warm, who likes to see sunshine and color. Well, winter makes me feel sad. 

  Things I like about spring and summer:

1. Its warm
2. The sunshine
3. Thunderstorms
4. Trees budding and blooming
5. Green leaves on the trees
6. Green grass
7. Gardening 
8. Swimming
9. Warm days with cool breezes
10. Volley ball and other sports
11. Picnics
12. Barbecues
13. Hiking
14. Canoeing
15. Bonfires
16. Capture the Flag in the dark
17. Just sitting outside enjoying the weather day or night
18. Going to garage sales
19. Even shopping is more fun in warm weather
20. Plants growing
21. Still being light in the evening
22. Beautiful colors
23. Crickets and frogs chirping at night

  There are endless things that are great about spring and summer. Thinking about them makes me feel happy. I'm so excited for the warm weather that will hopefully be here soon. Its been warm off and on here, but it hasn't been consistent.

  Things I don't like about spring and summer:

1. Sometimes the A/C is a little too cold for me
2. Allergies
3. Pulling weeds on super hot days
4. Burning myself with the seat belt when I first get into the car.
5. SPIDERS!

  Alrighty, those are my lists. Although I don't like winter, there are things we can take from it. When we are going through hard times, we can know that good things are coming. Winter comes and then comes spring. And when spring comes, more beauty in our lives grow and take place. A time of thankfulness that God is in control and will take care of the things that are getting us down. We all deal with stress, sadness, anxieties, and difficulties differently. He knows just how to touch and comfort each one of us. I hope that God can use me to reach out and be there for people. 

  My questions this week are: What is your favorite season? Why is it your favorite season? Let me know in the comments.

  Thank you for reading! I hope you are having a great day!

  ~Annah

The Little Things

  Hi Everyone!

  We've all experienced small, embarrassing moments that have affected us in a negative way. All my life I've been very shy and easily embarrassed. I'm not nearly as bad as I used to be, but I'm gonna tell you some of my shy moments when I was growing up and how it has affected me over the years.
 
  When I was 5 years-old, I had a dark pink coat with white fur on the hood. One night, I was walking up to my front door after getting home from somewhere and my mom said that I looked like a bunny rabbit with my hood up. There was nothing wrong with what she said or how she said it, but for some reason it just embarrassed me so much that I never wore my hood up again until I was in my late teens.

  When I was 6, we left the church we were going to and went to a different one. It was my first time meeting someone, and he reached out to shake my hand. Instead of just shaking his hand, I hid behind my mom and wouldn't look at him. Afterward, I felt bad that I didn't and I was afraid that I had hurt his feelings. Unfortunately, that didn't spur me on to try shaking hands with anyone, and I still didn't until I was a 9 or 10.

  Growing up, I was (and still am) very affectionate. But I didn't feel free to go up to someone them a hug. It seemed like every time I tried something would happen to ruin the moment. Every time. When I was 5 or 6, we were getting our picture taken as a family and I was going to sit on Dad's lap. But when I sat down he grimaced in pain. It scared me and I felt so bad. After that I never sat on anyone's lap again. Sometimes, when I think about it, I feel like crying. I sure missed out on things because of stupid little things that have happened to me. I'm still shy about making the first move, and I wait for someone else to.

  One time, when I was 8 or 9, I was at somebody's house and my friend was there. Sometimes we would watch a movie when there was nothing else to do. Well, my friend told me to ask if we could watch something. So I did. She said no. OH MY WORD! MY LIFE IS OVER! SHE SAID NO!! I'm only kidding. That was not my response at all. I was very embarrassed though. I still don't know why. After that, I always had my sister Rebecca ask for permission for things. And I mean always. I didn't start asking people for permission to do things until I was in my mid teens. (That does not mean I went around doing what I wanted, just that Rebecca always did the asking instead of me).

  When I was 15 or 16, my mom shook hands with someone and afterwards she told me that the woman's hands were clammy. I realized my hands were clammy a lot. Now every time I know I'm gonna have to shake someone's hand, my fingers automatically get sweaty.

  I've always been kind of shy around men. When I was 5 or 6, we were getting ready to leave my aunt's house and we were saying good-bye. I had already hugged my aunt and cousin Leona. Then, my mom told me to hug my cousin Donald too. Rebecca did. I wasn't afraid of him, but I was so shy and embarrassed for whatever reason. I didn't end up hugging him, and didn't until years later. "Sorry, Donald!" I feel bad about that now, and of course I hug him now.

  Okay, so those are some of my shy moments when I was growing up. My questions this week are:

  What were some of your shy moments growing up? Were you able to relate to any of the ones I shared today? Can you think of any advice to overcome shyness?

  Thanks for reading! I hope you liked it, and I will be back next week with another blog post.

  ~Annah

Random Facts

  Hello Everyone!

  Since today is the first day of my new blog change I will be doing 20 random facts about me. But before I do that I want to tell you how I plan on doing this from now on. Or at least for now. Things in life can change, but this is what I want to stay consistant with.
   I will be blogging on Tuesdays. Once in a while, I might blog on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday as well. I will pick a random topic to share each week, and as I get more viewers and followers I will ask you guys for suggestions. Also, I will be asking you questions to answer in the comments.
  Now! Getting to this week's topic. 20 random facts about me.

1. My favorite colors are pink, brown, turquoise blue, and royal purple.
2. When I was 16 or 17 years-old, I broke my thumb by slamming the car door on it. Yes, I successfully smashed my own thumb all by myself.
3. I hate vanilla scented perfumes, lotions, and candles.
4. My favorite kinds of food for several years now have been, italian and mexican.
5. I love fill-ins, wordsearch, and sudoku puzzles.
6. A sad truth, I do not like to read books. There are a few choice books that I've had for years that I actually like reading, but other than those...No. The books that I will attempt to read (but rarely finish) are How-To books and devotionals.
7. I love cave tours.
8. I cannot keep a journal to save my life! When I was a kid to even now. I have never gotten halfway through a journal.
9. I probably read an email about 10 times before I hit the send button, and then wonder if I should've added or left something out.
10. I am currently halfway through these 20 facts.
11. My favorite candy bars are Almond Snickers, Twix, and Kit Kat.
12. I am quite the procrastinator.
13. I like squares better than circles.
14. I cannot sleep with any lights on. Even if there is a tiny light from my laptop, I have to cover it or wear a sleep mask.
15. My favorite candy flavor is blue rasberry.
16. When I was growing up, 90% of my toys and stuffed animals were dogs.
17. My eyes are hazel, but they turn bright green when I'm in pain.
18. I love tomatoes any way, shape or form. Except plain.
19. I love looking at buildings.
20. My hopes today are that you liked this blog post and that you have a great day!

  Okay, so my questions for you today are:

  Have you ever broke any bones? (And if you have, tell me the story). Can you keep a journal?

  Let me know in the comments.

  Thank you for reading this. I hope you enjoyed learning a little bit about me, and I will be back next week for another blog post.

~Annah

P.S. Sorry that there are no pictures whatsoever. I will try to incorporate those in the near future.