To Summarize the Feelin' Feminine Week . . .

Last Saturday, I finished up my week-long, Feelin’ Feminine Challenge. For those of you who may wonder what the Feelin’ Feminine Challenge is, click the icon above. I found it so refreshing to take part in this seven-day commitment to wear skirts and dresses. When looking back on last week, I felt much more feminine, fresh, and put-together in my appearance. Also, I sensed more maturity when dressing in a lady-like fashion as compared to wearing jeans or capris. I am continually realizing what a true delight it is to dress in a feminine and modest way—something that we as ladies are privileged and blessed to do, and also honor our Lord in the process. Doing this challenge has been an inspiration and also very fun! I would highly encourage ladies to take up the Feelin' Feminine Challenge. You will not find it disappointing.

"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;" - 1 Timothy 2:9

"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."

- 1 Peter 3:3-4

Feelin' Feminine, Day 7

The mirror trick strikes again!

Feelin' Feminine, Day 6

Full Bloom!

The lilies have unfurled their lovely petals to proclaim the joys of summer with bright, sunny orange colors!

I also have my own little "garden corner." It always brings me great excitement to see my flowers grow and bloom!

My Bee-Balm flowers have brought a nice splash of color to my garden. As you can see, the bumble bees love them! Their leaves have a sweet, herbal aroma.

The red Bee-Balm plants have become quite prolific! Their flowers remind me of little fireworks.

Feelin' Feminine, Day 5

Feelin' Feminine, Day 4

I was so desperate for a picture that I used the bathroom mirror as an aide. And . . . it worked!

Feelin' Feminine, Day 3

Here's Day 3!

I found that it is a quite a challenge to take pictures of your own hair . . .

Feelin' Feminine, Day 2

Sorry, no pictures today! Before I could snap a shot of my outfit, the cameras were hijacked in order to provide documentation of an exciting and landmark event that occurred this very day. Keep tabs on Langhaven's Latest to find out about the breath-taking accomplishment my brother made today!

For Feelin' Feminine, Day 2 I chose a casual and comfortable outfit. I wore my navy knit skirt, which lies just below knee length, and a red-striped polo shirt. I also played around with a new hairstyle! I'm looking forward to the rest of this Feelin' Feminine week.

Feelin' Feminine, Day 1!

It's Day 1 of our Feelin' Feminine week! Here is my outfit for today.

Feelin' Feminine Week

Ladies~

This week, I am participating in a Feelin' Feminine Challenge along with some other young ladies! Starting tomorrow and continuing until Saturday, we will endeavor towards a Feelin' Feminine week by outfitting ourselves every day in skirts and dresses. What a joy and privilege it is to dress in a feminine and lovely way! I feel that such femininty has been lost in our day and age. Click the picture above for more information about this week long challenge.

Consider this opportunity. Please feel free join us for a Feelin' Feminine week!

Havin' a Blast!

We have had family visiting for the last week or two. What a grand time we have had celebrating the 4th together, biking to Belts for ice cream, enjoying our annual 4th of July family "pond party" with a number of our favorite games (such as the picnic relay and canoe race!), ooh-ing and ahh-ing over magnificent fireworks, and much much more!


Click the photo above to get the latest update complete with pictures of all the fun!

Genealogy Wonders in Fiddekulla!

Fiddekulla was one of the places we traveled to during the genealogy portion of our tour. Word was that a family member had lived on one of the farms there around the 1800s. Our hope: to find that farm.

A beautiful Swedish home

Knowing the farm name and its number (each small district used to number its farms way back then), we stopped and asked people if they knew its whereabouts. We talked to one younger lady and explained the situation to her. I thought it was funny, because when she finally figured out that our research and and what we looked for came from an era way back--the 1800s--her eyes got big, and she concluded that she didn't know. I can see why--it isn't that often people do family history from the 1800s.

But, the best is yet to come. Still looking for some assistance, we pulled up to a characteristic Swedish house painted dark red with white trim. Grandma went and knocked on the door and asked for help, telling that we had ancestors from the area. Meanwhile, Dad, Steve, and I talked with Grandpa via the two walkie-talkies that had come in very handy throughout the whole trip with our two-car caravan. And, we waited. Next, Kali (Grandma's cousin) got out of the car to go and help. Then Grandpa went over to see about the conversation. As we watched from the car, Dad joked, saying, "The next thing they will say is that we are släkt ["sh-lect," or family/relative]!" No kidding, seconds later we heard the announcement, "This guy says he is related to Karl Karlman [one of our relatives]!" And . . . wonder of wonders, miracles of miracles . . . it was true. We were indeed släkt.

Grandpa and Grandma talk genealogy with Ulf, our new relative