It's December second and I'm not sad about it. Truth is, I'm elated to be hauling out the Christmas decorations and shopping for presents.

I don't have much self control. Truth is, I ate at least ten Oreos in one sitting.

Truth is, I spend way too much time in front of the computer. But I'm working on it.

I don't look presentable everyday. Truth is, I sometimes stay in sweats and a tshirt, hair in a messy bun, and not a touch of makeup on my face all day. 

I don't get everything done that I need to. Truth is, I have a problem with forgetting things and procrastination. 

So many people have told me I'm beautiful. Truth is, I have a hard time believing it.

I get so many emails and comments from readers saying how much they love my blog and how they look up to me. Truth is, I can't believe where I am in the blogging world. It's so hard for me to believe that I'm eight followers shy of six hundred.

Truth is, I wish I knew more about HTML. I mean, I know the basics for a blog design like mine, but that's it.

I'm not always that great of a student in school. Truth is, I beginning to doubt if I'll ever understand biology and geometry.

Being a pastor's daughter isn't easy. Truth is, it's difficult. We're dealing with some major problems at our church right now and, being immediately related to the pastor, it's hard to be stuck in the middle. 

I'm not that perfect girl that everyone says I am. Truth is, I fight with my family. I'm rude to people. I don't always want to help out at church. I'm selfish. I get jealous. I'm riddled with holes caused by sin.

Truth is, I'm a worthless wretch. I'm a human being filled with sin and can't do anything good by myself. But I have a Savior. A Savior who loves me so much that He died to save me from my miserable shortcomings so that I might be His own and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness. Thanks be to God.

What is true in your life? Feel free to share :)

-carlotta

There's this little boy named JoJo (See his mom's blog here; see his big brother's blog here). And I'm convinced he's the most adorable five year old ever. He adores me. When his family visited us this past Sunday, he asked me if we could "have a kiss outside." I kid you not. And his mom told me that when she put him to bed that night, he wasn't able to fall asleep because he "couldn't stop thinking about Carlotta." It made my day.

Man, I love that kid.


<a href="http://pastorsgirlsponderings.com/"><img src="http://imgur.com/AS92y.jpg"/></a>

Is there a photo that makes you happy? One that warms your heart or tells a funny story? One that puts you on cloud nine? Here's your chance to share it! 

Just put up a post on your blog containing one photo that you've taken. You can add as much or as little text as you would like along with it. After writing your post, come back here to link up - you have until Thursday at 11:59pm CST to do so. Don't forget to link back to me so others can join in, whether it be via the above button or a link. :) And remember to visit others' photos as well! 
-carlotta

Today's theme at I Heart Faces is "scenic black and white". I immediately thought of this photo...

This is my mom and me in front of the Eiffel Tower, taken on my surprise birthday trip to Paris this October. It may seem like the average cheesy "Smile! You're a dumb tourist in Paris!" shot, but it means a lot to me. The feeling you have when you're gazing at the Eiffel Tower for the first time is incredible. It was such a special moment for me. I mean, Paris is one of the most famous cities in the world! How often have we seen Eiffel Towers printed on miscellaneous objects? I can't even begin to count. But to actually be there? It's surreal. 

What's your favorite city?

-carlotta
PS Thank you for your sweet compliments on my room yesterday! Since I live in it, I'm always seeing little things that could be fixed, artwork that needs switching out, etc, but your words made me happy :)

1. the photo challenge finalists and winners.

I know, I should I have gotten this up earlier. I'm sorry. Some of you were blackmailing me asking me nicely to announce the finalists and winners for my food photo challenge...you don't have to wait any longer :)

The finalists are A Story Told in Pictures, Da Hughes Ohana, Pixels and Stories, Emma Claire's Blog, and 4 Lettre Words.

Seriously y'all, I wanted to make each of you finalists winners. But unfortunately, that's not how it works.

The winner of the challenge is...



Emma Claire's Blog! Congratulations :) I loved your photo. The tones are so light and warm, the focus is perfect, and that cupcake looks amazing. Great job!

2. feeling uninspired.

Lately, I've been feeling rather uninspired when it comes to blogging, hence the sporadic posting this week. I've been having trouble coming up with ideas and seeing my visitor numbers plunge hasn't really helped either. But on the other hand, I've kind of liked not posting when I don't have anything to say. It feels...refreshing.

3. a pretty headboard.

I wrapped mini Christmas lights around the headboard of my bed and I'm in love. I gaze at it every time I walk in the room. Is that bad?




And because I was so enamored with my headboard, I wanted to restore the rest of my room to cleanliness. Finally.



(I know my walls look slightly purple, but I promise you they're brown.)
Le sigh. Looking at my room right now, it makes me never want to mess it up again. I really shouldn't let it messy all the time.

And yes, that is my Organic Bloom frame leaning against the wall. I need to get around to ordering the print so I can finally hang it up...

4. kids say the cutest things.

I was babysitting a little four year old girl the other day, and nearly accidentally let the dog out of the backyard. In her little voice, she exclaimed, "It's a good thing you did let out the dog - Mommy would have come home and said 'What the heck! Why is the dog out?'" I about died.

And while talking to MeMe, Lilly said, "This is mine, forever and ever amen." Oh man.

Is there anything funny that your kids or siblings have said lately?

5. the chocolate pie recipe.

A few of you asked for the chocolate pie recipe, and since I aim to please, here it is :)

I was improvising as I went along, so I don't know the exact measurements of everything, but I'll do my best.

- Any pie crust
- 7 ounces bittersweet chocolate (I used chocolate chips), chopped, plus more for topping
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds, coarsely chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground coffee or cold brewed coffee (optional)

Toast the almonds in the oven on a cookie sheet at 350°F for about five minutes. Coarsely chop and set aside.

Bring the heavy cream to a simmer, then pour over the chocolate. Mix in the egg, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and coffee together in the bowl until completely combined. Pour into pie crust and top with chocolate and almonds. Bake for 12-14 minutes in a 350° oven until filling is softly set and trembles slightly in the center. Cool to room temperature, about an hour.

I kept my pie in the refrigerator and actually preferred it that way, but you can do whatever you feel like :) And feel free to add more/less sugar...like I said, I'm just estimating how much I used.



6. in love with twitter.

I really am. It's so much fun and I feel so smart typing @so and so and using hashtags. And with all this twittering, I can't help thinking of this video. I don't think I've ever watched a movie and laughed that hard. Hilarious.

Do you tweet?

7. my new coat.

I got a new winter coat and I'm smitten. I got this one...I adore peacoats this one fits the bill quite nicely. Oh, how I adore it.

When it comes to winter coats, what do you prefer? Puffy ones? Peacoats? Trench coats?

Have a wonderful day!

-carlotta