A place for daily thoughts, creations and experiences...

If you are looking for Valentine printables...check here:

2012-01-26T09:28:00.000-08:00

This morning I was checking my FaceBook page and stubbled
upon this wonderful blog that has 75 Valentine printables!
They are all wonderful!

Check then out here...
http://craftionary.blogspot.com/2012/01/75-valentines-day-free-printables.html

A birthday card for Alissa

2012-01-10T21:50:00.000-08:00

Alissa turns 9 in a few short days and she LOVES

purple! So I made her a birthday card that is totally

purple and has lots of sparkles!

... after all she has a sparkling personality ...

... and we hope she has a very purple day ..

... and we love her so very much!

Happy Birthday my darlin' granddaughter!!

Random shots when the kids were home

2012-01-06T15:14:00.000-08:00

I was trying to get a good shot of Josh and Kendra.

That son of mine gave me a silly grin every time I'd take the picture!

AT LAST a decent smile!

Sara sent this picture of the kids with Santa on a Harley.

So Santa, where is Rudolf??

Lissa and Quinn playing train with my gardening bins!

Megan and a sleeping Peyton...silence is golden!

Our beloved Missionaries!
- Elder Gollihur and Elder McDonald -

What?? Now how did she get here?

(had a good time YouTubing the Target Lady and laughing

till our sides hurt at all her commercials)

The first year for the funky Charlie Brown Christmas tree

Coloring with the boys.

Peyton in his Bumbo chair.

Where were these when my kids were little?

Catching a moment with Lissa and Aunt Meg.

I love my dog!

2012-01-05T18:37:00.000-08:00

I always thought I was a cat person.

I have had a cat all my life until now.

When our Tigger-boy pasted away, our kids

suggested I get a dog. Joel was gone on fires

during the summer months, (before he retired),

and they thought I need protection.

So, I got my self a dog!

And how I love this little bundle of energy!

He is my shadow where ever I go, he loves to

cuddle, play ball, and run all over the house like

a mad little Schnauzer!

He's soft and warm and he loves to be loved.

Since the kids are all grown and gone ...

he's just what I needed!

- I think I'm a dog person -

Mr. Darcy playing with his new bunny he got for Christmas.

He thinks he's a vicious, mean little critter.

He has the funniest little growl. It's the tiniest little noise

but he thinks he's one ferocious dog!

Cuddling with Megan in front of the wood stove

It's that time of year!

2011-12-24T17:50:00.000-08:00

I've been busy in the kitchen making Susan Branch's recipe for
"Perfect Chocolate Sauce"
Click below to get her deeeeelicious recipe:

http://www.susanbranch.com/archives/1671#comments

Earlier this season I made tags for my neighborhood Christmas
gifts to hold a bottle of the Perfect Chocolate Sauce.
(I got the idea from Nichole Heady's blog)

http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/2011/09/make-it-monday-34-thick-chipboard-accents.html#comments

Here are some up close and person shots ...

.. And here is Megan, helping me deliver the goodies to
our neighbors and friends!

Merry Christmas to ALL!

Woke up to more snow!

2011-12-15T15:00:00.000-08:00

Here is yesterday's morning view thru my craftroom's
door. We awoke to 4 inches of the white stuff
blanketing our yard. How thankful I am for our wood
stove that keeps us warm ... and my husband who
loves to go wood cutting.

He not only fills our wood shed
but many others in our area. He's such a good guy.
May you all be warm this Christmas season and
all winter long!

The first snow in Western Colorado

2011-12-03T06:22:00.001-08:00

Joel left early this morning for a shooting competition.

As he kissed me good bye, he said,

"We got a couple inches of snow last night!"

I jumped out of bed to look out the window.

There is something about the first snow ...

I felt the excitement of a little child!

Putting on my robe and slippers, I grabbed the camera

and took a few shots.

Enjoy the early morning wonder with me.

*(Click on the photos to see a larger image.)

Yesterday Megan was the last of our children to head back home

after the Thanksgiving festivities. With all our children and

grandkids safely back in their homes, I can relax

and take in Mother Nature's beauty.

2011-12-02T19:27:00.000-08:00

I found this WONDERFUL blog today on pinterest.com

This designer is amazing and I adore her work.

She has several free patterns and this is one of them!

I can't wait to get started on it ... perfect for Christmas!!

Click on her link to get the pattern yourself!

http://www.red-brolly.com/red-brolly/2011/10/the-first-christmas-sampler.html

As we enter into December, I hope you all have a Merry Christmas!

2011-12-02T15:43:00.000-08:00

EditingMySpace.com - More Christmas Blinkies Comments

Pinterest, oh Pinterest- what did I ever do without you?

2011-11-23T12:52:00.000-08:00

When I found Pinterest.com, a whole new world opened up to
me! I have found so many wonderful gift ideas and this is one
of them. I think it's called a Harvest Blessing mix.
So easy to make! I made a batch of my Carmel corn, added a box
of Coco Puffs, Honey Nut Cheerios, Cheese Nips, Candy Corn,
Candy Pumpkins, Reece's Pieces, Pretzels and peanuts.
You can add just about anything your heart desires!
I purchased my jars at Wal-Mart, added ribbon and stamped
some cute tags and there you have it!
This made a bunch! I filled 5 jars and a huge glass cookie jar!
Even have a plastic bag full to replenish the cookie jar.

Ribbon, papers, stamps and punches all from Stampin' Up!

I made these for our Visting Teaching and Home Teaching families
A fun and easy gift idea for the Fall!

Just like Susan Branch!

2011-11-22T17:38:00.000-08:00

A few days ago Susan Branch - one of my very favorite artists and authors - blogged about her collection of fake fruit. Now I have always steered away from fake fruit but her story about her collection and why she collected fake fruit struck a cord in my old heart.

Today Joel and I went up to the big city of Grand Junction to my favorite craft store and what should I see but a lovely presentation of fake fruit! I told Joel all about Susan's blog and that I too wanted a piece of the fake stuff. He helped me pick out this lovely red pear. He thought it was more festive than the green one and I have to admit I love it.

The only problem is now I feel the need to go to a local antique shop to find the right bowl to display it .. just like Susan Branch .. oh my!

Here is a link to Susan's blog - enjoy the read.
http://www.susanbranch.com/archives/2485

What I'm thankful for...

2011-11-21T14:54:00.000-08:00

"Turkey" Day is almost here...

Picture via PINTEREST.com

... and I've been thinking of all the things I'm thankful for.

Here are some of my favorites:

Joshua and Kendra

Trevor, Addie and the Quinster

Sean, Sara, Lissa and Peyton

Megan Anne

The love of my life

Joel

Last but not least .. our naughty little dog

Life is good

I went to the Pumpkin Patch craft show today ..

2011-10-14T23:06:00.000-07:00

I love the Pumpkin Patch Craft show. I try to attend

every year. I had REALLY hoped to go with my bestest

buddies, Teresa and Renee' but they were both tied up.

Sigh!

After texting back and forth..trying to get one of them

to go with me, Renee' told me I HAD to go, to tell them

about all the cool stuff they missed.

So, I went ... all alone ... sniff - sniff!

The craft show was quite a bit smaller than previous

years but I still found some treasures.

I was really surprised at the fun I had just talking with

the venders at the show.

Take for instance these two charming ladies!

- Melissa and Sherrill -

They made the whole trip worth while! Such talent

and inspiration in these two women.

They had lots of quilt & stitchery projects that were

top notch! I bought the cutest pumpkin tea towel that you

can see below.

Sherrill use to own the best stitchery shop in

Western Colorado. I thought I had died and gone

to Heaven when it opened. But alas she had to close

it and I still morn that loss to this day.

Melissa is starting to sell her lovely quilted projects

and I really hope she is successful.

Thanks for making my day shine ladies!

Here is what I brought home - minus some Christmas presents

that I don't want my kids to see :)

LOVE this snowman. I will have to find a very special place for

him to sit this Christmas.

Here is a close up on Melissa's tea towel. I adore it!

I'm crazy about pumpkins so this really fits in my fall decor!

Doesn't it look too cute hanging on my oven?

Next comes the PepperMint Patch Christmas show.

Teresa and Renee' .. you'd better mark you calendar for this one!

A little Halloween fun..

2011-10-04T22:13:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been over a month since I last posted on this blog..

..so here's some Halloween fun to share!

Angie Kennedy Juda recently shared this cute tutorial on her

UStream. For some reason I can't get to her Ustream to share her

link with you but I will try again later.

Until then, enjoy these cute treat holders.

(I have Packets of candy corn in them)

Perfect for my Primary kids and neighborhood spooks this October.

Boo!

Card stock is from Stampin' Up:

Old Olive, Egg Plant Envy - (discontinued color) and basic black.

I Used a discontinued stamp set that I love.."Tasty Sweet".

Something fun for my bathroom

2011-08-30T13:38:00.000-07:00

When my mother passed away, 14 years ago this fall,

I inherited her cotton ball jar.

I have lovingly used her jar in my bathroom.

This summer I gave that jar to one of my daughters.

Her bathroom is decorated in pinks and Mom's

jar had pink designs in it. (My bathroom is blue)

I decided I wanted a vintage jar to hold my cotton

balls but I just hadn't found the right jar....

until now!

I found this photo on Pinterest.com

This is an antique canning jar with a glass from IKEA

on top !

I had my grandmother's antique canning jar and

the IKEA glass!!

Whoop-tee-do!

My problem is solved and I love it!

This is totally me!

I was reminded of this powerful story today ...

2011-08-13T14:13:00.000-07:00

I was reminded of this powerful story today ...

I hope you enjoy it's message

If we were all a little kinder, imagine the impact on our world.

Block of the month .. block #1

2011-08-10T11:26:00.000-07:00

In our local quilter's guild we started a new block of the month

challenge. I decided to take the plunge and go for it. I spent

over an hour at the fabric store and came up with this delightful

stack of fabrics.

Last night was our August meeting and this was my contribution.

I was so intimidated to start this block but when I did,

Ihad so much fun! After seeing all the other quilter's block I'm

ready to start next months block. Such fun to see everyone's take

on the same block with different color choices!
I'll be posting more as I complete each block.

This time next year I should have a new quilt!

Happy Birthday Sara Jane

2011-07-30T15:03:00.000-07:00

Today our little girl turns 29. It seems like not long ago she joined

our family and how happy we were to welcome her home.

Here she is with children of her own ... and it all begins again.

We love you Sara Jane, Happy Birthday honey bun!

Sounds of summer ...

2011-07-30T14:50:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up early to the sound of a Humming bird feeding

just outside our bedroom window. I took in that moment, thinking how

I love the sounds of summer. I love it when I hear my neighbors

mowing their lawns, I love the sound of children laughing as they play

outside and how I love the sound of Humming birds zipping here

and there pausing only to get a drink.

When the kids were little I placed Humming bird feeders outside each of

their bed room windows so they too could take joy in the buzzing sounds.

The hangers for those feeders are still in place ...

and each spring the feeders go up.

Every 3 days I go from window to window, changing the sweetened

water - remembering the days when my children were little and I smile.

A picture of our naughty little dog enjoying a lazy Saturday

afternoon in the shade.

He loves drinking from the water hose as I water my flowers,

chasing his ball in the grass, keeping guard for that ol' black cat

and his afternoon treat.

Old Man Winter - please stay away for a good while.

The old man returns home

2011-07-23T13:23:00.000-07:00

Joel was recently called to be the Young Men's President in our ward.

What better way to get to know the boys than a week at Scout Camp!!

He called me on my cell phone a few minutes ago and said,

" There's a dirty old man in your drive way."

I went out to greet him ... scruffy, tired, dirty but I have to

say I sure missed the ol' fella like crazy!

Glad your'e home honey!

Unloading the gear...I wonder how much laundry is in store for me?

I think I'll name this photo - The Siver Fox"

Week 4 - Final Week of Summer Card Camp -

2011-07-21T08:28:00.000-07:00

Tis' Week 4 of Summer Card Camp

and I have loved every minute of it! A huge

"THANKS"

goes to Kristina Werner and Jennifer McGuire

for hosting 4 weeks of wonderful ideas and tips!

I loved this weeks color challenge. All the colors felt

like summer. Here is my card for the challenge:

Summer time garden delight

2011-07-19T17:15:00.000-07:00

Summer is in full swing so I decided to take a few shots of the yard to

share with you. You can click on each picture for a bigger view!

-Front Yard-

Looking at the front of the house from my kitchen garden ..

.. and a shot of my craftroom entry way.

This is my favorite spot on the front porch,just outside my craftroom.

I love my mother's birdbath filled with tiny plants.

Of course Mr. Darcy had to get in on the pictures..such a ham!

A favorite place to sit and ponder life on a summer evening.

--------------------------------

-The Back Yard_

Joel's old boots on the log. I tried to plant flowers

in them for several summers. They dried up too fast

and died. I gave up...now they're just decor.

A new sitting spot for early morning or evening.

Love this old creamer...makes a perfect home for petunias

The naughty little dog loves summer as much as I do.

What could be better than lyin' on the grass all day?

How to make or alter an envelope to fit your card

2011-07-18T08:43:00.000-07:00

I found this amazing video clip on YouTube and had to share.

I'm always making cards that don't fit the envelopes I have purchased.

Going to use this like crazy!

Summer Card Camp Week 3

2011-07-13T22:21:00.000-07:00

The 3rd week of Summer Card Camp is here ...

... just 1 more week to go ...sigh!

- I hate to see it end -

Below is this week's color challenge

I really struggled with this color combination.

I'm not a "brown" kinda girl so I wasn't excited to pull these colors out

from my files of Stampin Up card stock -- Chocolate Chip,

Close to Cocoa, Rocket Red, Sahara Sand and Whisper White.

I knew right away which stamp set to use ...

... a new one .. my favorite from the new Catalog;

"Best Of Everything"

After I played around with the colors, I felt more comfortable

with what I was doing.

Perhaps I'm more of a "brown" kinda girl than I thought :)

Summer Card Camp week 2 color challenge

2011-07-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

It's week 2 of Summer Card Camp and I'm soooo glad I joined in on the fun!

Here is this weeks color challenge:

This is my entry for this week.

I can't believe there was over 800 card entries for week 1!

Lots of wonderful cards to see and learn from.

The best thing about Summer Card Camp is, I'm taking time to stamp! I can always think of a million reasons why I don't have the time to stamp but now I'm allowing myself to play once a week!

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T07:34:00.000-07:00

How blessed we are to live in a country that has the liberties we have.

May God bless America and may we live to be worthy of it!

I needed to make a couple birthday cards and Stampin' Up's, " Create a Cup Cake" stamp set and punch were calling my name. Lime green and pink look delicious to me so this is what I came up with.

Love the little pearls!

I just can't help myself ...

2011-07-02T15:29:00.000-07:00

Today is Joel's 59th birthday and what could be better than an new

picture of our grandson - Peyton?

Isn't he the cutest little bundle of love?

Two days old, won't be long till I get to hold him in my arms...

sigh!!

A miracle happened today .. meet Peyton William

2011-06-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

This morning Sara texted me at 5:45 AM to say she was headed to the hospital.

A little after 7:00 AM Sean called to say Peyton William came into the world at 6:59 AM!

Oh happy day!

He is so beautiful - can you say that about your grandson? But he is beautiful.

Can't wait to hold him in my arms.

Welcome to the world and to our family sweet one.

Who doesn't love a good Summer Camp??

2011-06-30T17:21:00.000-07:00

Kristina Werner, ( a stamping blogger I have followed for years), and Jennifer McGuire are hosting a Summer Card Camp! I couldn't resist joining in on the summer-time fun! I warned my husband that I would be allotting "X" amount of time each week to serious play in my craft room :).

The first we week received a color combo challenge and this is it:

Here is my first attempt at a card challenge.

As my daughter Megan would say,

"Hope ya like it!"

Recipe: (All Stampin' Up products)

Card stock - Whisper White, Bliss Blue, Designer Series Paper Stack-polka dot pattern, and Regal Rose.

Accessories:

Regal Rose ribbon, buttons from my stash, Sizzix Die-Biz Scallop Envelope, corner rounder, scallop punch, glue dots and snail adhesive.

Stamp set - For a Friend - (retired set)

Wish me luck..there are awards for submissions!!

Summer time with my granddaughter

2011-06-16T12:17:00.000-07:00

Summer is here and that means we have Lissy-Lou-hoo with us .. oh happy days!

Yesterday she arrived and I quickly took her aside and asked her if she knew what this Sunday was?

"Father's Day!"

So after breakfast we zipped down to Wally World and I let her pick out her dad's favorite candy.

Jolly Ranchers and Jelly Life Savors.

Really???

Back at the ol' homestead we headed for the craft room with instructions to Grampa,

that he was NOT allowed in with us girls!

We got the stamps, ink pad, die cut machine and adhesive out.

Alissa made cards and helped to decorate the boxes. What fun! Got it all done before lunch.

Grampa's present

Dad's present

I LOVE Summer!!

- First look at Peyton -

2011-06-02T10:56:00.000-07:00

Sara sent this 3D image of Peyton that was taken today! Isn't this amazing??

I can't believe what the medical field can do. He measures at 35 weeks.

One week earlier than Sara is due. Maybe we will have this little guy in early July!

The nurse said he may be an 8 lb bouncing baby boy!

Oh happy day!

Baby card for Sara..

2011-06-01T16:23:00.000-07:00

I found this darling "Onsie" card idea on

http://aprilsstampingzone.blogspot.com/2011/05/baby-onsie.html#comments.

I tweaked it for a boy. Love the way it came out.

I used Stampin' Up bliss blue card stock,

Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder,

Duck stamp from Baby Bundle stamp set,

Staz-on jet black ink,

and a scrap of deco paper from my stash.

Love that ducky stamp.

Now to wait a few more weeks and hold that baby in my arms!

A Diaper Cake for Sara

2011-05-31T21:41:00.000-07:00

This Saturday is Sara's baby shower and I promised her a diaper cake!

They are so fun to put together!

I googled diaper cake and tons of ideas are out there.

Lots of tutorials on YouTube! Give it a try!

Spring has sprung - FINALLY!

2011-05-07T19:53:00.000-07:00

Last year I must have been late in visiting my favorite nursery because there were hardly any plants to choose from. So.....I called Wednesday to asked when the best time to shop for the best selection. They said TODAY! Mother's Day weekend usually wipes them out so on Thursday, Joel and I headed to High Country Gardens and bought plants to our hearts content! No one was there so we had the attention of the workers there and the selection was amazing! Take a look below to see what we bought.

Joel got the soil ready for me ..

.. and my planters!

Stay tuned for the end result!

Oh how I love this time of year!!

The wood shed is complete!

2011-05-06T16:49:00.000-07:00

Since we returned from Utah, Joel has been hammering, nailing and sawing away. Today the noise stopped and Mr. Darcy and I went out to see why....

The wood shed is done and what a great shed it is!!

I think Joel is pretty happy the way it turned out. Now the work begins to cut more wood for next winter.

If I was a little girl, I'd love to play in this shed. I'm hoping the shed will be vacant for a little while so Alissa can play in it this summer!

I'm so blessed that I married a man who loves to build - our house, my craft room, the sun porch, his shop and now the wood shed. Thank-you honey...I do love you!

Women's Conference 2011 at BYU

2011-05-06T16:30:00.000-07:00

This year Addie, Megan and I attended Women's Conference at the BYU campus!

It is two days, packed with every kind of class you can imagine to help us as women deal with the challenges of today. This year's theme was "By Small and Simple Things".

Below are some favorite photos I took while there.

These pictures were taken at the closing session. Elder and Sister Bednar were the closing speakers and they were wonderful! I took these pictures to get a sense of all the women attending - from all over the world! The place was buzzing with noise until Elder Bednar walked in ...then dead silence. Amazing!

A highlight for me was meeting Hilary Weeks. I have all her albums and have loved her inspiring music for years. She is so funny and down to earth. Gotta love this woman!

A shot of Megan and me.

Addie and Megan

A huge part of Women's Conference is service! There are tons of projects to do while listening to the classes and rooms set a side for different service areas. Thursday night has several hours dedicated to doing service for people in all parts of the world. Below are a couple photos taken while we were busy at work. It was really fun to do and by the end of the conference it was amazing to hear of all the items completed at the end of the two days...and so by small and simple things...much is accomplished.

Making decorative bands for hats to give to cancer patients.

It was a wonderful two days.

Thanks to grampa for baby sitting Quinn!

Joel informed us that they got in the car, headed to Provo to pick up Trevor at work

then went to the Man-Cave --- Cabela's!

Western Colorado is finally coming alive with Spring!

2011-04-26T15:53:00.000-07:00

Last week the temperatures started to get a bit warm and green leaves started to pop out all over! Joel and I made a trip to our local garden center to purchase 2 tress. Below is one of them. All their bird baths were on sale ... so for an early Mother's Day present, I got to pick one out!

Our Crab Apple is in full bloom - you can see the new bird bath below.

For years and years Joel has stored our winter wood next to his shop. This last fall he decided it would be wiser to store the wood away from the shop and house. Thus he began to design and plan the new wood shed. This man of mine has always been obsessed with his winter wood and I think this was a good excuse for him to build something new and reorganize his wood storage. This week he began his fun!

We watch spring storms come and go as he continues to build.

Taking a break to indulge me a shot for this blog.

What a guy!

It won't belong until the ol' man will start cutting fresh cords of wood for next fall.

No longer will it fill up the side of his shop. As he progresses I will post new pictures.

I love 3x3 cards!

2011-04-22T13:56:00.000-07:00

I've seen many stampers out in cyber-land come up with the cutest 3x3 inch cards. I love them because of their simplicity. One must keep things pretty simple in such a small space. My last Stampin' Up order include a bunch of 3x3 evelopes, so my plan of attack was to make my own 3x3 cards! Last night I sat down with a new Stampin' Up stamp set that will be coming out next month ... It's called "A Touch Of Kindness". It is my favorite stamp set at the momment. I can think of so many ways to use this set - you may be seeing more in the near future :). I used the onesie from the "Baby Bundle" stamp set but the scalloped edge image behind it is from "A Touch Of Kindness". I used SU Designer Series Stack for the back ground papers and I used SU water color crayons to color in the stamped images.

These cards are great to have around for those quick gifts

Try some of your own.. you won't want to stop making them!

Making a fun mini album!

2011-04-14T10:53:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week I was checking out a favorite blog. Dawn has a great tutorial on how to make this album:

http://dawnsstampingthoughts.typepad.com/dawns_stampin_studio/2011/04/envelope-album-video-.html#comments .

I had set aside some time to play in my craftroom so I decided to

make the mini album Dawnfeatured on her blog. It was so easy to

make and turned out really cute! I used Stampin Up products:

Bashful Blue textured cardstock

Certainly Celery cardstock

Some retired SU deco paper

Scallop circle punch

Round Tab Extra Large punch

Corner Rounder punch

Bashful Blue glitter brad

Rose Red ribbon seam binding

Envelopes - 5, (not Stampin'Up) but I just ordered some :) Opened showing an envelope file and sides pockets. Close up on file cards. You could post pictures on these cards or use them to separate decorating ideas...or what ever your lil' heart desires! Side view of files.

Spending the day with my favorite girl ...

2011-03-29T18:04:00.000-07:00

It's Spring Break for Alissa and she gets to spend a couple days

with her Granny and Gramps! This afternoon we headed to

Confluence Park to feek the ducks.

When we got there, we saw signs all over saying

NOT to feed the ducks! What???

Why have ducks if you can't feed them?

Sigh!

We were dissapointed but had a lovely time anyhoo!

We walked around the lake and threw rocks into the water. Blue sky and sunshine for our day together..Wahoo! Wishing we could feed those silly ol' ducks and geese!

Sure do love this little kid..

It's always a good day with Alissa

Fun with my Stampin' Up Big Shot!

2011-03-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

I brought out a favorite Sizzix Die that I've had for a couple years

and played around. No matter what you do with this die...

it always turns out cute!

Paper - SU Whisper White and Summer Sun

Scalloped edge punch and 1/4" whole punch

Embossing templates: Perfect Polka Dots and Square Lattice

Sponged the inner circle with Summer Sun ink & made dot with a black pen

Used SU Green Galore card stock and some plaid paper I had in my stash.

White gel pen for the border stitches.

My Hubby loves me ...

2011-03-19T12:29:00.000-07:00

I really love my Big Shot!

This machine has opened up new doors of creativity for me.

I was visiting a favorite blog last fall - Stampin By The Sea - and the editor of this blog,

Kimberly, posted a video clip of her craft room. (It is fantastic!)

One of the things she show-cased was a cart for her Big Shot and dies.

Storing my machine and dies had always been a problem for me so when I saw her cart ..

I knew I needed something like it!!

I surfed the internet and found a cart for $125.00 plus shipping and handling.

I called Joel in to take a look at what I wanted for Christmas - hee, hee!

His reply, "I could make that for $25.00"

"WHEN????" was my reply.

I know my husband and when he tells me he can make me something, I sometimes wait for months...years...you get the picture? October was the promised month - we shook on it!

In February this is what came out of his shop!

I love it! Worth the wait for sure!!

This little goodie is on wheels so I can cart it around my craftroom.
Plastic lines the table top for easy clean up and an smooth working table.

The side arms open for more working space
and any kind of paper scraper NEEDS more space!

This ended up costing him more than the original $25.00 estimated,
but it's just what I wanted.
On top of all this he made me another shelf on wheels to hold
all my Stampin' Up card stock!
Can you believe that man??
Thanks Joel darlin'.

New card technique ...

2011-03-16T14:30:00.000-07:00

I'm always looking for something fun in card making. I came across this idea and wanted to give it a try.

All paper, punches, brads and ribbon are from Stampin' Up.

I used the Pattern Stack papers for the back ground and the stamp is from the Punch Bunch Sale-A-Bration set.

The flowers to the left and right are from a discontinued punch.

I LOVE the black, yellow and white color scheme.

(My granmother's favorite colors)

Here is a link to the sight I got the idea from -

Smiles, Laura: Another Funky Fold Card...

Thanks Laura for sharing your cute card!

Fun goodies for my Primary class!

2011-03-16T14:25:00.000-07:00

I teach the 8 & 9 year old Valiant Class and I've been trying to get them excited about digging in their scriptures. I made them these little cards that hold a stack of post-it-note tabs to mark the scriptures we study. I was pleased the way they turned out. I used Stampin' Up card stock and PC Hug ware clip art for the scriptures.

"I Know The Scriptures Are True" is this years theme.

Spring has sprung!

2011-03-16T14:00:00.001-07:00

The weather in Western Colorado has been amazing!

Warm temperatures starts that "itchy" feeling to start digging in the dirt !

Since Joel retired, he has been taking the Master Gardener Course through the County Extension Agency.

It is quite the program and with the temperatures in the low 70's, the old farmer had to show me what he has learned about pruning!

...and more pruning

Even the girls can tell things are changing!

They celebrate by giving us about 8 eggs a day!

(Sure glad we have neighbors who like eggs)

Of course Mr. Darcy keeps those girls in line! He's always there to let them know who's the boss!

Woof!

Mr. Darcy goes to Canine Cottage!

2011-03-01T12:58:00.000-08:00

It was time once again for Mr. Darcy to visit his favorite grooming establishment!

He was one scruffy, naughty little dog.

No matter - we love the little guy!
He was so happy to see us and show off his new hair cut!
We had just arrived home and I think he was looking for that
big black cat that teases him in our pasture.
A pose for the camera .. he loves being on my blog!

Like Mother - like son!

2011-02-28T22:21:00.000-08:00

Today I was looking through some photos of Addie. She asked me to scan some of her baby pictures to her so she could see if Quinn looks like her. I knew that he had her smile but I was so surprised to see how much he looked like her! If you super-imposed some curls around his head, you'd think it was Addie as a baby!

What cutie-pies!

Quinn at almost 1 year

Addie around 1 year Addie at 2 years

(Josh was around 4 years)

Addie around 18 months

Valentines day...a day of love!

2011-02-14T16:49:00.000-08:00

Valentine's day...ahh, a day of love~

Joel came up with the "lovely" idea to go to the small town

of Hotchkiss and spend the afternoon looking in all the fun

antique stores, eating at a favorite resaurant - The North Fork -
and end the event at the fudge shop! How could I say no???

When we arrived, we discovered all the antique shops were closed!

No matter, the meal was fantastic and the town was still charming.

(Joel was happy to find the fudge shop open)

We found this candle holder at the art museum and Joel bought

it for me. A perfect reminder of our "lovely" afternoon.

Thanks honey!

Quinn's latest face...gotta love it!

2011-02-13T17:56:00.000-08:00

Addie had this on Face Book today. Had to Face-lift it to my blog.

What a cutie -pa - tootie!

(Do you think Addie and Trevor could be in for trouble?)

How I love the grandbabies!!

My ugly fabric turned into a quilt!!!

2011-02-10T20:27:00.000-08:00

The ugly fabric I put in my bag is the black sashing ...with the moon and stars on it.

Not really ugly but it was a piece of fabric I would probably never use or know what to do with.

And this is what I got back!!! A lovely lap quilt! Perfect for the cooler nights in Colorado.

I love it!

The Ugly Fabric challenge

2011-02-10T12:39:00.000-08:00

I belong to a local quilter's guild called "The Basket Case". Every February they have an ugly fabric challenge. Each member that wishes to participate, brings in 1 yard of her ugliest fabric inside a brown paper bag. At the end of the meeting all the bags are numbered and those that brought a bag of ugly fabric goes home with someone else's bag of ugly fabric. We have several months to take that piece of fabric and make it into something fun. In the February meeting we bring back the brown paper bag, filled with the project that was made. Below is the ugly fabric I brought home. (It would have been cute in the 80's)

As soon as I got the fabric I went to a local fabric store and found some pieces that I thought would go with it.
Then I had to decide on what to make with all this fabric. This was the hardest part for me. I wanted to make an apron but that was not allowed...sigh! Should I make a bag? A decorative piece? Something for the sewing room? I took days to decide

When the decision was made, I pieced the fabric together. Really had fun with this part!

When complete, I had one funky sewing machine cover!

The pocket holds a pattern:

The card I made to go into the pocket.

-I got to use some new Stampin' Up stamp sets I just got-

All wrapped up in a brown paper bag...ready to give to the person who submitted the ugly fabric!

What fun!!

How to make a naughty little dog sweet...(smelling)

2011-01-26T15:34:00.000-08:00

Here is Mr. Darcy..cute as can be and he smells sooo sweet!

(Thanks to Megan)

Bath time isn't Mr. Darcy's favorite past time.
Since Megan is visiting us for a few days, Mr. Darcy has decided
to make her feel welcome by sleeping with her each night.
Megan tried to say it as politely as she could ..."He smells like a dog!!
So in the wash tub he went!
Dejected!
I hate this, I hate this he says!

Shhh ... don't tell Addie!

2011-01-24T20:18:00.000-08:00

Last time I was visiting Addie and Trevor, they took off and Megan, Mr. Darcy and I were left alone in their house. We got this crazy idea....couldn't stop laughing. Mr. Darcy wanted to have fun in the Johnny Jump-Up just like Quinn. Jump naughty little dog, jump!

My grandparents ...

2011-01-20T16:04:00.001-08:00

My grandparents had to be the best set anyone could possibly have! I always new they would be there for me, no matter what. Just before my grandfather retired, they moved to Juneau, Alaska for a couple years. They had lived there several years earlier when my mom was a teen and my uncle was a young boy. I was fortunite enough to be able to go up and stay with them in the summers when they were there. When I think of them - I think of love. I have that old red plaid woolen jacket that is pictured on my grandmother, and I cherish it. One day I know we will be together again. What a happy reunion that will be!-My Bops and Bamps in Juneau-

Remembering...

2011-01-20T15:55:00.000-08:00

Last night was looking through our huge box of photos when I came upon this one. It was taken when I was in 3rd or 4th grade on the patio of my grandparents home. These were the days for me. Muffet on the left, Christy on the right, and I were always having fun together in the summer. Here we are after a day of playing having a wonderful piece of cake from my grandmother's kitchen. She always had something delicious for us to eat. How blessed I am to have these wonderful memories from my childhood.

A story for today:

2011-01-17T15:45:00.000-08:00

I must be getting old...this year, as I lugged out all the Christmas decorations, I complained to Joel that I sure didn't feel like decorating! (Last year I didn't even put up the tree - gasp!) Through much contemplation I realized that my decorating for Valentine's Day, St. Paddy's Day, Easter, 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving and especially Christmas was for my kids. Since my baby flew the coup almost 6 years ago...my get-up-and-go, got-up-and-went with her. Perhaps I'm just lazy, tired or what I hope to think is true .., I'd rather focus on the real reason for Christmas and not on all the fluff.
Thus my story begins with this tree..

Since the kids come home for Christmas every other year, I made the decision on the years that it is just Joel and me .. I'm not going to go all out on the decorating! When I talked to Joel about it, I told him I wanted a Charlie Brown tree that I could put on our little table in the living room and decorate it with a handful of favorite ornaments. He agreed with me. I found a tree on EBay and won the bid! (You can see it below)

Today I thought I would "fluff" it out. Being shipped in a small box, you would never know what was in side was anything close to a Charlie Brown Christmas tree.
(For those of you that grew up in the 60's...remember the ratted hair styles that looked puffy in front but whenviewed from the back, looked like a rat's nest??) Well, that's what this entire tree looked like! After 4 hours I got the tree unwound and untwisted. Joel had to un- bend the trunk of the tree! (in order to fit into the box, someone bent the daylights out of this poor little fake tree). I really wish I had taken a photo of the tree before so you could appreciate the work put into it.

So here it is...ready for a giant plastic bag to go on top till I'm ready to unveil it for next Christmas. I'm sure I will be grateful then, that I took the time to prep it for the festivities.

A baptism card for a special young lady ...

2011-01-16T20:08:00.000-08:00

It was announced in church today that one of the girls in my

Primary class is getting baptised next Saturday.

Since I use my Sunday afternoons to get ready for the following

Sunday's lesson and anything else to do with church,

I made this simple card for her. I used PC Hugware clip art and

mounted it on Stampin' Up card stock. Clip art is really fun to use

when you are trying get something done quickly. I have used it for

Seminary and Relief Society in years past.

Fun, fast, simple and it looks great.

I made a double image, cut it out and mounted it over the

original image to give a 3-D effect. I hope this special girl will like

it on her very special day.

Addie just sent these photos from Christmas :)

2011-01-14T16:18:00.000-08:00

Our two precious grandkids,

Alissa and Quinn. Oh how good life is!

Here we are Christmas day...

we are missing Josh and Kendra

but happy to have the rest under our wings!

The Quinnster

It's a good idea!

2011-01-14T13:47:00.000-08:00

On our last trip to Utah we went to one of our

favorite stores, IKEA. It's a fun place to look, touch

and get fun ideas on decorating and organization.When we got to my favorite area..the kitchen section,

I found these spoons! 6 in a package for $7.99.

I grabbed them up and shouted for joy that these

spoons would become my tasting spoons!

I'm always needing a spoon to taste a sauce or soup.

My flatware is neatly tucked in drawer across

and into the dinning area and I'm always wishing

I had some spoons near the stove.

I love these spoons...just a little thing but they

have made my life a tad bit easier!

(Even Joel said he liked them)

"It's a good thing!"

Look at what my buddy Teresa made!!!

2011-01-14T10:20:00.000-08:00

Teresa, her sister Renee and I have decided

to get together at least once a quarter and have

a day making wonderful things together! Last

time we make the file organizer, posted earlier.

Teresa sent me this photo yesterday and asked if

I was interested in making this darling hanging at

our next get together! Of course..yes...when???

Thanks Teresa, I love this wall hanging!

The old man retires!!

2011-01-12T20:23:00.000-08:00

As of Januray 1st, after 38 years of service to the USFS,

Joel retired! This shot was taken on our way home from Utah.

Our first trip taken without worries of getting BACK to the office.

Mr. Darcy seems to love retirement too..snoozing in the back seat!

Our Christmas present to each other!

We figure retirement will bring some traveling into our lives

and we will be ready for it!

..more random shots from Chirstmas

2011-01-12T19:50:00.000-08:00

Alissa in her new skates!

Quinn dreaming of the excitement of his

first Christmas!

Father and son

The Smith family .. next year they will have a
baby in their arms! Quinn was jumping like crazy in his Johnny Jump-up
when Megan called me in to see him totally
crashed out. Oh how I wish I could sleep like that!

Mr. Darcy wanting in and Quinn wanting out!

Alissa had a make-over for her Aunts ..

the stunning results!

Random shots from Christmas ...

2011-01-12T19:34:00.000-08:00

Megan arrived home a few days early and headed to my craft room to wrap!

Mr. Darcy wiggled his way into her arms for some Christmas lovin'

Joel made a triple batch of cinnamon rolls

to get ready for the onslaught of kids!

This picture needs no explanation..

Self control...you gotta use a little self control...

One tuckered out little pooch

I won!!

2010-12-16T11:59:00.001-08:00

Chicken Scratch is one of my very favorite blogs

and recently Angie Kennedy,owner of the blog,

Ustreamed and had a contest for this darling calendar ..

-and I won!!!

Click on this link to see it up close and personal:

Chic' n Scratch: Rectangle Coaster Calendar#comments#comments

Earlier this week I recieved the calendar in the mail and it

is adorable...best of all Angie made it!

Thanks so much Angie!!!

She is one creative lady. Check out her blog and be amazed!

Good friends at the Peppermint Patch!

2010-12-10T18:01:00.000-08:00

How I love these friends....

Renee', Teresa and I are making it a habit to attend the local

craft fairs. Today was the long awaited

Peppermint Patch and it was a good one!

So many great booths with fun ideas and clever projects.

There are some really talented folks out there & I wouldn't be

surprise if Teresa will have her own booth next year!

Our newest grandbaby

2010-12-08T18:31:00.000-08:00

Sara sent this "portrait" of our newest grandbaby today.

Her doctor says she is at the 9week mark and the due date is

July 14th!

Sara said her thumb is at the top of the head. Heart beat is strong

and the little one is growing!

Amazing .. stupendous .. a miracle

a baby!

Merry Christmas to all!

2010-12-08T18:30:00.000-08:00

What a find!

2010-12-06T19:51:00.000-08:00

I found this great quilt online today!

What a great pattern ... it would look lovely

in a front hall to welcome visitors to your home.

Self portrait ..

2010-12-04T15:43:00.000-08:00

Some days I feel like Whistler's Mother...the shoulder hurts,

ma knees are crackin', I've fallen and I can't get up....

...the ol' rocker is ma best friend!

But I hope as I continue to age that I will have a young spirit..

Like this lady in pink!

Years ago I saw this image and cut it out of a magazine.

It still hangs in my laundry room to remind me

that being young is a state of mind.

Life is good no matter what goes on around you!

Maybe I need to paint my kitchen pink!!

Best bear hug ever!

2010-12-04T15:35:00.000-08:00

This photo of Addie and Quinn brings smiles out all over!

Makes me miss the days when the kids were small.

So grateful for grandbabies!

My favorite photo of Josh and Kendra

2010-12-03T10:42:00.000-08:00

This year we spent Thanksgiving with Josh and Kendra.

First time in years I didn't have to cook a turkey!!!

We really had a terrific time with these two. When I returned

home, I looked thru photos and re-discovered this one.

We were vactioning at the family cabin in Manzanita, Oregon

Great shot - love these kids!

..another file folder....

2010-12-03T10:15:00.000-08:00

Making these file folder organizers are addicting!
Again I used some fun Christmas papers I have
had in my stash for a few years.
I wasn't so thrilled with the color pallet, but when it
was complete..I LOVED it!

- To see more detailed shots..click on the photos

to see a bigger image -

Two more to finish..
will post them later.

Merry Christmas from our house to yours!

2010-12-03T10:10:00.000-08:00

I love this photo...it was taken last January near

the Salt Lake Temple.

Let's alll remember the real reason we celbrate this time of year.

Merry Christmas!

More fun from my craft room!

2010-12-03T09:49:00.001-08:00

My oh my, I do have fun in my craft room!

The next file folder planer I made was a Christmas one!

I had planty of time to create it and what fun I had!

Stayed up in the wee hours of the morning and paid for

it the next day!

Below are more detailed pictures.

Just click on them to see bigger images

Two people I dearly love....

2010-12-03T09:43:00.000-08:00

My Aunt Judy and Uncle Mike.

(Major OSU fans)

Wish I lived closer to them to spend more family time together.

I am soooo blessed to have them in my life.

News Flash for 2010 ... Sara got married!

2010-12-03T09:32:00.000-08:00

This last August Sara & Sean got married!

We have a new son-in-law and they recently told us

they will be expecting a baby next July!

Oh happy day!

My first try at an organizer folder

2010-12-03T09:10:00.001-08:00

Last summer my name was drawn for the door prize at the Basket Case...our local quilter's guild.

That meant the next month I needed to come up with a gift for another quilter.

I decided to try my hand at an organize folder. (Made from a manila file folder!)

This one is geared towards quilter's needs.

Really fun to make.

I used papers from my stash and printed word strips from my computer.

Click on the phots for a closer look.

I found a tutorial for this project on Split Coast Stampers.

Look under file folder organizer in the resource section.

Random shots of my favorite girl..

2010-12-03T08:19:00.000-08:00

I wonder if kissing this big ol' fish will turn him into a handsome prince???

Aunt Megan and Alissa

Love this shot..Quinn seems to be quite interested in Alissa's whale!
Megan and ALissa getting ready to feed the sting rays

at the Denver Aquarium.

By the look on Alissa's face...the excitement has gone and a little fear has crept in!

Summer memories...

2010-12-03T08:16:00.000-08:00

This a photo of Alissa this last summer.

I call it frog eyes!

Love this girl!

Oh, oh, oh...just one more...

2010-12-02T19:07:00.001-08:00

Now I couldn't leave this photo out! What a cutie-pa-tootie!

This was taken at Sara and Sean's wedding reception last September.

Quinn was enjoying the view from his dadie's shoulder. I love this little guy!

Last but not least...my favorite picture of Quinn!

2010-12-02T18:54:00.001-08:00

Quinn.....the deep sea diver and master of the ocean!

Catching up with the grandson....

2010-12-02T18:11:00.000-08:00

Playful moment with Granny

Bonding with Uncle Josh

Proud Papa with son

Some favorite shots of the Quinnster!

2010-12-01T19:42:00.000-08:00

Quinn has Grampa wrapped around his lil' finger!

I'm finally back in the swing of things!

2010-11-30T22:40:00.000-08:00

I'm making my come - back in the blogging world with our visit to Denver to spend Thanksgiving with Josh and Kendra. Megan came with us from Utah and we all met Sara and Sean at the Original Pancake House for an amazing breakfast! Sara and Sean were married in August and surprised us with the wonderful news that they are expecting a baby in July! I love how our family continues to grow. Can life get any better?

(Will post shots from their reception a little later)

Making a family favorite ... Microwave Carmel Corn!

2010-04-26T14:30:00.000-07:00

We moved to Western Colorado 26 years ago and our good

neighbor,Sue Hughes, shared this wonderful recipe with me.

Our family has enjoyed this easy and simple recipe!

Makes a fun -new neighbor- gift

along with a gift certificate for a movie!

I air pop 1/2 cup of our favorite popping corn.

In a 1 quart microwave safe bowl or measure cup,
combine 1/4 c. packed brown sugar, 1/4 c. granulated sugar,
1/4 c. butter or margerine, 1/8 c. light corn syrup, and 1/4 tsp. salt.
Microwave until it boils then stir mixture.

Return to the microwave and boil for 2 minutes

Continue.....

2010-04-26T14:07:00.001-07:00

Stir well, 1/4 tsp. baking soda and 1/4 tsp. vanilla

Pour mixture over popped corn.

Fold mixture into the popped corn

Microwave on high for 1 minute then stir mixture.
Do this two more times for a total of 3 minutes in the microwave.
(If you don't stir it every minute, it will burn in the middle)

Pour carmel corn onto a cookie sheet and let cool.
I break it up with my fingers while it is cooling.
Then pop in a favorite chick-flick and munch away!

Microwave Carmel Corn

1/2 cup unpopped pop corn popped in an air popper
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup butter or margerine
1/8 cup light corn syrup
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. vanilla
(Almonds or pecans if desired)

Combine sugars, butter or margerine, corn syrup and salt in a 1 quart microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high power until boiling. Stir. Continue boiling for another 2 minutes. Remove from microwave and stir in baking soda and vanilla. Pour mixture over popped corn. (I use my largest Pyrex mixing bowl) At this point you add your nuts if you desire. Microwave on high power for one minute. Stir carmel corn. Microwave for another minute and stir. Microwave one more minute and stir again. Pour carmel corn onto a cookie sheet and let cool. As it cools, break apart with your fingers.

Megan goes to the Temple!

2010-03-22T08:55:00.000-07:00

Just after all the excitement of Quinn's birth, Joel came to Utah

and we took a couple days to be with Megan while she went thru the

temple. What a joyous day for all of us.

Here she is just before we entered.

A photo afterwards on the steps of the St. George temple.

Lovely day all in all.
Just for fun we went to see "Alice" in 3-D.
Had to take a picture of us wearing the good looking glasses.

Mean while ..the naughty little dog ..

2010-03-22T08:40:00.000-07:00

Mr Darcy came with me when I visited Addie and Trevor.

I hadn't planned on staying THREE WEEKS and the naughty little

dog looked more like an unkept teddy bear.

I found a groomer down the street from Addie's house and ..

the hair all came off!

Who is this little dog we picked up??

Still the naughty little dog we know and love.

The excitement of a new baby in the family!!

2010-03-21T20:14:00.000-07:00

Upon returning home from the birth of Quinn, what does Grampa do?

He tries to decide which Smokey the bear to send to his grandson.

Addie voted on the big one with the hat.

Great choice!

Uncle Josh and Aunt Kendra sent a onsie to their nephew!

Those kids are sharing their love of the Rockies

with Quinn ... this will look so good on him :)

A shot of Granny and Gramps with the grandson

First time holding Quinn.

Nothing feels better than a baby in your arms.

After almost a month in the hospital...Quinn comes home!

Yahoo!!

What love looks like ...

2010-03-21T20:09:00.001-07:00

Random photos of Quinn

2010-03-21T19:56:00.001-07:00

It all happened so fast!

2010-03-21T19:46:00.001-07:00

Addie felt the urge to push so I ran to tell her doctor.

In a matter of minutes everyone was dressed and ready to go!

Since the baby was 6 weekly early, Addie was wheeled to the O.R. so if
any complications arose, they could be handled.

Trevor escorting his wife to delivery I was left in her empty room...emotions were high as I realized my grandson
was about to come into this world. I felt so close to my Heavenly Father as I gave thanks for this miracle child .. yet worried for him as he was coming so early in his life.

I was led to a door that led to the holding room just outside the delivery room.
As the N.I.C.U. team rushed in, I knew Quinn was about to be born.
I had my ear to the door and texting family and friends what was happening -
minute by minute.

I heard the first cry and then the tears of joy couldn't be stopped.

The N.I.C.U. team, Trevor and Quinn emerged and I was able to snap this photo of
the newest memeber of our family.

Love at first sight!

The best laid plans have a habit of changing ...

2010-03-21T19:08:00.001-07:00

Addie's due date was April 6..

but on February 15 the call came that her water broke and when I arrived

2 days later, I found Addie and Trevor playing the waiting game.

The Doctors and nurses were hoping she could keep her baby inside one more week...

and she did!

Trevor keeping busy while waiting and waiting.
When I asked her if there was something I could do for her -
she asked if I could paint her toe nails!
She is such a girl!
February 23 .. labor was induced and the work began.
Trevor a bit concerned and very tired.

The making of a Diaper Cake!

2010-03-21T18:30:00.001-07:00

Addie had her baby shower scheduled for February 20... (of course that didn't happen)

When I asked her what she wanted for her shower she immediately said,

"A diaper cake!"

That sounded quite gross to me but when I google said diaper cake,

I was surprised at all the amazing ideas and tutorials that came up.

Here is the making of my cake...

Getting the 96 diapers ready for construction

The center pilar of the cake..
basic cake contructed and the gathering of decorations.

I love to see the Temple...

2010-02-05T21:13:00.000-08:00

This year for my birthday I asked Joel if we could visit Megan for her birthday. So we made the 7 & 1/2 hour trip and what a marvelous time we had! Hiking the red rocks in the morning and spending the afternoon in the temple. Megan went with her ward to do baptisms and we went on a session at the same time. Here is a shot of the temple when we were done. You an barely see it in the darkness but it was lovely just the same.

Later that evening we took Megan to the Olive Gardens for dinner and as we were seated I realized Elder Holland was seated in the booth right behind us!! What a thrill to be so close to this amazing man! Later, when he started to leave with his family, he greeting us and took my hand. Couldn't ask for a better ending to a perfect day.

2010-02-05T21:04:00.000-08:00

Shots from a top the red rocks of St. George....

You can see the beautiful temple.

The Dixie "D" in the background

Breath taking views and the temperatures were in the 50's!

Nice change from the frigid teens back home.

Hiking the red rocks with the naughty little dog

2010-02-05T20:42:00.000-08:00

Mr. Darcy loved the hike up in the red rocks of St. George.

When the hike was over...the naughty little dog had red paws!
Proof of one verygood day.

The birthday girl!

2010-02-05T20:33:00.001-08:00

We had to leave St. George on Megan's birthday and she had to return to work. Here she is behind her birthday flowers from her sweet roommate, Nicole.

The working girl sitting at her desk. 23 years ago she was a little baby in my arms...sigh!

Getting ready for Megan's birthday!

2010-02-05T20:19:00.000-08:00

This year I asked Megan what she wanted for her birthday and she gave me a list of Stampin' Up products.

Well...you don't have to twist my arm to place an order with my favorite Stamping Company!

When the box arrived I had to smile at the printed sign on the box...

I have to admit when ever I see the UPS truck on the road, I think to myself..

A Stampin' Up order is on it's way...maybe to my house!!

This is what I bought for her. She should have some fun with all this!

What good friends look like....

2010-02-05T20:04:00.000-08:00

Our dear friends Kirt and Becky came into town and stayed with us an evening.

It has been several years since they moved away from our small town,

but being together once again was like time had stood still.

Guess that is a sign of deep and enduring friendship.

Something to be cherished