Forever Lois

Our horses

2012-01-28T08:27:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago, we actually thought of getting rid of all our horses. We had gotten rid of Kato, and we were pretty upset over that. But, we still had Sage. Then Larry & Jeff brought a mare to our place to pasture, and she had a colt that spring. They stayed until fall, and then they wanted to leave the colt and take the mare...so they could wean the colt. Of course, I was already attached to "Boots" as we called the colt, so I didn't have a problem with that. By the next spring, I wanted to buy him. Boots is the one looking at me taking the photo with the white blaze. Then Jeff decided he really needed a new horse, so he bought Chief. The one laying down.
The pinto is sort of a long story. Before I bought Sage (after we had to get rid of our Arabian due to cancer) I loved this pinto. But it wasn't even a year old and I really needed a horse I could ride then. So, we passed and bought Sage instead. Well, last year, the guy who had owned the Pinto called us and said his son & DIL had taken the pinto and broke him, but now they really needed to sell him. The guy had to move from Boise to Idaho Falls for his job and they were making double house payments. We're thinking...we really don't need another horse. But we drove to Blackfoot and looked at him and rode him. And...we bought him. He has turned out to be the horse that Jeff has taken elk hunting and on his rides. Vern has been riding Sage, so Ivy and I have been riding Sage & Chief in the evenings when we can.
Next spring, we'll get Boots ready to go, and we're going to have way....way...too many horses. But, you become very attached to them. They are intelligent and loving, and it will be very hard to let any of them go. Everyone tells me how expensive it is to own horses...and it is. Hay, grain, bug spray, worming, West Nile shots every year, vet bills, and on and on. But, when you look out and they are looking back at you...as if to say "Where's my apple?" How can you not Love them? I do.

My latest quilt

2012-01-26T05:05:00.000-07:00

This is the photo I had Jeff take for Doris, showing the quilt that her quilting group quilted for me. I really liked how it turned out. Lots of pinwheels. Thank heavens for her. I wouldn't have any quilts finished.

Men's cards

2012-01-25T22:04:00.000-07:00

I always use alot of men's cards since that's mainly who I work with. So I'm always running out and needing more. I have gone through that "100" I made while I was in Soda Springs, so decided I'd better get with the program and get some more made. The fronts are ones that I had pieced...just waiting for something to finish them off. I used my moose, bear, and wolf stamps.

Hope you enjoy seeing them. I know they aren't the most creative things I've done, but when I start mass producing them for work...I tend to just get some made. I try to be creative, but I know they are all going to different men and I don't have to reinvent every card. But...I did have several men tell me they save every card I have sent them. Really? I didn't think men did that sort of thing. Surprise.

Photos from my Advent Calendar

2012-01-24T00:25:00.000-07:00

This photo is of Jason and Ivy. Ivy? Can you believe it? She's 15 now. Time is sure slipping away.

Guess who? Jason, Stephanie, & Danelle. Now can you look at that photo of Danelle and say that Ellie doesn't look like her? And does Sam look like Jason? And how about Lindsay? Does she look like Steph? Believe it or not, the kids loved to dress up and then lip sync to Alvin & the chipmunks...They were such fun kids.

Now, I'm sure you can guess that this is Mikayla and Braquel. Doesn't Ellie look alot like Mikayla? I just can't believe how fast time goes by. Love looking at these old photos every year.

Rico Suave layout

2012-01-23T05:56:00.000-07:00

When I did this layout at the retreat, I was searching for a title. I asked Darla, and she said "Rico Suave"...and we laughed. Then Robin told me the same thing later and I decided...okay. That's it. So I looked up definitions for it and decided it really was a good title. Chris always opens doors for me when he' s here, he is fairly quiet but says "nice" things. Melts my heart!

Photo Shoot layout

2012-01-22T11:38:00.000-07:00

Sally asked me if I would take family photos for her family. We met at her Aunt Donna's home and took each family and then the whole group. It was so much fun. I loved doing them and thought they turned out okay. Hope they thought so too. I loved how they all came pretty much in red/black/white. It really made the photos come together.

Since I took these in January and due to the color scheme, I thought a winter looking layout was appropriate. I really liked how it turned out. And they are all so beautiful....I might be a little prejuidice. What do you think?
I threw my back out yesterday, so I'm pretty much hobbling around and not doing anything. Watched the tutorial that Robin put up on the 4 Girls & a Dream blog...loved it. I'm really impressed. Gotta love that talented girl.

Halloween Layout, 2010

2012-01-21T05:48:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun the weekend of Halloween. I just couldn't seem to get enough of scrapping it....

January exchange card #4, 2012

2012-01-20T06:03:00.000-07:00

These were another set of 8 cards from WalMart. I covered all of them, and put a small strip on the inside since they were cut back slightly. I had some of these diecut flowers, etc and decided to use them up. They didn't turn out too bad.
I went down to Mom's last night and spent a few hours with her and Doris. I took my Ipad and were spent the whole time on Utube. Watching video's and punch art, stamping, and quilting. It was actually pretty fun. Mom's decided she needs to learn how to get on Utube.

January exchange card #3, 2012

2012-01-19T06:22:00.000-07:00

I found these jeweled creations at WalMart for .97 each and thought they were sooo cute. Decided to use them on my scrap cards. The cards are from WalMart too. 8 cards with envelopes for .97. I've been making cards to send to the troops...Janell has the address, but now I guess they'll all be coming home so I don't know if they're still sending them or not. I have a great big bag full though...any other ideas?
We sure didn't get nearly as much snow as they were predicting yesterday. And what did come down is pretty much gone now because it rained most of the evening. The roads might be a little slick this morning.

January exchange card #2, 2012

2012-01-18T06:26:00.001-07:00

Yup. More scraps from layouts that I've been posting lately. Not sure why my words look sort of messy. I didn't think they looked like that in the card.
Still working on using up scraps. Making all kinds of card fronts to have ready for when I get 10 minutes to stamp sometime.
We are supposed to get some huge winter storm today. So far, it's only wind. Always the wind.

January exchange card #1, 2012

2012-01-17T05:46:00.000-07:00

The theme for the January exchange card was "scraps". Love using up scraps. I always have so many, especially after I've been scrapbooking. So, as I finished up the layouts from the retreat, I thought...hey! I have scraps that match from my layouts...I may as well use them right now to make my January cards. So, if you've been paying attention, you'll notice that these scraps are from the Pumpkin Patch layout of Ellie. Aren't I clever?
Last night we had dinner with a couple that I consider very good friends. We never did get time to meet each other for our birthdays this year...or Christmas. We spent 2-1/2 hours with them, and loved every minute. We just couldn't quit visiting. The restaurant emptied out, and we still just kept talking. The waitress was probably ready to close up and leave, but she was very patient and just waited for us. Thank heavens for good friends. We vowed we wouldn't let time get by without meeting again soon...but, life just moves so fast. I am determined to make more time for friends this year!

Soccer Layout

2012-01-16T05:49:00.001-07:00

Sports are a big part of the grandkids lives, and we love to go watch them all if we possibly can. This layout combines two different grandkids playing soccer. I could have combined more than that, as Connor and Jaden both play soccer also. But, this time it was for Treven and for Taylor. Treven's game was in the fall...beautiful day. Taylor's was in the spring and it was freezing cold. I don't know how kids play in that kind of weather....

Snow Much Fun layout

2012-01-15T11:34:00.000-07:00

Just another layout from photos that Robin shares with me. Loved the colors and the sparkle. Just the cutest grandkids ever makes scrapbooking so much fun.

Prom

2012-01-14T06:00:00.002-07:00

I loved how this layout turned out actually. I really like the border at the bottom. Thanks Christy...she showed me this on a circuit cartridge and you just do "extended" or "long"...I can't remember exactly how we did it, but I loved how lacey and pretty it was. Thanks to Marcy for bringing it. I've looked for that particular cartridge and haven't found it. I really liked how it turned sparkly when we sprayed it too. Again...thanks Christy. Then I added some pearls on it and along the edges of some of the photos. It helps that Mikayla is such a beatiful girl too...doesn't it? I helped to alter the dress to fit her better, so it was exciting to see the photos that Danelle took. I loved them all. Glad she shared with me.

Thanks for taking a look.

Just Dance

2012-01-13T06:00:00.001-07:00

Robin actually did this layout for me. I was beginning to get a little burnt out, and she offered to do one for me. I know it's hard for anyone to do a layout for me, because I always want to use so many photos. I have so many cute grandkids, and I hate leaving anyone out. I'm always on the look out for ideas to use alot of photos. I really thought this turned out cute. We had so much fun playing this game. I still haven't bought it, and I really need to.

Loving football

2012-01-12T06:00:00.002-07:00

I love football. Luckily, Connor does too. Since we don't have too many boys in the family, I probably won't get the chance to watch too many grandson's play. Connor loves football even more than he does soccer. He's very good at soccer (all sports really) but he gives it up every fall to play football. Darrin coached his team this year, which was great. Don't you love his "yellow" shoes? I didn't have any trouble finding him on the field.

The faces of Taylor

2012-01-11T06:24:00.002-07:00

Taylor is quite the kid. He's always full of life and says the cutest things. And pulls the funniest faces.

Dying Easter Eggs

2012-01-10T05:20:00.000-07:00

Again...I printed alot of photos from the cd's that Robin sent me, so alot of the pages I did at the retreat are of Christopher & Taylor. In fact, Danelle and the kids were in Twin, and picked up my photos from Costco for me. The girls were rather put out that all the pictures were of Chris & Taylor. Danelle had to explain that I had just printed from Robin's cd's....I really do take pictures of all the rest of the kids too! They are all so cute...who could resist.

Cute as a Button

2012-01-09T05:51:00.000-07:00

When I first started making hats, I had a couple to try and judge sizing by, so when Danelle and the kids came over we started trying them on Ellie. At first she thought it was fun, but the longer we went...the more she resisted. Enough was enough!

Another layout from the Oct. retreat

2012-01-08T07:53:00.000-07:00

Thank heavens Robin sends me cd's with photos of the boys. Otherwise, I wouldn't get to scrap too many layouts of them. I believe this was the first day of school. They are so cute with each other. They have their disagreements, of course, but they are also best friends. Love these boys!

Pumpkin Patch layout

2012-01-07T09:03:00.000-07:00

I loved all the photos I got from visiting the pumpkin patch with Ellie and Treven. I turned some of them black & white, some I layered a color over the black & white, and I left a couple in color. I love using the collage feature on the Costco website. I really liked how this turned out.

Layouts from the retreat

2012-01-06T23:02:00.000-07:00

Now that Christmas is over and I'm not trying to finish gifts, etc. I decided it was time to finish the layouts that I started at our last retreat in October. I know. It's shocking that I haven't done any scrapbooking since then. So, now I'm on a quest to finish these up so I can start kits for the one in April. Just today, we totally filled up for that retreat. In three days...amazing isn't it? I am really excited to do the challenges again this time. That's my favorite assignment, because it gets me busy doing projects and layouts and getting things ready.
Enjoy the next few days while I post some of these layouts as I get them finished. Would love to see comments on how I could possibly improve my designs or what anyone would suggest. I'm always trying to improve.

Photo Challenge Day 31

2012-01-06T22:58:00.000-07:00

This is the antique gift from my mother. I told her I didn't want her to buy me anything...just give me something to put in my collection.

Wow...my gift wrap is put away, the gifts have all been given away, and things are beginning to get back to normal.

Put away some candle holders that have been on my self for several years now. Decided maybe it's time to spruce up and change a little decor...hopefully I get something done before long. It looks pretty bare right now.

And my tree is down. Time to move the furniture back. Vaccum behind everything and maybe even do a little rearranging. Won't that be a shock.

Starting on next year. It will be a surprise....but fun filled baskets are on my list.

Photo Challenge day 30

2012-01-06T22:50:00.000-07:00

I do believe that something is wrong with my camera. When I downloaded all the photos I've taken this past week...there's a spot in all of them that looks blurry. Don't know if my lens is just dirty or something more serious. I'll have to check it out. But, I'm going to go ahead and post my last photos for the December challenge.
The top two photos are Jeff & I's stockings. I made them 2 or 3 years ago. I just keep making larger stockings, which is crazy. We spend more filling our stockings than on our gifts to each other. In fact, there's been a couple of years that we just didn't do anything BUT our stockings. I saw some made like this at the Gathering Place in Rupert and loved them.
The last photo is of my tree without the decorations. I always miss having the decorations up, and yet it's nice to put away all the mess too.

Photo Challenge Day 29

2011-12-29T20:42:00.000-07:00

The three photos above, are of Red Fish Lake, taken the same day as our drive in my previous post. I thought it was just beautiful with the snow on the mountains and the clouds. I love this Lake and would love to spend a week or two camped there.

These two photos are at Galena summit. It was snowing pretty good there. The one with the fall colors is actually looking straight down toward the valley. It doesn't show the snow as much as the one taken up.

These two photos were taken as we came into Stanley. I always love this view. Usually there's cattle down in the lower ground and then there are those big mountains in the background. I love going through this area. The Sawtooth Mountains are among my favorites.

This was the folded flower I made to go on the "I" of my Jingle. I thought it turned out cute, but I didn't like how the two shades of red looked together, so I didn't use it. Also, it came undone after it laid on my craft table for a week. Not good.

Photo challenge Day 28

2011-12-29T05:35:00.000-07:00

I gave alot of gift cards this year, and found these cute stockings at Michael's to use. I thought they were really cute. I don't usually like giving out cards, but...so many times that's what everyone asks for. So...it's easy!

Photo Challenge Day 27

2011-12-29T05:29:00.000-07:00

One thing about doing the Photo challenge this month with Ashley, was that I downloaded some photos that I had even forgotten that I had taken. In early November, Jeff and I took a drive up through Arco to Challis, over to Stanley and home through Sun Valley. The fall colors were spectacular. The first photo is at a campground just west of Challis. It was misty that day and felt like it was actually going to snow. I thought the colors against the sky were so pretty.
The next photos were along the river on our way to Stanley. It was raining and the water was just hanging on those late chokecherries. I had a ton of gorgeous photos from this spot. There was a small group of yellow/orange trees amongst all pine trees that I loved. I just never know what to do with the beautiful scenery photos that I get.
The last photo is near Galena summit. It was actually snowing on top, and tomorrow I will share those photos with you. I know these aren't actually taken in December, but it was through the challenge that I found them.
The Christmas season is nearly over. Last night Jeff's parents finally felt well enough to come over and open gifts with us. I'm so glad they are getting better. It always a worry when they get sick. I don't know if I'll take down decorations this weekend or if I'll wait until next week. It doesn't really seem like I've had them up very long. But I'm getting in the mood to clean....

December exchange card #4

2011-12-29T05:03:00.000-07:00

My last card for the "packaging" theme this month was using the clear envelope that so many jewels come in. I used my SU owl punch to make an owl, and then put it on a tag...inserted in the envie and I was pretty much finished. I thought they were cute.

December exchange card #3

2011-12-27T06:04:00.000-07:00

This was my 3rd "packaging" card. I had to use a few different chipboards..most of them had stickers of some sort on the front. I thought they turned out cute though. Loved this stamp when I saw it in Boise.

Photo Challenge Day 26

2011-12-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

I have these snowmen sitting in the alcove in my bedroom. I have greenery and minature lights up there, and I love turning them on. I almost hate to think about putting away all the decorations...but, it also gets old having them all over. I've enjoyed them though, and have decided to get rid of some when I clean up. It's hard to part with anything, but I'm just getting too many boxes full of stuff.

Photo Challenge Day 25

2011-12-27T05:57:00.000-07:00

Wow. I can actually see the floor. I've had gift wrap, ribbon, tape, scissors, tags, and lots of things waiting to be wrapped stacked up here for a month. It looks so bare in my craft room now. I've actually cleaned up so things, put away, tried to find room for everything. It's amazing so full the room was until little by little you start giving it away.
I'm pretty anxious to start really cleaning things up now.
Thanks to everyone for making our Christmas so wonderful.

Photo Challenge Day 24

2011-12-27T05:55:00.000-07:00

I always make Poppycock for Jeff's father. He loves it, but since he's really watching his sugar, I only made it for them when they went elk hunting, and for Christmas. It's a favorite of everyone I've ever given it to.

I bought this cupcake rake when I was in Chicago. I thought Braquel was using them at her wedding, and loved this one. Had to have Crate & Barrel ship it home for me even. Then Danelle told me they weren't using them anyway...so I had to use it for something. I made cupcakes for us to eat after the Christmas Eve party. I also made the Frosty (white) hot chocolate to drink. Everyone seemed to enjoy that.

We all had a good laugh when we were opening gifts. I sent Ellie over with a gift marked for "Jason". She gave it to David, and he said..."Hey. I have a gift for Jason? Who's that?" I had to introduce him to Jason...he turned about as bright of red as I've seen. Duh?

I got a new frame full of photo's of the Gibbon's family. Sally said it looked like they were way behind on my bookcase...only a couple of years. Boy, when kids are this age though, that makes a huge difference.
After everyone left, Jeff & I were getting ready to go down to mom's, and discovered that Danelle had left her camera on the counter. I called and they were on the freeway almost to KOA. I don't think Gary wanted to come back very bad, but we offered to meet them partway. Met them at the Hub and they went back home. Ellie was already asleep in the car seat. After we got home from Mom's about 11:15 or so, we came downstairs...there sat Jason & Sally's camera and camcorder. Called them, and Jason said he'd come out early the next morning and get theirs.
What a great day. Enjoyed the big family party and then having all the kids here to open gifts. We have such cute and "perfect" grandkids and kids. Love them all!

Photo Challenge Day 23

2011-12-27T05:45:00.000-07:00

We closed up the store around 1:00, and I did a few errands and then filled my pickup with gas and came home. I decided to mix up my hot rolls for Christmas Eve, and discovered that I was almost out of flour. So I ran down to Swenson's and picked that up and then decided that I should just fill a basket with baking goodies for mom. I picked up Crisco, brown sugar, chocolate chips, Karo syrup, etc. When I went to check out...there was mom. She said, "don't look. I'm buying your Christmas". Funny huh? Anyway, she brought down a basket full of fruit and four different cheese balls. Love them!

I don't know if I mentioned that Danelle called me on the 22nd and said..." I was looking at your blog, and I think you spelled Kylee wrong. It should have two ee's on the end and not an ie." I thought about it and knew she was right. But...I had gotten the wood letters in Salt Lake and wasn't sure just what to do. But after I got home, I called Margene to see if she could possibly cut me out another E...and the wonderful sister that she is...she made time to do it. She has to be the best sister ever. She always helps me out whenever I call her. Love you sis!

December exchange card #2

2011-12-26T06:35:00.000-07:00

For this card, I had some tags that came off shirts. It was cut in a pointed fashion and folded over, so it was fairly thick. I covered each layer and used stamping on them. I loved the paper. It was some I got from CTMH a year or so ago.

December exchange card #1

2011-12-25T16:08:00.000-07:00

This was my first card I made for the December exchange. The theme was "using packaging" for the card. I used some cardboard that came with some brads or something on it. I've known this was the theme for December most of the year, so I kept saving anything that looked like it might work. I thought these turned out pretty cute. Of course, I didn't have quite enough of one thing to make it all, so each one turned out a little different.

Photo Challenge Day 22

2011-12-23T05:46:00.000-07:00

I know these photos seem a little random, but this was really what seemed important to me on the 22nd. I stopped at mom's to see something Larry was building out in the shop, and picked up my quilt that Doris had finished quilting for me (I'll post that photo a little later, after I finish the binding) and she gave me a container of Swedish cookies. We have made these since we lived in Paul, and I love them. They take a long time to make, so I really appreciate the efforts she puts into making them for all of us.

It was the Maaco bowl, and Jeff & I both wore our Boise State shirts to work in support of them. I fixed us some cheese/crackers/salami/apples/and oranges to eat, and we were set. Boise ran the first kick off back for a touchdown, and never looked back. I loved that they won so far, but I almost felt sorry for Arizonia. Almost. Go Broncos!

Photo Challenge Day 21

2011-12-23T05:41:00.000-07:00

Wednesday evening, I drove to Albion for a "live" nativity play. Treven was playing the part of a shepherd, and even though it was freezing cold and the wind was blowing 100 mph...at least it felt like it all day...I was going. On my way there, I was dropping off a couple of gifts for our contractors, and...guess what. I think it actually warmed up a little, because it started snowing. By the time I made my way up the hill to Albion, it was snowing so hard you could barely see the roadway. But, it was all good. I wore my big orange BSU coat and kept very warm. I loved seeing the real live animals...chickens, donkeys, goats, sheep, and camels. It was great!

Jingle

2011-12-23T05:36:00.000-07:00

I bought these letters in Salt Lake in June, and finally just got them finished up. I think they turned out way cute and I will be putting them up...even if it's only for a week or so.

Photo Challenge Day 20

2011-12-23T05:31:00.000-07:00

Our family held a cookie exchange out to Margene's home on Tuesday evening, and it was really nice. I think our family has some of the cutest....CUTEST kids. I couldn't resist taking a few photos of kids, as well as the cookies. Love my family and the traditions we share.

Photo Challenge Day 19

2011-12-23T05:25:00.000-07:00

I have gotten so many cool Christmas cards this year. I have the photo ones on my refrigerator. I love all of them. It's so fun to get photos or a family newsletter...or both. Thanks to everyone who still sends cards.

Photo Challenge Day 18

2011-12-18T21:14:00.000-07:00

Hopefully, I get this project finished before Christmas, but who knows. I just did the glitter part while I was doing Kylie's letters. Maybe sometime I'll find time to do this. It's the dot above an i...guess what the word is?

I tried some new cookie recipes, but I wasn't all that thrilled with any of them. Guess I'll stick to the ones I've tried and love from now on. Oh well. I'm going to serve cookies and hot chocolate Christmas Eve after we open gifts...at least that's the plan now.
Tuesday evening is a "Cookie Exchange" out to Margene's. At least now, I have my cookies made.

Photo Challenge Day 17

2011-12-18T21:09:00.000-07:00

While we were in Boise, we attended a basketball game that Connor played in. He's #28, with his back towards us. He's the tallest one out there. He's such a cute kid. His cousin played on his team also, and Nick is much smaller, but very scrappy. He fell down once, and Connor more or less scooped him up and patted his head. It was so cute! You can tell they are very good friends.

I made Kylie's name for her as a gift for Christmas. I'm sure she won't even know what it's for, but...sooner or later she'll get it. I also made Ellie's, but I put her's on a canvas and made pockets to hold tags they can put photos on. I'm not sure either one of them will appreciate it.
Saturday was the Wood family Christmas party. It was nice. We had a good time, but I didn't even take my camera. I thought Reta would take photos, but I guess she has lost her camera. That's pretty sad.

Photo Challenge Day 16

2011-12-18T21:03:00.000-07:00

Friday was a pretty special day. Tori finally graduated from Boise State. She really could have graduated a while ago, but she works at the BSU bookstore, and unless she's a student, is would lose her job. But, she finally decided to go ahead and finish up. She has a bachelor degree in metal arts. Sculptures...um...okay. Now she thinks she'll go back and get an accounting degree so she can actually find a job. We're so proud of her though. It was a very nice ceremony, and they had 1400 graduates and gave out over 1600 degrees. Some got more than one degree.
WAY to GO Tori!

Photo Challenge Day 15

2011-12-18T20:59:00.000-07:00

C.J. came by, and dropped off his gifts for everyone. He has to work, so they don't get to come for Christmas Eve this year...bummer. But, he left me this poinsetta. I love them. I have it sitting by my kitchen door from the entryway.

Photo Challenge Day 14

2011-12-18T20:57:00.000-07:00

I haven't gone crazy making hats like I did last year, but I have made quite a few. Marcy is selling them in her salon. Steph said she has sold several, so I'm pretty excited about that. I just love making them when I sit down for awhile and don't really have anything else to keep me busy.

Photo Challenge Day 13

2011-12-18T20:55:00.000-07:00

This is the inside of these little purses. They actually called them scripture bags. I started out making them like the pattern said, except I didn't double the iron on fleece. Even then, I thought they were way too thick, so I just put the fleece on the purse and not the lining....so now I have a ton of fleece cut for these purses...when will I ever make them again? Good question. Anyone want one?

Yes, I made eight of these cuties. I loved the fabric and I loved how they turned out. Loved the flower on them when I got them done. Love it when things turn out cute!

Photo Challenge Day 12

2011-12-13T11:58:00.000-07:00

I actually wrote a Christmas letter this year, and printed a few photos on it. Nothing special, but last year I got so tired of trying to write a little note on every card, that I figured it was easier to type the letter and be done with it. I got all the cards ready to mail. I made 60 while I was in Soda in September, and I guess I need to start making more. I had to add almost 20 more to that. I either need to cut down my list...or make more....um....

Photo Challenge Day 11

2011-12-13T11:56:00.000-07:00

I know these photos aren't the best, but it represents a whole lot of work. I didn't think I'd get them all done, but....I sewed for about two days straight and got all the big ones finished.
Now on to the little ones.
We had our work Christmas party at the Dry Dock restaurant this year, on Saturday evening. It was very nice. We had fourteen of us. The food was very good, and they put us all together in one room without alot of others, so we could actually visit with each other.

Photo Challenge Day 10

2011-12-11T22:11:00.000-07:00

Yes...I'm a Bronco fan. Sometimes, I think I get too involved. I like to cheer and hollar for them while they are playing, and get upset when they don't get a BCS bowl...despite having an 11-1 season. And the one they did lose, was by one point. I'd be the first to admit though, that I don't think this season's team was as good as last years. But, they still deserved something better. I also think Kellen Moore was slighted. He had better numbers than the quarterback from Baylor...oh well. I will be cheering and hoping they win in Las Vegas though. When I was in the Bronco shop in the Twin Falls mall, I picked up some stocking caps...for $5.00. What a bargain.
I also bought a little coat for Ruger to wear...Bronco blue with orange trim. I'm sure Brittney & Dustin will be thrilled.

Photo Challenge Day 9

2011-12-09T06:15:00.000-07:00

I think I mentioned earlier that I was going to use the garland that Brittney & Braquel helped me make....sooooo many years ago. I know they were fairly small. I actually used some little snowmen that I had made that year (which I still have also...they are in my bedroom this year). I got these little bears at Costco one year. But, I love the garland that the girls helped me make. Just the two of them came over and we had such a good time. It took forever, and I think they actually wanted to quit alot sooner than we did...but they stuck it out. They are both so special to me. My first granddaughters. They were only a year apart, and I used to buy them both frilly dresses, levi's...it was just so much fun.
I actually took a photo of the whole tree, but it didn't turn out very well. I need to practice on taking photos in low light more.

Photo Challenge Day 8

2011-12-08T06:10:00.000-07:00

First off, let me just say: "Happy Birthday" to Cinda.
These blocks were given to me by Marcy....and I just love them. All of these photos are of the library room by my stairs. I went with the pink/turquoise/lime green so I could incorporate the "believe" and the "Joy" below, that Robin made for me. Aren't I lucky to have such talented friends?

I love having a stair railing to decorate. Every year, when I get it finished I just sit and look at it. I love how when the lights are on, you can see it from outside also.
Have a wonderful day. I started early this morning....3:30 a.m. Jeff had to get up and drive to Twin for a 6:25 flight to Portland for his forecast presentation...so I just stayed up and worked on decorations. Tomorrow's photos will be of the basement tree...and then we're about finished!

Photo Challenge Day 7

2011-12-08T06:04:00.000-07:00

When the girls and I went shopping in Boise, we found the cutest Christmas plates, bowls, etc...in Kohl's. I loved the browns and reds in this bowl, and Danelle suggested putting the scented pine cones in it. I love how it looks and smells. I love the smell of cinnamon. I have it sitting on my dining room table, and it makes the house smell wonderful and Christmasy.

Keeping in the dining room/kitchen area, I thought I'd share how I did the kitchen this year. Usually I use red all over. This year, I decided to go with a "gold" theme. Love how it looks.

These are all on top of my cabinets. I'm almost through decorating. Only a few more photos. You probably all think all I do is decorate...close.

Photo Challenge Day 6

2011-12-07T06:34:00.000-07:00

This morning, I was really hurrying to get everything done. Tori wanted to borrow decorations for two different trees. Of course, until we got all the stuff in from the shop, I couldn't do anything with it. So, she wanted the tree skirt with the cabin & moose, and the wood ornaments that I made quite awhile ago. There's moose, bears, fish....so, the tote above is full of those. She also wanted the purple/blue/silver ornaments that I used downstairs last year. I didn't get a photo of those, but the box was VERY full.
I also wanted to get Brittney's 12 days of Christmas stuff shipped off. I had to stop at mom's with some things she wanted from work...busy.
I did take time to take photos of the upstairs tree...all decorated. I LOVE it. My VT's came and said they loved it too. Sharon said there were so many different things to look at...it wasn't boring. I do like it.

This photo is of my fireplace mantel. I got these LED lights last year after Christmas, and I'm not really thrilled with them. They look too blue. Not sure that I'll take the time to take them down though. Probably leave them this year and do something different next year.

I'm so proud of my tatted snowflakes. My sister Doris has made them all. I love them too. She thinks I must have 100 by now, but I ONLY have 43....I need way more. I can't imagine the work that goes into them...

This is an ornament that I bought at our family auction. Tami made them, and I LOVE them too. Each one has it's own little personality.

I love how the tree reflects in our windows. This photo just doesn't do it justice. I LOVE Christmas!

Photo Challenge Day 5

2011-12-07T06:05:00.000-07:00

Jeff built a shelf in our shop, up high, for all my Christmas decorations. It's nice, because they are out of the way during the year...but getting them up and down is a pain. It really takes three of us. I tried doing it by myself one year, and nearly killed myself. Tipped over the ladder trying to pull a box down and swing it around and put it in the pickup from the ladder. So Danelle's girls have been helping us the last couple of years. Chelsey came Sunday evening and got up on the shelf, Jeff got on the ladder, and Danelle got in the pickup...I ran Ellie to the bathroom. Talked to Treven...I had the easy part. Anyway, we got the pickup loaded, and Chelsey said..."do you really put all this stuff up?" Well, alot of it, but I have to bring it all in because I never know what I'm going to use.
So...here's some photos of the totes of decorations I keep.

I didn't think to take a photo of the upstairs tree before I started decorating it, but this is the one downstairs....it's old. I bought it when I still lived at my old house...pre Jeff. How old is that. Britt & Braquel actually helped me make some garland by tying fabric on it the year I bought this....and that's what I'm going to decorate it with this year. I'll take a photo when it's done and share.

Photo Challenge Day 4

2011-12-04T07:42:00.000-07:00

I went shopping in Twin yesterday....my first BIG mistake. What was I thinking? A Saturday....the mall...around 1:00...BIG mistake. But aren't these the cutest things? I fell in love with them. I thought I could fill them with popcorn or candy and give to friends.

Jeff & his dad went for a drive yesterday, so I finished up my last rag quilt. Whew....finally. Now I'm ready to move on to the next big project...

This is part of my next big project. When Robin was here, we picked out some fabric for purses....aren't these beautiful? I love how the Gathering Place lays what you pick out in layers...that way you don't forget what you thought matched...When I buy paper & embellisments at the Scrapbook stores, they turn everything over, mix it all up....and you don't even know what you bought to go together without going through everything again. Love....these colors.

Photo Challenge Day 3

2011-12-04T07:36:00.000-07:00

This advent calendar is one of my favorite things to get out. A few years ago, I was at Girlfriends in Twin Falls, and they had one of these. Each tag inside was something to do that day. With only Jeff & I here though, we don't "do" things on certain days much. So instead, I made tags and put photos from current to old on the tags. Inside I either added extra photos or wrote about what the photo meant and who was in it. I love getting them out, looking at the photo and reading the journaling. Hope you enjoy.

This photo is of Jeff's kids when they were very young. Darin is holding the new born Becky, and the Twins- Tricia and Tiffany are on either side.

This was the Christmas photo Robin sent out several years ago. When I look at it, I can't believe how big the boys have grown. Chris is a freshman in high school...shaving...and the deepest voice. Taylor is almost as tall as Chris.

I loved this idea, and really loved the day we made them. We had about six of us here. I had the envelopes all cut and we just put all kinds of embellisments out on the table and of course, every one of them turned out differently.

Photo Challenge Day 2

2011-12-02T22:13:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of a tube of bells that I bought. I really love the colors. The plastic sleeve sort of reflected and made it look a little blurry though. Below is one of the rag quilts I've been making. Only one more to go. Whew!

It was quite cold today, and the wind came up which made it even colder. My pickup said it was 16 degrees this morning when I was driving to work. That's tooooo cold. I just don't want winter. Especially if it lasts until next July like it did this year. But, this afternoon we got snow...beautiful, big, white flakes just floating down. That's when I like winter. It's always so pretty until it starts melting and turns into slush and mud. The roads were very slick coming home. I'm glad Mikayla and Chelsey left early and their mother followed them home.

Photo Challenge

2011-12-01T21:49:00.000-07:00

Ashley has posted a challenge on her blog to take a photo every day of December. Nothing fancy she says, but...a history of our month. So, I'm going to try doing it. This morning I took 3 photos of things I have in my craft room that are a sure sign of December.
#1 This is probably my favorite of the three. I bought new wrapping paper at Costco and ribbon. I love getting paper there. It's large rolls and it's very nice, heavy paper...and it's reversible. The other side of the Santa paper is a polka dot, which I think will be real cute. The 2nd photo is the beginning of a family project...the 12 days of Christmas for someone very special to us. The 3rd photo is just so-so, but if you could just smell it. It's Scentsy, "Festival of Trees". Steph got it for me so my house would have the smell of a tree, even though I only have a fake one. Just having the lid up in my craft room has made it smell soooooo good. Love it!

Thanksgiving poster

2011-11-30T21:59:00.000-07:00

I found this subway art on line somewhere ...I'm bad...I can't remember where. Anyway, I printed it off and added some stamped leaves and pumpkins I've had laying on my craft table. I thought it turned out pretty well. I stood it on an easel in my entryway. I need to get a frame for it, since I actually quite liked it.

Shopping trip to Boise

2011-11-30T05:55:00.000-07:00

I always try to make a little something to give my girls when we make our annual shopping trip in November. Sometimes it's bigger than other times, and this year I thought I'd just do something very simple since I'd been gone to Automation Fair and didn't really have too much time. So, I thought I'd make some tags for them to use on their packages...it turned into an all day project. I thought I could just whip out a few in a couple of hours. Ha! I'm not sure if I was just slow or if I just misjudged how long it would take me. But, I really liked the results. I put them in some glassine bags that I had, tied it up with some baker's twine, and put some bells on it for good measure. Hope the girls enjoy them. We had such a great day shopping...loved it!

Thanks to Robin, I had this idea for inspiration. For the exchange, she had made one like this and I loved it. Hope you don't mind me "lifting" your idea.

I bought this stamp in Boise before I went to Automation Fair, and tried it. I looked at their idea when I was back in Boise with the girls, and I didn't quite get it as nice as theirs. Their stickles was alot thinner, so I'll have to retry that one. I kept this one...because it was the worst one.

This one just looks green in the post....it wasn't green at all. Sorry.

And there you have it...I really like the bags, and will probably have to go on line and find some again. I made enough to give a couple as gifts also.

Some of my favorite Christmas songs

2011-11-28T22:27:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmF2rsDHOZc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmGSHZYZ74c&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KK6sMo8NBY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JfQjHtuwig
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8O1siM3Nm-k&feature=related

I could sit here and listen to music all night and never, ever find all my favorites. I just have too many. I like Robin, love Christmas music. I must have about 50 cd's. Too many to even play them all, but I try. Jeff doesn't like Christmas music (Scrooge) so I usually play it in my craft room.
I also bought the new CD....love it!

Quilt front

2011-11-28T05:57:00.000-07:00

This is a peek at the front of the last quilt top I made. I sent it to Doris to quilt, and I believe they finished it on Tuesday. I haven't gotten it back yet, but when I do...you'll see a photo of the complete front. It actually turned out quite pretty I think. Mostly all all colors. Lots of pinwheel blocks. Can't wait to get it back.

Thanksgiving

2011-11-27T20:57:00.000-07:00

The photo is NOT from Thanksgiving day...of course. It's actually from July. I didn't take a single photo from Thanksgiving day...what kind of historian am I? The kind that was busy cooking. I am always so busy getting everything ready, that I never seem to take the time to take any photos. I think Brenda took a couple with her phone, but I don't remember seeing anyone else take any pictures either. Wow. That's sort of weird.
Jeff & I have spent the weekend just relaxing and enjoying our time off. I had to listen to the BSU game yesterday. After calling a bunch of hotels...trying to find one that would have coverage of the game, we gave up and just stayed home. I did get another rag quilt made while I listened. The first part was a little scary...Wyoming scored on an interception right off, and then BSU couldn't seem to get it together for the first half. But, they did prevail. I just checked the BCS standings though, and they are still listed at #7. Probably means they won't get any bowl game. That loss to TCU really hurt them.

November exchange card #4

2011-11-20T11:27:00.000-07:00

My last card was made with a new stamp that I got from Stamping Up recently. It's called the doiley. I really like it, even though I think it's use will be a little limited. I love the look when I embossed it though. I then sprayed it with some "Tattered Angel" spray. I thought it turned out pretty. I deicded to make it into an anniversary card. Hope you enjoy seeing my creations.
BSU won their game against San Diego last night. They started out looking great, and then didn't look so hot during the second half, but hung on for the win. Three of the top five lost this weekend though, so we'll see where they end up now. College football is so much fun too watch. Love it!

November exchange card #3

2011-11-19T13:49:00.000-07:00

I know mom and Doris are NOT going to like this card. It won't fit in an envelope and they never like it when I get carried away with embellisments. Oh well. I really loved making the flowers and thought it was special enough, that you would include it with a gift, or at least hand deliver it. So I didn't include envelopes with it at all.

I loved how this card turned out. Loved the colors, the paper, the flowers, the crinkled ribbon, the pearls...you get the idea.
Chicago wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. In fact, on Tuesday as we were about to land at O'Hara airport, the pilot announced that it was 64 degrees...what? But, by Thursday it was freezing cold and the wind was blowing like Idaho...brrrrr. Not much fun that day. And of course, that was the afternoon I had a little time to go shopping. I didn't buy much though. At Crate and Barrell, I did buy a cupcake stand for Danelle to use at Braquel's wedding. It was way cute. Now I have two of them. I also got some Baker's twine...2300' for $8.95. That's alot of twine...compared to about 10 yards for $2.00 around here. Of course, it's all red...but still.
On the way home yesterday, I had a terrible day. Up at 3:30 a.m., left the hotel at 4:35. Got to O'Hara and went through security and caught my plane to ....San Francisco at 8:00. We were to land in San Francisco at 11:00 and my flight to Boise was at 11:31. We land at ten minutes to 11:00 and sit on the tarmack until 11:15...then instead of letting those who had connecting flights off first, they just announced for people to let them through if they could...of course....NO ONE COULD! So, alot of use missed our connecting flight. I stood in line at Customer Service for about an hour and a half...just to try and get on another flight. I was told they had me on stand by for the next flight...if I didn't make that one...the next one...it was ugly. I finally got into Boise about 3 hours later than I was supposed to. Got home around 8:30. Just so nice to be back home.

November exchange card #2

2011-11-13T09:07:00.001-07:00

My second card was done with dry embossing also. This is a Sizzex texture plate, which I ran through my Cuttlebug. I sanded, and then stamped the pumpkin and leaves, and colored them with my Copic markers to put in the lower right hand corner. I thought just the plain green with the words was a little boring. I actually quite liked this card also.
Yesterday...I hate it, but BSU lost by one point in their game against TCU. It's so sad. Two years in a row that the kicker...well, not just the kicker...but man. They need to recruit a good kicker! Although, Goodall is a true freshman, which explains alot, and Brotzman was an awesome kicker most of the time, but...geez. I hate it!
We went to Pocatello for Cara's reception, which was nice. Cara looked beautiful, and it was nice to see Tari and her girls, Tammy and Jeremy and their kids, Bryant and Mercedes and their little one...Love my family. I took my quilt to Doris so they can put it on this week. Jeff & I went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner afterwards. Nice day, except for the wind and snow in the morning...then we wake up to more snow today.

November exchange card #1

2011-11-11T21:46:00.000-07:00

The November theme was "embossing". It could be dry embossing or wet embossing, so I did a little of both on my four sets of cards. This is the first one I did, and I've always like doing dry embossing. I used white core paper, and then sanded for the "white" look to show details. It also involves cutting some pieces out and glueing it all together for the finished look. Then a little glitter...and I'm finished.

Ruger Wade Truscott

2011-11-10T06:04:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited. My granddaughter had her first baby yesterday. She was in the hospital for almost three days. They finally did a c-section and both the baby and Brittney are doing okay. I can hardly wait to see him. They posted a photo on Facebook, and he is just a doll!

As I've mentioned before, I'm trying to make a quilt for each of our grandchildren when they get married. I've been working on this pinwheel quilt...forever...it seems like. Doris needed it this week, and I actually had it done, but then it snowed and mom didn't end up going to Pocatello. So, this Saturday is Cara's reception and we'll be going. Doris said they got by without it this week, so it won't be long and it will be quilted and ready to bind. I'll post a photo of it laid out when it's all quilted. It really turned out pretty I think. It's all done in fall colors.

Cards for Cinda

2011-11-07T05:52:00.000-07:00

When I went for a haircut recently, I was asking Cinda what she was going to do for her teacher appreciation gifts this year. She told me, and mentioned that she wanted to give about five "thank you" cards to each teacher for the month of December, and was trying to find someone to help her. I volunteered. I thought it would be a good way to use up scraps.
At WalMart, they have packages of cards, with envelopes for .97E. Eight cards & envelopes...I figured that wouldn't be too bad. So I started making some up. I had the fronts covered before I went to the retreat, and took them with me thinking if I ran out of layouts to work on, I'd do cards. On Saturday morning, Danelle started helping me by stamping different thank you's and then Robin came and started "designing" them. It was great. We finished everything I had taken with me.
Then I decided...what the heck. Maybe I should just keep making them. So I bought more packs of cards and made 128...I put them in bunches of fives with a band. I'm sure Cinda will finishing them off with ribbons and tags or something. She's very creative.
So...I was going to take photos of them, but I realized it was just way too many. No one wants to look through that many cards. So I just took photos of the bunches. It was fun, but I didn't even make a dent in my scraps.
So, I bought more packages of cards, and now I'm making a bunch to give to Janell. She sends them to some SU ladies that donate them to soldiers. She said that they divide them up by theme, and then different bases and divisions get them. The chaplain's keep them and the servicemen and able to just go pick one up whenever they need one. I'm excited about doing this. If you want more information on helping with this, go to Janell's blog and get the details.
http://janellahern.blogspot.com/
What an excellent way to give at this time of year. I feel so blessed and I am so grateful for the freedoms we enjoy, that it is a small way for me to give my thanks to the armed forces. I am so grateful to live in this free country.

Halloween treats

2011-11-04T06:02:00.000-06:00

For treats to hand out on Halloween this year, I decided since I didn't get very many trick-or-treaters, I should just give them something bigger than the little pieces of candy. So, I bought the regular size Hersey bars and covered them with paper. I bought some "scary" eyes, bones, potion bottles, etc. in Boise and used that on them. I also found some cute Halloween 3-d items at WalMart and used those to decorate them up. I did about 4 dozen and was surprised to only have 4 left over. Of course, I was giving them to all the "big" people that came along also. I loved having the nieces and nephews bring their kids by. Love my family!

Halloween treat bottle

2011-11-03T06:40:00.000-06:00

Made this at the retreat as a project. Thanks to Danelle for saving all the bottles for us. Some made Christmas bottles. Some chose to do Halloween. Loved it.

Ribbons

2011-10-30T18:26:00.000-06:00

Before the retreat, I went to Twin Falls and visited "Scrappin' Girlfriends". I love going there. If you are ever in Twin Falls, Idaho, you should check it out. They have tons of inspirational items around the store. And they let you take photos if you are buying the stuff to make any of it. I love that! So often, I buy the stuff and then when I get home (six months to a year later) I can't remember how it was put together. Anyway...they had this awesome ribbons for .25 a yard. I was buying some, and she asked if I knew how to make it crinkled...no! You just wet it and scrunch it up and let it dry. Then it's crinkled and great looking. I bought a bunch and crinkled it and then cut a couple of yards of fall colors to put in the welcome bags for the retreat. I sure hope everyone liked it. I sure love, love, love it!

A few photos

2011-10-26T22:53:00.000-06:00

This is just a photo of dill in my mother's garden. I think I was working on the "days of summer" photos or something like that. I know I really enjoyed doing the challenges that Ashley came up with and would sure like to start something again. It makes me get the camera out and "think and play".

Mesa Falls on one of our drives. It was just so beautiful.

Again...down in mom's garden. I was taking photos...but eating all of the ones that were ripe. I think she was gone, or I probably would have been in trouble!

This is some queen ann's lace on our way through to Mesa Falls. Sometimes I take some great photos and then never do anything with them. Just thought maybe I'd share a few.
Last night my good friend Liz came over and spent the evening crafting with me. Thanks....what a treat. It's been awhile since I've had someone come over and work with me. Loved the time together.
I've been sewing like crazy, trying to finish my quilt top. I'm getting there...finally. I have the center done, the middle border, but it seems to be bigger than it's supposed to be, so I've quit for the evening. I'll hit it again tomorrow night.

Recipe books for gifts

2011-10-24T23:58:00.000-06:00

I'm only showing one recipe. I included several with each book and extra page protectors so they can add their own favorite recipes.

This was the first book I made.

Number 2.

Number 3.

This is what it looked like once I had put it in a gift bag and put the apron with it. It's always nice to fill it in with tissue paper.

Hopefully you can tell there is actually three different recipe books. I made these to give as gifts. A couple went to girls that live in our neighborhood, and I included some muffins tins with one, and pizza pans and a cutter with the other one. The last one, went to my nephew's daughter who got married a couple of weeks ago. I made her an apron to go with hers. She acted pretty tickled with it...I sure hope so. I just love her! These are such fun things to make, and I hope the people that get them like them as much as I love the ones I have.

rag quilts

2011-10-17T20:00:00.000-06:00

Here are some of the flannels that I'm using to make rag quilts for Christmas this year. It's the last year that I'll be making them. These are all for the boys...can you tell? Hopefully they'll like them. I'm sure it's not the most exciting thing they'll get, but...I don't want to leave them out. I'm hoping they can take them outside to play with or wrap up in at the games.

Last of the exchange cards I received in Sept.

2011-10-17T05:44:00.000-06:00

Well, this is the last of the cards I received in the exchange, and I know they aren't in order...but I've tried moving them around and it hasn't worked out. So...here you go. You'll just have to enjoy them and piece together the detailed photos with the card. Sorry! I hate it when I can't seem to get things where I want on here. But, you can still enjoy seeing the ideas.

September exchange cards #2

2011-10-13T21:04:00.000-06:00

I thought this last card was super cute. It's really thick though, so I'll make sure to give it to someone in person...not try to mail it.

September exchange cards that I received

2011-10-11T21:46:00.000-06:00

I'll show a few of these at a time. I thought the fun folds that I received were really cute.

October exchange card #4

2011-10-09T06:00:00.001-06:00

I loved this card too. Loved the chocolately color of the background paper. I bought some Zing embossing powder and love how it turned out. It actually looks sparkly and it doesn't come off. I'll be buying more of their powder, because it did such a great job.

October exchange card #3

2011-10-08T06:00:00.001-06:00

Love the simple design of this card and tag. Really love the colors too.

October exchange card #2

2011-10-07T06:00:00.002-06:00

Yes...I really do love making Christmas cards...and tags. I probably have a million...oh well.

October exchange cards

2011-10-06T06:00:00.001-06:00

This was the first set of "Christmas cards & tags" that I made for the October exchange. I always love doing this one, because I love Christmas and I have a ton of stamps for that holiday. Plus, I have a lot of Christmas paper!

Moving layout for Stephanie

2011-10-05T21:36:00.000-06:00

Here's another layout that I did for Stephanie. I really liked the paper and thought maybe some cardboard would lend the "moving" theme. I put sticky notes where I thought she could put the address (on the post) the year, and her journaling. I sure hope she liked it.

4 wheeling in the South Hills

2011-10-05T05:57:00.000-06:00

Jeff & I went 4 wheeling this weekend in the South Hills, and I just thought the changing leaves were so beautiful. I couldn't resist taking some photos. Hope you enjoy, and get out and make some memories before winter is here...I'm afraid it's on the way.

Halloween cards

2011-10-03T06:00:00.001-06:00

These are the Halloween cards I made while I was in Soda. It was fun. I had purchased these 3d stickers at WalMart. I thought they made some cute cards. I also covered about 48 chocolate bars and decorated them to hand out on Halloween.

Soda Springs cards

2011-10-02T10:38:00.000-06:00

I know this is alot of cards, but these are the men's cards I made while I was visiting my sis in Soda Springs. I made these the last day I was there. She has some nice "men's" stamps, so I always plan to use them. I had alot of these card fronts already made from my scraps, so I just had to stamp and then put them together. Didn't take long at all. It's nice to have a stash since I send so many men's cards. Mainly for work, but alot of family also.

Ellie

2011-09-27T20:11:00.000-06:00

This photo is of Ellie on Treven's birthday. She was so cute. She was singing "The Wheels on the Bus" and she knew the sound and actions for everything...including moving her arms up and down when they asked what Grandma was doing...I thought it looked like she was flapping her wings, but it was "knit, knit, knit". Grandpa snored, the wipers went ..."swish,swish,swish" the horn went "beep,beep,beep", the kids went "up and down", the door went "open/shut"...on and on. I wish I had had the camcorder with us. She is just such a joy in our lives.

Liz and her gift

2011-09-26T05:29:00.000-06:00

Liz works at McCain Foods, and I met her when I went out on calls and had to pick something up in the storeroom. I had no idea that she would become such a good friend. She is just the sweetest person, and would do anything for you. She is my CTMH gal. I appreciated the note especially, and loved making cards with the "cake" goodies. Enjoy, and thank you again Liz!

Liz has made my life a better thing. I just hope that I can share my friendship with others like she has shared with me.

#9

2011-09-25T18:37:00.000-06:00

This is about the last of my cards that I've taken photos of, except for the ones that I made with some embellisments that a dear friend gave me for my birthday. I'll probably post those next.
Last night we watched the BSU game, and was thrilled when they won so readily. I always get nervous when they take Kellen Moore out of the game, but...they did okay. Then we watched the rerun of the Mayweather/Ortiz boxing match. I don't know about you guys...but I'm NOT going to pay to watch boxing. I was really disappointed that Mayweather showed such LITTLE class. He knocks out Ortiz when he's just giving him a little hug and apologizing for the head butt he gave him. I thought it was terrible. Then after the match, he tells Harold Lederman that HBO should fire him...that he doesn't know anything about boxing...I laughed when Lederman told him he wished he was 50 years younger and he'd kick his A**. Later he said, I probably wouldn't have been able to kick his A** even 50 years ago, but I sure would have given it a try.

#8

2011-09-24T16:57:00.000-06:00

Another set of cards. We raked our hay today, and I had to move all the hand lines. It was work, but I suppose it's good for me. Should equal out to walking on the treadmill hadn't it? At least I'm counting it as though it did. Then I worked on my quilt top. I'm thinking I should have picked one that didn't have soooo many pieces to it. I'm not sure I'll ever get this done. Especially before Doris comes in October.
Tonight is the BSU game, so Jeff's parents are coming over since it's on a channel they don't get. I'm fixing tamales, rice, and a cool-whip type of salad. I guess it will be okay.

#7

2011-09-23T05:48:00.000-06:00

Here's the next five cards.
On Danelle's blog, she put a photo of my father. Gosh, I forgot what a handsome man he was. It's been 30 years since he died, and I still miss him so much. He was way too young to leave this earth. I don't really remember a ton of stuff from when I was young, but I do remember always hoeing beets all summer long. Mom told me later, that she felt sorry for us, but Dad said..."if they would get out there and work, they could be done in half the time". So true. We spent more time talking and putting things on the railroad tracks, peeling up clumps of dirt at the end of the rows and carving them, lying in the rows to cool off...yeah. We worked, but we took our sweet time about it too. I do know though, that if there was baseball practice, or anything else we were involved in, we could go. Dad always supported us in anything we wanted to do. He was a good provider. Of course, Mom gets alot of credit for that too. She always sewed our clothes and made the money stretch. I remember that when I was about in the 2nd grade, I got .10cents a week for an allowance. I told Mom I needed new shoe laces, and she told me..."you get an allowance. Buy your own." To which I replied..." I have to buy my own clothes out of 10 cents a week?" I remember riding the tractor with Dad when I was way young...before I ever went to school. It was a little Ford tractor, and they didn't have cabs back then. They did have a canvas cloth around it to break the cold and wind. I remember curling up down by Dad's feet to keep warm and falling asleep, or laying on the top of the tractor where the engine was and it was so warm. I remember him pulling us with the tractor on an old car hood in the snow...what fun. I remember the big stacks of hay, loose, that we would slid down and play in. Straw stacks that we built tunnels and rooms in. We always had horses. Dad loved horses. I have ridden my whole life, and love to. I remember that we had a riding club, and I would go with Dad to ride once a month on a Saturday. There was mostly men, and they would take turns finding places to ride. Whenever I had a friend over, Dad would saddle a couple of horses for us to ride, because not too many of my friends parents had horses. I remember that one year Doris & Gary, and a couple of their boys, and Dad and Mom and us kids went on a weeks vacation to Bear Valley with the horses. It was so much fun. We so seldom took vacations. I can really only remember about two, besides going to Nebraska to visit family. Anyway, the horse trip to Bear Valley was so memorable. Janell had a little shetland pony, and dad kept telling her to ride up the hill because her saddle was coming forward. She always sang and hummed whle she rode, and she ignored his advice. We came to a stream and her horse bent down to take a drink and she and the saddle went sliding off. She was hollering..."mooooommmm." We all had a good laugh over that. Dad believed in hard work, and always pushed. I can remember driving the pickup back and forth to raise hay bales so he and Danny could stack hay. If I didn't do it right, he would tell me so. I would go in the house crying and saying I wasn't going to help, but when he drove out the driveway and honked...out the door I'd go. He was so good with my kids. When I think about him playing with the rope and tying them up, scaring them with a rug over himself, so many things...that I wish they hadn't missed so much time with him. He always accepted everyone...I think that's why so many people loved him. He could accept them for whatever they were and it was fine. He never judged. He was a wonderful man. I miss him every day.

#6

2011-09-21T21:22:00.000-06:00

Here's another five. I've been in Soda for the past few days, spending time with my sister and mother. We drove up Sunday, and spent most of the time stamping and making cards. We did go to excercise class every morning. We left Doris' house at 6:45 and the class was from 7:00 to 8:00. On Tuesday, we quilted from 8:00 to 3:00. Since she quilts one for me every year, I sure didn't mind helping out. She belongs to a quilting club that meets every Tuesday. It's great for her. She has good friends, and they get alot of quilting done. Tuesday, we finished one they had started the week before, almost finished one they started that day, and put another one one and had some of the edges done on it. It was a great time.

#5

2011-09-21T06:00:00.001-06:00

After today, I'll give you a break and post something new...then it's back to cards. Only a few more days of that.

#4

2011-09-20T06:00:00.001-06:00

I thought these were fairly cute. Still using up scraps. We only have a few more days to go...aren't you relieved?

# 3

2011-09-19T06:00:00.001-06:00

Just more cards. I put a bunch of cards (about 16-20) in cellophane bags, and I'm going to donate them to the Christmas council. I'm just getting way too many cards. They said last year when we did our donations that they don't get much that they can give ladies, so I did this last year and they seemed to like it. And it gets some of this stuff out of my house.

Let's do cards repeat 2

2011-09-18T08:09:00.000-06:00

As you can see, I was again trying to use up scraps and things that I already had stamped off and never put together. Some of them are cute, but none of them are outstanding. Just trying to use up some of the junk I have laying around. My kids would probably tell me..."just throw it away", but I have a hard time doing that. You would think I grew up during the depression or something. I guess my parents taught me that.

September exchange card #4

2011-09-17T07:32:00.000-06:00

I actually like every one of the cards I made for the exchange this month...I know...shock! Usually I'm not thrilled by the time I finish up, but then later when I look at them...I think, they're okay. But this month I really liked them all. Clever folds are fun!
Now get out there and make some cards!
My hubby got home yesterday. Since it was raining in Driggs, they just packed up and came home a day early. He said he really had an enjoyable time, and I'm sure his dad was just thrilled to be able to ride to Hidden Corral and Hidden Lake for what will probably be his last time. At least that's what he thought before they went, but Jeff said he enjoyed it sooo much, that he's already talking about going again. Yes...he'll be 87 next month. One of the rides they took was 7.1 miles in...that's a long day in the saddle for some one that's 86...or 64 for that matter. But, I'm just glad they got that dad/son time together...it's priceless!

September exchange card #3

2011-09-15T22:41:00.000-06:00

Remember...the theme this month was "fun folds". I ran across a card that was made similar to this, but it was all flowers and girly. I use so many cards for men, that I like to make those. I loved how this one turned out. I made five extra's, and I only have one left. This is hunting season, so I thought I'd use the SU "yukon". I think this set has been discontinued now, but I just love it. There is a "buckle" to close this card...you'll see it in the next photos.

I think I'll have to make more cards like this one. I was pretty pleased with it. Hope everyone in the exchange likes it too.

September exchange card #2

2011-09-14T22:39:00.000-06:00

My second card was a tri-fold. I've had these cut out for a long time, and decided this was a good time to use them up. I wasn't crazy about the paper...it's old...what can I say. But, when I got finished with them, I actually liked them. I made about 10 of them, because I had that many cards already cut and folded up. They come in handy though.

I love using pink and brown together and thought this turned out cute. Loved the pretty cupcake tray with all the cupcakes on it. Decided to put it on a tag so it stood out a little.

Hope you are enjoying the wonderful fall weather we're having. They say we might get rain by Friday...I'm loving this warm fall weather though.
I was out to McCain's walking around (one the roof of plant 1 and out to the waste water treatment plant) and it was just beautiful. Had lunch at the Chadwick. It was actually pretty good. Glad they are open again.

September exchange card #1

2011-09-14T06:19:00.000-06:00

The theme for the exchange this month was "Fun Folds". I, of course, looked on-line for some ideas, and it's amazing what you can come up with. I'm always so impressed with the ideas that people come up with.
This first one, was pretty fun to make. I watched a UTube video on it, and had to keep going back to get the correct measurements. But, I loved how it turned out. Of course, it's one you would probably have to deliver in person as it's fairly bulky...what with the big ribbon and all. But, I loved making it, loved the paper, loved the outcome.
I've been working on cutting out more rag quilts for the grandsons this year. I got another one started last night, but not completely cut-out, as I got involved with cleaning out and straightening the whole closet....still not happy with it, but....I couldn't spend any more time on it.