Vacation Fun

Our vacation started with a trip to Fantastic Caverns. For years, we have driven by the signs however never had the time to stop. This time we did and it was well worth it. The kids had so much fun learning about the caves (so did the big kids). Then we stopped for a late lunch at Lamberts...the famous roll throwing cafe. They have the best "down home" cooking I have ever tasted and the fried potatoes were almost as good as the ones in Canada.

Wednesday, we went go cart riding and toured the Titanic Museum. We were able to feel what an iceberg feels like, we put our hands in water that was the temperature of the ocean that night the Titanic sank and we were able to climb up the boats stern at various times during the sinking. We learned that ship's caption was planning to retire after this maidon voyage. If you have time while in Branson, this museum is fabulous.

We visited Silver Dollar City. It rained about an hour after entrance into the park; however that did not deter us from having a grand time there.

Darren is big on finding educational spots for the kids to visit. The fisheries was a wonderful experience for us. We learned that in the wild that only 10 percent of the fish make it from conception to adulthood; however over 70 percent make it from conception to adulthood in the fisheries. Also the netting over the fish pools are to keep the birds from having dinner.

We had time for miniture golf. What a relaxing evening spent with family!

Our last day, we rode the "Ducks". A motorized vehicle that was made for driving on the road and in the water. What fun we had on this adventure! That evening we attended the Dixie Stampede. What a remarkable show of horsemanship, beauty, elegance and fun all in one show. Dad, Sheila and Ken even participated in the show. This is a must see for all!

Even though our mom was watching from above, we had a great time being together as family! And isn't that what life is about...family!

Welcome To My Studio

My sister, Sheila, told me about Karen's blog party "Where Bloggers Create." I knew I had to join in on the fun! Thanks Karen for hosting it!

My studio would be called a "work in progress". Over the past 6 months, I have moved from a part of our unfinished basement to our finished family room. I share this space with my husband and his passion baseball.

Enjoy looking...

Six months ago, my dear husband purchased an antique engineer's cabinet for me.

This wonderful antique houses all my scrapbook papers, fibers, stamps and embellishments (yes, I do have all the drawers filled).

I love antiques so the storage of my embellishments are in Ball jars and my grandmother's jewelry box.

I create in a nook that has three windows and a door, so my wall space is limited.


So I find my inspiration from the outdoors. This is a view out one of the windows into my wooded backyard (unfortunately my rose bush in the forground was not in bloom when I took this picture).

Thank you for coming by!

Home Again

This past week we took a vacation with my Dad, sisters and families to Branson. We had so much fun "playing together". Once I get caught up, I will post some of our fun adventures. However until then is good to be home again!

Happy 90th Birthday Grandma

Today, my Grandmother Long celebrated her 90th birthday with family and friends.

In her life time, she has witnessed so many things: 3 births of her own, her husband early death (when I was 16), the birth of her grandchildren and great grandchildren, the death of her daughter and son within a month and a half.

My Grandmother is truly remarkable. When growing up, we became her granddaughter's when my Dad married her daughter. She included Sheila and I as her own grandchildren and also gave gifts to my sister Shawna (which belonged to my mom and "other" dad). Grandmother Long has set an example for us to follow: one of faith and family. I only hope that when I am a Grandmother, my grandchildren will remember me as a loving, faith and family centered individual.

Happy 90th Birthday, Grandma!

Cousins Reunited

This past week, our Uncle Butch passed away unexpectantly. However through the pain of our loss we have be reunited with our cousins, Susie and Scott (and Scott's wife Toby).

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On Friday, we celebrated life with our cousins by having dinner at my house. We reminisced about growing up, caught up on each other's lives and looked forward to a bright future.

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In less than 2 months, we have lost our dear "other" mother and her brother, Uncle Butch. Yet through all of this pain, we have managed to find laughter, joy and love. Life is for living and we continue to live!

Tooth Fairy Regular

Lately, the tooth fairy has been a regular at our house. Shannon lost a tooth 2 weeks ago, then Grant lost his front tooth 4 days ago and Shannon lost another tooth last night. I think it is a contest between our two kids to see who will be the winner of the most teeth lost by the end of summer or to see how much money they can accummulate.

Our tooth fairy is very generous. She leaves the child that lost the tooth $2.00 and the other one gets 50 cents. I only wished that when I was little the tooth fairy left me that much, as I only got a quarter. Inflation...right?

Happy 4th of July

On this 4th of July, please remember our service men and women that have given us our freedom. They are our heroes!


May your day be filled with safe fireworks, tasty bar-b-que, laughter with friends/family and prayers for our servicemen and women! God Bless America!