School Daze

It is hard to believe that summer is over and my kids are starting back to school. Grant is in 1st grade; Shannon is in 4th grade and Shelby is in 8th grade. It is a little bitter sweet as this will be the last year that they will all be together at the same school.

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Grant and Shannon were up at the crack-of-dawn excited for the first day. Shelby on the other had was had to be woke up. I fixed them "ABC" and "123" chocolate chip pancakes with fruit and milk (our tradition).

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Then off to school with MiMi, your Dad and me snapping pictures of them entering school. Shelby, you were so upset with us for taking pictures. You are at the age that it is not cool for you to be in pictures. I hope one day you appreciate the pictures I did take.

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Grant was excited to see all of his friends; Shannon loves her teacher/school and Shelby enjoyed socializing with her friends. So all-in-all their first day was a success! As for me, I am a little "dazed" that my kids are all back in school.

Thank you seems so small

Today my SWAP partner, Shawn, and I met at Archivers to shop a little and exchange our SWAP treasures. It was so much fun talking and getting to know each other a little better.

Shawn, you out did yourself with your items you so lovingly put together. I enjoy looking at how beautifully you displayed the items and hate to move anything as it looks so gorgeous just as it is.

Some of the treasues in my lovely SWAP box are vintage ribbons, buttons, dollies, bottles, a rose box, a hymnal, hat, angel, Bingo cards, a canvas for creating, tags, wallpaper squares and a enamal pan. I can't wait to create. I know what ever it is that I create with these treasures, I will think of Shawn and her generosity/friendship.

You can visit her website at Bonoramamama.blogspot.com.

Thinking of You SWAP

I love participating in SWAP and this one was so much fun. I received my SWAP partner, Shawn, which I just happened to meet last fall at the Silver Belle preparty dinner I attended with my twin sister. Shawn also happened to live just a few miles from me. So this SWAP was extra special since I knew a little about her.

Some of the goodies I found were items from Jenni Bowlin

and a few treasures from antiques stories...a ledger, an old paint tin with paint brushes, a small wooden ruler, a picture of school children and a Ball jar to display them in.

Also added a few Bingo cards, dollies, vintage ribbon and old picture frames. Wrapped it all up in vintage patterns.

Shawn, I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed putting it together. Have fun creating!

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!