Random shots when the kids were home

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!

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!

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!

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

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.

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!

EditingMySpace.com - More Christmas Blinkies Comments

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

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!

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...

"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