Where did the weekend go?

Wow, that weekend went by fast! Deb came out for a bit yesterday, and that was fun. Seems like I'm in Fremont often, so it's just easier for me to stop at my friends there, than for them to drive out here. It was nice to have her come here this time. We just chatted and had a bit for lunch, then I was showing her some of the pictures on the Disc that Keith sent. Alot of them were from one of there summer vacations to Maine, and they were just gorgeous! As a matter of fact...that's where they are right now! So we were so jealous we decided to call them on their cell phone and give them a bad time. Well, it kind of back fired because they told us how beautiful it was there. They were just sitting on a log by the ocean, near a lighthouse ,eating their yummy lunch! Man, that is NOT fair! LOL Just kidding, so glad they are having a good time. They work hard all year, and so look forward to this get away.
Anyway, just wanted to share another one of Keiths pictures of the "Tilly's". One that he altered in Photoshop. I love it!

What's your style (second part)

Finally, I can get the pictures to upload. Not sure what the problem was.
I decided to just take random pictures all over instead of just the kitchen. I realize after looking around , that I really used to lean towards darker colors, but I'm really starting to like more color. I just finished these containers, that I got on a clearance table at Gordmans for a buck! Woo Hoo, love a deal!

This is the table beside my bed. The shoes where mine as a little girl, and the photo is my absolute favorite. It's of my dad and I , and he has his hand on my head.

I love things like this white cabnet, but the problem is ...I NEED TO PAINT some color on my walls. ( I hate to paint!) walls, that is! This little tea pot was given to me by Dan's grandma, the spices where my grandmas, and the recipe is my moms stuffing recipe. These are a few of my favorite things. (singing) LOL I love just having things out that love... so I can see them everyday!

The glasses on the books were my great grandmas, and the books were some that I found in the abandon house my dad lived in as a child in SD.

I know this is probably a plant hanger that belongs outside , but I use it in the kitchen as a towel holder. I just had to have it, when I saw it in a store in the Black Hills when we were on vacation.

You can really tell how , like your scrapbooking style, your decorating style can really change with time. Our other house was alot like this bathroom is now. All done very victorian. I still love victorian, but I think you come to a certain time in your life, when you just dont want all that STUFF! LOL (maybe it's because it's just too much to dust!) But this is my girly bathroom , so I still enjoy all the foofy stuff!


The other bathroom is much more simple.... lots less clutter, simple, basic, no clutter.

This is the perfect example of that I was talking about. Sometimes with my layouts.... SIMPLE and the next one OVER THE TOP. Whats the deal with me???? LOL

So what's your thoughts on this...

Does every scrapbooker have to have a certain style?

For my family and those of you who dont scrapbook.... I promise my next post.... NO SCRAPBOOKING TALK!!!!! LOL

What's your style?

WHATS
"YOUR"
STYLE???
Here I am talking about "Scrapbooking" again...But "What's your style?" is a question that seems to come up a lot, when your talking to others who share this passion. I have been thinking ALOT about this! I think the reason I have given it so much thought is because I'm not sure "I" have a "Style",.... And for some reason , this concerns me at times. LOL I just really like so many different styles, and it's so fun to try new things . I find that one time I do a very simple layout, with lots of straight lines, and minimal use of embellishments, if any(esp if it's a really striking photo).........BUT the next time... Collage just rings my bell, and I use everything but the kitchen sink on my layout. I'm a technique junky, and love trying new things, so sometimes it's fun to just get lost in it.
I love to ask people who scrap, what inspires them most. If you have time, I'd love for you comment and tell me. I always wonder if the way someone decorates their home, or the style of clothes they wear...ect is in anyway refected in the way they scrap???? I was standing in my kitchen looking around thinking....hmmmm.... I don't really know if the way I decorate my home has a huge impact on how I design when scrapbooking, but I'm sure it has some. Colors, style, placement, ect....
I can think of two really great examples of friends of mine that I would say ...Their decorating style is defiantly refected onto their scrapbook pages.
Becky Novacek's home is just as beautiful as her photography, and her amazing layouts. Kind of a "French Cottage" feel, tons of stunning white framed black and white photos and all these amazing vintage things ,displayed in a way that is just like something out of a magazine. Gorgeous! Her amazing eye for design is just as obvious in her art workas it is in her home.
The other person that I think really transfers her interior decorating abilities to her scrapbook style is Deb Steenblock. She uses warm colors a lot,and works them like no one I know. I am always amazed at her use of the color RED also. I find red kind of hard to use at times, but this girl, LOVES red, and incorporates it in her home and in her scrapbooking, for that little added punch, that is just perfect! I've posted some photos of Debs house on my bog before, if you look back a bit, you can check them out. Her house is just one of those , that you just want to curl up with a good book and stay all day.
I realize that most of the things I have around my house are just things I love to look at, or they have some sentimental meaning to me. I just need to find time to put some paint on these walls, and revamp a bit. Anyway, since I was so deep in thought about this "Where do you get your inspiration"? Thing.... I posted these pictures of some of my favorite things (just in my kitchen).
Maybe a room a day? LOL

**For some reason I can't get them to all upload here so that's why they are above , in a separate entry. Grrr... not happening, I'll have to try again later.

Home with my pups

MOLLY


The dogs are in heaven ,now that they have someone home with them all day again! Molly keeps bringing me toys , while I'm trying to work... like "PLAY with ME!!!"
She is one of those dogs that just doesnt give up, and go away...she will cry, and nudge my arm, as I'm typing. Anything to get your attention!!!
I finally broke down and played catch with her for a while. Geeezzz.... I thought I was done raising kids? LOL
She's kinda naughty, but cha just gotta luv her!







"Pixie Jar"


Everytime I look at this now I just cant help but laugh. I made this today , using the new Crafty Secrets Heartwarming Vintage ,party hats, butterfly wings and cotton scraps. When I was little, my hair was ALWAYS cut in a PIXIE..... so , I found this quite fitting!!!! LOL




I love having this fun new little things to work with! I'm so excited about the new CS papers, that I can hardly stand waiting for them to come out! October seems so far away right now, but I know it will come fast.
These wings and hats , are fun and funky, and will be great for ATC's and Altered projects.
I cut the butterflies out and used Diamond glaze to adhere them to the inside of the jar.
I'm I a dork in that picture or what! LOL My hands just happend to be like that because I was sitting on my Grandpas lap , in the picture, and had my hands on his knees. It really worked out perfect for me to hold the "playful Pixie" banner huh? LOL




Gee, you cant tell I love my dogs , can you????
























ALY

Here is my sweet little Aly pup! She is NOTHING like Molly. She is so mild mannered,and meek. She just sits around looking sweet all day! She loves tiny carrots and mini marshmallows and is scared of the curtains when the wind blows. ( so now do you have more info on my dogs then you ever want?) LOL

Catching up....still

I'm still doing laundry and house stuff, just trying to catch up on things after being gone...but it still feels good to be home!
The pups were sure glad to have the mama home. They havent left my side since I walked in.
The highlight of the day was lunch at my friend Debs. It was such a nice lunch, and great to be able to just sit an chat a few minutes. It was just so crazy working up to CHA, to have some "chill" time is GREAT!

My favorite part of going to CHA and Memory Trends , is getting to see friends! It's really pretty amazing the close friendships you make with people in the industry, that, for the most part are long distance friendships. Lots of times these trade shows are the one or two times during the year you see these friends, so you really look forward to that. Kathleen Summers is such a doll! She is on the "Scrapbook Answers magazine" Design Team with me. I ended up not being able to make it to the breakfast the Team had on Sunday morning ,but still managed to chat with some of the Team , at the show. Kathleen came over to the CS booth to say hello, and it just made my day! Thanks Kathleen!

Speaking of getting to spend time with friends.... "Cat "(Catherine Mathews Scanlon), came to dinner with Sandy , Wendy and I one night, and we had so much fun! I love that girl! Anyway, it was a Mexican food restraunt, and our little friend ( in the pic) was singing and playing his guitar for us. It was great to get to spend some time with Cat that night ,and some at the show. The time always goes by WAY to fast though. I miss you already Kitty!
Also , got to see, Bec, of course, Sharly, the girls from Albion ect.... it's so GREAT to see everyone!
Here are just some more misc pics from CHA. The vintage looking stuff is all crafty Crafty Secrets, of course. The others are just some general pics of CHA stuff.

More CHA pics

CHA Fancy Pants

Missed working with Jodi and Jarred in the FPD booth this time but stopped by to check it out a couple of times ,and took some pictures to share. I was so thrilled that Jodi used the layouts I got done before I left , for display in the booth.

Amy, the layouts of both your girl friends were used. And This one of your kiddo's Patti. The one of Ariell with the flowers was used in the catalog also. And Debs cute little grandson Carters picture too. Sorry, I see I have one of the pictures of the booth uploaded twice. (oops!). Fancy Pants and Crafty Secrets are very different product lines so naturally their booths are very individual also. Jodi and Sandy, both have such an idea for style! The booths looked beautiful.




These are some of the new BIG BIG chipboard, and they are AWESOME!!!! Great rub ons and ribbon to match each of the paper lines also.

I survived the dentist this afternoon pretty well. He was able to put my cap back on! Woo Hoo! and NO charge! (even better,huh?)
I guess I'm fairing pretty well, concidering all that has gone on since my day started around 5:30am this morning in Chicago. The cab driver I had for my $65 cab ride to the airport was a crazed maniac! Geeezzzz, I have never seen driving quite that AGRESSIVE! WOW!, lets just say , It was an "EYE OPENER"!
It blows me away the way crazy people in "the city" , roll down their windows and scream and yell at eachother... honking, and inching right up to the side of the next car. This small town girl ....is glad to be home! I used to made fun of the fact that I was from Nebraska, and made "small town" jokes..... but ... I'm starting to think, IT'S ME!, it's where I wanna be! I'm liking it more and more all the time! There is something about it , that suites me FINE!

SMALL TOWN GIRL ....

and PROUD OF IT!!!! LOL

Feels good to be home!

Ahhhh.... it feels good to be home! It's always fun to see all the new things and talk to so many creative people, but it always feels good to be home too! The flight home, was a breeze, NO problems, no delays! HURRAY! Seems like that never happens anymore. I love flighing Southwest! They seem to do well for me. The flight there on Wed, did have a 4 hour delay, but, once we got going , it was fine. I guess the weather was bad in St Louis. Glad I got in on Wed instead of Thursday, because I guess becuause of bad weather in around Chicago, the airport was a MESS. All the Hotels were full, and the airport had people sleeping on cots everywhere. NOT FUN!
Anyway, CHA went well. It's pretty amazing to see how it all comes together. At first it's just the HUGE empty space, and by the time the show starts , and all the companies have their booths and displays up, it's just amazing.
Here are some pics, and I'll upload somemore later.
This is one pic of the "Crafty Secrets Heartwarming Vintage"
booth, where I was, and a picture of the new papers.
The can the says "Beaver Buzz" is an new energy drink they have in Canada, that Sandy brought for all of us. LOL (it really wasnt too bad) . A friend of hers is involved with the company that makes this drink.

It's pretty amazing to think, that when its all over , that it all (with precision accuracy) fits into one of these pods, and gets shipped on to the next show. Packing and unpacking to set up, takes quite a bit of work, but Sandy had done this MANY times, so that certainly helps things go faster.

I need to head out the door to the dentist to see what he can do about the crown I lost the first day I was gone. (oh joy!)
I was just thankful I didnt get a tooth ache!
I'll post some more pictures and write some when I get back, if "Blogger" is working . I was having some trouble getting this up.

Countdown to CHA

I can not even believe how fast this day went by!!!
I had hoped to get SO much more done. Kind of bummed about it, but I guess some days are just that way. Seems like somedays, I can sit down and just create like crazy and other days, I spend so much time, and then I'm not happy with it when I'm finished! (that's the kind of day today was). Heres hoping tomorrow is more productive!

I am excited about this though, and wanted to share. I just got to see the new catalog cover!
Woo Hoo! Ariell, makes the cover again! Yay for you Ariell...now take that to school and show those girls who didnt believe you when you said you were going to be on the cover of a magizine! LOL This is the second one!!!! Her sweet face graced the cover of Correspondance ART also.

Anyway, off to bed for me! Send my all your creative vibes girls....cause I NEED EM!!!!

July ScrapMuse Layouts

Decided that since I haven't been able to post any of my assignment projects , I would post my July layouts for ScrapMuse. They were all done with pictures taken over the 4th when everyone was home for the get together, expect for the on of Griffin and I. OK..... Those pictures of Griffin working me over CRACK ME UP! so I had to do a funny layout with them. Jarad had my camera ,and thought it was funny, so he just kept snapping away. I was telling him to stop taking pictures, and he was laughing his head off. As you can see, I can my hands pretty full, just trying to hang on to Griffin. Jarad , just kept laughing and saying, "yeah mom, he REALLY loves you!"
He obviously didn't want anything to do with me THAT day! LOL We did finally come to an agreement though. I think he decided Aunt Vic is "OK"!
( Griffin is my Brother Dans grandson...Kiley's little boy)
www.scrapmuse.com

Adriana was a wild woman on that scooter of hers, riding it up and down the sidewalk at Grandma Dunns. She was thinking it was pretty funny to play "chicken" with me, while I was standing there trying to get the perfect picture. Silly girl! ( Adriana is my sister Sharons grandaugher... Gregs and Trinnas daughter. They were here from MN.)


The little sweetheart with the lilly in her hair is Lynsay, (my brother Gary's Grandaugher....Scott and Sues daugher). The journaling on the layout talks about how she is the only girl in her family. (she has three brothers), and she can hold her won with them... NO Problem... but she is all about being a GIRL, there is no doubt about that. She loves to have me take her picture. I turned away to pick up my camera, and when I turned back she had placed this flower behind her ear. What a little doll!

The "Trinna" layout is one I did of Gregs wife Trinna, (Adriana and Austins mommy). I just think the world of this girl. She is such a sweet person and amazing mom.
Always talking to her kids in such a calm and loving way... I'm just in awe of her patience. ( and energy... man does this girl have energy!) LOL

Ok, that's all my sharing for today. It's late, and I keep telling myself I need to start getting to bed earlier! ( I always say that) LOL Vic

Scrapped out!

Is this just the sweetest picture of my brother Dan (being papa) to Jayvier. He is a good Grandpa, and you can tell, because J, Griffin and Kirstin all love him to pieces.

There have been VERY few times that I can honestly say, I don't want to scrap, but I'm there. I have been on a mission , just pumping stuff out for so many days now, that I'm about to go stir crazy in this room. It's been over 100 the last couple of days, so I guess ,I really don't want to be outside either! LOL

After CHA, I swear I'm taking a vacation....... ( I don't know where I'm going....But it will be OUT of this room! LOL

I have been having so much fun looking at the Pictures Keith sent. They are just so fun, I'm sharing some more today. The one of Wes sitting on the big soccer ball, cracks me up.... That's my son the athlete!

Exciting news today for my friend Becky. She has been patiently waiting for a new grandchild, and hoping it arrives before she has to leave for CHA. Well, it's a healthy baby girl, "Harper Quin" (hope the spelling is correct?). Happy for Becky that she got to be here for the birth!

I'm also really happy for Jan and Keith this weekend , because they get to have Ryan back for a visit!! He lives in Denver now, but has been back twice in the past few months to be in friends weddings. I know they love having him home..Even if it is only for a short visit. His mama and Aunt Vic are missing him bunches since he moved to Denver, but really happy for him that he is really doing well, and loving living there. I love that photo of him and Neely!

Mom is doing well. She had a procedure done on her eye on Wed, because when she went in for her eye check up, they noticed some fluid behind her eye, so they sent her on to a specialist in Omaha. Jan took her in for the appointment, and she did very well. She goes back in a month for another treatment, then we hope that does the trick.

This weekend is "John C Fremont Days" , so I'm sure Jarad will spend most of the weekend in Fremont with Friends. Wes and a friend popped in on there way, coming and going to Lincoln to a concert last night. ( long enough to raid the refrigerator). LOL The last time was about 2:30am this morning. Oh brother...Kids!

Hope you are all having a great weekend!

Thanks Keith!

I don't know why, but my boys are less than enthusiastic about their mom clicking away in there face with a camera, so I don't always get good shots of the two of them anymore. hmmm, maybe I burnt them out?? LOL
Anyway, lucky for me, there is another camera crazed fool in this family. Keith has an incredible eye for candid shots, and he has enough cameras and lens to work for the "National Enquirer".... So I know I can count on him. These are some pics of the boys on the fourth he shared with me.
Actually he sent me (I should say, "he" burned it, and "Jan" sent it) a whole CD full of pics. His photography has been such an inspiration to me. I really started to look at things in a totally different way, after I started looking at his photography. Photography truly is an ART all its own. I really know nothing about photography, (except that I love it), but I still have fun with it.















I laughed so hard when I saw the look on Wes's face in this picture of him dishing up. Man, when your kids live on their own, they really learn to appreciate good food!

I love seeing pictures of the boys together. Sometimes growing up , I wondered if they would ever stop fighting. It's so cool, to see how well they get along now.

These are just the pics of my boys that Keith sent, tomorrow I'll share some of the other family pics from when we were all together. Thanks again Keith!

A "Sticky" situation

I'm sure after reading this ,you will never take "glue" for granted again! I had to run into Omaha today for some supplies for assignments. One of the things I was needing to get was a glue called..."PAV"glue. It's wierd because the sites that talked about "PAV" glue never called it by any other name. All I really knew about it , was that is was a craft/hobby glue, so I was certain, I would have no problem finding it at either Hobby Lobby or Michaels. YEAH RIGHT!
What is it with me? I think I have a way of just making EVERYTHING too hard! LOL After spending 3/4 of my afternoon looking at every bottle, tube and jar in I don't know how many different stores , and talking to managers,(which had NO idea what I was talking about), I finally called my friend Deb ,and asked her if she would go online for me ,and she if she could find out any more about it. Well, being the dear friend that she is , she checks it out and calls me back with the info.... PAV, stands for "Polyvinyl acetates" , there are all different brands, it cleans up with soap and water, is white, ect.. Ok, now I have more to go on, so ... back to my mission. I look some more, and ask some more. It's now going on 5pm , I'm tired , hot , totally frustrated, and have tons I should be home working on, so..... I got my nerve up to call and bother Deb AGAIN!!!! LOL (she'll probably quit answering her phone after today!) I asked her AGAIN to go to her computer and see if she could google it , and find a store in Omaha that carried this stupid glue. So , once again my dear friend goes back down to her computer ,and starts checking for me. This time , We stay on the phone and keep talking while she is searching.
All of the sudden, she is kind of quite.... and then she says.... "you are not going to believe this!"
I said "WHAT???" She said.... " PAV GLUE is PLAIN WHITE GLUE .... LIKE ELMERS!!!!" YUP! you heard me ...Elmers! Please do not take your glue for granted! LOL

Two posts in one day!!!

I missed a day in there, but now I'm making up for it! I just had to share this. Check it out and if you have time click on "listen". It's an interview on NPR with "Tilly and the Wall". I'm sure most of you know about them ,or have heard me tell about them , but my niece "Neely" is in the Band.( My sister "Jans"daughter.) They are doing so well, and have just released their second CD. I'm so proud of these kids , I can hardly STAND IT!!!!! LOL They are just the nicest bunch of kids you could ever want to meet. Anyway, here's the interview . They sing 3 songs during the interview. (the third is my fave!)

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5539149

July Calendar is full !!! LOL

Why do I always do this to my desk planner???
We're not even half way into the month and I've already trashed my calender. I always end up doing this!!! I use it for doodling , inking(that color is .."Ranger" Fired Brick..my fave) , jotting notes, testing marker colors ,stamping, (cool "Magnetic Poetry",and "Sassafasslass"doodle stamps though, huh?) you name it... it's like a big drop cloth for my desk!( if you look really close you can probably see a dried on Ramen noodle leftover from lunch!) Not only is it hard to read , but I have to look at the messy thing ,for a whole month now! EVERY month, I tell myself not to do it again, and EVERY month I DO IT AGAIN! There, now you all know another one of my faults! LOL

I get by with a little help from my friends!

I'm really going through one of those times right now, when I know I am getting so caught up in all the stuff I'm trying to get done, that I'm really neglecting my friends! Sorry guys! My friends have busy lives too, so they understand how it can get. I guess that's what "real" friends do, ... they just understand! I got the nicest email from Ruth today. Our scrapgroup hasn't gotten together for so long now, because it's been so hard to find a time that works for everyone. Hopefully we can work something out soon. I miss ya Ruth!
Bec and I did get together for lunch before I left for Canada, and that was fun. It's crazy because we only live 15 min from eachother, but I bet the next time I see her will be in Chicago at CHA! LOL
Definatly Having lunch with Deb one day this week.....cause it feels like it's been forever since I've seen her!
I do see Jan now and then... ( hey, she's my sister!) LOL
I'm dying to get to gether with Paula , she is my creative guru!! LOL
I miss time with my girlfriends! Pam , Daun , Liz and Julie have been on my mind so much!!!
I have some friends that I feel so lucky to have... I mean the kind of friends that you may not see for months, or even years, and when you do see them.... it's like NO time has passed at all, and everything is just the same. Your as close as you ever were!
And then there's my online friends. I would have never imagined I would feel such a close bond with people I have never met in person. It's just amazing!
I am just so blessed to have my girlfriends! Thanks for putting up with me!

Today I did my first layout with my new Fancy Pants Papers. The girl in the photo is Ariell, Paulas Granddaugher. Is she a doll or what?

July already???

I spend Alot... actually probably ..way too much time in this room. This is where I do all my , work, creating, reading, chatting, typing, blogging, ect... so I though I would share.
Now when your reading....you'll know RIGHT where I'm at! LOL!


I got a great deal on this , a while back, at an antique store down town. I love it, ...it's the perfect place for my stamps. (lots of storage in the bottom also. And a pull out table top)

I got the magizine ,and paper racks at a scrapbook store sale, when it was going out of business. Help me with organization, so much! I only wish , I had more....but then , I'd need more ROOM!!!

It's amazing to me that it's already JULY!!! I can tell, ....because JULY is always busy. CHA will be here before I'm ready for it, I'm sure! ( for those of you who's lives don't revolve around scrapbooking, like some of us..(lol), CHA, is the "Big" Trade show in Chicago). I have these new "Fancy Pants" papers sitting here , that I'm dying to dig into! And I cant wait for the Crafty Secrets papers!!! I made myself finish up my ScrapMuse projects first, before digging into anything else. I still have one article to write and some supply lists and directions for another project.... but THE NEW PAPERS ARE CALLING ME!!!! LOL Would someone just give me permission???? LOL


I have to tell you , I was so thrilled to get an email to day from Becky (cousin). It just made my day. She said how much she enjoyed reading in my bog, about the family and seeing the pictures of Donna and Sharon (and their families). With them living in AZ and FL, they miss out on getting to see the cousins at reunions ect.. like the rest of us get to. One thing about Blogging, it really does have it's benifits. I love being able to share photos with my family , most of all. I fought the "blogging thing" for a long time, but after reading emails like that, I think it's definatly worth the bit of time, it takes.

Sneak Peek at NEW FANCY PANTS PAPERS!

Woo Hoo!!! I got a FUN box, from the mail man today! This is just a little peek at some of the new "Fancy Pants Designs" papers. There is also matching ribbons and new chipboard.

They are all BEAUTIFUL! ( on both sides!) I can't wait to start working with them. (like first thing in the morning!!!)

I have never been so excited about so many new papers , as I have in the last two weeks. You know papers are beautiful, when you almost hate to even cut them! LOL

Click to see them bigger!

Dinner with the family

Tonight was the last night the family would all be here in Nebraska, so those of us near here , met for dinner tonight. Donna and Ron will be in Lincoln tomorrow, so the Lincoln and York people will met them for dinner there, before they head back to AZ. The Floridians catch their plane home Saturday morning. Wow, that time went by SO fast! I hate having to say goodbye so soon. I keep telling Dawn to get my room ready, because I'm comming back! We had SUCH a fun time when we went to stay with them in Forida a few years back. The best part was getting to spend some one on one with them and and girls. They are some seriously amazing people! We have such great memories of the time we spent with them. I really would LOVE to go back soon. Now that Sharon and How are there, ...even that much better!


Here's my Dawn! I cant begin to tell you how much I love this girl!

This wasnt even close to being ALL of us, but even all that , we needed a BIG table! Awww... the joys of a big family! LOL
Griffin was at the head of the table , entertaining us all! What a Cutie!


Hope everyone has a safe trip home ,and that Becca feels better.
I'm missing you all already!
Hugs and Smooches!!!!!

Fantastic Fourth!

We had so much fun on the 4th! Spent the entire day with family! We had rented a place, that had an inside airconditioned building that was really nice, with a big kitchen ect... and a great outside play area for the kids, with lakes to fish, little bridges, a place to play baseball ect... It was a great place... and for July in Nebraska, the weather was wonderful.
It was so fun to see the cousins get to play together and get to spend time together, especially the ones that live so far away from eachother. It was just a really fun day... lots of great food, talking , hugging,(we are the" huggingest" family ever...geeezzz), laughing , ( LOTS of laughing),
looking at pictures, playing ball, fishing, you name it. Wes and Nathaniel even played guitar, and we watched some of the video clips from the "Tilly" show that Jan and Keith just went to in Texas.
Hated to see the day end! It's always hard to say goodbye when the day does come to an end. Standing at the cars , hugging and saying goodbye knowing it's going to be another year before we are together again, with those who live far away, always makes me sad. When I was saying good bye to the kids through the window one last time... I could feel the tears comming... (time to walk away)! I just love the little buggers SO MUCH, and when they are that age, they seem to change and grow so quickly!
When I get that lump in my throat and feel teary, it always makes me think about when I was a little girl ,and we would go to visit our Aunt Pauline in SD. Everytime we would leave she would have tears running down her face, and I just didnt understand it??? I said to my mom.. "Why is Aunt Pauline crying"??? , and she said, "oh, she just hates to see us leave, she will miss us". I just DIDNT understand that!!!
All I can say, is Aunt Pauline... NOW... I totally understand! Now I am the crying Aunt!

More Pictures

Are these cuties or what??? I love these kiddos!!! The bigger picture is Nathaniel (sister donna's grandson) ,and then Lynsay and Mathew.. (brother Gary's grandkids)
On the boat... Becca, Kathy, Christine, and Ardiana, (Sister Sharons Grandkids)

My silly sisters Donna (here from Phoenix), and Sharon,(Florida). They actually think hidding behind a tree will stop me from taking thier picture! LOL

I wish I had managed to get my sister Jan in this picture! Darn!

I LOVE this picture of Austin just stitting by the water. He is just adorable!

The kids had so much fun fishing. When their werent enought fishing poles to go around , they started actually just using sticks,... and by the looks of things.... it worked!!!
I will tell you this much , this little ham, is NOT camera shy!!! All I had to do is say, "Mathew",and she would instandly look up , with a HUGE smile!!!

Dinner at moms

I'm still in shock after seeing the kids today ,and how much they have all grown!!!! I can just never believe how much they grow in one year...it's amazing. We were all at moms tonight for dinner. My sister Sharon ,her husband , and my nieces from Florida got here today. Also my nephew ,his wife and family from Minn. (photos are of him and his kids. Austin and Adriana)
I had to laugh today at one point , Adriana came running in the back door, and called out "Daddy".
When Greg answered, I just stood there for a minute... it's like it is just still so strange to me that is could be a "daddy"????? LOL He still seems like my little nephew , "Greg". It's seems to me that he should just be about her age. Time goes by SO FAST!!! I watch Greg and Trinna with their kids and Dawn and Gary with their girls and , I am just so proud of them!!! They are such fantastic parents! Way to go guys!

Austin was SO totally into fireworks! He didnt want them to come to an end, that's for sure. ( No need to worry folks, the one he's holding , doesnt go "BANG") LOL

Becca is becomming such a beautiful young lady. I will post some pics of her before the week is over, I just didnt want to have my camera clicking in her face the minute I saw her. LOL She showed me the scrapbook she is working on, and it's so cool! I'm so proud of her for doing it herself. Down the road , she is really going to be glad she did. She is doing a great job!

Can't wait for the rest of the family to get here too. They will be flighing in tomorrow.

I talked with Jan and Keith tonight ,and they are on their way back from Austin TX where they went to suprise the "TILLY'S", at one of their shows. Talk about Cool Parents! They drove all the way to TX to suprise them and take in the show. Sounded like they had a really great time!

Once again, I have to say, how thankful I am for this amazing family that I am lucky enough to be apart of!

I am looking forward to lots of family time this week! Yippee!

Catching up!

Still trying to catch up on things around here. I've spent most of the day in my room working away on some things that are due next week. The "Fam" will all be home over the 4th, and I want to be able to relax and spend time with them. Donna and Ron got in today, and I think Sharons family will be here tomorrow. Cant wait to see everyone!!! Dawns girls will be here, and Austin and Adriana also! Picture taking time! I'll be clicking away. I have to catch up on photos of those kiddos, as I dont get to see them very often. I am looking so forward to spending time with family!

This time right before CHA , is always HECTIC, but I really love having the fun new papers to work with. Extra fun this year, to have the first "Heartwarming Vintage" Papers from Crafty Secrets! And Jodi email and said she is mailing the *brand new* Fancy Pants Designs papers for me to work on Monday! Woo Hoo!

While I was in Canada, the fun thing I was telling you about happend ....
http://scrapbook-trends.blogspot.com/2006/06/special-feature-interview-mit-vicki.html
That was so fun! And what an honor... Thanks so much Nat!!