Goals...

So I made my list of goals (see this post here) and have been working towards them...obviously I'm not completely them all since I haven't posted on my blog in a while :D It's not too late, to try though! It may not happen in January but I have all year. That's why I made goals!

So what have I been up to? Well I started sewing lessons (#28)...yes, I've only had one but I've got another one Saturday. I'm very excited about the possibilities! I've picked out my fabric and project...it's for Abby and it's a surprise. The fabric is darling...I can already tell that I'm in trouble. I LOVE fabric...and Sarah's Fabric in Lawrence has all my favorite (and EXPENSIVE) brands. Better start saving now, lol!

I've had a date night with hubby(#36)...thanks to a slumber party invite for Abby :D Great when that works out and we don't have to worry about babysitters!

I've had a daughter/mom date (#25) - she picked. She wanted to see The Odd Life of Timothy Green. Cute movie...we both cried :D The popcorn was DE-lish...

I've started reading books again (#4)...and it's nice. In need of some suggestions though as I'm ready to try some new "series"...

Spent some time with nephew and sister (#50)...even if it was because my parents were sick.

I have a girlfriend night planned (#45)...movie, dinner, drinks. On deck is Identity Thief....it LOOKS hilarious!

I've got a class scheduled in February; another one in the works. Plus Stamp Club so Stampin' Up is going good....could ALWAYS be better so I've really got to work on my business (#7).

I've also reorganized and decluttered the basement (HUGE undertaking but so worth the time and effort) #18, We've tried new recipes (#5), I've signed Abby up for Awana (#32), Organized and backup all photos on laptop (#49)

I've realized that I have such good intentions but I think I'm a little lazy. I mean I want to take tons of photos (and I do of different things) but then I don't load them to my computer and post them...I need to make a conscious effort to share more! I mean if you want to look you will, if not, oh well, right!

I'm sure there is more but that's quite a lot for the first 4 weeks of the new year! I'm off to a pretty good start and honestly, it feels great!

I'll be back to post about all that's going on at Stampin' Up! There is so much it definitely needs it's own post...Thanks so much for stopping by!

Out With The Old...

And in with the new...

How was your Holiday? Good I hope. I've been doing a lot of reflecting, organizing and preparing - I want this year to be one of my best! I want to do things instead of just think of them; I want it to be about family; about my new paths and so many other things!

Last year a good friend of mine, Liz, did something called Project 52 on her blog. I LOVED it and had every intention on doing it last year but never did. I even had printed off that particular blog post and carried it in my planner - that's how much it inspired me (thanks, Liz!). So this year, I went to work coming up with 52 goals that I'd like to accomplish this year. It's about doing things to better myself and my family as well as helping others. I really do want to make 2013 my best year yet!

So here are my 52 things that I hope to accomplish in the 52 weeks of 2013 (please note these are in no particular order:

1. Pray more
2. Cook healthier meals and eat more meals at home
3. Read the daily devotionals
4. Read 50 books (up from 40 I read last year)
5. Try a new recipe monthly
6. Blog at least 4 times a week
7. Grow my Stampin Up! Business
8. Start a prayer/gratitude journal
9. Get Healthy by losing some weight
10.  Drink more water
11. Call/Write my friends more
12. Complete at least 5 Pinterest projects
13. Improve my photography skills
14. Have a weekly family fun night
15. Celebrate our 15^th Wedding Anniversary
16. Read the Bible more
17. Go on a family vacation
18. Declutter the basement
19. Create 1-2 scrapbook layouts each month
20. Redo our master bedroom
21. Volunteer at a shelter/soup kitchen with Abby and Jay
22. Take a monthly family photo
23. Go camping with Abby and Jay
24. Block out some “me time” on my calendar on a regular basis
25. Have a daughter/mother day/evening monthly
26. Take more photos
27. Do a layout highlighting events monthly
28. Take a sewing class
29. Move more – walks, wii
30. Host a summer BBQ
31. Take Puppy Lessons with Cooper
32. Get Abby into Awana
33. Find a church to call home
34. Help Abby improve her artistic skills
35. Get Abby into Piano Lessons
36. Have a date night with hubby monthly
37. Attend something at TPAC
38. Prepare for Craft Shows ALL year long
39. Organize my office/craft area
40. Attend “girls class” with Abby
41. Journal in planner more often; especially re: Abby
42. Try to yell less
43. Build my relationship with my daughter
44. Lead by example; remember manners
45. Build more girl friend relationships and have quarterly girls night out
46. Pamper myself – manicure, pedicure or massage
47. Cherish my parents and capture moments with them
48. Do more crafts with Abby
49. Get photos on computer organized, back up and printed
50. Spend time with my nephew and sister monthly
51. Send out cards – I make them but forget to send them
52. Enjoy everyday to the fullest!

There you go...that's what I'd like to do. Now you may be wondering why some are highlighted...well I've already started working on those! I've been in a serious "out with the old/in with the new" phase and I have been organizing like crazy. You should see the pile for garage sale, donations and trash. I mean WOW can I collect, lol! My husband and dad built AWESOME shelves in our basement and I've been organizing all the things that had been thrown in there...it was horrible. You couldn't even walk through - definite fire hazard. I realized that I don't need EVERYTHING and it's ok to let go :D

As far as blogging - well it's been awhile. I'm going to consciously make every effort to blog 4 times a week - yes, it will be about family and me as well as Stampin' Up cause lets face it I'm a craft-aholic!

A friend of mine gave me a wonderful book this Christmas called "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. Devotions for every day of the year. Looking forward to finding the peace and understanding with His presence. I've gotten away from my faith since moving back to Kansas and honestly I can tell a difference. This year I want to find a church and get back into learning and finding the true meaning of life.

Last but certainly not least is my SU business. I'm working on improving that - tons I want to do such as monthly newsletters, showcase projects, do more classes. I need to make an effort and take the time to see what SU has  as far as ways to promote my business through my DBWS site. Learn to realize it's ok to find inspiration through others work and to CASE items and still showcase them. We all find inspiration in different ways and it's ok. 

So here's to a new year, a new beginning and to wonderful goals! Would love to hear what you have in store for 2013...who knows maybe I'll need to make my list even longer :D

Thanks for stopping by! 

Changes...

With the seasons there is always change and I have decided on some changes in my life. I have many changes that have occurred:

Design Teams - I'm  no longer on any design teams. I have been very fortunate to have been a part of some wonderful design teams and I will always be grateful to them. They helped me through some VERY difficult times and was so understanding with my situations. MWAH to you all!

My priorities have changed - Abby is growing so fast and there is so much I want to be a part of with her. I don't want to miss anything! She plays competitive soccer and we seem to have lots of games and practices that we are attending. Plus I'm her Girl Scout Leader and we are trying to get more involved in our community...you know the whole GIVE BACK thing!

Work has changed - I've taken on another class. So I'm working everyday now teaching the Young 3's as well as PreK. I always wanted a large family but God had other plans. Preschool allows me to have TONS of kids in my life. It feels my heart with joy and I am thankful to have another class this year (plus the paycheck is a little better, lol)

Family - my one and only sister has had a baby. We welcomed my nephew, Channing into the world in September. She's a single Mom and I'm going to do all I can to help her. They mean the world to me...I only wish they lived closer!

Crafting - As you know I used to be an Angel Company Demonstrator. After they shut their doors I was devastated and unsure of what I should do. The Design work that I did plus teaching at my LSS has helped that. I miss the interaction with people though. The getting together to share stories, laugh and sometimes cry together, the overall girl time. I need that. I know that now and that is why when looking for what to do next Stampin' Up just called to me. It felt right and it's the next chapter in my life.

As my blog says this is my Creative Journey...I hope you'll continue to join me as I go down my new path... Thank you to my readers and followers for sticking by me even though the last few months I've done hardly any creating. As I figure out how I want to do things I will start to post again...hopefully each week I'll have more and more post. I don't think I'll ever be the girl who posts everyday. I'm just not witty enough to know what to say, lol. But as I get back to card making and scrap booking I will share my creations.

Thanks for stopping by!

Fluttering a little late this week...

I'm sorry to say that I will be a little late in sharing my FBW creation. Mommy duty has taken up a lot of time and I haven't been able to do much else.

The challenge this week is a recipe one - you need to have the following on your creation:

• The color blue
• lace
• 3 or more flowers
• at least one butterfly

With everything else going on, my brain just couldn't completely wrap around the "recipe". Hopefully something will come to me so I can share it...

Visit the FBW blog to see some wonderful inspiration and to play along!

On a side note, I really thought that sleeping would be easier with an 8 yr old. However, Abby hasn't slept through the night in the last week or so. There have been some changes that may contribute but for the most part she is scared of her own house. We've lived here over 3 years and she acts as though it was just yesterday. I don't know how to get her to understand she is safe and that we (her parents) will protect her. It's a struggle and I'm in need of ANY suggestions on how to help her. It started that she was afraid of going down the hall to the bathroom by herself and now it's affecting her sleep. It's usually around 3am and lasts all morning. I thought it was a phase but it's lasting a LOT longer than I would expect.

A tad bit late...

Sorry folks...I've been hit by a terrible migraine and am going to be a little late getting my post up today for Flutter By Wednesday. This week it's one of your favorite challenges - OPEN! Anything goes as long as you remember to include a butterfly, fairy or angel.

Head on over to the Flutter By Wednesday blog for all the details! I'll be back later with my creation so until then...

Non Crafting Post But LOTS of Abby Photos

It's been a busy month for Abby! So many things going on. Thought I'd share a few pictures...some are not the best quality has it's late and I just wanted to get this post up since I've been promising you (and Abby) that I'd share some!


Yes, that's Abby walking across a bridge being goofy! She bridged from Daisy's to Brownies - I'm the troop leader so if you have any ideas or advice for me let me know. I have a group of 16 girls and well it's been kind of a tough. But I do it for Abby so it's all worth it :D


This was Abby at her last soccer game. It was cold (hence the jacket) and she was cheering on her team. They ended up losing but they played their hearts out! Soccer is one of her favorite sports and I really enjoy watching her play...she's got some fancy footwork going on. If I could only get her to be just a tad more aggressive!


With Abby being a crafter like her Mommy she loves decorating Easter Eggs. We had sponge paint, spin a wheels and regular die. She had a blast and I even decorated a couple too (couldn't resist...love me some color, lol!)

Lastly here is a photo from Easter morning. She woke up to find that the Easter bunny had delivered some eggs in our backyard! She couldn't believe it and was so excited to run out to find them all! That afternoon we went to Grandma's & Papa's for dinner and more fun...we had an egg hunt, an egg race (where I have to admit my team tried to cheat and we still lost!) and an outdoor game of ladder ball. All in all it was a very enjoyable day!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!! No games for us this weekend...I'm not going to know what to do with myself, lol!

Quick Note

Just a quick note to let you know I probably won't be posting much over the next few weeks. I'm busy finishing up Christmas presents, baking goodies and spending wonderful time with my family and friends. I have made quite a few gifts and need to take some pictures and get them posted on my blog...not sure when that will be though. Hopefully soon :D

I hope you are enjoying this time of year - slow down and enjoy it! It goes way to fast!! Thanks for stopping by and I wish you a very Merry Christmas!!

Third Times a Charm, Right?

Well I'm hoping that's the case anyway since this will be my third round of antibiotics! Sorry for the MIA but I have not been feeling well at all! Went back to the doctor and I still have a sinus and double ear infection! I'm also trying to get some rest and actually get over this seeing how the holidays are right around the corner!!

I want to take a moment and remind you about a few things...

There is still time to grab the Softpencil Digital goodies. PLUS in November you will receive 20% off!! Remember that all Elizabeth's wonderful images are only available until January 2nd!! So grab them up NOW!!

For Flutter By Wednesday, it's an OPEN challenge as long as you have a butterfly, fairy or angel on your creation. Danni has provided a wonderful sketch that you may use if you choose! It's a wonderful sketch - go check it out at the FBW blog!

Tomorrow is Spec-TAC-ular Thursday...I don't have the "planned" holiday card/creations to share but I do have a card that I made and never shared. So check back tomorrow (afternoon) for that creation.

Thanks for stopping by and bare with me as I try and finally beat this nasty illness!!

Arghhhh

So I've decided to be honest with my blogging friends and let you in on a secret - I CAN'T do it all! That's right...sometimes I just can't complete all I need to. Which means, I didn't get my FBW card done yet. I had VERY good intentions but my headache got the best of me. I have to tell you that being sick is no fun and it sucks even more when the medication doesn't seem to be working.

I am going to work on my card today and hope to post it later on. The challenge is to create a card using the colors PURPLE, ORANGE and BLACK along with a butterfly, fairy or angel. Yes, folks I've done a few cards using this color combo but ANOTHER one will be coming :) I do hope you'll join us! Stop by the Flutter By Wednesday blog to get all the details!

Need some inspiration - go check out the DT's blogs. I'm sure they were able to whip up a card easily using these colors! Oh and welcome Jen to the team...I can't wait to see what she creates! Thanks to Kaylou for being the October Guest DT...it was a pleasure having you!!

Hope you'll stop back by...love having you as a support system. It does keep me motivated and helps me keep my spirits up!!

Flutter By Wednesday - Sorry no post yet!

Today is Flutter By Wednesday but at the moment I have nothing fluttering! I have not been feeling well since Saturday so everything has had to take a back seat. I plan on posting something just might not be till tomorrow.


In the meantime head on over to the Flutter By Wednesday blog for some inspiration! The challenge this week is to use BUTTONS as well as a butterfly, fairy or angel. It's a fun challenge and I can't wait to see all the wonderful submissions!!

I'm truly sorry for not having a card. Right now there is so much going on I feel as though I'm totally drowning. I need to get a routine down and figure out how to juggle all the commitments that I have. I realize I'm not on a lot of DT's but with PTO, soccer, Preschool, Girl Scouts and my TAC business I have a lot going on! I always thought I was pretty organized but you can only do so much in a day...especially when you aren't feeling well! Thanks for understanding and I hope you stop back by!!

It will be coming...

My Softpencil Thursday post, will be a little late today. So PLEASE check back this afternoon. I created a cute little treat but added some Glossy Accents to the image and it wasn't quite dry. I have Preschool this morning so as soon as I get done there, I'll come home, take a picture and make my post! See ya soon :)

New Halloween Digi's from Softpencil

Ok slight error on my part...this was supposed to post early this morning but you actually have to publish the post for that to happen...my bad!! It's one of those days/weeks...

Have you seen the new digi's from Softpencil? There are FIVE new Halloween digi's available -and they are ADORABLE!! Go check them out by visiting the Softpencil Blog! I can't pick my favorite - I LOVE them all!! Which ones do you like?




I don't have a Softpencil creation to share today - Elizabeth gave us this week off. With school starting this week the time off came at a GREAT time! Abby is having a blast in 1st grade. I, of course, took pictures but have yet to download them to my computer so that I can share them. Soon though :) This year there are already little differences I'm seeing - like she has a HUGE say on what she wants to wear. She usually doesn't care...I pick them out and it's all good. Well she's starting to have her own sense of style...and it's not like mine! Yes it's fine - I mean she looks cute in anything - it's just I would rather not have people looking at me. Abby on the other hand LOVES the attention...I saw a girl walking with bright red hair from middle school and all I could think is that if Abby was with me she'd think that was cool and probably ask to dye her hair. Man, what am I going to do when that happens?!? I do enjoy seeing her come into her own but yet am sad knowing she's growing just way to fast! Just when I think she doesn't need me she grabs me and gives me an extra hug, tells me how much she loves me in that sweet voice that only she has and tells me how she misses me. Each morning she's gotten in bed with me for a little "lovin" (which is hugs and kisses) before she starts her day. I'll cherish those times/days as long as I possible can!

For My Love

Today I celebrate 12 years of marriage

to my best friend and soul mate. Thanks for everything - the good and the bad :)

For together we can accomplish anything!! Happy Anniversary!

Woohoo!!! AND Challenge #50 @CSAYL

Ok I don't normally do this BUT do you remember this card I posted HERE? Well I'm so freakin' excited because I won the SWEET SKETCH WEDNESDAY challenge with that card AND I was picked as a TOP 3 AT PAPER SUNDAES for it as well!!! My mom didn't know she was getting such a special card. She's going to have to frame it, lol!! Just had to share....

Ok back to the regularly scheduled post - it's Friday so what's that mean? Yep it's time for another Christmas creation for the CSAYL blog. Today our challenge was given to us by fellow team member Patricia - we are to create a card using the following requirements:

Base: Kraft paper - 4 1/4 x 5 1/2

Layer: Red paper - 3 1/4 x 1 3/4

ANY DP - 3 1/4 x 4 1/2

Ribbon or Fabric: White

Buttons or Brads: Red

And here is what I came up with:

I'm going to admit, I was a tad skeptical about this challenge. But as I've said before that's what I enjoy about challenges - they make me step out of my comfort zone. And I'm pleased with the results so it's all good :)

I hope you'll join us this week and play along. Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

What a weekend!

Well I'm taking a break from sharing a card to share some pictures instead. I mentioned in a previous post that I wanted to take more photos as time is just passing me by! This last weekend I had lots of opportunities for pictures...here are a few of my favorites:

First up is Abby sporting her clown nose..yes, folks the circus was in town and we just had to go. My parents and sister joined us so it was a whole FAMILY affair!


Abby with the clowns...LOVE that smile!!


I always have trouble getting pictures of my sister. She either won't get in front of the camera or they come out blurry. FINALLY I got a good one...


It was hubby's birthday so after the circus we celebrated with some cake. Abby picked it out. She said Daddy would like it because it was K-State but Grandma and Papa probably wouldn't eat any since it wasn't Jayhawks! Too funny - oh and the parents did eat some :o)

Last week I said I thought I'd start by taking some photos at Abby's Daisy meeting...well I did it. Here are the girls creating cards for CARDS FOR KIDS. They had a great time!

Well there you go - a little glimpse into my life and my family. The only thing missing is ME...I always forget to pass the camera or get into the photos. That's ok though...I SO need a haircut! It's driving me crazy! So I'll take a picture when I get a new do...and hopefully that will be SOON!! Thanks so much for stopping by and hope you have a great day!

Happy Thanksgiving

Just a quick note to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving! My family will be celebrating Thanksgiving at my house so right now I'm probably cooking away :o) We'll enjoy great food, good times and probably some games as well. Nothing like a good round of Catch Phrase! Thank you for visiting my blog and I hope you have a wonderful day!!

On a side note, I'm hoping the sales are good and I can find me a good deal on a Circut Expression - I think it's time I add one to my "inventory"!! If you know of any good deals for the machine &/or cartridges...drop me a line. I need to get the best deals I can since I want so many cartridges!!

It's one of those days, I mean weeks!

So today I should be posting a flutter by card. Heck I should have posted a few cards this week but no such luck! As you know I took a part time job as a preschool teacher and right now I'm in the phase where I'm trying to juggle everything and figure out how to get it all done. Unfortunately, I'm not succeeded!! PLEASE bear with me - keep checking for updates cause I promise I'll be posting regularly soon!!

please note - I DO, yes that's right, I DO have a flutter by card finished and ready to post BUT Blogger has a different idea! It won't let me - boo hoo!! SO I'll continue trying to get it on here today and hopefully Blogger will fix the problem soon! Please come back and see me!!

Thank you for all the visits to my blog - I noticed last night that I've had over 10,000 hits!! That's awesome for little 'ol me! Also, next week will be my one year anniversary in the blogging world. I'm thinking I should have a giveaway? Whatcha think???

A Peaceful Heart

Thanks for stopping by for another Flutter By Wednesday! Today, team member Cassie, gave us the challenge to CASE (copy and steal everything) another team members creations. Of course, the card needs to have a butterfly or fairy on it as well. I have to tell you it was hard to CASE just one card. So I changed it up a bit and actually drew my inspiration from THREE different team members!


I think it would be easier to see my card first and then tell you who and what I CASED.

First things first - WHATCHA THINK? I think it turned out cute - probably has something to do with the cute little image but I just smile when I look at this card. So I CASEd Chris by using red & brown (see the original project here). Next I CASEd Ann by using her sketch and the punched out butterflies (see the original project here). Last I CASEd Danni by using a hedgehog (see the original project here).

Like I mentioned it was hard to choose just one team member to CASE as ALL of them do such a wonderful job - I enjoy visiting their blogs to see what they come up with. The links to all the blogs are on the right hand side so take a moment and visit them. I hope you decide to play along this week. If you do just visit Danni's blog and leave a link to your creation. Poor Danni has hurt her thumb and is not able to create - she's TOTALLY bummed so be sure to send her some get well wishes to help that healing time some!!

Little update about me - I did get the teaching job at Abby's old preschool. I'll be teaching Tues/Thurs mornings to the 2.5 yr olds. I will also be helping out at the school on Wednesdays over the lunch hour and then subbing whenever possible. It's a change for me and one that I'm really looking forward to. I get such a joy seeing the kids learn and grow and to be a part of that just warms my heart. It's a win-win for me too because I also get to work around Abby's school schedule and will still have free time to create and volunteer at her school.

Today I'm off to work out all the details for Abby's birthday party. Thanks to my friend Liz, I think we are doing a carnival in our backyard. Abby LOVES playing Wii carnival games and after reading Liz's post I realized that with a little creativity I could make some games possible. We were going to see about renting an inflatable (slide or moon bounce) but they were $175 to $225 for ONE for like 4 hours. I thought it was crazy to spend that amount of money on ONE thing when we could do a lot of other cool stuff! Now we just have to pray for no rain cause I have NO idea what I'd do with 20 kids if it rains...

Thanks for stopping by - have a great one!!

Yadda, Yadda, Yadda

So I don't have anything to share but I've been wondering something and thought who better to ask then the blogging world! As you know this week as been tough on me as I've been suffering from migraines. When my head isn't hurting I'm exhausted. Therefore, I haven't done much in the 'ole craft room. Instead I've been watching some movies which I hardly ever do. I like movies but to sit still for two hours when I know of all the things on my to do list that needs to be done well it's hard for me to enjoy myself. I can't really say what my taste is in movies. I like all kinds - each one more welcoming with my moods. This week has been about action and romance. I watched The Incredible Hulk with Edward Norton - it was pretty good. However another Edward has been on my mind lately and this one is HOT, HOT, HOT!! Yes, I'm talking about Edward from Twilight. Now I've seen the movie but never read the book. I'm a reader - totally enjoy getting submersed in a good book. My problem is I usually can't do anything else till I finish it. Currently I've been reading the Scarpetta books from Patricia Cornwell. I've read them before but never back to back so I thought I'd do that. I'm on the Book of the Dead which I've never read before but I was having trouble "getting into it". I think I wanted more romance than crime drama. So I decided to read Twilight. I wasn't sure what to expect but HOLY COW I LOVED THAT BOOK!! I finished it in a day and a half - not bad considering I had to do my mother duties and household duties. I just couldn't put it down. It was a really good book. I was a little nervous though cause I had seen the movie so wasn't sure if it would ruin the book. When I first watched Twilight I laughed a lot and thought it was ok but didn't really get the hype. After reading the book I decided to watch the movie again last night. I have to say I liked it a little better - things made more sense to me. Like the part when Bella comes into Biology class and Edward looks as though he's going to throw up...it's not funny now..I totally can "get" his problem!! SOOOOOOOOOOOO what does this have to do with my question - well I don't know what to do...do I read the next book and then see the movie OR do I wait and see the movie and then read the book??? I know there are a lot of Twilight fans out there so tell me should I go get the next book???

On a side note it is a little disappointing that they cut some stuff out of the movie that was in the book...I do like the relationship between Edward and Bella in the book - they did more talking. Of course, it's hard to put it all in. I just laughed a lot reading the book due to what they said. Also I don't know why they have to change things - i.e. Bella "escaping" from the hotel rather than the airport. Plus in the book she goes to the ballet studio during the day but in the movie it's at night...How does that make a difference?? I guess that's why I'm not a part of the movie industry...I think to much!

Wow what a strange post for me...I guess I need to find some girlfriends that I can discuss books and movies with over coffee!! Not to keep going but did you see that The Time Traveler's Wife is coming out. I LOVED that book to. Not sure if the movie will do it justice either...Did anyone see My Sister's Keeper? Again, read that booked so good but also cried my eyes out. I didn't see the movie because again, wasn't sure if it would do the book justice....SO SHOULD I GO SEE THOSE???

Let me know what you think - we're all entitled to our opinions and I'd love to hear yours! I hope you have a great weekend - We've got some friends coming on Saturday and then I have a FUNShop on Sunday! Thanks for stopping by!!

Weekend of Tears - Good & Bad

Hi! How was your weekend? I know mine was busy! This weekend, I drove to Hill City, KS to see my best friend from college get married! She's just the sweetest and I'm so happy she's finally found her Mr. Right!! It took us 4+ hours to get there and it was hot! Her wedding was outside and it was over 90 degrees!! It was a wonderful ceremony and didn't seem to last very long. Afterwards, the reception was held at one of the fairgrounds building. There was great food, dancing and tons of fun! They even had their own firework show - how cool is that? I guess it's one of the benefits of living in a small town! Here's a great picture of Kari and I at the reception - of course, by this time my make up had all but melted away ...


One of Abby's favorite things to do is dance so when the music started playing we were right out there dancing away -

We didn't see her too much after this as she wanted to dance alone and play with her "new" friends, lol!

We were going to stay all night in Hill City and drive back today but I got some bad news about my grandmother. Unfortunately, I didn't make it back before she passed away. I'm very sad to see my grandmother go but she has dealt with Alzheimer's for almost 10 years and this last month has been very difficult. I'm thankful that I just saw her a little over a week ago and got some pictures and was able to talk with her. I know she is in a better place and grandpa is so happy to see her after 30 years - there is definitely a party going on in Heaven today!