My friend Melissa is well-known for her gorgeous cards and altered items. Over at her blog she has some SERIOUS blog candy. I hate to share that because it lessens my chances of winning but I will try to be selfless and give you all a heads up!!
Creating from the Heart
Monday, December 29, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
The Best Christmas Vacation EVER: Part 2
The first morning we woke up it was to the smell of COFFEE and BACON!! I tell you what, anytime I wake up to the smell of coffee and bacon and I ain't the one who is behind the stove making that yumminess happen, I am in HEAVEN!! Billie served us Pancakes, Bacon, Eggs, Coffee, Orange juice and Milk..........my kids made Billie's day when they pulled out paper plates I had packed and saved her the trouble of all those dishes!! 
After we ate, we bundled up and headed out for our day of fun and shopping! We had planned on a sleigh ride that afternoon but since the windchill was in the negatives and the wind was gusting up to 35 mph we decided to cancel. So, our first stop was walking around the pond.......BRRR! It was FREEZING! The pond was frozen solid so Erika ventured out onto it......about 5 feet! Dave was standing by the entire time this picture was being taken!
We then loaded up and headed to town. I forgot to post about the first night we were there, we took the kids to the Veterans Memorial Park in Cottonwood Falls. They have an entire wall dedicated to all the Veterans who have served in all U.S. Conflicts since the Civil War. Of course our son Robert was in his element and we all had to wait for him as he looked over EVERYTHING they had in this park. The kids fell in love with the Helicopter and Tank they had on display so of course I had to snap a picture of that!
So on Saturday, we handed all our kids their $5 to go spend on a Gag gift for our annual "White Elephant" gift exchange. We instructed them to meet us at the Emma Chase Cafe for lunch at 12:30 and we all set off. First stop was the mercantile. This place is full of homemade fudge, jams and jellies, various teas and coffees and tons of items made here in Kansas. I bought Robert and Nik a bottle of Elderberry extract for their allergies and found some green tea lozenges that I LOVE but can't find around HERE! Erika was my shopping buddy and we had a blast looking and tasting all the yummy items that shop keeper had on display. We then went to the local Western wear shop and looked at tons of boots and clothing. Not to mention they sale various pieces of jewelry all hand crafted by artisans from the area. Next stop the local hardware store that has devoted it's top floor to area artists to display their wares. We caught up with Jessica, Talia and Lilia at this store and ooo-ed and ahh-ed over many gorgeous displays. From there we found the town's very own Thrift Store!! We were in HEAVEN and I found a brown jacket from Old Navy that appeared practically new for only $2! I love a great deal. Jessica and Talia found their White Elephant gifts and we all had a great laugh! Next stop........the local Weavers shop. Inside the Fiber Factory, there are 4 huge looms at work. An elderly gentleman who has a HUGE collection of cameras owns this lovely establishment. WE walked in and there was the rest of my family. Robert and Nik were in a discussion with the owner who was in the process of showing him ANY camera they wanted to see. Little did I know that Dave had purchased a beautiful area rug for my kitchen! He gave it to me when we left the shop...........it is made out of DENIM and looks WONDERFUL in my kitchen in front of the sink! He is so thoughtful!! The owner told Dave and I how impressed he was with our sons and how knowledgeable they both were on various subjects of history. Is it wrong of me to say that I am proud of the fact that we have raised children who don't think the elderly are an inconvenience? That our children think that their elders actually may have a thing or two that THEY know that is worth listening to?
We then went to the Chase County Museum.
Wow! We were AMAZED at the display of Chase County history in this one building. The numerous items that were donated was astounding. Our family spent a few hours in this building and finally decided to go eat at 1:15 when I was becoming CRANKY and light-headed. Off to Emma Chase Cafe for some more home-cooking!
After lunch we then headed to the Chase County Courthouse for a personal tour. We we so fortunate to see this GORGEOUS building and to learn the history behind how it came to be.
After our tour, we were all wore out. We loaded into the van and went back to the Stonehouse. Dave and I decided a nap was in order and much to our surprise......several of our kids followed suit. Erika took the camera and her and Nik went on a walk and snapped a few pictures while us bums took our siesta! When I woke up, I began getting the food in the oven that I had brought from home. Billie and I had decided to share our evening meal together. Mexican food! Refried Beans, Rice and Enchiladas!! I must say........it was YUMMY!
After supper, we had our pajama exchange, then had our White Elephant Gift exchange, played "Cranium" for a few hours then watched "A Christmas Story!" You can't go wrong with Ralphie!! We turned in around 1 a.m. and I know we were all EXHAUSTED!!
So ends the details of second day of our vacation. I promise the last installment will be short and sweet. I wanted to blog as much as I could so I wouldn't forget some of the details for when I scrap this.
After we ate, we bundled up and headed out for our day of fun and shopping! We had planned on a sleigh ride that afternoon but since the windchill was in the negatives and the wind was gusting up to 35 mph we decided to cancel. So, our first stop was walking around the pond.......BRRR! It was FREEZING! The pond was frozen solid so Erika ventured out onto it......about 5 feet! Dave was standing by the entire time this picture was being taken!
We then loaded up and headed to town. I forgot to post about the first night we were there, we took the kids to the Veterans Memorial Park in Cottonwood Falls. They have an entire wall dedicated to all the Veterans who have served in all U.S. Conflicts since the Civil War. Of course our son Robert was in his element and we all had to wait for him as he looked over EVERYTHING they had in this park. The kids fell in love with the Helicopter and Tank they had on display so of course I had to snap a picture of that!
So on Saturday, we handed all our kids their $5 to go spend on a Gag gift for our annual "White Elephant" gift exchange. We instructed them to meet us at the Emma Chase Cafe for lunch at 12:30 and we all set off. First stop was the mercantile. This place is full of homemade fudge, jams and jellies, various teas and coffees and tons of items made here in Kansas. I bought Robert and Nik a bottle of Elderberry extract for their allergies and found some green tea lozenges that I LOVE but can't find around HERE! Erika was my shopping buddy and we had a blast looking and tasting all the yummy items that shop keeper had on display. We then went to the local Western wear shop and looked at tons of boots and clothing. Not to mention they sale various pieces of jewelry all hand crafted by artisans from the area. Next stop the local hardware store that has devoted it's top floor to area artists to display their wares. We caught up with Jessica, Talia and Lilia at this store and ooo-ed and ahh-ed over many gorgeous displays. From there we found the town's very own Thrift Store!! We were in HEAVEN and I found a brown jacket from Old Navy that appeared practically new for only $2! I love a great deal. Jessica and Talia found their White Elephant gifts and we all had a great laugh! Next stop........the local Weavers shop. Inside the Fiber Factory, there are 4 huge looms at work. An elderly gentleman who has a HUGE collection of cameras owns this lovely establishment. WE walked in and there was the rest of my family. Robert and Nik were in a discussion with the owner who was in the process of showing him ANY camera they wanted to see. Little did I know that Dave had purchased a beautiful area rug for my kitchen! He gave it to me when we left the shop...........it is made out of DENIM and looks WONDERFUL in my kitchen in front of the sink! He is so thoughtful!! The owner told Dave and I how impressed he was with our sons and how knowledgeable they both were on various subjects of history. Is it wrong of me to say that I am proud of the fact that we have raised children who don't think the elderly are an inconvenience? That our children think that their elders actually may have a thing or two that THEY know that is worth listening to?
We then went to the Chase County Museum.
Wow! We were AMAZED at the display of Chase County history in this one building. The numerous items that were donated was astounding. Our family spent a few hours in this building and finally decided to go eat at 1:15 when I was becoming CRANKY and light-headed. Off to Emma Chase Cafe for some more home-cooking!
After lunch we then headed to the Chase County Courthouse for a personal tour. We we so fortunate to see this GORGEOUS building and to learn the history behind how it came to be.
After our tour, we were all wore out. We loaded into the van and went back to the Stonehouse. Dave and I decided a nap was in order and much to our surprise......several of our kids followed suit. Erika took the camera and her and Nik went on a walk and snapped a few pictures while us bums took our siesta! When I woke up, I began getting the food in the oven that I had brought from home. Billie and I had decided to share our evening meal together. Mexican food! Refried Beans, Rice and Enchiladas!! I must say........it was YUMMY!
After supper, we had our pajama exchange, then had our White Elephant Gift exchange, played "Cranium" for a few hours then watched "A Christmas Story!" You can't go wrong with Ralphie!! We turned in around 1 a.m. and I know we were all EXHAUSTED!!
So ends the details of second day of our vacation. I promise the last installment will be short and sweet. I wanted to blog as much as I could so I wouldn't forget some of the details for when I scrap this.
Monday, December 22, 2008
The Best Christmas Vacation EVER!!
Last Friday we loaded up our van with lots of kids, clothes and food and headed to Cottonwood Falls for our family Christmas Vacation. On our way down the turnpike who did we happen to see pass us? My cousin and her family on THEIR way to Iowa. I called her on her cell phone and she said she would love to meet us for lunch so, First stop: The Cassoday Truck Stop for lunch.
Upon your arrival at this eating establishment you will notice they have CHICKENS on the porch. Don't let that frighten you, the chickens are harmless. Just walk on by! Inside is an all you can eat buffet that is served from 11 am til 2 pm. On the day we arrived they were serving homemade pizza, salad, breadsticks and for dessert brownies or pumpkin bars! Our sons were in sheer heaven.........Dave and I were tickled because Jeannine and Dan paid for our entire family's lunch! Wow! We had called Jessica, our oldest daughter, and she was meeting us since she lives only about 35 miles from Cassoday.
While there the 2nd grade class of the Flinthills Elementary came in and sang Christmas carols. They did a wonderful job and they gave all the members of our family handmade cards they had constructed in art class........we were COVERED in glitter by the time we left! LOL!! We hugged Jeannine and her family and then gather up our crew and headed up to Cottonwood Falls.
The 1874 Stonehouse. What can I say? Coming here is like coming home. Our children fell in love with the house, the property and most of all......Billie and her husband Joe. Not to mention her dogs Chase and Bo.
This was my and Dave's second trip here since we had spent our anniversary here last summer. We knew how beautiful the house and property was and of course we knew how sweet Billie and her family were.
When we arrived, we first introduced our kids to Billie.........she tells me "I'll never know all their names!" I assured her by the end of the weekend she would know all of them............she did. We then showed all the kids the house and where they would be sleeping. The 2 oldest were in the Wilhelmina Room. Across the hall in the Blue Room were the 3 boys and down the hall were the 3 youngest in the Yellow Room. Dave and I had the Prairie Flower Suite.........GORGEOUS! Then came operation: Unload Van!! After the van was unloaded and everything situated, the kids insisted we all go explore the property. I'm glad we did that on Friday because the remainder of our trip, the weather was BRUTALLY cold!
After walking around the property, we went inside for some sugar cookies, coffee and hot cocoa for all of us. Billie use to own a bakery so all the weekend she fattened us up with homebaked GOODIES.......those sugar cookies were to DIE FOR!! I begged for the recipe and she gave it to me upon me swearing not to hand it out to anyone......so DON'T ASK ME FOR IT!!
After we warmed up in front of that charming fireplace, we then bundled up and took our family to the Emma Chase Cafe for supper. What can I say?? THE Yummiest food!! I had the Chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes, gravy, greenbeans, biscuit and the owners very own apple butter! Some of the kids had the catfish with coleslaw, hush puppies, and fries! They EVEN serve sweet potato fries.........YUM! We all had pie for dessert and then did a little shopping!
We then loaded back into the van and went back to the house. After everyone took either a shower or a nice long hot bath *ME!* we then all decided to watch "The Shining" now folks...........this movie is scary to begin with but I don't suggest you watch it when you are staying at a house that is well over 100 years old. Our kids all had to be tucked in that night because they were all scared!!
So ended our first day of our trip. I'll try to get the remainder up by the end of the day!!
Upon your arrival at this eating establishment you will notice they have CHICKENS on the porch. Don't let that frighten you, the chickens are harmless. Just walk on by! Inside is an all you can eat buffet that is served from 11 am til 2 pm. On the day we arrived they were serving homemade pizza, salad, breadsticks and for dessert brownies or pumpkin bars! Our sons were in sheer heaven.........Dave and I were tickled because Jeannine and Dan paid for our entire family's lunch! Wow! We had called Jessica, our oldest daughter, and she was meeting us since she lives only about 35 miles from Cassoday.
While there the 2nd grade class of the Flinthills Elementary came in and sang Christmas carols. They did a wonderful job and they gave all the members of our family handmade cards they had constructed in art class........we were COVERED in glitter by the time we left! LOL!! We hugged Jeannine and her family and then gather up our crew and headed up to Cottonwood Falls.
The 1874 Stonehouse. What can I say? Coming here is like coming home. Our children fell in love with the house, the property and most of all......Billie and her husband Joe. Not to mention her dogs Chase and Bo.
This was my and Dave's second trip here since we had spent our anniversary here last summer. We knew how beautiful the house and property was and of course we knew how sweet Billie and her family were.
When we arrived, we first introduced our kids to Billie.........she tells me "I'll never know all their names!" I assured her by the end of the weekend she would know all of them............she did. We then showed all the kids the house and where they would be sleeping. The 2 oldest were in the Wilhelmina Room. Across the hall in the Blue Room were the 3 boys and down the hall were the 3 youngest in the Yellow Room. Dave and I had the Prairie Flower Suite.........GORGEOUS! Then came operation: Unload Van!! After the van was unloaded and everything situated, the kids insisted we all go explore the property. I'm glad we did that on Friday because the remainder of our trip, the weather was BRUTALLY cold!
After walking around the property, we went inside for some sugar cookies, coffee and hot cocoa for all of us. Billie use to own a bakery so all the weekend she fattened us up with homebaked GOODIES.......those sugar cookies were to DIE FOR!! I begged for the recipe and she gave it to me upon me swearing not to hand it out to anyone......so DON'T ASK ME FOR IT!!
After we warmed up in front of that charming fireplace, we then bundled up and took our family to the Emma Chase Cafe for supper. What can I say?? THE Yummiest food!! I had the Chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes, gravy, greenbeans, biscuit and the owners very own apple butter! Some of the kids had the catfish with coleslaw, hush puppies, and fries! They EVEN serve sweet potato fries.........YUM! We all had pie for dessert and then did a little shopping!
We then loaded back into the van and went back to the house. After everyone took either a shower or a nice long hot bath *ME!* we then all decided to watch "The Shining" now folks...........this movie is scary to begin with but I don't suggest you watch it when you are staying at a house that is well over 100 years old. Our kids all had to be tucked in that night because they were all scared!!So ended our first day of our trip. I'll try to get the remainder up by the end of the day!!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
My kitty cat Dot................
She is really getting into my Christmas Trees. I think she thinks I set them up for her to destroy. Every morning I awake to find many of the ornaments from the lower branches all over the floor. Here is a picture Erika took of her tonight peeking through the branches. She is too cute!!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Looking like Christmas at my house.
As you can see, we had some snow come down. We ended up with 2 inches at our house and it drifted like crazy. Of course the sun is out today but it is so cold that I doubt it all melts...........it's 28 with a windchill of 20.......not as windy as it was yesterday that's for sure.
All the trees are up at our house, and the kids are all pumped because we are starting to wrap up all the gifts get them under the tree. We have candles burning and it seems like everyday we bake something that I shouldn't eat. I am sure I have gained 10 pounds because of the holiday spirit!
What is more perfect that 2 cuties around and under the tree? Here is Druann and Eberly. They make me so happy. It's so good to be a Grandma!........Spoil them and send them home!
This time of year makes me reflect on all the blessings and goodness we have and I can't help but think I am one of the luckiest gals on the planet.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Things to be Thankful for.
Yes, I know. Thanksgiving has passed. I have been so busy fretting about finances that I let the holiday go by without making a list of the things I am most thankful for so here goes:
* I am thankful for the ability to get out of bed on my own every day.
* I am thankful to be living in a country where I can worship anyway I chose.
* I am thankful for the soldiers who are fighting to help others have some semblance
of freedom and democracy in their country.
* I am thankful for the most wonderful husband a gal could want.
* I am thankful for 8 fantastic children who are the reason I get out of bed every
morning.
* I am thankful for parents and siblings who love one another and me.....we might
have our differences but we still love one another.
Here are some pictures of Thanksgiving at my house this year.
* I am thankful for the ability to get out of bed on my own every day.
* I am thankful to be living in a country where I can worship anyway I chose.
* I am thankful for the soldiers who are fighting to help others have some semblance
of freedom and democracy in their country.
* I am thankful for the most wonderful husband a gal could want.
* I am thankful for 8 fantastic children who are the reason I get out of bed every
morning.
* I am thankful for parents and siblings who love one another and me.....we might
have our differences but we still love one another.
Here are some pictures of Thanksgiving at my house this year.
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