The Countdown Begins

Wow....you can believe Christmas is in a couple days. Presents are all wrapped, a few crafts are done, and tomorrow the goodie making gets done. The girls and I are spending the day making candy. Boy, the holidays have been a little stressful this year. I'm really having to re-think having a store, mail order business, and doing farm books. I'm kinda sad to see one of them have to go, but I've stretched myself a little thin. As I looked around the house the last couple of days, the house didn't have much of a Christmas feel, which makes me really sad. I tried to make up for that today and did a bunch of decorating.

The season just hasn't seemed like it should be here. Maybe with the flood the first of the month, being gone for a few days, and all the busy stuff the month slipped by. As I'm sitting here now, we have a houseful of teenagers here. I think about 8 or 9. Most of them are in vocal ensemble and they have been singing Christmas carols for the past 30 minutes after there movie got done. Nothing like carols to get you in the spirit......thank those teenagers. I think I needed that.

The kids have been busy the last couple of days. As I said, the house has been full of teenagers. They've been making caramel corn, fudge, soap, perfume, and who knows what else.....It was quite the sight last night as all of them, boys included, were wearing aprons. The boys had the girlie aprons on. I hope they got pics.

Well I best go. I got a new magazine I'm dying to read.
Have a great weekend, at least what's left.

xoxo
Lonnie

EEEE-GATZ......ONLY A FEW DAYS LEFT

Oh my.....what happened to the month of December. Talk about a busy month.

Got back on Sunday from Vegas. The city that never sleeps. Didn't have a chance to get rested up on this trip. Joe and I went with 2 other couples. Arrived Thursday evening and stayed up way too late our first night. Sandy, Joan and I spent all day Friday at the Cowboy Christmas shows......oh my what a show. I found everything I wanted for furniture if we every build a new house. I love the rustic furniture. You know how they say.....everything but the kitchen sink.
Well let's just say I hauled a copper sink home in my luggage. It was quite the site. It is absolutely beautiful, a copper beauty with embossed pinecones on the inside of the basin. I told Joe we are building our new house around that sink. HaHa

Saturday I spent the day with Sandy shopping at Fashion Show Mall.......Joan needed her gambling fix. Spent most of the day at the mall until my arms couldn't hold anything more. That night we went to the great steakhouse, Gallaghers, at New York New York Casino. If you want a great steak dinner, that's the place to go. Let's just say we were stuffed to the gills.

Left Sunday afternoon for home. Now the chaos begins. I spent Monday catching up on mailorders that arrived while we were gone. Spent Tuesday at the shop and once I got home went through presents to see what else I needed. Let's say I was a little short and spent the day Wednesday in Portland doing mega shopping.

Well now it's Thursday and I think I'm done. Now the wrapping begins. Every year since the kids were little I only put tags on presents with no names. I love watching them trying to figure out whose are whose.....which means I have tags to make today and the wrapping begins.
I do my mother-in-laws shopping for the kids so I need to deliver presents to her today too.

Well I better get started.....I think it's gonna be another long day. My house needs a Christmas makeover. Let's just say I still have pumpkins on the porch. Tree's up with 6 ornaments....it's been that way for a week. At least it has lights. Chris said it looked pretty pathetic last night and was going up to the attic to get the boxes down. Boy I was waiting for someone to volunteer for that one. Thank goodness.

Have a wonderful, chaotic day. I know mine will be.
xoxo
Lonnie

LOOK OUT VEGAS.....HERE WE COME!!!!!

WOW....what a last couple of weeks. So much has gone on.

Spent our anniversary weekend in Portland. Did a little shopping the first night and had a great dinner at PF Changs. Joe got the best fortune....fit perfectly. It said: You and your spouse will be happy in your life together. He made me save the paper, like I wouldn't have anyway.

Next couple of shopping days didn't go so well. You know when you just aren't in the shopping mode, well that's were I was at. Saw tons of cute things, but didn't buy a thing. Can you believe 3 big shopping malls and not ONE purchase. Hopefully this weekend goes better.

The shop, mail order company and kids have been a zoo lately. Of course that happens when the holidays approach. Got my swaps off.....a couple days late though.

Had a major storm hit last week and it just threw me all off. We were out of power for 2 days, no phone service for 3 and our town looks like a hurricane hit and dumped 1000's of tons of mud. Luckily we didn't receive too much damage. Ours mostly consisted of a calf hutch deciding to rest in the side of the pickup. Amazing what winds up to 117 miles an hour will do. There were flash floods, high winds for a full 24 hours and major outages everywhere. The friends we are going with to Vegas just got power back yesterday. That had to be the longest week of hell, running only off a generator and trying to take care of cows. Let's just say.....they're ready to get out of Dodge.

We are off tomorrow until Sunday for some shopping, eating, Rodeo, more shopping, and of course a little blackjack (my favorite) I'm not a big gambler....I'd much rather leave my money at a cute boutique somewhere. Rodeo week is the highlight of the trip. We have tickets for finals night. Should be a blast!!!! Daughter, Christina, is mad she can't go. She loves everything COWBOY!!!!!!!!! Maybe she'll get to go next year when she turns 21. We are off with 2 other couples. We get to stay in there condo off the strip so we won't have to deal with all the noise if we don't want too. I'm taking extra bags so let's hope this trip is better than the last shopping trip. With less than 2 weeks until Christmas, I better get busy.

The girls just finished finals week at the college. So excited they got an "A" in Math 111. They were a little worried about that class. I think everyone is looking forward to Christmas break.

I'll post when we get back and let you know how things went. Hopefully my bags, belly and wallet will be full.

Have a great weekend!!
xoxo
Lonnie

Where has the week gone....

Boy the week sure went by quickly. Spent Thanksgiving at Jenn and Mike's...first family dinner hosted by the oldest daughter. She did us proud!!!! All 20 of us got fed, stuffed and sent home with leftovers. That's what I call a family dinner. If you know my family, we are a big one. Everyday dinners usually consist of at least 6 and like most days can end up with 10 to 12. The girls have lots of friends who stop by.....somehow they know our dinner time is 6:30. Love having them though. The conversations at dinner are wonderful. Gotta love teenagers.

One of the girls' best friends, Kari, is on overload. As a 16 year old junior, she's trying to graduate early. She's trying to take a full high school load and she's taking 21 credits at the community college. Our house happens to be closer to town so everyday she stops to eat. How can you resist??? I had to laugh the other night. She grabbed dinner quick and headed out the door and realized I was making a chocolate cake....of course at 9pm after class she comes for cake. She didn't think she would survive without it. Oh to be young!!!!

I've been working on some things lately. Trying to stay motivated after Silver Bella.

Friday is mine and Joe's 22nd anniversary.
I found this adorable pic of him and decided to make a little charm for myself.
Isn't he soooo cute. Thanks to Jenny and Aaron.....I adjusted my let them eat cake
picture and customized it for my husband.
Still have to add a couple things but here it is so far.

Here's a few other things I've been working on. Some for a couple swaps I am in and the letters are for the shop. Sorry only sneaks on the swaps, don't want my recipients to see them yet.


I'll post pics of the finished things once my swap partners receive them. I've got a few other things about done. I'll post those later.


Off to work at the shop today. Trying to stay motivated. Tonight the twins are in the high school play, Rumors by Neil Simon. All those weeks of practice and it's finally here. Hopefully I'll get a couple good shots of them.

Tomorrow Joe and I are off for our anniversary. Every year we head to Portland for the weekend and start our Christmas shopping for the kids. I am a total looker and have to take everything in before I buy anything. He's just the opposite. Make a list, buy it and go home. Not my idea of shopping!!! He asked me last night if I had my lists ready and I just laughed. Do you think after 22 years I am going to change......I don't think so. He wasn't happy with that answer. He thought maybe I would be willing to do it his way this year...not a chance.

Well after this lengthy post I better get off and start my projects. Need to get a few things done before going to the shop. I have 175 packages of cheese to go out on Monday and I need to get a few boxes ready. Doesn't that sound like fun!!!!!

Have a great weekend everyone. Maybe I can flick a few pictures of our weekend. They are calling for possible snow so it might make the trip interesting.

xoxo
Lonnie

A time for prayers....

As Thanksgiving approaches, I just wanted to remember of few special people in our prayers this week. Giving thanks for our family and friends is so important. Please pray a extra prayer for some special people we know.....Mike, Shelley and Riley for Riley as he goes through chemo treatment.....For Jan, my sister-in-law's sister as she starts her chemo treatments after Thanksgiving....and to my dear friend, Iva, as her family prepares to spend the holidays without their beautiful daughter Brianna.

I am so thankful to have these people in our lives and I wish them all my love during these difficult times. I can only imagine the feelings they are enduring and I wish them all the best.

Please take a quiet moment and say an extra prayer for them this week. I know he'll be listening.

xoxo
Lonnie

SILVER BELLA....A DREAM COME TRUE

Oh Boy....where do I start. Talk about the most incredible time imagineable. I wasn't sure what to expect but it far and above the best ever. It was truly spiritual for me. Getting to meet 150 women and a few men (Joel you were a kick). I met the most fabulous girls at the airport waiting for our shuttle to the hotel. I felt like a came away with 2 very good best friends at the end. They were amazing.

Colleen, Iva and I at one of our classes. These two are so much fun. We shared a lot of laughs and a few tears. Iva's daughter passed away this summer and to hear her story was nothing short of amazing. Her daughter was truly an artistic soul. I am so glad I got to hear the stories about her. Having children myself I cannot imagine the pain Iva has endured. I hope talking about it was good therapy for her. I cannot wait to hear more stories about her.

Colleen, the famous Jennifer Paganelli (Of Sis Boom fame), Colleen and me. Jennifer's classes were so much fun. I was so glad I got to take this class with the girls.

One of our class pics......can you tell we are having fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And I had the pleasure of finally meeting Jenny and Aaron from Everyday's a Holiday. I am so glad I finally got to see them. I've been a fan for so long. They are such a gifted pair and have very warm personalities. I got the pleasure of taking there White Christmas class and of course came home with a kit for an extra one and for their Let Them Eat Cake class. I promise Jenny I will send pics of the cafe. I've only been promising them to you for a year or so.

Then there's Amy Powers from Inspire Co. What a delightful person. She truly has a heart of gold. Her Sugarville houses were amazing. I am so glad I got to buy a couple.

And Kim Kwan....aka the Energizer Bunny. I took the Wish Journal class. So much fun. This gal goes 100 miles per hour.

She has the best personality. I wish I would have gotten her picture at Vendor Night....talking pink tutu, pink striped tights and lots of bling....she was truly adorable.

This was the only picture I had that turned out from Charlotte Lyons class. We made the most adorable felted wool trees. I plan on making lots more of these. Quick fun class. Charlotte is a sweetheart. I also took her Sparkle Cardholder class. Met Amanda Willey in the felted wool class. What a sweetheart.
We took a walk to town and ate at Delice. It's a must stop when
you're in Omaha.


That's all for pics.....except the ones I haven't taken yet of all my
treasures I purchased. I'll share those later.

I definitely plan to attend again. What a wonderful weekend. I met lots of new friends, went to fun shops....Second Chance Antiques is another must stop, and had a few great meals. Didn't take much time for eating out. But Upstream makes a killer Candy Cane Martini, I could of have a few of those. We spent most of our evenings in the bar lounge with groups of new friends. I really enjoyed getting to know all these people and learned so much about them. I hope Lorraine starts a blog....she's such a kick. You'd love her story about knitting. Husband Joel is definitely a trooper. His ONE knitted sock was too adorable.

Take a minute to visit Colleen and Iva's blogs....lots of pics. Who knew I'd meet the famous Colleen Moody and Iva Wilcox. Thanks for making my time in Omaha so outstanding.


xoxo
Lonnie

Ooooh I guess I was wrong...............

Well I said I didn't think Chris would model....oooooh I was wrong. With his sense of humor I guess I should have known. The girls were standouts with Chris and playing along while they modeled the crowns. I'll post close-ups later. But aren't they cute......Gotta love those kids.

Count Down

Only a few days left until I hop on that airplane to Omaha. I can't believe the long wait is finally here. I've been busy at the shop trying to get things ready before I leave. Once home, the creativity starts flowing. Making a couple things to share with my roommate Taylor from South Carolina. Can't wait to meet her in person.

The hubby keeps asking what I'm working on as I come out of the craft room every night covered in glitter. Oh how I love to sparkle.

Made a few crowns. I was hoping my twin girls , Melissa and Stephanie, would be home for a short while to model them so I could take pics. They have such busy lives. Busy couple of high school juniors....college classes, speech team, dance, fall play, music.....not sure how they do it.
I could ask Chris, our freshman boy, to model them for me, but I'm sure that wouldn't fly.

Still need to pack my tool kit for classes. Not sure what I'm putting everything in. I'll have to see what I can find tomorrow after work.

Goodnight XOXO
Lonnie

Silver Bella....just days away

Oh just a week until I leave for Silver Bella. I am soooo excited. I've been in the creative mood all week. I've made a handful of crowns and other goodies. It's been so much fun.

Trying to decide what to pack. Not sure what to wear for our Bella night. Can't wait to meet my roomie from South Carolina. It's gonna be a good time.

Every night my hubby thinks it's funny to ask me where I am going. I think it's his way of rubbing it in that he's not going. And that was his choice. He said I'd have more fun with just the girls. He calls them my pen pals.....not sure where that came from. Maybe from the few swaps I've been involved with. Who knows..........

I'll try and get batteries for the camera to post pics of the goodies I've been making.

Hope everyone has a good night.
Lonnie

Here Goes Nothing.....

Okay Girls......
I've become obsessed with the blogs of my favorite bellas. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone in Omaha. November won't be here soon enough.

I decided I needed to get busy and journal my crazy life. I have been trying to get motivated for spring...yes I said spring. Ordering all kinds of cute clothes and accessories for spring. The colors are wonderful and the patterns adorable. I'm not sure how there can be so many designers and they can produce the most awesome designs. Just have to remember my budget.

The weather's changing here. Yesterday we hit almost 80 and today I don't think it got above 60. I'm ready for cooler weather. Gets me into the mood for baking and crafting. Made the cutest crown today....I'll post a pic tomorrow.

Thanks for reading my babble.....I'll get the hang of it soon.
Tootles,
Lonnie