RELAXING and Realizations!

We haven't been going many places and we've been okay with that. Although I did not leave my responsibilities children at home, I've still been able to enjoy myself with a few books to read and some quiet meditation. Okay, so not so quiet with 6 year old twins but hey, I'll take what I can get. I have some great fall designs for table centerpieces and I'm looking forward to putting the plans together.

We'll be travelling tomorrow to Nauvoo to see the Pageant. I've always wanted to go and I think the twins will enjoy it. I'm not sure about these triple digit temps we are having though! 104 yesterday and 105 today? HELLO? My part of Florida is cooler than this! Also might take a trip into Chicago this weekend with my oldest daughter; just the 2 of us. WHATEVER will I do with myself?!!!

Oh, and did I mention how DELISH the corn is here?!!! YUMMMMMMMM!!!

We'll be returning home next weekend. Yes, I've missed my home and surroundings and most especially, the routine of our handicapped daughter. She's adjusted 'well enough'. It's super tough to take 'them' out of their controlled environment which is one reason we don't go anywhere.

I've missed my communication with all of you, my cyber friends! My world is small but made so much more enjoyable because of you! 

Hoping your Summer, vacation, and travels are going well. Cannot believe we're halfway through the year already. The twins will turn 7 soon. Still shaking my head in disbelief over that one!

My best to all of you!

As always,

Stay Tuned!

}}Hugs{{
Vicky

We Made It!

 Greetings one and all from Springfield! We arrived safely after a very long drive! We originally were going to stop at a hotel but the kids fell asleep and we didn't want to wake them only to try and get them back to sleep. We were doing good until 4:00 a.m. with only another 2 hours to drive. We HAD to pull over and rest for awhile. We'd stopped at a few rest areas and even a McD's for a snack, however this time, we needed sleep! We were able to gain about 30 solid minutes which gave my hubby enough energy to get us to his place (I continued to doze!).

Front view of Condo.

Back view!

My swap from Michelle at Simple Pleasures came in. I had her send it to Illinois since I wouldn't see it in Florida for a few weeks. Go to her blog and see what I sent her!

Wonderful 'spoilage' going on here! The twins loved helping me unwrap all of the goodies! Our son thought the Beeswax ornies were cookies! LOVE my Santa Doll! Thank you so much Michelle and thank you Wendy at Ravenwood Whimzies for hostessing this wonderful "Christmas in July" Swap!

I didn't get to finish this before I left on our travels. It will be full of blue bonnets from Texas and another red flower that I can't remember the name of. A friend of mine sent me this photo so I could practice honing my skills. That's a large fence post and it will have some barbed wire coming across the photo, too.

Hope your summer is going well. I'll be home in another week or two.

Going to go to Wally World and buy the kids a small wading pool. Unfortunately, the lake here is 'chocolate' and filled with bird poo. That equals to a large amount of bacteria in my book! EWWWWWWW!!!

As always, Stay Tuned!

}}Hugs{{
Vicky

Toodles!

I received some Georgia peaches from a friend the other day. 

I got about 6 quarts put away in the freezer for some yummy cobblers. We did partake of a few. Who could resist? There's just nothing like a Georgia peach; the girls and the fruit!!!

Today was spent hostessing the youth (12 &13 year olds).

This has become a tradition at our house. We love to have the youth over and even better knowing they are having a blast. 

I've always taken for granted playing on the water 'cause I've done it all of my life. If I wasn't fishing in it I was tubing on it, knee boarding on it, or swimming in it!

 

A lot of these kids don't get the opportunity to do this kind of stuff. Just because you live here doesn't mean you're privy to it. 

So we're always happy to welcome them here for the few hours they come with their Youth leaders.

Saying 'toodles' to you 'cause I said I would. I'll try and post at least once a week but don't forget me. Forgive if I don't reply back to your comments. As Arnold would say, "I'll be back". 

Now you know you just said that like him, didn't you?!!!

}}Hugs{{
Vicky

Great Giveaway from Brenda!

TheRustyThimble: SERIOUSLY!!!!: Good Morning, REALLY, Oh my gosh I do not have time for this !!!!! Warning this first picture is not a pretty picture This shot is ...

Yep, Still Here!

Oh, I know, I'm not supposed to be here but hey, life happens. My sweet daddy passed away this past Sunday. He died in his sleep probably from complications of congestive heart failure, diabetes, emphysema, and an aneurism in his stomach. I don't know which got him first but he's been a very sick man for the last 2 months. I was able to spend the Friday evening before with him and I'm SO glad I did. He still had his humor even though he was super weak. I told my mom, as I was walking out the door,  that would be the last time I saw him alive. Sometimes we just feel that, don't we.

Our trip is postponed until next week so we can have a Memorial/BBQ in his name this coming Saturday on the 7th. As much as death brings sadness, it does bring family together and I'm looking forward to seeing some Aunts, Uncles, and cousins that I haven't seen in a year or 2.

SO, I have cleared off my painting table and I've been preparing this house for my absence (and my House sitter, the nephew). Although I haven't been painting, I have been sewing.....

 I've been sewing up sunflowers, elves, dolls, candy canes, santas, scarecrows.....

I'm taking them with me to work on since I'm not taking anything else with me that is crafty. I HAVE to have something to do though 'cause I'm just so used to keeping my hands busy.

I've also been working on this very LARGE feller.....

 I have to put him altogether but am waiting for a few pieces to come in the mail. And also, I don't want to show him in 'all his glory' 'cause my swap partner might see it. Yes, he will have a carrot nose; it's in the plastic bin behind his head. I think I'll make a few more and offer one in my Etsy. Can you take a guess as to where I might offer the other one??!!!!

I'll have a few posts before I leave. I still want to show you my paintings.

Stay tuned!

}}HUGS{{
Vicky