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Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Colorado State Fair Rodeo

In our house, the word "fail," was getting overused, so we have substituted "needs improvement," in its place.

Last night Cowgirl and I went to the Rodeo. It was so much fun. Fortunately for us, yesterday was $1 to get into the fair and $1 to get into the Rodeo. Possibly the best $2 I have ever spent!

When we went to the box office to purchase tickets, the lady said, "Well, you won't have to worry about getting in line for the general admission seats because you have box seats. They're reserved." We almost couldn't believe it, but it was true. We were feeling lucky!

We still arrived at the arena about 45 min. before the rodeo started, not trusting we really had seats this good, but we did. We were in the grandstand, but in the seats with individual backs and armrests, not bench seating, and we were right next to the railing, with four rows down below us. I guess those were deluxe seating. Anyhow, we loved it, and had terrific views of everything. We also were right next to the gate where the cowboys came in, so we got to see the facial expressions of the cowboys and their practice rope throws before they came out into the arena. It all just really added to the excitement and energy of our experience.

However, most fun was the bronco and bull riding. They were the center and stars of the show. There were three events like this, bareback bronco riding, saddle bronco riding, and bareback bull riding. I had no idea this was such a big rodeo to the cowboys. I thought it was just our little old state fair. No, no, no. Every time the announcer (who was Fabulous!) would introduce the next rider, it would be like this, "Ranked 4th in the world right now in bronco riding, so-and-so, placed 2nd in Calgary, 3rd in somewhere Missouri and 6th in Caldwell, Idaho. He's up and coming and following in his daddy's footsteps. Let's hear it for ----." (or something like that) There were current world champions participating. Some won their event, other's didn't even place. Only two in the entire rodeo weren't in the top twenty in the world for their event. Yet, they were all such humble guys. The guys who won the calf tying and the bull riding were both from Utah. When the calf tier was interviewed shortly after his big win, the announcer asked him how many children he had. He said five. When he was asked how many rodeos he'd been to this year, he said this was his seventy-fifth. When asked how he keeps going, he said, he's just trying to make a living and keep food on the table every night for his family. He had a genuine awe-shucks attitude, and seemed embarrassed even to be interviewed. Afterwards, the announcer said, "And that was one of the nicest men, not just a cowboy that you'll ever find." He was also current world champion in his event, and his three brothers were also ranked cowboys and there too. It made us realize that rodeo is quite the family sport. There were brothers and sisters both participating. In the warm-up area we saw more than one cowboy holding his 1 year old on the saddle with him. Oftentimes, they were introduced as "A husband, a father, and the son of . . . "

However, the very best part of the whole event for me was the opening prayer. When was the last time you went to a public event, where there were plenty of people sporting tatoos and drinking beer and everyone was quiet to listen to the announcer praise Jesus Christ, and thank the Lord for the talents of the cowboys and acknowledge that without the blood of the Savior sacrificed, none of this would really matter. I had tears by the end of this beautiful prayer. I felt uplifted just by being in the audience, witnessing these athletes who were throwing down calves or racing their horses around the barrels or hanging on for dear life. It has made me want to be more of a rodeo fan now. If this sport embraces Jesus, then I want to be for this sport.

There was that feel to it all night. My cowgirl and I loved every minute of it. The two plus hours flew by and I was glad to see on facebook she had posted, "best night ever!" It was fun to share that with her. My major "needs improvement" however?? Forgot my camera. Thank goodness for her phone. I'll have to get her to post more pictures for me later.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Cricut Creations

Here is a scrapbook double-page spread that I made using the Cricut for the three different tree shapes. I think these really help to give the page some personality and they were SO easy to make.

Sorry for the lighting. I'm experimenting with my camera and the lighting in my house. I really should make a little "set" to shoot my paper projects, but haven't taken the time to do that yet.
Sorry for the blurry here. The flower is made from the Cricut. You roll it up and I loved this large polka dot paper as the background.
Same paper using more of a Disney-color-scheme. More Cricut scallop borders. Still loving those.
The red and white flowers were both made with the Cricut here, then stamped on.
Lastly, just ribbon and paper flowers and a wooden button here, but the stamp set comes with the Cricut. So much fun. Cowgirl and I will get to start creating today. She's finally caught up on her sleep and is ready for action. Love my crafty girls!

Friday, August 26, 2011

First Week of School

We're almost through the first week of school.
LittleBuddy and our neighbor, his best bud, were looking forward to riding on the bus together, since they don't have any of the same classes. My boy went to his house, three doors up, so they could stand together at the bus stop. His sweet mother came out too, and we both had our cameras with us.
The boys were done after one picture. So I took some pictures of the beautiful flowers on this corner.
Even the fire hydrant is the most beautiful little area!
They make me happy every day when I look out on them.
Then, I was told to go back home. Other children were arriving. So I walked across the street and back to my home, where I opened the blinds.
And shot more pictures as he walked to the bus, which came to the opposite corner. So, no more standing at the most beautiful corner bus stop, but now I get an even better view of him each morning as he waits for the bus with his buddy. And, for the record, today MyGirl starts at the high school, for Ceramics 2. She's looking forward to it. She's a senior this year. Where did the years go???

Monday, August 22, 2011

Winding Up Summer

Today is the unofficial first day of school.
Technically it opens tomorrow, but Thursday there was a "processing day" for LittleBuddy consisting of everything from getting pictures taken to paying fees to picking up textbooks to practicing opening up the locker. Today he's at a 4 hour orientation, which is a long time to be at school, so in my mind, it started today.

It just so happened that BigBuddy had last Friday off of work, so Mike asked his boss off for the day too, and we headed out for our last daytrip of summer fun. After much decision-making, we picked a lake an hour away, only fifteen minutes from where we used to live, which none of us had ever spent much time at.
The kids all brought their tubes and lounged away, tipping each other over, piling tubes up high, and laughing a lot. Fortunately we had the place almost to ourselves, as the local school districts had already started. I have never heard MyGirl giggle so much for three hours straight. She was having a great time. We grilled on the edge of the lake for lunch, and enjoyed the overcast day which kept us all better protected from the sun, me especially. I tell you, the Lord is good to me!

After everyone changed at the nice facilities, we went on a bike ride. There were trails all over the place. They were paved and the hills were moderate enough even I could handle them no problem. The only issue to watch out for were the grasshoppers. There were two or three every two or three feet. Right before you'd get to them, they jump off the side into the grass. Being first for a while, I cleared the way for the rest of them. I noticed coming back it was a much easier ride. Really, it was a lovely day, low 80's, sun peaking behind clouds, and like I say, about empty.
As we drove towards the marina to see the bigger boats, we came upon a model airplane runway. A guy, who clearly was well practiced, was flying this orange model all over the place, doing loop-de-loops, stalls, dives, just having a lot of fun, and we were mesmerized watching it all. After about fifteen minutes from when we got there, he brought it down for a landing and I got this nice shot of it. The photos are deceiving, but in reality, this plane is about five feet long, maybe six. I thought orange was a great color against the clearing up blue skies. That contrast made it easy to spot.
We all had plenty of fun. My favorite moment, however, was when we got home, and this guy said in his most exhaustive voice, "I can't believe you can get so tired having so much fun." We all slept well and are grateful to have squeezed in another day of fun before heading back to school.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Slow Gardening

After moving this winter, when Spring came I was about "projected" out. But, I knew I needed to start a garden, and so slowly and with much help from my older two children, I did.
The lighting is better in the photo below, but you see the whole long row better above. We planted everything - 4 tomatoes, 1 bell pepper, 3 green beans, 2 zucchini, 1 basil, and 1 oregano Memorial Day Weekend, because we'd had frost on the ground earlier in the week.

However, this picture was taken on Aug. 15, and look at how small my tomatoes are!! You can see them on the far right. On the far left is the zucchini plant. The only other plants that survived were 1 green bean, and the basil.
So far our net harvest have only been these three zucchini and a few basil leaves. Not feeling too successful. I hear there's a woman about ten minutes away who is an expert for this area. I guess I have to go visit with her this winter, because I clearly don't have the knowledge I need to succeed, or is it the motivation? Oh well, we had the middle zucchini last night for dinner and it was tasty.
And, did you notice our grass? MyMike spread seeds over it and we've watered it regularly, and still it's patchy and sad. At least he got the dandelions out. We've much to learn about gardening in mountain climates. . . slowly but surely.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Art Philosophy

Close To My Heart has recently come out with a Cricut cartridge called Art Philosophy. It has 700 different designs, 52 of them being two different alphabet fonts. Since I already have the original Cricut I thought I'd give it a try. I believe the Expression Cricut is what this cartridge is designed to be used with, but trust me, I'll have plenty of fun even with my smaller sized one.

Normally making scalloped edges requires mat sets that sell for a minimum of $20 and you only get a few sizes. Now I have access to scallops in squares, rectangles, ovals, circles, as well as the traditional scallop-less shapes, and a myriad of label designs, as well as doilies, scalloped borders, three different Christmas ornaments, two Christmas trees, two snowflakes, two hearts, two stars, a fleur de lis, a damask pattern, a few scrolls, flowers both flat and dimensional, banners in various patterns, most with overlays, and more, all available for me between 1 inches and 5 inches. And with the Expressions, all the way up to 23 inches.

I was in the mood for bright and cheery papers, so all of these projects reflect that. I found it makes card-making simple and fast yet polished, because everything is perfectly straight and even. And, did I mention how fast this is? Always love that!
Here the daisy is cut first on white, where I sponged pink ink in the center, then cut a yellow overlay and sponged a little pink ink on the edges, glued it on top of the white, cut a pink scalloped edge and laid that over the green background. I added a bright pink rhinestone to the center, stamped in coordinating ink, and there it is. . . . Easy!
This cupcake was super easy and almost looks good enough to eat! Creamy background (I was thinking vanilla frosting), bright green overlay, glue it on top, and add tiny brown opaque pearls (thinking chocolate chips.) Doesn't get much faster than that. Didn't even stamp here.
Here, playing more with the scalloped edge, this time no center cut out of it. The flower is cut flat, then you roll it up starting with the outside edge. When its done, it looks like a flower. You put a dot of liquid glass on the base, hold it in place about a minute, and its done. I also added a purple rhinestone. Clearly I was in a blingy, bright mood, stamped a sentiment across the top and inside, where it reads, "coming your way." Delivered that today to my visiting teaching sister. Fun, cute, easy. Love that too! Remember to double click on the pictures if you want to see them better. Its hard to make 3-D flowers look as good as they do in real life in 2-D but I tried.
Last but not least, so very happy to be playing with the scalloped border in lots of colors and sizes, and wanted to fill the center with a stamp. I found this one which fit perfectly and was just what I needed for a thank you card. Used tiny rhinestones for an accent, colored the designs in colored pencils, and again, fast, easy, and the border really sets it off, better than just a plain square mat.

Now I'm working on a layout that I'll have to take a picture of soon. The Cricut is staying out on my craft table. I keep finding new ways to use it. I love the coordinating fonts too. If you want to take a look at how stamping and the cricut work together, here is a video put out by CTMH. They just ramped up creativity to a new level for me, and I'm loving it.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Once in a Lifetime Memories

The past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind, and now life has settled into the normal again.

On Tuesday, Aug. 2 we took our boy through the temple for the first time. It was marvelous, feeling the Spirit so strongly, and knowing that this soon-to-be-missionary was prepared and ready to make sacred covenants. I loved having my parents there too. There was pouring rain when we came out, so I wasn't able to get any pictures of him in front of the temple, but I will before he leaves for Brazil. Our temple is closed for the next two months for renovations, so we went again last Tuesday, and will now wait until October to go again.

As you know I went to Maryland last Thursday. I made it back just in time to take the Sacrament Sunday morning. It is such a privilege to have that opportunity! I felt especially grateful for all the Savior has done to strengthen and bless my family. I pray with His help, our extended family can be strengthened and blessed also. Then, this Thursday, our Maryland friends came to see us.
Its not like we are on the way to very many places, so when people come see us we know it is a labor of love, and we appreciate it so much. We took them to see Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs, and Fox Run, all which they enjoyed. The weather was beautiful and we all got some good hikes in.

We also played games. Girl games are at the table. Boy games are in front of the TV.We made S'mores on Friday instead of Saturday. Everyone loved that.
Then, too quickly, on Saturday, they had to go. All the kids had a great time together. They are taking their daughter back to BYU. She just returned from a mission to Moscow. She was so excited on Friday night when we saw six deer in the back, first settled into the grass, then running across the hills. I think she sat in the red chair for an hour just hoping to see something, so I'm grateful she wasn't disappointed. We called my parents to let them know, and my dad was pretty excited too.

It was hard to say good-bye to our friends as I know we won't be seeing each other again for a long time. So grateful that love is eternal and family and friends can last forever!

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Dear Friends

Just got back from a fun trip to Maryland.

I've known Patti ever since I moved to Maryland. She was MyGirl's first Primary teacher when we moved in the ward. I didn't realize for a few years how blessed my daughter was, because I didn't know Patti well until about three years after we moved when she was my roomie at Girl's Camp. Patti has a gift with children, and has one of the most tender, dear hearts I know. She has had many challenges all her life, and we've been friends through some big ones, so to see her married to Jim who is such a good man brings me so much joy. She is my age, and I rejoice that they have found each other. They'll soon be sealed and that will just make me even happier.

We went to brunch the day before she got married, counting down only 27 hours to go. . . .Lots of laughs, yummy crab omelet, Mimi's muffins, and feeling so excited. Isn't it the best to see our friends so happy?!
And here is my dear friend who I stayed with. She already has three sisters, but if I could pick a sister I'd want her to have a lot of Cynthia's qualities. . . among them that she truly is one of the best friends one could ever have. And, lucky me, she's heading across the country tomorrow morning and driving out to see me, and her sisters, and take her daughter to college, etc. I'm so excited she's making a detour to see me. Twice in a week. Life is good.

Monday, August 1, 2011

In An Instant


Let me say first that everyone is fine. We feel so thankful!!!!

Last Friday my mom and dad's moving truck came to their house and drove away with all their things.
On Saturday they each hopped into one of their two cars and drove, with my dad in front, to their new home, three houses down from us.
Somewhere past Laramie, where construction crews are working on the road, it was narrowed down to only two lanes, and my mother fell asleep behind the wheel.

I have to add a little here -
This is not posted to embarrass my mother. She had just spent three months getting ready to move, and then did it. She's been packing boxes, cleaning out things, cleaning up things, you know the routine. Its painful, and I remember clearly how exhausting it is.

This is my main point of this whole story. A week ago Sunday I was talking on the phone to my mom and dad and suggested that I come out and drive with my mom because I knew she wasn't used to driving for a long time. My dad likes to drive. He always drives. MyMike and I were married a few years before I realized that I Could Drive on a long trip too. Its just not how my parents have done it, and knowing that, I felt that I should fly out on Friday night and then drive back home with my mom on Saturday. First my dad, then my mom, assured me that they didn't need my help. My uncle had already offered, they said, and they'd already declined.
Well, the thought, kept coming to me, and I ended up suggesting it three times in different conversations that week, and each time I was told no, we'll be fine.

Well, back to the story. . . .Fortunately the car drifted to the right, and my mother woke up as she was heading straight into the snow marker on the edge of the road. That, of course, terrified her, so she turned the wheel fast, all going 65 mph, and then proceeded to spin three times all the way around. She hit the construction barrels on the side of the road.

My dad, looking through his mirror, was just sick inside, feeling horrified and helpless all at the same time.

Then an oncoming car approached my mother, as she was now in opposite lane of where she should have been, and fortunately, just in time, she was able to get control of the car and get it back to her lane, and then safely to the side of the road, and come to a stop.

I don't know how she even kept driving after that. The car was missing a mirror and has some dents, but really, it was fine. I would have been shaking worse than a leaf.

When they got to my house, they were there for about five minutes before this came up. Then in waves, I just kept realizing, except for the grace of God, she wouldn't be here right now. My dad said if she'd drifted left instead of right, she would have rolled the car for sure. If she hadn't have opened her eyes when she did, who knows what would have happened.

Can you imagine if she had just driven across the state to live by me and not made it?

I shudder.

It really might have been too much for me. I am feeling over and over, SO GRATEFUL she is well. Not a scratch, not a bruise.

Two things I take from this - If I feel prompted to do it, I cannot let others deter me. I need to follow the Spirit that guides me and act on it. President Monson has perfected this. I received the Spirit, and I must follow his example. Do not listen to the No's, even if its my parents. I respect them and always try to obey them, but sometimes I just have to ignore even them if the Spirit tells me differently.

The second thing is to never, ever, ever get so caught up in a dream and forget that it can all change in an instant. I was so immersed in having this great opportunity to be neighbors with my parents that I think I neglected to remember that Heavenly Father giveth and He taketh. It didn't occur to me that my dream could be taken away. Once the wheels were in motion I was already there mentally. I took for granted that this was going to be my new life, and I was going to love it and all would be well until they got much older. I need to remember that each moment is a gift, and that in an instant it all can change. I need to be more emotionally strong to prepare for those kinds of things and keep the Lord closer so obviously I can follow His Spirit more exactly. As my children would say, That was a fail, and so it was. I have been teaching them to say instead, That needs improvement. And, so I DO!

Lesson learned for me the hard way.

Last time I was with my mom we were celebrating her birthday at the reunion. May I never forget to treasure each day until her next one. Dad's, Mike's, all my children's too. Life is so very precious.