Getting caught up ~

It feels like the merry-go-round is finally slowing down so I can jump off. We have managed to accomplish quite a bit in the past couple of months, updating my blog frequently hasn't been one of those things though. If a picture says a thousand words, then that is probably the best way to go.

We had a fun Bridal Shower for Jennifer. Lots of good food, family and friends. Thanks to all who came and helped make it such a fun afternoon. Kymber was a great little hostess, she greeted everyone at the door, passed out jelly beans and helped with presents.

We are still waiting for pictures from the wedding photographer, so until then, this is what I have to share. Thanks to Leslie, there are more than just the two I took. Our little family is growing!

We were so glad that so many of our family could come and celebrate with us.These are the bridesmaid dresses that I made. The girls looked so pretty. Walking down the stairs in high heels and down the aisle gracefully was a challenge, but they pulled it off and looked amazing. Michelle made her little girls dresses. And the best test of all, the dresses have all ready been worn again. Not just a one party dress. Brad and Alex looked so nice in their matching ties.The little girls did really well during the long event. This is one of my favorite pictures of when Sydni had finallyhad enough. Thanks, Uncle Brad.

A week after the wedding we added this little guy to the family. Jennifer and Trever stopped in Boise on their way home from Seattle and picked him up for us. It has been fun getting to know him and to teach him the rules. Basset Hounds are very smart, but quite stubborn. Gus is learning fast what he should and shouldn't do. We are learning that he will do anything for a treat, even in freezing cold weather. Good Boy!

Then Rod's Dad who has been battling Cancer for 7 years passed away the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Here is a picture of him from a few years ago. He was a great man who raised a good family. It was so nice to be there and hear from so many who he has taught and influenced over the years. Our nephew Derrick played "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes up at the cemetary. It was something Max wanted and such a nice memory for those of us who were there to listen. (I did video it on my camera, so when I figure out how to share it I will.)

Since we had just got Gus four days before, he had to take the trip too. He was a good little traveler and even enjoyed the motel. We did take his little kennel, so he didn't have free fun of the place.

Well, now you are caught up on what has been going on here. And we have just 24 days ready to get ready for the next big event.

One more day ~

Gus will be coming home tomorrow! The breeder sent me pictures of our little guy today. Isn't he photogenic?

Well, we made it 4 months ~

We tried. We made it four months without having dogs, and realized we really do enjoy them and need to have one. So I would like to introduce you to Gus. He is an AKC bred Basset Hound. He will be joining our family this weekend. Isn't he sweet? These pictures are from November 8, when he was 7 weeks old.

Time for an update ~

It looks like it's been awhile since I've visited my own blog. I do have good excuses though. I have been in full wedding planning mode. We are down to just 12 days so we are in the final planning stage. I just need to put zippers and hems in the bridesmaid dresses. They are really cute, and have all ready passed the true test of a bridesmaid dress. Kristine plans to wear hers to a dance in December. No pictures yet. You'll have to wait for after wedding posts. Rod has his suit, I have my dress. Haircut and updo appointments are made. Thanks Ronda! We just have to get final guest estimates and finalize reception food and buy ties for the guys. Jen and Trever have been busy making lots of plans, and decisions and buying a house. They close this next week, so they will have a house to move into. We are just waiting for family to get here and get the party started.

And we got to celebrate Halloween with the little girls. Alex and Michelle had a family dress up party on Friday so the little bumble bee and lady bug, AKA Kymber and Sydni went with us to the Trunk or Treat. Kristine wore her bee costume too and Kymber thought it was so fun to match. I do have pictures of that night. It turned into a nice evening considering the day started out with snow on the ground. However I do remember going trick or treating in knee deep snow many years ago, so we were lucky to have it so nice.

I love this picture of Kristine. She adds so much fun to our family!!

Kymber learned how to say "trick or treat" this year. Isn't she cute!

Sydni was one wiggly little ladybug.

Engagement Photos ~

Here they are!! Jennifer and Trever's Engagement Photos. I love how they turned out. Trever's Mom took them. I'm working on the announcements this week, but you'll have to wait to get those in the mail. I'm doing them with the new Stampin' Up! My Digital Studio program. You will love it.

Wedding Bells ~

Just when it looks like things are getting back to normal something comes along to remind me that "Normal is just a setting on the dryer."

This time it is a fun occasion that we are preparing for. Jennifer and Trever announced last week that they are engaged. So, we are in full wedding planning mode. We are starting the list of lists that we need to start making and all of the other fun wedding tasks. They are getting pictures taken this weekend then I can show you a picture of the happy couple.

Watch Class Pictures~

Here are a few pictures of watches I have done recently. I love how they turned out and have enjoyed having a watch again and not having to rely on my cell phone to tell the time. I am teaching a watch class for the ladies at church this week and my blog was a good place to show some pictures of what we are going to be doing. Enjoy your enening. I am off to get the supply lists made up.

It's my day on UStamp! ~

If you have been following my blog, you know I was asked to be a Guest Designer for UStamp! It is an online Stampin' Up! class. Dawn Rapsas has organized it, and includes several designers from all over the world to share projects and ideas. Well, my project is up today, and there is another variation version coming up tomorrow. It was fun to be asked to be a part of this. Just thought you would like to know. Here is a peek at my project.I've had lots of fun creating with the new stamps that have come out this fall, so you'll have to stop back and see what I've made.

My poor car ~

Thursday morning I was taking Kristine to school and somebody backed out of their driveway and hit us. We were really glad it wasn't worse, but it was pretty scary and it peeled the side of the car open. I spent the day dealing with insurance companies, car repair companyes and car rental companies. Yeah, it was lots of fun. So we have a cute little white rental car for a couple of weeks and we are taking a different route to school in the mornings.

Catching Up ~

We have had a whirlwind end of the summer. Kristine got started into school. 9th grade this year. It is nice to still have someone at home with a routine. I can't keep track of Jennifer and Brad and their schedules, but Kristine's schedule is normal and easy to follow.

We went to Grays Lake for a family reunion. Not many people know where that is, but if you drive SE from Idaho Falls through Bone, you end up in Grays Lake where my Dad and his sister Sandra grew up. Lots of fun family history. We have really enjoyed reading the book that Aunt Sandra put together. I like having the stories all in one place. We got to stay in a Sheep Camp at Mosquito Ranch. It is up Bridge Creek, where the family ranch was. There was even a herd of sheep going down the road at 5:30 one morning, so we got the real experience. One of the highlights of the weekend was the Dinner and Rodeo. It was so fun to see little Kymber enjoying the rodeo. Ok, most of the pictures have her in them, but she had fun making the rounds and seeing everyone. Sydni had a little nap on Michelle's lap and then woke up to enjoy watching the cowboys and horses. We all got dressed up and went to church at the Grays Lake ward on Sunday morning. It was great to feel so welcome there.

Grand Opening ~

Today is the official grand opening of my Etsy.com shop. I have started the

Created From the Heart Etsy Shop.

There is a link on the right side of my blog. Okay, so there is just one necklace right now, but I have more things that just need photos and it will be fun to watch it grow.

I {heart} Freeman Park ~

I had forgotten how much I enjoy going to Freeman Park in the evenings. Years ago we would load up the kids and the roller blades and put Kristine in a stroller and go to the park. Lots of fun memories. There is a beautiful walking/biking path that goes along the edge of the Snake River and follows Willow Creek. Kristine has outgrown the stroller and today we got her a new bike. Tonight we decided we needed to take it for a test ride at Freeman Park. (Yes, she is spoiled, but that is a story for another post. Think early Christmas, OK.) Her and Rod loaded their bikes on the bike rack and we were off. While they rode their bikes, I walked and had a peaceful walk and enjoyed the scenery and the cool breeze off the river.

Take a peek ~

Just wanted to show you a peek at what we are making at our Stamp Club meeting on Thursday.

Time for an update ~

This is kind of a hard post to write, but I figured it was time for an update. A couple of weeks ago we found a new home for our Basset Hounds. I know, I can't believe it either. We have felt for a while that it was time to move on to the next phase in life. We are gone more now and it is harder to leave them alone. I'm sure the neighbors got tired of the sad, howling hounds when we were gone. We have grand daughters now that take their place, and are the entertainment. I won't miss the dog hair, or the distinct hound smell, but I do miss having Candie lay down and take a nap with me, and having company along on a hike in the mountains. I guess I will end up taking more pictures now when we go to the mountains.

I have loved Basset Hounds since we got one when I was in 5th Grade. His name was Sundance of Gem City. We just had Sunny for a couple of years until he got jealous of my new little brother and had to find a new home. Thirty years later I got one of my own when Rod let me get a puppy for Christmas. I still can't believe it. Cassidy was such a fun addition to the family. We really enjoyed her and added Candie when her other family had to let her go. I think I have enough pictures of them to last a lifetime and will always have fond memories of my years with my Basset Hounds. And this post wouldn't be complete without a few pictures.