Its all about the little things!

Yesterday my kids and I and our little dog Charley went on a little hike to Palisade Falls. A hike we have done a hundred times over. It is an easy hike and it is paved so we take visitors up there every year. I tell you it was the best time I have had hiking ever!! Just spending time with my kids, remembering yesterday as they ran down the path together like they were 6 and 10 all over again. I cherished the laughing, giggling, Ben throwing rocks and jumping on all the stumps and rocks in the area, the scenery, getting wet in the water, and I even saw little green bushes with a splashes of red berries. It was heavenly. Not only did I enjoy all of that, but my son, whom I love beyond measure, actally let me take his picture. That is a rare treat for sure. Yesterday was a fantastic day and I am thankful for those moments and memories!!

Here are some pictures from our day:

Thanks for looking!! I am amazed at how alike those two are. They even walk in sync!

I have tons of stuff to do before we leave tomorrow, but I will be back later to post the layout I did for the So Sketchy Blog.

Have a great day!!

Kristii

Wonderful Wednesday!!!

It is a beautiful day today. The forecast is for sunny skies and 89 degrees. Heidi is done with work and I think we are going to go on a hike. I love spending time with my girl!! It won't be long until we take her back to school so I am going to take advantage of the days we have left!!

Not sure where we are going yet, but it really doesn't matter!!

I have a lot to do before we leave for Seattle on Friday!!!

*clean my house!!

*post a project for my class at Little Red Scrapbook

*finish a layout for the So Sketchy Blog

*do laundry

*pack

I am not even remotely ready! I am going to enjoy the hike then get my behind in gear!!!

I wanted to post the Mini I did for Color Me Daisy before I go on the hike. I am taking it to Seattle to give to my daughter for those moments when she is missing home. I am so thankful we are just a phone call away!! Now I need to make a little book of her and Matt for those times I am missing them-which is all the time!! I used the song "We are Family" by Sister Sledge as the basis for my book-Yes, we are that close and I am soooo thankful!!

I hope you all have a great day!!
I'm off to them thar hills!!
Kristii

I can't be....

It just can't be July 29 already! Wow!!!

We leave for Seattle in just a couple of days!! I can't wait to see my sweet daughter!!! I miss her so much!! We aren't going to do anything major. Just hang out and enjoy our visit. Matt knows of a beach they are going to take us to where he and Ed can fish and the girls can just enjoy visiting and relaxing and listening to the sound of the waves. I love you sweetie! Just a couple more days!!!



Color Me Daisy is up and running!! The 1st ever kit, Splish Splash went up for sale yesterday. The DT work is already posted and I have to tell you the kit was a blast to work with!!! You will definitely have to check it out!!! Here is my DT work for August:

I also did a mini tag book, but I will post it tomorrow.

My July Seasonal Class at LRS is so much fun!!! The ladies are totally awesome and their creations are marvelous!! Thanks for making the class fantastic ladies!!! Next up...the MM Mini Album!!! I can't wait to see what you all will create!!!

I will leave you with thoughts from another Casting Crowns song.

Praise You In This Storm

And I'll praise you in this storm and I will lift my hands for You are who You are no matter where I am and every tear I've cried You hold in your hand You never left my side and though my heart is torn I will praise You in this storm

Healing words for a battered heart!!

Have a great Tuesday!

Kristii

Casting Crowns Rocks!!!

We went to see Casting Crowns last night!

It was just what my heart needed! The lyrics to their songs were like a salve to my battered heart! I so enjoyed every song. I don't normally listen to them except when they play their music on the radio, but I will be downloading their songs for sure! If you ever get a chance to see them in concert, I highly recommend it!!! One of the songs that hit home was Slow Fade. All those little concessions that you make over time add up. I just have to post the lyrics to this song. Maybe it will touch you like it did me.

Be careful little eyes what you see

It’s the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings

Be careful little feet where you go

For it’s the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away

It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray

Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid When you give yourself away

People never crumble in a day

It’s a slow fade, it’s a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear

When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near

Be careful little lips what you say

For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away

It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray

Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid When you give yourself away

People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands Is shorter than you’re thinking

Be careful if you think you stand You just might be sinking

It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away

It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray

Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid When you give yourself away

People never crumble in a day

Daddies never crumble in a day

Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see

Oh be careful little eyes what you see

For the Father up above is looking down in love

Oh be careful little eyes what you see

"This song was inspired by the spreading cancer of moral failure in the fathers of this generation. As believers, we must guard our hearts and understand the no one crashes and burns. They just slowly fade away one little compromise at a time.~Psalm 1 / 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 / James 4:7-10 / Proverbs 4:23-27 / 1 John 2:15-17 / James 1:12-15 / Isaiah 59:2 / Matthew 13:16-23 / 1 John 2:3-6, 15-17 / Romans 12:1-3 / 1 Corinthians 15:57-58"

We have to live lives of no compromise. Jesus is the only way!!

Today we went to Virginia City and spent a lazy day walking around and checking out all the history there. I didn't know we needed to make reservations to see the play, so we will have to do that another time. Here are a few pictures from the day.

Of course our favorite stop was the candy store and the boys had to climb the trees!! All in all, it was a fun day!!

Oh and by the way!!! I won a Love Elsie package from Kendra McCracken's Blog!!! Whoo hoo!!! Thanks Kendra!! You rock!!! What a very awesome surprise!!!

Have a great night everyone!!

Kristii

Thursday Rocks!!!

I got a fantastic email this morning and it totally made my day!!!

I can't share yet....lol, but it blessed my heart tremendously!!! Whoo hoo!! Hopefully I will be able to share with you soon!!!

I had to take Heidi to the dentist this morning. We have the best dentist! I am so thankful because my last dentist....well....I think he took advantage of me and my money both. Anyway, I am so thankful for my friends who recommended him. It makes going to the dentst a little more pleasant and that says a lot!!

I have some work to finish up today and I need to get the first class project posted on Little Red Scrapbook. Here are a couple of teasers for the class:

This class has been so much fun to prepare and I hope everyone enjoys what I have planned!! I am a little nervous, but I love my friends over at LRS!!!! It is the best place to be!!!

I did a little card over the weekend and I keep forgetting to post it too. It is an AC project. I love the variety of American Crafts. So many different patterns and colors. These papers are from two different seasons, but they coordinate beautifully!!!

Here's a quote for today,

The joy of the Lord is my strength! Nehemiah 8:10

A smile is a curve that sets everything straight. ~ Anonymous

Well, off to continue working on my projects!!!

Happy Scrappin,

Kristii

After the Storm

This was the scene in downtown Bozeman yesterday after a massive storm packing gale force winds moved across the valley yesterday. This picture was on the front page of our local paper, the Bozeman Daily Chronicle. The headline read, "All hail broke loose." We were foolishly driving home in this mess. We couldn't see for the water blowing so hard across the road. It was quite scary!!! When we left, it was a bright sunny day. When we arrived home we were dismayed that we had left our windows open and had quite a mess to clean up. In the 10 years I have lived here, I haven't seen a storm of this magnitude. It was really quite amazing. Our tree in our backyard lost it's top and our flowers took quite a beating. Thankfully there was not any more damage in our neck of the woods. Several trees came down in other areas and some homes were severely damaged. I am just thankful we made it home safely and didn't go off the road! The forecast is for more thunderstorms today. Hopefully they won't be so severe! The following pictures are from our yard. The middle of our tree has vanished and our flowers are looking quite sad. Oh well, at least now I can weed easily, lol!!!

Over the weekend I had some fun with some American Crafts paper. Here is a layout of my sweet dear daughter with such a serious look on her face all dressed up in her twirly red dress. She truly melts our hearts!!! I did send this in to AC in hopes of making their DT, but I know I don't have a prayer! You never know unless you try!!!

I am off to run some errands and continue working on my projects. I hope you all have a great day!

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36 May you experience freedom today!!

Kristii

Working, working, working!!!

I am a busy little beaver today!! I am working hard on my Little Red Scrapbook July class kit. I am having a blast with this fun little kit. We are going to have a lot of fun and games and I have a really cool project for those who have signed up. Class begins on Friday and I can't wait!!!

I will post some teasers tomorrow!!!

I am also working on my Color Me Daisy 1st ever kit!! Whoo hoo!! So exciting!! Here's a sneak peek for you all!!! Way fun colors and papers and even a little project!! It is a fantastic value and if you haven't had a chance to check out the website, I encourage you to do so! Michelle is awesome and the design team totally rocks!!

Allison at the So Sketchy Blog posted sketch #26 along with the DT designs. The designs are all awesome!!! I hope you have taken time to check out the blog! Allison's sketches are awesome!! Here is my take on the sketch.

This layout means the world to me!! Our memories of our loved ones are most important! We must take care to preserve them!! My mom means the world to me and the difficulties she is facing totally breaks my heart! I poured my heart and soul into this layout and I will be one I will hang in my scraproom to remember!!!

Materials used in this layout are from the Studio Calico July kit...(this was going to be for a 5 item challenge at Studio Calico, but.....I went over by a few, lol!!) Cardstock: Bazzill, Patterned Paper: Daisy D's Terra Cotta, Yuzen Bamboo Specialty Paper (Paper Source), Passport Postcard (MM), Passport Fragile (MM); Florals: Artful Collage Flowers (Prima), and Making Memories; Alphas: Autumn Leaves; Other embellishments: Michaels lace; vintage music (Studio Calico); die cut art strips,Voila, Prima ; Vintage Resin Frames, Melissa Frances; buttons, KI LaDiDah; technique tiles, Technique Tuesday; Stickers, Passport Border and Tag Sticker, MM.

Thanks for looking and I hope you all have a great day! I've got to get to work!!!

May the son shine upon you today!!

Kristii

Its a very happy Monday!!!

My sweetie is home!!! I missed him so much! The last week has been very stressful and difficult and I just couldn't be happier that my better half is back! He had lots of stories to tell and he totally had a great time. Working with Junior Highers totally keeps you on your toes, but he handled the challenge beautifully!! I am so proud of you sweetie!!

My mom is home and doing well considering the circumstances. She sounded really good yesterday. She has good and bad days so we just have to take things one day at a time. I am making sure I call her every day and I pray that the Lord just takes this cancer away!!! Love you mom!! I just finished a layout using a family photo taken back in 1964. Whoa, that was a long time ago. I isolated my mom and I and used individual photos for the layout. It is for the So Sketchy Blog so I can't post yet, but it was a very theraputic layout, that's for sure!!

Heidi and I did some weeding this weekend. Our backyard looks beautiful!! Our little Yorktese puppy, Charley, just insisted on helping. Here are a couple of photos of him. He's so cute!!!

This last picture isn't great, but it is the only one I have with dirt on his face. Oh he thought he was such a helper! He was just hilarious!!

My thought for the day:
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. - Proverbs 3:5,6

In times of uncertainty, Look to the one who is Certain, day in and day out!

Have a great day!
In His grip,
Kristii

Oh so lonely!!

It is Thursday and my hubby has been gone for 6 days and won't be home until Sunday. This is a long mission trip!! The trip is going well, but it is sounding like there are some who are ready to come home. This is a long trip for those Jr. Highers. My husband says he is getting too old for this, but in all honesty, he is the youngest man I know!!! I miss you sweetie and I am counting down the hours until you make it home!!

My mom is doing well. She may get to go home today! Whoo hoo!! I haven't heard the plan for her treatment yet and I am anxiously awaiting news!!! Bless her sweet heart!! Here is a layout I did when I visited her 6 months ago. She has been through so much and she is sooooo courageous!!

Keep on fighting mom and my prayers are with you!!! I love you!!!

The first official reveal for the entire page sketch team is now posted on the So Sketchy Blog!!!! Whooo hoo!! All of the layouts are totally awesome!! The So Sketchy Sistas rock!! If you get a chance stop by and check it out!!! Here is my take on this month's awesome sketch!!!
This layout was made with my July Studio Calico kit. Love that kit!!! MME, Sassafrass Lass, and Basic Grey patterned papers; Bazzill cardstock; MM and AC alphas; Chatterbox Artsylicious Splendid Treasures; MM Brads; KI lace paper; MM and KI blossoms; SC stamp; Jenni Bowlin tickets; and DMC embroidery floss.

I am on my way to the dentist, booo hoo hoo! I have to have a filling taken care of and I am glad I will be getting it out of the way! Then I have to take my sweet puppy, Charley, to the groomer. It should be a busy afternoon.

I hope you all have a great day!

Kristii

Its been a busy day!!

I have been busy running errands and cleaning my house, so I haven't gotten to update until now. I also had to run to Keepsakes by Design for a meeting on fall classes. I am so excited that I will be teaching some classes using the Pink Paislee Vintage Moon line!!! I totally love that line. I will also get to teach a card class using the Scenic Route Sonoma line and a 2 page layout class using the Kimberly Poloson Cabana Bloom line. Fall will be in total bloom at my house!

Good news!! My upcoming online class at Little Red Scrapbook is sold out!! Whoo hoo!! We will be making some fun goodies using the Making Memories Noteworthy Delaney Line.

I worked all night on my mini and finally got it done, so without further ado....

It is so exciting to see how my kids have grown physically and in maturity. Their relationships have totally blossomed. We are so blessed to have such a close family in every way!!

Just a quick update on my Mom. She has been sedated for the last 24 hours and they were able to clean out her lungs some. They are hoping to remove the breathing tubes when she wakes....just waiting for news! Being 1000 miles away is soooo difficult. The news is slow in coming!

In Oswald Chamber's, My Utmost For His Highest devotional today it talks about maintaining an attitude of perfect trust and an eagerness to ask and to seek. Isn't that so appropriate for today!! I am one to move ahead with my own agenda thinking I know what is best. I need his help just to wait and to trust! Thank you Lord for being patient with me!

Hope you are having a great day,

kristii