TORNADOS, SNOW and WILDLIFE.....

We are back......and what a time we had!!
We had a wonderful time visiting with all of our family. It was so good to see everyone, and spend some quality time together. We had many laughs and made many memories.

We also endured the wrath of nature! We are talking funnel clouds, snow and an assortment of wildlife!
One day, we took Abby to pick up a few things at a bakery and found out we were under a tornado warning! Standing outside the bakery, we spotted at least two funnel clouds over head. David, being the weather buff that he is, was just beside himself watching the clouds churn and swirl. Now, Abby caught the weather bug and was just as excited. Me.....I was happy INSIDE the bakery picking out a cake!

We were able to spend one day exploring the mountains and spied this beautiful elk grazing in a meadow. Such a majestic animal in an equally majestic setting! We also saw a moose, but it was too far away to get a good picture. (I don't think you want to get too close to a moose)
We traveled through Rocky Mountain National Park along Trail Ridge Road. (It is hard to believe such beauty was right in our "back yard" when we lived there.)

As you can see, there is still ALOT of snow and it was quite cold. Very invigorating!! Chloe doesn't look very happy--she would much rather be basking in the hot sun a little closer to sea level!

Abby was soaking up every minute of everything she was seeing and couldn't believe it was snowing---IN JUNE!!!

Jacob was happy with whatever we did, as long as there was food to eat along the way!

Every time I travel that road, it is always awe inspiring. When I am there, I feel like I am on top of the world and all I have to do is reach to the sky and touch the beginning of heaven.

I highly recommend a trip there if you ever get to Colorado!

We ended our stay in Colorado at David's sister's house. They have a family of snakes living in their yard. Of course, Chloe being the wildlife fanatic that she is, thought it would be great fun to catch one! She looked like an old pro---she was able to catch more than one---"Steve Irwin Style", and stayed very calm in the process!

Me.....not so much! David.....even more, not so much! But, not to be out done by a ten year old, we thought "lets face our fear of these slithery beasts!"

Yes, I do have photos to prove this. I'll share those lovely pictures next time!

It is good to be home!

FRIDAY THOUGHT

I was thinking about my garden this morning and how it makes me feel. Everyone has their own personal thoughts on how their own garden makes them feel inside.
Ours doesn't have a specific style, we didn't follow any rules--we just planted things.
Alot of it was out of necessity, because we moved into new construction, so there wasn't any trees, bushes or even grass.
It also is a work in progress. Things, alot of things need to be done or fixed. I want to add a vegetable garden and more of the flowers I love. Plants need to be relocated, beds need to be filled in, the list goes on.
But, every time I step outside my back door and find my favorite patio chair, I smile. I smile because the birds are there chirping away, the water is flowing gently in our fountain and the bees are busy, buzzing their way to each open rose. It is extra glorious when I find a ladybug on a daisy!

I find peace in my garden. MY garden, where the flowers are mismatched and where the trees are planted too close together---but it is my garden, with my roses, my pansies, my daisies, my little piece of Heaven right outside my back door.
I love it because it is mine.

I hope you all find a little peace and tranquility in your own gardens, whether it is large or small, formal or informal. Even a few containers of your favorite flowers is considered a garden in my book. It doesn't matter if you have one rose or twenty, as long as it brings a little smile to your face!

Happy Friday my friends!


PS, We will be leaving Monday to visit our families and the mountains in Colorado. I'll be back on the 16th of June. I'll be posting something new that week!

A SHINING MOMENT

This spring was the first time Chloe signed up for soccer. She is new to the game and all the rules (Mom and Dad as well), so it has been slow going, but fun.
It has been quite something to watch Chloe in her practices and her games, go from not knowing alot to learning SO much!
So, to top the cake with a little frosting, last Saturday Chloe had an away game and just about a minute before the game ended she SCORED HER FIRST GOAL!!!
It was so exciting to see her shine!
I think she even surprised herself. I knew she could do it!!!

We are so PROUD of you Chloe, for sticking to it, to the end and trying something new!

One more game and then who knows......
Will she try it again in the fall or try something else?

It just doesn't matter, as long as she is happy in what she does!

I LOVE IT WHEN A PLAN COMES TOGETHER

I have been busy dying cupcake liners and coffee filters for a day of play with my friends Cammy and Hope. We plan on making garlands inspired by this creative person.

I have them all stacked in my studio and I'm just loving the combination of colors and the texture of the stacks. They look so pretty.

I love all colors, but there is something about these particular shades that just does me in every time.


These beautiful stacks and my weakness for cupcakes are the inspiration for my latest creation.

A crown fit for a Queen.....or Countess for that matter.

I used decorative paper, pages from an old cookbook, German glass glitter, and vintage trinkets. Cupcake liners and coffee filters even found their way into the mix. There are so many things you can do with liners and filters---very versatile.

I had loads of fun with this one, and pretty happy with how it turned out.

Now, I'm anxious to get to my studio for the next project.

Hmmm, what will the next project be? A fairy? A wand? Posie Pocket or another crown?

I don't know---what ever suits my fancy at the time. You never know what is going to inspire you tomorrow.

Have a great weekend everyone!

ANOTHER HOORAY DAY!

Another day of spelling bee competition at school. This time it was Jacob's turn!! He did it!
Jacob won second place for 3rd grade! HIP HIP HOORAY!
It was quite a show down between him and the little girl who one 1st place. They tied twice and then, Jacob was given the word rhombus. The h stumped him---easily done---if you didn't already know it was there, how would you know? You definitely can't hear it when you say it---right?

We are so proud of you buddy, you did an amazing job today---congratulations!

Happy Day

Presenting the fourth grade spelling bee champion----Abby!!

She was one of ten kids in the whole 4th grade who participated yesterday at school. She said she was nervous, but we couldn't tell. Abby looked calm, cool and collected. David and I , on the other hand, were not so much. Our hearts were racing and our palms were sweaty!

I am not one to speak in front of large crowds, so seeing her up there so composed and at ease made me so glad she didn't get that gene from me!

The look on her face when she realized she won was priceless----one I will remember for a long long time....

Abigail, congratulations Sweetie, we are so proud of you!

WHO CAN RESIST A ROSE?

Not me!
I planted this rose in the garden yesterday and just had to share it with you! David and I found it at the nursery on Friday and just had to give it a home on our patio.
It is a Florabunda called Hot Cocoa. The color is simply amazing----it is a chocolaty color that stands out amongst the crowd. I'm not one to usually be drawn to the reds and oranges in the garden but I fell in love with this one, it make s me happy.
It is a vigorous grower with excellent disease resistance so I look forward to many seasons with this beauty in my garden.


Have you planted anything new in your garden that makes you smile?
Happy Monday to you all!

PS.... thank you, thank you, thank to my friend Hope for the beautiful header. I love it!!