Happy Birthday Timm

Wishing my hubby a great birthday!  We love to to pieces. 

  

I'm 24 days post surgery today, it feels much longer than that really.  It's the last day for my blood thinner injections...yay!  My home health care nurse discharged me this morning and my therapist will do the same this afternoon. Both are really pleased with my progress.
I went to my primary care doctor's visit Wednesday.  She was happy with everything.  I was most happy with the scale this time around....I know, I think that's a first.  Anywho, I'm down 15 pounds since my last visit a month ago.  I wish I could say it was intentional but it's not.  Please Lord, help me keep the weight off.  It will be in my best interest for sure.  I've not been very hungry and I'd like to keep it that way.
I start outpatient therapy next Wednesday, so until then I will continue with what my therapist has had me doing.  I hope they will be pleased but still really push to get better results.
Preferred Home Care came to pick up the CPM machine on Wednesday.  It was kind of bittersweet.  I got up to 112 degrees of bending on it, and I can't get there myself.  I know it's almost impossible to do it, but I really didn't mind staying on the machine for hours and hours a day because I knew I wasn't forming scar tissue that would interfere with movement.
I'm feeling kinda weird that people won't be coming to check on me...but I"m sure its a good thing because they wouldn't release me if I wasn't ready.  There's still a long way to go.
I'd like to thank Connie, Vanessa, and Leanne for all your support.  I really appreciate you all and the work you do.

A great show and new knees

What a whirlwind the last 2 1/2 weeks have been.  October 16 I preregistered for the hospital, had blood work done and all the fun stuff that goes along with that.  The next morning we left for Reno for the McQueen Craft Faire.  I knew the set up would not be easy on me and it held true to form.  My knees were screaming at me for sure.
On a much better note, my hubby was there to help along with Diane and her daughter, Alise.  Thank goodness for Alise, she was our feet helping shoppers with  getting things off the walls, etc.  Diane was great about making sure I stayed sitting as much as possible.
Timm had never seen opening night...he was amazed and overwhelmed with the number of people that were in our booth...and that they made it their first destination.  He said it was like we were rock stars or something.  lol  Sadly, I didn't even have a chance to break out my camera...so no photos. :(
We had a fantastic show and had little to pack up at the end.  I'd like to give a shout out to the band and dance team.  I had two kids from these groups that helped pack up well and get things to the trailer where Timm loaded.  I'm sure they appreciated the donation they received from me.

We drove home Monday.  For anyone who's ever driven between Vegas and Reno knows there's not much out there.  I was glad to get home.  We enjoyed a family dinner with all the kids at Macayo's...my favorite place.  Cassy was sooooo glad to see us.  I hated to leave her home but my brother took good care of her.

We were at the hospital at 6:00 am the next morning for surgery.  I remember rolling into the operating room, getting on the table, and them strapping my arms down...and I was out.  I remember waking up in my room late that day with a CPM machine on both legs.  The staff at the hospital were great.  All were so kind.

After 4 days, I went to rehab for 5 more days.  Now I am home for a few days, everything is finally coming together.  Therapy is scheduled and coming 3 days this week, I get staples out on Friday. All the medications are scheduled and can't wait to continue to improve.  I won't gross you out with photos of scars, even though I'm told they look great.  I can't wait to feel good again and am willing to do what it takes to get there.

Thank you everyone for all your prayers.  Please continue for speedy healing and recovery.

North to Reno

For some reason I have that song, North to Alaska in my brain this morning.  My next craft show stop...North to Reno...lol.  We'll be at the McQueen Craft Faire in Reno this coming weekend.

This is one of the photos from last year's booth.  This year, I've added some super cute mesh wreaths.  I love making them.  It's a refreshing creative outlet that's different from what I normally do.  

These are boxed and ready for the trip.  

Here is a link to a video for this year's event. 

I still have porch posts and some new bigger pieces as well.  I love this piece!  The spider's eyes light up and has a chalk board for the days countdown.  I saw a photo of this on Pinterest and had to make my own version.  I need one for Christmas too I think.  

While I don't have as much product as I'd like to be taking, there is still lots of great items.  I was blessed to have a fantastic show at Art in the Park with record sales for me.  

 

Timm is making the journey with me again this year.  It's good for him, he gets to spend some quality time with his brother John.  He's taking up 8 racks of ribs and tips he smoked up for him over the weekend.  

This is my last show for the year.  Knee surgery will happen right after we get home and keep me down for a while.  However, I plan to paint windows in November and planning for next year already. 

Art in the Park Almost Here

It's almost here!  This is one of the best craft shows in the western United States I'm telling ya.  It's always been a favorite of mine whether I've had a booth space or just shopping.  

The first full weekend of October is a great time of year and this year will be no exception.  We're expecting some great, cooler fall weather in the upper 70's...perfect to get everyone into the fall spirit.

This year we are not in a normal space...but don't fear...we are just across the aisle in spaces 385-386 still bringing you some fantastic crafts for Halloween, Harvest, Christmas and everyday.  

This year we are offering free personalization of most any item we offer including ornaments, gifts, yard decor and more.  Oh, and don't forget we take credit and debit cards as well for your convenience.  Are you excited yet?!  I know we are...and we can't wait to see you October 5 & 6 at the parks in down town Boulder City.  

And just in case you can't wait...here is a few sneak peeks to get you motivated to come see us. 

Such a special dog

They say "dog is man's best friend" and I have to say that's true...and woman's best friend too.  We've have many dogs in our lives but none like Cassy.  That's not to say we didn't have great dogs...Cassy is just extra special.  

She travels with us, goes to BBQ contests with us, and just want to be close to us...where ever that may be.  

She's so in tune with us she let's us know when our blood glucose levels are out of whack...and no one trained her to do that.  It took us a while to figure out what she was doing.   

Yesterday, September 10th was the 7th anniversary of her adoption.  It's hard to believe she's been with us that long. We've loved every minute of it and look forward to the years ahead with her.

Almost time for craft shows

That's right....craft show season is just about to start for me.  My first show will be The Harvest Festival at Cashman Center September 6th-8th.

Diane and I are teaming up again for most of our shows.  It works really well for both of us. 

Come see us at the Harvest Festival...we're in space 821.  We'll be featuring Halloween, Harvest, Fall along with some Christmas/Winter.  

Don't forget to bring your canned good donation for Safe Nest to receive $2 off your entry.  

Bad news...Good news

Fifteen years ago I had one of my knees scoped for the first time.  I was 35.  Ten years later I had both of them scoped at 45...on my birthday.  It was a great birthday gift for me.  There have been countless shots of cortisone for all these years.  I tried the gel shots as well.  They are all a temporary fix that relieve the pain.  Don't get me wrong...I actually look forward to them and the relief they bring. They just aren't lasting anymore.
This week I went to see my orthopedist...not just go in for the shot clinic.  I received good news and bad news.  Bad news...the cartilage is so damaged in my knees they are now bone on bone with bone spurs as well.  I knew I had to be getting close to that point.  Good news...my knees are to the point that I am a candidate for knee replacement.  I don't know if I'll get anymore shots before surgery...he didn't say anything about it.  I'll need to ask.

So the paperwork now begins for approval and scheduling.  It's looking like mid October before anything happens. It could be worse, my mom had to wait five months to get scheduled for her replacements, and they would only do one at a time.  I'll be getting both done at the same time.  
Hopefully, I will get my three biggest craft shows complete before that happens, and make enough money from them to pay all my bills through the end of the year.  I normally do 6-8 shows.  It also appears that our BBQ competitions for the year are over as well with this diagnosis...another bummer.
I feel as though I have missed out on a large portion of my life because of these dang knees.  I've always been one to want to know what's over the next hill.  I've not been able to do that in a long time. When I can't even make myself get out of the car to go into the craft store there is seriously something wrong...and I know I'm just not being wimpy about the whole thing.  I have a high tolerance for pain and I'll get through all this and be out exploring and seeing what's over the next hill again beginning next year.

DecoArt's New Chalkboard Paint for Glass

Yes, you heard that right...chalkboard paint make especially for glass!  

DecoArt has developed a chalkboard paint that can be applied to glass and after a quick baking process is dishwasher safe.  Can you just imagine the fun you can create with this product.  Use your digital cutter (Silhouette, Cricut, etc) to create a stencil with vinyl, adhere your shape to the glass you've chosen and pounce 2 light coats onto the glass with a make up sponge, remove the vinyl and...ta-da...practically instant details for your wedding, party, home decor and more. 

Click on the link below to see a video of the product.

http://www.decoart.com/glasspaint/glass-chalkboard-paint

I had the opportunity to be at the Craft and Hobby Association's opening night's Craft and Connect event in Las Vegas this week to give a demo on this product.  People were soooo excited about this product and the possibilities that it will offer their customers.  Everyone got to try the product and go home with samples of the product, along with DecoArt's Clear Chalkboard Paint, info on both products and primary colors of the Americana satin paint.   

I'm proud to be a DecoArt Helping Artist and happy to be able to help promote their newest product at the Craft and Hobby Association's summer convention.  Thanks for the opportunity.  

Now...go out and try this amazing product....I think you're gonna love it. 

Cassy turns 7

Our furry little girl, Cassy is 7 years old today.  She's such a huge part of our life that it's hard to imagine it without her.  

 She loves the get out and explore with us.  We got her a pair of Doggles last year that she doesn't mind wearing, as long as we're on the move.  

Of course, she relaxes at home. 

She loves to bark at and tries to destroy the sprinklers when they're running. 

 Loves the comforts of home like her toys....and the couches...and our bed.

Goes to barbecue contests with us, we even got her a bed of her own (which she seldom uses). 

She goes most places with us...definitely one of the family. 

Happy birthday Cassy!  We love you.

Our baby turns 26

Seriously, how did this happen?  I just don't know...hard to believe it happened right before my eyes.  I so wish I had baby pictures on my computer...but alas, only the last few years is all you get to see.  

Yeah, I know, it's not a great photo of either one of us.  Bit it's Christmas morning with no make up or hair yet. 

I'm so proud to say he's turned out to be an awesome young man!  I never had my doubts but I'm still amazed with this guy sometimes.  

He loves to camp, ride his ATV, shoot, and more.  He's also a great cook.

He'll hang out with me when no one else will.  He's cut, sanded, and painted more wood than he would care to mention.  He even painted windows with me during the holiday season.  He's an awesome welder, too.  

He's a war buff, super knowledgeable about firearms and can shoot like nobody's business.  This is a recent photo of him shooting a 535 yard shot...and he hit it several times.  

Last year, he and Bri got engaged while in Reno/Tahoe.  What a romantic guy he can be.  

Looks like a wedding this coming winter for these two.  

As a parent, you strive to raise your children to be the best people they can be.  You want them to be trustworthy, helpful, courteous, loyal, helpful, friendly, kind, obedient, thrifty, brave, clean and reverberant...oh wait, that's all the points of the Scout Law.  I'm so proud of my Eagle Scout. 

Here's wishing our baby boy...all 280 pounds. 6 foot 4 inches of him a very happy (although this post is late) birthday!  We love you pieces! 

Independence Day

Wishing all Americans a safe and happy 4th of July.  

Blog Updates

Stop by my other blogs for the latest about our last trip at TrailhoundAdventures to Williams AZ area and Trailhound Smokers BBQ for more about our last BBQ contest.

Our Oldest Son Turns 29

People say time flies when you're having fun...that must be true because I sure don't know how this little boy became a young man, then a husband with a lovely and caring wife over night.

  

This is one of my favorite pictures of Scott.  It was taken when he was 16-17 years old while he was staffing at Camp Del Webb in Utah that summer.  He spent 2 summers on staff there teaching Scouts to climb and rappel.

He adopted Roxy (RockStar) shortly after college, she's still hanging with him along with 2 others dogs. 

Always an outdoor loving guy, he and Christy were married in Valley of Fire State Park, NV.

I'm so glad he enjoys spending time with us.  He traveled to Bentonville AR for the Sam's Club National BBQ Tour finals with us.  He has many of the same passions as his dad and I.

We're so proud of the man he has become.  

Happy birthday Scott!

Nest Update

It's been three weeks today since there were 4 eggs in the nest.  Momma bird has been very diligent and dedicated sitting on and turning her eggs.  Another bird has been bringing her food.  I've only see her leave to get water and I what I assume is to stretch just a bit.
We've not been using that door, the steps are roped off, no one is near the nest.  But yesterday afternoon I think she abandoned her eggs.  She wasn't there this morning either.  :(
I've seen a bird come up and check the nest then fly away a few times.  This makes me sad.  A Google search says sparrow eggs hatch in 12-17 days depending on which site you read.  It's been 21 days.   I think I'll wait a couple more days but then I think I will remove the wreath...and the nest.  I was hoping for baby birds. :(

Memorial Day

Take time to honor those whose have given everything they had so we can enjoy what we have. 

Enjoy your Memorial Day. 

Devastation in Oklahoma

Tragedy has hit our country's midsection with horrific tornadoes the last couple of days but Moore OK was devastated today with a massive tornado up to 2 miles wide with winds in excess of 200 miles per hour.  You may not know anyone personally that lives in the area but I ask you to pray for all those who have been affected   It will take years to recover.

Please donate to the American Red Cross.  They need all the contributions you can spare.

Armed Forces Day

Thanks to all you have and do serve this country.  

4 Eggs and Counting...

Update...Yesterday morning there were 4 eggs in the nest.  Momma bird is always there.  I try really hard to not scare her off.  We've kept the door locked and using the front door instead.  I hope we get to have some baby birds pretty soon.  I don't know how long it takes for sparrow eggs to hatch but I guess we'll find out.