Chris and Bri's mountain wedding

On Saturday, January 11 our youngest son, Chris married his fiance, Bri at 

The Lodge on Mt. Charleston outside of Las Vegas. 

It was a beautiful day and the bridal party was looking fabulous. 

I feel very blessed to say Chris'  Uncle John (from Washoe Valley) performed the ceremony.  He just seemed like the perfect man for the job since he was involved with the engagement.  Chris and Bri were staying at his home for the weekend when Chris asked her to marry him at Lake Tahoe.    

Bri is an animal lover and works as a vet tech.  Her dog, Titus was the ring bearer and did a great job. 

Chris and Bri wrote their own vows.  The words that came out of my son's mouth were pure love and poetry.  Who knew that was in him!  Many tears were in the eyes of the guests at that point.  I think her expression in the photo says it all. (She swore she wouldn't cry...but she did)

This is me...mother of the groom.  I made all the floral arrangements, bouquets and decorations.  

I used pine for all the greens since it was a mountain wedding.

What a great looking bunch of guys!  

Scott (brother and best man), Chris (the groom), Chris Russell (best friend), Charles (cousin)

The happy couple!

Happy New Year

Vegas goes all out to celebrate New Year's.  Here is a peek at all the fireworks on the strip last night.  Fremont Street Experience rocks it as well.  News reports say over 300,000 people came to celebrate in Vegas this year.  

I have to say I am so glad that I was not one of those folks on the strip.  Our New Year's Eve day was spent firing up the pit and cooking up 4 briskets, 2 chickens, two dozen or so jalapeno poppers, and cabbage.  Dinner was delicious!  I hope everyone else enjoyed their briskets as well.  

I spent some time working on the studio.  It's really starting to come along, things are starting to get organized and put away anyway.  I hope to show you some photos I'm not embarrassed by.  Crafters know what I mean...how unorganized I am...how much stuff I tend to gather.  Seriously, there is a lot of stuff that needs to leave the property.  

Anyway, I'm wishing all of you a very happy new year full of fun, family, love, friendships, faith, and...loads of crafty goodness!

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.