More Silver Bella!

Yay! I finally got it working... Let me know YOUR favorite moment at Silver Bella! Just leave a comment or just say hi! Enjoy!

Cinderella is home...

Once upon a time in a far away kingdom...
Well, as the story goes (the fast forward way) Cinderella has lost her slipper, her carriage has turned back into a pumpkin, and her dress is tattered and torn...
But, I can tell you how much it was worth the fairytale fun. So much glitter, sparkle, and friendship. I had such a WONDERFUL weekend EVA! Silver Bella is a dream come true for this little Cinder-bella! Teresa McFayden really knows how to throw a party for such creatively-spirited talent! I made so many new friends, and "danced" to my hearts content through every last project, and will miss every piece of glitter that trailed throughout the entire hotel in Omaha! Omaha is a wonderful little city, and the ladies I met were just outstanding... so much talent, freshness, inspiration, and love! I am trying to get a remix of pictures up, but am having "technical difficulties". Hopefully I'll have it figured out by the time I publish this post. ;) The Cinderella card you see I got at the little antique store "Second Chance Antiques" in Omaha's Old Market- if you ever get the chance to go- you simply must! And just across the way is "Fairmont Antiques" in the old Fairmont Dairy building (which has special meaning... my grandfather was a "Milk Man" for Fairmont in Nebraska way back in the day), which is just as wonderful to reminisce old stories I heard.
I love what the little card said inside... And alas, I hope to find my glass slipper next year at the next Silver Bella event!
Here's a peek at what came home with me from the swaps I had joined... these ladies are so talented, and did such a fabulous job! Thank you all! I also have 5 projects from

classes , of which I haven't a single one finished... oh well. Maybe I'll post them soon...
There were quite a few from Texas, and it was so much fun to talk with each of them and find out that we all have run in the same circles (in some way, shape or form) in our past, and not even knowing it! I have created a new kinship with these ladies, and I realized as in going back through my photos, that I did not get a picture of all of them! I think Valita was the only onE! I am SO bummed! I will have to hunt down a picture from the most talented photographer Kim Haynes, and purchase photos from her. Unless y'all have any to share of you!? ;) Thank you, thank you ladies for the most wonderful, glittery, sparkle-filled time of my life! I needed it! Remember, let's stay in touch! You know who you are!
And they all lived happily ever after!
THE END

Happy Hall-o-w-e-e-n!

Happy Halloween! My kids are just writhing in their seats... can't wait for tonight. They are just as excited about seeing all the other costumes, as they are dressing up and getting candy themselves! Poor Kenna is still not feeling great, I don't think I'll dress her up. She'll be "along for the ride". Here's the "Little Angel" and the "Pirate of the Carribean" Or Lewisville, whichever you prefer. ;) And the little "Candy Corn" who loves waving at the scarecrow! Have a Happy Hallow-e-e-n everyone!

Silver Bella, Cinderella!

You know the song from Cinderella that the step-sisters sang- or was it the one Cinderella sang about the nagging of her step-sisters? "Cinderella, Cinderella, all I hear is Cinderella..." Okay, so I don't remember how it all went. I just thought of it while thinking of the title to this post because is sorta rhymes with Silver Bella. And my swap items remind me alot of Cinderella...It's Silver Bella, Miss Cinderella! Oh, I am getting giddy and excited, can you tell? I am because I now know what I am doing for my swaps, and they are on their way to getting done! Yay! And I just couldn't stand it anymore, so I had to share... (but just a little!) Here's a sneak peak... Just 8 more days!!! (Now to finish figuring out my Junk Gypsy attire!)

Star Wars & Fall Fun Fest Celebration!

It was quite the day on October 27! ...Here's a few snap shots of Braden's 6th party. Happy Birthday sweet boy!
I think the party was a hit. I had fun! Braden said he had fun, and a couple of the parents thought everything was so thought out! (little do they know... ;) ) My friend, Elizabeth had an R2D2 cake pan that she let me borrow and this is how it turned out. I have forgotten how I like to do cakes.
I had found a couple ideas for games, and then adapted them and thought out a couple more. They started out the party by breaking their own geodes to see if they could find crystals inside. They also decorated their own flying saucers, and colored Star Wars coloring sheets. Then it was a game of Musical Chairs to the Star Wars music. Instead of sending a child away, everyone always had a seat, and I drew a character out of the bag, and if they were sitting in that seat, they got to draw a prize from a bag. If you won already, you chose someone else to draw a prize. So everyone wins! We sang "Happy Birthday", ate cake, snacks & lemonade then opened presents. He got some very cool Star Wars and Lego toys! Then we played "Keep the meteor up", with some noisemaker- light sabers and balloon- meteors. THAT was a huge hit! The kids got so excited when I told them that they first had to dress in a Jedi tunic (a black plastic table cloth with a colored belt tied around their waste)! We also played "Avoid the Death Star", a version of "hot potato"... if they were stuck with the star, they had to either play on their back or tummy or sit backwards, etc... They went down the slide and played with the light sabers and then it was over. Nobody wanted to leave, they were having so much fun!

Then it was off to home to rest before heading back out to the First Baptist Fun Fall Fest & Trunk or Treating with friends, Elizabeth, Gabe, Perryn & Teagan. This is where McKenna goes to school. We saw her friend's mom dressed up as a gardener in the "Secret Garden". It was soooo cute! They had a bunny, a dig for real worms, pick a duck, etc., with plants and decor galore! The kids had fun. McKenna wasn't feeling well, so she got her one piece of candy and held it the entire time we were there. She was STILL holding it when we got home, then ate it after pizza! A brown/black/green gummy worm, ewwww! She liked though. ;)
After Elizabeth and the kids left, our kids zonked out after the days' festivities! We did too.

Now, on to Halloween on Wednesday!

The Joys of Fall?!....

Oh, it's been oh so long- too long. So much happening, and it just keeps happening! I can't believe it's almost Halloween, and Braden's birthday! Fun, fun! Here's what he's giving out to his class for his birthday. I opted not to do snacks/treats this time. I had the pencils, and it's a fun way to "remind" the parents that he has his party on Saturday. hee hee We've only had four RSVP's!
We FINALLY had our ever INFAMOUS 15 year-in-the-making garage sale two weeks ago!!!! We made a little money which is gone now, to a new radiator/water pump in the van. So sad. We had such plans to replace some lamps, help paint the downstairs, etc. SOMETHING for the house. OH well. At least we could pay for the van to be fixed.
Fall Festival at the school was last weekend, Bryan and I worked our tails off setting up milk bottles and chasing balls for the Braden's class booth! That'll teach me to select a ball-throwing game again! It was fun though. The kids had so much fun. They had a DJ this year in the lunch room where all the food was. The stage was set up with hoola-hoops and they had contests, and dance games and such. THAT was a ton of fun to watch. ;) Bailey won one of the Webkinz silent auction baskets- a little bull frog, she named Malibou.
It will soon be Silver Bella time... and I need to get my Christmas tags and charms finished! Eeek! I'm getting nervous... all the things I need to take and pack! Ikes! Until later! Shan

Women of Faith 2007

Wishing I could rewind....

Okay, I realized I never posted about Women of Faith... Things got soooo busy with the school year beginning, and all the activities, events, and such it all brings with it! Today, sweet McKenna is at MDO, and I have a few quiet moments to reflect on such a wonderful weekend with the most fabulous ladies I could ever spend a spiritual weekend with. I wish I could rewind and play back (in real life) that whole weekend again! It was such fun, so inspirational, and absolutely relaxing! I needed that break as a mom, a wife, a friend, and spiritual leader. If you have never been, or have been thinking of going- think no longer and just go! Okay, save that money and next year, take a few a friends with you! (or your sister, or your mother-in-law... ;) )
I know I was meant to be there that weekend. I was meant to hear what Dr. Henry Cloud and Sheila Walsh had to say about the fact that GOD HAS A DREAM FOR YOUR LIFE. Yes, your life, too. Dig deep, way back into those childhood dreams, many are still dreams yet to be fulfilled. Don't let anyone or anything tell you different.... Find your "Emmit", someone who can lift you up when your down, to run to in fear, sadness, or joy, and be able to tell you "how it really is"(the truth can hurt, but sometimes it's really what we need to hear). She should be rooted in Christ, or definitely have Him in her heart, so His guidance is always there through and
through.
Nichole Nordeman's musical heart in Christ flowed through the whole arena while her "unplugged" versions of her songs spilled into every desperate ear who whole-heartedly heard her... just beautiful.
And oh my! I mentioned Anita Renfroe... She is every mom's inner comical self. You know what I mean, the things we all say and do, but sometimes don't want to admit or share.? ;) She is a RIOT! She gave hysterical relief to moms who work sooo hard for their families in every way, shape and form. Her DVDs are a must! And if your a book reader, I'm sure her books are equally as great.
I have never had the pleasure of seeing Nicole Johnson and her dramatic interpretations.. but they were quite amazing. She has the ability to bring you into the real moment. She has written and produced for the "Revolve Tour", as well. I can't wait to take Bailey someday!
And what can I share about Patsy Clairmont (I hope to have the kind of energy she has later in life!), Marilyn Meberg, Thelma Wells, and Luci Swindoll? Their amazing stories of life struggles are incredible... and they share them with women everywhere they go. If they can survive, we can too. All of us go through life struggles and obstacles, but if the Lord is in our hearts, and we call upon Him, we can make it through, too.
And the beautifully talented Lisa Smith... she's amazing and can sing through signing like I have NEVER seen before. She has been truly gifted by God, and I was truly blessed by her awe-inspiring, moving talent.
And I must not forget the infamous Sandi Patty- her timeless voice just knocks the socks off you! I had the pleasure of meeting her husband while waiting in line to say hello to Sandi (and have our picture taken with her), and he is just one of the sweetest men you'll ever meet. They both are genuine sweethearts, with abundant love for their family and ministry.
And all of this wouldn't be nearly as fabulous, if it were not for the group of ladies I attended with. They all had been before, I was the newbie, but they took me in was there for the times I shed a tear. (Bring loads of Kleenex!) They were a hoot to spend time with, dine with, sleep with (what little we got), and get know better. These ladies are my new-found sisters in Christ, and I look forward to more fun times down the road...

First Day of School...

Well, here we go! It's the first day of school, and it's Braden's first day of Kindergarten!
It's so quiet here... it's amazing how much noise is produced by children! McKenna is feeling their absence, too. She is missing them terribly. All she has is poor ol' mom. ;) I cried today after coming back from taking the kids to class. Braden didn't want me to kiss him. I even tried "sneaking" in one on the cheek, but I was brushed away. Does my little boy actually think it's "not cool" to kiss his mama? Hmmm.....I sure hope it's just the first day jitters...
I feel that this year is going to busier than any other year before... And I am believing that it just gets busier every year after...
Gracious Lord, I pray for my family and all their activities... may they thrive & learn, and share your blessings...Amen.

Well, off to figure out some of this "home improvement"
dilemma that is on-going! Lotsa Hugs!

Time with the girls...

Well, I'm off to Women of Faith! I am so looking forward to this, and really need the "girl" time away. I will have to tell you all about the fun when I return...
Have a wonderful weekend!
Hugs,
Shannon

The little things...

OH the joys in the little things... I am just so excited! My neurotic-mess-of-a-self is finally coming around to becoming organized for real, in REAL life! No more piling here or there, no more procrastination, I'm going to do it now, to make a better home for ME and my FAMILY! Okay, what ARE you talking about, Shannon? I am talking about the recipe binder I have been wanting to put together of all the recipes that I print off the web (practically daily), that's what! ;) I have been collecting for YEARS, literally, and my current binder (one that my darling BEO sisters gave to me when Bryan and I got married, is over flowing with recipes, magazine tear-outs,etc. What a mess! And to try and find a recipe that I once fixed, that the whole family enjoyed, that was easy to fix, it's not here! OH forget it, let's eat out tonight. Enough of that mentality. I love to cook new recipes for my family. They enjoy most of them, too! So, to change this mess into something organized, to find what I want, easy to flip through, AND something that is nice to look at too, here's what I'm going to do...

Okay, so now is the perfect time, it's back-to-school and the stores are brimming with school supplies, including some really cool binders! Yes, me the crafter, taking the easy way out and not "altering" a binder. Hey, I need to take one step at time. And actually, that IS another reason why I have the mess I do... I've wanted to alter my own binder to put them in, but just don't get one done!
Anyways, off to Walmart, because Braden still needed markers for school, and I needed deodorant. ( I won't go there) ;)
This is what I came up with. I love the bold stripes and brightness about it, along with the contrasting polka dots on the inside! I also bought poly dividers, repositionable poly tabs, and sheet protectors (cuz I can be a messy cook). Each divider has a pocket in them, so that when I do find another recipe, I can place it in the pocket until it's worthy of adding to the book. (It actually has to be a yummy recipe before it goes in!)
I do have a slight problem, however. I have a ton of stinkin' recipes! It's basically full now! And I still have loose recipes laying about. Okay, I admit. Some of them have not been tried and tested, so they may not be worthy of being there. But on paper, they sound delicious!

On another note, I wanted to share something. This lady is going to be at the Women of Faith event in Dallas this weekend, which I am attending (for the first time). I am going with my friend Michele and a group of ladies from her neck of the woods. I absolutely can't wait! I really don't know what to expect, but I do know that it's some time for me, which I really could use about now. I have not seen Anita Renfroe live, but you have to check out her site. As a mom of three, she has a comical way of inspiring moms from all walks of life, all along with serious moments of faith. She has been described as “a triple shot of espresso in a decaf world". She makes you laugh and cry and bond with one another like never before. I just can't wait to see her. She has numerous books, dvds, cds, and who knows what else. I just can't forget my purse! lol

I guess before I go, I have this overwhelming idea of sharing one of my "newly organized and filed recipes with you! I am not sure where it originally came from, but in actuality- this is a result of a couple recipes combined. I hope you enjoy!
Hugs,
Shannon

PORK AND POTATO CASSEROLE

A good shepherds pie/pot pie combo! Mmm Mmm good!

Ingredients:
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
4 Tbls butter
1/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp poultry seasoning (thyme, sage,tarrogon)
1/8 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
1 can (10 1/2 oz) condensed chicken broth
1/2 cup water
1/ 1/2 cups diced roast pork
1 1/2 cups (10 oz pkg) frozen peas and carrots, cooked and drained
4 cups prepared seasoned mashed potatoes
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2-1 cup shredded cheese, optional

Preparation:
Heat butter in a skillet over medium-low heat; add onion and saute until tender, about 2 minutes. Stir in flour until well blended; add salt, poultry seasoning, and pepper. Gradually add broth and water, stirring until thickened and bubbly.

Add the diced pork and vegetables; heat through. Add sour cream. Pour into a lightly greased 1 1/2 quart casserole dish. Spoon prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-35 minutes, topping with cheese the last 5 minutes, if desired. Serves 4

Add a big green salad and a whole wheat dinner roll and be prepared for something REALLY tasty!

HOT,HOT, HOT!

It's just plain hot around here. I can't stand getting into the van, it's just like an oven! McKenna can't stand it either, her poor little legs get hot in her seat. I need to remember to take it in until it starts to cool off... I ran across this site and had to share, cuz it's just so hot, and making snowflakes makes me feel so much cooler!

We've had a bit of excitement around here (again). Our washing machine overflowed and sent a massive sudsy tide over the top and onto the floor, out the laundry door and into/onto the carpet and padding that lay out and about all over a good portion of the first floor-minus the master bed/bath. And in it's fury, left behind a multitude of HUGE, roaring 747 fans, ripped up, tack-exposing carpet, and ugly yellow and various-coloring staining all over! Not to mention a deteriorating wall behind the entertainment center (okay, that's from another problem that's been in the making over sometime now- but it's just now being discovered from this event). Ugh. It could be worse, I guess. I don't have any damage to furnishings or other "stuff" and it was on the first floor, not the second.
Home improvement, here we come...

Texas is still our home for now....

Whew! Well, I'm glad that's over.... still trying to straighten things in my head though. I really thought we were moving to Colorado! But alas, we are not. Not today anyways.
That had to be the most difficult decision for us! But it's just so expensive to house there! And the salaries just don't match that cost. Don't know how you folks do it!
Like I had said before, we are truly blessed either way. We are finding out how much of a blessing we are to others, which is a blessing in its' self! Thank you, Lord, for your love and blessings...

Well, moving on(here in Texas)... school will be starting soon. Need to go school supply shopping! The kids LOVE to do that(okay, so do I!). I did as a kid, too. All new fun and "designy" notebooks & folders, unused pencils, the smell of glue, oh! and the brand new box of 96 Crayola crayons! That was the BEST! (That was the time when we got to choose the size we wanted).

I am also looking forward to a couple times a week where all three will be in school & MDO for a little mommie/creative time in my studio. Need it so desperately. Right now, it's a collect-all of, well, you name it! Started, but not finished art projects, estate sale & thrift buys, kids pictures and projects, some mail, magazines, toys, paper, paper, paper!!! Time to reorganize and re-coop. I've been lazy the past few days, barely getting dishes done, letting some laundry pile up, watching movies and playing with the kids (alot!). I wanna be a kid again(just for the pure non-responsibility of it - but only for a couple days...) ;)
The free, the fun, the laughing, the joy... I love watching them, and for the past two days, I have enjoyed doing it with them! Such sweet spirits they all are. They each add spice, a kick, a punch to life. JOY, that is what they are to me!

OH! Bryan's 39th birthday was fun. He didn't get to come home as early as he had hoped, but we met him at Joe's Crab Shack, and practically had the place to ourselves! It was great! And the food was pretty good too! We had not been there in probably a year, and he had the hankerin' for it, and the kids have fun with the wait staff dancin' and singin'. They have a new menu, which was right up our alley, I ordered the biggest crab plate they had, and Bryan got the all you can eat shrimp-- Oh, it was scrumptious! I even joined McKenna in tying on my "crabby" bib! The kids ordered the paint a crispy crab (a rice crispy treat in the shape of a crab). It came on a white plate shaped like an artist paint pallet, with 3 molded 'dip' areas. One was filled with chocolate, another with strawberry, and the last with rasberry sauce. And of course a paint brush came with it and they painted their crispy crabs and had a blast! What an awesome idea. I loved those plates! (I totally forgot the camera, or I would have taken a picture) Gotta find out if those are purchasable!
I still need to make his apple pie for him... (which I should be doing now). ;)
Anyways, be good, have a beautiful weekend, enjoy the kiddos and family! We love our family in Colorado, I miss my sister so much, but we'll all have to wait a longer... BIG HUGS!

"There's always hope"...

" Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible."

I received this quote in a forwarded email this morn. I could not open the actual email (for whatever reason), but somewhere in amongst the people who had seen the email, was this quote. I don't know where it came from, who said it, but I do know it was meant for me to see at that moment. The Lord IS so desperately trying to comfort me and support me through such a desperate time. He knows my fears of the unknown, and an uncertain future. I want to have a secure financial future. I want what's best for everyone. I want my family to have wonderful memories, and I know they could happen here or there. It's still difficult to think of leaving the "family" we have come to grow and know here. We DO have roots here. Ones that go deeper than we really thought. I guess what do you expect after 16 years? ;) We have been blessed, and we ARE so blessed. Thank you, Jesus.

I guess there IS always hope... be still and see the blessings as they have been given to you, and recognize them as they are given.
Hugs,
Shan

Funny Faces...

Who ARE these kids? LOL My kids and their funny faces.... I just love how fun, and free-spirited they can be at times...


Look at these! What are they, you might ask? Well, my kids decided to make use of some crafting supplies they have long forgotten about (we spent two or three days cleaning out and organizing their crafts (we had 3 bags of trash!) Anyways, they have had these "funny face" rubber stamps, and Bailey decided to have them make "Funny Face Trading Cards"- cards they can trade for other funny faces others might have (Braden). ;) Such fun and creative.
Lotsa Hugs!

Crab Prints...

Isn't nature and the Gracious Lord awesome?! These are little trails made by teeny crabs making their way to- well, who knows? To a home, to the sea, to find food, to escape danger... quite the amazing little creatures they are...
Our trip to the beach was soooo totally awesome. The peace in it was so tranquil, yet exhilarating! I find myself wanting to go back, find those little crabs, hold them, let them go, and watch them scurry in the waves and sand again...


It would beat the thoughts and decision Bryan and I face now... we have come steps closer to the thought of moving to Colorado, and it's mind-boggling. Neither of us can sleep. As far as we know, we have more money to make the move with, and most likely have more time in which to get the house ready to sell (and to sell). However, there most likely will NOT be any more added to the salary. We will take a 25,000 cut somewhere- Housing, leisure fun, extras for the kids... I even fear it will eat at some familiar necessities. Our family back home in Colorado is so important. It's hard to think any more...

For some reason, I can't add anymore pictures. Hmmm. Do not know why.? Well, things will be better soon, this will be a thing of the past, we will either be in Colorado or staying in Texas, working on some home improvements!

Oh! OH! OH! McKenna has taken her first steps... Last week on July 24th! She walked between Bailey and me with such huge pride (judging from the smile on her face). I am so proud of her too. We ALL are! It's such an accomplishment. Hugs 'til next time!

Have Faith My Child...

"Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading."
~ Oswald Chambers ~

Oh, how the words are true, yet so hard to keep in mind. What will the Lord have us do? To move or not to move~ that is the question.
I pray that the light be shown, to know thy way... we want what He wants, just to do His work. Let the words ring in our ears, and beat in our hearts... That is all.

"I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11.

First ever blog....

Wow, I can't believe I have actually started this. I love visiting others blogs, and I guess that's why I decided to start one. What do I talk about now? ;)
Well, here is a little something that I am working on the new Etsy shop.
Maybe I'll post more later when I start to get the hang of this...
Hugs~
Shan