Away

I'm going away for several days. I'm going to where it's warm and tropical
90 degrees when I last checked

I'm going to be doing some of this...



And some of this...



and even this...



Have you figured out where we are going and what we are doing?
Here's a hint



We are leaving Friday morning with a team of 29 to build a church, run a medical team, and run a kids club/vacation bible
school. I am looking forward to sharing with all of you when we get back.

Making Memories

Well, we are back from the long weekend. Sad, I know, but all fun things must come to an end. It was a much needed break from things around here and we had a blast. Taking regular vacations and long weekends with our family and friends over the years has been a great way to create an abundance of wonderful memories. My friend Lori and I were discussing how many years we have had this tradition and although we couldn't come up with a definate number we both know it has been about 15 yrs. Our kids were all sitting around the table laughing about things that had happened over the years and they laughed about different milestones in thier lives they had shared. It just warms my "mommy heart" to know that this tradition has been a treasure for them as they have grown. Our group is growing now as our children now bring boyfriends/ husbands who join us now. We are all excited by the fact that next year we will have a baby joining us (my first grandbaby). This little baby is being claimed by Lori's family as well. Imagine coming into the world already being loved by not just your real family but others who also say they are your grandma/grandpa and aunts and uncles. Try to create an environment in your families that foster love, and create memories.
Our children need to know they have people who love and care for them beyond just mom and dad. I believe that in this day and age it really does take a village to raise a child. It is working in my family.
Here are a few snapshots of our weekend away.

Off for a long weekend

I'm off with family and friends for a traditional long weekend at Lake Chelan. There is lots to do there, but mostly we play games go sledding/skiing and eat way too much. It will be a weekend to relax, filled with lots of laughter. See you when we get back!

Don't forget to enter

Dont forget about a chance to win free advertising for a month over at its so very cheri. Hurry contest ends Jan 18th.
Cheri is always working on something and shares it with all of us. From sponsoring a contest,providing decorating advice, to her weekly featured items you will never be bored at Cheri's blog. She encourages participation and makes blogging fun.
She had a fun project a few weeks back that I thought was darling. She used vintage sleds to decorate with and embellished them with gloves that she also decorated. Here is a picture of that project
click here to see more of this cute project. The gloves are just so very cute! Hurry over to Cheri's blog to get signed up for this great giveaway. If you are not a follower of hers you should sign up today. You will be glad you did.

  

New Year New Look

Now that Christmas and the holiday season is over, the decorations are safely tucked away, are you looking around your home and seeing emptiness and almost a feeling of lifelessness? It may be time to make just a few simple changes, to bring some life back into your home.
Can’t afford to redecorate? Take a look at how you live and what you have. Rearrange your furniture to better suit your lifestyle. Chances are if you are like most people, your funiture "has always been this way". Changing it up a bit can make it feel new again.Take a good look at your wall art and accessories and try things in different rooms. Don't forget the bathrooms and your entry way too. It’s possible to get a new look by using what you have, and not spending a cent. Now that's decorating advice that any Hubby will love. If you are still needing new life in your room, try changing the paint on even just one wall. You will be amazed at how this one thng can create a whole new feel to your space. Hot colors for 2010 include bright or warm yellows, soft blues and turquoise, lavender for bedrooms and slate or charcoal grays to replace tan and beige tones as popular neutrals. Try to incorporate one new color somewhere in your home this year. Have fun and don't be afraid to change things up a bit.