« September 2007 | Main | November 2007 »
I had hoped to get these done sooner so that I could share my treat topper, but I didn't get around to finishing them until this morning (nothing like last minute huh?). Russell is taking some to preschool and I will drop some off for Grace's school party later this afternoon. I am sharing the image if you happen to want to use it (in the little time that is left...or maybe save it for next year). I hope you all have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
We've been gearing up for Halloween this past weekend. We made sugar cookies, carved pumpkins etc. The weather has been beautiful this year...I can't remember an October with such nice weather. I am keeping my fingers crossed that for just once, they can actually wear their halloween costumes without a snow suit underneath. You know...when you go shopping for Halloween costumes, you really begin to realize that the rest of the world doesn't experience Halloween like we do in Idaho. The costumes are all skimpy and light. We have to wear sweat suits and snowsuits along with gloves and hats for Halloween in Idaho, so we are hoping that just this year, for once, we might actually get to see our kids' costumes! We carved pumpkins OUTSIDE this year...we have always had to do it indoors because the kids get so COLD...but we had beautiful weather this year! The sunsets have been AMAZING too...check out this photo I snapped Saturday night...
I can't imagine living in a place where there were too many houses and buildings obstructing the view of this beautiful scene.
And here are some recent photos of my cute sweet little niece, Addilyn...
grain is planted...and all was done before the big storm arrived that brought lots of moisture. I was blessed enough to get away soon thereafter. Frist off, I spent two days shopping with my mother-in-law & sister-in-laws in Salt Lake. Then, on Sunday morning, the whole fam-damily loaded in the mo mo home (my husbands term for the motor home) and we headed seven hours North-East for the tiny town of Judith Gap, Montana. Never heard of it? That comes as no surprise! It is about as small of a town as you can imagine. My hubby's aunt and her husband run a cattle ranch there. And other than cattle ranches, there isn't much else around. As you can see in the photo below...I took this photo coming over the rolling hills, looking at the small town of Judith Gap (yes...the town itself fits in my wide angle lens)...
Now you might ask why we decided to go to the middle of nowhere. Well, there are several reasons, actually. One, to visit aunt Connie and her family, two, so that David, Russell & my dad could go deer hunting, and three, so I could get away...and let me tell you, this place really gets you away from it all (I'll admit that I got a little bored, but I am glad to say that I actually read a couple of books...history stuff mostly...I don't read anything that isn't real...it seems like a total waste of time to me if I am not learning something). Also, I was able to take some amazing photos...the scenery, the sun rises etc are breathtaking, and on the way into to town, there is are a bunch of awesome wind mills. Check out some of my favorite scenery photos from the trip...
The guys spent a lot of time hunting. The girls and I ventured out with them a few times, but it really isn't my thing (other than enjoying the scenery and taking photos). Russell on the other hand, is CRAZY about hunting. He is only 4, so technically he can't actually "hunt", but he wanted in on all the action. I couldn't believe how good he did...he woke up before sun rise every day and got all dressed up in his warm hunting gear. He even sat in the tree stands for hours and kept quiet (as long as he had plenty of treats). He loved every minute of it, and spending lots of time with daddy and grandpa too. As I said before, the girls and I hung out in the trailer or at aunt Connie's house. I did a lot of reading, some cooking, photography etc., but most of all, I sat around and relaxed (well...as much as you can relax with two babies around). We had a great time, but as always, I am glad to be back home. I always get eager to get away, but as soon as I do, I always get homesick. I am about the biggest homebody you can ever imagine.
My babies on the cover of the Scrapbook Trends Fast & Fabulous idea book?
First off, thanks for all of the responses to the digi recipe exchange! Sign ups are closed for this round, but I hope to do it again in the future! If you joined, but haven't received an email from me yet, please email me and let me know!
We are in our final days of potato harvest. Fingers are crossed that we will finish up tomorrow (if weather and equipment permits). I took a lot of photos the first week of harvest, and then I got lazy on hauling my camera in the field every day. But...last night when we took dinner out to the field, I toted it along. I AM SO GLAD! I have a new favorite photo of Russell and his best buddy and cousin, Carson...
The current field we are digging, is rather large, and the kids were running up and down the rows. It was great to see them work out some of their bugs. It helped wear them out for bedtime later. The boys would run and purposely trip and fall and roll in the dirt. They were all bare foot and filthy, but they were having so much fun. 
The girls were also having a great time. They ran up and down the field, and then they decided to get really silly. LOVE the photos I got of them...
I am so thankful that they have each other. How lucky they are to have cousins that they love so much!
David planted a field in wheat yesterday, and he forgot his water bottle, so Lily and I had to run one to him. Lily worked a little magic and talked daddy into letting her come to help.
OK all of you blog readers...it's your chance to come out of hiding and participate in something really cool. I have had this idea floating around in my head for a long time now, and I am ready to make it happen. As many of you might know, I love to cook and bake. Okay...maybe I like it some days more than others, but overall, it is something I really enjoy. I have a family of four, and I like good home cooked meals as often as possible. For the local gals, if you remember, I used to do recipe kits at The Scrap Coop when I owned the store (by the way...my mom is still carrying on some of these kits...if you happen to be interested, please email me!). Well, I still have a lot of recipes that need organized, and I have actually had a goal to put them all together on digital layouts and have them printed in a Shutterfly Photo Book. As I was working on some of my digi layouts for the recipes today, I got to thinking about all of the yummy recipes that are posted on blogs out there. I have even found some really cute recipes that are already laid out in a digi format, but it is really hard to organize or use them, because they are all different sizes, shapes, resolutions etc.
So...here is where you come in. I don't care if you are a super duper digi scrapper or not. All you need is the basics. I would love to set up a digi recipe exchange for anyone who is interested. All you would have to do, is create 2 digi pages of your favorite recipes (I will send specifications by email to those who wish to participate) and email them to me. I will then make sure that everyone who participates in the exchange gets the files for all of the other recipes! Then, if you wish, you too can make a photo book of all the recipes shared. Don't own a lot of digi supplies? Don't worry, if you remember, a couple of posts back, I listed this site that offers links to all of the free digi supplies on the web. And also, you can go here to download some fun stuff too! The cool thing about a swap with digi supplies, is that you only have to create the item once. There is no duplicating pages as you would with traditional scrapbooking supplies...so it will be super easy and fun! So...please email me if you would like to participate and I will get the specifications of the swap to you. And don't forget to let your friends know about the swap...the more the merrier!
ETA: Tiffany had a great idea! She plans on making multiple copies of the books and giving them as Christmas gifts this year!
Here are a few of the recipes I have been working on. (Shelly...I hope you don't mind that I borrowed your photos and recipe...it is one of my new favorite recipes!)
IDAHO WEATHER that is. Check out the view out my front door on Saturday, and today...
We have one field of potatoes left to dig, and of course because of all the moisture, we won't be able to fini
sh up until the end of the week! While we really need the moisture (and are thankful for it), it kinda stinks that we can't get the harvest done and over with. It is beautiful outside today...it looks a little more like fall than winter!
I just have a couple of other silly things to share. First off, my little Kate loves apples. If she sees anyone eating one, she will scream and arch her back because she wants one too! Sunday evening, she was really tired, and she was busy eating an apple on the floor. I looked over to see her sucking on the apple like it was her bottle (she usually goes to sleep with a bottle). The silly kid just fell asleep on the floor, sucking on her apple!
And...in the spirit of Halloween, and the love of Billy Bob teeth...
My little sister, Tawsha, taught my kids how to make Billy Bob teeth from Starburst. You use a red or pink candy to make the gums, and yellow to make the teeth. My kids think it's hilarious...it is a new favorite pastime....
There are a million other things I should be doing during my few moments of free time, but...alas, I just felt like getting a few memories onto a quick layout or two. I am really loving digital lately...with things so busy, I can sit down for a quick minute and complete a layout. I am so inspired by this girl...and I am loving this site, which lists all of the free digital kits on the web.
Announcing the birth of my sweet little niece...
Addilyn Gail Stanford
October 1, 2007
8:15am
8lbs. 12 oz.
20 3/4"
Congratulations Tawsha & Sheldon!!!
