SHAZAAAM!!!

This is the month for giveaways - and I couldn't be happier to share another with you!

Renee of Crows Roost Prims is going to be having a drawing for her fabulous prim patterns. Renee is another partipating member of an ornie swap that I'm involved. Her creations are always so much fun and unique .... do yourself a favor and make your way over to get your name in the hat for a drawing!

You don't want to miss out, do you? ♥

Trudy does it again!

Summer is spinning away and I just found out that one of my dear friends,
Trudy of Crows in the Attic Primitives
is having a pattern drawing on her blog!

I met Trudy through blogging a few years back and asked to be included in a simple little swap that we have 3 or 4 times a year. Let me tell you, I always look so forward to getting my sweet treasures from the girls - so I can vouch firsthand for Trudy's awesome handiwork!

Anyway... please take a moment to drop by her blog and get your name entered for the drawing. What a fun thing to look forward to when sales are slow and the real world seems to pull us away from our sewing machine!

Thanks Trudy... sounds like fun!!!

What a BLESSING - What a BLAST!!

We spent this last weekend at Camp Quality, a camp for kids with cancer held one week every summer in Northwest Missouri. I have to say, it was the most rewarding time I've had in a very long time.

We arrived on Saturday ready to get to work and were greeted with the darkest skies raining down buckets. But the crew didnt let that deter us and we spent all day cleaning cabins, getting the camp ready for the kids arrival on Sunday.

We worked the day away, making everything spic and span. It was well worth all of our hard work, watching the kids arrive and jumping off the bus to meet up with their companion for the week. This camp is an oasis in the middle of summer for all of these kids and most have been coming for years - and request the same companion each year. They develop a long and lasting relationship with their caretaker for the week at this camp in northwest Missouri. Most of the companions are college age kids who volunteer and you can literally feel the excitement and love in the air.

As each child came off the bus, they were announced by the emcee -

and met a rounding thunder of applause and hugs!

A crew from my company went out on Sunday and we decorated the tabernacle and stage for a celebration later that night. They were honoring the family of the lady who started the camp 25 years prior - and we wanted everything to look perfect for the kids and the volunteers!

There were plenty of festivities as well that afternoon - with plenty of food and drinks, clowns and a carnival! I wish I could stay all week and drink it all in.

I met Katie, who volunteers every year and does all the grunt work at the camp.

She is anxiously looking forward to next year when she is old enough to work as a companion. She will make a great one, too - during the two days we spent together, she left a lasting impression on me of her genuine and caring heart.

The messhall was all decked out too for the kids at their first supper together!

Amazing work, everyone ♥

We covered up the beautiful quilt that was being presented to the family with a large sheet -

I wish I could have been there when it was uncovered!

someone is turning 3!

Pam Gracia of Soft in the Head is celebrating 3 years blogging and in honor of the occassion, is having a giveaway.

You would be doing yourself a huge favor by making your way to her blog to put your name in her magic hat for the drawing on June 19th ♥

Sully's first bubble bath...

My pal...and SIDS

I love my friend Kim - she is as much fun as any friend you will ever find!

She and I get along so great - and she's just as cute as a button. A few years back, their son suffered a terrible loss by losing their baby to Sudden Infant Death syndrome.

To help cope with the terrible loss of their Granddaughter Brionna, Kim and Jeff started a motorcycle ride / poker run with all proceeds benefiting the SIDS organization.

After 5 years, it's grown into quite a respectable run with many bikes participating. Last year, we had so much fun with these two fellas who participated and just had to get a picture of them with my friend.


And every time I see this picture, it makes me laugh... I am sure you can understand why!

IF YOU CAN....

If you can start the day without caffeine....

If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains....

If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles....

If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it....

If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time....

If you can take criticism and blame without resentment....

If you can conquer tension without medical help....

If you can relax without liquor....

If you can sleep without the aid of drugs....


♥ Then You Are Probably The Family Dog! ♥

The Shoes come visiting...

We got to spend time last weekend with some very special friends.

Hubs and I met Michelle when she was just 11 years old and for whatever reason, we were drawn to each other with a bond that has surpassed time. I love Michelle like she was my own daughter - and I got to meet her husband Ross and new baby Ella .... our time was shortlived, but sweet from begining to end.

We both agreed that our love for each other is the type that we may not stay in contact for months, but both of us know all we have to do is pick up the phone or send an email and we will pick up right where we left off.

I love you Shell - and I adore your family! Can't wait to see you again next month!