Why Santa Didn't Leave me Anything

'Twas the night before Christmas, I'm glued to the tree
I'm wondering what Santa brought just for me
Could it be cardstock or inkpads or lace?
Or some stamps, I said, with a smile on my face.
And that's when I heard him...
"Hi Santa," I said
He replied, "You know...good girls should be in their beds".
"I know I should Santa, and now I've been caught.
But I was just so excited to see what you brought."
"Well, let's take a look in this room where you work".
He shook his head quickly and left with a jerk.
I heard him exclaim as he put it in gear.
"You've got enough crap,
I'll see you next year!"



This was just too cute not to post.

Merry Christmas

Christmas Quiz

I usually don't do these types of things, but i thought it would be fun. Also I realized that I have only posted 1 time in the month of December and thought I should try to bump that up a little!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?:
I love wrapping paper and especially home wrapped gifts!

2. Real tree or Artificial?:
I love real trees, but unfortunately we can't get them up here unless you want to pay a hefty price. The past three years we have been putting up a white artificial tree (2 years with gold and red, this year I did green and silver).

3. When do you put up the tree?:
Family tradition has always been the Friday after Thanksgiving. I remember putting up the tree as kids all the time on Thanksgiving break.

5. Do you like eggnog?:
yuk!

6. Favorite gift received as a child?:
Would have to be my Mini-Bake Oven! I love to cook and bake to this day.

7. Hardest person to buy for?
My Dad - unless I win the lottery and can afford the farm equipment he seems to put on his list EVERY year!


8. Easiest person to buy for?
My mom or my older sister.

9. Do you have a nativity scene?
Nope. Never have been into them.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Via mail... although this year they are going to be a little late again! I should be getting them from the printers sometime early next week.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
I think all of those years that we received socks and underwear as kids! Although they were needed they just didn't seem like they should be under the tree.

12.Favorite Christmas Movie?
Never really had a favorite Christmas movie, but watched all of the Christmas cartoons growing up.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
I start in August with my nephews while I'm home so I don't have to worry about shipping stuff!

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Of course not - okay I am guilty ;-)

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
I am a sucker for pretty much any type of Christmas treats.

16. Lights on the tree?
Definitely! Currently have white but I think next year I might want to do a different color.

17. Favorite Christmas song?
Elmo Wants a Hippopotamus for Christmas - Just Kidding, for some strange reason I really like Santa Baby and Baby It's Cold Outside

18. Hmm...where did 18 go??

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?:
dasher, dancer, prancer, vixen, comet, cupid, donner and blitzen…and Rudolph,

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
Star, never really was into the angel topper.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Tradition was always Christmas Eve with Santa's gifts on Christmas morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
not having enough snow to make it feel like Christmas :-(

23. Favorite ornament theme or color?
as mentioned earlier, green and silver - this year

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?
It was ham growing up, now Eric and I usually do a roast of some sort. This year I believe it will probably be a Musk Ox roast.

25. What do you want to do for Christmas this year?
Relax, open a few gifts and just spend the day vegging!

WOW - has it really been almost 1 month since I updated this thing!?!?!?!?

Guess that means that nothing interesting has been happening here. Well, I did make it back to ND about a week after my last post. Nothing too exciting but seeing family and friends we haven't seen for 2 years since the wedding. We did have to take a picture by Eric's tree that he has grown from a seedling tree. He got it in elementary school when they used to give out seedling trees for Arbour Day. That tree is getting big!Eric's buddy Kevin (one of the groomsman - one right) was able to make it up to Edgeley to visit for a few hours before heading home to his parents in Bristol, SD. Jeremy (another groomsman - on left) also came to visit. He was also our ride back to Bismarck, ND to catch our return plane. We spent the night in Hazelton at Jeremy and Krista's place. Got to see their little ones (the 3 girls and 1 boy). Bridger was just a tiny baby at the wedding and now he's a pretty big 2 year old. He was my little guy while there. We were sitting down for supper and he was beside me. He leaned over and said "I love you". I love the sweetness and innocence of little kids!
While we were in ND, we celebrated Eric's birthday with some good beef steaks and baked potatoes and for dessert we had angel food cake with raspberries and ice cream. YUMMY! When we got back, we had to celebrate Eric's birthday again, but this time it was at a 7 year olds party! Karlyn just happens to have the same birthday as Eric and it started last year joking around about them sharing a birthday party. While this year Karlyn actually remembered that they had the same birthday and had her mom email me to see if Eric wanted to do an "iCarly" birthday party! We ended up going over for cake and ice cream. Here's a picture of Karlyn and Eric.
For Thanksgiving we went over to some friends (Karlyn's mom and dad). There was just a small group of us with enough food to feed a small army! We had ham, turkey, roast, mashed potatoes, 2 different stuffings, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, gravy, baked corn, dinner rolls, a grape salad and a whole lot of desserts!!!!!

Now it's time to start working on Christmas cards. I think I have it figured out, but I like to change my mind alot!

Well, I should really get back to work. Lunch hours just don't last long enough!

halloween treats

Well, I figured it was about time I posted my halloween treats that I did for work. i did a couple of different types.
I made little coffins and bats. I had a lot of fun with the bats, but I had to trace each one and then cut it out by hand.

Now I need to start thinking about Christmas treats!

Stampin' Up Deal of the Week

Well, I completely forgot to put up last weeks Deal of the Week, but it wasn't anything to extra special (at least I didn't think so). This week we have 4 different accessories on sale.

1/2" Library Clips Regularly $6.95 NOW ONLY $3.99!!!

Basic Jumbo Grommets Regular $6.95 NOW ONLY $4.49!!!

Circle Designer Brads Regular $5.95 NOW ONLY $3.99!!!

Mini Library Clips Regularly $12.95 NOW ONLY $8.99!!
If you would like to buy any of this or order anything else, let me know. These are great deals and will only last until early Monday morning.

Stampin Up Deal of the Week

Stampin' Up has brought back the Deal of the Week for the weeks of October. This week deal is actually 3 different punches. My Way, Trio Flower and 5-petal flower punches. These punches are available at the discounted rate of 10.99 each (originally 15.95 each). If you want any of these punches let me know and we can get an order placed!!!!
The sale prices on these punches are good until Monday, October 12 at 9:50 am (MT). The next deal will start at 10:00 am that same day. Once I know what it is I'll post it hear for you all.

Interesting Day - The Almost Moose Hunt

Those of you on Facebook have probably already heard about our almost moose hunt. For those of you who haven't or want a longer more detailed story, sit back, grab a drink and let the good times roll. Eric and I were all set to leave for our moose hunting trip yesterday. We got all of our equipment down to the lake (we were taking a float plane). Before I continue, I need to tell you that this was my first experience in a float plane so naturally I was a little nervous. These planes seat 4 people! We got everything loaded and the pilot takes off. We are only flying about 500 ft above the ground. You can see everything and it looks so awesome. Well about 12 miles into our 40ish mile flight we hear a POP and then the engine goes quite. Good thing we were above a pretty good sized pond. Eric taps the back of my seat and tells me to brace myself. The pilot set us down on the lake like it was a natural landing. As we landed we could see oil in the pond draining from the engine. Luckily he was talking with the owner of the plane/company (Renfro's Alaskan Adventures) and he just happened to be flying in that same area. He double check to see if he would be able to land in that area on tundra tires (big, fat tires, not regular tires). He was able to, but he had to land about 1 mile from where we were at. That meant hiking across uneven tundra! This was were the fun really started. For those of you that don't know what tundra is like, it is rather spongy and there can be little creeks running through it. Some of these creeks are really shallow and others can be really deep (keep this in mind!) We came across one of these creeks about 1/4 mile into the hike. Eric was walking a little ways to my left and Chip (the pilot) was walking a little ways to my right. We all were trying to find the best place to cross. I was watching Eric and it looked like he was having a hard time finding a spot so I kept looking for my own. I found a spot that looked good. I took the first couple of steps just fine and then with the third step I almost disappeared. I'm not lying. Before I knew it I was up to my chest in this little creek and for the life of my I COULD NOT, I repeat COULD NOT find the bottom of this creek. I was in waist waders thinking I would be okay, but my momentum kept me going forward and I ended up filling my waders!!!!!! Eric had already crossed by then and came running to me and Chip was still searching for a crossing and came to help also. Luckily Eric was able to help pull me out since I wasn't able to find any footing to move myself forward. After I got out we still had to go about 3/4 mile and I think I was a good 5-10 lbs heavier. Not good especially when walking on the spongy/uneven tundra. By this time we could hear the "rescue" plane coming so we started hurrying as fast as we could. Chip (who was only wearing hip boots) was still trying to find his way across. Eric and I got to the rescue plane (which was on tundra tires so it could land pretty much anywhere) and I was loaded up immediately (it was a Cub 2-seater; me and the pilot). This was my first time in a plane this tiny also! We got back to Bethel in about 10 minutes and I was unloaded so he could turn around and go get Eric. We were in a time crunch because the sun light was fading fast.

So now we sit and wait to see what actually happened to the plane to see if it is an easy fix or if it was a major fix. We may or may not get out moose hunting.

Two in one day!

Posts that is. I have had this afghan done for awhile now, but I didn't want to post pictures of it before the recipient received it. Got the official confirmation of receival (is that a word????) this weekend. So here is my latest crochet project...............................................
Just ignore Chubbs in the upper right hand corner. He always thinks he needs to be involved in my photos of my crochet projects.

I had so much fun making this one. This is the first farm animal one I have made and it was worth it. Plus I made a mom very happy! One of my dearest friends from the year I was going to school in Watertown was this recipient of this for her first little boy.

Long time, no update

I know it's been a long time since I've updated this thing, but there really hasn't been too much info to update with. I got back a couple of weeks ago from a wonderful trip back home. Here's just a few of my favorite pics. The first one is of my 6 year old nephew Caden playing soccer. In this picture he is waiting down the field to play defense.
This picture was taken by my sister "experimenting" with my camera. Since it's a point and shoot she was trying it out seeing if it is something that she'd want to get instead of dragging her big Nikon around. This chubby, cute little boy is my newest nephew Canon. He's 3 1/2 months in this photo.
And finally, here is the 3 year old Colton. I love this picture. Don't know if my sister realized that I took it or not. Colton is such a sweet, lovey boy. He's always running to mom for hugs and to let her know that he loves her!

How to Birdwatch......

..........according to Chubbs and Skeeter.

First of all you need to be able to have some nice sun shining weather and have parents that are willing to let you get outside instead of cooping you up in the house. Once outside stroll around until you find a spot that looks like a prime spot for birdwatching.Skeeter decided to sit on the ground and watch the birds in the trees. This is a good spot for some recon work for scouting from below.While Skeeter was hanging out on the ground, Chubbs decided to try to take a more hands-on approach. He sits in one of the living room windows and watches birds flying around and to this one particular birdhouse. Since he mastered climbing the stairs outside he has been able to get closer to the birds than ever before. Now you need to be able to climb to the middle platform. Once there he's thinking that this could be a good spot to maybe try to watch some birds.On second thought, maybe this side will have better access.Once you know the birds are in the the birdhouse you need to carefully balance your chubby body on a nice wide 2x6.Once you're balanced, you need to scoot your body closer to the house and so carefully reach up to try to get the top off.
And that is how you birdwatch according to Chubbs and Skeeter!

VC Rocks II

The other day I posted some pictures from my virtual stamp group. Those were the gift card swap. Here are the pictures from the quilt card swap. The first one is mine and the rest are the ones I received in the swap.

VC Rocks!

VC Rocks is a Yahoo group that I am involved in. It is a "virtual convention" for those involved in Stampin' Up that cannot make it to the Annual Convention in Salt Lake City. This is my second year being involved in the group. I do the minimum required to stay involved because it goes on during June and July when I am busy with my summer camps. This year I decided to join 2 swaps. I did the Gift Card Swap and the Quilt Card Swap. Here are the pictures of the Gift Card Swap.
I'm not sure how many pictures I can upload in one post, so I'll do another post that has the pictures of the Quilt Cards in it in the next couple of days.

Stampin' Up Deal of the Week

Have you ever wanted to try the Stampin' Up Fire Jeweled Brads?? Now is the time to try them. Originally $10.95, you can get them this week for $6.99.
If you want to order some let me know!!!!! I'll keep you posted on the next deal come Monday or Tuesday!

Stampin' Up Deal of the Week

This weeks "deal" with Stampin' Up is the Big Shot Doctor's Bag. Normally it's $69.99, but you can get it for $49.95 from July 6 (10 am MT) - July 13 (9:50 am MT). This bag is used for transporting the Big Shot.
If you are interested in this bag or any other Stampin' Up products just give me a shout! I'd be more than happy of order you something.

New Stampin' Up Catalog

Well, the new Stampin' Up Catalog is out today. How exciting is this? I'm very excited because stamping/card making has become one of my favorite hobbies and it has turned into a side job for me. I really don't make any money on it, but it's nice to get the discount. Here's a peak of the catalog.

Stampin' Up is also doing something different this month. They are having "weekly" specials. This weeks special is the scallop edge punch. Normally this punch is $15.95, but for the next 5 days you can get it for $10.99. They are not letting us know ahead of time what the specials are so keep tuning in if you are interested.

If you are intersted in a catalog our would like more information about Stampin' Up please let me know.

Happy Father's Day....

one week late! I've been so busy with my camps that I haven't had too much time to post. I did call my dad on Father's Day and talked to him for about 45 minutes. Here's the card that I sent my dad.On the inside of the card it said "I Whaley Love You" and it had a picture of a whale. I love using stamps like this to make cards for my dad. He appreciates them so much and loves showing them off to people who stop by to visit.
For Eric's dad I went a different route. Since his parents have been know to fish and camp, I decided to use this bear/camping set.
Well, my stamping group is getting together in about an hour, so I need to get going to finish getting my stuff ready. Hopefully I'll be able to post some pictures.

Busy Summer

Well, summer has officially started up here. Two weeks ago we had two days that were around 71. That's really warm for this time of year. Usually we are in the low 60's, like today. I am onto my third week of camp kids. The first week went pretty good, except for a student missing her flight (it was all my fault). I had the wrong leaving time on our travel sheets. I had her flight at 5:00 pm and it was actually 4:00 pm. She had to spend the night because that was the last flight to the village for both airlines that service the village for the day. Week 2 started off quiet and slow, but once the kids got to know each other they were a great bunch. We are on to week 3 and everything is going good this week. The students are really getting along good even though they are from 8 different villages. This week will be the first time that we have a few returning students. Cross your fingers that it goes well. Well, I'm going to enjoy the rest of my evening before I have to go into work tomorrow.

Another Crochet Project

Well, I finished another afghan about 2 weeks ago and am finally getting around to posting a picture of it. I am now almost finished with the afghans that I needed to make. I have one left and this has been the toughest one yet to come up with some type of design. It's for my new little nephew. My sister has not been very helpful coming up with a design. So sis, since I know you will be reading this, got any ideas for me?????

Belated Birthday

Well, my birthday has come and gone for another year (it was on Mother's Day). I wanted to share with you a great present that one of the girls I work with put together for me. She went around collecting 'well wishes' one the little cards she put inside of the jar. I thought it was a great birthday present from the people at work. Now I really need to come up with something great for her birthday here next week!!!!! Any suggestions big sis????

Goldilocks has got a bear!

Okay, Eric actually got the bear and my hair isn't as blonde (hence Goldilocks) as it used to be, but I've wanted him to get one since we moved up here.Look at this beauty! It measured 8 ft tall (okay, I was just informed that it is 8 ft from nose to tail, if it stood straight up it would be about 10 ft). The head is huge and so are the paws. The claws are longer than my fingers. Check out Eric holding one of the paws.
Eric has been thinking about how he wants to mount the hide. He was originally thinking of doing a hanging rug, but also thought a full body would be cool too (on all fours not standing). Guess we'll just have to wait and see!