A new Doggie...

Some more flowers that I have in my flower beds. Boy am I going to have to do some thinning out to this year, in my flower beds. I just hate to throw them away. I just cannot do that, so before you know it...the flowers are all inter-mixed with one another.

Meet Zach! He is a Humane Society puppy right now, but we are going to look at him tomorrow. Our Cocoa has been awful lonely, so we may be adding Zach to our family. Cocoa has been howling at night, so I know he would love a little playmate. I had to fill out the paper work for an adoption, so we will see how tomorrows visit goes. The kids are very excited!

I get to be the "Ice Cream Scooper" at my daughter's school tomorrow. It is for a "MCA Testing" party. If they received good "growth" scores on their tests, then they are rewarded with a party....boy we never had those when I was in school *smirk* We had the "CAT" test (California Achievement Test). It was all multiple choice and they were so long and monotonous that I think most just blackened in a circle to be done! LOL

Well, I have been busy trying to fill some special orders, for some wonderful customers. Boy you guys are keeping me busy....the good kind of busy thou. I sure appreciate your support! After this piece is done, I am going to be adding to my "Olde Thyme Primitive Stocking Collection" and they will be listed on eBay. I have them all drawn up and I can't wait to bring them to Life!

I did manage to get my flowers planted in my whiskey barrels tonight...I have only had them waiting for me since I purchased them on Mother's Day. Shame on Me LOL!

Toodles....I have to get to work again! (I just had to take a quick break) ~Tonya

Beautiful Flowers...

My Flower Gardens are blooming. They are so beautiful...as I was driving around my circle in my driveway, I couldn't help but notice all of my blooming flowers. There are so many different kinds and colors. I love this time of year. When we moved to our acreage almost 4 years ago, we didn't know that we had all of these beautiful perennial gardens on our property.

When we first put an offer our home to purchase it, it was still winter in Minnesota. So imagine our surprise when we took possession of our home and we had 3 large perennial beds and a Hostas all around. The day we took possession, we must have walked around the property for about an hour.

I just thought it was so appropriate to show "poppies" for this time of year, because of Memorial Day. They are just beautiful. You don't see many poppies growing around here anymore. They have "altered" poppies to not grow wild anymore. On my property, I still have the "Wild" poppies. I have some Hostas that are about 4 feet in diameter.

Just thought I would share a flower with you...
Smiles and Take Care of You, ~Tonya

NOT FORGOTTEN...

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. A poem that I found, The Author is unknown...

Honor Earned

Here we stand to honor our dead;

To remember them as these words are read.

To give that honor that they have earned;

Is a lesson taught, a lesson learned.

These men and women who gave their all;

And answered God’s hallowed call.

And even though we are apart

They live on in our minds and heart.

So, bow your head and let us pray;

God bless them all on this day.

I hope that you all had a PEACEFUL Memorial Day.

Let us not ever forget...

Memorial Day Blessings to you, ~Tonya

My Favorite....

After Working like a "Mad Women" this week, I finally got all of my Whimsical Little Fairies finished! I was up until the wee hours last night and then worked on them all day today. This one is my very favorite...but of course, because I love that time of year. So many neat things to make....I can't wait. I have many sketches from earlier this year for "All Hallow's Eve", I just can not wait until I start making them. I will wait for a while, until I begin to make more Fall Handmades. I just had to make this ONE little Fairy. I have had such a terrible urge to make some "All Hallow's Eve" dollies and then once I got this wonderful wool, I could just picture it on this Little Fairy!

This little fairy is going up on eBay tomorrow evening. A bit early for All Hallow's Eve, but I have seen quite a few other ones out there for fall....so I thought "Why Not"??

Memorial Weekend already! Wow, where does time go?? Memorial Weekend is normally the "Kick-off" to SUMMER! My Little Kiddies will be done with school on June, 7th. Time is just a flyin by. I do Hope that all of you have a Safe and Peaceful Memorial Weekend. This weekend and Labor day weekend, are normally filled with family fun and gatherings. I hope that you will all be able to spend some time with your loved ones.

Make some Wonderful Memories ~Tonya

The Field Trip...

I had an enjoyable day with my son, Jordan. We had his field trip today at the Minnesota History Center and we also went to the Capital (St. Paul). I have some pictures to share with all of you. It rained almost all day, so no tour of the top of the Capital...

This is a picture of the Capital of Minnesota. We had a tour inside, I had one when I was about my sons age (6th Grade), but I appreciated it much more, as an adult. Such detail and all of the unique hand painted murals. So, much history to behold inside...

A close up shot of the Capitol, right before we left. It finally quit raining. The State Capital is 102 years old, this year. My son said this was the best field trip ever! He said that last year too *smirk*

This was a church across the way. I thought it was just beautiful...so of course, I had to snap a picture of it.

My son, Jordan...by one of the exhibits in the History Center. Back in 1997, gas was only $1.47 a gallon. I think we could all use a "break" on the gas increase...

The "Gang" that I was a Chaperon too. They were a pretty good group of kids. They had fun. I said that I would give each of them a picture...to remember!

Jordan inside the Governor's Office (Tim Pawlenty). He got to feel "Special" for a bit. We also snapped a shot of him behind the podium! We made some wonderful memories today. Now isn't that what life is all about. The Memories are a "Treasure", that you can keep in your Heart...Forever! Peaceful Blessings, ~Tonya

My Little Fairy...

Here is a Little Sneak Peek of one of my Whimsical Little Fairies. I am not quite done with her yet... I am working on a couple other ones and I hope to get them done for my update on TDIPT Mercantile. I am having so much fun "Bringing them to Life".

Tomorrow I get to go on a "Field Trip" with my son. It will be at The St. Paul, Minneapolis History Museum. I get to ride a bus for about a total of 4 hours....oh what fun! LOL Once we are off of the bus, it will be fine....but bus rides are not "My cup of Tea". I went on a Field Trip last year and I was the only parent entertaining all of the kids. I was making them, these little hand paper puppet things. The kids got a kick out of them.

Boy has school changed since I was in school...The teachers said, they may only bring one book on the bus. No magazines and no paper. I feel if kids have something to do, it makes for a much happier child. But what do I know LOL. Well, I am off to make supper. I hope you all had a Great day. I know I will have to work my little tail-feathers off to get my other two little Fairies done! Have a Peaceful Evening, ~Tonya

Whimsical Little Fairies.....

I hope you have all had a Wonderful Tuesday! I have my Internet back and they fixed my phone this morning!! Yay! It was a double whammy...I am so glad to be "Back on Track"! Boy, we sure all depend on technology today.

I stayed up into the wee hours last night...I am working on some "Little Whimsical Fairies" for the Mercantile and I must say, they are turning out so very NEAT! They are smaller then my average doll, but I love this size. I am very excited. As I added more, I would take it to my hubby, (grinning ear to ear) and say, isn't she so sweet. He said boy, you sure are happy. I said I love these! It doesn't take much to make me smile, when I am creating my handmades. I had the first one hanging on my kitchen wall, because I have to make something to go with her, my Little Sydney says, "She kinda looks like me, Mom"....isn't that so sweet? She has brownish hair, with some light colored tips and two little braids....these little Wee-Whimsical Fairies have touch a place in my heart.

Creating for me is my way to loose myself, without really going anywhere. I know that when someone purchases one of my handmades, it (my Handmades) have "Come Full Circle", when my customer opens up their package and having my dollie in hand, they look at it and it "Leaves a Smile on your face and a Dance in your Heart"!

I hope you all have a Wonderful Day and who knows, as I finish up one of my Fairies...if time allows, I may post a "Sneak Peek" of a Whimsical Fairy....Smiles, ~Tonya

Testing My Patience...

Yesterday, we had a small storm come through...well, we had wind, rain, thunder and lightening. The thunder & Lightening hit very close to our home, it shook the whole house! We have a full two story home, with a walk up attic and full basement...so it took something really big and really close, to shake the whole house! And now, my wireless went to the "pots" and my telephone connection is so "noisy" and full of nothing but crackle, that even dial-up is next to NOTHING! It takes almost 5 minutes to pull up a page. So, it is "Testing my Patience"! Boy, I think someone is telling me to "Get to Work"! LOL

I have started on my Mercantile Items. They are going to be so Neat! The first one is still in the "early stage of Life", but she is looking wonderful. Today was one of those days...My Kiddies were "gnawing at my nerves". I am off to work on my dollie. So, I hope you all have a Wonderful Evening!

Many Blessings to you and yours,
~Tonya

Purrrr...

I get such a "kick" out of cat's! I think we could take a lesson or two from cat's...

They are so adaptable, for the most part. My Lou Lou, is such a crazy kitty-cat! He can snuggle up just about anywhere. Sometimes when I am in the bathroom getting ready, he will sit and meow at me, as if he is asking if he can jump up on the counter. Then he jumps up and will curl up in the sink. Plain crazy I know. He is such a nice cat.

Today was another windy day. Geez, yesterday when I was trying to mow, it didn't last to long! It was so windy, I had dirt in my mouth, all over my face and grass inside my clothes everywhere! That was not fun. I only got to mow for about an hour...I said enough of that!

Boo Hiss, I didn't want to mow any ways. LOL I had a good day. I hope you all had a good day too. This weekend I hope to get lots done. Hubby works all weekend. I am now starting on my Mercantile Handmades....Tic Toc, Tic Toc

Never Enough Time. Have a Good One.

Many Blessings,
~Tonya

Small Wonders...

Awww...for "tweet"! My son took this picture of these little baby Robin's yesterday. Look at all that work in that nest! That Mama Robin has made a "Perfect" work of heart, for her little babies. I think new life is just so very precious. So, pure and innocent. There is just something about "Small Wonders". I love Spring with all of the "New Awakenings" from the long Wynter's Nap.

My Little Sydney Graduated Preschool today! It was so very cute. They used a button up white shirt for their gowns (backwards) and they had a little crown (made of paper and wrote their names on it). They had the music playing and they called their names up, one by one. It was so neat, they even handed them a little rolled up scroll (a little "Congratulations" paper)!! I have posted a picture of the PROUD Sydney! Now this fall she will start all day Kindergarten.

It will be nice, but she is also looking forward to going to school with her "Big" sister, Courtney. My son starts "Middle School"...that is a scary thought. I remember those days. I hope all goes well...

Mom will have days to herself Yay!! I have been a "Work at home" Mom for so long with little ones around me, well I just won't quite know how to conduct myself LOL. I hope to get a lot done and a little "Piece of Mind".

I now have to go and mow......joy!! Can ya tell I am just "thrilled" about mowing. I am so thrilled, I can hardly contain myself LOL. I will get to enjoy a little bit of fresh air, on such a beautiful day. So, that is a good thing. I hope you have a wonderful evening. Cherish the Little Things in Life...Before you know it, it may be to late. Blessings, ~Tonya

A Card...

I recieved a card today from a friend. I thought it was so very sweet of her. She said that if I wanted this stamp, that made this very card...that I could have it. She said that it was because I always use the saying "From My Heart & My Hands...To your Home! Isn't that so very thoughtful! She also sent me all kinds of goodies earlier this week. So very thoughtful and she sure put a smile on my face. You know who you are and "Thank you"! Just too Sweet!

Well, our doggie came home. Shortly after looking for him...we went driving and calling out for him, he came home. He has been gone for a couple of days before, but someone had shot "Bird-shot" at him. Which I think is very cruel. Yes, I know he should stay home, but he is a very kind dog and most of the time he does stay home. I just think people should think...before they react. Everyone needs to think with their hearts and their head. And ALWAYS treat other's, as you would want to be treated. If everyone did, we would live in a far better world!

Well, I have received an over-whelming (the good kind) of emails on my new listing on eBay! I will respond to each of them, but it will take a bit of time. I have to finish cleaning my so-called craft room (The Back Porch) ! It was looking pretty grim, but now it is far worse then before. So, I am off to clean and organize....as if I will find anything after I organize LOL!! You all have a great day.

BIG Smiles, ~Tonya

Charlotte's Web...

I am finally DONE!! I thought I would show all of you a picture of my finished set!! I LOVE this set! It is Fern, with Wilbur, Charlotte and not to forget about that little Templeton! They are PROUDLY marching in the Fourth of July Parade....Everyone was so AMAZED with Wilbur, on The Ole Zuckerman Farm. I hope that you like it. I will be listing this on eBay on Tuesday evening and will end on Sunday evening.

Well another Wild -N- Windy day here today. It is in the low 90's and so windy...that to get pictures of my set, I had to have hubby pull the vehicles up to our little shed. It is a little garden shed that we move on our property about a year and half ago. It was suppose to be for my gardening stuff....but will remain as-is, because it is the perfect backdrop for my Handmades. Storms are suppose to move in this evening, with some threatening weather...maybe even hail!

I do hope you all had a nice Monday. I had the fun task of paying bills and then there was the ole property taxes that we paid....due tomorrow! Boo Hiss!! I now have to work on some new items for the Mercantile. Off to look for my doggie....his name is Co-Co. He has run off. I tell ya, there is so much to do and so little time. Have a Splendid evening. Smiles ~Tonya

A Mother's Love....

A Mother's Love is unconditional. A Mother will stand by you, even when you may be wrong. A Mother can see you through her eye's, the way no one else ever will. A Mother can see and feel your pain, without a word. A Mother lets her children go in life, but in here heart...they are never far away. Happy Mother's Day to each of you.

The piece of wonderful art was found at www.honorwithart.com It is a site for the awareness of missing and exploited children. A site where children are honored through art. I received a poem today through an email, from my sister. This was only part of an email, but I wanted to share it with all of you. I found it touching. The author is unknown.

May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

"I believe that friends are quiet angels who, lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."

Well, I am happy to tell all of my faithful readers, I have my set done!! Yippeeee! I got it done, but to late for pictures...plus the wind here today was so fierce! I know I would not have been able to get any decent pictures. I must say, that I am so HAPPY with my completed set....I do believe it is MY VERY FAVORITE!! So much detail, it was well worth all of the hours. I have been working on this set since last month. I will be listing it on Tuesday. Well, I must clean up my "hurricane" at my kitchen table. Big Smiles @ All of you!

~Oink--Oink~

Did someone say "Pork" LOL!! I have been working on this set now for a loooong time. It seems like well...

F-o-r-e-v-e-r!! I thought I would give a sneak peek. It is turning out so neat. I hope to list it on Sunday evening on eBay and if not, then I will for sure list it on Tuesday.

Today is such a beautiful day out. It was a whopping 87 degrees out yesterday. Today is a bit a cooler and there is a breeze....so that always helps. So much mowing and weeding to do!

I wanted to say "Thank you" from the bottom of my heart....for all of the wonderful emails in support of my handmades and such. It means a lot, that you would take the time to let me know your thoughts and for your genuine support. I truly appreciate every one of you.

I do hope all of you have a wonderful weekend. If I do not get in before or on Sunday....to all of you Mom's out there, Happy Mother's Day. Do something special for yourself! I am going to add a touching e-card that I received today and I have passed it on. If you have 3 minutes....click on the link! It is called "How much do you Love?" Very touching...
http://www.tonyrobbins.com/Marketing/Mothersday/mothersDay.html#ec=135534
Until next time.........Take Care of you and yours. ~Tonya

How True...

I received this in an email tonight from a friend. I think that this poem is so true and wanted to share it with all of you. I do not know who wrote the poem...I only wanted to share it, because it is so very true.

The most beautiful rainbow As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will.

You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken.

You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love.

So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.

Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never
begin.

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

On that note...Have a Wonderful Evening! Smiles, ~Tonya

F.Y.I.

I got a wonderful email today 5/16/07!! I am turning the negative into a positive! I am going to work harder and create until my "Heart is Dancing"! I have received many wonderful emails and support. I Thank you...to each and everyone of you. Your support means so very much to me. I hope you all have a Blessed Day! Big Smiles, ~Tonya

Lady Bug, Lady Bug...Fly away Home!

That is the childhood verse or poem that kept coming to mind, when I was working on my latest handmade. I am so happy with the way that Lydie-Bug and her "Spring-Thyme Finds" finished up. I do believe I have myself a "Little Bug Collection" going on. I hope to add a few more buggies. I am having so much fun with them.

It has been absolutely gorgeous here. Now the grass is green and needs a "haircut". Awww, the daunting task of cutting almost 7 acres of grass. I know we really do not need to mow all of that....but it looks so nice. My son has been mowing a bit on it, but we will not let him cut close to the house or the area that has a lot of trees.

May Day was yesterday! Do any of you remember when...you would make a little basket, fill it with goodies and then go and hang it on a door. Knock on the door or ring the door bell and run? I know me and my family did that when I was a little girl. All of the good ole little traditions are being cast aside now days. I wonder why that is? Things have changed so much. I feel that families don't spend as much time together as they use too, several years back. It is a shame, because I have so many fond memories of little tid-bits like that. I did not make May Day baskets with my children...perhaps if we lived in town, we would have. We did talk about it and they thought it was pretty neat.

Well, I must go. I have a million and one things to do today. It seems as though there is never quite enough time in a day. I have to clean my house from making my dollie.....it looks as if there was a hurricane that ran through! *smirk* I hope you all have a Most Blessed Day.