No words can describe...

how awesome the Tras-Siberian Orchestra was last night! My mom and I went to Minneapolis, St. Paul and seen their holiday show. It was AMAZING! The music, the lasers, the lights, the video screen wall, the pyro-techno, fireworks and their voices with such magnitude....

it is indescribable! I enjoyed myself immensely and most likely will never forget it. Now, you may think of an orchestra of a bit slow and some may even think a bit boring. Not this orchestra if you have ever heard of them. Trans Siberian Orchestra takes it to a whole new level and borders on the verge of heavy metal in some respects. Some may think of it as just noise, as for me, I like almost all music and thoroughly enjoyed myself and the show.

There was not a moment that went without entertainment. If ever the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is in your area and you like all types of music, I highly recommend this show! We were on the second level, facing the stage, and we were able to see everything! The laser show from above was phenomenal to say the least! If you search Trans-Siberian Orchestra on youtube, you will be able to see some of the show, but video does not do the show justice at all.

I had a blast with my mom! I must tell you, my mom is such a trooper. She just had a total knee replacement on Dec. 13 and she didn't let it stop her one bit. This is the second time my mom has been to the show and she would go again and again. I enjoyed my time away, now back to reality. Cheers, Tonya

Merry Wishes...

Wishing each of you a Merry Christmas.
May the Magic of the Season be forever in your Heart.

Today.

This is what it looked like today, as well as this evening. Snowing, blowing and huge drifts. Snow and more snow. We are going to break record snowfall for Minnesota in December this year. The kids got out of school early today, but not early enough. In my opinion, the schools should have closed at about 10 a.m. It was terrible out and you couldn't see past our property line at about 8:30 a.m. but the superintendent never takes the country roads into consideration. They closed the schools three hours early...

The roads were so bad today that a bus went into the ditch. No one was hurt, but they never think of those poor bus drivers that have to take all of those children home. I have nothing but great respect for every single bus driver out there. The crap they have to put up with, I don't think they get paid enough.

I knew the schools would close early today and I honestly don't think they will have school tomorrow. I also don't think that I can get down my driveway to take the kids to the bus, even if they do have school. It would do no good to plow the driveway now, the wind is to fierce. The drifts are tall and when I picked the kids up at the end of the driveway today at about 1:30 p.m. the drifts were pretty high then and I almost got stuck a few times.

I am thankful I am done with school until January! YAY!! I got all straight A's and am pretty happy with myself. It was a lot of hard work, but it was a challenge that I was/am up for. Just think, I already have one-quarter of my schooling out of the way. Time sure flies when your having fun. :) I am so happy for the break from school thou, I can breath and catch my breath. I was up in my studio playing today. I am making some last minute things for gifts.

This past weekend, the kids and I went to my mom's house, stayed the night and baked our little hearts out. One of my sisters was there with her son as well. We made all sorts of goodies, we even made homemade caramels. YUM! They turned out absolutely PERFECT! Wishing each of you a wonderful week and a Magical Holiday Season. Cheers, Tonya

LUCKY ME!!

I was the LUCKY recipient of the BEAUTIFUL handmade wool hooked rug. I won this Jolly Snowman from Rhonda of "My Glory Stars." Rhonda's work is AMAZING and the colors are so very PERFECT for this rug. I could not believe I won. When I woke up on Sunday morning, I was greeted with an e-mail from Rhonda, stating that I had won. What a great way to start off the morning.

You will have to visit Rhonda's blog, as her work is simply amazing. Besides making hooked rugs, Rhonda also makes needle punched handmades. I adore my rug and will have to find the perfect spot for Mr. Jolly! The colors are perfect for me, as the blue in the background is about the same color as my studio.

I honestly don't think that I can put this sweet creation away for the year, once winter is over with. So, Mr. Jolly will reside with me, in my studio, so that I may enjoy him all year through. Thank you again, Rhonda. I will treasure him always. I adore him!!

I hope you all have a wonderful evening. Have a fabulous Friday. Cheers, Tonya

Random Thoughts...

We finally received some measurable snow on Friday. Not a whole lot, but enough to make it look like winter/Christmas. It had been quite chilly too.

Well, this semester is getting down to the nitty-gritty! Most of my finals are this week and then 2 next week. Wow, how time has flown right by. I am very pleased with this semester (grade wise). And on Friday, I got 94% on one of my tests. I was very happy and pleased with myself. Remember, Grammar and English have never been my strong suite and that is what I got the "A" on, so yes, I was pleased as punch! I was grinning ear to ear.

We take our tests online and once you are finished, you see your grade immediately. I love the fact that you do not have to wait to find out your grade. Technology and what it can do, it is simply amazing, if you think about it.

There is not really anything else to share, except our kitty is doing a bit better, but still not 100 percent. Thank you for all of your kind words. I hope you all have a wonderful week. Cheers, ~Tonya (I will be studying hard all week!)

New listings on Etsy...

I did find some time to finish Sweet Sally Snow Bunny! I have listed her and my hand made tags on Etsy. This is probably the last dollie for the year. My time is very limited in the creating department.
Sweet Sally has lots and lots of detail put into her. I love how she finished up. She has so much class and that black and white together, just so clean and crisp looking together. I even gave her some painted little leggins'.

Here is one set of my hand stamped tags. Is is the only set. Actually all three sets, they are all that is available. I have finished this set in German glass glitter. Pictures do not do these tags justice. It was very cold old, my fingers froze and I did not want to go back outside for natural lighting. In person they are so very pretty...

This set is without the German glass glitter, but still looks just as pretty. It all depends on what "look" you are after for your Christmas packages or your decor. Wouldn't they look so pretty on a feather tree.

And my last set of tags, a pretty reindeer. In person, there is so much detail in the reindeer. Little candy canes and such. Very neat. I have finished off the antlers with glitter, but you cannot really see that in the pictures. Oh well, I tried.

I do hope that you will hop on over to my Etsy shoppe and take a peek. I hope you each have a fabulous week and weekend. Cheers, ~Tonya

In the works...

Yes, I have something in the works. I have been trying to finish it up for a while now, but life just gets too busy. I did get to work on it this past weekend, but with Thanksgiving and such, there just is not enough time in a day.

It is something to do with snow, of course, and she is so very sweet. I started her quite a while ago and she has been waiting to be finished up. I hope to finish her up this week. I also made some tags and pretty cards, but have not had a chance to get any pictures taken. Maybe I can get pictures in the next day or two...

There is going to be a change in the weather here too. We received more rain yesterday. Yes, rain! Here this is the end of November and in Minnesota and well, it just doesn't feel like Minnesota lately. That is okay, I can handle no snow. I think that is about to change thou. High winds are kicking up and snow is in the forecast.

I thought I would stop in and say HI. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I also wanted to say Thank you, for all of your kind words about my Kitty-Cat Kinko. He is doing better, but he is still on the road to recovery. Have a beautiful day. ~Tonya

A TOUGH week!

This week started out with my beloved cat, Kinko, contracting a disease called Vestibular disease. What is that? Well in humans, it would be like "vertigo". It is brought on without reason or cause and your cat may look or appear to have had a stroke. The cat looses all sense of balance and it so scared, that it cries out loud, with a bellowing cry. Their eyes can move rapidly, back and forth and that is something that I will never forget. To see his eyes dilated and moving as they did, is just something I never want to see again. He could not walk, his neck was turned to the side like it was hinged and stuck in place.

The first 48 to 72 hours are the worst! I had to force feed my poor kitty and he was practically life-less and when he did move, he looked as if he was a robotic cat. A very sad state for an owner and for children to see. With each passing day, he is getting better. They say that 50% of cats make a full recovery. Some never make a full recovery and some will still have a tilt of their head as a result of contracting Vestibular disease...

Kinko is one of the most adorable cats I have ever owned. He is mild mannered and will drop to the floor, with a roll-over, to his back and stretch out for a nice belly rub. He will paw at my arm to have me pet him. He is just adorable! Kinko is still very unstable on his feet, but has started to eat a bit on his own. His eyes are no longer dialated and moving. All very good signs. He have a long way to go, but he is doing better and that is good.

***KINKO is his name because when he found my hubby at his place of employment, he was homeless, hungry, and had a crimp in his tail. Poor kitty. Hence, he became our Kinko. ;)

As if that was not enough--our furnace went out on Wednesday morning! It was out from about 9:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., Darrel was working, so I did what I thought was best. I turned on a couple of electric heaters. Well, that was a mistake. I tripped the breakers and reset them. I unplugged one heater, tried the other two again, they tripped again and I could not get them reset. So there we were, without heat in 26 degrees weather. It did get down to 42 degrees in here, thank goodness it was only for a short time.

I am very thankful that hubby is so handy! He got the furnace going and we are warm and toasty again. Needless to say, I do not want to repeat this week again, EVER! I am behind on my homework, so guess what I get to do this weekend? Any guesses? Homework. I am over joyed about that. I will get a little done each day. I am pretty diligent about that. I did want to work in my studio, but as we all know, our best laid plans don't always work out. I hope you all have a blessed weekend. I for one, am glad it is the weekend. I can sleep in a bit and breath. ~Tonya

Thought I would share...

Jenny of ~Wonders of Whimsy~ is having a give-a-way! She just started a SELLING BLOG. In celebrating her NEW sales blog, she is just asking you to "follow" her blog and spread the word. What do you get in return? A chance to win a One of a Kind, beautiful, hand painted notebook.

The notebook is so very pretty (I am keeping my fingers crossed). Jenny has a lot of "eye-candy" to feast your peepers on. There are a few things I would love to have in my home. Go visit her sales blog. Click on either the banner, or the picture, and it will take you there.

It is official, winter is on the way here, in Minnesota! Mankato, (about an hour away from me) is expected to get around 8 inches of snow, by Sunday evening. Yuck! As far as I am concerned, we didn't need to see any of the white stuff this year. *smirk* Unlikely that would happen, but that is what I call "wishful thinking". Imagine this, just a few days ago we were in the 60's for temps. and we were loving enjoying the mild temps. Today, (Friday-still Friday for me, I have not gone to bed yet) it rained/snowed, a nasty mixed bag all day. Tomorrow (Saturday) more of the same. In fact, the news said a 100 percent chance. Fun, fun! Pretty chilly and windy too :(

I did not have school on Thursday this week and I had a day to myself. I loved every minute of it. I forgot what it was like to have a day to myself. I spent some time in my studio, but not working on anything, I cleaned the mess I had created and not cleaned. Now I have a clean studio again and it makes me happy. I am itching to work on something. Perhaps I will have time to start working on something this weekend, we shall see.

Tomorrow the girls and I are going to have a FUN day out! We are going to the NEW Jo-Ann's. Our Jo-Ann's store closed, and a new one opened just recently, about 20 minutes away. They said it was a bigger space, and this store will carry more variety. We are also going to go to a movie. It should be a fun day, if the weather is okay for traveling.

Wishing each of you a beautiful weekend. Do something special for yourself and then sit back and smile. Peaceful Blessings, Tonya

29 Levels...

Have you ever played the game Jenga? Fun game! The girls and I were playing Jenga the other night, and we finished 29 levels, that is quite a lot of levels....and then, it went crashing down! Lots of laughs and a good time. The guys were deer hunting, (didn't get anything, but my thoughts are, that is okay). The girls and I just spent the weekend at home and I worked on my homework.

I was working on my assignment in for my computer class, Access - Database Management and just finished up with Excel and spreadsheets, a couple of weeks ago. Not my most favorite, but am doing good in that class. I am learning a lot, much more than I ever imagined! I had another test on Friday, it was in my Business Communications class, but more like an English Grammar class and I got an A!!

I was doing the happy dance, because even in High School, English and depicting sentences was always very difficult for me. We take our tests on-line and when you are finished, you hit submit and it tells you your grade immediately. I was just grinning and grinning ear-to-ear.

Today, was THE MOST BEAUTIFUL day! It was in the 60's, calm and just PERFECT! You could not ask for a nicer day, in November, in Minnesota. The sunset was gorgeous and for some reason today, the girls and I seen a rainbow, but there was not any rain. I thought rainbows were normally seen after rain? This weather could last for the rest of year. I don't need snow and cold weather.

I have not had time to create, but I have been studying and spending time with my girls...which is always a good thing. I also worked on the hallway today....a never ending task. I will just keep working on it there and there and eventually get it done. Have a peaceful Sunday night. I must go and finish up some homework. Blessings to you and yours, ~Tonya

~Happy Halloween~

Happy Halloween from the "Little SpoOks"! Although they are not very spooky *smirk* We did have fun picking things out for their funky costumes thou...

Here is my little Ninny...awww, a Sweet Little Witch and accented with her favorite color, purple. She makes an adorable little witch...

Look at those cool stockings! We purchased three sets of them, different colors of course.

And here is Courtney. I thought she looked adorable! You can see her teenage side here...meaning, she is getting older and wants to be a bit different. Yes, she wore this costume to school on Friday and everyone thought it was neat!

And look at those stockings. They didn't make things like that when I was a kid. Just wanted to show you the kiddies. Yes, I am still alive and kicking (screaming all the way). I just get a bit busy and don't always have time to do all of the things I would like. That is okay for now, I am working toward a goal and will have plenty of time later.

I wish each of you a grand All Hallow's Eve. We will be out Trick or Treating later. Toodles for now! ~Tonya

A Break??

So today MEA break started! Yeeee haaaww! I needed a break, don't get me wrong...I love school and love to learn, but a break is surely what I needed! My break officially started after school yesterday (that was my thoughts any way). All week long, I stayed after school, daily to get all of my homework done for the week. I wanted to be done with everything, so that I would be able to have a weekend without any homework. But (and that is a an awful BIG but), I thought to myself, we have lived in our home almost 8 years and I have yet to repair, prime and paint our hallway.

This isn't any ordinary hallway mind you. This is one GINORMOUS hallway. One small hallways leads up the stairs, into the stairwell and up to our second floor GINORMOUS hallway. It is a like a large room, within our hallway. I have wanted to paint if for so long, but have been procrastinating because I haven't quite figured out how I am going to become spider man (spider women) and scale the walls above the stairs! I still cringe every time I think about that area. I figure one way or another, I will get it done! I have procrastinated long enough...

This is the question I am asking myself thou...why the heck would I beat feet all week to get my homework done, just to work even harder at getting the plaster walls repaired (most likely three coats of joint compound, sanding in-between each coat and then priming) and painted? I must be a complete fool!

I tell you, I do think I am a fool, but once I am done, I will be a HAPPY FOOL! Is there such a thing as a happy fool? I like to think so.

As of now (mid-semester) straight A's for all 6 of my classes (a couple of straight A's in there actually). I am happy with my grades thus far. If I go down a bit once am I finished with this semester, that is okay. I know that I am doing my best and that is all I can do. After being out of school for 18+ years, I think I am doing pretty good! After all, I am full-time with 16 credits, juggling my life, having three children to tend too and everything else that goes along with it. I do get tired, but more mentally, than physically. But I am happy! And that is all that really matters.

I think I have rambled quite enough. I hope each of you have a pleasant weekend. I know it isn't the weekend, yet. But for me, it is! Toodles for now, ~Tonya

~Sweet Anna Angel Bunny~

The cooler temps in the evenings here in MN, got me thinking about Christmas (not to mention the dept. stores are already putting Christmas things out), so I thought I would bring a little bit of Christmas Magic to Life....hence, Anna Angel Bunny was born! She is so very pretty. I enjoyed creating her, although there is never enough time in a typical day or week...

I have listed ~Sweet Anna Angel~ on Etsy. I had to take pictures of her on different backgrounds, due to her white angel wings. She has tons of detail on her, I always have fun with that!
I made for Anna Angel a banner that reads BELIEVE, not only during the Christmas Season, but ALWAYS! I know I have received some emails from some of you wonderful gals and I thank you for thinking of me. I am going great and school is going very well for me. I enjoy getting out of the house and learning. I did always enjoy school.

Have a fabulous Sunday. Thanks for stopping by to visit. Peaceful Blessings to you, ~Tonya

~SWEET AUTUMN~

Autumn does not technically start for a few days, but here in MN, Autumn is all around us already. The leaves are turning, the temperature has been quite chilly and night-fall arrives so much earlier, then in the previous weeks before...

This is ~Sweet Autumn~ with her Autumn Bounty. I am so happy with the end result of this sweet lil gal. She makes me smile, every time I look at her...

Sweet Autumn is listed on ETSY and is full of detailed sweetness! Friday I didn't have school, so I did find time to create and was able to work in my studio! I do enjoy school and learning, but am still very happy to be able to find time here-and-there to create.

I do hope that you enjoy your Sunday. It is a perfect autumn day today. Have a Blessed Day.
~Tonya

There was a man...

There was a man on a corner today. Standing with cardboard in hand, two bags on the ground and whom appeared to be homeless. The sign said something very similar to this...

I AM HOMELESS
I AM TIRED
I HAVE COME A LONG WAY
ANYTHING WILL HELP

GOD BLESS YOU!

He was unshaven, he looked very sad, yet held his head with pride. My heart swelled with sadness, knowing that there are people that are living a life they had never planned for. People that have fallen into hard times and don't know how to pick themselves back up.

As I approached the busy corner, yes I was curious. I drove up slow to the red-light, so I could read the sign he was holding. I was turning right, so I could stop and then go, if the road was clear. As I approached this man, I was frantically digging in my pockets, I knew I had some money in my pocket and in the first pocket -- no money...

I quickly put my hand in my other pocket and yes! I had found a few bucks. I slowly turned slightly around the corner and pulled to the side a bit. I rolled down my passenger window and yelled out sir, he didn't hear me. Again, I said sir, as I was reaching out my hand and he reached into my van to take the money from my hand. He touched my hand, as he took the money. I told him; it is only a couple dollars, it is all I had in my pocket; he said God Bless You. It almost brought me to tears, knowing that just a few dollars could make a difference to him.

You are probably thinking, why is she telling this story? Well, because each of us need to open up our minds, our hearts and be Thankful for what we do have and not worry about the things we do not have. I told my son this story and started the story like this....There was a Homeless man and he said, how do you know he was homeless? He said, he could have been a person just trying to scam you for money. Perhaps he was a person that didn't want to work and was just asking for a hand-out, I don't know. I just followed my heart and thought he could use a few bucks. I have done this many times and I would like to think in some small way; that I made a difference..

My thoughts are this; we see what we want to see.

Who you are determines what you see.
Who you are determines how you see others.
The way people see others is a reflection of themselves.

If I am trusting, I will see others as trusting.
If I am critical, I will see others as critical.
If I am a caring person, I will see others as compassionate.

"You teach people how to treat you."
--Phil McGraw

~Miss Hannah Hare~

Meet Miss Hannah Hare! I found some time in between going to school and holding down the fort at home. Miss Hannah has the sweetest face and is full of detail...

Miss Hannah hare is full of color and reminds me of that saying "Color ME HAPPY!" So I just had to make a banner that reads "HAPPY". The happy banner is removable...

I have Miss Hannah Hare listed on Etsy. I do hope that you will stop by and take a peek. Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend. Be safe! Cheers, ~Tonya

POSSIBILITIES!

I was looking for a picture that "fit" my thoughts for this week and came up with this picture. I "borrowed" it from here. I love this picture! I think the "word-age" on this picture is so very true. In the past 3 to 6 months, I have become a more positive person and feel that if you think positive; truly great things will start to change and happen.

In one of my classes, my teacher spoke about negativity in the work place and how others around a negative person, can really be influenced by it. So very true! I feel that positivity should "spill" into your personal and home life as well. If you think positive, you feel better, think clearer and so many things around you start to change. I swear, it is contagious! I enjoy school and I look forward to it each day. Sounds crazy, I am sure.

For the past 4 years, I lived a very sheltered life. I worked at home and about the only reason I would leave my house was to run my children around, go grocery/supply shopping and that was about it. I am in the real world now; every day and did not realize how much I have missed.

I have been creating (a little bit) and I am almost done with a bunny rabbit dollie. I want her theme to be called "Color ME Happy", but am not sure? She is so colorful and just so very sweet! If all goes well, I will have her done today or tomorrow. I will then take pictures and get her listed. Have a wonderful Friday! Today, is a bit cold and windy...it sure is crazy what a difference a day makes. Toodles, ~Tonya

WOW!! 16 years ago today...

Darrel and I were married! My how time flies us by. Well, actually it seems longer then that because Darrel and I have been together since 1985. Yup, that is 25 years! Quite a milestone, for this day and age. I could go on and on and say that I married my best friend and so forth, but we all know everyone has their ups and downs, happy and sad moments together. That is what we call a "marriage". Everyone has things in their lives they wish they could change or have done differently, but I can tell you this, we honestly complete each other.

Darrel and I know each other so well, that if he started a sentence or a thought, I could finish it off and vice-versa. If he says....oh, I forgot to grab that.....not to worry, already done. It's the little things in life, if you pay close attention...

It is that certain look, that only you know. It is that certain touch or nudge, when you are in public. It is the little notes, here and there to remind you. The everyday little things that make up a lifetime. Marriage and Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take out breath away. ~Hilary Cooper

Intimidation??

I was...but am taking it one day at a time! I was so nervous to start College on Monday, but now...I don't know why I felt so nervous/scared. I am on my third day of College and ya know what? I forgot how much I loved being "out and about" and interacting with other people. I thoroughly enjoy it! I have missed it for so long, that I almost forgot what "interaction" with others on a daily basis was like. I have met so many nice people already. Most of them thought I was in my late 20's, boy did I have them fooled! I told them I was 37 and they were all in shock! Sure made me feel good *smirk*

I had also forgotten what it was like to get "prettied" up everyday. Most days I would get "ready" and put on "work clothes", that could get "junked-up" while working on my dollies. Now, I get to where jewelry again and feel so much better about myself. I tell ya, I have a whole new outlook on life!

I know this is not going to be a walk in the park, but anyone that knows me, knows that I do love a challenge. I am sure in time, I will get tired of getting up early everyday (as I love to stay up late and be a night owl), but I have been getting to bed at a decent time and taking it day by day and will continue to do so.

I had to lease a laptop for College (required) as all of the programs needed, are on there....I am getting use to that too ;) I am going full-time, with three of the classes on-line. I love the flexibility of the on-line classes, but don't know yet, if I will like them. Seems like more work then Campus courses, since basically you are "teaching yourself". Meaning, you have to be the teacher and the student and be responsible and diligent enough to stay on task. We shall see.

Just wanted to say "hi", summer is almost over and soon my kiddies will be going back so school. It has been a bit of a challenge with me in school already and them being home, but we are all adjusting very well. Toodles for now, ~Tonya

~Sweet Grace~

Sweet Grace Bunny turned out so very sweet! Yes, I know I say that quite often. Grace is my most favorite for the year! I have not made a bunny angel this year (I think). I am starting school on Monday and thought I would get one last handmade in, before then and Sweet Grace was it!

Her face is just so innocent, I love that about her. She looks so restful and peaceful. Sweet Grace was inspired by me going to school...a reminder to DREAM...we ALL should!

I am just smitten with that STAR! I love how it turned out and it adds soooo much to this piece. Lots of paper, crepe paper, german glass glitter and lots of patience *smirk* I hope you will go and take a peek, I have listed her on ETSY.

I am happy to say that we have received a much needed reprieve from the heat...so very THANKFUL for that! It actually has been so chilly in the evenings, we must shut the windows. I love Mother Nature's air conditioning. Have a great week...time is just flying by for me. So much to finish up around here before Monday. Toodles, ~Tonya

~Miss JOY Bunny~

I finished up Miss JOY and I think she has the sweetest face! I really enjoyed working on a little bit of Christmas. This heat has me thinking of a little bit "cooler" time of the year, hence Miss JOY was brought to Life! I don't know how much time I will have to create Winter/Christmas handmades with going back to school! Yes, going back to school, I start on Aug. 23rd, just around the corner...

Miss JOY has tons of detail. I have trimmer her in gold, which does not happen often. She has a little star sprig that I made for her, along with her JOY banner and look at that neckline...

This picture is a little "foggy", due to the high humidity. Once I walked outside to take the pictures, from the camera being in air-conditioning, this is what happened. It got better, as time went on. I due hope you will stop by my Etsy to have a peek at Miss JOY. I hope your day goes well and if it is HOT where you are, stay COOL! Toodles for now, ~Tonya

My Latest Obsession!

Making Jewelry! Yup....seems I have to try everything and every-now-and-then "dabble" in something NEW. I have learned lots and even made some floating necklaces! Imagine that *smirk* In person, they look so much prettier and what I like best, is that I can make them just for me and no one else will have another set like it. They look so pretty on and especially when I put my hair up...

Here is a full picture of the set. I really enjoy making jewelry and it is something that doesn't take hours upon hours, so in some sense - there is some "instant" gratification. I love wearing jewelry and up until now, I really didn't have anywhere to where it too. I recently got a my hair trimmed, got some highlights and have pretty nails too! Imagine that! My hands use to look awful, from all the stain I had them in for my prim dollies...I now where gloves! Also got myself a new pair of glasses (they aren't quite done yet)...

I am happy to say I am working on a NEW dollie. I hope to have her done tomorrow....yes, a Bunny dollie and so far, she is just soooo very sweet! I just thought I would share a little tid-bit with you. I hope all is going well for each of you. Other then trying to keep cool, this chicky-poo has not been up to much of anything - except playing with lil jewelry parts *smirk* Toodles for now ~Tonya

Duluth Getaway -

We went to Duluth (the kids and I, along with my sister, her family and my Mom & Stepfather). I picked out some pictures, that were the "highlight" of our time there, in Duluth. There is such beauty there...Lake Superior is breathtaking!

The first day we arrived, we were going to go the the beach. We had to cross the bridge to get there...but the bridge was going up...tons of people and they were actually exiting there vehicles while waiting. We thought, why not? We did and we were able to see the Tall Ships arriving! It was awesome! To see those Tall Ships coming in, was like nothing else. All the pictures were taken by my phone and unedited...

Aren't they just BEAUTIFUL! I think it was the first boat, pictured above was on "Pirates of the Caribbean". They told us, but I cannot remember. There were quite a few and while we were there, we actually seen 8 of them sail in. It is describable...

A lighthouse at the end of the pier. You can see Courtney in this picture. The first day it was full of sun, while we walked along the beach and so forth and this day however, was totally different. Full of haze, pretty chilly, rained off and on and pretty windy.

Here is another lighthouse that was there. We watched a very large barge come in, full of limestone. They actually talked about the barge and the length of that barge was unforgettable! Watching it go by us while on the pier and see the crew waving...pretty neat! They had been out for a very long time. That barge only goes a max. speed of 16 mph. Imagine that!

Here was my first vision of Lake Superior, on foot - our first day as we walked over the bridge to the beach....awwww, BEAUTIFUL! It was so blue and it went for as far as the eye could see.

Tracks and a stone wall, that I thought was pretty. We went on a scenic train ride of the North Shore. It was so pretty. My kids and I had never been on a train. We enjoyed that too...

The bridge that opens for the boats. We got stuck on the other side for about an hour and a half, the first day. A little frustrating, but to be expected. Going across the bridge and looking over, so pretty.

One of the fountains in the downtown area. I had to snap a picture. So many things to look at and so much beauty.

Jordan and Ron along the beach the first day. We had just arrived and were waiting for the cabin, so we went to the beach. Such clear water and walking along Lake Superior on a beautiful day, there is nothing like it...look at that smile. We found such pretty rocks along the shore.

My Mom and Ron here. This is the bridge we crossed to get to the beach, it was near the airport. While walking through the sand to get to the beach, it was pretty hot on the ol' feet! We had FUN! Made some wonderful memories that will certainly last a lifetime! Tomorrow is my birthday...another year older...another year wiser! Hope you all have been having a FUN summer! Blessings, ~Tonya