Blog failure

So, at what point does one just throw in the towel and admit they are a blog failure anyway?

Posting twice a year is rather pathetic, yet I will forge ahead sending meaningless drivel into cyberspace. Since we last had a recap, so much has happened I don't even know where to begin quite frankly. Let's just hit the high points shall we? Ok good, hold on to your hats.

In November my handsome Prince and I took a whirlwind 2 week vacation to see family and friends. 2100 miles in 10 days reminded me quite quickly why we prefer to be homebodies for sure. First, we headed to my old home town in Lander, Wyoming to see my son, his beautiful wife, my sister, and my adorable new niece. We got to spend Thanksgiving with them and I was able to show my husband a few of the more scenic places in the area.

Yes, my son and his wife really do love each other! Isn't it obvious lol? This was taken after spending 2 hours hiking in knee deep snow to cut a Christmas tree for them. No, it wasn't a planned event. Laura had on dress shoes and Zachary and I were wearing cowboy boots. Not

ideal foot attire but we did snag them a lovely tree.

Isn't this view breathtaking? Note to self, so is the road in the winter. All the years I lived here the road it closed at the bottom due to snow. This year it was smooth sailing, until we hit the first hairpin turn to head up the mountain.

This next shot is from Sinks Canyon just outside of Lander. A majestic place where I spent countless hours of my youth exploring. Just a few feet from here is a place called the Rise where the river running through here forms a pool that is chock full of large fish to feed by hand. No

fishing allowed, trust me.

See the fish? You stand on a giant platform that goes out over the water for viewing. And yes I had to zoom to get this shot.

This is the Sinks. So named as the river disappears into this giant cave. See my wacky son standing down there? Let's zoom back out for a better perspective.

There are actually a series of caves and tunnels down there. Only crazy kids are brave enough to attempt those. I made it once past the first cave. Not the brightest tool in the shed in my younger days.

If you ever find yourself in Wyoming, plan a day trip to Lander. Lovely town full of even better people. I got to see my high school best friends which absolutely made the trip for me.

This is my sister and my little niece Easton. She is such a tiny little thing and good as gold. I don't think the poor thing got to lay down once while we were around.

So, after a week in Lander we headed to Utah to see my daughter and her family. I'd like to say I have photos of my little Summer, but I'd be lying. She was too busy playing to hold still for pictures with Grammy for sure! Let's just say this was taken then shall we lol?

We had a terrific time with them, but sadly all good things must come to an end and we had to return home. Christmas was uneventful this year with no kids here to share it with us. Just not the same to celebrate it with just each other I am afraid.

Shortly after our return, my Prince decided he hadn't given me enough trouble in awhile so he had some major surgery to repair some aortic aneurysms and have 5 stents placed. Good thing I love him as he is a less than stellar patient I assure you!

Fast forward to February and we had to make another trip to Utah after my mother in law passed away. Such a sad and difficult trip. I am extremely blessed to have known here and be part of her wonderful family. She was 87 and had endured more in her lifetime than any other soul could have ever done. A true inspiration to all who knew her. Since we were close, we also went for a quick visit to see the daughter. We had hoped that the new baby could be born while we were there. No such luck.

But then on March 6, she made a grand entrance and joined our wonderful family!

Meet my little Savannah! A beautiful little bundle of joy! Her big sister is smitten with her as well. Doesn't seem possible that my baby just turned 22 yesterday.

So, there you have it. The grand events of the last few months. The good, the bad, and the ugly shall we say? Hope everyone is having a good start to this year.

Has it really been that long?

Oh My-lanta! I seriously have neglected this little corner of my world haven't I? So sorry and hope this finds everyone healthy and happy. So much has happened I have no clue how to sum it all up, so instead I shall just carry on as if I had my act together.

Fall has finally arrived in our little corner of the world. My majestic tree in the yard went from a glorious supple green to shriveled black overnight. Just once I crave to see some beautiful fall color appear instead of this sudden death we so often experience. Ironically we have already had two snowfalls this year, but not such cold until now. I will miss the brilliant warmth of the sun. Cold is frankly not my cup of tea.

Last week we were delighted to share the 1st birthday milestone with our sweet little Princess and her parents. I have no clue how it came to be that she is already past a year old, walking, talking, and pure daredevil.

We also learned the same day that this little Princess will be the big sister to another Princess in March 2012! This rather complicates the postings so it appears new names are in order for all the girls lol!

May you all have a wonderful day filled with much happiness and love.

It beginning to look a lot like Christmas

As I write the dreaded white stuff is piling up outside my door and making mayhem of the local roadways. Blogger won't let me share photos today, so you will have to take my word for it instead :(. My plans were to finish my Christmas shopping tonight, however I will wait and take my chances next week in the floods that are expected instead.

I still have all my Christmas baking, candy making, and general kitchen mess to do so it will happen this weekend instead. Can already smell that peanut brittle and fudge can't you? Hoping to get a few dozen rolls in the freezer too if I get time.

Mostly have the presents wrapped except for those last minute items currently showing in transit tracking numbers but still have stocking shopping left to do. Think I will go the Dollar Store route this year for something a bit easier on the pocket book.

We have a new housemate for a indefinite period of time as Prince's daughter has moved in with us. Not exactly what I had in mind, but what's a girl to do? Will muddle through one way or another.

The new baby Princess is growing like a weed, already up to 10.5lb and had her first shots with Mom shedding more tears than baby. She LOVES the lights and all the sparkle at Grammy's house so that helps a bit with the lacking Christmas spirit here for sure. Prince and his new wife are flying in next week, which will be a surprise for Princess as she was told they couldn't afford to fly this year. Rotten liars we are, but it will make our Christmas a bit more special.

In case I get lost in a drift, I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. May you be surrounded by love, peace, warmth, and safety wherever you are this season!

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing everyone a fabulous holiday filled with family, love, food, and fun. We are off to a funeral so have postponed our celebration for this year. I am very thankful for the wonderful friends this blog has allowed me to have in my life. I am extremely grateful for my wonderful family and am truly blessed.

The Wicked Witch isn't dead after all....

Holy time warp Batman! Where has the time gone? Well, perhaps these will give you a tiny clue of what is happening around the old Gazing Ball homestead.


First of all was my son's wedding in July. Yeah, I know its already October, but I don't recover like I used to ya know?





Here are my beautiful babies (complete with one on the way). Clean up purdy good for kids I think. No one can rock camo at a wedding like my son!


The entire gang for the obligatory photo session, but frankly they are boring. We do better if you don't stick us in a line up.



Sealed with a kiss! The outdoor ceremony went off without a hitch. All the hard work on the flowers made it a color extravaganza! All in all, it was amazing and the couple is happily living the married life.




Now, if that weren't enough excitement for one year, hold on to your hats. Let me introduce you to our new family member! Welcome Miss Summer!

So, I'll spare you the gory details for the zillion other reasons I have been absent. Maybe life will settle into a dull roar shortly. Hope everyone is enjoying fall and is ready for a wicked Halloween as well!

I am getting too old for this...

Well, it's official. I now have two adult married children. Seems like this day was always just a far away thought.

Now, how I have managed for 6 days on only a total of 12 hours sleep and over 2200 miles of driving is beyond me. Let's just say that my focus is a bit fuzzy, so excuse me while I run off for a nap!

Wild ride

So sorry to appear to have dropped off the map everyone. The last few months have been total chaos with no end in sight. I left my old job, started a new one, and am frantically doing last minute preparations for my son's wedding next weekend. I will be out of touch for awhile, but still try to swing by and read others as I can. Forgive me if I don't take time to comment while I am there. Hope everyone is having a terrific summer!