Home Again

I'm back!  My husband had his vacation early this year.  We saved our pennies and worked very hard (especially my husband...working extra hours to save up) and went away to Montana for just shy of two weeks.  It is a state we had always wanted to go to.  Of course, driving out there and back took four days total--it was long but worth every mile.  We went to upper Wyoming first going to Cody and splurging on a rodeo (the kids loved it!) and driving through Yellowstone National Park where we saw Old Faithful, the Beehive, and of course many sulfer-smelling, steaming pools.

We drove through the Bighorn National Forest.  Wonderful! 

Yes, it was a little chilly, but the mountains were gorgeous and the wildflowers were a delight.
We then went on up to Montana where we gold panned (didn't find anything) and searched for sapphires (did find many...but I'm saving that for another post!).  We stayed in camping cabins (thankfully there were heaters in most--froze one night in a cabin that didn't have a heater!) and had many picnics.  I was able to do a little bit of shopping (a different post on one of those places).  My husband enjoyed a little fishing on Father's Day after church...because it was Father's Day it was a no-license day! 

I enjoyed the mountain roses everywhere.

We went up the northwest side of the state and spent time at Glacier National Park before coming home.  We saw plenty of exciting wildlife.

Due to rain and the snowmelt, the rivers, falls, and streams were swollen and rushing...but beautiful. 

The Indian Paintbrushes were everywhere.

The "Going-to-the-Sun" road (the one that goes over the mountains in the park) was opened the second day we were there.

 It was quite a ride, to say the least, but we enjoyed it!

We had a super family time and totally enjoyed God's awesome creation. 

What I sent to Deb

 
This is what I sent off to Deb (Garage Sale Gal) in the Bloggerette Sorority Summertime Matchbox Swap.  Deb likes yellow and pink, so I made her a box with those colors (and some sparkles, of course!).

Inside I put lots of vintage bits and tried to keep in mind her favorite colors of yellow and pink-- including a pretty doily with small yellow and pink flowers, golden vintage thread, some metal stars, a string of pearls, and a house-shaped tea strainer.

I added some vintage paper bits, a round container of glass beads including little fish beads, and a mini salt shaker with sea glass in it from Maine.

I also put in a little box filled with pretty buttons (including an ice cream cone button) and baubles with summer colors and themes.

Deb was a great partner, and this was certainly a fun swap.

Long Overdue Swap Exchange Post

My apologies to Deb of Garage Sale Gal fame--my swap partner in the Bloggerette Sorority "Summer Matchbox Swap".  Deb was a fabulous swap partner.  She sent me this most beautiful matchbox that she decorated.

The theme of the box had to be "summertime".  Deb knew I like pink and green and did a great job combining the colors I like with pretty shells.  Isn't that rose "drawer pull" pretty?   



Inside she put a whole bunch of fun and pretty things--things she made, vintage things--all with a summery theme.  She decorated some clothespins with tiny, colored shells.  Sooo, pretty!



Then, what she couldn't fit in the matchbox Deb kindly sent along in a pretty pink scarf.  I especially loved the vintage strawberry perfume from Avon.
 
Then to top it all off...Deb sent an extra thank you note for what I sent to her.  She was a great partner, and I'm very appreciative for all the effort and time she put into this swap.  Thanks, Deb!

Little Teaser for Deb

Sent off Deb's (of Garage Sale Gal) swap box today as part of the Bloggerette Sorority's "Summertime Matchbox Swap."  Here is a little, itty, bitty teaser of what her box is like.  I hope she likes what's inside.  I'll do a full post with pictures once I know she has it.