Have you Been Naughty or Nice?

Beary Elf is back and he's ready to grant you a wish from your DesignZ by DeDe Want List!

Email your product wish to Beary @ dedesmith32@gmail.com (only 1 product please and no whole collections, just 1 individual product).

And Beary will check his list to make sure you have been Nice and if are one of the first 50 people to email him then you will receive your wish!

Join my FACEBOOK GROUP and you can choose an EXTRA PRODUCT to get for FREE! In your email to Beary state that you joined the group and list your other product wish. If Beary finds your name in the group members he will send you that extra wish!


GIVEAWAY is only available to the first 50 people to email me. Last Day to email is December 23!

Project 365: Week 50

Monday, December 7, 2009


I bought a Gingerbread House Kit and tonight for our Family Home Evening activity we put it together. Even with the kit - it was a bit hard to do. The Frosting just wasn't quite the right consistency or something and it didn't want to stick very well. So we didn't try to do anything very fancy - but we still had a good time. Actually the drippy frosting turned out to be pretty good icicles when it finally hardened!


Tuesday, December 8, 2009


Lots of snow this week. Other than the fact that I have to occasionally drive in it - it has been really fun to have. I love the peaceful feeling of snow. Orderville got like 19 inches of snow in a day and so I know my parents are so grateful. They really needed the moisture!


Wednesday, December 9, 2009


Last night was a difficult one. JJ had a hard time sleeping since his cough was so terrible and he had a fever which made us all worried that a seizure might happen. So JJ stayed home from school today and mostly just rested. The fever finally went away and it was definitely a relief. Beth had a bit of a cold too so she skipped school too and we just had a day of Christmas movies and resting.


Thursday, December 10, 2009


Although JJ felt lots better than yesterday - he still has a pretty bad cough so we decided to keep him home one more day. Today I was reminded how important it is to scrapbook. I have been so into the design part that I have not put actual scrapbooking as a priority. I have all the photos and thanks to this Project 365 project I have a lot of journaling - but I have slacked off on the actual layouts. My kids got out the very few albums that I have today and just was so excited to see the pictures. My poor Bethie complained about how few photos she actually had of her in books. I really need to remedy this. This year my goal was to find balance in my life - between designing, scrapping, family time, etc. and I just didn't accomplish it. I think I'm just going to have to try again next year.


Friday, December 11, 2009


JJ & Beth were so excited today because they each got to have PAJAMA PARTY at school! They got to wear their cute pjs, eat snacks and watch movies in their classes. JJ was so excited to be able to have hot chocolate and watch the Polar Express!


Saturday, December 12, 2009


We woke up today to find a nice big leak in the roof of our bathroom with water everywhere. Not a great thing to start the day with. It was warmer weather and the snow started to melt, plus it rained a lot today and just made things worse. It seems as if our trailer is falling apart and it is not good news. So today we just hung out at home. Bethie drew a picture of me with the Magna Doodle. Apparently I'm a fairy because I have wings and a magic wand :) It was actually one of Beth's best pictures so far!


Sunday, December 13, 2009


I had the opportunity to participate with my Church ward in our Stake's Annual Christmas Fireside. This is the 3rd year I have participated and it has been a wonderful tradition. We were told tonight that this stake has put this on every year since 1978. Each Ward choir prepares a song to sing and with 11 wards in our stake - that's a lot of great Christmas music! So each ward sings their song and then after everyone is through, the whole congregation joins in singing a couple of pieces from Handel's Messiah. They have a small orchestra and some soloists that come and help with that part of the program as well. Very fun times!

I have really struggled the past couple of months with many things, especially through our financial hardships. It's been really hard to hang on and have faith and trust Heavenly Father that we'll make it through. It has just been taking its toll on me and this week it hit extra hard. I have been really wanting to move and get out of the trailer before anymore problems come up. I've been wanting SO MUCH to just leave and start over. I have been praying for an answer and just not feeling like I was getting one. I've cried, I've yelled, I've worried, I've stressed. I've talked things out so much with Joey and I just wanted to get out of where I am right now. I've been on a constant search of a new home. Well tonight everything came out. I cried and worried and talked everything through with Joey again and suddenly the answer the came. Heavenly Father finally was able to get through to me and I realized that all the stress/confusion that I have been feeling WAS my answer. In the scriptures it says that when you are seeking an answer to prayer - if what you are praying for is not right then you will feel "a stupor of thought." I guess I always thought of that as maybe feeling nothing. But I now know that it can also be confusion and not being able to focus on things. When the spirit finally got through to me tonight - and I realized that the answer was to WAIT - not move yet - everything immediately got better. We are not in the current financial situation to try and move with deposits/rent money and moving costs and all that. But its going to be okay. I'm finally finding peace and it really really really feels good. Sure, I still want to move and get out of here - but its not right yet and I know that we will know when the time is right. I know that Heavenly Father is there and that he hears me and he loves me, even when it takes me a long time to actually hear him.

High/Low - December 11th + Freebie

Okay - once again sorry for slacking on my blog - life is so crazy sometimes isn't it?

My LOW this Week was that I am feeling a bit "grinchy." I have always loved the Christmas season, but for some reason this year I am just not really into it. I have been putting off everything, All the plans I had to do crafty things - well they just aren't happening this year. I don't want to have this attitude, but for some reason I just can't get over it. Blah. I definitely need to turn this corner in my life. I am still feeling a bit "lost" and just not myself. I'm hoping that this coming new year will bring a change to my circumstances and that I can find the happiness that I long to feel. I'm definitely sick of being so mopey- sorry for being such a downer lately!

My HIGH for this Week is that it snowed. There is just something about the chill in the air - the beauty of the white covering, and being able to just stay home with my family that is just so comforting.


I have a freebie for you today - it is some solid papers that coordinate with my Christmas Wrap Kit, which is an older Christmas Kit that I am

ENJOY AND HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!



DOWNLOAD LINK

Thanksgiving Point Membership Giveaway

I am really loving this blog and their giveaways. One of these times I hope I actually win! LOL

So if you live in Utah, especially if you live in Utah County, you are going to want to check out this fabulous giveaway. They are giving away a full family membership worth $175!

The membership includes:
- Free Admission to Thanksgiving Point Gardens, Museum of Ancient Life and Farm Country
- 10% Discount on Retail & Food Property Wide
- Personalized Membership Card
- 50% off Admissions for accompanied guests
- Early Admission to Thanksgiving Point Gardens
- XanGo Screen Movies $5 per person/per movie


Awesome huh? We really like the theaters there and the gardens are amazing. My kids loved the Museum of Ancient Life too. There is so much to checkout that I haven't been able to do yet but it's way too fun! So if you live in Utah - go enter!

NEW! Winter WisheZ

I'm excited to be a part of the December 2009 Club Membership at 3Scrapateers! You get exclusive coordinated kits every month from 3S Designers and more! Check out all the information HERE. Don't forget to scroll down and check out the December membership kits - my WINTER WISHEZ is one of the kits!




I also have 2 coordinating products that you can purchase in my store HERE.

Mallory

My little niece, Mallory Marie Sorensen was born on December 5th at 5:16pm, weighing in at 5lbs 13oz and 19inches tall. She is a darling and I'm so happy that I was able to hold her for a little while tonight. I think she has us all wrapped around her finger already!

Congratulations Cody and Becki - you done good!








The proud mommy:



The proud daddy (with one of life's greatest inventions - the Boppy pillow):


UPDATE 12/7/09:
The kids and I went over to the hospital last night so they could meet Mallory. It was so adorable to see them with her! Mallory and her parents should be going home today, so everything is going really well!

Project 365: Week 49

Monday, November 30, 2009


For Family Home Evening tonight we put up our Christmas tree. It's just a small 4 1/2 foot tall artificial tree, but it works nicely in our little trailer. We put it up on a storage bucket and it works great. I love blue and silver together and so once again we used the same decorations we have had for years for our blue/white/silver tree. The kids had so much fun putting the ornaments on too. And for the first time in 5 years, I put out my Precious Moments Nativity. The kids were young and I was afraid they would break them and I haven't really had a place to put it so I haven't put it out. But this year, it worked great under the tree on the storage box and the kids seem to stay away from it - and so it's there. I'm so glad - I have missed it and it really reminds me of the real reason for Christmas. For the FHE lesson we talked about the 2nd Article of Faith and started memorizing it. I'm so proud of my kids for getting the 1st one down!


Tuesday, December 1, 2009


I can't believe it is December 1st already and the weather has really started to feel like winter is coming! Beth has even broke out her heavier coat, gloves and hat! She thinks it is time for it snow! :)


Wednesday, December 2, 2009


Another one of those special moments where the kids were playing so good together and even sharing the chair as they watched a movie before bed. I so love it when they are good to one another!


Thursday, December 3, 2009


My kids are definitely ready for Christmas to be here already and the season is just starting. I know they are dreaming of lots of presents, but I hope I can instill in them the real reason for Christmas.

Tonight Joey and I went to see The Blind Side and it was an amazing story. I loved the movie and I loved being with my hubby.


Friday, December 4, 2009


The kids wrote their very first letters to Santa today. I helped them spell the words but they each wrote it all by themselves. So cute!


Saturday, December 5, 2009


My beautiful new niece was born today. Cody and Becki did really well! Mallory Marie Sorensen was born at 5:16pm and weighed 5 lbs 13 oz and 19 inches tall. She is so tiny, so sweet and has us all wrapped around her little finger already. I was able to spend a few minutes with Cody and Becki this afternoon before she was born (running some errands for them and taking Cody some lunch) and then later after the kids were in bed I was able to go over to the hospital and hold little Mallory. I can't wait for my kids to meet their new little cousin! And yes Mallory - you have made me baby hungry tonight!


Sunday, December 6, 2009


The kids and I were able to go over to the hospital tonight so that the kids could meet Mallory. They loved being able to hold her and give her kisses. Uncle Cody and Aunt Becki have been so wonderful to JJ & Beth. They are definitely their favorite Aunt/Uncle right now and so this was an extra special time that we got to spend with them at the hospital. I knew Beth would be so excited about her new cousin, but I was very pleasantly surprised to see JJ's reaction. He was so cute with Mallory and I can really tell that these 2 want a new baby in the family. :)

Project 365: Week 48

Monday, November 23, 2009


Bethie's last day of school this week and they got to have a little Thanksgiving dinner. She had way fun and I thought she looked so adorable in the little pilgrim bonnets/hats that they made!


Tuesday, November 24, 2009


All packed up to head home to Orderville for Thanksgiving. JJ had his last day of school for the week and when Joey got home from work we drove down.


Wednesday, November 25, 2009


My mom and I spent today doing all the food preparations for tomorrow's feast. It was nice to do it today so we could have tomorrow to just be together as a family. My main focus was to make our family's traditional egg noodles (from my Grandma Sorensen's recipe). Everytime I make these I think of my Grandma and how much I miss her. I hope she is happy where she is and proud of her family. As my mom and I made food we had a great little visit and made plans for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It was very nice to be there in the home I grew up in and just be with family.


Thursday, November 26, 2009


Today we had our first Thanksgiving dinner in my sister Kori's home. She and her family have restored my Great-Grandpa and Great-Grandma Esplin's home and its so beautiful. I'm so happy for her and her family to have this wonderful home to live in and its wonderful that the old home can be used again. We have been having our Thanksgiving dinners out in the barn every year because it was the only place we could fit us all, but now Kori has this wonderful big home that she shared with us this year. I loved having all of us together. It was good to see Charity - I haven't seen her in awhile and she is looking good and she and her kids have moved into a nice trailer, so I'm glad things are going well for her.


Friday, November 27, 2009


Since I didn't get any pictures today, since we just drove back to Orem, I decided to share what else we did yesterday. After our Thanksgiving dinner, we helped Kori and her family put up their lights. Okay, so mostly we just visited and laughed as others did it - but it was a hoot. So how many people does it take to get the lights up on the house - well there was Ray to hold the rope that was attached to Colby so he wouldn't fall (the roof was very slippery and steep), Kori to help with the rope on the roof, and Joey and Austin to provide moral support. LOL After getting the lights put up and playing more at Grandma's, we had dessert at Grandma's and then went back to the house for the lighting of the old house! We visited a little more and Beth got to have her very first sleepover - with Whitnee! She did so good. We also watched a movie with my Dad - which is always a wonderful tradition!


Saturday, November 28, 2009


Today was our niece's wedding day. I can't believe that Chelsea and Alicia are old enough to be married, but they are. It was nice to have Joey's parents come and visit with us and good to have most of the family together for awhile. The wedding was nice and it was very beautiful with the Christmas decorations. Some good food too. Congratulations Chelsea!


Sunday, November 29, 2009


Last week, these huge giftbags were dropped off for the kids as an early Christmas gift. The kids wanted to open them then, but I decided it will be nice to wait to have another gift under the tree for Christmas. I feel so blessed that someone out there thought of my kids - thank you to whoever you are!

Project 365: Week 47

Monday, November 16, 2009


Joey had to take off work today to try and fix things around the house and I am just an emotional wreck. For some reason our finances, the trailer, my computer problems, and everything has weighed down on me so hard and I just feel broken. I feel like I am at a fork in the road in my life right now. I'm struggling with so many personal things and I am really feeling depression/stress set in. Which way is the right way? Where do we go from here?


Tuesday, November 17, 2009


Beth has really been into having "collections" lately. From rocks to leaves, she has to collect at least 10 of things to have. At least she is seeing the beauty of the earth. I especially loved the colors of this leaf that we flattened in a book for her to keep.


Wednesday, November 18, 2009


One of the managers at Joey's work had a birthday and she sent the balloons home for the kids. They were so delighted!


Thursday, November 19, 2009


Hard hard week. I'm trying so hard to see the blessings (which there are so many of), but my heart still just hurts and their are so many decisions to make. My hubby was amazing tonight. He got his brother to babysit for us and we went out. We really needed a date night to just be together and be away from our problems for a little while. We went to Olive Garden for dinner and then we went to see The Time Traveler's Wife. I really enjoyed the book and I thought the movie was good too. We got home and the kids were asleep and as I was sitting on my bed, I just got an urge to do something for myself and since I knew Joey has no interest in the Twilight books/movies - and it being the night of the premiere - I just impulsively looked to see if their were any tickets to New Moon available. And there was - for the 3:30am showing and for some reason, it was just what I needed. The kids were asleep - Joey stayed home - and I could just get out for a little while longer. So I did it. It was crazy and I was tired, but I really enjoyed the movie.


Friday, November 20, 2009


Tonight as Joey was headed up to SLC to do his podcast he called and said, "Go outside. You have to see the sunset." So the kids and I bundled up and headed outside and I'm so glad we did. It was so gorgeous - I haven't seen colors like that in a long while - deep pink, blue, purple and orange covered the sky! The picture doesn't do it justice - but it made my heart feel a little better.


Saturday, November 21, 2009


Another down day. It helps to look at beauty like this.


Sunday, November 22, 2009


Popcorn, a good movie, and my family. Life is good. Sundays are usually our family movie night and I really love being with my little family this way. It helps me to keep it together and remember the many blessings I have.

Project 365: Week 46

Monday, November 9, 2009


It's getting pretty late in the fall season, but still there is so much beauty to be found. I am loving that there are still trees that have yellow and I'm not even sure what kind of berry/fruit or whatever that this is in the trees - but I loved the contrast of the red with the yellow!


Tuesday, November 10, 2009


I can feel it. The air is getting colder and there's snow on the mountains and the contrast of that with the clear blue skies is just breathtaking.


Wednesday, November 11, 2009


I have a cold and its tough to be a mom when you don't feel well. But my kids are amazingly helpful and independent when I need them to be. And they made me feel so special when they brought their toys in to play on my bed just so they could be near me while I was resting. Love these special moments!


Thursday, November 12, 2009


Even though I have a cold I have been outside quite a bit lately. As I have walked Beth to school this week, I have really marveled about the beauty of the ending of Fall and beginning of Winter. I'm so glad that I live in a place where I get to see all 4 seasons.


Friday, November 13, 2009


It was really cold today, but the kids still wanted to go outside and play in the leaves for a little while and Beth had to run in and bring me outside to take a picture of this rose. I can't believe there is still a rose blooming in my yard, but it won't last long!


Saturday, November 14, 2009


Today we created what the kids called "a little movie theater" and used my laptop to watch movies while we snuggled up in bed for awhile.


Sunday, November 15, 2009


Today was a difficult day. It began at 4:30am when one of our water pipes got lose and filled our bedroom floor with water. After spending a few hours trying to clean it up and everything, Joey and I were so exhausted that we didn't even make it to church. We had no water all day and of course it would be one of those weeks where I didn't get the house clean or the dishes done, and we really needed water. At least we had drinking water. We cooked chicken enchiladas and went over to the Casseta's house to watch the Rivalry of the Century game between the Colts and the Patriots. It was fun to visit with the Casseta's again since its been awhile since we have been together. And the game was amazing - the Colts came out on top - BARELY and it was a very exciting game! We then came home to our friend (who owns our trailer), yelling at us for not taking care of the house and just lots of stuff that was really hard to take. It was just a horrible end to an emotional day...