My ScatterZ Challenge at 3Scrapateers is now posted! Make sure you check it out HERE.
And check out this month's posting bonus:
And check out this month's posting bonus:
Thursday, December 31, 2009
A New Years Giveaway!
Some of you may remember that in 2008 I illustrated a children's book, PRINCESS SECRETS, that featured some of my TearZ animals. It is a fun story for all of your little princesses! I have several SIGNED copies available for purchase and you can GO HERE to see previews and descriptions and buy it.
AND since it is just about 2010, I'm feeling generous and I would LOVE to give a copy of this book to someone! So, here's the deal.
You have until January 2nd to post a comment (to THIS POST) and tell me ONE thing that you love about my products! I will randomly select a winner and announce on my blog on January 3rd!
Fun right?
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Project 365 - Week 52
Monday, December 21, 2009
Beth had her special Christmas program at Center Stage today. Joey and I got to watch her sing, dance, and we even got to see what they were learning in Karate. She had so fun and she did her part very well. They had a special visitor at the end of their performance and Santa came to visit!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
It was JJ's last day of school today and we did the final preparations for Christmas. I started doing a bit of cleaning and then we got to babysit Baby Mallory while Uncle Cody and Aunt Becki did some shopping. The kids LOVED having a baby in the house!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
I didn't get an advent calendar done/bought this year and I couldn't figure out something to do to help the kids countdown the days. Then last week JJ brought home a countdown chain and it was perfect. Of course, we had to make one for Beth too. We got a little behind this week in taking a chain off because of all the activities, so the kids got to take 3 chains off tonight and that was just awesome.
I love our Christmas stockings. They were all made by my Aunt LaRae and it has been a family tradition. Mine of course is the oldest since I have had it for as long as I can remember and its so neat that Aunt LaRae has kept making them as our family has grown! My brothers and sisters still have theirs and have them for their children too!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Today I did a cleaning of the house and it took all day. The kids were just so excited that it was Christmas Eve! The day was just way too long for them. But finally I finished cleaning and it was evening. Dad came home and we started our evening by having Pancakes and eggs for dinner! Then the kids got to open up 1 gift - their new Pjs! They loved them and was so excited to get into them. They had baths and jumped into their pjs. We watched JOY TO THE WORLD - a little 1/2 hour film by the church that talked about Jesus and his birth with music from the Tabernacle Choir. It was then time for Bed. I was so surprised how fast they went to sleep!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas Day finally arrived and it was truly a wonderful day. The kids let us sleep in until 8:30 and it was amazing! Santa found us and brought the kids a Leapster 2 and some games for each of them. We have only had 1 Leapster and now we have 2 so they each can play at the same time. So great! They also got candy, play dough, and new toothbrushes.
Before opening presents, we had some breakfast and watched A KING IS BORN - the classic animated film that I watched every Christmas Eve growing up. I think it was wonderful to help the kids remember what Christmas is about and it was nice to do that before opening presents. The kids loved all their gifts and it was so awesome to hear how grateful they were for every present. Beth just kept saying, "Oh, I love it so much - thank you mommy." Beth got a My Little Pony House with a pony, long-sleeved shirts and pants, Disney Princess Sticker/Coloring Book, Snowglobe, puzzle, Snow Boots, Winter Coat, and 4 amazing Princess Dresses. JJ got a Thomas the Train Set, Spiderman Legos, Bubbles, new shoes, winter coat, and snow boots. And the most amazing surprise of all was our last present. Joey surprised us with a WII! I had no idea, but he had been doing some extra contract work so he could save up and buy us one. It is so awesome. I have really been wanting to have one and now we do!
We spent the rest of Christmas playing with all of our new toys and just enjoying each other. I had a ham in the crockpot cooking all night so by noon it was done and we had a Funeral potatoes with our ham. SO GOOD!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
We spent all day in our pajamas playing with our new toys today, especially the Wii. It was so fun to watch our kids enjoy it and its something we can do together as a family. Right now the only thing we have that the kids can do is bowling, and they love it. They each have it down pretty good and its so fun to see them play. Beth already has a classic move of rolling the ball and ending with her legs crossed and the remote in the air! So cute!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Unfortunately, we ended the Christmas week having colds. All of us just didn't feel too well today so we stayed home from church and just relaxed. For Family Movie Night we watched our new movie that Santa brought us - UP. We had seen it in the theater and loved it and now we have it in our movie collection!
And here is my weekly layout:
I used my CHRISTMAS WRAP & DIGITAL 365 Kits to create this layout!
Beth had her special Christmas program at Center Stage today. Joey and I got to watch her sing, dance, and we even got to see what they were learning in Karate. She had so fun and she did her part very well. They had a special visitor at the end of their performance and Santa came to visit!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
It was JJ's last day of school today and we did the final preparations for Christmas. I started doing a bit of cleaning and then we got to babysit Baby Mallory while Uncle Cody and Aunt Becki did some shopping. The kids LOVED having a baby in the house!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
I didn't get an advent calendar done/bought this year and I couldn't figure out something to do to help the kids countdown the days. Then last week JJ brought home a countdown chain and it was perfect. Of course, we had to make one for Beth too. We got a little behind this week in taking a chain off because of all the activities, so the kids got to take 3 chains off tonight and that was just awesome.
I love our Christmas stockings. They were all made by my Aunt LaRae and it has been a family tradition. Mine of course is the oldest since I have had it for as long as I can remember and its so neat that Aunt LaRae has kept making them as our family has grown! My brothers and sisters still have theirs and have them for their children too!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Today I did a cleaning of the house and it took all day. The kids were just so excited that it was Christmas Eve! The day was just way too long for them. But finally I finished cleaning and it was evening. Dad came home and we started our evening by having Pancakes and eggs for dinner! Then the kids got to open up 1 gift - their new Pjs! They loved them and was so excited to get into them. They had baths and jumped into their pjs. We watched JOY TO THE WORLD - a little 1/2 hour film by the church that talked about Jesus and his birth with music from the Tabernacle Choir. It was then time for Bed. I was so surprised how fast they went to sleep!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas Day finally arrived and it was truly a wonderful day. The kids let us sleep in until 8:30 and it was amazing! Santa found us and brought the kids a Leapster 2 and some games for each of them. We have only had 1 Leapster and now we have 2 so they each can play at the same time. So great! They also got candy, play dough, and new toothbrushes.
Before opening presents, we had some breakfast and watched A KING IS BORN - the classic animated film that I watched every Christmas Eve growing up. I think it was wonderful to help the kids remember what Christmas is about and it was nice to do that before opening presents. The kids loved all their gifts and it was so awesome to hear how grateful they were for every present. Beth just kept saying, "Oh, I love it so much - thank you mommy." Beth got a My Little Pony House with a pony, long-sleeved shirts and pants, Disney Princess Sticker/Coloring Book, Snowglobe, puzzle, Snow Boots, Winter Coat, and 4 amazing Princess Dresses. JJ got a Thomas the Train Set, Spiderman Legos, Bubbles, new shoes, winter coat, and snow boots. And the most amazing surprise of all was our last present. Joey surprised us with a WII! I had no idea, but he had been doing some extra contract work so he could save up and buy us one. It is so awesome. I have really been wanting to have one and now we do!
We spent the rest of Christmas playing with all of our new toys and just enjoying each other. I had a ham in the crockpot cooking all night so by noon it was done and we had a Funeral potatoes with our ham. SO GOOD!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
We spent all day in our pajamas playing with our new toys today, especially the Wii. It was so fun to watch our kids enjoy it and its something we can do together as a family. Right now the only thing we have that the kids can do is bowling, and they love it. They each have it down pretty good and its so fun to see them play. Beth already has a classic move of rolling the ball and ending with her legs crossed and the remote in the air! So cute!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Unfortunately, we ended the Christmas week having colds. All of us just didn't feel too well today so we stayed home from church and just relaxed. For Family Movie Night we watched our new movie that Santa brought us - UP. We had seen it in the theater and loved it and now we have it in our movie collection!
And here is my weekly layout:
I used my CHRISTMAS WRAP & DIGITAL 365 Kits to create this layout!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Blog ResolutionZ...
January is a month of changes/revisions/resolutions and I have been wanting to bring more to my blog. Today I finally made a plan for my blog in 2010!
I will be continuing the following:
Creative Inspiration - layouts by my CT with my kits (usually when I introduce a new kit to my blog).
Ads - I try to advertise my new releases and my sales and chats, etc.
Products - I sell my products here too (Check them out through the Blog Labels to the right - sometimes I have special collection deals that are only available here- for instance you can get a special deal on my Happily Ever After Kits only here on my blog)
High/Low & Freebies - On Fridays, I give my High and my Low of the week and offer a freebie
Project 365 (in 2010, I will be calling it LIFE 365) - I will be continuing this in 2010. This is my family journal - I try to post this on Sundays (but it could be later) - of the previous week's daily photos and a bit of journaling about the day. I'm hoping to do better this year with the actual LAYOUTS and post them with the week's photos/journaling!
Blog Trains: I will be participating in my stores blog trains that happen about twice a year and occasionally hopping on other designer trains as well.
And here is a couple of things that I am going to strive to do in 2010. I am making this one of my goals for the year.
New Product every week: I have long admired the designers who have a set day to release their products and they do so EVERY WEEK. I have finally decided that this would be an amazing attribute to my design plan and I would love to make this happen.
SO, starting on Monday, January 4th, my goal is to release at least 1 new product every Monday! This might not always be a full-size kit, and I might occasionally mess up, but I'm really going to try and make it happen! At one of my stores (iScrapbook) - I don't actually put the products in the store myself - so I can't make it work exactly like this at that store - but everywhere else I can do it.) Give me a little bit of time to make this work like clock-work because in order to make this happen like I want - I need to get a few weeks ahead of schedule on my designing, so that I can also work my CT in and release things with their layouts and such. So January will be a little chaotic for me, but hopefully I will have it working good by February!
And here is where you all come in on my plan!
Show-OffZ: Each Monday with the New Releases, I will be posting a Show-OffZ Challenge. You will have until Friday to do the challenge and if you get your layout sent in, you will receive either a coupon to my store or a specific product (each posting will tell you what you are getting)! I will share all the Show-OffZ of the Week on Saturdays!
So in Summary, this is the schedule of posts on my blog (not including ads, blog trains, and other occasional blog entries):
Mondays: New Releases, CT Inspiration and Weekly Show-OffZ Challenge Call
Fridays: High/Low, Freebies, and Weekly Show-OffZ Deadline
Saturdays: Weekly Show-OffZ
Sundays: Life 365 Photos, Journaling and Layout from the previous week
As I look at that list - I guess my blog will be quite boring during the week LOL I guess thats when I will post ads and stuff and give me time to design during the week!
So what do you think? Are you in? I would love to have you all participate on my blog! Don't forget to stay connected using Reader, Feedblitz, or following my blog (links on the left sidebar)!
I will be continuing the following:
Creative Inspiration - layouts by my CT with my kits (usually when I introduce a new kit to my blog).
Ads - I try to advertise my new releases and my sales and chats, etc.
Products - I sell my products here too (Check them out through the Blog Labels to the right - sometimes I have special collection deals that are only available here- for instance you can get a special deal on my Happily Ever After Kits only here on my blog)
High/Low & Freebies - On Fridays, I give my High and my Low of the week and offer a freebie
Project 365 (in 2010, I will be calling it LIFE 365) - I will be continuing this in 2010. This is my family journal - I try to post this on Sundays (but it could be later) - of the previous week's daily photos and a bit of journaling about the day. I'm hoping to do better this year with the actual LAYOUTS and post them with the week's photos/journaling!
Blog Trains: I will be participating in my stores blog trains that happen about twice a year and occasionally hopping on other designer trains as well.
And here is a couple of things that I am going to strive to do in 2010. I am making this one of my goals for the year.
New Product every week: I have long admired the designers who have a set day to release their products and they do so EVERY WEEK. I have finally decided that this would be an amazing attribute to my design plan and I would love to make this happen.
SO, starting on Monday, January 4th, my goal is to release at least 1 new product every Monday! This might not always be a full-size kit, and I might occasionally mess up, but I'm really going to try and make it happen! At one of my stores (iScrapbook) - I don't actually put the products in the store myself - so I can't make it work exactly like this at that store - but everywhere else I can do it.) Give me a little bit of time to make this work like clock-work because in order to make this happen like I want - I need to get a few weeks ahead of schedule on my designing, so that I can also work my CT in and release things with their layouts and such. So January will be a little chaotic for me, but hopefully I will have it working good by February!
And here is where you all come in on my plan!
Show-OffZ: Each Monday with the New Releases, I will be posting a Show-OffZ Challenge. You will have until Friday to do the challenge and if you get your layout sent in, you will receive either a coupon to my store or a specific product (each posting will tell you what you are getting)! I will share all the Show-OffZ of the Week on Saturdays!
So in Summary, this is the schedule of posts on my blog (not including ads, blog trains, and other occasional blog entries):
Mondays: New Releases, CT Inspiration and Weekly Show-OffZ Challenge Call
Fridays: High/Low, Freebies, and Weekly Show-OffZ Deadline
Saturdays: Weekly Show-OffZ
Sundays: Life 365 Photos, Journaling and Layout from the previous week
As I look at that list - I guess my blog will be quite boring during the week LOL I guess thats when I will post ads and stuff and give me time to design during the week!
So what do you think? Are you in? I would love to have you all participate on my blog! Don't forget to stay connected using Reader, Feedblitz, or following my blog (links on the left sidebar)!
Honorable Mention
Okay, just found out that I got one of the Honorable Mentions in JESSICA CLAIRE'S photo contest. I didn't win the awesome camera of course, but I am actually MENTIONED on her blog - WOW! I really didn't expect it and am just beyond thrilled!
Check THE POST out!
Check THE POST out!
Monday, December 28, 2009
IMPORTANT: Changing up the January Schedule!!!!
Hello everyone,
I hope everyone had an amazing Christmas and holiday season!
Okay, due to some special circumstances - our Over the Hump January schedule is going to be quite a bit different than usual. I promise we will go back to our regularly scheduled program, starting the 2nd week in February - but here's the upcoming schedule and I hope you'll be able to come and be with me!
Wednesday, January 6: CANCELED - I'm just still right in the middle of about a million things and I didn't get a chance to get everything put together for my new book group - so keep spending time with your families/friends!
Wednesday, January 13: CANCELED - We unfortunately didn't get a featured designer for this month's slot - you will still get a daily download, but no featured designer, so the Designer Spotlight Chat has been canceled.
Wednesday, January 20: SPEED CROP - Please join me in our monthly speed crop!
Wednesday, January 27: Usually this is our Designer Spotlight Chat - but our featured designer couldn't make it this night - so we are switching it with next week's chat. That means that tonight is the FEBRUARY SCRAP THE NIGHT AWAY CHAT (2 Challenges, 1 Night). We will be doing our usual My Favorite Things Challenge and also we will be starting our Digitals Book Group this night as well. (Stay tuned for more details on this one)!
Wednesday, February 3: DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT with Laura Burger
Then we will continue the month of February on our normal schedule! All times are at 9pm EST in the Digitals Chatroom!
Thanks for understanding!
I hope everyone had an amazing Christmas and holiday season!
Okay, due to some special circumstances - our Over the Hump January schedule is going to be quite a bit different than usual. I promise we will go back to our regularly scheduled program, starting the 2nd week in February - but here's the upcoming schedule and I hope you'll be able to come and be with me!
Wednesday, January 6: CANCELED - I'm just still right in the middle of about a million things and I didn't get a chance to get everything put together for my new book group - so keep spending time with your families/friends!
Wednesday, January 13: CANCELED - We unfortunately didn't get a featured designer for this month's slot - you will still get a daily download, but no featured designer, so the Designer Spotlight Chat has been canceled.
Wednesday, January 20: SPEED CROP - Please join me in our monthly speed crop!
Wednesday, January 27: Usually this is our Designer Spotlight Chat - but our featured designer couldn't make it this night - so we are switching it with next week's chat. That means that tonight is the FEBRUARY SCRAP THE NIGHT AWAY CHAT (2 Challenges, 1 Night). We will be doing our usual My Favorite Things Challenge and also we will be starting our Digitals Book Group this night as well. (Stay tuned for more details on this one)!
Wednesday, February 3: DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT with Laura Burger
Then we will continue the month of February on our normal schedule! All times are at 9pm EST in the Digitals Chatroom!
Thanks for understanding!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Project 365: Week 51
Monday, December 14, 2009
Today was wrapping day. Most of my shopping was done today and we began wrapping presents. I have started a little tradition with wrapping that my mom did with my brothers (after I was married and gone from home). She would pick a wrapping paper for each child and then would wrap all their gifts in that paper and then she wouldn't have to do any to/from labels/writing/tags. I thought it was really fun and so last year was the first year I did it and I'm continuing it this year! The kids like it too!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
I have new visiting teachers and they came over to visit this morning. It was really wonderful to sit and visit with these wonderful women and just share a little bit of our lives with each other. They brought their children with them and Beth got to spend a few minutes playing with 3 girls about her age. She was in heaven! They left us with some yummy cinnamon rolls!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
I mailed the majority of my Christmas Cards today! I have done Christmas Cards every year since Joey and I have been married. It's a wonderful tradition and I'm always so happy to have them done! I did about 80 cards this year and just need a few more addresses before I send the final ones out. I was so excited about how my cards turned out this year. The pictures that Maria took for us were amazing and I feel so blessed to have been able to get such great photos of my family! Along with getting the cards mailed out, I finished my Christmas/Grocery shopping today as well and it felt very good to have that all done.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Today was baking day. I did a little bit of treat making yesterday, but the majority was done today. This was my counter full of supplies before I started cooking. I made Peanut Clusters, Turtle Pretzels, and some Cake (Tree) Pops.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Today was Christmas Parties at both JJ and Beth's schools. We packaged up our treats to give out to neighbors/friends and teachers as well. The kids both had a wonderful time at their parties and came home very excited and loaded with some fun treats/treasures.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
We got up early to finish up projects today. I started with running to the post office to pick up a package and then I spent the rest of the afternoon wrapping some gifts, making cookie layer bars, oreo pie and Red Velvet Cookies for our Christmas party tonight. We left home at about 5pm and headed to Salt Lake City where we walked in the cold to Temple Square to see the beautiful lights. It was pretty cold and we didn't stay too long, catching the trax to get back to our car. Then we headed to Centerville for our Friend Christmas Party. It was so great being with our friends and eating great food and visiting. The kids were SO SO good and they just played downstairs with the other kids and let us visit. It was a very good time!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Today was our Christmas program at church and I had the opportunity to sing in the Ward Choir. Christmas music is so wonderful and it was a great experience to be a part of that today. After church it was a nice Sunday with just being together, having a nap, and continuing our tradition of our Family Movie Night. Tonight we watched The Muppets Christmas Carol - one of our family's favorite movie traditions at Christmas. A great way to end the week!
Today was wrapping day. Most of my shopping was done today and we began wrapping presents. I have started a little tradition with wrapping that my mom did with my brothers (after I was married and gone from home). She would pick a wrapping paper for each child and then would wrap all their gifts in that paper and then she wouldn't have to do any to/from labels/writing/tags. I thought it was really fun and so last year was the first year I did it and I'm continuing it this year! The kids like it too!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
I have new visiting teachers and they came over to visit this morning. It was really wonderful to sit and visit with these wonderful women and just share a little bit of our lives with each other. They brought their children with them and Beth got to spend a few minutes playing with 3 girls about her age. She was in heaven! They left us with some yummy cinnamon rolls!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
I mailed the majority of my Christmas Cards today! I have done Christmas Cards every year since Joey and I have been married. It's a wonderful tradition and I'm always so happy to have them done! I did about 80 cards this year and just need a few more addresses before I send the final ones out. I was so excited about how my cards turned out this year. The pictures that Maria took for us were amazing and I feel so blessed to have been able to get such great photos of my family! Along with getting the cards mailed out, I finished my Christmas/Grocery shopping today as well and it felt very good to have that all done.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Today was baking day. I did a little bit of treat making yesterday, but the majority was done today. This was my counter full of supplies before I started cooking. I made Peanut Clusters, Turtle Pretzels, and some Cake (Tree) Pops.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Today was Christmas Parties at both JJ and Beth's schools. We packaged up our treats to give out to neighbors/friends and teachers as well. The kids both had a wonderful time at their parties and came home very excited and loaded with some fun treats/treasures.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
We got up early to finish up projects today. I started with running to the post office to pick up a package and then I spent the rest of the afternoon wrapping some gifts, making cookie layer bars, oreo pie and Red Velvet Cookies for our Christmas party tonight. We left home at about 5pm and headed to Salt Lake City where we walked in the cold to Temple Square to see the beautiful lights. It was pretty cold and we didn't stay too long, catching the trax to get back to our car. Then we headed to Centerville for our Friend Christmas Party. It was so great being with our friends and eating great food and visiting. The kids were SO SO good and they just played downstairs with the other kids and let us visit. It was a very good time!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Today was our Christmas program at church and I had the opportunity to sing in the Ward Choir. Christmas music is so wonderful and it was a great experience to be a part of that today. After church it was a nice Sunday with just being together, having a nap, and continuing our tradition of our Family Movie Night. Tonight we watched The Muppets Christmas Carol - one of our family's favorite movie traditions at Christmas. A great way to end the week!
Better late than never...
So I finally got all of the Beary Wishes sent out - so check your inboxes to see if you were one of the lucky ones who got a free kit from me this Christmas! Sorry that it took me so long to get them sent out! Hopefully the near year will bring some balance and organization in my life!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Merry Christmas!
I want to thank each and every one of you for reading my blog and for being such great support to me! I love to hear when you enjoy my products and I love all of you for making designing such a joy for me!
I wish you all a VERY VERY VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a joyful HOLIDAY SEASON! I hope each one of you feels the REASON FOR THE SEASON and the true magic and spirit of Christmas! I hope you have lots of family time and that your season is the best ever!
Love you all! Merry Christmas!
Trying to get caught up...
I know all of you are awaiting your Beary Elf Wishes! I'm so sorry that I am behind once again. I have been mostly away from my computer the past few days and it just hasn't happened!
So, first of all, there are over 50 of you who have emailed Beary, so sorry, but the wishlists are now closed.
Next, I am finally getting some computer time, so I need to get through all the emails and I am working on getting those wishes to you ASAP!
Thank you!
So, first of all, there are over 50 of you who have emailed Beary, so sorry, but the wishlists are now closed.
Next, I am finally getting some computer time, so I need to get through all the emails and I am working on getting those wishes to you ASAP!
Thank you!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Beary Elf UPDATE!
Just to let you know Beary still has a few more wishes to grant so make sure you email him soon!
And just so you know - I am getting the emails, but I haven't gotten all the wishlists sent out yet - I'm hoping to get it done tonight - so be patient with me! That's a lot of emails and links to get ready! :)
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
And just so you know - I am getting the emails, but I haven't gotten all the wishlists sent out yet - I'm hoping to get it done tonight - so be patient with me! That's a lot of emails and links to get ready! :)
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, December 11, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
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!
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.
I also have 2 coordinating products that you can purchase in my store HERE.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
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!
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. :)
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!
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!
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