Life 365: Week 9

Monday, February 22, 2010


I spent all early afternoon getting Beth registered for Kindergarten. I still can't believe she is going to Kindergarten next year. Because Foothill Elementary isn't our area school (since JJ was placed there for his special class) - I had to get signatures from our area school so it just took awhile.


Tuesday, February 23, 2010


It was JJ's first Blue and Gold Dinner for Scouts and this marked the Scouts' 100th Birthday so it was pretty special. JJ helped me make a fun cake that we entered into the cake contest and he got the Most Festive Cake Award. They got to play games and have a pizza dinner and we got to watch a wonderful Indian hoop dancer! A fun night!


Wednesday, February 24, 2010


I have come to really love Freecycle.org. I have gotten rid of a few things that have become useful to others and have gotten things myself. Today, I got an awesome Toaster Oven! So cool and its FREE!


Thursday, February 25, 2010


I got out my manual plastic binding machine and we made some heart and star books out of construction paper. The kids really enjoyed getting to draw and color in them!


Friday, February 26, 2010


It was kind of a downer week for me this week. Just everyday and design struggles got the best of me this week and left me kind of down. But after some amazing emails from Amy and from a new friend, Tristi, and from my visiting teachers, I just felt lifted up. And it became even better today when Tristi emailed me letting me know that both of us were featured in the Mormon Times, since we had both blogged about our experience of getting to know each other a bit better. So fun!


Saturday, February 27, 2010


We donated some of our books to a special company who is giving books to Africa to encourage literacy. It was fun going through all of our books and having the kids help pick out some that they don't read anymore. I hope that the kids are learning a bit about service and sharing.


Sunday, February 28, 2010


We have decided to start reading books with our kids. I've never really had a good schedule of reading to the kids and so I really wanted to get this started. We are starting with the first book in the Chronicles of Narnia and we have read the first couple of chapters so far. The kids seem to enjoy it so I hope they get a lot out of it.


And here is my weekly layout:


I used my DIGITAL 365 to create this layout!


And here is my February Layout:


COMING SOON.

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Show-OffZ Challenge | Week 2/22/10

Thank you to the wonderful ladies who participated in my Show-OffZ Challenge this week, your bonus will be arriving via email shortly! I hope more of you will participate in next week's challenge! Thanks!

This week's challenge was:
This week is an EASY ONE! Create ANY layout - any theme - any size - the only requirement is that you use MY PRODUCTS ONLY!

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High/Low: February 26, 2010 + Freebie

My LOW this Week was that I just had a bit of a hard week emotionally. Nothing too big - just have let my stresses get to me a bit and it left me a little depressed. I'm doing better today though and I'm sure next week will be much better.

My HIGH for this Week is several emails that I have received from a sister-in-law and a couple of friends that have just raised my spirits and helped me through the week. I also feel like I have gained a new friend since I found Tristi's Blog. I guess the week just started off not very well and is finishing off really great. Thank goodness for FRIENDS!


REMINDER: Today is the deadline for this week's Show-OffZ Challenge! I would love for you to participate!


I have a freebie for you today - It's a little border cluster that coordinates with my FRIENDZ FROM THE WOOD and the FRIENDZ FROM THE WOOD ADD-ON (that will come later this year).

ENJOY AND HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!



DOWNLOAD LINK

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What one little post can do....

So yesterday - I came across my neighbor's blog - who happens to be an author - and decided to enter a little contest she had going for a book that is just about ready to be launched. I have been wanting to get to know Tristi better and I mentioned that to her via an email I sent entering her contest. I also blogged about the contest yesterday. This led to a few emails exchanged and actually Tristi wrote on her blog about me yesterday - which I just felt amazed about. (Funny how we are both stay-at-home moms and very busy and we don't see each other very often even though we live right across the small street from each other- but its just possible that we might get to know each other through email/blogs. I happen to think its very cool.) Anyways, just a few minutes ago, I got an email from Tristi saying that we are both featured in the weekly bloggernacle (from Mormon Times - by Deseret News). All because I decided to reach out and make contact with an amazing person.

Now we are blogging neighbors! :) Thanks Tristi!

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Secret Sisters Contest

To my LDS Readers out there - are you interested in a new book series! I have a neighbor who happens to be an author. I have not been a very good neighbor, mostly because I'm shy and I have a hard time putting myself out there and gaining new friends. Tristi Pinkston is my neighbor and she is a wonderful writer. I've read 2 of her books and I really do love them. I need to get the others. I would love to get to know Tristi better and I just need to do it. Here she lives right across the street and when I see her - I wave and I've talked to her a bit at church activities, but I would really like to get to know her better. Anyways....

In March, Tristi is coming out with a new book series that sounds so fun and something I look forward to reading. Here's the exciting part - she is having a fabulous contest where you can get one these books for free plus some other great prizes!

So you have to check her blog and go enter the contest!

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Join me tonight!

Please join me for another Designer Spotlight chat tonight!

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New Release Monday/Creative Inspiration + Show-OffZ Challenge | Even more Mini-KitZ

Today I have the next 2 kits in my product collection for you!
This new collection brings you designZ from the past! It is a series of papers/elements that I have designed in the last 3 1/2 years for collaborations, bonuses, and freebies that are no longer available anywhere else. All of these pieces are thrown together into 10 kits! I hope you enjoy them!

Today I am releasing the next 2 kits in my MINI-KITZ COLLECTION!

Get it now:

Blog

Here's how it works:

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!


THIS WEEK'S SHOW-OFFZ CHALLENGE:

This week is an EASY ONE! Create ANY layout - any theme - any size - the only requirement is that you use MY PRODUCTS ONLY!

Email me (dedesmith32@gmail.com) a copy of your 600x600, 72dpi Layout by 10pm EST on Friday, February 26th and your layout will be shared on February 27th on my blog! Please include the name that you want listed with your layout.

This week you will be receiving the Mini-KitZ 3!

Thanks and I hope you will join in the challenge and come back next Monday for new releases and a new challenge!

Join me every Monday for my new releases! Also on Mondays I will be posting a Show-OffZ Call for your layouts - so please don't miss that at the bottom of this posting!

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Life 365: Week 8

Monday, February 15, 2010


We did some deep cleaning of the house today. It was such good weather - it almost felt like Spring. It really felt great and after being sick all last week, it felt good to get the house all clean and sterilized and aired out.


Tuesday, February 16, 2010


Grandpa and Grandma Sorensen and Uncle Lane and Uncle Clint arrived today to spend a couple of days. It was great to get to visit with them. We got some KFC take-out, played some Wii and just visited.


Wednesday, February 17, 2010


A busy day today. Grandpa and Grandma and Lane went to to Salt Lake City to do some shopping, take care of some business, and a special banquet for Lane. Clint got to hang-out with us all day. We took Beth to school and Clint got to play some more Wii. We then picked up JJ and Beth and took them to the dentist. Later JJ had Cub Scouts and we got some pizza while Grandpa and Grandma went to dinner with Max and Janice. I also had my Wednesday night crop.


Thursday, February 18, 2010


Grandpa and Grandma and Lane and Clint left for home today. It was so nice to have them here. Beth and I did a project today for her school. Tomorrow is Beth's 100 Days of School and they were asked to create something with 100 things. We decided to make a beautiful bead necklace with Beth's favorite colors - purple, pink, and red. It turned out great. Joey came home from work feeling really awful and barely able to walk - another gout flare-up. Later coming up the hall to the bedroom, he gave me a scare by passing out. But he came to - pretty quickly and we got him to bed. It was a pretty awful night.


Friday, February 19, 2010


Joey worked from home today. It was a real awful night and his ankle is so swollen and it is hurting him a lot. We took him to the doctor and now it might not be gout. They aren't sure what it is. They took some fluid out of his ankle and there was lots of blood, so it is pretty scary and it was so painful. But after getting all that out of his foot - he feels a lot better. We will have to wait for the fluid to get tested before we will get answers on what it could be. But he felt better so he was able to go do his podcast tonight. We also got to babysit Kalissa all day. She is very cute and it was fun to have a baby in the house. After school, Beth enjoyed getting to play with her and feed her! She was a great little helper!


Saturday, February 20, 2010


The kids like to put on "shows" for Joey and I. They are so funny. They spend tons of time getting everything ready and then when they start the show they get so nervous. Today's show was JJ's magic tricks (where he pretends to make cards disappear) and Beth's Storytelling from her books. They were cute at the end where they took hands and gave a bow! I spent the morning and early afternoon at the Stake Center for a Women's Conference where we had a luncheon and some classes. The women in our ward choir sang a song at the opening session and it was really nice to be able to participate in that.


Sunday, February 21, 2010


Joey's foot is still hurting pretty badly, so he wasn't able to go to church with us today. I had to sing in Sacrament meeting so I left the kids home with Joey - went and sang and then came and got the kids for Primary. Later, the kids looked so cute cuddling up to their dad today for our family movie.


And here is my weekly layout:


I used my POLKA DOT FRENZY (coming soon) to create this layout!

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Show-OffZ Challenge | Week 2/15/10

Thank you to the wonderful ladies who participated in my Show-OffZ Challenge this week, your bonus will be arriving via email shortly! I hope more of you will participate in next week's challenge! Thanks!

This week's challenge:
I want you to scrap about your very best Birthday EVER! Scrap a layout about it and include a photo if you have one - but most importantly describe WHY it was your favorite birthday!

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High/Low: February 19, 2010 + Freebie

My LOW this Week was that I got a bit of a scare last night. My husband has been suffering a bit with what we thought was gout in his ankle. Last night, he had a huge flare up and it was incredibly painful for him. Nothing seemed to work to make him feel better. I was in the bedroom and Joey was in the living room. I heard him coming up the hall and I went out to talk to him. I looked terrible. I proceeded to say that he felt very light headed and suddenly fell backwards and passed out. It was pretty scary for me - I have never seen him like that. But about a minute later he came to - and we got him to bed. It was a terrible night and this morning we got him to the doctor. They put a syringe in his ankle and pulled out lots of fluid including a lot of blood that shouldn't have been there. It is now a possibility that it is something besides gout and we have to wait for the fluid to get tested. Good news is that after getting that fluid out of his ankle he is feeling much better and he was able to go and do his podcast. I sure hope we get the results soon.

My HIGH for this Week is that my parents and brothers came and stayed with us for a couple of days. It's always nice to spend time with them.


REMINDER: Today is the deadline for this week's Show-OffZ Challenge! I would love for you to participate!


I have a freebie for you today - It's a little CANDLE BEAR that could be used for birthdays and other celebrations! I hope you enjoy it!

ENJOY AND HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!



DOWNLOAD LINK

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Speed Crop tomorrow!

Please join me tomorrow at Digitals for our monthly Speed Crop!

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New Release Monday/Creative Inspiration + Show-OffZ Challenge | Even More Mini-KitZ Collection

Today I have a new product collection for you!

This new collection brings you designZ from the past! It is a series of papers/elements that I have designed in the last 3 1/2 years for collaborations, bonuses, and freebies that are no longer available anywhere else. All of these pieces are thrown together into 10 kits! I hope you enjoy them!

Today I am releasing the first 2 kits in my MINI-KITZ COLLECTION!

Get it now:

Blog

Here's how it works:

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!


THIS WEEK'S SHOW-OFFZ CHALLENGE:

I want you to scrap about your very best Birthday EVER! Scrap a layout about it and include a photo if you have one - but most importantly describe WHY it was your favorite birthday!

Email me (dedesmith32@gmail.com) a copy of your 600x600, 72dpi Layout by 10pm EST on Friday, February 19th and your layout will be shared on February 20th on my blog! Please include the name that you want listed with your layout.

This week you will be receiving the Mini-KitZ 2!

Thanks and I hope you will join in the challenge and come back next Monday for new releases and a new challenge!

Join me every Monday for my new releases! Also on Mondays I will be posting a Show-OffZ Call for your layouts - so please don't miss that at the bottom of this posting!

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Life 365: Week 7

Monday, February 8, 2010


The kids still were not up to going to school today so we hung out in our pjs all day. Our fun activity for the day was doing a little beading! Beth made a necklace and JJ made a bead string. They had a great time!


Tuesday, February 9, 2010


We decided to give the kids just one more day at home. I was not feeling so great and was just really tired so I decided to just give the kids their bath/shower at the same time tonight. Beth took the bath and JJ took the shower and they loved it!


Wednesday, February 10, 2010


The kids went back to school today. They were so sick of being outside and so they were so delighted! They both had a great day and were in much better moods than yesterday!


Thursday, February 11, 2010


Joey's gift to me for Valentine's Day arrived today - beautiful, delicious chocolate strawberries! It was such a surprise and they were so good. Definitely made my day!


Friday, February 12, 2010


The kids' had their Valentine's Day parties at school today! We made some fun Valentine boxes last night and so they were so excited to come home with them - full of candy/cards. For snack, we made some fun heart sandwiches and cookies. A fun day!


Saturday, February 13, 2010


Joey survived his podcast last night, but still felt really awful today, so he spent most of the day in bed. I did a lot of designing and the kids enjoyed playing together, especially when Beth got out her Barbies for a picnic with Chef JJ "making" the food! It was very cute!


Sunday, February 14, 2010


Happy Valentine's Day! It was Stake Conference at church but Joey still felt so awful and I think another round has hit me, so we just stayed home. Joey ordered pizza and so we just snacked on that all day, played a little Wii, the kids colored and pasted hearts on paper (making "Valentine Books"), Joey edited his podcast I did some design work, and we just hung out again....I wish this sickness would leave our house!

While playing Wii, Joey had an adorable conversation with Beth that just completely touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes:

"Daddy, do you know what I want to be when I grow up? These are some things I think it would be good to be: I want to be a ballerina, I want to learn to play hopscotch, I want to be a lady doctor, and the best thing is that I want to be a Mommy just like my Mommy."


And here is my weekly layout:


I used my MINI-KITZ COLLECTION to create this layout!

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Show-OffZ Challenge | Week 2/8/10

Thank you to the wonderful ladies who participated in my Show-OffZ Challenge this week, your bonus will be arriving via email shortly! I hope more of you will participate in next week's challenge! Thanks!

This week's challenge:
I want you to share your dreams with me by taking ANY of my products (and my products only) and creating a layout that journals about what you want out of life!

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High/Low: February 12, 2010 + Freebie

My LOW this Week was that my family has still been sick. JJ and Beth finally went back to school on Wednesday, but now Joey's pretty sick, and I still haven't really felt like myself yet.

My HIGH for this Week is that I have made tons of headway on my design list. I'm working on kits that will be released later in the year as part of certain design responsibilities I have to a couple of the sites that I sell at. I still have more to do before I can go ahead and start working on kits for myself - but I'm feeling really good about my creative mojo!


REMINDER: Today is the deadline for this week's Show-OffZ Challenge! I would love for you to participate!


Don't miss out on my FRIDAY FREEBIE at 3S too! It's usually only available today - but due to a delay - you should be able to get it until Sunday - so go get it now! Check it out:




I have a freebie for you today - It's a little cluster that will coordinate with my ALL ABOARD! Kit that will be released later in the year as part of the 3S Club Membership!

ENJOY AND HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!



DOWNLOAD LINK

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