September 2010 Blog Train | Fall Carnival

Welcome to this month's blog train! I'm excited to be participating with so many fabulous designers! This month we are bringing fun colors for your fall activities with FALL CARNIVAL!

Check out my little contribution:

DOWNLOAD LINK

Your previous stop was JKCreations.

Your next stop is Mikki Designs.

To see all participating designers, please check out the BLOG TRAIN BLOG.


Have fun and please feel free to leave your comments, questions, and suggestions by leaving a comment! I love to hear from you!

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Show-OffZ Challenge | Week 7/26/10

So I got really really behind and I'm so sorry for the delay in the Show-OffZ - hopefully I will start it back up again! Thank you to the wonderful ladies who participated in my Show-OffZ Challenge this week, your bonus will be arriving via email shortly! Thanks!

This week's challenge was:

Another easy one this week - your layout can be ANYTHING AT ALL! You must use MY PRODUCTS ONLY to create your layout! (You can use ANY product by me!)

by Ana Carol

by Angela

by dekek

by Greenfield Original

by Kristin

by Sharon

by Sparky4

by Susie

by Teddie

by Teddie

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Family History TuesdayZ | Laugh 'til you Cry

Here is this week's journal prompt :

Each Tuesday, I am going to be offering prompts or ideas. If you don't write in your journal regularly - I am going to encourage you to write just ONCE A WEEK and answer the question/idea that I give on Tuesdays. These ideas hopefully will spark a memory and you will be able to capture that in what you write/record so that it can be left for your children/grandchildren/family/friends. Give as much detail as you can when answering.

Will you do this for me? Will you do this for your families? You can write it down in a journal, you can type it up on a computer or journaling software, you can take a recorder and talk, you can videotape your answers, you can even scrap a page with the journaling. It doesn't matter how you do this - it's just important that you do it. The memories, the dates, the information is the only real thing we can leave to our families when we are gone.

If I come up with other family history ideas - I will be sure to share it here too - and if you want to share with me your ideas - that would be wonderful and I'd be glad to share them here too. Just comment here or email me at dedesmith32@gmail.com.

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Vacation

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to let you know that my family is headed on vacation from September 2nd-September 7th. We will only be a few hours away and I will have some internet access, but I don't plan on spending much time there - my goal is to spend some quality time with my family. I will be working on some designing while I'm there - but it won't be my focus.

So I will be back!

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September 2010 ScatterZ Challenge

My ScatterZ Challenge at 3Scrapateers is now posted! Make sure you check it out HERE.


And check out this month's posting bonus:

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Life 365: Week 35

Monday, August 23, 2010


A nightly ritual for Joey and the kids include the "burrito." They can choose from regular sized or "big" bean or cheese burrito and they get all tucked in with their blankets. And then just for good measure - Joey adds "rice" which includes a good tickle! The kids love it!


Tuesday, August 24, 2010


This afternoon the kids got to go to the school and meet their new teachers for this year. They were able to tour their classrooms and visit with their teachers. They look forward to having Mrs. Hokanson and Mrs. Graham as their teachers!


Wednesday, August 25, 2010


The big day has arrived. JJ's first day of school. He was so excited to have his new backpack and new school clothes and get to ride the bus again this year! He had a great first day and was all smiles when he got home!


Thursday, August 26, 2010


Today, I wasn't feeling so good. Have some kind of bug that makes me dizzy and headachy and cold. So I was kind of out of it all day. Towards the afternoon I was doing better so we headed off to the school for Beth's Kindergarten assessment. She did really well and we're all set now for her to start next week. It was definitely a pizza night and a $5 pizza from Little Caesars was just perfect. After the kids were in bed and I started catching up on Facebook, I learned of a tragedy in Orderville. My second cousin, Brian Harris, a Kane County Deputy Sheriff was shot and killed in the line of duty. It was such a shock and for the rest of the night I was reading articles about it and praying for his family. I just can't believe that this has happened.



Friday, August 27, 2010


It rained off and on today and at dusk we headed outside for a little running and dancing in the rain. The kids were so cute about it and I had to capture some of their delight.



Saturday, August 28, 2010


At the beginning of the week, my dryer died and today Joey and Clark headed over to a store to pick us up a used dryer. It works great and I really appreciate the devices we have in our lives! You don't really notice how much you depend on something when you don't have it! Yay for clean laundry again!


Sunday, August 29, 2010


I finally broke down and bought an expensive electric razor for Joey and convinced him to use it. He has been on blood thinners for his blood clots and has been unable to shave using his regular blades. So for 6 months or so - he has worn a shaggy beard - but off it came today and I love that I can see his handsome face again! Thanks honey.

They held a candlelight vigil in Orderville today for Brian. I feel so badly that I live so far away from my hometown now and was unable to make it. It has been such a tough thing for our community but its so nice that they have rallied around the Harris' and are in it together. I really hope they catch the guy who did this and I pray that the family will be okay.


And here is my weekly layout:
coming soon

I used my to create this layout!

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Recipe Thursday - Cheesy Chips

Each Thursday, I am going to be sharing a recipe with you!
I will pick a recipe from my collection and I will be sharing where I got the recipe and everything. But I am going to include my own photo of the finished food, the original recipe, and try and share the things I changed when I made it!

I would love your help too! If you have a great recipe, especially week-night dinner recipes (but I would love all kinds of recipes) - please share it with me, by emailing me at dedesmith32@gmail.com. I will try it out and feature it on my blog! If you have cooking tips or anything else in regards to cooking and food - please email me!


This week's Recipe:
This is my kids favorite snack!


Cheesy Chips
by DeDe Smith

Tortilla Chips
Cheese (we like to use the shredded Mexican-blend that has different cheeses)
Salsa

Other options:
Make a yummy bean dip with just refried beans, spanish rice, sour cream and cheese


For an easy snack, place chips on a plate - pile with cheese and put it in the microwave for 45 seconds. Serve it with salsa!

Or make a great bean dip by putting refried beans, spanish rice, sour cream, and cheese into a bowl and microwave until bubbly!

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Designer Spotlight with Silvia

Please join me tonight for a chat with featured designer, SILVIA ROMEO! Come and get to know Silvia, have some fun, and get some freebies!

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Wednesday Sayings - 8/25/10

Each Wednesday, I am going to be sharing a quote/saying with you!
I am a collector of quotes/sayings/scrapbook titles, etc. and I love to hear new ones! So, each week, I will share a quote/saying with you that I hope will inspire you and make your day a little better! If you have any great quotes/sayings - feel free to send them in to me at dedesmith32@gmail.com - I would love to use them!


This week's quote:

"A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."
- Proverbs 16:9

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Family History TuesdayZ | Back to School Memories

Here is this week's journal prompt :

Each Tuesday, I am going to be offering prompts or ideas. If you don't write in your journal regularly - I am going to encourage you to write just ONCE A WEEK and answer the question/idea that I give on Tuesdays. These ideas hopefully will spark a memory and you will be able to capture that in what you write/record so that it can be left for your children/grandchildren/family/friends. Give as much detail as you can when answering.

Will you do this for me? Will you do this for your families? You can write it down in a journal, you can type it up on a computer or journaling software, you can take a recorder and talk, you can videotape your answers, you can even scrap a page with the journaling. It doesn't matter how you do this - it's just important that you do it. The memories, the dates, the information is the only real thing we can leave to our families when we are gone.

If I come up with other family history ideas - I will be sure to share it here too - and if you want to share with me your ideas - that would be wonderful and I'd be glad to share them here too. Just comment here or email me at dedesmith32@gmail.com.

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Life 365: Week 34

Monday, August 16, 2010


This morning, JJ and Beth took their stuffed tigers (Con and Sasha) and put them in Joey's backpack so they could "help" Dad at work. It was pretty adorable to see their heads sticking out of the backpack as Joey headed out the door! Unfortunately, Joey ended up being really late coming home tonight and Beth really wanted Sasha back to sleep with her. But I finally got her to go to sleep and when Joey came home he tucked Sasha in beside Beth. She was very happy in the morning!


Tuesday, August 17, 2010


We finally got JJ in for his school haircut today! We decided to just buzz it off so that it would last longer. He looks great! We also finished our school shopping today so we're all set for next week!


Wednesday, August 18, 2010


We surprised the kids with tickets to go to the outdoor movie tonight! We saw The Princess and the Frog (even though we already have the DVD). It was still fun to take blankets and pillows and be in our PJs and watch a movie outside. Just as the movie finished it started raining, so it worked great!


Thursday, August 19, 2010


I love sunsets. I haven't taken the time to watch them this summer so this one snuck up on me and it was really beautiful! I need to remember to take just a little time to think and to see the beauty instead of rushing around so much.



Friday, August 20, 2010


Unfortunately, Beth has developed her daddy's sense of style. This morning when Joey and I got up, we discovered that Beth had already gotten dressed today. Her choice of the day - a pink plaid skirt and a navy blue/pink striped polo shirt. I tried to explain to her why it didn't match, but that just made her sad, so no smiles for the photo. It was just kind of a bad day for all of us. Unfortunately, she stayed grumpy all day and I wish I just wouldn't have said anything. I had fallen asleep reading last night and forgot to take out the BBQ chicken that was cooking in the crockpot for my dinner exchange tomorrow - so I completely burned it and had to start over again. But the highlight of the day - was having hamburgers and homemade fries and having Pete come over to share it with us. Joey and Pete did their podcast down here this week and its always nice to have Joey home sooner!



Saturday, August 21, 2010


I took the family with me to my dinner exchange today and then we headed up to tour the Church History museum. It has changed a lot since I had last been there, but it was still fun to see all the interesting things they had. I especially enjoyed their Presidents of the Church exhibit with information about all the prophets. When we got home, we relaxed a bit before having dinner at Carrabas and playing at Nickel City. We played Laser Tag, which we all enjoyed so much - even Beth! And we played in the arcade for awhile before turning in our tickets for small prizes and headed home. We all had a great day!


Sunday, August 22, 2010


This spring, we kind of went on a hiatus from the Wii, but we brought it back this summer and the kids have had a really good time. We have kind of returned to our nightly ritual of a little family wii time before bed.


And here is my weekly layout:
coming soon

I used my to create this layout!

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Life 365: Week 33

Monday, August 9, 2010


JJ and Beth's favorite way to play is to grab all of their toys and scatter them across the living room and the kitchen. I dream of the day when I can have a whole room just for their toys so that we don't have to spend every waking hour picking up toys. So usually I get upset and the kids grumble about having to pick up. But then their are those special moments when I actually get caught up in watching them use their imaginations and the mess doesn't bother me so much. I hope I can remember these moments more and not lose my temper because I really do love that they are learning, growing, and having fun together.


Tuesday, August 10, 2010


We took a trip to Costco and Walmart today to fill our cupboards. The kids were really great and it was just a fun outing! But it always makes me tired and its nice to finally make it home and have everything put away.


Wednesday, August 11, 2010


JJ got to go fishing for Scouts today and he loved it! He actually caught 2 fish and he shared one with a boy who didn't catch one. He was so excited to bring it home and show us. Unfortunately, he didn't want to eat it and he kept saying he wanted to keep it as a pet (of course it was dead - so that's not happening). I think I need to get the kids a goldfish or something!


Thursday, August 12, 2010


A trip to the Orem library was our fun outing of the day. The kids got to bring home some Curious George and Arthur books and I brought home my book club's book, The Time Traveler's Wife (which I can't wait to read again - love it) and a Nancy Drew book. I thought it would be fun to read Nancy Drew again.



Friday, August 13, 2010


We really need to get a sandbox for the kids someday. There is a small dirt area in the back of our yard by the tree that the kids just love. It's not that great of dirt, but they dig and play and build in it anyways!



Saturday, August 14, 2010


Grandma Smith took a day trip and came up to see us today. She brought some fun cans that she had decorated and filled with treats and fun stuff for the kids. They LOVED IT! They did stickers and played. We picked up Uncle Aaron and had pizza together before Grandma had to go home. Thanks for coming and being with us today Grandma!


Sunday, August 15, 2010


Uncle Lane came up and spent the night with us. He is headed to tour colleges tomorrow. I can't believe he is going to be a senior this year! Crazy! The kids love it when he stays with us!


And here is my weekly layout:
coming soon

I used my to create this layout!

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Life 365: Week 32

Monday, August 2, 2010


For Family Home Evening tonight we talked about Service and brightening the day for others. We made marshmallow pops and took them around to some of our neighbors/friends and I truly hope the kids learned something!


Tuesday, August 3, 2010


The roses are pretty much gone from our yard - but there was a few petals left on this one today and with the raindrops - I just had to capture it. Such beauty in endurance.


Wednesday, August 4, 2010


I really do love the rain and overcast days. The last little rainstorms we have gotten haven't really cooled it down much though and I can't wait until Fall. The kids and I just sat on the porch for awhile today, watching the rain fall and watching the shapes that it made in the puddles!


Thursday, August 5, 2010


It was the kids last swimming lesson today. I'm proud of the kids and how far they have come. They are both a lot more comfortable in the water. Next year we will have to make sure they take in a couple of sessions of lessons. It was so exciting to see JJ jump off the diving board and LOVE IT! Beth jumped off once and that was enough for her - maybe next year!



Friday, August 6, 2010


I was so excited to be able to go to the Blue Cricket Designs - Girl's Night Out event tonight. My parents came up to pick up Lane and so they were able to watch the kids while Joey was doing his podcast so I could go! It was held at The Chocolate and it was so nice to get away. We learned to make Washer Necklaces. Fabric Rosettes, and we recovered some notepad holders! Plus we had some amazing cake (I got the Red Velvet - yummy) and an amazing bag of coupons and fun crafty extras! It was a wonderful night of fun!



Saturday, August 7, 2010


We didn't accomplish much today. We just decided to stay home and lounge! Grandpa and Grandma Sorensen and Lane left today and we just didn't do much. I forgot to take a picture today - so I'll share a couple of photos I took yesterday morning. As part of the kids' swimming lessons - they give a Family Free Day for the family to swim at the Scera pool. We were excited that Joey took a couple of hours away from work yesterday to go with us. It was a fun water park and the kids really loved splashing around and it was just a great relaxing few hours. Joey even bought us lunch at McDonalds (the kids' favorite) before heading back to work!


Sunday, August 8, 2010


My favorite part of the Girls Night Out was learning to make these fabulous fabric rosettes! Beth loved them too and we made a couple for her to wear to church today. She felt beautiful and I felt crafty and it was just so fun!


And here is my weekly layout:
coming soon

I used my to create this layout!

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