Susann Eaton

Unique Joy

2012-01-13T14:04:00.000-07:00

I am not one for New Year's resolutions, but I always think about it when the New Year rolls around. The last 9 years of my life have been filled with many health issues and when the New Year comes again one thing I hope for is less pain, more energy. Sometimes when you don't feel well you get caught up in your own head, see less of what is good around you. As the end of last December approached I decided to think differently about the New Year. Health wise, chances are, things will be about the same but I can get back to finding the little things that bring me joy every day. Now, as you are reading this you are probably thinking, "Wow, she must be a real downer to live with", not true (I hope). Years ago I made a mental decision to not let my health problems effect my positive attitude. Sure, I have plenty of 'Pity-Party' days but overall I am a 'the glass is half full' type of girl. Just because I don't feel well everyone else around me doesn't have to suffer.

Finding joy in my everyday life is not a new concept. It has been rolling around inside my brain for quite a while. I have always found such incredible joy in my beautiful - sweet girls, my husband, my animals, and my family and friends. No the joy I have been ~~seeking~~ craving goes even deeper. It is a unique joy that is just for me. A joy that fills my spirit, a joy no one else has to get, or approve of. Too much of my life has been spent worrying about what others will think, full of too much approval seeking. Don't get me wrong I am not going to run out and get a tattoo and join the circus, I am just going to find ME again.

So, I started thinking about what do I enjoy, what is it that makes me, me? As I mulled over all the things I like to do, photography kept bubbling to the top. Taking pictures makes me giddy! Photography has been a huge part of my life since I was little, developing pictures in our darkroom, with my dad. This is one thing that brings that essential joy I am looking for, let's me share my joy, and helps capture the things in my everyday life that brings me joy.

Taking 'A Picture a Day' in January came out of not so much a New Year's resolution as a determination to help me find that unique joy my soul craves. Buckle up, keep your hands and legs inside the car at all times, and enjoy this beautiful ride that is joy!

January 1, 2012

Wilted Spider Mums. Sometimes wilted is more beautiful than fresh.

January 2, 2012

Mexican pasta, a family favorite. There is nothing like preparing and eating food together!

January 3, 2012

Yes, that is me sewing. If you know me, you know I DON'T sew. Sewing intimidates me and truthfully makes me a little nauseous! My daughter Taylor gave me the courage, instruction, and yes, supervision to sew a new pillow for my bed. Thank, you Taylor!

January 4, 2012

I hate, hate, hate pictures of myself! My thought was, "maybe this will make it easier to have other pictures taken of me". Nope didn't work. Maybe, it will get easier one day, cross my fingers.

January 5, 2012

My beautiful boy, Bob, who loves me enough to take on the dog so he can sit next to me.

January 6, 2012

I forgot my camera when we took this trek to the "Up House". So this is taken with my iPhone just as it was getting dark. Pictures not so great, but the memories made with my girls, priceless! This picture show my daughter Cheyanne in the red jacket and her sweet friend Jori in the blue jacket.

January 6, 2012 #2

This is my oldest daughter, Taylor (isn't she cute!).

January 7, 2012

This is the pattern on my new comforter. I love walking in my room and seeing my bed, it makes me feel like I am on vacation.

January 8, 2012

A slice of my heaven, my scrapbook/craft room. When I walk into this room I have a noticeable drop in stress and tension levels. This room is filled with things I love. Many childhood and adult memories are tucked away in this room.

January 9, 2012

My daughter, Cheyanne. It is not often that I can catch her unawares. Watching her makes my heart expand. It is a privilege to call her my daughter. It is hard to put into words my feelings for this bright, beautiful, stubborn baby of mine.

January 10, 2012

This is Joji, my baby girl. Not because she is the youngest of our animals,it is because she is

so sweet. Recently she had to have her left eye removed (she was shy and didn't want it to show on camera). Her resilience and lack of feeling sorry for herself has been an inspiration to me. She has taught me to take what you have been given and make the most of it. Get over yourself and move on.

January 11, 2012

This is part of a flock of Chickadees waiting for the feeders in my backyard. I am so bird obsessed that I have bird books on my kitchen table at all times so I can identify and read about birds at anytime.

January 12, 2012

I have 5 orchids and love everything about them. All but this one pictured above are at least 10 years old (this one is about 2 years old). They have moved from house to house, city to city, state to state with me. They are like old friends that get more beautiful with age. Just a few more weeks and I will have a kitchen window full of beautiful blooms. I can't wait.

This month I am focusing on how photography can help me to find my own unique joy. It isn't about technique it's about content. It's about showing my joy through and with photography. I feel like if I can fill my soul with who I am, I will be better able to share and help grow my daughter's own unique joy. I would be a failure if I didn't help my girls reach their full potential as incredible daughters of God.

If I can recognize that sweet joy that is mine I can thank my Heavenly Father for all that I am and all I have been given. For you dear reader, I hope to plant a seed, a notion, a belief, that you are also worthy of your own unique joy, a joy unto yourself.

More pictures to follow - I hope your still along for the ride!

2011-11-28T17:30:00.001-07:00

There is still two days left to order the fantastic November Stamp of the Month - Cherish the Day. This is a versatile stamp that can be used for calendars, cards, or layouts.

I love Subway art and used this set to create my own piece of Subway art.

I stamped a 4"x6" piece of black cardstock with White Daisy ink (to dry your ink quicker use your heat gun), put it in a black frame and finished it off with sparkles on the top of the glass. Simple and easy! My kind of project.

This inventive card was made by my fellow consultant Kimberly Deines. I love the squares on the side. I definitely gravitate to fall colors.

This is a Kris Keys creation. She is one of the most talented consultants I know. I am so lucky to get one of her cards. This card is staying with me, I don't think I can part with it.

To get one of your own stamp sets call, email, or even shop in your p.j.'s on my website susanneaton.myctmh.com.

HAVE FUN CREATING!

Studio J

2011-10-18T12:39:00.001-06:00

Did you know Close to My Heart has an online Scrapbooking program called Studio J. Or did you know already and you thought about trying it but it sounded too overwhelming, too expensive, too time consuming, or you just don't want to buy all the add-ons. Well you are in luck (which is a very lucky thing to be)! Let's break it down; sounds like a lyric to a song I can't remember, oh well, let me get back on track.

Did you know that you can create a layout with Studio J in a matter of minutes, or even do a whole album with 20 layouts in a matter of a few hours. How do I know this you ask, well (drum roll please) I have done it (I know hard to believe), yes me! I had a very dear Aunt pass away and wanted to share her amazing ~~pictures~~ memories with the small family I have left. I created an album that documented her life growing up; including parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, nieces and nephews. In a sense, a history of the Allen family and a tribute to my smart, gracious, and incredibly loving Aunt Dona. After I had designed the album I printed one for everyone left in my family. I didn't have to even leave my house and it was all done in my jammies with a box of Kleenex by my side.

The hardest part of the entire process was scanning in old family photographs. And now everyone has an album to treasure and also a cd with all of the photographs.

Here are some Studio J facts:

There is no software to purchase and install other than an Internet-connected computer.; instead, simply log in to susanneaton.myctmh.com and click on Studio J and start designing your layouts. You can create and immediately purchase your layouts, or you can save them for later completion and purchase.
Studio layouts can be created quickly for the time-challenged and have many flexible options for artists who want a custom look. Plus, Studio J makes it easy and affordable to print multiple copies of the same layout, perfect for giving to friends and family.
Studio J lets you choose from many of your favorite current and retired classic kits as well as kits exclusive to Studio J. However, in contrast to classic papers, studio papers give you the option to change the color of the monochromatic sides of the paper to any color in our 60-color palette. The software allows you to add distressing and embellishments as well as edit your photos, allowing you to adjust the photo’s brightness and contrast, saturation, sharpness, etc. Studio J even has tools to brighten teeth, erase wrinkles, soften blemishes, remove red eye, and more.
You’ll find all of the latest pricing and shipping information, including shipping options, at susanneaton.myctmh.com.
Becoming a Studio J member is the perfect way to get our best pricing of 50% off retail—that works out to be approximately $3.25 per page!

I am sorry for so much information at one time, I was just so darn exited to share this exciting program with you. I promise over the coming weeks and month to go into more detail so it doesn't seem so overwhelming and in the mean time please email me at qeaton@gmail.com or call me with any questions.

The following video will walk you through creating a layout from start to finish in Studio J. ENJOY!

April Specials

2011-04-07T21:35:00.000-06:00

MY REFLECTIONS LEVEL 1 SCRAPBOOKING KITS are great for beginners to seasoned pros. The preprinted pages make preserving your fondest memories a breeze. Get a FREE Level 1 kit of your choice when you order $100 or more on my website susanneaton.myctmh.com April 1–30, 2011 (limit of one free

kit per qualifying order). Now’s the time to let everyone know you’re Lovin’ Level 1!

(Click on the Studio J picture on the right side of my blog for more information)

Members save more, do more,

get more!

• Exclusive patterns

• 50% off layouts

• Free JPG files

• Free monthly shipment

• Members-only promotions like this one!

ADD DELIGHTFUL DETAILS TO YOUR BEAUTIFUL STUDIO J LAYOUTS. Self-adhesive clear Sparkles and Opaques Pearl adhesive gems make it easy to get your shine on, and now you can get these adorable accessories FREE!

Throughout April, Studio J members get one free package each of clear Sparkles and Opaques Pearl gems, a retail value of $5.90, for every 10 custom-printed layouts purchased in a single order. It's another way CTMH makes scrapbooking faster, simpler, easier—and more sparkly! Go to my website susanneaton.myctmh.com and click on Studio J online scrapbooking to start creating!

OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO THE VICTIMS OF THE EARTHQUAKE AND tsunami in Japan, and like so many of you, we’re eager to help. And helping has never been easier!

Give a little hope to Japan by purchasing an exclusive stamp set for just $5

During April, purchase the exclusive “Hope for Japan” A-size stamp set for the special price of only $5 (retail value $7.95) and Close To My Heart will donate 100% of the profits to the American Red Cross efforts in Japan. This beautifully designed stamp set reminds us of how our hearts are hopeful for those who are in need.

Contact me today to get involved in this heart-worthy cause.

2011-04-04T21:11:00.000-06:00

My take on the Sophia Card Workshop

I love this paper, but I am absolutely addicted to the stamp set that comes with the Sophia Workshop Kit. I love anything birds. As long as I can remember I have loved birds. My true love affair began with my first bird, a beautiful, sassy parakeet. How I loved that bird. Now I share my life with two incredible, funny, silly, and sometimes just crazy birds.

This is our bird Sam

and this is Tweety (she is just a baby)

Even if you don't have your own crazy bird, you can join the bird craze by getting this stamp set available only in the Sophia Workshop Kit (G1019). Call or email me to get your kit, or better yet shop anytime from my website susanneaton.myctmh.com.

Magnifique Layout #2

2011-03-18T20:36:00.000-06:00

Here is another layout using the beautiful Magnifique level 2 paper. I love how the blue perfectly compliments Taylor's eyes. What makes this paper Magnifique is the versatile colors and patterns. I have three ways to get the products shown; call or email me, or better yet shop in your jammies on my website susanneaton.myctmh.com.

Supply List

Magnifique Level 2 paper pack - X7127B

Magnifique Stickease - X7127C

Basic Assortment Brads - Z1365

Miracle Irresistibles (chipboard that has a resist pattern that shows through when covered with ink, chalk, markers, or watercolors) - Z1354

*Beautiful daughter not included

Discounted Products

2011-01-18T18:45:00.000-07:00

Remember to check my website;

susanneaton.myctmh.com

to find discounted and retired products at phenomenal prices. Check back often to take advantage of these products that are offered while supplies last!

Right now prices are up to 90% off and items are going quickly. Don't miss out!

January Stamp of the Month

2011-01-13T13:00:00.001-07:00

Did you know purchasing your workshop packet for February can help you in January? WHAT? you say. Well, let me tell you, Close to My Heart is celebrating National Paper Crafting Month this month by giving us huge discounts on great products. When you buy the Wings Workshops on the Go kit and mix and match the new products found throughout the pages of the Inspirations brochure you can earn the January Stamp of the Month (Find Your Style) set at a discount or even for FREE!

Ok, as if that wasn't exciting enough you can even buy the stamp sets featured in the Inspirations Brochure at a deep discount. I have my eye on the Bohemian Alphabet set (on page 11 of the Inspirations Brochure). Instead of paying $34.95 it is only $25.00 when you buy the Wings Workshop Kit.

This is an example of the Wings Paper. Too see the whole Inspirations Brochure click on the picture on the right column.

Don't miss out on these great savings. Contact me by January 31st to be included in on all the great deals.

YAY! It's workshop time again!

2011-01-12T16:52:00.001-07:00

JANUARY 29, 2011

I can hardly wait, how about you. The smell of new paper, ink stained hands, the laughter of your friends. That feeling of accomplishment that only a finished layout brings. Ummmm, wonderful! You can choose to make a layout, a set of cards, both, or any combination you can think of. On my layout I added snowflakes which will be totally optional. If you choose to use them I will provide them free of charge for coming. Who couldn't use some extra bling - especially if it is free! Thanks to my wonderful upline Karen Pedersen for the layout inspiration!

New Year, lots of new reasons to have new cards on hand.

Come and make 1,3 or 9, as many as you would like.

Workshop will start at 10:00 a.m. and end at 12:00 p.m.. Whether you are a beginner or an old pro, I can guarantee you will have a fantastic time and may even learn something NEW in the process. Let me know by phone or email by January 20th if you would like to join us.

2010-12-08T11:53:00.000-07:00

Spend $20 or more in December and receive a FREE D-size stamp set!

Place an order of $20 or more on my susanneaton.myctmh.com website December 1–31, 2010, and you’ll be rewarded with a popular, retired D-size stamp set for FREE! Talk about getting more for your money—the free stamp set is valued at $22.95! I'm sure you’ll be thrilled with the set CTMH picks out for you. CTMH is also giving you FREE shipping/handling and tax on your free stamp set. That’s a lot of Plenty for your Twenty! Grab Plenty for Twenty in December by visiting my website and making a qualifying purchase today!

HI-HO CHERRY-O

2010-08-12T18:28:00.000-06:00

August Workshops will be on Saturday the 28th.

Do you remember the counting game HI-HO CHERRY-O? My neighbors had this game when I was a child and I remember sitting on their basement floor playing it for hours; sometimes making up our own rules, sometimes watching the boys cheat, but always laughing and having fun. It was a simple game that most of us were really too old to be playing but it was something that brought us together and was a part of some really great memories.

When I first saw the name of the kit Cherry-O we are making this month at Workshops it brought back a lot of old memories. I was even more excited when I saw the different papers and stamp set that went along with the Workshop Kit. The paper is bright, fun, and has a hint of nostalgia.

The Cherry-O kit is a perfect way to save your old memories with the workshop pages or make some new memories by making the cards to give to family and friends.

I look forward to having you join us at workshops where you will have time to make a 2 page layout or 6 cards and still have plenty of extra paper to go home and do the other projects plus many more of your own projects.

Layout #1

Layout #2

Cards

Contact me so I can save you a spot at workshops. I can't wait to see you there!

July Workshops

2010-07-20T23:47:00.004-06:00

splen·dor: \ˈsplen-dər\

1 a : great brightness or luster : brilliancy : magnificence, pomp
2 : something splendid (the splendors of the past)

I can't think of a better way to highlight summer memories than with the Splendor Kit. This kit makes me think of bright warm summer days, Popsicles, water fountains, and the scent of freshly cut grass.

The pattern and colors were perfect for my pictures of Cheyanne learning how to mow the lawn with the tractor this spring. As you can see Darin was never far away. Before we know it she will be kickin' her dad to the curb and doing it all on her own; everyone just stay off the grass and you will be just fine. Taylor and I had a splendid hour full of giggles as we watched Cheyanne trying to reach the pedal and Darin trying not to fall off the back of the tractor.

The kit was also perfect for pictures of Taylor's 3rd grade field trip to downtown Grand Junction, CO. to see all of the incredible outdoor art. This paper certainly helped to bring back the SPLENDOR of Grand Junction. Although we lived there for only two short years the experience was simply magnificent. Grand Junction has the best display of outdoor art on their Main Street I have ever seen. This is certainly one of my family's favorite spots.

Join me this month so we can celebrate your SPLENDORS of the past!

Products used:

Splendor Basic Workshop Kit (G1009) includes:

Splendor Level 2 Paper Packet (X7124B)

        My Acrylix® Summer Wishes (only available with this kit)
        Irresistibles™ Pizzazz Chipboard Die-Cuts (X1307)
        Workshop Guide
I also added the Splendor My Stickease (X7124C) and White Daisy Ricrac (Z1052)

Missing in Action

2010-07-06T23:46:00.001-06:00

This last month has been difficult. I feel like our safety net has failed and our family is at war. A war of the mind, body, and pocketbook. The first skirmish was at the beginning of the month when my scrapbook room flooded. No kidding, IT REALLY did flood (see my May 13th post). Darin accidentally left the hose on and I ended up with 14 inches of water in the window well which came through the window and flooded over half of my scrapbook room. My room was totally out of commission for over 3 weeks. Putting the rest of my room back together was put on hold when an even larger battled ensued. On June 11th, Darin was handed his paycheck and told there was no job to come back to on Monday because the business was closing. No notice, no severance. When you have three people with a chronic illness a paycheck is essential. No paycheck could spell disaster for our family very quickly.

Between helping Darin find a job and being very ill the last month, I have not had the heart to write until today. It seems that almost every day something has broken, been lost, gotten worse, or disappeared, except the support of our family and friends. Without the love of our Heavenly Father and our family and friends we would have certainly suffered some casualties, but because our army has been strong and our backup limitless we have been weathering the battles well. Even through the many battles I am so thankful for all that I have. I have been given so much. I know my Heavenly Father is carrying us over the battlefield, shielding us from the bullets, tending to our wounds, and healing our spirits.

We may have lost a few battles within the last month but we will certainly not surrender and as long as Heavenly Father is our chief commander I know we will win this war.

May Workshops

2010-05-21T09:21:00.001-06:00

Here are the pages we will be making for workshops this month. The kit we are using is the beautiful Veranda Kit. The paper has such subtle soft colors it really lets your pictures stand out.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Products used: Veranda Level 2 Paper Packet (X7119B), Veranda Stickease (X7119C), Just Blooms Spring Paper Flowers (Z1266), and Filigree Charms (Z1269)

May Card Group

2010-05-21T08:54:00.002-06:00

Here are the beautiful cards I received in Card Group this month. Thanks girls, you continually inspire me!

Lisa's card

Barbie's card

Amanda's card

Sock Monkey Saga

2010-05-13T20:36:00.002-06:00

Every quarter I do a page swap with some of my great friends. I get new layouts, time with some really good friends, new ideas and lot's of STRESS. Self induced stress! Beside the fact that I am a perfectionist to the point of paralysis, I decided to up the stakes this quarter. I have been thinking about doing a page with a Sock Monkey and stupid me I actually mentioned this at the last swap and when everyone said "OOH, you should do that for next time" I stupidly agreed. Did I mention how stupid that was?

Now the pressure was on. At the time I thought there has to be a lot of paper piecing patterns, pages to look at on the web, monkey paper, etc., etc. Wrong! I think I found a total of 4 pages of monkey patterned paper (which I didn't like), no layouts, and no paper piecing patterns; sheesh, you would think Martha would have at least 6 paper piecing patterns. Martha, I am very disappointed you are after all the craft queen.

In the meantime I was at Roberts and found some great paper for 75% off and thought perfect, cute and affordable, can't go wrong. So now it is less than a week before the swap and I have not even started. I first started thinking of excuses of why I couldn't do the swap; such as I cut off my finger while chopping walnuts (I don't even like walnuts), I was called to jury duty, I shot my eye out with a BB gun, my scrapbook room was flooded, but alas none seemed good enough, I guess I was stuck making the stupid pages. While fighting back nausea and the trying to find the will to live I had the brilliant idea to look for Sock Monkey cards online. I didn't end up finding one Monkey that I loved, so my Monkey is a mix of a few different ones.

So now I have the Monkey somewhat figured out and I think the rest should be a breeze. Wrong again. I sit down with the paper I bought and went totally blank. How am I going to use a Sock Monkey on this wild paper? The colors are wrong the pattern is wild and my creative block is turning into a wall. So I ate 3 chocolate kisses watched some T.V. and closed the door on my craft room and walked away, so much for getting anything done. Now it is 4 days before the swap and I head back to my craft room and decide I am not coming out until I have accomplished something. My accomplishments were to eat 2 more kisses and pull a bunch of stuff out. Whew, that was tough; time to go to bed.

Three days before the swap the wall came down and it all started to come together. I think the fear of disappointing my friends outweighed my desire to vomit. My pages may not be the best but they are done and I think they might even be growing on me. The older I get the more I find I procrastinate. The closer the deadline the more my creative juices flow. What's with that? Fortunately, by the time my packets were done I was excited again for the swap and I loved getting all the beautiful pages from everyone else. I guess I will not quit quite yet, maybe.

Celebrate National Scrapbooking Month

2010-04-21T09:55:00.001-06:00

Close to My Heart and I are celebrating National Scrapbooking Month with an exclusive Scrapbook Kit only available through May 31st. It's a beautiful spring-themed scrapbooking kit that includes new, coordinating B&T Duos® die-cut papers, B&T Duos, Irresistibles™ chipboard die-cuts, My Stickease® adhesive images, Flip Flaps™, plus more favorite accessories and papers. It also includes an instruction brochure for easily creating two beautiful two-page layouts—with no stamping required!

Below I have listed 5 different ways to purchase the kit:

Purchase the kit outright for $19.95
Place a minimum order of $40 and purchase the kit for only $10
Place a minimum order of $60 and purchase the kit for only $5
Host a Home Gathering with minimum sales of $300 and receive a kit FREE!
From May 1–31, sign up as a new Consultant between and receive a kit FREE!

My favorite thing about this kit is I was able to customize the die-cuts by adding Tulip and Hydrangea ink to make the embossed resist designs appear. I also loved being able to add 6 extra photos using Flip Flaps™ (they are hidden under the right hand pages on both layouts)

Click on the picture on the right hand side of my blog for more information. Contact me before MAY 31ST so you don't miss out on this fantastic offer.

March #3

2010-04-16T11:11:00.002-06:00

March 18th was the talent show at Hidden Hollow Elementary. Cheyanne started playing in the school orchestra last October. She is a natural! Violin is the last instrument I thought she would ever want to play but I am sure glad she chose it. Learning a new instrument is always hard especially when you have Rheumatoid Arthritis like Cheyanne. I am such a proud mama! As I watch her fight through the pain and frustration I am continually amazed at her determination and strength. I admire her so much; she is one of my greatest examples of tenacity and character. Cheyanne, I wish you health, strength, love, and a strong testimony. I WISH YOU ALL YOUR HEART DESIRES!

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,

Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,

You never need to carry more than you can hold,

And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,

I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,

Yeah, this, is my wish.

-Rascal Flatts

WAY TO GO BABY! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! YOU HAVE MANY GREAT AND MARVELOUS ADVENTURES IN YOUR FUTURE!

Love,
Mom

March #2

2010-04-16T11:01:00.002-06:00

The first week of March was filled with a vacation to St. George and Las Vegas. Taylor had a competition in Vegas with the Westlake Ballroom Team so we decided to leave a couple of days earlier than the team to have some family time together. First stop, St. George, after eating lunch we headed to the Dinosaur Tracks Museum. We love DINOSAURS! Really, who doesn't like a good fossil? The Museum is located at Johnson Farms and is still an active dig site. This is a definite must see! We rated it 4 stars (one for each of us).

After the museum we went and found the house we would be staying in. All I can say is WOW! The neighborhood and house were magnificent. The subdivision is perched on a bluff overlooking St. George. When our friends generously offered their house to stay in we had no idea it would be soooo big and beautiful and the views so GRAND. We were really living the life! Do too being struck dumb we were unable to rate this.

The view from their deck.

This is the backyard of the house next door. It can be yours for a cool 2.4 million.

After discovering how the other half lives we headed to Snow Canyon. By the time we got there the shadows were already filling the canyon which made for some very beautiful pictures. I love how the movement of shadow and light create a new scene every few minutes. This fantastic adventure was rated 8 stars (one for each of our hands).

Wednesday thru Sunday was spent in Las Vegas. Before Taylor met up with the Ballroom Team we were able to do some shopping together and eat at Roxy's diner.

Taylor spent most of her time with the Westlake High School Ballroom team having a great time. She saw the sights, went swimming at the pool on the roof of the Stratosphere, and practiced for her competition at the Las Vegas Showdown.

Darin, Cheyanne, and I went to Coca Cola World, M&M World, Harley Davidson Cafe, and for Cheyanne's birthday the Shark Reef Aquarium.

We were able to meet up with Taylor and the team at the Hard Rock Cafe on Thursday night. Friday night we went with the team to watch the Vegas Showdown. This was the night pros competed from around the world. A night of wonderful dancing and great costumes.

Saturday we watched Taylor and the team compete and ended the day by watching the marvelous Blue Man Group perform (Blue Man Group was rated 50 stars, one for every team member, adult, and child attending). BMG and their band came out after the show and took pictures with everyone. What a patient bunch of guys, dealing with 40 high school kids, and not actually killing any of them. Sadly, I forgot my camera when we went to see BMG so I will post pictures when I get them from Taylor's friend.

Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay.

The view from our hotel the Stratosphere.

Pictures of the team taken by Hayden.

Taylor waiting to compete her second dance.

After all was said and done we had a fantastic time together. Unfortunately, Taylor didn't place but she came away with some great experiences. She was able to compete at a much larger event then she ever has and was able to create some great memories with her team. Darin and Cheyanne both got to celebrate their Birthdays out of town. I was able to have my husband to myself without being interrupted by his cell phone. Cheyanne was able to have some one on one time with just Darin and I. And we all came away with priceless memories and experiences we will treasure forever. I guess you could say we rated this as big as all the stars in the universe.

March

2010-04-15T16:22:00.001-06:00

It's April what? April, what happened to March? March was so full of activities with a vacation to Las Vegas thrown in that it has taken me until April 15th to digest it all. There is so much I want to share that I have decided to update you on the last few weeks with 3 different posts.

This first post is to show you the pages from March workshops using the Caboodle kit (X7121B) and Stickease (X7121C). The pages also include Tiny Tabs (Z1271) and ribbon from the Sweet Leaf Collection (Z1125).

I would love to have you join us for April's workshop on Saturday, April 24. If you are interested please email or call me by April 19th.

April Card Group

2010-04-15T10:03:00.000-06:00

I meet with a fantastic group of ladies every month for a card group. I am always so impressed at the level of creativity and talent. I look forward to getting together every month to chat and make cards. Life is always good the second Tuesday of the month. I hope the beautiful cards inspire you to create something for yourself.

Dianna's card

Justine's card

Cryssy's card

Debbie's card

Mindy's card

my card

CPR Retreat Revisited

2010-03-02T12:40:00.002-07:00

Last September I was lucky enough to be able to participate in a fantastic Scrapbook retreat put on by my uplines Lynette and Karen (see my post from September 23, 2009). We had a contest for the best layout that included CPR anywhere on the layout. AND I WON! Why am I bringing this up now, well I finally developed my pictures and got them on the layout. Better late than never, I guess.

Products used: Love Letters Rub-Ons (Z1098) and Nature's Ambiance (Z1097), Tulip CS (X5753), Crystal Blue CS (1292), Twitterpated B&T (X7118B), Daydream B&T, Chocolate CS (X5643) and ink (Z2111), Unforgettable B&T (X7106B), Notebook B&T (X7102B), Honey CS (X5668), Sweet Leaf CS (X5639), Dimensional Elements Fresh Shapes (Z1019) and Framed Fun (Z1140), and the Playful Flourishes Stamp Set

February Workshop Photos

2010-02-28T00:23:00.000-07:00

These are the pages we did at workshops yesterday using the Topstich paper pack. I would love to have you join us next month when we do the Caboodle Kit. Please contact me for further information.

Circus Anyone?

2010-02-27T21:57:00.001-07:00

The WHS Ballroom Dance Team had another fantastic performance Thursday night. They danced to the song Circus. I think it was my favorite dance yet. The kids had a great time designing their costumes. The enthusiasm tonight was hard to contain. I was such a proud mama. Taylor wore my Halloween costume from my Junior year in High School (my date and I dressed as a cave man and women). Can't wait to see what they do next week in Las Vegas!

She is learning early how to make those boys behave!

Ahh, Shoes II update

2010-02-27T07:49:00.001-07:00

Thanks for all the great comments on the shoes! If you are interested in the pattern I have included it in my first post about the shoes titled; Ahh, Shoes. I also had some questions about the dvd and the block. The dvd is a slide show set to music from the Princess and the Frog movie. We took pictures of the girls throughout the year and then created a dvd which we showed at our program. Luckily for me I got a break from doing the dvd this year and only had to create the cover for it. The other thing in the picture is a painted block of wood that says each girls name with Daughter of God underneath their name. Just click on either picture to get a closer look. I hope that I have answered your questions and thanks again for your continued support!

Ahh, Shoes II

2010-02-25T21:49:00.004-07:00

Whew, I finally finished! We had our Spring Into Action program for the girls on Tuesday night. I have decided that some church callings are like having a baby. All the anxiety, stress, and labor is worth every minute when you see the look on those sweet faces. You forget all the pain and only remember how beautiful the end product is (i.e. the girls). I truly love serving the girls in my ward, and I am thankful that my Heavenly Father has allowed me to be a part of their lives.

I also threw some dvd covers together at the last minute using Petal and Baby Pink CS and some retired B&T. The shoes are also made out of retired B&T with a Petal and Pink flower.

My Best Valentines Ever!

2010-02-15T11:08:00.000-07:00

This has been an incredible weekend. It started on Friday with Cheyanne's Valentine's Party at school. I just love the energy and excitement that only a 5th grader has. This year I did double duty as both the room mom and teacher. Thank goodness I had some fantastic parents come in and help so I could play the part of teacher. Being around the kids always gives me such a lift.

On Saturday I was able to spend the morning getting a scrapbook fix. I participate in a quarterly kit exchange that has been a great way to get a lot of scrapbooking done quickly. I always love the chance to get together with new and old friends.

Ok, so this is where my weekend gets even better. I know hard to imagine but it does. Saturday night my husband took me to dinner at our favorite local Chinese restaurant. As we were finishing up he pulled a box out of his jacket. Let me just pause for a moment here and tell you my husband does not do things like that, so you can imagine how surprised I was. I took off the ribbon, opened the box, pulled out the inner box, and found an absolutely gorgeous heart necklace inside.

I can finally say HE WENT TO JARED! Don't you think he did a great job? Our cute waitress was watching all of this and came over to admire the necklace and give us her congratulations. She was so excited she kept slipping into Chinese. She asked us when we were getting married and when I told her we will be married for 20 years this year she couldn't believe it. She said I looked too young. Can you imagine beautiful jewelry and to be told you look really young in one night - too DIVINE! This gift meant more to me than you can imagine because money has been really tight at our house. Knowing my husband worked extra hours to buy this for me makes it priceless, something I will always treasure. THANK YOU DARIN, I LOVE YOU!

And the weekend didn't end there; when we got home he gave me some beautiful red roses. On Sunday my sweet Cheyanne gave me a card she made and I gave my family their gifts from me. Later that night we were able to have dinner with my first Valentine; MY MOM. I can't think of a better way to end the perfect weekend.

Ahh, Shoes

2010-02-12T09:00:00.001-07:00

Who doesn't love a pretty pair of shoes or in this case a beautiful paper shoe? I ran across this pattern quite awhile ago but haven't done anything with it until a couple of weeks ago. I am an Activity Days leader for the girls in our Church and we are doing a beginning of the year kickoff to introduce our theme for the year and welcome the new girls that will be coming in this year. The theme last year was F.R.O.G - fully rely on God. This year we are expanding on the theme to include the Princess and the Frog. Only through Fully Relying on God can they realize they are a Princess, a daughter of God. So when I ran across this pattern again on my computer I thought it would be perfect. So now I need to make 18 shoes in the coming week. Once I get them done I will include a bag with a marshmallow frog with a crown and some pink and purple M&Ms I found at Wal-mart in the toe of the shoe. So for all the beautiful Princesses out there that would like to a make their own shoe I have included the link below.

Always remember how precious you are in GOD's eyes. Don't ever question that YOU are of Royal Birth, that YOU are divine and truly loved.

Supplies used - Topstitch Level 2 paper (X7120B), Clear Sparkles (Z1104). Shoe Pattern: www.creatingkeepsakes.com/articles/free_shoe_template_download

Flutter Flitter Tweet

2010-02-11T10:21:00.000-07:00

I have learned something new about myself. I love orange! Yep, orange. I was doing a layout for a swap I am participating in this weekend and after I pulled out all my papers and sat down to start working on the pages I realized I had included orange again. Orange makes me happy. It is cool and crisp and reminds me of summer and popsicles. Orange, not just for Halloween anymore. I also can't seem to get enough of owls, trees, and mushrooms. I know, scary. The pictures on the pages are of my kids on a display my brother Richard created for the State Fair in 1999. Well anyway, thanks for reading to the end of my ~~post~~ ramblings.

Supplies Used - White Daisy CS (1385), Crystal Blue CS (1292), Brown Bag CS (X5644), White Daisy Ricrac, Topstitch Paper (X7120B). Non CTMH items used - Imaginisce Hey Foxy paper and assorted patterned paper (sorry not sure of the brand name, the paper was a gift).

Dancin' Up A Storm

2010-02-05T10:00:00.010-07:00

On January 29th and 30th Westlake High School Ballroom Dance Team held their 1ST annual Dancin' Up A Storm.

Two nights of fantastic dancing based on the hit show Dancing With the Stars, judges included. Dance Team members "Pros" were paired with "Stars" from the community. Mayors Heather Jackson from Eagle Mountain and Mia Love from Saratoga Springs danced. Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs also sent representatives from their Police and Fire Department. Westlake High School was represented by teachers, football coaches, and student body presidents. Most couples learned their two dances in about four weeks.

On Saturday Mayor Mia Love was crowned the winner with the best of cities award going to Eagle Mountain. Jason Randall - a police officer from Eagle Mountain- won second place and Mayor Heather Jackson won third place.

This was a fundraiser for the Ballroom Team to provide much needed costumes and a trip to Vegas to go to Nationals. I am lucky to live in a community that cares about and supports its children and I am so grateful to all of the generous time and money that was given on behalf of my daughter Taylor.

These two pictures are of Taylor performing the Waltz on Friday night.

This is Taylor dancing the Charleston on Saturday. If I could look that cute in flapper dress I might even try the Charleston.

O' Baby

2010-02-02T08:00:00.001-07:00

O'BABY ISN'T SHE CUTE!

This is my adorable redheaded baby doll, Cheyanne. When she was little she had curly red hair and an infectious smile. Now she is 10, has lost her curls but still continues to make everyone around her smile.

The picture on the left is in my top 5 favorite pictures I have of her. I have held on to the pictures for years and have not scrapbooked them because I am such a perfectionist. I was waiting to have the perfect pattern, texture, stamps, journaling, etc. How absurd is that? Even as I pulled the pictures out to put these on my pages I was second guessing myself. I decided to just plow through and get them on pages because they could be seen more often in my scrapbook than just sitting in a box. After finishing the pages I still wasn't sure if I did the pictures justice so I left them in my scrapbook room, shut the door, and walked away. When I went down the next day to look at them I decided, you guessed it, I LOVED THEM! These are now some of my favorite pages I have done. I guess after all my ramblings, what I want to say is just DO IT! Get those precious pictures out of the box and into your albums. Don't be like me and wait over 8 years to move your precious memories from a box to a place of honor in your scrapbook.

Supplies used:

Bella Level 2 Paper Packet (X7114B), Bella My Stickease (X7114C), Connections Stamp (D1330), Foundry Tabs (Z1161), assorted buttons.

Hearts For Haiti

2010-02-01T19:12:00.001-07:00

We have all seen the coverage on Haiti and felt helpless. I am sure most of you like me has already donated money, clothing, diapers, formula, blankets etc. I truly believe that if everyone gives just a little it will add up to a lot. All of us together can help make a difference and change lives. Close To My Heart has a campaign this month that will help children in Haiti with emergency medical help. This is a great way to stock up on supplies and also help children devastated by this tragedy.

Throughout February, purchase a 12" × 12" textured cardstock combo pack and you’ll get one free—and with every offer purchased, Close To My Heart will donate $2 to Operation Smile’s Haiti relief efforts. That means for only $14.95 you get two packs of high-quality textured cardstock and you help this urgent, important cause.

Operation Smile offers free facial reconstruction surgeries to needy children throughout the world. They currently are providing emergency relief in Haiti, and the donations given as part of Hearts for Haiti will be used exclusively for Operation Smile’s efforts in Haiti.

As I see it this is a win win for everyone. You get a great product to create with and the children get the help they so desperately need. This campaign will run through the end of the month. Contact me so we can order your paper and get your donation headed to Haiti.

Happy for everything NEW!

2010-01-04T22:45:00.002-07:00

A New Year, new decade, new month, new expectations, renewed hope, new IDEA BOOK, new STAMP OF THE MONTH, new FELICITY PAPER COLLECTION, and one of my favorites NEW WORKSHOPS! WHEW, did you get all of that? I am so stinkin excited, I can hardly wait to start the journey into 2010.

No, I have not gone deep undercover (well maybe a little). This last month has been a tough one for me. The demands of the Holidays plus not feeling well left me in survival mode for most of the month. I have been on Auto Pilot for the last 6 weeks or so. I hope to now turn off Auto Pilot and take control of my ship again. This flight might be a bit long so grab a drink and a snack, buckle up, sit back and put your feet up and enjoy the ride while I tell you about all the exciting new things available from Close To My Heart.

It wouldn't be a new year without a new IDEA BOOK

(to view the entire book contact me or click on the image on the right side of my blog)

I just love the new Topstitch Paper Packet (x7120B) and coordinating stamps; Charmed (C1385) and Togetherness (D1402). Any kit that contains chocolate is O.K. in my book! This paper would be great for girlfriends, weddings, baby showers, family reunions, etc.

Another great kit is Caboodle (X7121C). The coordinating stamps are Playing Hard (C1387) which has a Track hoe, an airplane, a Skateboard, a scooter, and six other stamps. The other set Boys at Play (C1386) contains signs having to do with adventure such as Super Hero, Full of Fun, and Hangin Out. I love the soft colors of this kit. It has great colors for boys but it also has soft colors that would work for babies, summer, girls, birthdays, etc.

To see the other two new Paper Packets and tons of new accessories and stamps click on the Idea Book picture on the right of my blog. Make sure you check out the Soft Suede Pinwheel Flowers on page 91 and Top Coats on page 93. You also won't want to miss the new lower prices on the A sized stamp sets, now only $7.95. View four new A sized stamp sets on page 81.

This stamp set is only available January 1-31st. Click on the image of the Stamp of the Month on the right side of my blog to see the details of how you can get yours!

Felicity Collection (available thru January 31st or while supplies last)

Did you know that January is National Papercrafting month? The best way I can think of celebrating is to buy this Collection. The Felicity Collection features decorative die-cut paper, three gorgeous color schemes, and a D-size stamp set that include flowers, flourishes, argyle, birds, and an entire alphabet! Close to My Heart has even set up a blog with ideas on how to use the collection. I have included a link to the blog on the right side of my blog.

This collection has a retail value of $34.95. You can buy it outright, or get it free!

There are two ways to qualify for a FREE Felicity Collection:

Purchase a minimum of $60 in full-retail priced stamp sets (A, B, C, D, and E-size). (Excludes Stamp of the Month, Art & Soul®, Workshops on the Go™, and customizable (K) stamp sets.)
Place an order of $125 or more in full-retail priced Close To My Heart products.
The campaign also has enticing opportunities for hostesses and new Consultants. Hostesses get the package FREE with a Home Gathering sales total of $400 or more, and New Consultants who join Close To My Heart between January 1–31 will receive the package FREE in their New Consultant Kit.

AND MY FAVORITE TIME OF THE MONTH; WORKSHOPS

Workshops will be on January 23rd from 10-12 a.m. We will be using the Bella kit from the summer 2009 Idea Book. The pages we will be doing will be a little different from the ones pictured above. The basic layout of the pages will be the same but I will be adding lollipop flowers. If you would like to join us please let me know by the 13th.

I hope this flight has been as enjoyable for you as it has been for me. Now that we have landed in 2010 I can hardly wait to see where our new adventures will take us.

December Stamp Of The Month

2009-12-04T22:33:00.001-07:00

This is a card I made inspired by Sue Neal with the December Stamp Of The Month (D1378- Notice the Details pg. 109) and the Grace Level 2 Paper Packet (#X7117B pg. 18).

This is an incredibly versatile stamp set that will work on cards, pages, home dec. projects (don't you just love how I am learning the new slang), calendars, etc.. How it works is each month Close To My Heart offers a specially designed My Acrylix® stamp set at a great discount or even free. There are 5 different ways to get the Stamp of the Month.

Buy the stamp set for $22.95
Spend $25 and get it for $17.21 (25% off)
Spend $50 and get it for $11.48 (50% off)
Spend $75 and get it for $5.74 (75% off)
Spend $100 and get it FREE!

Remember this great Stamp Set will only be available until December 31st.

Notice the Details - December S.O.M (click here for more information)

MY FAVORITE GIFT

2009-12-04T21:29:00.001-07:00

I love this time of year: the music, the lights, family, and friends. But what I love the most is a present that was given to me wrapped in swaddling clothes. That small precious child has given meaning to my life. How grateful I am for my Savior.

HE knows me as an individual and loves me. HE is there for me through my struggles as my greatest Cheerleader. I will never have to wander the path alone because he has given me his gospel and will walk beside me so I may return to HIM and my HEAVENLY FATHER. Through HIM I will be able to be with my family for eternity. Without Him I have nothing. All that I have and all that I am is because of HIM.

Clear Creek Camp

2009-11-17T21:46:00.001-07:00

60 - 5th grade girls; $60 billion dollars

an indoor craft; $1000

a heated cabin with bathroom; $1 million

being the group with the fastest time to start a fire; $800

not falling into the hot lava; $1500

HUGE squirrel's nest (squirrels included); $600

making it through the rope course; $900

Bunk Beds with paper thin mattresses; -$5000

Waking up to 5" of snow; $2000 (until I had to scrape it off the truck, then its value went way way down)

The chance to spend this time with my incredible daughter; PRICELESS

Twas The Night Before Christmas

2009-11-16T22:09:00.003-07:00

These are some pages I did for a quarterly page swap. My inspiration was a quilt that I fell in love with and hope one day to finish. In the meantime, I am looking forward to filling these pages with Christmas Eve pictures from this year. We always have a big Christmas Eve Dinner (so we have ~~nummy~~ yummy leftovers for Christmas Day), the girls get new p.j.'s, we play games, and wait for Santa. I think the anticipation of Christmas Day is just as good if not better than the day itself.

If you would like to recreate these pages I used all Close to My Heart products except the thread for Santa's reins. The pages, Santa, and reindeer, are black CS (#1386 pg. 100), moon - Sunny Yellow CS (#1225 pg. 101), twas the night before words and holly leaves - Olive CS (#1245 pg. 101), Christmas words and holly berries - Tulip CS (#X5753 pg. 101), house - Brown Bag CS (#5644 pg.100), snow - White Daisy CS (#1385 pg. 100), windows - Honey (#X5668 pg 101). The smoke from the chimney is two spiral clips. The holly and letters were cut out with my Cricket. The shingles on the house are from the Cupcake Sprinkles Stamp Set (D1336 pg. 60). The bricks and window casing uses the November Stamp of the Month (shown below) - Around the Block (#D1377 pg 109).

November Stamp of The Month (click here for more information)

Science Day

2009-11-08T14:00:00.001-07:00

O.K. don't hate me but I spent yesterday going to classes and having lunch at the U of U for free. Yes FREE! Once a year the University holds a science day for High School students and their parents. My daughter Taylor, a junior at Westlake High School, wants to be a Pediatric Endocrinologist (wow that was a ~~mouthful~~ typeful. LOL). This was her second year (last year dad went, this year was all me! YEAH).

Our first class was Fluorescent Microscopy. We looked at yeast cell protein that had GFP (green fluorescence protein) and RFP (red fluorescence protein) from the jellyfish attached. When you attach the jellyfish protein to another species protein that protein will also fluoresce. It was so exciting! By studying how the different proteins work in the cell this lab is hoping to learn how to turn off the Cancer and HIV triggers and stop the disease from spreading. I hope I didn't bore you too much, but it was so exciting to see the beginning stages of a possible cure that could save millions of lives. Yes, the truth is out I am a total science geek. The best part of the whole day was when Taylor was offered a 4 week internship with this lab next summer. WHAAA HOOO! She is so excited she can hardly stand it.

Our second class was Extreme Makeover: Human Body Engineering. This class was about how Metallurgy and medicine come together. We learned about artificial joints, stents, and disk replacements. We have come so far but have even farther to go. For every problem we solve we create a new problem to be solved.

Our last class was Astronomy. We were able to look through the telescopes at the Observatory. One telescope was pointed at the sun. All Taylor and I saw was a big red blob. Apparently we are part of the unlucky few who have a hereditary eye problem and can't distinguish the different colors put out by the sun. Taylor looked on the bright side (no pun intended) and decided that knowing she couldn't major in Astronomy had an upside. She has one less major to think about leaving 75 other majors to consider. That girl cracks me up!

We ended the day with a yummy lunch and awards ceremony. The College of Science has a random drawing and gives away six $500 scholarships during lunch. Taylor may not have won a scholarship this year but the excitement for college and learning new things is a prize that is immeasurable.

Another Scrap Project

2009-11-07T09:00:00.001-07:00

This is our Thanksgiving Advent Calendar. The idea came from a Craft Day at our church. It is made using a muffin tin, paper scraps, ribbon scraps, stamps, and brads. Inside each tin is a different thing to be thankful for. Each square measures 3 1/4 x 3 1/4 and is held on by a magnet attached to the corner on the back. The only thing I bought for this project was the muffin tin (I bought mine at Walmart for under $4). I love (really I mean LOVE) projects that use my extra supplies. Talking about being thankful, I want my family and friends to know how THANKFUL I am for their love and support. I am so very blessed and feel like the luckiest girl around!

Ballroom Dance Competition

2009-11-06T20:42:00.002-07:00

Westlake High School hosted a Ballroom Dance Competition on October 31st. I can think of no better treat on Halloween than watching my daughter make it to the semi-finals at her first competition. She did fantastic considering she had to find a new partner an hour before the competition started. Taylor has worked really hard and I know she will go far. YOU GO GIRL! WE LOVE YOU AND ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!

TAYLOR AND JEREMY

I RECEIVED MY FIRST BLOG AWARD

2009-10-28T06:53:00.001-06:00

I was awarded this great honor by my friend Karen Pederson.

I am supposed to pass it on to six other bloggers. O.K. so I am going to be a rule breaker and only pass it on to three people. Before you start yelling let me explain. The two blogs who inspire me the most Karen P and Lynette K have already received the award and I don't have the other addresses for the other blogs I love (I lost all my bookmarks when I had to rebuild my computer). Soooo long story short I hope no one is offended for being left out.

I choose to pass this award on to three of my favorite bloggers:

1. Dianna B.

2. Ashley M.

3. Mekesha W.

The Rules are:

1. You can only use ONE word for each answer.

2. Pass this along to 6 of your favorite bloggers!

3. Alert them that you have given them this award!

4. HAVE FUN!!!

1. Where is your cell phone? table

2. Your hair? brown

3. Your mother? beautiful

4. Your father? Heaven

5. Your favorite food? Mexican

6. Your dream last night? ?????

7. Your favorite drink? Diet Sunkist (surely that counts as one)

8. Your dream/goal? health

9. What room are you in? family

10. Your hobby? scrappin'

11. Your fear? spiders

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? here

13. Where were you last night? sick

14. Something that you aren't? tall

15. Muffins? chocolate

16. Wish list item? beach

17. Where did you grow up? SLC

18. Last thing you did? breakfast

19. What are you wearing? jammies

20. Your TV? on

21. Your Pets? many

22. Friends? greatest

23. Your life? incredible!

24. Your mood? happy

25. Missing Someone? Dad

26. vehicle? truck

27. Something your not wearing? makeup

28. Your favorite store? Target

29. Your favorite color? all

30. When was the last time you laughed? today

31. Last time you cried? yesterday

32. Your best friend? Darin

33. One place that I go to over and over? store

34. One person who emails me regularly? Dianna

35. Favorite place to eat? Chili's

Vampires vs. Werewolfs

2009-10-27T19:30:00.000-06:00

This is for all the Twilight Fans out there (you know who you are!). Aren't these great, I found them at Smith's. I have to admit I like the Buried Pomegranate flavor of the Vampire soda better (sorry Jacob, just remember you will always be better looking) than the Candy Corn flavor. Both flavors have enough sugar in them to supply a third world country for a year so of course the girls loved them both.

November Workshop Christmas Cards and Layouts

2009-10-25T14:04:00.000-06:00

I am so excited for Workshops in November. They will be on November 17th and we will be gearing up and getting ready for Christmas. You will be able to choose between a Christmas card workshop designed by my talented friend Karen Pederson or the traditional 2-two page layouts and 6 cards. Me, personally I would choose both. If you would like to do both projects just remember you will have to complete one of the projects at home. Either project will get certainly help get you in the mood for Christmas.

CHRISTMAS CARDS

If you choose the cards you will make 20 cards using the Creative Basics Jingle Collection (x5808, pg. 30), Flurry Dimensional Elements (z1225, pg. 94), Pearl Paint (z1039, pg. 98), Holiday Jingle Stamp Set (C1371, pg. 11), and the Holiday Trinkets Stamp Set (D1366, pg. 11).

WORKSHOP ON THE GO LAYOUTS AND CARDS

If you choose these projects you will use the Jingle Workshop on the Go Kit which includes the "Jingle" paper packet (X7115C, pg. 10), Somethin' Special Stamp Set (only available with the Jingle Kit), and Twinkle Brads (Z1220, pg. 92). I also added the On Target Dimensional Elements (Z1226, pg. 95), and Cranberry Ribbon (Z1103, pg. 91)

Can't wait to see you on November 17th

Donut Falls

2009-10-18T11:56:00.001-06:00

A week ago I decided I wanted to see Donut Falls. I used to hike there a lot as a teenager. So off I went by myself to take pictures. I parked in the lot grabbed my camera and walked to the trail head. I guess that it never crossed my addled brain that there would be snow and lots and lots of mud. After much debate I decided to hike to the first bend of the trail. After all, this was supposed to be an easy hike according to the articles I had read. LIARS! I must have missed the part that said it was 3/4 of a mile straight up. Holy Cow I did not remember this hike being sooo uphill. It seems to me that as a kid we practically ran there in 5 minutes or so. Boy has my brain withered away!

After stopping to catch my breath I thought (stupid me) it can't be that much further just keep going. The next time I stopped I was thinking maybe I will just lay here and they can find my body in the spring. But alas (stupid me again) I kept going. Thankfully about 1/2 a mile up the trail leveled off some and was not as steep. So once again (remember my brain is addled) I decided it was a matter of pride to keep going even though my joints and back were screaming "hey stupid, what do you think you are doing this hurts".

So far even though my goal for this hike was to take pictures I had not even taken my camera out of the bag so I decided to stop and take some pictures of the stream under a huge pine tree. As I was taking pictures a mom and two kids came walking down the trail all with big grins on their faces (really do they have to be so happy). The worst part was one of the kids was only about four which really made me feel old and feeble. Almost there she tells me, at which point I decide that all the happy not in pain people should be shipped off to a deserted island somewhere close to the South Pole (o.k., maybe just to Antelope Island). Off I go to the almost there Falls which would be almost there if I were a Giant.

After what seemed like an eternity I arrived at the falls to find out I have to climb down some huge rocks to actually see the falls which are literally just right around the corner. The rock wall is about 10 feet straight down. Now it was a matter of pride to get myself down to see those stupid falls. Luckily no one was around to see my very ungraceful climb down the rocks. And there it was Donut Falls. Not as grand as I remember but still beautiful.

The best part was knowing I did it, me, all by myself without any help. My Rheumatoid Arthritis has stopped me from enjoying a lot of things I used to do so this was a great accomplishment for me. Would I do it again anytime soon, absolutely not, but I am sure proud of what I accomplished. And I even got some great photos along the way!

Blunck Family Photos

2009-10-18T10:48:00.000-06:00

The Bluncks are such a great family! I followed them up American Fork Canyon so we could take some family pictures before Brad left for another tour of duty overseas. It was so wonderful to see how they interact with each other and the love they feel for one another. My thoughts and prayers are with the Blunck family as they endure another year apart while Brad defends our freedom and rights and all that makes our country great.

MOOSE

2009-10-09T08:00:00.001-06:00

O.K. I admit it one of my favorite things is moose, yes moose. So needless to say when we came around a corner on the Mirror Lake Highway and saw this mama and baby I was ecstatic. What beautiful creatures!They help remind me how fortunate I am to live in this beautiful country created by my Heavenly Father. The kit "Back Country" (X7110B pg. 25) was perfect to highlight my moose pictures. I also used the matching My Stickease (X7110C pg. 25), Metal Brads (Z1217 pg. 92), Adventure Dimensional Elements (Z1158 pg. 95) and Natural Hemp (Z280 pg. 91).

I also created the pages and card below from the same kit using the Let's Go Camping My Acrylix stamp set (C1355).

The Miller Family

2009-10-08T21:28:00.000-06:00

I was fortunate enough to be asked to take pictures of my friend Daekon and his cute family. By the way this good looking guy is SINGLE and a remarkable man. So......... if you want a date with an incredible guy let me know.

Aren't his kids adorable!

Halloween Countdown Calendar

2009-10-06T11:30:00.001-06:00

Cheyanne, Taylor, and I had a lot of fun creating this Halloween Countdown Calendar last year. The idea came from the Imaginisce website. Instructions can be found at www.imaginisce.com/documents/cache/DOC240_HWAdventCalendar.pdf?20081001095617. My title and envelope panels measure 7"x10" and the center panels measure 10"x14". I used a 2" circle punch instead of a square punch and did not use any of their supplies. It took us only a couple of hours and uses only things I had on hand; scraps of paper, stickers, a manila envelope (mine was even a used one) and a cardboard box (courtesy of Close To My Heart). Cost is probably less than $3. ENJOY! I would love you to email me a picture of yours!

Cheyanne even came up with her own take on the calendar. She used a paper bag book to create a calendar. The pockets make a great place to store the different days. She even created some extra pages in the back to put a picture from Halloween each year. TOO CUTE!

The Best Darn Math Teacher Around

2009-10-04T22:36:00.000-06:00

I want to give a shout out to my mom Norma for being the best darn math teacher in the state of Utah. My mom has been teaching math for over 38 years. She is one of those teachers that the kids love and the parents celebrate knowing their kids are in such good hands. She has touched so many and given so much and continues to love each and every student. What math teacher do you know that will sing, dance, make funny faces, or come up with a silly rhyme just to help you learn a new concept. Whatever she does it is certainly working because she had 26% more of her kids pass their CRT's (state proficiency test) than the other teachers at her school, helping her school (West Highschool) to pass the No Child Left Behind Act. WHOOO HOOO! YOU GO MOM, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! Thank you from all of us dummies who wouldn't have made it through math without you.

Bountiful Harvest

2009-10-04T16:27:00.000-06:00

Jack-o-lanterns galore! We had so much fun this year growing our own pumpkins. Our pumpkin plants grew so big they almost went from one end of our yard to the other (over 150 feet long). We ended up with 18 regular pumpkins and 16 jack-be-little pumpkins. It was so fun to go out everyday and see how much the vine had grown. For a few weeks in July it would grow a foot or more a day. It grew so fast that while we were gone to Washington for 3 weeks it grew right over the top of everything else we had planted in the garden. We were very lucky to have such a bountiful harvest our first time around that we can hardly wait for next year.

The girls will be very busy the next few weeks carving and decorating.

Hey Birdie

2009-10-02T09:00:00.001-06:00

This is one of my creations from my bird, owl, and tree phase. I made this card for my CPR retreat. It uses the new "Twitterpated" kit (X7118B) and Playful Flourishes Stamp Set (D1212). I freehanded the bird and cut her out of Tulip Cardstock and then attached her with dimensional adhesive. Her tail is stamped in Chocolate and Crystal Blue ink. I hope you enjoy my birdie as much as I do!

Happy October!

2009-10-01T20:28:00.000-06:00

I LOVE October! The cooler weather, the beautiful colors, the upcoming holidays. Yes, Christmas will be here before we know it. To help get ready for the holidays Close To My Heart has this great Stamp of the Month available through October 31st. How it works is each month Close To My Heart offers a specially designed My Acrylix® stamp set at a great discount or even free. There are 5 different ways to get the Stamp of the Month.

Buy the stamp set for $22.95
Spend $25 and get it for $17.21 (25% off)
Spend $50 and get it for $11.48 (50% off)
Spend $75 and get it for $5.74 (75% off)
Spend $100 and get it FREE!

Holiday Warmth

What a great way to get a headstart on those Christmas cards, gifts tags, and presents. Please contact me to order Holiday Warmth.

All Sorts Christmas Album

2009-09-29T10:00:00.003-06:00

Due to popular demand I will offer this Album as a class on October 23rd from 6-10 p.m. This should give you plenty of time to have them ready for Christmas. The full album is on my Sept. 23rd. post. Hope to see you there!

I am Twitterpated over the "Twitterpated" Kit

2009-09-28T21:16:00.002-06:00

These are the pages and cards we will be doing on October 17th using the new "Twitterpated" kit. I just love the color combination in this kit, it is so versatile. If you would like to join us or just have to have the kit and accessories please contact me.

Twitterpated Layout 1

Twitterpated Layout 2

Taylor

2009-09-24T09:40:00.003-06:00

Have I mentioned lately how beautiful my daughter Taylor is. Last weekend we shot a video of her for a contest about Diabetes and I decided since I had her sitting down for more than two minutes I would snap some pictures of her. These were taken behind our house. Darin and Cheyanne were my assistants.

And of course our cat Opie had to participate. Isn't he cute!

(C)reate and (P)rosper (R)etreat Doctor Bag

2009-09-24T06:49:00.001-06:00

Lynette made us these cute Dr. bags (o.k. use your imagination) for the retreat. The pattern can be found here because I am sure you will want to make one yourself. ENJOY!www.papertreyink.com/mtt_tuckedaway_webview.html

CREATE AND PROSPER RETREAT (CPR)

2009-09-23T18:28:00.001-06:00

I was fortunate to participate in a retreat with my team from Close To My Heart last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. I had so much fun. It was great to get away and focus on my business. The theme was CPR (create and prosper retreat). My uplines Lynette and Karen did a great job. We had some classes on business building and did some incredible creative classes. I feel so energized! I definitely know my business will prosper from this experience. CONTACT ME TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN JOIN US NEXT YEAR!

Here are two beautiful layouts from classes Lynette taught. I just love this new "Grace" kit from the Autumn/ Winter Catalog (X7117B pg. 18). The layouts also include the matching MyStickease (X7117C pg. 18) and the On Target Dimensional Elements (Z1226 pg.94)

Karen taught a class using the All Sorts Mini Album (Z1224, pg 96) and the "Jingle" kit (X7115B, pg 10). She also did a Christmas card class. I will post the Christmas cards and class dates so you can join me to make your own cards in the next few days. But here is the fantastic mini album ready to put my pictures in. I can't wait!

Karen and Lynette made sure we had lots of goodies to keep us going.

Everyone got scrubs that had a heart and stethoscope and our Create and Prosper Retreat theme.

TOO CUTE!

What a great way to JUMPSTART my business!

2009-07-08T21:42:00.006-06:00

July 6, 2009

We got up early and braved the cooler weather and occasional rain to visit Saltar's Point Beach in Steilacoom. We arrived at low tide and our reward was a lot of sea life. We saw at least 20 Sea Stars: both in and out of the water, baby crabs, lots of birds, and numerous critters inhabiting some pretty awesome shells. My favorite was the orange Sea Star and Cheyanne's favorite was seeing so many different shapes and colors of Sea Stars. We were very fortunate to have the whole beach to ourselves. What an experience!

Owen Beach

2009-07-06T22:40:00.006-06:00

July 3, 2009

Dona had a setback this week when she found out on Tuesday that she had a blood clot in her right leg. All of her PT appointments had to be cancelled for the week and she was told to stay active but not over do it (Keep your fingers crossed that the clot is reducing in size. She has a recheck next Tuesday). On Friday we left Dona home to rest and Cheyanne and I headed to Point Defiance Park. We ate ice cream at the Marina while watching people fishing off the piers and then headed down to Owen beach. Cheyanne wasn't able to build any sandcastles because the beach was too rocky so we just enjoyed the sunshine and water.

2009-07-01T21:39:00.008-06:00

July 1, 2009

Sunnyside Beach

Today was really fun. I got to build my first sandcastle and play on the beach. I saw a lot of really cool rocks in the water. Can't wait to go back. - Chey

2009-07-01T20:45:00.004-06:00

Waiting to board the plane for Washington.

Cheyanne and I headed out on June 28th to help Dona out after double knee replacement surgery.

We had clear skies until right before landing. The view of Mt. Rainer was fantastic. I was so excited that I forgot to take pictures until we headed into the clouds.

AHOY MATEYS

2008-11-12T21:02:00.011-07:00

Taylor and Cheyanne decided they wanted to be pirates this year. I was able to find matching shirts and pajama bottoms at Target and we bought some material for the headbands and sashes at Walmart. The girls cut out their own headbands and sashes and then strung beads to wear in their hair and on the headbands. Cheyanne even made a headband and beads for Monkey. Halloween morning Taylor was up at 4:30 and Cheyanne was up at 5:30 so they could do their hair and makeup before school. As always Darin had the most fun trick or treating. He loves to have any chance to socialize with the neighbors and meet new people. I don't know what Darin will do when the girls don't want to go with him anymore. I think that the girls costumes this year turned out the best yet and the best part is they can also wear them as jammies. Dang, they are cute.

Utah Museum of Natural History

2008-11-12T20:48:00.001-07:00

Utah Museum of Natural History

2008-11-12T20:27:00.003-07:00

We had the chance to go to the Museum of Natural History at the the University of Utah last month. Once a year they open up the basement so you can see everything that is either to delicate to put on display or they just don't have the room to display it. The moccasin in the picture is over a thousand years old. It was found in a cave by the Great Salt Lake. The girls also had the chance to find out what was in Owl pellets. Taylor found a rat skeleton, skull and all. Cheyanne found a vole or mouse skeleton also with a skull. It was an incredible experience. We were able to ask lot's of questions and take our time looking at everything. Cheyanne was in heaven between all the rocks and fossils. It was one family field trip we will be talking about for years to come.

Nightmare on 13th Haunted House

2008-09-21T19:18:00.002-06:00

Friday night I went to my friend Brenda's 16th birthday party and we went to Nightmare on 13th. In total there was 9 of us who went, 3 of them were guys. When everyone was at Brenda's house we had ice cream and we went and jumped on her tramp for about 10 minutes and then it started raining. When we went in the haunted house they had a place where you waited, it was called Nightmare Theater. In the main part of the haunted house there was about 35 rooms. Most of them were scary, some you just got annoyed with, they had some mazes and it took our train of 9 people quite a while to get out of. The guys screamed harder, louder, and more often than all 6 of the girls did. It was pretty hilarious. We were only in the haunted house for about and hour and it seemed like 5. The sleepover after was fun we had lots of candy and watched She's the Man. - TAYLOR

Diabetes Family Camp

2008-09-21T19:03:00.002-06:00

Last weekend, I went to Family Camp where the little kids who have diabetes go with their families and stay a weekend. The kids can have fun while seeing other kids who have diabetes, and the parents go to education classes to learn more on how they can help their kids. I was on program staff which means that I got to help with the activities. The kids were separated into age groups. The 7 and up kids went and did archery, 3-7 did the activities, and the 0-3 kids had daycare which I was what I did. Daycare was really fun I got to play with the kids. The theme was pirates, so the kids got to make treasure maps, decorate shirts and hats, and also pencil boxes. We went on a night hike with flashlights, and we had a carnival, I did bubble blowing, and we watched Princess Bride, and Muppet's Treasure Island. We also had a relay race and you had to put a lot of different things in a pillowcase, mostly diabetes supplies, and one of the program assistants, David, dressed up as a pirate and called things out and the kids had to run what he called out up to him. It was a blast! - TAYLOR

2008-09-21T18:23:00.004-06:00

I have been learning about fossils at school so I was really excited when I found this fossil behind my house. I was rock hunting with my dad and found a cool rock and looked over and saw the FOSSIL!!!!!!!!

- CHEYANNE

The moth adventure

2008-09-01T10:38:00.000-06:00

This summer I have been fascinated by catching moths and butterflies. My dad caught me a really cool moth when he was helping his friend Aaron move. It's wings were spotted like a giraffe they were yellow with black spots. The body was like a bee with yellow and black stripes, and the head was red. Unfortunately it died, which made me really sad. - CHEYANNE

Red Robin before the Spa

2008-09-01T10:04:00.000-06:00

Taylor was having none of our shenanigans.

Day At the Spa

2008-08-31T18:33:00.000-06:00

The Wednesday before school started up again Grandma treated us to a spa day where we went and got our nails done. This was an event marking our last Girls Day Out for the summer. We also went to Red Robin and had lunch. It was Cheyanne's first time getting her nails done professionally she said, "It was fun and relaxing, I'm glad I did it."

First Couple Weeks Of School

2008-08-31T18:27:00.000-06:00

My first couple weeks of high school have been awesome!!! I have been loving every moment of it, except for the pile of homework I get every night, besides that i've loved having the freedom, and different atmosphere of high school. -TAYLOR

2008-08-18T20:23:00.000-06:00

Here is my first day of 10th grade picture.

-TAYLOR

First Day of School

2008-08-18T20:15:00.000-06:00

The first day was fun. It was nice to see Dakota again. My new teacher's name is Mr. Partridge. I get to go to a brand new school this year. They are still working on the school putting on the finishing touches. Today they were putting the base boards on and putting together other rooms. I hope the computers get delivered soon. I hope the rest of the year will be fun.

- CHEYANNE

First Day of School

2008-08-18T19:57:00.000-06:00

The first day of school was fun and interesting. I can't believe I am in High school. It was nice to see how all of my friends have changed over the summer. Today was an A day I had US History Honors, EMS, Seminary, lunch, and Spanish 3. Tomorrow is a B day and I have Biology, Fitness, Algebra 2 Honors, lunch, and English Honors. I think it is going to be a good year.
P.S. don't you just love my outfit. - TAYLOR