do you realize?

why do it...

2009-02-17T12:28:00.002-07:00

I'm attempting to be a good mom and part of that is providing healthy snacks and things to eat to my children. Which I do - we have go-gurts, string cheeses, and sliced apples galore. So, when my cute little boy asks for homemade cookies, what am I suppose to do? I haven't made cookies in probably close to a year - unfortuneately, that doesn't stop one from buying them... so when those cute baby blues are looking at me with all the sincerity and puppy dog pity a seven year old can muster - how can I say no?

Hence - a bunch of cookies hanging around the house - which I am in by myself right now and which I swear are calling. Little cookie voices are wafting in from the garage's freezer where I'm keepin' them. I figure they take longer to eat and expend more energy when they are frozen and 15 to 20 more steps to the secret location. Eat me, eat me they say.

So, does anyone want a frozen cookie, or 10? I can't give them all away because that same little guy will come home from school, looking for the promise of chocolate chips wrapped in a flavorful cookie coating along with a cup of milk for dipping. Hey - they can't all be the most nutritious of snacks...where's the fun in that?

what was i thinking...

2009-02-05T19:24:00.002-07:00

Okay, so in an effort to get healthy and save a few bucks, I decided to no longer buy cans (sometimes cases) of diet pepsi and other tasty, non sugar, caffienated drinks for my house. I don't really know what possessed me at the time, but the decision is made and I'm stickin' to it. Righhht.

It's not a big deal. I didn't say I can't EVER have this; the drink of the gods, it's just no longer available for me to consume whenever the whim arises while I'm at home - which was way too often. Plus it's helping my kids get out of the habit too... right? They got it into their heads that if mommy can have one, so can they. Wrong.

I also heard somewhere that massive consumption of the stuff can cause your head to loose thoughts easily, forget appointments and small things like picking up the kids from school, putting on a bra, and in rare cases - short term memory loss. So, I've noticed I have trouble remembering how to spell sometimes and the more I look at the word in quesiton, the more it looks wrong. Maybe this is related, maybe not, but I'm trying to do something about it.

So, sometime soon that craving for the crisp, light, refreshing drink will diminish to the point where I no long miss having an open can within arms reach and I'll stop standing in front of my fridge with the door wide open, waiting for the diet coke fairy to visit and leave a little present in there. Man, am I pathetic or what? At least it's not crack.

a new year...

2009-01-04T16:29:00.009-07:00

Can't really ring in the new year without a party. We got together with our long-time friends who are at this point, really more like family. I could ask any of these guys for any favor and I know they would help me out however they could. That right there in itself is such a wonderful gift - we truly feel blessed by those we can call friend!

Aren't they just the cutest girls you've ever seen?

Oh, and I'm not sure what was in the water - or Coke Zero in this case, but Scott (my Scott) and Anthony giggled like school girls most of the night. It was one of those types of things where they continued to egg each other on, one-uping each joke to ridiculous levels and for me anyway, was almost as entertaining as being able to understand the joke.

We've been rockin' out a lot this past week or so, we got Rock Band 2 and a new mike and foot pedal from Santa. The drum foot pedal is a real one, made of metal and modified for the game. Yeah, we feel like real rockers!

I'm totally lovin' this new band - well, they aren't new, but they're new to me. Chloe got their CD for Christmas and I've seen a few of their videos on TV and u-tube. Tokio Hotel is the name and they're from Germany - when you see some interviews, they have translators, but they recently released their first english album in the US. They are HUGE in Europe and starting to emerge here, and, they have a decent and catchy sound. One of their songs is even on Guitar Hero - World Tour! Good stuff.

Scott told me for my (yes Mine) New Years resolution, I should try to update the blog more than once a month. He should be careful with such requests because I just might follow up and embarass him with giddy guy giggling pictures! But I really will try - and to prove it, I'm posting a picture or two of my darling kidlets. Here is the freezing family visiting the lights a few weeks ago. And the girls Christmas morning in their new PJ's, experiencing the winter's magesty and bounty of the Clause. Whoa, sounds like something I heard on a movie. Five points if you know which one!

scott sandwich...

2008-12-09T12:43:00.004-07:00

Okay, it's been waaaay too long since I last posted here and I've made an executive decision. I'm going to move the focus of this blog more to family and friends, and not so much scrapbooking as it has been. I have a lot more family things I'd like to share where my scrapbooking focus is growing smaller. I'll still post pages and projects that I'm particularly excited about - but it'll be more about my fab fam and friends.

With that being said... I HAD to post this picture I took of our awsome friends - the Robbins. Here Kersten is sitting between our Scotts (hers and mine) in a darling "scott sandwich". We love having them as our neighbors and feel even more blessed that they have become such good friends!

another song...

2008-10-09T07:25:00.005-07:00

It's time to get it off my chest - my dirty little secret. Well - that's what I wanted to scrap about anyway! Another page inspired by another song!

Also, check out the new me... decided to go dark. I like it but sometimes when I see my reflection, I wonder "who is that?".

Did you know I have two different colors of eyes? The darker hair brings it out - a lot.

good things utah...

2008-09-18T15:06:00.003-07:00

Thought I would post a picture from the Good Things Utah spot I did yesterday. It was so much fun to meet Marti, but a surprise host helped out as well - Frankie Muniz. He added a whole new level of fun to the experience!

I had the privilege to help out my friends at 3 Bugs In A Rug and teach a cute little easel album. Such a fun project using some really nice papers!

popping princesses...

2008-09-18T15:06:00.002-07:00

I had to post this fun page that's up at the Making Memories Blog right now. It's the third of four in my designer challenge "music" series and I think the picture is just so funny.

Everytime these cute little darlings come over to play, they head straight for the dress-up bin in Jilly's room. Here they combined two pieces of fun: dress-up and trampoline jumping. Check out the shoes - talk about hard core; they're jumping in the shoes!

it's all about feelings...

2008-08-28T07:00:00.003-07:00

Well, here we are at the final week on our senses and it's all about the feelings. You can check out my post about this layout at the Making Memories Blog. I have absolutely loved doing these designer challenges for the MM blog this past month and will have another month long series of challenges next month - focusing on music as an inspirational resource!

I love this layout though... I always seem to get that patriotic feeling when I see the flag and wanted to capture those feelings in a scrapbook page. This one's of Oaken holding onto the flag our Ward youth brings around and posts in our yard every holiday. I love the movement of the flag and needed to capture some of those feelings this sight invoked.

This layout makes me realize again that we don't necessarily need to scrapbook what is happening in the photo. We can journal about our feelings and thoughts on matters that are sometimes only slightly related to the picture; capturing what is in our hearts and sharing more of ourselves.

can you taste it...

2008-08-25T10:23:00.003-07:00

The third installment of my senses layouts is one of my favorites. It features one of my best friends and a scrumptious dessert she created - so of course, it was perfect for my 'taste' sense. I combined senses on this one using taste and sight, because you have to admit, it does look as good as it tastes!

Thank you Michelle for this awsome treat and for indulging me with using your beautiful picture!

sound...

2008-08-14T08:27:00.007-07:00

Here we are already at week two of the designer challenge; focusing on the sense of sound. This is my youngest daughter Jill and a few of my favorite phrases that bring a smile to my face every time I hear them!

I've added a few close ups of details. My favorite are all the little goodies that Making Memories is so good at creating - paper flowers, epoxy buttons and stickers, brads, and glittering papers!

senses challenge...

2008-08-11T10:36:00.004-07:00

I'm so excited to be hosting the Designer Challenges this month on the Making Memories Blog. I wanted to post a close up of the rub-ons I used on the photo... all products are Making Memories and these are the from the doodles rub-on booklets. Such a versatile tool.

Week one was smell - stay tuned the next several weeks for pages using our other senses!

done...

2008-08-04T15:08:00.002-07:00

Wow. What else can I say? I won't spoil anything, but I will say; Wow! I didn't see that coming. Oh, or that - and where the heck did that come from?

In my opinion - an excellent book - a fun read - and a great ending to a fantastic story!

The easiest cards around...

2008-07-22T08:08:00.005-07:00

I had the awsome apportunity to meet a new creative friend at a Stampin' Up! party a few weeks agao. Elizabeth Jensen has this yummy (literally) company that has the cutest card kits ever! Cherries Jubilee Creations is going to be featured today on Studio 5 at 11:00 AM. Go on over and see just how fun and easy the kits are.

Here are a few cards I made as well as a quick page...

The kits come with 6 folded and pre-printed card bases and 12 double sided papers to build on those cards, play and make them your very own.

There is also a page with design and word strips as well as die cut tags, embellishments, brads and ribbon - all for the awsomely low price of $9.99! I made four cards and one scrapbook page and still have supplies to make at least one more card. So cute and so fun.

Good luck today, Elizabeth! Click for the Cherries Jubilee Creations blog.

win before you can buy...

2008-07-18T09:47:00.003-07:00

Hi all - it's CHA time again and Making Memories has a fabulous chance to win NEW stuff - BEFORE you can even buy it! So, go to their blog for hourly chances and good luck!

Here's a page with just a little of what's to come...

This fabulous product makes me excited for Christmas - so beautiful! So - go to Making Memories blog and good luck winning!

B-Day and Cook...

2008-05-21T21:35:00.002-07:00

Happy Birthday to Scott - my dear, sweet, hubby! The kids were so exited to give him is 'big' present... a basketball standard. The were even more excited to help him put it together - and then to help him play with it.

All this was going on while I was inside, eyeballs glued to the TV and the American Idol finale. I was torn between the two Davids - Archiletta being from Utah - where I live now, and even from Murray, where I grew up. He is incredibly talented. And then David Cook whose voice and originality is so very appealing to me - love the whole rocker image and sound. I really did want Cook to win - way back at the beginning when he did that cool version of Eleanor Rigby - I really wanted him. It's the first season that I've watched where someone I wanted actually won!

Good times. And music.

design off...

2008-03-10T09:25:00.005-07:00

This past Saturday, I had the awsome opportunity to participate in a contest of sorts. A "design off" if you will between three other teams. I was asked to represent Making Memories and we were up against CK Media, All My Memories, and Roberts crafts. The task was to design an outdoor chair using scrapbooking supplies, paint, and anything else we could think of.

Of course, I wanted to use the new 5th Avenue papers from MM - the black and white is my absolute favorite and that little sprinkle of aqua blue and green really adds some flair. The chair turned out great - although we didn't win; but it was also a lot of fun.

Gail, Jenny, and my friend Teresa helped me out in this little task and overall we were very satisfied with our creation. You really can't go wrong when using such fabulous products - gotta love Making Memories!

two more weeks...

2008-02-11T21:45:00.000-07:00

Here are two more weeks in my weekly journal. Week 5 found me sick in bed after just getting myself certified for Scuba. Week 6 was yesterday and I forgot to post it then.

two away...

2008-02-07T21:12:00.000-07:00

No, this isn't a post about a close basketball score or some other sporting event where our team barely lost. Nope - actually it's my birthday today and having been reminded many times by first my husband and children and then my mom calling, I'm two away. Two small and short years away from the big four-oh.

On a happier tune, I joined the throngs of iPod owners and got my first as my birthday present. It's been a ton of fun too - I've played with it and downloaded many CD's to it all day. I don't feel bad about wasting time though, it's my birthday after all and I'm almost 40. I need a little fun.

Here's a picture - I'm listening to my newest addition to my musical repertoire; a b-side song by one of my very favorite bands...My Chemical Romance. So - happy birthday to me and have a great day.

week 3 & 4...

2008-01-29T09:05:00.000-07:00

So, I've already been a bit lax in posting my weekly journal pages. Here are the last two. My goal this week is to make more base pages so I can quickly slap a picture down and add a few thoughts.

As you can see by these pages, it doesn't have to be fancy and complicated. The journaling is the important part. How are you doing?

i've got that...

2008-01-17T10:15:00.000-07:00

My good friend Molly emailed me this newly diagnosed disorder. I realized I have been suffering from it for several years now...obviously a younger than average case! Anyway, I wanted to post the symptoms here to alert anyone else who happens along.

AAADD- KNOW THE SYMPTOMS.....PLEASE READ!

Thank goodness there's a name for this disorder - Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.

This is how it manifests:
I decide to water my garden, as I turn on the hose in the driveway, I look over at my car and decide it needs washing.
As I start toward the garage, I notice mail on the porch table that I brought up from the mail box earlier.
I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car.
I lay my car keys on the table, put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table, and notice that the can is full.
So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and take out the garbage first.
But then I think, since I'm going to be near the mailbox when I take out the garbage anyway, I may as well pay the bills first.
I take my check book off the table, and see that there is only one check left.
My extra checks are in my desk in the study, so I go to my desk where I find the can of Coke I'd been drinking.
I'm going to look for my checks, but first I need to push the Coke aside so that I don't accidentally knock it over.
The Coke is getting warm, and I decide to put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold.
As I head toward the kitchen with the Coke, a vase of flowers on the counter catches my eye--they need water.
I put the Coke on the counter and discover my reading glasses that I've been searching for all morning.
I decide I better put them back on my desk, but first I'm going to water the flowers.
I set the glasses back down on the counter, fill a container with water and suddenly spot the TV remote. Someone left it on the kitchen table.
I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV, I'll be looking for the remote, but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs, but first I'll water the flowers.
I pour some water in the flowers, but quite a bit of it spills on the floor and the flowers didn't get much.
So, I set the remote back on the table, get some towels and wipe up the spill.
Then, I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do.

At the end of the day:
The car isn't washed
The bills aren't paid
There is a warm can of Coke sitting on the counter
The flowers don't have enough water
There is still only 1 check in my check book
I can't find the remote
I can't find my glasses
And I don't remember what I did with the car keys
Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today,
I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all damn day,
And I'm really tired.
I realize this is a serious problem,
And I'll try to get some help for it.
But first, I'll check my e-mail...
Don't laugh -- if this isn't you yet, your day is coming!!

week two...

2008-01-14T10:43:00.000-07:00

Did you think I forgot already about the little album I'm making this year? Well, I haven't. I just didn't post the first page yet, because it will be an 'inspiration with joey' project on the Making Memories blog sometime this month. But - here's the 2nd week!

I'm getting excited about his project...I think it will be do-able and fun. I don't think it will be overwhelming - as long as I can keep up on the pages before hand, making a small reserve to select from each week. Using the Noteworthy Line from MM is perfect since it is so broad and non-specific. I desperately need to find more of it. Everywhere I go is sold out of the journaling pages and usually only has about half of the other papers. You'd think since I live in the scrapbooking mecca of the U.S., I could find stuff easier!

It was Oaken's birthday on Friday - he is now 6 years old. It doesn't seem like he has been with us that long. It also reminds me of how old our car is getting...we bought it a month before he was born. Maybe it's time to start looking for a new one before this one starts falling apart.

He had a pirate party where 7 of his friends came. I was grateful to have Chloe, Isabel, and her friend Noelle here to help herd the stampede of 8 little boys through the house. It was a riot to see them during the treasure hunt running between levels of our house searching for the next clue. The stairs became a bottleneck as you can see.

Here are the clues I made up...giving the boys one to start with and having each lead to another place in the house. The treasure at the end was their goody bags. It turned out so cute!

Our quest will start at the base of this place,
where the outside meets inside, in a nice shady space.

Music a plenty can be heard from this room,
to find the next clue, go where instruments loom.

Up and away to the next level of fun,
to your hosts room a clue, but only just one.

Around and around will these clues make you go,
find the place where the sliding glass meets the snow.

This next clue will make you stop in your tracks,
these are the kind that sound “clickity-clack."

Here is a place where great vehicles stay,
Get there by going the back, hidden way.

Getting warm here is the name of the game,
watch out though and don’t get too close to the flame.

This is it, the very last clue in your quest,
find the treasure at the place moms and dads rest.

organizize...

2008-01-08T09:20:00.000-07:00

Yes, the spelling is a little off. But, when you are talking to someone in a excited and animated manner, you tend to start making up your own words. I have to make this a fun word because for me, organizing is not easy. Most areas of my life are in some degree of disorder and in all my years, I haven't yet mastered time management. Oh well - at least I'm having fun!

I'm excited for this month's focus at the Making Memories blog - which is precisely on organization and different ways we can achieve it. There will even be an 'inspiration with joey' post about it in the coming weeks. Yes, I came up with some way in which to organize a part of my life... I'm amazed myself - this is not an easy feat. Check back every day for some fabulous and helpful ideas.

I did want to share one of my favorite ways of organizing ribbons - courteous of Making Memories Embellishment Storage Jars. Not only do they make the top of my shelf such a happy looking place, they are also extremely functional. I have one right above my computer too, with lots of yummy candy in it. My mom loved how this looked so much, she has been bugging me for several months to get some ordered for her. Her birthday is Friday - can you say perfect gift?

a star is born...

2008-01-03T09:37:00.001-07:00

Okay - new obsession for the Whittaker family, or actually really for me... Guitar Hero. Santa was extremely good to us this year and brought us our very first game system (XBox 360) - yeah, we have never had one before. Mostly because I know that I would be the one to play it for insane hours on end...but, it was time. Along with the system came Guitar Hero II and III as well as Rock Band. It's my fault really - while at Best Buy a few months before Christmas to buy Chloe's birthday present, we came across these games hooked up and ready to hook anyone who wanted to give it a go. Right away I loved it. With years of playing the violin, I could "sight-read" pretty well and even had the guys who worked at the store commenting on my jamming skills. Naturally, I knew what I would be asking Santa for. Our little ones are a little young to really get into it, but they like to pretend.

It's weird to be back into the swing of things again. The kids are back in school and various lessons are starting to pick up. Taking time off is nice. Makes me want a little more simplification. After all, not having to drive kid A to destination B makes for more guitar thrashing fun for me! We still haven't put our Christmas decorations away - I'm finishing up some assignments for the Making Memories blog as well as an album class for CKConventions. Plus, we need more boxes to put the new stuff in. New house = more need for decorations = more boxes to put the crap in.

I do have a few goals for this next year. I'm not going to say resolution because I think it has a built in failure to finish conntation about it. Goal is better - for me.

1- Daily family prayer is a big one. We are really going to focus and make this one work.

2- Continue spinning classes - hopefully Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays; although that 5:00 AM alarm seems earlier and earlier. I think our family prayer will help us all unwind and settle down to a restful and adaquate nights sleep.

3- I've been reading about these 365 - a picture a day albums. The idea is intriguing but a little too huge for me. I'm going to do a weekly album. Same idea as the picture a day, but I'll pick my favorite shot of the week and do a recap - organizing my thoughts and memories. It will be in a 9x9 format. I hope to post them every Sunday here - we'll see.

4- Other stuff. I'm sure I'll think of something else once I get my Christmas mess cleaned up and put away. There are a few things I intend to do, but don't want to spill the beans yet.

time flies...

2007-12-06T10:13:00.001-07:00

It's true. Time flies - even if you are not having fun. But I am so, it really flies!

I thought it might be time to update - it's only been a few months! Things from the scrapping world have been very quiet. I still have my "inspiration with joey" feature on the Making Memories blog every month and I am developing a class for CKC's next year and that has been a blast. I will post more from that as it is completed. I have started developing other hobbies that I will also post about later on - as things, hopefully, progress.

It is December and 2007 is nearing an end. It seems that this year was shorter than others and I think it may have to do with our move. We've been in our new house for about six months now and the time, again, has flown by. The kids have adjusted very well t their new home, school, and friends. Our ward has been great for all of us and Scott and I have callings now. We have only had one huge snow storm so far and we realized that our snow removal equipment was still in storage. Our new friends and neighbors plowed our driveway on the sly and confirmed to us once again how truly blessed we are to live where we do. This is the photo that will be on our Christmas cards this year - I absolutely love our big, homey, fireplace (you can only see a small part) - and my darling kids!

Scott and I started taking a cycling class at 5:30 AM every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at our gym. Other than having a case of 'bike butt', it has been a pretty good experience although no matter how fast I pedal, I never really get anywhere.

inspired by color...

2007-09-17T07:40:00.000-07:00

This month's "Joey" inspiration is up at Making Memories - I love how this page turned out and the theme of the inspiration - for more detail, go check it out here!

We just got back from Lake Powell - a four day house boating trip. We had four couples and 16 kids on a pretty good sized house boat with two ski boats for fun side trips.

Now, I grew up boating with my family - not house boating - ever, but, probably the one person who has boated the most out of everyone who went. Which was probably the reasoning behind electing me captain of the house boat (this was behind closed doors while we were loading our stuff on the house boat - I wasn't present during the decision). Yeah - me and Captain Jack Sparrow are like this... So, just a little frightening piloting, or should I say captaining, a big, honkin', house boat! Plus, when I was younger, we went to Lake Mead for our family waterski trips, not Powell. Lake Mead is

W I D E and big. Powell - oh, it's mainly just a big series of canyons, skinning canyons with walls creeping up on each side and closing down on you, and... okay, breathe. But, you know - it wasn't bad. I didn't even crash into anthing and I would do it again!

On another note - I am totally obsessed with Twilight - the Vampire book by Stephenie Meyer. Actually, I am obsessed with all three books in the series; Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse. Wow. I have always loved reading - and have a fondness for books about vampires, so I was naturally drawn to the theme of these books. But I wasn't expecting such an original and unique take on vampires and the lives affected around them. This is a love story that anyone can relate to about an ordinary and very shy girl - she finds herself living with her father in a place she detests, going to a small school where she is noticed by everyone, and is confronted with the most stunningly beautiful and unusual boy she has ever seen.

If you haven't read the first book at least - READ IT!!! You won't be sorry. I read all three books in a week. This was good - I didn't know about the series until there were three books so I could move onto the next and the next, but now - I have to wait a year for book four! What am I going to do? Well, this is enough for now on the Twilight books - I know I will gush much more in future posts.

a big step...

2007-08-27T10:27:00.000-07:00

I'd like someone to explain to me how I can be the mom of a 7th grader. When did this happen? Chloe started Jr. High today - or middle school as they call it now. Way back in my day it was Jr. High.

We took her in to get a sassy new haircut on Saturday and of course, with all this new school starting stuff going on, she looks too old now. I'm trying not to be too worried. I remember Jr. High, and for me, it wasn't great. She is already off to a better start with great new friends (thanks to our awsome new ward and neighborhood - yeah move) and a much smarter than mine (back then) head on her shoulders. I don't doubt that she will do just fine. I'm just not so sure how I will do!

another one down...

2007-08-02T08:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a bitter sweet day - Oaken started Kindergarten. Another of my kids joined the school attending ranks and I have little Jilly all to myself for about 2 1/2 hours a day. I was doing great there in the front of the school - watching all of those cute little kids waiting to start another phase of their lives. Then, I realized how "little" they were - and started thinking about my little guy and, okay - I got a bit teary. But he loved it! He was even so excited to walk home with Isabel after school and even talked about what he did in school (sometimes he doesn't really ellaborate on stuff). So fun and such a change from preschool two years ago.

And, my brother got married on Saturday - very cool day. I had the honor to play music with my cousins for the ceremony. The Star Wars music I got for him was a hit - he loved it.

This is the cake with Darth Vader and Queen Amidala - he loves Star Wars!

And the romantic mood must have rubbed off on my two little ones - they just started dancing together out of the blue. I think all of the photographers snapping pictures might have had a little something to do with it though - so stinkin' cute!

broken barrier...

2007-07-26T10:33:00.000-07:00

Wow. What a week! I realized that my first layout to be published in Creating Keepsakes just came out in the September 2007 issue - Tips and Tricks section. I have broken the CK barrier! WooHoo. Here is the layout in case you were curious...

Also, Isabel started school yesterday. It's so wierd that she starts in the middle of the week, but I guess that's year round school for ya. I'm going to have some crazy scheduling this year with Chloe starting Jr. High and Oaken starting kindergarten next week. Anyway, isn't she so dang cute in her new school outfit and those fabulous leaport print shoes?

Check out the Making Memories Blog for an inspiration challenge they asked me to do. The question was which MM lines did I find was most like me - for the answer - go here!

Just back from CHA - helping out my friends at Traditions Studio - such fun stuff to play with! They have the coolest 12x12 shadowbox frames ever - with an easle back to stand on a table or a hook to hang on a wall. I will definately be buying some of these...I know someone who puts the newest laouts she does in these all around her house. What a great way to enjoy those memories and art we make before they go into the albums! Here is an example of one - they come in black or white.

fabric inspiration...

2007-07-11T06:48:00.001-07:00

First of all, I'm back. I think. We just moved in to our beautiful new home - been here a week. We were actually homeless for about 3 weeks having to be out of our old house for the new people to move in. We stayed with my mom and I drove the kids to school from there. But, now we are here and although it is a disaster area with boxes and stuff everywhere...we are here!

For my newest "inspiration" go to the Making Memories blog and check out what fabric inspired a fun layout! You can also post a comment on today's post for a giveaway - they are always so very generous!

the concert...

2007-06-01T09:26:00.000-07:00

Well - the concert was fabulous! We missed the opening band, mostly because we were stuck in traffic exiting at Saltaire. A very long line of backed up traffic waiting for the parking attendants to guide us in. But, it was well worth the wait! It was also so much fun to have Chloe there too - I was suprised at how many parents brought their kids, quite a few younger than Chloe. We were, however, treated to a few close proximity make-out sessions, but all in all - it was so much fun.

I am quickly getting ready for our yard sale starting tomorrow morning at 7:00 AM. We have been feverishly cleaning out cupboards that haven't seen the light of day for about 8 years and finding all kinds of goodies ripe for the selling! I also am eager to sell off some of my scrapbooking stash - great, new, stuff - just too much of it!

the killers...

2007-05-31T08:48:00.001-07:00

So, it's been several years since I last went to a concert. Tonight The Killers are in town and so I gave Scott some tickets for his birthday! Giving concert tickets is a great gift, because the person you gave them to kind of has to take you - at least that is the assumption here. I actually got three tickets, one more for Chloe. I told Chloe she could go with us to The Killers and I would take Isabel to the American Idol concert. Have you seen the prices for that one? $85! For the cheapest, nose bleed section. Now I figure I have to try and win some - it's hard enough paying the $35 for The Killer tickets, but $85? Anyone know of some AI contests going on?

a little inspiration...

2007-05-29T06:54:00.000-07:00

It is amazing the places we can find inspiration. Sometimes it is something that we see for the first time, taking our breath away and imprinting itself on our minds. Most of the time, it is something we see everyday. Check out the Making Memories Blog for an example of what I am talking about. You'll find the example there is a copy - almost exactly of my inspiration, and that's okay. Sometimes just copying something gets the creative juices flowing enough to break out on the next layout.

I love unexpected inspirations and will have a monthly feature on the Making Memories blog showing some really basic and sometimes suprising examples of "when inspiration strikes".

Here is a picture of my studio in our new home.

I have had a dedicated craft room in our old house, used for painting, sewing, kid's crafting, and scrapbooking, but this space will be devoted to scrapbooking and memory keeping. And, I am going to call it my studio too - seems more official! It is smaller than the space I had but it is more central to our home. My old room was down in the basement and was on the cold side. This is the bonus room of our new house and just off of the kids' bedrooms. I'm excited to be in this space since I spend a lot of time there and to be among my kids too. I'll post more pictures as things (like the floor) are added. Plus, I need to figure out where I'm going to put this:

My MM Idol winnings! Making Memories is so incredibly generous I just don't know where I am going to put it all.

the flu and ebay...

2007-05-23T07:36:00.000-07:00

Wow. Monday night we went to see Shrek the third with the kids (very cute!). The theater by us has a $1.50 waffle cone special on Mondays so, of course, we all had to get one! About halfwy through the movie, I start feeling a little sick - I'm thinkin' it's the ice cream (I had to "help" my two youngest with theirs). Come Tuesday morning, I'm not doing too well at all. I was sick all day - it just came out of nowhere!

So, this morning, I'm trying to get caught up on my ebay entry's. I have a ton of stamp sets, paper packs, and odds and ends, that are worth a lot. I'm selling them for cheap, so if you are interested...go here! Anything that doesn't sell, I will put in my garage sale this Saturday. So, if you are in the area - stop by!

junkitz newsletter...

2007-05-18T10:20:00.000-07:00

One of my newest favorite layouts is up on the Junkitz' newsletter for May! GO HERE for the link! It is a layout with my friend Janna Wilson who designs some fabulous things for Junkitz. Here is a closer look!

calling Tammy, come in Tammy...

2007-05-09T14:28:00.000-07:00

This message is for my lucky winner, Tammy.

I'm having a tough time getting in touch with you. I have tried replying to your emails, but you think they may be blocked? I also tried the Yahoo Messenger...never done it before and don't know if you got that message. So, just know I'm trying to reach you! Hang in there with me!

we have a winner...

2007-05-06T08:58:00.000-07:00

Through a highly complex and mathematical equation, a winner was selected! Tammy Borst is the lucky winner! Congrats Tammy. She will now get to pick her favorite Simple Sweet color family for her prize!

Hope everyone had a great Scrapbooking Day, I wished my husband Happy Scrapbooking Day yesterday and he looked at me like I had actually gone off the deep end! I didn't do anything scrapping related...we sold our house finally and are under a time crunch to get stuff for the new one picked, ready, and installed. So, it was off to select, or re-select tile, look at granite slabs, lighting - just a jumble of stuff! It's all good though.

giveaway...

2007-05-01T08:25:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is a first for me. I'm going to do a giveaway - maybe more than one! This comes from fun as well as necessity. We are moving and I have a ton of scrapping stuff that I don't want to move and would rather share! I'm selling some of my product - Simple Sweet stuff on Ebay in color coordinated kits, but I thought I would give some away here...my first RAK.

So, post your answer to this question in the comments section and I will do a random drawing - I need at least 20 comments so pass this along!

Question: What is the one, UNIQUE, scrapbooking tool you can't live without? Something more than just trimmers and journaling pens ;)

The winner will get to choose their favorite Simple Sweet kit for their prize! Here is an example in the Meadow color family:

Good Luck!

a change...

2007-04-26T13:20:00.000-07:00

I like change. Well, I actually like little changes - ones that don't involve a lot of thinking and a lot of work. Like my hair. I change my hair style quite often and when I do, it's a little easier to do - (refer to layout below). Less hair equals less time. Oh, this layout goes so well with the new color scheme of the blog too!

So, I changed the look of my blog. Not hard to change - not as hard as I thought it would be, just pick a new template. I have been wanting to change it for awhile now, but just never did. I decided to this time because I wanted to add the MM Idol logo to my side bar and display it with pride and I needed to update the template to accomodate a picture so here it is. Someday, I want to venture into a more personalized touch. Create and add some of my own elements. Right now though, I have no idea how to do that, so this is good enough for now!

15 years ago...

2007-04-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

today, I was married for time and eternity to my sweetheart and friend.

Yes, I used to die my hair red - at least at the time of my wedding. It has been several other colors too but we remember the red because of the wedding pictures. 15 years seems like a lot. Especially when I look at how young (and thinner) we were in this picture. Four kids later and working on our 3rd home, we're doing pretty good I think! Going out to dinner tonight...somewhere fancy!

Oh, and Chloe made the lead in her school's 6th grade play - she will be Juliet in Romeo and Juliet. What an accomplishment! We would try to help her ahead of time with her lines and, it's hard to recite and speak Shakespeare talk. I'm very proud of ya, kid.

panic...

2007-04-23T08:06:00.000-07:00

Seriously, I had a small moment of panic yesterday. I thought I missed putting up the next challenge for MM Idol. It was weird that after 7 weeks of challenges, I didn't have one to do and it freaked me out a little! There is a little interview up at the Making Memories site...about me. I still can't believe it's over - but I'm really so excited!

I love this Easter picture of Chloe - she was so fun during the contest. She would tell all of her friends and teachers about it and remind them to vote every week. It was so neat to see how proud of me she was and how excited about it all.

And, our house is STILL for sale. This is so stressful. It's been on the market for about 5 weeks and we have shown it close to 30 times. Not even one offer yet. There are so many houses in our neighborhood for sale too so that makes it harder. I had one agent come and walk through and ask if they could leave their car in front to go look at other houses - I mean they are in walking distance. Our house is more money than the other houses too, it's bigger with more upgrades and that makes it harder to compete. Our new house will be finished in about 7 to 8 weeks and I really want this one under contract so I can focus on the new one!

this is it...

2007-04-18T11:41:00.000-07:00

...a very special day for Isabel - her birthday! Happy 9th Birthday, Isabel! She is growing up so fast and accomplishing so much - and she is so stinkin' cute in her sassy Easter dress. Love you lots!

...and here it is:

my entry for the MM Idol contest. I was informed a little more than an hour ago that:

I WON!!!!! Thank you to everyone who voted, and encouraged me, and stood by me! Thank you to my husband Scott, who was just a nervous as I was and thank you to Chloe, my cute daughter who announced to everyone what it was and what they needed to do! I am so excited for what lies ahead - challenges and opportunities.

the FINAL challenge...

2007-04-16T08:22:00.000-07:00

Wow. I can't believe the final MM Idol challenge is here! You can see the projects and vote HERE.

I just want to send a big THANK YOU out to all of you who have been voting and participating in this contest. It means so much to be picked from such fabulous creations to go forward each week. It feels awsome and I am amazed I am here! And, regardless of who you vote for, it is the voting that makes this contest - so thank you!!

So, if you haven't done it yet...GO VOTE!

inquiring minds want to know...

2007-04-12T19:42:00.000-07:00

Okay. I'm a snack lover. It shows in my waistline (among other places), and it's pretty bad when I can call a few snacks a meal - and not a very good example to the kids either! So, I have a question for you; but I'll get to that in a minute.

My new friend, Wilna - you might know her as the first and most fabulous MM Idol, has asked me to help her in an awsome RAK she is doing. She needs you to answer a question - in the form of a comment on MY blog. Then, to be eligible for the RAK, she needs you to visit some other blogs and leave comments there too. Here is her blog: Wilna, so you can see what else you need to do!

So, now to the question you need to answer: "What is your all time favorite scrapping snack?" If you care to elaborate on your answer, feel free to!

The layout posted above is all about one of my son's favorite summer time snacks. It's just something you have to eat in the hot summer heat and everything about it is appealing - the intense color, the refreshing cool down in your mouth, and the blast of fruity flavor...yummm.

Welcome...to the final challenge...

2007-04-10T18:42:00.000-07:00

Yes - I made it - top 3 of MM Idol! I'm actually a little shocked and surprised - the competition was really amazing and I was so nervous! So a huge THANK YOU to everyone who voted...even if it wasn't for me - your support of this contest is great and very much appreciated by all of us.

If you didn't know already, this was mine. Such a fun challenge with chipboard!

MM Idol Challenge #6

2007-04-09T07:26:00.000-07:00

It is that time again...voting has opened for the next round of MM Idol - go HERE. You will notice that there are no names or recognizable family pictures associated with any of the entries. They wanted this challenge to be a truly anonymous project - for the focus to be on the technique and not the person. The technique was to do something new with chipboard.

There are several things I have loved about these challenges each week, the first is the parameters. I like limits. I truly believe - for me - that limits and boundaries cultivate creativity. I'm a little leary about this project though, espcially after seeing the other fabulous creations by the other 4 finalists. They are pretty amazing! I have also enjoyed Wilna's encouraging words on the Making Memories blog. She was the first MM Idol last year and if you have ever seen her stuff, you know why. I look forward to her weekly inspiration and have been able to learn something new every time.

So, if you haven't voted yet - get to it!

WhooooooHoooooo!!!!

2007-04-03T15:05:00.000-07:00

Just releaved....I made the top 5 on MM Idol! Thanks so much to friends and family who have been following me on this journey and supporting me with your votes. Here was my project...

...I will get the next challenge a little later today - so you have stuck with me this far, now let's take it all the way baby!

well, did ya?

2007-04-03T13:11:00.000-07:00

vote - I mean. There are still just under two hours to vote for the 5th challenge. It was an anonymous post this time, but anyone who knows me or my family will be able to figure out which one is mine - especially if you have the "time" to look :). I'll post the project when the voting is closed.

It is amazing some of the stuff you can find on YouTube! Here is a darling little home made video we found one day, just doing a search on our last name. It's a little dorky in a sweet way - listen to the words. Chris is not related to us (that I know of) but anyone who writes a song about Disney Princesses is okay in my book!

Let's Party...

2007-03-26T10:18:00.000-07:00

Challenge #4 is up and it's all about a party so GO HERE to vote! Here is what I did for this challenge - an Expedition Party. The invitation and "field journal" for the scavenger hunt.

Every party needs a favor - mine doubles as a tool box that every explorer needs when going on an expedition.

What's a party without the goodies? Here, I made a pudding/"dirt desser" with the leftovers from the fossil dig!

top 15...

2007-03-20T19:04:00.000-07:00

here I come! Thanks to everyone for all the votes - this next challenge should be so fun. It's all about a party and I'll share more details later on. I've just got to decide what to do!

Challenge #3 is open for voting...

2007-03-19T08:09:00.000-07:00

So, on this week's challenge, we had to get back to the basics and use a limited number of things for our project. Paper, ribbons, brads, buttons, and pictures were the basic list of what we could use and the project was totally up to us. I opted to create a canvas wall hanging that I basically just adhered a layout to. The canvas was also something that could be used, and I didn't paint it or anything, just used the plain, white canvas.

Voting has begun and as always, I would love your vote! 10 people will be cut this week taking the total down to 15. So, even if I don't make it to the next round, I really love this wall hanging of my Princess JillyBean - it is now one of my favorites! Thanks for your support and go vote!

ding ding...round #2...

2007-03-12T07:29:00.000-07:00

The challenge for this week was to create something you can do with a kid. One of my favorite crafts to do when I was a kid was shrinky dinks so Isabel and I updated our designs and materials and made some funky and graphic buttons to decorate a lampshade. It turned out darling...

...almost as cute as my helper...

So, now Round #2 has begun with the voting. This is such a fun contest and the competition is really underway. The other finalists have made some awsome projects - everything looks so fun and colorful. Check it out and place your vote: MM Idol - of course, I would love your vote if you feel so inclined!

MM Idol top 30...

2007-03-07T07:35:00.000-07:00

Whooohooo. Thank you everyone who voted me through to the next round! I am having so much fun with this! The next task is going to be so much fun - I will post later on the details. So, as these things go...come back and vote again on the next round. It should be a very interesting round full of awsome creativity!

let the voting begin...again...

2007-03-05T09:03:00.000-07:00

Okay - voting has started for the first round of MM Idol - again. The slate was wiped clean after all of the technical problems last week so even if your vote went through, you need to do it again.

Here is the link to the site: VOTE HERE. I'm really looking forward to this fun process and hope to go on to the next round! Go vote and have fun!

good news keeps on coming...

2007-03-02T09:50:00.000-07:00

I am so excited and honored to have been invited to join the Junkitz design team! I have gotten to know Stacey over the past few years at various CKU events and just love her not to mention Janna and Teresa (designers) who's talent is as amazing as their personalities are fun and giving.

I really enjoy being on design teams. They give me the creative push I need and keep me current in the latest products and trends. So a big THANKS to Junkitz for giving me this oppotunity - it's gonna be great!

I also wanted to share this "oh so fun" project - a class that I created for All My Memories last week. I call it a Boutique Bag since it just looks like something you would pick up in a fun boutique somewhere. It is also totally unique because it is created by you - no two will ever be alike! This is such a fun way to dabble in doodling - and easy since you use the "stack-em" templates for the doodles!

MM Idol Update...

2007-02-28T16:36:00.000-07:00

Making Memories emailed me with their new plan for the voting on this contest...they are starting again from scratch this Monday, March 5th at 9:00 AM MST. The voting will be open until Tuesday the 6th at 4:00 PM MST. So, for those of you who have successfully cast your vote, you will need to do it again.

I have had such wonderful support from family and friends and ask you to be patient a little longer - I think the kinks are ironed out and it should go smoothly. Thanks again to all - this has been so fun!

okay now...vote...

2007-02-27T09:14:00.000-07:00

Here is the link to the voting; MM IDOL. After a day of some technical difficulties, they finally got it working. Voting goes until tomorrow (Wednesday) morning at 9:00 AM and then we find out who made it to the next round. I'm so nervous - the pictures on the site are so small, it's hard to see the detail...so here is my page up closer:

Thank you everyone for supporting me and helping me out on this - it has been so much fun so far!

mm idol

2007-02-22T08:01:00.000-07:00

Wow. I am amazed that I made it to the top 50! For those of you who don't know what MM Idol is, it's a contest that Making Memories is sponsoring and like American Idol, the finalists are voted forward by everyone. This is the first time I have ever been involved in something like this - it's so exciting! This isn't just a layout contest, there are great prizes to be won of course, but there is also the chance to participate in Making Memories publications and become an honorary design team member.

So, now is the time for the shameless plee - to ask anyone and everyone to vote for me. This next stage of the contest is where the voting begins. I have to download a project due by this Sunday at midnight; an All About Me type of glimpse into who I am. Voting begins Monday morning at 9:00 AM and is open to EVERYONE so stop by and cast your vote. You can sign up for an email reminder and every week vote for your favorite. Of course I would love it and greatly appreciate your vote, but look at the layouts and go with your gut - it's fun and inspiring. But in all seriousness - vote for me!

CKU Home Study...

2007-02-20T09:06:00.000-07:00

I had the awsome opportunity to develop and film a class for CKU Home Study. The class is called "What A Year" and it's an entire album broken up into levels. The first level is creating base pages from 6 basic templates that are used over and over again for the 24 pages. The next level focuses on monthly layouts with multiple photos, effective journaling, and basic embellishments. The final level is all about advanced embellishments that are added right along side what was just created before.

You can see the same base template for these two pages, but notice how different they look with picture situation, different papers, and embellishments - these are two of the completed pages from the class. If you are interested, check it out here and scroll down a bit. I also created some journaling blocks specifically for this class that can be printed off and used over and over again. I am honored to have participated in such a fun project - I love developing classes and hope to do another soon.

okay, okay already...

2007-02-14T11:41:00.000-07:00

I know I've been a bit lax on updating this thing. I have tried several times but it didn't take, or I forgot my login password, or I just didn't have the time. So here it is...an update!

Wow. Valentines Day. This day is my parents' wedding anniversary too. Happy Valentines Day to all! I'm going to make pink rice krispie treats today and I might even share my recipe - it's really good.

CHA was awsome. Such an eye-opener to everything that is out there. I worked the Traditions Studio booth. Made some samples for the catalog, designed some make & takes, and generally had a good time. I am still in awe at how HUGE it all was. It was also good to see old friends again too - like Lara from South Africa! Hey there girl! And Stacey and Theresa from Junkitz - you guys are awsome and look fabulous- as always! And so many others. Here is one of the samples I created for the show and the TS catalog - a new favorite!

My friend and neighbor Meridith was also at CHA with her new company: Lizzie Anne Designs. Such fun and unique stamps. I have had the opportunity to do some samples with these fabulous stamps too like this birthday purse card.

Well - there's the update. I just got back from a cruise and plan to post some pictures from that soon.

what can I say...

2006-11-03T13:06:00.000-07:00

...when this is your view after waking up in Japan? Wow, what a way to welcome the day and the adventure of a new country.

...when I have the nicest, most helpful, awsome translator? My new friend Noriko was the biggest help and such a delight to get to know better. All I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you, Noriko for taking care of me and helping my class run so smooth.

when the magic of this place makes you do something you normally wouldn't? Sushi - yes - I tried, I ate, I liked! The next table over has Ali, Paolo, Tracy, and Miki, encouraging all of us at our table - Lance, Clark, Katie, Scott, and me.

...such an inspiring and incredible trip I will never forget. Beautiful people with so much humility, respect, and creative ability - my life is changed.

japan...

2006-10-20T09:48:00.000-07:00

I am lucky. Basically, that is what it is...luck! Everything I have been able to do in the scrapbooking industry has started from my being in the right place at the right time. I have had the great pleasure (and a little stress) of teaching at CKU's in years past and most recently at CKU-A's - the album version. Such a life changing event - I learned so much about myself and had to stretch myself, learn new skills, but all for a passion that so many of us share...scrapbooking. Preserving those memories that makes us who we are and celebrating life.

This journey is now going on a little trip. Actually, not so little - more like 13 hours or so. I have the honor of teaching on behalf of the fabulous company I design for; All My Memories, in Japan at the Japanese version of CKU - such an awsome opportunity. I have always expected that some time in my life I might visit Japan, but never thought it would happen now. I never thought I would teach another culture a bit of what I love. Just awsome.

silver & gold...

2006-09-23T21:04:00.000-07:00

Question: What are the two colors of the medals that Isabel earned from her fabulous Oktoberfest skating competition? Answer: Silver - for the Freestyle level D routine, and Gold - for the Artistic level C & D program.
What an amazing day! It is difficult to describe the proud, excited, happy feelings a mom has when her child works hard, has fun, and skates to the best of her ability. It is such a sight to see Isabel go into her "zone" - she is eight and she seriously goes into a zone - where she blocks everything out and just concentrates. Her coaches are beside themselves watching this girl do something that many much older than her can't do. Where did she learn it? Not from me.

I have been to several competitions for Isabel now, and I think what makes me the most proud is how much fun she is having. Yes, she gets nervous, and she does that zone thing, but she has fun. I must admit, earning the medals makes it that much more fun!

Good job Isabel - you simply amaze me.

brace yourself...

2006-09-22T08:12:00.000-07:00

Chloe got braces yesterday. I swear after they were on, she looked two years older. She was a little nervous, about the pain, about what friends and classmates would say, and about the general procedure - but she made it. By the time she got home from school, her mouth was killing her and she didn't sleep too good last night. Evidenced by the bags under her eyes. She turns 12 in a little over a month. Where did the time go?

I teach my Bibbity Bobbity Boo class today at Scrapbook USA. If you get a chance, swing on by. There are many wonderful classes still available.

first day of preschool...

2006-09-06T15:31:00.000-07:00

Big day at the Whittaker home today - first day of preschool for Oaken. He was so excited, which says a lot since new things sometimes make him a little nervous. I love having a little preschool just a few houses away - so convenient, we just walk to it every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. As for the rest of the kidlets, we are back on track - YAH! Good stuff.

typical breakfast fare...

2006-08-30T22:27:00.000-07:00

Every morning I wake up to a little two year old's voice saying, "Eggos mom. I'ant (combine 'I' & 'want') Eeeegooooos". It's my alarm. Cute little Jilly's voice waking me up to an Eggo request. These are new. French vanilla - they smell like cake when you bake them and taste pretty darn good too.

Also, been a little board with the hair-do lately. I have actually had that style for quite a long time - so it was time for a change. I used to wear my hair short all the time and now that I have dropped a few lbs., my face has thinned a bit and I feel comfortable enough to sport the new short do. I forgot how easy and fast short hair was. You use less shampoo and conditioner and drying time is nearly non-existant. I like.

Been wearing the glasses a lot lately too. Every day to be exact. My awsome husband entered me into a contest to win lasik free and they called. No, didn't win but wouldn't you know it, I'm elegible for a discount! Does anyone win? So, I couldn't wear the contacts for two weeks to see if I can even do the surgery and I found out yesterday that I can. But will I? I don't know yet.

Scrapfest...

2006-08-21T13:37:00.000-07:00

Scrap: anything to do with scrapping or scrapbooking, preserving memories, etc. Fest: a festival - fun play, many exciting things to learn, an all around good time. What could be more fun than combining these two for a whirlwind of creativity! And, I will be there. September 8th & 9th - teaching, talking, laughing, and being inspired by others. Too much fun!

upcoming class...

2006-08-17T08:48:00.000-07:00

I have the awsome opportunity to teach a class at Scrapbook USA in Salt Lake City. September 22 and 23rd are the dates of this fun event and if you have never been - come check it out (and bring lots of money!). All My Memories is sponsoring again and I can personally guarantee that all of the AMM classes will be fabulous! As always they are very organized, pre-packaged, and full of fun.

My class, named Bibbity, Bobbity, Boo to You is a 4x4 Halloween (could you tell by the name?) mini album and will be Friday and Saturday at 2:30 - 4:00 pm. We will make 13 darling little 4x4 pages using the new Occasion-alls Halloween line and rub-ons and use ribbon to embellish the album too. Here is the link: SBUSA and just scroll down to the 2:30 times.

Here are a few picks from the album, you can see a little bit more detail in these - just cute!

This will be such a fun time - come and join me! Hope to see you there.

extra kits, anyone?

2006-08-14T17:36:00.000-07:00

As promised, the Life Lessons extra album kits are now available on the All My Memories website!

They are being sold for only $49.99 - that is a STEAL!! You get the 20 pages (already cut and individually packaged for you) and the 8x8 black album plus instructions. There are a limited quantity, so if you want one, go there now! Oh, here is a link to the page: Life Lessons Album Kit

check it out...

2006-08-06T17:51:00.000-07:00

Since I have yet to have an official request for a layout for Creating Keepsakes magazine, I will take this as a definate plus! This is my CKU-A album track; Life Lessons (from the September issue of CK magazine) and three of my favorite pages showcasing some fun techniques from that track. I am honored to be in this particular feature since CKU-A's are my new favorite thing! I love teaching them and preparing for them and everything about them is a positive experience for me and hopefully those taking the class as well.

Four whole pages; that aint half bad! A big congrats (in my opinion, this is a big thing) to the Junkitz girls; Stacey, Janna, & Teresa, for having their awsome album featured as well and to Tim Holtz too, who is so talented and fun to be around! They have the best ideas - so inspiring.

And, for those of you who are wondering about the extra album kits, I believe they will go on sale on our website (link to the right) sometime this coming week. I will post an official update when it goes live.

CKU-A Atlanta ROCKED!!!

2006-08-01T05:23:00.000-07:00

My class - and although they are few in number, they were the hardest working and most creative, most supportive, sweetest, and funnest class! Thank you guys for making this such a fun time. Most everyone finished their album (huge accomplishment) and the creativeness (yes, I know it probably isn't a word!) was so inspiring to me and each other. Thank You! It just rocked!

One of the funnest parts of the CKU experience is giving stuff away and All My Memories sets it up right. These two lucky ladies won AMM totes stuffed full of all kinds of product.
Any kind of a trip without The Cheesecake Factory isn't really complete. And not having one in my town makes it more of a necessity too!

Can I just say that Janna, Stacey and Teresa from Junkitz are some of the most fun and genuine gals! Thanks guys, for so much fun and letting me tag along.
After everything is said and done, and the end of CKU-A has come and gone, what fun it is to hang out with good food, new friends, and just laugh. Such an awsome experience - thank you to all! And yes, if you look really close, you can see my head peaking around there right in the middle!

Atlanta, here I come...

2006-07-25T18:22:00.000-07:00

I leave to teach the final CKU-A of the year in Atlanta in the morning. I'm so glad I have the opportunity to teach this class again. It was such a fun project to create and even more fun to teach. I look forward to seeing old friends again, and seeing some newer ones too.

CKU's are an adventure. They are a time to learn new things with others who have the same interests. They are a time to teach each other, share, and be taught. They are a time to celebrate each others' accomplishments and be inspired. I always take home more from these events than I bring.

Ready or not Atlanta, here I come.

float...

2006-07-23T07:33:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is a big holiday here in Utah - Pioneer Day. We have a huge parade - actually the 3rd largest in the country, and this is the float I was lucky enough to help my stake build. The title is "Capturing Generations from Quill to Computer" and shows the progression of family history over the years.

The back of the float (in this picture) shows a laptop computer with a picture of a family by the temple. There is also a little "go cart" computer mouse with a darling little girl driving that will be towed behind. The sides of the float have the old fashioned typewriters accented with some pencils and the front of the float has a giant parchment scroll. These pictures show the float before the little mice (actually they are huge - the scale on a float is awsome) are dancing on the typewriter keys and parchment scroll.

Isabel and I are working on the title banners that go along the entire sides of the float. The matching outfits were totally by chance, but they do make for a very nice picture! What an awsome helper Isabel was. She kept at this with me until it was finished - totally focused on the task at hand. She also helped me attached the fringy stuff to the bottom of the float. Chloe helped a lot too on some of the earlier projects. It would have been quite a bit harder and longer without their help!

I had to show this shot of the drivers seat of this float. My hubby, Scott, will be driving it and I took the picture so he could see the luxury he would be surrounded by while driving (is that a fire extinguisher?). Who said that float drivers didn't have a glamorous job?

And finally, Isabel and I at the convention center where the preview party will be - this shot just shows the scale of this float. I am so used to working with paper and pictures 12x12 inches and under. To actually participate in something this size was eye opening and so fun. Practially everything is glittered too and I'm such a sparkly and bling girl, it was right up my alley!

The Days of '47 Parade is televised around the entire country on July 24th. If you get the chance, watch for this float tomorrow - it's turn is about half way through - I think. It is the float from the Copper Hills Stake. I am so honored and proud to have had the chance to participate in something like this. Building a float just isn't something you come across everyday.

sendin' out...

2006-07-21T07:28:00.000-07:00

a huge CONGRATULATIONS to my friend Janna Wilson! She (pictured here next to me in the black T-shirt) was just named one of the next years' designers for BHG Scrapbooks Etc. magazine - a huge honor. Not only is she incredibly talented, but it couldn't have happened to a sweeter or nicer person. Way to go Janna! Also congrats to the other new design team members - it will be a very inspiring year indeed.

couture anyone...

2006-07-11T13:26:00.000-07:00

With all of the CHA sneak peeks, I just couldn't resist! Such a fun time and the buzz of new stuff to come is like this electrical current feeding from one scrapper to the next!

This is my all time favorite new line from All My Memories' Couture line: Genteel. I am lovin' the blues and greens in this 8x8 page:

Another little tidbit from the Courture Line as well; this one is Posh and I have more ideas in this line. It went so well with pictures from my SIL's wedding a few weeks ago I just kept these samples in that same theme. Beautiful purples, plums, and browns. This is a 12x12 and I used the new chipboard letters and glued pattern papers to them and trimmed them out. There are letters printed already in each of the lines that adhere nicely to the chipboard - a lot less work that way!

Have you ever used a picture for a card? This one uses Expressions rub-ons and a few elements with Posh here and there.
This last sample is an 8x8 using just the pattern papers. They are so vibrant and rich - just lovely.

tote-ally enabled...

2006-07-09T11:34:00.000-07:00

While visiting the Costco site, I also noticed these little goodies - the Tote-ally cool totes from All My Memories. This is a killer deal with not only the tote for supplies and such, but the shoulder tote as well. It also comes with a nifty mesh bag that is so handy. These tote packages come in green (as shown), pink, or blue. Enjoy!

costco...

2006-07-09T06:59:00.000-07:00

You gotta love Costco! Check it out...a whole batch of Simple Sweet stuff in Picnic, Toybox, and Juicy, and such a great deal - here is the link.
I just love these three color combos - you can do about anything with them!

mud slide...

2006-07-02T17:28:00.000-07:00

Gives a new meaning to mud slide. This picture was taken Saturday at Pineview for a half boating day. The beach we were by had this mini "cliff" and a natural slide area where the kids dumped water down and proceeded to slide. It is hard to tell, but it is steep and they went fast! Oaken had to get in on the fun and slid twice - what a daredevil!

There were also had a bunch of squirrels at the top of this beach area and Isabel and her friend spent a good hour trying to catch one in these little buckets - I love this shot because you can see two of them fairly close by. The girls never did catch one (I wasn't really that sad about it - can you say rabies?) but they still had a good time.

I have been working on our Stake's float for the Days of 47 parade on the 24th of July and it is so cool. You never really think about creating on that scale. My first project was creating some seals that say our stakes name and location - they are about 3 1/2 feet in diameter. The letters are 4 inches tall and had to be painted and glittered on the sides and top. My next project is the banner along the entire length of the float that says the title - I don't even know how to go about measuring and drawing something that is going to be about 24 feet long. The letters are about 12" x 6" and they are already done - that makes it easier. I must take some good pics of my individual projects and the float as we assemble it.

a beautiful wedding...

2006-06-23T08:58:00.000-07:00

It was Aunt Ann's wedding yesterday afternoon at Rose Sach's Garden. Oaken had a very important job; the ring bearer. I explained to him how cool this was and how important his job was - he explained to me that he didn't want to do it. "I don't want to do anything" he said. So, enter the bribes - two cars from the Cars movie - he likes those! It was agreed, he would do it to get the cars. He was brilliant. He was awsome - he stood there still through the whole thing and presented the rings when the time was right. There was a small sneezing incident, but nothing go directly on the rings. Thanks to one of the best men, he was cleaned up in a jiffy! Now enter the time after the ceremony - the let your hair down and have a good time, time. Rose Sach's Garden is up the canyon and is a gorgeous, hidden away little place...with lot's of streams, rocks, mountain sides, and climbing opportunities. Here is where Oaken ended up! Yes, that is mud and dirt on his suit and he is sliding down the mountain side. Boys.

I couldn't post without a picture of my girls who were the flower girls at the wedding. They fell in love with these "grown-up" dresses and had to have them. They look so grown up, and they did a great job too.

a little disney magic...

2006-06-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to create some sample boards for the retail store this past weekend. One board was EK Success Disney products - which I have never used before and they were so much fun! I have plenty of Disney pictures and now I have some ideas for some pages!

One of my newest favorite sizes is 8x8. This is especially great to use when you have one picture of something - you don't have to fill up so much space like a 12x12 page - and let's face it; smaller things are just cute!

a little help?...

2006-06-13T14:27:00.000-07:00

Today at Target - we picked up a few balls. I love the facination with bouncy balls that my kids have...what is it that they love so much? The color? The shape? So, Jilly and Oaken are with me and we leave the store. I am carrying Jilly and they are both carrying their ball and I knew that Jill would drop hers. Sure enough, a few steps outside and down goes the ball. Picture me trying to carry her - crying (she is the one crying), plus my purse and bags, and run after a ball that is being pushed along by the wind. I didn't catch it - I was torn between putting Jill down at the busy store entrance and running after a $2.50 ball. Here is where it gets interesting. As I start running, still holding Jill, a young woman comes out of the store - she has one small bag. The ball goes right in front of her and all she does is smirk with this "whatever" look on her face with a little bit of a half laugh, and watches the ball go by. It was right there. I looked at her, kind of unbelieving that she didn't even try. To me, it is reflex to try and catch a rouge ball but instead she stopped and watched the whole thing happen, then went on her merry way. You would almost have to try NOT to catch it. Needless to say, I drove to the other end of Target and picked up the ball - happiness again.

It's the little things that matter most. It was obvious to me she wasn't in a big hurry. As I drove down to the other end, I saw her leaving - this is after I had strapped my kids in, plus myself. It wouldn't even had mattered if she had tried and failed - just the effort and being a nice person is what makes the difference. It reminds me of that commercial - not even sure what it's for - where someone is observing another human being nice to someone else, in small ways - and in turn they are influenced to help someone else out along their way. Nothing big, but helpful. Anyway - hear's to being nice and have a nice...no - have a wonderful day!

cut 'n color...

2006-06-07T16:29:00.000-07:00

Went and got the new summer time hair-do today. Cut 'n color...check out the vogue pose. A little blonder, and a whole lot more sassy! Just being dorky.
That reminds me of a blonde joke I need to share:

A beautiful red-head went to the doctor saying that her body hurt wherever she touched it.

"Impossible" the doctor said, "show me". So she took her finger and pushed on her elbow and screamed, then she pushed on her knee and screamed even more. She pushed on her shoulder and screamed; likewise, she pushed on her ankle and screamed. Everywhere she touched made her scream.

The doctor said, "You're not a real red-head are you?"

"Well no," she said, "I'm actually a blonde."

"I thought so," said the doctor. "Your finger is broken."

For preparation for Father's Day and a totally entertaining look and how hard it is to be a dad, check out this link. We have this problem at our house too. It isn't pretty.

a challenge...

2006-06-07T06:04:00.000-07:00

I have always been interested in trying the 3 product challenge that Amy Howe and Robyn Werlick post on 2Peas and this week I actually did one. Such a fun way to scrapbook! You are given 3 products that must be incorporated in your layout somehow. This weeks were: bookplate(s), stitiching, & a frame. Having some of the items decided for me already makes it easier in some ways to scrapbook and use some older stuff in my stash. I have had this huge stack of frames from a kit I bought from QVC and was able to use one. I might even do last weeks - just for the fun of it!

the pictures...

2006-06-06T05:17:00.000-07:00

I was having problems last night trying to upload these pictures. The pink one is the baptism program cover - love that Rhonna! It was so fun to play with...I think I am going to make my Sister In Law's shower invitations digitally too. We are throwing her a bridal shower and I just might have to buy a few digital kits!

This next picture is a layout I did of Isabel's dress. I wanted to remember this aspect of her baptism story so I quickly put this together last night. The pattern papers are My Minds Eye - I'm really lovin' their Kaleidoscope papers. Such fun, happy colors with just the right amount of distressing.

she did it...

2006-06-05T13:21:00.000-07:00

Well, she did it! Isabel was baptised Saturday and it turned out to be a great day! I wasn't so sure starting out. I took my first DIGITAL step in designing her program with a free digital kit I downloaded from 2Peas In A Bucket. The kit was designed by Rhonna Farrer - such an incredibly talented person - I just love her style. The finished product wasn't too bad...if I do say so myself!

Thursday night, little Jilly got sick - throwing up and stuff. At first I thought it was just food poisoning since it came on so fast, but she did it some more at 2:00 in the morning. She was great when she woke up; back to her old self.

Friday night, we went to a movie (The Da Vinci Code) and Chloe babysat. With about 30 minutes left in the movie, she calls and informs me that Oaken just threw up all over the couch. Well, I left Scott and our friends (we drove!) and came home to help with the mess. Chloe did a great job of starting to clean it up...got Oaken in the bath. I ran back to the theater and picked everyone back up so - I still need to see the end of the movie! Later that night, Isabel gets sick! So, this is the second night I am up with sick kids and the day before the baptism.

Saturday morning - Chloe has to go downtown to a rehearsal for her Drama class at the Children's Theater. We are going to be right on time and low and behold, there is a marathon going. I cannot get to the street I need to. I drive around being blocked at every turn for a 1/2 hour! Getting very frustrated, need to get home to clean and plan, and I finally go way up and around and drop her off. Scott is home doing the back lawn for the BBQ later on and is feeling pretty bad - he is starting to get what the kids had. The baptism is going to be at 4:30 and we aren't doing very well.

Now it's an hour before the baptism and we are showering and dressing. I bought Isabel a darling dress 2 months before that has been hanging in the laundry room waiting for this glorious day. I take it down and off the hanger and give it to her. Scott comes to me and asks if she is supposed to wear this dress - Yes, that is what I bought it for! It still has the safety tag on it. Yes. The tamper proof or ink will get all over you and the garment tag is still on the dress. She has been waiting to wear this dress for 2 months. I have HAD it. I quickly get dressed and made-up and rush (not easily done in my new high heeled shoes that go with my dress) to Sears to get them to take off the tag that they should have removed originally. I make it back in just enough time for her to put on the dress and leave for the Stake Center.

Was it a test? Even if it wasn't, I was tested. It makes me wonder what she will do in her life. What role will she play in the future if she lives righteoussly and stays close to her Father in Heaven. What could it be to have Satan working so hard against us and trying to get us down. Self doubt and frustrating circumstances seem to be a fast downer for me. But, I was so proud. She was in the zone - she does that in times where concentration is key. She knew exactly what she was doing and why and it made everything else just go away!

plannin'...

2006-06-01T06:55:00.000-07:00

Wow - I thought as the Spring progressed I would get less busy. Not so. This Saturday is a very important day. Isabel, my eight year old, is getting baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She has been ready for some time and anxious to do it. Her birthday was actually in April, but we had to put it off since we were in Florida last month - so she has been waiting. I am so proud that she wants to become a member and hope she whole-heartedly uses the guidelines and principles the Gospel provides. I know it has made a huge difference in my life and can't believe how truly blessed I am some days.

Just finished these 6x6 layouts for the retail store...they are of my brother and his cute little boy. He is such a good new daddy! I recently created a bunch of 8x8 samples using this same line - Toadstool, and love how user friendly it is. The colors are great for any time of year and for masculine or feminine projects. I would love to show them to you, but we have to wait...they are for an upcoming suprise which I hope happens. Cross your fingers!

two...

2006-05-24T08:33:00.000-07:00

A quick post to wish my baby...(sniff, sniff) a happy birthday. Jill is two today!
Isn't she the cutest two year old ever? I also got a new camera last week and I am lovin' it - thanks Dad!

self portrait...

2006-05-24T07:42:00.000-07:00

Okay, maybe a self portrait of a confused me - but it is me. I was inspired by Ali Edwards' challenge to take more personal pictures and scrap them. This one was actually an accident, but I will scrap it. It reminds me a lot of how I feel sometimes. It makes me laugh every time I see it!

Here are some more samples for my Atlanta CKU-A class. Notice on the "My Blessings" page that I have a seperate journaling page behind the yellow one shown...this is one of the solutions for larger journaling we will learn about.

the orange guppy rides again...

2006-05-23T07:16:00.000-07:00

The Orange Guppy is the name of our boat. I don't have a good picture of it as it really that photogenic! It is a 1978 Birchcraft in a beautiful burnt orange complete with stylish pin striping (actually just a few run-ins with the dock). It isn't pretty but it runs and we just got back from Sand Hollow where we enjoyed 3 very hot days boating and playing in the sand.

We met some new friends, Cindy and Dave Allred, and hit it off with them. They brought 4 wheelers since there are some great sand dunes right off the lake. We could beach the boat and literally walk 20 feet to the 4 wheelers and head off to the dunes. It was my first time on 4 wheelers although I have driven motorcycles, scooters, and snowmobiles before - not a big stretch. I also have to drive my own, I hate trying to hang on when someone else is at the helm. It was fun! Such a feeling driving through that soft sand and a huge contrast to the cool water I had just come from. I was moving along great, driving with a couple of our friends; Anthony and Jake, and I CRASHED!! I came up over a dune (I had checked it out before) and instead of a rolling hill or a slight drop off, it was hollowed out. I basically did a nose dive. Mid air, I think I realized that it wasn't going to happen and I rolled off to one side. I did a flip and landed on my lower back - I was most worried about the vehicle rolling on me so I tried to get away from it. Anthony saw everything and came running over to make sure I was okay. I later had to ask him what happened, it was just a fluke thing, he did say it was impressive. Well, at least I did it with style!

This next picture is for my Atlanta CKU Albums group. I wanted to share a few examples of what we will be doing - been reading a lot of posts on the lack of examples so; here ya go! I will post more later - can't seem to get more photos to upload.

can you see the love...

2006-05-15T10:45:00.000-07:00

This fine piece of concrete, shells, and colored glass - was a beautiful Mother's Day present from my oldest girls. A stepping stone that they made - from scratch, and meticulously placed the shells and glass in ornate designs. Can you see the love? They spelled love in shells - this also, I feel, pertains to the love it took for them to create it!

This plant with some darling little blossoms (if I do say so myself) is what my MIL got. This was such a breeze and turned out so cute too.

These are also the Mother's Day cards we gave using Simple Sweet Juicy. I love Mother's Day - not just because I am a mother, but because it causes me to reflect on my own upbringing and what I want to teach my own kids. Sometimes we can feel a little guilt from what we THINK we should be like, but I think we tend to put too much pressure on ourselves. When it comes down to it, all our kids really want is to know we love them and a little of our time. Thanks to my mom, for being my friend but for also being my mom.

basic grey

2006-05-11T20:30:00.000-07:00

Just had this layout selected to appear on the Basic Grey gallery! Have you seen that place? So inspiring - I love seeing other ideas of how to use the same paper I have in my personal stash. The variety of looks is inspiring and so fun.

happiest place...

2006-05-09T13:19:00.000-07:00

We're back from the happiest place on earth - DisneyWorld. It was a great time and the kids just loved it. I think their favorite part was the cruise at the end - they just didn't have enough time to utilize all of the great kid stuff to do there. Next time we'll have to do a longer cruise - but this was a great test.

Here we are with Minnie on the ship - Oaken is wearing a pirate bandana they gave us at dinner for the pirate night theme. It is kind of nice having the characters on the ship - your chance of meeting one is greater than at the parks it seems. Such a fun trip - I would highly recommend it.

This picture of Oaken holding the biggest cookie he has ever seen. I think he is excited!

I think he likes it!

last two...

2006-04-28T08:41:00.000-07:00

and down to the wire! February page was created using the Sorbet line. A quick punch of some hearts out of different sides of the papers and some ribbon bows and here it is!

March's page is bright and cheerful, just like we start feeling around Spring time. I used the Picnic line for this and American Craft stickers for the title lettering. Some Prima flowers and yellow brads hold the trans-parency in place.

Well - there it is - the entire calendar.

a few more...

2006-04-25T14:56:00.000-07:00

I have neglected my goal to post 12 calendar pages in 12 days. I have been getting a bunch of loose ends tied up before our vacation to DisneyWorld. We're taking all of the kids so basically I have to pack 9 days of stuff for 6 people! Been doin' the laundry like crazy. So - I thought I would post a few pages just to catch up.

November is using the Canyon line and this page is focused on family - one thing I am most thankful for. This page has a simple line of ribbon with smaller pieces tied along the way. The "f" for family was the only non-Simple Sweet embellish-ment and cut out of Basic Grey paper.

December has a non-Christmassy look and color scheme with the Fizz line. I love this line, the colors are so appealing to me and just scream snow and winter (I think it is the stitching - looks like little snowflakes!). I used this line with the December page because of a new tradition we have of going sledding on Christmas Eve Day as you can see in the picture.

I used the Making Memories foam stamps and white paint for the title and two snowflake All My Memories charms.

The last page I will post today is January and that is using Boardwalk. This is the month that Oaken was born and his calendar day. I love this picture of him - you just wonder what is going on in that head of his. He looks like he has a secret and maybe he will tell, but maybe not!

The whole photo mat of this page includes the embellish-ment and journaling. These Signature Accent stickers are a breeze to stick on and they add an easy, graphic look. The trasparency is stuck underneath the bottom two stickers.

Well - I have three more pages to post and the whole calendar is complete! I will do it before I leave - I will...I hope! ;)

chloe's month...

2006-04-20T15:11:00.000-07:00

Although this page is not traditional Halloween colors, it is Chloe's page and the Boutique Simple Sweet line does suite her personality. Chloe is our Halloween child being born on Halloween. She came a day early despite the fact that the doctor assured me I would go over at least a week. We wanted her to be born on Halloween, such a fun holiday for a birthday. The first several years, I think she thought everyone dressed up in costumes just for her birthday!

This page is one of the simplest ones (is that a word?) in the whole calendar. It goes together so easily and quickly - I love it! A few cut out flowers and some paint on the back of the transparency, and it is finished! The letters are stickers from American Crafts and a little sanding around the edges of the photo mat and picture makes a little contrast against the black background.

september...

2006-04-17T09:11:00.000-07:00

Usually September is the last part of the year we can go boating and this time, we did a little fishing. Although we didn't catch anything but water plants and moss, it was still fun. I used the Toadstool line for this page. I cut some circle to mimic the design on the border paper, added a few ribbon charms and this page was finished! I just love how quickly these calendar pages went together!

the cool pool...

2006-04-15T13:36:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while you take a picture that captures more than you ever thought one little picture could. Sometimes, it isn't the greatest picture, but it speaks to you. This picture I used for my August calendar page does just that. My three oldest; Chloe, Isabel, & Oaken are jumping into the pool. The looks on their faces are pure them and the action caught mid air turns an ordinary day at the pool into a memory frozen it time. I used Bermuda for this, so named for the stitching and colors; they reminded me of bermuda shorts. Such a summer time thing for me. The flowers were punched from various coordinating cardstock and layered on top of each other - one of my favorite looks. I look at this and can't wait to see what fun they will have this summer.

toybox in july...

2006-04-14T07:31:00.000-07:00

Toybox - one of the brightest color families in the whole Simple Sweet line. I love this picture of Oaken, it just captures the hot summer feel - snackin' on a sno cone. I also like Toybox for this because of its patriotic feel.

I punched a bunch of stars from red Bazzill cardstock and red ginham paper (Simple Sweet Picnic). I selected matching buttons and brads and put the brad "legs" through the holes in the buttons to attach them to the page. I also used two Quickutz alphabets for the title. I also finger painted a border around the picture with white paint. This is one of my favorite techniques - I love the way the paint "breaks" on the picture paper giving it an instant distressed look.

june...

2006-04-13T19:26:00.000-07:00

Been gone literally all day - running errands, going to various lessons, and of course, buying stuff (The Children's Place has an awsome sale going right now). Here is the June border calendar page made with Spa.

I love the cool, relaxing feel of the colors and it goes so well with this page. I punched some flowers and sponged ink around the edges. There are also sequins on the journaling block that I found at All My Memories Retail store, not sure the brand but a whole rainbow of colors in the package. Our first boating trip of the year usually happens in June so I used a picture from last year's trip. I'm so glad that Jill loves the water. We boat enough that it would be really hard if she didn't!

may page...

2006-04-12T07:39:00.000-07:00

Day two in the calendar posting marathon! Here is May - and Jilly's birthday month. This is one of my favorites and the first color family I created for Simple Sweet - Juicy.

I used Quickutz for the title and found a darling little poem about sweet little girls that reads: Giggles and curls, ribbons and bows - she's so adorable from her head to her toes! The resin flowers are Spring Blooms herbanella trimmings from All My Memories. Don't you love how they pop off of the dark background of the picture?

borders...

2006-04-11T11:23:00.000-07:00

I needed a calendar and I needed one fast. So I thought, what better way to use my Simple Sweet Border Papers. I can make it fast and easy. I love how it turned out so much, I want to share so...the next 12 posts will showcase one calendar page - 12 posts in 12 days. It will be so fun. So, since it is April, I will start with my April page done in Meadow:

These pages are unique to my kids and family, so the titles may not seem very seasonal, but anyone could easily change that. Isabel was born in April so her picture is the showcase. She also is very much into ice-skating so, this page is about her skating and being a champion. Here she is in her skating costume - just after she competed at the Utah Winter Games. I just love that she enjoys skating so much - she is really quite good at it too. I punched a few flowers from the other side of this border paper and the flower centers are punched from the 'b' side of the quad papers. The polka dot paper is another double sided paper from the Meadow line.

If you really want to see the entire calendar now, it is in the Simple Sweet Gallery on the All My Memories website. Just click on "Interactive galleries" and select Simple Sweet and you are there. I will post more detail about each page here and a little on how I made them so come back everyday!