another wednesday post...

We took the kids miniature golfing tonight...we actually went last weekend and they loved it - they've been asking to go back every day, so we took them tonight. I think we've found our new favorite family activity. Next time I need to take a camera.

Last week I was asked to create some fun projects to share with the July CK kotm, the school expansion kit. I had already ordered a kit, because I loved it, so I was extra thrilled to be asked to help out with some samples. Today, Becky shared my projects on her blog. I had so much fun working on these quick pages and I can't wait to use the kit(s) to make lots and lots of future pages/projects...I love the colors and patterns and designs she created.

If you're interested, you can see the kit contents here. It's seriously a great value - you get soooo much product, and ALL of the product is great quality and so fun to work with. Even if you didn't order a school kit, you should consider the expansion kit - it's got some school themed product, but as you can see from my pages, it definitely doesn't have to be used strictly for school themed projects. I love the date stamp that comes with the kit...I'll be keeping it handy for lots of things.

Becky has lots of fun page examples, and even a cute video on her blog...even if you don't want the kit, you should check out her blog (if you haven't already) because she shares lots of fun ideas...from scrapbooking and home decor to yummy recipes.

We're going to the zoo tomorrow. I told the kids we were heading out really early so we could be there when it opens. Hopefully it won't be too hot when we get there...for us and for the animals. I want the animals to be active so the kids can really enjoy them, and I know that if it's too hot, they aren't active at all. I'm sure I'll have some pictures to share soon...

just gabbing...

Yesterday Josh went to day camp with his cub scout troop. They had to meet at their leader's home at 6:30 am. Josh is NOT a morning person...but he didn't seem to have any trouble waking up early yesterday, none at all. He was so excited for his first "camp!" He arrived home around 2:00 pm. He was hot and dirty and exhausted. Seriously, I haven't seen the kids THIS tired in a long, long long time (unless you count every morning when he doesn't want to wake up because he's "just so tired, mom."). He played for a while and ate some food and then he crashed. He fell asleep on the couch and didn't wake up until about 9:00 pm...when he took a shower, changed into his pjs and settled down for a good night's sleep. I wish I would have taken his picture when he was sacked out on the couch, but I didn't think about it until it was too late...and he probably would have gotten mad at me anyway.

Brad didn't have to be to work too early this morning, so he was able to walk with me before he left. I love when he goes with me...it's like a mini-date...just him and me and nothing to do except walk and talk - I love it! He's gone now, and I have a list of things to do before he gets home tonight - but it is just such a nice way to start out the day. :o)

Okay, since CHA is over, I thought I'd share a couple more projects I did using some new MM product.

These projects used the new Paperie line...four sets of monochromatic fun! I used the blues for these projects, but I have also had a chance to work with the other color sets. I think green is my favorite...but I also loved mixing and matching them on some other projects.

I guess I had better get busy with that list so I can have fun and enjoy our extended weekend...which will also serve as this year's family vacation time since Brad has the rest of the week off - we're just planning a bunch of "little" things this year, no big vacation. Tomorrow is Pioneer Day and we're hoping to visit the Zoo. Friday we're spending the day at the lake - instead of taking the boat, we're taking the waverunners. Saturday there's a ward party and then Saturday evening is the demolition derby here in town. I'm sure by Sunday we will all feel like we went on a "real" vacation - and most likely, there will be plenty of laundry and exhaustion to prove it, lol!

busy week ahead...

So today started what is sure to be a very busy week for our family. The kids had a Primary activity - Missionary Olympics - where they played lots of fun games, wrote down their testimonies, made missionary savings banks, and had sno-cones for dessert. They are excited for Fair Days in a few weeks so they can go and see their creations on display.

We also helped grandma choose the color for her new countertops...they've been remodeling their kitchen and now it is so big and bright and light - I love it!

After a stop at home for some lunch, we headed to Park City. We had to pick up a few things at walmart, and then we headed to the outlet mall because the big kids had saved their money so they could buy new Webkins. I also bought more gifts for bunco, which I am hosting next month. Oh, and we bought new church shoes for all of the kids and almost all of Josh's school clothes. whew!

While we were gone, the installers came to put up the vinyl fence along the side of our driveway...which is quite the hilarious story, but only if you know our neighbor...and since most of you don't, I'll spare you. Anyway, the fence looks GREAT! and our home looks so much nicer from the street. Now maybe someone will buy it....we hope...

Okay, that was a lot of blabbing...how about a few project shares?

These two layouts were from the retreat I went to last week. Each of the girls taught two classes and these two layouts are both from Lindsey's classes. Of course, her layouts were 12x12, so I had to tweak mine because I wanted to create 8 1/2" x 11" pages. It was fun following someone else's direction and not starting from scratch!

It's getting late, the sun is setting...so I'm headed out for my nightly walk...I'll be back again soon with some more projects to share!

ETA: One more quick thing. I think I'm caught up again on e-mailing everyone who requested information about the free Target gift cards. If you haven't heard from me, please e-mail me again...and if you're interested in hearing more, please e-mail me and I'll send you a referral and some more information! (My e-mail address is on my sidebar).

making memories at CHA...

No, I'm not at the show in Chicago, but I know lots of fun people who are! Making Memories is introducing lots of fun new lines this weekend at CHA...but if you're not there, don't worry...they're sharing lots of fun things on their blog too! Seriously - you're going to want to keep checking in on the MM Blog all day long. They're doing lots of fun give-aways and updating every hour. You just might win some new product before it's even available to buy - how cool would that be?!?

Just for fun, here's a project I made for the booth using some of the new Halloween line, "Spellbound."

a movie, a retreat, a calling, a website...

For Meagan's birthday this year, she wanted to take one friend to the new American Girl movie instead of having a party. We had to wait for a few weeks for the movie to be released, so she was thrilled when we were finally able to go. I took Meagan and Carly to Park City last Thursday evening to see Kit Kittredge, An American Girl. I was pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed the movie - and so did the girls (and their dolls, lol).

Friday afternoon, I headed out with my friend, Shantelle to the Memory Box mini-retreat in Midway. I had the best time. Seriously...way better than I expected. Lori and Lindsey spoiled us with goodies - of the scrapbooking variety AND the edible variety. They taught some fun layout classes.

I got to meet lots of fun women...but I was especially excited to meet Heather White- someone I've admired for a long time.

For those of you who are familiar with her blog, I'm here to tell you she is EXACTLY what she seems to be. Super kind, fun, funny...just a great person to spend time with. :) Heather even brought everyone a gift - see the cute glass jars in the photo above? She made those for every single person -- so sweet, huh? And she also introduced me to my new favorite glue...Scotch quick-dry adhesive...she gave me a bottle as a "meeting you in real life" gift. See, super sweet - I told you!

I couldn't believe how productive I was over the weekend. I was able to complete all of these layouts on Friday alone!

(I didn't take a picture of the pages I completed on Saturday, but I will share them soon).

It was so refreshing to scrap whatever photos I wanted -- despite the quality -- with whatever product I wanted -- new OR old -- on my own schedule, in my own way. Seriously, it just felt so good. Don't get me wrong, I feel so blessed to work in the scrapbook industry and I love my work...but this weekend just reminded me again how much I love the HOBBY of scrapbooking.

And without going into detail, I will also add that in addition to having a ton of fun, it was also mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually uplifting. Some of the women who were with us were absolutely incredible and had such amazing stories they shared with us. One in particular. I hope I'll get an opportunity to spend time with these great ladies again! Thanks to Lori and Lindsey for organizing such a great weekend!

I was exhausted by the time we got home late Saturday...technically, I guess it was early Sunday...but it was SO worth it.

On Sunday, I was offically sustained as a member of the Young Women's presidency in our ward. I am looking forward to serving with the other women who were called...and I'm looking forward to teaching and learning from the Young Women in our ward.

Before I forget again, I wanted to mention this website: Scrapbooking from the Inside Out. Rachel e-mailed me a few weeks ago to tell me about her new site. It took me a while before I was able to check it out to see what it was all about. When I finally did, I was so impressed. I love her take on scrapbooking and the theory behind her concept (or would that be the concept behind her theory?). It's definitely worth checking out...I especially loved the inspiration page.

another week...

I can't believe it's been another whole week since I sat down to update my blog. Summer is simply flying by...

Our 4th was so much fun. We spent most of the day up at Mom & Dad's Pond, four-wheeling. It was so gorgeous up there - I love spending time there and wish we could go more often. The kids all loved riding the four wheelers.

We took some grates and made a bridge over the little creek. Brad was a hero and saved the life of a poor little lamb...it was caught in fishing line and basically tied down right to the ground. I know if we hadn't found him, he wouldn't have made it...it was hot and there was no way he could have gotten out himself.

(This is his little friend - or sibling - who led us to him.)

We also did a little fishing...actually it was just casting out and reeling in (there were no hooks or bait involved), but the little boys didn't realize that.

We spent the evening with family - bbqing, celebrating my brother's birthday, and ending the day with fireworks. Lots and lots of fireworks. It was a great day!

Somehow I missed posting about the final day of my travel album challenge on the Making Memories blog. Here are a few images of my completed album.

Oh, I also got my hair cut. Brad even told me it looked good as soon as he saw me (with no prodding from me), Meagan said she liked it better (whatever that means, lol), and even the little neighbor girl who is four said, "Meagan's Mom, (that's what she calls me) I like your haaa-ir." So apparently, it was time to chop it off and change it up!! Usually when I do something to my hair it's not even noticed by anyone but me.

I'm leaving in a few hours for a mini scrapbooking retreat in Midway. I'm excited to spend a few days with friends, scrapbooking and having a fun time. Speaking of which...I had better get my stuff together so I have something to work on when I get there!

4th of July Sky...

We're used to seeing beautiful images in the nighttime sky on the 4th of July...but I got a bonus today - a beautiful morning sky!

These balloons started going up this morning when I was leaving for my walk and by the time I got home, there were a total of 10 in the sky and 2 more I could see waiting to lift off.

Happy 4th of July!

i'm back...

so...I took a little break from the old blog. No, I didn't take an extended nap or a long vacation...I've just been busy with other home/family/mom things and the blog just wasn't making it into my days (or nights, for that matter). Anyway, here I am now and here's a little recap of what I've been up to since my last post:

• my sister's birthday party on the 21st...yummy bbq and dessert
• lots of baseball games (we're finally done with ball for the summer now)
• an open house -- always fun to get the house ready to show
• my neice's birthday party
• four wheeling
• Lagoon
• some meetings
• lots of work
• started a regular exercise routine finally
• listening to books on tape while working
• eating lots of fruit...yummy!
• yard work
• shopping
• backyard water fun for the kids
• neighborhood party
• did I mention working?
• and I'm sure there's more, but that's all I can think of right now.

I have a ton of requests for the Target gift card program - If you haven't heard from me yet, I promise I'll get those all taken care of sometime this weekend - I apologize for taking so long. BUT, I did get another set of cards last week, so I did a bunch of grocery shopping at Target for free!

Here are the final projects I created with the May KOTM...a couple of quick & easy layouts.

Today we have plans to play in the water at the neighbor's house this afternoon. Then I need to work....but tomorrow will be a fun day. We're going to do some four-wheeling with the kids and then we're headed to my parent's house for a bbq and fireworks -- can't wait!!

sleep is optional...

...or maybe I should say sleep is NOT an option. At least it hasn't been an option for me twice this week. Yep, two all-nighters in one week. I really am getting too old for those! lol Really, I'm not complaining - just explaining why I'm a little out of it today. I'm actually extremely grateful for the opportunities I have which allow me to work all through the night - it's such a blessing to be able to work from home so I don't have to juggle my kiddos or figure out how to "go without" so I can be here. I work some during the day (since that's when everyone else works - and therefore calls, emails, etc.), but the majority of my work is done after everyone else is sleeping - I'm able to contribute a little bit financially, but I'm also able to do everything any other SAHM does. The best of both worlds. So what if I lose a little bit of sleep, it's worth it!

I almost forgot I was going to share some of the other May KOTM projects I was able to work with last week. Here are a couple of cards using the goodies in the kit, and some ribbon from my stash.

They are both super simple - but I think they would be perfect for a younger person's birthday.

Oh - I just thought of another advantage to staying up all night. I've been able to listen to two books on cd (The Emerald and The Topaz by Jennie Hansen). And I've watched (well, mostly listened to) the first two episodes of season 2 of Army Wives. I didn't see the first season at all, but then I started hearing about it and how good it was. There's a great recap of Season one that brought me right up to speed. I am really liking the show...it reminds me how lucky I am - and how incredibly grateful I am that there are men and women who are willing to serve and families who are willing to sacrifice so much to allow their spouses/parents/children to serve our country.

Speaking of serving...I was so excited to have another opportunity to donate blood today. (I mean what's better - a half hour or more to myself to just sit/lie down, sweet treats, and all of it in the name of helping someone). Unfortunately, they didn't like my blood today. My iron was too low. Hopefully the next time they come around, they'll like my blood better!

I just remembered one final GOOD THING about staying up all night. My pillow is going to feel SO good under my head and I'm going to sleep soooo soundly tonight -- I can't wait!

Sweet dreams...:o)

album challenge - week 3...

Challenge #3 went up today on the Making Memories blog. This week, we're adding photos to the pages we created last week.

If you want to go ahead and add additional embellishments and/or titles, you can do it now as well. You can read more, and see more finished pages here: MM challenge #3. There are several pages there - and here are a few of the other spreads I created for my album.

Next week we'll add the journaling and the finishing touches to complete the album!