Ready for the New Year

I managed to get everything photographed last night. The lighting isn't the best, but I think it's sufficient to see the projects. Remember to double click on the photos that you want to see in more detail.

The first card here is the Christmas card that I sent out. Since I first started using a rubber stamp, 21 years ago, this is my first batch of homemade Christmas cards. Its a good thing I started making them in Sept or they wouldn't have gotten done. I brought them to my scrapbooking club that month, then came home and finished them the following Saturday, while listening to a Christmas book on tape. That helped me feel the spirit of the holidays! Then I finally wrote and sent them in mid Nov. The Cricut created the holly leaves, and I used a punch on the Kraft cardstock left edge and Red glitter glue for the berries. Every thing on this card except for the twisted twine is Close To My Heart because its what I stock the most. However, I heard that in the upcoming catalog, being released tomorrow to Consultants, Feb 1 to customers, that they are now carrying this twine.

This is the thank you card I just started yesterday. I used a Diamond Stickles glitter glue to give this otherwise flat card some dimension. It's made by Ranger in NJ. I usually let it sit overnight to harden. Again, I used the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge to cut out this shape, and used CTMH's coordinating snowflakes set, which I won for free, to double stamp - note the two different shades of blue - and glittered it in the obvious places. Love the added shine and sparkle to the snowflake.For an inexpensive little product, selling for less than $3, it sure  makes a big difference.

Then because I am trying to keep things simple, I just stamped a Thanks in the same dark blue that I used on the dots of the snowflake, and am calling it done. I thought of adding a ribbon, and think that would be a nice touch for hand delivered cards, but need to keep the majority of the cards flat for mailing.

This is the big project I started in late September, after the cards were done. Most of these pages were done in 15 - 45 minute increments until last night when I spent an hour adding a few embellishments. I decided that if I could have a monthly double page spread already done, then just add additional photographs in a page protector that has 6 - 4x6 openings, and is double sided, I'd be able to spend more time quilting this year. . . a girl only has so much time, you know? 

The rules I set for myself, were to try a new style with each month, use the same font for each month, and only use what I already had on my shelf. Nothing new was bought to make these. I used papers and products from many companies but mostly CTMH since that's where I can get the best bargains. The only new papers I have bought  recently were for my son's mission. They were from a company called October Afternoon. Love their product lines! I am really far behind on my children's albums, so when I am in the mood for scrapbooking, I'll be working on their books this year and the mission album is ongoing. However, its essential to me that I keep up on my own books so I know how to put theirs in chronological order and I can copy the journaling almost verbatim. 

 Stacy Julian, at Big Picture Scrapbooking, is doing a class called Twelve. I don't really know what its all about, but I read its using 12 different techniques and making monthly pages too, so I think its fun that we're thinking along the same lines. Becky Higgins from Project Life also has simplified her books dramatically, and doesn't really use this traditional way of scrapbooking anymore. Hers is mostly the page protectors with bits and pieces for titles and journaling. I like the idea of simplifying books, but still want to use the beautiful things I do have and let my creative juices flow, so here it is. Let the new year begin!

This is exclusively CTMH, even using the same Snowflake stamp set I used on the cards above. Love the color palette here and had fun trying the folded paper technique in the lower left corner. Lots of Cricut die cuts here too. That has been the best tool to make my scrapbooking faster and easier!

The fun products here that I wanted to incorporate were the transparent overlay, the rub-ons, and the transparent musical tape by Tim Holtz. I contemplated different ribbons, and went with ric-rac, for its playfulness, knowing LittleBuddy's birthday will be celebrated a few days before Valentines, so I didn't want this page to be too feminine, but more fun. Papers are BoBunny and K&Co. The heart paper clip is from Staples and the rub-ons from 7 Gypsies.Only the polka dot ribbon, black and kraft paper are CTMH. Buttons unknown. I keep them by color in glass jars, so I have no idea which manufacturer made them.

Since I know we're going to California in March, I created this page to reflect the sand and sun and a little Disney pattern is going on too. I will most likely fill in the circles with either Disney embellishments or small photos of happy faces, so this page is not fully ready yet, but will save me a lot of work after my trip.Most of this is CTMH except for the paper punches, which are Fiskars and EK Success.

A very feminine page here. I realized I don't do a lot of these, but I loved this color palette and wanted to play. This is another month exclusively using CTMH product. 

These papers and flowers come from a MyMind's Eye kit that I've had for several years now, and just keep using bits and pieces up. With MyGirl's birthday, Mother's Day, and attendance at a quilt show coming up, I wanted it to be fun, flowery, and happy.

Again, playing with ric-rac only this one is big and thick. Its held on by colored Target staples. Loved the butterfly paper from October Afternoon, and the die cut and patterned paper, I believe from Crate Paper. Can't exactly remember, but loved them, and felt they all popped nicely on CTMH retired Ocean cardstock.

This Fanfare paper from CTMH I have used over and over, from the reunion, to last year's 4th of July pages, but I added some Elemental papers to change things up too, and the Jenni Bowlin Bingo card just makes me smile. Summer is always a time of fun and games, and lots to celebrate.

This month just really eluded me. Its definitely more feminine that I probably would want here, with all of our outdoor activities and since school here starts in Aug., I really should have used Sept's pages here instead, but I wanted it to feel like ice cold lemonade and soft breezes, so here it is. Something about the damask and the birdcage, just called out to me! They are from the retired Recollections store I loved in MD. Occasionally I still see their things at Michael's, but far less selection. If the month comes and my photos don't at all work with this, then I can make a new page and save this one for another year or a special more girly page I want to make. I use only repositionable glue on my pages, allowing me to change dates and move things any time as needed.

This is all CTMH's Typeset paper packet and canvas stickease. Loved the great variety and masculine color. Since Littlebuddy is the only one I really have school pictures for, this seemed great for him and his happenings. Its also Mike's b-day and looks masculine enough for him.

This page needs more embellishments, and Franky very well may not be here in the future, but something needs to be over there, and I just haven't decided for sure, so for now, he's here.Its a mix of very old CTMH papers, more transparent newsprint stickers from Tim Holtz and a tag from Staples. There are a few metallic CTMH products, but its lacking a great visual focal point. . . will be working on that come Oct.

This page was actually a CTMH kit I bought last year. I've made minor alterations, but I loved the chipboard that allows you to stamp on it and it holds the color around the raised lettering for "celebrate." Love that stuff! Since there's a lot of celebrating that month with Thanksgiving and my birthday, I thought I could get away with the subtitle as well as the pink.

This is all CTMH papers, from the Believe paper pack, with embellishments being silver edged brads from BoBunny's Christmas collection of a couple years ago and a random sampling of buttons I found. The blue polka dot ribbon is from Offray. I really do miss living close to that outlet. Every time I use a piece of bargain ribbon from there, I know it'll cost me ten times to replace it again. It does make me happy, though, when I find pieces in my stash that match colors of product I have from other places. Somehow this seems pretty coordinated in spite of the fact three different companies are represented.

So, there you have a year in the life, ready for photos. The page layup designs were inspired by CTMH books, Page Maps website, and my own imagination. Its always the right thing to give credit where it is due, but I can't always remember where ideas came from, so please forgive me if I've incorporated something into my pages and the original creator was forgotten. Feel free to copy anything here as well, just add that you got the idea from my blog here. Thanks!

Word Choices

Sometimes the words we use aren't the words we mean. For instance, when I wrote that the best gifts were electronics, that was not the intent. I should have said, sometimes the most anticipated gifts are electronics. In my house that has been true lately, but the best gifts of all, you can't buy. And, as I finish up this holiday season which feels like it started Nov. 19, and has been the longest ever, its been nothing electronic that gave me the most happiness. 

It was being with people I love, getting to know them better, having meaningful conversations, new experiences, serving them, and having fun with them. The togetherness, the love, the sharing, those are the best gifts. Now, don't get me wrong, a good Christmas trifle or a plate of shortbread dipped in Lindt chocolate or Mom's homemade caramels, those are very good things too :-) I think those fall in the category of temporary happiness. . . . 

But the electronics, sometimes, are my least favorite things in the house, because too easily they pull us further apart instead of bringing us closer together. And, that's the challenge of the modern age we live in, to stay connected in real ways, using the electronics to bless our lives and not be the ends in and of themselves. They are tools that can make life easier, but they don't really bring true joy. However, as I've contemplated this blog, I realized that it brings me joy because it allows me to connect with those I love that live far away. And, you know what? I miss you. I miss making those real life connections more often, so I'm not all anti-electronics, but you know it would be Better and even the Best if you were here or I was there!

I'm grateful this holiday season for the joy I have felt. There were sad moments, hard days, and frustrations, like any real life, but to know that the Savior's power is real and that He can change hearts and lives, and bring us back to Him, that is the greatest joy. And I am reminded regularly how much I NEED HIM. Really, that is the greatest gift, that His Spirit can always be with us.  

I have a big project I've been working on for a couple of months which I'm excited to share, because its going to make 2012 a lot easier for me. I'll post them soon. I also have a number of other creative projects I need to photograph still. Some I've already given away, but hopefully I can get the rest online here in the near future. If I miss tomorrow, Have a Happy New Year Everyone!

Christmas 2011

Family . . . the best part of this week was just having our cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents all so close. We were all going back and forth from our house to my parents, the boys often without shoes! Every bed in both houses was filled to capacity. Meals were together except for a breakfast and a lunch or two. It really was lovely weather, just a bit chilly, but fun to have a beautiful white Christmas for all our cousins that came from the South and the West Coast.

Snow . . . more than we've seen in Colorado since we moved here. The cousins were making forts, trails, and throwing lots of snowballs. A pair of glasses were lost and found 48 hours later. . . blessings!

Christmas Eve . . . one of the sweetest moments was listening to my mom read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" after my dad read the story from Luke. My nephew paid close attention as Mom read it with drama. A sweet moment. Of course there was a wonderful dinner with poppers and laughter. Good memories!

Christmas morning . . . since we'd already had Christmas morning, this was a let down for my children, watching everyone else get their cool stuff. They got a little stuff, but it wasn't the same. Still, I was glad we weren't at my house in the morning, but at my mom's. With half of my children gone, it was good for me to have lots of other loved ones around to enjoy. It was very sweet of everyone to come to church and hear the choir's musical program. I was one of the accompanists and even had a solo, so it was nice to feel their support. It was also good in the midst of the presents and wrappings, that we could remember the real reason for the season. I was glad we could stop in the middle of the day to worship. Afterwards everyone came to my house for a casual Christmas buffet, with more food than we could all eat. I'm just finishing it finally today! There was Skyping going on with my nephew on a mission and  lots of visiting and playing games. Good to be together with those that were here.

Garden of the God's. . .  our favorite place to take out of town guests. A little snowy on the paths, and more crowded than I've seen even in the summer, but it was good to walk off the big meals and be out in nature after being in the kitchen. The cousins loved being together. Love and miss them all!

My youngest nephew . . . that was the best photo of him I captured all week. Such a cute smile, such a curious, busy boy. Usually with a train in one hand and an airplane in the other, he had the attention of us all. 

Togetherness. . . that was really the best part. Yes, we missed Bigbuddy and Cowgirl, a cousin in Las Vegas and my brother in Australia, but for those that were here, we were together a lot and it was good. We look forward to the day when everyone can be together again. Maybe 2013.

And electronics, . . . Christmas always brings something new in the way of gadgets, even if the final selection wasn't made until after the big day was over. Its a sign of our generation that the best gifts often need chargers.

Twas the Tuesday

Twas the Tuesday before Christmas, and all through the house, many creatures were stirring, and gratefully there wasn't one mouse!

While Mama was in her nightclothes, Papa donned his hat, and the snow blower got the front yard cleared in no time flat. She'd heard a loud noise and went to see what was the matter. It was just her dear hubby making a clatter. He went down the street, clearing for neighbors too, and the thought crossed her mind, what a Christ-like thing to do.

By nightfall a party was happily ensuing, the Beehives were eager for merry fun doings. The 2nd counselor was on bed rest and yours truly was asked to step in, but it was the generous advisor who hosted and made it happen. Her games were so fun, her heart so sweet, and the girls loved their party, especially the treats!

 

Some baking was done in the kitchen with care, in appreciation for kindnesses that had been shared. Rolls by the dozens accompanied by jam were just what this last-minute baker had planned. The oven was on for much of the day in preparations for parties and guests that would stay. How grateful we are for those that will come and gift us with their presence. We can't wait for the fun!

A gingerbread train was sitting on the shelf, and it looked cute enough in spite of its "come from a box" self. Our cousins like trains and my children wanted to share their love for their cousins with a creative flair. This family night activity had been planned the night before, in hopes of showing their love all the more.

All week we have waited and prayed with our souls for a loved one who traveled abroad with a goal.
Then a note was found on the computer to say, he is learning the language and loving his stay. His mother did cheer and his sisters did say, that's the best news we've heard in many a day.

And now it is Wednesday, we're sure getting close, to the day that our Savior is celebrated most. To give and to love make this season so bright, and with each act of goodness we feel of His light. May your season be merry and may you always remember that Jesus is the best reason to celebrate in December!
                            Merry Christmas!!!!!

Getting Busy

What better way to forget your own issues than to delve into others issues?? Haha! Not really, but this weekend was spent being busy in positive ways for me. I could see by this morning that the Lord just kept providing ideas and opportunities for me to get busy, and truly work is a great blessing. 

However, Why does reorganizing usually involve some monumental mess beyond what was already a mess to get there? Since BigBuddy is no longer sharing a room with his brother, I attacked both boys' clothes, cleaning, sorting, donating, bagging or returning to its rightful place. That room just needed an overhaul and it got it, with the temporary stopping point being my living room. Then it was his dresser and shoes. Fortunately I had the house to myself for a long time this weekend which allowed me to create such chaos and happily the living room is back to its peaceful uncluttered self. 

The boys in my family went snow camping this Friday night with the Boy Scouts. Double sleeping bags for everyone and layers and layers of clothing, and still their feet were cold. I'm now on the hunt for better boots and socks. 

My mom, bless her heart, came over on Friday night and helped me make over 120 meatballs. We froze them and will be using them when company comes later this week. I had to leave while they were baking to pick up MyGirl from a party. I came back to meatball mess all cleaned up. She is a great blessing!

Found this yummy idea on Our Best Bites, and it even has the link to this cute tag. Don't you love how the web can make your life easier? I love a good chili and know some others who feel the same way. Gave away three today and two more on Tuesday. I may even make up another batch and give more away. I'm just not feeling like doing tons of cookies and at the season of giving when the weather here is getting chilly, why not chili? It made sense to me.

Its Not Terrible

Okay, an update to my previous post.
Yes, I miss my son, but it's NOT terrible.
I am so happy with the decision that he's made to serve.
I am so grateful he has made it safely there and his MTC president sent me a photo and letter letting me know.
Now, yes, I shed a few tears upon reading said letter and seeing his photo, but really just tears of joy.
I am so excited for this new opportunity for him.
So, no, its not terrible. Two years is a very long time. A lot can change, but I am absolutely positive that my love for him will never change, and that is a very wonderful thing.

I also put this photo of him framed on the table in front of the Wii downstairs in the family room. I see it every morning when I go make sure the others kids are up for school, and other times throughout the day, and for the past two days I have sat on the sofa, looked at his picture, and said a few words to him. I know he can't hear them, but it helps me to say them and I feel happy just to see his 8 x 10 presence.

I also want to grow spiritually like he is during the next two years so I have set a goal for how I am going to work on that.

I miss all my children when they are away from me and I know I am on a short countdown to the day when they have all moved away. It's life and life is good. Sometimes its just a little lonelier than I'd like which is what makes eternal life so very appealing to me. Never having to say good-bye will be the Best!

The Day Came

Yesterday is the day my boy got on the airplane and began his mission. This boy who loves to eat and loves to play with his brother and loves to talk to people and loves to chat with me is gone for two years. I will miss him terribly, but I am so very excited for him. I've already sent him an e-mail at his website so when he opens it there will be some mail for him. I can't wait to read the ones he sends. I am so excited for every aspect of this new experience for him because he is so excited.
It's been so long since I posted, but we have been busy making memories and having fun.

On Friday we picked up Cowgirl from the airport and went up to Winter Park for a sleigh ride.
It was SOO fun. The beautiful Belgian mares had jingle bells on them, and as we sat behind them for an hour, it felt like being in a fairy tale. Floating along, listening to the bells, seeing the trees and snow, with all my family loving it too, just so fun! There was hot cocoa, roasted marshmallows, and some snow-ball fighting there too. Just a really beautiful day too!
That night we stayed in the hotel and the next day attended the Colorado Symphony's Christmas Concert. It was wonderful. We had a great time listening to such beautiful and meaningful music.

The next day was Christmas Eve at our house. It was also the day of my son's mission farewell. He did such an outstanding job. I was so very pleased with everything about that day, from having his boss in attendance to my mother's trifle to his setting apart; it was just a wonderful day and one I will never forget.
Too soon, however, it came to an end. We had to take Cowgirl back to the airport.

Then we continued, (we, meaning mostly he, with little of me) packing and unpacking and checking the weight over and over. Its been waking me up at night concerned with how to fit everything in and not be overweight. Fortunately our airport here was a little lenient, and let him be 1.5 lb. over without charging him. Tender mercies!
Then this morning it was off to the airport. Final good-bye's, hugs, a meal, and last minute advice, given by everyone. In the end, though, he just said, I'm going to be me and do my best." What else can he do? Nothing, and so once again he's focused on that which matters most. His favorite saying? It will all work out. Just trust the Lord.

He's committed to doing just that.

And now, he's on his way. He will be a great missionary, but I won't be posting a lot of photos. Notice none of these have his badge clearly showing. With this being a public forum, I'm hesitant to use those kinds of details, and he'll have it on most all the time. Oh, we do love this boy who will soon return a man. I will miss him terribly, but am most excited for him to be able to make a connection with those who need him to teach them about the Savior. Let the real fun begin!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

So cliche, I know, but seriously, this tune keeps running through my head. Since Thursday, we just keep getting snow. It stops for a day then starts up again. It is beautiful, and I love the peace and slowing down of life it brings, but in Colorado you have to keep driving in it. Life doesn't stop, but we go slow, and so far, no major problems. I think this is it for at least a week. Just one more week without, please, please, let it be. After the 13th it can snow buckets, but we need our boy to get out safely next week. . . 9 days and counting.
We've had a very fun weekend, cold temperatures and all. Mike's company had a family Christmas party. Best company party ever held for about twenty children, at least that I've ever been to. Santa and Mrs. Claus were both there for a couple of hours, entertaining, reading stories, leading us in singing, handing out presents to all children under 18, there was yummy food, sparkling cider, gift bags for all the adults. He was a great Santa and Mike's boss knows how to throw a great party. Grandparents were invited, and it was really fun for everyone. This was Santa after he'd taken off his outer coat, and was mingling with everyone.
This was he and the Mrs. on their way out the door. You're never too old to feel the joy and excitement only Santa can bring.
Afterwards, our church was hosting a creche festival, similar to the one we've been to in Maryland, but there were some differences. This one had lots of quilts on the walls. I loved it. There were also lots of people. I'd say at least a thousand people were there. We had to walk in a winding line to get up and down the long tables. Everything was beautiful and there were musical numbers going throughout, but they were all in the chapel, which was open to the festival. There was a reverent feeling there, and it truly was gorgeous.
Then outside they had a live nativity with animals. We saw Mary riding on a donkey with Joseph holding the reins. There were goats and llamas and horses. The reenactment lasted about fifteen minutes. It was about 18 degrees outside, but that didn't stop any of us from sitting there for the whole program in metal seats. It was really special, and Mary and Joseph? They're our neighbors. Their littlest sat with us and her big brother was beside LittleBuddy taking lots of pictures. The spirit was strong and I was grateful for this glorious reminder of the reason for the season. Then after a yummy dinner at my mom's we watched the devotional from the Prophet and his counselors. The talks, the video, the music by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, all touched me. When you feel the spirit of Christmas it fills you with peace and joy. This weekend gave us many opportunities to feel that. I loved them all.