More snow

I just had to post some more pictures cuz they are pretty cute. McKayla had a green tongue when she opened her mouth from eating candy or something and so she took the snow and tried to wash it off. It was pretty funny. We got a tape from Chris today and he is doing really good. He says he is starting to dream in Spanish so that is pretty cool. Anyway, just want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! Hope you all have a wonderful week!

Snow!!!!

So McKayla is home for the Christmas break and she has been so much fun to have around. She loves the snow so we took some pics of her playing like a little girl it was too cute. Then I just had to post more pics of my tree because I absolutely love it this year. And the little bed is Gracie's (well at least she thinks it is) she was sleeping so cute on it just before I took the pictures but of course she had to wake up before I was set up!

Christmas Spirit

I am definitely feeling more in the Christmas Spirit than in past years! Usually I am such a scrooge because I hate to go out and buy stuff when you don't really need it you just buy it because it's Christmas. But this year with Chris on his mission and Kayla at BYU I have been missing the whole "feeling" that Christmas seems to bring with it. I think because I didn't realize that I also associate the holidays so much with family and spending time together. Plus my parents are home from their mission (yay!) and so being able to have them here for Christmas this year is a treat. I am looking forward to having McKayla home for the holidays and all the baking and fun that comes along with it. We got our tree up early this year and I love to turn the lights on and play Christmas music all day long! Boy are my grandkids in trouble. . .. when they come along! I got thinking that when I was a little girl we used to dip chocolates every year. It was a long and tedious job but we loved it. I wonder if I can talk my mom into dipping some this year........

Saydie also had her Christmas dance concert this weekend and so that gets you in the spirit too. If you haven't seen it yet, tonight is the last night and it is very good! Saydie is amazing!

How can you not love a mug like that?

This is my little princess! Yes she thinks she rules. . . but in fact the cat is the true queen! If only I could live like she does and get away with it!!! Doesn't she just look so annoyed that I am invading her space, lol?

New Family photo

Since Mckayla was home over Thanksgiving weekend we decided to do our annual trip for family photos. We take the tripod and put the camera on timer. I was all excited for this year because I got a new remote control shutter release but when it came time to do them I couldn't find it anywhere.... so frustrating. It was really cold but the kids were good sports for me. I think I was the only one that was not cold because I was running back and forth to set the timer. We didn't last very long though because of the weather so this one was the best we got. We did find an interesting spot to do it (kind of like a junk yard) and in some of the other photos we got pretty creative. I will have to post them sometime. I did think it was rather funny that we ended up with this one with the space between Kayla and I that seems to indicate that we are missing one. hmmm... I guess I could photoshop Chris in.

Parker

November is Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness month and today is Pulmonary Hypertension Blogging day--just a small way to get the word out on the world wide web about PH. People all over the world are sharing their stories, hoping to help people understand and become aware of PH. You can check out these stories by going to phawareness.blogspot.com. We also wanted to share our story...


�Parker has a condition called pulmonary hypertension. That means the blood pressure in his lungs is too high. His heart has to work really hard to get the blood to his lungs and that�s why his heart is enlarged. Now, there�s all sorts of tests we will need to do to see if we can find a cause for the pulmonary hypertension and he�s going to need to stay on oxygen, so you�ll be here for a few days while we figure everything out. And, stay away from the internet because if you read some of the stuff that�s out there it will scare the H-E- double hockey-sticks out of you�� On February 29, 2008, my baby boy, Parker, was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, a rare lung disease. As the doctor at Brenner Children�s Hospital explained his new diagnosis to me, I actually felt a bit of relief to finally know what was going on with him, but I had no idea how my life would be turned upside down as I began this journey with Parker.


Parker was born on April 30, 2007 after a long day of waiting. He weighed 8 pounds, 9 ounces and measured 21 inches long. He was healthy and beautiful. We were overjoyed to be blessed with this sweet baby boy. As the weeks passed, Parker seemed to be fine. He wasn�t a very good eater and he wasn�t as big as my other two babies had been, but he was happy, easy going and content. By the time Parker was 8 months old, he still couldn�t sit up by himself, he wasn�t gaining weight like he should, he had a random cough and wheeze and I had a nagging feeling deep inside that something just wasn�t right.


On February 26, 2008, after a month of high calorie formula, Parker had only gained 5 ounces. Our pediatrician finally heard Parker cough and wheeze while we were there and I saw a look of concern on his face as we discussed a few common things that could cause Parker�s symptoms. He recommended treating Parker for asthma and reflux and he also agreed to order a chest x-ray at my request, even though he really felt that it would be normal. It wasn�t normal--it showed an enlarged heart, something none of us were expecting. That led to an EKG, which was also abnormal, and that led to a hospital admission and an echocardiogram that diagnosed Parker with PH. Parker had every test you can imagine while he was in the hospital, as his cardiology team tried to find a reason for his PH. All the tests came back normal. He was scheduled several weeks later to have a heart catheterization, the only test available to accurately measure the blood pressure in the lungs.


On April 8, 2008 I took Parker to Brenner Children�s Hospital for the heart catheterization, expecting to only be there overnight, and to come home with some answers. Instead, Parker ended up in the ICU, after having what the doctors called a pulmonary hypertensive crisis. I left my sweet baby boy that morning smiling and playing and saw him at the end of the day lifeless and white with countless tubes and IV�s hooked up to him. He was on a respirator and he was completely sedated. It was hard for me to comprehend how this had happened. I was completely overwhelmed; all I wanted to do was take my baby in my arms and rock him, and I couldn�t even do that.


Because of complications with the breathing tube, Parker stayed on a respirator for 18 days. My husband and I stayed with Parker constantly. We prayed for him to pull through this terrible ordeal and come home with us, but we also tried to prepare for the worst. Finally, 4 days before his first birthday, Parker came off the respirator and he celebrated his birthday in the ICU. 13 days later, we brought him home--this time with oxygen, a permanent IV in his chest and several oral medications.�


6 months later, Parker is like a new baby! He finally weighs 20 pounds, he crawls, climbs, and gets into everything like most 18 month olds. But unlike most 18 month olds, he wears a little backpack wherever he goes that holds his IV pump, he is continuously hooked up to oxygen, and he maintains a strict medication schedule. Despite all of this and all that he has been through, Parker is still as happy, easy going and content as he was when he was born. We are so grateful for the progress he has made in the last 6 months and we are so grateful to be part of his life. We may never know why Parker has this terrible disease and we may never find a cure for him, but there�s always hope and we can never give up on that.


For more information about pulmonary hypertension, got to www.phassociation.org.

PH Awareness month

As most of you know my nephew was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension earlier this year. It has been a long road with lots of ups and downs but right now he is doing really well. . . considering. I wanted to post his story here in honor of PH Awarenss month to help get the word out which will hopefully help efforts to find a cure. So check back in the next few days and I will post his story. In the meantime, you can read more stories about poeple who live with PH by going to www.phawareness.blogspot.com

Oh to be young and carefree again!

So I was just looking through pictures that I took over the weekend and came across this beautiful little girl. She looks like she doesn't have a care in the world (which is probably because she doesn't!). I was thinking how nice it would be to not have to worry about how college tuition and the mission are going to get paid. Or being concerned about how my daughter is doing on her own. Or wondering if my son is ever going to see school as something worth while. . . Or hoping that my order of rhinestones will come in time for me to get 19 costumes done by Dec. I wonder what I should cook for dinner tonight? Why do I have such a hard time retaining what I am learning in Spanish? I wish I had a maid so I don't have to clean my house! and when am I going to have time to do that? I have to get something for my dad for his birthday. I hope I can get my 10 loads of laundry done today. . . . Oh I guess I got a little carried away. Don't get me wrong I am not complaining, I LOVE my life! But I wish I had a few more of those "carefree" moments to enjoy it all!

Something Spookie!

Something really "spookie" happened to Saydie on Halloween. . . . Well, maybe she doesn't think it's spookie. She got her first kiss! I guess this is just a week for firsts! She kissed someone over the summer but it was in a "truth or dare" game so she didn't really count it, haha. But since this is someone that she has been dating a little bit, (the source of axiety for the "date in between a date" rule, see her blog) she says this counts as thee "first Kiss". We have had many conversations over the past month about why not to steady date . . . and now that he has officially kissed her. . .. hmmm.... well, let me think..... ah nooooo, you can not make it 2 dates in between a date!!!! duh! Ok maybe I am a bit fanatical about this but hey she's still my baby girl! BTW ins't she cute in this picture (who wouldn't want to kiss her, lol) to see more gorgeous ones click here!

First College Date!

Yey!! Mckayla gets to go on her first official college date since she started school. She was starting to think that she repelled boys or something. The scary thing is that her date is a RM and in her BOM class! That makes me just a hair nervous. But I am excited for her and I know she will have an awesome time! Oh she also got invited to the black and white ball next weekend...... I am sure this is just the beginning! Sad thing is now we will never get to see her because she would rather spend her weekends dating and socializing than with the "old folks". Mike and I were talking last night about how it seems like yesterday that we were riding horses up to corner canyon (which is now all developed :() which is where we first exclaimed our undying love for eachother, lol. Awe. . . the good ole days! (I never thought I would hear myself say that!)

Husband Tag!!!

Husband Tag!!
1. Where did you meet your husband? We lived on the same street just a few house away from each other. We didn't start dating until he got home from his mission.

2. How long did you date before you got married? We dated on and off for about 1 1/2 years. But we were only "together" for 3 weeks when we finally got engaged!

3. How long have you been married? almost 21 years! Man does time fly!

4. What does he do that surprises you? He will just open his wallet and give me money I never expect it even though he does it a lot. It's a nice surprise. Being a SAHM I am always broke.

5. What is your favorite feature of his? He always makes me laugh.

6.What is his best quality? Mike has a lot of great qualities: his sense of humor, the away he gets along with everyone, he is a good dad and a good teacher, and he never lets me forget how much he loves me.

7. Does he have a nickname for you? Not really unless you count "honey"

8. What is his favorite food? Anything and everything! He eats so much and never gains and ounce. . . so not fair!

9. What is his favorite sport? Basketball and golf. He plays a lot of softball too.

10. When and where did you first kiss? On my parent's front porch :).

11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Watch movies. Going to dinner. Just hanging out together.

12. Do you have any children? Yes, 4 young adults Chris 20, McKayla 18, Saydie- 16, and Cody

14 and they are all really good kids. We are very blessed!

13. Does he have any hidden talents? hmmmm. . . he is usually pretty vocal about everything so I don't think he has anything hidden!

14. How old is he? 43

15. Who said I love you first? I did.

16. What is his favorite music? Country.

17. What do you admire most about him? That he supports me in what ever crazy things I get myself into!

18. What is his favorite color? BYU Blue

19. Will he read this? He might surprise me but I doubt it. But his mom will.

20. Who will you tag? I tag Lisa E., Jen, Tara, Lisa R., Pateresa, and Kristy

Time flies!

I can't believe how fast time flies. I can't believe it has already been almost 2 weeks since I posted. Crazy! well Chris has now been on his mission for 7 months and is doing fabulous! McKayla is halfway through her first semester at BYU and loving it (maybe too much)! Saydie is dating like crazy and enjoying her junior year and Cody is thoroughly in to swim season (though his first meet isn't until next week) and is doing incredibly well. He has been told by more than one, that he is fast and so that is a great boost to his confidence! Pictures of his first meet soon to come. Mike is in the thick of moving into his new shop . . . finally! Pictures of that to come as well. I will be so glad when the transition is complete, it has been one big headache after another.

As for me. . . well, I am the biggest loser because in the middle of all the hub bub and craziness of the family, not to mention starting my photography business and getting my studio set up, I forgot my very own sweet mother's birthday!!! So here's a big shout out to you mom, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! I hope you got the flowers and the chocolates (I know you could have probably done without the chocolates but hey it's your birthday. . . it only comes once a year!) and I want you to know how much I love you and appreciate all that you have done and still do for me. You are such a good example and role model for me to follow. I can't wait until December when you get home from your mission . . . so we can go to lunch and catch up! I love you! Big Hugs from all of us!

6 Quirks!!!

Lucy tagged me to find out what 6 quirks I have and trust me I have a lot more than six but here are the first six that came to mind. . . .



1. I absolutely can not leave my house or go to bed with dirty dishes in the sink and my kitchen a mess because I like to wake up (or come home) knowing I don't have to clean it all up (but then I have to anyway, which drives me nuts, because the kids all leave their dishes in the sink.. . . just think how gross it would be if I didn't clean it the night before!).



2. I can't leave my house without make up on and hair done. . . trust me you 'd be glad that I do, I look really scarrrrry without it!



3. I am a total home body. I would much rather stay home than go out. Mike usually has to convince me to go places. Especially when it is rainy outside like today! I love to cuddle up with my blanky and a good book or movie!



4. I love to bake cookies, but I try not to so much because I can almost eat the entire batch before it gets cooked!



5. My toes are always in motion. I curl them under my feet when I am sitting to keep them still and when I am laying down reading or watching a movie or something they are always moving and bouncing. Mike thinks it's really funny!



6. I can not drink carbonation without hiccupping.Which Mike also thinks is really funny. Especially when I get a bad case the hiccups and can't get rid of them. But I still have to have my daily Fresca. It seems to be worse with Coke so I guess it's good that I follow the word of wisdom, haha.



K, girlfriends. . . . I tag Julie (yes you Julie Willaims), Jen, and Angie.

Bella Photo Treasures Unveiled!

Just wanted to let you know that if you would like to visit the blog for Bella Photo Treasures click here. I will be posting photos from my shoots there if you are interested. By the way Chris got transferred again!! He is now in the city of Tampico. That's about all we know for now. He was supposed to have a baptism in a river on Oct. 4 but now he is on the move again. We will update you as news becomes available.

What's New?

OK so I guess that last sentence threw a lot of you! Maybe you thought McKayla was getting engaged or something . . . thank goodness no, lol! Really it is not that big of a deal for anyone else except for me. . . I got released from the Young Women program in our ward yesterday. I have been there for 5 blessed years and I have loved every minute of it! So for me it is a major change. I know that change is good but it is hard too. This week has been kind of an emotional roller coaster as I thought about how much I will miss the girls and the leaders that I work with. For those of you who work with the Young Women you know that there is an extra special spirit there as well and I think I will miss that the most. It has really been such a blessing in my life and has strengthened my testimony and my relationship with my Savior so much! So thank you to all the girls and the leaders who have been such an inspiration to me, I will miss you! Throwing out a big hug to you all!!

I have not received another call yet (although I am still assistant stake young women camp director. . . say that 5 times fast! haha) but the bishop hinted that it won't be long. So that is the "changes in the works" that I was referring to.

Transfers!

I wanted to fill you all in on Elder Carter's status. He was transferred this last week to a little town called Abasolo, Mexico. He was in Poza Rica for the first 4 months of his mission which is at the complete other end of his mission. He had to take a nine hour bus ride to get to Abasolo!!! There are only about 15 to 20 members in the branch there so I am sure that he will speaking in church quite often. . . so he is really going to be thrown into the fire now. He kind of lucked out with his last comp. because he could speak English so they always spoke English in the apt. But his new comp. doesn't speak any English so I am sure it will be an interesting experience for both of them. There is only one paved road in the whole town and he will have to hand wash his clothes (that's a scary thought). I am a little nervous for him but Mike says those are the best places to be for missionaries so I am trusting him on that one. . . Thanks to all of you who have expressed interest in my up and coming photography business... It is going quite well, I even have my first wedding booked! It's just a small wedding (thank goodness) but a wedding nonetheless! I am loving it! I will be making a seperate blog for Bella Photo Treasures soon so I can post my work there instead of here. . . I guess that's about it for now . . . A few more changes in the works but I can't say what yet. .. so I will have to leave you hanging on that one!

5 Free Sittings

Congratulations to those who made my list!!! I am so excited to work with you, and I truly appreciate your willingness to help me build my portfolio! I can't believe how fast I filled those spots! For those of you who are still wanting photos, I still need to build my portfolio and I would be more than happy to accomodate all of you. I will have some prices posted on my website within the next few days and then you can let me know if you are still interested.
1. Steve and Michelle
2. Dawson T.
3. Stephanie and Mike
4. Cherie B.
5. Steve S.

Free Photo shoot opportunity!

Hey all,
I know that you are all going to think I am crazy because I do so many different things! But this has been a dream of mine for some time and since I have a little more time on my hands and now the proper tools (woohoo!) I would like to start doing some freelance photography. Here is what I am offering. Because I am lacking the experience, I am offering a deal to help me get started and gain experience. If you are one of the next 5 people to contact me I will do your sitting for free plus you will receive a CD with everything that we photographed. If you would like to purchase prints I will have my prices listed soon on my website. Because I do not have a studio, most of my work will be done on location. I know lots of great places throughout the Salt Lake Valley that are especially good for photography and we can discuss that when you call me. I can also take photos of children, singles, high school seniors, or babies, in and around my home or I could come to your home if that works out better for you. This is the perfect time of year for families, with Christmas right around the corner and the colors of Fall are awesome to work with! If you would like to take a look at some of the photography that I have done over the years you can go to my website: Bella Photo Treasures Most of my work is of my own family but they make especially great subjects! I will have the a list of the five people that have signed up on my blog so if you interested you can keep checking back to find out if I still have space. If you think you might be interested or know someone that might please contact email me wendycarter_01@msn.com Or call me (801)557-4123.

Thanks for all your help and support.

The big dance!

Let me start by saying that I am so glad that Saydie has a wood floor in her room! She got asked to homecoming over the weekend! She is very excited. The guy who asked her is a really good friend of hers. His name is C.J. So here is how he asked her. First of all he called Mike to make sure it was ok with him that he take Saydie to the dance (so cute), then he asked him if he could come and decorate her room. Of course, that earned points with Mike (smart kid)! So he came over later that day and took what seemed like about 10 boxes of Lucky Charms cereal and dumped it everywhere in her room (see pic). Along with a bunch of balloons. It was such a mess! Then he left a poster that said "I would be the luckiest guy in the world if you would go to homecoming with me". It was really cute but, then Saydie couldn't find anywhere that said who it was from so she was popping all the balloons and looking in the box of lucky charms that was left on her bed but never found anything. So after guessing for a while, Mike finally told her who it was and that her friend from dance was with him when he came to decorate. So she called to see if it was him for sure and she said that the name was on a tiny piece of paper inside that box. I guess we missed that one! Kind of funny. So now she has to figure out a cute way to answer him back so if you have any suggestions let us know!

Labor Day celebrations

We traveled down to St. George for a final vacation of the summer. It was Mike's cousin's daughter's wedding so we had an extra excuse to get away. The wedding was beautiful and the couple looked really happy. I cried when the mother of the groom danced with her son. It made me think of Chris and realize how much I miss him. I had to walk away before my emotions got the best of me!
Then the next day we drove into Zion's National Park and did a hike. It was kind of overcast that day so it was perfect weather for the hike. We invited Cody's cousin, Nick to go with us. We had a great time goofing off and taking pictures. Mike even fed a squirrel right out of his hand. It's good no one caught us because later we heard there was a $500 fine for feeding the animals. . .yikes!! Seeing the beauties of nature reminds me of the goodness of our Heavenly Father. He must think that we are pretty special to bless us with all of this beauty! I am so grateful for all of the beauties of the world we have to enjoy every day. I wish I had more time to spend exploring what we have been given. We are so blessed!

This is the Bride and her dad.

Help and Donations requested!

O.K. my below post seems a little trivial compared to this! I received this email from a friend of mine and thought it a great idea to share with any one who frequents my blog. Please take the time to look at their blogs they really are so good, and donate if you can. We all know that we would want the same for us if we were in that situation! I have also added a link to the site where you can donate directly on my sidebar.


Hello friends,

The internet is an amazing thing, and these past few weeks I've seen how much good it really can do.

I have followed several blogs of two sisters for quite some time now. One sister lives in UT, the other in AZ. The sister in AZ, with 4 young children ages 6 and under, was in a fiery plane crash with her husband about 2 weeks ago, and they are both currently in a burn center in AZ, likely for many months. She was burned over 80% or her body, he about 30%.

The wife, Stephanie, has an amazing amount of readers from all over the world on her blog. She has been a dazzling example (funny adjective, I know, but if you read her blog, you'd agree) of what being an LDS wife and mother really mean, and because of her willingness to share her heart and her family, she has hundreds of readers. Her father is a UT state representative, and her mother is on the Provo City council. Word has been spreading about their tragedy.

Today is an auction, well many auctions actually (over 100 and counting), being held all over the world through the internet, to benefit them and their children. All proceeds go directly into their recovery fund. People they've never met, and probably never will, are donating all kinds of things. One site even has a BYU helmet and football signed by this year's entire team roster, others have jewelry, and on and on.

Take a moment to check it out. The cause is good. The story is amazing and inspiring each day as it unfolds through those willing to tell it.

Here are links to several sites that will connect you up with silent auctions (you bid through the blog comments). Happy bidding, and prayers for Stephanie & Christian Nielson and their children and families caring for them. Please spread the word to others; many auctions will continue for a week.

http://blog.cjanerun.com/ (this is her sister's site)
http://www.designmom.com/ (the friend that was the brainchild of this whole event, many links to auctions)
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/ (Stephanie's own blog - take a little peek at her life)

Good things Utah and first Peach

Hi all,
McKayla and I got to be on Good Things Utah during their "Chic on a Shoestring" segment. It was truly a lot of fun! And to see these women in action was really quite a treat! It was even better knowing that they (I think all of them) are LDS. What wonderful examples they are to the rest of us. I love hearing all of their fun stories about their children and their lives outside of work. Unfortunately, Reagan Ledbetter was not on the show today. I just love her and really wanted to meet her. So I guess I am going to have to go back to be in the audience! So here is a pic of us with the hosts after the show aired . . . we modeled clothes for the segment but we had changed before the pic. NO... we didn't get to keep the clothes (sniff, sniff. . . those shoes were to die for! But just a little pricey for my budget!).


I also have to show my first peach, from our first fruit tree! We didn't think it would bear fruit this year because we just planted it last fall but that little trooper gave us about 20 or so peaches. Sadly, the branch with the most broke off before we could support it. . . but hopefully the poor thing will survive and give us many more delicious peaches in the future! This one was the most delicious peach I have ever had!. . . no I'm not partial at all!!

Finally done!!

Big shout out because I am finally finished with the leotards! (Well, all but a few that I don't have measurements for yet.) I thought you all might like to see what has been keeping me busy over this last few months. I think all together I have completed over 160 leos. . . Each class has a different color of straps, 10 classes in all (2 groups have 3 classes each so really it is a total of 15 classes I think)! I am so glad that they are finally finished now I can scrap book and make some cards. I have been so missing that and with the kids back in school, hopefully I will have some time to be crafty!!

Pics from Mexico

She's Gone!

Well we got McKayla all moved in to her Apartment. Needless to say she is loving it and has already meshed with all her neighbors and some of the people in her ward. She is so excited for this new adventure. . . I am sure that we will not see her much, she will be too busy socializing! I am hanging in there though, I haven't cried yet. . . I guess knowing that she is less than an hour away makes things a little easier. It was much harder with Chris knowing that he is thousands of miles away and we won't be seeing him for a while (it's almost down to 1 1/2 years woohooo!). So the other two are looking forward to starting school again next week and that I am not looking forward to. The house gets way too quiet! Stupid me, I forgot my camera when we moved Kayla in so I don't have a pic but I will post some from Chris soon.

Check out my new site!!!

Hi Everyone! I am so excited because I just got my site up for my home business, GracieBella Designs You will have to check it out and let me know what you think and how it looks. I know all browsers are different so if it looks weird to you let me know. It is just pretty basic right now but I will be adding images and what not as I have time. Thanks for your input, and of course feel free to recommend me to your friends.

So much to do so little time!

It just seems like the summer time goes by too fast! While I have been busy sewing, trying to earn Kayla's college tuition, the summer has been speeding along. I can't believe the kids start back in less than a month! Kayla and I went down to BYU today to get her housing taken care of and get some of her books. . . Oh my goodness, I had forgotten how expensive books can be! It's crazy that she will soon be on her own. She has been cleaning out her room and getting rid of all the stuff that she has "packratted" over the years. We took 3 bags to the D.I. and she has 3 bags of stuffed animals alone that she wants to take to the women's shelter. Needless to say her room looks bare already and I am getting sad knowing that she will leaving us soon. Hopefully she will come back to visit often and not spend all her free time with the BYU bachelors!!!

We got a good letter from Chris this week. He got a new companion (thank Heaven) that he says wants to work really hard so that will be helpful. He has been so frustrated not being able to work as hard as he would like. He was in really good spirits though and is looking forward to having some baptisms soon. A few weeks ago we did find a day to take the boat out watersking, it was really fun. Mike and the kids all wake boarded, tubed, and skied, I even got up and slalomed! Even at 40, I still got it. haha!

Busy! Busy!

This week has been crazy. I have been making leotards for a dance studio. I have 160 to get done so it will be pretty hectic this next month to try and have them ready by fall. So I am a little late getting my card in for Kazan's sketch 5. It is made with a new stamp that I have been dieing to use from hero arts. Ink from CTMH, then I added the rhinestones in the flowers . The pattern paper I got at Michaels but it didn't have a manufacturer name on the back so I can't give them credit. Ribbon from my stash. The Sticker cutouts are from fiskars. I love the wedding dress and all the detail on it. The congrats stamp is from cloud 9 design. Love all the designs that come from one sketch, it is very addicting.

This week's sketch

Here are 2 more cards one that I did for this week's sketch and the other for a friends baby shower.








The card on the left uses paper from SEI the heart is cut out from QuiKutz the brads are from CTMH stamp is from Heidi Grace. The one on the right uses CTMH cardstock, paper, ink, ribbon and stamps. Flower is from Heidi Swapp, button from my stash. The poem reads :

Bottles, booties, diapers, pins,

this is where the fun begins . . .

Our baby girl is on her way,

Let's celebrate before the big day!

2sketchesDTcall

These are the cards that I created for the design team challenge over at 2sketches4you. It was a lot of fun to create but I have decided not to try for the design team at this time. I just have too much going on right now. Maybe I will try for the next challenge.
So this card uses paper from the Paper Studio, rhinestones from my stash, stamps from printworks and stampendous, family treasures daisy punch, and the heart is cut out using coluzzle.

This card uses CTMH cardstock, paper, clip and brad and ink. Ricrac and ribbon Offray (not sure)? Stamps from printworks, and stampendous.

Mexico

So here is one of our latest photos of Chris in the mission field from some of the ruins there. He is doing good and having fun. Him and his companion look pretty stylin' on their p-day don't you think?

2sketches4you card 5

OK so I have been doing a lot of surfing around for card ideas and stumbled upon this site 2sketches4you . So I thought maybe I would share my ideas as well. This card is made with CTMH cardstock, ink, ribbon and fibers. The polka dot pattern paper is SandyLion and the pink oh so sweet pattern paper (the top tag. . it is hard to read but the oval is emphasizing the word "sweet") is Me and My Big Ideas. The eylets are Making memories. And finally the lettering and tags were done with the QuicKutz (except for the top tag that was from coluzzle). I hope you like my ideas, I plan on sharing more!

Updates from the Mission Field

Chris sent us some recent pictures. He looks really sunburned! He didn't put captions with them because he ran out of time but he was telling us how bad it rains there so I am thinking that is what some of them are. And then the others look like ones taken of the landscape from his apartment. Not sure who the girl is???