VA Beach

I went to Virginia Beach to teach for Technique Tuesday.

I was blessed that they gave me this opportunity, because this is where my brother, his wife, and boys live. He is in the Navy and has had many adventures moving around the country. I don't get to see them very often, like most of my family, so these times are precious. My sister also came from Utah to share in all the fun! It was a great weekend. With my teaching schedule, we were able to squeeze in some good times. Thank you to Sherry for driving us all around VA Beach and showing us the fabulous things it has to offer. We ate some fabulous food while we were there too. Food & family....it doesn't get much better than that.

And those boys.....those boys!!!

They are so cute, and while I am typing this...I am smiling just thinking about those 2 and their laughter. I just want to eat them up! I can't wait to bring my family back to see you very, very soon.

You Belong With Me

This week I am hosting over at The Story Matters Blog. The challenge this week is to use a song title or lyrics as your inspiration. My song choice was 'You Belong to Me' by Taylor Swift.
Right now this is my daughter's favorite song. I let her borrow my ipod to listen to it; and while she sings completely off-key and messes up the words, it just makes me smile.

He Only Takes The Best

God saw she was getting tired

and a cure was not to be

so-He put his arms around her

and whispered "Come with me".

With tear-filled eyes we watched her

suffer and fade away.

Although we loved her deeply,

we could not make her stay.

A golden heart stopped beating

hard-working hands put to rest.

God broke our hearts to prove to us,

He only takes the best.

I am so blessed to have known this beautiful woman who loved life and lived it to the fullest!

Till we meet again....

Unpack Your Backpack

Here is the list!

Kindergarten:
Backpack (1)
Crayons (2 boxes) 24 count
Dry Erase Markers (1 set of 4) Expo recommended
Glue Bottle (1) 4 oz.
Glue Sticks (8)
Hand Sanitizer (1) bottle
Markers (1 set of 8) washable
Pencil Box (1)
Pencils (12) yellow #2
Pocket Folder (1)
Scissors (1) Fiskar recommended
Tissues (1 box)
Ziploc Bags (1 box)

3rd Grade:
Backpack (1)
Colored Pencils (1 box)
Composition Notebook (1) stitched
Crayons (1 box) 24 count
Dry Erase Markers (1 set of 4) Expo recommended
Eraser (1) pink block
Glue Sticks (2)
Hand Sanitizer (1) bottle
Hi-Liter (1)
Loose Leaf Paper (1 pkg.) wide-ruled
Notebooks (4) coiled, wide-ruled, red, yellow, blue, green
Paper Towels (1 roll)
Pencil Box (1)
Pencils (24) yellow #2
Pocket Folders (4) red, yellow, blue, green
Scissors (1) Fiskar recommended
Tissues (2 boxes)
Ziploc Bags (1 box) gallon size

Sixth Grade:
2 Three-Ring Binder & Dividers Math
3 Spiral Notebooks 1 Multi-Subject Notebook 2 Packs of Loose Leaf Paper
4 Two Pocket Folders
Pens (Blue & Black)
Highlighter
Pencils

2 Boxes of Kleenex
1 Bottle of Hand Sanitizer

Piano

{click on picture for more detail & to read the journaling}
I previously told you about my new scrap style: DONE. This is 4 years of piano photos on 1 layout.
I know it is simple, but that is how I roll.
And with 10 pictures, simple is good.

Proof

Found this picture in the back of a frame and it caught me by surprise. I still remember when this picture was taken. My friend and I went up to a great photo spot in Salt Lake City and snapped some pictures of our families for our Christmas cards. It was cold, and snow was coming. My friend had a good camera and I love how these turned out. This was on a film camera, before digital. I believe this was the beginning of my love for photography. This was also one of our first family photos. We were no longer just a couple, but a family. This time was also the beginning of motherhood for me. I was still so unsure of myself, and as I remember it now, very stressed that I was doing everything right. We were new parents, just doing the best we could for our little guy. We took a whole roll of pictures. Then it started snowing.
Now this guy is going to middle school and we have two others that will be in school, all day. I still question myself, am I doing good for these kids? I pray everyday that I am.

August Revealed

 See more fabulous projects HERE

How To Eat Fried Worms August Kit now available!!!!

This yumminess of creative products really makes me happy.

I have a stack of pictures that are perfect for this mix made by Megan Klauer.

Here is just two layouts...more to come.

CHA Friends

I didn't just go to CHA to see all the fabulous new products, I went to meet up with some of my most creative-fun friends! Glimmery friend: Rachel
Delta Phi Scrappa & Spark Sister: Stephenie


We go waaaay back friend: Kim



Rusty Pickle Friend: Pamela

Spark Sister-Friend: Margie

New Canadian friend: Carolyn {from Melissa Frances-loved working with you!}
New Canadian Friend: Jenn {left}
& First Canadian Friend: Melissa

Paper Craftin' friend: Susan

Really-I-had-to-go-to-Chicago-to-see-my-Iowa friend: Candi

Local friends: Megan & Penny

{Saw some eye*candy too!}

Living Life

Life is not a race - but indeed a journey.

Be honest.

Work hard.

Say 'thank you', 'i love you', and 'great job' to someone each day.

Go to church, take time for prayer.

Love your life and what you've been given - search for your purpose and do it as best you can.

Dreaming does matter.

Laugh often.

Appreciate the little things in life and enjoy them.

Do not worry.

Forgive, it frees the soul.

Recognize the special people you've been blessed to know.

Live for today, enjoy the moment.

- Author Unknown