{11.11.11} @ 11:11

Epiphany Crafts & Clearsnap

I am on the Epiphany Crafts Blog Hop today! Thanks for taking a peek!

{Untitled Post

I have sat for several minutes trying to think of what to call this post.  Nothing comes.  There are so many mixed emotions swirling around in my head right now and I feel like I just need to get them down. 6 years ago we left our hometown, the place we grew up, to move to the Midwest.  A place we had never even heard of before, it was the unknown. 

We are in a similar place again, but now we are leaving another place that we love, that we call home.  Every time someone asks me about the move, they say it is going to be easy because we don't have any family here. 'Technically' we don't have family here, but we have our Iowa family and that is not going to be easy to leave.

 Now I find myself doing something harder than the unknown, I know exactly what this is going to feel like.  And I don't like it.  I am excited for the new opportunities, for Craig's job, and the success that he will feel professionally.  But I am still numb to the sadness that I have for all that we have here.  I don't want this to be a 'downer' post, but I just want to remember:

 This family loves Iowa.
We love the corn.
We love the cold.
We love the yummy ice cream.
We love our Harrison Hawks & our Wood Vikings.
We love the backyard rabbits and squirrels.
We love our church family.
We love the thunderstorms.
We love our Pumas and our Strikers.
We love the walking tacos and the pickle rolls.
I love my creative community.
We love the humidity.
We love our neighbors.
We love our Midwest traditions.

Is there anything I missed? What do you love about living in Iowa or the Midwest? Please share!
I am sure we will add to this list over the next few weeks as we finish up our moving adventure.....

All American Family

WELCOME HOME!
I am pretty proud to say that this is my brother and his family.  He just returned from Bahrain.  He was gone for over 6 months.  He is in the Navy.  His wife is a strong woman!  She 'held down the fort' while he was away.  She has done this many times.  I cannot imagine what it is like, but from what I have seen it is not an easy task.  She does it all with style and grace.  I am grateful for my brother and the example that he sets for my family.  He goes above and beyond the call of duty ALWAYS.  His entire family does the same. They are patriotic, strong, happy, and resilient.  I am so happy that he is safe and that while he was gone his family thrived.  I am grateful to all the military that protect this beautiful country and keeps it safe and free.
Way to go Burtons!
We love you!

First Day

What a bittersweet day.  After school everyone gave a few highlights:

Christian had a hot dog and milk for lunch.
I responded with: "Is that all you ate??"
CG: "Oh and some apples mom, some apples too." {Yeah, right.}

Sydnee saw a friend from 1st grade that has returned to her school for 4th grade.  One of her teachers was grumpy, but it wasn't the teacher that she thought was going to be grumpy.  That one was really, really nice.

Ella has the best teacher, "evah".  And she has to stay late at school on Wednesday, until 3:20.  She is also getting a locker on Wednesday.

My highlight was walking to the bus stop at the end of the day and seeing them get off the bus.  I know it is a simple thing, but something that I love.  We shared some Twizzlers on the walk home.

Scrap Bix 7: Mile 7

{Studio Calico kit...loved using the decorative tape to make the flowers.  This is definitely an embellishment I will make again.}

Scrap Bix 7: Mile 5 & 6

 {Studio Calico kit}

{Old kit..just trying to use up some supplies}

Scrap Bix 7: Mile 2,3, & 4

School is just around the corner!!

My Bix 7 {The Paperlife Printables}

Last Friday night, I participated in a crop.  I wasn't working on anything for work, or needed items for any design team.  I was just scrapping to scrap; for me, myself, and I.
I got 7 pages done.
I call it my Bix 7 {no, I did not run the race...this year.}
So in honor of the Bix 7 race {popular 7 mile race in the QCA} that was held on Saturday.  I will be sharing 7 layouts over the next couple days.  Here is 1 of 7 layouts!  This was created with Paperlife Printables Just Beachy Collection. I loved printing out the patterned paper and the paper embellishments.  This was a first for me, and I loved it!  So easy, I don't know what took me so long to take the jump into digital hybrid.  Try it out! I think Amy has some freebies on her blog here. Just choose your designs, print, create, and smile.  Thanks for looking.

You Can't Handle The Truth!

I had an experience in June that was really not fun, not fun at all.  To make a long story short, I was being sued for an accident that I was in 7 years ago.  This finally went to trial mid-June.  Wow. 3 days of one long Seinfeld episode: a trial about NOTHING!!
I was so grateful for my families' support during this time.  Craig kept the home running with all the kids.  My sister came to court with me during the trial, and several family members came from far away to see me and show their love. I stayed with my SIL during the 3-day trial, and she was such a blessing to me.  My nephews were also there and they kept my nerves calm with some humor.  Before the first day of the trial, we were quoting the Jim Carrey movie; Liar, Liar courtroom scenes.  They had me laughing so hard.  And my nephews also suggested that the day I took the stand I needed to channel Jack Nicholson's character from A Few Good Men:
YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!

Even though this experience did not turn out in the best way.  I am grateful for all those that 'had my back' and helped me through it, especially the humor.  Thanks everyone.

via Pinterest

{Delight in the Everyday} Inspiration Unlimited Class

I am so excited to be teaching at Teresa Collins' Inspiration Unlimited Event in Las Vegas! I have been given the opportunity to teach on Thursday, September 22nd along with Amy Coon from The Paperlife.  Both of the classes are sponsored by Melissa Frances and The Scrapbooking Studio.  One class is an art journaling class and the other is a mini-album class focusing on instant photos from you phone, ipod, etc. {shown above}. These classes are both part of the Pre-IU festivities.  You do not have to be registered for this event to attend the Thursday classes.
 Sign up now!
It is going to be a great day of learning with the Papergirls.....inking, gluing, glittering, with LOTS of yummy supplies. Fun, fun.....
Thanks for letting me share.

It has been awhile...

but I wanted to share these layouts!
Items used:
Paper & embellies: Basic Grey Lauderdale available at The Scrapbooking Studio 
Punches & epoxies: Epiphany Crafts {They make great flower centers}
Have a great Wednesday!

10 Things

Today is June 10th.  So I thought I would write 10 things that are going on RIGHT NOW:

1.  Gardening. Landscaping. Whatever you want to call it.  It has be a learning process for us.  For the past month or so we have been working the dirt. 
2.  Ella has been taking dance this year and it is her recital this weekend.  She has been talking about it being 'in a few weeks' for months now.  She loves the costume and is ready for the final dress rehearsal today!
3. My son is going on his first week long scout camp.  He is so excited, but it is stressing me out just a little bit. I know it is going to be a great week for him.
4. While I am talking about the kids, I will say that Sydnee is safe. We had a little scare last week that made the beginning of our summer exciting with a trip to instacare, followed by the hospital.  But she is doing great and ready to finish spring soccer season.
5.  I want to make our 2011 Summer List today!
6.  For the past two mornings I have been up way too early. Yesterday a storm woke us up just after 5 am; to lots of hail, wind, and rain.  On Wednesday, the fire alarm in our room went off while Craig was getting ready for work.  We are not sure why, but I am glad that it works!
7.  The laundry is almost caught up from when I was out of town last week.  Now if I could just get back the energy to make supper!  We have been eating leftovers, sandwiches, cereal, etc.  The kids love it, but I am ready {and my hubby too} for some real food!
8.  Have you seen the movie Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken?  We watched it on Sunday night, and my kids loved it.  It was one of my favorites from my Premiere Video days.
9.  I love the card game GOLF.
10.  There are lots of books in my pile next to the bed right now.  I am loving The Distant Hours and am excited to start The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie series.

I've Got Plans

My kids are making lots of plans for the summer. Lots. I've got plans too.  These are a few ideas that I am thinking and scheming about.

Adventureland
Chicago Art Museum
Mt. Rushmore
Surprise trip to UT {Like, I think I am just going to get in the car one day and starting driving.  This is the only way it is going to happen.}
Mrs. Effie's Garden
Indiana Dunes

For Uncle Taylor

My brother commented on facebook that he wanted to see some pictures of his nieces and nephew. I guess that was the hint that I haven't updated in awhile. I still think I am trying to find the balance on this blog {even after almost 5 years of blogging}. I love to share crafty things, but also know that there is family all over the world, that doesn't see much of my kids unless it is on here. So it is important that I share what we are up to as a family and not just my creative endeavors. I don't have that all worked out quite yet.....like so many other things in my life.

 Ella just finished Spring soccer.  She liked it once she got there, but it took some coaxing to get her away from the TV and in her gear to play. Once on the field she was on fire and loved it! She had a great team and coach! Go Hawks!

 Sydnee's soccer team {The Pumas} is playing very well.  They still have a few more games and one more tournament.  Their record is 6-2-1.  She loves to play goalie.  It is one of her favorite positions, but she is also good at midfield and forward. 
Sydnee says: "Uncle Taylor, what position do you like to play in soccer and what position are you good at?"
She is very passionate about soccer, she loves it.  She is making good friends, and they are turning into a great team! Go Pumas!

Christian and Sydnee just had their spring piano recital last weekend.  Christian played William Tell Overture and The Pink Panther.  Sydnee played Country Dance and We're Off To See The Wizard.  They both still enjoy playing more than practicing. 

We love you and miss you Taylor! We are praying for your safety each day and night. Hooyrah!

Anniversary Gift {Stella and Dot}

I am not really a jewelry person. I feel that most jewelry is expensive and there are other things we need to spend our money on. I received two very special pieces of jewelry from Craig: a simple diamond necklace on our 1st Valentine's Day, and my wedding ring. Now I have added a third piece of jewelry from him, and I love it!

About a month ago, my sister was married.  As part of her wedding jewelry, she picked a simple chain with 2 charms; one was her husband's birthstone & the other was his initial.  After the wedding, I was talking to another sister that thought it was the PERFECT jewelry piece.  It was a few weeks before our anniversary, so I decided that I also wanted this beautiful reminder of my wonderful husband so close to my heart. 
I ordered it. 
When I told Craig that I chose jewelry for my anniversary gift, he was a little bit surprised.  He knows I am not a jewelry person.  But I told him that it was perfect for me, and I think he was just glad that I had found something that I wanted and he didn't need to worry about 'the gift'.  After 16 years, this is kind of how we work.  We don't set high expectations for the anniversary.  We are working on our marriage every day, so our anniversary is a simple celebration.  I remember one year, just after Ella was born.  It was our anniversary and we had just put 3 out-of-control kids to bed.  I was tired, and he was tired.  We passed each other in the hall and gave each other a high five.  I don't remember exactly what I said, but it was something like: "Happy Anniversary! Great job on 10 years, honey!"

So here is my anniversary gift.  I love it.  The quality of the jewelry is wonderful.  It is simple.  It is timeless.  I added the 'love' charm since we have been married 16 years and are still in love {most of the time}.  I have worn it everyday since I received it in the mail.  Thanks to my cousin, who is my Stella and Dot stylist; for ordering it.  It came so quickly and in the most wonderful packaging. If you are interested in this or any other Stella and Dot Jewelry, check out her website: Stella and Dot Stylist - Emilie Hicks 

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Day to my Mom!

Sweet 16

Today is our anniversary.

16 years.

Life is pretty sweet.

 I wouldn't change a thing. 

It is good.

We are happy.

And I love him.

Easter Sunday

...Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen...

Luke 24:5-6

{And Happy Birthday to my brother, Taylor.  We love you!}

Fun City

Over Spring Break, we took a little trip down South for an overnighter.  We had driven past Fun City many times, and thought this was our chance to check it out.  With the weather outside still cold, damp, and grey; an indoor waterpark, arcades, go-carts, laser tag, and bowling was a kids' inside playground!  But I don't think it was just for the kids.....mom and dad had a blast too! I love little overnight getaways!  And the price for the hotel and all the attractions was good.  {Waterpark included with hotel stay.  Fun City was a little spendy, but still on a family's budget.}
Check it out here!