Monday, August 5, 2013

Pool Kids

I haven't participated in the ScrapbookSteals.com mid week mojo recently so I thought I would give it a shot. I really like the sketch and I like how my layout turned out, but I feel like it might be missing something.

It is done now, though, and another layout completed in my album. I'm sure I'm just being overly critical of my own work. :)

Anyway -- here is the sketch for aquamarine 4:


And here is my interpretation: 

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Kiwi Lane Design Team Call

Well ... I did it!

I have never applied to be a member of a design team before, but I decided to put myself out there an submit my work to be part of the Kiwi Lane Design Team. I would absolutely be an honor to be selected, but I know that if I don't get it this time around there are other opportunities in the future. But I REALLY REALLY want it!

I have posted some layouts on here that I have done using my Kiwi Lane templates, but I thought I would show you another project that I came up with -- a clothes pin wreath with a ghost (a KL template).


I bought the clothes pins at Dollar Tree (it takes about 48 clothes pins) and I spray painted them the three different colors. They are really easy to paint because I just leave them on the paper that they come on. Once they are all dry I clipped them onto an embroidery hoop (super cheap with a coupon at Michael's). I just used white cardstock to trace my KL ghost template. I wanted to jazz it up a little so I inked the edges and then put glitter and then created two little eyes with black glitter. I have this hanging on my front door so I wanted to make it a little sturdier so I ran it through my laminator once the eyes were dry. I added some tulle to the top and I think it's pretty darn cute! :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

DT Doodles -- Week 28


How fun to participate in another week of Kiwi Lane's DT Doodles! I really love the layout I was able to create and I am so grateful for the inspiration that the ladies over at Kiwi Lane provide on a regular basis.

Here is the sketch for this week. It was to design a card, but I didn't have the right templates and I had the idea to turn it into a layout for each of the kids' birthday albums. I absolutely love it!


And here is my interpretation:


This is an 8x8 layout and I used the following templates:
*the arrow from Adventure
*ring 2 from Rings
*Tags
*Strips

I had a splat looking shape, but it just didn't work out for this layout. 

There is also journaling on the tag behind the photo.

I messed up my blog!

So in an effort to clean up my photos in my Google+ I decided to delete a few albums that I thought I didn't need -- one of them being the album associated with my blog.

Thus, I need to go back through and upload all of the photos.

Please bear with me as I go through that process. I'm going to start with the most recent and work my way backwards.

Thanks :)

Monday, July 15, 2013

Friend Making Monday



I didn't realize I was hungry until I started answering these questions! 

"If you’ve taken part in Friend Making Monday then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!"

Foodie Questions
1. Do you make grocery lists?  Yes and I’m getting much better at sticking to it.

2.  Do you have a routine when shopping in your favorite grocery store?  I usually head to the non-perishable side of the store first and then I hit up the milk at the back of the store all the way up to the front to the produce.

3.  What is your favorite seasoning?  I don’t add a lot of seasoning to things so I guess I would just say traditional salt and pepper.

4.  What is the healthiest food in your fridge right now?  I just went to the store yesterday so I have lots of yummy healthy food like strawberries and grapes and lettuce and so on.

5.  What is the most unhealthy food in your fridge now?  I have a thing of cookie dough that is pushed all the way to the back. I bought it as part of a school fundraiser last October. It’s probably time to dump it.

6. What is the most exotic produce you’ve ever had? I’m not into too exotic of foods – I guess I would say a pluout. It’s a cross of a plum and an apricot.


*this is a stock photo from the web*

7. Tell us about your favorite local restaurant.  I really love a Japanese steakhouse that is local. I always get the chicken and the steak with fried rice. I give all of my mushrooms to my husband and I steal a lot of his onions. I love their salad and the dressing is delicious. It is very similar to Benihanas.

8.  What kind of pasta do you prefer (regular, whole wheat, etc.?)  I usually mix regular and whole wheat. I don’t have a preference. The type of pasta that I like is Penne.

9. If you could make one food calorie-free for an entire week, which food would you choose?  Kit Kat bars. I can’t get enough of them lately and I realize that they are 6 Weight Watchers points – more than I should be spending on candy.


10.  If you had to choose would you rather give up french fries or chocolate?  Oh goodness! I’m not obsessed with either of them so I don’t know which to pick. 

Thursday, July 11, 2013

First night in a big girl bed

I know a lot of people transition their children out of their cribs for various reasons and at various stages. EM had just turned three and I was kind of tired of her being in her crib because we had everything to put together her big her bed so I just wanted to move her over. She had never tried to climb out of the crib (although she climbed into it often) and she slept just fine -- I really just wanted her to be in a big girl bed.

I took the initial and moved everything around in her bedroom (creating a massive mess!) and was able to set up the box springs and mattress just on the floor. The tricky part came trying to get the crib out of the bedroom. It was too wide for the doors so I had to have DC take it apart so we could move it out.

EM has slept like a champ in her big girl bed and we haven't had any problems. In fact, she will often just lay in bed awake in the morning just waiting for us to come get her. The funny thing is she doesn't get out of the bed -- at all. I say that now, but she really doesn't. There have been mornings where I hear her crying and I go in her room and she is holding herself because she has to go potty so bad. I want to just tell her to go open the door, but I figure she will understand that she can get out of the bed soon enough -- I don't want to speed up the process. I thought for sure when she figured out how to open doors a couple of weeks ago life as we knew it was going to change, but for now she still just stays in her bed like a good girl. I love her to death!

This is seriously one of my favorite layouts I have ever done. I love the sketch, I love the papers, I love the photos -- I just love how it all came together. I am definitely proud of it!


I used the left side of this Kiwi Lane sketch and then just changed it up slightly to make it my own.


The templates that I used were: 
Scallops mini 1A, 2A and 3A
Rings 3

The others were just strips that I cut. The photos were printed on a 5x7 and I cut them in half. 

The paper is the Freestyle line from Teresa Collins. It worked out perfectly for this layout and I have a ton of it still left so I'm sure you'll see it more in the future!

The two gold candies on the embellishment and from Pebbles in my Pocket and the large brads are from American Crafts.

The small alphas are from Making Memories and the larger alphas are from American Crafts. 

Seriously -- one of my favorite layouts ever!!!! Thanks for stopping  by :)

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Independence Day Layout


What? Did I really do another layout and it has been less than 24 hours?! Yes, you are seeing that correctly! I think I'm finally getting my mojo back and I'm super happy scrapbooking. I have another project that I am almost finished with that I can't wait to share, but for now I just have this one-page layout. I wanted it to be two pages like the sketch from Kiwi Lane Designs, but I didn't have enough of the Bo Bunny paper that I was using.

Here is the sketch from the Week 26 DT Doodles:


And here is  my layout: 



I had most of the templates that the sketch called for, but I had to improvise in a couple of spots. The templates that I used were:

Happy Trails 2A
Chestnut Drive 1A
Strip Set 2 inch
Tags 1
Adventure 1

My photos were 3x3 and 4x6

The paper is the Anthem line from Bo Bunny and I am completely in love with it! As you will see later I made a whole mini-album with the patriotic-themed paper. 

The star brads and the glitter brads were just in my stash. I'm not sure what brands they are (I'm thinking American Crafts on the bigger ones).

Thanks for stopping by and looking! Feel free to leave a comment.

DT Doodles -- Week 27

I've never played along with Kiwi Lane's weekly challenge, but I thought after all of the fun I had last week with the blog hop I would join in on this as well.


I pulled out my Fancy Pants My Family paper pack that I bought at the Scrapbook USA expo a couple of times ago. I really love this paper because it has a different texture and weight than most of the other paper I'm use to working with.

Here is the sketch from Kiwi Lane that I followed:


And here is my interpretation:


I had most of the templates that the sketch called for, but I had to improvise in a couple of spots. The templates that I used were:
Bracket 2
Large Bracket 2 and 3
Cascade Trails 1A and 1B
Strip Set 2 inch
Adventure 5
Wildflower 2T

My photos were between 3x3 and 4x6

I can't get over how easy this layout came together and that now I want to go back through all of the weeks and do all of the sketches! I've definitely got some mojo going now and I'm super inspired to keep getting my scrap on :) 

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Friend Making Monday (on Tuesday)

I was in such a good routine of keeping up with my blog and then the end of the school year happened and  I've embraced the laziness of summer and, honestly, my blog has been neglected. I'm dedicated to changing that, though, by starting up again with Kenlie's Friend Making Monday. 
"If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!"


Easy Answers
1.  Are you a planner, or do you prefer to see where the moment takes you?  I'm definitely a planner. I would like to be more spontaneous, but I like to know what I'm doing and when I'm doing it and how I can get the best deal possible.
2.  How often do you blog?  I was on a really good roll of blogging on Monday and Wednesdays, but lately it has just been if I needed to. I'm going to work on blogging at least three times a week, especially to show off my craftiness and to journal about my weightloss. 
3.  Do you color your hair?  Yup. I haven't done so since May and it is probably in desperate need of at least a root touch-up.
4. If you had to choose between running or riding a bike, which one would you choose?  I'm not sure. I like to run and I like to ride my bike, I just need to get a new seat for my bike so that my butt doesn't hurt as much and I could ride for longer.
5.  Have you ever traveled outside of your home country?  Yes -- I've been to Canada and Mexico and then last year I went to Paris and Italy. I'm headed to Germany in October and the Ireland, London and Paris in March.
6.  Do you like weddings?  Yes. I've only been to a couple, but I think the union of two people is a beautiful thing and something to be celebrated!
7.  What is your favorite guilty pleasure on TV?  Do I even admit this? Right now I would say that it is Big Brother. I'm slightly embarrassed to say that in light of the awful people on the show this season, but I just can't get enough of it. 
8.  Are you good at math?  My first thought would be no, but even DC has said I have been getting better at Math lately. I would say that it is due in part to the Math endorsement that I took through the school district.
9.  What is the last movie you watched?  Watched? or just had on in the background? The last movie that I actually sat down and watched was Madagascar 3 when I went with my mom, DC and the kiddos to watch it in the park. Before that I had taken the kids to see Epic and before that it was Monster's University. Do you see a theme?
10.  Share five adjectives that your friends would use to describe you.  Friendly, crafty, dependable, honest, trustworthy -- at least I hope that is how they would describe me!
Bonus:  Did you celebrate Independence Day?  If so, what did you do? We went to the city park and participated in the "races." They divide everyone up my ages started as little as 1 day old and you race to see who can cross the finish line first. LD placed 2nd in his age group. EM got a little disorganized and might have been the last one to finish. We went to the pool in the afternoon and enjoyed some hotdogs and fireworks at home in the evening. I would say it was a good holiday all-in-all.

Friday, July 5, 2013

Kiwi Lane Designs Blog Hop


I remember the first time I came across Kiwi Lane Designs -- it was at the Scrapbook USA Expo in Salt Lake City a couple of years ago. I had quickly walked past their booth and didn't give it much though. That is until one of my friends bought a few sets of the templates and was designing with them at our table. I was intrigued and quickly made my way back over to the KLD booth to see the templates in action from the pros. I was sold ever since!

I have a handful of designer templates, but was super excited when Kristy asked me to be part of the July blog hop and I was given the opportunity to work with the Happy Trails set. I love the happy vibe I get from these templates. They just make me smile :)




See what I mean?! Aren't you just happy now?

Just a little tip -- sometimes I try to use my templates with the paper face down. I inevitably always mess it up. The easiest way for me to trace my templates with my doing it exactly how I want it over the paper with my pencil and then I just ink the edges of my paper to cover up the pencil marks. I'm pretty sure I saw that at the expo from the KLD experts and it is something that I have used ever since. And I just love the look of it -- it really adds definition.

Here is one other layout I've done recently with my templates.





Thank you for so much for stopping by my blog! Don't forget that a random winner from ONE of the blogs (including the Kiwi Lane blog) will be given a $25 gift certificate to the Kiwi Lane Shop. So leave me some love and hopefully you win so you can pick yourself up some awesome KLD templates :)

In case you didn't start at the beginning of the blog hop here is the entire list.
  1. Kiwi Lane http://kiwilane.com/here/blog/
  2. Monique Liedtke http://moniquesscrapbook.blogspot.nl/
  3. Jennifer Budge  www.thingsthaticreate.wordpress.com
  4. Cari Locken    http://myandmythoughts.blogspot.ca/
  5. Jennifer Nicholes  craftingmoments.wordpress.com
  6. Regina Mangum http://thestampinbean.blogspot.com/
  7. Becki Adams http://beckiadams.blogspot.com/
  8. Julie Ann Cordero www.ourlifeinscraps.blogspot.com YOU ARE HERE NOW
  9. Jessica Laureano http://scrapping2boys.blogspot.com/ GO HERE NEXT
  10. Gail Owens www.glowormdesigns.blogspot.com

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Shinob Kibe Saturday morning hike

I have lived in Washington City for a while and I've always been fascinated with a funky looking formation. I remember when I was teaching Utah Studies and I found out that the formation had a name, Shinob Kibe, and I tried to find out as much information as I could about it. I, however, had never really thought about hiking to the top of it until recently. 

This is a view of Shinob Kibe from Foremaster Ridge.

And this is a view of Shinob Kibe from the soccer park that is nearby.

Some information on the hike that is either from my own experience or compiled for various sites:

Some history about the formation: According to the Washington County Historical Society, Shinob Kibe was named for a Paiute deity was was known as a protector of the tribes. Shinob means "Great Spirit" and Kibe means "Mountain." Shinob Kibe was a sacred place the Paiute Indians and they would use it as a refuge where they would go to get away from their enemies, specifically the Navajos who were known to capture Paiute women and children to use them for slaves.

In the 1930s the Civil Aviation Authority made a huge concrete arrow on the southern edge of the top. It is no longer used, but a pretty cool historical marker.

Length: from the trailhead to the summit it's about .75 mile

Hiking time: I was able to do it in about an hour or so.

Difficulty: Going up got my  heart rate going some, but nothing too strenuous. Going down I was a little more nervous because at times I couldn't exactly see the trail and there was a lot of loose rock.

Where to find the trailhead: I guess you use to be able to go up on the other side, but now it is private property so this is the only way to climb it. In Washington City you turn south on 300 East like you are going out to the Fields. Then you are going to make a left on Indian Springs Drive and then another left on Red River Road. It will curve until it becomes Apache Drive. From there you are going to make a left on Pocahontas and then a right on Paiute Drive. Paiute will end and there is a little white gate that I have read is sometimes open. I just walked around the gate and then just a little bit further on your right is a large rock marking the start of the trail.

My overall impressions: I really enjoyed this hike and I will definitely be doing it again in the future. It really wasn't that difficult and the payoff. One thing I could have done without all of the grasshoppers that were attacking me, but I just kept thinking that I was invading their home and they weren't really hurting me -- just more of an annoyance.

I did read that there was a log at the top that you could sign, and I found the log box, but I couldn't open it and I didn't see anything else.

Photos from the hike:

A view looking out towards the Fields.

Kind of looking back toward Hurricane.

The Fields. I really love this photo!

Looking out over the mesa toward Washington City.

Proof that it was really me up there taking these photos!

Looking toward Washington City and St. George.

Do you see the trail? It's there -- I promise!

Looking up at the top from the bottom.

And to prove how good the hike can be for you -- I went and weighed in afterwards and had a pretty darn good week! :)

Friend Making Monday (on Sunday)

Wow! It's certainly been a while since I've blogged. I was doing so well and then with school ending and trying to get into a summer schedule I just haven't spent much time on a computer (I do continue to check Facebook through my phone, though!)
Anyway ... here is my Friend Making Monday on summer fun!

1.  What is your favorite summer fruit?  Cantaloupe! I could eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner every single day! YUM!
2.  Do you know how to swim? Yes. I took lots of swim lessons when I was younger. I haven't done much more than just being lazy in a swimming pool lately, though.
3.  Do you prefer sun or snow?  The sun! I really love the warmth of it on  my face and just relaxing.
4.  What temperature do you like most inside your home?  It is set to about 79.
5.  Is it humid where you live?  Nope. It is super dry here. 
6. What is your favorite food to put on the grill?  I love hot dogs on the BBQ. In fact, I might go have one right now :)
7. Do you prefer to wear a one-piece  or two-piece swim suit?  I would LOVE to wear a two-piece, but for now I'm wearing a one-piece when I hit the pool.
8.  What is your favorite summer drink?  Pink lemonade (okay ... that's my any season favorite drink!
9.  Do you prefer the pool or the ocean?  The pool, for sure! I don't love the ocean because I don't like seaweed and anything else slimey that might touch me in the water!
10.  What are you looking forward to most over the summer?  Just getting my house organized and relaxing. It's nice not to have to worry about work and getting everything done when I have the whole summer to do it!

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Friend Making Monday


1. Do you use coupons?  YES! I go through phases where I am better at using coupons sometimes than I am other times, but I love a good coupon.

2. How often do you weigh yourself?  Daily – it helps to keep me on track and motivated.

3. What was your favorite TV show as a kid?  I really loved Boy Meets World. I can’t wait for the new Disney show about Girl Meets World! I’m so stinkin’ excited!


 4. How often do you drink alcohol?  Like couponing – it goes through phases. I’ve had a few more drinks lately than I had been having, but I’m probably done with that now.

5. Have you ever met a celebrity or public figure that you really admire? Yes – I had basketball player Jeff Hornacek a few times. We met Will Smith  in Wendover, Nevada when he was filming the movie Independence Day and I met Rob Thomas most recently.


6.  If you had to choose between only your cell phone or only your laptop all week which would you choose?  My cell phone because I could use it to make calls, text and do all of my internet surfing.

7. What is your favorite brand of detergent?  Whatever is cheapest – probably  not the best answer, but I don’t have a preference.

8. If there was a movie about your life, who would play the role? I swear I’ve answered this question before! Easy – Lauren Graham. I adore her and I think we kind of look alike.

9.  What book are you currently reading?  It’s called Baby Proof by Emily Giffen. It’s pretty good, but I’m ready to be done and move onto another book.

10.  If you could spend one day on vacation anywhere in the world, which place would you choose?  Just one day? I would go to China and walk along the Great Wall.

Don’t forget to head over to Kenlie’s blog and post your link to your answers there!

Monday, May 6, 2013

FMM -- A little about me



A Little About Me

1. Have you ever experienced love at first sight?  I don’t think so.

2. What channel is your TV on most? I watch a lot of shows on the basic stations – CBS, ABC and NBC. I also really like the ABC Family Channel.

3. Share one quality that you’re proud to have.  I feel like I’m a good friend. At least I really try to be. I’ll be there for you if you need something and I’m always willing to go above and beyond for everyone else.

4.  Describe your idea of a great evening.  I think just hanging out without anything to do sounds really nice.

5. If your friends were asked to describe you in three words, which words would they choose?  Loyal, dedicated and nice – IDK!

6. What is your favorite holiday?  My birthday!

7. If you could change one thing that would make your life easier instantly, what would it be?  I would have less of an emphasis on food and more on just living and loving life.

8. What is one healthy food that you crave?  Cantaloupe.

9. Do you wear socks when you sleep?  Yup … every night. I hate not having something on my feet.

10. Share at least three things for which you are thankful.  I’m thankful for my family, my friends and my will to keep working toward my goals.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Friend Making Monday (a day late!)


I answered these questions yesterday, but it was so cold in my classroom I didn't want to stay any longer so I just decided that I would post today. Better late than never, right?!


I like…traveling – I can’t wait until I get to go to Berlin in October!
I don’t like… mayo and pickles – I think they are absolutely disgusting!
I love…my children. They mean the world to me.


I dream of…not feeling stressed all the time.
I wonder…why 8th graders have the brain about the size of a pea. Sometimes they just ask the stupidest questions!
I know…that I am finally done with my math endorsement!
I went…to Buca di Beppo for dinner last night.


I think…I have too much on my plate and I just need to step back a little and take a chill pill.
I plan…to continue to lose weight and become a happier, healthier me.
I regret…not taking care of my health earlier in my life.
I do…way too much for others.
I drink…water most of the time and if not water then I drink pink lemonade.
I wish…I was better at being patient.
I am…freezing cold right now. My classroom is at about 60 degrees and I have a sweater on while outside it is pushing 85 or 90 degrees.
I am not…very good at tracking the food I eat. I know I see better progress when I do, but I hate seeing myself eating poorly so then I just don’t track at all. Stupid – I know!
I need…to smile. It’s been a long day.
I hope…that I can get a decent night sleep tonight.
I want…a million dollars!
I sometimes…am not sure what I’m doing with my life.
I always…want – there is always something that I want.
I can…run/walk a half marathon.


I cannot…wait – like I said earlier, I have no patience.
I avoid…feeling stupid.
I will…try my best to be happy and healthy this week and every week. I went on a little walk last night to the top of the Dixie rock and enjoyed some Menchies above our beautiful city. 


WOW! Emergency surgery is no fun!

The title says it all! It has been an absolutely crazy week!

Last Tuesday DC sent me a text in the morning telling me how he didn't feel very well. I was kind of sympathetic but figured he would just get over whatever was bothering him. By the evening he wasn't doing very well at all and missed out on going to the Dave Ramsey class we are doing and he stayed home in bed.

I slept out in the living room so he could get a good night sleep and the plan was for him to go to the doctor the next morning while I stayed home and watched the kids.

Once he got up, though, he told me he couldn't drive himself and that I would have to take him. He had the chills, was burning up and dry heaving all night. No fun!

We got him to the doctor and after a brief examination the first doctor he saw said he thought DC had an appendicitis. GREAT! I took off and went by my work to take care of things for the rest of the day while he was examined by another doctor that agreed and sent DC to the ER.


We had the kids with us so that was kind of difficult and I eventually found a wonderful neighbor to watch them so that I could go back to the ER and be with DC. When I got there he was all hooked up in a bed and had already gone through a bag of saline.




The main thing they were doing at the ER was a CT Scan to see if DC actually did have an appendicitis. Before they could do the scan, though, he had to drink this berry flavored stuff called contrast. I don't know if it was because he was so dehydrated or what, but he said it didn't taste too bad.



 And then they came to wheel him off for the CT Scan.


I was kind of bored during the whole thing while I was waiting alone in the ER so of course I took a selfie :)


After the CT Scan the doctor came back in pretty quickly and said that DC did in fact have an appendicitis. He was moved to the surgical floor of the hospital and the waiting game began. He was one of a few people who were having an appendicitis that day so even though he was moved to a hospital room around 4ish in the afternoon, he didn't actually go into surgery for another four hours.


This was the view looking out of his window. 


And then here he is in his hospital bed just waiting.



 He did get a couple of winks of sleep prior to the surgery. I know he didn't feel well at all and was just super tired.


 The surgical team came in about 8 p.m. and said it was time for the surgery. He had laproscopic surgery to remove his appendix. He ended up with just three small incisions on his stomach.


While DC was back in surgery I ran to my school to do lesson plans for the next couple of days and then I came back to the surgery waiting room. By this time our kids were with a different friend who was watching them. I felt bad for how late it was getting, but I really appreciated her taking care of them so I could be with DC.
 



They finally brought DC back to his room about 10:30 p.m. and I stayed with him for a few minutes while they got him all adjusted and I knew that he was OK. He was pretty warm because they had a heavy blanket on him. He also had these things on his legs to make sure that there wasn't any blood clotting. 


I finally went to get the kids and before we were even home they were both passed out. When I first told LD about the surgery he was pretty freaked out and crying and just worried about if daddy would be OK or not. He was glad that I was able to show him a couple of photos to let him know that his dad was fine. I don't think EM had any clue as to what was going on. 


I got a text the next morning about 9 a.m. from DC saying that the doctor had been by and he was cleared to be discharged. I found another neighbor to watch the kids and I was able to go to the hospital to pick him up. I think he looks pretty darn good for just having had surgery! 

You are such a trooper DC. I'm glad that you are OK and are on the mend :)