{discovering} life

Hero Arts Layout

I put together a layout for the Hero Arts 'Stamp your Memories' Contest. I posted it on Two Peas today and thought I'd post a link to my layout here for anyone that wants to check it out!

Friends [Hero Arts Contest]

Thanks for peeking! Hope everyone is having a great day!

OOOOPS-a-daisy!!!!!!!

SO, I feel so stupid! I was just reading over my entry from yesterday and saw where I was talking about how much I love my family and that 'I would trade them for anything.' LOL! Talk about a TYPO!!! Geez! Guess I need to proofread better! I feel so lame! I wouldn't trade them for a thing!!!!!  Never ever!

So, I'll just stop typing and leave you with this layout. I did this for the CK School Call and it didn't get picked up - totally bummin' about that. I really loved the different color combo and the way that it came together. Used Making Memories papers (that green dot paper is my fav paper of all time) and rubons that we handed out at CKU Masters in Anaheim. I stamped with Stampin' Up! stamps and white ink the ABC's up the side and included her name tag from the day. Thanks for popping by!

Happy Gobble Gobble!

That's what Madi says and I love it! We had a great Thanksgiving - considering the kids both woke up with high fevers and had colds all day. We went to the In-Laws in Hurricane at about noon, ate at 5 and left at 6 pm. The kids were just not feeling well. It was okay - they got to play with their cousins but they were ready to go. It's so funny how Thanksgiving has changed for us over the years...it's not like how I remember it when I was a little girl. But we were thankful to be able to spend time with family and to all be together - that's what matters the most. I talked to my parents and to my brother Chris...it was 3 am and they had just landed in Kahzakstan - where my brother served most of his mission. He was the frist, of 4 missionaries, that went into that area. Pretty amazing!

Friday - I was dying to go do some shopping. Why? I don't know. That girl in me I guess. So, I took Madi and we went to Roberts, Michaels and Target. At Michaels, they had this cute gingerbread house kit and I thought it would be a fun activity to do together. I've never done one and I thought the kids would love putting the candies on. And they did! We did it when we got home - it was so fun to watch Madi get so excited to put a candy on. I just let her do whatever - I think it would be a fun thing to do every Thanksgiving! We had Ryan's family over that night - Cafe Rio - yummy.

Satuday we took a drive up the Snow Canyon State Park. It was soooo pretty! Beautiful day! Hudson fell asleep and we got out at a campground and just let Madi run around and play with the leaves and we just cuddled and talked. It was so nice! I love that we can still go outside - it was a little cool, but not like SLC at this time of year. So nice to be able to play outside. I got some killer photos of Madi too! Loved that! Trying to learn more about my camera - what a process! LOL!

Today - we are just chillin! I want to get some Christmas stuff up today. Also, totally trying to clean up my studio. I'm gonna put a bunch of stuff on ebay this week - I seriously need to get rid of stuff! Ryan went to church to teach our classes - I just didn't feel good about taking the kids when we all have such yucky coughs and colds! I  hope they go away soon - Hudson won't get off my hip! Poor little guy!

Last night, we just hung out here and I went in and did a layout. At first, I was stuggling, put it away, and grabbed some other stuff and it totally just came together! I loved it! I love creating! I love love love it! It's so fun when it all comes together like that! I created one of my  most favorite layouts ever ever!! So fun! I was so tired but didn't want to go to bed. I'm hoping to go in and play some more tonight. We'll see.

I love Thanksgiving though. I love the time that we give to our families - to pondering about the things that we are so grateful for! I'm so grateful for my family. Things are hard sometimes but I would trade them for anything. I'm so thankful for the gospel - for an eternal family and for the strength that my faith and beliefs give to me. I'm so thankful for our house. I love our house and I'm so grateful for the place that we are in in our lives. I'm thankful for my husbands job - that he is happy doing what he is doing. That's so important! I'm so thankful for this wonderful hobby of scrapbooking - for the friends that I have gained through it. I'm thankful for my job with Making Memories - it's always been a dream of mine to design for them and I'm so thankful that I'm able to do that. I'm thankful for the little things in life that make it so sweet! So much to be thankful for! When things get tough or when I'm wanting this and that...I need to remember all that I already have been so blessed to have. Which is sooo much!!

Gotta run! Hope you all had a wonderful Gobble Gobble weekend! Hugs!

Thanks Heidi!

A few months ago, Heidi selected my layout as the winner of a contest she held on a website. A few days later, she called and we had a great conversation on the phone. She asked if I'd be interested in mailing my layouts (there were two in the contest) to her so she could use them at the trade shows coming up (CHA, MT). So, Monday night, I opened the door to two boxes from Heidi Swapp. I didn't know they were coming so it was a fun surprise. One box, was my two layouts and the other box was this...

Thanks Heidi!

When I was taking photos of everything, Madi came in and sat by me. She instantly saw the sparkly lipgloss and grabbed it. "I wanna wear some." So, I opened it up and put it on and she instantly grinned from ear to ear. I cannot get her to smile lately at the camera so I snapped away. Heidi was right - it works! (:

Such a little ham!! LOL!

Well, I've got to run to the store to get things to make rolls for Thanksgiving at the in-laws tomorrow. It's weird living here in St. George - we always visit for Thanksgiving at the in-laws and it just never works out - we end up always leaving early cause of some drama. So, I'm glad that we still get to visit them, but not have to stay there with everyone at their house - just too hard for us. So, I'm making rolls today.

I worked on another layout last night that I just loved! It's taking forever but I totally love it. I don't want to stop creating! I can't post them cause they are for a special project - but I'm still so excited about them!

Happy Gobble Gobble to everyone! I'll be back - I want to write some thoughts about what I'm grateful for too!

Hugs!

THANK YOU!!

Thanks so much for posting your food ideas for me! Loved all of them! I need to get off my butt, get to the store and start making better lunches - for me and the kids! So, thanks for all the great ideas! I really appreciate it! Hopefully it helped give you all some ideas too!

So, I put the names in a hat and drew names. I wanted Madi to hold them up so I could take a picture but she wouldn't  - so here are the winners:

Leora, Lisa (gluestick girl), and Jen W

So girls, send me your addresses in an email okay! There is an email link on the left hand side of my blog. I'll get some fun things out to you! Thanks everyone for playing! I'm gonna do more RAK's so watch for more!

On another note: I am feeling super, uper creative right now. I'm just in a mode and I'm totally lovin' it! I created, what I think is, a killer layout last night. One of my favs for sure! I used to go to bed at 10-10:30 pm cause I'd be so tired. But lately, even though I'm tired, I just can't go to sleep. I lay there till 1 am or later. So, I need to just get up instead of laying there getting frustrated. Last night, I was up with Madi till 11 pm (she had a late nap so we were reading and stuff), and then I got into bed. Tired, yes. But, could I sleep, no. Same ol' story for me. But, ideas were just flying into my head like crazy. Loved it! Now today, I am soooo anxious to create some stuff and to play!! Love this - hope it doesn't end!!

AND>>>>>>>>>>>

Last night, as I was creating my fun layout, UPS came and dropped two boxes at my door. To my surprise, they were from Heidi Swapp. I'm gonna post pictures of my surprise packages from Heidi later today! Soooo fun!

Hugs!

RAK Time!!

Ok - so I always hear from people that they read my blog but they never post! ): I want to hear from you! (I hope I'm not embarrassing myself by asking for posts and there are like only 5 people that read my blog! LOL!) Anyway - I need your help!

I struggle, big time, with what to eat for lunch. I want something good, fast and healthy, yet I always end up just snacking the afternoon away. So, post and share something that you do for lunch/snack that you like.

Also, I'm really struggling with what to feed Hudson. So, post either something you eat or something you feed your toddlers. Madi never ate - and still doesn't, so I'm not used to having a kid that actually is hungry and wants to eat. I need to find more things to feed him. So, please come and share your thoughts with me.

I'll draw names and send out some awesome stuff okay! Thanks! I can't wait to hear from you all!
Hugs!

Up for air...

Geez...I have been so busy! I never have weeks like this! We had a birthday party to go to, back and forth to the Dr.'s office with Madi (she wouldn't pee in a cup there so I had to come home, get her to pee and then go to the appt. - she doesn't have a urinary tract infection like we thought - geezz! I just wish I knew it was something so I could help her!!), anyway ---- had to get done assignments for Making Memories this week - off to mail them - and last minute, I decided to do somethings for a boutique that my sister's mother-in-law has every November. I quickly made these monthly planners and books - nothing special, but just wanted to do something. I was trying to use up some papers - didn't love the green notebook - but oh well! LOL!

So, I've got everything done and now I need to clean this house - like crazy! It has gotten to be a total mess! Packages coming in and out, target stuff, gymboree clothes for Madi (they are sooo cute) and plus - just everything - stuff everywhere. I am so embarrassed - and it feels gross. Need to clean. I'm glad I can breathe for a bit though. My studio needs a serious cleaning too!

I'm excited - tomorrow night Ryan and I are going to dinner and to see the new Harry Potter movie! SOO excited! I just loved that book and I can't wait to see the movie! Yippeeee! Plus, a night away from the kids....enough said! LOL!

OH my goodness -------------

So, I'm sitting here updating my blog and the phone rings. I answer - this guy asks for me. And then he says, this is Chris. WHAT!!!!! My parents left yesterday to fly to Russia to pick up my brother from his LDS Mission. They wanted to go there to see his mission, his area and hang out with him for a week. Then they are stopping in NYC to see my sister and her family on Long Island. Plus, NYC is kinda our family town so it will be neat for them. I just couldn't believe that I was talking to him - that his mission is already over. Just crazy! He sounded so happy - the same ol' Chris. I miss him and can't wait to see him again - can't wait for him to see the kids. They have grown and changed so much! I just can't believe I just talked to him - how fun!

Anyway - gotta run! Watch my blog - I'm calling out all you awesome people that read and never post - I've got a question coming up this weekend with some great RAK's involved! I want to hear from you!!!

Hugs!

 

It came! So excited!

So, I posted the other day that I was re-doing some things in my studio - polishing it up, wanting it to look more 'together'. So, the other day, I ordered this beautiful mahogany shelf from Pottery Barn. Dang - I just wish it wasn't so pricey! And I hate those shipping charges! LOL! Anyway - it came yesterday and my hubby helped me get it up last night. Totally love it! It matches my Ikea bookcase, PB frames and chalk board that are up and it just looks soooo nice! I need two more of those buckets though - I took them out of my desk to put up there and I need more!

I may hang bags of some things on those hooks. My mom has this in her scrapbook room (in the PB catalog, it's show in an entry way) and it was just perfect for what I was looking for. I took my white little hutch down - need to figure out what to do with it. I love it, but it was just too modgie-podgie over there with it there. I'll post pictures of the entire room once I get things cleaned up - you don't want to see the floor right now! (:

Obviously, I don't need two clocks there - need to move things around a bit, but here is a first look.

FASHION FILE CHALLENGE this week: I'll most likely post it tomorrow. My layout is almost done...I went to print the photos I had in mind and whallahhh...color ink cartridge is all gone. Total bummer. I don't  have one on hand so I'm off to Target this morning to grab one. And of course, Madagascar is out - gotta get that! Ryan took Madi on her first daddy daughter date to that movie - and she sat through the whole thing! Couldn't believe it. I still haven't seen it, so I'm excited to grab it today.

My nephew, Jameson, is turning 6 today and is having a party this afternoon. He wanted everyone to wear their halloween costumes - silly boy. Madi is so excited to dress up as a princess again. Sometimes I hate telling her things too early in advance cause it's all she talks about - cries about! Target, school, party...I'm sure they'll have fun.

Anywho...off to get some things done. Need to seriously clean my studio - sad thing is - I don't know where to put anything! LOL! I need to sell a ton of stuff. I think I'm going to put things together in kits and sell on ebay. At least make a little bit off all that stuff I've bought! Seriously - need to stop!!

Hugs!

I've been hit...twice!

I've been tagged by Maggie and Sophia, so I guess I need to play! (:

2  Names you go by:
1. Robyn/Rb/Robina
2. Mommy

2 parts of your heritage:
1. Danish
2. English

2 Things that scare you:
1. SPIDERS
2. Creepy noises in the night.

2 of your everyday essentials:
1. Lipgloss
2. PJ's! (:

2 Things that you are wearing right now:
1. PJ's (just got up)
2. Hair clip

2 of your favorite bands or musical artists (at the moment)
1. Not really listening to much music lately - need to get that iPod I've been eyeing!
2. Refer to #1.

2 Favorite Songs at the Moment:
1. Babies Boats (lullaby for Madi)
2. Tender Shepherd (same as above) - Exciting life hey!

2 Things you want in a relationship (other than true love)
1. Laughter
2. Romance (flowers, little notes, all that good stuff)

2 Truths:
1. Patience needs to come faster
2. I love my family

2 Physical Things that appeal to you (in the opposite sex)
1. Tall, Dark...
2. and Handsome.

2 of your Favorite Hobbies:
1. Scrapbooking
2. Cross-stitching (used to)

2 Things you want really badly
1. New Furniture (bedroom, family room sofa, dining table)
2. A new car

2 places you want to go on vacation:
1. A secluded beach with Ryan for a week
2. NYC - anytime!!

2 things you want to do before you die:
1. Be skinny and feel good about myself physically.
2. Adopt. We'll see about that one.

2 ways that you are stereotypically a chick
1. Always have to have my lipstick with me.
2. LOVE to shop!!

2 Things that you are thinking about now:
1. Want to scrap. What to scrap. Want to create.
2.  My little bro is coming home from his mission! My parents are going to pick him up in Russia on Thursday. I'm totally tripping out that it's already been two years - way too wierd right now!

2 Stores you Shop at:
1. Target
2. Pebbles in my Pocket (hello, this is St. George. Only Scrap store around).

2 People I would like to see take this quiz:
1. Carrie Owens
2. Jessi Stringham

Later!

New Banner today...

I didn't realize that when I signed up to be able to do my own banners and stuff, that I'd actually have to change it! LOL! I got the new Designing with Digital book by Autumn Leaves today and was playing around with the awesome CD that came with it. I'm intrigued by it all - I'd love to integrate some digital into my pages. Love the look of it. I don't know how much I'll get into it, but it's fun playing around. I totally respect those that can do it so well!!

This banner turned out differently than I had thought - don't they always. But, it's something new.

Went to Target today - I need to stay away from that store. It's bad news for me. I bought a bunch of cute Christmas buckets in the dollar section - it'll be cute to give to my neighbors for Xmas with goodies inside. I also got a cool huge star to hang on my front door - love it! I want to put it up right now, but I don't think that would look too cute with our pumpkins still out there!

Anyway - off to do something. Gonna go see what comes to me in my studio. Hugs!