19 Dec 2007

Sorry about yesterday. I was on my computer all day -but still didn't blog. And I forgot my camera so no pix from caroling! We did have a wonderful time, though. I went to bed early last night - it was so nice to get so much rest. DJ and the girls went out for a few hours and I heard them come in. I thought it was morning and time to get up - the sleep had been so nice! And I still had the whole night ahead.

So today I'm just going to enjoy being home - maybe run a few errands....we'll see.

Thought for today: Joel 2:13 - Turn unto the Lord your God; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness.

Have a great day!

17 Dec 2007

Thanks for the reminder, Becky! If I don't post every day - or even for a few days in a row, forgive me. I really need to recharge a bit. I have friends coming over every day this week for help in finishing their holiday projects. It will be really nice to be able to visit. Just doesn't seem like there's enough time most days.

We've had an interesting moment. Most know that we canceled trips and have been working hard to be more financially responsible. It's been a bit rough this year. Things are looking up - but the best news is that we've done really well. We've made some significant progress even as the income was about 28% less than last year!! I didn't realize that until today. The Lord just keeps blessing us. I have to add that while we could have had our usual store-bought Christmas, I have enjoyed the preparations this year more than any year previous!

I've got a couple more things to finish before heading to my in-laws for FHE tonight. It's the yearly caroling activity with the gift exhange. The crazy part of me thinks I ought to learn a couple of guitar cords to be able to accompany our singing. I at least recognize that it's the crazy part :) I'll post some pics tomorrow.

Thought: Acts 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

And isn't that the best gift of all?
Have a good evening, everyone!

15 Dec 2007

OK - I'm just about ready to be committed to the psych ward!!! Kimball has 2 friends over today making homade gifts for their families - which sounds easy enough but surprisingly has involved me to a huge extent! Well, I know they've had fun. They'll be going home soon.....I'm just feeling so worn out! Still have a hockey game to go to tonight - and a missionary sacrament meeting tomorrow - with a 2 hour drive each way :) lots of fun....

I think the tough part of the Christmas season is getting to busy doing good things. At least for me it is. So many opp0rtunities - I hate to pass any up. Alas.....

Maybe I just need to ask for a week in bed for Christmas!@ Mommy doesn't get time off, though.

Chuckle - thought of the day truly is for me: Psalm 100:2,4 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing....Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankfuol unto him, and bless his name.

Time does pass - whether I'm running around crazy or just sitting. Might as well sit when I can. Have a great day!

13 Dec 2007

Have to tell you - that picture was taken just after we got engaged - 12 1/2 years ago!!!! But it hasn't been retouched or altered at all - DJ took it and was so pleased with it. It has always been a favorite. Thanks for the compliment on the layout!~ and Reg - I'm always stocking up for future events on kits I come across. I liked what Becky said when we were last together - "I'm a collector" - that really fits me too. So enjoyed reading your thoughts too, Julie. I got a chance to visit (and bring to my house) a gal that we visit teach. She has known me for years - but not too well if you know what I mean. Anyway -she had no idea that I was into so many things and had so many hobbies. She's comming over next Wednesday to do some blocks :) - I guess it makes me think that we all have something to share with others - given the opportunity. My house was rather messy - but that's the real part ;)

Where did the last 2 days go? I have been so busy I haven't had time to blog - I'm even racing to blog today. I have mini-loaves in the oven (to go to DJ's work party tonight) - and I have to post today. I've been busy making more stuff - take a look:

Blocks for one of DJ's bosses - note the date (13th!)

Blocks for a friend having a baby in - a WEEK! - I had no idea it was comming up so quickly!

Blocks for the other boss of DJ's - both women in their 50- 60's

Chore blocks - for when you need to do everything - this way you can decide what to do first. One is mine - another is a friends. Same colors on both blocks.


Taking turns blocks. My children are color coded - Dj and I to a lesser extent. I did blocks with our colors and numbers - like position in family. This way we can roll the die to see who says the prayer - or we can use this in our games that we need a die for. One is mine - another is a friends (with 3 children so she has a wild spot on her die).

These are taking it easy blocks - one for me another for a friend. When I need to take it easy but can't think what to do - I just roll!

This is another recipe card holder - supposed to be my white elephant for RS - but I ran out of time - so it will be a house-warming gift. Turned out so cute!

Well that's about it. Just more of the same....THought for today: 3 Nephi 24:10 - Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house; and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

I truly have experienced this - the Lord has greatly blessed us as we have paid our tithes. What a blessing it is to be raised with paying tithing. It makes it easy!

Have a great day/evening/whatever!

10 Dec 2007

It's really been a day. I just need a day to rest and relax and it's not in the forcast until Friday (and maybe not even then!). We're surviving the wonders that two/three year olds can create in the form of chaos. And how quickly! Thanks again everyone for the positive notes on my hair. It really makes a difference if you feel good about how you look.

So I've spent a little too long on the computer today. Maybe that's why my little ones are making such messes - it's a call for attention! Just have to share some links. Here: http://christmasaroundtheworldkit.blogspot.com/ is a link to a ton of Christmas freebies. Many aren't my "style" but I did find a couple of new designers I really like. Especially like ScrapProfessor. And there are a few freebies you can get from her site - plus a few more for registering in the forums. Very nice stuff. I really need to thin my kits - one of these days. There are lots that I downloaded early on and probably won't ever use. I haven't got to work on my decopage today - I'm waiting for DJ to cut me some wood blocks - but I'll have to do something tomorrow.

So I need to get some more pictures posted - and update my photo on here....I'll get to it soon - in the meantime - I'll post a picture on of a mini page I did recently. I think it's DJ's favorite picture of us:

He took it himself. Onto the thought for today: Philippians 4:8

Finally, bretheren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

So that's where we got that article of faith! I didn't know that. I make a concious effort to make sure that my friends and family know I'm flawed. It doesn't do me or them any good to look perfect. We have to do our best - and should focus on the positive, but if we're not real, honest people - most will have a hard time relating to us. That's my take on it.

Have a good evening!

9 Dec 2007

Thanks for the postive feedback, everyone! I do like it too! I'm already used to it - so when everyone commented at church - it took me a minute to remember that I had got it cut. Silly me.

So this year for our VT and HT visits - we took homeade DVD's of some fun shows for our families. No one we visit gets these shows - so we thought they'd really enjoy them. I'm debating what to take for our RS progressive dinner on Tuesday - gift wise. Just a little something - but I want it to be cute too. I'm torn between a stationary set (homemade) or a recipe card holder (different colors than the previous one). Maybe I'll make both and take two gifts. It never hurts to have an extra gift in case someone forgets to bring one.

Today was nice at church. We were all there - no one home sick :) Yeah!

Well - my mind is falling asleep - so that will have to do until tomorrow. Have a good evening.

7 Dec 2007

I got it cut last night. I didn't go as short as I was thinking about - but I do like how it looks. There's always next time for shorter....with this being the cold season - I didn't want to freeze! Anyway, we're off on adventure today. DJ has some work in outlying areas so I asked if we could tag along. McKay is already complaining that she gets carsick and cold on trips. :) Crazy girl!

I'm hoping to get some cards done this morning - so it's a short post. Thought: 2 Nephi 4:15 - My soul delighteth in the scriptures and my heart pondereth them.

Have a great day!

6 Dec 2007

Kari - I think I just have a touch of OCD. At any rate - it gets out of hand sometimes. And I can't imagine spending the time you spend doing cakes! They are beautiful but I know my limits. I ended up with 28 quarts of beans and got to bed about 11 pm - a little later than I like. I was feeling it this morning. I just finished baking cookies (garbanzo bean cookies (aka chickpeas)) - and the girls gobbled them up! I'm feeling so healthy! We've also started setting out veggies for munching on while we're getting dinner finished up. They are eating more veggies (and I make the sneaky veggie dip - yesterday it was avacado). Everyone seems to be enjoying this new way of life.



So I got my coupon/code to the digichick kit. It really is beautiful - and huge! Here's the link if you want to check it out: http://www.thedigichick.com/forums/showthread.php?p=179639#post179639 It explains what the kit is and how to get it. It is a really big kit - over 560 megabites! Anway - just wanted to pass it along....

Trying to remember what I've got going - oh well...it will come to me later. Thought for today: Alma 19:13 - He shall come forth, and be born of a woman, and he shall redeem all mankind who believe on his name.

Have a good evening!

5 Dec 2007

Thanks Grandma for calling! - You got me motivated to post today. I'm really working like crazy - but need to take some time and post.

Yesterday Kimball had an appointment with the orthodontist. They're talking about Phase 2 soon - next year something I think. I asked for an estimate so we could begin to save. I knew it would be spendy - and it's good to know in advance - but it's put a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. I hope that will go away soon - just have to be really focused financially! It's frustrating feeling like there isn't anything I can really do to contribute.

Today I have just a little respite - the girls are at a friend's house. So am I resting like I should be? - NO - I'm running like crazy trying to get things done. Here's a quick glimpse:

So - I'm canning beans - or I will be when the timer goes off on them soaking! Navy beans and Garbanzo beans aka - I can't remember what else Garbanzo beans are called. Double points if you know which bean is in which picture.... I need them canned for my sneaky recipes. I'm also burning copies of my favorite shows for gifts for my friends who aren't able to watch them. Last - don't tell the girls but I got the snugglies done. Aren't they cute! They smell so wonderful - Peppermint and Burgamot with a bit of chamomile tea to boot. And rice - in case I didn't mention that.

Thought: Doctrine and Covenants 19:23 - Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.

I think the thought is for me - I'm feeling a lack of peace. Anyway - better get onto my next project. Until tomorrow!

4 Dec 2007

Quickie post - I've got to go VTing tonight then onto Tithing Settlement! I've spent all day working on a layout - Want to see? Here it is:

I know it probably doesn't look like much - but I had to clean the girls room - put away laundry and go through their clothes and toys to have the drop off to take to the DI. Anyway- the gals at digichick are having a challenge (I think that's what it is) - where you post a layout about giving back and you get a freebie in return. Looked really cute - and it's probably the most effort I've ever put in to get a freebie. At any rate - I ended up with and OK layout - my picture isn't that great - but I don't think we're ever pleased with how we look.

Speaking of that - I'm thinking of getting a haircut. I'm really waffly on what to do with my hair - hence the growth from indecision. Also - it's been tough to find a time to go and get a cut with DJ having to babysit. So now that Kimball can sit a bit - I'm freed to go and do what I want with it. I just don't know what I want. Any suggestions? Is there a particular hairstyle that you loved on me - or would like to see me in? I can put on some old pics if you really want to remember......:)

Seriously - I need some advice.

Thought for today: Psalm 55:17 - Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

What a blessing to be able to pray when and how we want! I'm so grateful for the blessing and comfort that prayer brings to me. Have a good evening!

3 Dec 2007

We had a good weekend - minus Taylor getting sick in the night last night. Poor pukie girl! I got the Christmas Cards done so now I just need to get them in the mail. I'm so pleased with how cute they are! Have to show pictures of some other fun things (you'll have to wait for the Christmas card :) -

This is our bug soap - plastic ant in glycerin melt and pour soap - so easy!!! Thought the boy cousins might like it.

Here's a little peek at my chemistry lab. We have the dragon breath spray - just need to add the labels. Also the rice and herb blend for the cool/heat pads for the girls. It smells so good! - Peppermint and Bergamot.

I found this little gem at the Deseret Industries: I'm planning on decopaging it - it's a huge double clipboard with a handle on the side. Fun fun! And a deal at $3.00!

Onto the thought for today: Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Pretty basic when it comes down to it....but it encompasses so much more! Have a wonderful December day!