31 May 2008

I was sure today was June 1 but Amanda informed me it was just the 31st. Tomorrow! So DJ and Kimball are back and had a wonderful time. I'm still hearing little tidbits of story. Kimball came back and informed me she had a new best friend. Funny how those things happen....

Don't laugh at me - but I discovered while they were gone that you can use the Shift key in PSE organzier - it makes it a ton faster to organize things! Yes - before I was selecting things individually or with the CTRL key. So - I did get a general organizing done and will soon have the elements organized too! My desk is a lot cleaner. That's really nice! Just one more picture to go for the teacher gift. We contributed to a group teacher gift for Kimball's teacher. That's two checks off my list of things to do!

DJ is working on a friend's sprinkler's today. She needed an overhaul of her system - so he's off and working hard. I started thinking today - we should really do something for our anniversary (next week). If we had gotten married on the day we first wanted - it would have been June 2nd - but the 3rd has worked out well for us. We have no plans - and if the sprinklers aren't done today - he'll have to work on them next Saturday too. So - no immediate plans. Probably some overnight getaway later on. Pretty low key for 13 years.....I'm thinking of it as 13 years past - in the 14th year - that way I don't have to think about the number 13. Not my favorite number I guess. I'm just lucky I remember my name some days.

I really am going to have to put more time into learning Spanish....work it into my daily routine somehow. I want to make quicker progress. It is coming....slowly.

Well - I have a few more things to do, so I better get them done. Have a great day!

30 May 2008

Thanks for the well-wishes everyone! It went really well. I was mostly evaluating her to see where she was at - because she had started lessons in February. It looks like we'll be starting at the beginning because a review would be best for her. My next lesson with her is next Thursday. So far I have 2 lessons on Thursdays (starting on the 12th). My other lessons remain to be scheduled. We'll probably get more serious about scheduling once school is out. I did find a great series for adults who want to learn. It has a CD that you play along with . I have one adult student so it was exciting to find such a great series. Thanks to A who came over and brought such wonderful information! You're a lifesaver!

SO DJ and Kimball will be back later today. I'm going to enjoy going to bed at a reasonable time....That will be good. Also - got a quick run to the school this morning to drop off the last of the graduation pictures for Kindergarden. I'm with you, Kari - this graduation thing has gone too far! In my day they had graduation from High School and that was it. Alas - now you graduate every few years. I don't mind having a reason to celebrate - just call it something else - a milestone or something. Just my opinion.

Well - I better get going - I've got three helpers and it's our visitor (R)'s birthday. She's a little sweetie I watch on Thursday and Fridays. Just turned 4 - so she fits in great with my girls. We're having a party for her today. I found a great file in my stash that was a PDF of a princess banner. Purple/Pink colored. You heighlight the letter in the middle and type the one you want. I spelled out her name for today. You could do Happy Birthday or something else if you wanted. I figured she could take the banner home and put it up in her room. Such fun! Can't remember where I got it....and there is no hint in the file itself. If it's something you could use - let me know....I'll email it to you.

Have a great day!

29 May 2008

Going, Going, Almost gone! And it's almost summer vacation to boot! We are doing well today. I stayed up way to late last night. Probably will tonight again! Thanks for the compliment on the layout Grandma Jo! I had a great time making it.

FYI - my first student comes tonight for a pre-lesson get to know each other interview. Should be fun! So far I have 7 students committed to taking lessons. My cap is 12. Minimum age is 8. I'm really excited about the prospects - a bit nervous too. All in all, though, I am looking forward to the summer.

I can't think of anything else to say - probably because I haven't had my lunch - So I'll sign off and go eat. Have a great day!

28 May 2008

Well, I have to say I am doing some scrapping - but not as much as I would like. While DJ and Kimball are gone - my ambitions are to categorize in PSE organizer all my stuff. I know - ambitious - but it would really help. I did get something fun done yesterday. Kind of a mothers/fathers day gift. Here's a look:

Totally copied the layout from Scrapbooks, Etc. Oct 2007 issue. I justed loved the look and wanted to make it. I used a blue background instead of the green they used - it will match where it's going better in blue. So cute!

Have to give a shout out for Playtex half-sizes bras! Went bra shopping - Ugh! It's always difficult to find something that fits (even if I go to the girls section!). So - I found just what I needed at Target! I was so excited. They fit so great! I really don't know the last time I had a bra that fit so well!

On that note - I better get going with my day. I have a bit of mending to do before I am allowing myself computer zone-out time. Have a great day!

26 May 2008b

Forgot to mention a few things: Andrea Gold Templates! So fabulous. Also her He Loves Me kit! I used a Peppermint Creative kit for the other pix - I think it's this month's freebie! The pictures I did in PE - with a optikverve lab plugin - so fabulous! I also used that plugin for our family prayer picture - if you remember that one..... Just want to give credit where it's due and pass on some great finds.

Now, not to make anyone jealous or anything - but I did get a picture of my yard staff at work today.:

DJ had planned on finishing/working on a sprinkler system for a gal I VT but was unable to make much progress due to stores closed for the holiday :( Didn't think about it in advance.....So he's home working and I couldn't be more pleased! I can't mow the lawn - the vibration of the mower kills my hands - so I asked Kimball if she could do it....and low and behold - she can! Don't know why I didn't think of it sooner. One of the many perks of having children get older and bigger! I really should have gotten a before and after pic. The grass was crazy tall. We still haven't planted these planters - they're a bit low on dirt.

That's it. Have a wonderful time!

26 May 2008

Sorry for the break - and I can't say I took it easy :( But I'm still going, so that's good. I had to catch up on everyone's blogs this morning - Here's my round of comments: Sharon & Reg - I'm so sorry to hear of your loss! I enjoyed seeing the pictures that showed such happy times. What a blessing the gospel perspective is! Traci - sounds like life just keeps going for you. Get the rest you need - there will be time to pack later. :) Becky - thanks for the comment. I have another couple of nights alone this week - Kimball will be gone too. My strategy of staying up late seemed to work. I slept good until DJ's alarm went off. Too bad he wasn't there - I had to get up and turn it off. Then I heard Kimball's alarm and I just let it go.....it wasn't as loud :) A lot of good things done, though. Here's some of the pics from the album. Thanks to my SIL Liza for the ideas on how to handle the pics that were a totally unmatching color!
This picture and the following answer page go together. Each of the children's pictures had an answer page with it. It turned out so great - already in the album! Just had to show you a picture of the queen of Wal-Mart!

I cracked up when I saw this picture. I did two sets of pictures - one for the album and another for picture frames the children are coloring. The last one is for the frames - the word strips say - Ready or not - Here I come.....then his shirt says below it - please send search party! Didn't notice it when I did the quickpages. So funny! And it fits the little guy!

So today I am planning to get the newspaper read. Usually I have that done by this point - but we had an early ward breakfast. I also need to get a couple more notebooks put together - I have more students signing up for piano - I'm up to 7 now! A - we really need to talk - when you're up to it!

And that's about that - should be lots of fun and adventure this week. Have a great Memorial day!

23 May 2008

A too busy day. Helped out at the school - babysat and then took everyone back to the school for a talent show. Then picked up Kimball and took everyone home. It doesn't sound like I should be this tired. What a great weekend to take it easy! That's what I'm planning. DJ will be gone for his BEAR GRYLLS campout with the nephews (and brothers and one brother in law). I hate being alone at night.....but then again I won't be alone - I'll have the girls. We have Kimball going to a cousins and a cousin over in return. I'm tired thinking about it. The pizza is in the oven! I have to put in a plug for those DiGornio Costco pizzas. We always buy those! The girls can make them on evenings when we go out - and they are great for evenings such as this. We also like the lasagnas - and make them in the microwave. I think we had lasagna last night, though.....Alas!

I'm working on a gift for McKay's teacher. It was her first year - and a bit different than she probably thought it would be. She isn't teaching next year.....so I wanted to make something special for her. I'm using a quickpage exchange to put the kids pics in (that I took on the sly today). I also had them write their name on a sheet that I will scan in (later) and asked them what the best part of the school year was and what they liked about their teacher. I wrote that part next to their names. I'll type that in a child like font and put it opposite their picture in an album. Just a 4X6 deal - so it should be quick and easy. The funniest thing a girl said to me today was that her teacher was nice, the school was generous, the teachers were wonderful and that she was the queen of Wal-mart. When I gave her a questioning look she said: "Seriously!"

Sorry no pics for you today....I'm off to take it easy. Maybe just a quick photo edit first....?!?
Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!

22 May 2008

Hi - it's Thursday. Yesterday my body decided to give me a day off. Or rather take a day off. So - I spent it in bed resting. I got rather restless toward the end and had to do something - so I created a concordance of Spanish Hymns to our Regular (English) Hymns. I have yet to type it up - but it was fun seeing if I could tell what the song was without using the author to look it up.

Also - I have to tell you about another site I found. Instant Gratification....musically. http://www.musicnotes.com/ I found the music to a song I really wanted and was able to instantly purchase and download it. It even had a transpose tool! Just make sure you transpose before you print as you just get one copy. Anything that saves me a trip to the store (and not sure the store will have what I want anyway) is great!

Well, that's about all in my world - unless you want to hear about the movies TCM had on yesterday :) So enjoyed the Frank Sinatra movies in the evening! Have a wonderful day! I'm taking it slower so I can enjoy tomorrow too!

20 May 2008

This month is speeding by! Before I know it - it will be summer break! We are excited about that - just trying to figure out what we'll do with all that time. Just Kidding! We have more than enough to fill our time.

Today I'm working on a new clothing storage system for my girls. Invariably, we have clothes all over their room and I'm tired of it! So I'm storing their clothes near the laundry area now - in the blue cupboard. Also setting up a changing area so they can have some privacy. Hopefully it will help. Too much to do - too little energy!

I'm excited to see the pictures of your IKEA furniture, Becky! Sounds like quite a project getting it all put together - but I so enjoyed seeing all the different things they had last time I was at the store. My eyes got tired looking!

I went shopping last night and picked up a cute little dish drainer. Take a look:

I didn't take a pictue of the one I got - it already has dishes in it. It expands and sits right above your sink - so it doesn't take counter space! Perfect for those breakfast dishes!

Anyway - I need to get my organizing done for today and maybe take a nap. Have a wonderful day!

19 May 2008

Good Morning. I'm finally up and going. Big plans for today involving laundry, a short shop, and some organizing around the house. But first, I have to upload some pics for you:


DJ at a pit stop on the way. He was getting really tired at this point. Saw a Jared look-alike. What do you think?

From the marathon, we raced to a composer recital. Melody Bober.....Kimball getting her pic taken with melody and some fellow musicians.

Have a wonderful day!

18 May 2008

Happy Sunday! We're taking it easy. I did get some pics yesterday - but don't know where my camera is at the moment - so it will have to wait for tomorrow. Just had to say hi and let you all know we are well. I'm going to take it easy for the rest of the day!

Enjoy!

16 May 2008

Well, You all know where I've been - and continue to be. Poolside! I had to get on and post today, though. It's been a nice day here - lots of sun. We're looking forward to even warmer tomorrow. DJ is running a marathon tomorrow and Kimball has a music thing - so I might not make it on to blog. I hope to have some great pictures, though.

I've made great strides on getting things cleaned up. Even got my flowers planted. I'll have to make an outdoor potty for the summer - and save the floors indoors. We had one slip and fall today. Alas.....I did get a layout done. I'll show you:

This is for the first person in the book. Going in order now....so hopefully I'll make some more progress. Have a wonderful evening!

15 May 2008

I had to check and make sure it is the 15th. We've had a busy 24 hours here. Activity days went well - we played Red Rover and Duck, Duck, Goose! Some of the girls hadn't played these before so it was a big hit! This morning we went to visit Grandma Dona. Had such a nice time with her. Then back home to meet McKay and finally some swimming! I promised pictures and I will deliver! First, we have a picture of the new setup. The pictures I tried taking of myself lounging ended up looking not too flattering. It feels like heaven! The girls tried it out before they got in the pool. I ended up having to move it back so I didn't get splashed.

A bit of color waiting to be planted.....

Drying off:

Since when do pay phones take credit cards?!? Hadn't seen this before - but then again, I don't see pay phones much at all anymore.

One thing you may not know about me is that I like to assemble things. I probably wouldn't like to do it for a job or anything - but I like doing it on a small scale. I was somewhat hoping DJ would have the new stuff assembled by the time I got home. He didn't - he waited for me. We finished it together. I almost slept outside last night :) It really is so nice!

That's about it for us. I HAVE to get my house tidied up. I've spent too much time on the computer and outside. It's time for some attention to the indoors! Have a wonderful day! You're invited to crash at my "pad" anytime!

14 May 2008

So I figured I better get a post in today. Thanks everyone for the positive comments and encouragement! I've been busy getting things put together and working out just how this is going to work. Hopefully I'll figure it out soon and have some more time to put some pics on. Tonight is Activity Days - so I'll be busy. My new furniture is in - so we have to go pick that up too! Hopefully it will all be set up and ready for the beautiful weather headed this way this weekend. The pool is filled and pictures to come.....

Have a wonderful evening!

13 May 2008

I am pleased to announce the opening of my piano studio! Yes, after much deliberation, I am beginning to teach piano lessons. I'm really excited about this opportunity. With recent events, I've had to ask myself what I envision my life in the future looking like. I didn't see myself babysitting kids (especially in diapers). So - I've decided to head in this direction. I'm still a little nervous - wondering if I actually know enough to do this. I am looking forward to learning more about piano myself. They say the best way to learn is to teach - so we'll be testing that. I am so blessed to have a friend (Kimball's piano teacher) who is willing to help and mentor me as I get started. Thanks A!

So today we are headed to Kimball's program. Singing and parts - should be fun. I'm hoping the little ones are better than last year. Inevitably they will be.....Life just gets better and better!

Hope your day is great! Wish me luck!

12 May 2008

Well, what a weekend! I'm a bit wiped out! I'll have to make sure that I don't plan another weekend like that anytime soon! This is a busy week, too. I'm hoping to make my big annoucement tomorrow - waiting on DJ to get some last minute items for me! So tune in tomorrow for our big news!

So enjoyed reading Becky's tribute to both of her mothers. So nice! I called my mom and Grandma Jo. Grandma Dona and Kaye were here and we spent some wonderful time with them. My girls and DJ made me breakfast in bed. It was so cute to see how excited McKay was to present me with her homemade mother's day card. A very nice day! Also - hope Tony's trip goes well.

I enjoyed reading Traci's three recent entries. You are so fun! I get more insight into your crazy mind every time you post :) It's a good thing! I loved the internet activity - I probably won't try it though (I really don't want to know!).

Enjoyed seeing the pictures of Ola at a recent celebration for a friend. You look fabulous as always! Glad you had some nice time to yourself! We all need a bit of that....

So I slept in this morning. Really needed it too. However, I'm running as fast as I can now - cleaning the house, doing laundry, etc. Never enough time.....or enough energy! Alas (my new favorite word)....

So enjoyed talking with Jacob on Saturday. Glad that things are going well. The new rig sounds great! Sorry Julie is still hurting.....hopefully you can figure out some coping techniques for her.....:) Thinking of you!

I really should have a scrapbook page to show you - but I don't! Can you believe it?!? It seems like I spend too much of my day doing things that you can't see. Anyone else have that feeling?

Maybe tomorrow?!? Have a great monday! We're doing the Parable of the Popper for FHE tonight. http://www.sugardoodle.net/Achievement/Parable%20of%20the%20Popper.shtml
Here it is if you want to do it too! Just needed something easy.... Loves to all!

10 Apr 2008

Happy Saturday! We had a great, busy day yesterday. Another in progress today. We are heading here, there, and everywhere! A bicycle progressive dinner rounds out the evening. We have had a very fun morning, though.

I'm having a tough time thinking of anything more to write right now. I've so enjoyed seeing Becky's pictures from Tony's trip. Also - Ola's little guy and her garden starts. Those herbs are going to be wonderful! I'm hoping to get our garden planted today. Got a few things yesterday - I'll get some pics to put on!

Congrats to Regan on her 500th post! Quite the achievement. What a wonderful way to record what is happening in our lives. I had to chuckle at Aaron, being the caretaker while Kari is away! Such fun! I think I might put my comments in my blog - that way I can get them in while doing my regular routine. I think of you all - even if I don't comment! I can imagine what crazy fun it would be if we all lived within a city block of each other! There would be some great barbecues!
Well - on with my day, I guess. Have a wonderful Saturday, yourself!

9 May 2008

So today I'm off to meet a gal that wants to work on her English. Should be interesting. I'm hoping to work on my Spanish at the same time! Had a nice surprise yesterday - the quick care called to make sure Taylor was doing OK! We never get follow ups on things - so that was really nice. She is wonderful, by the way!

Here's our lovely - ornamental crab-apple tree! The only time of year I like it. Beautiful, though. Had to get a picture while it was at it's peak!

In going through and organizing my downloads - I came across a barcode font that I wanted to share with you. http://www.anke-art.de/

I'm hoping to get a bunch of things done today - but even if I don't it's going to be a beautiful day. I should show you a picture of the new lounger. It hasn't arrived yet but was in Hurricane, Ut yesterday. Here's a picture from the web site:

Of course, I had to get the umbrella to go with it:

Lots of fun ahead! I am so excited!

Well, I better get on with my day - have a great Friday!

8 May 2008

Sorry to miss a couple of days. Yesterday was crash day and I really stayed in bed all day! The day before we had some excitement. Taylor was trying to climb onto the top of the little playhouse in the backyard (where McKay was). McKay was trying to help her up by pulling on an arm. Taylor started crying and I didn't know what had happened. Turns out (after a nap and still nursing the arm - we took her to the doctor) she had what they used to call Nursemaid's elbow. Dislocation of elbow I guess. So the doctor attempted to pop it back in, then we had X-rays that showed it was still out, then they gave her a dose of Ibuprofin (I had given her Tylenol at home) and then more manipulation, and finally SUCCESS! She was still a bit fussy on the way to the car but we could tell it was feeling better just by how she wasn't holding her arm anymore. An hour later and you wouldn't have known anything had happened.

Still wondering how expensive those X-rays are going to be.....But, point of the story: Don't pull on the little arms!

So today, I'm cleaning and doing laundry. The missionaries are comming for dinner....so I better get something going! I did get some pictures taken....but have to find the camera to put them on :) Anyway, also have to catch up on the blogs, etc.

Have a great day!

5 May 2008

Cinco de Mayo! Although we are not really doing much.....we are just hanging out today. Maybe some shopping....we'll see. I'm working on a couple of histories today. Such neat stories!

I was so excited to see your comment, Jaime! I would love to help get you going with the digi scrapping stuff. The fairy tale pages were actually pretty easy to do. I got a book at JoAnn Fabric Store - a fairy tale scrapbook with pre-made pages that I just ripped out of the book (pre-perforated). I printed out the pictures the size I wanted (about 2 X 3 inches) and used glue dots to stick them on. It comes together really easy, and is a fun Sunday project. We forgot to do a story yesterday (must have been the fasting that pushed it out of our minds).

As far as programs I recommend, my current easy program is FotoFusion. Here's a link: http://www.lumapix.com/ There is a free trial download. I love that it has a tutorial that walks you through the basics. Also, there is a site where you can download templates and other things that other users have created to use with this program. http://www.fotoscraps.com/forums/index.php It isn't as powerful as Photoshop Elements, but it is a lot easier to use when you're just getting started. The free trial will allow you to play with the program, but not to save or print without a watermark on your picture ;( The base price (for the basic program) is 39.95.

Hopefully that will help until I get down to Utah again :) Not sure when that will be, what with the price of gas and all.....but I'm happy to help via phone or email anytime!

So, no new layouts today.....but hopefully soon. Have a great Monday!

3 May 2008

For a minute I thought I had missed yesterday. I guess I was thinking ahead. So today we've had a busy day. Just a bit more and it will be over. A trip to the bookstore yet. We have Jared & Cory's kids (minus Shilo). Here's a quick pic of the fun:

Lots of kids on the porch swing. Such fun! They're back right now - so I have to go. More tomorrow!

2 May 2008

Good Morning! I got some layouts done yesterday and wanted to share with you!

So the first layout has song titles in the notes. Songs I like, or that we like. Some really cheesy. Second layout is about when I told DJ I didn't know how to wink and he taught me. OK so I did know how to wink...... The last layout is about him saying he loved me first. Such fun! I forgot to put pictures on of our bike adventure last Saturday - so here they are:

We learned all about bike safety, got our tires aired up, and practiced riding around paper cups. I'm the one with the baby seat on the back in the first picture. You can see Uncle Torish in the second picture, along with Kimball and Mckay.

And lastly, wanted to give you an idea of the pages we've been doing on Sunday:

I tried getting them in order....but they ended up out of order. What stories are they? I'll tell you tomorrow....

And I have a fun day ahead. Hope yours is great!

1 May 2008

Happy May-Day! Today should be a bit calmer. I am not leaving the house - and the little girls just have one friend coming over. Hopefully I can make some progress on some projects. I did one quick page this morning - hopefully more to come.....wanted to share:

Still many, many pictures to go - but comming along nicely! Still working on additional plans - more information on that next week!

Well, that's about it for today....Doesn't sound like much but I don't know where to start! Kind of like setting up a tent in a windstorm. You get one corner staked down and another flies loose, it's a neverending process!

Have a beautiful day!