Altogether Too Happy

cute.

new cute shelf in my studio.
love the new swag inspiration boards by Strano. They also have ribbon magnets.

also love my new cute alarm clock ...

I'm going to take my sick-day nap now and it will be waking me up!

it's Friday already?

Seriously?

I am packing up 3 boxes of Core'dinations cardstock to send to the following girls. Please email me and put CARDSTOCK WINNER in the subject line -- and Thank YOU for ALL your sweet comments and birthday wishes for miss Kayce!

Beauty & BRAINS....Happy Birthday!!
;) Mart
Posted by: Mart | 17 October 2008 at 11:51 AM

Happy Birthday Kayce! I am taking my first BPS class and it's so easy to navigate around the site. And downloading the PDF files is a snap! Thanks for all your hard work to make our lives so colorful and fun :)
Posted by: Elizabeth | 17 October 2008 at 05:25 AM

Happy Birthday Kayce! Thanks for everything that you do for BPS. I love the classes and one of the biggest reasons is how user friendly everything is. Great job!
Hope your day is everything that you want it to be!
Alicia in Salem
Posted by: AliciaH in Salem | 16 October 2008 at 06:28 AM

I hosted a Lunch Bunch at my house. Lunch Bunch is where women from church come over and eat and talk. It was delightful. I got to dust. I really only dust when people come over. There is something very satisfying about dusting -- everything looks so good after you dust. Hmmm. I also got to *almost* finish decorating for Halloween (I'm dragging it out this year for some reason) and mostly I got to meet some new friends and eat good food. My neighbor Debra (a chef in her former life) brought a big crockpot full of a chicken, lime, coconut soup (Thai recipe) and I opened a big bag of frozen Italian Wedding soup (Ok, Kimberlee helped) and made a pot of Minestrone. We had rolls from Costco and homemade bran muffins that I haven't made in years (but so yummy!) I also found adorable mini candy-apples in Family Fun magazine, while waiting at the Orthodontist ...

We just set them up, so everyone could make one if they wanted to. You know how you always see cute ideas like this and say "I should do that." but you often don't ... because you have to buy special stuff and they may not turn out to be as cute or easy as the picture? Well, we were the test kitchen today and they are definitely worth a trip to Michaels (for the lollipop sticks and small candy liners)

Didn't take a single photo. Oh well.

I did however get this photo from Diane. Diane came all the way from the San Francisco area to Apropos last Saturday (along with several other fun girls)  -- what a treat to teach close to home!

Because it was close I thought I could get away with being casual and then when I was calling the roster the night before I learned Diane had flown up to meet me and I got pretty nervous. It was all good. I was able to bring bits and pieces of my "system" and that was fun. I just talked through stuff and answered questions. I really enjoyed the intimacy of a small group -- I hope it was beneficial to everyone else too!

look at cutie Addie Maddie Moo (nickname seems to be sticking) on the bed this morning. I bought her a couple of really cute outfits in Cape Town and she was jumping around being silly.

I got my Simple Scrapbooks "simple scrapbook" back from Utah not long ago, so I sat and thumbed through it and relived all the emotion one more time ...

I finished by adhering my final ed note to the inside back cover and the Sept/Oct cover to the back ...

What an adventure life is. I had no idea that my official role at Simple would come to an end this year and yet my word for the year is renaissance and my focus has been on the constancy of change. Crazy isn't it! Here I sit mid October looking back and an entire chapter of my life has come and gone -- and it was such a good, good chapter -- It was just really weird to get the Nov/Dec issue and have it be a total surprise. It was actually really fun to just plop down and thumb through it page by page -- the people and the message were very familiar and yet the actual layouts and articles and images and ... brand new! Jennafer and Angie and Cathy and Wendy and the whole team are still rockin it!!!

I'm updating the 8x8 page frames on my kids' bedroom doors

warming up with some product from my Cocoa Daisy kit (now posted on their blog) and enjoying just making stuff for me.

WEEKEND Challenge:

We took the Webelos scouts out for 30 minutes on Wednesday afternoon and picked up 3 bags of garbage along the side of the road. Three bags! Yikes. The boys actually loved it and I am still floored to think that we could pick up that much that quickly. Yesterday as I was jogging I just kept seeing trash -- and really, we live in a pretty clean community ...

So, here's the challenge. Get out there this weekend. Go by yourself, with family members or a friend -- whatever. Take an empty garbage bag and walk for just 15 to 30 minutes and clean up a street somewhere.

You'll be so glad you did!

Happy Birthday Kayce! (and a Contest)

how adorable is she?

Just about three years ago. I walked into one of my local scrapbook stores and just happened to notice a super-cute website on the behind-the-counter computer screen. On a whim I asked what the site was and who designed it -- I walked out with a business card and number to call.

You see, I had this idea of creating a website that would support my soon-to-be-published book, The Big Picture but I also had no idea of how to make it happen. The very first time I met Kayce I was impressed with her ability to listen, reflect, understand and then verbalize exactly what I wanted. Looking back now, I believe there was divine intervention in the way our little BPS team came together -- it was all very much a part of "the plan" and this girl, born on October 15th has played a central role in taking my vision and bringing it to full-blown, colorful life.

If you love BPS, then you love Kayce. Kayce is the look and feel and functionality of your classrooms.

Here is where she sits for hours upon hours making our teachers' ideas and instructions beautiful and accessible.

And ... here she is with one of her kitties. Hopefully she is taking today off (as instructed) and hopefully she'll not see this post until tomorrow, when she opens her inbox to find LOTS of email from ALL of you.
If you can ... take a minute to drop Kayce a note and tell her one thing you love about the work she does.

It's definitely a work of heart.
love you K!

in fact ... I just had a brilliant idea. Why don't I (in honor of Kayce's special day) do a little give-a-way!

Love this city, love this show ...

Great NEWS! I Just found out they have opened more spots in my classes at the Seattle CKC (Creating Keepsakes Convention) Click here to find out more and register for mine and other classes. Wendy Smedley will be teaching for Simple Scrapbooks and I will be giving her my "Seattle Celebration" tour as we spend a day seeking inspiration. I can't wait.

p.s. I'm teaching Finish Line Scrapbooking and Photo Freedom

more later (maybe even tonight!)
in the meantime, please check out the new Simple Blog, hosted by Angie Lucas. It's on Typepad now and it ROCKS!!

friday fare

Just a few totally random things that I've been wanting to share.

In the category of FOOD ...

ready-to-serve brown Minute Rice.
oh my yum. one minute in the microwave and you've got hot, nutty (nutritious) no-butter/salt-needed lunch at your desk ...

as the weather cools,  this is my new FAV food and the fact that I'm well stocked makes me incredibly happy.

I'm just loving how every year there is more and more PINK. Good causes take time to grow and it's just exciting to see the awareness and action growing around this amazingly good cause. click on the word "pink" to discover The Breast Cancer Store (rather cool)

And, finally. if you aren't getting this ...

go here to get it for FREE. It's awesome -- magically appears in  your mailbox with yummy seasonal recipes -- the easy kind that your kids will actually eat (no offense Real Simple)

In the category of HOME ...

In order to help Kimberlee master the flow of our crazy home, I've been compiling "Nanny Notes" and have had to stare my OCD tendancies right in the face. When my brother visited this summer, he informed me that I am CRAZY (that normal people do NOT label their fridge) and since then I have been more aware of my idiosyncracies -- but, I'll tell ya, when you have to teach someone else to do things just the way you want them done, it is an illuminating and somewhat frightful experience!

So ... in an effort to poke a little fun at myself, I thought I'd share some of the goofy things I do to keep order in the house. Take what you want and by all means, share what you do ...

Meet the "out-the-door" drawer (and yes, that is actually what I call it)
this is a drawer in my kitchen island (nearest the back door, where you can find anything you might need, as you head out the door.)There is a large array of personal toiletries such as chapstick, lotion, germ-killer, eye drops, etc. There is a small bin for "tools" like finger-nail clippers, small scissors, sewing kits, dental floss, a lighter,  pocket knife, etc .. and there are two additional bins for cough/throat drops and gum. In the back -- Kleenex purse packs. My iphone covers, and two brushes go here too.

This little area is at the top of my stairs and sits opposite the phone nook (which I will reveal later.) Each person has a drawer, where you can put small items that you find lying around that would otherwise create clutter. The trick of course is to make sure these drawers get purged quite often -- and they do. In the cupboards below you'll find school supplies ready to re-stock the homework table (also coming soon) and phone books etc... The basket sitting at the side, is where you drop things that need to be taken downstairs to my office. When, for example I have something I want to save in my School of Life file box (LOM term) I drop it here, so that I can grab the basket when I'm headed down. Please note that this basket is often very FULL before I empty it, but it is still a great clutter-buster. And finally ...

my super-cool charging station from Pottery Barn.  I LOVE this thing.  Gone is the nasty, twisted and mixed up pile of cords and earphones (earphones go in the drawer) and everyone has a place to store/charge their phone/ipod. NOTE: this is how wierd I am. Only pens go in the little cup here. Pencils have to go on the homework table and trust me, I'm bugged when pencils get mixed in (see? how would you like to have to work for me? Oh well.)

In the category of STUFF  ...

How CUTE are these little baby items at the dollar-section of Target?
I couldn't resist. Sent them to two new babies I know.

Also at Target, relatively new compact, afordable planners by Franklin Covey ...

here's mine, next to my adorable wallet (that Suzanne in Calgary gave me.) I LOVE it. I'm a huge planner fan. Loved the Memory Dock planner, which is sadly not continuing and since I've begun using an iphone, I've found I don't need a big, hefty planner anymore. I just need a page a day to jot down my family to-do list and a place to keep frequent shopper cards and coupons.

and speaking of STUFF. Stay-tuned for some absolutely essential and potentially FREE stuff coming your way very soon.

Happy Friday. Dad and two boys are headed out this afternoon on a scout camp out, so it will be quiet and hopefully productive evening for me!

pretty, pretty Jenna and the flower girl

I'm long overdue on the "i do" report. Jenna and Deric were married on Friday, September 26th in the Spokane, Washington Temple and as far as I could tell, the day came off without a hitch. Jenna was nothing short of gorgeous and Deric is very easy on the eyes, so they made a lovely couple. The cool thing is of course the fact that they have a love built on friendship that has developed over years (first kiss was shared on the Jr. High bus) and that they were married in the temple with an eternal covenant that includes God as a partner and protector. They can look forward to a lifetime and beyond receiving promised blessings as they build an eternal family. Marriage is generally not celebrated much in our culture these days (at least not beyond the initial fanfare and expense) and I'm just really happy (and proud) of Jenna, for approaching this day with the respect it deserves.

I'll start with my MOST favorite ..

How special is this? This is one of my 'present' pictures and it reminds me of this wonderful girl, the time she spent with my family and the way she loved my daughter. We were so blessed to have her in our home.

This one for some reason is my favorite photo of Jenna and Deric together. I was of course on Addie duty and was not able to take very many photos, but I like the sense of them at the center of the wedding party, looking off -- plus, hello ... Jenna has a movie star profile!

Here comes the bride (and groom) -- shutters were flying as Jenna and Deric stepped outside the temple. I had the opportunity of helping dress the bride (with her mother and two sisters in law) and it was such a special experience -- especially for a mother of boys. I won't get to do this again for a long time, so I savored it!! 

Addie was adorable, from tip to toes (new shoes purchased that morning at Target!) As long as she
was able to roam and explore she was perfectly happy ...

as a flower girl however, she was at best reluctant. I attempted many times to give her
the fresh flower pomander and coax her to carry it, but she was simply NOT interested.

Maybe she just wanted to carry this bouquet?

Not yet princess.

Congratulations Jenna (and Deric) ... leave us a comment with an update, so we know you're safe and settled!

edited in response to a question/comment: information about the purpose of temples can be found here. for more specific questions and answers you can go here to chat with missionaries live.

Looking forward to ...

What, two posts in one day?
Yep.

I have some upcoming things I'm looking forward to and want to let you know.

Saturday (as in two days) I'm teaching two classes here in Spokane at Apropos and if you are close, I'd LOVE to have you join in. There is still room in both classes. The first is called Happily Ever After (the hands on class I taught in South Africa) and it's a really FUN class. I'm also doing an intimate version of my Photo Freedom lecture, where I will show bits and pieces of my system and answer questions about the details. Apropos is a great little store -- if you can swing it, give Kathy a call at (509) 624-1754.

October 24th and 25th I'll be joining forces with Lisa Bearnson (yes, the Lisa Bearnson) at The Scrapbook Hideaway in Missoula Montana. We are getting together in behalf of dear friend and Scrapbook Hideaway owner, Tracy Corneil. Tracy passed away very suddenly last spring, leaving a wonderful husband and two beautiful sons bewildered and bereiving. Tracy's partner, Gina and Lisa and I came up with the idea of a weekend event, where ALL of the proceeds would benefit Tracy's family and be added to a fund for her boys. The cost for the two day event is $129 and includes two hands on project classes with supplies, make and takes and two lecture classes. Seriously, if you are close and can work this into your fall schedule, I'd so love you to be there. You can either call (406) 543-6222 or email the store at info@thescrapbookhideaway.com

Cocoa Daisy's November Kit is ME! Not sure you understand the import of this. I am NOT a product designer. I generally am NOT asked what colors I would use or what patterns make me happy. I don't get to select papers and elements that I believe work well together. I have always had to exercise a measure of editorial neutrality ... BUT, this is all about to change. When Tricia at Cocoa Daisy asked me if I would be willing ... I started jumping up and down and spinning around and well, I'm sure you can imagine what happened next ...

YES.

and so, like kid in a candy store ... I flitted around summer CHA saying "this please" and "that one too" and "Oh,yes .. a sheet of that would be good" and "by all means, a little of that" and ... in a matter of two days, I had put together the first ever STACY kit. Pictured here, a small sampling of a few of the "add on" elements. You'll have to wait a bit to see the whole kit, but .... to be sure, it will amaze and delight. I have begun scrapbooking with my handpicked selection and can only say I'm having the time of my life.

so, sign up at Cocoa Daisy (if you're not already) and start counting the days.

So many good things ahead ...

more "presents" for you!

Returned from a fantastic weekend to Big Sur (Monterey, Carmel) California on Sunday morning and spent Monday, just me and Addie and my house. Did not even step foot in my office. Instead, cleaned and organized and reconnected to my domesticity. love that. love Mondays for that.

Had a full day of meetings yesterday and now today is going to be catch up day (hopefully) I apologize for making it so hard to discover if you were a winner in my little Bazill Mono-Mini giveaway. I got up early last Thursday, before leaving and posted the winners. I then took off without even checking back (oops.) Thanks for your patience. I think I've heard from most of you and I sent out lots of prizes yesterday and will finish up today, so if you are a winner, watch your mailbox!

In the meantime, you simply must take a peek at these additional "presents" that were shared on blogs last week ...

Cheryl Overton

Candace Palmer

Is there anything more miraculous than a new baby? When I saw this photo, it hit me like a ton of bricks, that this will never be my present again. I'm pretty sure I'm OK with this idea, but at the same time ... anyway, I'm overjoyed for Becky, and her family and this new darling baby boy, Crew. Cool name don't ya think?

Lisa Damrosch  (how cute is a tag book?)

Susan Keuter

Tena Sprenger

Lain Ehmann

Margie Romney-Aslett

Now ... If you haven't accepted this little challenge, it is NOT to late! Start by simply taking 10 photos (or gather 10 recent photos you've already taken. Look at them all together and I promise you'll get a little chill.

This is your life NOW.

Check out the magical photos that Lisa Day took  ...

I LOVE them. They are so everyday and yet they are so telling, so perfect. Many of you have asked, where can I get the little Bazzill album? To be honest, they're a little tricky to find these days. You may get lucky and find one at your LSS, or you can make your own or use ANY MINI ALBUM that will tuck easily in your purse.

Lisa used an adorable album from Close To My Heart ...

It's 3"x3" and comes with page protectors!  We R Memory Keepers also makes a perfect little album, available at Scrapbook.com ...

The important thing is to do this. I love what Susan said on her blog ...

I didn't dig.  I didn't search.  I didn't sketch.  I didn't plan period.  I just printed pictures and did it.  Does that make sense...scrapbook the PRESENT.  Right now.  In front of you.  Not a big deal. Get it done.

that you may, is my wish for today!! When you do, send me a photo or the link to your blog and I'll add it to my collection at left.

WOW! + winners

I got up an extra hour early so I could sit here uninterrupted and savor the amazing response to my little challenge. Can you imagine if every woman in the world had a little "present" in her purse, a little something to pull out and look at on the bus, in the school parking lot, in line at the grocery store ... I think there would be a greater degree of gratitude, of patience, of satisfaction and of happiness.

Thank YOU. thank you to all of my blogging friends and to YOU and to everyone who is taking this challenge to heart.

So, here's what I want to do (as of this morning, because I'm so blown away.) When YOU complete your present mini album, email me a link to your blog or a photo of you holding it. I am going to set up an additional photo album and page of links on the left of my blog (under MY PRESENT) to collect the responses. I want it to just live here, until next year ... as a reminder of what we are committing ourselves to. Please put "present book" in the subject line of your email and include your first name and city, state and country.

Now, for my give away. I have gone back and marked the first fifty comments with a "WINNER" Please check your comment and email me "present winner" and I'll get your mini-album in the mail to you. As a matter of reference, anyone posting before Laurie (at 4:25 a.m. PST) is a winner. I realize that  the vast majority of people west of the Mississippi were not really eligible, so I've drawn an additional 10 comments. Click below to see if your name/post is listed and then email me your addy too!

btw. I'm so excited for this. Starts today!!

OK. I'm off on a quick trip with my hubby to run my half marathon (in Big Sur, CA) and yes, I will post pictures of Jenna's wedding and little Addie flower girl (very soon)

Challenge: Give Yourself a Present!

So, it's October 1st. I think if I had to pin myself down, October is my favorite. Summer, with all of its fun is behind us and the craziness of the holidays is still just out of reach. The weather is generally good and the leaves are turning brilliant colors. What's not to love? In honor of October and the inevitable flow and change that is life, I'm issuing a challenge today (with the help of LOTS of blogging friends) to as many people as possible, and here it is:

I want you to give yourself a PRESENT. Look first and then I'll explain ...

For a description of these photos, see the My Present photo album on the right.

You have everything you need right now to be vibrant, happy and fully engaged in the creative process of life. Sometimes you just have to slow down, look around and realize it!

Here’s what I want you to do …

• Snap ten or twelve photos of your life right now. Or find recent photos that you've already taken.
• Compile these photos in one of these super-cute Bazzill Mono-Mini albums (keep reading)
• Keep or carry this album with you, tucked in your purse or desk drawer for one full year.
• Promise to glance through the album every time you stumble upon it or pull it out.
• On October 1st, 2009, create a scrapbook page about your experience.

Don’t worry – I’ll remind you. Just keep reading my blog!

I think you'll find that regardless of what you choose to photograph, be it nature, your children, your pets, your home, your current projects --- anything and everything, that life is in flux. We and our surroundings are constantly changing (even when you don't see it or believe it) and this little challenge/project is designed to STOP you, in the throws of your busyness and show you in an instant ALL that have and can choose to be grateful for -- ALL that is here NOW and very likely fleeting ...