TERESA COLLINS

DEEP cleaning....

I am missing my son ZACH so much. As you know they are playing in Cooperstown. They are done with their six seeding games. They won FIVE out of the SIX. They lost the one game yesterday by one run. So they are going into the tournament today as seeding #17 out of 104 teams. I so wish I could be there. It's hard because they only get to go as 12 year old boys.

Today they will start the tournament and it is single elimination. They will play later today and I will be here in UTAH cheering the team on. This week is  drill camp for the MHS Spartonians. Since I am a Captains mom, I am in charge of helping this week. I am doing the lunch today and McKay is doing her motivational today and gift. I LOVE so much to be apart of each of my kid's life. This Saturday they will be in the city parade. So as much as I would LOVE to jump on the airplane and head to Cooperstown... I knew my week was busy here with the other kids. I am taking the kids to the STADIUM OF FIRE on Saturday. I can't wait... Carrie Underwood will be performing.

It was so cute...yesterday we were waiting to hear results of the games and two of my kids came into the room at separate times. They wanted to know if I had heard updates. I told them that we were waiting and each said...they were praying that Zachie "Zach's nickname by his family" would do well. It touched me. I know that our family REALLY tries to support each other. More than anything the kids are having the TIME of their life's. Zach is so busy having fun he is not wanting to call me. ha!

I will be chatting with members of Club Royalty on August 8th at 6pm PST!

Club Royalty supports Scrapbook Royalty (www.scrapbookroyalty.org) is  a non-profit organization that helps creative minds that want to give.

Its just a $20 donation for 3 months to become a member and they are taking sign ups for cycle 2 now if you are interested! :https://www.scrapbookroyalty.org/cms/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=7&category_id=3&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=100013)

I have been cleaning and purging like crazy. I have been avoiding my unloved storage room for so long. I figure if I never use that I am saving in the last year than it is time to donate the items. I am trying to keep myself busy while the boys are away. Spencer and Taylor's home flooded and so that means they are with us this week too...so we are enjoying having them around.

*Weigh in went well. WOO HOO... no weight gain on vacation. It pays to plan ahead. The first stop was to the grocery store to buy healthy food. I guess for me it's true... if I don't plan than i plan to fail. I had fruit and veggies always available. WEIGHT WATCHERS rocks... I love my weekly meetings.

Have a GREAT WEDNESDAY!!!!!

BABY Girl Card

Today is going to be a super crazy busy day and I hope I can get all the things I need to get done. I can hardly believe it is almost JULY.  Is it just me or did June just seem to fly by? I have my weight watchers meeting, a much needed hair appointment, a visit to my office and a baseball game for Ty on my PRIORITY list. Yes, and then there is the NEED to do LIST that is way to long at this time. I am going to FOCUS on the things I can get done or I will simply feel too overwhelmed.

I did get unpacked from our trip and ALL the laundry is done and put away. This is always an accomplishment for me!!! I dread the trip AFTERMATH...

Zach's baseball team will play two more games today. I hear that the first game today is going to be a TOUGH one. Both of the teams are 4-0 and the other team has given up less runs. I guess it's a good thing I will be so busy today and hopefully they will do well. I spent last night watching the games that was online. It's nice that Zach was pitching or catcher so I could see him quite well on the video.  Thankful for FACEBOOK and texting so our family can keep updated with the latest on everything.

I thought I would share a cute card made by design team member Jamie Harder using the Chic Bebe Girl Collection.The white flower is the transparency sheet with black cardstock as the background.

I fell in LOVE with Jamie's work and knew she was the perfect fit for my design team. Yes, it is crazy to have two JAMIE'S and such close names. Truly I am thankful for BOTH of them and their work. 

I am not expecting the greatest results at today's weigh in. I was enjoying the TRIP and treating myself to Qdobas Mexican GRILL twice this past weekend. Our entire baseball team went together and I wish we had the restaurant in Utah. (love their grilled chicken burrito)

Have a GREAT Tuesday!!!!

WHERE HAVE I BEEN????

On Thursday morning, I loaded up the car and Gentry, Ty, Ashley (Gent's friend) and I headed to Steamboat Springs, CO. Ty's baseball team was competing in a 11u baseball tournament. It was about a SIX hour road trip that I LOVED. I love to talk to my kids, listen to music and enjoy the beautiful country. We traveled in a big group with the other parents. I was the LAST one in...because I drive slower. I get nervous when I drive too fast and the roads were curvy at times.

We arrived and had THREE amazing days of fun, dinner's and total baseball excitement.

I was so thankful that Gentry was able to go with us. (McKay has drill camp this week and could not miss it!~SAD...) She brought her wonderful friend Ashley. These two cracked me up so many times. I literally was CRYING from laughing so hard. I am thankful for this TIME!

Steamboat Springs, CO is amazingly green and beautiful. The lifestyle is so laid back. I NEEDED this. I got to the condo that we shared with the Vance family. We soon learned that the internet service was not available. I panicked. My phone is broken and so I could get emails but NOT respond. I decided to do something crazy... I decided to be IN THE MOMENT. I knew that urgent matters could be dealt with a phone call and well... I was going to UNPLUG for the four plus days. I cannot tell you how much my family needed me 100% there. It was a huge blessing!!!

I completely focused on HIM... I love this little boy so much. He played his little heart out. The entire team did. It was VERY hot and we played two games a day to qualify for the championship games.

Yikes... it was a great tournament... (have to change the spelling!) and as you can see the boys got a little dirty. The made it to the semi-finals. It was a battle to the end for the two top teams. The won by two runs and played in the championship game.

They are a first year team and they lost in the Championship game, but it was such a BIG thing to the boys to do this well. They cheered and were so happy.

I have to mention that the team we lost to was the BEST team EVER! They had the best sportsmanship and truly made the tournament so positive. Our boys celebrated by going as a team to swim and enjoy being friends. Our coaches are so SUPPORTIVE of the boys. Our head coach was so touched at the boys and their drive to do their best that he cried as he talked to them after the loss. He made each of them feel like WINNERS and I teared up myself. He is personally taking the entire team to Lagoon to celebrate their hard efforts for the season.

Look at our bat boy. He is full of TEAM spirit... I could not be happier to be part of something so magical.

Our drive home today was LONG. I knew Zach was in the middle of his 4th game in Cooperstown. Ty and Zach left on Thursday for 11 LONG LONG...yes, LONG days. My heart is there. I know they are having the best time. I am getting constant TEXTS of updates. I want to be there...but I have to take care of the other kids at home. I get so nervous knowing they are playing. I just want them to do their best. They are playing game FOUR as I type. They have won all three games so far and I can watch their first 3 games online tonight.

Zach has been hitting well and now is getting walked a lot. I am just happy to know that HE is having the BEST time ever. I love that Ty is his coach and is there too. The tournament is a guaranteed SEVEN games. They play SIX for seeding. You want to win and allow less runs so that when the tournament begins you play LESS the higher your seeding. There is over 100 plus teams there this week. After they play the SIX games. They play game SEVEN and it is all single elimination. I will be home wishing I could be there...ha! Go Utah STORM... I know you can do it!!!!

"Lovely" Altered Dress Form

Tracy Pounds created this dress for the Wedding Affaire event that I am a sponsor for this week at the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog. It is featuring the Mr. & Mrs. paper collection. There are several projects that She has made featuring my products.

 

 

Okay, you know me... I LOVE this. It makes me want to start doing some fashion design. I love the creativity and what Tracy did with my products. 

Yikes...weigh in yesterday did not go well. I had gained weight this week. Well, it was attributed to me eating out WAY to much last week and not tracking on paper. (Writing it down!!!!) I kept it in my head and well... it then was easy to justify the EXTRA food. Again, I about cried in my Weight Watchers meeting. At the end of each meeting, they award those who have lost certain amounts of weight. One woman got another 5 lb award. The leader asked her her total weight to date. She was at 56.5 lbs lost. I looked at her, and thought how thin she looked compared to when I saw her 3 months ago. I was impressed and she was SHINING with happiness. Gina, our leader asked her HOW she was doing it. She said something that brought me to tears... "I simply WANT it, it means MORE to me than ANYTHING else. I look at the food and THINK what do I want MORE." Wow... that is why I go to my weekly meetings. I have not missed one week- I have decided to OWN the good and the bad. It's a journey that I will always be on. If you have ever struggled with weight issues YOU will understand. Guess what? I will TRACK this week and get real with myself.

We are SUPER excited around our house....COOPERSTOWN baseball for Zach- I will miss my boys. I will watch the games on the computer. I will be with my other son, Ty in Steamboat Springs, CO. This is one of the those times that I am having a hard time not being with both my sons. Today...FIRST day out boating this SUMMER. We love boating and all the kids ski or wakeboard.

Loving the warm sunny weather!!!!!!

   

ARE you READY??? Sneak Peek Alert....

It's almost ONE month before CHA Summer. I have to contain myself with the goodness and excitement that I have. It's going to be BIG BIG BIG. I held back products at my Winter release to debut NOW. I just felt it was the right thing. Soon you will see what I have been up too-

I decided to share a visual (a sneak) of my WORKSHOP that I will be teaching the night prior to CHA and in Seattle at the Ben Franklin store. So you have two chances to take this workshop- the class is called CELEBRATE...

That is all I am going to say for now... but it's full of COLOR, FUN and you know me...meaning.

An inside view of the CELEBRATE class...

I couldn't wait...to share....

Soon I will be able to show the entire collection... this line makes me HAPPY, makes me SMILE...and well, life is to be CELEBRATED-

Hope you like the peek-

Happy TUESDAY!!!!!

Father's Day....

I have been so focused on so many things and I am feeling a mixture of emotions. Father's Day was special- we went to church together and then had a wonderful family day together. Ty is always so hard to get a gift for. He has everything and would much prefer that we don't even give him anything.

Gentry made the HAPPY FATHER'S DAY banner and I loved that she did this on her own. The funny part is that Zach decided to ALTER the banner. After church, he came home and put up white 8.5x11 pieces of paper to cover up some of the letters. The banner now read... HAPPY FAT DAY!!!! Well, at least the entire family laughed all day about it. Taylor & Spencer came over later that day and loved the ALTERED banner. Maybe there should be a HAPPY FAT DAY!!!! (thanks Zach!)

A quick photo of Ty with (some) of the kids. Matt, Taylor and Seth were missing- Can I tell you how hard it is to have ALL your kids with us now????

I want Ty to know how much we love and appreciate him. I think the thing that makes him the BEST Father is that he REALLY puts his family first. No matter what- we know that he will always be there 1000% for each of us.

We had a skype call with Matt and the family. THIS was the best!!!! Little Maxson is now SMILING and melting our hearts even more. This was Matt's FIRST Father's DAY... a new daddy. He is overjoyed with love and a good dad. Watching him as a dad is so sweet.... Today I am so THANKFUL for skype and being able to see our family in Washington DC...

For our family, Sunday is a FAMILY DAY. The day where we hang out and spend time together. I love our Sunday's. I love being surrounded by the people that I love most in the entire world. My favorite day of the week is always Sunday....

FABRIC FLOWER TV SEGMENT

I went on TV yesterday morning and showed a variety of versions of the fabric flowers that I make...now granted- I kind of just do my own thing and have learned that many people do their's different. Here is one way to do them:

I also sometimes use FOAM so that it has a more firm shape. Cut your circle to the size that you want your flower to become-

I love to make my OWN fabric with stamps...images, etc.

I will post more photos of other things too-

It got crazy busy after the show. Daureen (she was the model wearing the fabric flower necklace) and I with the girls had lunch and then GLITTER TOES (just in time for sandals!!!!). Then we watched the movie " When in Rome" - in the middle of the afternoon. I have been a little crazy busy and I knew that sometimes it's important to STOP more and be IN THE MOMENT. I love having Gentry home and we both love the chick flicks.

McKay went on her first DATE last night. It was so cute. He came to the door and I could tell he was nervous. Ty answered the door and was joking around with him. He asked him if he had brought any Girl Scout cookies...and then WHAT time did he plan to have his daughter home? The poor guy (he is recently 16 too!) was great and said, "whatever time you would like her home." Later, on the date (the went on a group date to Cafe Rio for dinner and then went and played games at an amusement center) he told McKay he thought her dad really did want the Girl Scout cookies. McKay told him that he was only kidding. I think Ty loves to make these poor guys nervous... She did have a really nice time and he was a gentlemen. It was weird watching her get dressed to go on a date. In our family, the kids are not allowed to date until they are 16 years old.  I wish I had taken a photo but I knew McKay would have been OVER THE TOP embarrassed- but next time...ha!

PHOTOGRAPHY with Jamie

I have to say that I am OVER the top excited to share something with my Utah friends- my dear friend Jamie Harper is coming to Utah. Many of you may know that she has worked with me for several years now...and I adore her.

Jamie is amazingly talented and is going to be in Utah doing a few (yes, space is VERY limited!!!)

photo sessions.

She is truly so fun and she does AMAZING work. I love that she offers quality work at a price that is not over the top expensive. If you are local and are interested please contact JAMIE right away...

I would go check out her JAMIE HARPER BLOG and see her style and love of COLOR, and style...

I signed up for our family and can hardly wait. I have had SEVERAL sessions with Jamie and the one thing that I LOVE about her is her desire to capture the PERSONALITY in her photos. You can do any type of photos- family, individual, kid, sports, Senior Session, etc.

Okay...I forgot to talk about Weight Watchers. I am LOVING it!!! I am still doing the program and I lost 2.4 lbs this week at weigh in. I am determined to be healthier. The problem is this... I am addicted to diet soda. It is my vice... I don't drink or smoke, but wow...I drink WAY TOO MUCH soda. I crave it and drink it non-stop all day. I went over a year and stopped drinking it. NOW...well, I am disappointed in myself. PLEASE anyone... how do you kick this habit???? I know that it's not helping me. Plus, it does not help that I am the only one in my family who drink's it. Everyone else like to remind me DAILY how bad it is for me. I know...I know...

PS... I love SUMMER...so LOVE...I got some GREAT news today too!!!!

OUR MAXSON

When Maxson was 10 days old- he had his very first photo shoot. I wanted to give Matt and Kayla something that I felt would have meaning. I arranged for Joanna Taylor to go to their house and take photo's of their son.

I got the CD of photos in the mail yesterday and as I type this I am crying... (remember, I am a big emotional girl) NOW these are HAPPY TEARS...oh, TEARS of love.  You know I believe HAPPY tears really do make you even happier. I love this baby...

They are now in Washington DC for the Summer. EVERY day I go to Kayla's facebook to look for updates on Maxson and the family (I miss all of them!) too. I see him grow and get bigger. I think to myself HOW beautiful LIFE  is... how LIFE is precious and a gift. I love him unconditionally. I think that is how Heavenly Father loves us... he DOES...each of us...

Now when I look at this photo (yes, more tears!!!!), I see a MOTHER'S LOVE.

How thankful I am to see Kayla- she LOVES her son...it is simply beautiful!!!!

We miss you three...with all our heart...

Guess who is getting photos printed today?????

PODCAST and some HINTS....

*** as posted by AMY

*photo source internet

 Unkit's Sudie Podnapped The Paperlife on Teresa Collins and AMY COON

and she is good, man is she good!!

Sudie gets Teresa and I give you in depth details on our upcoming event:

www.tcpaperlifecelebration.blogspot.com

**IF YOU CAN AT ALL GET TO IT BELIEVE ME YOU WANT TOO!!!**

Hurry tickets are getting slim and we are cutting off registration in a week or so.

But, you will be baffled when you hear what HUGE hint Sudie got Teresa to reveal about her upcoming CHA releases!  (hee hee)

It is literally Paperlife changing!

 

So what are you waiting for?  Hit the play button already and listen to the Paperlife get turned Upside down!

                                              

Can you stand it??? You have to be at this event, in case you aren't convinced yet, basically you are going to be the first to see everything TC has coming out at CHA, party with us, make a beautiful new book and a little something else, out of one of her lines, shop all the new product not releasing till the next day, giveaways, and the best part, get the first look at what Teresa has coming out at the show that will change your Paperlife!!

Thanks Sudie for nailing us down and getting the information out on this event, and for your rad reporting skills!!  Sudie lives her Paperlife at www.unkit.com, be sure to go visit her.

And Miss Teresa Collins, you know you rock my paperlife!!  We are going to show 'em how its done in Chi-town this fall!!

Teresa lives her paperlife at www.teresacollinsdesigns.com.

Again, call and get your ticket, this is going to be big, BIG I say but, time and tickets are running out!!

all the info is here:

TC PAPERLIFE CELEBRATION

Oooh and Teresa promises some sneaks of the project we will be doing real soon!  It has had to be kept under wraps given it will have all new product!!

So excited to spend time with all of you there!

Hugs, Amy

so real quick its Monday night July 26th starting at 6:30, located at the Marriott down the street from CHA Chicago.

WOOHOO!!  Can you tell I am EXCITED!!!

***thanks AMY and Sudie for getting me to REVEAL way too much. I had a blast doing the podcast together...

and to CELEBRATE...

THANK YOU EVERYONE for your comments and emails yesterday. I was not sure if I was going to do the procedure and I found all your information so helpful to make my decision.

I spent the last couple of hours with the boys at the pool. FINALLY, our first day swimming. It is a beautiful SUNNY day- and we applied LOTS of sunscreen... 

MONDAY....

Today I am so happy for the amazing SUNNY weather. It has been wonderful. I had a amazing creative meeting this afternoon. I can't wait to share with you with SOMETHING new that I will be doing HERE on my blog EVERY week starting SOON!!!!

That reminds me...the amazing LINDA CAIN is my special guest artist at TERESA COLLINS COMPANY BLOG this month. I love her mixed media approach. She is fabulously talented and one of the nicest girls you will ever meet. I am LUCKY to have her using my stuff! So check her stuff out-

I am so happy that my boys will have THREE games tonight. Finally, the weather permit it. Sometimes I take for granted the little things. The SUN is shining and I so LOVE this!!!!

I have something to share...that I am very excited about-

I will be going to FL in October to have a Teresa Collins weekend of workshop with the FABULOUS She Scrapbooks-

 She Scrapbooks

1005 Old Mill Run

The Villages, FLorida 32162

352-259-6226

she-scrapbooks.blogspot.com

 

They are located in Central Florida about 1 hour north of Orlando. I am flying and bringing my son Ty with me and we are going to spend a day at Disney World. Anyone want to join us???? I can hardly wait.

I am scheduled to visit She Scrapbooks on October 15th and 16th. I will be teaching THREE workshops and SOON I will announce them and share visuals.

Today I had the dreaded OB-GYN visit for the second time in ONE WEEK. I have a close family history of cervical cancer and I keep a close watch on things. My mother was in her twenty's when she had a complete hysterectomy. Thankfully, they caught it early enough. My aunt died about 5 years ago of the same disease. She died in mere months after they thought they had beaten the cancer. I am the first to admit, I fear the doctor's visits. I dread it all... the exams, the mammograms, etc. but I know that I owe it to my kids to take care of myself. I had three extensive tests done in the last week to make sure all looks okay. THANKFULLY, today the ultrasounds ( I had two types done) looked great. I am going in for a procedure soon (out patient)-endometrial ablation. Yikes... that is a lot of info..but you girls will understand. Anyone have this done and willing to share the results????

TODAY is a great day- Have I mentioned how much I love Monday's????

Donna Downey INSPIRED event

I know that I shared the canvas camera bag creation/donation that I designed

for the Donna Downey's Inspired Artist Workshop.

I got a nice email today from Rebecca. The charity auction was a huge success.

Everyone was so excited to see all of Donna's bags decorated in several artist's unique style. They said it was really fun for them to watch as people tried to choose which box to drop their tickets into.

They were able to raise over $1,800 for the Hope for Haiti charity. Can you see my PINK one on the table?

Hope for Haiti is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on sustainable grassroots projects that provide long-term results to Haiti’s current problems. They work directly with the communities they serve in order to make the communities active and accountable for their progress. 

I so appreciated hearing that it was a success.

I wish I could have been there-

It's FREE-

It's late. Oh wait, it's early really. I am up and can't sleep. My mind is going a thousand CREATIVE directions. This happens when I get my new products in my hands. I forced myself to come to bed and well, I am now blogging. I thought I needed to share something really cool... it's a website that I find REALLY worth you time to visit-

MY GIVE AWAY TODAY

Every day they GIVE AWAY cool things. They also offer GREAT discounts to products, services, etc. I have to admit something... I go to her blog (she is the cutest GIRL ever!) and feel like since I know her, that I shouldn't submit to win the prizes. I know but I am SHARING this great site with you because you COULD win some GREAT stuff. 

We ended up with two baseball games on Saturday. Zach's team won both games are preparing for their upcoming trip to Cooperstown. Ty's games (both of them were canceled) due to the non stop rain here. I am not kidding- it was so cold at Zach's game today that the parent's had blankets to keep warm. Yes, I was cold!!! I am missing Summer...it's been a weird weather season. Ty's team will be playing in Steamboat Springs, CO and I will going to this with him. I love Colorado so it will be a nice drive for us.

Okay...now I am going to TRY really really hard to go to sleep.

FABRIC goodness....

Yesterday, it was NONSTOP on the go action. I wanted to share a little bit of what I will be doing on Channel 4 Good Things Utah this coming Friday-

ASSORTED FABRIC FLOWERS

If you notice, I am all over the place in various styles. I get bored easily so I like to do various styles, various fabrics and they each come out different. However, I will write up the instructions and how to with visuals and post after the TV segment airs on Friday. I made them for the drill team girls and they do make the PERFECT gift.

It is raining like crazy and I will spend the weekend playing with my newest "CHA S" collections. Yes, I am in CRAZY excited mode for the debut of my new collections. So this weekend will be a weekend filled with hopefully lots of creative energy.

Zach's ROOM

I just got home from a wonderful lunch date with my dear friend Kerri Bradford. I love her and her positive vibes on life. We stayed until my kids called to inform me to come home. HA! Anyway, I think she is so talented. 

TONIGHT- I will be doing a podcast...it will air next week- so excited!

Now, I have my photos to share with Zach's room. I still am not near done with his room. 

The problem is the MANY trophy's that I have no idea what to do with. I am not a big fan of clutter... (oh, how the wires bug me...ha!) However, I am still not done with his room so this is just what it looks like right now. 

His wall colors are BLUE (YANKEE) and a DARK GRAY. He loves the colors. 

I love this part of his room. I put on a vinyl decal above his fathead. This was an actual photo of him pitching two years ago in a tournament at Steamboat Springs, CO. As you can see is ROOM is very sports related.    

Happy Thursday!

Ty's ROOM

Today I am sharing photos of little Ty's new room. Okay, about a year ago he moved into McKay's room. The walls were PINK...and I loved them. However, although he never complained I knew it needed to be MORE him. So for the last week, we had painters come in and repaint both the boys room and my laundry room. 

Many of you may not know but my actual background and first love is Interior Design. I strive for creating a home/ a space that is a refuge for the family. I believe our home should be a place that makes us happy. I have felt horrible that it took me over a year to do Ty's room for him.

When I asked my family for input on how to design the room, and paint colors- I was told "Mom, your the designer...why ask us?" So I did just that and went with my natural instinct and gut. 

  I wanted a more teen room, so he could grow into it. He is 11 now and he LOVES playing his guitar, and skateboarding. He loves baseball but he knew Zach was going to do a more sports related room.  

The colors are STEEL (gray looking metal) and a blue that I matched to his favorite Quiksilver shirt. It is a BOLD blue and it stands out! Ty and I put the bed together last night and I decorated the room while he was at a friend's for a sleepover. (The bed is a trundle bed- so really it is TWO twin beds).

I got the bedding on sale on EBAY because it was LAST season's collection. BONUS!!!!

 I applied vinyl skateboards to the wall and they come off easily if I choose to take them off.

Ty informed me that this is his FAVORITE thing in the room. It is a vinyl application too. I scored because I bought all the vinyl's at 50% off at SHOPKO. For under $25.00 I got all the ones for his room. This blue on his wall is just personally my favorite-

I am still working on his room, because I want to put a PICTURE of some sort over his bed. The best part was this morning when Ty got home. I walked him to his room and covered his eyes. 

I can tell you, he was HAPPY and SMILING when he jumped on his bed. Of course, I took a photo-    

CHALLENGE yourself...

Summer is here... and I love having my kids HOME.

I like to take photos DAILY. Today I wanted to challenge you to do the same. JUST one photo that will bring memories back to you. I will post many of mine... and share.

TODAY, I will share Gentry's shirt that she made.

She loves to make her own clothes. She took a WHITE shirt (plain) last week and sewed on it. She got the idea to do this from a guy friend of her's Dillon Barker. She loved how he had stitched on a shirt and so she asked him if he minded if she copied his design. 

Good thing that I used to cross stitch... she sewed the lines and asked to raid my big jar of assorted buttons. She made it and wore it to school last week. I love that she likes to be unique and just do her own thing. 

Anyway, I thought it would be something you might want to do too. I take no credit for this...

Today I am filming some segments for a HUGE new project/product that I will be debuting next month. It's going to be amazing....amazing... and I'm so honored to have been asked to put my name on this amazing product. So SOON... I can't wait to share. 

Also, I have been waiting to announce it but this Summer- August 3rd, I will be going over to London to be on QVC UK. I am excited to do a TC segment and just feel THANKFUL for the opportunities that truly bless my life.  

Have a great day...and remember to get your camera out and take photos-  

WHY???

Today I was STUCK on a thought. It was in my mind like a movie playing the say words over and over. WHY do you scrapbook???? WHY do you feel so overwhelmed at times and yet you feel compelled at time to keep scrapbooking? 

I know many may think it is because I have my own company and that is WHY... well, after thinking A LOT today... I felt I needed to share a bit MORE of WHY I do. Oh, and it is my hope that if you don't scrapbook that it will help INSPIRE in some way to start.

This is our sweet MAXSON on the day he was born. He is less than two hours old here. He will never remember this moment and many more of this childhood. He will say a thousand silly things and hopefully he will have glimpse of these things in photos, journaling, scrapbooks,etc.

This is my son Ty. He was going into 2nd GRADE. It was his favorite color- PINK and he wore it all the time. He wore it on the 1st day of school. He reluctantly let me take this photo and I scrapbooked it. This is WHY I love scrapbooking... TODAY- he no longer LOVES PINK and he is much bigger and will go into the 6th grade next school year.

I scrapbook because I want to remember MCKAY'S first year in high school. I want to remember who her friends are, where she went to school and her first year dancing on the drill team.

I scrapbook to remember the PEOPLE in my life who matter. This is my neighbors. They mean the world to our family. The kids are close to my kids and I count them as a huge blessing in my life. I love the MILLS family-

I want to remember that just ONE year ago- this was my girl's life. All summer long was drill practice. Gentry was going into her last year of high school- McKay her first. Some day- they will hopefully cherish the albums and journaling that I have done for them. 

I scrapbook and design from my heart. I designed the EXTREME boy line for my boys. I remember hand painting the various elements (skulls, stars, etc.) for this line. I want it to be fun. I want others to have fun creating memories and projects. 

I scrapbook to remember this SUMMER... and that Ty never put his skateboard down. I cherish these OLD layouts. I look at them and they always make me smile!

I have scrapbooked Zach's baseball since he was THREE years old. This boy has a love and passion for the game. I LOVE to look back at how he has grown and developed his skills over the years. I hope some day he will be able to show these projects to his own children. I will always remember THIS photo and our trip to the top of the mountain at Steamboat Springs, CO. Their team won the honor of riding the lifts to the top for the award banquet. It was magical!

 I could share so much more. However, I realized something that not only do I scrapbook for THEM...but I do it for ME... I love it and I know that it does have meaning. That is my WHY.... and I'm now going to go do a little project. 

HAPPY SUNDAY!!!!      

   

Gentry Graduates- THANK YOU

It is hard to believe when you have a baby that SOMEDAY... they will grow up and graduate and leave "the nest". Before you know it...they are graduating and ready to make their mark on the world. Yesterday, it was my daughter Gentry who is now my second daughter's turn to graduate.

She is so similar yet so different than me. I think of all my kid's we probably have the biggest "discussions" on how to do things. I have to say that her spirit of INDEPENDENCE has been prevalent since she was about 3 years old.

I asked her if I could take some graduation photos. She graduated with both the National Honors Society and Honors Cords. I can't take credit for her drive...it's just always been there.

I think in truth, our mother/daughter relationship is harder in that she is so independent. She doesn't really come to me for advice, or pep talks. She is someone who likes to figure things out herself. On the times she has asked for my advice, I know I have to word it carefully. She  will listen to what I say and then likes to figure it all out- her way. I have had times where I wanted to say..."JUST listen to me...  or I told you so...." but I know this is not the way to "connect" with her.

 

Gentry once told me that she WATCHES people and learns a lot by seeing how other people do things. If you know her... she is more mature for her age. So it got me thinking. I thought about how her friends have truly helped her so much on her journey to finding herself. I wanted to hug them (yes, I did hug many of them!) and THANK them for what they did. I don't think we realize the impact we can have on each other.  Her friends have influenced her for the good.

This is Teal. I love THIS boy! I remember, the day when Gentry was in Kindergarten and Teal's dad called our house. It seems Teal really really really wanted to play with Gentry after school and she kept saying no to him. His dad called and asked if I could please have Gentry and Teal get together for a play date. She was breaking poor Teal's heart. Thus began a beautiful friendship. Looking at them today- graduating...wow, I chuckled at the beginning of their school and friendship. Awww... so many good memories. Yes, I made her play with him and it's a great story to share of how they met.  He is over the top fantastic and treats his family with so much respect.

I think about the countless times the friends have come over to the house to hang out... the times that they would fight amongst each other. The thankfulness I feel that they loved and accepted my daughter.

I am thankful that many of her friends even call me MOM or feel comfortable enough to make fun of my southern accent in front of me. I am thankful for her drill team friends who pushed her to become a better dancer. They loved each other for the inside beauty and allowed each other to simply be "HERSELF."

For the friends who LEAD BY EXAMPLE how to be a true friend. To reach out to those who are excluded.

Friends who cared about everyone.  Gentry realized what she herself needed to be MORE like them.  I remember Gentry telling me about Carly who she said was the NICEST girl in the entire school. She NEVER ever said a bad word about ANYONE. This was not taught in a text book... it was taught by example. This girl radiates love to others...and it was contagious!!!!

For guys who treated the girls with respect and kindness...

They stuck together to support each other in making good decisions... supported each other taking the dreadful AP exams, and the SAT.

 

For loving other people enough to serve them. To stand up for your beliefs and faith. Alex, you will make a difference in the world.

I love the saying... "it takes a village, to raise a child" and I want to THANK each of her friends, family members, teachers who SHOWED by example. I simply feel appreciation...deep appreciation... THANK YOU!

The graduation overnight party was a HUGE success. I ended up staying until past 6am. It went by fast. I am very tired tonight, but it was worth it to be there.

I heard that a little sneak peek will be out soon on our classes at CREATIVE ESCAPE. I can't wait because I am eager to share with you the "inspiration" for my project.  There is still some spots available...CREATIVE ESCAPE. You won't want to miss the wonderful teachers, the amazing projects, and unbelievable sponsors. Oh, and the delicious food. I know there is many surprises in store too.

When I was asked to teach at this event...I KNEW I had to fit it in the schedule. In going to the preview weekend, I was SO thankful that I did. Trust me, this event is TOP NOTCH and will inspire you both in life and art!!!!

I am loving that we have FOUR baseball games tomorrow. I will be able to be at THREE of them. Have a great weekend too!

AMAZING-

I have been nonstop on the go since 8:30 this morning. I am headed to help at the ALL NIGHT Graduation party at the high school for the graduating class. I am assigned to the Bingo Room from Midnight to 3:30 am. Of course, this is the night that I am fighting the urge to climb in bed and go to sleep. I was gone the entire day...Elementary school award day, buying gifts for the teachers for appreciation, GRADUATION ceremony, and then picked Ty up from a birthday party, baseball practice and then a baseball game. It is CRAZY busy this time of year, but TODAY... was AMAZING!!!!!

However, since I need to get to the high school tonight- I will share a little about FIELD DAY yesterday.
The sixth graders are EXCITED to move on. The got to do the dunking booth (tradition) finally.

 

I took so many photos- because the kids kept asking me to take more and more. I always remind Zach how lucky he is to have such great friends.

I think the greatest thing is the kindness they have for each other. I have observed all year how kind and accepting they are of each other. 

At the end of field day, we were getting ready to leave school- the last day of school. I saw Zach and Ty together-

I realized that they will be separated next year. Zach is going to middle school and Ty will be the BIG 6th grader. I thought about how things change. I know Ty really looks up to Zach.

I think it will good for Ty to have a year without his brother around. The teachers always refer to him as Zach's little brother. That's okay... because Zach has been a pretty good example for him.

I remember when I had the boys- they were only 14 months apart. It was HARD for me- they both were in diapers, I was recovering from the stroke and I had 3 little girls under the age of seven. I can say there was some tough days but they were the best and they have only gotten better!!!!! Having the boys only one grade apart has actually been a BLESSING...

Graduation party awaits...

CLASS of 2010

Well, TOMORROW is a big day in our household. Our sweet Gentry is graduating from high school. I am feeling so happy for her drive and desire to reach her dreams. Then the part of me... realizes that I have to let her go to achieve these dreams.

 

She created her announcements and sent them out. She is ready... oh, she is ready. That makes me feel a little better.

Gentry gave a talk in church on Sunday. They had asked her to talk in Sacrament meeting on what she had learned in her four years in her  Seminary- a church class that she takes along with her regular school classes. I asked her if I could share it, thankfully she agreed.

"Today I have been asked to speak about some experiences I have had during the last four years of seminary.  Seminary has been a great experience. So many lessons that I have had in seminary have really impacted my life and how I act every day.  I have chosen a few of them that I think really apply to every one to speak about. 

         Going into seminary in ninth grade I was so excited.  It was a class that you couldn’t take unless you were in ninth grade and it seemed like such a fun class to take.  I remember on the first day of class walking in and seeing Brother Smith with the biggest smile on his face.  I don’t remember many times when he didn’t have that huge smile on.  

After we got seated that first day he took out a BIG BOX of CRAYONS and gave us each one.  He then told us that they represented each of our feelings and how we would feel good about something, or sharing something with the class.  He told us that we shouldn’t break each others crayons. That we needed to always be kind and listen to what everyone had to say. 

Through out the rest of the year I probably heard him tell our class not to break each others crayons hundreds of times.  This has really stuck with me because so many times I might be tempted to think bad of someone or say something rude but if we remember not to break each others crayons we can all be much happier.

         During my junior year we studied the New Testament.  While studying in Matthew, we learned about Temptation.  We learned how to resist different temptations in our lives.  One thing about temptation that we learned is that nobody is perfect.  We read A quote by Brother Neal A. Maxwell that said

“We may not always be able to keep an evil thought from entering our minds, but we don’t have to offer it a chair and invite it to sit down.”

  Sometimes I can feel discouraged or down because of something or temptations in my life that I may have let get the best of me, but from Seminary I know that I can overcome those trials and temptations. 

         I think that my Senior year of Seminary probably had the most impact on my life.  I have learned so many things this year that I will carry with me for years to come.  Through studying the scriptures this year I have learned so much that I haven’t seen in my past readings.

Our seminary theme this year was GO AND DO.  It is one thing to know the gospel and to believe in it, but  we also need to act on it and help others through what we know. 

One of my favorite quotes is one I heard in seminary-

" LIVE SO THAT THOSE WHO DON’T KNOW HIM BUT KNOW YOU WILL WANT TO KNOW HIM BECAUSE THEY KNOW YOU." 

When I heard this I immediately wrote it down because it hit a cord.  I am an EXAMPLE. Whether it is good or bad someone can always be watching.  I know that through acting as God would, I can help to change others for the better. Go and Do.

         My Seminary experience has been great.  I have learned so much about the gospel and my Heavenly Father.  Seminary has helped me to learn of the gospel. It is such a blessing and I am so grateful of it.  I know that through seminary, I and many others have grown to love and appreciate Heavenly Father.  I love the gospel and all that it has done in my life and I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen"

Talk given by Gentry age 18

I kept debating whether to share it, but I knew I needed to. She luckily had typed it and I will cherish these words. I know she is not perfect and she will struggle every day (like all of us) to be a better person. I know that she has a good foundation. Her teachers, leaders, siblings, grandparents, and friends have given her so much. As her mom, I think I have given her enough "momisms" to last her a lifetime.

Today---- I have a busy day with painters at the house, a birthday gift to buy, a baseball game tonight, and volunteering to help at Field Day. Oh, and I need to get Gentry's flowers ordered for tomorrow. 

It's a crazy busy week that I am absolutely LOVING!!!!

6th GRADE Promotion

So much to catch up on...

However, today I need to FOCUS on my son Zach-

Today was his special day-

At the age of 12, he is way too close to being taller than me. Zach loves to pick on me and the fact of how close he is to TOWERING over me.

However, I have something on him. I like to wear heels. I have a good year to be taller (I hope) in my heels. This boy melts me...  Today was a stepping stone in his life. He is now officially promoted to 7th GRADE...MIDDLE SCHOOL.

A few of the kids were given a speaking part. He was so NERVOUS. They had done a rehearsal in front of the school last week and he has got tongue tied and messed up. So he was worried-

Guess what? He did it perfectly and I was so happy. I know it is hard to stand up in front of so many people and be nervous.

Ty was so cute. He took the boys to school and stayed for over 30 minutes so he could get a front row seat for the 9am promotion. I arrived at 8:45am to wait for the program to begin. I told Ty that Zach would be so excited to see us in the VERY front row. Zach was probably thinking..."Oh, my photo crazy mom is on the front row!!!" or something like that. He walked in and sat down. When he looked up and found us...sitting on the front row...he smiled the BIGGEST smile. It was a tug at my heart that words cannot express. I just KNEW he was HAPPY.

The sixth graders sang a few songs. I have heard the same songs as all three of my daughters went to the same school and sang the same songs. The one that I love the most and brought tears to my eyes is this:

Don't lose your way 
With each passing day 
You've come so far 
Don't throw it away 
Live believing 
Dreams are for weaving 
Wonders are waiting to start 
Live your story 
Faith, hope & glory 
Hold to the truth in your heart 

If we hold on together 
I know our dreams will never die 
Dreams see us through to forever 
Where clouds roll by 
For you and I 

Souls in the wind 
Must learn how to bend 
Seek out a star 
Hold on to the end 
Valley, mountain 
There is a fountain 
Washes our tears all away 
Words are swaying 
Someone is praying 
Please let us come home to stay 

If we hold on together 
I know our dreams will never die 
Dreams see us through to forever 
Where clouds roll by 
For you and I 

When we are out there in the dark 
We'll dream about the sun 
In the dark we'll feel the light 
Warm our hearts, everyone 

If we hold on together 
I know our dreams will never die 
Dreams see us through to forever 
As high as souls can fly 
The clouds roll by 
For you and I

Zach is here waiting to get his certificate. I think I was the only one crying. My kids laugh because they know I am so EMOTIONAL.

It just HIT me... a HUGE wave of gratitude. I realized that he was ONE when I had my stroke. The thought came into my mind... and I had to express in my heart. I had to THANK God for allowing me THIS day... I was overcome with emotion knowing that I was able to be alive and see him grow up. I live each day with gratitude and for me I want to be very mindful of expressing thankfulness. It was a moment, a silent moment between me and Heavenly Father. I cried and smiled the biggest grin.

So this is for you ZACH: I want you to know that I love you to the moon and back. You have been such a blessing to our family. You mean so much to us. I love watching you each day- playing with your friends, playing baseball with a passion, your gifts and talents that you shine at but don't boost about, your kindness to others and your SMILE!!!! I love you more than you will ever know. Follow your dreams!!!!

TODAY has been a GOOD day-

I am in the middle of having the boys bedrooms and laundry room painted. Nothing like adding more into a crazy week. This is so me- trying to run 1,000 miles a minute!