Lori Whitlock

Head on over to my new blog!

2011-07-19T14:33:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone!! I'm excited to welcome you all to my new blog/site...

www.loriwhitlock.com

Remember to change your bookmarks and/or links on your own blog : )

Lori

Pinwheel Award Ribbon Instructions

2011-07-05T08:00:00.001-07:00

Sorry I didn't get this posted before the weekend! Please forgive me. Hopefully this helps you see how the pinwheel file works. There are two sizes of pinwheel strips included in my file so you can layer them if you want. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks.Lori

Something new...

2011-06-03T06:49:00.000-07:00

Here's a few of the shapes that I've designed for Silhouette this week... There are some really exciting new things on the horizon for my designs. I'll be talking about it a little more and updating my blog in the next few weeks. I just have to say, I'm enjoying the sunshine and I'm so glad summer is finally arriving! Have a great day!

Cards & Flowers

2011-04-16T21:55:00.000-07:00

I've been crazy busy designing all sorts of new things for summer CHA : ) Wish I could share. What I can share is a few shapes that I've uploaded to the silhouette online store.... some cute layering flowers and a couple of really cute cards. Thanks so much for visiting.

More shapes

2011-02-16T11:05:00.001-08:00

My new cupcakes are in the Silhouette Store today. And the best part... They're calorie free. Oh, and a few more fun shapes. Hope everyone is doing great. It's a crazy time of the year at my house. My girls both have birthdays in the next week. We're also expecting 3 sets of house guests in the next 3 weeks. Oh, and did I mention the flood in my studio a couple of days ago. Good times : )

Have you seen Project Life??

2010-12-29T19:06:00.001-08:00

I just received both editions of the NEW 2011 Project Life kits yesterday! They look amazing... if I do say so myself : )

Becky Higgins has a wonderful system to document your life. It's based on taking a photo a day (or week or whatever you choose) and simply printing the photos and journaling each one on a card. Then the photos and the journaling cards slip into special divided sheet protectors. Becky is such an organization genius that it's no wonder that she came up Project Life to simplify the scrapbooking process.

I've had the privilege of developing this product with Becky as her graphic artist. This year you'll see that there are not one, but two designs available. The Amber Edition is a little more feminine and the Turquoise Edition (Kerri Bradford helped design this one) is more masculine/neutral. Both designs are so beautiful and so simple to use. And, extra sheet protectors and blank journaling cards are available for the first time this year! Oh, and the new packaging is beautiful, too ; )

So, if you're looking for a new way of scrapbooking your life, go check it out HERE. Or, if you already know all about it and you're ready to order yours, you can go HERE.

Thank you, Becky, for the opportunity to work with you and for bringing this fabulous system to the world.

It's Winter

2010-11-22T09:13:00.000-08:00

It officially snowed this weekend and winter is in the air. Christmas is just around the corner. It's time to start thinking about Christmas Cards. I've uploaded a few new Christmas cards and some winter themed shapes this week. Hope you all enjoy them!

More new goodies...

2010-11-07T22:38:00.001-08:00

Watch for these new shapes in the Silhouette store in the next couple of days.

Checking In

2010-11-01T13:56:00.001-07:00

Hope you all had a happy halloween. We had a fun weekend. I was able to run down beautiful Provo Canyon on Saturday at the Halloween Half with some great friends. Great run. I highly recommend it. I've been busy as can be designing as well. I've uploaded a few new shapes to the silhouette online store. Two new card kits are among them!! Hope you all enjoy them. Have a lovely Monday!

Project LIfe Sale

2010-09-22T08:48:00.000-07:00

As many of you may know, I work with Becky Higgins to design her Project Life kit. So, for those of you who may be interested, the original version of Project Life is on SALE ($10 OFF) until the end of September. I think they would make a great Christmas gift! The new designs for 2011 will be debuting later this year - but will not be on sale anytime soon. So, go stock up while you can get this incredible price by clicking HERE.

More Fall/Halloween Shapes

2010-09-11T21:50:00.001-07:00

Halloween Shapes

2010-08-30T07:36:00.000-07:00

I just released a few new Halloween shapes on the QK site. With the cool air and rain today, it's beginning to feel a little like fall!

Also, over the weekend I ran in my very first half marathon (Top of Utah, in Logan). I've been training for this with some friends for quite a while now. It's a great sense of accomplishment to set a goal like that and achieve it. I will definitely do it again! Thank you Tiffany and Angela for helping me reach my goal. You two rock!!

Chest of Drawers & Purse Boxes

2010-08-25T21:31:00.001-07:00

I finally found a moment to design 2 more boxes. The first is a chest of three drawers and it is the perfect size to hold jewelry or other small items. It's very sturdy. Wouldn't it be super cute with little rhinestone brads for knobs.

The second is a cute little purse shaped pillow box. It has a built in handle. I just think it'd be perfect for a party favor bag.

You can pick up the dielines for both of these boxes at the Quickutz online store. I hope you like them : )

New Shapes!

2010-06-27T21:30:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone! I hope you had a fabulous weekend! We had a great Saturday... parade, off-road racing event, and fireworks. It's Monday again. I can hardly believe that July 4th is almost here! Where does the time go? Here's a sneak peek of the new shapes I have in the Silhouette store this week... I had an idea for some fun layering flower sets. I also just love doilies and think they make a great page embellishment, so I created five for your cutting pleasure. Oh, and I had a little inspiration for a cute library pocket with a tab. Fun stuff... go check it out : ) Have a great week!!

NEW Summer Fun Kit

2010-06-23T22:50:00.000-07:00

I just finished a cute Summer Fun kit that's available for purchase at Little Dreamer by clicking HERE! It's bright and exciting and best of all it's on sale through Saturday! Happy Summer!!

MIA

2010-05-31T18:21:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been missing in action. I've been as busy as I can be for the past month. This is just a quick note to let you all know that I'm still alive and doing well. We took a trip one week this past month. We all know what that means... playing catch up. I need a vacation from my vacation : ) I hope you are all doing great! I am certainly looking forward to a nice warm summer. Here's a few of my shapes for release this week. I have a couple of new boxes and a few really cute gate fold cards. I hope you all like them. Have a fabulous week!

Fun New Release This Week

2010-05-02T21:59:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak at my new shapes this week. I'm excited about this darling box shape. It's sturdy and it has a ton of embellishing potential! I also am excited about the two new card shapes. I just love these pull out cards. I think they're unique and can be used for so many occasions. And, again, how fun to embellish!

Check it out!

2010-04-30T10:13:00.000-07:00

I was checking out the Silhouette's blog hop and ran into Janet Hopkins blog where she's posted her Silhouette creations. I just have to say that she made my day! She used 2 of my box template shapes and they turned out sooooo cute. I just love how she used the window in the small box for a cupcake holder! Brilliant! Way to go Janet! So inspiring! If you want to join the blog hop this weekend, just click on Janet's link above and start hopping : ) Have a great weekend and Happy NSD!

Cute Idea!

2010-04-28T20:56:00.000-07:00

Isn't this card idea darling? Erin Lincoln used my nesting doll shape to create this super sweet card. I just love seeing what other people create using the shapes I design. It's inspiring! Way to go Erin!

Just a little busy

2010-04-13T08:49:00.001-07:00

Last week we took the kids to Denver to visit family for spring break. We're home now. We had a great trip and I'm glad we took the time to go. The kids had fun seeing their cousins and grandparents. Now, I'm playing catch up with work. I need a vacation from my vacation!

I have lots of fun new projects I'm working on : ) It will be a busy spring -- that's a good thing. I do well with deadlines : )

You'll see a few new shapes that will be debuting this week below...

Happy Easter!

2010-03-31T14:36:00.001-07:00

Today I stopped in at the Silhouette blog and found two little treats. Erin Lincoln made some darling cards using some of my recent shapes. I thought I'd share....

Yesterday I helped the girls color Easter eggs. I am so thankful for my two girls! Happy Easter everyone.

More Cute Shapes...

2010-03-30T07:29:00.000-07:00

This is the new card design for this week... I love how it turned out. It's a really pretty shape. I can't wait to make a few of these.I added some more sayings this week...And, life isn't complete without a great flourish. They are an essential! And, no matter how many of them you have, you can certainly get excited about a NEW one. Kinda like shoes : ) Easter wouldn't be complete without a peep : ) This will certainly make for some cute cards and layouts -- or a super duper cute banner that my friend Natalie showed me HERE. Of course you couldn't cut the felt with the Silhouette, but you could make it out of cardstock.
And a simple flower border is a MUST.

And this week I'm debuting an alphabet card set. It'll take me a few weeks to create and upload all the letters. I think these would be great fun for lots of occasions... birthday, baby, wedding, months, seasons, names, etc. Get creative with the letter - it could represent a word, name, season, holiday, etc. And, then embellish them with stamps, brads, flowers, buttons, glitter, bling... SO FUN! I hope you like them.

This Week's Release

2010-03-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

I've been getting lots of requests for more layouts. I created a "you make me smile" layout this week.

I really enjoy making the card kits. I've done plenty of them throughout the years -- typically printed overseas and a big production. I love the flexibility of cutting the entire card from your home on the Silhouette. Instant gratification and worldwide distribution. Very cool.

I've also been getting requests for more cards in the same style of the "I love my mom" card. I've created several this week (even some that are not shown here... birthday, baby, etc.)

Oh, and for all those in the UK and Australia... I know you wanted it. So, here it is : )

More and more shapes!

2010-03-17T18:11:00.001-07:00

I'm excited about this cute flower pot card. I think it has tons of uses and it's just so cute. It'd be great for birthdays, Easter, Mother's Day, an invitation, etc. I hope you all enjoy it. I also added a spring and Easter bag topper and quite a few more phrases. Have a great day!

Carrot Box

2010-03-13T05:45:00.000-08:00

I added a carrot box design to my collection today. I thought this would be super cute filled with candy and tucked into Easter baskets. Or, it would make a great spring party favor or neighbor gift. I hope you like it : )

Spring is in the Air

2010-03-10T17:51:00.001-08:00

Our family just got back from a trip to Disneyland. We had a great time. The weather in California made me ready for springtime! So, this week I'm releasing a few happy items in honor of spring! I hope it gets to Utah, soon : )

My Life Rocks

2010-03-10T06:10:00.000-08:00

I've been busy working on something NEW! This adorable, brightly colored kit was created by myself and the extremely talented Michelle Coleman. This is the first combo kit I've produced and it was a blast. Happy color with a whimsical flair, this kit will make your layouts and cards shine! You can go check it out HERE.

Cute little phrases...

2010-03-01T17:19:00.000-08:00

This week you can watch for a whole bundle of cute little phrases in the Silhouette Online store. They're just perfect for a layout headline or even a card saying. I hope you like them : )

Little Dreamer Update

2010-02-17T16:05:00.000-08:00

So, if you'd prefer to purchase the "family" layout digitally, you can do so HERE or the "sweet" layout HERE at Little Dreamer. I'm offering them as a layered .psd files that you can customize with any digital paper. See the samples below:

New Silhouette Shapes Coming this Week!

2010-02-17T15:54:00.000-08:00

NEW Card Bases & Coordinating Envelopes

2010-02-10T09:23:00.000-08:00

Here are 2 new card bases and coordinating envelopes that are NEW in the store TODAY! And, today is the last day of the .99 cent sale! So, don't forget to stock up while you still have a chance.

And More Boxes...

2010-02-07T09:26:00.001-08:00

Can We Say Boxes?

2010-02-01T19:32:00.001-08:00

So, today I uploaded 3 new box styles to the Silhouette Online Store. I think these little boxes are so much fun and a great way to personalize a gift or just make someone's day. And, the best part is.... you can embellish them for any occasion.

Gone Digi

2010-02-01T07:18:00.000-08:00

The moment you've all been waiting for... you can now find my digital scrapbooking products at Little Dreamer Designs. I've officially opened up shop at Little Dreamer as of TODAY! And, you can pick them up on SALE this week!

All of my papers are beautifully textured and high resolution (300 dpi). You can use the products in any graphics program (mac or PC) that allows you to layer your files to create digital projects. Or, print them out on your home computer and scrap with them the traditional way. Now, with digital paper and a Silhouette, you virtually have a scrapbook store in your home office.... think of the possibilities! You'll never have to leave home again : )

Below are my 5 NEW paper packs you can find in the LDD store today...

Have a great weekend!

2010-01-29T14:32:00.000-08:00

Hey, the Silhouette Online Store is offering 99 cent downloads for the next few days. It's a good time to stock up. Oh, and I'll have some good news on Monday, so check back! Until then, HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

Digital Project Life

2010-01-26T21:27:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you've heard, yet... but... Becky Higgins digital Project Life is now available! We've been working hard to get this digital version up and running and now it's ready. So, go check it out HERE. The best part is that you can try it out for FREE. You'll only pay if you choose to print your book.

A little eye candy for today...

2010-01-26T17:36:00.000-08:00

Here are a few my creations for this week that you can check out in the Silhouette Online Store. I hope you like them : ) I know there's quite a few readers out there everyday. I just want to say thank you for dropping in and please feel free to leave comments. I love hearing from my guests. It makes me feel like I'm actually talking to someone. Have a great day!

Treat Boxes

2010-01-15T14:23:00.000-08:00

Can't you just see these filled with candy and tied up with a bow for Valentine's? Watch for them in the store, shortly : )

FREE Shape of the Week!

2010-01-12T21:43:00.001-08:00

I created this cute little Valentine Card just for you.... my Silhouette friends... and you can download it FREE this week at the Silhouette Online Store. I hope you like it. Have a great day!

New shapes this week!

2010-01-11T11:41:00.000-08:00

Pop Up Cards

2010-01-07T14:31:00.001-08:00

Here are three of my new shapes that you can find in the Silhouette Online store...today. How fun are these? Now you can make your own pop up cards to WOW someone : )

New Shapes

2009-12-30T10:37:00.000-08:00

Bling it on!!

2009-12-19T16:29:00.000-08:00

Here's a quick peek at the rhinestone designs I've been working on this weekend soon to be available at the Silhouette store. Did you know you could use your Silhouette to cut rhinestone patterns? You can read more about it on the Silhouette blog HERE.

New Shapes

2009-12-18T09:54:00.000-08:00

I've been working hard on some new shapes for Silhouette. If you don't have a Silhouette and you're a crafter, I strongly suggest you ask Santa for one. It's the greatest tool EVER! And, the online store is really growing fast. You can purchase all the images for $1.99 each anytime of the day! So cool. Below are a few sneaks... Have a great day!!

Let it Snow

2009-12-13T18:44:00.000-08:00

Well, it's the middle of December and I guess that means it's time for snow and that Christmas is just around the corner. The kids wanted to make a snowman today.... so we did. We have plenty of wet sticky snow right now and that's the best kind for a snowman. We all enjoyed a cup of hot cocoa after our outdoor adventure. So...here's to the holidays... and hoping everyone is
making good memories with your families. Make it a great week!

Recipe Cards

2009-12-05T09:40:00.001-08:00

I've had a couple of requests for the recipe card template that is on my Taco Soup recipe post. So, I am making that available to you three different ways.

1. You can download and print a FREE pdf HERE - you can use that as a cutting template.

2. You can download a FREE png HERE - for digital scrapbooking.

3. If you have a Silhouette, you can purchase the cut lines through the Silhouette online store for $1.99 HERE. (It may be a couple of days before it's live in the Silhouette Online Store.)

A few years ago, my sister and I made a "family favorites" set of recipe cards. It was a lot of work, but seriously one of my most treasured assets. I cook from these cards almost every day! Well, a year later, my scrapbook friends and I did a digital recipe card exchange. We all digitally designed and printed 30 of our favorite recipes for 6 people. Then we met and swapped recipe cards. So, we all ended up with 180 of our friends favorite recipes. Then we all purchased our own D-ring recipe books with sheet protectors that holds two 4x6 cards. They fit the 4x6 recipe prints perfectly. For years I had wanted to organize my recipes - this was a great way to do it and so rewarding.

Hopefully this little recipe card template will help inspire someone out there! Oh, and I thought I'd share another recipe. It's for Cherries on Snow. It's red and white and makes a great dessert to take to a holiday party. Enjoy!

Project Life

2009-11-23T18:24:00.001-08:00

I've had a rather busy fall this year! One of the big projects I've been working on is Project Life. If you have not seen it yet, you need to go check it out HERE. It's such a great concept and a fabulous system to "scrapbook" your life this coming year. The colors and patterns are so fresh, clean, and modern this year. I think you'll like it. I had a blast working with Becky to make it just right for you.

Oh, and while you're there, you can download the FREE digital Christmas card templates that she and I put together, too! Now, that's a great way to start off the holidays this week.

New Moon

2009-11-23T12:30:00.001-08:00

My sweet friend Tricia Huffaker and I attended a fabulous New Moon party hosted by one of my clients and good friends, Lisa Bearnson last Friday night. I just have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the party and the evening. It was a much needed girls night out. I thought this movie was better than Twilight! You can see more photos here.

Turkey Shoot

2009-11-18T11:32:00.000-08:00

So, this morning I open the front door and an invitation for Doug and Brayden to go to the neighborhood "Turkey Shoot" falls on the floor. Ashlyn picked it up and brought it to me. I read the flier out loud to her. Without skipping a beat, she said in her cute little Ashlyn voice, "Because Daddy HATES turkeys, huh, mom?"

I love it when my kids make me laugh!

Halloween

2009-11-15T19:12:00.000-08:00

I know it's a little late, but I thought I'd share some photos of the kids dressed up in their costumes this Halloween.

Brayden attended his first boy/girl party on Friday before Halloween this year. He dressed up as Jack Sparrow. He's 12 and turning into such an awesome young man. I couldn't be more proud of him!

Katelyn wanted to be a vampire. We unsuccessfully searched for a vampire costume that she would wear. She found a cute pirate costume and decided that would work. She looked adorable. She sprayed her hair black for the Elementary School Party. Of course I didn't take photos that night. But, on Halloween, she decided she didn't like the paint in her hair.

Ashlyn decided in September that she wanted to Daphne from Scooby Doo. So, luckily Target decided to carry a Daphne costume this year or I'm not so sure that would have been an easy one to find.

We had a neighborhood soup and breadstick dinner followed by a trunk or treat on Halloween. It was a fun evening.

Taco Soup

2009-11-13T22:14:00.000-08:00

I made Taco Soup for dinner tonight. It's a recipe that my sister gave me. I thought I'd share. Yummy!

New Brunswick Trip

2009-10-16T21:11:00.001-07:00

Ashlyn and I had the great opportunity to go to New Brunswick to visit the Graham family. We had a wonderful week with them! We had a 16 hour journey to get to our destination. We flew into Atlanta, then to Boston, then to Bangor, Maine. Natalie and the kids picked us up and we drove 4.5 hours to their home in Moncton. Ashlyn was a little trooper! She knew that she was on her way to see Abby and that made it all worth it!

The first day we were in Canada we toured the town and visited the Bulk Barn. That is a great little store. I wish we had one of these here at home. They sold anything you can think of by the gram (not pound) in bulk barrels. We purchased some hot chocolate, gum balls, bloody bones (candy), candied nuts, dried veggies, and soup base. Very cool store.

The next day we drove out to an apple orchard and picked apples with the girls. There were acres of apple trees and we could pick as many apples as we wanted. We saw the coolest old farmhouse and discovered that Aubrey is extremely frightened of pumpkins! The countryside was absolutely gorgeous. The area is blessed with plenty of rainfall to keep everything nice and green. And the fall leaves were in peak season and full of color - red, orange, yellow. That was the highlight of the trip for me! Everyone needs to travel out east in the autumn at least once in their lifetime for some serious eye candy!

The next day we had planned to visit the Bay of Fundy, but the weather was so rainy that we changed our plans. We ended up driving out to Prince Edward Island. We stopped and took a few photos. I just have to say that the area is a photographer's heaven. We saw some of the most interesting old churches, buildings, and lighthouses. We had a picnic indoors at the tourist information center. It was raining outside most of the day. Then the kids picked out candy and Nat and I had ice cream on our drive home.

The next day we dressed the kids up for some fun fall photos. We found an amazing walking park where we explored and took some great photos of the kids. Again, I was thrilled with the amazing autumn colors. Breathtaking! On the way home we visited the beach and took photos by a giant lobster. Then we actually bought two live lobsters to take home for dinner. Boy, was that an experience. I don't think the kids (or I) will forget that one. That was Nat's favorite part (she hates seafood).

Then, on the last day, Abby, Nat, Ashlyn and I drove to Bangor, Maine to do a little shopping and stay the night at the Marriott. The little girls got to make a Build-A-Bear at the mall. The girls picked out matching bunnies. They they kissed and loved little stuffed hearts and put them in each other's bears and we put little giggle sound boxes in each of them. Now they can think of each other when they play with their bunnies.

While I was at Nat's house I prepared the photos for their photo wall - just like ours. We printed the photos in Maine at Sam's club. Let's just say that we got them for less than half price in the States and 2 weeks faster. That pretty much sums up the cost of living up in Canada - just plan on paying double for everything.

We had a great trip. I'm so grateful that we had the opportunity to go see where our friends are living and see a new part of the world.

Cute photos from today

2009-09-09T10:33:00.000-07:00

Ashlyn was super cute this morning and I just had to post this photo for the benefit of grandma. She's going to pre-school this year and loves it. I miss having her around all day, but I am glad she has something fun to go do. She gets bored at home with her brother and sister gone all day.

I love doing Ashlyn's hair. I love that she lets me and that she likes it fixed cute. I just had to post a photo of today's hairdo so I can remember.

Unfortunately, Katelyn woke up sick today. I hope she gets well soon and that we don't all end up throwing up, too. Not fun.

Davis County Fair

2009-08-16T16:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we took the kids to the County Fair. We had a fun day riding ponies, watching a man wrestle an alligator, and feeding the animals at the petting zoo. Oh, and the kids were able to milk a cow. Fun times.

Harvest Time

2009-08-15T07:49:00.001-07:00

I guess you just can't take the farm out of the girl! I grew up on a wheat farm in central South Dakota. I am so thankful for the way I was raised. My parents taught us to work hard. We made our living by the fruits of our labors. We had to plow, plant, cultivate and harvest. We had to keep machinery maintained, grain bins cleaned, the shop organized, and tractors fueled. There was always something to do from sun up to sun down every single day. I wonder how I will instill this drive to work hard in my children. Raising them away from the farm presents it's challenges. There just are not the same opportunities for teaching this work ethic. Doug was raised similarly to me. He grew up on a ranch in Sanpete County, Utah. It's comical, at our house we almost fight over who gets to mow the lawn. We all love to work outside. It's much better than folding laundry for the millionth time, if you ask me. If you want to mow at our house, you have to sneak out at 6:00 am to get your turn.

So, when we purchased our lot 7 years ago, we were so excited to have a 1/2 acre lot. We figured we'd have a place to have our little farm (garden) out back. We grow tomatoes, peppers, onions, green beans, summer squash, zucchini, beets, corn, peas, lettuce, spinich, etc. We also planted 8 fruit trees. We have peaches, pears, apples, and nectarines. My husband works very hard taking care of the garden. He gets most of the credit in this department.

Well, it's harvest time, now. This is the best time of the year. On the farm, it meant that the grain was gathered in and safely put in a bin or sold in town. It was a real sense of accomplishment knowing that the harvest was complete. It made my family feel satisfied. In our little garden we try to preserve as much of the food as we can for the winter. I love knowing that what I am feeding my children is organic and I know what goes in the bottle. We've frozen corn, pickled beets, canned beans, and tomatoes. This year I tried spaghetti sauce and pickled green beans, too. I also freeze squash and peppers. I love the feeling this process gives me. And, I hope in some way it helps my children learn to work hard and enjoy the fruits of their labors. I guess it's just a little part of the farm girl in me shining through.

24th of July

2009-08-14T06:24:00.001-07:00

We spent the 24th of July in Mayfield. It was a super fun day with the kids at the parade and the park. It's the best small town celebration around. Shhh, don't tell anyone. The kids caught plenty of candy, won plenty of stuffed animals, climbed a pole and won a $1, ate snow cones, played games and even won an old glass ash tray the coin toss. Later that day we went up the mountain in "old brown" to see Dale and Sue Ann at their camping site. We returned home on Saturday just in time to greet my family that started gathering for our family reunion. What a fun weekend.

Me and my girls

2009-07-21T05:43:00.001-07:00

The other day we were planning to swap taking family photos with the Grahams before they left for Canada. However, it turned out that Brayden decided to stay at Grandma Susan's house for the week. So, our whole family wasn't together. Since I am typically the one behind the camera, I rarely have photos of me with the kids. So, we took the opportunity to take a few photos of me and the girls.

I just have to tell you how much I love these little girls. They are so much fun and a mother couldn't ask for sweeter daughters. I am certainly thankful for the blessing of being their mother. Girls, always remember that your mother loves you!

Photo Project

2009-07-21T05:05:00.000-07:00

Last fall I was determined to put something new on the large wall above my stairway. For past 5 years it has been covered by a beautiful double wedding ring quilt that my mother and I made back in high school. But, I started worry that it would ruin the colors to leave it exposed light for so many years. So, one Sunday afternoon I took my family to the park for some new photos. Then, I went to Ikea and bought 20x20 frames (I love Ikea). Then, I used the computer to arrange and crop all the photos the way I wanted them appear on the wall. Here is the compilation I came up with. It’s been one of most rewarding home decor projects I’ve ever done. I just thought I’d share...

Natalie's Moving : (

2009-07-14T07:32:00.000-07:00

I admit this has been a tough few weeks for me. I found out that my dear friend and neighbor, Natalie Graham, is moving to New Brunswick, Canada. This possible move has been pending for several weeks and I've been on pins and needles wondering if this is really going to happen. Well, it is and I'm sad. Of course I am excited for their new opportunity, but I am really going to miss having her and her sweet family so close. Ashlyn wakes up every morning asking to play with Abby. Katelyn and Hayden think they're cousins. And, frankly, I'm not sure what I'll do without my shopping, photography, sewing, do everything, & Diet Coke buddy. It's so unreal to me that they will be moved out of their house in 2 weeks. The way things have fallen into place for them is a sign to me that the Lord needs them in Canada right now.

This past weekend Natalie and I went to Panguich Lake to meet Pam and her scrapbooking friends for a fun girls retreat at Becky's beautiful new cabin. We had a great time (well, I could have done without the 24 hour flu while we were there). We took this photo on the deck of the cabin. I'll miss you Nat. But, the good news is - you'll be moving back in 3 years.

Month in Review

2009-06-19T12:47:00.000-07:00

I am still here. We've been just a little busy since the summer began. So, here's a quick month in review...

• Ashlyn attended a fun birthday party for 4-year-old Brooklyn Hawks. They got to ride horses.
• Allison Daggs-Hoffman and the twins came for a quick visit from San Clemente, CA. I met Allison when I was 4!
• Memorial Day weekend in Mayfield.

• Brian, Celeste and the Kids came for a weekend visit. (Including a trip to the zoo and temple square.)

• Doug's 40th birthday party. Wow, I'm married to a 40 year old man (which I love and adore and think is really hot! - now he's blushing, I'm sure.) Time sure does fly!

• School ended. Summer mode began. Katelyn was sad to leave her teacher. She loved Mrs. Reiford. Brayden graduated from 6th grade. Next year he's off to Jr. High. I'm still in shock. I'm telling you, time really does fly!!!
• Katelyn had a tonsilectomie (and I now know how to spell it!)
• 2 weeks of tonsil recovery.

• Brayden went to NYLT Camp in Idaho.

• The girls and I got to go swimming in between rain storms with Natalie and the kids.
• And, on top of it all, I've had plenty of work to do - designing paper, albums, and kits, etc.

I am in serious need of a vacation!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-11T08:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Mother's Day. Doug and the kids started the day off right with a fabulous breakfast. They made juice, eggs, sausage, and hash browns. Then we went to church. After church we ate a simple dinner and went on a mountain drive. Every spring we go up the canyon and take photos by our historic fence post. We've been doing this since Katelyn was a baby. In fact, the first fence post photo was of Brayden holding Katelyn. I will have to dig up that photo and show it on my blog. But, for today, you can see this year's family photo by the fence post. I hope everyone had a great Mother's Day!

Easter in TX

2009-04-26T17:46:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of the photos I took of the kids and their cousins dying and hunting eggs at Nanny and Papa's in Texas. Enjoy.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Easter Photos

2009-04-20T17:07:00.001-07:00

I finally got a moment to post photos of the girls in their Easter dresses and Brayden in his new suit. Yesterday was a special day for Brayden. He is now 12 and is old enough to move up to Young Mens and have the Aaronic Priesthood. I am so proud of him. He's a wonderful young man. And, I have to say that I think he looks pretty sharp in that suit and I love it when he combs his hair : ) I'm not sure how I was so blessed to have the children that I have. But, I am very thankful for them each day. I love being their mom. I'm just afraid they are going to grow up too fast - actually I know they are.

After church we took a drive and took this family photo.

We also took these photos while we were out at the park...

Spring Break

2009-04-06T19:23:00.000-07:00

It's spring break for the kids so we took the opportunity to come to Texas to visit family. We flew in on Saturday. Sunday we had a great day at home with the family and we took a walk to the park. The weather is beautiful here. I hope to take this great weather back home with me. I am loving that it's actually springtime here!

Cousin Monica came by for Sunday dinner.

This is at the park.

Today was Monday and we spent the day at the amazing Dallas Arboretum to visit the Dallas Blooms Exhibit. This evening we went to the Blue Goose for a delicious Mexican dinner. We had chicken fajitas. They were so yummy!

Create Something

2009-03-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

I was at the conference center in Salt Lake City when President Uchtdorf delivered this message. It's an inspiration to me. Go create something today!

Sweet Baby

2009-03-22T21:52:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to take some photos of this darling little baby boy on Saturday. It's so fun to help record this stage of these sweet little ones. They're so new and precious and yummy. It almost makes me want one of my own.... ALMOST. I would like to thank my good friend Stacia for helping me sharpen my photography skills. She's my sister's niece. She's super talented and has become a good friend. If you're in the St. George area and need a great photographer, look her up!

I also took this photo of Natalie's baby. She's such a doll! Natalie has joined me in my sewing adventure. You'll notice that her baby has on the same material that Ashlyn is wearing. I've been thinking of sewing some extra dresses/summer clothes and selling them. If you or anyone you know would be interested, let me know.

Ashlyn is always a very willing model. I need to make sure I include my other kids in a post sometime soon. Lately, they seem to run when I pull out the camera and for some reason nobody else is willing to model these darling new clothes!

Another Creation

2009-03-16T13:40:00.000-07:00

This is another dress I made for Ashlyn. I also thought it might be a good idea to take some photos of the different hairdos we experiment with. She'll only be 4 once so mom may as well enjoy it, right! She's wearing her great grandmother Sunding's pearls in this photo. Ashlyn sure is a little sweetheart. She spreads love and joy everywhere she goes.

Weekend in Mayfield

2009-03-12T19:21:00.001-07:00

Last weekend we went to Mayfield for Preston's mission farewell. He's going to the West Indies for 2 years. He's Kim and Vickie's oldest son. We're proud of him and wish him the best over the next 2 years. We'll miss him. The cousins are growing up way too fast!

When we arrived at Grandma Susan's on Saturday we went out to the farm and let the kids see all the new baby calves that have been born this spring. Ashlyn thought they were so cute that she wanted to kiss one of them. Cousin Nicolas came with us to the farm and Big Doug showed up just in time to show us all around.

Doubly Blessed

2009-03-06T17:13:00.000-08:00

Today I had the opportunity to photograph adorable newborn twin boys with my friend Natalie. It was a challenge, yet very fun to capture two newborns at once. They are so tiny and so sweet. I hope this will help their family remember this sweet newborn phase. They grow up so fast. Their big sister is also adorable.

Sewing Fever

2009-03-04T08:34:00.001-08:00

Lately I've have had the bug to sew something. For a long time I have been admiring the gorgeous fabrics by Sandi Henderson, Amy Butler, and Heather Bailey but I couldn't figure out a project that I wanted to make. Finally, I decided to make some dresses and shirts for Ashlyn to wear this summer.

I found the cutest Portobello Pixie pattern (Claire) and I love how it fits her. I still have enough fabric for 3 more dresses. I've set up a table in my studio with the sewing machine and surger. We'll see what I come up with next and how long this fever lasts.

I can do this...

2009-03-02T07:52:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking for a very long time that I should blog. So, today is my first post. I'm really not so sure that I have that many things to blog about, but I guess there's one way to find out... just give it a try. I think it will be a great way to keep a record of the happenings in the life of my family. I love to take photographs and always have something creative cooking, so we'll see where this goes. I can do this, right?