New Year's Resolution

One of my New Year's Resolutions is to blog more . . . I don't understand how fast a year goes by! But, here I am, ready for a new year and a new start and lots of new adventures!

My word for 2010 is "BELIEVE": to think that something exists or is a reality; to be confident that someone or something is worthwhile or effective; to think that something is right or good; to accept something as true or real. So each month, I am going to share one thing that I most believe in, and in December I will have a list of twelve wonderful things!

January: I BELIEVE in ME! I am a child of God who is a wonderful, caring, creative, happy, and strong woman. I have a strong belief that I am of worth and value and placed on this earth to do incredible things. Each day brings a new adventure and challenges. I will work hard, learn new things, and make good use of the 24 hours I am given. I will make ME a better ME!

Things that touched my life in 2009 will be posted later today in pictures.

CHA . . . we are on the way!

Can't wait for this weekend . . . we are headed to CHA to touch, see, and smell all of the latest and greatest in scrapbook and crafting supplies. But, best of all, Michelle will be releasing her first scrapbook paper line . . . "My Favorite Pieces". The rub-on embellishment that goes with the paper is a joint effort of both Michelle and Jen. This line is dedicated to my three grandsons and one other special little boy who have been diagnosed on the autism spectrum. A portion of the proceeds from this paper line will be donated to autism research. I am so proud of my girls!

The layout samples are from Michelle and give you a glimpse of the wonderful diversity of this new line. Hope to see some of you in Anaheim. Stop by the "The Paper Element/Color Coordinations" booth to see the paper and give Michelle your congratulations.

With the start of a New Year and new adventures . . . Life is Great in Mesa, AZ!

Twelve Months Later . . .

Sister's Weekend in October

Cindy, Jen, Michelle, Me, Brianne, Sue, Shelie

Yes, it is actually twelve months since the last time I posted on my blog -- how do you put an entire year into a couple of paragraphs? I think the most significant thing I have relearned is to remember who I am, why I have been placed on the earth at this particular time, and that I am not alone.

I am very proud of my children. They have all had their own series of challenges and triumphs this past year. Some are still working their way through them and others are beginning to see the fruits of their labors. What has been most amazing to me is to feel and see the love and concern they have for each other. Life is hard and there are no guarantees as to what waits for us each morning. A dear friend helped me to realize that every day is a good day when you are still alive and given the opportunity to face a new set of adventures. I hope I am learning how to make the most of them!

Devine Memories, our scrapbook store, continues to bless and influence our lives. We had some very special experiences this past month with family and friends and are excited and determined to forge ahead. A lot of faith and pray plays into the success of our dreams.

Faith, hope and charity . . . three great words with lots of promise. I have experienced all three this past year and want to thank all those who have touched my life and brought me so much joy and gladness. I am truly blessed and can honestly say that Life is Great in Mesa, Arizona!

Amazing Weekend!

We had an incredible time at the "Walk Now for Autism" fundraiser. It was amazing and very emotional all at the same time. All three of my autistic grandsons were at the walk . . . Jake, Jaden, and McKay and they were troopers as we completed the three mile course. It was a very long three miles, but we all finished the walk . . . what a wonderful feeling!

Our scrapbook store, Devine Memories, was a corporate sponsor. Over the past several months we have raised $7,264.00 to help with awareness and research for this physical disorder. Autism is our charity of choice and we encourage all families to celebrate in their children's lives. We had a display table of different scrapbooking ideas to help document and preserve their accomplishments and memories.

Thanks so much to everyone who helped make this event a success . . . our customers, our families, our friends, and most of all Jake, Jaden, and McKay! WE LOVE YOU!

Walking for Autism . . .

This Sunday, my family and I will participate in the "Walk Now for Autism" fundraiser at Tempe Town Lake in Tempe, Arizona. I have three beautiful grandsons who have been diagnosed with some type of autistic spectrum. They are the sweetest, most lovable, and incredible boys and we are so lucky to have them in our family. Our scrapbook store, Devine Memories, has chosen autism research as our charity of choice. Over the past several weeks we have held several fundraising activities for this cause. We want to thank all of our customers and friends who have so willingly given their time, money and talents to help us in this effort.

There is still time to help . . . just click on the autism walk link from the Devine Memories website and join our team or make a donation. We would love to have you walk with us on Sunday morning. We also have some incredibly awesome t-shirts on sale at the store of which the profits go directly to autism research. Jake's handwriting expresses everything, and Jen's graphics add extra charm. Isn't Jenna a darling model?

Have a great weekend . . . we will!

Chili Contest . . .

We had a neighborhood chili cookoff tonight at the park . . . lots of fun, food, and friends. I entered a pot of "3 Bean Chili Verde" and to my surprise was awarded "3rd Place". Yeah me!

I love this time of year when there is a chill in the air, football games are being played, and the World Series in on. Not only does it mean it's FALL, but it also means that I can start making lots of pots of chili and different soups. There is nothing like a good pot of soup, hot rolls, honey, and friends and family to share it with.

Lots of new things are happening at Devine Memories. Check out our website for new classes, "Saturday Night Live" techniques classes, and wonderful gift ideas, cards, and other projects. I'm working on several projects and will post them on my blog over the next couple of days.

Right now I am caught up in the World Series. My guess is that Boston will win . . . taking the series in 5. The Rockies just had a great play with Holiday scoring a 3-run Home Run hit. They seem to be on a roll with just one out. I'm grateful to my boys who encouraged a love of sports in my life. *Final score of game 3 was 10 to 5 for Boston.

I'm off to finish studying for my Sunday School lesson tomorrow . . . it's my turn to teach. Great topic and message from the Apostle Paul as he pleads his case with King Agrippa . . . he never sways from his testimony and witness of Jesus Christ. This lesson is a natural sequel from my last lesson . . . "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ." Have a great Sunday!

Remember . . . Life is Great is Mesa, Arizona.

Scrapbook Weekend . . .

All of the sisters, daughters, and friends have gone and the house is very quiet and empty! The last five days have been so much FUN . . . it was good to have a houseful again.

It was our annual "Sister's Scrapbook" weekend and as usual it went by way too fast. We scrapped at home, scrapped at the store, ate out alot, stayed up late, laughed, shopped, cooked, and scrapped some more. Alan, my brother-in-law, was able to get in several days of golf, but also spent time relaxing in front of the television. Jen outdid herself again with her gynormous cinnamon rolls and housekeeping skills. Shelie outdid herself with an incredible pork roast. Michelle outdid herselft with a fun class and some way cute Halloween and Christmas swaps. Cindy outdid herself with no sleep and lots of stitching. Micah outdid herself with learning new scraping techniques and trying new foods. Sue outdid herself by staying up later for more days than she ever has in the past. Lauren definitely outdid the rest of us by completing 55 scrapbook pages. And Sandy outdid herself by not crying when the computer crashed on Sunday. Miss Jenna Rose outdid herself by hanging out with the girls and writing some sweet letters to everyone.

It was a great time . . . the bad thing is we did not take many pictures. Can you imagine that? Scrapbookers not taking pictures? We must have been too busy trying to get STUFF done!

For me it's going to be an early night . . . I have several days of sleep to catch up on and tomorrow the real world is waiting for all of us. To my sisters, daughters, Alan, and friends . . . I love you guys!