still me

turkeys, 21, and tomorrow's show!

TUESDAY...it's been a good day. confession: today i had my house cleaned; and coming home to a clean house was so truly happy and rejuvinating. thanks TLC!

today was day 2 of the '21challenge' hosted by Rhonna Farrer, and also day 2 of the MPS GIVE class.. and today i shared a bunch of fun ideas that students can do with the amazing art they create! as i was contemplating my 21-day mission, of drawing closer to my Savior, today i kept thinking about how grateful i was feeling for my home; and for ALL the homes that i have been blessed with! see the project for the GIVE class was to make a 'subway art' piece that included addresses, and as i worked on my own, just seeing all the addresses from my past homes really tugged at my heart- i mean, it was really emotional to see all those addresses; it represented my (married) life! anyway, as i was sitting in my quiet, clean home while everyone was at school (i have 3 hours on Tues, Wed and Thurs of quiet) ...i was just overcome with graditude. and so for my '21challenge' i decided to create some little banners to hang, and display along with my Subway art.

"Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people." 1 Chron 16:8

of course... it's that time of the year that thinking about all the things we are thankful is a primary focus for everyone! which is awesome...today i felt overwhelmed, even just shopping around the grocery store with Capri and Connor collecting the items needed to create some little treats for Connor's pre-school snack! i got the idea here:

so.....we got the oreos, and the mini-nutterbutter cookies...some frosting, and candy corns (that we had to search around for)

so we are working away putting these together, and Eric and the boys walk in, and he says "pinterest?" ... and my reply, "is it that obvious!?" lol... even though these were just not as picture perfect as the original, the kids were SO excited! i mean, they thought these were so amazing! they loved making them! i got a LOT of help!! i am sure Connor's friends will love them for the 2 seconds before they devour them! and ...was feeling super grateful for Pinterest... (or as my mom calls it 'pinternet')

well,

it is Tuesday night, and tomorrow is Wednesday, which is the day that every week a new episode of my show "create to remember" airs on My Craft Channel... i love the project that will be featured tomorrow! so tune in tomorrow, and i'll show more photos! wait until you see what i made this out of!

 

 

ode to the "marathon" (tape) runner...

i filmed a few videos for the MPS Give class... and i thought that i'd cut some of the parts of me using my new fav adhesive and make a little clip, to share my love!  i get asked a lot about waht kind of adhesive i like to use- and i am picky- i use different adhesive for different things...but i have definately added this to my must-have list. i think it's really nice to hold when using- it's a really good level of sticky-ness... so here you go... and with it you get a little look at what we are doing in the MPS GIVE class...

 

21 days...

You may have noticed that the adorable Rhonna Farrer has started up another version of her famous 21-day challenge… it’s really fun and really easy to play along. The premise behind the idea is that it takes 21 days to form/or break a habit. (or get a really good start at one or the other).  For 3 weeks, Rhonna shares inspiring quotes and messages along with a good dose of encouragement on her blog. if you have something you want to change…it’s a fun and creative way to focus on that, and spend some time motivating yourself to improve, reach… grow!

I have followed along a couple times and have decided to join in again…this time with a bit more of a spiritual focus. For me, I just haven’t been taking the time I really need to focus on what REALLY matters, and be tune with my Savior. Especially as we approach the holiday season…it’s just something I want to work on. SO, i started TODAY!! i am feeling really good about it... i am going to use photos from my instagram, and couple them with favorite scriptures... here is today- it's a good start:

i can remember when i was pretty young...like 6-7 years old, i was at my friend's house.. Jackie and Jen (cute twins), and their mom had this picutre framed in their living room... one day, their mom pointed out to me that there is no doorknob on this door- that Christ can't just come in... He waits until we open our heart, and our life to Him! she told me that He would ALWAYS be there waiting for whenever i need Him, and wish to allow Him in.  i have always remembered that! while i don't feel like i have shut Him out by any means... i want to 'draw near'.

Rhonna mentioned that she is posting her 21-day challenge inspriation through Instagram. If you don't know what instagram is.. it's SO awesome. you can take a photo, and then add a filter, and a caption, and post it! you can follow people and stuff. the photos are unique and fabulous! but you can also follow her on twitter here. if you are tweeting it up be sure to hashtag #the21challenge

kicking off the holidays!

It’s Sunday night, and the kids are all in bed, and I have finally had a chance to sit down and evaluate the last week, and think/plan for a new week. I can NOT believe that November is ½ over! (gasp)...  i am not sure how I feel about that!, other than I just feel freaked out about how the time seems to be slipping by so quickly!

Today kicks off the first day of the newest Mouse Paper Scissors class: GIVE at www.jessicasprague.com.  In fact, THE Jessica Sprague was here in town for the weekend and I got to spend a little time with her—she is so amazing.

We had a great time. We even got to squeeze in a little inspiration shopping and some yummy restaurants! ( UGH, blew my diet).  Seeing all the amazing, GORGEOUS and sparkly Christmas décor was so fun…

got my little creative ideas buzzing! If you get a few minutes, and you can browse through a yummy smelling Christmas boutique…you’ll be glad you did!  It was great to have some ‘girl time’. The weather is definitely matching the season: chilly, flurries, leaves swirling.  The only redeeming quality of this cold weather is the fact that it warrants scarves.  I have quite a collection! But this one is my favorite:

So, tonight I was watching “Facing the Giants” on TV… have you ever seen this movie? I think I have seen bits of pieces of it… but I watched it twice tonight. It’s really inspiring, and so filled with truth, and wonderful insight.  And things, that I think that I needed to hear tonight:

1. make sure you know what your purpose is.
2. If you accept defeat, that is what you will get
3. Your actions will always follow your belief.
4. We are here on this earth to honor God. Give Him your best.
5. do not fear.

 

It’s definitely not my ‘thing’ to watch football movies… but there was one part in particular that is really sticking with me. There is a guy that tells a story of 2 farmers that both needed rain. Both decided to pray for rain, but only one of the farmers went out to prepare his fields to receive the rain.  He asked…which farmer had faith that God would hear his prayers? (of course the answer being the one that prepared for rain). And then the question: which farmer are you?

 

………………….and, in all things praise God. 

It’s a good movie to share with your family. This afternoon, we were all cuddled up on my bed watching, and it even opened up a chance to talk about some of the valuable lessons. I am thankful for those kinds of moments. Some good thoughts to carry with me into this week. (as I am mentally preparing for the holidays!)

 

Here’s to a great week… MAKE it great…

inspiring me now...

today.

today has been busy.

LOVE.......

*i love that my sister lives close enough to bring her kids over to play, and that she is smart enough to bring her laptop to work on cause she knows that i am too crazy busy right now to play.

*i love today as i sat at the kitchen table to work, it's literally filled with different projects that i am working on, all in various stages of the process... from NEW just beginning, to 'in process' and some nearing completion.

*i love that for 3 hours, all the kids are in school. those are the fastest 3 hours ever.

*i love that i finally indulged myself and snuck in a mani-pedi. i feel like a new woman!

DON'T LOVE...

*i don't love that i have 5 cankers

*i dont' love that i don't have a plan for dinner

*i don't love dieting

SO, just wrapped up all the filming and prep work for the MPS: GIVE class!! it all came together beautifully and i am SO excited for it to get started!  counting down until the 14th ladies!

along with finishing up the GIVE class... i am starting work on my NEW "4Experts" class at Big Picture Classes... "The Art Observation".  I started work on this class over the summer, and it was reflected a bit in my keynote presentation at Creative Escape:

i have been working on the design of my 'virtual classroom' and mapping out all the weeks, and making BIG plans... i am really looking forward to it, and loving my own creative process in puttig the pieces together.  while i was on the BPS site, and reading all the teacher requirements, and getting re-aquatinted with the BPC policies, i clicked on the "teachers" tab... not sure if you have ever looked, but there is an amazing group of inspiring women there! i clicked on my own photo to see what it said, and as i was reading my own responses to the questions.. i had to laugh a little. it's been quite some time since i wrote those answers, and i marveled at how true they continued to be! i love to look back--especailly at scrapbooks, but also in my blog, and i love to read stuff like this. it cracks me up! but stilll, the questions are a prime example of just what we'll be exploring in my class.. really taking a close look at stuff.  you'll have to take a peek at those questions... how would you answer them?

ok, serioulsy. what am i going to make for dinner?!

 

hey.. i wanted to give a little heads up for tomorrow... not sure if you saw on my official heidi swapp facebook page a few days ago, i snuck this little beauty:

tomorrow is Wednesday, and so it's a NEW episode for me on My Craft Channel... tomorrow is kinda fun because in my actual show i walk through EXACTLY how to make this project! but ALSO (and i am not totally sure i am allowed to say this) tomorrow' 'FEATURED BUY' is a kit to make this project! i am not sure the pricing, but it's a great deal, and a great opportunity to try out these amazing products in a way that you will come away with something TRULY beautifuL!  the colors are amazing, and the techniques are SO EASY anyone can do!  (to my MPS GIVE friends.. pay attention, we'll be doing something similar to this in our class! this is a sneaky peek for you!!)  The kit includes everything you need but a paint brush and some black ink... so you can't go wrong. even these gorgeous full color instructions are included:

i mean.. if this doesn't make you feel like a super-start-artista... nothing will... this is what you start out with:

maybe you have some of these toys already at home.. so be sure to tune in tomorrow to check it out! it's a fun tutorial. LOVE it!  (your summer pictures called... they want you to put them in this book!)

 

 

Cute snack idea…

It was time for Connor to be the snack helper again! I had a few things around the house that I figured I could ‘package’ up… so I had this fun idea to sew compartments into a zip lock bag—I thought it would look a little different and since the kids can’t reach in and pull out a whole handful…it might slow them down a little.

i tried sewing different size and shape compartments.. the kids (of all ages) loved them!

 

I just used my regular sewing machine. It took a few minutes to fill the compartments. I think these would be great for airplane rides, or even church snacks!

tradition...

every year since i was very young, my aunt KJ has hosted a halloween party-- it's truly the event of the year! she sends out save the dates early to be sure that she gets on the calendar first... we wouldn't DARE miss it! costumes are NOT optional...so everyone knows the drill! we have a great time every year and i am so grateful for her example and her efforts to uphold this very amazing family tradition. she lives in a little house in a beautiful part of town 'sugarhouse'...and now that our family grows every year...either by a marriage or a baby...it's getting BRAVER every year for her to welcome all the spooks into her home!

it's all about the photos on the porch... this is my aunt and uncle hosts... the photos on the porch are just one of the many traditions... i think that these chees puffs have made it onto the 'every year' list:

and this year... a magic show...quite entertaining!

always goodies and giveaways

the costumes this were were AMAZING! this is my cousin and his wife and their hats! fantastic!


this is my folks... my mom was sporting a utah utes tutu and everything!  almost unrecognizeable to the grandkids.. and controvercial as my children seem to be leaning toward the BYU (??where did they come from??)

these cousins are dog lovers... so this fit..Cruella even got her boyfriend to dress up at a dog...he's a keeper!

here are my 20-something cousins as MASH characters

maybe you will recognize my group...the Blue Man Group, Spiderman, Mime, MonsterHighWalMartCostume and a Witch!




and from my instagram collection:

as you can see... crazy good! as usual.... thanks KJ

 

don't miss this!

hey... just wanted to throw this out there... on the My Craft Channel today the 'featured buy' is the MARATHON RUNNER a new adhesive from Bazzill... i can tell you this- i am an adhesive snob- and ESPECIALLY runners!  (i hate runners because i just don't feel like they last very long!)  i got one of these new 'marathon runners' as a gift at Creative Escape (thanks Bazzill) and i was immediately HOOKED! i LOVE it... it WORKS. it has a LOT of adhesive on the roll...

those of you in the upcoming Mouse Paper Scissors GIVE class-- you will see me using this runner in the videos! This deal is for a runner and a refill for $19.  people always ask me what adhesive i like... and i love my Tombo Multi; and i love my Glossy Accents by Ranger -- but i have been reaching for this Marathon Runner lately- you will LOVE it!

getting glimmery... on My Craft Channel...

welcome Wednesday... and i think that it really snuck up on me this week! i have a bunch of things lined up for 'wed' and i think i thought i had one more day!  must be all the candy!

as you know, i have a new episode on "My Craft Channel" every Wednesday... so be sure to head over and check it out... today i am talking about Glimmer mist and the Mistable papers from Pink Paislee... there is so much you can do with these papers -- they are absolutely yummy!

you can buy the Mistable paper HERE.

chipboard letters HERE

the muslin ribbons HERE

the tags... so cute ...HERE

mistable ruffles HERE

Mels Diner Glimmer Mist HERE

Tattered Angels: Cadillac Pink HERE

Apricot Nectar in a set HERE

Mistable vinyl stickers HERE

Misting Mat by Tattered Angels HERE

have a happy wednesday... and until next time!!!