before spring returns

well, all but one Saturday this season has been spent on the tubing hill. It's been an absolute blast going both up and down the hill thanks to that OLD 2 seater snowmobile. Today, after tubing, Tyler put it up for sale.



And as you can see, we lost another tube. Those Uncle Bob's Authentic Snow Gear Aqua Leisure tubes are awesome, although I hear that the ones this year are not as fast. So we are keeping it and looking for some more AirStop - works like a charm. The extra large tubes are the best because it's like riding on a cloud - no jarring of the neck, etc. Just a wonderful ride down the hill enjoying our beautiful valley.

And in addition to another tube dying, the last tubing Saturday, and putting the snowmobile up for sale, I went to the garden store today. I bought seeds for my vegetable garden. A couple of different pumpkin varieties, zuchs, crook necks, corn for drying and grinding, cucumbers, carrots, peas, and snow peas. They even have a seed list with detailed info about what will cross pollinate, which are hybrids, when to plant and what to look for in the soil, etc. I am super excited about gardening this year. I have to go back for onions, tomatoes, basil, and potatoes. And I need to get a truck load of compost to till into the soil. Other than that, I think we are well on our way to a great garden. I have all the tomato cages I need along with the essential garden tools and my drip irrigation system. I might need some more gloves this year (we'll see). Although someone suggested I try black tarp to help my tomatoes. I love gardening. It's great therapy - provides lots of vitamin D (the happy sun vitamin) and this year I will have a yard full of grass instead of mud and I won't have to worry about putting in a sprinkler system. I am excited to just work on my garden. The sad thing is, there is still about a foot of snow where my tulips will bloom because they are all in shady areas. Spring will be here soon enough...

I hope that you'll check out these new books we just tried out for our clients. They have these cool lay flat pages and dust covers, setting them above and beyond our expectations. There are lots of photos including close ups. Incredible is all I can say. Our New Signature Guestbooks I am excited about this new product, but are you? Leave us a comment and let us know what you think!

photo session fun!

On Friday I spent the afternoon with my last mission companion, Sonya Abu. I trained her and then she got to be there when I went home after fulfilling 18 months- I think that is cruel and unusual punishment for a greenie but we don't decide our companions on our mission. We had a great time together. She ended up going to school in the valley I live in. And she met her husband at the Institute there. She's from the states and he's from Ghana in Africa. We photographed their wedding at the Logan Temple- their album was the first I designed digitally. And after years of waiting, they adopted. We photographed Rhea last February, not long after she was born. And this February I got to photograph their newborn son. So after we did Rhea's One Year old photos Haeley spent a lot of time playing with her. She was so amazing with her and so sweet. She's got a talent with little ones. And we just happened to get this photo of them hugging. Rhea was playing ball with Haeley and loved her baby dolls and Haeley can't resist a hug. And what an awesome moment. My last mission companion's oldest child and daughter and my oldest child and daughter playing happily together. I am just so happy to have this moment captured to remember forever.

If you want to see more of this cute family and our new baby albums, then go to our photography blog.

Valentine Project

We made this cute little mailbox for HK to take to school for Valentine's Day. She had a blast and really enjoyed shopping with me for this project.

Are you participating in project 365?

I created these albums for my children and wanted to share them with you. They are on sale now at Cottage Arts.


Michelle is even offering some really cool add-ons. There are also instructional videos to help you through the process.

Grocery shopping success...

I grew up going to the Commissary, not the Grocery store. My mom never used coupons, the military prices were fantastic, and so I never learned how to use them either ... until recently. A few things led up to this, I have a 6 week menu (I'm not good at the whole day by day thing because I have to be in the mood for what I am going to eat - I just have everything written down that we can have for 6 weeks - and I have a coordinating grocery list). I've been doing that for a little over a year - it's made grocery shopping a snap and I usually have everything I need. I live in the boonies so no running to the store at last minute. We do have to go back for bread and milk every 2 weeks or so. Then at the last general conference I remember hearing the general authorities talking about being thrifty and since my sister in law is so great at that, I thought I could learn a few things myself. I still haven't learned the whole Sunday Newspaper thing, but I have learned how to use the Smart List and the online coupons. The Smart List is GREAT! It's the circular with the sales from my store in a spread sheet and it tells you what is really a good deal and where to get the coupons. Then I look online for any coupons to make the sale even better for me. Anyway, thanks to Marne I have been watching the videos and reading the info at The Obsessive Shopper Blog and have learned tips on coupon-ing and the Smart List. Right now I am learning how to make my own spreadsheet with all the things from my Menu Grocery List so I really can keep better track of where our money is going and what is really a good sale. So yesterday Coleton and I went to the store right after we dropped Haeley off. It took a little over an hour to shop for 6 weeks worth of food. He was really well behaved and I am a really lucky mom. So the girl rang up our groceries and then put in all the online coupons. The store I went to doesn't keep track of your savings (like some of those that use cards), but it did keep track of the coupons. The woman behind me was actually nice and said how impressed she was at what I had saved in just coupons. Just in online coupons I saved $28.05. I can see why my SIL loves doing this - it's downright addicting. I mean - $28.05 in addition to the sale prices. That alone equals hundreds of dollars a year. Aand who doesn't need their money to go a little further these days?

thinking back

It was 25 years ago that I was confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, in sacrament meeting by my father. The day before, I stepped into the font in the Cardenas Ward building in Panama (the country) and was baptized by my father. It had been about 10 years since he had joined the church, so it was full circle for him. I remember how cold the water was and that we forgot my towel. My mom made me a beautiful white dress to wear that day but I had to wear one of those white jump suits for the actual baptism. I remember the warm feeling inside, feeling loved by my Heavenly Father. I know deep within that I made the right decision to be baptized then. I can't believe it's been 25 years. 25 more years of scripture study, prayer, church attendance, and serving in church callings. Next year, my daughter will have the opportunity to be baptized herself. And I hope that years from now, she too will know she made the right decision.

I recently got back in touch with one of the families I worked with during my mission in DC. And she showed me photos of her husband (the one we taught and saw baptized) and he was baptizing their oldest at the age of 8. Little H was born just weeks after I returned home from that full time mission. To see it go full circle is such an amazing feeling. And I began to think back on other events. Jerome baptized his daughter as well (she was all grown up at that point). Several of those that I taught have gone to the temple too. Today is a wonderful day as I think back on all the blessings I have received from my Heavenly Father.

I just found this:

Just having FUN!!!

So we went snow tubing yesterday. AGAIN. Big surprise, I know ... but the kids have a blast each and every time and we enjoy their laughter. And then my MIL was telling me her memories of riding on the saucer behind her dad's truck on the back roads in her hometown. She said it was a wonder they were all still alive, but she is grateful she could be a part of these memories for her grandchildren.



And I found these two really old beat up trucks that haven't moved in years in a place no one will really be able to find except if I told you. And I photographed the lichen (sp?) and stuff on the rocks of the nearby broken down homestead. So I added the texture over the truck and then masked out some of it to let the truck show through a little more. Anyway, here are some options I came up with. Just having fun. I think I'll go back in the fall and take a few more photos in the sweet light and once I have the masterpiece I want then I'll put them up in CJs room.

Scrapbooking for school

So Haeley gets to read 1 chapter book a day. They range from 30 to 60 minutes long. This is in addition to the Advance Reader books. She's been reading a lot of the Magic Treehouse books. LOVE THEM, by the way. They are interesting, educational, and after 34 books I am only just beginning to get sick of the fact that the wind started to blow, the treehouse started to spin, then everything was still, absolutely still. Anyway, after every 15 books she gets to report on a continent or major body of water. Right now it's the Pacific Ocean. She has to share at least 5 facts about something to do with the ocean, it's sea life, or water itself. So being such a girl, she chose Seahorses. Who can blame her? Those pigmy seahorses are darling! So I surfed the internet. Clipped a few facts and a few free photos and created this scrapbook page. I had her add the words onto the page. Then we printed it. I had her read it to me twice. And now she is ready to give her report tomorrow.

Thank You Sonya and Stephen for the hand carved wooden elephant from Ghana. I carefully packed it and she took it to school and gave a report on Africa a few weeks ago.

And if you want the cute digital paper set I used, it's that latest and greatest from Summertime Designs. And all her stuff is free, well except the one you can make a donation to help a family with a baby girl who has cancer.

Digital Scrapbooking Classes

Check out the Digital Scrapbooking Experience in Provo, Utah September 24-26, 2009

I'll be there for sure. Let me know if you sign up so I can make sure to see you while I am there!



This is going to be the ultimate digital scrapbooking event of all time! Thank you CKmedia!

What do you do when it's cold outside?

Go to the Elk Ranch of course. Actually, this ranch is not a real ranch. During the summer they harvest the hay from this mountain top meadow, then they feed the elk in the winter. This has helped to protect the elk who had a nasty habit of raiding barns and stepping onto busy highways in the valley. They even said that during the 2 week elk hunt in the fall about 200 elk hide out at the ranch where hunting is not allowed. It was great fun taking the kids to see the Elk. Cj was so quiet but Hk was super excited.

Anyway, I also wanted to get in another plug about the Life's Journey and Triumph albums at COTTAGE ARTS. The links are below. Don't forget that we are donating 25% to cancer research and they really need it. Last night a friend of mine called to tell me she'd been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. We were neighbors for 3 years and she helped with my kids so much while I was sick. She even had an outdoor evening picnic with some of the other neighbor moms just for me so I could get out and socialize for an hour one evening. Her kindness and good example is often in my thoughts. And I am trying to think of a way to help her. She has to go for radiation soon. I feel for her!

Albums I've designed for CottageArts.net

CottageArts

I'm designing again and I am really excited about this! I've made two albums to benefit cancer research and a part of the profits will be donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society - I had Hodgkins Lymphoma- and The American Cancer Society in honor of Michelle's mother who is still battling Breast Cancer.

Now I must tell you, Doris and Michelle made the papers and the elements. I re-colored a few things and I made one or two bits and pieces myself. But can we give a high five to those talented ladies! And to Michelle for all her work with her site! (Leave a comment here and I'll pass it on)

Once we designed the Triumph Album, we decided that we also needed something a little more masculine and simple. So here it is! This Album can be used by anyone for whatever memories you want to record. Of course, if you know someone who has or has had cancer, this is a great album on which to record their Journey through Cancer Treatment. There is even a tribute page just perfect for a professional photo along with a horizontal one that is similar which is great for adding a family photo too! In fact, I'd love to hear what you think of it all!


Here are the links to the albums:
One
Two
Three
Four

Get more information at Michelle's site!

CottageArtsTriumphAlbumLauraVanderbeek

View Project at Shutterfly

Here's the link to the Album at CottageArts.net


Album Designer: Laura Vanderbeek
Artists: Doris Castle and Michelle Shefveland

CottageArts.net's Triumph 12x12 Album Pak is Shutterfly photo book ready! This 26 template album pak is perfect for sharing your story of triumph over cancer or other illnesses, difficult times in your life, achievements you've worked hard for, everyday moments, and more. The 26 templates come with realistic shadows and lots of layered elements. 24 of the templates are flattened Quick Page templates with solid color fills where photos can be clipped into. Includes Shutterfly front cover template, back cover template, and spine. Video tutorial included, as well as Bonus Thank You cards.

8x11CottageArtsLifesJourneyLauraVanderbeek

View Project at Shutterfly

CottageArts.net's Life's Journey 8.5x11 Album Pak is Shutterfly photo book ready! This 27 template album pak is perfect for sharing your story of triumph over cancer or other illnesses, difficult times in your life, achievements you've worked hard for, everyday moments, and more. The 26 templates come with realistic shadows and lots of layered elements. Consisting of easy to use Quick Page templates with solid color fills where photos can be clipped into. Sized to fit Shutterfly's 8.5x11 photo book, including a first page sized for their die-cut window opening cover. Video tutorial included, as well as Bonus Thank You cards.
Album Designer: Laura Vanderbeek
Artists: Michelle Shefveland

Here's the Link to CottageArts.net to purchase the album

CottageArts 8.5x11 TriumphLauraVanderbeek

View Project at Shutterfly

CottageArts.net's Triumph 8.5x11 Album Pak is Shutterfly photo book ready! This 26 template album pak is perfect for sharing your story of triumph over cancer or other illnesses, difficult times in your life, achievements you've worked hard for, everyday moments, and more. The 26 templates come with realistic shadows and lots of layered elements. 22 of the templates are flattened Quick Page templates with solid color fills where photos can be clipped into. Sized to fit Shutterfly's 8.5x11 photo book, including a first page sized for their die-cut window opening cover. Video tutorial included, as well as Bonus Thank You cards.

Album Designer: Laura Vanderbeek
Artists: Doris Castle and Michelle Shefveland

Here's the link to the CottageArts.net online store!

I think this says it all

After tubing all morning we went to Cabella's at the point of the mountain to find Tyler new waterproof and insulated boots. Then we drove to my parents and went out for Chinese food for my dad's birthday. Then back to their house for ice cream. They gave me clothes for my birthday. I really enjoyed my time with them. It was refreshing and Hk and Cj loved it as well!

Our neighbors are selling their house...

I'm super sad about this. They are great neighbors, great gardeners, quiet, and they have the funnest social twice a year. And besides, I visit teach M*. He's the Stake Patriarch and she is the 1st Counselor in the RS at church. I sort of hope it doesn't sell because I like them and will miss them but if it does, I want good neighbors. It's a nice home with very gentle wear and tear (their children are all grown) with a dog run, basketball standard, water softener, hardwood and carpet. The living room is all connected with the dining room and kitchen. The basement is finished. Their home is always spotless! The VIEW of the valley and lake and mountains is stunning, breathtaking, amazing, fabulous, etc. and I'd move in just to have the view! So if you know someone who would make a great neighbor, wants a built in sled hill, doesn't mind going to neighborhood parties a few times a year, will keep the yard looking nice because it will only need to be maintained as it is in beautiful condition, likes well water and propane, and doesn't mind that you have to help the rest of us plow the road you live on, then email me and I'll point you in the right direction. And you can't mind the fox or deer that appear once in a while...so sad, so sad....ugh...and I'm going visiting teaching to her tonight. What am I going to say????????

tubing

it's that time of year again! We love tubing and there is nothing better than an Uncle Bob's tube on a nice open hill on a sunny winter day. So I rode down with CJ once and got this photo of his little boots. It kind of reminds me of those beach photos people take with their toes all covered in sand, except he's wearing boots and it's the middle of the winter, the lake is being used only for ice fishing, and he's a two year old who doesn't want to sit still.


And then the snowmobile broke down and Tyler was not happy while pulling CJ back up the hill. It was fun while it lasted. I think Tyler is taking the snowmobile back for a refund. Regardless, I think he looks tough in this photo and I love that.

Happy New Year

After hearing about a friend's terrible hard drive crash I thought I'd share how I back up my images.

I do this for my own family photos and for my clients.

I have a folder for each of my kids and one for Tyler and I. Then I put the images into their folders. You can put them there by chronological order or you can do what I do and make a folder for each event. Then I label the folder 2008-12-25-Christmas. (A date and name to help me find things easier.) Then I burn as many folders as possible onto a DVD and put them in a CD binder that hold 4 per side (thank you Staples). I label the DVD with a permanent archival safe pen- I don't use sticky labels - they are not archival safe and they do make the disc skip.



For Clients, as soon as I put their images on my computer I make a backup disc. Then I check said disc and then I put that in my giant disc folder alphabetically. When I am done with orders and retouching I burn another disc. Client Name, Date, and FINAL written on disc. Then I put that disc next to the other one in the binder. I encourage clients to buy the disc with their images for safe keeping purposes. The only exception is that with weddings we take about 1,000 photos each and then there is the 500mb 2 page spreads. So each wedding client has their own file where I also keep the signed pages of the album approval and other such printed copies.

For my family after I finish the year of scrapbooking I make a copy onto discs and give one to my mom and one to my inlaws. They enjoy the photos and I have a backup incase my house burns down or floods or something huge like that. For each kid I make a Favorites folder and put my favorite images on that one. Then scrapbooking and 4x6 photo albums are a breeze. Only the most sentimental photos get scrapbooked. The ones I like that didn't make the cut go into albums and the rest just sit on DVD or get tossed. I just finished making sure I put all the images in the right folders yesterday. Tomorrow after I finish the client orders and retouching from yesterday, then I will scrapbook last year. I am planning on 24- 48 pages and then I'll print 3 copies at Shutterfly - one for us and one for each kid. And now I am ordering more photo purses and some enlargements.

A Crazy Busy New Year

It's been crazy around here lately. It was wonderful to have my family here. The kids got to go tubing for a little while on Christmas day. But mostly they enjoyed their gifts. I spent a whole lot of time cooking. C & B really helped with cleaning up. Tyler spent a whole lot of time digging us out of the driveway. My brother arrived on Christmas day. It's been a few months and it was good to see him again. Tyler had a great photo session on the 26th - super cute family! And they dressed perfectly - so that you can really focus on their faces and not their clothing. When it comes to big groups, solid color clothing makes all the difference in the world. They are coming over today to order photos. Tonight we are meeting with Chris & Leslie a wonderful couple we photographed last April - they decided to buy the disc and order a few more photos. I can't wait to see them again.

It's also been a tough week. We attended Erik's viewing on Sunday. Casey's sobbing often hushed the already very quiet but very large crowd. We waited 2 hours. Erik's mom grabbed me and hugged me so tight and told me how much she loved the beautiful photographs from their wedding and how the photos are so cherished by them. She told me about the large collage she had framed and matted for them for Christmas - Erik had peaked and said how much Casey would love them. And that Casey couldn't even look at it until the day of the viewing. It was displayed near the casket. Casey sobbed into my shoulder and she kept thanking me for the photos. She even hugged Tyler until her mom pulled Tyler away. Then Mitzi, Casey's mom hugged me and cried into my shoulder and told me how much they treasure the photos and how we created such wonderful memories for their family. I cried back and said how honored I was to be able to have taken those photos. They even used one of the portraits I'd taken of him alone for his obituary. They were all very tired from the long day and all the visitors. It was also a very reverent time. One thing really bothered me about the whole experience. It was very much like their wedding reception receiving line except that Erik was in a casket, no longer holding Casey's hand. I have a stronger distaste for receiving lines at weddings. Yesterday I helped the kids make home made cards to send to Casey and to Sophie. Sophie is Haeley's age and they were in the same class at church until they changed the ward boundaries a few months ago. Sophie is Jesse's little sister and Jesse's funeral and burial is today. Even though I am just a friend, I can feel myself moving through the grief process. Yesterday I was plain mad and spent a lot of time praying and listening to my church music playlist on iTunes.

Anyway even though it's been a tough week, I've been able to pull up the old boot straps and get to work. I've been working on specials for our photography business for the New Year; some for Mother's Day, some for Weddings, and Referrals. I'm working on a special package to give to clients at the end of their session as well and a special Maternity/Newborn plus Proof Book package. I've been able to get a lot done despite the tears and I can't wait to implement a few more ideas I've thought of. Check out our blog for 3 new ways to save on photography.

In Memory of Erik and Jesse

In August of this year, we photographed Erik and Casey J's wedding. Erik died Christmas Eve morning while snowmobiling. He was buried in an avalanche while snowmobiling. His friend, Jesse, a young man who went to our church, also died in the avalanche.

Casey and Erik were such a wonderful couple to photograph. And I am so pleased that his family have a beautiful wedding album to cherish and recent photos of this son and husband. I am so very sad for Casey, losing her husband of a few months and the Johnson's losing their son. And at the same time, I am so very grateful for Christmas because it is Christ who made it possible for families to be together forever and knowing that it's not just the birth of Christ, but the atonement of Christ that we really celebrate. This Christmas was a bitter sweet one for me. A few miracles happened amongst the tragedy for which I will be grateful for. My mom made it back on Christmas Eve day from Texas after being with her father who barely survived emergency surgery. And my friends Greg and Erin were able to be with his mom in the hospital for Christmas. They've been through so much. And my brother made it back from NYC and through the snow storm and walked in early afternoon on Christmas day. Tyler and I didn't give each other anything for Christmas, and we tried to focus on Christ more. We watched movies on Christ and read scriptures. We did give gifts to our children and my parents and family. But this Christmas I truly felt the Spirit of Christ.

And this is the final page of Erik and Casey's wedding album. I've never used this quote before and I am sure glad that I put it in Casey and Erik's album.

Merry Christmas!

We just wanted to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas. If you haven't read our Christmas letter and would like to, you can see it here. We hope you enjoy your Christmas and are able to focus on what really matters this time of the year. As I was watching Polar Express with my children a few days ago I began to think, "What do I believe?" Well, I believe in Jesus Christ, the true reason we celebrate Christmas. We watched the movie Joy to the World yesterday morning and then we watched it last night at Grandma's house. It was wonderful to feel the Spirit of Christ during Christmas. For more information on what I believe about Christ and Christmas you can watch this video.

Meaningful Gifts

The past two years, I've started doing something that really makes me happy (and if a burglar broke into my house at Christmas they'd leave pretty empty handed). I've made digital scrapbook pages for my family of their family history. I decided this year that I would make 10 per family and now that I've kind of got a layout idea for most pages, I can work on next year's early. I even had the added bonus of sitting with my husband's grandparents and asking them questions and seeing some really old portraits. The feeling that day was wonderful and I learned a whole lot more about them. And Grandma loved telling me all about her young self - who wouldn't! And my dad was nice enough to email me info. As well as the help I received from Tyler's cousin, B, and my in-laws. I even have some extra pages I can work on this coming year (along with photos). Now because I make them using Adobe Photoshop CS3, I can make several copies of the exact same page. For the parents I made 12x12 copies. For my sister and her family and then also for my bro I made 8x8 copies (I gave them albums last year). For my BIL I made 8x8 copies and bought them an 8x8 album. Digital scrapbooking has made my life easier and made sharing and keeping fun family photos and stories beautiful.

And I was able to send copies of the pages via email to Aunts and Uncles who want them so they can print them on their own. Saturday night we had a Christmas party with Tyler's Grandparents on his mother's side. I gave them an album and 8x8 pages I made for them. Grandma said to me, I thought you were making these pages for S (her daughter, my MIL). I said, "I did. I made them 12x12 pages. And I made 8x8s for you!" And then Aunt J said, "Oh wouldn't this be wonderful to display in your home for your Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren to look at when they visit." And then we got on the discussion about how sad it is that most important photos get hidden away as if they are protected by doing so. Anyway, here is a fun look at what I did. Tonight I will give the copies I made to my in-laws.

In answer to Marne's question:
First of all, thank you for your compliment!

I give them the album the first year I give pages. Not many people are going to run out and buy their own album and then those pages are sitting around with no way to share them safely. Then in the coming years, I just give them pages. This year for my family, they are just getting pages, since I gave them albums last year. But with my husband's family, we draw names, so each year for 5 years, I'll be buying and giving an 8x8 album with pages. Buying an album with slip in pages makes this sort of thing possible. I don't print these at shutterfly. The reason is because I need to add to it year by year. The pages you see here are actual chapter markers of a sort, or summary pages. And that also allows other family members to make and add more pages too. Oh and Marne, for those of my grandparents that have passed away (my Dad's side) I've just asked him for information. That way their story is not forgotten. And it's preserved with a photo of their face. So even though my children never met Emily or Briney, they still know who they are and what they did.

ha,ha, ha! where did the front walk go?

All I can say is, HOW COOL IS THIS? I love snow! It cracks me up that there are only hints of the stairs left. Now - how do I get the kids home in this blizzard?

Rocky Road Popcorn

Some good news first. It looks like my Grandpa is going to make it. Meanwhile my mom is in Texas with her parents and sister. Hope all continues to go well for them. Emergency surgery around the holidays is stressful enough, especially in your 80's.

I just wanted to share this recipe with all of you. I've taken it to the church Christmas Party and served it at our Polar Express movie party in our theater room. And it was a hit!!! After some fine tuning I think we've got it where we really like it. I don't put the almonds in mine because I am allergic to nuts so I just call it Triple Chocolate Popcorn for me. If you need a higher resolution copy let me know. And you might take some copies of the recipe with you to hand out because you just might get asked...


fonts: American Typewriter and CK Becky - I made the popcorn elements and the background paper too.

Have a Merry Christmas!

Snow...at last

It's mid December and this is the first "real" snow storm of the season - the first one with any hint of staying around for more than 1 day anyway. It's beautiful. And while we are waiting for the snow to get deep enough to go tubing on Grandma's hill, we have a gentle slope in our own backyard, one that my little ones can easily push their tubes up on their own. But did you know if you tilt the camera a little, it makes that gentle slope look pretty steep! So 'no', CJ is not walking or tubing on something that steep - just a little camera trick. Too funny! It was great to see them so entertained in our own backyard - I love knowing there is baby grass and frozen ground under that snow. At Grandma's house we use an old snowmobile to ride back up the hill since even though it is a gentle grade, it's a very long hill and the kids get tired on the first ride. But tubing is definitely one of our favorite family activities.

Elf

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Christmas Letter 2008

Merry Christmas!

First of all, I am doing well, December 7th marks two years since I finished radiation treatments (after finishing chemo in November 06) and began figuring out the whole remission thing. It's been great, sometimes quite a struggle, but worth it. I am enjoying more time with my children and husband. For those of you I am just catching up with I had Hodgkins Lymphoma and my tumors were crushing my heart and lungs. I love creating amazing products for our photography clients. I recently created two digital scrapbooking albums in 12x12 and 8.5x11 and part of the proceeds will benefit cancer research -with video instructions. I'm glad to have a holiday break and you'll see it for sale the end of December at Cottage Arts. I teach Relief Society lessons at church once a month.

Tyler is a counselor in the Elder's Quorum at church. He is a Certified Financial Planner and works with his Dad, Jim Vanderbeek, and his uncle, Gordon Nelson, at Keystone Wealth Management. He enjoys the market and trading and helping clients. He still photographs a few times a month and enjoys the creative outlet. He's amazing with the kids and helps me so much.

Haeley is enjoying 1st Grade. She is really enjoying reading the Magic Tree House book series and has finished a dozen in the past few weeks. School has definitely changed since I was a kid - those books used to be considered 3rd grader books. She enjoys dance as well and is very precise. It's fun to see her gracefully move around the house.

Coleton is having fun with sentences and practicing new words. His smile is contagious. He is beginning to resist nap time. He loves trucks and trains. We had to get him a new car seat and he loves the new one! He loves to 'help' me with the yard work. He's so sweet and keeps me busy!

Other than that, we're pretty busy with homework, errands, church callings, and all the wonderful things life is made up of. Hope you have a wonderful and blessed Christmas Season.

Some Scenics

Tyler took this one of the river near Mesa Falls. I love the rapids!


I took this one near Big Springs - LOVE RAW! I'm learning to take scenics. Besides Coleton wanted to walk across a foot bridge and see the river from the other side so I took a few photos just for fun.

Idaho

There are lots of great places to go to in Idaho, especially the closer you get to Yellowstone National Park. We stayed in a great cabin near a lake and even with all 26 of us there, it never felt crowded. Now if we can get Hk's vest that she left/hid. Anyway, it's great to be home. If you'd like to check out the family photo we took for their Christmas card this year go here!

Mesa Falls