President Graff

I found out today that President Graff passed away on Saturday. He was the president of the Washington DC North Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was a wonderful man and a great leader. He was the father of 9. He also took great care of hundreds of missionaries for the 3 years he volunteered as mission president. He was my mission president for 'a little under a year' (you sisters remember that saying, right?). Actually about 10 months. When I saw him October 2008 at the 10 year reunion of the mission, he asked all about how I was doing and that he was glad to hear I was doing well. He made sure that I told Sister Graff about my cancer because they wanted to make sure to remember who to pray for. I felt right at home around Pres. Graff, meaning that although he was strict and didn't smile a whole lot (like my dad), he was genuine and full of love and care for each of the missionaries. He expected us to work hard, be strictly obedient to the mission rules, and be on time - no - be early to everything possible. He was serving as a sealer in the Seattle Temple and enjoying being a grandfather at the time of his passing. Sister Graff shared with me about his terrible car accident not too many months before the reunion. They almost lost him then. While I am sad for their separation, I know he was one of Heavenly Father's noble and great ones and he is already doing all he can to serve the Lord on the other side. He surely qualified through righteous living and faith in Christ for all the blessings of the atonement our Savior provided for us. Sister Graff is strong and I am sure her many children and Grandchildren are by her side at this moment. I pray that his family will find comfort at this time. Interesting little fact. President Graff's son married President Farne's daughter. President Farnes was the very next Washington D. C. North mission president and I served under him for the next 8 months of my mission.

Misty and Laura with Sister Graff

Life...

Just catching up on a million things with Tyler home. His trip was long and we are all so happy to be together again. I just finished this photo session and her order yesterday. Have a look and tell me what you think.
Family Photography

my G5 is live!

my computer is back from the dead - so when I get caught up after over a week without I will be posting some photos and fun!

Happy Easter

My children really enjoyed the Easter Egg hunt and there was only one egg that we couldn't find. CJ was the last of all of his cousins to find his eggs but he was a good sport. Grandma gave them books, sand molds, squirt guns, and bubbles to enjoy this spring. I gave them some heavy duty plastic gardening tools - which they enjoyed this morning (along with their butterfly nets) until it became too windy. I also gave them a chocolate bunny, m&ms, reeses pieces, silly straws, socks, and a few other odds and ends. Last night we finished reading the book "When the Stone was Rolled Away" from the Believe and You're There LDS book series. I think HK is catching on more to the story of Christ and his sacrifice and resurrection. CJ listened which is a great thing to get a toddler to do when the story only has one drawing per chapter.

I am learning more and more about Gardening too. I have to jot things down so I do not forget. My SIL said that once I plant my cabbage outside I need to get a pack of ladybugs too. I know that the local garden store sells them. I am trying to stay away from pesticides. I gave a tomato plant to my MIL and SIL for Easter and as thanks for taking care of CJ while I was away. Today I moved two more tomatoes to my old gallon pots that I sterilized. I am putting new peat pots in my tray when I take the old ones out. I am now planting lavender which I am super excited about. I finally got dill seeds to plant outside when I plant my tomatoes. They are supposed to attract the bugs away from the tomatoes to the dill - making them easier to see and dispose of. I have plenty of pepper, tomatoes, and cabbage sprouts. I have most of my seeds, including potato seed which I stored in my basement fruit room until I can plant them. Which reminds me, I need to call the landscaping place and find out about top soil and boulders....

Home at last - it was a long drive with it's unexpected twists and turns. But Orlando was beautiful for the 3 hours I was there. The wind was insane. It was with us the entire drive and even made me a little nervous at take off as the plane twisted back and forth before finally getting off the ground. Instead of 35 hours, it took 42 hours of driving and in 3.5 days. We were tired. We listened to the New Moon audio book and then read Peace Giver - quite the contrast. My mom had fun with HK and Tyler's mom had fun with CJ. I never thought I would actually drive across the United States again. I was 12 the last time we did that (from Ft. Rucker, Alabama to Ft. Richardson, AK - stopping in Texas to see Grandparents and then San Diego to see Aunts and Uncles on up to Seattle to see more relatives and then up to Anchorage.) This time we didn't travel quite as far and I was with my husband instead of my parents and brother and sister. Needless to say, I am glad to be home!

States and Cities along the way - I'd like to see Chattanooga, Tennessee again - probably in the fall


Wyoming


sorry, this one is not quite done. I am waiting for a photo of Orlando. Anyone got a title idea? I'm fresh out!


The End

breakfast conversation

It went like this:

CJ: I love Daddy. I love you too Mom. Do you love me?
Mom: Yes, I love you CJ, very much.
CJ: Do you love Daddy?
Mom: More than any other person in the world.
CJ: Oh, good!

This is one of those sweet little memories to cherish amid the potty training dismays and recent lack of a regular nap time. He sure is growing up quickly. His ability to speak so clearly at such a young age keeps me in awe. And I love how he puts his thoughts together. Although he still makes up words I can't translate.

Some of his other favorite things to say are:
"Oh, Mommy has pretty lips again!" (anytime I apply lipstick)
"Daddy at work?" (every morning)
"My Jeep. This is my Jeep and those are my keys." (every time he plays with his ride on escalade which he can now carry up and down the stairs without help)
"HK is my sister! I am her brother! I love my sister." (randomly throughout the day)

Digital Scrapbook characters

Like so many others this year, my friend Jon lost his job. With 5 kids, a wife, and a mother in law to take care of, his savings is dwindling quickly while he looks for more employment. Jon is an amazing artist. For years his work graced the windows of many Cache Valley business. So if you absolutely love these Chubby Animals, then please help Jon and his family by spending the $3 to purchase these character. (I told him I'd love to see Zoo Animals too - so we'll keep you posted)
Just go to We Are Storytellers to see them!

3 down, one to go...

Coleton had a GeoTrax birthday this week and added two new Geo Air pieces to his set. (Thanks to Aunt Amber for the awesome cake!)


So did Grandma. Check out her new toy!


My brother stopped by and took this great photo with his camera phone. I don't know if you think it's great but Coleton is not a big snuggler - so this a monumental moment to capture it on camera!


And I got to spend a Saturday afternoon with April Anderton. We ate at the Rodigio Grill at Trolley Square. We did some dream shopping at PotteryBarn, PotteryBarn Kids, Restoration Hardware, Williams & Sonoma, etc. Drool! And we both walked away with a steal of a deal at Potterybarn.

deez dayz is crazy...

On my mission there was the person who liked to call the sister missionaries and it always started out as Sista So-And-So (insert name here) Deez Dayz is crazy! I never found out if that was something the Elders did and the person was made up or what...
Anyway, I am in survival mode right now. Exhausted and busy as all get out. I am very behind and it seems the more behind I get, the more tired I get, and the important parts of my brain just take a vacation, and I get even more behind. One more birthday, some serious organization, a wedding album designed, and a long drive should set things straight. Lucky for me, my children are being extra kind to each other and even CJ is full of hugs. Tyler is working like crazy and he did the dishes for me last night. We photographed a couple tonight who are getting married tomorrow. It takes the stress out of their wedding day and we get perfect light and they get better photos. Now if I can track down those important parts of my brain...

Create - by Elder Dieter F. Uchdorf

I loved this video! LOVED IT!

Free Download at CottageArts.net

Check out these free recipe cards available at CottageArts.net - and if you haven't signed up for the newsletter - seriously, what are you waiting for. It's filled with great ideas, the latest products, and freebies! Designer Trish even used my pre-made page template from the Life's Journey album I designed with Michelle as the background. Super cute!

Support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Support cancer research for Lymphoma and Leukemia! You get 30% off at Old Navy, Gap, and Banana Republic and 5% goes to lls.org. Of course, I'll be super happy that you get 30% off, but I'll be even happier if blood diseases are eliminated all together. I had Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Link to multiple use barcode!

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.