Life Is an Artform

{What a Vacation!}

We just got back from a WONDERFUL 2 week vacation – the most RELAXING one ever!  Our 15th Anniversary was in July, but we were on the Pioneer Trek.  So we decided to celebrate this fall, after Michael’s football season was over.  Of course we had to bring our kiddos along for the fun – they are our favorite Anniversary gift too!

We took a cruise to the Mexican Riviera, stopping in Peurto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas.  Then we played for a few days at Disneyland. :o)  We went on the Carnival Splendor – a beautiful new ship!  You know, it took me 15 years to talk Nathan into a cruise.  He was traumatized as a kid when he saw the “The Poseidon Adventure” and was sure that our ship would somehow sink or flip over like it did in the movie.  He even used to send me CNN articles whenever there was a problem with a cruise ship – funny!  I’m happy to say that he is now a great fan of Cruisin’ and LOVED it!!  We especially enjoyed getting rocked to sleep every night by the gentle ocean waves (and we didn’t even get sea sick).

None of us had ever been to Mexico, or on a cruise – so this was a fun new adventure for the family.  I have to say – we LOVED the whole cruise experience.  Where else can you get pampered for a week?  I had a full-time staff of nannies at our disposal (Camp Carnival for the little kids and Circle C for the older ones), gourmet chefs (the food was INCREDIBLE!), and housecleaning TWICE a day!  They even turned down the bed and left us chocolates and adorable towel animals every evening!  The kids loved swimming in the pools and the fun waterslide on the top of the ship, playing miniature golf and other fun activities, and exploring the ship.  Nathan and I loved relaxing by the pools, soaking in the hot tubs, and reading on the deck while we overlooked the breathtaking view of the ocean.

Highlights of our Trip:

• Sliding down the Waterfall and swinging  into the river in El Eden – the jungle of Peurto Vallarta. We felt like we were in the movie Swiss Family Robinson.
• Swimming in the beautiful pools at the Krystal Resort – overlooking the ocean.
• Watching the Cliff Divers in Mazatlan and touring the Old City and Church.
• Parasailing over the ocean in Mazatlan (Nathan, Michael, and I went – it was breathtaking and WONDERFUL!)
• Kids getting to hold a parrot and giant iguana.
• Building sandcastles, playing in the WARM ocean, and body boarding.
• Sunny, beautiful weather and the 70’s and 80’s in late November – pure heaven!
• The BEAUTIFUL beaches in Cabo San Lucas.  The water was so clear and the most beautiful turquoise.  The sand was so soft and such a pretty golden color that sparkled.
• Seeing the famous Stone Arch at Lover’s beach and watching the sea lions.
• Watching the colorful fish through the Glass-bottomed boat.
• Snorkeling through the beautiful fish as they swam under us.
• A DELICIOUS formal dinner every night in the Gold Pearl Dining room. 
• For my kids – 24 hour pizza, ice cream, hot chocolate, and free room service!
• The “Chocolate Extravaganza” buffet on the last day – amazing!
• The kind, courteous, positive, and hardworking staff on the Carnival Splendor ship.
• Loved the Christmas decorations at Disneyland and seeing “snow” fall in Southern California after the fireworks!
• Riding “California Screaming” 7 TIMES!!  It’s Jacob’s new favorite ride too. (I’m still a little hoarse from all my screaming – but it is so fun!  I even got brave and went on the Tower of Terror.)
• Having the time to read 4 books and listen to 2 more on my iPod.
• A Minivan with cordless headphones and satellite TV.  It makes 20 hours of driving bearable.
• I didn’t have to make dinner for 2 whole weeks  - WOOHOO!

Poor Victoria’s foot got stung by a jelly fish in Mazatlan.  Fortunately she was okay after a few hours, but it wasn’t a fun experience.  We joke that she now has something in common with Dory from “Finding Nemo”.  She likes that. :o)

Also – my Rebel Camera must have thought the water was so beautiful in Cabo, that it decided to jump in and try it out!  In my haste to gather our snorkeling gear and bags and make it back to the water taxi in time, I forgot to zip up my camera bag.  As I was jumping into the boat, it fell into the ocean!!  Alas – my camera was ruined and I didn’t even have a camera in Disneyland.  Can you believe it?!?!?!  Fortunately it happened at the end of our cruise.  In fact, this is the last photo ever taken with my camera.  One of my favorite from our trip. :o)

I will post lots of photos soon, I just have to finish the MOUNTAIN of laundry first. :o)

{Snickerdoodle Cupcakes}

My mom gave Desiree the WONDERFUL new Martha Stewart Cupcake Book for her birthday last week.  We just had to play with it a bit – and made these delicious “Snickerdoodle Cupcakes” with luscious cream cheese frosting and cinnamon sugar sprinkles.  We also found this delightful cupcake stand at Costco – it holds 35 cupcakes!

Hmmm….

What recipe will we make next? :o)

{Beautiful Autumn Hike}

 

Our family hiked up to Lake Mary – at the end of the Brighton Loop up Big Cottonwood Canyon.  It was just a perfect Autumn day.  The golden Quaking Aspens were just breathtaking.  The views were so beautiful!  My favorite part was breathing in the fresh and crisp mountain air!  The lake was about 20 feet lower than normal – but my kids loved exploring the lake bed and spent and hour skipping rocks across the water.  The highest record was 6 skips by Michael. Funny to think that these trees will be covered in snow on Wednesday!  We also enjoyed a nice stroll around Silver Lake.  I LOVE the mountains! 

Jacob went NUTS over all of the granite boulders – he is our rock guru and collector.  He gasped when he saw the huge rocks at the lake and exclaimed - “I’m in Heaven!” – as he ran off to climb and explore them. :o)

{September “She Said” Kit Club Layouts}

 

Here are the September “She Said” Autoship Kit Club Layouts I designed for “A Page 4 All Seasons”.  “Breathtaking Beauty features the new “Ooh La La” Collection from My Mind’s Eye.  “Sunshine Girl” was designed with the new Abbey Road “Whirly Bird” line.  These layouts feature decorative borders, rhinestone swirls, journaling blocks, frames, die cut paper, and crystal borders.

This kit can be purchased from “A Page 4 All Seasons” by clicking here.

{September “He Said” Kit Club Layouts}

These two layouts feature the fun new “Abbey Road” collection from My Mind’s Eye.

A few of these kits are still available to purchase from “A Page 4 All Seasons” by clicking here.

August “She Said” Kit Club Layouts

Here are my two August “She Said” Autoship Kit Club Layouts.  “To Be Young” features the new Fancy Pants “Summer Soiree” collection and a full page transparency overlay.  “Warm Days” was designed with the new Bo Bunny “Mango Luau” line.  Both pages are accented with these fabulous large My Mind’s Eye glittered letters!

A few of these kits are still available to purchase from “A Page 4 All Seasons” by clicking here.

August “He Said” Kit Club Layouts

Here are my August “He Said” Kit Club Layouts.  “Full Speed Ahead” was designed with the new MME Breaking Free “Lighten Up Baby” line.  “Just a Boy in the Summertime” was created with the cool “Cowabunga” collection.  A few of these layouts are still available for purchase from “A Page 4 All Seasons” by clicking here.  :o)

July “She Said” Autoship Layouts

Here are the two July She Said Layouts I designed for “A Page 4 All Seasons”. These two layouts are perfect for photos of the pool, splash park, playing in the backyard – or any other fun summer activity.  Love these new papers from the new My Mind’s Eye “Breaking Free” Collection.  :o)

July “He Said” Autoship Layouts

I had so much fun designing these layouts with two FABULOUS collections from a wonderful new Scrapbook Company, “Scrap Within Reach”.  “Tried and True Ways to have Fun” features “The Cottage” line.  “He’s and Adventure Waiting to Happen” was designed with the “Elliott” collection.  It was PERFECT for photos of Jacob exploring Arches National Park in Moab (our Spring family vacation).

{“You Are…” Altered Tin & Mini Album}

For the Bo Bunny “Recycle/Reuse” assignment – I re-used this Prima circle tin.  It was filled with flower center/buttons.  How could I throw it away?  It was just begging for me to alter it and fill it with a circle album! :o)

I LOVE the new Delilah collection – the colors are so feminine with a touch of Autumn.  I had fun  finding photos of my sweet daughters through the years.  Especially the baby pictures!!! 

Supplies:
Delilah Pretty, Delilah Stripe, Delilah Promise, Delilah You and Me, Delilah Combo Stickers, Calypso Combo Stickers, Pink Punch Double Dot Chipboard, Bohemian Borders Rub-on, All Stuck up Flowers - Pink Punch, Hang Loose iCandy Brads.

{Recent Bo Bunny Projects}

         

         

         

Due to various reasons, I’ve decided to resign from the Bo Bunny Blog Design Team as of Sept. 1st.  I’ve loved designing projects for their blog this last year – they have such wonderful products to play with!  I will still design layouts for their catalog and various class kits. :o)

Here are some of my BB assignments from the past 2 months. 

• “Read” – from Monday’s sketch challenge (loved Shanna’s fabulous sketch).
• “Beach Babes” – designed with Mango Luau for the “Flower Challenge”  I had so much fun using rub-ons on the flowers!
• “Bounce” – Ad Challenge, using a ad for layout design inspiration.
• “Taking Flight” - “Yellow Color Challenge”. It was fun to scrapbook these photos of our Disneyland trip from 5 years ago. :o)
• “Splish Splash” – designed with Calypso line.  I love the huge blue swirls, perfect for these photos of the splash park!
• “Got Mud?” – Fun pictures of Jacob playing in the mud, using the Mango Luau line.

{Yes – I’m still alive!}

Well hello! 

Yes – I have taken quite a lengthy break from my blog.  Why?  Well, there have been many reasons:  I was extremely busy with the Youth Temple Celebration in May (photos to come), lots of preparation for the Pioneer Trek last month, TONS of scrapbook assignments and deadlines, busy with my calling, and I thought I just might spend some time with my kids this summer. :o)

I also decided that I enjoyed sleeping (something that wouldn’t have happened if I had blogged  - since life has been so busy). 

Let’s see, what’s new in our lives:

• I decided to simplify my life a little and will be resigning from the Bo Bunny Blog Design Team as of September 1st.  I’ll still be doing catalog work for them. :o)
• I lost 13 lbs because I finally found time to exercise regularly (and all of that walking prep for the Trek).  Yeah!  Now my capris finally fit from last summer.
• Everyone is healthy (knock on wood). We got pretty sick with the flu in June.
• Michael started football 2 weeks ago.  Yes, that means 6 days a week of practices until September.  Then 3 days a week with a game on Saturdays.  He LOVES it!!!
• Jacob, Victoria, and Desiree are enjoying swimming lessons and turning into little fishes!
• Desiree just got home from her first Young Women’s Camp yesterday – she had a wonderful time.
• Nathan and I celebrated our 15th anniversary last month.  We are excited to fully celebrate it this fall with a family cruise to the Mexican Riviera – YEA!!!!
• We survived Pioneer Trek in July and had a life changing experience – loved it! (Pictures and a post coming soon).

Hope all of you are enjoying your summer!

{Let's go to the HOP!}

      

Join us for another fun Bo Bunny Blog Hop!

Simply Click Here to start at the Bo Bunny Blog and hop from one designer's blog to another. Make sure you leave a comment at each blog so you are entered to win some of the beautiful "Alissa" Collection.  I love the feminine colors of this line! 

• I had fun using it for a quick an simple card.
• Here are some layouts I designed with the Alissa line for my "Scrapbook USA Expo Class".  You can click here to purchase the kit. 
• I also designed a Bo Bunny Class kit: "Friends to the End" My Edgy Album with this line.  This is available at your local scrapbook store, or from online retailers.  It is also available to purchase at A Page 4 All Seasons.

Leave a comment about anything on my blog and you'll be entered to win the Bo Bunny Giveaway.

Now......click here to "hop on over" to Julia's blog.

{June "He Said" Kit Club Layouts}

Here are my June "He Said" Autoship Kit Club layouts for "A Page 4 All Seasons". 

"Discover" and "I Do All My Own Stunts" - These layouts are perfect for photos of your active guy!   I designed these pages with the "U Bug Me"  and "Pet Shop" collections from Bo Bunny.  Pages are accented with a felt star border, die cut paper, chipboard alphabet, and ribbons, epoxy brads, metal book plate. "

Can you believe how little Michael is in these photos?  This was 8 years ago!!  We used to call him "Mr. Cheesers" because he always gave us big "cheesy" grins with those adorable squeezable cheeks. 

• $25.00: If you are a member of my "He Said" Kit Club.  You can sign up at any time!
• $30.00: If you are not a member, you have to wait to order until after June 1 and there are no guarantees there will be extras to purchase.
• Click HERE to view the other kits I have available.

 

{May You Always Walk in Sunshine}

 

This is the layout I created for the the "May" Challenge on the Bo Bunny Blog.  We had to design a layout with the word "MAY" in the title.  I LOVE this photo of Desiree walking with her sweet 2 year old cousin, Ruth. How sweet!!!  I really enjoyed "playing" with the new yummy "Mango Luau" line.  Fore a fun dimensional look, I inserted the brads through the layered buttons.  You can insert the epoxy brads through the page or adhere it with a glue dot. 

Bo Bunny Supplies: Mango Luau Dot, Mango Luau Coconut, Mango Luau Cut-outs, Mango Luau Combo Stickers (Scalloped Border), Calypso Combo Stickers (Walk), Hang Loose iCandy Brads, Mango Luau Buttons, Chiffon Double Dot.

{If Mothers were Flowers}

.....I'd Pick You!

For a fun twist on a card - try layering a piece of a "Clearly Mixed Up" Acrylic Album.  I used Staz On Ink to stamp the acrylic piece, then added Stickles glitter to the swirls and edges.

Bo Bunny Supplies: Clearly Mixed Up Flower Album (acrylic flower shape), Al Stuck Up Flowers Pink Punch, Love Shack Paper, Love Shack Shimmy Paper, Sari icandy brads, Double Dot Licorice Paper, Double Dot Licorice 3/8" Ribbon, Stamp & Store Fancy Frills (swirl stamps).  Other:  Heidi Swapp Rhinestone circle, May arts - Stitched Ribbon and Velvet Rick Rack, Stickles - Ranger, Staz-on Ink

{Join me for a HIP HOP!}

It's time for another fun Bo Bunny Blog Hop!

Simply Click Here to start at the Bo Bunny Blog and hop from one designer's blog to another. Make sure you leave a comment at each blog so you are entered to win some of the beautiful "Love Shack" Collection.  I have to admit that it is my FAVORITE collection from their CHA release.  I love the fresh and vibrant colors. 

• Here is an ad featuring the "My Edgy" album I designed combining a Clear and Chiffon albums.
• Click here for an earlier post featuring pictures of all the album pages. 
• Here is another Layout I designed with this fun line.
• Due to multiple requests - I also designed a layout with this line for my June "She Said" Auto Ship Kit Club (see the next post).

Leave a comment about anything on my blog and you'll be entered to win the Bo Bunny Giveaway.

Now......click here to "hop on over" to our talented Guest Designer's Blog!!!

Thanks for stopping by and come visit again soon. :o)

{June "She Said" Kit Club Layouts}

Here are my June "She Said" Autoship Kit Club layouts for "A Page 4 All Seasons". 

"All you need is LOVE is all you need" - This layout features the fresh and beautiful "Love Shack" collection from Bo Bunny.  These pages are accented with rhinestone borders, glittered paper, cut-outs journaling frames, scalloped papers, and two toned pink rhinestone swirl.

"Hey Gorgeous" These pages are designed with a combination of the new Tiffany line from We R Memory Keepers "Tiffany" line and My Mind's Eye "Penny Lane".  These layouts include: shaped journaling tags, glittered paper, bracket paper, Bazzill flower and large rhinestone, velvet ribbon, and beautiful border papers. (Love these pictures of Victoria's first day of Ballet class (only 3 years old).

• $25.00: If you are a member of my "She Said" Kit Club.  You can sign up at any time!
• $30.00: If you are not a member, you have to wait to order until after June 1 and there are no guarantees there will be extras to purchase.
• Click HERE to view the other kits I have available.

 

{NEW Basic Grey Birthday Layouts}

  

If you're like me - you probably have stacks (or digital files) of birthday photos just waiting to be scrapbooked.  Have I got the solution for you! 

I designed these fun and bright Birthday layouts with the classic Basic Grey "Cupcake" Collection.  This kit features two one page layouts and one double page.  The photos I used are just "placement suggestions", you can customize your layouts to fit your photos.  Example:  Instead of an 8x10, use two 5x7's. - instead of a 6x8 on "Ready, Set, Blow "- use two 4x6's. :o)  These pages are embellished with Thicker letters, colorful rhinestone circles, die cut scalloped paper, chipboard tag, fun ribbons and pom-pom border, sticker borders and accents.

Using the number stickers - you can customized your layout and spotlight the birthday number on the "Birthday Bash" layout.

This 4 page Birthday kit is available at "A Page 4 Seasons" for $25.00.

{Our Basketball BOY}

 

 

Michael has really enjoyed playing in the Spring Basketball Season.  He's been playing since December and didn't want to take a break to play Baseball this Spring.  He has worked really hard over the last few months (Nathan is a great coach) and he's really improved.  He pretty much lives on our driveway with a basketball in hand. :o)  It is so fun to watch him play!

{Little Artist}

When Jacob was waiting for his Grammy and Grampy Bair to come pick him up, he decided to draw a picture of them.  What a fun little MASTERPIECE!  Their expressions just make me smile.  I love how he wrote their names too (in his Kindergarten handwriting).  In the drawing, Jacob is holding his favorite blue crystal (he LOVES collecting rocks and crystals!).  He also included a STOP sign so they would know where to stop on the driveway.  What a cutie!!

{Congrats to the Winner.....}

....Laura B. from New Jersey, who said:

"That baby boy is precious. Love all the blonde curls:)"

Thanks to everyone who posted a comment (they always make me smile!) and participated in our Blog Hop.  Hmmm - we just might be having another one in 2 weeks! :o)

{Blog Hop FUN!}

It's time for another Bo Bunny Blog Hop!! 

To participate: start at the Bo Bunny Blog, then click on the link to our first designer.  Follow the links until you arrive at the blog of our special guest designer. :o)  Make sure you leave a comment here so you're entered to win the fabulous "U Bug Me" Collection giveaway from Bo Bunny.  These epoxy "icandy" brads are my favorite part of this line.  In fact - I just designed a layout yesterday with these for my "He Said" Kit Club.  I'll post a "Sneak Peak" photo of it later today.

Also - I had so much fun doing a giveaway on my blog last time, I just HAVE to do it again!  So, leave a comment about anything on my blog and you'll be entered for both MY giveaway and Bo Bunny's!

• Now click here to "hop" on over to Julia's Blog.

Have a great weekend and come visit again soon! :o)

{Dreaming of my.....}

.....PILLOW!

Yes - I had to pull an all-nighter last night to finish my 8 layouts for a my June Kit Club deadline for "A Page 4 All Seasons".  (Between taking care of my family and church callings, I don't have much time to create during the day).  They turned out  really fun though.  Whew, I am soooo tired.  I can't wait until my head becomes one with that pillow of mine. :o)  It's been another crazy busy design week.  I also just finished some design work for the new Bo Bunny Spring Catalog.  You are going to LOVE their new lines -  fabulous!  It sure feels great to have everything done - just in time for the weekend. :o)

{Want S'more?}

MMMmm - it's amazing how just one bite can take me back to warm summer memories.  There's nothing like a toasted marshmallow and warm melted chocolate between two crunchy graham crackers.  The kids had a ball roasting marshmallows last night - it felt like we were camping!

{One so Small}

I snapped a few photos of my friend's sweet baby boy on his blessing day.  Isn't he adorable!?  I still can't get over all of that curly hair!!  I  just LOVE baby fingers and their tiny feet.  Too precious. :o)

{Touching Easter Message}

Please take the time to watch this powerful and touching Easter Message.

{Easter Celebrations}

 

The kids were so excited to discover what the Easter Bunny had left them.  (He always comes Friday night  - so we can spend Saturday morning doing the egg hunt, Easter baskets, and other festivities.  That way, Easter Sunday mornings are more peaceful.)  The kids loved decorating the eggs last night.  Isn't Desiree's baby bumblebee cute?  I also LOVE these adorable chocolate bugs!

We enjoyed a wonderful lunch with my family - yummy Potatoes Au Gratin, spiral ham, fruit, salads, rolls - yum!  Afterward we had a fun Egg/toy hunt with all of the cousins. It was so fun to watch their expressions as they found all of their gifts and filled their baskets. :o)  Thanks Mom!

  

{Sometimes Less is MORE}

 

"Unique"

The simplicity of this layout and a lot of "white space" really focuses on the beautiful glittered transparency and photo. 

Sometimes "Less is More".

Can you believe I actually designed a LAYOUT for my family - that WASN'T AN ASSIGNMENT?!?!  First time in over a year!  Yea!!

Supplies: Glittered Transparency Frame – Fancy Pants, Scallop Circle – Jenni Bowlin, Journaling sticker – Creative Imaginations, Rhinestone Title – Me and My Big Ideas, Flowers - Making Memories & Bo Bunny, Rhinestone Brads – Making Memories, Rub-on – Bo Bunny, Papers: American Crafts and Bazzill,

{Easter Bag Toppers}

Perfect "Easter Gift" for budget conscious scrapbookers with limited time (isn't that all of us?!?!). With just one "Cutout sheet" for $.89 - you can get up to FOUR Gift bag toppers! What a deal! Simply cut-out the shapes, fold in half, and attach to the top of a stapled Cellophane bag with double stick tape. Embellish with flowers, brads, and tags if desired. (I picked up the bags, candy and flowers seeds at Wal-mart).

I love the colors and designs of this "Love Shack" line - so Fresh and Springy!!

Bo Bunny Supplies: Love Shack Cut Out Sheet (B side), Love Shack Shimmy, Love Shack Groovin', Love Shack Combo Stickers, Sari icandy brads, Love Shack Flowers, All Stick Up Pink Punch Flowers. Other: Heidi Swapp Bling circles and 9mm rhinestones.

{Vintage Easter Cards}

My dad has posted some free pictures from his collection of Vintage Easter Cards - (many over 100 years old).  There is a link from his BLOG HERE. 

I think it is so fun to have a window into the artwork, styles, and values of our world a century ago!!  Just charming. :o)

{Fresh from my Garden}

I just had to post a photo of this beautiful vase of Daffodils that I cut from my flower beds.  I LOVE Daffodils - they are so cheerful!!  I always have to smile when I see them.  I get so excited when I see their stems start to poke out of the ground at the end of the winter and I KNOW spring is on its way. (Can you believe these blossoms have survived a week of snowstorms?)

WELCOME SPRING!

{And the Random WINNER Is.....}

Chris Ross!!! 

I wish I had enough stuff to give every commenter a prize! 

It was just delightful to read so many kind and thoughtful words - all of you made my weekend.  It's funny, I have 100-300 people visit my blog every day, but rarely receive any comments.   It's so nice to hear your thoughts! :o)

Here is the layout I designed for the Abbey Road post on the Bo Bunny Blog today.  I love the green and brown color combination - it matched this sweet photo of my two cuties perfectly!  I know this is a rather simple layout design, but I wanted the focus to be on the photo and the GIANT and elegant swirl made a huge statement itself. :o)  I also LOVE these new Epoxy "icandy brads" - delish!

Bo Supplies: Abbey Road Truffle, Abbey Road Cutouts, Abbey Road Combo Stickers, Abbey Flowers, Sadie icandy Brads, Double Dot Cardstock: Coffee and Sweet Pear.

Other:  Heidi Swapp - Rhinestone border and circle, Martha Stewart - Glittered Letters.

{Amazing Conference!}

What a wonderful weekend!  Listening to General Conference of the LDS Church every April and October is really one of the highlights of my life!  I anxiously look forward to those  peaceful weekends - listening to the inspired and uplifting counsel from our Church Leaders.  They have such a great love and spirit about them.  I always feel inspired to be a better mother and wife, show more Christlike love and charity toward everyone, and serve more (in addition to countless other personal promptings). 

Here is a link to a complete archive of Conference talks.

Some of my favorite talks:

President Monson's fabulous talk: May You Have COURAGE.   (From the General YW Meeting last weekend) - "My earnest prayer is that you will have the courage required to refrain from judging others, the courage to be chaste and virtuous, and the courage to stand firm for truth and righteousness."  (Video and audio segments of his talk at the bottom of this link)

Elder Robert D. Hales - great counsel about living within our means.

"Learn to say, 'We can't afford it, even though we want it.' Or, 'We can afford it, but we don't need it.' "

President Deiter F. Uchtdorf - "The gospel is the way of discipleship. As we walk in that way, we can experience confidence and joy, even during times of peril, sorrow and uncertainty." The world offers many, ever-changing solutions to all problems, but the gospel "has the answers to our problems. It is not a secret. It is not complicated or hidden. It can unlock the door to true happiness. It is not someone's theory or proposition. It does not come from man at all."

Elder Jeffery R. Holland - The Easter message is for all, especially those who are alone or feel alone. The journey of the Savior to the cross was "the loneliest journey ever made and (brought) unending blessings for all in the human family."

"…One of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. His solitary journey brought us great company for our little version of that path. … Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone or unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are."

Elder Richard G. Scott - What a powerful talk about the temple.  It was heartbreaking when he shared about the loss of his two small children.  "When we keep the temple covenants we have made and when we live righteously in order to maintain the blessings promised by those ordinances, then come what may, we have no reason to worry or feel despondent."

Elder Gary E. Stevenson - "For me, this suggests a sacred relationship between the temple and the home. Not only can we turn the doors of our homes to the temple, or the 'House of the Lord,' we can make our homes a 'house of the Lord.' …"

Elder Todd Christofferson - The world has need of "strong Christians who can persevere against hardship, who can sustain hope through tragedy, who can lift others by their example and their compassion and who can consistently overcome temptations." The moral and spiritual power to achieve this is accessed through covenants with God.

Elder Dahlin H. Oaks - "Our Savior teaches us to follow him by making the sacrifices necessary to lose ourselves in unselfish service to others. If we do, he promises us eternal life, 'the greatest of all the gifts of God,' the glory and joy of living in the presence of God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ."

{Time for a fun BLOG HOP!!}

We had so much fun doing our Bo Bunny Blog Hop last month - that we HAD to do it again!! :o)  For those of you that are just joining in, start at the Bo Bunny Blog, then follow the links as you "HOP" to the blogs of our Design Team members.  Your last hop will be to the blog of our guest designer! 

Since we're featuring "Abbey Road" , I posted this Bo Bunny magazine ad of the "My Edgy" Cascading Album I designed with this line (these albums are so FUN to play with and I LOVE all of the unique decorative edges).  Check out the yummy new "icandy" epoxy brads, chipboard bracket frames, and 6" chipboard letters!

Detailed PDF of Abbey Road ad  

Leave a comment here about anything on my blog and you'll be entered in the "Blog Hop" - to win the beautiful new Abbey Road Collection. 

Also, I thought it would be fun to have my own GIVEAWAY - and I'll send some Bo Bunny goodies to a lucky gal too!  (I'll post the random winner on Monday)

Now.... CLICK HERE to "Hop" on over to Julia's Blog.  Thanks for visiting and come back soon! :o)

{May "She Said" Kit Club Layouts}

Here are my May "She Said" Autoship Kit Club layouts for "A Page 4 All Seasons".  I had so much fun designing with the newly released Basic Grey "Porcelain" collection.

"True Beauty Blooms from Within"  - These soft pink and green pages are accented with beautiful roses, pearl accents, journaling frame, elegant borders, and satin ribbon.

"Isn't She Lovely?" - I just love the Pink and Brown color palette of this layout!  frames the photos.  These pages are embellished with hand stamped swirls, journaling frame, pearls, borders, letter stickers, and a beautiful border paper

• $25.00: If you are a member of my "She Said" Kit Club.  You can sign up at any time!
• $30.00: If you are not a member, you have to wait to order until after April 1 and there are no guarantees there will be extras to purchase.
• Click HERE to view the other kits I have available.

Good News!! If you are a Kit Club member (any club), you will NOW receive 20% off your purchases at "A Page 4 All Seasons" (monthly Kit Club excluded). You'll have to check out their amazing inventory of the hottest new Scrapbook Products. :o)

{May "He Said" Kit Club Layouts}

Here are my May "He Said" Autoship Kit Club layouts for "A Page 4 All Seasons". 

"Let the GOOD TIMES ROLL" - I really enjoyed using the playful new "Lime Rickey" line from "Basic Grey".  I had fun using the "circle" motif and the chunky chipboard alphabet was perfect!

"EXPLORE Your World" - I LOVED using the fabulous new "Industrial Park" papers from "Scrap Within Reach" (a hot new scrapbook company!!).  I really like the distressed look and the cogs (these boys are ALWAYS in MOTION!).  These pages are accented with chipboard letters, ribbon, metal bookplate, MME, and die cut paper.

• $25.00:  If you are a member of my "He Said" Kit Club.  You can sign up at any time and get two double page layouts delivered to your doorstep every month!
• $30.00:  If you are not a member, you have to wait to order until after May 1 and there are no guarantees there will be extras to purchase.
• Click HERE to view the other kits I have available.

Good News!!  If you are a Kit Club member (any club), you will NOW receive 20% off your purchases at "A Page 4 All Seasons".(monthly Kit Club excluded).

 

{April Fool's}

This morning our Bo Bunny Design Team posted a little "April Fool's Joke" on their blog.  We thought - what would be the MOST RIDICULOUS thing to scrapbook?  So all of us had fun getting a little ZANEY with our supplies:  Kristen decorated a doggie treat can and even wrapped the bones with paper and ribbon!!!  Dee got a little OCD and embellished tea bags with flower stickers (they were really cute), and Julia decorated the cans in her pantry!  I had fun decorating a cereal box (come on - who would be CRAZY enough to scrapbook cereal!!?!?!).  I enjoyed making a mock "Wheaties" box for Michael:  "MIKEY'S - The Breakfast of Champions".  I even put a photo of his big game when they beat the undefeated team!  I have to admit - I think it turned out pretty cool and he was THRILLED when he discovered it in the pantry this morning. :o)

Bo Bunny Supplies: Grid Iron Fumble, Grid Iron Field Goal, Grid Iron Cutouts, Futbol Stripe.
Designer Tip: (Do I sound CRAZY enough?!!?)  I often find myself looking for new ways to express my creativity. I have all of these supplies that are BEGGING to be used!! Scrapbook paper isn't just for layouts anymore!! Why not personalize your child's favorite cereal box and cover it with paper and photos of them?!?! They'll feel like a "Champion" when they discover themselves featured on the box.

This morning the girls also thought they'd play a little "April Fool's Joke" on the boys!  They took all of the masculine Sports bedding off the boys' bunkbed and replaced it with bedding and decorations from their rooms. I was impressed that their bedspreads coordinated so well!  Jacob about came UNGLUED that there was PINK in his room and Michael thought it was hilarious!  Great fun girls!!  :o)

{My Scrapbook Expo Class Kits Available}

 

For all you who have been asking - the kits from my Scrapbook USA Expo Class last week are now available at "A Page 4 All Seasons".  Many of you couldn't come or live out of state - but still wanted a kit.  The cost is $25 and includes fabulous new Bo Bunny products: chipboard alphabet, Combo letter and flowers sticker sheet, a sheet of cutouts, rhinestones, ribbon, brackets, decorative borders, and transparencies.   You can click here to purchase.

{FABULOUS new Photography Blog}

My dad, a talented professional photographer, just started a wonderful new Photography blog called: Your Photo Vision at www.roycebair.blogspot.com

Some images shout with expression and enthusiasm. They speak to you. My goal: share my photo vision, share the vision of those I admire, review products / teach skills to improve photo technique, and share ideas for developing & stimulating your photo vision. Read more HERE

You have to check it out - I'm loving all of his tips and inspirational photos.  My photography doesn't begin to hold a candle to his talent and work, I have so much to learn! :o)

Some of his work: