Got Nothing

Going on today.
There was some tennis and some scrapping and kids.
It is one of the days that I am so glad that I can enjoy because I have nothing pressing on me. I didn't have to be anywhere,or do anything for anyone.
Okay, that is not true.
Had to get Dave to the train and Carter to school. And then be to the club by 9:00 to play tennis for a while. Loved on the cats and did some research and playing on the internet. Then Rox brought Ryan by so she could go to a meeting and he and I went and got the girls from school and Dave from the train. Then we picked up my sewing machine and Rox then met us at home so she could get Ryan. Worked on my Lazar DT project which now is almost finished. Went to my tennis lesson with Karen Thorup and then returned some DT e-mails and organized some tennis for the weekend.
That is about as quiet a day as I get, and it was HEAVEN!
I don't really "do" housework. I can always wait Dave out. He was raised by an obsessive/compulsive mother and he cracks way before I do with the messes!
yea I am evil, hehehe!
But didn't you already know that about me?
Still miss my dog and think about Wendy.
B-

A beautiful Utah morning

So I got up today and hiked!
Millcreek Canyon had always been my favorite for the quick close hikes. You can hike in for and hour and a half and get down in forty five minutes so you don't have to spend all day getting a wonderful look at the beauty God gave us! I took two cameras too!
It was actually pretty funny, my girlfriend Elaine was totally annoyed with me by the time we were done.
She said "either no cameras next time or I am going to be late showing up so my hair and make-up will be done!" Maybe I took too many pictures of her and was too bossy with telling her where to stand and how! (ya think?) Anyway, she is such a good sport and totally adorable too, so I think the pics will be wonderful! I used my old analog Canon A-1. It is such a great camera, and when I am on, the pics are so great. Can't blame the camera when they stink unfortunately! Used the digital one for some pics of some beautiful blue moths that I wanted to get for sure, and then just for fairness, I let Elaine take a pic of me. See, I can be nice sometimes!
Well, today is Carter's fourth grade program, it is all about Utah. This is my fourth program and I could probably sing with them and recite all the parts.
I am really grateful that my kids have been able to go to Eastwood, it is wonderful school, all the teachers and a lot of the parents are very involved and commited. That is good for parents like me who when it is time for the fourth child to come through are a little burnt out! I have done time (it sounds like I am talking about prison, LOL!) with all the kids in all of their classrooms, and when the co-op group ended for Carter last year, I decided that I was tired.
So thanks to all of you tireless teachers and parents who soldier on, I really appreciate all of you!
B-

CKU-Provo

What a FUN day!
Went down to Provo today and worked with Teresa Collins at the Junkitz booth, Rox and Annetter were there also, and we met so many wonderful people!
The make and take is so cute, Teresa's foam stamps are darling, and Janna's paper is so colorful and playful, a great combination!
When we were done with those we went to P.F. Changs for a quick bite with some really fun and UBER-talented ladeis! We had so much fun getting to know each other and enjoyed some lovely and enlightening conversations! So shouts go out to Anita, Debby, Marjie, Annette, Emily, Teresa, Michelle and Rox! Got to catch-up with so many people that I just adore too! Love to Sara and Layle, Melanie and Shane, Marjorie and Jennifer, Kelli, Candi and Cammi plus so many more that I am brain cramping on!
Anyway, a really great way to spend the day!
Thanks all of you for involving me and being so amazing, you are all so inspiring!
B-

Can't get caught up!

So I loved going to Vancouver (thanks Christina and Terry!)
I got home on Tuesday, and then had a couple of days to recuperate before working at the Salt Lake Scrapbook Expo for Scrapworks for Friday and Saturday all day!
barely got my feet under me and then left Tuesday for Detroit Michigan for the Great Lakes Mega Meet in Novi. It was a fun and busy show and I enjoyed meeting all the crafters there (especially Mikki D!).
I got home Sunday, Mothers Day at 2:30 and was greeted warmly by my wonderful family! They actually missed me!
Rox and her family and My Mom and Dad came over and Dave cooked and cleaned for all of us!
He is the BBQ master too, it was wonderful and he makes wonderful mac and cheese (Martha Stewarts recipe, LOL!) We had a nice evening and it was great to get to spend time with my family!
Monday I played tennis for over 3.5 hours. I really miss it when I am traveling!
So that brings me to today! I went and had my hair done. I am blonde now.
I will post pictures later, but it will be nice to have it lighter this summer, it always gets trashed in the sun anyway, so I am trying to get a jump on it!
Tomorrow is my only day that I do not have anything on the schedule for this entire month, I am going to go to my scrap room, and disappear in my toys!
Thursday, Friday and Saturday I will be at the CKU-Provo giving some help to Teresa. It will be fun to get to meet the crafters that will be there!
So that is why I just can't seem to get caught up! Nothing spectacular, but lots of good fun!
B-

Installment Three of the Vancouver trip

Woke up to the warehouse sale!




Very exciting, the grab bags we put together were so well received, the ladies and Seymour just loved them! Terry had made some wonderful brownies and mini loaves (Chai chocolate!) and the coffee and tea was flowing. The swaps were fun to watch too!
Christina and I were so happy with the turn out! I am such a fan of Christina and I really enjoyed meeting all of the people that were big fans as well! Everyone had such a great rapport, and I enjoy seeing how creative crafters can be! I want to say thanks to all of them for making me feel so comfortable and welcome too!
After we cleaned up a little, Christina and I went out to dinner.

We went to a really beautiful and fun restaurant called Stone Creek Grill. The meats are cooked on top of a granite slab that has been heated. Both Christina and I had the filet, and it was delicious! Dessert was fabulous too! Christina had a beautiful apple caramel pie. And I went for the chocolate mousse! After dinner, Christina drove me to Stanley park so we could see the view of the city core at night.

It was spectacular!
B-

Wow, that was fun?

Just finished two crazy days at the Scrapbooker's Expo here in Salt Lake and wow!
Rox and I worked for Shane and Michelle Walster. They ran a booth selling Scrapworks products, and it was crazy! We did the craziest deals, I didn't need anything or even want anything and I couldn't not get anything because it was too good to pass up! So I worked a total of about 30 hours over 3 days, 15 of those on Friday alone, I am wonky!
So to top it all off, I leave on Tuesday to go to Novi Michigan for the Scrapbooking Mega Meet. It is going to be so fun, but I am tired already, am I going to make it?
B-

Installment two of Vancouver

Saturday it rained, a lot! But by the evening, it was over, and the air was cool and clean. Christina and I went for a walk down the boardwalk by the old cannery in Steveston, the sunset was gorgeous.
Christina was such a wonderful tour guide, she was born and raised in Vancouver, and knows so much about the culture and changes that have occured locally through the years! I loved the diversity and laid back attitude of this city! For part of the day, we cleaned and set up for the warehouse sale that was on Sunday. We stuffed the grab bags full of amazing rubber stamps that would be sure to please the attendees! Got the tables organized and the items prices and displayed. It looked really nice when we were done!
For dinner we had Greek and it was Delish! All in all the day was a blur of activity!
B-

Sorry so long with no posting..

..it has been a whirlwind of a month.
I need to learn how to post even when I am crazy busy and just make them quick!
Sooooo, just got back from Vancouver today. It was so GREAT!
I will try to give the complete breakdown in coming posts, but Christina and Terry were so fun and so good to me, it was hard to go home!
I arrived on Friday afternoon, and Christina took me shopping so we could pick up some things for dinner and of course I had to get pics!
The market on Granville Island was fabulous, there were so many amazing things there!Beautiful colors and it smelled so great!Those are the pics from day one, there will be more to come, but I am whooped, and Dave missed me!
B-

Teenagers and Husbands....

Grrrrrr.
Had the biggest panic today doing carpool!
Laurel and Chloe always call and let me know where they are on the walk to the elementary school where I pick up Carter, and I scoop them from whereever they might be along the way.
Well, today, Laurel never called. So I called her about four times with no answer. Yikes I was scared and worried! Had something happened to them while walking, had there been an accident at school, you know, all the scenarios run through your head. I pick up Carter and then go to the Jr. high to see if I can track down the girls. I see Chloe immediately, but no Laurel. What? Chloe has no clue and had been sitting patiently at the place that she and Laurel have designated as their meeting place for after school.
This just makes me more worried! Where could she possibly be? I run into the office and let them know that I am concerned about the location of my missing teenager, something that I am sure they deal with on a daily basis. But it is new to me! She looks at me calmly and lets me know that she was thinking Laurel had signed up for a make-up class that was being held after school today and would I like her to call the class room and find out for sure? Heck yeah (I said in my mind) as I politely reply would you mind, that would help me a lot! She gets right back to me and says "Mrs. McDonald has Laurel there and expects to be done at 4:00". Great. It was decided while I was out of town (of course) with her dad and he gave her the ok without mentioning it to me. I call him and ask him if he had know about this and got the "oh yeah, I forgot to tell you". Great.
Is it just me? Would you absolutely just lose it? I was really scared and beyond concerned. I know we live in a relatively safe neighborhood, but that doesn't mean that something bad can't happen, I lived in So. Cal for too long I know better.
So had the chat with the daughter about being responsible for telling both parents what is going on and then using the phone we gave her for the intended use of keeping in touch. Then I have spent the rest of the evening torturing husband for getting "old timers"!
The life of a car pool queen, just one unending loop of school to school to school and then home. Yes, four kids and three different schools, none of which are within walking distance. Never mind that husband uses the train right now and likes to be dropped and picked up as well instead of using the bus.
Any suggestions?
B-

Whirlwind Weekend in St. Louis!

We worked hard, we played hard and I made some great new friends! Got to travel with Little Black Dress Designs for the CKC at the Gateway center.
What a fabulous weekend!
Of course sleep was not really happening but I caught up on that today.
This is a hairdo that Tina came up with at the end of the day on Saturday, it explains a lot actually! She is a blast, so creative and so generous! She taught two classes on Saturday that were so well received that we ran out of chairs! People came into the booth after and said that it was one of the best classes that they had ever had, WTG Tina!

Debby is so talented, and so patient! I was the newbie, and she walked me through so many of the processes of the weekend with such kindness! We have so much in common too it was almost spooky, LOL! We heard so many compliments about the booth and how it was so many peoples favorite, it is because Debby and Cindi know what Tina needs before Tina can even ask, and they just do it! What great examples of loyalty and exceptional customer service! Love ya girl!
We shared many inside jokes most of which I was on the outside of, but instantly felt included because of the warmth and humor that these ladies all share! I don't need no stinkin' pass! They let me right into the club!
*smooches*
Cindi and I were closer in proximity! But at least she doesn't snore! She is also very talented and has a huge heart! She had a big scare on Friday when the tornadoes were in Tennessee, and we were so relieved when she got the calls that all was well! The four of us shared french fries, the bathroom, Krispy Kreme doughnuts and lots of laughs, I am so lucky to have had such a great experience! Thanks girls for keeping an eye on me!
I also had the opportunity to catch up with Erika Hayes from Tracy's Pen and the ya-ya crabshack sisterhood, and she looks fabulous! She is a hoot, and keeps me in line as well! Kisses to you too chickie!
Well, I had to come home and sleep the day away today from too much fun, but it was good to get back to the family! I did miss them, and they might of noticed that I had gone missing at some point as well!
B-

Tyler is going to New York...

And neither Dave nor I have been! So totally and completely JEALOUS and very excited for him! His AP Art History class is taking avery small group and doing a whirlwind tour! He is so thrilled, and I think it is just such a great experience to have as a 16 year old kid to go on such an amazing trip!
My payback is that I am going to go to Vancouver to visit with Christina and Terry Lazar, in the beginning of May, and I can't wait! They are doing their warehouse sale, and we are going to drive to Whistler and be tourists!
Right now I am getting packed up to go to St. Louis to help Tina with the Little Black Dress booth, and that will be fun! She had an important Birthday this week , and we need to help her celebrate! I need gift ideas for the woman who has everything, that would be something that I can afford, LOL!
Anyway, a change of pace and scenery will do me good. I will enjoy clearing my head of the heartbreak that this month has brought and having the company of good friends and a different city will be refreshing.
As some retail therapy, I ordered the Jenni Bowlin kits for the month, and can't wait to get them!
When I get back from St. Louis I will be preparing the design team kits for Lazar Studiowerx and getting them shipped out to the wonderful gals on that team, there are some great things in store for them, and I can't wait to see what their creative minds will come up with!
Anyway, thanks all for the positive energy, every little bit has helped!
B-

Sunday morning

As gloomy and terrible as yesterday was, it is the exact opposite today.
The sun is shining there is not a cloud in the sky and all is calm.
Such a lesson for me here. I really need to remember to enjoy and appreciate the calm while I have it. It is so rare and precious and provides us with the strength to weather the storms that life brings.

The crocus are the first sign of spring here, and they know how to weather a storm. They grow low to the ground so they can retain warmth from the earth. They don't have big leaves that can be frost bitten. Their blooms are very beautiful when open but they know when to close to prevent the snow from coming in and burdening their tiny petals from too much weight. They are the first food for the bees coming out of their rest and they provide much beauty to those who are looking for it.
Heavenly Father gives us examples of ways to live beautiful lives in all the wonders around us, they just need to be observed to have value. I need to learn from the crocus that there is time to come out and be beautiful after the storms have passed.
B-

Grieving

Still.
I know I will be for a while.
Losing Wendy and Avalanche within two weeks is a lot for me.

I saw the parallel in their paths with the battles they fought, and even though I knew with Avalanche what the inevitable was, didn't expect it with Wendy. I really knew she had the faith and strength to fight through it. Heavenly Father just needed her more than we did. It was so emotional to see her parents, her husband and her kids. I haven't cried like that ever. I love them all so much too, but for some reason that I will never understand, or question we had a bond that made her feel like a sister to me. Seeing her in her casket with her temple clothes on reminded me of the day she and Rick got married, and I got to go with her into the brides room as her sister. The excitement and the glow on her beautiful face is still so fresh in my mind, it was only ten years ago.
She was without spot.
So good and unassuming and generous.
Her son Dallas said to her husband Rick, "It isn't fair dad, you got twelve years with her and I only got eight." Out of the mouths of babes come the most profound and important things. In perspective, with eternity just around the corner for all of us, it is just a spec but what a blessing in our lives to find people who help pass the time here in a constructive and enjoyable way. That is Wendy, she knew how to have lots of good fun that was funny. (to quote the cat in the hat)
Wendy, I know you are just around the corner, and that we will be hanging out again soon enough, please don't have to much fun without me.
With Love!
B-

Black?

Rebecca, your true color is Black!

Your color is black. The color of night. Serene and mysterious, black conjures up images of elegant evening gowns, dashing tuxedos, and gleaming limousines. Traditionally a symbol of success, black also represents power and an uncompromising demand for perfection. Not surprisingly, you tend to set challenging goals for yourself and do whatever it takes to achieve them — your strength of character is second to none. This unfaltering determination, along with your natural elegance, impresses people. But keep in mind that your personality might be intimidating to some. Try to temper your demanding side with a little softness — trust us, it won't kill you. Overall, though, black is the color of professionalism and achievement, which means it's clearly the color for you.


My son sent me this test to do, and it was hard for me. Must be age mellowing me or something.
I am in the blackest of moods anyway, so it fit. Wendy passed away Sunday afternoon. Heartbreaking. I had made my flight arrangements because I didn't think Rox would be able to go. She worked it out so we would be able to drive down in her car together on Wednesday morning, so I cancelled my flight. We left and got 75 miles away, and the radiator in the car went wonky. That was it, we waited for the tow truck. Got her car to the dealership and it was 4:00 in the afternoon by the time it was all done. We both were exhausted, disappointed and grieving, we gave up. The funeral is today. Want to be there, I won't be. The internment is in Spanish Fork on Saturday, so we will all go to that.
Anyay, black is the theme for the week.
B-

Wendy

Had a really rotten day yesterday, and I am still trying to digest why I think it is about me, because it simply is not.
One of my very dear friends the amazing Wendy has cancer.
She had breast cancer 4 years ago, did everything right, and went into remission. She then did many preventative measures to avoid cancer in her future as well. She had a remission of about 9 months and then went in for a body scan and spots were found in her lungs and her liver. That was about 16 months ago.
Her husband called me yesterday and told me that she was in the hospital and that it was close to the end of her fight. We sobbed and then he had to go home to his children and explain to his 4, 6 and 7 year old children that mom was going to go home to Heavenly Father. It is just so wrong in so many ways. Why her, she is the most amazing person, she has the purest heart and the strongest mind. Her faith that she would beat it never faltered.
The tragedy is just so inexplicable. I am so heartbroken for her husband Rick her parents John and Alice and for her children Dallas, McKell and Halle. I also feel heartbroken in a very selfish way for myself. I am going to miss her in so many ways, she is always the voice of love and reason and I need her.
The hardest part is that she lives in So. Cal. and I am in Utah. I feel utterly helpless. I want to be there to do something for someone. To keep the kids so her parents can be with her, to clean her house so Rick can come home and just love the kids without frustration. I can't, it isn't what is needed, and it is so hard to deal with that. All I am doing is sitting and waiting for that horrible phone call and crying randomly.
Wendy, I love you. Thanks for everything you have been, I wish I could have been there more and taken a part of your burden somehow. We were only separated by miles, you were always in my thoughts and I prayed for you often. I wish that it could have been enough, but you are needed elsewhere, and I hope to be worthy to be near you again. You were an amazing angel on earth, I can only begin to imagine how incredible you will be with no boundaries or limitations.
B-

The Cyber Party is ON!

So today is the official Elizabeth Dillow cyber party!
So here are the links for the around the world celebration!I am going to try to keep up with the links, but so many people LOVE and ADORE Elizabeth, that it is going to be hard! The darling, amazing and uber talented
Miss Elizabeth Dillow
and her Fabulous Friends!
Nadine
Renee
Micelle
Katy
Susanna
J.J.
Marie
Melissa
Kelli
Susie
I will update as more come in! So much fun to share the love!
Keep passing it on!
B-

Congrats Elizabeth!

Elizabeth Dillow, new Hall of Famer for 2006-2007!
We are so proud of you and so excited for your accomplishments this year! I hope that you enjoy your year, and can't wait to see what your creative mind comes up with next!

Basking in the warm window sun

EV loves to sleep and eat!
When she isn't eating, she is found most anywhere in the house taking a little cat nap! She sleeps at night in one of the girls room, usually Chloe's because Laurel will lock her out (she gets in her hair and on top of her pillow) and during the day she is anywhere she wants to be! In the sun under the dining room table, on my bed or some other random places (under sofas and chairs, on chairs, behind my sewing machine, etc.)She likes to be where every one is and loves to be involved in her own special way, watching behind half closed eyes from a warm comfortable sleepy haze.

Poppetology

Being a poppet! I took my own image and photoshoped it to create a more Claudine Hellmuth like Poppet. This is one of the pictures that Rox had taken of me while we were with Lazar StudioWERX in Las Vegas. Next time I will try some different things but it was fun to go crazy and just try different things!
Other wise, the weather is still stormy and is is actually snowing right now! My poor tulips and crocus are not going to know which way is up!
Still missing Avalanche a lot!
Played too much tennis this week and I am kind of feeling burnt out. One win one loss both in third set tie breaks. Would rather have won the one we lost, but oh, well that is tennis.
Volunteered at a fundraiser on Friday night and it was a group I will probably not voluteer for again, it was not a very positive experience.
Kelly is coming to visit at the end of the week, and it will be a nice change of pace. She will only stay for a few days, but she is bringing Pico her dog, and it will be fun to have them around!
Anyway, that is about it for now.
B-

In like a Lion and out like a Lion?

February was gorgeous.
Not too hot or cold, too wet or dry.
Saved it all for March!

Chloe shoveled the front walk Sunday afternoon with a fresh six inches on the ground.
This was last night with a beautiful alpenglow on the foothill
Woke up today to about seven and another three or four fell in the next couple of hours.
And of course because it is Utah, if you don't like the way the weather is all you have to do is wait five minutes and it will be different.

Now this afternoon, the snow is completely melted off the back deck and it is sparkling, we call it BlueBird here!
So like March! Where is the lamb?
B-

Changing the Spin

Time to change my spin, been feeling a negative pull and so I am going to push it back around through sheer will power today!
Missing Avalanche.
Okay now that is out of the way, all my wonderful good stuff has room to come out!
I have been on a design team that I just love working with Little Black Dress Designs!
Tina Masterjohn is so talented, accepting and wonderful, and has really been a blessing in my life! I get to do some travel dates with her, and the first one is in St. Louis and I can't wait! Only a few weeks away and it will be so fun! She has let me give some input on some products, and it has been so great to feel valued! Thanks Tina!
Just this last week, Christina from Lazar StudioWerx placed me on her design team and is having me help with coordinating the talent. I am really excited about this opportunity! The women that I will be working with are all very talented and I hope that I can help meet their needs and Christina's! I also just ordered piles of rubber stamps from Lazar and can't wait to get to play with them!
I have never been a stamper kind of girl, but these are so amazing, I am converted!
It has been gloomy for about ten days and another set of storms is coming in later but it is sunny and blue here in SLC today, and it feels so good!
B-

Totally forget to mention this earlier, but it is PI day, and that is a holiday in our house! 3.14 is a fabulous number, and we have a few nerds who live here, so we love this day!

Heroes

Found this quote on the talented Miss Kelly Angard's blog The Crafty-Girl , I love to look there for strength and support, the lady has great insight!
"HEROES: There are few things as powerful as having people in your life who want to see you succeed and thrive. Most goodhearted people are willing to help others and make sacrifices...they only ask that other people do the same. And finding people like that in your own life begins with serving others." from NO EXCUSES by Kyle Maynard

Tina (Little Black Dress Designs) and Christina (Lazar StudioWerx) are amazing, and I wish that I had taken a better picture, I adjusted it, but the light was just too bright from where I had shot this from in the booth! And a pic of Rox eating was the best I could do to get her alone, she is usually in the middle of all the pictures I take surrounded by people she loves!
These three women are FAN-Freakin-TASTIC! Heroes really! Great people who go through each day doing the very best they can with what they have to do and be! Great examples of taking the high road for the right reason whether it makes them feel better or not!
I want them each to know that I love and appreciate how wonderful and unique they are! Thanks so much, I love you!
B-

March 8th at 1:00 p.m. A time to remember

Avalanche passed away.
We miss him. He is a big dog, and our hearts have big holes in them.
When all of us got home safely from our daily obligations, a light beautiful snow fell for a few minutes. It was a wonderful and perfect closure for us. It was as if Avalanche sent us this moment to say Heavenly Father has it at the perfect tempurature here, and I'm doing great!
It was incredible.
I am so relieved for him that he isn't in any more pain.
He will be the best guardian angel, and we know that Heaven has a special place for dogs, the most unconditional of all creatures.
I had to put some of the highlight shots in as a tribute to his memory.

A long wet walk with Laurel was a smelly, delightful, soggy experience for both!
Anytime you get to snuggle with such a love muffin you are the lucky dog!
one of our favorite ways to tease Avalanche was by pushing his ears up and calling him Easter bunny, and then pushing his ears forward and calling him the big bad wolf. He was always in the mood to play, and loved the attention!

The holidays won't be the same without him, he was always in the middle of everything checking it all out! But the real gift was him leaving hair everywhere....

...and we will long be remembering him as we pull his fluff out of towels, clothes and off the furniture!
Thanks for everything baby dog, we cherish your memory!
B-