Come see Heidi at Scrap Happy

Okay friends one of my very favorite peeps is teaching at one of my very favorite stores on July 18th - there are only a few spots left so if you wanna go you better call now - Scrap Happy Sisters

What A Beautiful Family . . .

I just keep staring at this photo and realizing how much I love these kids.

I bet my dad is so honored to be their grandpa and I know he watches over them.

Then I just keep staring at Marissa and noticing her beauty and I just keep missing her.

Geeze I love this girl. Why do they have to grow up and move away ? I could be okay with the growing up part - but this moving far away business is almost too much for this mom to handle some days. I miss you rissa.

The Freedom To . . .

Celebrate Today !!!

Love days like today ! A chance to be with family and friends. Back yard bar-b-ques, swimming, fireworks and just enjoying time together. This afternoon we will head on over to my brothers house. This has somewhat become a tradition the last couple of years. There is a community next to their house that does a big fireworks show and I really just enjoy being able to sit back and relax. I hope you enjoy your time with family and friends and spend a moment to reflect on the gratitude you have for your country and those men and women who stand ready to protect our freedom's. Thank you for all you do and the sacrifices you make.

{Been a bit busy}

Well my crazy month is officially over and summer has begun. No time to blog right now - I have a house to get back in order from a month of neglect and rooms to switch around. (becuase Morgan's room is available and Dylan is moving in - he hasn't had his own room in 12 years - so it is his for the taking for 1 year till he leaves on his mission)

Morgan and Trent's wedding was wonderful. They are so happy and so in love. They are off to Florida for a weeklong honeymoon.


Dylan is my 3rd graduate. He shared his week with Morgan. What a nice brother. He is so awesome. These are now my two big kids at home now.

Marissa was here for 4 days - how lucky are we - we love that girl.

{These 3}

Next week "SHE" is getting married. "HE" is graduating from high school and little pooh is graduating from 6th grade. Where did the time go ? Somebody "STOP THAT CLOCK"

{12 days . . . but who is counting}

So it has been a busy week but I feel like we have accomplished alot.

Morgan and Trent got all moved into their apartment (well Trent is moved in Morgan is home until the big day) It is about the cutest apartment I have ever seen. Oh to be young and so carefree.

Enrichment Night was a success - a beautiful program put on by many wonderful sisters.

Memory Mixer class at Scrap Happy. (no more classes until after the wedding)

Seminary Graduation - Congratulations Dylan !!!!!

Okay - so the next 12 days of my life are a tad bit crazy. Coleton's promotion is in 4 days. Dylan's graduation is in 9 days. We have end of the year field trips, programs and HIGH SCHOOL FINALS !!!! Oh yeah and we are twelve days away from Morgan and Trent's wedding. So many little details to finish up. Just trying to stay organized. I will try and pop in before and let you know how I am doing.

A Peak into Prom . . . .

This past weekend was Dylan's senior prom. He had a great time. He went with Raquel and they had a great time. They are both such characters so there is never a dull moment around the two of them. Raquel provided the pink and black glasses to top off their attire and for any of you that know Dylan - he was happy to play it up and wear them. They started with a roof top dinner (provided by the moms of course) on top of the Davis' house. They have a beautiful spiral staircase that leads up to a roof top balcony. They got to barrow the Bryce's Black Escalade (matched their outfits). They doubled with Tiffany and Coy. And the four of them had a blast. A senior prom to remember.

Craziness going on here . . . . . .

Heading up north (about a 4 hour drive) to go visit a scrapbook store today (good thing I love what I do - got the best job in the world)

Morgan’s wedding shower tomorrow . . . . .

Dylan’s Prom tomorrow . . . . . . .

Hubby is gone on a campout . . . . .

Having to farm out little boys . . . . . cause mom is too busy to tend her own kids . . . . . .

31 days till Coleton's 6th grade promotion

32 days till Dylan’s graduation . . . .

32 days till Marissa comes to visit . . . . .

35 days till the wedding . . . . .

Calgon take me away . . . . .

{Tender Moments}

I had a wonderful time at Mesa CKC this past weekend. (besides being attacked by massive allergies from all this beautiful wind we are having) I had the opportunity to work with two fabulous friends - Brenda & Heidi. They seriously rocked the pickle booth and I got to teach classes. The classes were small and sweet - all the gals were fabulous. Then thanks to about 10 fabulous gals our booth was torn down and packed up by a little after 6pm and I got to go to the adult session of our Stake Conference at church. I really wanted to make it to the Saturday night session and I did - thanks so much gals.

It was an emotional weekend for me. Eight years ago John Ogden was called to be our Stake President. What an awesome man of God he is. I grew up with his kids and he was a bishop when I was a teenager - so we go way back. He watched me grow up and was a very influential leader from my youth and now he has been a very influential leader in my children's lives. He has been the most amazing stake president for the past 8 years. He has been an amazing role model and positive influence on my children and our family. You can truly feel of his love whenever you are around him. I know he cares so deeply for me and my family. As he does all the members of our stake. He came this past fall and gave Morgan a beautiful blessing when she was really sick and the blessing promised she would return to full health. He then had the opportunity to meet with Morgan and Trent on Thursday night to help prepare Morgan for entering the temple. It was his last interview as a stake president and it was very touching for all of them. It was like he was able to see the blessing he was able to give her come full circle as she now prepares to marry her eternal companion. He has been to girls camp, youth conference, boy scout camps with Marissa, Morgan, Dylan and Karleigh where they have been blessed to hear his testimony and feel of his spirit. He is one of those people who have been put on this earth to bless peoples lives. I am positive that he touches the heart of everyone he meets. He has a beautiful home on Bainbridge Island and when Don and I went to visit Marissa he let us stay at his home. It made it for a very beautiful visit with her and Christopher.

Today he was released and he will be serving as the mission president of the England Birmingham Mission. How blessed those missionaries will be to have him and Judy presiding over them.

Since our stake presidency was re-organized we had two visiting general authorities. Elder Glenn L. Pace and Elder Wilford W. Andersen. It was an honor to hear the words they had to share and feel of their spirit. Their counsel was so uplifting and their testimony of the savior was touching and real. What a marvelous spirit could be felt today. We have a new stake presidency - President Wayne Lewis, President Steve Fuller and President Roy Hatch. Three very wonderful men of God. My cup has been filled and I know what I need to do. We all know what we need to be doing - Elder Pace just reminded us to get to work and do it. Stop making excuses for how we wish we could be living our lives and just get to work and "do it".

I am thankful for the knowledge of a Heavenly Father that loves me and the blessings that are so abundant in my life. I am thankful for my savior and for the sacrifice he made for me. I am thankful for my husband and the love and support he gives to me and our family. I am so thankful for our children and for the trust that my Heavenly Father had in me to entrust me with 6 very amazing children. I thankful for my family - for wonderful parents, siblings and in-laws. I am grateful to be able to raise my children close to most of their cousins. I am thankful that I am surrounded by wonderful friends. I am thankful for being blessed to work in the industry that I do and be able to rub shoulders with those I do. I have met some of the most amazing women ever and everyday someone touches my life in one form or another. Thank You. I feel blessed.

{41 Days}

Yep that is what the calendar says - visit them at www.morganandtrent.com

April 17th . . . . .

Okay I know I need to really catch up. Life has been a bit busy. Last month I went to Boise to visit grandparents, Portland to teach at CKC and then to Olympia to visit Marissa. Spent spring break in Flagstaff with Janna and kids and have been busy planning a wedding, planning for Dylan's graduation, got a new calling as enrichment leader, etc . . . . . . . So not a lot of time to blog. But I promise to catch up soon.

I am teaching at CKC Mesa this weekend and enjoying just being able to be creative. I love seeing all my scrap friends and catch up with them. Life is good.

{I have been inspired . . . do something creative everyday}

This is from Lisa Day's Blog:

I realized that what I love is feeling creative. And spending time with my family. And feeling the happiness that comes from both of those things together. I want to have more of that in my life without the deadlines or the stress or the feeling like it’s not good enough.

So, I am presenting you with the creativity project.This is simply doing something creative every single day. When I say ‘creative’ I don’t mean make a project everyday (although you can if you want!). I mean be creative with your thoughts and your actions. See everyday as a new adventure. Start each morning with the thought “what can I do that’s fun and creative today?”. This can be anything from reading a Dr. Seuss book, playing in the sand, making something or even coloring with your kids. BUT, don’t just stop there once you have figured out what you want to do for the day...ask yourself “what else can I do to make this even more creative?”

Imagine the creativity you will unleash inside when you have to find something fun and creative to do everyday. Imagine the energy level you will feel. Imagine the memories you will be making. And the creativity you will be instilling in your children and others around you. Imagine the chain effect this could have on so many areas of your life. 


I want to invite you to start your own creativity project and unleash your creative potential. I will be sharing my creativity here and starting a photo album and links to other people who are taking on this challenge here, so let me know if you going to play along with me and I’ll add you, so we can inspire the world (dreaming big here!) together to have more fun and be creative.

I am taking on Lisa's challenge. Working right now on a cute & simple photo book to leave with grandma and grandad. Let me know if you are going to join this challenge and I will also make a list on the side - then we can check in and inspire each other daily.

{To Grandma's House I Go}

Well it is getting into the wee hours of the morning and in about 5 hours I will be catching a plane to visit my grandparents in Boise, Id. I predict it is going to be a bit chilly (compared to our 80 degree weather right now). I haven't see my grandparents in over a year and a half. I made a promise to myself that every year for my birthday I would make a trip to Idaho. I love them and cherish every moment I get to spend with them. I will be back Tuesday evening for a brief 24 hour period. I am sure to catch up on laundry and straighten the house. Just to touch base with the kids before I am off to teach in Portland and then to spend the lovely weekend with my hubby and visit my oldest daughter Marissa (miss her like crazy) Well it's almost time for my 3 hour power nap. I will touch base from Idaho.

{This is getting a little crazy}

This is getting a little crazy . . . .so many awesome prizes and we are just one game piece away from so many BIG prizes. Since Don is a buyer at the corporate office we have to play the associates game - but there are still great prizes. So I have tried to mix it up a bit and I hit an Albertson's while in Prescott yesterday and I am trying to go to different ones around the valley.I figure I have to buy groceries to feed the all the mouths in this home. I am sure there isn't another Albertson's employee with this many kids and so we buy alot. The more you buy, the more game pieces you get, the better chance to win big. Wish us luck!!!!

{CKC Potland Here I Come}

So excited to be teaching at CKC Portland

March 5-7, 2009

at the Oregon Convention Center. As soon as I have a sneak peak of the classes I will let you see.

So in love . . . .

Just a sneak at the amazing engagement photo's my sister-in-law Jamie Harper took of Morgan and Trent over the weekend. I guess it's not too hard to get a good photo when they are so cute and so in love . . . . .

Girl Scout Cookies Anyone

The cookies have arrived!!!
If anybody has not had a chance yet to order Girl Scout Cookies, Alli says " What is your favorite cookie? Let me know, and I will get them for you!"

Let me know if you would love some cookies and I will pass the information along to my cute little niece.

For Marissa . . .

I love you and miss you !!!!!

Disney & the Beach

Last weekend we did a quick turn around trip to Disney and the beach. Since Dylan and Morgan had gone the previous weekend we just took Coleton, Logan and Karleigh. Karleigh brought her friend Megan and we also took Jade. It was a great weekend. We had a wonderful time and even got to spend some time with some of our favorite cousins while we were there.

The Happiest Place on earth

Look who we ran into - we love these guys

Don and the boys enjoyed a good game of football

Coleton was so excited to take Jade down to the water for the first time and explain to her that this was the ocean. She was so amazed with it all.

I think Karleigh and Megan just love taking in the beauty of it all. What great girls.

{Babies Don't Keep}

It is so hard to believe that 21 years ago I held this precious baby in my arms for the very first time. I became a mom. How precious those moments were. And little did I know they would go by so fast.

Cleaning and Scrubbing Can wait till tomorrow
For babies grow up
We learn to our sorrow.
Settle down cobwebs, Dust go to sleep
I'm rocking my baby 'Cause babies don't keep.
Every word is truth. She didn't keep. She grew up.
Oh how I miss her and I pray that the path she chooses will lead her back home to her family one day.

{We Have Arrived}

Janna and I arrived safely in sunny California (NOT) It is dark, cloudy and rainy. But we usually go from the hotel to the convention center and never venture too far so we are fine. But it is definitely curly hair weather. I am excited to see everyone and all the new product releases. I know that things will be fine at home and I am going to truly enjoy this nice little get away with my buddy Janna. I'll be back . . . .

{Miracles Happen}

Do you believe in miracles ? Do you believe in answers to prayers ?

Let the music begin . . . . just humor me and sing at least one line of the song from Princess Diaries "When You Believe". This is the song that has been going through my head for the past couple of months as I have sat and watched this relationship between Morgan and Trent evolve.

Miracles happen, miracles happen

You showed me faith is not blind

I don't need wings to help me fly

Miracles happen, miracles happen

I can't imagine, living my life without you now

Not ever having you around

We found our way out (on you I can depend)

Don't have to look back, to realize how far we've come

There are million reasons

I'm lookin up I don't want this to end

Nothin Nothin should ever bring you down

Knowing what goes around will come around

You showed me faith is not blind

I don't need wings to help me fly

Miracles happen, once in a while

When you believe (miracles happen)

You showed me dreams come to light

That takin a chance on us was right

All things will come with a little time

When You believe

There is no question we found the missing pieces

Our picture is complete

It's fallen into place (it's fallen into place)

This is our moment, you and I are looking up

Someone is watching over us

Keeping me close

Closer to you everyday

Nowhere

Nowhere on earth i'd rather be

No one can take this away from you and me

You showed me faith is not blind

I don't need wings to help me fly

Miracles happen, once in a while

When you believe (miracles happen)

You showed me dreams come to light

That takin a chance on us was right

All things will come with a little time

When You believe, When you believe

The soul is a shining light

When you believe

The heart has the will to fight

You can do anything, don't be afraid

We're gonna find our way

You showed me faith is not blind

I don't need wings to help me fly

Miracles happen, once in a while

When you believe (miracles happen)

You showed me dreams come to light

That takin a chance on us was right

All things will come with a little time

When You believe

Morgan met Trent through a Young Single Adult group this past fall. They chatted on the phone often and right after Thanksgiving they went on their first date. Let me just tell you it was about that time I was praying with the most sincere heart that a miracle would take place. She was given the most amazing priesthood blessing by President Ogden that promised she would return to FULL health and have no lasting effects as long as she did what the doctors said. So I knew I had to have faith that all would be well.

Then Trent came along. Soon I would find out he was the answer to a mother's prayer. The Lord must have been saving him for us. I liked him immediately. There was something very different about him. He not only brought a smile to Morgan's face, but he brought a smile to my face. I felt safe knowing she was with him. They began spending everyday together and she knew, we all knew he was something special. He is almost 24, served a two year mission for our church in Mexico, works full time for Foothills Sports Medicine Physical Therapy and is in school to become a Physical Therapist. He immediately took on a concern with Morgan's foot and the fact that she was still in a walking boot. (something her physical therapist has been trying to get her out of for months). I don't know exactly what he did, but before I knew it she was back in two shoes. And then he even got her into tennis shoes and now she is even starting to jog. They love each other so much. We love Trent. He brings out the very, very best in Morgan. They enjoy so many of the same things and both have a very strong testimony of the gospel. He is the perfect fit for our family. I trust him with my daughter and I never worry when she is with him. The last couple of weeks I have just been so amazed at the fact that he has really come into our lives. I KNOW now that he IS an answer to many prayers.

Here is the sweetest part - he called Don this week and asked if he had some time to talk with him. Tuesday night Trent asked Don if he could have his blessing and his permission to ask his daughter for her hand in marriage. He wanted to spend the rest of eternity with her. Of course Don gave him his blessing because seriously, it is exactly what we were hopping for. They love each other so much.They will be married sometime this summer once they coordinate schedules with both families. Trent also comes from a big family of 6 kids. 3 boys and 3 girls. He is the youngest. He is from Colorado where most of his family lives. So let the plans begin. I am so excited for the next couple months and really want to focus on making it very special and very memorable for both of them.

I don't know the exact details because it was late when she got home. But I do know that he picked her up after work and took her to dinner. During dinner a lady brought flowers and a fortune cookie to the table. In the fortune cookie it said something to the effect of "spending the rest of your life with the one you love" and then he pulled out the ring and popped the question. Love romantic, thoughtful guys. Did I mention he cooks (they have spent many evenings in the kitchen cooking some wonderful dishes) he sings (she always wanted to marry someone who loves music as much as she does) and he is very athletic and loves sports just as much as all the other men in this house (which the Paolacci boys love -he fits right in) Well here is the ring . . . . it is absolutely beautiful.

I am so excited for their "Happily Ever After to Begin" don't ever stop believing - miracles happen . . . . . . . . . . . .

{CIMI}

Well last night at 11pm I dropped off Don and Coleton to board the bus to California. When they arrive in Long Beach they will get on board a boat that will take them to Catalina Island where they will participate in the C.I.M.I. JUNIOR SEA CAMP for 3 days.

Marissa, Dylan and Karleigh have all had the opportunity to go on this trip and Coleton has listened to their stories and viewed the photos and now it was finally his turn. They were so excited. At that very moment I was reminded of how lucky I was to be married to such an incredible man. You can imagine approximately 90 sixth grade students and every parent wanted the As I drove away, tears swelled in my eyes - how blessed I am to be married to him. How blessed I am for the choices he has made that made him stand out among the rest. All the applicants had to go through a strict screening process and then had to be selected by a panel of teachers and administrators. Because of his community involvement and leadership with the youth he was one of their first picks. So see all the years of scouting and service pay off. One of the teachers on the board has a son that plays little league and she said if he can handle all those boys in Little League we need him on this trip. I am excited for Coleton to have his dad with him to create memories of a life time.

{One Little Word}

For the past couple of years I have followed Ali's lead and chosen a word to focus on. My first word was {HOPE} . Last year my word was {FOCUS}

This year my word if going to be

{FAITH}

FAITH: "faith is the substance (assurance) of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1).

"If ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true" Faith is a principle of action and power. Whenever we work toward a worthy goal, we exercise FAITH. We show our hope for something that we cannot yet see.

So this year my FOCUS will be to simply have FAITH. To know that if I do my best, the Lord will take care of the rest. This brings me such peace. FAITH and Fear cannot exist at the same time. So I choose FAITH.

FAITH is much more than passive belief.

We express our FAITH through action—by the way we live.

In order to have FAITH we must BELIEVE in ourselves. My friend Katie gave a fabulous lesson on Sunday to our Young Women about BELIEVING they truly are a daughter of God. Her object lesson was that if you don't BELIEVE in YOURSELF and your PURPOSE here in life that you are just living a beLIEve. This helps me to remember to be true to myself and things I know are true. I look forward with HOPE and FAITH that 2009 will be a wonderful year.

I have already seen many miracles come to pass and heard many answers to prayers.

Life is good. And I have FAITH that

“In the strength of the Lord, I can do all things"(Elaine S. Dalton)

I have many goals for 2009 that I will take a minute and share later, but for now I need to go and get some work done.

{Been Scrappin}

Here is the cute poem I used this year to help simplify my holidays , but still do something nice for my friends. Made this cute little wrapper to put on boxes of chocolate and candy bars.

Then played catch up with some older Christmas photos - it was just fun to start getting back in my groove. I think 2009 is going to be a good year for scrappin'

{Happy New Year}

Busy day . . . Great Day. . . Happy 2009 - I love the promise and hope a new year brings. I got this little thought in my inbox this morning and I thought I would share . . .

"This is the beginning of a new year, and each of us might well say to himself,

“Today is the first day of the rest of my life. Let me begin now to prepare for eternal life, that I may know a fullness of joy and happiness now and forever.”

After all, this is really what each of us wants, and it is most important that we take time to find out how to get it and begin now to work at it day by day."
--N. Eldon Tanner, "Just for Today", New Era, Jan 1975, 4

May 2009 bring you health, prosperity and happiness

while surrounded by the ones you love !!!!!

{Blurred Memories}

I have learned that sometimes I just have to accept the fact that not all pictures are perfect and if I were to discard the ones that are blurry I would be throwing away alot of good memories. So blurred or not a memory is a memory. Often time we only remember if there is a photo.

Below we have a self portrait of Dylan with our new family addition Sasha. So cute and so blurry, but I just could not hit the delete button.

And here we have my three girls - the night we attended The Forgotten Carols. Very Blurry but still very beautiful.

So just be careful next time you go to hit the delete button, if it is the only photo you have of that person or event maybe you should consider keeping it. Blurry or not - it is still a memory.

{Soul Food}

This is my dear friend Janna (my side kick and traveling buddy). Have you ever had one of those friends who truly seeks to find you the perfect gift - made and bought especially just for you ? Well - she has done it again. Last year she got me fuzzy warm crocs (in fact they are on my feet keeping warm right now as I type) and this year she got me my new favorite book and I have so enjoyed reading it. It has helped to fill my cup. Inspire me. Confirm my faith, give me renewed sense of hope and bring me joy.

I have been following the story of Stephanie and Christian Nielson since their accident in August and now I am totally hooked on Stephanie's sister Courtney's blog and following her life and allowing her to inspire me on a daily basis.

Well this book is a printed collection of her blog posts from 2005 - 2008

Simply fabulous !!!

Thank you Janna - I love it !!!!

{2008 Christmas Card}

So does it count that they were printed on Dec 1st ??? These photos were taken on a very hot late August afternoon and my boys were not well pleased with all the photos we were taking. So I included one below with all the cousins that is actually my favorite.

I have just been a bit busy and I promise they will be mailed by the end of the week. Last year I had some of my peeps express their disappointment in me for not sending our annual Christmas Card and letter. (The first time in almost 22 years of marriage) I too look forward to that once a year picture and letter received from family and friends bringing us up to date on their happenings and seeing how much their families have grown. So I just wanted to make a promise that they will be out my door soon. We have so much to be thankful for this year. We have had so many trials. But after every trial there is always a rainbow of blessings and the blessings have come and we truly have felt them.