Monday, September 30, 2013

A Brief Hiatus


Plainly put - what an awesome weekend. 
Brett has been very busy as of late (working 60+ hours each week)
It has really taught me to cherish the seconds I get to spend with him.

This weekend was especially great as we had the opportunity to visit the 
Mesa temple with the youth in our ward and perform baptisms for the dead.  
There is such a special spirit at the temple and I just love every chance I get to go.

I always love walking away from the temple hand in hand with my sweetheart ready to conquer the world. 
As we drove away from the temple, 
I thought a lot about my life and how I can bring the spirit of the temple more in my life and home. 

There was one thing that kept coming to my mind over and over again.

Before I go on, I must confess to you guys --- 
I am like completely addicted to the computer and my phone. 
I'll be honest,  it is disgusting how much time I spend reading blogs, 
checking instagram, and countless other time suckers. 

So I am making a goal to change. 
I think it is the perfect time, especially in preparation for general conference. 
So starting tomorrow I will be taking a brief week hiatus from social media. 
Call it a "fast" if you will. 

I'm going to try spending more time studying and preparing for conference, 
spending time with my hubby, and simplifying life just a bit. 
Honestly, I am a little nervous (yes I sounds like a complete addict right now),
but more than anything, just looking forward to having more family time. 

Feel free to join me!

PS. I will be continue working from home and will be checking 
my email as I continue to process and finalize any of your orders! 
You can reach me at my email court.aitken@gmail.com 
if you have any questions or need any help with orders! 









I was so inspired this past weekend by the messages that were shared during the Relief Society General Broadcast
(to learn more about the broadcast, please visit lds.org)

It is amazing to me how well my Heavenly Father knows me 
and understands just what I need to hear from our church leaders. 

I wanted to capture some of my favorite thoughts from the broadcast,
so I decided to make a few prints that I would insert in my General Conference notebook (see here)
Feel free to print off or use any of the quotes below.

I hope you find these words as inspiring as I did! 
Happy conference weekend!

You can download a PDF copy of the images by clicking on the links below.
All images were created as 5x7.

Keep in mind that  if you are interested in any alterations to the designs 
(including resizing, color changes, etc.) I am more than happy to help!
I am also willing to custom create any of your favorite quotes from the broadcast!
You can find more information and details here


















Giraffe Centre Kenya by Lesa Bird

.
Hi all, today I've had a little play with Couture Creations
 from the set l'll be using the stamps and dies.
So let have a look
 
 



 
 
Taking the large stamp from the 3 in 1 Dreamboat Butterfly Notes Collection set, stamp around the edge of your cardstock
 
 
 
Using the Butterfly dies cut out 3 butterfly bodies, and also 3 of the wings, and stamp them with the related stamp, add a little Couture Creations Foam Tape to the back of the wings, place on top of butterfly,  Gemstones add that touch of bling
 
 
 

 
 
grab some pattern paper, cut 7 of the flower die, stamp layer 4 off centre, and 3 over the centre, and attach then all together with a brad, spritz with water and scrunch each layer to the centre, then gently reopen, add a little spray adhesive and dust with glitter. (see pictures below)






 
On a piece of cardstock cut to the size you require, take the flower stamp, amd randemly stamp on cardstock, ink the edges, destress them using Couture CReations scissors


 
 
A couple of close ups of the flower, and layered Butterfly




 
 
Arange all pieces to your page, add a little glitter, and Couture Creations gemstones to the background stamping, and your done, hope you like this project, but most of all have fun with this great 3 in 1 set from Couture Creations
 
 
Couture Creations product used;
 
    CO721965  Double Sided Tape 18mm
    CO721962  Foam Tape
    CO721957  15x15 Self Healing Mat
    CO721956  Pointed S/S Scissors
    CO721954  Led Precision Tweezers
 
 
 
Stay Safe and Enjoy your Day 
 
 





 
Deciding to move to Arizona was no overnight decision for Brett and I.
It is something that we had prayed about for years prior to Brett's graduation.

Honestly, making the decision was a bit of a stressful one...
We prayed long and hard about our next step in life - 
but after receiving our answer, and knowing it was right, we have never looked back.

It is amazing to me how when something is right, it is right.
I am a firm believer that Heavenly Father always has a plan for us. 
You may remember that Brett and I knew we were supposed to be in this home,
but didn't know why.
We literally looked, decided, and purchased a home within a matter of 3 days.
Now it is so clear.

We have been so blessed to be welcomed with open arms into such an amazing ward.
Especially me. 
I've said it time and time again -
but we really lucked out when we moved into this area.
I feel overwhelmed with the amount of love that I have felt from neighborhood friends and ward members.
Honestly, I cannot begin to express the gratitude I feel towards them. 

Last weekend, the two lovely ladies who first welcomed me to the ward, Danielle and Ali,
threw me a baby bash of every girl's dreams.
It is like they have known me all my life. 
Yes, I'll admit, I am probably one of the most meticulous and detailed persons to exist- 
And yes, it can drive others around me crazy...
All I can say is... These ladies knew how to throw a party!
Talk about darling!!!






Not only was the shower itself SUPER adorbs, 
I was truly overwhelmed with so much love and gratitude to everyone who came! 
I was shocked to see so many of my new friends gathered in one place.
I wish I could have gotten a picture with everyone! 

We laughed as we played a baby trivia game.
This first time Mom learned quite a few things.
Lets just say - I lost.
I guess I have a lot ahead of me.

We also played a game where teams were able to create baby outfits from toilet paper.
I died laughing.  It was hysterical.
Watch out Project Runway - there were some major fashion trends set that afternoon.


To all of the women in my ward -
what can I say...
you are an incredible sisterhood and support group that I rely on daily.
Again, I wish I could have snapped a picture with every one of you.
Thank you oh so much for all of your loving kindness.
I get teary eyed just thinking about it.
Thank you to all of you who made this day possible.
It was truly a dream of a shower.


Now let's get this little guy here so we can meet him!  

O grâce magnifique (Taizé)



O grâce magnifique,
Dont Dieu seul est l'auteur:
Jésus, son Fils unique,
Est notre Rédempteur!
Etoile matinale
Qui n'a pas son égale
Dans tout le firmament!

O grâce mémorable
Qu'on adore à genoux:
Dieu même est favorable
Aux pécheurs tels que nous!
Au ciel et sur la terre,
Qui pourra nous soustraire
A l'éternel amour?

O grâce salutaire,
Ta force nous confond!
D'un aussi grand mystère,
Qui peut voir jusqu'au fond?
Grâce incompréhensible,
Lumière inaccessible,
Abîme de bonté!

See my other blog postings in the "Taizé" series of chants.

Official Taizé Community Website

Wikipedia information on the Taizé Community
- in French
- in English

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Dream by Patti Hamil

Today I wanted to share a layout of our beautiful Granddaughter that I did using the Super Powder Puff folder from the Fresh & Fun collection. This design is such a super fun folder to play with, for this one I decided to add some color! I also added LOTS of layers!!!


Here is what I started with.

I colored in the designs with four pastel colors, green, pink, yellow and blue. I just used my Zig markers for this, it was really easy since the  image is so well defined.



Here you see the Nesting Die squares layered underneath the photo! And I used the foam tape underneath as well!!!!


I used the Kaleidoscope Heart die in three colors and added dimension on these as well. I also backed them with a cream cardstock with a yellow tint to match the little yellow fans I tucked behind each square. I also added a pink gemstone to each tip!


In each little center corner I added a tiny little rose at each fan. I added a sticker sentiment "dream".



This layout was so much fun to create, and I hope you liked seeing it! Don't be afraid to add lots of layers and dimension to your pages sometimes, it really makes them come alive!!! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Couture Creations supplies used:

Patti

 

Friday, September 27, 2013

Quick and Easy Trendy Christmas Cards by Gloria Stengel

Hello everyone!
Gloria here again!
 
Today I am sharing a few "trendy" Christmas cards with you. I am on a kick to create cards that are: quick to create, use only basic supplies, and are easy to mail. (Both cards for today are standard size - 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 or A2.) I am not sure I would call myself a "trendy girl" but I thought that these two cards had that "vibe."


For this card, I made a  black card base. I then embossed a piece of dark red Core'dinations cardstock with the Jolly Christmas folder. I used the Sanding Block to sand the raised areas. The pale paper core shows through. I chose a trendy hexagon print paper to add some extra interest to the card, and I created an icicle border with a punch.

I added a very trendy chalkboard sentiment to the front of the card and finished it all off with a little "bell and bow" action.  Clean and simple cards are all the rage these days. I confess that this is a style that I am not very good at, but I think this next card is my own version of CAS.

 
I embossed some textured glossy paper with the Peaceful Ornaments folder. I trimmed off the bottom portion of the embossed image and added Self-Adhesive Gemstones to each of the embossed ornaments.

 
I added a sentiment, which is one of my very own stamp designs I cut out the sentiment with the Victorian Rectangle Nesting Dies. I rubbed the edges of the rectangle with green ink.

I hope you are inspired to create some quick and easy and trendy Christmas cards! Thanks for joining me today! 




Couture Creations Supplies Used:
Wrapped in Joy Embossing Folder Jolly Christmas (Co723595)
Wrapped in Joy Embossing Folder Peaceful Ornaments (CO723604)
Nesting Die Victorian Rectangle (CO723049)
Self-Adhesive Gemstones

Couture Creations Tools Used:
Foam Mounting Tape
Craft Mat
Precision Trimmer
Sanding Block


Thursday, September 26, 2013

Seasons Greetings by Pam Bray

 
Season's Greetings, it is Pam here today to share with you my Season's Greeting Card using Moonlit Berries Embossing Folder from Couture Creations Wrapped in Joy Collection.
 
 
I started by running a piece of Core'dinations sage green paper using the Moonlit Berries Embossing Folder, sanding it off with my Couture Creations Sanding Block

 
Repeating with a piece of burgundy paper, sanding it also.
 
 
I placed the embossed sage green piece and pattern paper to the top of my white card base, placing my burgundy embossed piece on top with Couture Creations Foam Tape to give dimension to my card. 
 
 
 Here is a closer look at the two embossed pieces together.

 
Also...a closer look at the pretty bow that I wrapped around my card front, tied, added some stick pins and placing my Well Worn Tag on top with more of Couture Creations Foam Tape

 
Thanks for joining us today at Couture Creations!
Hugs Pammejo

Supplies: 
CO723596 Moonlit Berries from Wrapped in Joy Collection
CO721963 Foam Mounting Tape
CO721984 Double Sided Tape
CO721956 Precision Scissors
CO721957 Self Healing Mat
CO723039 Precision Trimmer
CO723060 Sanding Block
Handheld Essentials 
Red Gemstones

Wednesday, September 25, 2013



I have felt so inspired by the Primary's October Sharing Time Outline.
I love the principles being taught, because I feel like they are so important and applicable to EVERYONE! 

I decided to create a fun little sharing time idea based on the outline 
"I CAN SHARE THE GOSPEL WITH MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY".

There are two parts (discussion points and an activity) that you might possibly use during your sharing time lesson!

My thought is to begin the lesson by teaching the children that "Every Member is a Missionary".
Explain to them that that statement includes THEM!
From there you could discuss some ways the children can share the gospel with their friends and families now!
 (see some possible discussion points and references below).

Following, you could involve the children in a missionary activity. 
You could discuss how they children could start by being missionaries within their own primary classes!
Help the children understand that there are a lot of other children who belong to the primary who they don't normally see. 
Explain that we want those children to know that we are their friends and want to see them come to primary with us. 

You could have the children sit in their classes and pick someone together they would like to make cards for.
Each child could write a message or draw a picture for that specific child. 

Below I have created a larger card with a pocket that you could put together all the notes from the children to drop off. 
(you could do this as a primary presidency or have class teachers drop off the cards).


I hope you and your primary have fun learning and participating in missionary work together! 
You can download a PDF copy of the images by clicking on the links below.
Keep in mind that  if you attempt to change the sizing, you may run the risk of slightly blurring the image!

Keep in mind that  if you are interested in any alterations to the designs 
or any adding an personal details, I am more than happy to help!
You can find more information and details here


You might take some time to talk about the many things children can do to share the gospel.

I chose to highlight 4 simple things children can do now to be missionaries towards their friends and family.
If you decide to use some of the same talking points, 
you could post the pictures above as you discuss the topics.
I have also included some coordinating stories, scriptures, 
and songs that you might mention / sing as you teach and share with the kids in primary.

From my experience, children have such a sense of kindness and love about them.
They are often being the greatest missionaries when they are being friends to other children, 
because they show such pure love. 
I decided to focus on how being a good friend can help children share the gospel.

8.5 x 11 "Smile and Say Hello" Print Download

You might take some time to help the children understand that as they are being kind and friendly to others,
they are following the example of the Savior. 

There are many ways to share the gospel by being a friend. 
For instance, when we see someone new (outside, at home, or at church), 
we can say hi and introduce ourselves.

Below are some example stories, scriptures and songs 
that coordinate to this topic that you could share with the children

STORIES

CHILDREN'S SONGS

SCRIPTURES
Matthew 4:16
Alma 37: 6-7



8.5 x 11 "Love & Serve Others" Print Download

You might take some time to explain to the children that as we are
serving others and showing love, we are sharing the gospel.

The Savior demonstrated great love as He shared and preached the gospel.

Below are some example stories, scriptures and songs 
that coordinate to this topic that you could share with the children

STORIES

SCRIPTURES
Mosiah 2:17
Matthew 22:39
Matthew 25:37-40

CHILDREN'S SONGS



8.5 x 11 "Listen & Show Interest" Print Download

You might take some time to explain to the children that we can 
better share the gospel as we listen carefully to others.
We should listen to them like their Heavenly Father.
As we listen to them, our friends will feel confident that their thoughts and feelings 
are important to us and our friends will be more likely to be receptive to the gospel.

Below are some example stories, scriptures and songs 
that coordinate to this topic that you could share with the children

STORIES

CHILDREN'S SONGS

SCRIPTURES
D&C 18:10

8.5 x 11 "Wave & Invite Others" Print Download

You might take the time to help the children understand how they can
share the gospel by making others feel loved.
For instance, when we see people alone, we can invite them to join us.
We can smile, wave, and be kind.
We can invite them to do things with us, including go to church.

Below are some example stories, scriptures and songs 
that coordinate to this topic that you could share with the children

STORIES

CHILDREN'S SONGS





You can create a larger card by piecing together two regular sheets of cardstock (8.5 x 11)
I created a simple 8.5 x 11 cover for the card that you could glue on the front for decoration.
I have also created a pocket for the inside of the card 
to hold each of the notes and drawings from the children.
You can create the pocket in the card by cutting out the pocket image and glueing it on the inside of the card
(only glue three sides - left, right, and bottom).

8.5 x 11 Card Cover

8.5 x 5.5 Card Pocket