moments with kim

WELCOME Adornit Blog Hop Visitors! CONTEST! CONTEST!

I am SO excited to once again be asked to participate in the Adornit Blog Hop  This time the hop focus is Christmas.  Blogs will be sharing Christmas gift ideas, neighbor gift ideas, recipes, home decor, scrapbooking and more!

I have to admit, I am not a HUGE fan of Christmas. Shocking... I know. I LOVE the spirit of Christmas. I LOVE the spirit of giving. I LOVE being with my family. However, I quickly become overwhelmed with the hectic schedules, the constant shopping and society's focus on gift giving.  PLUS.. to add to my issues, loosing my Mom only makes the holiday more difficult since it was her absolute favorite holiday. When I walk into a store dripping ceiling to floor in Christmas decor it takes everything within me to not start crying. :(

Now that I have depressed you... sorry... I AM excited for this hop. Simply because I need to be INSPIRED. I need fresh new ideas. I need to be reminded about why this holiday is so special and need to spend some time learning from each of you.

PLUS! I am always on the look out for quick, easy and amazing gifts so let the hop begin! 

The first idea I want to share with you is a quick, easy and inexpensive ornament. Again, my thoughts turn to my Mom.  I can't begin to describe the amount of ornaments she had. She had at least a dozen trees and each year she would decorate a different tree with a completely different theme for the tree.  Her trees were breathtaking. I have so many memories of our Christmas tree growing up. A tradition I have tried to continue with my family.

For this ornament, simply purchase a clear glass ornament from your local craft store. They usually come 12 to a box for about $3 or so. Cheap! Start sorting through your stash of buttons, ribbons, Christmas paper and glitter.  Carefully remove the tip of the bulb.  In the above sample, I inserted buttons and red glitter. To finish the bulb I added a rub on to the front of the bulb and tied ribbon through the hook. 

For this bulb, I cut pattern paper into 1/2 inch by 6 inch strips. I rolled the paper around a pencil to create a curl. I then inserted the paper into the bulb and added glitter. I also added a rub on to this bulb.

These bulbs are perfect gifts for school teachers, neighbors, church groups, friends, families, you get the idea. Tie a bulb to a gift sack of holiday treats and you are set!

My NEXT idea to share is my absolute FAVORITE neighbor gift. We receive so many plates of goodies that by the time the holidays are over I have gained at least 5 lbs! So.. I like giving a gift that they don't have to eat!

You will need clear cellophane bags. Christmas printed bags are adorable but I usually use clear bags.

Add to each bag 2 of these:

Then add two of these: 

Add two of these to the bag broken into two pieces for a total of four pieces:

Finally.. add several of these:

 

Note: The above spice is whole cloves. Several gals have asked below. Sorry for the confusion!

Once the ingredients are in the bag I tie Christmas ribbon and add a tag. On the tag I type instructions. You can word them as you would like but they will need to slice the oranges and lemons then add all ingredients to a small sauce pan. Cover with water. Let simmer on the lowest setting on your stove through out the day. Continue to add water as needed.

Your home will quickly fill with the most amazing, comforting, warm, inviting aroma.

Now.. as always, it is time to end this post with a contest. YEAH BABY! I know you have several blogs you are visiting today, but take a minute and share with me one your favorite holiday gift ideas. I need to be inspired!

I will randomly pick one WINNER on Sunday. YOU will win a FREE goodie from me featuring all NEW Christmas products from Adornit! GOOD LUCK!

Don't forget to visit the next blog on the hop!

Erin Terrell Clarkson! 

We have a WINNER!

Congrats Girlfriend! Email me at kim(at)expressthemoment.com with your shipping address. I will ship your October Card Kit right a way! Enjoy!

We are FAMILY! I've got all my SISTERS with me!

My cell phone is programed so that each time one of my Sister's call the ring tone is that song "We are FAMILY. I've got all my SISTERS with me!" I love that ring tone. I love my Sisters.

This past weekend my older Sister Jen planned a sweet 16 party for her daughter Alyssa. Alyssa is the oldest granddaughter on my side of the family. My Mom promised her that for her 16th birthday she would take her to the Little America in Salt Lake City and spend the weekend shopping. A few months ago, Alyssa realized that was not going to happen now that Grandma is gone so Jen decided that we needed to follow through with Grandma's promise and take Alyssa to the Little America. So she extended the invitation for each of my sisters to meet in Salt Lake that weekend and have the ultimate girls night out.

Allow me to explain a bit more.  Each of us girls have found memories of spending weekends in Salt Lake with my Mom. She loved Salt Lake.  She would take each of us for weekends just with her. We would shop, stay at the Little America, eat at fun restaurants and tour temple square.   I remember one such trip. I was about 10 or 11 years old.  My Mom had taken me to Mormon Handicraft. One of her favorite stores.  I picked out a beautiful night gown. I remember feeling that this nightgown was so soft, comfortable and made me feel like a princess.  As soon as we got back to the hotel I put my nightgown on and was in heaven.

Staying at the Little America was a luxury. It was a very nice, high class hotel 25 years ago when we would go. They have maintained the hotel quite nicely. I know there are others that I am sure are nicer, but it was exactly how I remember it. 

I teared up a bit when I entered the room. I felt so close to my Mom. I know she was with us.  Childhood memories from that hotel came flooding back. It might sound odd, but I am always amazed as to what smells, sounds, objects, or something that someone will say will bring back a memory of my Mother.

We arrived in Salt Lake Friday afternoon. I have 5 sisters and 4 of us were able to go. Plus my niece, her best friend, my other niece and Katelyn. We spent Friday afternoon shopping, eating at the Olive Garden, then back to our hotel for lots of laughs while soaking our feet in the hot tub.

(Not sure why typepad is cutting off the right side. sorry. too tired to fix it)

Saturday morning we checked out of the hotel, went to breakfast then headed down to my sister's house. I took a few family pics of her family then we did a bit more shopping and dinner. 

My niece Makayla (who is 13) has decided that she too wants to go the Little America when she turns 16. She was very impressed and had so much fun.  I told her that we just need to take all of the girls there for their birthdays and make it a girls weekend with their Aunts. I am looking forward to many more birthdays celebrated there since I have so many beautiful nieces!

Be sure to check back later this week. I will be announcing the Halloween Memory contest WINNER and adding a NEW contest to my blog. PLUS! Adornit has asked me to participate in their Holiday Blog Hop this weekend so stay tuned for that. I am so excited!

Tricks or Treats? CONTEST!

I can't believe it is already November. We have less then two months until Christmas. Two months! I have to admit, I am not a HUGE fan of Christmas.  Don't get me wrong. I love the spirit of Christmas. I wish the only focus was that of spiritual things. I am just not a fan of all the gift giving and pressure behind it.

So... I am always saddened to see fall come to a end. Halloween definitely marks the end since stores are already stocking the shelves with Christmas items and tend to completely overlook Thanksgiving. One of my personal favorite days. 

Halloween was different this year. It was different last year. I guess it will never be the same since my Mom is gone. She loved Halloween.  For the past several years our tradition was to go to her house for dinner then she would take the kids around the neighborhood as well as drive them to other neighborhoods. She knew which houses gave the best treats and formulated a system. Our kids loved it!

So.. I missed my Mom this past weekend. As much as I try to create the same evening for my kids, it just isn't the same. This year the boys were each invited to friends so it was just Darren and I with Katelyn. We took her to our neighborhood trunk and treat event then came back to the house for dinner and door to door treating. My sister and her husband came over with her little girl. Pretty low key evening.

Note: This pictures are just as is. I am not going to worry nor am I am the mood to edit. What is up with the idea that our pictures have to be perfect for blog posting? Just a thought. 

Katelyn was very excited about her costume this year. I am afraid she might be getting close to the end of her dressing up days. Maybe one more year. We will see. Of course the boys had no desire to dress up although Michael did end up wearing Darren's AC/DC horns to his friends.

My dear friend LeaAnn sewed the skirt and I applied the poodle and the leash. It was the most domestic I have ever been with a costume. I love the end result! PLUS it was a added bonus that the costume was warm since Idaho Halloweens are FREEZING!

We bought Cooper a costume this year. It was a hot dog. Our dog was going to be a dog. We were going to say, "Come here dog". Much to Katelyn's dismay the costume was too small so we had to come up with plan B.  I decided that the devil costume was much more fitting for him. He has been naughty lately! If you know of anyone who wants a beagle let me know! He knows he is treading  water with me and tries to shy a way and give me the big brown cute eyes. It is not working!

This picture is a bit blurry. He was sad that he couldn't wear the dog costume so he was not wanting to stop for a picture perfect moment.

TIME FOR ANOTHER CONTEST! I know Halloween has past but tell me what one of your favorite Halloween memories are. How did you spend the day as a child? What was one of your favorite costumes? Do you have a party each year? Do you even celebrate the holiday?

Leave me a comment and tell me about it! In one week I will pick a random reader and send you a FREE October Expressions Card kit.

Want to increase your chance of winning? Post this contest on your blog, leave me a link telling me that you did and your name is entered twice! Good luck!

We have a WINNER!

I realized this last weekend that I should have extended the contest and not posted that I would draw in a week. Trust me... I had every intention of posting on Sunday but after a LONG day Saturday and a LONG day Sunday I was too tired to post.  As they say all good things are worth the wait so I hope the below winner does not mind the wait a bit.

Be sure to email me etm(at)ida.net with your shipping address so I can mail your goodies!

A heartfelt THANK YOU to all those who left comments. You are amazing women stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things!

The next couple of days are going to be busy but check back this weekend. I will be posting pictures from our Halloween activities and am brewing up a new contest idea. (Imagine a witch laugh right now)

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL? CONTEST!!!!!!

I am so excited to WELCOME so many new blog readers who have found me through other web sites or blogs. THANK YOU for spending time on my blog. THANK YOU for leaving such wonderful comments. They have brought me to tears. THANK YOU for your love and patience while I open my heart through this blog.

Since August, we have thought of nothing else besides football. Seriously! I have asked myself several times how I got here? I have 5 sisters. No brothers. We played house. Barbie's. School. We watched pageants. In fact I can probably tell you most of the Miss America, Miss USA, Miss Teen USA winners for the past 30 years. We did not watch, play or even attend football games. My poor Dad was lucky to fit in a baseball game every once in a while since we controlled the television.

Needless to say when I found out the twins were BOYS I was a bit nervous. What am I supposed to do with boys.  I had perfected my girl hair techniques. Not boys!

So many times through out the years, Darren has reminded me that their behavior is normal. That boys act like that. Say those things. Do those things. Eat as much as they do. Make as many noises as they do. Wrestle NON STOP. I am still learning. BUT... I have to say, that compared to my one daughter, I will take boys any day. (Don't tell her I said that. She is an angel, just too much like me.)

So... back to football. I can honestly say that I am starting to enjoy the game. Odd I know. I HATE the ego that goes along with the game. Struggle understanding coaches.  Sit on the edge of my seat praying that my son does not get hurt. Freeze. Eat too many cold hot dogs. Pay too much for entry fees. BUT... love every minute of it!

This picture just warms my heart. Our boys attend Skyline High School.  Darren and I will never move from the Westside of town simply because we love the community that is felt here. The high school has tremendous parent support which is reflected in so many ways. The day before his big game, the cheerleaders decorated our front door. We hung our Skyline flag proudly and were excited!

The Skyline High School vs Idaho Falls High School game is ranked in the top 10 high school rivalries in the nation.  We look forward to the game each year. This years game was amazing. Of course we had to brave the weather a bit. Classic Idaho style. Here is Darren and his Dad waiting for the game to start.  Darren attended IF High School so sitting on the Skyline side has been something to adjust to! Go BIG BLUE!

Both sides of the stadium offer amazing tailgating festivities! Here is Katelyn with her buddy Hannah.

The Scrapbooker in me couldn't resist a picture of the football trays. How cool is that?

LOVE the painted end zones! Too cool!

I love this picture. Not sure what is up with Katelyn's silly face but it just shows how much fun they were having. 

Emotion Bowl tradition calls for dressing up and showing your team spirit.  You can't tell because of the coats but they were both head to toe in blue and white. Crazy hair. Blue hair color, ribbons and glitter.

Katelyn has been such a trooper and attends every game to watch her brothers. She socializes more then she watches the game and loves every minute of it!

Skyline lost the big game (we are still in mourning) but we made wonderful memories.  As a Mom of boys I have had to step out of my comfort zone, learn this blasted game, but because of that I have years and years of wonderful memories.

SO... are you still with me? What is a blog post without a contest? Tell me what you have done or doing that you never thought you would.  Think about it! How has life surprised you a bit? Leave me a comment about it!

I will draw one lucky reader in one week and send YOU a FREE pattern paper pak of NEW Basic Grey paper! YUMMY! Good luck!

Notes for Grandma

Yesterday marked the one year anniversary of the death of my Mom.  It is hard to believe that a year has already passed.  Death does not stop time. Life continues whether we want it to or not.

This past year has been the most difficult year of my life. Add the 3-4 months prior to my Mom's death and it is safe to say the past 15 months have been the most difficult!

Each of my sisters and I continue to struggle each day and come to terms with her being gone. As I knew this day was approaching I knew I wanted to do something on the day that we would all remember and have sentimental meaning. 

My thoughts turned to my Mom and a memory I have of her. Her uncle had passed a way and she was planning his service. Actually, my Mom had to plan several funerals in her life time. I now understand how difficult that was for her.

For his funeral, we were only having a grave side service. He was in his 80's. He had never married nor had children.  I will never forget the day of his service. I was asked to give the life sketch so I was nervous. It was pouring rain. My Mom had the idea to release balloons to music at the end of his service. Great idea except the fact that the rain weighed down the balloons. Instead of floating up high, they skipped across the road into the fence.  I admit I was annoyed when she was trying to free the balloons from the fence as we all watched on while getting soaked!

Now, that she is gone, it dawned on me that releasing balloons are not such a bad idea. My Mom left behind 19 grandchildren at the time of her death. Now two of my sisters are expecting. So we continue to grow. 

It is very important to us girls that our children continue to know their Grandma.  We want them to understand that she is aware of them. That she is working on the other side to bring us together as a family again.

The kids constantly draw her pictures. We continue to decorate her grave. We talk to her. We dream of her. We cry.

It might be odd for me to post these pictures, but they bring me comfort and peace.  I took a fall wreath for her shepherds hook as well as leaves to wrap the hook. I love the bright, fall colors.

My Mom was the ONLY one in her family that took care of the graves. I have many memories of spending the entire afternoon cleaning, weeding, and placing fresh flowers. In fact, we joke in our family that Mom went to the extreme. She had bins filled with seasonal flowers to rotate at the graves.  Most cemeteries remove the flowers after the holidays if you do not come and collect yourself so she would watch for those flowers not removed and steal them! I was mortified when I heard she did that!

As I thought about my Mom and her dedication to taking care of graves, I thought about what could we do for her.  I suggested that each of the grandchildren write Grandma a note.  I inserted the notes into balloons (purple and yellow were her favorite) I then had the balloons filled.

Yesterday my family, Natalie and her family, Christie and her family and my Dad all met at her grave.  My sister in Utah, Georgia and Arizona were all read at the same time and ready with their balloons. Her brother (officially cousin but we consider brother) also was ready with his balloon.

Keep in mind that it was a bit chilly yesterday.  Note the look on Michael's face. The older kids were not as entertained but the younger kids were elated! They knew that Grandma would receive their notes!

We were all ready. We had everyone else on speakerphone. We counted down 3 - 2 - 1 and let go! It was amazing! Now.. a few of them ended up in the LARGE pine tree right next to my Mom's grave but we know that the wind will pick up and Grandma will receive the notes.

It was important to us that we create a positive memory for our children instead of spending the day being somber and mellow.  I know in my heart that my Mom knows we were there and knows how much she is loved and missed. This will be a tradition each year for many years to come!

Love you Mom.

Love,

Kimmie

Two lucky WINNERS!

This week has been so much fun! So many NEW readers found my blog from Page Maps. WELCOME! Thank you for stopping by and leaving such wonderful comments. Be sure to check back often. I love offering contests and LOVE getting you to think out side the box a bit.

As promised, we have two WINNERS this week.

Julie: You win FREE Heidi Swapp goodies from me for posting under my ENERGY IN contest.

Christine: You win a FREE September Moments kit for posting under the BACK TO contest.

Congrats ladies! Be sure to email me at kim(at)expressthemoment.com with your shipping address. I will send your freebies THIS WEEK!

I will be visiting each of your blogs this week and leaving comments for YOU.  I am so excited to have so many new blog buddies and can't wait to be inspired!

Off to bed for now. It was a LONG emotional day. I will blog tomorrow and share pics.

HUGS!

Energy In! CONTEST! CONTEST!

Note: WELCOME to any new blog readers that found me through Page Maps! You still have until Sunday the 11th to leave a post HERE  PLUS! Be sure to leave a comment on my NEW blog entry. You just might WIN!

I am so excited to tell you about the amazing weekend I had with this lady. I first had the opportunity to meet Heidi several years ago at CKU-A in Provo. This was the first year CKU was teaching the album track. Heidi was introducing her new Heidi Swapp brand as well as teaching an album class. I was not in her class that weekend but we ended up chatting a few times, laughing, telling stories and I ended up with a FREE album class kit as a gift from her! It was a weekend I will never forget.  

The following year we met again at Memory Trends in Vegas. Shared a few laughs and recalled the crazy CKU weekend.

THEN I had the opportunity to attend Creative Escape last year with my good friend Tiffany.  I was able to meet her again and take her amazing class. Creative Escape was an amazing event. One I hope to attend again!

When Alicia advertised that she was coming to her store to teach, I knew I had to go. I told Darren that all I wanted for my birthday/anniversary was to attend the entire weekend of classes. (He was happy to not have to shop) So I anxiously awaited for the weekend to arrive.

What sweetened my anticipation was I was drawn as the lucky winner to spend Saturday morning with Heidi and enjoy breakfast before classes.

Ok. Why is it then each time I think I look decent I have my photo taken and realize that I don't? AGH! Oh well. Here we are at breakfast VERY EARLY Saturday morning.  The gal to her right is Nicole. I am not sure of her last name. She owns Lime Ricki Swimwear Be sure to check it out! She is also one of the most kind, soft spoken ladies I have ever met. It was a pleasure spending the day with her!

Heidi spoiled with me with wall art and a heart box from House of 3 So cute! I love her new HO3 site and tend to download... often! :)

After breakfast we headed back up to Rigby to begin a full day of classes. We had already created this book the night before. (all images by Heidi Swapp) Loved it!

Then... our first class Saturday morning was this:

I can't begin to explain to you how inspired I was by this class. One of my favorite things about Heidi is that before she begins a project, she explains to the class the inspiration behind the class.  She has always been one of my most favorite designers because of that. I love that she has never lost site of what matters most. She understands the reasons why she Scrapbooks and truly wants to leave a legacy for generations to come. She is amazing.

She explained that while in China she had reached a point where she felt that all her energy was being sucked right out of her. Oh how I can relate! She decided to see a acupuncturist. You can imagine a little 'ol Chinese man telling Heidi that her "chi" was not aligned. The Chinese belief is that we all have a energy circle. That if we give off negative energy then negative energy will circle back to us. I know I am not explaining that as well as she did but the basic idea is to evaluate what gives you energy. Hence the ENERGY IN project!

So.. I started making chicken scratches about what gives me energy and what takes it a way.

Think about it.

Here are just a few things that give me energy.

Alone time with Darren. Hugs and kisses from my children. Hearing my children laugh. A clean house. Spending time with each of my sisters. Feeling organized. Sleep. Music. Attending church. Blogging. Having a plan for dinner. Looking at photos. Prayer. Reading my scriptures. Attending the temple. A clean bathroom. Having my nails done. A new outfit.  A fresh diet coke.

She also taught us to reflect on what takes a way our energy.

Something I struggle with. I tend to focus my energy on things that I can't control. I worry about my sisters. I am having extreme anxiety over my Dad remarrying. I miss my Mom so much my heart aches every day. I feel angry. Resentment. Fear. I don't sleep. Non stop laundry!

She compared ENERGY to a debit card or checking account. Just like our bank accounts, our energy needs to stay in the black and not the red. Once we notice where our energy is going we can gain control of it. Our energy is the ONLY thing we are 100% in control of!

Like I said. Amazing. Simply amazing. I feel so energized!

Our next class was the above album. This class was intense! We got to play with alcohol inks by Ranger. I have not worked with these inks yet. I was hooked! I can't wait to get my hands on some and play more.

Our last class was a layout class. I can't find a picture of the class and my projects are not completed so you will have to imagine how awesome they were. Again, oodles of fun techniques!

So... that was a LONG post. WHEW! Thanks for reading this far...

Tell me.. what gives you energy? I have thought about this idea non stop the past few days. I keep making myself notes to add to my journal. I am intrigued.

The simple things in life. It doesn't have to be grand. Just tell me.

Leave me a comment! Not only will I choose a blog winner on Sunday from the Page Maps contest, but one lucky reader will also receive a Heidi Swapp goodie from me! Good luck! 

Back to...

First and foremost a huge WELCOME to any new blog readers that found me from Page Maps I am happy that you are here! If you are like me, you are a sketch lover and anxiously await each new month for Becky's sketches! Thanks Becky for your constant inspiration! 

Be sure to leave a comment below for your chance to WIN!

September is by far my favorite month of the year.  I love when the temperatures start to cool. I love the leaves starting to change colors. LOVE that is my birthday month. ( Just had to throw that in)
 Love  that my kids start school again.

I have seen so much change in Katelyn this year. It is tough being the only girl with two older twin brothers.  She no longer allows me to fuss over her hair and clothing. Shopping with her this year was a challenge. She refuses to wear jeans.  She simply does not want to bother with her clothes through the day. It is all about comfort.
She won't allow me to pull her hair back. She does not want clips or ribbons. I have tried talking her into getting dressed up for football games and showing team spirit. Nope.

I tried to purchase a cute back pack. Maybe something with flowers? Maybe a solid color? Nope. This is what she picked. These type of bags drive me crazy!

The boys started high school this year. Getting them to let me take a picture of them is a joke. They were not about to pose with their backpacks. This is the best I was able to get...

Here they are in their little truck. Their school bus for the year. It was tough watching them drive a way the first morning of school. Darren has driven them every morning the past three years. I know he is really going to miss those daily chats on the way to school.

Even though the change of seasons brings a bit of emotion, I love it because it means we are back to schedule.  Back to our morning routine. Hopefully back to Scrapbooking again!
  Back to..... 

FOOTBALL controlling our life! I hate to admit it but I am actually enjoying the game! As a Mom watching who knows how many games the last several years, I have been forced to learn the game a bit and actually like it! I don't like the ego that also is found in sports but I love watching my boys play.

So... tell me... what have you gotten back to this month? Traditionally we start school in September so that might be the first thought that comes to mind, but what else?

Take a minute and leave a comment. Who knows... YOU just might win the below kit! Good luck!

In love with this kit? Check out this kit and other ETM kits HERE