Sweet Angel

It’s hard to believe that Phoebe's eight already and that she’s going to be a big sister in a couple of months.

The most exciting thing about being eight is the choice Phoebe made to be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Family and friends surrounded her for the special occasion and many gathered for lunch afterward. Cooper played I Am a Child of God on the violin (brought tears to Grandma’s eyes!), and the Spirit was strong during the baptismal service.

Since Phoebe loves to be in front of the camera, Jon did a photo shoot with her in her beautiful whites. Here are two of my favorite photos of this sweet angel.

Blogiversary Blog Hop

You might be asking why I decided to be part of this Blog Hop. The answer is I owed Lorene a favor (or two, or ten!) because she saved me more than once while we were on our mission in Hawaii! Lorene worked just blocks away from our apartment and the mission office, so when I needed to borrow her Big Shot or when I needed a last-minute supply, I would text or call her, and she was more than willing to accommodate…with a smile!

The two cards I’m posting use the Thoughtful Banners set—a must-have, fabulous all-around set!

The Celebrate with Confetti Card includes my favorite technique (embossing) as well as all things metallic and shimmery! Although it’s tempting to scatter the sequins and glitter (just for fun!), they can be admired just the same while contained safely in the cello bag that’s been cut to size.

The Celebrate with Butterflies Card is bright and cheery with a little bit of bling! The bitty butterflies are light and airy because of the faux suede technique. (I work my cardstock by “curling” it with a Bone Folder several times from different angles. Once the cardstock begins to separate, pull it apart for a suede look and feel).

Thanks, Lorene, for all the times you saved me and for the honor of posting on this particular Hop. And congrats to everyone on a year of Blog Hopping together!

Note: For those of you who follow me on my blog, you know I seldom list supplies, but since most of the samples on the Hop include them, I reluctantly decided to comply (smile)!

Celebrate with Confetti Card

Stamps: Thoughtful Banners

Paper: Crumb Cake Notecards and Envelopes, Basic Black, Glimmer/Gold, Shimmery White

Ink: VersaMark, Archival Stampin’ Pad/Black

Accessories: Pop of Pink Designer Washi Tape, ¼” Natural Trim/Gold, Cellophane Bag (2”x8”), Metallics Sequin Assortment, Handheld Stapler, Stampin’ Emboss Powder/Gold, Metallic Thread/Gold, Stampin’ Glitter/Gold

Tools: 1 ¼” Circle Punch, Duet Banner Punch

Adhesives: Snail, Stampin’ Dimensionals

Celebrate with Butterflies Card

Stamps: Thoughtful Banners

Paper: Whisper White Notecards and Envelopes, Watercolor Paper, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White

Ink: Old Olive, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie

Accessories: Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 1/8” Ribbon/Silver, Delicate White Doilies

Tools: Bitty Butterfly Punch, Classic Label Punch, Aqua Painter, Stampin’ Spritzer (water)

Adhesives: Snail, Glue dots, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Sticky Strip

Non SU!: sewing machine/thread

 

Crystal Komara      

Shelli Gardner (you are here)

Anna Conetta Masciovecchio      

Libby Fens    

Anne Power    

Mary Blocher      

Danica Ferrante      

Deborah Smart    

Jessica Mink    

Jodi Skrip Horsley   

Leanne Dillon Johnson    

Michelle Clarke    

Lorene Yoshimura-Tanigawa      

Mary Ann Rossiter     

Tammy Hibbit Gill    

Rick Adkins   

Lisa Harvey Reber

Jenny Lane

Due November First

When we first found out, I must admit I was slightly (okay, maybe hugely!) shocked. You see, Shalae and Jon thought their family was complete, so I was totally not expecting the news! And because Shalae wanted the news to remain quiet until some time had passed, I didn’t post the news then. Well, it’s been months since the news has been shared, but I forgot to post it here.

Without going into detail, Shalae and Jon had several spiritual experiences and promptings, and they knew there was another baby who needed to join their family. Those special stories are for them to tell. Needless to say, we’re thrilled to have another Brown baby boy arriving soon to our family!

Not Asian-Inspired

I learned that Stella wanted all things Asian for her birthday (a dress from China, chopsticks, and a fan—and to eat at Tsunami, our favorite Japanese restaurant) only a couple of days before her birthday, so when you see her birthday money packaging, you’ll know I missed the memo! It’s still bright and fun packaging, but definitely not Asian-inspired!

This Year's Grand

This year’s Gardner Grand began with rock repelling and a Dutch oven dinner in American Fork Canyon. For most of us, it was a first-time exhilarating experience. Almost everyone tried it, and some of us did it multiple times.  

The rest of the event was “pretty chill” (as one of the grandkids put it) at the cabin. We stamped cards for cousin Tanner to use on his mission (we missed him so!), and spent most of our time together visiting and laughing. It was so much fun!

One of my favorite parts of the weekend was watching everyone play in the pool together. The other was when all the kids would visit for hours while taking turns massaging each other’s heads.

Someone will occasionally suggest that Sterling and I do two events—one for the older grands and one for the younger. This year was a reminder that doing one event creates family unity and provides valuable interaction between all ages...a sweet thing to watch.

Trading head massages as well as dipping fruit in dark and white chocolate for dessert were the two new traditions everyone felt must be repeated annually!

We attended Music and the Spoken Word, as usual, and finished the Grand at our home, playing cards, watching The Best Two Years, and scrapbooking the event. It was an awesome weekend with the most awesome grandkids ever!