Took some time off....now I am back in the saddle!

Season Greetings and Hppy Holidays from the Mitchell household! We hope that everyone had a great holiday, stayed safe and healthy, and made some wonderful memories!

Sorry that i have not blogged for such a long time. I needed to take some time off. Time to spend with my kids, relax, chill out, and do nothing. It was quite nice. Here is what we have been up to.

Tracey and I were able to go to Jaxsons school and spend the day with him at his Christmas party. We make ornaments, decoracted cookies, and sang songs. Santa even came for a visit. Jaxson was so excited to have us both there. It was very fun. Take a look....

The boys are at the PERFECT age to enjoy the holidays. They loved every detail of Christmas this year. They loved decorating the tree and setting out all of the holiday decorations.

The boys even got creative and made their own tags for the gifts! So cute!

We had our family christmas party at our house. This is the third year we have had it. I really enjoy getting together with my aunts, uncles, and cousins (about 40 or so) and spending time together. Santa ususally stops in and drops off a treat for all the kids. He didnt disappoint this year.

When the boys got up on Christmas Eve morning, Santa had left them a game tree. It was a little tree loaded with little games that they could play. There was puzzles,dice, rubix cubes, dominos, and hand held games. Santa also left them some pajamas and a letter. They were so excited about the tree. They played all day with them.

We spend the Christmas Eve with Tracey's family. They came over for pizza and we opend presents. It was nice. Really laid back and fun.
I though Dalton was going to spontaneously combust before Christmas got here. We was up twice in the night becuase he couldnt sleep. Finally he dozed off and didnt wake til 0800. Leggos were the big hit of the holiday. My kids love them!!

With all of the swow that has fallen, we have done a lot of sledding. The boys squeal with excitement as Tracey takes them over jumps in the backyard.

We spend this weekend, cleaning up after the holidays. Got most of the decorations put aways, except for the tree, and some dusting done. I get the urge to clean after the holidays, you know, organizing things so that all the new stuff will have a place.

Took a break from scrapbooking for a few weeks. It was nice to have all my assignments done and not have deadlines to meet. I also put my book on the back burner for a while. It is still going to be on QVC, but i have pushed that back to this summer. There are so many little details to take care of to get onto the show, classes to take, and meetings to go to in Pennsylvania, that I just couldn't fit everything in before february, which was my origional air date. It has been nice not to have the stress of all those decisions to deal with over the holidays. I will be back in full swing after the first of the year to get the book deal done.

I also found out that i have asthma. I have been fighting a cough for the last 4 months and i think this has been the problem. Had a few rough days getting my breathing under control, but i think that thinks are calming down now. The cold and wind doesnt help, but I am leaning to deal with it. Hopefully it will clear up and not give me much hassle (cross my fingers).

Whew...there is our holiday recap. Ready for the new year. Teaching some classes at the ETM store, and putting a few kits together. i will post some pictures when i get them done.

Have a great new year!!

Tiffany

Check out my Slide Show!

Where do I begin...

Where do I begin?! I have not blogged in 10 days and I pretty much don't have much to say. Here's why..Another trip to the ER last Monday night with the same old stuff...sore throat, aches, headache. All tests came back normal. Sent to a specialist everyday of the week for workup. Finally sent back to the ER for IV antibiotics. Seems that I have a severe strain of Strep. Since I have had my IV antibiotics, I am feeling better. Most of the aches are gone, but the crater sized kancer (sp?) in my throat is still giving me fits. Just glad they figured everything out. Pretty much been in bed or on the couch. Cannot wait to feel better. This crap has been going on for about 2 months.

Hope to be well by Thanksgiving. Going to give thanks to the little things in life, you know, swallowing without feeling like you are grinding sandpaper down your throat, you know, those little things.




Okay, on to one bright spot happening. We had Jaxson's 5th birthday party last Saturday. I cannot believe how much joy he brings into our life. Here are a few fun facts about Jax and a look for a little slide show of his birthday.


*Favorite color is blue.

*Loves his brother!

*Eats his cereal dry with no milk.

*Has a great memory, can sing/recite/remember anything to do with Pokemon, Tansformers, or Star Wars.

*Very tender-hearted.

*Loves to sneak in bed with mom and dad.

*Loves to play in the dirt

*Loves to dance.

*Loves snakes,sharks, and other reptiles.

*LOVES to go to school.

*Hates going through the car wash.

*Loves to wear snowboots all year long.

*Loved TONS by his family!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JAXSON!!!

I hope that everyone has a great Thanksgiving!! Count your blessings and hug you kids. Family is so important! We can never take one minute for granted.

Here's to the Holiday Season!!

Tiffany


P.S. Penny, if you read this, send me your email address and your family's blog. It didn't come through last time.

Catch up and 6 Random things about me!

Wow, I cannot believe that it is November already!! Where did the year go?! Busy this week, getting ready for Jaxson's 5th birthday on Saturday. Boy, talk about time flying by!! We are having a Transformer party at Blast Off. Cake is ordered and treat bags are put together. Just a few gifts to get.....

Here is my designer kit that will be out next week at the Express the Moment Store:

I LOVE the fall colors that you get to work with this time of the year.

Here are a few pictures of the boys that I snapped. Can't wait to get them scrapbooked......

I was "tagged" by Kim and so here are 6 random things about me:

1. I am left handed. Most people don't notice this unless I am writing right in front of them.

2. I was born in Virginia. That is were my parents were stationed in the Navy when I decided to make my appearance. We moved to Idaho when I was a year old. I would love to go back there some day and see where my parents lived.

3. I don't like fresh farm eggs. No going out an roosting up a chicken to get my morning egg. No Way! I want my eggs to come from the store. I am sure they have to go through some sort of xray machine to make sure there is no baby chick in there. Weird, I know!

4. I am claustrophobic. I locked myself in a bathroom when i was 3 years old. I haven't quite recovered. Well, I do okay, elevators and tight spaced still freak me out a little.

5. Did I day 6 random things?!?! Okay, lets think.....I love to organize. I am not saying that i am organized, but i love to put things in matching containers and make things look cute.

6. I was on my mothers checking account when i was 12 years old. My parents were divorced and my mom worked, so she put my on the account so that i could write checks if my brothers or I needed anythings. Crazy! I didn't even have ID to prove it was me and that i could write a check.

Okay! I tag Lori Jolley, Sherelle, and Shelly B.

Have a great day!

Tiffany

Upcoming Classes!

Here are some photos of my upcoming classes at the ETM store...

Gratitude Notebook and Journal Jar

November 8th 2007

2 CLASS TIMES to choose from!! 11 am or 6 pm

Cost: $15.00

I love the fall colors of this project! Come and enjoy me for a day of fun and creativity!!

*************************************************************************************

I cannot believe that it is already November...well a day away. Christmas will be here before we know it, so lets get a jump start on you Christmas cards.

Christmas Countdown

Date: November 17, 2007

Time: 1-3 pm

Cost $15

Sign up today!! Hope to see you there!

Have a Great Halloween! Stay safe and warm!!

Tiffany~

Busy Weekend

Hello~
Wanted to take a minute to catch up on my blog. Had a great weekend. Lots to talk about.

Friday night went to the Scrapping with Heart Charity crop. Glad to be able to help a good cause. It was fun to see some old friends and the food was DELICIOUS!! Lots of great goodies given away! Make a few book sales, plan to donate half of the money to the Cardiomyopathy Foundation. I plan on donating every year!!

Went to SLC this weekend. Took Mom and the little boys. We went down to see my great aunt who has fallen ill. She was SO frail! I am so grateful that we went to see her. I have a feeling it will be the last time that we do.

Also went to visit a friend of mine who was in the hospital in SLC. It was great to see him and his family. They are such a great family. Such strong faith and determination. They are a true inspiration to me.

We decided to spend the night. My kids LOVE to stay in hotels. They love the elevators, the two beds close together to jump on, the mini fridge. Everything. We went swimming at the pool on Saturday. My kids love the water. Late night movie and snacks in bed ended the night. The hotel had a wonderful breakfast, we loaded up and went back to our room so that the boys could give grandma "breakfast in bed".

Had lunch at Olive Garden. I know, we have one here, but the one in SLC always tasted better and there is never the wait. Anyways. it was out of this world!! YUMMY!!

Came home Sunday. It was a beautiful drive. All of the fall colors were breathtaking. It was good to be home. Tracey stayed home and cleaned the house. What a great man!! I loved coming home to a nice clean house! Thanks babe!!

Finished up a journal for a class at ETM. Sorry for no pictures, but soon! It turned out so cute! Also doing a Christmas card class in a few weeks. Pics to comes for that one too.

Helped Dalton with a poster about himself for school. He is STUDENT OF THE WEEK! He is so excited about that. He was chosen because "he is always ready in class". He is a very good student, he is a smart kid, We are very proud of his work in school. Way to go, Dalton!!

Now, just kicking back getting caught up on blogging and emails. Have a great night!!

Tiffany~

Still here....

Yes, I am still here. Feeling better and now trying to get caught up on laundry, scrapbooking, and life.

I am going to go to the Scrappin with Heart crop tomorrow. REALLY excited to have some scheduled scrapbooking time. Love that the proceeds go to a good cause. I am still taking names for the drawing for the goodie bag if you are going to the crop. See the post a few days back. Can't wait to see all of you there!

Probably going to SLC this weekend. Have to visit my great aunt who has fallen ill. I have a few friends that are in the hospital down there also. Going to take them a little gift. Hope to be able to fit in a visit with the gal who is going to print my book for QVC. Got to get that going so I can be ready to go by January.

Having a neighborhood Halloween party next week. Decorating gingerbread haunted houses, decorating pumpkins, and having dinner. Should be fun.

Not much else exciting to post, much more later. I have a CUTE Journal and Journal Jar class that I am doing at ETM. Almost done and will post pics. Also a Christmas card class coming up in November. More details soon.

Tiffany

Under the weather.....STILL

Pewny greetings from the Mitchell house. Still have coughs hanging on, but the doctors say that it is now bronchitis. New meds have helped, but them my crown fell of sunday. Sooooo off to the dentist today, tooth not able to be saved, to the oral surgeon tomorrow to get tooth implant. One good thing.....good meds, no pain!!

Anyways, have the ETM all day crop on Saturday. I WILL be better for that. It is a welcomed creative time. I have been so tired that i have not been very creative, then last night after my meds kicked in, my mind started racing...layout ideas, class ideas, the next edition of my book......It was so nice to get the juices flowing that i had to get up in the middle of the night and jot them down. So glad I did, cause after the dentist today I was a little fuzzy!

Okay, on to more fun things.....See my post a few back( October 1st) about the Scrapping with Heart Charity crop. This is truly a great cause. Since that last post I have had a dear friend be sent to SLC for a heart transplant. I am even more committed to get participation for Jenni's foundation. It feels great to be able to do something.

Here is the fun part.....if you post on my blog under this topic and you attend the crop on October 26th, you will be entered to win a great scrapbooking goodie bag. Let's hear it girls.....who is going to the crop. We will do the drawing at the crop.

My book, Designing with Sketches, will be on sale at this crop for $20 with half of the proceeds going to Jenni's foundation. Come and have a great evening, all while supporting a great cause.

Hope to see you there!

(Who wants that goodie bag??!!)

Tiffany~

Check out my Slide Show!

Something old, Something new......

You know the old saying when you get married:

"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue."

Well, I am putting my own twist on it. I am using this saying to insire my creativity when making my layouts. I try to incporporate these 4 "somethings" into my page...

Something old: This is a way for me to use my old stash. You know, the stuff you bought months ago and never got around to using it.

Something new: (My favorite area!!) This lets me use the new stuff that I just cannot wait to use. It also inspires me to try a new technique.

Something borrowed: This allows me to scraplift ideas and not feel guilty about it!! I can steal just a part of a layout or the whole thing!

Something blue: This makes me think about color. This is the hardest one for me, because I am such a "matchy-matchy" person. I try to use colors that I may not ususally put together.

Here are my first two layouts:
Something old: I used the cloth "togetherness" sticker. It matched the tones of my page to the tee. What a great find!

Something new: These new plastic flowers by American Crafts. I dont get to use lots of flowers with my boys so this was so fun!

Something borrowed:Took advice from Ali Edwards and used my own handwriting on the page.

Something blue: Okay, the orange flowers dont match the paper "exactly", but I used them anyway and I love the different shades together!

Next layout:

Something old: I used the skinny brown Chatterbox stickers for my title. I forgot how much I love them!! I also went through my rub-on stash and found some rubons that matched my page. Yeah~ Love using up that old stuff! I also placed rubons on my photos~something that I used to do, but somehow got out of the habit.

Something new: I bought this new green ribbon from May Arts. I love ribbon! I also used my new journal box stamp from 7 Gypsies. It makes a great addition to the page.

Something borrowed: I copies Amanda's technique of covering chipboard and cutting it out with my exactoknife. I love the way that it turned out! Thanks Amanda!

Something blue: I dont do a lot of monochromatic layouts, so it was a little stretch for me to use the light green cardstock background with the darker green chipboard. It turned out well, and I really like the contrast. I also added blue rubons to some of the photos. The blue is a total contrast and it draws attention to the color of my boys clothes.

Lesa's Layouts

Here is a sneak peak of Lesa's Halloween layouts. Look for other projects at the ETM store.

If you are interested in joining the Moments and/or Expressions Monthly kits, call 552-4847.

Thanks Lesa! I hope to do this every so often, so keep checking back for the next contest!

Love that Idaho Weather!!

How is everyone loving all that snow? I used to love the snow when I was little because I knew that when the snow starts falling, then it is getting close to my birthday. (My bday is in January) Well, now that i am grown and can read a calender, I don't need the snow to tell me when my birthday is. I am not a big skier (My version of skiing is more like sledding because i am always on my butt going down the hill!!) and i am not really find of the cold, but my kids love the snow. We already had two snowball fights, made snow angels, and made a snowman.

One of the best things about playing in the snow is coming inside and getting warm with a cozy fire and a cup of hot chocolate. YUMMY!!!

Snowy cold days are also great for scrapbooking inside. I am working on the pictures from Leas who won the contest to have her photos scrapbooked with the October Moments kit. Her layouts will be on display at the ETM store so be sure to check them out. Her pictures were of her family dressed up in costumes last Halloween. It was so cool because it was a family event. Even Lesa and her husband dressed up. She was Corella Deville (sp?), her hubby was one of the 102 Dalmatians, and her three kids were little Dalmatians too. So cute. I will post the layouts later today when I have them done.

Stay cozy!
Tiffany

The Winner and A Crop for a great cause!!

The winner of the contest is.....

Lesa Martinson!!!
Congrats! I will contact you about getting your photos so I cna get working on them. Everyone be sure to check out Lesas pictures at the ETM store at the end of the week!

A CROP FOR A GREAT CAUSE!!
Want to have a night of fun cropping, dinner, and free prizes all while donating to a great cause??!!! I have just the thing.

Scrappin with Heart
October 26, 2007
6 pm t0 MN
At the Press a Print building in Idaho Falls.
$25.00 (Includes dinner, cropping, and prizes)

This charity crop is a fundraiser for a family who have a very small child with heart problems. This childs mother has started a foundation called The Childrens Cardiomyopathy Foundation. ALL of the proceed from this charity will be donated to this foundation.

As a cardiac nurse myself, I see the effects of heart problems and the physical and financial that they cause for the patient and family. I am sure this is only magnified if the patient is a child. Please sign up today for a night of fun, all while donating to a great cause.

There will be free make-and-takes by:
Express the Moment
Scrap-A-Doodle
Stampin Up!

Sponsers of the event include:
Heritage Makers
Express the Moment
Custom Vinyl Design
Scrap-n-Plus
Scrappin Essentials
Scrap-a-Doodle
Scrappers Paradise
Tupperware
The Angel Company
The Card Company

Sign up today!!!
Call Jenni at 542-1117 or contact her at jenni@hughes.myrf.net

I hope to see you there!!

Get your pictures on display at the ETM store

Hello~

Short post today. Tracey and I have been under the weather for the last few weeks. Sinus crud that is going around. I am on my SECOND round of antibiotics and finally feeling like coming into the world of the living. The boys have not got the bug~thank goodness! Not a whole lot of energy to do anything, so I did a lot of drawer organization, sock mating, and paperwork. Stuff that I could do at a really slow pace, in my jammies, sitting on the floor. So glad to be on the mend!

Anyways~ a couple of things... only 2 spaces left in my Halloween Mini Book Class (See previous post). Be sure to sign up today! Call 552-4847 for sign up and payment.

Next~ I am one of the designers for the Express the Moment Kit Club. There is a card kit and a layout/album/project kit. They are put together by Kim every month and when you are a member of the club, you get instructions and project ideas. (See the ETM store for details 552-4847) This months kit is Halloween themed. All of the projects that I make are placed on display at the store. I love going in and seeing my little family or friends displayed! I thought that I would let someone have the chance to experience that. Heres the deal......post on this message and I will draw a name on Sunday. The winner will send me their Halloween photos, I will scrapbook them with the October Halloween kit from ETM, and they will be displayed at the store for all to see. You will get the layouts to keep when they are not on display anymore. I cannot wait to see what pictures I get to work with!! Post today!!

I'M HERE! I'M HERE!

Okay, I have been a totally pathetic blogger. I have not posted for nearly a month. Slacker! I am so going to try to do better. Here is a long post to get caught up on the last month......

LAVA

Went to Lava Hot Springs for our family reunion. We go every year. It is fun to swim in the pools and soak in the hot tubs. We also float down the canal on rafts. That is a blast!

The weather was perfect. Just warm enough. We always have such yummy food. Everything is homemade and most is cooked in dutch ovens. Delicious!! Here are a few pictures.

Here are Dalton and Jaxson in their summer outfits to go to the reunion!

Here we are in the pool. I LOVE the blue color of the water!

Here is Jaxson and Uncle Darren. Aren't they so cute!

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Dalton started school on August 22. He is in 2nd grade. We have a tradition of taking our family photo in the front yard every year. Here is our photo this year......

Dalton held my hand ( or maybe I held his?!?!) all of the way to the bus stop.

I always have such a sad little spot in my heart when he leaves. He is getting so independent and grown up!

Jaxson missed him so much on that first day that he wanted to make a "welcome home" sign for his brother. Here he is waiting in the driveway for Dalton to come home.

I am so blessed that my boys are so close. They are such good friends. They usually get into trouble for getting along to well (teasing each other, making each other laugh, being goofy) and being loud or causing mischief. I love to see them play together.

Jaxson started preschool. He still loves to go! Haven't had a chance to get any pictures of him there. Will try to this week.

STATE FAIR

We went to the fair Friday night. The boys loved it! Tracey and I go to eat! We always have to have a foot-long corn dog, a greasy burger, scone nuggets and a tiger ear. (For starters!) The boys were so excited about the reptile exhibit. (Did you know that our boys love reptiles? :)

Any ways, they had this huge tent filled with snakes, turtles, and other reptiles. The boys were in heaven!! They had an area where you could have your picture taken with a real snake or a crocodile. Being the mean mom that I am, I said NO! So we didn't have the pictures taken.

Okay, you all know that I am such a pushover. We had our photo taken with BOTH animals.

Take a look.............

After that, we went to the rides and Dalton went crazy. I think he went through the fun house at least 10 times. Dalton loved to try all of the rides. Jaxson is more like me, he is not a big ride fan, but there were a few that he rode on.

We went to the quilting booth. Mom entered a beautiful quilt and she won a blue ribbon and a "Best of Class" blue ribbon for her pillow that he made. We had to go see them displayed. Way to go mom!!

Didn't have time to see the livestock this year. Maybe next year!

DALTON'S BB GUN
Dalton has been going with Tracey hunting for ducks and doves. Dalton has started showing interest in learning to hunt. Trace and I got him a Red Rider BB gun. Tracey and I are so totally strict with him learning safety and understanding the importance of gun handling. Dalton has done really well. He is super careful. Right now he is practicing on pop cans and paper targets.

That kid is a pretty good shot. He cant wait to go hunting with his dad.

DESIGNING WITH SKETCHES BOOK

Sales of my book are going well. I had to send additional orders to 2 LSS! YEAH! I have been slowly selling books on my own as well. Contact me if you would like to purchase one.

Plans for QVC are still going well. They are going over the book to make sure that everything is in order. Once they approve the book, they will issue a purchase order. Air date is January 2008.

I keep getting asked if I am going to do another book. It's a thought. What would YOU like in a book? Do you like sketches? Do you want a theme based book? Send me some ideas!!

ETM STORE CLASSES

I am teaching an adorable Halloween Mini Book from Making Memories. It is filled with tabs, ribbon, stickers, pockets, and is a great way to showcase the pictures of your little spooks.

Here is a peak...............

The only thing missing is the TON of ribbon that I put along the spine. Let me tell you- it is packed with ribbon!! This is only 4 of the 8 pages. Can't give it all away!!

Date: October 4, 2007

Time: 6:30

Cost: $20

Hope to see you there! Sign up today. Space is limited to 15 students.

Whew~ That was a quick month. Hope to be better about blogging more often.

Coming up~

Christmas card class at ETM store October 13th. Stay tuned.

Going to a Heart Conference for work October 17th.

Get your photos scrapbooked and on display at the ETM store. More later~

More details on QVC.

That's all for now~

Tiffany

Getting ready for school!

Kleenex.....Check
Markers.......Check
Pencils.......Check
Glue.....Check

Sounds like I am doing inventory for my scrapbook room! :) Sitting down tonight to get all of the school supplies for the kids labeled and packed in the backpacks. The kids are so excited about all of their new stuff! I am excited for them to meet new friends and learn new things, but I always feel a little nervous and sad inside because they are gone for such a long amount of time. I worry about all of the negative influences that they will encounter and hope that we have taught them to be safe and strong.

Taught my first class at the ETM stores. It was a beginning class. It went great. It was all back-to-school themed. I found the cutest little candy-filled lunch pails at Target for each of the ladies. They were just adorable. It is so fun to help gals get started into scrapbooking or get re-energized about it.

I have another class coming up the second Saturday in September. 3 layouts in 2 hours. Themes are SUMMER, FAMILY, and BACK TO SCHOOL. What a great way to tie up summer and get a jump start on fall with all of these layouts done!! Sign up today at the ETM store. Space is limited.

I have some photos from our reunion at Lava Hot Springs. Haven't had time to download them. I will soon. More later!

Tiffany~

I am going to QVC!!!

Just in.......My book will premier on QVC sometime in January 2008! Cannot wait for more details! I will keep you posted!!

Yellowstone and Wall Decals

Hello~ I cannot believe that it is August already! Where does the time go? Here is where we spent our time the last few weeks...

It was Tracey and I's 13th Wedding Anniversary on the 23rd of July. (Love you Babe!) Talk about time flying by! He is such a great husband and father!! For our anniversary, we went up to a friends cabin in Yellowstone for the weekend. (Yes, we did take our boys with us). It was so nice to get away. The weather was beautiful and we saw tons of fun stuff.

Here is the cabin that we stayed at. It has a DOUBLE DECK! It was so cool. There is a wooden swing on the porch. Loved it!

We stopped along the way and waded in the Yellowstone Lake, It was so warm.

We then stopped by a walkway along the river. The water was just gorgeous!!

We went through Yellowstone and saw so many beautiful animals. Take a look!

We stopped at Old Faithful and saw the geyser go off. That was so amazing! Here is what the boys were doing while the geyser is spraying 150 feet in the air.......

Stopped at a few of the hot pots along the way.

The next day we went fishing. The river as from 3 inches to 2 feet deep. We walked up the channel fishing as we go. It was so much fun. My boys LOVE to be outside and in the water. We spent a good part of the day there. The boys each caught a lot of small fish.

Here is my favorite photo of Jax~ I was sitting on the bank taking scenery photos and here comes Jax across the river with a purple flower in his hand. "I brought this for you, Mom. It is your favorite color".

After the fishing we took the motorcycle and the 4 wheeler back into the woods about 10 miles. Did i mention how gorgeous it was up there?! We ended up tired, dusty, and hungry, so we got milkshakes and french fries for the ride home. What a great time we had!!

Okay, I have to show you the new things that I bought for my house. Vinyl wall decals. I bought them from my friend, Jec. She does such a great job! She also has cute home decor things for sale at the ETM store. You should check them out. Check out her website

www.vinyl-walldecals.com

Look at the ones that i put up in my house.

This is the toy room It is done in seashore/lighthouse/water theme.

This is in my living room.

They add such a cute, personal accent to your home.

Well, we have our family reunion at Lava next weekend, and then it is back to school. Keep checking back!!

Tiffany~