my december daily album

Thanks for your emails and thoughts about the video Collin made of Lola's birth. Wow, what a treasure for our family! I am in awe at the stories he tells through his videos. I know you've seen his outrageous humorous side so it was neat to share his serious side.

The morning of Lola's birth we were at the hospital at 5 am and I will never forget how he distracted me from the contractions by keeping me laughing and entertained. Until my water broke about 2:30 pm-then it wasn't fun and games anymore.

But enough baby talk for now... how about we chat about the crazy fact that tomorrow is December 1st. 25 days until Christmas? Don't panic. Wait, I haven't bought a single present and have no idea where to start... start panicking! ;)

This year we are definitely keeping it simple. Our tree is up and decorated, stockings are hung & we are bribing the kids to be good if they want Santa to come. heehee. I'm not pulling out all the boxes of decorations but I am going to keep up with my December Daily album.

It's an album to record memories and journaling for each day of the month inspired by Ali. The cover uses my Dear Lizzy Christmas line and I am excited to use more of it through out the inside!

The inner pages of my album are using the Christmas Art Journal kit from Evalicious that I love.
Some of my Dear Lizzy products above. Quincey loves the felt gingerbread man, I love the rose brads and I know you will love the rose ribbon with a little bling in the center.

For the cover I adhered some of my Dear Lizzy lace paper to a handmade chipboard cover with modge podge. Then I painted white paint on it because I wanted a bit of texture.

Supplies:

Dear Lizzy Christmas: Flower Stickers, string of lights Sticker, Rose Ribbon, Felt Details, Metal Rose Brads, Vintage Music Notes Paper, Lace Paper, Glitter Letters

Echo Park: Red Dot

A Tribute (hijacked by Collin)

Liz is sitting here by me feeding our little Lola-bug as I type this. We haven't gotten much sleep this week, but then again, we haven't had a good night sleep since 2006. Sometimes I ask people who don't have little kids to tell me tales of "sleeping through the night" while I sit at their feet in disbelief. "What mythical creature is this..."alarm clock"? You mean a machine wakes you up?!"

Those of you who have read this blog for more than a couple weeks know there's 2 things I rarely am, and they're both "serious." But, today I wanted to share this glimpse with all of you, something that is very sacred and special to me. It's a video I made of Lola's birthday.

How do you capture the million emotions of waiting to bring a child into the world? Anxiety, nervousness, fear, anticipation....peace. We often talk about a curtain being placed over our eyes when we come to this Earth, something that makes us forget who we are, where we came from, who we were with. If we took that knowledge with us to this life, what would be the point?

A few times, sacred times, that curtain is thin. Very thin. So thin that for a brief moment there is no difference between the heavens and the earth. You feel the presence of our Creator, family members who have passed on before us....family members who have yet to join us. I think if we're lucky, we'll get maybe just a couple of those experiences in this lifetime that will feel almost like deja-vu. Our eyes will be opened from this mortal life...a life that is hard. Life that is stressful. Life that thickens our skin and makes us cynical and unsure of who we are. Last Tuesday at 5:11pm and the hours leading up to that moment, that curtain was thin, and all who were present could sense it.

Liz and I have dear friends who cannot, for some reason or another, bring children into this world. They are wonderful people who have cried their share of tears from this. They deserve just as much as anyone the chance to experience it. I don't know why we can when others cannot. All I know is they will, someday, and it may not be in this life but when they do it will be just as special and sacred a moment as ever.

I have a deep gratitude for what my wife has gone through for our family, and for all of you mothers, both current and one-day-will-be mothers who are reading this. I wasn't sure if this was too special to me to share with you all, but something told us we should. I've turned off the comments because I just want you to enjoy it. If you really would like to tell me what you thought, I'd love to hear from you. (pixelpopphotography@gmail.com)

(click on the Love link to watch it in HD as it was meant to be viewed :)

Love from Collin Kartchner

cyber Monday deals

Great links to deals for cyber Monday from my blog sponsors and beyond.

Little Black Dress kit club: 15% off your 6 month membership AND a bonus kit for signing up. Enter LizzyCyberDeal at check out.

Stella & Dot: Free ring with $99 purchase and 50% off Fall favorites

Rusted Chain: Handstamped jewelry enter Turkey25 for 25% off entire order

Shop Ruche: Great deals on fabulous clothes

Blue Moon Scrapbooking: Spend $50 receive free Glimmer Mist and free shipping on all orders

Crafty Steals: Great prices for past steals & spend $60 get $15 of free product & more.

Scrapbook Circle: We are offering a 15% discount on all orders! The coupon code is mondayLizzy. We have a beautiful winter themed December kit, grab bags, Tattered Angels Mists!

House of 3: Digital/Hybrid 50% off everything

Prim Couture: 10% off any size order with the code: cybermonday & $2 shipping (in the US) on any size order.

Two Peas in a Bucket: Free shipping on orders over $25 and free gift with every purchase.

We're in love!

Miss Lola Marie

Born November 23rd at 5:12 pm

9 lbs 6 oz

21" long

She's an angel. A chubby angel.

More details & photos to follow.

Thanks to our family for their love & watching q & a.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers! xo lizzy

Happy Thanksgiving!!

This is a pre-scheduled post & if I were a betting girl I would bet that I am holding our sweet pumpkin in my arms and giving her lots of kisses.

I'm sure that this Thanksgiving I will be completely overwhelmed with gratitude to be so fortunate to have 3 beautiful daughters, a stone cold hottie hubs, for the knowledge of my Savior and the blessing of an eternal family.

I know that in life we are all faced with struggles, stress & sadness but I am thankful for this season to focus on the things that we are grateful for and the people we love.

I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!

xoxo lizzy

gobble gobble: Thanksgiving kid table crafts

I made a couple crafts for the kid table so Collin and I can enjoy our Thanksgiving dinner and the kids are happy and eating too.

Exhibit A: Snood on a stick

A easy craft that your kids can put together or I made them ahead of time. All you need is felt and paint stirrers or something wood to glue the felt to. There is a template you can download to make them. They are silly and cute and could even be turned into a fun game.

Exhibit B: Turkey Apples

When I was a little girl I loved making these turkey apples! They're such a quick idea you can throw together and it's sure to keep your kiddos busy & their tummies happy. I used one of the felt turkey finger puppets (see exhibit C) on the front of the apple. Then all you need are toothpicks and an assortment of bite-size finger foods.

Some ideas may include celery, grapes, cheese squares, raisins and marshmallows which are my kids favorites so I know they'll be happy. Of course on Thanksgiving you can add some real turkey to the mix.

Exhibit C: Finger Puppets

Turkey finger puppets are such a cute idea from Martha Stewart. My girls have already enjoyed playing with them this week and if your kids are old enough they can even put them together themselves. (Tacky glue is a good option for felt and they won't burn themselves like hot glue.)

You only need different colors of felt, something for eyes and download this template.

The puppets fit perfect on the top of pretzel rods so they can snack on those while they play.

Happy Turkey Day! (tomorrow)

A couple of turkeys!! (Thanksgiving kid table idea)

This week I have some blog posts pre-published and ready to roll because my sweet baby is probably arriving tomorrow. That's the word on the street after my doctor appointment today. (And by tomorrow I mean Tuesday the 23rd.) I can not believe this day is here!!

Such a couple of turkeys!!

Surprisingly, Avery & her cousin Matthew were quite cooperative in taking pictures for me. Probably because there was some yummy bribes involved.

I wanted to show the darling kid table decor my sister, Camille, put together.

She used two plastic wrapped hay squares and then two tall garden hooks to string the handmade felt leaf banner.

To make a felt leaf banner:

-She printed off enlarged images of leaves that she downloaded from the internet

-Then traced the leaves and hand cut them from leaves from felt

-Added veins to leaves with embroidery thread & needle

-Lastly, she sewed them onto a seam binding

The turkey hats are from Pottery Barn but could easily be duplicated using paper or fabric.

Gobble gobble!

Are you done Aunt Lizzy?

bowties, burlap & blossoms: Favor Boxes/Place Setting

Ever since I was a little girl my mom put me in charge of the place cards for Thanksgiving dinner. Most of the time I would just fold a paper in half and scribble everyones name on it while I watched Macy's day parade or sometimes I'd try to be a bit more creative.

This year I made some conversation starter/favor boxes/place cards. The gentlemen receive the bowties & burlap and for the ladies-canvas blossoms & lace.

To make the rolled canvas flowers I used one of my favorite Sizzix dies: 3-D Bigz Die.

Found here at: Two Peas in a Bucket or Scrapbook.com.

You can use them for a place settings and include a simple mint inside the box. Or I like to use them as a conversation starter by adding different colored candies inside with color coded questions.

We love to do this after we've gobbled up dinner and before cutting into Collin's apple pie. (It gives you time to make room for dessert;)

Print out the conversation starters on a piece of paper for every other person and then go around the table and answer the questions that go with the color of the candy in your box.

We've enjoyed this simple game the past few years because it steers away from the typical

'what are you thankful for' answers and we hear more meaningful thoughts.

Some ideas may include:

-Something you're looking forward to

-Something you hope for

-Something you wish for the person on your left

-Something you're grateful for

-Lesson you've learned this year

-Something that makes you happy

-What you love about the person to your right

-What you hope for the person on your left

PS I am still very much pregnant.

PPS Check out Collin's entertaining post with the giveaway winners... still waiting to hear from a couple of you!

Little Black Dress kit

The Little Black Dress kit this month definitely gets you in the Christmas spirit and it's versatile enough for even non-holiday layouts. Even though my belly is large and in charge and it's difficult to sit for long periods of time I was still excited to scrap with November's kit.

I love all the different trims and buttons in LBD kits so you can layer and design your own elements.

These photos are from last Christmas and although Avery didn't quite grasp what was so cool about this merry holiday I know she could sense the magic of Christmas with the music, lights, giving to family & baby Jesus.

Each year Avery understands and anticipates it more and more. Since the first snowfall she jumps and says, "It's almost Christmas!!"

I can't wait either!

Little Black Dress kits would make a great gift from Santa!!! Hopefully you've been good.

PS Sssshhhh, I did sneak in my dear lizzy glitter alphas & metal rose brads on the first page.

♫ Let's talk about Give-a-Way...♫ (hijacked by Collin)

...Let's talk about you-and-may....♫ (British accent makes it rhyme)

So most of you know my wife has put on a liiiiiitle bit of stomach weight these past 9 months which she just informed me is a actually a BABY and she's not hiding a post-Halloween jack-0-latern under her shirt (phew). She has been incredible these last 39 weeks and deserves a break from picking winners hence moi gets to do it. Embarrassing story? I once saw asked a woman if she was fat, and she said "NO, I'M PREGNANT!" (whoops and JK) This turkey is set pop out the oven 2 days before Thanksgiving so if everything goes as planned, we'll be enjoying HOSPITAL FOOD on Turkey Day!!!

YAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYyyyyyyaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrggggghhhhhhh.....

And just for the record, I'm not one of those husbands who walks around telling people, "WE're pregnant". What's all that "WE" stuff? SHE is pregnant, not me guys, so why do some men say "WE are pregnant"? I do that mainly because I don't want her walking up to a group of her friends and saying, "WE have been chewing on a toe-nail clipping for 20 minutes." I...*I* have been chewing on a toe-nail clipping for 20 minutes. Sheesh.

Oh, I have a question for you all: out of 756 comments NOT ONE OF YOU SAID YOU WERE THANKFUL FOR COLLIN?!?!?! Really ladies, after ALL these years? One person *did* mention my name, but not a single ounce of gratitude? (epic eye roll). I would've picked everyone to win who said "I am thankful for Collin and his slanted chin".

Lesson learned, ladies?

Now, if you DIDN'T WIN anything today, please do NOT get angry and throw you're computer out the window. Bright side? At least your name isn't Eunice Bumsniffer. (glass is half full, people).

Let's start with the 5 winners of Bijou Market handmade awesomeness!

WINNER OF "Paperclip Studio - a bow headband of your choice" is....

Johansen Family said...

I am greatful for soooo many things! I feel blessed for all the wonderful things in my life! Most of all I am greatful for my happy and healthy family and my husband (and all members of the military) for serving our country to keeps us all safe.

RAISE THE ROOF FOR JO-HANSEN-MMMBOP-DA-DUBA-DOP FAMILY!!

WINNER OF "Vintage Oddity "Seahorse Necklace" $17" is....

Kenny & Melissa Hardy said...

I am so grateful that I now live close enough to come home for the holidays!! Especially since I have a new baby that I want my family to meet:) I LOVE this time of year and all of the delicious smells.

GIVE IT UP FOR KENNY & MELLISA HARDY!!! (not sure what & means)

WINNER OF "Autumn Dame "Jester" shirt $22"is.....

Kris said...

I am thankful for my loving husband, sweet & sassy 1-yr daughter and that my 5-yr-old son still likes to snuggle on my lap (even if it is only to show me his "wish" list in the Christmas toy ad!) :)

KRIS-KROSS WILL MAKE YOU JUMP JUMP!

WINNER OF "28th Street Photo & Gift - winner gets to choose a pair of stud earrings & a fine art Photography 8x10 print of their choice" is.......

Sheila said...

I am grateful my son has made it home from 2 tours in Iraq. That he was able to marry the woman he loves, that they are now awaiting the birth of their second son in the spring,after losing 4 babies to miscarriage in 3 years. That all my family is healthy and happy.

That I am not alone. That my life continues to be blessed beyond measure. That even though my Daddy is in heaven he knows I love and still talk to him daily. That you cared enough to ask this question.

WORK IT SHEILA!

WINNER OF THE CRAFTY STEALS CHRISTMAS SCRAPBOOK KIT is......

Fan(nie) de scrap said...

I am grateful for my two girls and my little boy who are all in good health! Also my dear husband (he is reading on my shoulder ;))

SHAKE IT FAN-PARENTHESES-NIE-CLOSED-PARENTHESES de SCRAP!

WINNER OF THE "Darling bows and hat accessories for your princess at PRIM COUTURE! "is...

annemk said...

I am grateful for my 2 boys (husband & son) and 1 girl (our little dog Molly)
hugs,
anne

...AND FINALLY, THE 3 WINNERS OF $25 GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR BEAUTIFUL HAND-STAMPED JEWELRY FROM THE RUSTED CHAIN are....

1. Renee' Morris-Dezember said...

...with my Dad being diagnosed with Stage 4 Brain Cancer in March...I am SO GRATFUL he is still here with us and will be celebrating the holiday with us in our home. I have something special planned for our entire family...that NO ONE knows about :)

2. mom2four said...

I'm thankful for everything: the happy, hard, crazy, challenging, relaxing times of life. Because all of it is developing me and my character.

3. Kathy said...

Beautiful post as always and a gorgeous giveaway, you are a dear soul:) I hope that baby bump is being kind and you are getting plenty of feet up time. We don't celebrate Thanksgiving here in Australia, but I am grateful for many things... one being the cherished moments with my delicious twin girls (now 5), who graced us way too early with their presence during my short lived 6 month pregnancy, they are a true blessing and one that I am grateful for each and every day.

Make sure to email your address to elizabeth.kartchner@gmail.com and each sponsor will ship out your prize!!

That was fun. I'm bored now.

tick tock tick tock

I can literally hear the clock ticking in my head counting down to our baby, or maybe that's the cuckoo clock I just hung in her nursery. Either way I've got one week to go... hopefully.

Just a couple quick shots of details coming together in the baby's room including a pink typewriter, bedding, paper cranes folded & frames are mapped out on the floor just need Collin to hang them later tonight. Me + nails + his precious dry wall are not the best combination.

Found this beauty at a garage sale for 5 bucks and Collin painted it white for me. I have another one in our living room but I want to collect more. Not sure what I love about them.

The crib bumper is being made but here's the quilt we'll be cuddled up in in the wee hours of the morning. This is such a random post but just wanted to share...

PS If you haven't already, you should check out the =>>> packed-full-of-goodies GIVEaway!

I'll announce the winner tomorrow! It's neat reading all the things you are grateful for.

wall paint: Ralph Lauren Sunwashed Blue

raking up autumn & a GIVEaway!

Playing in a mountain of leaves while Collin rakes up Autumn.

I'm not used to getting ready for a baby this time of year. I enjoyed having my first darlings when it was warming up & the season was full of new life and a bright sky.

Needing warmer baby clothes and booties and hats. Maybe we should move to a warmer climate instead. That seems like a much more feasible option... ;)

We are starting off this snowy, cold Monday right with a giveaway... because we like to spoil you darling bloggers.

① BIJOU MARKET: November 19-20th 10am-6pm at Old Southworth Hall Provo, Utah.

My sis-in-law, Emily, who is a fashion guru & has absolutely flawless taste throws a Handmade Market

twice a year... & I can't believe it's that time again!

Whether you are close enough to attend or wishing you lived in Utah--she is giving away 5 prizes!! Thanks Em!

• Paperclip Studio - a bow headband of your choice.
• Vintage Oddity "Seahorse Necklace" $17
• Autumn Dame "Jester" shirt $22
• 28th Street Photo & Gift - winner gets to choose a pair of stud earrings & a fine art Photography 8x10 print of their choice.

RSVP on Facebook: Hope to see you there...! Unless this baby comes before then. Which I doubt it.

② Next up we have a Holiday themed package including my Dear Lizzy Christmas Card kit

from the daily-tempting CRAFTY STEALS!

Everyday a new item and at a killer cost

so now I'm hooked & have to check everyday to make sure I don't miss something.

③ Darling bows and hat accessories for your princess at PRIM COUTURE! You have to check it out.

PRIM COUTURE is offering a $50 go-nuts-and-buy-whatever-you'd-like certificate to their shop! How fun!

④

From the photo above clearly you see this last giveaway is for beautiful handstamped jewerly from THE RUSTED CHAIN. I love the new bow charm and the camera has always been one of my favorites.

Beki is giving away THREE $25 dollar gift certificates just click on her shop and choose your favorite piece. Also check out their blog.

Since there's one of my favorite holidays coming up: To be entered into this fabulous giveaway LEAVE A COMMENT with something you are grateful for this Thanksgiving season.

Instant Love

My cute sis-in-law Allison first got me addicted to the instax! (pic from a post in march 09)

After posting my felt album with instax pictures I've had some questions about which camera I used etc.

The camera I use is the Fuji Film Mini instax.

Yes, it works just like a polaroid camera = instant love!

The pictures come out about the size of a credit card. I use this film.

Sometimes it seems like it doesn't center that well but I think it adds to the coolness of the photos.

There's also a larger version of the Fuji Film Instax and the pictures are about twice the size. Trying to figure out a good case for the defense about how I need that one too.

Dear Lizzy rose brads pictured from my Bright Felt Album post.

Happy Friday!

the white stuff

Ah, man. Now I have that New Kids On The Block song in my head... "The right stuff."

Going about our day and I realized that white was inspiring and making me happy. Folding a pile of white onesies (Thanks Kit!) Cleaning white bowls after breakfast, purchased this cute white belt, putting together white storage organizers from Ikea. Then I look out the window and it's snowing!! Snowflakes floating so peacefully down from the sky that you couldn't complain about it covering up the red & yellow leaves but instead catch a few on your eyelashes.

I've had this certain item of business on my to-do list for sooooooo long. Now I can finally check it off---Buy white blank books for the girls.

A bit tired of piles of paper of their drawings and scribbles laying around that I wanted to keep but ended up throwing them away. Now I have them all in one tidy place. Dated and signed so we can see the progression. Purchased them at Draw Your World.

Yesterday I had a doctor's appt: Counting down from 2 weeks! She's growing and growing.

I'm uncomfortable but happy. Preparing but not ready. Not sleeping and not sleeping.

Thanks for your comments on my felt book yesterday!

Totally Rad Photo Actions

PLUS: check out the Crafty Steal of the day including Dear Lizzy paper!!