can you turn that down? oh, it's only 8:30 pm.

Home from CHA.

Remember that one time when Collin booked a hotel that looked "hip" and we ended up switching hotels after realizing that they play rave music all night at the bar into the early morning hours and our bed felt like we were sleeping on a subwoofer speaker?

That. Was. Awesome. Apparently, it was a little too hip for us. heehee

Happy Monday! Hope you had a great weekend!

big baby blues

When I have this monster camera in front of her those baby blues get even bigger.

Already showing the classic Kartchner characteristics: silly, dramatic, daddy's girl. When you hold her she coos, smiles or laughs and she'll straighten her legs so she can stand up. Which isn't surprising since her sisters were both walking pros at 10 months, busy finding every flaw in my child proof system. No doubt in my mind she will follow their steps.

Giddy about this face!!! ♥♥♥♡♡♡ ♥♥♥

My mind is filled with swirling thoughts today. Thoughts of life, blessings, choices.

Exciting thoughts about the future. Including launching a new project the beginning of February. Thinking of how Dear Lizzy has grown over the years.

Then my mind always circles around to the things that mean the absolute most to me. Collin, my girls & my family-I'll just twirl in those happy thoughts until I'm dizzy and fall over.;)

You can still enter the necklace giveaway from Ruche until I choose a winner here soon! I've been reading your comments in the early mornings with Lola and they are heart warming.

PS Link your email to your blogger profile because I love replying to your thoughts and questions.

spectacular snowflakes

How could something as simple as a snowflake be so spectacular?

Yesterday at 11:45 on a Tuesday in the middle of the road.

A stolen moment in the snow.

Pretty sure my neighbors think I am crazy but it was too beautiful to watch from inside in my slippers, I wanted to sludge through it in my uggs & feel the snowflakes tickle my cheeks.

That's how things work lately. These quick, stolen moments.

Like last night, tweet # 1,537 'Never underestimate the power of a bubble bath.' Another such stolen moment that Collin, bless his heart, was trying to keep Lola happy so I could enjoy the bubbles longer but those few minutes were enough. And throughout the day when I steal a moment to work on a scrapbook page or send an email to a friend, or hum and sing to Lola in her room with just us. Not only do I strive to make time for these moments but also to notice them. Whether you work, go to school, or a mom... the things we do all day can be a bit monotonous but it's up to us to find the spectacular... somehow.

Leave a comment with your name and, if you want, share one of your spectacular stolen moments then you will be entered to win a necklace from Shop Ruche. They are one of my awesome blog sponsors. Ruche is where I got the coat I'm wearing in above photo and the boots, dress, belt, sweater I was wearing on our date night. Needless to say, I like to shop there. So if you want a chance to win the necklace below leave a comment and I'll choose a random winner, or I'll get Collin to choose the lucky lady... or man. Do any men read this blog? ;)

just a thought

A beautiful hand cut pick me up by the oh-so-talented Elle. Exactly what I needed to hear today.

PS I just grabbed this blinkie from the AC blog... Cute huh?! Click it to see Dear Lizzy goodies.

aye me gusta

File this blog post under my new year's resolution to Play More because that's just what we did. I took the liberty of planning date night since it is the 2.45 hours I look forward to all week. For some reason the little things, like him leaving his shoes out or my constantly asking him to pick up something, doesn't bother us after we have a night out to recharge and remember we're not just momma & daddy. Even though we absolutely love those roles being Collin & Liz is pretty fun too.

When I told Collin our agenda for the night I'm sure there were plenty of other adventures he could think of but let me tell you... he was engrossed with painting his bowl. All of a sudden this red striped work of art with the words, "add milk or ice cream" was so cool. Love the finishing touch, "you did it."

Color Me Mine has a wall full of porcelain pieces to choose from. I spotted a flower bowl and knew it would be the perfect addition to my desk where I love to fill little bowls with do-dads and buttons.

Once they fire our bowls they will be really bright and shiny the paint is dull and lighter right now. I'll be back Thursday to pick up our beauties.

Hope you had a fun weekend!

I actually worked on something crafty... I just need to add some finishing touches and take pics.

outfit: RUCHE

sweet inspiration

Whipping up some creative projects today...!

I'm feeling inspired and it has nothing to do with the delectable Sprinkles cupcakes we made!

I swear. ;)

Whatcha doin today?

(PS Thanks KC and Allison for the cupcake mix and cute toppers! xo)

the day she was born

Remembering a neat story about the day she was born 8 weeks ago today. The day she was born we were in awe, once again, at the peace a baby brings.

The day she was born the weather man predicted the storm of the year in Utah County. It was supposed to be epic. Everyone was getting home and preparing for what the next couple days would bring. The nurses at the hospital were chattering about the snow that would fill the streets, wicked wind... chaos at best.

As I looked out the window I pictured snow piled up around us only the abominable snowman could survive. I pictured wind so fierce the wicked witch of the west would float by on her bicycle. How could this storm really be that bad? I couldn't believe that they had to cancel all the schools including two universities, now that is unheard of.

One of our nurses said she brought clothes and planned on staying at the hospital, "there's no way I'll make it home tonight." Outside the sky was dark and grey as we waited for Lola and we waited for this stellar storm.

Then she came.

But the storm never came. Not a snowflake fell from the sky surrounding us, instead, it was peaceful all around. A Quiet and serene day just for her arrival.

Eight weeks ago today.

(From our hospital window.)

monday, monday

Days mesh together lately and, to be honest, I never really know what day it is.

Except Mondays. Mondays are like going to the cupboard to sneak an E.L. Fudge when no one is looking and you open the package and there's none left. Tragic. ;P Actually Mondays aren't that bad but since the cookie scenario just happened I thought it would be a perfect illustration to our day. ha. Seriously though, it's amazing the bliss that comes from something as simple as the kids playing quietly, Lola is sleeping and you can eat a cookie in peace. Please tell me I'm not the only one?!

But here we are the start of the week, getting back into our groove and singing 'The Mamas and The Papas' along the way... ♫ Bah-da bah-da-da-da Bah-da bah-da-da-da. Monday, monday.

Wow, I think the lack of sleep is getting to me. No one actually reads blogs right? You just look at the pictures, I hope.

Sweater, Bow belt: Ruche

Dress: F21

red + yellow

© Creating Keepsakes Magazine

Photos by Collin Kartchner

The last few days I've been finishing up some workshops for an event I will be teaching at. I will share more details of that soon but I will tell you that I get to use my passport. I guess Lola needs a passport too. ha. We had to get Avery a passport when she was 1 for our family vacation and it is pretty darn cute.

I hardly ever use red on my layouts but whenever I do I realize it's such a pretty color... especially paired with yellow.

My sister, Ashley & family in the page above, were home from Czech for Christmas and today they leave to another far away country. I wish I would have spent more time with them while they were here... I know they were busy getting everything ready for their next adventure. I'll miss them, again. But I am pretty spoiled with most of our family with in a 20 minute radius.

Sassafras: paper

Jenni Bowlin: Large Butterfly, Medium Butterflies, Circle Letters

Tim Holtz: Adage Ticket, Metal Circle Charm, Mini Paper Clips

winners!

I drew some random winners! First, for the Rusted Chain gift certificate:

gamybel said...

Those cheeks are adorable! Thanks for a chance at the giveaways, I've wanted one of those camera necklaces for so long! Thanks for the opportunity to win!

And the winner of the Scrapbook Circle gift certificate:

HeatherOz said...

I chose to gush AND enter the giveaway! And I am certain it was the right choice!! =)

play more

Resolution #15:

My 12 year old self would be quite disappointed if she could see future me... because sometimes I take life much too seriously. Last year, for my twenty ninth birthday, I received the following gifts from different members of my family and I'm not joking: Punky Brewster DVDs, a purple hula hoop and a vintage Minnie Mouse t-shirt. Coincidence? I don't think so. They were simple reminders that even though our lives are spotted with worry, stress, & lack of sleep don't let that turn us into a living Cruella Deville.

So, one of my resolutions is to play more.

Some ideas to consider while achieving this newly proclaimed mantra:

• Walk lightly with a skip in your step, no slouching.
• Kiss someone in the rain
• Only eat mini marshmallows while throwing into air and catching them in your mouth
• Roll down the car windows and sing "Nothing Compares To You" as loud as possible
• Go bowling or roller skating
• Leave love notes for people you adore
• Never walk past a photo booth with out taking pictures
• Be the one to plan a fun date or outing with friends
• Build a fort every Friday

Okay, some of these are down-right unruly or verging on annoying but, hey, if it lifts your spirits and makes you smile then go for it.

I started off this resolution with building a fort. Once I finally got the fort figured out we had a fun time! Putting it together is definitely part of the play. First I tried hanging something from the ceiling: too heavy. Next I tried chairs: not cute. Then I found some pipe that I use for a tent: perfect.

If we are going to keep this up every Friday I definitely need to get this fort kit: Crazy forts. Just for the base pieces and use my own fabrics.

Lighting is also key to a great fort. (bulb string lights.)

Ta ta for now. Off to play.

I shared this resolution with Mandi over at her blog, and wanted to share it here too.

cheeeeeeese

Here's to a dazzling weekend!

Collin's sister, Charity, is getting married tomorrow & we are thrilled for her & Tim. Should be a busy next couple days.

You can still enter the Choose Your Own Adventure [Giveaway] in the previous post.

choose your own adventure [Giveaway]

Today, this blog is like those Choose Your Own Adventure books you would read as a child.

I loved those!

(Remember... "to save Judy from the clutches of evil Dr Swarnoff turn to page 72.")

Well, my friends, you have two choices today which, unfortunately, are neither very adventurous. You can scroll down and simply gush at the darling baby Lola and wanna squoosh those cheekies.

OR, if you dare, you can scroll down while gushing at the darling baby & enter the giveaway below. Have fun and choose wisely!

The first giveaway is from Rusted Chain.

Darling hand-stamped necklaces... the winner will treat themself to something in the Rusted Chain shop with a $25 gift certificate.

Second is from: Scrapbook Circle kit club!

The winner will receive a $30 gift certificate plus free shipping to shop for your favorite goodies.

Scrapbook Circle is a monthly kit club that has been creating kits for almost 5 years and loves getting to share these kits each month. We offer a 2+ month subscription which means that you only commit to receiving two kits and then you can go month to month and quit at any time.

This month in our All You Need is Love Kit, we have combined our favorite products from American Crafts, Glitz, Fancy Pants, Maya Road, Hambly and more to create a unique and love-filled kit.
Be sure to visit the Scrapbook Circle Idea Page and Blog for daily inspiration. You can also join us on Facebook where we do kit giveaways and you can follow us on Twitter too.

Leave a comment to be entered to win and I will choose your fate in the next couple days!

'I'm painting' layout

Who says that moms don't have super powers?

I've definitely enhanced my one-handed super power since Lola has been born. Having multiple kids you have to learn how to balance breakfast on your head, pour milk and scramble eggs at the same time.

Using my finely tuned one-handed skill is how I finished this layout for a 2 peas class.

The fabulous Nichol Magouirk is teaching a free stamping class and I made this super quick layout to illustrate stamping a title on your pages.

Hidden journaling all about the blog post when she got into my makeup.

Flag Banner Stickers

Stamps: Studio Calico

Yellow Gingham paper, Animals in Party Hats paper, Dear Lizzy Ribbon

confetti

Before today, confetti was just tiny bits of paper cut so small that after a celebratory moment you'll be tediously finding them in every nook and cranny.
Before today they were only experienced at birthday parties or New Year's.

But now it has a whole new meaning for me. It's the only way to describe what happens to my heart on a nearly daily basis. It's those moments when my heart is filled with so much bliss it bursts into tiny bits of colorful confetti in the air then slowly falls like rain, dancing to the ground.

This happened today when I was looking at Lola. She was ready to take a nap, so instead of her usual cries she was content wrapped up in her blanket like a Christmas present. I was looking at her and, being the proud mother I am, gushing over her little button nose and perfect pout. She looked at me and smiled the biggest smile--like I said, confetti, everywhere.

Sure, I was vacuuming it up for the next hours but it's worth it, right? ;)

Although those moments are largely outnumbered by the pull-my-hair-out mommy moments, they give me the strength to make it through until the next burst of joy.

I hope you had a Happy New Years!! I was completely exhausted since I was up since 4 am that day and was planning on celebrating with my east coast friends a couple hours early. Or maybe even my Australian friends who were asleep. But I guess Lola was intrigued by the idea of her first New Years and didn't want to miss all the fun, despite her tired momma.

Thrilled for the new year and this unwritten chapter of our lives!