eat at your own risk

My mini baker is such a big helper. Except I can barely turn my head to grab the next ingredient because who knows what she will stir in, making it her own tasty concoction. That's why it's always eat at your own risk. So far so good... I haven't been poisoned (yet) & the pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are delicious!

Ready for the world's easiest pumpkin cookie recipe?

Spice Cake Mix (no eggs, oil, water etc) + Can of pumpkin 16 oz + Chocolate chips. That's it.

I bake them small about 3Ts and then cook them at 350 for about 15 minutes. Don't overcook them. I check them like I do cake with a toothpick or small knife in the center.

Thanks to my sister Em for that recipe, although my toosh does not thank her.

They are soooooo yummmmmmy!!

Fall Frenzy

If you weren't excited for Fall well I'm sure these pictures will fling you into a Fall frenzy! So much inspiration there I could kiss that gold gnome! via 100 layer cake.

Also, inspired by:

Making your own Abstract Art at Oh Happy Day

Mix and matching socks, tights and shoes at Ruche

A post of mine wouldn't be complete without an Instax picture... Loving this color coded polaroid wall spotted at one of my new favorite blogs: You are my fave.

Hunky Dory

above photos: Watercolors & that curl.//White vs orange pumpkins. White won.//My new fringe boots and a fallen leaf at sunset.

Today I was in a bugged mood about something trivial. It happens right? But life isn't supposed to always be hunky dory. My sister's advice: go eat some frosting with a spoon... she knows me well.

But it was a good excuse to sit back and recognize all the things that are wonderful in my life.

Watching Quincey try to do pirouettes and sache at dance class with a cheesy grin on her face.

Then driving home with the windows down enjoying the crisp air.

Laughing at the next Cleetus episode Collin's finishing up. It's hil.ar.

Seeing that the Smash books are back in stock. A little retail therapy never hurt anyone. (Pink one//Aqua Retro one that I used in my Smash post//Green //Orange Simple folio. The Retro one is my favorite but I just got the pink one and I have the Green one which is a good one for Fall.... The others are cool too.

Getting a cute message from a friend.

Seeing Lola's face will kick it into happy gear without fail.

Sheesh, I am feeling better already. What lifts your spirits?

As we were driving home from seeing Pop Pop (grandpa) on Saturday we passed a locally grown fruit stand. We are going to go to a pumpkin patch but couldn't resist the fresh peaches.

Lola is so big and a couple weeks ago started walking all around the house.

This photo is a bit more realistic to the story of my life... minus the porta-potty.

Spark is coming up quick!! Ummm, and by quick I mean, like, in a week. You should come because it will be amazing. Don't we all need a little spark in our life?!

...and that's all folks.

ridiculously inspired

polka dot blouse//floral shirt: Forever 21

Trying to put my thoughts together today. I haven't felt myself recently, but not in a bad way by any means. Whenever I feel change and unprecedented growth I slow down and just try to listen to myself & listen to God. To hear in my heart how He wants me to evolve and what He wants me to learn. Nothing life changing and momentous... just me being my usual over-analytical self. ;)

Last night, Dieter Uchtdorf (a leader of the LDS church) spoke such wisdom and moved me with his outlook on joy:

Sisters, there is something inspiring and sublime about the little forget-me-not flower. I hope it will be a symbol of the little things that make your lives joyful and sweet. Please never forget that you must be patient and compassionate with yourselves, that some sacrifices are better than others, that you need not wait for a golden ticket to be happy... and never forget that your Heavenly Father knows, loves, and cherishes you.

Read or watch the full talk here.

Also, I am so ridiculously inspired by this it literally hurt my creative soul! Ah, I love it.

Set yourself free!

Despite the fact I have reached new heights in my age I am still learning and growing and finding out more about myself... which I am certain will continue with any age. But I guess I assumed that at three-o I should have things figured out by now. But what would be the fun in that?

What are you up to lately? We are soaking up every ounce of this summer and loving it!

PS Considering the fact that my brother in law, Chris, is 6'11" and his arms are stretched out this girl is quite high. Up with the seagulls. Good thing she isn't holding a cracker for those ruthless birds. Collin and I watched them as they managed to pull a bag of chips from someones bag. Collin ran over and scared them away before there was any more damage, like choking down a cell phone. Sheesh... I am talking about Utah's state bird here, I should be more polite. ;)

Happy Summer!

Check out Dear Lizzy sponsors:

Bit o' Whimsy

Shop Ruche

Lime Ricki Swimwear

Scrapbook Circle kit club

Totally Rad Actions: I used Pool Party on the above photos

Studio Calico

Blue Moon Scrapbooking

Shabby Apple clothing

Email me if you are interested in becoming a Dear Lizzy sponsor: elizabeth.kartchner@gmail.com

just an idea

I could go on & on about how darling this baby is and how fast she is growing. How I can't believe how big she is or how when she sees me she does this little laugh while taking a breath in to make the sweetest sound.

I could go on & on but I want to sum up how I feel with one simple word: overwhelming blessed and full of light. Okay, that is 6 words. ha.

I'm not saying my life is perfect. I have trials, worries, tough days. But I also have great days.

The thing I am trying to get to is, I want to give to someone in a small, but meaningful way and I am hoping you will help me. Collin and I have been brainstorming what we could do and I thought of a couple things.

The first one is that I would love to make a memory book for someone special. An album for someone full of their photos and memories.

The pages will be made by you, me and anyone who wants to contribute. The book will be made to lift someone's spirits so if you know someone who needs this please email me. EDITED::: Please hold off on emailing me because I'm sitting here in tears reading your emails and I think we have lots of albums to make already. :)

Then I will need your help to fill the album with their photos and memories to add a needed light to that person's life.

Lately, I have been wishing that I had more time to scrapbook. I love this hobby. Not just because it is fun, or because the people I have met, or the supplies I hoard ;), but mostly because the feeling that I get when I look through my pages that overflow with life. Or see the girls faces light up when they look through their albums. Sometimes when we want time for something for ourselves first we should give that to others.

I'm really tired. My eyes are so tired I can hardly read this... so I hope this makes sense and I hope you will join me in making an album for someone because I can't do it on my own. :) And the only way I will be able to repay you is with a cyber hug or some baby photos.

Oh, she is such a darling.

Thanks and night night!

I still play with my food

Reasons why today is a happy day.

-Even as an adult I can still play with my food.

-I was up at 3 with Lola but Collin woke up with the girls so I got to sleep in until 8:30. Which is quite the treat when you have little ones who are up when the rooster crows.

-The sun is out and the sky is blue. It is still cold but at least it's a pretty cold.

- Everyone has been sick, except Lola, but we are all finally on the mend.

- I have the cutest baby in my arms.

I guess I still cannot think in complete sentences & form a paragraph hopefully this weekend will fix that.

what makes today a Happy Day for you?

just a list

my mind is filled with to-do lists at the moment so here's a little list for you.

praying for: my grandpa

wearing: comfy dress, leggings & over the knee socks. (picture: wearing hello kitty shirt & blue floral shirt from Ruche)

working on: four workshops for Paris

eating: the almonds and m&ms out of trail mix

dreaming of: springtime

realizing: when not wearing makeup take an overexposed blurry photo like above

impatiently waiting: for next weeks Bachelor

anticipating: working with Jefra & Rosie on a little project

loving: our mini talent shows when the girls stand on the coffee table and sing

stalking: the ups man for much-needed packages

feeling: quite blessed

in the wee hours

As I continue to put together Lola's nursery I know I'll be spending lots of time in it so I want to make sure it was filled with things I love.

I'm almost finished with the frames on one of the walls. I need to add some photos. But one of the frames already hanging that makes me happy during those wee hours of the morning is pictured above.

I cut a page from one of my favorite books by Compendium called "She... " It's an inspiring gift book that would make a great present to any mother, sister or friend. But make sure to get one for yourself--or two if you cut it apart like me. :)

"She went out on a limb had it break off behind her and discovered she could fly. Celebrate her faith."

Book: "She..." by Kobi Yamada

Owl pillow: DEJAVU

Butterfly punch: Martha Stewart

traded slippers for heels

Saturday night I traded in my slippers for heels and we went out for a night on the town... with Lola. Who was an angel and slept right through all the fun.

It was so nice to get out. What is this bright, ball of light in the sky?

Once in a while I look through the photos on my phone & get a kick out of the ones that Avery takes. It proves how very sneaky this girl is. When did she eat only the chocolate from the pile of EL Fudge cookies or take a photo of me sleeping? There is also a bazillion photos of her toes, posed stuffed animals & baby Lola.

Guess what???? I'm working on a new project that I am really excited about. Should be able to share more soon. Can't wait! !!

xoxo lizzy

"I'm painting!"

How are the girls adjusting? You might ask. They are absolutely smitten by their baby sister. They come running whenever they hear her crying to see what's wrong and Avery always knows the solution. "She needs milk. She needs a cookie. She needs her blankey."

Some moments I have a slight feeling of empowerment and think, "Hey, I can handle this whole 3 kids thing."

Then other moments it is pure madness. Madness I tell you.

One particular morning, while I was feeding Lola, Quincey was being much too quiet--which is never a good sign. Then the next thing I hear, "Ta-da!"

"What are you doing missy?"

"I'm painting." (She was so proud of herself.)

I grabbed my camera and captured my favorite cream blush being destroyed and held back laughter so she didn't think it was okay.

But then again taking pictures probably gave her the wrong idea anyways. Such a silly, little stinker.

PS I am so in love with this baby!

PPS Check out my Dear Lizzy Christmas card kit!!

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!!

a little of this & that

Getting in the spirit of Halloween around our home. Which means I need to finish my spooky tree using my Girls' Paperie... I told you I adore these crepe flowers!

We have 2 of our 4.5 costumes ready. Collin & I are trying to figure out what we can dress up as this year. Collin suggested we paint a pumpkin on my tummy... now that's pretty much the scariest costume I've ever heard of. ;) So, really, any ideas for a preggo momma? I was going to take a year off but what's the fun in that?

I'm not the only one carrying around a pumpkin... this girl carries hers around all day since Saturday when she found the perfect one. She pretty much loves it. Perhaps because it's just her size.

Despite the fact that the kids have been sick all weekend they've still been surprisingly chipper. Which is sooooooooo nice. Much better than sick + grumpy.

We've kept it low key around here and just hung out cozied up indoors. A little football, a little baking, a little crafting & a lot of snuggle time laziness.

Hope you had a nice weekend & are enjoying getting ready for Halloweeeeeen.

Check out Crafty Steals because today my Dear Lizzy Christmas Card set and Christmas Paper are the steal of the day!!

get messy

First things first, I am absolutely thrilled for everyone who has signed up for my online workshop! Your excitement for the class in your emails and comments is quite fun!

There are still kits available, though it is getting close to full.

A couple days a week, while big sis is at preschool, I soak up some together time with Q. This time is filled with all the things toddler: painting, snacking, cuddling, potty training & messes.

One of my creative rut remedies is to get messy and she is the perfect example of how that's done. To let loose and color outside the lines. To try something new & don't think about whether you are creating the right or wrong way. Because there isn't a right or wrong way.

She's a sweet girl... with a good Tablespoon of spice. I watched the other day as our pomeranian dog, who sadly doesn't like little kids, would not give her the time of day she still patted him on the head and loved him no matter what. Little kids have such a forgiving heart and are undaunted by the world. My hope is to instill that in her as long as I can... which is quite the task and I've yet to figure out how that's done. But, I'm determined.

Crossing my fingers that I will have some messy time in my studio today. It irritates Collin when I say studio... it's an office he always says. But I had to say it. haha. Studio, studio. An office sounds absolutely boring anyway.

sprinkles on top

Sometimes crafts and sweets go hand-in-hand... okay, all the time.

Especially sweets with sprinkles on top.

Especially when I've had a rather... interesting... day.

Especially when you deserve a reward with out the guilt.

Especially when such sweets include pink frosting & a tea cup of milk.

Especially when you've got a long list ahead of you to check off.

Especially when you have someone to share them with.

A few hours later a conversation with this darling went like this:

"Eat your dinner please."

"I don't like this dinner momma... but, I do like pink cookies."

We are full steam ahead for Spark. Our teachers have designed really spark*y classes!

Here's a peak at the mini class I'll be teaching.

I adore the House of 3 banner tags & I used lots of fun Sassafras papers.

Which if you noticed in my last blog post I love their Indie Girl Collection.

Also, Shimmerz has some snazzy colors we'll be spritzing on our projects to make paper flowers and to add a little sparkle.

Spotted lots of Dear Lizzy Enchanted & Dear Lizzy Christmas at 2 peas as well.

piles around the house

Piles of made-with-love kits finished up for my online class. Incredible how we are sending these all over the world including Greece, Malaysia, Portugal, New Zealand, Canada, Singapore, Greece, Germany, Australia & England. How fun!

Designed packaging with some of my favorite paper: Girls Paperie

Most used punch: Classic butterfly

Piles of books that she's busy reading to her stuffed friends.

Shares a cute look for the camera while she's busy exploring & piling up some mess for momma to clean up.

A please-dip-in-milk-first pile of pregnant cravings.

Piles of to-dos as we countdown to Spark!

Happy happy Monday!

this weekend...

This weekend we'll be busy gathering rose petals in our painting tin just to throw them in the air and pick them up again. And again. And again.

Or dancing around the living room with Avery to my new favorite album by Mindy Gledhill (who will be at Spark!)

Or laughing at my silly girls who love each other one second & the next second I'm prying them apart.

Or eating frozen Junior Mints and diecutting like crazy for my online class kits. (Almost ready to send out.)

Or I would love to scrapbook with my Studio Calico kit I got in the mail today. (It's SO cute!!)

At some point, I'll lay down & listen to Collin play the piano & sing 'run' while the baby in my tummy does somersaults and kicks like she's the next karate kid.

Any fun plans? Have a delightful weekend!

PS putting together a Shades of Summer update. Please email me your picture if you've had the sunglasses to shadesofsummer@gmail.com. Thanks. And please keep them moving along...!

Someday

My Quincey Rose. Photo By Jefra Starr Linn

Yesterday I visited with a sweet friend of mine who recently lost someone very close to her. As soon as I saw her we embraced and cried. Her sad eyes linger in my head and I wish I could take all the pain away from her. Pain of losing someone... it hurts so bad. I wish I could tell her that it's okay, or it'll get easier but I can't. The only thing I can tell her--she already knows. That she'll see him again.

Life is so fragile.

Spent the afternoon following my busy Avery around. Didn't let myself get distracted by anything and just ran around the back yard doing whatever her curious mind wanted to do. We made mud pies, inspected all sorts of leaves, smelled dozens of flowers & picked each petal from a rose. At one point, while she chased a white butterfly across the grass, I got choked up. (Surprise, surprise since I'm doing that lots lately ;) I was just so moved watching her eyes beam as she followed it & laughed each time she tried to grab it.

The next thing I know, she's in tears because it flew away. You know, those big crocodile tears girls can dish up so well. The tears that cause me to dig deep into my mommy skills to find the remedy. And all because she wanted to hold it.

"The butterfly will come back someday." I told her. Just like I told my friend... you'll see him again. And she will.

Remember when I was bragging about Jefra and the brilliant photos she takes? These are a couple photos she snapped of my beauties while we were setting up the photo shoot. Thanks Jefra! Love them. Love.

Besides sneezing like crazy

with the worst eye-scratching, nose-running, kleenex loving allergies. Here's some tid-bits of what we're up to...

Collecting: Vintage brooches to make something pretty with... someday.

Celebrating: Father's Day for this babe. Pretty much the coolest dad since Danny Tanner.

My favorite recent tweets of Collin's about being a daddy:

-Whenever my wife asks, "Can you take this dirty diaper to the outside trash?" all I hear is, "Hey, chuck this poop-bomb down the stairs."

-Wife is leaving to teach at an event in Puerto Rico til Monday. This place is gonna look like a pre-school frat house by then.

-At my 4-yr old's t-ball game. They don't even keep score in this league. How is my kid supposed to learn competitive jealousy and rage?

-My #2 kid turns big #2 tomorrow. For some reason my wife is shutting down my "Everybody Poops" theme

-When my wife asks, "Can you clean up the kid's toy room?" All I hear is, "Go kick the toys from the middle of the room to the sides."

-With two kids under the age of three, I've started saving time at restaurants by pouring an entire glass of lemonade on my pants as soon as we sit down.

-My wife wants to go see "Letters to Juliet" instead, I suggested we soak our eyes in lamp oil and stare directly at the sun for 2 hours.

-My wife said we should go off dairy and bought a bunch of Rice Milk. Am I supposed to shake it up before pouring it down the drain?

Craving: Strawberries by the crateful & shortcake full.

Creating: Booth samples with my next Dear Lizzy lines for CHA summer in July.

Played: At the local carnival.
Also, sending out Shades of Summer today! yay!

What are you up to?