Happy Birthday 2U

Enjoy this Happy Birthday 2U card made exclusively with Close To My Heart products. It's a 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (standard) card. To make the glittery chipboard number and letter, I just colored them with my Close To My Heart markers, sprayed with spray mount adhesive and turned them upside down in a little dish filled with Prisma Glitter. Voila! Instant bling. Colors used: Blush, Amethyst, White Daisy, Sweet Leaf. I also used some B&T paper from a few different kits, Dimensional Elements Simple Alphabet and Simple Numbers, and ribbon and accents by Close To My Heart as well. It felt good to 'play' a little today. Whenever I feel a little down, creating is sure to lift my spirits. Plus, 30 minutes to American Idol (think Rain Man). I should be as good as new by the end of the evening between card making and indulging myself with my Idol addiction. Who is YOUR favorite Idol this year?

I Finally Found It

Are you like me? Have you been on the search for the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe for as long as you can remember? I have. I found one a long time ago, my Grandma Thorderson's recipe. I love it. But, it is for oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and my kids do not love the oatmeal. So, I think since my first child was about 3 I have been searching for the perfect non-oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe. I'm sure I have tried dozens of recipes. I have finally found it! My friend Jenn G. brought choc. chip cookies to a social event that we were attending and they were absolutely beautiful. I could not wait to taste them. They did not disappoint me. In fact, my husband Dan the Man fell in love with them. And he is not easy to please (i.e. VERY picky eater). So, I asked Jennifer if she would be wiling to share her recipe and she was very gracious. I have shared it with you below. I hope you enjoy it. The photo is one I took of the cookies I made from this recipe. Excuse the crumbs. Those are left from all of the cookies I ate before I took the picture. YUM! I think I need to go bake.

Jenn G’s AWESOME Chocolate Chip Cookies
(this is a huge recipe)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

1 cup butter
1 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
3 eggs
Mix and cream well

add 3 tsp. Vanilla Extract
mix

mix together dry ingredients before adding:
5 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp. soda
1 tsp. salt
mix until the consistency of Play Dough

add
2 cups chocolate chips (I use the big milk chocolate chips)
mix

drop dough onto ungreased cookie sheet
bake 10 - 14 minutes depending on size of cookie and your oven
Enjoy!

A Big Raspberry for You

Now I am really MAD! Yes, March Madness Mad. I went from 2nd place in our family bracket pool to 6th in a matter of days. This weekend killed me. I am so MAD at Duke and Memphis that words cannot express the "Madness." I am not speaking to either of these coaches nor any of the team members ever again. Yeah, like I did all the time anyway. I had both of these teams in the championship game. The good news is that I am so mad at them that I have now forgiven my beloved BYU for getting beat out in the first round...again. I have accepted the fact that I will not be winning the bracket, nor will I be awarded my favorite treat this year (Mrs. Cavanaugh's milk chocolate caramels). I am also happy that my missionary son, Easton is in 7th place. Ha! That makes me feel much better. He won last year while on his mission and not even seeing the basketball season. How does that happen? He was sure he would kick some Pedersen tushie again this year, but that is not happenin'! I have a feeling I will be back to winning status again next year. 2010 feels like my year. In the meantime, any of you who have NC, UConn, Michigan State and/or Villanova in your final four get a big, huge raspberry from me. And not the kind in the picture. Aren't I a graceful loser?

Display Album Birthday Gift

The other day, my daughter, Kori came over and asked me to help her put together a little Display Album about her new baby, Daci's birth and first month of life to give to her mother-in-law for her birthday. It only took us a couple of hours and look what we came up with (feel free to click on any photo to see it larger)! The book actually has 12 page protectors and the pages are 6" x 6", but I just showed you the cover and 3 of my favorite pages here. As you can see in photo 4 (last photo before the cover photo) the book stands up and the pages flip...perfect for a coffee table or bookcase display. All products used are Close To My Heart and can be bought on my website. Just click there and then on "Shop Online". Products used: Z1054 My Creations Display Album ($7.95), X7046B Elegant Bouquet Level 2 Kit (retired kit), X7046C Elegant Bouquet Stickies (retired stickies), Dimensional Elements Monograms (Z1058-D, Z1055-A, Z1057-C, and Z1063-I. $3.25 Each), Cranberry Accents, Z1134 Love Story Rubons ($9.95), various ribbons.

Easton and Galveston Island

I received an email on Monday from my missionary son, Easton. He is currently serving on Galveston Island, TX. He has seen his share of devastation from Hurricane Ike there and has has amazing opportunities to not only teach the people on the island the gospel of Jesus Christ, but to serve them as he helps them rebuild their homes, etc. He reiterated in his email how much he is loving his mission.

The photos are of various places around the island. It has now been 5 months since Hurricane Ike and Easton (Elder Pedersen) says that this is what much of the island still looks like.

Here is a little exerpt from this week's email. Please join me in believing this is a joke from Easton and not something he would really do!
"Oh and before I go, get this: there is a serial killer right now on the island and is in my area. He is up to 7 kills now. All the bodies have been found on streets we ride down every day and night on our bikes. I am convinced I will dress up like a hooker one of these nights so that he will try to attack me and then I will absolutely own the sick pervert. That’s all this week. I love you, Mom and miss you so much. Keep up the great example that you are to everyone."

Oh the joys and worries of a missionary mom!

Cupcakes Galore

Last week I posted photos of a darling papercrafted cupcake that my friend, Tracey M. created for my new granddaughter, Daci. Well, if you loved that one, I know you will love these as well! Jeanette Lynton, Close To My Heart's owner and founder received amazing papercrafted cupcakes for her birthday today made with exclusively Close To My Heart products from the people in the Art Department at Close To My Heart. Just click on the 'cupcakes' word above to see her post and all of the gorgeous papercrafted cupcakes . Prepare to be amazed!

April Play Group Pages

These are the pages we will be making in my scrapbook classes (Play Groups) in April. I'd love to have you come! Play Group dates and times to choose from in April are Tues, 4/7 at 10 am - 1 pm or 7 - 10 pm; Wed, 4/8 at 10 am - 1 pm, and Thurs, 4/9 at 7 - 10 pm. If you shoot me an email I'll be more than happy to give you the scoop on any details. Basic class cost is between $20-25 each month (before shipping and tax) and we make 6 pages. We also laugh, talk, and just enjoy playing with the girls! I hope you like the pages. I had fun making them and I know you will too!

This Kid

"We Rocked!" were the first words I heard today when Dawson walked in the door from school. He and the Men's Choir he sings in at school went to Festival today. Dawson was so excited. He also looked very sharp in his black pleated pants, his white button up shirt, his burgundy tie, and his very cool hair. Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture of that. Shame on me. This photo will have to do. They get the judges' comments and scores on Monday, but according to Dawson, they don't even need them. They Rocked! I just love this kid!

The Boys and The Banquet

As you know, the Lone Peak basketball season ended with a loss in the state championship game. So sad! But, it sure didn't keep the guys from having an awesome time at their year ending banquet. Here is a picture of Tannon (on the right. Otherwise known as T-man, Tan Man, T-Ped) and one of his best buds, Christian (on the left. Otherwise known as Griffindor or Creach) and one of the team. In both photos, everyone is acting very mature, as usual (In the group photo, Tannon is the one trying to look GQ in front of the guy in the red shirt). Thanks for a great season, guys. Several other moms and I spent the day decorating. I'm so sad that many of the decorations were already down when I thought to take pictures. We hung each of the players' jerseys from the ceiling (you can see one that was still up in the background of this picture). The tables were in black and burgundy and the centerpieces were a shoe from each boy (don't worry, we put dryer sheets in them so no one got sick from the smell), then filled them with gold foofy stuff, a basketball that every boy signed, a SKOR bar, some gold stars, and a sparkley number (each of their numbers), then tied helium balloons to the back of the shoe). It turned out great! The food was awesome as well. It was hard to realize we were saying goodbye to our 6 seniors. What a great group of young men. It's been a pleasure to watch you on and off the court this year, boys!

Basketball and Grandparenthood

I have been so busy watching all of the March Madness games that I have not taken time to post. How does anyone get anything done during the NCAA Tournament? I do not know. I don't want to miss a thing! The good news is that I think I am tied for 1st place in the Pedersen Bracket Pool. I plan to win! I cannot mention any schools from Utah right now because I have sworn not to even think their names again until football season. All 3 Utah teams got beaten. Sad. Fortunately, Kori brought Daci over on Friday and Dan and I took turns holding her all afternoon while we watched the games (see photo). Isn't she sweet sleeping on Dan's chest? Grandparenthood is definitely THE BEST. When I am holding her it doesn't even matter who wins the games. I think I better borrow her for several days this week in case the teams I picked decide to let me down!

It's Day One and I'm already feeling The Madness

A couple of weeks ago I shared our Utah State 5A High School Basketball March Madness. As you know, Lone Peak (where my son, Tannon plays) lost in the championship. It was sad, but I lived through it and have moved on. I have now gotten out of bed and even put on make up a few days since then (tee hee). Well, today the NCAA March Madness began. In our family, it is a tradition to do a brackets contest and I pride myself on always doing very well. I don't always win, but I almost always make it into the top 3. There have now been 3 games finished today and I have not started out well. I am 1-3. BUMMER! My beloved BYU Cougars let me down by losing to Texas A&M. I picked Butler to beat LSU but alas, they did not. I did pick Memphis to beat Cal State Northridge and they didn't disappoint, although they did have me scared for awhile. I guess if I was only getting 1 of the first 3 games, this was the one to get since I have Memphis picked to make it all the way to the championship. Go Tigers. The March Madness saga will continue on this blog as the tournament progresses. Here's to hoping my picks are right on for the rest of the day!

Celiac and Other Mothers

As most of you know, our son, Easton is serving an LDS mission in the Texas, Houston South mission. He has spent the last 6 months on Galveston Island and just loves it. There are so many opportunities for service due to the absolute mess that was left by Hurricane Ike. He also spends almost every minute 6 days per week teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who want to listen and learn. We have been so proud of him and are so excited for him to come home in about 10 more months. Many of you also know that Easton has Celiac Disease. He cannot have gluten in any form (and it is in just about everything!). I knew he would be OK on his mission because he is really careful about what he eats. My worry was what he would do when he and his missionary companion were invited to someone else's home to eat. I was worried he would eat something he shouldn't because he didn't want to offend someone and then get really sick. But, everyone has been so kind. Many people have gone out of their way to work around what he can and can't eat. In fact, I got a phone call from a family there on Galveston Island to let me know they were having Easton and his companion, Elder Peterson (yep, no joke. Elder Pedersen and Elder Peterson) over for dinner and that they wanted to fix Easton his favorite gluten-free meal. How nice is that? I emailed her the recipe and she is excited to give it a try. Easton will be so surprised, and so grateful for his favorite gluten free Chicken Broccoli Casserole. I am so grateful for 'other mothers' who care about my son and his welfare while away from home for 2 years.

Motherhood is...

Motherhood is joyous and challenging, frustrating and rewarding, fulfilling and excruciating, exhausting and exhilarating. I think you could use just about every adjective in the book and still not come anywhere close to describing what motherhood really is. The only way to know is to experience it yourself. Watching my daughter become a mother a few weeks ago was definitely one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. Now she can know the same amazing love for a child that I have tried to describe to her, and all of the many other feelings that come with motherhood. We can share those feelings and laugh and cry together. Thank you for making me a grandma, Kori and Rick. You did good!

Hey there, Cupcake!

How stinkin' cute is this? I KNOW! SOOOOO cute! Thanks to my dear friend, Tracey M. (she's pretty darn stinkin' cute herself as you can see in the photo) for this 'delicious treat', a paper crafted cupcake. This was the package I was waiting for on Thursday when I thought that it was Friday (see Friday's post). Now you see why the anticipation. When it was really Friday, the package arrived and did not fail to impress! This gift is actually for my daughter, Kori and her hubby, Rick and their new baby, Daci. Thanks to Tracey (which incidentally rhymes with Daci) for being such a creative and thoughtful friend. I think I must make one of these for myself! What kind of gift card should I attach for me? I think Dear Lizzie should do it! Most supplies are Close To My Heart...another reason this is to die for. Thanks, Trace!

Two Fridays

Ohhhh...TODAY is Friday! I went all day yesterday thinking it was Friday. A friend in Ohio (Hi, Tracey!) sent me a package 2 day priority mail on Wednesday. I thought it should arrive yesterday, since in my mind yesterday was Friday. I spent all day looking forward to receiving it, but when my mail lady came with no packages I was very sad. DUHHH! 2 Day Priority would be on FRIDAY, the REAL Friday, which is TODAY! So, I guess the good news is that I get 2 Fridays this week. Enjoy the photo of my 19 day old (not 20 day old) granddaughter, Daci! She makes me smile no matter what day it is! And, here's to hoping my package comes TODAY!

Reflections...

Today, several ladies in my neighborhood, my hubby (Dan the Man) and I went to the temple (Mt. Timpanogos LDS Temple). Many of you know that Dan was laid off from his job in November and still has not been able to find anything to replace it. So he is my 24/7 buddy and I invited him to join 'the girls' and I at the temple. It was wonderful. I love spending time there, feeling close to my Father in Heaven, and feeling the peace and joy that the Spirit fills me with. As I sat in the temple I reflected on the many blessings we do have. In fact, other than no job (which, I must admit is kind of big), I think Dan and I would say that life is pretty much perfect right now. I have decided not to worry as much about the unemployment and spend my time thinking of all of my blessings instead. It is much more fun!

Perspective...

Why don't we have perspective when we need it? Like for instance, when my children were babies, instead of just sitting there and soaking in their sweetness 24/7, I was always trying to get the house clean, the dinner made, or whatever. Well, now that my munchkins are all grown and my oldest has one of her own, I get it! Now! Not 25 years ago when I was starting out and really needed to 'get it.' Isn't that just how it is? I sat for hours today just holding my new little granddaughter, Daci; just breathing in her sweet scent, just feeling overwhelmed with the miracle of life, just enjoying watching her breathe while she slept, and just thanking my Heavenly Father for my blessings. Not once did I think about cleaning or cooking or any of the other thousand things I need to get done. It was heaven. Speaking of heaven, one day when I meet my Maker I am going to ask Him one little question: Could we change up the whole perspective thing and give that to us when we really need it, instead of much, much later? I wonder what He'll say.

Tadpoles + Toads + Turtles + Fireflies + Horny Toads = A Perfect Childhood

I was thinking yesterday about the years of my childhood spent living in Edmond, OK. In those days, Edmond was not the booming metropolis that it is today. It was a very small town outside of Oklahoma City. I lived there from the ages of 5-7 (K-2nd grade) and I really think it was the ultimate childhood. There was a creek that ran through the woods at the back of our property. My friends and I would play in the creek and follow it to the pond it emptied into. There we would take picnics and mason jars to catch tadpoles in. At night in the summertime we caught huge toads in the backyard, and fireflies too. I remember putting the toads in boxes in the garage so that I could play with them the next day. They were always gone by morning. I thought they were magic toads but I found out as I got older that my dad secretly set them free each night. We also found lots of turtles and lizards on our property. I had captured a very large snapping turtle once and told my little sister, Andrea not to touch it. Of course, she didn't listen. She took my turtle out of the box and held it out in front of her. He pulled his head out of his shell as far as he could and took a big bite out of her stomach. She panicked and let go of the turtle and started jumping up and down and screaming. He just hung on to her stomach for dear life, bouncing up and down as she did. Being the compassionate older sister that I am, I just laughed as she screamed. I also remember catching horny toads and trying to make them mad enough to spit blood out of their eyes at us. We were always so proud of ourselves when that happened. I'm grateful for a carefree and very loving childhood and for my memories of Oklahoma.

March Madness Concludes

Total bummer! Lone Peak lost in the State 5A High School Basketball Championship game on Saturday night to West Jordan High School. We gave it a valiant fight, but unfortunately just didn't come out on top this time. We were really hoping for a 3-peat (we have won the state championship the last 2 years), but it was not meant to be. Our hats go off to a very good West Jordan team. The expression you see on Tyler Haws' face in this photo about sums it up. Lone Peak fought as hard as they could.

More March Madness

Lone Peak did it again! Woo Hoo! We defeated Bingham High School last night in the state 5A Basketball tournament semi-final game 66-46. This photo was in the Deseret News this morning. It is not one of my son, Tannon but such a great photo I had to share it anyway! This photo shows great defense by #25 Dallin Ott and an awesome blocked shot by #33 Nate Austin. Both of these guys are playing great. Way to go, Knights! We play tonight at 7 pm (E Center) for the state title against West Jordan High School. The Pedersen house is full of excitement!

Butterfly Wings

During the Month of March, Close To My Heart is offering an exclusive stamp set called Butterfly Wings. I just love it. I made these projects using this stamp set the other day. The project on the far left in the photo of 3 projects is called a box in a bag. It was a new pattern for me and I enjoyed it. I made them and filled them with candy for a few friends. The other 3 items pictured are all cards. As I created them, I felt Spring in my heart. Enjoy!

I Hear Birds

I hear them. Real live birds! Outside my window. YES! Spring must be coming. I have been thinking it might never get here. Before I get too excited, I should remind myself that we are expecting snow in a few days again. But, there has been some sunshine the past few days and I can hear the birds singing this morning. I didn't realize how much I missed the sunshine and that beautiful chirping noise until I saw and heard them again. Spring is in the air!

March Madness Continues

Love that action shot of Tannon! Today was a good day! Lone Peak beat Riverton High School 55-38 to advance to the semifinals of the 5A Basketball State Tournament on Friday at 7:15 pm (E Center). We will play Bingham High School. Should be fun! Stay tuned.

March Madness Begins

No, not THAT March Madness. It's not quite time for NCAA March Madness, but it is time for Utah State High School 5A Division Basketball Tournament Madness! It all began yesterday. Lone Peak (my son Tannon plays...#10) went into the tournament seeded #1 in the state. No pressure! We won our first round game. WOO HOO! We beat Jordan High School 50-38. We had a rough first half but our boys showed up in the second half and really played well. We move on to the quarterfinals on Wednesday at 4:00 pm (E Center) against Riverton High School. Riverton is a big, tough team so it should be a great game. I'll keep you posted...