29!

29! No, that is not how old I am. Alas, I passed that eons ago. Tannon scored 29 points yesterday in Lone Peak's win over Westlake High School. So far, we are undefeated. WOO HOO! Way to go, Tan Man.

Don't forget...Felicity is in full swing. Click here for more details. You can click here to order from my website 24/7 (even on days you score 29 points), or you can email me (Pedermom@aol.com) with any questions.

Have a wonderful New Year's Eve.

2 Orders of Business

Two orders of 'business' today...

ONE: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY MISSIONARY SON, EASTON! Gosh I love this kid. And, he is not a little boy any longer. As of 5:30ish this morning he became a full-fledged man...21 years old. Where did the time go? As you know, E is serving a 2 year mission for our church in Houston, TX. We have not been able to see him since he left in January of 2008. But, he will be home in less than a month. LESS THAN A MONTH, I TELL YOU! I can hardly stand it. I am afraid that the security guards at the airport are going to handcuff me and carry me away before he gets there. I mean, how can a mother who hasn't seen her son in two years really be expected to follow airport rules? Can't I run onto the plane and grab him as soon as it lands? Why not?

These two photos of him are a couple of the more recent ones he has sent home. One is him in a car getting a ride to get his bike fixed (he has used a bicycle for transportation for most of his mission). The other is with a gentleman that he taught. Happy Birthday, E! 27 more days 'til I see you!

TWO:
How did you like that Topstitch (X7120B) card yesterday? I hope you liked it a lot because I have another one to share today, this one inspired by this week's sketch at 2Sketches4You (Laura's Sketch #42). Close To My Heart definitely has the most beautiful and highest quality scrapbook papers and kits around! Topstitch is available January 1 and you can order it by clicking here and heading to my website.

On this card I also used the stamp set called "Charmed" (C1385, also available on Jan 1), Spring Buttons (Z1281, available now), Chocolate Waxy Flax (Z1088, available now), and Pretty Pins (Z1148, available now).

Click here to order from my website 24/7...before or after January 1!

Topstitch Sneak Peek

Do you realize that the new Close To My Heart Idea Book will be live on January 1st? Cool beans! Be watching for it here on the left side of my blog that day. In the meantime, here's a fun sneak peek for you to tide you over.

How cute is this paper? I can't get enough of it! It is available to you to purchase on January 1. It's called Topstitch (X7120B) and includes cardstock and coordinating background and texture (B&T) papers filled with stitching and flowers. It features the the Close To My Heart color palette of: Chocolate, Heavenly Blue, Baby Pink, and Colonial White. I have also attached a darling chipboard heart (Dimensional Elements Hearts-Z1278) that I covered in Topstitch paper. This great sheet of 21 chipboard hearts is also available on Jan. 1. Yipee!

I used the Mojo Monday sketch for this week for the inspiration for this 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" card. Fun sketch!

Click here to order from my website 24/7...there's plenty to keep you occupied until the new book comes out on Jan. 1.

January Play Group Layouts

It's time to start thinking about January Play Group classes. I have not yet put photos on these layouts, but I'm sharing them anyway (feel free to click on any photo to view it larger). This is what we'll be making in January. I'd LOVE to have you come to Play Group!

Class dates and times to choose from in January are:

• Tuesday, January 5, 2010 from 10 am - 1 pm
• Tuesday, January 5, 2010 from 7 - 10 pm
• Thursday, January 7, 2010 from 10 am - 1 pm
• Thursday, January 7, 2010 from 7 - 10 pm

All classes are held at my home in Highland, UT. In order to come, you just need to purchase the Basic Kit. You are more than welcome to upgrade to the Better or Best kits, pick and choose from the items in Better or Best, or even add other items to your order from the current Close To My Heart Idea Book (click on the Idea Book icon on the left side of my blog to view our catalog page by page). To sign up for a class or if you have questions please email me at Pedermom@aol.com.

Details on how Play Group works on listed on the left side of my blog under "Play Group Information."

Basic Kit
X7116B Sweet Home Level 2 Paper Pack ($12.95)
X7116C Sweet Home Level 2 MySTickease ($4.95)
Z1136 White Daisy Mini-Medley Accents Collection ($7.95)
Subtotal: $25.85
Total with Shipping and Tax: $29.66
Better Kit = Basic Kit plus the following:
Z1211 Top Coats Framed In ($4.95)
Z1154 Buttercup Designer Ribbon Rounds Collection ($7.95)
Subtotal: $38.75

Best Kit = Basic and Better Kits plus the following:
Z2121 Garnet Stamp Pad ($5.25)
Z2130 Indian Corn Blue Stamp Pad ($5.25)
Z2114 Cocoa Stamp Pad ($5.25)
Z2110 Buttercup Stamp Pad ($5.25)
Z1151 3D Foam Tape ($5.95)
Subtotal: $65.70

Have a GREAT day!

Christmas Eve Traditions

Merry Christmas Eve!


I love family traditions. Christmas Eve is one of my favorite times for traditions.

Here are some of ours:

• We frost our homemade sugar cookies together as a family. By the end of the night, Dan has mixed all of the frosting colors together and has made at least one grey cookie.
• We have homemade chicken noodle soup and breadsticks for dinner
• We open one present each...which is always pajamas and a book
• Dan reads the story of the birth of Jesus Christ from Luke
  
• We have a family testimony meeting. We each share our feelings about our Heavenly Father, our Savior, Jesus Christ, and their gospel.
• All of the kids sleep in the basement together.

I shared some of our photos from last Christmas Eve. The tree is this year's tree though.

What are some of your favorite Christmas Eve traditions? I'd love to hear about them. Feel free to leave them in your comments.

Thank you, Allison!

Thank you, Allison for this gorgeous handmade ornament. I love it! I love all of the little details, like the sponged edges, the perfectly coiled wire, each little ribbon tied so evenly, and the gold paint on the edges of the wooden medallion. Classy gift from a classy girl! Love ya!

Thank you, Liz!

This darling 3" x 3" gift card came with a very sweet and generous gift from my friend and downline with Close To My Heart, Liz. Liz, I love the lotion and socks. They are both so cozy and scrumptious that I can't live without either of them ever again!

When I found this little gift on my doorstep I was so sad that I hadn't been here when you came by. But, much to my surprise I ran into you later that day in town. Fate! I'm so glad I got to give you a hug and thank you for your friendship and thoughtful card and gift.

Close To My Heart products used: December Word Puzzle Stamp Set (D1313...retiring December 31. It's a GREAT set so head to my website and order it now!), Evensong Level 2 Paper Pack (X7104B), Cranberry Stamp Pad (Z2116), New England Ivy Stamp Pad (Z2135), Colonial White Waxy Flax (Z1081), Clear Sparkles (Z1104), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151)

Thanks, my sweet friend, Liz! I'm so grateful for you!

Thank You, Lynette!

My sweet friend and downline with Close To My Heart, Lynette brought this 5" x 7" card by the other day. Isn't it gorgeous! She is super-talented and has added so much to my life through her example of never-ending energy, enthusiasm, and a standard of excellence in everything she does. You can visit Lynette's blog here.

I have been overwhelmed by the kindness and creativity of others this week! Thank you to the dozens of you who have left cards and gifts on my doorstep, sent beautiful cards that have arrived in my mailbox, or who have emailed me heartfelt greetings. I thought for the next couple of days I would share a just a few of the hand made cards and items that have come my way.

Close To My Heart products used: Heartfelt Christmas Stamp Set (C1378), Jingle Level 2 Paper Pack (X7115B), Juniper Stamp Pad (Z2165), Tulip Marker (Z2366), Black Legacy Writers (4275), Designer Ribbon Rounds Cranberry Collection (Z1209), Pretty Pins (Z1148), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), Adhesive Backed Pearls (no longer available)

Click here to order from my website 24/7...especially when you are inspired by the kindness of others.

Lynette, you rock! I love ya, girlfriend!

Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

Do you LOVE sugar cookies as much as I do? Probably not. That would be almost impossible. But, if you like them even half as much as I do, you'll love this recipe.

When I was engaged, I lived with my grandmother for a few months and a lady in her neighborhood made these delicious sour cream sugar cookies for a church women's group party. They were so good I just had to have the recipe. I knew that I would be married soon and needed to have the recipe to impress my new husband (tee hee). They were a hit with Dan then, and continue to be today with the whole family. The secret is the sour cream. The sad part is that neither I nor my grandmother wrote down the name of the lady who gave me the recipe. So I guess 25 years after the fact they are now "Karen's Sour Cream Sugar Cookies." Enjoy!

Karen's Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
makes about 4 doz. depending on size of cookie cutter

Cream together:
2 C. sugar
1 C. butter flavored shortening
2 C. sour cream

Add and beat:
1 eggs
1 tea. vanilla

Stir in:
4 1/2 C. flour
1 tea. soda
1 1/2 tea. salt

Roll out on a nicely floured counter. I knead in as much more flour as it feels it needs before I roll it out. Roll to about 1/4" thick and use cookie cutters of your choice. Bake at 375 degrees for about 10 minutes, or until done.

Cool on rack then frost. I LOVE to use buttercream frosting. Here is my recipe for that as well.

Karen and Nedra's Buttercream Frosting (I got this recipe from my mother, Nedra. I remember helping her make it as early as 5 years old. We use it on cookies and cakes. Delish!)

1 stick butter, softened
4 C. powdered sugar
1 tea. vanilla
dash of salt
1/4 C. milk (or a bit more if needed)

Put all ingredients in mixing bowl and beat until smooth. Feel free to add a few tablespoons of cocoa to make chocolate frosting, a drop of mint extract for mint frosting, or even just food coloring for color.

Come Celebrate with Me!

"Celebrate what?" you ask. National Papercrafting Month, Silly! I'll bet you were thinking Christmas or New Years or something like that. Nope. How could those ideas possibly pop in your mind before National Papercrafting Month? I just don't get it (ha)!

National Papercrafting Month is actually in January, but Close To My Heart is jumping at the bit. They want to make sure that not only can you get this great kit in January, but you can order it now and have it in your hands to play with in January. To celebrate, they have created this GORGEOUS collection called "Felicity."

"What's in the Felicity Collection and why do I need it?" you ask. Once I tell you and show you what comes in the collection, you will know the answer to your second question. Not only do you get a stamp set that includes a complete alphabet, flourishes, birds, argyle patterns, flowers and leaves, but you also get twelve 12" x 12" background and texture papers (B&T papers in CTMH language) in three different color schemes, and six coordinating 12" x 12" shaped papers perfect to use whole or in pieces on layouts, cards, boxes, journals, or countless other papercrafting projects. On top of all of that, you will also receive a two-sided, full-color brochure giving you project ideas along with the recipes for each project.

You can order or earn the Felicity Collection between now (December 15th, actually) and January 31, 2010...or while supplies last.

There are five ways to get the Felicity Collection. Read carefully so you can choose which way works best for you.

1. Purchase it at full price ($34.95 before shipping and tax)
2. Place an order of $60 or more in stamp sets (Stamp of the Month excluded) and receive one collection absolutely FREE!
3. Place an order of $125 or more in Close To My Heart products and receive one collectioin absolutely FREE!
4. Host a home gathering or workshop with minimum sales of $400 (before shipping and tax) and receive one collection absolutely FREE!
5. Join Close To My Heart between January 1-31 and you will get one absolutely FREE with your New Consultant Kit.

Here are several projects that I have made using the Felicity Collection. Feel free to click on any image to see it larger.
Click here to enter my website (24/7), then click on Shop Online to place an order.

Merry and Bright...and Last Day!

First things first: today is the LAST day of the Close To My Heart Online Clearance Sale (Holiday Heyday...50-80% off!). To take advantage of these amazing deals, click here and then click on Shop Online.

Next, I need to let you know that there is a brand new special beginning with Close To My Heart called Felicity (remember all those hints I kept giving you the past few weeks?). I will be telling you about it TOMORROW, right here on my blog. So, stay tuned. It's a good one!

Now onto some artwork. My daughter, Kori emailed me the photo that she and Rick chose for their Christmas cards the other day and I HAD to scrapbook it. So pretty! I know I'm probably a little bit biased, but I happen to think my daughter, her hubby, Rick and their little girl, Daci are the most beautiful little family around. As I was trying to decide how to scrapbook this photo to do it justice, I saw Jeanette Lynton's Color Me Monday combo for this week on her blog (Close To My Heart colors: Twilight, Heavenly Blue, Grey Flannel and White Daisy). "Wow!" says I. "That would be just perfect." So away I went.

I was really happy with the end product. I hope you enjoy it too. FYI: To make the glittery snowflakes, I used Create-a-Shade Paint (Z1039) and brushed over the Dimensional Elements Flurry Snowflakes (Z1225), then I quickly sprinkled with Prisma Glitter (Z134) while still wet. I LOVE the effect, don't you? I'll definitely be trying that again sometime.

I used a few products that are coming out in the Spring 2010 Idea Book (live here on my blog on January 1), so there is a sneak peek at a few new things. I'll put a little * by them in my product list. Sound good? Close To My Heart products used: Snow Flurries Stamp Set (D1384), Twilight Cardstock (X5666), Twilight Stamp Pad (Z2160), Heavenly Blue Textured Cardstock (From Spring Harmony Textured Cardstock Combo Pack...X5681), White Daisy Cardstock (1385), Grey Flannel Stamp Pad (Z2124), Grey Wool Marker (Z2325), Dimensional Elements Flurry (Z1225), Corner Rounder (Z578), White Daisy Organdy Ribbon (Z100), Photo Hangers (Z293), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), Create-a-Shade Pearl Paint (Z1039), Prisma Glitter (Z134), Irresitibles Lots of Dots* (Z1261, available January 1. These are the letters you see spelling out "merry and bright"...see detail photo below. I LOVE them! They are white with little raised polka dots. You can color over them with marker or sponge with ink and the letter will be colored but the dots remain white. SO STINKIN' COOL!), Filigree Charms* (Z1269, available January 1. These are the cool metal shapes I mixed in with the sparkly snowflakes...see detail photo above.).

I hope you are enjoying this time of year. I LOVE Christmas time. I am just about ready! Woo hoo! The shopping is done, the presents are wrapped (except 2. Dan the Man can't remember where he hid them. We're working on that.), the baking is getting done, and I'm feeling merry and bright.

Click here to order from my website 24/7...especially TODAY...the last day of the Holiday Heyday Online Clearance Sale.

Stuff, Stuff, and more Stuff

It's been several days since I've posted but that isn't because I haven't had things to post. It's because life has been such whirlwind that sitting down and doing it has been the issue. I can't complain. It's mostly fun busy...but busy nonetheless. So, this is a very full post. I've decided to number everything because there is so much to share. Maybe that way you can keep it all straight. I hope you enjoy it!

1. BIG Reminder: Today (the 16th) and tomorrow (the 17th) are the last days of the Close To My Heart Online Clearance Sale (Holiday Heyday...50-80% off of fantabulous goodies!). Click here to enter my website and then click on "Shop Online". There is still lots of good stuff left.

2. Jingle Christmas Layout: I thought I'd start out today by sharing a layout I made for a class I will be teaching for the ladies in my church in January. I just finished designing it. I know you've seen these photos scrapped before on different papers, but I thought the black and white on the bright colors of Close To My Heart's "Jingle" kit was striking. Feel free to click on the layout to see it larger.

Close To My Heart products used: Jingle Level 2 Paper Pack (X7115B), Tulip Stamp Pad (Z2166), Creme Brulee Stamp Pad (Z2167), Juniper Stamp Pad (Z2165), Round Sponge (Z697), Winter Buttons (Z1284), Autumn Buttons (Z1283), Dimensional Elements Flurry (Z1225), Dimensional Elements Hearts (Z1278), Colonial White Waxy Flax (Z1081), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151). You can order any of these products on my website.

3. Art and Soul: I wanted to be sure you knew that the December episode of Art and Soul (Happy Highlights) is up on my website. Just click here and then on CTMH TV to see it. It's a good one! It's only about 12 minutes long but full of great ideas and artwork.

4. Family Happenings: Next, I had to share my excitement about what is happening with Tannon and Dawson this week (BTW, Easton is coming home from his 2 year mission for our church on January 26...only 41 more days! I'm so excited! Trust me: a mommy that hasn't been able to see her son for 2 whole years is counting the days!). It has been a great week with sports for both Tannon and Dawson, and choir for Dawson.

A. Tannon: We played a very good Lehi High School team and won by 2 points. Whew! Tannon (#10 and shooting in the photo) had 19 points. The Lone Peak Knights are now 3-0. Woo Hoo!

We also had the varsity football banquet this week and T-man was named the team MVP (see photo of him with his "Heisman"), MVP Quarterback for our Region, and 2nd Team All-State. He has been offered a full-ride scholarship to play football for Southern Utah University after his mission, which we are VERY excited about. Easton also has a football scholarship there and will start this fall after his mission. He is a receiver and Tannon is a QB so it is feasible that in 2 years, after T's mission, he could be throwing to his big bro. How cool would that be? Indescribably cool is the proper answer. The head coach and one other coach from SUU even drove to our house to visit Tannon this week. I made myself a nervous wreck trying to be sure the house was perfect and deciding what to serve. It was in between breakfast and lunch so I went with muffins and juice. I hope that was okay. They drove over 3 1/2 hours to come and visit with Tannon. Pretty darn cool!

B. Dawson had his Christmas Choir Concert and I was so impressed. These kids can sing! I love this photo of him and 3 of his best friends (l-r: Brooke, Dawson, Dallin and Hayley) after the concert. I am so grateful for the GREAT friends that my kids have chosen. Dawson has also been playing up a storm with his basketball team. They have played 4 games in the past week. Dawson has either been high scorer or 2nd high scorer in every game and is leading the team in steals (he even had 8 in one game!). Since his first game, which they lost by one point in overtime, they have done nothing but win. Can I just say that I really LOVE winning? I also love this picture of D in his hoodie trying to look macho. Too cute for words.

I am so grateful for so much to share today. My life is full of good things. I hope yours is too!