Memory Showcase Accordion Album

I have been working on this little project this week for a couple of reasons: 1) to give to Easton as a gift, and 2) as part of my application to teach at Close To My Heart's annual Convention this summer. Luckily, they will give it back! WOO HOO! Now, let's just hope they pick me!

I LOVE these little Memory Showcase accordion albums. Close To My Heart carries them in 2 sizes; 6" x 6" (which you see here) and 9" x 9". The two covers are chipboard and there are 6 pages inside. They are great to set out on a coffee table or dresser for display, and they are inexpensive too ($3.95 for the 6" x 6" size {Z1195} and $5.95 for the 9" x 9" size {Z1198}).




















Click here to order from my website 24/7...especially when you need a fun accordion Memory Showcase album.

Another One?

Oh my goodness! My heart can't take it. Easton JUST GOT HOME from his 2 year mission and now it's just about time for Tannon to turn in his papers for his. They can be turned in 90 days before his 19th birthday, which is approximately March 10.

One of the things that is required with the papers is a head shot in his missionary clothes. So, off to the park Tannon and I went with my camera in tow.

As of March 10 we will officially be awaiting the letter from the Church Offices to tell us where Tannon will be going and when he will leave (we are guessing June or July). After the papers are officially turned in, it takes about a week or two for the letter with his assignment to come back and during that time I'll run a little contest here on my blog for you to guess. I'll have some blog candy for the person who guesses the closest to where he is actually called to serve. So, be watching for the contest announcement and photo of the blog candy you can win around the 10th of March.

In the meantime, enjoy shedding a few tears with me as we anticipate another Pedersen missionary leaving.

Pam's Pretty Winning Card

This past week I ran a little challenge for my Close To My Heart team (The Pacemakers, so named because we keep "THE HEART" pumpin'. For more information about joining my team, email me {pedermom@aol.com}. I'd LOVE to have you join! We have so much fun building our Close To My Heart businesses together. . It was simple. All they had to do was create something (a card, scrapbook page, or anything else) using the Color Me Monday color combo from February 15 at Jeanette Lynton's Blog. The colors were Garden Green, Outdoor Denim, Crystal Blue and Twilight (all CTMH colors). I also created a card using these colors. You can see it here. You can also very easily sign up to be a member of my Pacemaker Close To My Heart team here.

Everyone on my team who wanted to participate was to email me a photo of their creation. On Monday I chose my winner. Congrats to Pam J! Her card is gorgeous and creatively uses the color combo.

Pam's prize is the card that I created with this combo. What a fun little challenge. I hope you enjoy the card, Pam! Thanks for being such a special part of my team!

March Play Group Pages

Before you know it, March will be here. That means a new month and new Play Group classes. During March we will be using the beautifully elegant Veranda papers to create these three 2-page 12" x 12" layouts. I meant to have photos on these before now, but it just hasn't happened yet (naughty me). I decided instead of continuing to procrastinate showing these pages to you, I'd just have to show them to you without photos, and then again WITH photos when I get them on.

The hold up is that I plan to put some of my wedding photos on these layouts. YES, I am making you feel GREAT! I have been married almost 25 years and have still not scrapped my wedding photos! YIKES! Because I got married in 1985, my photos sat for YEARS in one of those magnetic albums with the horrible glue that eventually eats your photos. My sweet daughter, Kori took my photos out of that album a while ago for me. Now I need to scan them all and re-print them since the originals will probably eventually disintigrate from that awful glue. So, I just have to find an hour or so to sit and scan. An hour is harder to come by than you think...especially while the Olympics are on! I am glued to my TV! GO USA!

Off the subject: What is your favorite Winter Olympic event? I think this time mine has been Short Track Speed Skating. SO EXCITING! I find myself leaning from side to side and holding my breath every race I watch!

Back to Play Group. The dates and times for classes* are:

• Tuesday, March 9, from 10 am - 1 pm
• Tuesday, March 9, from 7 - 10 pm
• Wednesday, March 10 from 10 am - 1 pm
• Wednesday, March 10 from 7 - 10 pm

*You can also participate long distance. Just email me to find out how (pedermom@aol.com).

As most of you know (and if you don't, look at the Play Group information on the left side of my blog), you are required to purchase the basic kit to attend. You are more than welcome to purchase more than that, but the basic is all that is required. Here are the kits for March:

Basic Kit:
Veranda Level 2 Paper Pack (X7119B) - $12.95
Veranda Level 2 MyStickease (X7119C) - $4.95
Filigree Charms (Z1269) - $3.95
Mini-Medley Antique Cooper Accents (Z1275) - $4.95

Total: $30.74** (this is including shipping and tax)

Better Kit = Basic Kit plus the following:
Just Blooms Spring Blossoms (Z1266) - $7.95
Stazon Brown Pad (Z1142) - $9.95
Cocoa Pad (Z2114) - $5.25
Tulip Pad (Z2166) - $5.25
Garden Green Pad (Z2120) - $5.25
Creme Brulee Pad (Z2167) - $5.25

Total: $75.37*** (this is including shipping and tax)

Best Kit = Basic and Better Kits plus the following:
Chocolate Alphabet (E1010) - $34.95

Total: $115.46**** (this is including shipping and tax)

**at this purchase level you qualify for the Stamp of the Month at 25% off ($17.21)
***at this purchase level you qualify for the Stamp of the Month at 50% off ($11.48)
****at this purchase level you qualify for the Stamp of the Month FREE

Email me (Pedermom@aol.com) asap to sign up for a March Play Group class. I need to know by Monday, March 1. Also, don't forget my Lucky You special for this month!

Lucky Me, Lucky You!

I've been thinking lately that it is much more fun to go through life feeling happy and grateful than sad and 'woe is me-ish.' That helped me count my blessings and realize how lucky I really am. Although Dan has been out of work for a year and a half now*, we are so blessed in every other way! We have a beautiful family that is happy and healthy, we love each other very much, we are strong members of our church and have a strong belief and faith in God, and I have a successful Close To My Heart scrapbooking business doing something I love. LUCKY me, is totally appropriate. I am one blessed daughter of God.

*If you happen to know anyone looking for an outstanding Pharmaceutical Sales Representative, let me know! Dan would be VERY interested. Until a year and a half ago he had done this for over 20 years.

I am also running a special in my business for March called "Lucky YOU!" Here's how it works: If you are a current Play Group member and you bring 2 friends to play group with you in March (you must give me a week's notice) that choose to join Play Group (read about it on the left side of my blog), you get your Basic Package (the one you would purchase in March for April's classes) absolutely FREE (a $30.74 value!). If you are not a current Play Group member but if you sign yourself and another new customer up for a class in March and you both join, you get your Basic Package (the one you would buy in March for April's class) absolutely FREE ($30.74 value)! LUCKY YOU! Please email me if you are interested in taking advantage of this special (pedermom@aol.com). Tomorrow I will be posting photos of the three 2 page 12" x 12" layouts we will be making at my March Play Group classes. They are gorgeous, if I do say so myself. We are using the beautifully elegant Veranda kit.

By the way, Play Group classes are at my home in Highland, UT. If you do not live in Utah but would like to take part in Play Group, I have some long distance options. Again, just email me for more information (pedermom@aol.com).

I thought I'd share a couple of "Lucky" cards to go with the theme of this post. The first card was inspired by last week's (2/15) Mojo Monday sketch (#126). I'm a little late, but it was one I really wanted to try. It was a unique sketch and something different than I have ever made. This is what I came up with.

Close To My Heart products used: Boom-Di-Ada Level 2 Paper Pack (X7095B), Emporium Level 2 Paper Pack (X7105B), Caboodle Level 2 Paper Pack (X7121B), Sunkiss Yellow Cardstock (1240), March Word Puzzle Stamp Set (retired), Sweet Leaf Stamp Pad (Z21553), Juniper Stamp Pad (Z2165), Corner Rounder (Z578), Round Sponge (Z697), Juniper Waxy Flax (Z1248), Winter Craft Buttons (Z1284), Liquid Glass (Z679), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151).

I like the first card, but think I like the 2nd one even better. I didn't use a sketch for it, just an 'old stand by' card design that seems to pop into my head quite often. I almost always like anything I create with a middle stripe and 3 accents.

Close To My Heart products used:, Emporium Level 2 Paper Pack (X7105B), Sunkiss Yellow Cardstock (1240), Olive Cardstock (1245), March Word Puzzle Stamp Set (retired), Noted Backgrounds Stamp Set (D1412), Sweet Leaf Stamp Pad (Z21553), Juniper Stamp Pad (Z2165), Corner Rounder (Z578), Juniper Waxy Flax (Z1248), Round Sponge (Z697), Holiday Craft Buttons (Z1285), Versamark Pad (Z891), White Daisy Embossing Powder (Z673), Waterbrush (1771), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151).

Click here to order from my website 24/7...especially when you're feeling lucky!

Senior Leader

How cool is this? The Salt Lake Tribune had this article about Tannon in the sports section yesterday. VERY nice!

Tonight is Senior Night. It will be the last regular season home basketball game of Tannon's high school career as we face Hillcrest tonight. After already having 2 kids graduate from high school and experiencing the Senior Night thing with Easton for football and Kori for drill team, I know the HUGE emotions that come with it. I have been crying all day! Where does the time go? How did this blonde headed, blue eyed, mischief-filled little boy become an almost graduated Senior?

After tonight Lone Peak plays Jordan High School at Jordan next week and then the state tournament begins. Exciting.

Creative Basics ROCK!

This is my 2nd post today. Be sure to scroll down for a fun star card.

Have I ever told you about an AWESOME, ROCKIN' product that Close To My Heart carries called Creative Basics? Well, then it's about time I did!

Creative Basics is GREAT for someone who wants to make a lot of cards out of the same papers or even a whole themed scrapbook that coordinates. They include 12 sheets of B&T duos (patterned paper with a backside that is printed also), 6 each of two designs, and a bolt of ribbon (4 yds). The cost is soooooo reasonable ($7.95). Each Idea Book there are 4 new scrapbook kits/paper packs released. There is also a Creative Basics pack released each catalog, and it always coordinates with one of the kits in the catalog. This time (Spring 2010 Idea Book) the Creative Basics (X5809) coordinates with the Veranda kit (X7119A, B and C). I will be showing you a DARLING Mother's Day workshop that I created with the Veranda Creative Basics (X5809) pack and will be holding in April in a few days.

Until then, I thought I'd tide you over by showing you this card. I created it with another of our Creative Basics packs (Emporium - X5806). How cute is this paper and coordinating ribbon? I also used the wonderful sketch from Kazan this week at 2Sketches4You. Thanks, Kazan!

Creative Basics packs are only available while supplies last. There are currently four Creative Basics packs in stock: Emporium, Jingle, Animal Cookies and Veranda.

Click here to order from my website 24/7...because I know you are 'basically creative.'

You're a Star

This week's Color Me Monday combo (Crystal Blue, Garden Green, Outdoor Denim and Twilight...all CTMH colors) over at Jeanette Lynton's blog is a great one! I love the masculine feel of this mix. I also really liked the sketch this week at Card Patterns. I combined the two and this is what I came up with.

Wondering how I got all of those colors on that star? Well, I did a little paper piecing. I stamped my star in all 4 colors (garden green, outdoor denim, twilight and crystal blue). I used the garden green star as my base and then cut out pieces of each of the others and glued them on. Easy, peasy, lemon squeasy! I really like the look.

I ran a little challenge for my team with Close To My Heart this week (my team is called The Pacemakers because we keep 'The Heart' pumpin'!). I challenged them to use the Color Me Monday color combo on a piece of art they create this week and email me a photo. I will be judging what they send and the winner will receive this card..the one I made with the CMM combo. I can't wait to see what everyone creates! By the way, if you are interested in becoming part of my team, I am more than happy to answer any questions you have. Just email me at pedermom@aol.com. You can also click here for info and to sign up.

Close To My Heart products used: Shining Star Stamp Set (D1320), Garden Green Stamp Pad (Z2120), Outdoor Denim Stamp Pad (Z2140), Crystal Blue Stamp Pad (Z2117), Twilight Stamp Pad (Z2160), Emporium Level 2 Paper Pack (X7105B), Back Country Level 2 Paper Pack (X7110B), Autumn Craft Buttons (Z1283), Winter Craft Buttons (Z1284), Crystal Blue Waxy Flax (Z1247), 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), Corner Rounder (Z578).

Non-CTMH products used: Heidi Swapp Ghost Stars

Click here to order from my website 24/7...because you are a STAR!

Ups and Downs

What a crazy past 7 or 8 days! As you know, much of the ebb and flow of the Pedersen house comes from sports. With the end of the basketball regular season nearing and the state tournament time just around the corner, games begin to have even more meaning. This past week is a great example of the ups and downs of emotions that come with a house full of athletes.

1. The Mt. Ridge Huskies finished their regular season with a big win over a great team. Dawson led the team in scoring for the game, and even the year, and loved having big brother, Easton there watching this final regular season game. Up!

2. Dawson's team was expected to play for the league championship. They won their division and had only lost 2 games all season. Unfortunately they were upset in the quarterfinals by a team that they had already beaten twice this season. Down. Dawson was sad (that is a very small word to describe how upset our Awesome Dawson was) but thankfully we have now moved on. Whew! He is excited to start some weekend workouts to help him get ready for next football season this Saturday. Up.

3. Tannon's team (Lone Peak High School) is experiencing highs and lows everywhere we turn. Our center, who had been out most of the season due to two severe concussions, came back and played 2 games only to be re-injured in practice the next day and is now out for the season. Down.

4. Tannon has been averaging just under 20 points per game this season, but has really struggled in his shooting this past week against Pleasant Grove and American Fork. Come on, T-Man! We've got to get that percentage back up. Down.

5. Although Tannon only scored 8 points last night against American Fork (Down), they were at opportune moments; like the 3 pointer he hit with no time on the clock to end regulation and put the game into overtime, where we won went on to win it. Definite UP!

6. Tannon hit two three pointers last night which helped him break two records (read the article about last night's game here). One was the single season three point shooting record at Lone Peak. Tannon has hit 57 threes this year. He also broke the career three point shooting record at Lone Peak with those two threes. He now has 83 career threes at Lone Peak. Another BIG Up! He also leads the state of Utah in 3 point shooting this season. HUGE Up! That said, I know that Tannon would prefer a state championship to any other record, any day.

6. Although Lone Peak has not fared as well as hoped in our talented region, we have now secured a birth in the state playoffs. Up!

7. Since Easton returned from his mission, he has been able to attend all of his brothers' games and cheer them on. He is a proud big brother. This means the world to Tannon and Dawson. Up! Easton also found a great job this week that will allow him to put some money away as he prepares to move to Cedar City to go to school and play football for Southern Utah University this coming year. He has hired a wonderful trainer to work him out 4 days per week to get him ready for the physical demands of college football. Up!

I'm happy to say in this week of highs and lows and ups and downs, the ups have outnumbered the downs. That's ALWAYS a good thing!

Board Meeting Invitations

Some of you know that I am the president of the Women's Organization at our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, also known as "The Mormons." I LOVE these women. Twice a year we have a board meeting. There are over 30 women on the board who make our organization tick. I appreciate so much the service that they each give to make our Relief Society so wonderful. There are countless women and families in our area whose lives have been touched by the time and energy and love of the women on the board of this organization. Just this past two weeks alone we had births of 3 babies and a funeral. Food was provided for each of the families of the new babies for 3 days each and a family luncheon after the graveside service was provided for the family that lost a dear family member. These are the kinds of things the Relief Society does. I'm so proud to be part of such a wonderful organization.

I spent the morning today making reminder invitations for the members of the board for our meeting. This is the invitation I came up with. It's pretty simple, as I needed to not only get over 30 done today (that's what I get for procrastinating) but also delivered. As simple as they are, I still think they came out pretty. How can I miss with the wonderful products that CTMH provides?

Close To My Heart products used: Silhouette Creative Basics Collection (retired), Black Cardstock (1386), Colonial White Cardstock (1388), Black Stamp Pad (Z2105), Hollyhock Stamp Pad (Z2128), Heartfelt Stamp Set (B1297), Autumn Garden Mini-Medley Collection (Z1119), Designer Ribbon Rounds Hollyhock Collection (Z1122).

Click here to order from my website 24/7...especially when making invitations!

Happy Valentines Day!

Daci and I wish you a very Happy Valentines Day! We hope it is spent with people you love doing things you love to do!

The Final D

This is my 2nd post today so be sure to scroll down to see the "Unexpected D" post.

I used the sketch from CPS this week (great simple sketch!) to make Dan-the-Man's Valentine. Boy, do I love this guy. Of course he is not perfect, but then again, neither am I. We both make mistakes, do stupid things, and hurt each other's feelings at times, but the good news is that we both know how to say "Sorry." You know that old saying, "Love means never having to say I'm sorry"? Well, this is what I have to say to that: Bull PUCKY! Love means saying you are sorry A LOT and then doing your best never to do the same dumb thing again.

I am so grateful for a husband who loves me in spite of my faults (which are many!) and who thinks I'm the most beautiful woman in the world (even though I am carrying around an extra 3o pounds the past year). He makes me laugh, he supports me in everything I do, and he is the best dad and grandpa around. He loves the gospel, honors his priesthood, and attends the temple often. I'd say I hit the jackpot. And on top of all of that, he is a BIG DUDE (6'4", 300+lbs.)! I knew when I married him, no matter how pregnant I got, or if I happened to gain a few pounds, I would always look little next to this guy! How's that for a reason to be in love? HAHAHAHA!

Seriously, we have been through almost 25 years of marriage, the births of 4 children 1 grandchild, sick and injured children, building homes, experiencing deaths of family members, graduating from college, playing college football, the Mrs. Utah and Mrs. USA pageants,unemployment and so many things together. There is no one I would have rather traveled down this road with. I love you, Dan-o!

Close To My Heart products used: Black Cardstock (1386), Colonial White Cardstock (1388), Silhouette Creative Basics Collection (retired), Cranberry Ribbon Rounds (Z1209), Essential Brad Assortment (Z1219), Holiday Craft Buttons (Z1285), Nature's Ambiance Rubons (Z1097).

Click here to order from my website 24/7...especially when you're in love!

An Unexpected D

I thought I only had one 'D' card left to make. That's what I get for thinkin'! I guess the Dan "D" card will have to wait until tomorrow to be get done. I saved him for last because, well because he is the love my life, that's why. Last the best of all the game. Oh yeah, back to the reason for this post....

Easton invited me to attend a Brigham Young University Young Ambassadors concert last night. They are the singing/dancing/performing group for BYU (you can read more about them here). Easton's friend, Daysha is one of the cast and he wanted to go and watch her and support her.

Of course, when you watch a sweet friend perform, you must take flowers. And, if you are taking flowers, you also need a great gift card. So, to work I went. "D" for Daysha. I used the technique that is taught in the latest Art and Soul episode called "Oh, Baby!" (which you can watch here on my website. It's only about 11 minutes long and it's awesome!). The technique is called Emboss Resist. Anyway, I finished my tag lickity split and Easton wrote his 'break a leg' note on the back, and away we went.







In a nutshell, this is what you do:
1. Emboss image using clear embossing powder on a piece of paper or other surface (I used a white Dimensional Element Monogram "D").







2. Sponge over the entire area (I used my Baby Pink pad). The embossed part will resist the ink. The color of the original surface will show through (mine was white).









3. I then chose to do a little more sponging with my Bubblegum pad. I just sponged the ink around the edges of the "D" and a little around each flower.

Close To My Heart products used: Connections Stamp Set (D1330), Dimensional Elements Monogram "D" (Z1058), Baby Pink Stamp Pad (Z2102), Bubblegum Stamp Pad (Z2109), Versamark Pad (Z891), Clear Embossing Powder (Z671), Boom-Di-Ada Level 2 Paper Pack (X7095B), Sunkiss Yellow Cardstock (1240), Summer Craft Buttons (Z1282), Just Blooms White Daisy Variety Pack (Z1300), Watermelon Gingham Ribbon (retired), Bubblegum Waxy Flax (retired).

Non-CTMH products used: Ribbon (offray)