Grand Concert

Today I put the finishing touches on this layout. It is one of the three, two page 12 x 12 layouts we will be making at my Play Group classes in May with Close To My Heart's "You Rock" papers (of course, yours probably won't say "Grand Concert". lol. You can make yours say something else!). I will be showing photos of all 3 layouts in the future, but had to share this one today. I just can't believe how big this kiddo is getting!

The concert certainly was GRAND! I loved watching Dawson sing in his oh-so-talented Concert Singers group and listening to the outstanding symphonic band and orchestra play as well. The music program at Mountain Ridge Junior High is top notch. My favorite part of the concert was the last song of the evening. All three groups joined together to perform a medley of the theme songs for each of the branches of the U.S. Military. As each song began they instructed the audience members who had served in that branch of the military or who had an immediate family member currently serving to stand up and be recognized. Everyone applauded for them as they stood. A huge American flag dropped down behind the performers right before the song. I was moved to tears! I am so grateful for the sacrifices of so many service men and women, now and in the past, that make this country the land of freedom and opportunity that it is.

Close To My Heart products used:
You Rock Level 2 Paper Pack (X7122B), Top Coats Rockin' (Z1272), Outdoor Denim Mini-Medley Accents (Z1277), Bitty Sparkles (Z1263), Irresistibles Lots of Dots Letters (Z1261), Outdoor Denim Marker (Z2340), Outdoor Denim Pad (Z2140), Goldrush Pad (Z2123), Round Sponge (Z697).

Sing

Obviously I'm feelin' the black and red this week, right? This is a one pager of Dawson's (2nd from left in first photo) Christmas choir concert. I love watching him sing all dressed up in his tux.

This layout is simple. I made it in about 20 minutes. But, I think simple can still be classy and beautiful. I hope that is the feeling of this layout. The design was inspired by this week's layout sketch at Inspired Blueprints (#39)

Close To My Heart products used:
Game On Level 2 Paper Pack (X7097B), Everlasting Level 2 Paper Pack (retired), Clear Sparkles (Z1104), Dimensional Elements Simple Alphabet Lowercase (Z1047), Black Stamp Pad (Z2105), Round Sponge (Z697).

Click here to order from my website 24/7...whether you are singing or not.

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!

The Pedersen Results Show

With Idol's results show coming tonight, I thought I'd share a few results of my own. Dawson's choir concert last night was so much fun. One of the songs the boys sang was Jail House Rock. They all donned sunglasses, loosened their ties and did the cutest dance as they sang. Dawson looked ridiculous because he thought it would be funny to wear the huge sunglasses that Dan had to wear after his cataract surgery. They also sang a beautiful song in Latin with the girls and several other beautiful songs. It was a nice evening.

The other results I have to share are not so good. Tannon's team lost in the semi-final game of the state AAU Spring Fling tournament. I was proud of them though. They fought hard and did their very best. Tannon played great, had 23 points, and gave it all he had. Losing stinks, but at least we lost knowing we gave it our all.

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!