Single Page Layout from "Make It From Your Heart" and a Pumpkin Card

I created this layout using pattern #17 from our new "Make It From Your Heart" layout and card pattern book.  This book is a steal at $7.95 and includes 16 two-page layout patterns, 2 single-page patterns, and 12 card patterns.

This layout features my dad, LeRoy Overstreet. I love this photo of him because it really illustrates what this layout is all about. My dad taught me that "CAN'T" is a naughty word.  He taught me to try new things, to be persistent and never give up.  This photo is of my dad when he was in a play. He doesn't wear a moustache or beard in real life but he grew them for the character he was playing, and my mom thought he just absolutely had to have a photo taken that way to remember the experience.  The coolest part of all is that my dad didn't grow up singing and acting.  He grew up playing football, basketball, golden glove boxing, and running track.  Music and acting really had no part in his life. It wasn't until I was in high school that he discovered that although he couldn't read music, he had quite a voice.  A few other people noticed too and it wasn't long before some of them talked him into doing some community plays and musicals.  Trying something new like that when you are in your late 40's has to be really intimidating, but it's proof that he lives his beliefs. 

Thank you, Daddy for teaching me to believe in myself, to spread my wings and fly, to try new things and to never give up. I love you!

In addition to the layout, I thought I'd share a 4" x 7" card I made with the September Stamp of the Month: Fall Favorites. This set can be yours for only $5 with a $50 order, or for the full retail price of $17.95 and is available only in September.

CTMH products used on my Stamp of the Month card:  September Stamp of the Month: Fall Favorites, Honey Cardstock, Barn Red Cardstock, Colonial White Cardstock, Black Archival Stamp Pad, Saddle Stamp Pad, Chocolate Stamp Pad, Watercolor Pencils, Burlap Ribbon, 2" Scallop Punch, Basic Brad Assortment, Round Sponge.

Lastly, don't forget the AWESOME double stamp set called "It's Your Day" ($35.90 value) that is also available to you during the rest of September only (September is National Stamping Month).  It's only $5 with a $35 order. This set is a must have for any card maker or scrapper.  It's so versatile and has just a little bit of everything inside.

You will be prompted to add both the Stamp of the Month and the National Stamping Month set as you check out on my website with your order.

Father's Day, Tannon's Birthday and Dawson's Football and Basketball

As you know, yesterday was Father's Day and it was a grand one at the Pedersen home. Dan got spoiled rotten with wonderful gifts and a yummy dinner at his dad's house. We enjoyed a cookout and all the fixin's to go with it. Dan has been such a wonderful father to our children. I don't know many dads who spend more time with their kids than he does. He was never too 'macho' to change diapers, give baths, sing bed-time songs (although his songs never really sounded like the originals), or read stories. He was a true parent from the day our kidlets were born and continues to be now. Watching him with our granddaughter, Daci melts my heart every time. I love you, Dan-my-Man!

The two cards pictured above are the cards that Dan got from Kori and I with our gifts. Mine is on the left and Kori's on the right. I haven't really figured out why he got a store bought card from Easton (lol).

My father is amazing as well. I'll never forget the hours he spent in the back yard helping learn to pitch for softball, his insistence that "can't" should never be part of my vocabulary, and his generous, giving spirit. I don't know if I've ever known a more generous man than my father. I love this picture of my mom and dad. Two more Christ-like people, I have never known. They are currently serving their 4th mission. I look forward to them returning home in December but am so proud of them for the service they give and the example they set for all of us. I love you, Dad!

Dan's dad is the best father-in-law a girl could ever ask for. He loves his children and grandchildren and they know it. He raised the man of my dreams and for that I will forever be grateful. He never fails to find an opportunity to teach a life-lesson to all of us, which we all appreciate so much. Last night after our family dinner he sat us all down and gave us some advice and bore his testimony of Jesus Christ to all of the kids and grandkids in attendance. Priceless! I love you, Keith!

Our son-in-law, Rick is so sweet with his little girl, Daci. We are so grateful for him and the wonderful father, husband and provider he is! He is a man of few words, but many wonderful actions. I love watching him show his family how much he loves them through hard work and lots of laughter. I love you, Rick!

I'm glad there is a day set aside each year to honor the fathers in our lives. I sure have been blessed with wonderful fathers from every angle.

But all of that fatherly celebration happened YESTERDAY! TODAY is our Tannon's 20th birthday. I think this is the first time in 2011 that I have actually gotten a birthday recognition for one of my family members posted on my blog on the day of their birthday. I'm feeling pretty proud of myself. Tannon is on his mission in Spain and today also just happens to be his 8 month mark (16 more to go!). I can't believe he has really been gone that long. This is the first birthday he has ever celebrated away from home. We are so proud of him for the dedication he has shown in serving a 2 year mission. We miss the laughter that he constantly brings into our home, and the way he finds fun in any situation. The people of Spain are lucky to have our boy! Happy Birthday, Tan-Man! I'm not sure I'm ready for you to leave 'teenager-hood' behind. I love this photo of him and his companion at their most recent baptism (Selena). I love you, Tanny Manny Moo!


We spent the end of last week and most of the weekends at sporting events for Dawson. First we went to St. George to participate in the Dixie High School invitational basketball tournament where we won it all! WOO HOO! Good job, Daws and the Red Devils. Then it was back to Provo for Saturday for the BYU 7-on-7 football tournament. Dawson and Springville did great and made it to the round just before the semi-finals. They went undefeated through 6 games before losing to a team from Los Angeles who ended up making it through the semi-finals. I felt pretty darn proud of those Devils!

What a weekend! I'm exhausted...in a good way!