Cherries Jubilee

Just wanted to share the exciting news from Cherries Jubilee Creations. Elizabeth and Curt have done it again. They have created exciting new designs especially for babies! And they are more than precious.
At Cherries Jubilee they love to take the guesswork out of card making and make it easy and fun. Just visit their web site to see all the great ways you can make cards with the help of the kits or just go with your own creative streak.
And, shhh, right now you COULD win an exiting giveaway (if I don't win it first...)

Baby #2 Coming Soon(er)

Though ultrasounds aren't entirely precise on the size of babies, I think I better follow my doctor's advice. After measuring he tells me that having a 9-pound baby would be dangerous following a previous c-section. So, I am going to have another c-section on Tuesday at noon! I'm happy that there is an end in sight, not so thrilled that I have to go through all the recuperation again. So, anyway, baby #2 will be in my arms in a short four days!

Random Photos

This Missouri weather doesn't make it easy for a kid! It's good for our flowers however!

It was so fun having Grandma, Grandpa, and Erik here for a visit!

A Questing Spirit

I just came across this quote by Hugh B. Brown on another blog that I read sometimes. I think is is such beautiful and wise council:

“I hope that you will develop the questing spirit. Be unafraid of new ideas for they are the stepping stones of progress. You will of course respect the opinions of others but be unafraid to dissent—if you are informed . . .

"Now I have mentioned freedom to express your thoughts, but I caution you that . . . in that search you will need at least three virtues: courage, zest, and modesty. The ancients put that thought in the form of a prayer. They said, ‘From the cowardice that shrinks from new truth, from the laziness that is content with half truth, from the arrogance that thinks it has all truth—O God of truth deliver us.’”

Have it all--24/7

As of this afternoon, Stampin' Up! is offering online ordering! Don't worry - I'm not going anywhere! You can still call me or e-mail me your order directly. I'm still here to answer all of your questions. I'm still holding workshops. Nothing has changed. BUT, you now have the additional option to shop online at any hour - day or night - for all of your stampin' supplies!

Also, you can now more easily browse through Stampin' Up!'s products online - instead of trying to navigate the PDF version of the catalog. I think they've done a great job of organizing all of the great products. You can even view project samples, see a checklist of all of the supplies used to make the project, and easily purchase the supplies you need! Stampin' Up! will also suggest other products that coordinate with the items you select!

I shop online A LOT. And, I have to say, I'm very impressed with the first version of online ordering. I think Stampin' Up! has created a fabulous store for you!

How do you shop online? Simply go to my Stampin' Up! website and click the "Shop Now" button in the top right-hand corner of the screen. Or click on the image above!!!

The Lords Family

This is my sister's family. Keri and Nick, Adam, Brock, Chad, and Abby live in Las Vegas. Adam is serving a mission in the Hawaii, Honolulu mission (see Elder Lords blog) and I get his letters forwarded to my email every week. It's such a treat to read about his experiences and feel the spirit of his testimony shine through. He's an amazing missionary and already has had some touching moments with many of the investigators that they know.
Here's a little from one especially heartfelt letter...
"In one day we picked up three people that at one time had a date for baptism. Seriously, it was amazing, because we didn't do anything to get them back. I love how the Lord blesses us when we show our commitment to him. It helps me try harder and work more diligently when I know the Lord will provide."

Keri is my big sister! She loves her "calling" as a mom and is a wonderful example to me as a mother. She is always doing things for others and loves and serves as the Savior would. She has a beautiful testimony and she shares it. I know many times she has shared her missionary experiences with me and it is always helps remind me to look for my own opportunities to share to gospel with those I know. She recently took a challenge to read the Book of Mormon in 60 days. Well, she did it in 46! She says, "I have read the Book of Mormon many times, but I don’t ever remember a time when the whole book came alive for me - the people, the places, the joys, the sorrows. I FELT everything!! But, what I felt the most was the love that my Savior has for me and for all of us. It is amazing to look back at all the times I highlighted the word Christ, Father or our Savior. Jesus Christ, his love and atoning sacrifice, truly is the golden thread that is woven amongst it’s pages."

Nick, my brother-in-law, is a dentist and has been especially generous with us. He has been the bishop in their ward going on 5 years and whenever I attend their ward, I feel the spirit so strongly. He relies on the spirit to help him accomplish goals for the ward, lead and teach. Their ward seems truly united in their commitments to the Lord, missionary work, and building each other as they serve.

Thanks Lords Family for all your amazing examples!

Labor Day Weekend 2008

We were able to go to Bentonville, Arkansas to visit Jared's cousin, Justin his wife Tamara and their family. We had a great time boating and there were some heated Ticket to Ride games. Thanks for the great time Anderson Family!

Luke loved being with his "cousins," Jordan, Nathan, Jacob, and Noelle. Here he is chillin' on the boat with Jordan.

Just One more Month

This picture is a little askew because I really don't think I am that big. I think when the picture rotated it distorted. Well, I'm huge either way.

15-Month Checkup

Luke had his well-baby check-up on Friday and here's the good news: He's doing well! Well, the doctor is concerned that Luke isn't really talking much, but I'm not too concerned because he jabbers quite a lot and he sometimes mimics what we're saying. I'm glad, though, that she is on the ball and not just blowing it off. I'm sure we'll be hearing more and more of this little man soon (too soon?). Here are the stats...
Length 30.5 inches = between percentile 25 and 50
Weight 23 pounds = between percentile 25 and 50
Head Circumference 18.5 inches = between percentile 25 and 50
All in all, not too shabby.