moments with kim

Tricks or Treats? CONTEST!

I can't believe it is already November. We have less then two months until Christmas. Two months! I have to admit, I am not a HUGE fan of Christmas.  Don't get me wrong. I love the spirit of Christmas. I wish the only focus was that of spiritual things. I am just not a fan of all the gift giving and pressure behind it.

So... I am always saddened to see fall come to a end. Halloween definitely marks the end since stores are already stocking the shelves with Christmas items and tend to completely overlook Thanksgiving. One of my personal favorite days. 

Halloween was different this year. It was different last year. I guess it will never be the same since my Mom is gone. She loved Halloween.  For the past several years our tradition was to go to her house for dinner then she would take the kids around the neighborhood as well as drive them to other neighborhoods. She knew which houses gave the best treats and formulated a system. Our kids loved it!

So.. I missed my Mom this past weekend. As much as I try to create the same evening for my kids, it just isn't the same. This year the boys were each invited to friends so it was just Darren and I with Katelyn. We took her to our neighborhood trunk and treat event then came back to the house for dinner and door to door treating. My sister and her husband came over with her little girl. Pretty low key evening.

Note: This pictures are just as is. I am not going to worry nor am I am the mood to edit. What is up with the idea that our pictures have to be perfect for blog posting? Just a thought. 

Katelyn was very excited about her costume this year. I am afraid she might be getting close to the end of her dressing up days. Maybe one more year. We will see. Of course the boys had no desire to dress up although Michael did end up wearing Darren's AC/DC horns to his friends.

My dear friend LeaAnn sewed the skirt and I applied the poodle and the leash. It was the most domestic I have ever been with a costume. I love the end result! PLUS it was a added bonus that the costume was warm since Idaho Halloweens are FREEZING!

We bought Cooper a costume this year. It was a hot dog. Our dog was going to be a dog. We were going to say, "Come here dog". Much to Katelyn's dismay the costume was too small so we had to come up with plan B.  I decided that the devil costume was much more fitting for him. He has been naughty lately! If you know of anyone who wants a beagle let me know! He knows he is treading  water with me and tries to shy a way and give me the big brown cute eyes. It is not working!

This picture is a bit blurry. He was sad that he couldn't wear the dog costume so he was not wanting to stop for a picture perfect moment.

TIME FOR ANOTHER CONTEST! I know Halloween has past but tell me what one of your favorite Halloween memories are. How did you spend the day as a child? What was one of your favorite costumes? Do you have a party each year? Do you even celebrate the holiday?

Leave me a comment and tell me about it! In one week I will pick a random reader and send you a FREE October Expressions Card kit.

Want to increase your chance of winning? Post this contest on your blog, leave me a link telling me that you did and your name is entered twice! Good luck!

We have a WINNER!

I realized this last weekend that I should have extended the contest and not posted that I would draw in a week. Trust me... I had every intention of posting on Sunday but after a LONG day Saturday and a LONG day Sunday I was too tired to post.  As they say all good things are worth the wait so I hope the below winner does not mind the wait a bit.

Be sure to email me etm(at)ida.net with your shipping address so I can mail your goodies!

A heartfelt THANK YOU to all those who left comments. You are amazing women stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things!

The next couple of days are going to be busy but check back this weekend. I will be posting pictures from our Halloween activities and am brewing up a new contest idea. (Imagine a witch laugh right now)

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL? CONTEST!!!!!!

I am so excited to WELCOME so many new blog readers who have found me through other web sites or blogs. THANK YOU for spending time on my blog. THANK YOU for leaving such wonderful comments. They have brought me to tears. THANK YOU for your love and patience while I open my heart through this blog.

Since August, we have thought of nothing else besides football. Seriously! I have asked myself several times how I got here? I have 5 sisters. No brothers. We played house. Barbie's. School. We watched pageants. In fact I can probably tell you most of the Miss America, Miss USA, Miss Teen USA winners for the past 30 years. We did not watch, play or even attend football games. My poor Dad was lucky to fit in a baseball game every once in a while since we controlled the television.

Needless to say when I found out the twins were BOYS I was a bit nervous. What am I supposed to do with boys.  I had perfected my girl hair techniques. Not boys!

So many times through out the years, Darren has reminded me that their behavior is normal. That boys act like that. Say those things. Do those things. Eat as much as they do. Make as many noises as they do. Wrestle NON STOP. I am still learning. BUT... I have to say, that compared to my one daughter, I will take boys any day. (Don't tell her I said that. She is an angel, just too much like me.)

So... back to football. I can honestly say that I am starting to enjoy the game. Odd I know. I HATE the ego that goes along with the game. Struggle understanding coaches.  Sit on the edge of my seat praying that my son does not get hurt. Freeze. Eat too many cold hot dogs. Pay too much for entry fees. BUT... love every minute of it!

This picture just warms my heart. Our boys attend Skyline High School.  Darren and I will never move from the Westside of town simply because we love the community that is felt here. The high school has tremendous parent support which is reflected in so many ways. The day before his big game, the cheerleaders decorated our front door. We hung our Skyline flag proudly and were excited!

The Skyline High School vs Idaho Falls High School game is ranked in the top 10 high school rivalries in the nation.  We look forward to the game each year. This years game was amazing. Of course we had to brave the weather a bit. Classic Idaho style. Here is Darren and his Dad waiting for the game to start.  Darren attended IF High School so sitting on the Skyline side has been something to adjust to! Go BIG BLUE!

Both sides of the stadium offer amazing tailgating festivities! Here is Katelyn with her buddy Hannah.

The Scrapbooker in me couldn't resist a picture of the football trays. How cool is that?

LOVE the painted end zones! Too cool!

I love this picture. Not sure what is up with Katelyn's silly face but it just shows how much fun they were having. 

Emotion Bowl tradition calls for dressing up and showing your team spirit.  You can't tell because of the coats but they were both head to toe in blue and white. Crazy hair. Blue hair color, ribbons and glitter.

Katelyn has been such a trooper and attends every game to watch her brothers. She socializes more then she watches the game and loves every minute of it!

Skyline lost the big game (we are still in mourning) but we made wonderful memories.  As a Mom of boys I have had to step out of my comfort zone, learn this blasted game, but because of that I have years and years of wonderful memories.

SO... are you still with me? What is a blog post without a contest? Tell me what you have done or doing that you never thought you would.  Think about it! How has life surprised you a bit? Leave me a comment about it!

I will draw one lucky reader in one week and send YOU a FREE pattern paper pak of NEW Basic Grey paper! YUMMY! Good luck!

Notes for Grandma

Yesterday marked the one year anniversary of the death of my Mom.  It is hard to believe that a year has already passed.  Death does not stop time. Life continues whether we want it to or not.

This past year has been the most difficult year of my life. Add the 3-4 months prior to my Mom's death and it is safe to say the past 15 months have been the most difficult!

Each of my sisters and I continue to struggle each day and come to terms with her being gone. As I knew this day was approaching I knew I wanted to do something on the day that we would all remember and have sentimental meaning. 

My thoughts turned to my Mom and a memory I have of her. Her uncle had passed a way and she was planning his service. Actually, my Mom had to plan several funerals in her life time. I now understand how difficult that was for her.

For his funeral, we were only having a grave side service. He was in his 80's. He had never married nor had children.  I will never forget the day of his service. I was asked to give the life sketch so I was nervous. It was pouring rain. My Mom had the idea to release balloons to music at the end of his service. Great idea except the fact that the rain weighed down the balloons. Instead of floating up high, they skipped across the road into the fence.  I admit I was annoyed when she was trying to free the balloons from the fence as we all watched on while getting soaked!

Now, that she is gone, it dawned on me that releasing balloons are not such a bad idea. My Mom left behind 19 grandchildren at the time of her death. Now two of my sisters are expecting. So we continue to grow. 

It is very important to us girls that our children continue to know their Grandma.  We want them to understand that she is aware of them. That she is working on the other side to bring us together as a family again.

The kids constantly draw her pictures. We continue to decorate her grave. We talk to her. We dream of her. We cry.

It might be odd for me to post these pictures, but they bring me comfort and peace.  I took a fall wreath for her shepherds hook as well as leaves to wrap the hook. I love the bright, fall colors.

My Mom was the ONLY one in her family that took care of the graves. I have many memories of spending the entire afternoon cleaning, weeding, and placing fresh flowers. In fact, we joke in our family that Mom went to the extreme. She had bins filled with seasonal flowers to rotate at the graves.  Most cemeteries remove the flowers after the holidays if you do not come and collect yourself so she would watch for those flowers not removed and steal them! I was mortified when I heard she did that!

As I thought about my Mom and her dedication to taking care of graves, I thought about what could we do for her.  I suggested that each of the grandchildren write Grandma a note.  I inserted the notes into balloons (purple and yellow were her favorite) I then had the balloons filled.

Yesterday my family, Natalie and her family, Christie and her family and my Dad all met at her grave.  My sister in Utah, Georgia and Arizona were all read at the same time and ready with their balloons. Her brother (officially cousin but we consider brother) also was ready with his balloon.

Keep in mind that it was a bit chilly yesterday.  Note the look on Michael's face. The older kids were not as entertained but the younger kids were elated! They knew that Grandma would receive their notes!

We were all ready. We had everyone else on speakerphone. We counted down 3 - 2 - 1 and let go! It was amazing! Now.. a few of them ended up in the LARGE pine tree right next to my Mom's grave but we know that the wind will pick up and Grandma will receive the notes.

It was important to us that we create a positive memory for our children instead of spending the day being somber and mellow.  I know in my heart that my Mom knows we were there and knows how much she is loved and missed. This will be a tradition each year for many years to come!

Love you Mom.

Love,

Kimmie

Two lucky WINNERS!

This week has been so much fun! So many NEW readers found my blog from Page Maps. WELCOME! Thank you for stopping by and leaving such wonderful comments. Be sure to check back often. I love offering contests and LOVE getting you to think out side the box a bit.

As promised, we have two WINNERS this week.

Julie: You win FREE Heidi Swapp goodies from me for posting under my ENERGY IN contest.

Christine: You win a FREE September Moments kit for posting under the BACK TO contest.

Congrats ladies! Be sure to email me at kim(at)expressthemoment.com with your shipping address. I will send your freebies THIS WEEK!

I will be visiting each of your blogs this week and leaving comments for YOU.  I am so excited to have so many new blog buddies and can't wait to be inspired!

Off to bed for now. It was a LONG emotional day. I will blog tomorrow and share pics.

HUGS!

Energy In! CONTEST! CONTEST!

Note: WELCOME to any new blog readers that found me through Page Maps! You still have until Sunday the 11th to leave a post HERE  PLUS! Be sure to leave a comment on my NEW blog entry. You just might WIN!

I am so excited to tell you about the amazing weekend I had with this lady. I first had the opportunity to meet Heidi several years ago at CKU-A in Provo. This was the first year CKU was teaching the album track. Heidi was introducing her new Heidi Swapp brand as well as teaching an album class. I was not in her class that weekend but we ended up chatting a few times, laughing, telling stories and I ended up with a FREE album class kit as a gift from her! It was a weekend I will never forget.  

The following year we met again at Memory Trends in Vegas. Shared a few laughs and recalled the crazy CKU weekend.

THEN I had the opportunity to attend Creative Escape last year with my good friend Tiffany.  I was able to meet her again and take her amazing class. Creative Escape was an amazing event. One I hope to attend again!

When Alicia advertised that she was coming to her store to teach, I knew I had to go. I told Darren that all I wanted for my birthday/anniversary was to attend the entire weekend of classes. (He was happy to not have to shop) So I anxiously awaited for the weekend to arrive.

What sweetened my anticipation was I was drawn as the lucky winner to spend Saturday morning with Heidi and enjoy breakfast before classes.

Ok. Why is it then each time I think I look decent I have my photo taken and realize that I don't? AGH! Oh well. Here we are at breakfast VERY EARLY Saturday morning.  The gal to her right is Nicole. I am not sure of her last name. She owns Lime Ricki Swimwear Be sure to check it out! She is also one of the most kind, soft spoken ladies I have ever met. It was a pleasure spending the day with her!

Heidi spoiled with me with wall art and a heart box from House of 3 So cute! I love her new HO3 site and tend to download... often! :)

After breakfast we headed back up to Rigby to begin a full day of classes. We had already created this book the night before. (all images by Heidi Swapp) Loved it!

Then... our first class Saturday morning was this:

I can't begin to explain to you how inspired I was by this class. One of my favorite things about Heidi is that before she begins a project, she explains to the class the inspiration behind the class.  She has always been one of my most favorite designers because of that. I love that she has never lost site of what matters most. She understands the reasons why she Scrapbooks and truly wants to leave a legacy for generations to come. She is amazing.

She explained that while in China she had reached a point where she felt that all her energy was being sucked right out of her. Oh how I can relate! She decided to see a acupuncturist. You can imagine a little 'ol Chinese man telling Heidi that her "chi" was not aligned. The Chinese belief is that we all have a energy circle. That if we give off negative energy then negative energy will circle back to us. I know I am not explaining that as well as she did but the basic idea is to evaluate what gives you energy. Hence the ENERGY IN project!

So.. I started making chicken scratches about what gives me energy and what takes it a way.

Think about it.

Here are just a few things that give me energy.

Alone time with Darren. Hugs and kisses from my children. Hearing my children laugh. A clean house. Spending time with each of my sisters. Feeling organized. Sleep. Music. Attending church. Blogging. Having a plan for dinner. Looking at photos. Prayer. Reading my scriptures. Attending the temple. A clean bathroom. Having my nails done. A new outfit.  A fresh diet coke.

She also taught us to reflect on what takes a way our energy.

Something I struggle with. I tend to focus my energy on things that I can't control. I worry about my sisters. I am having extreme anxiety over my Dad remarrying. I miss my Mom so much my heart aches every day. I feel angry. Resentment. Fear. I don't sleep. Non stop laundry!

She compared ENERGY to a debit card or checking account. Just like our bank accounts, our energy needs to stay in the black and not the red. Once we notice where our energy is going we can gain control of it. Our energy is the ONLY thing we are 100% in control of!

Like I said. Amazing. Simply amazing. I feel so energized!

Our next class was the above album. This class was intense! We got to play with alcohol inks by Ranger. I have not worked with these inks yet. I was hooked! I can't wait to get my hands on some and play more.

Our last class was a layout class. I can't find a picture of the class and my projects are not completed so you will have to imagine how awesome they were. Again, oodles of fun techniques!

So... that was a LONG post. WHEW! Thanks for reading this far...

Tell me.. what gives you energy? I have thought about this idea non stop the past few days. I keep making myself notes to add to my journal. I am intrigued.

The simple things in life. It doesn't have to be grand. Just tell me.

Leave me a comment! Not only will I choose a blog winner on Sunday from the Page Maps contest, but one lucky reader will also receive a Heidi Swapp goodie from me! Good luck! 

Back to...

First and foremost a huge WELCOME to any new blog readers that found me from Page Maps I am happy that you are here! If you are like me, you are a sketch lover and anxiously await each new month for Becky's sketches! Thanks Becky for your constant inspiration! 

Be sure to leave a comment below for your chance to WIN!

September is by far my favorite month of the year.  I love when the temperatures start to cool. I love the leaves starting to change colors. LOVE that is my birthday month. ( Just had to throw that in)
 Love  that my kids start school again.

I have seen so much change in Katelyn this year. It is tough being the only girl with two older twin brothers.  She no longer allows me to fuss over her hair and clothing. Shopping with her this year was a challenge. She refuses to wear jeans.  She simply does not want to bother with her clothes through the day. It is all about comfort.
She won't allow me to pull her hair back. She does not want clips or ribbons. I have tried talking her into getting dressed up for football games and showing team spirit. Nope.

I tried to purchase a cute back pack. Maybe something with flowers? Maybe a solid color? Nope. This is what she picked. These type of bags drive me crazy!

The boys started high school this year. Getting them to let me take a picture of them is a joke. They were not about to pose with their backpacks. This is the best I was able to get...

Here they are in their little truck. Their school bus for the year. It was tough watching them drive a way the first morning of school. Darren has driven them every morning the past three years. I know he is really going to miss those daily chats on the way to school.

Even though the change of seasons brings a bit of emotion, I love it because it means we are back to schedule.  Back to our morning routine. Hopefully back to Scrapbooking again!
  Back to..... 

FOOTBALL controlling our life! I hate to admit it but I am actually enjoying the game! As a Mom watching who knows how many games the last several years, I have been forced to learn the game a bit and actually like it! I don't like the ego that also is found in sports but I love watching my boys play.

So... tell me... what have you gotten back to this month? Traditionally we start school in September so that might be the first thought that comes to mind, but what else?

Take a minute and leave a comment. Who knows... YOU just might win the below kit! Good luck!

In love with this kit? Check out this kit and other ETM kits HERE

It's the little MOMENTS...

that make life BIG!

I have a rolladex  (don't know how to spell that)  card file filled with adorable quote cards I received in a scrapbooking swap several years ago. Out of all the swaps I have participated in, this file is my most treasured.  When ever I am in need of inspiration I refer to that file. This week:

"It's the little MOMENTS that make life BIG"

I realized that this past weekend when I took Michael to be measured for his first tux.

He was very impressed with the selection. He really wanted to rent a top hat but I suggested that he not look like a pimp his sophmore year. So he settled for this:

My goodness... he looks good.  Lately I have only seen him in football pads and cleats. Hot and sweaty. When did he grow up?
Note: Teag didn't want to go to the dance. He was invited to go boating for the day with his group of girls. He thought it was a better offer.
Michael is not old enough to officially date so him and several friends attended the dance as a group. I prefer that anyway!
As I took him to rent the tux then went with him to snap a few pictures before the dance, I felt the past 15 almost 16 years flash before me.
My boys are young men. They are amazing young men. I am so proud of how gentle and kind they are.
Just as he was leaving for the dance he gave me a big hug (in front of his friends) and told me how much he loved me and thanked me for renting the tux. My heart melted. Please don't go! Just come home with me! We can play with your legos like we used to! What? That girl is hot? No!!!!!

Ignore me... I am an emotional wreck this week. IGNORE the 16th. Too many candles will be on that cake!!!!

I am....

Outside my window... I am discouraged that I didn't get the yard work done this summer that I had intentions to.  We didn't plant the garden like we wanted to. Didn't build the new fence. Didn't stain the deck. The summer is gone. Yard work is going to have to wait. 

I am thinking... about so many things. My brain never shuts down. Seriously. For the most part, my thoughts are occupied with how much my life has changed this last year. Not a day goes by that I don't think about my Mom. I try to remember little details and regret not saying and doing so many things. I miss her so much my heart aches. 

I am thankful for... Darren. I am amazed every day just how much he loves me. I don't deserve him.  I am thankful for my children and the fact that they still love me each and every day even though at times I am cranky. 

From the kitchen... ummm... not much. I had every intention of sticking to my menu planning for the week. Didn't happen. I am looking forward to cooler temperatures so I am in the mood to cook more. 

I am wearing... a new pair of jeans that I LOVE! Not loving the size I have to buy, but they are feel good jeans. 

I am creating... yeah right. I love to create. I need to create. I will create. Some day soon. I will be working on a wall hanging for Activity Days tom.  I HOPE to finish the wedding announcement for my dear friends daughter by tom as well. 

I am going... to Twin Falls this afternoon. They boys have a football game so we are on the road! Long drive! Go Skyline!

I am reading... So many books have been started but not yet finished. Right now I am still working on "Finding Joy" by Merrilee Boyack. A favorite LDS author of mine. I long to finish one of my Nicholas Sparks books. 

I am hoping... that Teagan gets to play in the game tonight. Poor kid is such a trooper. It is tough watching Michael play most of the game while he stands on the side line. I hope he knows just how much I love him and how proud I am of  him. 

Around the house... are loads of laundry that need done. INCLUDING dog bedding because Coop decided to have issues last night. I still can't believe I am a dog owner. It is a dang good thing he is so cute because his behind would be gone a LONG TIME AGO! 

One of my favorite things... right now is a strawberry limeade from Sonic. They are so refreshing and simply make my day. PLUS they are only a buck during happy hour. 

A few plans the rest of the week.... football, football, and more football. I need to finish sorting items for a garage sale, work on updating the ETM website, work on winterizing the house a bit. Life. 

A picture to share... here is Kat at the fair Monday night. As much as she begged and pleaded she did not come home with this little guy. She has decided that she is going to save all of her dog walking money and buy him next year. Ummm.... it is not going to happen. (not the greatest picture. a bit blurry. sorry.)

 

 

Our little entrepreneur

A couple of weeks ago Katelyn was trying to think of ways she could earn more money. She has been very jealous of the lawn mowing money the boys earned this summer and insists that her allowance is not enough. Darren and I have always tried to teach our kids that if you want something, you have to work for it. I simply don't believe in handing children anything and everything without teaching them the value of work.
So.... she decided that she wanted to start a dog walking business. I helped her create some advertising flyers to place around town. A day or two later she received a call and now has her first customer! She is so excited!
We met with the owner and the dog a few weeks ago so Katelyn could meet the dog and understand what the owner was in need of. It is a perfect situation for her.  He only needs her twice a week. The dog is a medium sized dog and one she can handle.

Meet Bear.

The owner lives close to a school and open field so each day she is to walk Bear to the school and let him play for about 30 minutes.  He is still a puppy so he LOVES having a girl to play with!

It is going to take a bit of time for Bear to understand that she is walking him and not the other way around. He has a lot of energy.

Katelyn is a ROSE through and through. She has such a special place in her heart for animals. Especially dogs and cats. I won't allow her to have a cat so she has to enjoy them at Grandma's.  Our dog Cooper is her best friend. Even through he drives me insane, I can't imagine home without him.

Just thought I would share!