Craftaholics Gift Exchange

Craftaholics Gift Exchange

It's almost time for a linky party!

Here's what I made:

and here's what I got from Tracie over at Cleverly Inspired sent me this:

Isn't it fabulous?? Thanks, Tracie!

Day 21

I made it!

We ended on a good day - Thanksgiving. I'm really grateful for all of your encouragement. I'm also grateful for my family, friends, and most of all, Kyle, and E. Thanks for all of your support over the past couple of years. I've really needed it! This challenge showed me I can really be a better person if I try! :) Enjoy your weekend!

Day 20

KEEP GOING!

As Dory from Finding Neemo would say: "Just keep swimming!"

I know I'm behind. I got sidetracked with Thanksgiving, baking pies and rolls, and Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopping. We just need to take one step at a time and be consistent. Easier said than done. I'm so grateful I've had the chance to do this and sad it feels like it flew by. I even got meet some awesome new friends who have taught me that no matter what...you gotta keep going. Even if doesn't seem like you can. 

Day 19

Day 19

TAKE A CHANCE ON YOUR DREAMS.

Today made me reflect on what my dreams are...I used to have many, but have since fulfilled many of them. I now have new dreams...like become a great creative person that can inspire others. Is is working yet?? I hope so...I hope I've inspired someone out there. 

Another one of my dreams? To play the piano without mistakes in front of a large crowd. I'm a little rusty and would need a piano and a ton of practice. But seriously, any time I listen to classical piano music, it makes me wish I could play like that. It's the way they put their heart into with different time changes, pauses, and holds. Makes me kind of teary-eyed. My specialty right now...Hymns, Primary songs, and some intermediate music. I am no Chopin, David Lanz, or of the like. I've had this one piece of music that is a beautiful arrangement of Hark! The Herald Angel Sings. I pull in out every year and try to play through it once. I have skip a whole section in the middle, but I LOVE it. One day...I will be better at the piano. :) Until then if you need a mediocre pianist, I'm your gal! 

Day 18

Day 18

We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day.

Richard G. Scott 

 

This is so true. We can't give up on ourselves because one day got a little tough. We have to be consistent. BE BE BE!

I'm starting to realize I'm kind of sad that the days are almost up. I'm hoping I can at least continue on until the end of the year. Enjoy today! Only 3 more days until Turkey day.

Day 17

Day 17

I'm a little bit behind  because the last 2 days have been rough. Feeling depressed and not motivated. I'm hoping to get back on track. To be honest, I don't know why I've been feeling down - change of weather, time of the month, etc, etc. But I really don't want to make up excuses for how I feel. I just don't feel good. Rhonna's thoughts for Sunday were this:

"This is not the time to give up. It's the time to stay strong. Believe in yourself. 

You are made to succeed. Did you know that? You have it in you. Every single person does. Each of us are given a great potential...we just have to wade through all of the clutter that tends to gather around us through the years.
Weeding out the bad thoughts. 
The negativity.
Anything that takes away from our growth.


And, when we get tempted to go back to our old ways...think:
WHAT REALLY MATTERS?



GET RID OF THE CLUTTER. 


STOP.
STAY STILL
& 
BE SURE TO LISTEN.

Listen to that voice inside of you that believes in you. That knows of your potential. It's in there. And if you can't hear it..I challenge you to STAY STILL & listen until you *can* hear it.

You are so amazing. There is no one else like you. Only ONE you...isn't that amazing to think of?
No one else can do what you can do. No one else has to offer what you have to offer.
do not discount that. It is a great blessing...& You are a great blessing to so many around you.
Look outward as you listen to that voice inward....& pay attention to what YOU can do to make the world around you a better place."

This really made me feel better. I know I need to take the time to just be still for 2 minutes and really listen. I know we don't believe the same things, but I know when I'm having a quiet moment to myself is when I feel the most spiritual. I haven't felt very spiritual for a while...and this challenge has been helping me reconnect with what I know I need to do. I think that is why I have had multiple days where I've just gone from being so happy to really depressed. It's because I'm trying to change. Change is hard for me period. I don't like trying to do things differently when I am in my comfort zone. I hope to continue with this challenge at least until the end of the year. Just try every day to be a little better. So I encourage each of you to take some time each day to stay still and listen. It can be helpful.

Day 16

Day 16

Never, Never, give up!

Feeling like I should today....so here's what I came up with. Too tired to write much more right now.

Day 15

Day 15

I can't believe we only have a week left in this challenge. Rhonna shared a book from Compendium. I was feeling very inspired the little video she shared today. I hope you will watch it and know you are important. We all have the power to do good in our own lives, our kiddo's lives, and it others' lives. Please don't forget that. 

What can you do? Do what you can. 

It may be something small, but someone appreciates it. Have a great weekend!

Day 14

Day 14

LET GO OF SELF CRITICISM.

LOOK AT IT FROM A DIFFERENT ANGLE.

AND

BE HAPPY.

The saying goes we are the hardest on ourselves. I think this is because we except a lot out of ourselves. If don't live up to our dreams, or accomplish our goals, we tend to get rather negative. Or at least I can say this for me. I think it's best to take a step back and try to find a different solution to the problem. This was most of my college career (the very short one I had). If a problem couldn't be solved, there had to be another way. It may take days, weeks, or even years to find a solution. But some of the greatest scientists had to take a different view of things to figure it out. I know...there I go with my nerdy science talk. BUT many of them succeeded by never giving up, and trying to solve problems by trying different things. So I think I'm going to keep that in mind the next I'm feeling like I've run into an unsolvable problem. TRY again and don't give up.

Color combos

I've been having a hard time putting together colors for my 21 day challenge. So far I've found fabulous help and inspiration from here:

http://www.inspiredbride.net/category/color-palettes/

and here:

http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/2010/02/day-8-introducing-papertrey-paint-chicago-cha.html
Go further down to where it says "contest." These were some fabulous color combinations.

and here:
http://theperfectpalette.blogspot.com/

Now to work!

paislee press: 25 Days of Templates Giveaway

paislee press: 25 Days of Templates Giveaway: "THE holiday templates class for digital scrapbookers is back! Join Tiffany Tillman in a brand new 25 Days of Templates workshop for the 20..."

Day 13

Day 13

YOU ARE AMAZING.

just the way you are. 

 

This made me feel good today. I don't have to be the perfect wife who always dinner prepared, the dishes washed, dried, and put away, the laundry folded, and the bathrooms cleaned or the perfect mom who always has well-behaved, clean kids, doesn't forget something out of the diaper bag, or remembered to pick up everything on her errands out. It means I can just be me. That "me" might be impatient from time to time, forget to cook dinner, or take 2 weeks to get the laundry done. BUT I love to hear my husband tell me, he loves me for just the way I am. It makes me feel good about myself. Don't we all need that? Just to feel good about who we are? I know I do! Enjoy today being "YOU!" 

 

 

Latest happenings...

Besides doing the 21 days challenge, I have gotten a few other things made. Enjoy.

Day 12

Day 12

IMAGINE THE END RESULT.

My end result: happiness. Do you think I can achieve it? I sure hope so!

Day 11

Day 11 

Rhonna said this today:

day 11.

our halfway mark.

It's HUMP day...

you guys deserve a huge pat on the back....

it's time to FEEL JOY.

BE PATIENT.

BE CALM.

HAVE PEACE.

SPRINKLE MAGIC.

IMAGINE.

FOLLOW YOUR HEART.

BE YOU.

So here's to 11 days! I'm feeling great about it. It's been getting easier to just stay positive and enjoy the simple things in life.

  

paislee press: Curated: A Sneak Peek + Giveaway

paislee press: Curated: A Sneak Peek + Giveaway

Paisless press has some amazing stuff. Check it out!

Day 10

Day 10

NO WAITING.

Here's what I came up with today. I think my my thoughts for today explain how I'm feeling today.

Jessica Sprague Blog hop

Great digital goodness, Batman! You have until November. 14th to get the goodness.
Start here ----> http://sweetsunshinephotography.blogspot.com/2010/11/jessica-sprague-art-of-digital-design.html
Have fun!

Day 9

Day 9

BE KIND TO YOURSELF.

I needed to hear this today. I was having a hard time and when I saw Rhonna had picked this, I knew it was directed towards me. I've been doing really good with my goal. I had a little set back today and I feel back on track. 

Day 8

Day 8  

CHOOSE WISELY.

Rhonna's advice:

"Do NOT give in to those little demons...choose to turn it around.

The power comes from within YOU!

focus outward...& you will be blessed inward.

attitude of gratitude, friends.

It works!"

 

Will you choose to be hard on yourself and turn inward or use your talents to help lift those around you and turn outward?

I'm hoping I am choosing to be more  of the "outward" type and trying to bring people up around me instead of bring people down.

 

Day 7

Day 7

"create inspiring, noble, and righteous goals that fire your imagination and create excitement in your heart"

-joesph wirthlin

DON'T LET THE FIRE BURN OUT!

Gotta keep trucking a long. I can't believe it's already been week. I feel like my goal is working out ok. Still going strong!

Day 6

Day 6

YOU ARE OF GREAT WORTH.

Do you know your worth? I know that I have a husband and a daughter who value my time with them. I know that I am of great worth because of the number of people in my family and of my friends who love and support me. Each of us is worth something to our Heavenly Father as well. I know when times get tough it's hard to remember that, but He is with us. 

Rhonna shared this quote:

"....through the things you create and by your compassion, you are a great power for good. You will make the world a better place. Lift up your chin; walk tall. God loves you." D. Uchtdorf

Just think...we all have the power to do good in our own way. This doesn't mean you have to be "crafty" "creative" or "good at everything." It means a smile at someone, a phone call to a friend in need, making a happy home for our children. Simple simple things. Chin up, people! We have the power to do great things. 

 

Day 5

Day 5

SEIZE EVERY OPPORTUNITY

Today my opportunity was to fold all the laundry and get it put it away. I've always been seizing a lot of opportunities to help E learn. She is so smart so I find myself teaching her new things daily. Who knew a 15 month old could pick up on so much? She keeps me busy. I've found that when I'm helping her I am my best self. She is my happiness. Sometimes I have to remind myself of this when I get frustrated after picking up her clothes that she decided to pull out of her drawers or cleaning up spilled cheerios for 5th time. However, if I seize every opportunity to show her how to be happy, maybe she won't have such hard time like I do.