Spring...At Last!

“Just living is not enough,” said the butterfly. “One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.”               ~Hans Christian Anderson

Confessions of a Sweet Tooth Stamper

Hello, my name is PK, and I'm addicted to sweets. Cookies, cupcakes, candy...and without a doubt, Coca-Cola. How ironic that all my weaknesses start with a "c". And they all have this naughty word in common too...calories!

So it's no surprise that I would also have a weakness for stamps that feature all my beloved sweets. Here's a few projects I made with Paper Smooches Sugar Rush stamp set. Though addicting, these sinful "sweets" are calorie-free!

Chocolate milkshakes, right? Wrong! Coke floats, baby!

Can you also tell I have a weakness for polka dots?

Since I'm making confessions here, these projects were actually made for Paper Crafts magazine's upcoming Stamp It! Cards special issue. You're probably saying, "Those tags don't look like cards to me." Well, you would be right! Apparently in my sugar-induced stamping coma, I overlooked that little detail. So I went back and made the Celebrate card above. Sadly, none of my projects were Stamp It! Cards-worthy, but I had fun getting "inky" anyways. And like they say, "Practice makes perfect," so I'll keep stamping...

And consuming my beloved sweets!
PK

P.S. Paper Crafts is currently accepting submissions for Holiday Cards & More, Vol. 7. (And for this special issue you CAN submit tags, as well as cards, gift bags, treat containers, home decor, and more!) The deadline is Monday, April 16, so don't delay! Click HERE for all the festive details!

National Siblings Day

Do you believe in serendipity? Dictionary.com defines it as: "luck in making desirable discoveries by accident."

I just happened to be thinking about my sisters today and out of curiosity typed "National Sisters Day" into my Google search engine. I learned National Sisters Day isn't until the first Sunday in August, but serendipitously discovered that National Siblings Day is today, April 10!

It must be a sign I need to celebrate these two girls and our shared DNA!

Seamstress extraordinaire, aka Gigi, made us these gorgeous dresses, circa 1989. Since I was a mature 7th grader, I insisted that my dress not match my sisters. 

I believe this is my 26th birthday. Holly and I had both just moved back to Texas and were about to become roommates.

Laurie and I at our cousin Todd's wedding in Spokane, WA, 2005

Lounging in the pool in McCall, Idaho, 2008

At our cousin Taylor's wedding, Salt Lake City, 2011

Our favorite happy place, McCall, 2008

"They laughed a little louder,

they cried a little softer,

they lived a little stronger,

because they stood together...sisters."

Since my siblings just happen to be sisters, I guess it really is National Sisters Day, after all!

Love you, girls!

PK

Pins, Peeps & Bears, Oh My!

Lexus and I went to Smith Lodge (aka my aunt's house) for a fine Easter feast. It was slightly delayed because my sweet uncle accidentally turned off the oven (instead of the timer) when they got home for church. That's okay...Eric has vowed to never touch the oven again! It's an Easter miracle!

Since we had some time to kill, I pulled out my camera and snapped Bonnie's latest Pinterest projects. Unlike me who pins ideas with the intent to recreate them, Bonnie actually does! Every time I come for a visit, she has added a new organizational masterpiece or holiday wonder to her home.

And Easter was no exception!

Some jelly beans and Peeps sweeten this pretty bouquet of flowers.

Peeps also found a home on Bonnie's infamous bundt carrot cake.

Watch out, Martha Stewart! Serious baker in the house!

Meet Bert the Bear. He joined the family last week (Costco, $29.99). As you can see by his choice of beverage, he has very good taste!

And just so you can get a feel for Bert's size, here he is next to Lexus! 

Hope everyone had an eggs-cellent Easter!
PK

Easter Wishes

While the weather in Utah is still pretty unpredictable, the calendar confirms that spring is officially here. And I, for one, am very happy about it. Besides the longer days (which warms my heart), I can't wait to shed my bulky winter coat and boots for a pair of cropped jeans and open-toe wedge sandals. I guess I better schedule that pedicure, huh?

Spring also makes me think of new beginnings. A chance to redirect your compass, adjust your sails and look at the world with renewed eyes. Perhaps that's why I love flowers so much...they're little reminders that life is full of wonder.

Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Utah

Dallas Arboretum

Texas Bluebonnets (with one very cute Little Dame!)

With Easter right around the corner, I'm looking forward to a weekend of chocolate bunnies, flowers in bloom and quiet reflection on the One who made everything possible.

Speaking of bunnies, today over on the Paper Crafts Connection blog, we're spotlighting my Easter Wishes Card from the March/April 2012 issue. I made it with one of our free downloadable sentiments:

Here's to a weekend full of wonder!

PK

Please Don't Snicker...

Happy belated Valentine's Day!

Although my mom claims there's not one crafty bone in her body, she surprised me with this cute candy heart on Feb. 14. Not only am I impressed with her cutting skills (look at that perfect heart!), look how she pleated that white crepe paper. We're definitely not dealing with a beginner crafter here.

Truth be told, my mom's been making these candy hearts for my sisters and I since we were in grade school. The only thing that's changed is the selection of candy. Now I'm spoiled with Peanut Butter Snickers, Dark Chocolate Mounds and a caramel-flavored Milky Way. So far I've tried the Mounds and Milky Way. Both were delicious, right out of the freezer (the only way to eat candy bars, IMHO). I'll get back to you on the Peanut Butter Snickers. I'm a little hesitant to try it. I mean, why mess with perfection?

Cute side-story about the Hershey's Kisses...I guess while my mom was assembling my gift, Lexus just couldn't handle the temptation any longer. While grandma wasn't looking (first mistake), Lexus ripped a Kiss right off the heart! Before my mom could chase after Devil Dog, she ran up to her room and consumed the sinful chocolate, foil wrapper and all. Once grandma caught up to her, she attempted to grab a piece of foil (second mistake), but Lexus wasn't about to part with it. Teeth and nostrils flared, my mom narrowly escaped losing a finger. And wouldn't you know it, Lexus suffered no side effects from the chocolate or foil. She really is a little devil.

Moral of the story: I'll have to be extra careful when I pull that Peanut Butter Snickers out of the freezer!

PK

Another Year

Image courtesy of Hello, Friend

Happy New Year! I began 2012 by teaching a workshop on self reliance for my church.

With so many things on my plate right now, I was really begrudging this assignment, but this topic couldn't have come at a better time. You see, as someone who tries to navigate life by herself, I needed to be reminded of this simple truth:

Being self reliant doesn't mean you're on your own.

Below is one of the quotes from my workshop, and I absolutely love it. I love it so much that I printed, laminated and passed it out as bookmarks for my students' scriptures. (This way that little reminder is always nearby.)

“God does not begin by asking our ability, only our availability, and if we prove our dependability, He will increase our capability.” ~Neal A. Maxwell

Happy New Year!

PK

P.S. I also love the image above. What are your new dreams?

Bella Who?

On Nov. 18, Megan and I got dressed up in our finest winter attire for the opening night of Breaking Dawn. Looks like Megan's personal invite from Edward arrived just in time!

Since it's a tradition to pose in front of the Twilight movie posters, we kindly asked two strangers to step aside so we could get up close and personal with Edward and Jacob. Oh, wait...Jacob's not on this movie poster! Just that skinny Bella chick. Luckily, we figured out a way to enhance the poster...

When you're snuggling with a cold-blooded vampire, it helps to wear layers!

Now it's Megan's turn to cozy up to her favorite leading man!

Our finest winter attire had another purpose this night. As soon as we snapped these photos, we walked outside and were greeted by the first snowstorm of the season. It was a slow process driving home, but it's not every day you get your picture taken with with a sparkly vampire. Go Team Edward!

~PK

Your Humble Servant, Edward

It's hard to believe it's been two years since Megan and I posed in front of this movie poster. As underground Twi-hards, we've seen all of the Twilight movies together. So what if the acting is so-so and the median age of most audience members is 14. We enjoy our Team Edward vs. Team Jacob rivalry too much to care what critics or our parents think. And by parent I mean my dad. I can guarantee my 56-year-old mother will be sitting with us on opening night! I probably should adjust that median age, huh?

So when I came across this entry for Paper Crafts magazine's annual World Card Making Day Contest, I knew it was meant for a higher purpose. It was meant to be Megan's invitation to the next Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn!

FYI: I only called dibs on this card after it didn't make the final cut in our contest. Jolayne Harris, for what it's worth, I think you card is fang-tastic!

Jolayne even included two bite marks on the inside of her card!

To draft the invite's text, I downloaded a font that looks exactly like Edward's handwriting. And just how do I know what Edward's handwriting looks like? You'll have to read the books to find out!

My phone number has been blurred to protect Edward's privacy. You wouldn't believe how crazy fans get these days!

With just 4 days 'til opening night, Megan better rsvp soon! If not, Edward might think she's switched to Team Jacob!

~PK

This Dog's Life...in Costume!

Lexus as a witch for Halloween, 2005 (The pumpkin belly belonged to her former mommy who was about to pop!)

It's that time of year again...Halloween! Lexus looks forward to Oct. 31 every year! Forget Valentine's Day or Easter. This holiday is all about Lexus' favorite past time: dress up!

First a witch, now a devil...I'm starting to see a dark theme here. 

Desperate to reinvent her image, Lexus went for a more playful costume for Halloween, 2008.

The pink wig was so much fun, Lexus went on to wear the most iconic wig of all time for Halloween, 2009. Unfortunately, the force was not with her that year... Princess Leia doesn't have whiskers!

So maybe this year Lexus will embrace her inner ogre. At least the whiskers can stay!

What do you think Lexus' best look has been? If you have any costume ideas for Halloween 2011, we're all ears!

~PK

Charlie's Angels

Weddings always bring out the Angels - Sept. 30, 2011
(And yes, our mom's nickname just happens to be Charlie.)

Laurie is wearing another original creation by Gwen B. Smith. It's based on this Elie Saab dress worn by Angelina Jolie.

One of these is not like the others. Red heel, red heel, cheap heel.

But who needs Christian Louboutin when you're an Angel?

~PK

Have a Coke and a Smile

Girls Week 2011 officially begins today! Joining me in beautiful McCall, Idaho will be all my favorite girls: 

• Grandma
• Mom
• Two sisters 
• Two aunts 
• Three cousin-in-laws 
• Two toddlers 

Looking forward to lots of Cokes and smiles!

~PK

Kids Say the Darndest Things

Photo courtesy of Cristi Dame Photography

When was the last time a kid cracked you up with something they said? I just love how their little minds work.

My all-time favorite kid quote came from a girl who lived across the street and used to play with my younger sister. She had an adorable page boy haircut, bright blue eyes and way too much charm for a five-year-old. (She reminds me of another munchkin who's always making us laugh.)

I asked her one day, "Katie, how did you get to be so cute?"

Without missing a beat, she said, "God made me that way."

She said it so matter-of-fact, who was I to question her?

So, when I came across these cute greeting cards from Pelican Press, I just had to snatch them up right away!

What's the last funny thing you heard from a kid?

~PK

Cooper Smith - Head of Class

Meet Cooper Michael Smith. My 17-year-old cousin graduates from high school today. Sniff, sniff.

In the words of his poetic father, "We be so proud."

Coop, I'm proud of you too. Go ahead and walk tall today. After all, you have quite the yearbook picture to live up to. :)

~PK

Mimi's Magic

First came Gigi. Then came Mimi. This mother/daughter duo most definitely know their way around a sewing machine. (Sadly, I did not inherit this gene...despite the purchase of a child's sewing machine, a few lessons and the determination of one resourceful grandmother. Sorry, Gigi.)

Mimi is the mother of my five male cousins and the grandmother of McCall, who is quite the "Little" munchkin...

Photo courtesy of Cristi Dame

...and the recent additions of Nixon and Elise, who both just turned one this spring. Let's just say Mimi loves spoiling her granddaughters, but she still knows a thing or two about boys, as evident in Nixon's new superhero nursery:

Photo courtesy of Cristi Dame

Mimi has some crazy sewing skills! I wouldn't doubt if she is Superman's long lost sister. Click HERE to see more pictures of Nixon's new superhero digs. Can I just say I love the addition of Wonder Woman to the cast of characters on the wall? Plus, it looks like the room is agreeing with Nixon...he's already perfected his man of steel stare...

Photo courtesy of Cristi Dame Photography

To read more about Mimi's one-of-a-kind creations, visit her Etsy shop, Mimi's Magic.

~PK

An Incredible Lady...An Incredible Life

We said goodbye to this special lady, my grandma, on Feb. 10. Today would have been her 90th birthday. And while her frail little body was no match for her indomitable spirit, in the end, she said goodbye on her terms and left as sweetly as the evening sun setting in the West. We still miss her and I'm sure we'll continue to miss her for a very long time. 

Since she chose to be cremated, we decided to take our time in planning her memorial service. We wanted it to be a grand tribute that would be fitting for a woman who spent most her life serving others. So, if you'll indulge me, I'd like to share some of the stories I told at her memorial. 

My earliest memories of Grandma include sitting at the piano with her as she warmed up her voice to countless show tunes she had sang countless times before. Now as an adult, I recognize that this was her way of saying, "I’m still a vocalist. I still have a song in my heart, and I will always perform – no matter if my audience is 5,000 serviceman at a USO camp show or my three-year-old granddaughter."

Before she joined the USO in 1942, she lived in Hollywood and sang professionally.

As I grew older, my sisters and I would look forward to our yearly birthday phone calls where Grandma would serenade us with her special rendition of the Hawaiian birthday song. Even if we happen to miss her call, she would leave the whole song on voicemail and what a treat it was to play it back when we had a quiet moment.

In addition to her birthday phone calls, Grandma was also known for her correspondence. Whether these letters were handwritten or typed on her trusty typewriter, you could always count on a sweet note to arrive in your mailbox exactly when you needed it the most, like this one:

“Hi Sweet Kelly…I have many projects and chores to do, but nothing tops the list more than sitting down at the ol' typewriter and sending a note to my sweet girl, to tell her how much she is loved.”

In these letters, she would always include photocopied quotes and newspaper clippings. Sometimes these photocopies were her aerobics class schedule at the local rec center…other times they would be more “newsworthy” items like the time she dressed up in her WWII uniform and sang “God Bless America” at the grand opening of a Chick-Fil-A restaurant. Of course, this made the local news. But then again, Grandma always made the news.

Once I entered college and decided to pursue journalism as my course study, a big thrill was to have one of my articles published about Grandma’s USO experience. It was a "fluff" piece I turned into my editor with no expectation of ever seeing it in print. You can imagine my surprise when I walked on campus on Veteran’s Day and picked up a copy of our school’s newspaper. Yep, this little "fluff" piece was staring me right in the face on the front page. Needless to say I had the best time calling Grandma that day to say, "I hope you're ready for the spotlight again."

In reading Grandma’s memoir of her USO experience, I know she viewed her stay in Cassino, Italy in 1944 as a special highlight, mainly because the men—who were so close to the fighting—needed the entertainment so badly. She wrote, “The men practically all had beards and most of them were sitting on the ground in the mud. Some were on top of trucks, and when I looked again, they were even hanging and sitting in the trees. I remember singing Embraceable You and saying, ‘Come to mama, come to mama,’ when a GI fell out of a tree in a swoon. Some of the men told me later that the Germans were sitting on top of the hill. They didn’t want to fight anymore – they wanted to see the show.”

And what a show Grandma gave us throughout her 89 years of life. So it’s no surprise that she picked Feb. 10 as the day of her final performance. As I was writing her obituary a few weeks ago, I came across that iconic photo of her from Cassino, Italy in 1944. I’ve seen it countless times over the course of my life. On a whim, I turned the photo over. On the back, in Grandma’s perfect penmanship, was the date “Feb. 10, 1944.” It seems she chose to leave this world on the very day she gave her greatest performance to a packed crowd of 5,000 servicemen, exactly 67 years ago.


She closed her memoirs by saying this about her USO experience, “You feel good down deep inside of you because you know you won’t be forgotten when you have finished because you are giving a part of you to somebody who needs you. When you looked at the shining eyes and the eager, boyish faces, and when you heard the music of their laughter and the thunder of their applause, you forgot all about the leaky tent and loose boards on the stage. You never felt so completely full in all your life. This was success.”

Indeed.

So when it came time to send out the invitations to her memorial, this iconic photo once again played a part in the extraordinary life of Norma A. Squires Smith:

One of my favorite quotes is: "A bird does not sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song." Grandma, thank you for sharing your life's song with me and those who were blessed to know you. Your stage will always be waiting for you, your voice will always be remembered.

All My Love,
Your Sweet Kelly