Project 365

Have any of you out there heard of Project 365? The idea is that life is made up of every-day small moments. The challenge is to take a photo every day of the year and also include your thoughts with it. I have decided to take this project on. So far it has been an absolute blast! It is teaching me very quickly that there is something noteworthy in every day, even if it's just the mountain of laundry. I have also decided to digitally scrapbook the pictures as I go.
We have had a lot happen in the past week, so I decided to scrapbook every day, not just the week. So get ready, here is what we have been up to in the past week.




All the wonderful layouts, papers, elements, etc. (except where noted below) come from a kit called the "Life 365" Collection put together by a very talented woman over at Weeds & Wildflowers. The kit is available in The Shoppe.

*Credit update: Sunday- Doodle Grunge mini kit by Scrap 'n Art
Monday & Tuesday- Digital Scrapbook Memories seasons and holidays CD
Friday- zoo signs from freedigitalscrapbooking.com

Calfornia and a look back in time

We spent a week in California with Shawn's family right after Christmas. It was so fun! The weather was beautiful, the condo was great, the whole trip was very relaxing. We went to Disneyland, San Diego Zoo, Legoland, the beach, and shopping. We also did some sleeping in, some movie watching and just hanging out. We took lots of pictures, but the idea of posting them is too overwhelming for me to deal with. So here a a few and if you are interested in seeing all of our pictures, go here.
The beach was fantastic. A little cold for swimming, but very beautiful.



It was cold water, but the girls didn't care. They went wading anyway.


At the zoo I bet we got no less than 10 comment on Claire Bear's hair. My baby is so cute!


Syd, Brynn, and Katie next to our favorite panda bear.


The teacups were really fun. The girls just kept telling me "Faster, faster!"


We got to meet the princesses. Ariel is Syd's favorite and she couldn't even talk when she first saw her. Later she said "That was a dream come true!"

On a completely different note: We got my parents a slide scanner for Christmas. I have been scanning in some of their slides and have found some really cool pictures. Here are some of my favorites.


This is the gas station my dad worked at in the Tetons. It is where my parents first met.


This is our old dog, Willie. He always had one ear up, and one ear down.


My mom in 1973. She is 23. Isn't she gorgeous? And I love all her hair.


My sister Robyn. So cute! The dress she is wearing is hanging in Claire's closet right now.


Robyn again. (I have not gotten to any of the other kids yet). I think she looks like her son. Miles, in this picture.


My dad kissing my Aunt Connie while her husband, Mike, looks on. I wonder if he would do that now? :)

Our Christmas in a Nutshell

We had a great Christmas. Everyone got things they like and we got to spend lots of time with loved ones. Here is a quick recap:


We all got new jammies. Claire got two pairs because she likes to poop. True to form she went through both pairs of new jammies in 12 hours.

The older girls each got a big present. Brynn got ballerina gear (leotard, slippers, leg-warmers, etc.). We also registered her for ballet lessons. She is super excited.

Syd got a remote control car. We spent much of Christmas day running over packages if socks and chasing the cat. Very fun.

We acted out the nativity. Syd was the angel singing great joy (Hallelujah!) I was a shepherd that was sore afraid. I am hiding behind my lamby.

Syd and Shawn built a awesome snowman in the fresh snow we got. Then Syd decided the snowman needed to be scaled. That's my girl. Notice that the snowMAN has a goatee courtesy of Shawn.

We hope all of you had a great Christmas Break!

Forever in Blue Jeans

Well, I am finally coming off my concert high enough to write about it. What a perfect evening! Even the weather cooperated for the most part.
After a fun ride to SLC, singing along to Neil the whole way, we made it to the Energy Solutions Arena. We got our fabulous T-shirts. Yes, Neil Diamond does ROCK! Did you know that Neil has been donating 100% of the proceeds from his souvenir sales to Hurricane Ike relief in Texas? What a great guy.



Neil treated us to a great variety of old and new songs. He started out with "Holly, Holy" and a few other goodies before singing some songs from his new album like "Pretty Amazing Grace". He even sang directly to the people seated behind the stage, joking with them about their terrible seats.


I was so happy he played all of my favorites like, "Love On The Rocks", "I Am I Said", "Cracklin Rosie", "I'm a Belivier", and"America"(I seriously adore this song and had a little patriotic moment during it). The best moment of the night was when he sang, back to back, "Forever in Blue Jeans" and "Sweet Caroline". He even sang "Caroline" twice!! Needless to say we were going crazy.


What a fun night! I made it to bed around 2AM with sore hands and a raw throat. Neil's songs will surely be in my head for weeks to come.


Thanks Shawn for a awesome Christmas present!

Saving Silverman

Neil Diamond is kidnapped in the name of love in Saving Silverman. Go here to see the clip from the movie. Good job Bart.

So tonight think of me while you are sitting wrapped up in your blankies in front of the TV. I will be driving home from the concert, hopefully surviving the crazy weather here in Utah.

Tomorrow, hopefully I have some pictures to share with you.

Neil Leslie Diamond

Leslie is also my mom's first name. She is a big Neil Diamond fan.

SOOLAIMON

"Originally written for an extended piece(The African Trilogy) , "Soolaimon" took on a life of its own when it was presented to a live audience. The title is meant to be a variation of the word" Salamah", meaning "Hello" and "Welcome" as well as "Good-bye" and "peace be with you", in many languages." Information taken from the website Song By Song with Neil Diamond




What more can I say?