KEEP DOING WHAT I LOVE

I feel so grateful to be able to continue doing what I love.  I am working full time so of course, painting and design is not my full time job.  But I always hoped that I could make it a priority in my life no matter what the circumstances.  I never want to lose the ability or patience to do what I love. That's probably why I'm always looking for an excuse to paint or design.  We hardly ever buy birthday cards because I'd much rather make them. Many of the decorations and artwork in our apartment are homemade (Pinterest will be the death of me)! I find it so relaxing to be able to create with my hands. The other day I was making pom poms for a Christmas garland I'm making.  I could make pom poms for hours and not get tired of it!!

After college I felt way more confident trying to put myself out there. So, I thought I'd take a whack at trying to sell some paintings.  I really don't do it for the money, although it is nice to be able to make something after all the time that goes into a painting.  It has been pure joy for me to create things for others. I'd say so far, it's been a successful endeavor! I'm so grateful that I have the resources to do it, and my goal is to just keep doing what I love!!

VENTING...

Sometimes it's hard working full time

It's really hard working overtime just so we can have a little extra $$$ for the holidays

Sometimes I feel like I have to listen to everyone else's problems at work (well what would you say if a girl told you she was thinking about leaving her husband....?)

It's hard coming up with something decent to eat for dinner.

When I don't cook a veggie or fruit with dinner, I feel like I failed the whole thing.

Also. When I don't set the table, or if we eat on the couch, I feel like I failed.

I wish our apartment could stay clean forever.

I wish I didn't have places where I just throw junk and don't look at it again until the apartment gets super messy.

I hate that a portion of my hard-earned money has to go to the government.

I worry a lot about being a good mother.

I want to be someone my children respect. I want them to feel confident asking for advice.  I hope I can comfort them the way they need it. But....parent first, friend later.

The check engine light alwaaaayyysss comes on whenever we drive through the canyon.  I hate it and it makes me nervous.

This rant probably sounds like no big deal to some people. That's OK.  It feels good just to write it all out.

I wish I could have a meal planned 7 days per week all the time (although I would, if I could afford it, eat out every meal of my life and not feel bad about it).

There are 3 pregnant girls at work right now...all due within weeks of each other.  One in particular reeealllly annoys me.

I would like to know what the rest of my life will be like.

I don't know what it is, but I am really curious about peoples' stories....why they're here, how they got here, what struggles are they facing, what makes them them (I love the show "Story Trek" on BYU TV).

When I should be doing more important things, you can usually find me looking at ideas for decorating (Pinterest obviously.)

I wish I had more time to paint.

It's depressing to come home from work when it's dark.

I just want to know that everything will be alright in the end.

I struggle to find time for everything while still being faithful with scripture reading, prayers, and time to ponder.

Done.  No, I'm not depressed, just needed to get that offa my chest.  I feel better now.

23

Well, another birthday came and went.  I really did have a fun birthday though! When I got to work, I realized my desk was decorated with streamers and balloons.  Some of my good friends brought yummy treats..... caramel and apples, donuts, and ice cream sandwiches.  I also got a $5 gift card to Coldstone from work.  So it started off great, everyone at work made it really special, and I was grateful for that.

After work we went straight to dinner at a place called El Toro Viejo. Such good Mexican food!! They sang to me while wearing that ridiculously heavy hat :) After dinner we had gotten tickets for Meet the Mormons, so we headed straight to the theaters.  Of course, I saved room for my favorite treat: popcorn!  That movie was so uplifting and entertaining.  We laughed and (I) cried.  Definitely worth the watch!

^^ Birthday hat and dessert ^^

My almost-to-last birthday event was going to Home Depot to pick out my birthday present.  The only thing I really really wanted was a succulent plant.  They are so beautiful- I just had to have one to take care of!! So Spencer wanted me to pick one out so I got just what I wanted.  I picked out two! And left with a smile on my face :) Then we stuffed our faces with that delicious cake when we got home.

^^ My succulents :) :) :) ^^

^^ That was my piece ^^

^^ ....drooling......^^

I have no complaints, it was such a great birthday!  And thank you to all others who gave gifts and wished me Happy Birthday. Feeling so blessed :)

CUSTOM WATERCOLOR PORTRAITS

^^ Henry and Millicent ^^

 I recently finished two pieces for Christen Snow. Her little boy and girl are daaaang cute, and they were so much fun to paint! Christen, thank you for asking me to paint portraits for you!! I really enjoyed doing it, I learned so much too.  I am so happy with the way they turned out, hope you are too! :)

CUSTOM WATERCOLOR HOME

Chances are, your home holds so many memories of your life that it is a part of who you are. Even just driving by a home floods me with memories.  Hand-made using watercolor, this personalized portrait can be done from a photo of a current home or childhood home (For best compositions- a front view photo is preferred, but if not, make sure the whole house is completely in the picture). Absolutely customizable to have it read whatever you would like: "The Smith's,"  "Our First Home,"  the home address, or any other quote. It makes a wonderful keepsake for loved ones!  

^^ I painted this for Spencer's family- they recently moved from this house in Farmington and are now in Layton, UT.  They had lived there for 15 years, so I wanted to surprise them with something I hope they treasure forever.  A perfect way to document and remember your home! And they loooove Disneyland :) ^^

IT'S BEEN A WHILE. . . .

I wish I was better at blogging. I wish I always had something interesting or insightful to write about.  But I guess this blog is mostly for recording events and highlights.  So that's what I plan to do! First off, we had a lovely weekend.  Honestly I can't remember what we did on Friday ha, but yesterday was so great because it seemed like we were so productive!!  I don't know anyone who doesn't like that feeling.
In the morning we got up and decided to go on a walk.  We ended up at the stadium just down the hill.

^^Beautiful sunsets here!!^^

When we first moved to Logan, we realized one night as we were walking, that the stadium was open!  We weren't sure if it was supposed to be, or if we'd get in trouble by being in there.  We went in anyway and just sat and talked on the bleachers until the sun went down (I guess it was alright because no one stopped us?) That is a sweet memory for me. 

Anyway... knowing that it would probably be open...again...we went in and ran around on the field for a bit (not very long, still afraid we might get in trouble or something)!  It was just fun to start the day with a walk together.  

^^Sittin' right in the end zone^^

Then we planned our errands- the post office, bank, store, return redboxes, car wash, and of course, a stop to visit...

 HALLOWEEN CITY! We love this time of year with Halloween coming up, so we couldn't wait to get in there and look around.  I bought a cute ghost garland that I can't wait to hang up and start decorating!

For a little date night, I made some BBQ chicken pizza and we watched Spiderman 2 together.  Super fun Saturday!

Today (Sunday), has been very uplifting and enriching.  We went to the Ogden Temple re-dedication and thoroughly enjoyed it.  (On a side note- we're really glad they had handkerchiefs for us to use so we didn't have to wave around the old, off-white pillow case I cut up 5 min. before). The speakers' topics made me think of my first temple experiences and the way they made me feel.  And then I was reminded of the things that helped me prepare for going to the temple.  All the Young Women lessons, FHE's, getting baptized, etc.  

^^The day I went through the Jordan River Temple for my endowments. July 2013^^

I'm grateful for all the countless people, not to mention family and parents, who helped plant a seed in me and who guided me to make the right decisions for myself.  Going to the temple helps me maintain the eternal perspective that was taught to me from such a young age.  

^^Newly renovated Ogden Temple^^

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland had this to say about the dedication:

I’ve just had the opportunity to witness the wonderful re-dedication of the Ogden Temple. Temples are beacons of light for the world, symbols of hope, and proof of Heavenly Father’s eternal love for us.  My thoughts are especially drawn to the young people of the Church. You too have the opportunity to share Heavenly Father’s love with those around you and bring light to a sometimes dark and confusing world. My young friends, never underestimate your power to share the light of Christ and uplift those with whom you associate. You can be a much needed force for change and good in the world.

In this "sometimes dark and confusing world," I want to continue trying to be a light, a force for change and good in the world. And I hope to leave that hope with my children and grandchildren. I hope to get better at it as I consistently do the small and simple things, to steadily climb up the spiritual ladder.  I'm grateful for the temple covenants and blessings, and specifically for the reminder to always be worthy to enter. 

Later this evening I had the opportunity to meet my visiting teaching partner to talk about our plan for visiting teaching.  I was a little nervous, going over to her apartment, never having met her before. I instantly felt excited about the whole thing, and grateful that she had initiated the meeting (she really is so sweet- she brought me delicious cupcakes when I was down with a bad cold.  Good thing my taste buds didn't fail me that day).  I haven't always been good about my visiting teaching, but having a partner who's excited and wants to serve as well, I am confident it will be a great experience.  Plus, I really want to get to know more people so I think this is a door opening for my being-more-social-goal :)  

To end the day, I watched one of my fave's, You've Got Mail, while Spencer and I baked chocolate chip cookies.  To say it was a good weekend would be an understatement.  And as much as I really don't want to go to work tomorrow, it's these types of weekends that make me feel ready to conquer anything! We are so blessed :)

A PEEK INTO MY HEART

This post is not intended to boast nor to compare.  It's a simple expression of the overwhelming gratitude I have felt lately, and I just needed to write it out.

I am grateful for....

Being able to ask my husband any time for a blessing.  Having the Priesthood in our home is a great power that blesses both of us equally.

Opportunities.  My husband and I were both able to complete our four year degrees.  This has been a huge blessing and accomplishment for us.  I never really thought I would graduate but I'm SO glad I did. We feel humbled and blessed for Spencer's opportunity to be in grad school right now.  I just started a new job that will require me to learn new skills and do things outside my comfort zone.  I am sort of still in training and am grateful for all the people who are patient with me.  Everyone's so nice and it's a great environment to work in.

^^ I am loving this city^^

^^ New job! ^^

Second chances.  The things we constantly work at each day, each hour, and each moment are the things that will become most valuable and precious to us.  The moment you stop trying is the moment you fail (no, you don't have to be perfect).

Learning experiences. Without trials, how could we learn what is hard and what isn't?  How could we experience true joy?  Is it possible to become better?  Trials help us to learn from the hard times, and to be grateful for the good times.  Life is about learning.

Our world.  How beautiful it is!!  Heavenly Father created it for us, wanting us to enjoy it and take advantage of it.  Sometimes just stopping for a minute to enjoy a simple little flower can really lift my spirits.

Family.  They will always be there.  I couldn't ask for anything more.

The gospel.  What would life be like without the kind of perspective that the gospel provides us? I wouldn't have much to live for, and life would definitely not be as rewarding. We have been given all the tools necessary to succeed in this life, and make it back to our Father in Heaven.  I know that I am a loved daughter of God.  He knows me better than I know myself.  That amazes me!

These are just a few of the many feelings I have had lately and I hope you don't mind me sharing them (I just don't want to forget)!

1ST ANNIVERSARY

I made this for a little first anniversary present, and forgot to post it to the blog!! The lyrics to this song are perfect. Plus, Grouplove is prolly my favorite band. :)  Happy Anniversary (again)!

"Let Me In"

Gimme, gimme that love, I'll be waitin' for ya'

Catch my hand, I'll be fightin' for ya'

Let me in, yeah, let me get closer

Got me runnin' wild like I feel it all over

Catch my hand, I'll be fightin' for ya'

All this time been trippin' and slippin' around

You got me, now I'm swimmin', swimmin' in clouds

Gimme, gimme that love, I'll be waitin' for ya'

Catch my hand, I'll be fightin' for ya'

And I'm findin' out that all I know is right at home

But I'm tellin' the man my plan to never feel alone

Let me in, yeah, let me get closer

Got my hands high like I ride a roller coaster

Cannot be it, cannot be lonely

Lookin' like you're lovin', you're livin' the moment

Got me, now I'm swimmin', swimmin' in clouds

Gimme, gimme that love, I'll be waitin' for ya'

Catch my hand, I'll be fightin' for ya'

Holdin' my breath till there's nothin' left

Hold your breath, now there's nothin' left

Gimme that love, I'll be waitin' for ya'

Now I'm findin' out that all I know is right at home

So I'm tellin' the man my plan to never feel alone

Gimme, gimme that love, I'll be waitin' for ya'

And catch my hand, I'll be fightin' for ya'

Holdin' my breath till there's nothing left

Hold your breath, now there's nothing left

Gimme that love, I'll be waitin for ya'

DIY POTATO STAMP

I'm sure you've all seen this one before, via Pinterest, but today I was just itching to try it!! The not-too-easy-to-be-cute, do-it-yourself, potato stamping! Before we moved to Logan, I found this old canvas lying around that I'd never used yet.  I said to myself that I would do something with it after we got settled in here. First I painted a fresh coat of white gesso on my canvas and waited for that to dry. Then, I carved a potato into the shape I wanted, and stamped my heart out using black acrylic paint (I did draw a few straight lines to make sure I didn't go completely crooked).  This was very fun and SO SUPER EASY.  Great idea for anyone wanting to incorporate simple, but bold artwork into their space.  Try it!

PARK CITY

We celebrated our 1st anniversary by going to Park City for two days and one night.  It was a perfect get-away for us.  Park City is so beautiful! I take it for granted and I always forget about the cool things there are to do and see.  We enjoyed visiting the Olympic Park, sightseeing, "Maleficent," shopping at the outlets, eating at Bandit's, and riding the slide and coaster down the mountain.  Happy 1st Anniversary to my Mr. Flitton!  He sure knows how to make me laugh and I have grown to love him even more.  "Won't stop 'till it's over, won't stop to surrender."

^^Arrived at our hotel- so excited for our vacation!^^

^^We waited so long to see this! Loved it!!^^

 After the movie, we decided last minute to drive into historic Park City just to get a feel for the city.  We were hoping to see where the slide and coaster were located so it would be easier to get there the next day.  It was kind of stressful because we didn't know how to navigate through the city and it was crowded and the sun was going down....ugh. Finally, we found somewhere to park so we got out and started down Main Street.  To me, Park City is like a mix between San Francisco and Washington.  SO perfect.  I loved the little eclectic shops like this Indian Traders place (below).

^^blue Park Hotel^^

^^more blue! love it!^^

^^This place. SO yum.
We were seated downstairs so it was really dark and cavernous!
The portions were huge too! Definitely wanna come back here^^

^^Trying to capture the dark, cavernous feel...can't you tell? ha^^

^^Spencer's meal-BBQ sandwich, mashed potatoes, and yams (yams? yuck)^^

^^myyy ppootatooeeee^^

That brings us to Saturday!  Our first stop was the Olympic Park which was on the way back into the city.  Why have I never been here before?  It's so fun!  Anyone who is from Utah or just visiting has to check this out! Did I mention it's free? Yeah...

^^Inside the Ski Museum- we payed for a speed flying simulator.  Can you see the snowflakes?^^

^^Loved this mural of the mountains.  Simple colors and design but so pretty^^

^^These are a couple of the puppets used in the opening ceremonies of the Salt Lake 2002 Winter Olympics^^

After our fun times at the Olympic Park, we hurried to get into Park City to ride the slide and coaster!  These two things were the highlight of the trip for us.  It took a long time to get onto the ski lift and up the mountain.....just to ride back down again.  The slide was a little scary for me- mostly because they said it's safer if you go faster. What?!  So I was a little nervous.  But then I saw a dad and his little boy fly past me, and I thought, if they can do it, I can do it gosh dangit!!  I wish we had snapped more pictures and videos of this!

The coaster was our absolute favorite though.  Such a thrill! We laughed so hard the way down.  They take your picture at one point and we bought ours because it was so goofy looking!  I'll have to scan and post it here soon!

^^At the top of the mountain, about to slide down!^^

^^Ready, set.........AH!^^

The end of the day we spent looking around the city some more.  I was excited to get to the Kimball Art Museum.  Sadly, this wall of blue and red panels was honestly the best part of it.  The rest of it was photography (not bashing, I'm just not a photographer).  After getting over the fact that there were no paintings, I tried to just enjoy it.  And I did. Mostly because there were random pictures all over the bathroom walls.  Anyway, lesson learned- not all art museums are not created equal. No matter how much you love art.

The rest of the day was really fun.  The shops were cool and we wore.ourselves.out.  We decided to leave early, thinking there was nothing else to see, but completely satisfied with what we had done.  On the way back to the car, we ran into this little gem on a random side street.  Banksy! Legendary street art right here.  Perfect way to end a perfect day.  

We'll be back to visit Park City! A beautiful home away from home :)

PROJECTS

It's been a lot of fun (despite the growing stress) getting ready to move into our Logan apartment!  We desperately needed some furniture because our last place was already furnished. So, I have been looking around at DI for some good, solid furniture that we can use. I get a kick out of buying things I love for really cheap....clothes, furniture, shoes, anything! The cheaper the better.  And it's even more fun for me to re-finish said things!

At DI, I found a nightstand (that is similar to one we already have), and two kitchen chairs....each $10....that are in great condition.  I painted the new nightstand white, to match the other one.  I am content with the kitchen chair color although it's not preferred......but, I think they will match the wood already existing in the apartment. Oh, the things you do for design!  (I did not change the wood, the lighting is just different in the pictures).  Last night I attempted to re-cover the chairs with fabric I bought and chose. Of course, Holli and mom helped me! I now have respect for anyone who re-covers furniture by themselves...it is hard work I tell you! But the staple gun is fun :)  The new fabric I used for the chairs will also be used for a new couch pillow, to tie the colors together.  Okay now I'm sounding really snooty about making everything match.    Whatever.

^^Drooling over my new fabric^^

^^preeetty happy with the end result!^^


Grandma Peterson, bless her, is also letting us take one of her old couches.  Lighting is bad, but little James is modeling for us :) The blue floral and tan geometric fabric (pictured above) will be perfect for throw pillows! I can't wait to post more pictures of our new apartment after I go crazy decorating it!  Excited to start this new chapter in our lives!

JOURNALING

Just wanted to share a little sketch I did in my journal.  I love quotes and this is a great way for me to save and remember them.  Plus its more fun to do little doodles and sketches instead of just writing them down. Most of my art is born in my journal or sketchbook!  I just love doodling and drawing (and painting, and graphic design....oh don't get me started...). FYI- if you ever give me paper and a black sharpie....I might go crazy and/or you will never see me again :)

REMEMBER THIS...

4 THINGS

^^ 1. Work selfie  2. Helping dad re-roof the backyard shed. I just had to pose :)  3. Mom gave me a basil plant for making margarita pizza. I love taking care of it! Is that weird?  4. Spencer guessed the right amount and won the jar of jolly ranchers at the neighborhood BBQ.  Needless to say, jolly ranchers for days!! ^^

MY FRIENDS MAKE ME DO . . . .

THIS! They literally make me roll on the floor laughing! Love them!

SO, I just came back from lunch with my best childhood friend, Meagan Beesley (Desmond).  Meagan moved into a different neighborhood while we were still in Junior High.  Her new house was in Riverton but wasn't even in my stake anymore, so the only time we really saw each other was at school.  I remember the way she announced to me that she was moving- she wanted to go on a bike ride and we rode over to where their new house was being built.  I think I knew she would be moving, but seeing the big hole where her house was going to be made it even more real.  She really was moving and it was weird to think that we wouldn't see each other that much.  Over the years, and especially during High School we both kind of did our own things with different groups and friends.  We were still good friends but it never really was the same.  I got to see her get married a couple years ago and was so grateful for that.  Since then, it seems that we have been able to keep more in contact and I have really enjoyed it.  We may have gone separate ways for a while but, I guess we never really did emotionally because she is still one of my best friends. I'm so glad we were able to go to lunch today! 

Meagan and I on her wedding day in July 2012

Anyways, to the point...  On the way home I just got thinking about the friendships I have made over the years, like roommates, High School friends, and childhood friends....  every single one of them has blessed my life (not to mention made it a heck of  a lot more fun!!) I think there are a few people in this lifetime that we get to meet and be true friends with. This sounds real cheesy but it's a tender mercy to me.  I'm lucky to say that I have been able to form close friendships that have lasted over the years.  

Heidi and I in High School

Looking like sisters @ SCHEELS!

Heidi is serving a mission in Australia right now and even though she is so far away, our friendship still blesses me. I'm 100% sure I have known this girl for a looooong time.....even before we met in High School (our lockers somehow ending up right next to each other). She has been my soul sister ever since! (we even look like sisters, don't we? ) Thank goodness for a wonderful friend who continues to enrich and bless my life. 

I think that the friends we choose have the potential to either make our break us.  Mine have influenced my life in ways I never thought could happen!  How lucky am I to have friends that I feel I can truly connect with and be myself. Sometimes we only think of family that has our back.  But I just gotta say,

friends do too! 

At least mine do :) When you do make an effort to get together, it strengthens you, supports you, and uplifts you.  And you feel so thankful that you have friends to walk and talk and laugh with you here on earth :) :)