A Bittersweet Birthday plus Winners of Teresa Collins Contest Revealed!

Life is unpredictable. Yesterday was a bittersweet birthday. My dear childhood friend, Natalie Rutishauser, passed away last Thursday and yesterday was her funeral. (Unfortunately I missed CHA but have lots of great associates who are taking good notes.) She grew up a few streets over from me. She was the girl who always had a smile on her face and was so full of life and energy. When she turned 26, she discovered she had that horrific thing called MS. For the past 14 years, she's been bed bound. Never once did she complain or say "Why me?" One of her doctors spoke at the funeral and he said she smiled until the end and withstood this huge challenge with courage and hope. This was the front of the funeral program.

During the opening song, I started crying really hard. They were a few tears of sadness, but mostly tears of joy. 1. That I knew this amazing girl named Natalie Rutishauser. 2. That I was surrounded in that room by people I've known and loved all my life--Sunday School and youth leaders, neighbors, friends, family, etc. What a great feeling of support for Natalie and for me. I know in my time of need, those same people will be there for me.

Here is a photo of some of the old gang who attended the service. You all know my sister, Angela, to the left of me. Terri Metler (next to her) was another neighbor and Paula Donaldson (on my right) is the person I've been friends with the longest. We met when we were three and have been inseparable ever since. (I set her up with her hubby of 23 years, Todd!)

Really, what a wonderful way to spend a birthday! Hanging out with people I love. God be with you 'til we meet again, Natalie.

When I got home, this scrumptious, very large chocolate cupcake with pink frosting was waiting for me. My pal, Janette, made it for me along with the cute apron. I didn't realize until I saw this photo that I have it on backward. Check out the "L" on the front!

Then my friend Allison called to say she'd made me my favorite carrot cake. She said, "It doesn't look very good" which I didn't believe. She's a fabulous cook and I've never seen anything but yummy things come from her kitchen. I went and picked it up and thought it looked great.

Then I saw the "other" side:

Her son, Carson (you know--the boy that ran away to my house a few weeks ago), just had to sample it before I came! I loved it--and it is the best carrot cake I've ever tasted. She makes it for me every year! (And I'm sorry to say it's almost gone or I'd bring you a piece!)

Sunday night my cute parents had us over for dinner and my mom got my favorite lemon pie. (Have I ever mentioned I loved anything sweet?) My dad has been in poor health so it was great having him at dinner (and he even played a game of Rook afterward!).

My cute mom made this apron for me!

I'm continuing to be spoiled this week. I've got lunch dates (went to Olive Garden today) and my birthday massage and pedicure with Kristy Banks on Thursday.

Also, last Friday night my neighborhood friends threw a "Lisa's Favorite Things" party. I tried to download the photos so I could give you some fun ideas to do at your next chick outing but I'm having technological problems. So--I'll save these photos and the details for a later date.

Now on to the contest! Teresa Collins line just rocks. I made each of these pages really fast thanks to all the journaling prompts and the beautiful paper.

The journaling on the page below is kinda a fun idea--a great way to write down all those mishaps that happen in your life. My niece, Chiara, sent me a family update using this idea and I knew I had to copy it. If you were a fan of the old cartoon show called Animaniacs (I've never heard of it!), you'll remember the little skits with good ideas and bad ideas. I wrote our family's version on the page below:

Good Idea:

Reading the Utah State Driver's Handbook before taking the learner's permit test.

Bad Idea:

Not reading the Utah State Driver's Handbook before taking the learner's permit test and missing the passing grade by only three points. (Collin)

P.S. He read the manual and passed the test (with flying colors) the next day!

Good Idea:

Exercising at the local recreation center.

Bad Idea:

Exercising until close then discovering you locked both keys in the car and are stuck in the dark, cold parking lot until Dad rescues you. It cost $40.00 the next day for the locksmith to unlock the car! (Kade)

Good Idea:

Draining the grease from hamburger and putting it in a yogurt container before adding it to Lasagna Soup.

Bad Idea:

Leaving the container (it was closed!) on the back porch. Maggie ate the entire thing and got really sick for a day (enough said!). (Lisa)

Good Idea:

Creating a 6th grade science project on citrus fruit and Vitamin C and adding glitter to the display board.

Bad Idea:

Starting the project the night before it was due and shaking all the "left over" glitter all over the carpet. (Brecken)

Good Idea:

Cutting your hair in a cute style.

Bad Idea:

Cutting bangs on an 8-year-old girl. It is constantly in her eyes. (Sage)

Good Idea:

Getting rid of the ice on our front porch

Bad Idea:

Using ice melt to do it. It crumbled the stamped concrete. (Steve)

Good Idea:

Having boys in the neighborhood over for an early Sunday morning breakfast and devotional before church.

Bad Idea:

Not telling your parents until 11:00 p.m. Saturday night. (Kade)

Good Idea:

Taking 50 balloons to a ninth grade basketball game to promote school spirit.

Bad Idea:

Giving balloons to students on the front row. The spectators in the back stands couldn't see the game because of all the balloons! (Lisa)

Okay--so you get the idea. Please leave me at least one "good idea" and one "bad idea" that happened in your life this past week!

So--Drum roll please. Here are the five winners of some cool Teresa Collins products.

1. Emily Simpson

2. Mindy 8:15 a.m.

3. Kristin 10:46

4. Kathleen Loughran

5. Tamikko

Please contact Vivian at vgrothe@ckmedia.com with your snail mail address.

Hope you're having a great week.

Lisa B.