My Amazing Trip. Plus Love Idea #1!

Hey Everyone!

I'm going to give you a brief (okay long) recap of my trip to Pennsylvania (Amish Country), St. Louis and Ohio. But first, this is one of my favorite weeks of the year. It's the week of LOVE and I LOVE it! Last year I showed some decorating ideas around my house. This year I'm going to share with you some of my favorite things--gifts, treats, sayings--all having to do with the big Valentine's Day.

Okay--so I'm always looking for the perfect gift for my sweetheart. I was in Ohio visiting family when two of my nieces told me about a book that's sweeping the nation. It's called "The Love Dare"--a 40-day challenge for husbands and wives to understand and practice unconditional love. It's based around the movie "Fireproof." So--I went and bought the movie (never have seen it) and the book "The Love Dare" and can hardly wait to give them to Steve this Sunday. What a perfect gift for the two of us.

For example, day two challenges each of you to do at least one unexpected gesture as an act of kindness. You then have a place to report your findings. Day nine has you think of a specific way you'd like to greet your spouse that day (it has to be with a smile and enthusiam).

This just seems like one of the neatest gifts you can do together. I highly recommend this book.

My trip to Amish Country was so amazing. If you ever want to go on a girl's trip, here are some of the things you should see and do (contact me if you want more information).

This is Rebecca and Sam Riehl. They are old-order Amish and their parents are good friends of mine. (The children can be in photos if they aren't baptized.) They invited us over for an Amish meal (the brown-butter noodles are my favorite!). The Riehl's have a quilt/gift shop behind their house and they love visitors. You can also check out their big red barn and see first hand the milking process. Go here for more information. Tell them Lisa Bearnson sent you! (Sorry about the not-so-good quality of photos. I took Collin's new Christmas camera and am not impressed with the results. I think it will have to go back to Costco. Thank goodness for their wondeful return policy.)

Another favorite place to visit is the Old Candle Barn in Intercourse (yes--there really is a city named this!). Missy Hurst is the owner of this wonderful gift shop and she also happens to be a good friend of mine. Tell her I sent you and she just might give you a tour of the candle-making process! It is located next to Kitchen Kettle Village--another favorite place!

You MUST stay at the King's Homestead bed and breakfast. We actually rented the cottage right next door and it was simply one of the nicest places I've ever stayed in. And--right across the street is the coolest gift shop AND scrapbook store. They are owned by this sweet lady, Miriam King, and her husband, Les.

Miriam took us to her Mennonite/Amish church in Bird in Hand. I loved the feeling there. Really a once in a life-time experience. (Visitors are welcome. The main service starts at 10:00 a.m.)

My friends and I also ate the best Italian food at this sweet gal's house. I met Therese Givens (fourth from the left) through scrapbooking and she's become a wonderful friend! By the way, the gal on the left, Jennifer Beckstrand, is a friend from high school and is in the middle of writing a Christian Amish romance novel! I took her to Lancaster to do some research. Make sure you look for her book this summer. Annette Mortensen is next to her, and my pal, Ann Hewlett (third from the right), is the girl who set my hubby and I up over 20 years ago!

I also have a dear Amish friend who cooks and serves an authentic Amish meal in her home. Let me know if you're going out that way and I'll send you her information.

There are so many other things I could tell you about my trip, but these are some of the highlights of Lancaster.

Next I went to St. Louis to be with Annette Mortensen and her family for several days. We decided to take a quick trip up to Ohio to see family members. While I was there, my niece convinced me to go to a Zumba (Latin aerobic class) at the YMCA in the small town of New Bremen. There were 20 people in the class including the instructor, my niece and me. Little did I know that the class was filled with mostly scrapbookers (not on purpose). One by one, gals were asking me at random times during the class "Are you the scrapbook lady?" or "Are you Lisa B.?" The kicker happened when I was leaving. Two ladies came running up to me and asked if I was Becky Higgins!

Okay--the really funny thing happened a few hours later. This cute lady found out I was in town and where I was staying and came by to say hi. (In a round about way she knows my nieces!) She brought her children plus two of her friends children to meet me (along with a Creating Keepsakes magazine for me to sign)!

A little while later, she brought her sister in law over. I love meeting new people and was so honored they came by to say hi.

What a FUN day! Who would have know there were so many scrapbookers in that part of Ohio. Cara, Heather (both pictured above) and my niece Chiara are thinking of putting on a charity crop in Minster or New Bremen probably next fall. For sure I'd have to go! Drop me a note if you're interested in coming (it's about an hour from Dayton) and I'll keep you posted on the details.

I also hooked up with these dear friends--Virginia and Jim Laudenbacher from Zanesville. Their daughter was a good scrapbooking friend of mine and tragically passed away a year and a half ago. They have become second parents to me. I simply adore them. (Virginia made my necklace out of church bulletins!)

Annette, Megan (Annette's daughter) and I stayed with Rachel Heaton in Air Force housing in Dayton. She was the perfect host and is a great little scrapbooker.

I also was able to have lunch with my friend, Michael Lazorchak, and his aunt, Palanita, and the local Marion, Illinois scrapbook store owner, Judy.

Michael presented me with a belated birthday gift--framed scrapbook pages with photos from our recent cruise. This is one talented guy. Love his style! Thanks, Michael.

Sorry for the long post but I just didn't know what to cut out. I'll be back tomorrow with another LOVE idea.

Until then, be warm and safe.

Sincerely,

Lisa

P.S. We were able to talk to Kade this morning (at 6:00 a.m. to be exact!). Missionaries are allowed to call from the airport on their way to their assigned destination. He's so happy and loves being a missionary. His foot hurts and the cast is a pain but he's surviving. It was so great to hear his voice. He's in Raleigh, North Carolina tonight safe and sound!

You Guys Are Too Smart!!

Okay, you guys are way too smart. The majority of you guessed the correct answer. Yes--the "celebrity" I saw in the Salt Lake airport was John Gosselin from "John and Kate Plus Eight." (Bad photo but you know how airport pictures go!)


I have to admit that he was super nice and wanted to know the name of my blog so he could see the photos. Hey--maybe he'll be the next scrapbooker?! Maybe we can all help him with all the scrapbooks of his children!? I asked him why he was in Salt Lake City and he said he's now living in Park City.

So--here are the winners of the Valentine's kit!

Colleen (Stafford, Texas)

Theresa (5:11 a.m.)

Sarah (10:48 p.m.)

Amanda P. (7:23 a.m.)

Jennifer (4:05 a.m.)

If you are a winner, please e-mail Steve at steven@bearnson.net with your snail mail address and American Crafts will end you the Valentine's Day kit ASAP.

Also, if you aren't a winner, you must take advantage of this wonderful kit. It's packed with all types of LOVE fun. Really a stellar deal. You can contact Joyce and Joyceg@americancrafts.com. I'm not sure how many more kits there are to go around so don't delay.

Thanks for all you sweet notes in support of Kade. Long story short--he doesn't need surgery and it's his foot that is broken, not his ankle. He is scheduled to go to North Carolina next Monday (he's been in a missionary training center--MTC--in Provo, Utah for the past two and a half weeks) but the doctor determined that his trip there must be delayed and that he should stay in the MTC for four extra weeks to heal properly. This news was devastating for Kade and after much prayer and several phone calls, his leader in North Carolina (called the mission president) made special arrangements for him to still travel on Monday. He will be in a cast and on crutches for several weeks but will have a car with unlimited mileage (he would have been riding a bike). So--the Lord always provides and Kade is super happy. Thanks for all your prayers on his behalf.

I am still in Missouri but will be home Saturday night. I'm very anxious to tell you all about my trip. I'll write all about it at the first of next week.

Have a great weekend.

Sincerely,

Lisa

"Who's the Celebrity" Valentine's Kit Contest???

I've been on a girls trip in Philly and now in St. Louis over the past few days. Wow--It's cold here in Missouri! But--love it here. Am visiting with my pal, Annette Mortensen. She's such a trooper. I'm so amazed by her and her sweet family.

The day that I left, Marci Leishman and her hubby, Robb, brought by the most WONDERFUL doughnuts in the world. (They are from Beyond Glaze in Draper, Utah.) It was like opening a box of chocolates and all the different flavors were indexed on the lid! There were twelve different kinds: German Chocolate, Raspberry Tarte, Grasshopper, Upside Down Pineapple, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Dipped Strawberry, Apple Crisp, Blueberry Bliss, Maple Madness, Peanut Butter and Jam, Coconut Cream and Gourmet S'More. Yummy! Just had to share the sweetness! (Sorry about the little square! I've tried everything to get rid of it!)

Speaking of sweetness, the Valentine's Day Scrapbook Kit from American Crafts is one of the sweetest finds around. Press here and scroll down to "Happy Holidays Contests" to see what the Valentine's Day kit looks like. My girls and I are making our own homemade valentines this year and this kit has it all! Really--there are so many pieces (all super quality) it's hard to count. What a fun project for the whole family.

So--Joyce at American Crafts has 100 to go around for the sweet price of $20.00 per kit. It's worth over $100.00. If you want one, e-mail Joyceg@americancrafts.com. (If you purchased the Christmas kit a few weeks ago, it's that big of a kit and has a similar look and feel except it's all Valentine's Day themed.)

Just wanted to give you a chance to win one too. I met a celebrity at the Salt Lake Airport when leaving for my trip. N0--I've never really watched this person's show. But I recognized him from a lot of recent publicity.

So--there are two clues:

1. He recently was on a television show. Yes--"was" is the key word.

2. And yes--it's a he.

Three other clues

1. He has a "few" kids. (Okay--a lot of kids.)

2. He now resides in Utah (or so he told me).

3. His ex has one of the most recognizable hairstyles in show business.

Okay--so you have until midnight Thursday to come up with the right answer. Post it and I will choose FIVE lucky winners on Feb. 4th (my sister, Becky's, birthday).

Oh--and I can't wait to tell you where I went to church on Sunday and about my trip to Amish Country.

Oh--and I just got bad news. Kade broke his ankle playing basketball in a exercise class at the Missionary Training Center (MTC) on Saturday. He has a cast and is on crutches. An MTC doctor called us today and said he's going to a specialist to see if he needs surgery. Please pray for him!

Love,

Lisa

Happy Birthday to . . . Me :) !

First of all, thanks for all your love over the past week. Your sweet notes and prayers have made a huge difference. I felt buoyed up by your support. We got our first letter from Kade and he's doing great!

Today has started off great! Breakfast in bed (whole wheat Belgium waffles with homemade strawberry syrup), omelet, bacon and orange juice. Marta then brought by a luscious chocolate cake and Nani brought chocolate chip cookies. Yes--I ate cake and cookies before 10:00 a.m.! I then went with my friend, Dana, to one of our religious buildings together (for those of you of my faith, the Mount Timp Temple). In a few minutes, my pal, Kristy Banks, is taking me out for my annual birthday massage and lunch, and tonight it will be dinner at Park City with my family. Plus my hubby's been doing laundry all morning so--great day!

Last Friday night, several of my friends knew I'd need a little cheering up with Kade just leaving, so they threw a fun birthday bash at a beautiful Sundance cabin. Here are the girls:

And here are the guys:

We played the game, Signs--really a fun group game! My friend, Allison Norton, always makes me my favorite carrot cake. Remember last year's cake--a big chunk was taken away where her little five year old had sampled it? Well--this is this year's cake. It's simply to die for!

Here is the recipe:

Lisa Bearnson's Favorite Carrot Cake

from Allison Norton

2 1/2 c. flour

2 t. baking soda

2 t. cinnamon

1 t. salt

2 c. sugar

2 c. vegetable oil

1/2 c. crushed pineapple

4 eggs

3 c. finely grated carrots

1/4 c. cherry Craisins

1/4 c. coconut

Beat sugar and oil in bowl. Add the eggs and mix again until light and fluffy. Stir in carrots and pineapple. Stir in all the dry ingredients adding the coconut and Craisins last. Cook at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. This mix will make three layers of cake. Wait for the cakes to cool, then you can take them out of the pans.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

1/2 c. butter

1 8 oz. cream cheese

3 c. powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

Mix and spread on cake. You'll need to double the recipe for all three layers.

Go ahead and make it and eat a piece for me! On my birthday, there are no calories!

Love ya,

Lisa

I Need A Hug!

My boy left yesterday and it will be two years before I'll see him.

No, I wouldn't choose winter for Kade to leave. Think of all he'll miss: building snow forts, decorating the Christmas tree, hanging lights, sledding down hills, late nights reading books under a cozy blanket, family dinners, Sage's birthday, Steve's birthday, my birthday. And what about Kade's birthday? No--I wouldn't choose Winter.

No, I wouldn't choose spring for Kade to leave. Think of all he'll miss: Easter Egg hunts, planting flowers, flying kites, watching our trees blossom, cleaning up the yard, birds hatching in the nest in our big tree, Brecken's birthday, Lagoon trip on Memorial Day, putting flowers on graves at the cemetery. No--I wouldn't choose Spring.

No, I wouldn't choose summer for Kade to leave. Think of all he'll miss: Our annual Lake Powell trip, lifeguarding at the pool, gazing at the stars, Stadium of Fire on the 4th of July, trampoline marathons, backyard campouts, bon fires. No--I wouldn't choose Summer.

No, I wouldn't choose fall for Kade to leave. Think of all he'll miss: the first football game of the season, carving pumpkins, hay rides, corn mazes, shopping for back to school clothes, dodgeball games, blockbuster movie on Thanksgiving, Collin's birthday. No--I wouldn't choose Fall.

Kade did leave us on a cold, smoggy winter day--January 20, 2010.

I thought I'd be an absolute wreck and would spend the next few weeks crying. I'm surprised at the peace and joy I feel. Yes--he's missing out on all the fun winter activities we will be having. But--he's spreading his wings and flying and there's nowhere I'd rather him be. I'm sure you all can relate when your children go off to school or away in the military or on a mission.

This past week I panicked. I was ironing all his white shirts when I had this weird thought . . .

Yikes--have I really taught my boy how to iron? So--quick lesson at the ironing board. (He did pretty good!)

Next it was doing everything we could as a family before he left. (The cute blond in front of Kade is our neighbor, Taylor, who has been a great "friend" to Kade.)

These were the last photos I took of my boy.

There were two missionaries waiting for Kade as we entered the missionary training center. We took his luggage out of the car, hugged him one last time and said goodbye.

He turned for one last look. And then he was gone . . .

Be strong and brave and cheerful, my boy. God be with you 'til we meet again--in the winter of 2012.

Just had to tell you about a big miracle. Saturday night Kade backed into Collin's date's car (the Preference dance I wrote about in my last post) while taking Taylor home (did I mention she only lives two doors down--it was too cold to walk!). I felt horrible and was sure it was at least $1,000.00 of damage. I called her mother the next day and she called back a few days later with amazing news. The dent was the size of a large grapefruit and was there when she went into church on Sunday. When she walked out of church a few hours later, the cold air had forced the dent out and the car looked perfect. Can you believe it!!! Wow! I've never heard of this before!

And--one more thing. Happy birthday to this sweet girl today. Sage is nine!

Thanks for all your love and support. I've felt so blessed to have your prayers on my behalf.

Sincerely,

Lisa

The Sunny Side of Life!

Today I woke up with a screaming headache. You know, the kind where you just want to pull the covers over your head and go back to sleep for the day. I then started thinking about only four more days to spend with my Kade before it's goodbye for two years. I got up, looked outside at the non-sunny, smoggy day, took some Exedrin Migraine medicine (works wonders!) and decided I must seize the day. I got involved in laundry, keeping Sage and her friends busy playing school and helping Kade pack. Collin got asked to Preference a few weeks ago and the big night was tonight. Here in Utah, they not only go to the dance but they do a "day" date also. So--Collin was waiting for his date to pick him up for the day date (paint balling) when I looked down at his fingernails. Sage and her friend, Krisha, had pulled a prank on him the night before while he was sleeping and painted one hand of his fingernails.

He hadn't even noticed and was about ready to walk out the door looking like this!

Then it was a mad rush to find fingernail polish remover and get it off before his date showed up. This gave me a good laugh all day! Can you imagine Collin on his date with purple fingernail polish on?!

Tonight I got another good laugh. Collin was getting ready and Kade was in the bathroom helping him with his hair. They were trying all sorts of products and one of the hairsprays burned Collin's head! We all were laughing so hard! I've never heard of a boy doing another boy's hair for a dance!

The evening was a big success! Collin had fun and his date was adorable.

Another tradition is all the parents meet so we all can get a group picture! What cute kids.

So what started as a "sunny-side down" day became a "sunny-side up" one. It has felt good to laugh!

I'll write again soon!

Lisa

Just Had to Make You Laugh! Kade's Farewell. Plus, a Note from Annette Mortensen.

Hey Everyone!

Just had to make you smile! Here are a couple more photos from our Mexico trip that are sure to add a little joy to your face.

Big changes are on the horizon for Kade.

This Sunday is the day we've all anticipated his entire life. It's the week he gives a "farewell" talk to our congregation at church.

It is with mixed feelings that we say goodbye to this guy for two years. He's so excited to go to North Carolina and looks forward to meeting all the wonderful people there. I'm so happy about all the many amazing experiences that await him. However, I'm not looking forward to the loneliness we'll feel without his presence in our home--he has been a bright spot in our family and such a good example for his siblings to follow. I already plan to sleep in his bed the night he leaves :) ! Although there might be four other people fighting me to get there first!

Kade leaves on January 20th (one day before Sage's birthday and six days before mine! But he is here today for Steve's birthday! (Happy Birthday, SRB.) I'll keep you posted on the countdown to his leaving and his journey in North Carolina.

Have a great weekend and stay warm.

Lisa

P.S. This note just came from my friend, Annette Mortensen, who lost her son in November. She is so appreciative to all your support.

"To my dear, precious friend Lisa and all of you--her blogging friends... Thank you from the depths of my heart for your empathy, faith, prayers and the outpouring of love you have expressed to me and my family. We have been strengthened because of you! We are so thankful for our belief in Eternal Life, made possible by our Savior, Jesus Crist and a loving Heavenly Father. We miss McKay terribly . . . the pain is overwhelming and unbearable at times. But we experience moments, even hours (every so often) of peace and joy and HOPE! We look forward with great anticipation to the time we will be reunited with our "sunshine boy." Until then, we will strive to learn what we can from this and other experiences. And, we will do our best to share the richness and blessings of what we learn with others. Thank you! Thank you! You have touched me and my family forever!"

Annette Mortensen

Missouri

Happy 2010! My Top 10 of Our Cruise!

Our family just returned late last night from a Mexican Rivera cruise on Royal Caribbean and we had the time of our lives! I'd highly recommend this cruise. It is very kid friendly and there was something for everyone. It departs from Los Angeles and goes to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta. There were so many incredible things about the cruise. Here are my top 10:

1. The beautiful sunsets! Simply breathtaking.

2. The wild ride in one of these Jeeps! We were heading up to the rain forest terrain for our exciting adventure. Well--this ended up being a REALLY exciting adventure. It was exactly like being on the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland except it was for REAL!

3. The amazing ziplines at this place:

Ziplining down the mountainside over rain forests and waterfalls was simply the most exciting and scariest adventures I've ever been on!

I was very grateful for these triple carabiners.

4. Repelling down a waterfall:

This is where you ended up!

Kade loved it!

I thought Brecken was enjoying it:

All the sudden she got really scared and started yelling "Mom!" I was at the top and was trying to give her advice. Luckily we had some great guides who got us all down safely.

5. Riding mules up the mountain to get to the ziplines.

The dogs in Mexico are very relaxed (really nice) and hilarious!

6. Visiting an orphanage in Mazatlan was an experience our family will never forget.

We took stuffed animals, picture books written in Spanish and these adorable Shake and Find bottles:

A church youth group in Washington sent several of these to give the kids. I was touched at how much work and effort they went to. They carefully washed out water bottles, filled them with rice and small objects, then labeled them with a list of things to find--of course written in Spanish. Very clever.

Each of my children had a child they wanted to take home. I would have gladly taken any or all of them! They were all so adorable and our hearts went out to their circumstances.

7. Hooking up with our dear friends, the Palmers. (Paula and I have been friends since we were three.) They showed us the ropes of Mazatlan (they go almost every Christmas).

8. Having the chance to be with our entire family one last time before Kade leaves on his mission. The "boat" in the background was our stomping grounds for a week.

9. Playing on the beautiful beaches. Sage and I were lounging on the beach when Steve snapped this shot.

And then this one:

10. Meeting fellow scrapbookers onboard the ship. This is Missy from Iowa and her cute family.

Really a great time. I highly recommend it.

Hope you're having a great week and are getting back into the swing of things.

Happy 2010!

Lisa