Lisa's Blog

Sorry I'm so slow getting the "Steve's New Adventure" results published. We've had a rock band from Philly staying with us (loved having you Terry, Ian, Bryan and Kyle) plus I've had a bunch of other things that have kept me really busy.



So--I'll spill the beans. But first of all I've got to say that you are a smart bunch of scrappers. Close to 70 of you were correct!!! STEVE'S TAKING FLYING LESSONS and last Tuesday was his solo flight. Very nerve racking--I was a wreck that morning. Look how close he is to those big Rocky Mountains! Look at that huge smile on his face!!

It's my own fault that he's taking lessons. When we were first marriage, Steve wanted to be a pilot. After 30 hours of lessons we ran out of money and Steve pursued a different course. He's never been able to forget the thrill of flying and how much he'd like to get his license. Last year I met Jake Blackington, the hubby of one of the gals in the editorial department at CK. He is a flight instructor and convinced me that taking lessons is as safe as walking down the street. I caved in and bought Steve all the "stuff" plus flying lessons for Christmas last year. He was suppose to start taking the lessons in January but I totally chickened out and conveniently "lost" Jake's number. (Several friends had told me it was a bad idea because it's so dangerous.) In August, my sister bumped into Jake while hiking a mountain and he gave her his number and asked to pass it along to Steve. (I didn't know this had taken place.) Steve contacted Jake and the rest is history.

Yes, I'm a nervous wreck and wonder what we've gotten ourselves in to. However, Jake's an amazing instructor (very safe) and Steve's a quick study and it brings a HUGE smile to his face. He gets a little down the days when he can't go (when the weather's not cooperating).

So, that's my big news. I love how one of the gals commented on how her brother-in-law took flying lessons and now he owns a 700 lb. plane! Yikes!

I'm going to let 12 of you win because two of you forgot to leave your e-mail addresses. (I know one scrapper asked if there was a way to win without leaving your e-mail address. We'll work on finding a solution.)

Alisyn Evans and Maryscottagequilts--Please send your snail mail address as soon as possible to Angeladash@gmail.com.

As for the other 10 winners, we'll be contacting you for your snail mail address.

Here's the list of names:

Stephanie B. (ladyluck@shaw.ca)
Susan (gsbon2@comcast.net)
Angie (ajclark13@comcast.net)
Wendie (wendiewilliams@gmail.com
Cheryl (cstoreham@cox.net
Heather (dhoswalk@msn.com)
Paulene (shitzu@usfamily.net)
Stephanie (SShre34853@aol.com)
Eloise (Eloise@standardworld.com
KCParreira@comcast.net

Okay, so just a little shameless plug for my December Kit of the Month that each of these gals will be receiving. It rocks!




It is hands down the coolest, hippest, most fashion forward stamp kit that you'll ever see and you'll love the value and quality. There are only a certain amount to go around and when they're gone, they're gone. The kit will be available to purchase on December 1st at LisaBearnson.com/kotm.

I love the big bold titles, the cool arrows and all the fun shapes that are included in this kit. I branched out a little on this page (took me only 45 minutes to complete thanks to cool paper and stamps). I used kinda the "grunge" look in my journaling. I also love how you can use flowers on a totally masculine page. Who would have thought this would be possible when I started the magazine 11 years ago?

Congrats to the winners. Please let us know what you think of the kit.

Lisa

Last night I was up until midnight helping Kade with a homework assignment. I'd put Sage to bed a few hours earlier and since it was an especially warm night (and Steve had already turned on our radiant heat since cold weather is coming) I opened a window in her 2nd floor bedroom to let a little fresh air in. The kids' computer/homework area is in an open part of our house--right outside Sage's room. While we were working, we heard a loud man's shriek outside our house. Kade ran to see what was going on but couldn't see anyone. He then went to check on everyone. My hubby, who was on the bottom floor of our house, didn't hear anything. I soon convinced myself that it was a friend of Kade's playing a practical joke on him. After midnight, I went off to bed while Kade finished up his assignment. He has an early morning class and had to get up at the crack of dawn plus is playing a big football game tonight against the rival school. I was worried about him getting his sleep.

At 4:00 a.m., I woke up to a prompting to go upstairs and check on Sage. I remembered the weird sound outside and then my mind started going crazy thinking maybe something was wrong with Sage. I ran upstairs and got kinda scared when I saw she wasn't in her bed. I looked around and no Sage. I saw the window I'd opened earlier was closed. I ran into Kade's room and there she was--snuggled right next to this 6'1" 190 lb. boy--in a single bed! I noticed how he'd made her a sweet bed on the floor of his room, but she must have gotten scared and crawled in next to him.

I was overcome with pure joy. How amazing that an older brother, after hearing that strange sound, would worry that much over his little six-year-old sister. What true love. I know why I was prompted to go upstairs and check on Sage. It was so I could have this ordinary moment that in years to come will be remembered as a very amazing extrordinary moment.

I took this sweet picture of Sage and Kade a few months ago. Once again, she was snuggled next to Kade as he was reading her a book. He calls her his little Sweetheart and is always spending time with her. Every Sunday, all my friends comment on the incredible relationship that Sage and Kade have. She sits on his lap the entire church meeting.

Just had to share this neat memory. Remember, your ordinary moments will become the best ones of all.

I'm off to Kade's game. Go Knights!

Lisa

Hey Everyone,

Again, my hubby and I loved reading through all your comments about his new adventure!! Very entertaining!

Life's been very busy here. Collin turned 14 yesterday and last night Steve and I took him to the fanciest restaurant in Salt Lake City ("The Roof" at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building) and ate an amazing feast (huge buffet with lots of yummy desserts). It overlooks one of the oldest buildings in SLC, the Salt Lake Temple, and the ambiance is wonderful. If you ever make it to Salt Lake, you must eat here! Met a cute scrapbooker there from North Carolina. (Great meeting you, Jennifer.)

Also, I got this touching note from Lisa Blake, sister of SGT Nathan Barnes (see my blog entry Monday July 30, 2007). Just wanted to share (and thanks so much for your sweet comments):


Hi Lisa,

My name is Lisa Blake and I am the sister of SGT Nathan Barnes. I just heard about your blog from the day of Nathan's funeral yesterday. I read it and was so touched I forwarded it to all of my family. You made us all cry and feel grateful that people seem to understand and appreciate the sacrifice that was made for them. Nathan was one of a kind and we all miss him so much. We know that we have many tough days ahead, and we thank you for your support and the support of all those who commented.

Lisa


Now to answer a few questions about the December Kit of the Month (the stamp set). Yes, most of the stamps are large. They make perfect titles, borders, accents, etc. I was also asked if there was an alphabet included. There are lots of designs and words but not a complete alphabet. Take if from me on this one--there are soooooo many stamps in this kit that your mouth will drop to the ground when the UPS man comes. They are very quality and fashion forward in design.

Hey, this contest thing is kinda fun. So, I think I'll post another one right now! The Kit of the Months have been so popular. I LOVE Ali Edwards kit for October 2007. The subject matter rocks and how can you go wrong with Ali designing it? You can click on Kit of the Month above to see the kit and Ali's album.

I want to send one of these kits to 10 lucky winners. This contest is a little different in nature. My hubby tells me I'm addicted to one particular thing and it drives him a little crazy. It starts first thing in the morning and I continue doing it until the moment I go to bed. Today I realized that I truly am addicted. I even took a photo of this addiction so I can share it with you. I'm sure some of you have the same addictions! Hum--I guess I can't give any more clues. Just know it's not a bad thing--just something I love and it would be hard to give up.

Post your answers and let's see if we have any winners! And, don't forget your e-mail. Or, if you prefer not to leave your e-mail, post your answer and if you're a winner, I'll tell you how to get in touch with us.

Lisa

Loved reading all your comments about my quirky addiction. I got a laugh out of some of your guesses. I've never drank a sip of coffee in my life, I don't own a Blackberry, I have a hard time checking my e-mails because I get so many of them and I rarely drink soda because I don't like carbonation.

There were some that were close. I am a listmaker--but not addicted to it. I also love chocolate but don't have to have it everyday. I do wipe down my counters with white cloroxed dish clothes (how did you know that? amazing)! but not addicted to it.

Okay--with that being said, here is my addiction (which many of you answered correctly!).



Yep--I'm totally addicted to chewing ice! As we speak, I have a glass right next to my computer. It can't be regular ice. I fill a glass full of crushed ice and water, then let it sit for around 30 minutes (until it becomes soft and easy to chew). I have a glass first thing in the morning, several throughout the day, then one every night when I take a bubble bath. Yesterday I looked at the counter and saw three glasses of ice on the counter ("waiting" to become soft). That's when I realized that I'M ADDICTED!! I've taken iron pills before but it doesn't seem to help. Lucky for me it only bothers Steve when I'm driving with him in the car.

Here are the names of the first 10 people who got it right:

Tracy--atcontino@msn.com
Anonymous (at 3:53 a.m.--wow--a night owl!)
Sandy52372@yahoo.com
lbagjf@yahoo.com
Trina--scrapgirlinnj@aol.com
Jules
KatrinaF81@aol.com
Gem
Karen--jeffandkaren@cox.net
Rosie

Please send your snail mail addresses to Angela at angeladash@gmail.com. I'll get the Ali kit sent right to you. If you won the "Steve's adventure" contest, please know the stamp kits were sent today.

I'm off to Southern Utah for Fall Break (three days off from school). We're going biking, four wheeling, to the BYU vs. UNLV football game (in Las Vegas), eating lots of great food, watching movies, playing games and reading! It will be a nice break.

Have a great rest of the week as well.

Sincerely,
Lisa B.

My children had Fall Break for the past five days so we headed to Southern Utah where the weather is a lot warmer and the scenery is completely different (the red rock formations are breathtaking). On the way down, I was holding the puppy in my lap in the front seat (I'm trying to be a team player) and she had two accidents on me--not fun!

We camped in our fifth wheel (trailer) in a State Park called Sand Hollow.



Wow--what an amazing place. Right next to the campground is a beautiful large lake surrounded by miles and miles of red sand dunes. We had such a great time--playing and four wheeling in the sand, reading books, going on bike rides and enjoying the quiet surroundings.



Friday night we went to the Broadway play Cinderella at the Tuacahn outdoor theater near St. George. Sage LOVED it! The girls went to the movie The Game Plan (cute but predictable show) and the boys went to the BYU/UNLV game in Vegas. It was so funny--on Sunday we went to a church nearby and our family walked into the service a few minutes late. Every head turned when we walked in. We looked around and realized we were in a congregation for single young adults (ages 18-30)! The Bishop (leader) on the stand gave me a big welcoming smile and we stayed and enjoyed the service.

Now for the tender mercies. Four-wheeling in the sand is a lot different than on regular ground.



I went up one hill and came right back--it scared me so bad. Sage went out for a while but also didn't like it so came back to the car with me and Maggie. Steve was driving one four wheeler with Collin on the back; Kade was driving Brecken on the other ATV. On one particular hill, Steve and Collin came off it wrong and got thrown forward. Steve got a really bad rip in his pants but other than that they were fine. Around the same time, Kade and Brecken also got thrown from their four wheeler--they went one way and the four wheeler went down an incline. A nice man who was parked next to us (his wife had given me a chair to sit on) brought a crying Brecken down the hill. Steve went up with the man to rescue Kade and his four wheeler. I felt so lucky that nobody had been hurt (everyone was wearing helmets). What a tender mercy from the Lord. Now I'm rethinking whether I like four wheeling. We've doing it for years but I have to admit I'm not really excited about doing it again in the sand.

When we got home, we learned that Brecken's best friend, Kenya, had been in a horrible accident with her family Friday night while on vacation about an hour from here. Another car hit into their Surburban and their car flipped three times. They had almost invited Brecken to go with them but at the last minute decided to just take the family. (Another tender mercy.) Here is a photo of the car they were driving.



The entire family was taken by ambulance to two different hospitals. Everyone had bumps, bruises and the oldest daughter broke her spine in two places. But--can you believe nobody was seriously hurt?? Another tender mercy. (We love you, Anderson family!)

What are the tender mercies that you've experienced today?? Maybe it was as simple as getting all the kids out the door and on time for school without any forgotten homework, lunches, etc. (this is often a tender mercy for me). Maybe it was an unexpected check from an overpaid bill. Maybe your hubby surprised you by doing a hated chore (cleaning a toilet!). Whatever it may be, join with me in being thankful for the tender mercies that we all receive in our lives. And--share with us all what your tender mercy today was.

Thanks for letting me share.

Lisa

Yes, the weather outside is frightful. It snowed six inches in our neck of the woods on Saturday and this morning it was a record-breaking cold freezing morning. On Saturday afternoon, my little Sage was bundled up in all her winter gear along with her friend Paris. They were going to a birthday party at the zoo. They got to pet an alligator!



Loved having Kelly and Kelsie Bakes and Nancy and Ryan Kraus at our house this weekend. We love company!

I've already caught the holiday spirit and have been making the November Kit of the Month Christmas cards by my pal Becky Higgins. Let me just say that I LOVE these cards.



The design is adorable (how could it not be if it's from BH?) and this card took me less than a minute to create (no joking). And, check out the cute envelopes. (The have a really unique fold in the back.)



Make sure you get these while the supplies last. You won't regret it.

I want to give 10 of these card sets away so I've been concocting a little contest. Here's my big trivia question. Speaking of frightful, what is the one thing in my home that scares me to death? A few hints. It follows me everywhere I go--whether it's a vacation, business trip, etc. It's in almost every room of my house. It truly is very scary!

For this contest, you have exactly 48 hours from now to answer the question. On Wed. Oct. 24th at 10:30 p.m. I'll check all your answers. If you answered correctly, I'll throw all your names in a hat and randomly draw 10 names. Please include an e-mail address or a unique way to contact you (name, etc.).

If you're Rosie and won my last contest, please send us your address again. For some reason we never received it.

Also, check out my Rome Italy friend's web site. Helena came and stayed with our family this past summer and she recently interviewed me and posted it on her site--scrap4all.typepad.com. She's an amazing scrapbooker!

By the way, loved reading about all your tender mercies--very touching. I could really relate to the gal that shared her story about a mouse being in her kitchen. Her tender mercy was that the mouse climbed in the recycle bin and she was able to take the entire bag outside and get rid of the mouse. I'm really scared of mice so I could relate (okay--I just gave you a major hint that the above answer isn't a mouse!).

Good luck on this little contest!

Lisa

Wow--in just 48 hours there were over 500 guesses to my little "what scares me to death" contest. At first I wasn't sure if anyone was going to get it right. However, I loved your creative answers--dust bunnies, germs, pet hair, fleeting time, static electricity, lists, clutter, shadow, bugs and so on. I got a kick out of the answer "your bootie!" I guess that does follow you wherever you go!

I have to tell you a funny story before I reveal the answer. I was recently sitting on an airplane chatting with the man next to me. We talked about all sorts of things. He then asked if I have a white cat. I answered "yes" and gave him a "how did you know that" look. He said that one white hair on the sleeve of my shirt revealed this fact! How embarrassing. So--I guess pet hair follows you wherever you go. Now I also have Maggie hair to deal with too.

So, what is the one thing in my house that scares me to death??

Sixty-nine of you got it right!

The correct answer is dirty laundry (or clean laundry for that matter--it then needs to be folded and put away!




Honestly, this is a thankless job. You work really hard to get all caught up, you feel a little satisfaction and then you go into every bedroom at night to see a new hamper full of clothes that need to be washed. How deflating. Besides the bedrooms, you have used towels and washclothes in the bathrooms and kitchen. You go on a trip and bring home a entire bag full of dirty laundry. I'm trying to teach my children how to do their own laundry, but they tend to wash everything together (no separation of darks and lights). They are learning to fold and put stuff away properly but no getting around it, LAUNDRY IS A PAIN! I'd love to hear your secrets!

Here's one little secret that I can share. I buy the white Costco cloths for my dish rags. Every night, I soak the rags I used that day in the sink with water, Clorox and and some dish detergent. They totally turn white, smell great and get really clean! Then every few days I throw them in the washer.

From now on when I have a contest, I'll reward the very first person who got the question right, then randomly select other correct answers (within a certain time period).

So--the first person who got the answer right is:
Mimi...grafxguys@mail.manti.com
grafxguys@mail.manti.com

Great job, Mimi!

Here are the 10 winners who were randomly drawn:

1. Heather-dhoswald@msn.com

2. Carol in Phoenix--need info

3. lanjenc@msn.com

4. gracetolman--need info

5. Keiauni....keiauni@gmail.com

6. jnewtonl@wildblue.net

7. scarthurl@yahoo.com

8. quiltz43@yahoo.com quiltz43@yahoo.com

9. Suechase@smartchat.net.au

10. KellyJo...k.j.oates@cox.net

Great job winners and to everyone else who got the answer correct. Winners--please contact Angela at angeladash@gmail.com with your snail mail address.

Have a great rest of the week. And--get that laundry done!

Lisa

Halloween festivities have been going on for the past several days at the Bearnson house. This photo was taken on our way to Marta's (good friend) incredible Halloween party. It was at Jump On It--a rockin' place where there are wall to wall trampolines (even some on the walls). Very fun. Brecken was a girl pirate; I was a boy pirate; and Sage was a Spanish dancer--the same thing she was last year. I bought her an adorable chef's apron and hat at Costco but she changed her mind and wanted to be the dancer again. Works for me.
Saturday we enjoyed "Thriller"--a dance concert put on by a professional company. We go almost every year and it's a family favorite. Wednesday will be filled with parties, parades and of course trick or treating. My neighbor always gives out hot churros so I'll be sure to go to her house!

Hope your Halloween is safe and fun.

I'll be off for Seattle early Thurs. morning (Creating Keepsakes Convention--come see us!) and then straight to a football game in Denver. My cousin plays for MSU.

Sincerely,

Lisa