Here is the happy couple in their fresh leis. I have a friend who sells them and has them overnighted from Hawaii.

Over 140 guests celebrated with us and the food was simply divine:

Teriyaki Chicken with Coconut Rice:

Grilled Pineapple and Island Vegetable Medley:

Pulled Pork Sliders with Homestyle Coleslaw:

Artichoke Dip with Multi-Grain Chips:

Strawberry Spinach Salad:

Dessert was divine: Chocolate Cream Cheese Cake and Citrus Pound Cake with mixed berries and fresh cream:

The program was adorable (will write about it when I have more time) and the decorations were really cute.

Everyone found their place where their name was on these cute Bearnson bottles:

Brynn Snyder created the labels. Go to her website for more information.

My pal, Carol Snyder, hand wrote (calligraphy) all the name tags, plus the food and table cards.

Here were the three colors that were on the sodas:

Also Kristy Banks made the flowers out of old book pages for these frames:

The program was adorable and I can’t wait to tell you about it. But–I’m out of time. I’ve got tons of stuff to do for the wedding.

Got to admit that I’ve been very teary eyed these past few days. Tonight was the last night our family will be together for scripture reading and prayer–the way we’ve always known it. It’s a good thing that kids grow up. But it also is hard on your heart strings too.

Can’t wait to write about the big day!

Thanks for your support!

Lisa

I am simply in love with Collin Downs Bearnson! He is a perpetual peacemaker, sensitive, kind, funny and loves family more than anything else. He also loves comic heroes and is always drawing me adorable pictures with cute notes on the back. This is the one he gave me last Sunday for Mother’s Day:

This note was on the back:

Dear Mom,

I drew you a picture of Batman. I know you probably don’t even like him, but consider this. Batman is the protector of Gotham City. He also cleans up the streets to make sure all the filth is gone. Batman reminds me a lot of you. Not only do you protect our household from becoming a dump but you do it with a very spunky attitude. Batman loves the citizens of Gothem City. Why else would he go to all the trouble? You love the citizens of the Bearnson family. Why else would you put up with so much? And for that I LOVE YOU!

Collin

Ahhhhh–Best mother’s day present in the world!

I also got Nook from Steve (love it), a hand-painted vase from Sage, flowers from Konsti, an organized closet and breakfast in bed from Stefyn, a toaster from Kade (mine recently gave up the ghost) and my DVDs organized from Brecken. Plus–Kade and Taylor made a fabulous meal (she is one amazing cook) complete with marinaded steak, chicken and veggie kabobs, artichoke dip and chips, grilled pineapple, avocado salad and caramel pecan brownies.

Only one more week ’til I have a new daughter! Wow–can’t believe I’m at that stage in life.

Can’t wait to share some of the details!

Lisa

Things are moving forward. I can’t wait to share some of the cool things we are doing for the wedding dinner (to be held three nights before they are married). Stay tuned until next week!

Here are some of their non-traditional engagement photos:

Might I add that Kade fell in the freezing cold water, then proceeded to “rescue” his honey by pulling the boat to the dock.

Last night some friends gave Taylor a shower, and my pal, Karen Clauson, made this darling banner:

I love the silk fabric she sewed on the top. She said it was a cinch perfectly matting each “flag” using The Perfect Layers tool. She’s hooked!

I’ll keep you posted on other wedding festivities.

Have a great weekend!

Lisa

My only goal was to run the entire thing without stopping–and I did! Konsti came in 15th and was first in his division. Colin was 22nd and 2nd in his division–right behind Konsti. I ran a bit over a 10 minute mile which I know isn’t super fast–but I was happy since it was my first real effort.

There were a few things I learned during the race which applies to life:

1. It’s okay to go slower on the uphills.

2. It’s okay to go faster on the downhills.

3. Always take the right security measures–like double knotting your shoe laces!

4. No matter how hard the path, always endure to the end and get past the finish line!

5. Always cheer others on. There was no greater feeling than having people ecstatically cheering at the finish line.

6. Remember the short time running may be grueling, but the feeling of elation for the rest of the day makes up for it!

This cute friend also ran with us (we met through sccrapbooking, of course!):

I was super proud of Kade. He’s not a runner and hasn’t trained for a 1/2 marathon. However, Taylor has run in several marathons. So–Kade decided “Why Not?” and ran 13.1 miles with Taylor without stopping! They ran over the finish line holding hands–how romantic!

Kade literally couldn’t get out of bed yesterday morning–he was in so much pain. Way to go, Kade and Taylor!

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think my next race will be a 10K. Wow–did I really way that? I don’t even really like to run.

I got back from Missouri last week and met so many amazing people at Table Scraps–a fundraiser for the food coalition in Columbia. Thanks for making me feel so welcome.

This cute gal invited me to the event:

Eva (with her 12-year-old son, Austin) had another great idea while I was there. This is our church’s newest temple in Kansas City, Missouri. An open house for the public to view the temple was going on while I was there. Nearby is Liberty Jail–a very significant place for our church. Eva, Austin, my friend Les (photo below) and I walked the six miles from the Liberty Jail to the new temple (in very cold, windy conditions) in honor of the leaders of our church who were in the Liberty Jail for four winter months during 1838-1839. I was so proud of Eva and Austin! Eva lost almost 50 pounds for the walk and also has a handicapped leg. And Austin was a trooper–not many children his age would have attempted a long walk in the bitter cold!

Here I am with Les Ackman who I also met through scrapbooking!

The homeward stretch was ever so sweet. Seeing that temple in the distance was music to our ears!

Life remains hectic and busy! The weather has been beautiful for the most part here in Utah. Makes me want to get out and dig in the dirt!

Hope you’re enjoying warmer weather as well!

Love, Lisa

You all are the best! Your sweet messages regarding Kade and Taylor’s upcoming marriage brought tears to my eyes! I truly feel blessed–my family has so much amazing support! If you haven’t seen the proposal video yet, go HERE.

The plans are going forward at warp speed. They took their engagement photos two weeks ago and I captured a few shots with my iPhone:

I don’t think they are going to use either of these shots for their invitation but I think they are pretty cute! Our neighbors have a pond in their yard so that’s where the photos were taken.

I have to tell you a really cute story regarding Kade’s marriage. These are two of Sage’s best friends who are both 11 (Krisha on the left and Olivia on the right). Here they are posing for Kade’s proposal video:

They were both over at our house as Kade was leaving to propose to Taylor. Suddenly Olivia burst out bawling and buried her head in my shoulder. I couldn’t console her and kept asking what was wrong. Finally she blurted out: “I don’t want Kade to get engaged–I want to marry him!” I felt so bad and hardly knew what to say. Krisha came over to Olivia and her answer to help her feel better was priceless: “Collin’s cute too!” So watch out, Collin. There are two girls who may be chasing you before too long!

I’ve had a few people ask about the wedding plans and how it’s at all possible to get a wedding together in two months. Here are a few answers:

1. As far as getting a wedding together in two months, it’s fairly easy in our culture–wedding planners and caterers are used to this quick time frame. In our religion, most engagements are relatively short due to a principle we believe in called The Law of Chastity. Also Taylor has family coming in from Saudi Arabia, Hawaii and North Carolina for her cousin’s wedding the day before so they decided since everyone is already in Utah it was a good time.

Lucky for me I’m not the mother of the bride! It’s a lot less hectic for the groom’s family to help in the planning of the wedding.

2. Kade and Taylor will be married in one of our church’s temples. The one they’ve chosen is called the Draper Temple and is located on the mountainside–about 10 minutes from our home:

The ceremony is very simple, sacred and beautiful. There will be around 75 people who will witness their marriage.

3. There will be a fun dinner a few days before with close family and friends–this is like the traditional rehearsal dinner. The night of the wedding, there will be a large reception which will be in our neighbor’s backyard. The landscape boasts two beautiful waterfalls, a gazebo and lovely gardens–a wonderful backdrop for a beautiful couple. Taylor’s mom is a gourmet cook so I’m sure the food will be amazing!

4. Kade and Taylor will go on a fun honeymoon to Hawaii. Her family recently moved there so they will be able to spend time with them too.

Hope your spring is going well. We’ve had guests from London and Germany (Konsti’s family came to visit). We also had Spring Break last week and went to a condo in Midway and then a cabin in Sundance. It was close to home which was nice. We went biking, fishing, swimming, played racquetball, read, shopped, watched movies, played games and of course ate amazing food!

Okay–so true confession time! We were so relaxed I didn’t even get my camera out once! Steve snapped this photo on his iPhone while we were shopping:

I love this photo–Sage’s favorite color is purple and she happened to have it on as we were passing by this store.

Have a great rest of the week!

Here they are on their first date five years ago (it was a girl’s choice dance):

And here they are today:

Taylor literally grew up next door and their love story is one that will put a little bubble in your heart.

So sit back and enjoy THE GREATEST LOVE STORY EVER TOLD!

Oh and leave me a comment on what you thought of the movie! I love it because it celebrates their lives along with the people they love the most!

Hope your Monday is going great!

Lisa

The two random winners are:

Carla Hoffner

Kim Hacking

I will have Kerri contact you concerning the details. Congratulations!

We’ve had a busy weekend! Steve has been in California at a volleyball tournament with Brecken. I was at a volleyball tournament all day on Saturday with Sage.

We celebrated St. Paddy’s night in a BIG way. It was Stefyn’s birthday and you’ll be green with envy when you see the “LUCKY” party we had!

First of all, I made this banner with my pal, Robyn Warner (along with her week-old baby, Hazlee):

Robyn taught me the technique (I made a “Be Hoppy” one for Spring too) and it’s super easy and addicting. Here are the steps:

1. Choose a coordinated piece of 12 x 12 patterned paper for each letter or symbol in the banner.

2. Using a scoring board (I used one by Martha Stewart), score each sheet of paper with 1″ lines.

3. Cut into 4″ strips with lines going vertical, then fold accordion style:

5. Cut one strip from each piece, then hot glue ends together to form a circle:

6. Placing your hands around the circle, gentle press down and glue in the middle to form a “flower:”

7. Add a 5″ circle and 3 3/4″ letters or symbols. (I cut mine using the Cricut.)

8. Punch a hole through one of the raised spokes (you’ll have two holes), thread with ribbon or toulling.

9. Hang banner and enjoy in your home!

This  banner surrounded by green balloons was hanging front and center since it was a “Lucky” party. We started the celebration with a song about being lucky sung by my nieces, Michal and Mallory. While they were singing, they embellished Stefyn with tacky green jewelry and a “crown” that she wore all evening. We then went on a “green food” progressive dinner. We started at our house with green smoothies (yummy–who knew spinach could be so good blended with frozen fruit, yogurt and orange juice?).

At every stop we played “minute to win it” games (running around with limes on spoons, stacking green cups, tossing pennies in jars, etc.) and of course gave green cash prizes to the winners. We also had “I’m lucky to have you in my life” Stefyn moments.

Stop two was a soup and sandwich place called Kneaders. There we enjoyed cream of broccoli soup.

The third stop was Thanksgiving Point where they served up some green avocado lime salads.

Our final stop was at my parents house where my mom made a Spring Green Dessert that was a big hit. It’s light and delicious. Here’s the recipe:

SPRING GREEN DESSERT

1 1/2 sticks butter
1 1/2 c. flour
3/4 c. ground pecans
8 oz. cream cheese
1 c. powdered sugar
1 c. Cool Whip
2 pkg. instant pistachio pudding
3 c. milk

Mix butter, flour and pecans. Press into a 9×13 inch dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Let cool. Mix cream cheese, sugar and Cool Whip. Spread over cooled crust. Refrigerate for two hours. Add milk to pudding and mix well. Spread over second layer. Let set two hours, then top with Cool Whip. Chill overnight. Cut into bars and serve.

From start to finish, a very fun night! Here’s the group that went:

Just a funny side note. We have no idea who the children in the photo are. They just ran over to us and wanted to be in the picture. Random fun!

By the way, if you live in Missiouri or the surrounding area, you must come see me on April 21st. I’ll be in Columbia for an amazing scrapbooking event, Table Scraps, to raise money for the food coalition. Go here for information on the event.

Hope your week is going well.We’ve got snow on the ground!!!! (I’m still thinking happy thoughts!)

Lisa

First of all, immediately download this quote for free by going HERE! (Press file, then download in the top left hand corner. You have the choice of three different styles.)

It is an amazing quote by Steve Jobs and beautifully executed by Kerri Bradford. Think of the possibilities you can do with it (magnets, wallhangings, place cards, etc.). I printed it it out to hang on my wall and  love the look! (If you live in Utah, go to Rod Works in Lehi for this frame. It’s actually a magnet board that doubles as a frame. Print the quote out to a 8.625 x 14.5 size.)

Also Kerri, Marci Leishman, Kristy Banks and I recently put together a Make a Wish scrapbook for a young man whose “wish” was to go to NYC to meet Glenn Beck. I was amazed by Kerri who effortlessly cut out all the embellishments using designs from HER STORE and of course the Silhouette.

As I watched in awe at how easy she made it all look, she kept saying to me “It really is easy, Lisa Bearnson!”

Guess what! Now you and I can discover just how easy it really is. For the first time ever, Kerri is teaching a Silhouette class with the talented Jessica Sprague!

If you want to create cuts and designs like these, this is the class for you!

* Will Collin get in the university of bis choice? When will he hear the news?
* Will Kade get the job he’s hoping for? (He’s had two interviews but no final decision has been made.)
* Sage has a big book report due on Friday and is only 1/4 the way finished with her book. Will she get it done?
* Where is Brecken’s student ID card so she can get her learner’s driving permit?
* Why did my college friend, Craig Larson, have to die so young and leave a cute wife and three children.
* Why is my lower back hurting so bad?

Seeing my gloomy mood, my cute son, Kade, reminded  me of a talk by one of our church leaders on how it’s better to look up and to “believe in God; believe that He is; believe that He has all wisdom and all power, both in heaven and in earth.” Kade was able to redirect my focus to look up and it’s been a better day!

So, what have we been “looking up” to in the Bearnson family?

We celebrated the safe return of these five neighborhood young men who returned from their missions:

It’s been so much fun to see the growth and maturity in each of them.

We also celebrated Brecken’s 15th birthday by tubbing with the family at Soldier Hollow:

It’s a good life and I’ll put the hard stuff in the hands of the Lord.

Thanks for listening today. And hope you’re looking up today!

Lisa

P.S. I’m hosting a cool giveaway from Kerri Bradford on my blog on Monday!

P.S.S. If you won the iRock on my blog months ago, please let me know! Long story but I need you name and address again.

We went with Steve’s best friends from high school:

While we had a great time, we went through somber times too. The last time we were there together, our dear friends, Stu and Betsy, were with us. As you know, Betsy passed away last June. Being on the island without them was a daily reminder of how precious life really is.

Before I share more photos, if you have a Smartphone, these tips are for you! I downloaded three apps right before the trip that I fell in love with. They are Pixlromatic, Instagram and My365. Pixlromatic (my favorite) and Instagram are free photo altering and sharing applications that allow users to take a photo and apply a digital border or filter. My365 is a photo app which enables you to take a photo on you Smartphone and place it onto a calendar to share. This is an easy way to keep track of what happened each day, then add them to Becky Higgin’ Project Life books (either tactile or digital).

Notice the photo above.

Now look at it using Pixlromatic’s Sand Border and Aladin filter:

Now look at the same photo with the Vignette border:

I’m totally having so much fun with these apps. It’s a quick way to add some pizazz to your photos.

The landscape is so rich and diverse in Hawaii:

There were lava fields surrounding where we were staying. People bring white rocks from the beaches and write messages:

You’ll never believe this. We three girls were on the private beach by our condo on Valentine’s Day (the men were golfing).

I struck up a conversation with a nice man and he told me a band called “Train” was playing on the beach that night. I really didn’t know who they were but when I told my friends, they couldn’t believe it and were so excited! I guess Train is a big deal. So Valentine’s night, the men made us a yummy meal of steak and shrimp and Red Velvet Cake, then we went to the beach and laid in hammocks listening to Train. (I ended up knowing several of the songs–”Drops of Jupiter,” “Calling all Angels,” Hey Soul Sister” and “Marry Me.”) What an amazing memory on a fun night!

Kade was in charge while we were gone. I got home to happy children, a clean house, up-to-date homework and my laundry 100% finished! Yipee!

Last night Kade, Collin and their friend, Kyle, went on a very creative date:

(The cute blonde with Collin is the daughter of a friend I met through scrapbooking! The other cute blonde is Kade’s high school sweetheart. She faithfully waited for Kade while he was on his mission and they look pretty happy that he is back!)

The group went “Skittles” bowling, then came back to our house and made very creative smoothies. What is Skittles bowling you might ask? Before each turn, each group member drew a Skittle with their eyes closed. The color picked depended was how they had to bowl that turn (e.g. red=cross legged, orange=an Irish jig, purple=spin around five times, etc.). They all said they laughed so hard and had a total blast. A fun twist on bowling for sure. Collin was the high scorer and Kade the low!

Well enough about my week. I’m off to start enjoying  my weekend. Hope yours is going great!

Lisa