more necklaces

Pretty as a Princess!



Miss Erin modeling

so sweet, and simple

other side of wings


key chain

Here are a few necklaces with the models, modeling. :) Thanks girls! Thank you for all of your kind compliments. Your all so kind. I can make these necklaces in different sizes.

Having fun!

This one was made for a bridal shower. I hope she likes it!



I made this one for a baby gift...so sweet!

I have been having so much fun making my necklaces! Here are a few that I have been working on the past few days. For those that e-mailed me, or are interested. I am ready to get to work. Sorry for the little delay. I needed to work on my soldering skills a little more. Now I think it is addicting! :) Azsunm@aol.com

Private, no more...

After much thinking, and rethinking I have to decided to not make my blog private. After realizing all of the blessings that have come to me thru blogging, I realized private was not the way I wanted to go. This year has brought me many blessings, that have come thru the blogging world. I have reconnected with family, friends, and even made wonderful new friends. In this past year I have been inspired by so many. I have tried new recipes, enjoyed SPT, connected with so may wonderful ladies, tried new cleaning techniques, read books, gone to movies, and watched TV shows that where highly recommend. I have shed tears with you, many laughs, and most importantly feel like I have grown from all of you. I will continue to keep my blog as safe as I know how to. I am very concerned of the safety of my family.I look forward to many more memories, and blessings. Here is to Safe, and HAPPY blogging! :)

Simplify...

I took this picture this summer, while we where up in Midway. We went to see Robert Duncan's studio! I loved it! I have always loved this word. It makes me think about life. Every time I read it, I want to take a big breath, slow down a little, and re prioritize. This is going to be my goal this week, and hopefully the next, and next..etc. One of the things that I am going to start today, is reading my scriptures daily. I love the scriptures. I am looking forward to starting the Book of Mormon again. I thought this would be a great way to start my week of Simplifying. I hope everyone is having a great Sabbath!

tomorrow

Tomorrow I am going to go ahead, and make my blog private. Thanks so much to those who have e-mailed me. I wanted to make the change today, but haven't had enough time. We are headed out the door in a few minutes to go to a ward dinner. It has been one of those weeks where I ask myself...what have I been doing? Then I sit, and realize we have had Dr. appointments, ortho appointments, mutual, family visitors, family moving out, grocery shopping,dry cleaners, post office, hair appt. and the every day stuff! I am hoping next week is the week that I can be home more, and get things done. I still am trying to get on a routine since the kids have gone back to school. Is anyone else struggling with getting back into a routine? I hope everyone is having a great Friday! :)

a little change..

Change can be a good thing! I have decided to make my blog private. After thinking about it for a long time now, I decided now was the time. Please e-mail me if you want to be on my blogging list. Azsunm@aol.com

lost friend

I am so sad! Saturday we spent the day with my niece, and sister in law. We had so much fun talking, shopping, eating etc. I had brought my camera long to get a few pictures. Since we returned home on Saturday the camera is nowhere to be found! I have even back tracked, and called the stores we had shopped at. I feel lost with out my camera! :( I am thinking if it doesn't show up with in a few days I will have to purchase another. Have you ever lost your friend/camera?

Ben, and Desirae...

Belle



Ben, and Desirae have been living with us since Ben started the academy in May. Actually, He was only home on the weekends for the first 9 weeks. We where blessed to have Desirae living here with us the past 3 1/2 months, and Ben the past 6 weeks, since finishing the academy. Yesterday was the dreaded day. They rented a cute home in an area that is halfway between both of their jobs. I am so excited for them to be able to have their own space. I am going to miss having them here daily. We had soooo much fun! Many fun memories! Movies watched, late night Sonic runs, swimming, conversations, planning, listening, enjoying, loving, and much more. We will miss you Ben, Desirae, and Belle! Hugs!

Thank you!

This is one that I made to go with some of Sarah's outfits. It is double sided. The other side is pink with white polka dots! I should have taken a picture of that side too.

This was a fun one!





I want to thank all of your for all of the compliments!!! Wow, I never ever expected so many nice comments. I have thought for a while about starting to sell my jewelry. I have a love for creating. I have been making necklaces for about 3 years now. I have been enjoying making necklaces with swarovski crystals. I still do use the crystals quite a bit. I have grown to love the more vintage look. I use solder to make the necklaces have this look.I Also love love love the necklaces with pictures, and quotes on back. It is also so fun to make the necklaces with initials, etc. on them. The possibilities are endless. If anyone is interested in any of these necklaces, or ordering something custom, just let me know. My prices will be kept low. I am doing this for the added opportunity to enjoy creating, and hopefully share that with you. Thanks bunches, Michelle My E-mail address is Azsunm@aol.com Feel free to e-mail me with any questions at all! :)

Here are a few more...

a few more

These are fun too. The ideas are endless. I think they would be darling on little girls, teenagers, or grownups. There are so many fun fonts to chose from.

cutie pie!

So darn cute!

I made these for my sweet nieces. They have two of the cutest little ones!

jewelry making! So fun!

I have been having sooooo much fun! I have been making some jewelry, and have loved every minute of it. Sarah has been wearing them to school. She must be a good model, because she has actually sold a few. Here are a few pictures. I will post more pictures later today.

Ikea...finally!

Now that school has started I have a little more free time. Not a lot, but a little. :) Nate doesn't go back to college until Monday. Ben, and Dessie are still living here. They officially move out Saturday. :( I am really going to miss them. Anyhow, I have a few free hours during the day to myself. I have never been to Ikea! I know...crazy, huh? For some reason I just have never ventured over there. I am going to go check it out this week or next. I am hoping to find some things to help organize my craft room a little better. The one other item I have heard about, and never have tried is the meatballs, that they sell. Our home teacher tells us, that they are the best! How many of you are Ikea fans? What treasures have you found? I will let you all know what I find on my shopping trip!

a wonderful Sunday reading

I thought this would be a sweet story to share this Sunday evening. Susan Branch is a wonderful artist. I have admired her work for years. Her art always has reminded me of the days of simplicity, and love. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did. It is a little lengthy, but so worth the time. Happy Sunday.


http://www.susanbranch.com/PancakeStory.html

Fun times in Mesa

Chloe, and Sarah

Sarah sitting in the chair. This gives you an idea of how big it really is.

The big pink chair that sits on the sidewalk in Mesa.

Me with Terri O. She is a news personality here in Phoenix for channel 3. She also has been on HGTV, and QVC. She is so crafty, and talented. When I found out that she was going to be at this event, I knew I had to go! I bought her new book that is out, called Easy Embellishing. So many fun, and easy craft projects are in this book

Last night we headed to downtown Mesa. I have a great love for the downtown area. My Mom was raised in this area of Mesa. Her home was very close to the downtown while she was growing up. My grandparents later moved, and again built in the same area. The home that they lived in, for 37 years, is in the historic neighborhood of Mesa. Last night the stores, and businesses where staying open late, for "Monsoon Madness!" Basically it was stores, and restaurants that where having sales,food, a band, and just good ol' fun! Janae, and Chloe joined Sarah, and I. It was fun to have a girls night out. We laughed....alot!, ate, tried clothes on, walked alot, talked, shopped, met authors, a TV personality, and just had a great time.

I'm on a roll! :)

Today was good day! The kids had another good day at school. I am happy that they seem to be liking thier new teachers. After they got off to school, I started on my cleaning/organizing frenzy. This is a good thing! :) I get in these moods every now, and then. I love it when I do! This weekend I got the fridge cleaned out, and scrubbed down. I then got the freezer cleaned out. Today I worked in my pantry, and spice cupboard. I have been putting off the much dreaded closet! That would be mine! :) I have a busy day tomorrow, so think it will have to wait until Sat. or Mon. I am commited to doing it though. I look in the closet, and think to myself...how in the world! Then I think where did this "stuff" come from! It feels really good to be getting things done that I have been puting off. I hope my mood lasts a while longer!

School Days School Days...

Jacob


Sarah

The kids are home from school, and seemed to enjoy their day. Last night Steve gave Jacob, and Sarah a father's blessing. This is something that we do every year the night before school starts. Nathan will have his in a week, and a half when he goes back to school. I feel very blessed to have a husband that is able to give such a blessing. I know that the kids feel the strength that come from these sweet blessings, and moments that they share with Steve. We all gather in the front room as a family, for the special times. I took the Annual First Day of School pictures this morning. I thought I would share them! It looks like we are off to a good start of the school year!

Back to School...

I spent today with Jacob doing his back to school shopping. He has been in Mexico the past week with his good friend Cody, and his family. Normally I would have had school shopping finished by now. I usually try to get it done a little early so we aren't at the mall with so many other shoppers. Jake, and I had fun today! We shopped, talked, and had lunch. He picked out some really nice things, and is ready for school to start. He will be a senior this year! I can't believe it! It amazes me how time flys. The kids will go back to school day after tomorrow. We got Sarah's shopping done a few weeks ago. Nate doesn't start back for about 3-4 weeks. I can't believe how fast this summer went by. I could easily take 1 more month of summer. I guess I'll have to wait for next year! :) When do your kids start back to school? Are you ready for summer to end?

Carrot Cake...Yum!

Lately I have been in the mood to cook! This is a good thing. One of my goals for the year is to become a better cook. I have been trying new recipes, and really have been enjoying my time in the kitchen. A few weeks ago I tried a new carrot cake recipe. I have never made a homemade carrot cake before this. This recipe is really easy, and ohh, so good.

Best Carrot Cake
4 eggs beaten
2 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. oil
3 c. packed grated carrots
2 tsp. soda
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
2 1/4 c. flour
1 c. chopped pecans if desired
Add oil to eggs; add sugar and beat until fluffy. Add carrots and blend. Sift flour with spices; mix into batter. Bake in a 9x13-inch greased, and floured pan at
350 for 40-45 minutes

Cream cheese frosting:
8 oz. cream cheese
2 T. orange juice concentrate
3 c. powdered sugar
1 T. orange rind
Mix until the right consistency to spread. Spread on cooled cake, and refrigerate.

Do you have any recipes that you have tried lately that you want to share? I am always looking for something new to make! :)

The Birthday boy!

The girls



Nate


Nate, and Erina href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPr36XRVSpluDo5zbMo2DRPo59pj9NFbrsOJfiWVuW07hQTdnAY0iyceZw84R8O9vne36FoLGh73n02YEcT1avfin75ixGYbVCgKfX6AgcVeOZ_1MoouBLIWXqvpDLGvW4glPVL-zTBcP8/s1600-h/Nate+115.jpg">
We had so much fun yesterday. We headed to the lake to celebrate Nate's Birthday! The weather was perfect! This was the first afternoon in many that we didn't get a monsoon storm.

Happy Birthday Nathaniel!!!

Mom, and Lash



Mike, Nate, and Erin...friends
Last night, celebrating early with family at Serrano's

I can't believe it! Today is Nathaniel's 19th Birthday! Nate has brought so much into my life. I can't believe that I have been blessed to have spent 19 years with him! How wonderful that is!!! Here are a few things that I want to share about Nate.

Nate, is a very avid golfer. I believe he will be pro in a few short years. He is dedicated to his game, and has soooo much talent!

Artistic-Nate can draw anything he sets his mind too. He also has the best writing of any boy I know!

He is a lefty, just like his Mom!

Nate, has some of the most beautiful green eyes, and long eyelashes! So pretty! :)

Always, always doing something! I do wish I had his energy!

Loves the gym! This is a daily thing!

Love's being healthy, and enjoys keeping himself that way

Very smart, and witty

Love's clothes, and looks good in everything!

Enjoys his job at the golf course

Is gettting ready to start a new college year

Is a huge blessing to our family! What a wonderful son, and brother he is!

We love you so much Nathaniel, Happy Birthday!!!!