Quote of the Day

"Oh. So is this how you get all of your great photos?"

- Kate Keeler, upon observing me darting here and there and falling back behind the group to get photos. I think she realized how patient Matt is.

And here are some of my fave photos from that day... these are of our friend Budd and his son Spencer.

6

Reality Killed the Video Star

I got up earlier than usual the other day with the girls and saw something amazing. Music videos on MTV.

Do you remember how important music videos used to be? If you hadn't seen the new Janet Jackson or Pearl Jam video you were totally lame. There was a real art to them. Well some of them.

Remember the ones everybody loved....Jeremy by Pearl Jam, No Rain by Blind Melon, If by Janet Jackson. Remember how scandalous the Cold Hearted Snake video was? And dude...remember....Love Shack.

Now MTV is flooded with contrived dating shows were the most amoral contestant is rewarded with fame. Yuck. But I remember when there used to be really cool videos. This is my favorite music video of all time. Something about it resonates with me. And it's still so good after all these years.



And now I must know.
What is your favorite music video of all time?

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8

Happy Family

We are a happy family.

Our home is peaceful and filled with love, but also tons of fun.

We don't call each other names.

We don't raise our voices in anger.

Our home is a haven.

I credit this man.

Look at what a wonderful father I chose for my children.

8

Commence Crying

We are almost all packed. Last night I walked through the kitchen and saw the plates unloaded from the kitchen cupboards. All of the shelves are clean and tidy. And empty. And I cried.

This was our first little house.

The perfect little starter home for our family.

When we moved here Ella was 6 months old. She learned to crawl in this house.

When we moved here I was still a slave to my past. I am now free.

When we moved here Matt had just been accepted to Graduate school. He graduates with 2 Masters degrees on May 2nd.

When we moved here we were a family of three. Now we are a family of four.

When we moved here I had not had any close girlfriends since High School. Now I cry just to think of leaving my circle of amazing and strong female friendships.

When we moved here we were happy.

And we are leaving even happier.

And there will be more happiness still to come.

No matter where we are.

9

5 Years as of Today

I am happy. Giddy even.
Someone I love is going to marry someone else that I love.
Could anything be better?

And it makes me reflect on our own story.
Matt knows me like nobody ever has.
He knows my best parts.
And my worst parts.
And he still loves me anyway.
It's a miracle.


I found this engagement picture of my Matt and I recently and had to scrap my initial feelings when I saw it again after 5 years.

Journaling Reads: Our engagement photo. Dude, we had no idea how hard it would be. Illness. Poorness. Moving 5 times in 4 years. Kids in the hospital. But I would do it all again...as long as I get to be with you.

PRODUCTS USED:
Cardstock: World Win, Patterned Paper: October Afternoon, Alphabet: Daisy D's, Rub Ons: Daisy D's, Stamp: Technique Tuesday, Pen: ZIG, American Crafts , Epoxy Sticker: Colorbok, Other: machine stitching, blue photo holder.

6

Fifi's First Steps

Yes...we finally fattened her up enough to stablize her huge noggin.
Hoping she'll be movin' and groovin' soon.

7

Presenting....

alternative uses for acrylic album pages.
a.k.a. the smashy-face game.

3

Bathroom Revelations

Revelation 1 - This morning Matt called into me from the shower and announced that there were long strands of red hair in the bathtub. I asked the toddler, "Ella, did you cut your hair again?" To which she replied "No." But how could this be? I said "Ella, there is red hair in the bathtub. Did you cut your hair?" pause. "No. I cut Eva's hair." And she had. OY! The damage is not too bad. But where does this kid keep finding scissors?

Revelation 2 - While I am cleaning the shorn hair in the bathroom Matt remarks, "Did you cut your foot?" I had stepped on something yesterday which really hurt and then I went about my day. Upon examination I realized my foot was covered in blood and there is a huge gash on the bottom. Good thing my tetanus is up to date!

Revelation 3 - In the quest for peace and happiness during my last days in Utah, I have realized it's okay to not answer the phone if you don't want to. Yes ladies, you can even turn the ringer off if you need a few minutes of quiet time! Ahhhh...blessed peace.

3

Getting Back to Basics

Have you ever watched those crazy PBS specials where people sign up to live in a different era from the past? They willingly volunteer to pluck chickens and not bathe and live in a hut for like 3 months....just to get back to basics. This is an interesting decision. I am always surprised at the longing we have for a more simple way of life all the while adding more to our plates in our own lives.

I have decided to significantly pair down my Design Team commitments and it has been a very good choice for me. I am getting back to the simple and pure joy of scrapping. And I am loving it! This has given me the opportunity to really enjoy the process again. It's just what I needed. I have decided to just remain on 3 or 4 teams that I am truly passionate about and continue to do assignments for magazines if the opportunity comes up. Here is where you can still find me.

Craft Critique - Today my first article as a Staff Reporter is up on Craft Critique. I am so excited for these assignments and truly believe in this site. We are always tight on money and I love having a place where real crafters tell their honest opinions about the function, cost and value of products. This first review is on the Provo Craft Silent Eyelet Setter . Go check it out and leave a comment about your feelings on this product.

ScrapFaith - You all know this is my baby. I have enjoyed every single second of scrapping topics about my faith and seeing members of other faiths do the same. Someone called us the United Nations of scrapping your faith and I am very proud of that. Being on this team provides my true joy.

Paislee Press Digital - This is the company that made me fall in love with digital scrapbooking. There style is sleek, modern and minimalistic. I am truly passionate about their amazing products and it just gets better and better. The owner has just had a baby and now she is creating more beautiful and sleek children's products. I am in heaven!

Unity Stamp Company - What I love is there sheer diversity of stamp options. They go far beyond swirly borders and floral motifs (although they do have some of those and they're fabulous). They also create funky stamps. They have biker chick stamps, girls night out, and even a set about Sweden! Bonus since my Mom recently moved there. They are sure to have a stamp style for everyone.

6

Vote or Die

Yeah...the upcoming Presidential elections are important, but even more vital to the course of humanity is which domain name I should buy.

I have resigned from my official job at Tinkering Ink (don't worry, I am still on their Design Team) since we are taking on this huge move and our family will need time to settle on the East Coast. This means that my special email which can take big honkin' files is about to cease to exist. And so I have chosen to buy a domain name so I can have a new email for such purposes. Of course every sort of "ahernfamily", "theaherns", "ahern" are all taken and yes...even "buttdog.com" is in use.

So take a moment sometime before Monday at 9:00 am and help us make the life altering decision about our collective domain fate.

6

Where's Wemilie

Here's where my work can be seen on magazine stands this month. I list these here on my blog so my Mom can see them. Not trying to be braggy!

And I just wanted to add that if you are a scrapbooker you must pick up this issue of Creating Keepsakes magazine. This month's issue was my favorite ever! Every article just spoke to me and I was completely inspired. My favorite features were an article by Elizabeth Kartchner on swapping your style and an article about fruit inspiration (sounds funny, but it's true).

To pick up your copy visit a magazine stand near you. To see more articles nad tips including a free download of Becky Higgins sketches click here.


MOM & ME in Creating Keepsakes Magazine (May 2008)




WHAT I LOVE Simple Scrapbooks Magazine (April/May 2008)


Also due on stands this month...

This Woman SCRAPBOOK TRENDS (May 2008)
Joie de Vivre MEMORY MAKERS (May 2008)

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Recipes That ROCK: Beef Tamale Pie

You may not know this...but I am a FREEZE-AHEAD-MASTER. I make dinners and freeze them ahead and eat for months. Kinda of like Dream Dinner and My Girfriend's Kitchen....but really good. I am getting ready to teach a Master Class on this in May in the Clearfiedl area, but for now...here's a favorite recipe to share. I made this recipe up when I was making freezer dinners for my sister and her family when she had cancer treatments last year. It was a HUGE HIT! I taught a mini class to some girls in my ward a week or two ago and my friend Emily posted this photo reenactment on her blog. I guess that means she liked it.

Let's get started. brown 1 lb. of ground beef with one chopped onion in a large saucepot.

after it's browned and drained, add 1 tbsp. garlic and cook for two minutes.

1 packet of taco seasoning,

now you add lots of stuff:
1 28 oz. can of diced tomatoes
1 small can of tomato paste
1 small can of diced green chiles.

next comes chopped cilantro. i don't love cilantro so i don't use very much. for my double recipe i used less than half of what is pictured here. even if you don't like it, i recommend you add it. it really adds to the taste of this yummy casserole.

1 cup of frozen corn

the juice of one lime. the lime juice gives it a kick that is deLISH.

1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed,
stir it all together and it should look something like this:

make sure you have your pans ready. i use the throw-away ones when i take food to people, then i don't have to worry about getting them back. i also use them for freezing things so i'm not out a pan when i need it.
now add the mixture to your pan by the cupful until it's almost to the top. smooth it out with the bottom of your measuring cup so it's mostly even.
ignore the manhands.that explanation wasn't descriptive enough, so here's a picture of the smoothed-out casserole:after it's all smoothed out, add cheese. i use the pre-grated kind 'cause it's faster, but you can grate your own if you're so inclined. add lots. cheese = yum.see? lots.
now you have to make the cornbread topping. mmmm, cornbread. you just need one box if you're doing the single recipe, but if you're doubling it (and making three casseroles), you'll need three boxes. two isn't quite enough, and three is too much, so there is a little bit of waste. i guess you could make muffins or something. i just dumped mine out. don't badger me about starving children in africa. i know. i cannot send those children a little bit of cornbread and we wouldn't have eaten the muffins, so there.

first, pour the mix in the bowl. no picture of that, sorry...you'll just have to imagine what that looks like.
then add an egg.
then add 1/3 cup of milk.
mix together and pour on top of the cheese.
smooth it out with a spoon,
and try not to drip it over the edge, like mine is about to do in this picture.now get some foil, and write the contents and cooking instructions with a sharpie. i like the clicker kind, but i'll let you decide which sharpie to use.
then turn it over, spray it with pam,
and cover your freezer-casserole, instructions-side-up.

then bake the non-freezer version at 375* for 30-40 minutes, or until cornbread is browned and filling is bubbly. word to the wise: you may want to put a layer of foil underneath, or else it could drip onto your newly cleaned oven.

Top with sour cream and devour like a crazy person.

this picture was taken about 7 hours after i made it (it's the left-over plate) so it's cold and doesn't look nearly as delicious as it should. but of course, i forgot to take a picture of the finished product when it was still hot. i had visions of green chile and cornbread dancing in my head.
so there you have it. try it, you won't regret it!

BEEF TAMALE CASSEROLE
an original recipe by Emilie Ahern

1-1&1/2 lb. ground beef
1/2 c. minced onion
1 Tbsp. minced garlic (3 cloves)
1 small can tomato paste
1 pkg. taco seasoning
1 (28 oz.) can diced tomatoes
1 can black beans (rinsed)
1 small can green chilis
1 c. frozen corn
juice from 1 lime
fresh cilantro

8 oz. shredded cheese
2 boxes jiffy corn bread mix

- In large pot, brown beef with chopped onions. Add garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add all other ingredients through cilantro. Mix well.
- Pour into 9x13 pan. Top with shredded cheese.
- Make cornbread according to package directions. Spread onto top of casserole.
- Bake at 375 uncovered for 35-45 minutes or until cornbread is browned and filling is bubbly.

OR cover tightly with foil and freeze.

- To cook from frozen uncover and let sit at room temp for 30 minutes. Then cover with foil and bake at 375 for 30 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 45 minutes or until cornbread is browned and filling is bubbly.

13

Wednesday Words

Today I am grateful.

Grateful for a wonderful husband.
Grateful for beautiful and fabulous children.
Grateful for my amazing friendships.
Grateful for our job opportunity in Delaware.
Grateful for churros.
Grateful for our collective health.
Grateful for my faith.
Grateful for the sense of humor I inherited from my parents.
Grateful for the little flowers which are beginning to struggle up from the ground in my front yard.
Grateful for the miracles I have seen and I have seen many.

Why this surge of happiness? I was just organizing my email inbox (an obsession I have) and came across an email sent to me by Debbie. Debbie was in my family's church when I was growing up. I haven't heard from her for years and years. Last month she sent me an amazing email whose subject was "So Proud of You Emilie". Is there anything better than feeling as if someone is proud of who you are? It may be better than feeling loved by someone since love is unconditional....you can love someone, but be ashamed of them. Debbie's pride for me filled my heart.

The email was uplifting, sweet, loving. And I cherish it. Isn't it funny how some one's words can change you? Words are a powerful thing and I have a goal to use them more wisely. This email is the perfect example of the positive power of words. I have filed the email away and will read it if I am ever feeling blue.

But for today I am grateful.
Grateful for emails from blog readers.
Thanks Debbie.



Today I challenge each of you to use your power with words for good. Send someone an email or, better yet, write them a card and tell them why you are proud of them. It seems such a little thing, since words are free, but the impact is great.

I would love it if you would leave a comment and share who you are going to tell you are proud of and why.

5

Tuesday Tidbits...

Maybe each day of this week will be some random post starting with the name of that day of the week and then some clever words which means a random mix of info. Stay tuned.

Looking forward to The Biggest Loser Finale tonight. I think I love this show because we live in a society where everyone wants something for nothing. Like Deal or No Deal. (which I also like). You don't have to really do anything except choose numbers and you get money. But the Biggest Loser showcases people working their butts off to attain a worthy goal. Sweating, Crying, Barfing....working hard to get what they want and that's what we need a little more of these days.

The new ScrapFaith challenge is up and it's very cool. The topic is documenting someone who has had a positive influence on your spirituality. Our amazing team scrapped about siblings, children, parents, the people of an impoverished nation and even complete strangers. It was very cool. Even if you don't scrapbook I challenge each of you to take 10 minutes and write down someone who has made a difference in your faith.

I found this Art Print on Etsy last night and longed for it. How funny and weird is it? It would be perfect for my scraproom and is a good mantra for all.

The seller is having a Buy 1 Get 1 Free sale today and she has a bunch of really fun prints. Buy it here. (But if you do I will be very jealous).

I wish that today, each of you can be more happy than a bird with a french fry. I plan to be.

HAPPY TUESDAY!

2

Monday Melange

A random mix of this and that from today...

The Blue Fence. My friend Candace is going to take some family pictures of us before we leave. She told me about this great blue fence where we could take them. Yesterday I staked it out and although the light was way too bright, I snapped a quick shot of Ella twirling in front of the fence.



The Heating Pad Cover. I made the heating pad cover. Isn't this just the cutest thing ever? I can't wait to have an injury or become a really old lady. I know what you're thinking...won't it set on fire? Nope. Because I lined it with the original polyester cover. I deserve the Nobel Sewing Prize. I'm just sayin'.

7

My 12 of 12 Layout

*SORRY...TAKEN DOWN FOR PUBLICATION*

All digital.
Made in s snap with Cathy's template.
Love it.

PRODUCTS
Paper: oscraps NEW GROWTH Collab kit.
Circle Stamp: oscraps NEW GROWTH Collab kit.
Template: Cathy Zielski
Swirl: Paislee Press

4

12 of 12

I recently became aware of this rather cool concept. It's a way to record your life whether you scrapbook or not. It's called 12 of 12. You take twelve pictures of your life on the twelfth day of each month. After a year you will have a random glance at your own daily happenings. Very cool indeed.

Check out Cathy's amazing layout from last month. She also has a free template to print your twelve photos into a gridded square like she did here.

Today is my first attempt at the 12 of 12 photo taking challenge. I am very excited. I cannot wait to see what comes out of my camera at the end of the day since I don't have much planned.

Wanna join me and take 12 pictures today?

Bust out your camera. It's not too late.

C'mon. I think you should!

b

0

Make Your Own Paper Storage Rack

If you're a scrapbooker you know about 'Scrap Spaces'. You've seen the scrap rooms of the Scrap Celebs. In magazines, online, on blogs...these amazing rooms with custom built-in shelves for each little brad and eyelet. Skylights. Endless work space. Cute little inspirations.

I love seeing these rooms, but they are far from my reality. With two kids and a husband in Masters school, I spent my nights scrapping in a dimly lit, damp and cold, unfinished basement (read: Dungeon) and my scrap storage consisted of whatever I could find on the cheap and make work! Then I stumbled onto this fantastic paper storage solution that improved my organization by leaps and bounds! This is a great solution for anyone....not just the starving college student!

By slightly modifying white wire storage grids you can create a personalized paper storage system which will hold any amount of 12x12 papers in an efficient and very organized way. And it's wicked cheap. I'll go through the steps of making your own here.

What you'll need...
1 box Wire Storage Grids (available at Target and Walmart) cost: $15-20
1 package Zip/Cable Ties (available at any home improvement store) cost: $1-2
1 wire cutter or seriously heavy duty scissors



{Make sure your grids measure at least 12" square so your paper will fit. Mine are 13" square...perfect.}

1. Start by throwing out the weird little white plastic clips that come with the cubes. You won't be needing these.


2. Build a basic cube (leaving one side open as shown above) by attaching the grids together using your zip ties. Make sure the little square nubbies are facing towards the outside of your cube so they don't catch on the paper. (photo below)


3. Next take the remaining white shelves and slide them into your cube and attaching them at 1 inch intervals where the grid already exists. If you need a larger slot for some paper sets just make it a 2 or 3 inch interval instead.


Make sure when you slide a shelf in that the wire grids are on the underside so that you get a slight lip on your paper tray. (photo below)


4. Use your wire clippers to remove excess plastic end from zip ties.


Fill with paper sorting by color, manufacturer or whatever makes you happy! Voila! Isn't it genius?!! I made 3 separate cubes out of 2 boxes of these grids and had some grid pieces leftover. I have even given these cubes as gifts to fellow scrapbookers with rave reviews!


Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Customizable to include large and small shelf heights

Cons:

• May be hard to see certain papers since there is no graduation.

At just around $30 for two boxes of these I think they are a steal! And a great solution for organizing a craft area on a budget. I would love to know your thoughts!

18

Nerd Confession #1..."Cover Phobia"

I have a confession. I can't stand the feeling of certain fabrics touching my skin.

This phenomenon began as a young child when my blankie was made from synthetics. Ugh! It makes me skin all creepy crawly. Ever since then, when I go to a hotel I have to peel off the top blanket...they are always that same awful synthetic. My siblings call this my "Coverphobia". My Father-In-Law calls it "Tactile Dysfunction" (he's a therapist).

Last week I bought a heating pad. Now that I scrapbook every day for work or assignments I end up hunching over a craft table all day. And it doesn't help that I am sitting on a metal folding chair whilst I create. So this heating pad stays by me in bed and soothes my knotted muscles after a hard day of scrap. It came with a cover. This cover is hands down the most Coverphobia material I have ever felt.

So today, between building a website for my friend, scrapping two layouts for an assignment, Dropping of my Cricut to a friend to help her cut out flowers for Achievement Days at her church and having friends over tonight to watch a movie I am making it my mission to sew a new cover out of fabric that is delightfully cheerful and 100% cotton. (pictures to follow)

Neurotic, I know.

But it's me.

So now, to make me feel better, I would love for YOU to comment and tell me your weird, irrational fear.

20

True Friends

Emily, Maci, Alison, Kate, Jenn, Candice, Misty.

I turned to Maci today at our Mommy's lunch and said "Here, take Eva or I might strangle her." Maci took her without comment and played with my wriggly, fussy, tired and teething baby until I was ready to reclaim her.

I needed and depended on these girls these last two years when everything and everybody in my family seemed to go haywire. When standing up for what was right meant standing alone. When the people I thought would make the right choice didn't. And these girls were there. Cheering me on. Loving me and my kids. Laughing until we cried. Crying until we felt better.

These friends became my family.

They are the best kind of friends.

No questions asked friends.
I don't care if your kid barfed on me friends.
Let's get fatter together by ordering ice cream with our meal friends.
True friends.

I will find new friends in Delaware, but no one could ever replace these incredible women or their spot in my life. I will miss them tremendously.

7

Nerd Confessions : The Introduction to Nerdity

Still sick as a dog. The possibility of hospitalization continues to linger in my near future.

This general yuckiness has given me an unexpected surplus of free time where even television seems to raucous for my worn nerves. And so I am reading a lot. Mostly The Partly Cloudy Patriot by Sarah Vowell. This book was recommended by my cool cousin-in-law Trevor through Goodreads.

In the first two essays I was a bit skeptical, but grabbed this book (since it easily fits into my purse) on my way to 4 different recent doctors visits and it has grown on me. During one of those visits a nurse entered my room as I was laughing out loud and looked at me quizzically as if to say, "Laughing in a doctor's office from (of all things) reading?" Yes.

This brings me to my most recent reading of her essay about the 2000 Presidential election and how it relates to embracing your inner nerd. During this essay she cites My So Called Life, the Revenge of the Nerds movie franchise and the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and how these particular pieces of media could have helped Al Gore win the 2000 election. Intrigued? You should be.

And so it has got me thinking about my own breed of nerdiness and how to embrace it. And as with all areas of life which one would hope to embrace, the first (and most logical step) is admittance.

"Hello. My name is Emilie Ahern and I am a nerd. "

But there are so many types of nerds and being a nerd most characteristically involves being overly knowledgeable or obsessed with any particular subject. And so, Blog universe, I give you the following admissions of true nerd-hood in a series of posts called Nerd Confessions.

So, confession time.

What kind of nerd are you?

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6