Life and Art with Glamma Fabulous

Wishing you a Very Happy Muppity Christmas!

2011-12-25T22:37:00.002-07:00

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!!!
love, the Smith Clan

My Tacky Christmas Outdoor Decorations.....

2011-12-13T11:09:00.003-07:00

Recently, a lot of my neighbors seem to be in some sort of tacky Christmas Decoration Extravaganza. So, to keep up with "The Jones's", I brought out my old big guns....Fabulously Tacky Inflatables! They look fun at night, but in the day time it is one big mess as you can see.

AZ Art Alliance Reception

2011-12-02T14:02:00.004-07:00

Please join me tomorrow at art reception at The Arizona Art Alliance Gallery, Sat. December 3rd, from 6 to 9pm (9011 E. Indian Bend, Scottsdale, AZ 85250). Meet famous former AZ Suns Basketball player Dick Van Arsdale, He is our guest artist and he will be there signing and selling original art and prints. I also have oil and pastel paintings, along with signed reproductions and my artsy fartsy line of "Collage Jewelry" in the gift shop. The event is free and open to the public. The Gourmet Girls are catering, so that is even more of a reason to come. Hope to see you there!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-25T15:33:00.006-07:00

The day before Thanksgiving, We all went to see "The Muppet Movie" and all of my fabulous glamchildren were able to come. You would think that they would be used to having to group together for a photo or two, but it is like pulling teeth sometimes to get them to stand still for a minute. (the good thing is that they are always so excited to be together that it is mayhem... a good mayhem.) Anyway, this is the best shot that I got. Love those glambabies of mine!!!!

Last night the girls talked me into standing in line for two hours before midnight at the mall to get a free "midnight madness survival kit" which was a complete bust except for the free leopard print nail file and the coupon for a free cookie at Paradise Bakery. As I returned to our group once in the mall after a brief "powdering of my nose", I found them here... in the middle of the mall with hundreds of people watching them from both floors as they performed their dance skills. It was hilarious and horrifying at the same time. I videoed them (along with a bunch of other onlookers) and heard people all around me talking about the great entertainment that the mall was providing for them. Needless to say, the next few hours in the mall were not one of anonymity.)

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and I hope that you did too. Now, it's time to pack up the fall decorations and get out the Christmas ones. (didn't I just do that last month?) "Someone needs to stretch out these Holidays a little more....

Glamchild #15 finally born!!!

2011-11-25T15:31:00.003-07:00

Our newest glamson was finally born at home with his big sister watching as she pronounced that "Heavenly Father is flashing the green light saying Time to GO!" Walter A Jenkins was born Nov. 1oth at 6:57 am. He's big! 22 1/2 inches long and 10 lbs 13 oz!!! Both baby and Mom are doing great, and Walter's big sisters think that He is the best thing since Ice Cream and Beauty Pageants! Yeah!!!!!!!!!!

Boy Stuff

2011-11-25T15:26:00.004-07:00

Conway got to visit his Glampa at "the yard". As with all of my other Glamsons, Conway was thrilled to get to see all of the big equipment and ecstatic when he got to ride on a big truck . Moments like these make life fabulous!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T16:14:00.004-07:00

After the Trunk or Treat Saturday night. I decided to leave my companion buckled into the passenger seat for the past few days.

It was HILARIOUS when the guy who took my $ at the McDonalds drive thru today, jumped and gave a little girly scream! Hope I didn't scare the poor boy too much, but it was AWESOME!!! I hope that you all have a safe and spooktacular Halloween!

Halloween Decor 2011

2011-10-26T11:29:00.010-07:00

Smith Spooktacular 2011

2011-10-25T09:37:00.016-07:00

Thanks everyone for making each Smith Spooktacular better than the last!!!!!!
Check out the paint job on the Shave Ice trailer that I did on my Kelley Smith Art blog!

Costume Award Trophies

2011-10-14T21:32:00.005-07:00

Our Annual Smith Spooktacular is tomorrow evening, and here are the trophies for the Costume contest. The $1 store is my best friend lately with the Smith household budget cuts, but that doesn't mean we still can't have spectacular trophies!!!

The "VIP" award will go to the person who is the Best Party Participator. I know that I will have a tough decision to make tomorrow evening if it is anything like all the past years of Halloween madness...

Keep in touch!

More Family Portraits...

2011-09-19T11:52:00.004-07:00

above: sweet little Pepper who just turned One year old recently and

darling Pearl who recently turned two years old. We are expecting our #15 glamchild next month and it will be a boy... no name yet, but I am sure that it will fit in with the rest of the unusual names that my children have picked for their children. It is funny how each generation thinks they are starting something new with the choice of names that they like. I know I thought I was the most clever gal on earth at the time, and now there are millions of girls named the same names as I named my daughters. LOVE those babies though, no matter what their names are! I also posted a group of portraits that I did for a dear friend on my Kelley Smith Art blog today if you are interested....

Family Portaits

2011-09-12T11:34:00.006-07:00

I have been doing some redecorating in my home recently by painting over the too brown walls left from the previous owner. I have added COLOR, but the neutral soft ivory that I painted in the halls looks pink at certain times of the day, and that drives me CRAZY!!! I told my husband that I can not stand the walls and I am repainting them more of a taupe shade. (OH the HOURS I put into painting.... Oh well.) Anyway I bought 30- 12" by 12" gallery wrapped canvases and am in the process of turning my hall into a family portrait extravaganza. Above is Conway. His portrait was the first one I did. I had planned to paint them in oil, but then loved the preliminary drawings so much that I decided to keep them in that state. I really love to see the marks, adjustments and process of thick, thin, straight, squiggly, light and dark lines that when layered on top of one another create an image of an actual thing.

This is sweet Ava. I took her photo with the camera in my phone.

and my son-in-law Jason. He was so cute and excited to see his portrait as this was the very first one that was ever done of him. It will take a while to finish every one's portrait with all the holiday coming up AND the fact that the adults in the family want the portrait to be from a photo of them that looks "attractive". (I can't blame them, I have done two of myself lately and they are not making the cut.) I'll post all of the family portraits as the wall progresses. Thanks for letting me brag!!!!
Oh, and new paintings on my ART BLOG too.

Catch Up.

2011-09-02T22:29:00.004-07:00

I can not believe it has been since April that I last posted! Easter, End of School happenings for my Glamchildren, Moving 3 of my daughters into new houses, vacations, camping on the beach and attending the most awesome book club ever on Coronado Island in CA. were slipped in between working at the AZ Art Alliance Gallery and getting a painting done here and there. The daunting task of going through all of my photo folders makes me tired already, so I will just go ahead and put a big letter L for Loser on my forehead and move on.

I will however, post the one time we got all of the glamkids together (missing 2) one day at the beach. More posts definitely ahead, I've got some fun things in the works! (If you are reading this, thanks for not giving up on me.) ((Oh, and new post on my Art blog too!)) (((AND, if you go to the AZ Art Alliance website, there is a coupon for 25% off items in the gift shop that has an image with my jewelry on it. Wha-Hoo!)))

Painting, painting, painting....

2011-04-18T08:51:00.005-07:00

A week or so ago, my oldest glamson Xander wanted to spend a couple of nights during his spring break and all he wanted to do was paint. (Ahhhh, can you hear heaven's chorus of angels singing while I rejoice?!!!) So He painted a lovely scene with Rapunzel's castle, a waterfall and green mountains for his cousin Daisy. While Xander worked on his painting, I worked on this one. A client/friend wanted a portrait of her children by the pool. The perspective I used is very popular and on trend at this time, and I think it is very cool, because even though the children's heads are not in the picture plain, you still get a feeling of their personalities from each child's stance and position. Several of my friends who saw the red primed canvas were not sure about my color choice, I explained to them that I like to "prime" the canvas with the contrasting color of the general color pallet of the scene that I plan to paint. This made them quite nervous!

Here is how the painting ended out. It is 48" by 48". Very Big!!!

(My daughter Brooke has babysitted that little dog and had brought him over for family dinner once and when my glamchildren saw the painting they knew who that dog was at once!)

Sock Doll Humanitarian Project

2011-04-16T12:39:00.006-07:00

Last month at church, our women's group "The Relief Society", did a few service projects. And of course a centerpiece for each table always add a bit of flair. So I bought these ceramic pots and metal garden angels at the local $1 store and spray painted them all white. I then printed gold Relief Society emblems and glued them behind the heads for halos. Wa-la! "the Errand of Angels is given to Women"... Oh, and for table toppers, I bought 2 rolls of shipping wrap paper (at the $1 store) and cut out scalloped squares. That so far is the most inexpensive decor I have done for a party/meeting.

. We made these cute little sock dolls that new mothers use to comfort their babies if they are too little or sick and can not go home yet. The Mom, Dad or caregiver can place the doll inside their clothing, close to the skin and the doll will soak up their scent. The next time they visit the baby, the doll is place next to the baby to snuggle and/or prop tubes and the baby will feel the comfort and smell of their loved one. The dolls are very easy to make so I've included the instructions if you would like to make some yourself and donate to your local hospital.

Win this Painting!

2011-03-23T22:36:00.002-07:00

This Saturday: March 26th, my painting "Lady in Red" oil/36"x48", will be raffled for charity at the Hot Rod Show in front of the Arizona Art Alliance Gallery in The Pavilions at Talking Stick. Tickets are $5 a piece and you can buy the tickets at the Hot Rod show. The drawing will take place that afternoon at 4:30. You do not have to be present to win. I will also be painting a demo. in front of the gallery and schlepping my prints and greeting cards from 10am to 5pm. I think it will be a fun day for the family to see all those cool cars and cool art. Maybe I'll see you there?!

(The Pavilions at Talking Stick is just off the East 101 and Indian Bend Road.)

Arizona Art Alliance Show

2011-03-03T13:03:00.003-07:00

I have paintings in the Arizona Art Alliance Show that is now hanging in the gallery in the Scottsdale Pavilions, 9011 E. Indian Bend, Scottsdale, AZ 85258. (just off of the east 101 and Indian Bend, next to Sports Authority). They are open Wednesday thru Sundays from 10am to 5pm. Click on Arizona Art Alliance to see their wonderful website and newsletters filled with art, show opportunities and outreach programs.There is a Public reception this Saturday evening , March 5th, from 5pm to 8pm, if you would like to peruse the art. There is something for everyone AND the part of the show I am in is all about the 20th Anniversary of Veterinary Medicine. What am I showing? ROOSTERS of course! I will be at the reception (my daughters catering company GOURMET GIRLS has been hired for that night, so it is also a chance to taste their amazing food!) Hope to see you there!

6 Ways to Celebrate Ava's 6th Birthday

2011-02-26T12:27:00.009-07:00

Last weekend, my Glamdaughter Ava turned 6 years old. We decided to celebrate her 6th birthday by doing 6 things. That evening we: #1 went to see the movie "Gnomeo & Juliet". (That was my 3rd time seeing the movie with glamchildren... 2 times too many, but sacrifices must be made for my darlings.)

Saturday morning, #2: we went to breakfast at McDonalds. After our breakfast, and leaving the littlest girls with their parents, #3: we went to the mall. Ava and Remi wanted to go into "Build-a-Bear" to "look", and came out with their own creations.

Ava then decided that #4: should be buying a gumball... (fine with me after the "Build-a-Bear" incident.)
We then went back home and #5: made crafts. The girls made sock dolls, necklaces, painted an assortment of wood and plaster crafts and tried their hands at sewing on plastic canvas.
then on Sunday evening, #6: all the family came over and showered Ava with love and presents. Happy Birthday Sweet Ava!!!

Wickenburg Gold Rush Days!

2011-02-16T19:29:00.008-07:00

Last Friday the 11th, was my glamson Xander's 11th birthday. He asked me if he and his cousin Blue could spend his birthday with me. OF COURSE! (who can say no! I know it won't be long till he will rather spend his time with more exciting people than his Ol' Grandma!) Being that it was Xander's GOLDEN birthday (turning 11, on the 11th AND in 2011) We went to Wickenburg's GOLD Rush Days. The morning started with an small town western parade. The Sun City Dancers proudly marched and shaked their artificial hips with enthusiasm! (actually, It is a goal of mine to join them when the time comes.) They were FABULOUS!

And this cow was amazing with it's crazy big horns. AND it was IN the car!
The boys tried their skills at some games in the carnival area. They had high hopes for winning a huge stuffed animal for me. It was a rude awakening for them to see how hard it actually was to win. They did however win a couple of smaller stuffed animals.

I could not go home without purchasing a real cowboy hat for each of them. They pooled their money together to buy the fake mustaches, which they wore for the rest of the weekend! Happy Birthday to my wonderful glamson!!!

2011-02-14T11:24:00.002-07:00

My daughter Devan made this Valentine with her little darlings this year. This was the only shot she got with both of the glamkids laying down. What a creative daughter I have!!!! I am so proud!!! Happy Lovin those Glambabies Day!!!!

Girlfriend Valentine Party!

2011-02-14T11:09:00.010-07:00

My photos are not the best, but the party was a HUGE success! I will insert better photos as I receive them. Thank you all for coming and being such good sports! It amazes me how talented and fun all of my friends are. Happy Valentines Day!

Valentines and Decorations

2011-02-13T21:42:00.005-07:00

A few of my glamsons wanted my help with their Valentines this year, so yesterday we quickly put together these valentines and had them printed at our local Walgreens in an hour. Gotta love that technology! Slade's class is having a "Willy Wonka" party so I put his face onto Johnny Depps (I am not thrilled with my photoshop skills on this one, but what can you do with 20 minutes a valentine?!)
Xander does not like that Justin Bieber kid, so he had me put Justin's famous hair on his head and he made fun of one of the star's songs. And Cruz can not get enough of anything Buzz!

I hung the Ribbon Awards for my Girlfriend Valentine Party on my mannequins. It looked really fancy. I also have this really cool "Butler Frog" that is about 36 inches tall. I made him a crown and "Prince Charming" sash. He made a fun photo opportunity for the gals at the party.

I also hung these glittery Valentine hearts from the ceiling over the sink in my kitchen. I just love hanging things there. You can see them from the living room and it looks very festive.
I am still waiting on some more photos from the party. I can't wait for you to see all the fabulous and creative Valentines and boxes that the lovely ladies put together!

My Valentine Tree

2011-02-07T20:10:00.012-07:00

As I was taking down the Christmas decorations, I knew I was going to miss the white lights on the white tree that I had in the kitchen. So I decided to keep it up and see if I could decorate it for the upcoming holidays. Valentines Day, St. Patricks Day, Easter, Forth of July- no brainers... I am planning on getting creative with some other holidays. Let me know if you have any ideas. OK? Not all of my glamchildren wanted to get paint on their hands to make the valentines for the tree. (they must have some weird recessed gene, everyone knows that crafting is messy!)

I just love sitting on the couch and looking at the tree, it's like a fireplace for me. Fun!

Sneak Peak!

2011-02-06T00:12:00.002-07:00

This week I am hosting my annual "Girlfriend Valentines Party". Each gal brings a box/basket/bag that they have decorated and 24 valentines. This year we have 3 categories of "winners". For the Valentine Box, there are a 1st, 2nd & 3rd place ribbon rosette award ribbons (made by me). For the Valentines, there is a rosette award ribbon for "Most Creative", "Most Sentimental" and "Most Tasty" (a friend thought I wrote "Most Trashy" at first...that may be a category for next year!)... and the lovely ladies are encouraged to dress in their Valentine Best, so I have made awards for "Best Old School" and "Most Over the Top". I have to say that I am proud of these ribbons. Thank heavens for Hobby Lobby's many 1/2 price ribbon bolt sales as each award rosette ribbon took approximately 4-6 yards each of 1/2" to 3" satin ribbon.

I will post the winners with their ribbons on Friday. Yeah for Valentines Day! (for my "not-so" but dearly loved "creatively challenged" friends, do not despair, a brown paper bag with your name on it and a box of $1 store valentines will do...) I can't wait!

"Let's Make A Deal" Party Recap!

2011-01-29T12:13:00.012-07:00

The stage was set, Prizes ready... ( hope you don't get the "ZONK"! )

Door (tub) #1, #2 or #3 =
FUN! So my daughter Hilari was on "Let's Make A Deal" yesterday on CBS. We watched the program last night with friends and family. (During dinner we watched "Family Feud" that all five of my girls were on in 2004. Hair styles have changed, but the girls are as fun as ever! All of our guests were such good sports and really got into the games.

Hilari got a lot of air time. It was so much fun to see her having a ball.
First she won this purse and these fabulous shoes.
Then she traded them for this camera and computer system.

And then after another "deal", she decided to keep her prizes.
The big winner of the day did not want to make another deal, so Hilari got a chance and ended up winning this big screen TV. an Ipod Touch and speaker dock, and this fab. chair!!!
Life is good.

Watch "Let's Make A Deal" Today....

2011-01-28T13:17:00.001-07:00

I know the MAJOR contestant VERY WELL!!!

Disneyland Weekend

2011-01-26T21:55:00.011-07:00

Over the weekend, I went with my daughter Hilari and her family to.... what else- Disneyland!

The evening that we arrived and checked into our hotel, we had the good fortune to see the fireworks right in front of our room. Our hotel was located behind Disneyland, so we were closer to the fireworks than if we were actually in Disneyland. It was very exciting and the boys just hooped and hollered! Cruz was excited to get his very first set of Micky Mouse ears. That little red hat was great because we could always keep a good eye on him with that cap on. He was so proud of that hat.

The day after Disneyland we met my BFF Mary (simplehappy home) and Mrs.G for breakfast. There was this huge tree outside the restaurant, so I told the boys to go get in it so that I could take a picture. They kept saying "but Grandma..." and I kept saying "just get in the tree!"
After I had taken the photo, the boys pointed this sign out to me. I had to publicly repent.

On our way back to Arizona, we stopped at the Nixon Presidential Library and Museum. It was really interesting. Really.

Fun!

Give-A-Way!

2011-01-21T18:00:00.000-07:00

I made a batch of these Fun, Fun, Fun Salt & Pepper Shakers. They are available in my Etsy Shop, but YOU could win this set by going over to the fabulous Decor blog "Better After"! I'm always getting great ideas to spruce up and Glamify my home at "Better After". (That sure sounds like a cheesy commercial, but it's true!)

Just click onto "Better After"s blog header to visit and enter this give-a-way. Hope you win!

Book Shelf Color

2011-01-21T13:36:00.003-07:00

I was "skype-ing" with my daughter Devan last night and she showed me how she rearranged the books on their shelves according to color. I was impressed and asked her to email a few photos so that I could brag. Here they are! "Fruit Doesn't Fall Far From the Tree"! (when I'm down or bored or ambitious, I organize and then all is right in the world.) Well done Devo!

2011-01-19T18:27:00.007-07:00

I recently joined this "IronCraft" blog roll. Each week there is a different arts and craft challenge. I thought it would give my creative juices a workout. This week's challenge is called "Just Bunt". I made this Banner Bunting with all $1 scrapbooking items from Target a while back. (The bunting that I am working on now is not ready for this weeks challenge, but hey, I just joined this group a couple of days ago. I am VERY excited for the challenges.)

Anyway, I just love that Valentines Day is 6 weeks after Christmas, it is a drag to have all those fun decorations up and then nothing, so yeah for Valentine Decor! Red and Pink surroundings await!

How to Make Ribbon Storage Posts

2011-01-18T18:09:00.012-07:00

Today I worked on cleaning my studio, and that always leads to finding new ways to organize. My ribbon drawer was a mess so I measured the height of the drawer, subtracted 1/2" and cut 1/2" dowels to that height. Then I picked out one ribbon roll from the primary and secondary color groups in both solid and patterned styles (plus black, white, ivory) and traced them onto some scrapbook paper. I cut the circles out and used a glue stick to adhere them to the bottom of each ribbon roll to create a base.

Then I used the glue gun to secure the dowels into the holes of the ribbon roll. This created a solid foundation for the ribbon storage posts.
Here's how a few of them looked. Aren't they pretty?

Then I thought why not use old brushes and pencils for the dowels instead? Later I found some dried out markers that would work well also. Just make sure that they fit inside your drawer or storage box BEFORE you glue everything together. (Oh yes I did! Ugh, thank heavens I only glued in 1 brush before I glued the rest of them into the other ribbon rolls!)
Here are the finished ribbon posts inside their drawer. (I actually filled 2 drawers and made similar ribbon storage posts for my gift wrapping ribbon.)

And the drawer inside the chest...
and Wa-La!

2011-01-17T21:14:00.011-07:00

Today I helped my daughters Brooke and Hilari with a new look for their catering company. I just love this photo that I took of them way back when. (Even as very little girls, they would play restaurant, and instead of watching cartoons on Saturday mornings, they would want to watch the limited cooking shows available 20 years ago.) They have always been busy, as the food that they make is out of this world, but lately, their business is going great guns! Yeah for them! (I'm so proud.) So if you live in the Phoenix valley, give them a call!

Conway's Playdate Gone Wrong.

2011-01-16T21:18:00.002-07:00

This photo was taken the morning before my Glamson Conway's very first play date...This photo was taken right after Conway's first play date.

He looks miserable, but actually it didn't phase him in the least and he went right on playing with the kid that scratched him. He's one tough little dude! Love those glambabies!!!

2010-12-30T17:03:00.001-07:00

Wrapping 2010 up by posting a last photo of our Christmas Decorations before I take them down. I spent most of my time in the kitchen. (working on my art or craft projects while my family cooks. Life can't get any better than that!)

I made a lot of jewelry this Christmas. This is a bracelet I made for myself out of paper tags. It is jingley and light. I used my family Christmas card as the theme.

And presents! Devan got me this fabulous ring and some other goodies. I love, love, love that ring! And Hilari gave me these fabulous shoes. Now, I need an outfit to wear them with, or loose some of this Christmas goodies weight and wear them with a vintage black dress that I found in a downtown Glendale second hand shop.
I must also brag about the gift that Mr. Fabulous got me. It started out with a fur leopard casing that I thought was a shopping bag. I soon found out that it fit right inside a bicycle basket!
Then I opened this awesome drink holder...

that fits perfectly onto this fabulous bike!

And when I need to pass somebody with lightning speed, all I need to do is ring this fabulous bell!

To top it all off, Brooke and Kelli bought me a sewing form in my size that I have been wanting for a long time AND Chelsea gave me an "Official Glamma Fabulous" pendant that she ordered from a real pageant company. I just might wear it while teaching a class, but sometimes I just put in on and walk with "cup cake" hands!!! ha-ha (that's pageant talk for the way a toddler is supposed to walk with her fancy pageant dress on.)

I thought you might like to see a close up of the sash.

Now on to the new year!

Yeah, I finally got my computer fixed!

2010-12-28T09:44:00.004-07:00

This last few weeks I have been unable to post on my blog. I kept getting this: javascript:void(0) . So my fabulous girlfriend Lori came over to help me. Nothing worked. Then latter the next day, her husband suggested that I update my Windows Internet Explorer to the "8" version. I went to do this and "9" was available. So I updated it. Still nothing, seems this is still an experimental program. So finally this morning after much searching (I am no expert in computer skills) I found where to uninstall the "9" version and install the "8" version. It worked!!! I share this because this seems to be a problem that others have had. I can't wait to share my Holiday photos!

2010 Christmas Greeting

2010-12-20T08:43:00.010-07:00

I hope that you are all enjoying the holiday season this year. It is REALLY hectic around here (a REAL CIRCUS) with so many little ones, but I would not have it any other way. I wish all my friends out in blog land happiness and joy amid your own chaos. Let's enjoy the ride together!

My Demonstration Painting for the PFFA

2010-11-25T13:54:00.004-07:00

Last week I demonstrated my techniques in painting with soft pastels. I just love working with this art medium. The facets on each teeny tiny piece of pigment reflects light like no other medium as there is very little binder that surrounds the pigment. This also makes for almost no darkening of the color as the years go by. There are pastel paintings today that are hundreds of years old whose colors are as vibrant as when the artwork was first painted. I titled this painting "Farmers Market Trio". This "study" is 11" x 14" and I am selling it unframed on my etsy for $125.

Thanks you Peoria Fine Arts Association for asking me to be the speaker for your Nov. meeting. You have a lot of talented people and they were all so nice!

My Paper Mache Dear Head

2010-11-24T18:24:00.007-07:00

Remember this Dear Head that I made from cereal boxes? Well, even though it looked fun, some of the cardboard was very flimsy, so I decided to cover it with paper mache. It took days and days of adding layers, drying time and more layering. I had to tape and prop it up as it was so heavy.

I finished the last layer with the comics from our daily newspaper. Doesn't it look great?

I'm refining my own pattern so that I can make some to take to a few custom decor shops around the valley.
I think I'd like to make some crazy fantasy animal head too. Fun!

New York!

2010-11-20T22:33:00.001-07:00

This last week, my daughter Hilari and her best friend Laura, Laura's Mom (my best friend) and I went to New York to celebrate Hilari and Laura's 20th Friend-iversary. We had the best time! We were so fortunate that Laura's brother Paul and his beautiful wife Steph gave us the grand tour and led us through less tourist traveled roads to eat where the local foodies dine. FABULOUS!

Our first major stop was the Museum of Modern Art. Wow.

The next day, we went all around the city and as we neared Central Park, we saw a lot of police and this car on it's side with a gun shot right in the front window. I was a little freaked (and excited) and then we found they had just finished filming a movie!

Hilari and I took a day and visited 30 Rock and toured the NBC building. That was fun seeing where Saturday Night Live and some other shows were taped...
And we couldn't resit taking a picture with the Naked Cowboy. (I guess there are a few Naked Cowboys, like Santa... He can't be everywhere at once, so his helpers fill in)

We saw "Mary Poppins". We got some cheap seats at the last minute and we were on the top most balcony. The play was wonderful. At the end, Mary Poppins flew over the floor audience. We couldn't see her and I was a little bummed, but then her head peeked up over our balcony and she was about 12 feet away and smiled right at us as she flew up into the ceiling/sky! Hilari and I were walking to the train station to visit our friends that we had met on a cruise 2 years ago, and we saw fire engines, and a huge blow-up mattress. We looked up and there was a man on top of the building ready to jump! Then we found out it was another movie being filmed. We waited a while to watch him jump, but it was taking too long so we'll have to see it at the movie next year.
We visited Ground Zero. Paul is an architect, so it was so interesting hearing him describe what was going on. I have a photo of myself and three girlfriends from the top of one of the twin towers from my first trip to New York about 20 years ago. It was surreal to think that this is where those buildings once stood and how 9/11 changed everything.
I took this picture looking out of the window at Ground Zero. Look at the shadows of buildings on the glass in front of the other buildings outside. Cool!
Our last day was cloudy and colder. The skyscrapers blended into the heavens.
I can see how people love living in New York. If I could cart my whole family with me, I'd live there for a season and then move on to another wonderful part of the country and so on. But, it looks like it's an Arizona life for me which isn't so bad from October to June!

#14 Glamchild Pepper is Born!

2010-11-19T22:38:00.005-07:00

Pepper Kay was born yesterday morning healthy and welcomed by her Mom, Dad and "Big Sister". Daisy was excited to get to hold her new baby sister and quickly gave her a kiss on her cheek and a "beep-beep" on her nose.

A proud family. My heart leaps.

After about 10 minutes, Daisy is "over it" and contemplates her new status as an older sibling and "is this baby going to live with us?" reality. I am happily doing some major bonding with my cute little girl while the rest of her family are at the hospital. Fun!

Halloween Weekend Travel Log

2010-11-02T13:33:00.006-07:00

Over the weekend I went to CA with my daughters Brooke and Chelsea and their families. We stayed in Pasadena. On Friday, we took the train to 3 different "countries". First, we stopped in "Little Tokyo". Remi bought a silk parasol. Then we went to "Little Mexico". Remi bought a pink guitar.

and our final stop was "Little China". The kids stood in front of some mannequins. They blended in so well that it was hard to tell who was who! The boys mission was to buy stink bombs. That was definitely not my idea!

On Saturday, the real reason for the whole trip, was out adventure to Disneyland during Halloween time. The Haunted Mansion was turned into "The Nightmare before Christmas" and Space Mountain was turned into a scary alien invasion. It was very crowded, but we had a great time.
It was especially fun for our own "Little Princesses". They got to meet all the "real" princesses and were taught how to curtsy, wave and dance. Fun!

Phoebe

2010-11-02T13:22:00.008-07:00

Recently we had Phoebe's first photo session. She's such a cute little thing!

Here she is in the Blessing dress that I made for her. Devan put together the headband.

And here she is in a fabulous ensemble.

I wish I could pull off those bloomers!

Smith Spooktacular 2010 THRILLER!

2010-10-31T17:42:00.009-07:00

This is probably the only THRILLER video where all the Zombies are smiling! It was fun, I wish you could see the "audience", they were probably scarier than we were. Thank you Quenton for putting the video together. I know we didn't give you much, but we did have a blast doing it !!! and Thank you Sarah for being the gal we all looked to for our "moves". (double click on the photo or on https://files.me.com/jbeals321/75o4m8.mov )

Cruising for Murder...

2010-10-25T10:10:00.026-07:00

Most of you know that I love to throw a party, but I LOVE going to one even more! This last weekend, we had the privilege of going on short cruiseThe evening started with a lovely "The Captain's Cocktail Reception" followed by a delicious Mexican Meal.

I was employed as a humble cocktail waitress with stars in her eyes. Stars for Broadway that is, and I took every chance to sing every Show tune that I could remember so that I could get the "attention" of the Captain and the Entertainment Column Journalist. Since I was "busy serving", I did not have time to get photos of everyone, but I'm sure that they will pop up. Here are a few of the quests on the cruise ship.

The "Towel Boy" sure got around... The Captain, whom my heart belonged to.
Our hosts, celebrating their wedding anniversary, but the groom seemed preoccupied with the Show Girl "Candy Cam" whose job I wanted!
Best Costume went to this Hunk! (the girls on the ship could not take their eyes off of his muscular physic.) (He also seemed to like that Show Girl for some reason.)

and yes, I did receive the "Best Actor" award. But really, my good friends know that was no act! ha-ha
The Cruise director's "better half" won "A MILLION DOLLARS" (real shredded ones) for accumulating the most $$$ for the evening.
Who would have guessed that this lovely "sweet" passenger with a culinary background would have been the brutal murderer?
And finally, the murdered showgirl, and her job was mine! Thank you Tanners for a Great Evening!

Smith Spooktacular 2010 part 8

2010-10-21T15:03:00.009-07:00

and some more photos! Keep them coming people!

Smith Spooktacular 2010 part 7

2010-10-21T14:56:00.002-07:00

Little Justin won "The Cutest Costume" award and I am sure that you can see why. He was the only little guy his age at the party, but that did not stop him from joining in on the dance floor all on his own! And even if you have no creativeness what so ever and have only enough energy to put on a wig doesn't mean you can not win a costume award at our parties. Jason won not only "The Penny Pincher" award complete with piggy bank to start saving for next years costume, but also the "What the?" award.

(There's my daughter Devan in the back ground as a zombie Frida. Fabulous!

Smith Spooktacular 2010 part 6

2010-10-21T14:52:00.007-07:00

more photos.

Smith Spooktacular 2010 part 5

2010-10-21T14:41:00.009-07:00

Napoleon Dynamite and his brother Kip won "The Funniest Costume" Award. Napoleon did "the dance" for all of us after his big win!

"This Costume fits my (OUR) Personality" went to The Blues Brothers.
and Chelsea won the "Va-Va-Voom" award, no doubt because of her very public demonstration on the various ways to pick a wedgie....

(could a mother be prouder?!)

Smith Spooktacular 2010 part 4

2010-10-20T20:34:00.007-07:00

more quests: a "Twilight" couple...? zombie ghosts

Napoleon Dynamite
more to come.... (my husband counted about 120+ people at the party. I guess everyone was having so much fun, they forgot to take pictures!)

Smith Spooktacular 2010 part 3

2010-10-20T20:29:00.007-07:00

"Scariest Costume" AND "Best Overall Costume" went to the Stevensons.

and "Most Creative" went to the Hunsakers as Fanny May & Freddie Mack.

Smith Spooktacular 2010 part 2

2010-10-20T20:21:00.005-07:00

"The Best Group" Costume Award went to the Rescued Chilean Miners!!! they all came to the party at once shouting for joy, as "hip hip hoorays" could be heard from the rest of the guests.

Jen was the talented mind behind it all, Congratulation!!! (I really can not believe the amount of effort, no matter how last minute that my friends and family put forth to make these parties so much fun. AMAZING!)

Smith Spooktacular 2010 part 1

2010-10-20T19:55:00.020-07:00

As an avid visual record keeper, my worst fear happened on one of my favorite nights of the year: our annual Smith Spooktacular, my camera broke.... So I am piecing together this post from photos that are TRICKLEING in.... come on people!
Here are a few of the spooky quests:some VERY zombie fresh.
A couple of miners.

more miners
Oh,me (getting ready to get my Thriller on)

our MC, Brett Michaels

do we need to rescue another miner?!
more zombies"Peace and Quite"

a grown up twirler
a happy meal

The Blues Brothersand more zombies..

Scary Portraits!

2010-10-20T12:41:00.004-07:00

I like to mix things up each year in how and where I put out my Halloween decorations. This year, I decided to put the wedding and reunion photo that I covered with skeletons printed onto transparency sheets above the fireplace in the kitchen. I needed some more photos, so I took this one from last years family photo shoot and used a couple of filters on them to make them SCARY!

Here's how they look hung up. I also decided to put the "Cooking Spice Jars" on the mantle. (I think this is the last year for most of the jars. I have much better skills at making creepy labels now and the "stuff" in the jars is starting to smell..........)

Fun Stuff.

My Paper Mache "Elvis"

2010-10-20T12:19:00.006-07:00

I have been all about paper mache recently. Here is my "Elvis". I started with a $1 store plastic skull and empty Almond Roca tin. I added paper mache pulp to make the skull's face more interesting.

Then I covered the whole thing with plaster qause strips. (I bought a bunch on clearance two years ago. There were dead crickets inside the boxes. It was sooooo gross!) but the plaster strips were still good.

After I let the initial plaster strips dry, I added more paper mache pulp and plaster strips for the collar and jacket. I had a cheap necklace that I glued on and a belt buckle that I recently cut off a skirt.
After DAYS of drying between each layer of paper mache pulp, I then covered the whole thing with more strips of newspaper and glue.
When I thought I needed to finally finish this project, I completely covered "Elvis" with black acrylic paint. Then I dry brushed multiple layers of browns, greys and metallic paint to highlight the various textures of the piece.

Paper Mache is cheap to make, but takes HOURS of dry time in between each layer. And it is amazing how hard and heavy the completed object ends up being. Fun Stuff. (side note: I finally found where to listen to conference talks on the computer while I'm working on stuff in the kitchen. So now, I don't feel guilty anymore "waisting" my time with all this crafty fun goodness! yeah!)

Introducing "Mini Miss Maricopa"!

2010-10-18T15:47:00.016-07:00

I am using all my Glamma Bragging rights to show off Carma (my beautiful Glamdaughter) as the very first "Mini Miss Maricopa"! this was her "Introduction" outfit AND a few of her "pageant" poses. ha-ha!

Carma really is as sweet as she looks!

and below is her "Wow" wear. She represents Maricopa as a "Strong" Community.

(I made the bar bells out of cardboard & Chelsea painted them)
and here is "Her Majesty" blowing a "Kiss to all the World"
(You should have seen her mom, me and two of her aunts behind the camera showing her how to pose! PRICELESS)
The only drawback now is that Carma wants to wear that pink dress and her crown everywhere! But then who wouldn't!

My Haunted Living Room

2010-10-18T14:27:00.007-07:00

Welcome to my Haunted Living room...

make yourself at home,
and sit a spell!

Smith Spooktacular Halloween Costume Trophies

2010-10-13T17:08:00.004-07:00

Every year for our annual Smith Spooktacular, I try to make (I am ashamed to say that there have been a couple of years where I (gasp)bought the awards for the costume contest.

This year I bought these table top decorations from Michaels at 40% off. I glued them onto jars and wood plaques. Next I primed and spay painted them gold.

Finally, I made labels on the computer and "Bedazzled" the trophies to make them more fun.
Good Luck and fine tune those costumes people! (and are you practicing the Thriller Dance?!)

Mini Miss Maricopa!

2010-10-09T17:51:00.002-07:00

This morning (after a rocky start with the "Wow" wear) Carma charmed her way to the title of Mini Miss Maricopa! Congratulations darling girl. Your "cup cake hands" and "kisses to all the world" were at their finest. We all love you very much!

Like Mother Like Daughter!

2010-10-03T22:10:00.003-07:00

The girls brought this stash home from SAS the other day. These bolts of elastic were each $1 and they could not pass by the bargain. They are using "some" of it to make hair bands for the little girls in the family. Of course, there is only one place to store it.... my studio. I can't complain, I would have taken advantage of this deal too. Once again, "Fruit doesn't Fall Far from the Tree"

Baby Shower for Izzy

2010-10-02T17:07:00.012-07:00

We gave my niece Amy a baby shower last night. This is her first baby and yes, a girl and she's going to be named Izzy. For the major holidays, I store the items in tubs and group them together according to the theme. I also keep containers just for certain colors that I use a lot for baby showers, bridal showers and other parties. Needless to say the color PINK has more items than the other "colors" that I store separately. (I have a red tub, pink, blue, gold, silver & "animal print" containers) I got these silk flower wreaths on clearance at Walmart for $3.50 and a big bolt of leopard print ribbon at Sam's Club. My daughter Kelli made the cupcakes and rice crispie treats. An old standby that I like to do is print a name or sentiment onto scrapbooking paper and cover chocolates with the paper.

This is what I did with the tissue balls that Kelli made...

I bought these onesies at the $1 store. They are really too thin and cheaply made for babies to wear, but perfect for decoration. I just printed Izzy's name onto sticker paper, cut the letters out and pressed them onto the onesies. It turns out cute and can also be hung on the baby's nursery.
My nephew's lovely wife Erynn was in charge of the games. She did a great job. One of the fun ideas was breaking into groups and decorating small pumpkins to look like the baby. All the gals seemed to enjoy that. Aren't these little characters cute!?

Miss Maricopa Pageant Props

2010-09-30T14:03:00.003-07:00

My daughter Chelsea and a couple friends decided that it would be fun to have a children's beauty pageant. So they went to the city of Maricopa and pitched the idea. The city liked it, so Maricopa is having their very first beauty pageant this Saturday for the teen age girls and next Saturday a "mini" pageant for toddlers (of course my Glamdaughter Carma will be participating). The budget is small so the Grandmas were enlisted. Yesterday I made this crown and lettering from foam core. It is 8 ft. wide and 4 ft. tall. I googled "diamond images" and printed the gems onto photo paper. Then I glazed a few different glitter glues on top and painted the "sparkles". My back is totally killing me from crouching down on the kitchen floor all day. But it was fun to create. During that time, my daughter Kelli sat at the kitchen counter and made all these pink tissue balls for a baby shower that we are having for my niece tomorrow night. Aren't they beautiful?

My Etsy Shop

2010-09-27T17:44:00.002-07:00

I finally got my Etsy Shop going after racking my brain all day and bothering my daughter Devan for help. Now onward and upward!

"Franchesca" a Paper Mache Halloween Pumpkin

2010-09-26T23:00:00.006-07:00

Lovely "Franchesca" is 8 inches tall by 8 inches wide. Her head is crowned with beautiful leaves and a blossom made from polymer clay. She looks delicate, yet she is sturdy and strong. So far, "Franchesca" is the only female of our pumpkin family. She believes in looking her best, all the while getting things done well and on time. She's is Woman, hear her Roar!

"Franchesca" is $75 plus shipping. If you would like "Franchesca" to join you in the ranks of womanhood, email me at glamma.fabulous@gmail.com and I will get right back to you.

"Touf" a Halloween Paper Mache Pumpkin

2010-09-26T22:51:00.008-07:00

"Touf" is a preschool age pumpkin that measures 8 1/2 inches tall and 5 inches wide. "Touf" is still a little shy and new to the Halloween scene. Little "Touf" will brighten any table or counter, in fact "Touf" would be very happy to watch you while at your desk at work.

"Touf" is $55 plus shipping. If you would like "Touf" to join you in your labors, please email me at glamma.fabulous@gmail.com . I will get back to you shortly and make arrangements.

SOLD! THANK YOU!

"Chum Chum" a Paper Mache Halloween Pumpkin

2010-09-26T22:40:00.005-07:00

"Chum Chum" got his name by my glamson Slade. In fact Slade named most of my paper mache pumpkins. He helped me by recorded them on a piece of notebook paper while I photographed and measured them. I would ask him what he thought, and he would seriously ponder each pumpkin's personality and individuality. I was wondering about this one and "Chum Chum" came right out of Slade's mouth. I looked at the pumpkin, then I looked at Slade, then back to the pumpkin. "PERFECT!" I said, and Slade just beamed.

"Chum Chum" is a chubby 10 inches tall and 9 1/2 inches wide. He is $65 plus shipping. He comes with a custom base and battery led tea light. If you think that "Chum Chum" would fit in with your family, email me at glamma.fabulous@gmail.com .

"Tommy" the Paper Mache Halloween Pumpkin

2010-09-26T22:29:00.009-07:00

Every time I look at "Tommy", I smile. His happy disposition is contagious. He is 7 1/2 inches tall and 7 inches wide. He fits easily on a narrow book case or He would be happy sitting next to your computer monitor. "Tommy" would be happy anywhere, as long as he is around someone who loves him- which is easy to do...

"Tommy" is $55 plus shipping. If you have just the right spot for him or know of someone who could use his cheerful countenance, email me at glamma.fabulous@gmail.com . I will get right back to you and get "Tommy" on his way. SOLD! Thank You!!!

"Benny" a Paper Mache Halloween Pumpkin

2010-09-26T22:16:00.006-07:00

"Benny" is small. He is 5 inches tall and 6 inches wide. He doesn't need a light as his smile brightens up the room all by itself.

"Benny" is just the right height to sit on top of a candlestick or mantle.
"Benny" is $45 plus shipping. He's solid like a rock. If you would like "Benny" to add a glow to your room, please email me at glamma.fabulous@gmail.com

SOLD!

"Steven" the Paper Mache Halloween Pumpkin

2010-09-26T22:08:00.007-07:00

"Steven" is 8 1/2 inches tall and 9 inches wide, He is that fun kid who is an all around nice guy. He is thoughtful and kind, but still enjoys a good practical joke.

"Steven" is $65 plus shipping. He comes with a custom base and battery led tea light to make his bright smile shine during the evening hours. "Steven" could wind up on your door step by emailing me at glamma.fabulous@gmail.com .

"Fregley" a Paper Mache Halloween Pumpkin

2010-09-26T21:54:00.008-07:00

"Fregley" is "Steven's" brother and measures in at 9 inches tall and 10 inches wide. He is that annoying, misunderstood kid that eats his boogers. (boy, doe's that B word make me cringe even thinking about it!) "Fregley" has the delighted expression of thinking everything is exciting and wonderful, even if it is "un-cool" to show it.

"Fregley" is $65 plus shipping. If you think that "Fregley" can get along with the rest of kids in your family, email me at glamma.fabulous@gmail.com and I will hurry him along the way to your home. "Fregley" comes with a custom base and battery led tea light.

SOLD! Thank you!

"The Captain" a Paper Mache Halloween Pumpkin

2010-09-26T21:35:00.010-07:00

Doe's anyone else remember "Captain Kangaroo", a children's television show that we "more mature" folks watched when we were little? Well, the "Captain" emerged from molded paper mache pulp. It just happened, without intention. That is how all of my pumpkins found their identities. It was sort of an evolution as the pumpkin's form and shape dictated where the facial features were placed.
"The Captain" is $65 plus shipping. He is 8 1/2 inches tall and 8 1/2 inches wide and comes with a custom base and battery led tea light. If you would like him around to remind you of "the good ol' days" please email me at glamma.fabulous@gmail.com .
SOLD! THANK YOU!

"Chester" the Halloween Paper Mache Pumpkin

2010-09-26T21:23:00.007-07:00

"Chester" is 8 1/2 inches tall and 9 inches wide. He looks a little dismayed at the world, wondering the age old question: "Who am I, Why am I here and What is the real meaning of Halloween?"

"Chester" is $65 plus shipping. If you would like to help "Chester" answer these questions and mentor him through out his life, please email me at glamma.fabulous@gmail.com and I will see to it that he finds a good home, yours. "Chester" comes with a custom base and battery led tea light.

SOLD! Thank You!

"Joe Joe" a Halloween Paper Mache Pumpkin

2010-09-26T21:12:00.008-07:00

"Joe Joe" is 8 inches tall and 6 inches wide. He has two polymer clay teeth that are proudly displayed while he is laughing at a joke that no one else seems to get.

His delicate nose points upward giving him a silly look on his face.
"Joe Joe's" leaf is also made from polymer clay.
"Joe Joe" is $55 plus shipping. If you are interested in adding "Joe Joe" to your Halloween Decor collection, please email me at glamma.fabulous@gmail.com and I will get right back to you.

He also comes with a custom base and battery led tea light.

SOLD!

"Roufas" a Paper Mache Halloween Pumpkin

2010-09-26T21:01:00.007-07:00

"Roufas" is 8 1/2 inches tall and 8 inches wide. His toothy grin either makes you smile or "freaks'" you out like my glamkids like to say.

"Roufas" is $65.00 plus shipping. He comes with a fitted base that holds a battery led tea light. (the tea light is included in the price). If you are interested in welcoming "Roufas" into your home, please email me at glamma.fabulous@gmail.com and I will get right back to you.

"Skwat" a Paper Mache Halloween Pumpkin

2010-09-26T20:32:00.007-07:00

"Skwat" named for his physic, is 7 1/2 inches tall and 9 1/2 inches wide. He's Hefty. His teeth and leaf are made from polymer clay.

I have signed and dated "Skwat's" bottom.
"Skwat" is $65 plus shipping. Each of my pumpkins come with a custom fitted base that holds a battery led tea light that is included in the price. If you are interested in adding "Skwat" to your family, email me at glamma.fabulous@gmail.com and I will get right back to you. I am still trying to figure out my etsy account. (Ugh! being 52 means I did not grow up with computers, and I am learning. Where are my computer tech children when I need them?!)

Paper Mache Halloween Pumpkins

2010-09-26T20:15:00.003-07:00

After a 4 year hiatus from selling my artwork, I am now returning. This is what I've been working on lately, Paper Mache Halloween Pumpkins. I used the tried and true flour, water and white glue recipe.

I literally spent HOURS making these. I could have painted several oil paintings in the same time and wouldn't have made such a huge mess, but it was still fun to sculpt each pumpkin into an individual that took on personalities all their own.

Each layer of newspaper and paper pulp took days to dry and each pumpkin has multiple layers of acrylic paint and glazes. I made the leaves out of polymer clay. The pumpkins all weigh several pounds apiece and are rock hard to the touch. They will withstand time well as I layered on sealers and gloss lacquer. Maybe one will find a place in your home!

Children and Adult Kerchief Pattern

2010-09-23T23:15:00.009-07:00

A good fellow from church asked me if I could make some "bibs" for the special needs kids that are in his class at the school where he teaches. He said that the kids do not like the word "bib" as they are not babies. There is also a great need for these KERCHIEFS in elderly care facilities too. So I made a pattern from the sample that he gave me. Here it is: 1. Take a page from your local newspaper and unfold it. From one corner, measure and mark 20" to each side.

2. Then fold the two 20" marks together and draw a line that is 90 degrees from the marks to the folded end. Mark and cut along this line. This will give you a triangle with two sides that are 20" with the longest end measuring 28 1/2" long.

3. Cut one piece of cotton fabric.
4. And cut one piece of terry cloth fabric. (The terry cloth will absorb spills and an occasional drool) I was able to cut 8 triangles out of a beach towel that was on clearance for the terry cloth fabric. It was much cheaper that buying the fabric by the yard.
5. With right sides together, sew a 1/2" seam all the way around leaving a opening of about 8".

6. Cut off the corners and turn the kerchief right side out.

7. Top stitch 1/8" to 1/4" all the way around the kerchief. (strait stitch or any decorative stitch)

8. Cut 3" of Velcro and sew onto the kerchief so that it is adjustable and easy to take on and off.
The Kerchief is reversible. I tried to find basic colors that were not gender specific. I think that this is a fabulous service project that you can work on alone, as a family or use as a beginner sewing project. It's also fun to hang out with girl friends and sit, sew and visit for a good cause. I know that you will have no problem finding a facility that needs these kerchiefs desperately. If you don't know of one, I'd be glad to help you get them where they need to be.

More Parental Bragging Rights...

2010-09-14T17:03:00.001-07:00

*Amanda from Canada: I meant 5" x 7 1/2" pieces of fabric in the instructions for the children's bow tie pattern. I hope that it didn't mess you up too much. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.

Bragging Rights: "Into the Woods"

2010-09-11T10:01:00.007-07:00

As some of you know, our daughter Chelsea has done a bit of performing in the musical arts. She graduated from ASU while filling out her graduation gown with her first baby due not too long after. She starred as "Evita" with the Flagstaff Light Opera company, performed with a Sedona Theater troop and while she was little, was in numerous plays with the Valley Youth Theater and other local youth theater groups. (I can't even begin to tell you how many sets I have helped paint, costumes sewed, and tickets bought with 5 daughters who like the thrill of being "on stage". I don't know where they got that from! ha-ha) ANYWAY, last night was the opening night of "Into the Woods" performed by the Maricopa Community Theater. This is only the second play done by the new theater group. The budget is small, but the talent is not. Needless to say, Chelsea was AMAZING. (I know, I am her mother, but you should see for yourself!)

And just as sweet, was the company of our oldest and dearest friends who have willingly and lovingly supported our family by enduring countless choir shows, softball games, etc. AND saying that they loved being there. I should not forget my Mom, who I don't think missed a choir, band or sport performance as well, in the past 50+ years from my own childhood to my children's and glamchildren's activities.

I LOVE the fact that my girls still enjoy one an other's company... and I am "TAKING ONE FOR THE TEAM" in the photo below. (I usually pick the picture that I look best in, but it is getting harder and harder to do. Oh well. stupid getting old business...)
We love you Chelsea! And we are so proud of your guts to put yourself out there, and we are doubly proud to watch you use this incredible talent you have been blessed with for good. XO

August at the Beach

2010-09-11T09:42:00.005-07:00

I was uploading photos from my point and shoot, and wanted to share these cuties: My daughter Chelsea's two little girls LOVE playing in the sand. Here is Carma. That darling smile of hers is beaming 99.7% of every day. She has the happiest disposition. (Although her cousins have suffered from her .3% bite that can leave a mark. I do have to say, those tasty chomps are less and less frequent now a days.) And Pearl couldn't be happier when playing with an empty water bottle to swish the sand to and fro, here and there. The "there" part unfortunately is usually the eye of the closest adult setting next to her. Pearl is still a "Mommy's Girl", but she is venturing out to the rest of the family.

And this photo is a rarity. BOTH girls fast asleep, breathing to the rushing sounds of the waves bringing the tide closer and closer to our spot on the beach. There is nothing lovelier than watching children nap on the warm sand. Although I do have to say that the girls and I took turns laying in the sun while we placed smooth HOT rocks on each other's backs. The heat penetrated your deepest muscles, now that was NICE!!!

Pearl's First Birthday

2010-08-30T17:53:00.003-07:00

Yesterday we celebrated Pearl's first birthday. She didn't know what to do with a cake all her own and all the attention she was being given. This little girl is very shy. (Did she come to the wrong family? No, just give her another year and she'll be as crazy as the rest of us. Poor thing...) It took her well up to 20 minutes to get this messy. That is a new record. It usually only takes a minute or two for the demolition to begin.

FUN!

My First Attempt at a Cardboard Deer Head Mount

2010-08-30T17:43:00.005-07:00

I've been perusing paper mache blogs in anticipation to make some cool Halloween decorations, and I stumbled across this great tutorial to make a dear head mount out of foam core. I thought I'd first make a pattern with cardboard, but it turned out looking so fun that I put it together. I might keep it the way it is or use it as an armature for a paper mache deer head.

What do you think?

Conway's STRANGE Love for Hats.

2010-08-27T23:24:00.005-07:00

Ever since he could have motor control of his hands, Conway tries on anything with a convex shape on his head. His favorite toy/hat has been this coolwhip bowl for a year now. (Devan SWEARS that she did not buy the coolwhip, that someone brought over a leftover in it. I happen to love coolwhip, but my girls tell me it is not even in a food group so I should not eat it. What they don't know won't hurt them!) Anyway, while I was in Utah for the umpteenth time, I decided to give Conway a bigger selection of head gear. Like shoes, one can never have enough options. I thought the milk carton was fabulous, but he didn't...

Conway liked the cereal box a little more, but that little man is passionate about his ol' faithful coolwhip carton.
Last week, while I was visiting, you could tell having that bowl on his head made him feel safe and back at home in his apartment. It is a bit snug now. It looks like I need to make a Costco run and buy a "mass quantity" size Coolwhip for that sweet boy!

August Catch up.

2010-08-27T23:10:00.006-07:00

This month I camped with my family at South Carlsbad Beach in CA. We made really decadent smores... and the glamkids couldn't get enough campfires.

Devan and Preston came to AZ to visit and Baby Phoebe was surrounded by both sides of her family while she was blessed.

We had our very own "Drive-In" movies. I couldn't get enough of that. (although sitting in my bathing suit for HOURS is not comfortable!
Uncle Craig gave Conway his very first haircut. I think almost all of my glamson's heads were touched first by Craig able hands.
Yesterday, while I babysat Daisy, she said she wanted cupcakes. Who am I to deny her?!

But do I HAVE to eat half of them myself? Ughhhhhh. What I do for my Glamchildren. ha-ha

2010-08-11T18:03:00.003-07:00

Lucky I found the correct way to sit, stand and pivot on "Velma's Fabulous 50's" today. Gotta go practice now!

Spend the Nights at Glamma's.

2010-07-27T13:05:00.008-07:00

It's the girls turn to spend the night the last couple of days. Yesterday, we went to see "Romona and Beezus". I already watch Daisy on Mondays and Fridays, so I had four little girls in tow. We stopped at Circle K for treats and headed for the theater. After going potty, (a must for these kids, or I'd have to pull all of them out together to go even if only one girl needed to once the movie starts, and that's quite a production!) Anyway, we had the pick of the theater seats as we were the first ones in. That's when I realized that we were 50 minutes early. I had switched the times and theaters that I was looking at in the paper in the morning. I thought about loading them all up into the car and thought again, because the thought of buckling the two little one into those car seats once more, I felt panicked. So I decided to wait it out. I let the girls dance to the music playing until other people started coming in. The girls were very good throughout the movie, but again in my "un-smartness" I let the kids pick what ever candy they wanted at the convenience store and they all chose gooey, sticky stuff and I used up all of my new purse size baby wipes in minutes. Good Times... then off to McDonald's for a "nutritious" lunch and girl/type/screaming in the play area and swimming when we got home. The girls were all sleeping in a comatose state when it was time for dinner, so I woke them up and they felt like they had a whole nights worth of sleep and didn't go to sleep till waaaay later. (Sounds like I didn't have a very good time, I did and I promise that my blog will not turn into a "venting" arena too often.) Bla-Bla-Bla... Today, the girls played with some air dry clay. Remi made crowns and matching rings, while Ava made a ring holder and a couple of rings to wear.

Sloan played a little with the clay and the next time I looked, she had a plate of chips that she made for herself.

Fun!

July Updates....

2010-07-27T12:07:00.015-07:00

After my first two weeks in Utah, I came home for 6 days. I needed to make this cardboard car for our Young Women's Girls Camp. One side was supposed to be all crumby and the other side fabulous, here it is. It was fun to paint. Whenever I volunteer to do something, I always first think "what did I get myself into..." then, as I figure out what and how I am going to do it, I always get a great deal of enjoyment out of it. This was no exception. I watched a couple of movies on my little kitchen TV and painted. It was really stress relieving painting a cartoon, that really can't go wrong. so thanks for asking me to help!

then, right after I was putting the finishing touches on the cardboard car, Devan called and said it was time to go back to Utah. When I got there, I finished this Tee Pee that I was making for Conway. He loves it! (He's so cute.)

Now back in AZ, I am busy watching the glamchildren get swimming lessons,
Cheering at swim meets, here is Nash getting ready for his race to start.
and Xander in a relay race....

and Remi doing the backstroke.

The Glamchildren are also taking turns (in small groups) spending the night. I researched on the Internet and found patterns for making marshmallow guns. We went to Home Depot and learned how to find the right sizes and fittings in the plumbing area for PVC pipe. The kids assembled and decorated their guns with colored electrical tape and stickers. (it was fun, but with our war on crickets and ants, pure sugar is not smart to shoot into hidden crevasses between furniture and sofa cushions. yes, I am creative, but not too smart sometimes,)
We also celebrated my Mom's 70th Birthday with a surprise party with all of her friends and then a family party of swimming and hanging out. Happy Birthday Mom!

Celebrating Christmas in July!

2010-07-27T11:33:00.004-07:00

My girls decided we needed to celebrate Christmas in July on Sunday evening when all the family comes over for dinner. (This was on Saturday) so after church Sunday, I got out a white tablecloth and christened it our "Christmas in July" traditional table cloth that everyone who comes to the party, signs their name and the year. We have done this for our December Christmas dinner for quite a few years now. My mother-in-law has been doing this tradition for MANY years now only she embroiders over the names/drawing each year. I'm not doing that...

I scrambled and made a palm tree out of scrapbooking paper and printed a bunch of empty circles that everyone decorated and cut out for ornaments that night. We also had everyone bring a "re-gift" and we picked out a gift and "stole" gifts from one another. That was fun, and Glampa Fabulous got a crazy candle holder made of rebar that I fell in love with. (My brother David is King of Thrift Stores, and finds the best stuff, we all know that whatever He brings will be crazy fabulous!)

My friend Mary brought her family traditional Christmas jello, and I was thrilled when my Mom brought her Christmas tree cookies that I crave every year. Poor Devan cried as she missed the festivities, and we missed her more. Fun!

A Baby for Conway.

2010-06-29T14:30:00.005-07:00

Conway loves babies and we thought that He might need his own baby to take care of when Baby Phoebe comes home from the hospital. So last night I bought this baby and stroller set from Big Lots. I cut the fabric seat off and used it as a pattern to make a more "masculine" looking stroller for Conway to push around. I'm glad we saved all the scraps from our decorating projects around here.

I covered the wheel stops with fabric and painted the pink flower accents with glossy black acrylic. I also made a new outfit for the baby doll with Devan's felt supply.
And par for the course, I accidentally got black paint on the baby's head in two places. I could not scrub it off with all the cleansers in the world, it just sunk right into the rubber head. Oh well...

2010-06-27T18:31:00.005-07:00

Glamchild #13 was born in the first minutes of this Sunday morning while making a memorable entrance by getting stuck in the birth canal. This little girl fought long and hard (so did her mother) and finally arrived via c-section. I hear about wonderful home births, but sure am glad that we were in the hospital, as our new Baby Phoebe might not have made it. Thank you Heavenly Father for answered prayers, thoughtful and informed nurses, intuitive midwives and skilled surgeons. Phoebe Lynn Gardner was born at 12:20am, is 21 inches long and weighed in at 7 lbs, 13 oz's. So Congratulations to niece Erynn Krahn for guessing closest to the time Phoebe was born and to myself and daughter Kelli (we tied) for guessing closest to her birth weight. Look at Phoebe's poor little cone-head minutes after being born.

This afternoon both baby and mom are doing well. Phoebe's "cone" has gone down a bit and is still being monitored for her oxygen intake, but she is doing great. Yeah for Glambabies who grow into Fabulous Glamchildren. I love them all and I am so lucky.

The Children's Parade in Provo

2010-06-27T18:16:00.003-07:00

We went to down town Provo to watch the Children's Parade Saturday morning. There were hundreds of kids all dressed in their patriotic finery. The parade had that "old time, small town" feel that I really only experienced before at the movies. Devan and Preston have two more years at school here, so you KNOW I am already planning costumes and a family vacation here next year! This is the usual shot I get of Conway. He hears that camera turn on and all he wants is to get a hold of it. I can't tell you how many photos I have of him in just this pose. He sure is cute though, isn't he? (He tripped over his own two legs in as awesome dance move, and fell face down on the industrial carpet in Devo's apartment. Major rug burn on his darling little nose.)

After the parade and as we walked back to the car, Devan's water broke.

Revived Nursery and Cruz's 4th Birthday

2010-06-23T16:36:00.005-07:00

When I was in Utah, I also made some bedding to go with Conway's since both babies will be in the same room in Devan and Preston's apartment. We bought some fabric at Ikea and foam core from the $1 store and made the fun "art" above the cribs. I also covered foam core with left over zebra fabric (I made a bunch of folds for the ties with clips and we used pins to tack the other ties to the board) for all of Conway's ties that he wears to church. I then covered another foam core "canvas" and glued black elastic to it to store Phoebe's hair clips. Devan covered three paper towel rolls with fabric to hold the headbands that she is making. Back in Arizona on Saturday, we all went to see Toy Story 3 for Cruz's 4th Birthday party. We then went to my mom's who has a nice "mostly shallow" pool that is wonderful for all the family to swim in. Pizza and Birthday cake made by my very talented daughter Chelsea topped of the day. Cruz received all Toy Story presents. He said it was his best birthday ever!

And as of an hour ago, I found out that my daughter Devan is progressing rapidly in her pregnancy, and I am off to Utah again to help welcome our newest Glamchild Phoebe into the world. (more FUN news, my daughter Kelli just now called from her doctor appointment to announce that our 14th glamchild due in November is a GIRL. It seemed like yesterday that I was forever changing diapers, making countless matching dresses, and trying to raise my own little girls. Today, I am doing it all over again, but it is way more FUN!!!!!!

While I was in Utah...

2010-06-22T18:13:00.006-07:00

While I was in Utah for 2 weeks "babysitting" my daughter Devan and playing with my glamson Conway, I was put to work. We did projects!!! Here is a sampling. Conway was getting into everything on the TV consoles shelves, so we looked for boxes to fit in the shelves. That turned out either impossible to fit or just way too expensive. So I bought a pack of storage boxes and cut them down to size and Devan and I glued wrapping paper onto them. Conway got into them the first day, but tired of trying to take off the box's lids, so now he has forgotten about them. Success!

Devan need more storage for toys, I got these two bookshelves at Walmart for $15 each. I again cut a couple of office supply storage boxes to fit and used cereal boxes and whatever cardboard boxes we could find and covered them with fabric. Don't they look fun?

When Chelsea was visiting Devan, she started to recover this rocker that Devan paid $20 on e-bay for. I did the finishing touches and also found this little chair and recovered it. Conway loves sitting in it!
One day when Devan came home from an appointment she announced that there was a sofa out in the grass by the garbage. I went down to see it, got a helper to lug it up to her second story apartment with me and we bought some foam and fabric and put together this fabulous vintage setting. FUN!!!

May Catch Up.

2010-05-30T16:57:00.012-07:00

It seemed like every day in May we had some family event to go to. My nephew got married, and here is Daisy. She sneaked into the cupcakes for the wedding. Luckily I got there before she helped herself to any more... Xander was the "MC" for their school's choir concert, so he requested that his mom make him a bright pink tie so that he could be in character better. Like the darling boy that he is, the girls all love him. And look how dutiful he is, making sure that his Glamma gets a good picture of him!

Cruz graduated from pre/Pre-school. I went on a school field trip the same day, so I didn't get a photo of him. He sure loves "Chino Banditos" asian/mexican food!

I set up the Jumpy Jump in the house for a week. The little ones thought that was a blast.

Daisy and Carma ran and jumped in that thing till they were exhausted. (our plan worked.)

Here is Blue right before his school choir concert. My poor glamchildren sure do put up with a lot of photo sessions. What good sports they are.
Slade is my "Funny Guy, Comedian and Clown" He loves to crack me up with his "funny faces". His brain is always thinking up newer and more clever ways to make me laugh.
Ava graduated from Pre-School. She is the sweetest thing!
Conway and Daisy thought it was great fun to take baths together in the kitchen sink. (I think it is the best place the them to get cleaned up while they are still in the kitchen.)

One night Chelsea came over and made these "Samore" cupcakes. They were to die for!!!

Yum!

Crafting Away!

2010-05-27T17:57:00.006-07:00

Contrary to popular belief, I do not spend ALL my time at the computer. I also sit at the sewing machine. Yesterday I made these cute little bloomers for my friend Sarah (actually She is my daughter's friend first, mine second. I keep "knocking on wood" to the fact that these younger gals still invite me to stuff...) Anyway, I made the hair bow to clip onto the headband and the leg warmers are out of knee socks. My daughter Chelsea has been making a ton of them for the new little babies who keep peeking around lately. She showed me how. (just cut the foot off and sew in elastic) And while my daughter Devan was here the last couple weeks, she and Kelli have been going WILD stenciling onesies and t-shirts with freezer paper. (Just google "freezer paper stencils" and numerous tutorials will come up. That's what we did.)

Aren't these the cutest things ever?! The onesies are for Baby Phoebe when she arrives next month and...
these are for Conway.

It is a dream come true that my girls like to do crafts. It is one BIG CRAFTING EXTRAVAGANZA around here any given day. Yes, it IS HEAVEN ON EARTH!!!
Yeah!

Meet "Barry and the Cheese"!

2010-05-25T18:37:00.003-07:00

Meet "Barry and the Cheese". I am proud to sponsor this delightfully funny team as they make their comeback to YouTube and in Print ads! Tune in to see hilarious antics and wild slapstick that will tickle your funny bones. "Barry and the Cheese" can be seen about town wearing their signature round glasses and hats. Sometimes at special events, they will dawn comfortable polyester suits and fashionable slacks.

"Barry and the Cheese" just LOVE all types of Jello products and are equally fond of Spam.

Thank you "Barry and the Cheese", I wait with bated breath and anticipation !

More Ads.

2010-05-25T18:29:00.004-07:00

Kilee looks stunning but kept accidentally rubbing off her lipstick. Thank heavens it was Liquid Liptone! I wish I could stock my kitchen with Porcelain on Steel Enameledware!

More Ads!

2010-05-25T16:52:00.004-07:00

Beautiful and Mysterious Melanie looks radiant in Royalty Red lip color by Dorothy Gray... I have to brag a bit on these little numbers. I copied, then cropped the jewelry and placed them on the lovely sophisticated women: Kelli, Melanie and Mary. How's that for detail!

Doesn't Marlowe look grand when she uses Hollywood Lipstick. Keep her secret girls!!!

FUN!

Girls Just Want to Have FUN!

2010-05-25T09:03:00.005-07:00

A girl is NEVER too old to play dress-up... (feathers were a'flyin) I thought Mary was a natural and just needed a beauty spot. Isn't she just Glam?!

Alyson is so beautiful.
More to come...

Vintage Ads Gone Bad!

2010-05-24T21:47:00.009-07:00

So I started playing around with more vintage ads and inserting our "girlfriend photo shoot" pictures. Here are a few...(I am waiting for permission for more that I hope to share soooon!)
Below is sweet Stephanie. She could sell Dove soap any day! and darling Sarah really doesn't need much makeup in real life, but doesn't she look fab?

With the devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other, Stephanie can't decide which "Can-Can" petticoat to wear. OK, more than one at once!
Lindsey's hair looked a mess before she used a "Bliss" treatment. Now her golden locks look like spun gold!

There is no one better to ask for advice than Jen. She's a wealth of knowledge, and can surely tell you what toilet paper is the best.... and what color will suit your bathroom AND bottom!
Again, there is no stronger woman than our girl Steph. Need a jar opened?, a hem mended?, or the light bulb changed?, She'll do it with a smile on her face!
I guess I should go wash the dishes and pay some attention to my husband and get off of this computer. It was a BLAST putting these together. More (hopefully) to come!

Photo Shoot

2010-05-21T17:20:00.003-07:00

Last night "The Gals" got together at my house and we did a photo shoot. I'm still working on the originals, but here is a glimpse of my daughter Kelli. I thought she looked like she came out of an add in the early 50's. Below is the original shot....

Gotta LOVE Photoshop and Digital scrapbooking elements!!!!!