conniemiles

FEELIN' FRUITY Growing up in the Texas Panhandle in the 50’s/60’s, the fruit my mother served us was limited to the kinds of fruit that was grown on trees or in gardens in the area. We had apples, peaches, apricots, cherries and strawberries in abundance but grocery store fruit like bananas, grapes, and oranges were only purchased when there was a good sale and when they were in season. Pineapple came in cans. The cheapest fruit was canned “fruit cocktail” and it didn’t even taste like fruit. We had cantaloupe and watermelon in the summer but we waited until the end of the season to purchase so we could afford it. It wasn’t until we moved to California in the 70’s that I found out what I was missing. There I was introduced to “exotic” fruits like kiwi and papaya, and all kinds and colors of grapes and plums, pears and berries. And FRESH pineapple. I was like a kid in a candy store!! TEMPLATE: Pocketful #1 by Aimee Harrison KIT: Value Pack: Fruity Tooty by Aimee Harrison

BLESSED I sat in Sacrament Meeting, waiting for the time that Baby Kyle would be held in his daddy’s arms, to be given a name and a father’s blessing. Other faithful Priesthood men were ready and waiting to stand in the prayer circle with them, including his grandfathers and uncles. As I held the hand of this perfectly, innocent, baby boy, just fresh from Heaven, I thought of another prayer circle that surely had gathered together to bless this mighty spirit who was about to leave his heavenly family and home, to come to this earthly family who eagerly awaited him. And I thought, “How blessed we all are to have families to love and to be loved, that give us eternal purpose in this life and in the life to come.” --’Nana’ Connie Miles - Sunday, 14 April 2013 Template: ScrapSimple Digital Layout Templates: Big Deal #3 by Aimee Harrison Kit: Value Pack: 360°Life Aug: Remember by Aimee Harrison

WISTERIA DREAMS Whenever I day dream, and day dream I do, in my secret garden, I day dream of you. Template: Picture This #4 by Heartstrings Scrap Art Kit: Value Pack: Wisteria Dreams by Aimee Harrison **Extras: additional flowers from other kits by Aimee

SUMMER FUN - This summer we visited Gardner Village in West Jordan Utah. Stepping onto the grounds of Gardner Village is like taking a step back in time. The historic atmosphere is reminiscent of the once-bustling early Utah pioneer mill industry but now specialty shops occupy the historic buildings creating a unique shopping experience. We loved it & can’t wait to go again in the Fall. Template: Summer Travel #3 by Tinci Designs Kit: Value Pack: Pineapple Express by Aimee Harrison

LIVE LIFE AND ENJOY IT. THAT’S THE REAL KEY TO BEAUTY! At (nearly) 2 years old, Emma Jo, lives life fully and thoroughly enjoys it. She entertains us with the cute things she says and does and we love to see her excitement when experiencing new things and new places. She had such a fun time at the water park playing at the splash pad and sliding down the big slide all by herself. She is Rob and Melissa’s last little one and so we are hanging onto her babyhood for dear life and trying to soak up all of these sweet, tender, moments while we can. Don’t grow up too fast, Emmie. We love you!! Template: Blended Stories #3 by Miss Fish Designs Kit: 360°Life July: Enjoy Collection by Aimee Harrison

I took these photos at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior, Arizona. This was part of the Australian Outback exhibit. It was very wild and wooley!! Template: ScrapSimple Digital Layout Templates: Duality #3 by Aimee Harrison Kit: Value Pack: Little Bit Country by Aimee Harrison

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK - 09 AUG 2014 - On the way home from Utah, we took the northern route by Jacob’s Lake and decided to make a stop at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It was a gorgeous summer day and the Canyon was awe-inspiring. But every time I go to the Grand Canyon I make a secret pact with myself to lose weight and get in shape so I can hike in the high altitude without it sending my blood pressure racing. I really am envious of friends who have been able to thoroughly enjoy this beautiful place without physical limitations. On this particular day I walked about 100 feet down a path to get this shot and I had a really hard time getting back up the path to the top. My heart was racing and I was light-headed. I had to stop several times to catch my breath. But it was all worth it to get some great photos. Template: ScrapSimple Digital Layout Templates: Big Deal #3 by Aimee Harrison Kit: Canyonlands by Aimee Harrison

THE HOUSE WITH A CLOCK IN ITS WALLS - I can’t remember where Kellie and the gkids were but Greg and I had a rare evening alone together at home so we searched through the movie menu on our Apple TV and found this movie to watch. It wasn’t our normal choice but we really did enjoy it and thought the kids would enjoy it too. It’s interesting that even in those moments when we don’t have to, we are still looking out for what would make the kids happy. I guess that is the hallmark of Grandparenthood. 14 Dec 2018 Template: ScrapSimple Digital Layout Templates: Blocked #4 by Aimee Harrison Kit: Midnight Serenade by Aimee Harrison

IT IS NEITHER WEALTH NOR SPLENDOR; BUT TRANQUILITY AND OCCUPATION WHICH GIVE YOU HAPPINESS. HAPPINESS - That is what we had this week as we spruced up our Spruces: trimming our trees and raking the needles after the long, wet winter we had. John and Charles did all the hard work as I supervise and instructed. Good job Boys! It looks great! Template: Lots & Lots #5 by Heartstrings Scrap Art Kit: Value Pack: 360°Life June: Elegance by Aimee Harrison

TASTE OF ASIA I had so much fun making this layout. None of the photos are mine but I love each one of them and this layout makes me happy every time I look at it. Makes me want to travel to China! Pictured: Cuihu Park-Kunming, China, Great Wall of China, Playful Panda, Map of China, Beautiful Geisha Template: Mix It Up #10 by Heartstrings Scrap Art Kit: Value Pack: Taste of Asia by Aimee Harrison

FLOWERS - “I MUST HAVE FLOWERS. ALWAYS AND ALWAYS.” -Claude Monet Flowers are such a beauty and a miracle to me. They make me think of the time and nurturing required to make them grow and flourish. they remind me of the Master Gardner and I wonder at all He knows and all He puts into motion in His creating. They make me grateful for life and nurturing and the simple joys. -Photos and Journaling by Amy Miles- 06 May 2019 Template: Mix It Up #10 by Heartstrings Scrap Art Kit: Value Pack: To Blossom by Aimee Harrison

A GRAND LIFE - When it comes to birthdays, granddaughters have their own ideas of what celebrating means. Wearing a birthday sash and crown is a definite must!! The girls helped Papa with his birthday outfit this morning. They thought it was so fun and funny to dress him up. And he was a good sport to go along with it all. That’s why they love him so much! Happy Birthday Princess!! 31 Jan 2019 Template: ScrapSimple Digital Layout Templates: Duality #3 by AimeeHarrison Kit: A Grand Life by Aimee Harrison

FLOURISH - Don’t focus on negative things; focus on the positive, and you will flourish. Template: ScrapSimple Digital Layout Templates: Duality #3 by AimeeHarrison Kit: Value Pack: 360°Life May: Prosper by Aimee Harrison

BEAUTIFUL GARDEN - Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (St Matthew 6: 28-32) Template: ScrapSimple Digital Layout Templates: Singular #3 by Aimee Harrison Kit: Chic Life by Aimee Harrison