A Day to Remember…

I don't have many words today.  It's a day to reflect on what happened to our country 10 years ago today.  It's hard to believe it's been 10 years.  I remember it like it was yesterday.  We had friends visiting us from Iowa.  We were living in Pensacola, Florida at the time and Russ was a flight instructor.  He had gone to work that beautiful morning and I was entertaining our friends at home.  Brandon was just 9 months old and it was time to feed him.  We were all sitting in our living room watching Good Morning America just as I still do today.  We watched the horrific events unravel on the TV from the start. I remember sitting there in disbelief.  I tried to call Russ and I couldn't get through to him.  Once I did he wasn't sure if he would be able to leave the base. It was in lock down. We were glued to the TV the rest of the day. I'm finding myself glued to the TV again today. 

My heart aches for all the innocent people that we lost that day and for those that continue to make sacrifices to protect our freedom.  I'm so proud of my Prince and all of our service men as they make huge sacrifices everyday and sometimes the ultimate sacrifice protecting us. 

This card is for my Prince. I think it's pretty patriotic. 

XOXOXO

Share and Enjoy

Subscribe to the comments for this post

Quick Digital Layout & Reminder!

Happy Friday! I'm so excited that I can sleep in tomorrow but who knew I would be able to sleep in this morning?  Our schools were closed in our county today due to flooding in our area.  It's unbelievable how much rain we've seen the last 5 days.  Our county has even declared a state of emergency.  Very sad to see so many things damaged due to flooding.  We are very lucky here at our home.  We are dry.  There is a lot of standing water around my house but so far the basement is water free.  The North East has really taking a beating in the last three weeks and they need our thoughts and prayers. 

I have a few quick My Digital Studio layouts to share and a quick reminder about Stamps in the Mail. 

First the Layouts:

This was another layout that I literally just plopped the pictures into the template. No thinking, just moving my mouse around.  While I like to create my own layouts the fact is…. I'm behind on my scrapbooking.  Who wouldn't want to do an album in an hour? The pre-made templates are fantastic and I encourage you to try them. You can change them up a bit too.  But these are really fast.

This layout I created on my own:

All I can say is- Addicting.  It's just addicting.  I just watched TV last night and played with this layout.  I changed it a few times and tested new things I haven't tried.  Again, it's quick and EASY!!

Quick reminder: Registration for Stamps in the Mail ends Saturday, September 10th.  That's tomorrow.  If you are looking to stamp in the comfort of your own home and learn a few new techniques using the beautiful Christmas Lodge stamp set, check out the details HERE.

Have a FANTASTIC Friday and a Spectacular weekend. I am hoping our weekend is DRY!

XOXOXO

Share and Enjoy

Subscribe to the comments for this post

I Messed Up Big Time!

As our story goes there is always something interesting going on here at our home.  On Saturday I was enjoying piece and quiet on my deck and thought about posting on my Facebook status that it was such a INCREDIBLE day!  I never posted this  and probably with good reason. I was on such a great roll with cleaning house, and catching up on laundry.  I had made a fantastic dinner for the kids even.  The kids were having a great day too.  We went to the fish store and they each bought their own Beta Fish.  Brandon named his Dr. Awesome. Alexis named hers Princess, I think.? They are happy in each of their rooms.  Everything was quiet until I went to go get my laundry!

As I was reaching into the washing machine I pulled out Brandon's iPod touch.  I screamed.  Not lying. I screamed loud. So loud Alexis ran down the stairs. I had my hands over my eyes and kept saying, "How could I be SO stupid?" Alexis started crying because she thought it was hers.  Brandon came around to see what the commotion was and I looked at him and said, "Buddy, you left your iPod in your shorts pocket!" He started crying.  I felt TERRIBLE. I immediately put it in a bowl of rice and covered it and I am praying every day that it will absorb the water.  I mean it was the FULL washing cycle.  Not even the rapid one.  UGH!! I never even heard the noise from the washer! ??? It really ruined the entire day.  I sat with Brandon and the poor guy was doing the "catch your breath" crying.  Oh my, now I feel REALLY bad.  Of course I talked to him about this being a lesson for both of us!  We both need to check pockets. About an hour later Brandon was looking for things to sell in a garage sale to pay for the repairs or a new one.  Needless to say I went to bed hanging my head lower than it has been in awhile.  I messed up big time!  The fun part of this is going to be telling the Prince.  I wonder if loosing his iPhone a couple weeks back makes this look any less? Say a prayer for me. It could be ugly!

The next day- Dr. Awesome is now Dr. Dead.  We have a new Dr. Awesome. 

Hope you have a FANTASTIC week!!!!

Share and Enjoy

Subscribe to the comments for this post

Sunshine in Our House!

A couple of weeks ago I received an amazing phone call from a fellow demonstrator Sue Martin.  Sue called to tell me she was sending my kids a Sunshine Box and had I ever heard of this before.  I had not and was so surprised at what this meant.  It's the most gracious thing I've ever seen before!!!! Let me explain.  It's the coolest thing EVER!

The day before Irene came to visit the postman delivered this huge box. When my kids opened it they could barely contain themselves.  They couldn't believe Mama's stampin' friend would do this for THEM.  Inside this box are two separate boxes for Brandon and Alexis.  In each box there are 16 wrapped gifts for each kiddo!!!! Each day they can open a gift!!! Not only that but there are little treats all over each of the boxes.  Lollipops and other treats.  The kids were literally jumping up and down.  The best part is each morning at approximately 730am they are by my bedside in my face asking to open a gift.  LOL!  Sue, it doesn't bother me.  Their excited faces are worth it. Each time they open a gift they are occupied for quite awhile. 

Here is a picture of them reading the letter from Sue.  It was the sweetest letter.  *made me cry*

You can see their excited little faces.  You can also tell they are pretty heavy by the way Brandon is holding his.  Just the coolest thing!

Here they are opening their first gift.  Again, excited doesn't begin to explain how they were feeling. 

I've said for years (8 to be exact) that the reason I'm a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator is for one MAIN reason.  The friendships and the relationships that we build in this community is priceless.  Every year Stampin' Up! gives a Heart of Stampin' Up! award.  This selfless act of kindness towards my kids is truly what the Heart of Stampin' Up! is all about.  Sue, you have brought true sunshine in our house and you are exactly why Stampin' Up! gives an award like this.  You are exactly what are Statement of the Heart states: To LOVE what we do and SHARE what we love, as we help others enjoy CREATIVITY and worthwhile accomplishments… in this we make a DIFFERENCE. Sue made a difference in our lives.

Ironically it came at such a great time.  With the Prince leaving again and Stormy Irene on her way, this was a great distraction for the kids.  I cannot say thank you enough for your amazing kindness. 

I also had another surprise from when we arrived home from vacation! Another new friend, Cheryl Meynig sent me the book Chicken Soup for the Military Wives Soul. Fantastic book with fantastic stories that make you laugh at times you didn't think you could.  All these acts of kindness sure have warmed my heart and soul.  Life is GOOD. 

These are just a few of the great things going on over here.  Truly, we are grateful!

Another good thing… two of my bestie girlie friends are coming to visit this fall. WOOT!

What are you grateful for today?

Share and Enjoy

Subscribe to the comments for this post

Lucky 21!

I have so much to tell you and once again I'm not sure where to begin. I always make a lofty goal to blog while I'm at convention but the truth is I try and spend every last minute with my girlfriends and by the time my computer gets opened my eyes shut a few minutes later.  What an amazing time I had with all my friends!  I wasn't sure I was going to make it to convention with Alexis before I left for Florida.  In fact, since we arrived in Florida the kids have been fantastic.  Alexis has been her normal happy go lucky self and Brandon has captured every lizard possible he can find.  It's so great to see them happy and free for the Summer. 

Back to my convention story.  If I had to sum it up in one word… AMAZING! Stampin' Up! really went all out this year.  I think I say this every year because I am a huge fan of Stampin' Up! events.  You have to go to understand but when you see how much time and effort they put into the events you appreciate everything much more.  I love how they made announcements this year and there was tons of free stamps/products given to us this year.  Again, it was amazing.

Awards night was bittersweet. When I left convention last year I walked away knowing this year would be different and there was no way on sweet earth I would retain being the #1 demonstrator with the move and other obstacles that came my way.  In the beginning this was very hard for me to accept.  I think my worry was more of the expectations of others than myself. What would "others" think of me if I did not bounce back from this move? I know, I know! Stupid thinking, but seriously my mind works in a crazy way.  It wasn't until January that I finally came to my senses. More than likely I came to my senses because it was clear this was not going to be an over the top year for me with Russ being deployed.  I knew a few life changes were going to happen and it was going to be okay. While these obstacles have not been easy, I know that in order to be successful you have to endure many obstacles or what I like to call Big Bumps in the road.  I've had so many Big Bumps over the last 8 years and some how I always bounce back.  These Big Bumps have taught me many lessons.  My biggest lesson has been learned this year.  Right now Russ and my kids are the most important piece to my life puzzle and therefore my priority.  Do you ever feel like your life is a puzzle? Ha! Mine is for sure! This doesn't mean I'm not working my business or not playing with the best crafting products known to man… it just means I take a few steps back (or more) and do what I can, when I can.  This brings me to the SWEET part of awards night.  Lucky 21 is where I placed and I am grateful.  I worked hard this year through all the big obstacles and feel like Lucky 21 was PERFECT!  It was NOT luck that got me there.  In fact I think it was years of hard work that paid off during a year I couldn't put 100% of ME into it. 

I'm so grateful for the many friends that I have through Stampin' Up! this year.  From my customers to the many demonstrators that I've talked to, I am truly grateful!! You have been amazing and I am super thankful for your support this year.  It was SO exciting to hug so many of you at convention.  You are special people!!!!

Great things are coming this year with Stampin' Up! It's going to be another amazing year.  I have a team filled with the best personalities and creativity and they are ready to ROCK this Stampin' Up! year.  That is exciting!

Here are a few pictures of my great time at convention. 

These are some of the great ladies on my team.  We are missing a few that were there.  One of my favorite things about convention is watching first time convention attendee's and their faces at the fun craziness that happens there. 

Awards night picture.  Glad to be there!!

Some of the finest ladies I know. On our way to seriously shop!

Cathy and I were VIP's and super excited to make it to the VIP room for the meet and greet with Shelli.  When we finally made it to the room we were about the last in line of 150 people. Cathy and I decided it was best to take a seat and enjoy the donuts they had in the room.  Wow they were yummy.  Two hours and TWO donuts later we finally were able to meet & greet with Shelli.  By this time we were on a massive sugar high and giddy.  Poor Shelli. 

We were ready for awards night. These two ladies made me laugh so hard each night! They are the funniest people I know.  We were almost asleep one night and started laughing hysterically one by one.  Oh my word. 

My sweet friend Maxine! I could write a book on this fine lady. She is the one person that heard it ALL this past year.  The aches and pains of moving.  The tears when Russ left.  The mommy moments I wasn't sure I was going to make it through… she really heard it all and always turned my negative into a positive.  She always had the right thing to say and always ALWAYS recognized the good things going on in my business.  Even if it was a little thing, she made it a big thing. I can't thank her enough for the listening and friendship she provided this year.  Truly priceless!

Last but not least, a little 3 x 3 card I made this week.  Simple and fun!

Again, thank you so much for all your support and friendship.  I read every comment and appreciate every single one of them!!

Share and Enjoy

Subscribe to the comments for this post