Happy New Year!

Well, it's a little early but I wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year! As I sit here listening to all the fire crackers popping around me, I reflect on my life this year. I am truly blessed with a happy family, good health and continued employment.

I am starting "52 Weeks of Photos" beginning tomorrow. It is my spin on all the Photo A Day challenges from 2008. I know how busy my life gets and I don't want to commit to a photo a day because I know there will be days I just won't be able to take a photo, and if I did, the quality wouldn't be there. I was reading a photography article the other day that focused on improving your photography skills by taking more photos. So I decided if I took some time each week to take photos (7 at least), I would improve my skills and document 2009. So "52 weeks of photos" was born. I'm going to be posting photo prompts on my yahoogroup "CTMH-In-Houston". I'd love for you to join me. I haven't decided the best place for me to store my photos -- I think I will set up an album in Picaso might work the best.

Anyway, hope your 2008 goes out with a bang and you have a wonderful 2009 in the future!

PaperCrafting Special

The beautiful new Key to My Heart paper packet, featuring all four of our luscious new colors, is accompanied by the E-size My Acrylix® Key to My Heart stamp set, a knockout collection of fashionable, elegant designs. Available December 16, 2008 through January 31, 2009, or while supplies last.

Purchase the kit at the retail value of $47.90 US, or earn it at a discount or free!
Spend $130 in a qualified order and receive the Key to My Heart kit FREE!
Spend $75 in a qualified order and the kit is yours for just $20.

Shipping and sales tax do apply.

My Studio -- Finished!!!

I just love all the changes in my studio. My BFF Jen sewed the valance.

My DH and I built the island from Target cubes, oak veneered plywood, molding and lots and lots of varish and paint!

I'm glad it's finally finished and I can get back to work!

A little late but I'm finally blogging

The Retreat was a blast! I got so busy unpacking, packing up packages for Cards for Soldiers (we sent over 170 Christmas cards out to two units) and then going to Oklahoma that I forgot to post. Love that OU-TT game! Here are photos of the cards done in the Shoebox Swap at the Retreat. Aren't they great!

Meet my new pets in my studio!

I just love them! I got these great vinyl wall art from Etsy.com from Single Stone Studios. Excellent seller. And, I know, one day when I learn to use my KNK, I will be able to cut this myself, but I wanted it NOW! One of my BFFs is sewing my window valance and my room will be done very soon!

For those of you signed up for the Retreat -- Are You Ready??? Just 7 more days! I've just got a few more things to finish up for the retreat, pack my GS items and then plan what I'm going to work on!

Tonight, I'm headed to buy a new (used) truck. Originally we were going to get a car for my dd but this truck became available and it was a newer model with less than half the miles on it than the car I was looking at. And only a little bit more. So I think the paperwork has been completed and I'll get to pick it up tonight. Yippee -- because my car died yesterday so we've been operating on two vehicles for 4 drivers that need to be 4 different places. Poor Kyle has had to get up in the wee hours of the morning two days in a row to drive me to work way across town! But I think my car should be done today, the boys can pick it up and then I'll get the new truck and we'll be back in business. Good thing as Lindsey has an interview for a job next week and will really need the vehicle.

30 days and counting

until my Retreat! Yippee! I can't wait. I can still squeeze one more person in, and possibly two, depending on one of my current retreaters as she might have to cancel and sell her spot, so email me privately if you are interested. And I am planning more retreats next year so if you want to get on my list when I send emails with the dates (probably after Thanksgiving), just sent me a private email.

My latest acquisition

Last week, my cherised chandalier for my scrap room arrived. Amid all the chaos of the after math of Ike, I had all but forgotten about it. My husband was so sweet and put it up for me yesterday. Isn't it pretty!

So, the studio is coming along. A few more finishing touches and it will be done.

Christmas Card Workshop

Saturday, Oct 11 from 10am -4pm
Make 25 cards for $25 (RSVP & payments due by 9/30)

Can't make the workshop on the 11th. I will have pre-stamped kits available for sale for $35 if paid by 9/30. $40 if paid after that date and while supplies last.

Email me if interested.

Surviving Ike

We made it through the storm and we extremely lucky. We didn't have a lot of damage at our residence. Even our fence made it through intact although our neighborhood looks just terrible. A majority of the fencing has been blown over and many very large trees were snapped in half. But it does not come close to the destruction we have seen of the Galveston and downtown. We feel very blessed.

Christmas Card Workshop

I know it's August but Christmas will be here sooner than you think. I'm planning a Christmas Card Workshop on Saturday, October 11,, 2008, from 10am-4pm (or less if less time is needed). We'll be making 25 cards for $25. Kits will be available if you want to make more. I'm working on samples and will be posting them soon. Space is limited so call or email me now to reserve your space. All payments must be received by September 30th to allow me to order supplies in time.

School, volleyball

The kids got started in school this week and it has been a crazy one! Kyle is going to Lone Star College here in Houston and taking basic core freshman courses. Lindsey is in her junior year at high school. She made varsity again this year in volleyball and is playing center. She has a mean hit and got a number of blocks and saves last night. And, they won their match against Klein Forest!! Yippee! They also won a trophy in the Aldine ISD tournament last weekend (photo from last weekend).

Retreat Just About Full

I've received a couple more confirmations, so as soon as I receive those registrations, my retreat will be full. I'm starting a wait list so please email me if you'd like to come. Many times there are ladies that have something come up in their life and they can't make it so there will still be a "chance" to come. I can't wait to get started and it's 2-1/2 months away!

Island Paradise!

This is the new island in my scrap studio! I'm so excited! I think I'm still going to add some moulding on the base of it, but I had to get it together so I could start loading it and moving some of my stuff out of every other room in my house (see earlier photos). I was so excited that I actually took photos before I put in any drawers. I stayed up late last night organizing stuff in drawers and loading it.

More updates to come...

Wow, how embarassing!

So, I started last Thurs evening doing a clean sweep in my scraproom. I removed everything from the room and put it in the downstairs of my house. It took me three days and how embarassing! I didn't know I had this much stuff. Neither did my family! Even my friends that have come by just stand there with their mouths open. I'm uploading photos of everything but my scraproom because at the time I took these photos it was cleaned out and we are building the island. So this is to encourage you. And, note, my subdivision is having a garage sale and I'm planning on putting a lot of scrap things in it so you might make a note of the date - September 20th!

Leftovers

I went with my good friend, Peggy, to a cute little antique shop in Brennan named Leftovers. www.leftoverantiques.net Oh, my gosh, such a cute cute store! I found the perfect four level server that I have been looking for to put in my studio for holding flowers and buttons and the like. I looked through their website to see if it was photos -- it wasn't -- so I guess I'll have to figure out my new camera and take photos to upload. Peggy got some of their beautiful purple glass (shown on the website), an adorable pink cake plate and some other assorted gifts. We had a late lunch at the local Mexican restaurant. It was a great day!

The studio reorganization is ongoing. I have been so busy working it that I haven't had time to upload photos. I did take a few. My BFF, Jennifer stopped by on Sunday to see my progress and offer her suggestions. She my decorator extrodinaire and was very instrumental in decorating Bayview and making it cute, despite the early American GS furniture. Laura, one of my fun cropping buddies, stopped by yesterday to check on my progress. She wanted to take photos to show her husband that she doesn't have the most stuff. Ha ha, Laura!

CTMH News

Hi, all - back from retreat and had a great time! It's always so good to be with friends relaxing, scrapping and enjoying our ladies time away. I wish I could do it every month!

There are a lot of CTMH specials starting or coming up so I'll run down a quick list. I try to post more details on the yahoogroup but if something piques your interest, do email me about it!

- August SOTM - I'm posting the picture above because I think it's super cool.

- Consultant Special - sign up now for only $99. Additionally you can purchase add-on kits to your consultant kit at sharply reduced prices.

- Just Because Card Kit Special - remember the From Me To You Card kit we had last year? Well, we got another one this year and it's adorable. It will be available for purchase or can be earned at a discount or free with an accompanying order. Available 8/14-9/30/08 and only while supplies last.

- From Me To You Card Kit Special - you can also get last year's card kit by making a small donation to Operation Smile. Certain other requirements must be met. Available 8/14-9/30/08 and only while supplies last.

- New scrapbook layout classes are going to start mid-September that allow you to buy the product needed through my website. I don't have all the details on that one yet but it sounds very exciting.

I've got my website up and running again and I hope to be adding some artwork soon. I'm getting ready to do a "clean sweep" in my scrap room so I would appreciate any organizational tips and comments you have. I'll probably end up with enough to do a garage sale after I'm done! Have a great week!

It's Almost the End of the Month!

It's almost the end of the month -- if you want to take advange of the cute cute "Life's A Jungle" stamp of the month, you need to do that before the end of the month. I'm leaving on August 1st on a retreat so I can't do any late orders! The set is a D-sized stamp set and is $22.95 Retail, although you can get discounts of 25% to 100% if you order it with an order for other products. Happy Shopping!

Sign-Ups for Retreat Underway

I have about half of the spaces reserved for My Retreat on November 14-16 at Trinity Pines. If you are interested, now is the time to sign up to make sure you have a space. It will be a very laid back retreat - - not a lot of hype and games. Just plenty of cropping time. Price is $105. Deposit of $25 is due at registration with payment plan available (two payments of $40 each on 8/15 and 9/15). Email me for a registration form.

Retreat - Nov 14-16, 2008

Registration is underway for My Retreat on November 14-16, 2008 at Trinity Pines. It's going to be a relaxing retreat -- no classes, not a lot of hype, just plenty of crop time. You can arrive as early as 3pm on Friday and leave at 3pm on Sunday. Email me for the registration information. Limited space available.

Life's a whirl!

Man, I can't believe how long it's been since I posted. Lindsey made it home safely from Europe. I went to a retreat and came home safely from MSP. I'm headed to an all-day crop tomorrow at Scrapaganza. Things are going so quickly, I hardly have time to think! I'll share photos soon.

She called and TIM

I just wanted to report that my dd finally called this weekend. She sounds like she is having a blast and seeing so many different sites and experiences. She was just bubbling.

And, then there's Tim Holtz. I took 2 of his classes at By Design this weekend and can I just say he is one of the most inspiring funny best teachers I've ever had. The classes were amazing! He was amazing! I would travel anywhere to go to more of his classes!

So sad!

I sent my baby off to Europe yesterday. I'm so happy she's getting this opportunity but just a little bit scared. It's a long long way away! She's going with a school trip and I totally trust the teachers so I know she'll be okay. But I've been dreaming every night for the last two nights. She'll get back on Friday, the 13th in the evening. I took her to Denny's the morning before she left and took a photo of her. I think it is the happiest photo I've ever taken of her. I forgot to post last night (I'm always wasted after my water aerobics classes) so I'll post tonight.

I'm taking reservations for my retreat in November

If I have any planners out there, I'm now taking reservations for my retreat. It will be Friday, November 14, 2008 (3pm check-in) to Sunday, November 16, 2008 (3pm check-out) at Trinity Pines Retreat Center near Lake Livingston (80 miles north of Houston). Price is $105 which includes:

- 48 hours of cropping fun,
- hot meals for Friday dinner, Saturday lunch and dinner and Sunday lunch,
- continental breakfast for Saturday and Sunday breakfast,
- snacks and drinks for duration
- goodie bag and door prize
- there will be limited CTMH products available for cash-n-carry and I, of course, would take orders. I'm sure I'll be doing some special that weekend.

I can hold 24 people and will now take reservations. A deposit of $25 is due with your reservation. It is non-refundable when it is less than 90 days to retreat (but it is transferrable). Payments of the remaining amount may be made is two payments of $40 each, due on or before August 15th and September 30th. Just email me privately if you want to sign up!

JUNE STAMPAGANZA!

Buy 2 CTMH Stamp sets, get 1 Free! From June 3rd to 30th, 2008, you can purchase two stamps sets from me (sizes A,B,C,D or E) and you will received a third CTMH stamp set for free*. You can look at the online catalog at the CTMH site (www.closetomyheart.com) and click on products to look at the available catalogs.

*taxes and shipping are charged on free stamp set.

LO Share - Rodeo

This is the project I'm doing with my hostess club tonight. I used all CTMH products - the new Sarsaparilla papers, Rustic Alpha stamp set, Star Struck stamp set, hemp, silver embossing, black and twilight ink, cardstock - black, bamboo, barn red, twilight, and desert sand, sparkles (clear) and black photo turn and clip from My Accents.

Masculine Birthday Card

It's time for a new photo. I did this card for my Masculine Birthday swap. I used the CTMH "It's A Guy Thing" l2 paper pack and Vintage Father's Day stamp set. Twill ribbon and gold brads are also CTMH.

Scrap Etc!

I just got back Sunday from Scrap Etc in Nashville. Oh, my, I had such a great time! My good friend Peggy took the awesome photo of me that I uploaded as my avatar. The classes were fantastic, the instructors awesome. It was such a wonderful event and I came back with my mind swimming with ideas. I've attached a few photos from the event (note one has evidence of Sandy B sanding! We couldn't get her to ink though).

Various cards I made

These are not for the card swap I'm hosting but rather examples of cards using the CTMH solo alphabet stamps. On the "d" card, papers, ribbon and bling are CTMH. Flowers are prima. On the "k" and "t" card, all products are CTMH. Sorry about the color cast on that one!

Artwork share

Here's a card I made for the masculine birthday card swap on my CTMH-In-Houston

yahoogroup. The papers are from CTMH's "It's A Guy Thing" L2 paper pack. The main

image is from CTMH "Vintage Father's Day" and the "Happy Birthday" stamp is non-CTMH.

I don't have the May SOTM which would have had a good "Happy Birthday" to use.

Retreat!!

I went up to Claremore for a PAWS retreat and had an absolute blast! It was organized by Marilyn and Terri from Tulsa and we cropped at Simply Scrapbooks in Claremore. Adorable store and the owner, Terri, and all the ladies there were super nice and helpful. I spent more money than planned, but isn't that always the case. Wanted to support Marilyn's lss!

I posted the artwork that I did on the left side of my blog. Enjoy and let me know your thoughts!

Card Swap Posted on CTMH-In-Houston

Sign-ups start now and will remain open until March 24th. Products can be from any manufacturer. Go over to my yahoogroup to see the groups we are doing and swap requirements. If you aren't a member, just click to join.

Magnetic Calendar Workshop, April 26th

My next workshop will be on Saturday, April 26th, from 3pm to 6pm. We will be making a Magnetic Calendar. I have an example posted below. Each calendar will be unique based on the color group you choose. The workshop includes the papers, embellishments, magnetic tape and cookie sheet to put your calendar on. The cost is $20 prepaid and you may choose from the following color themes:

1. Good Times (pictured) - buttercup, chocolate, sweet leaf and twilight
2. Silhouette - bamboo, black, colonial white and white daisy
3. It's A Guy Thing - barn red, cocoa, desert sand, new england ivy
4. Sweet Pea - baby pink, breeze, key lime, lilac mist
5. Paper Garden - blush, buttercup, petal, sweet leaf

Some of the older paper groups in the current CTMH catalog might be available or we can also make a custom color combination, so email me if you need a different color combination. As I will be ordering supplies, the RSVP deadline is March 31, 2008. You must pay for your spot at the time of your RSVP. I have a limit of 10 spaces in the class so email me early.

Refund policy - as I am buying supplies for your workshop spot, I cannot offer refunds after I have placed the order on April 1, 2008. If you cannot make the workshop, you can find another person to take your place or I can pack your kit for you and arrange a mutually convenient time for you to use my stamps and inks so you can complete your calendar. Thanks for understanding.

Valentine's Present for the Kids

I made these cute little mailboxes for Kyle and Lindsey for V-day. Kyle's had a Walmart gas card and candy inside. Lindsey's had some cute earrings and candy. Enjoy!

Back from Oklahoma

Just back from a quick trip to Oklahoma to check on Mom and Dad. The trip there was a long one - especially with the rain. I don't care for the long drive but especially not at night and in the rain. The drive back today was more pleasant! :) Everyone there seems to be doing okay. Got to visit with Andy and Mary a bit also.

Did I tell you?

That Kyle got a new job? He started working Monday for Advent, which is a marketing communications firm. He is actually assembling exhibit booths at conventions and it looks like he's going to be working a lot of OT this spring (which he's really happy about) -- maybe even a little travel. I just noticed on their website that they do 3D design work so I'm going to mention that to him tonight. Since he wants to get into that eventually -- he might just have his foot in the perverbial door! I've attached the link below to the company if you are interested.

http://www.adventfirm.com/

Love-Hate Relationship with USPS

Oh, my! I have been having mail problems lately. I "love" it when they bring me fun mail. I "hate" it when they mess up my mail. I sent out 7 swap packages for the Hot Pink Swap on scrappers friends. Now I'm hearing that one got ripped up and contents are MIA. The second got ripped up but the contents are intact. A third was returned to me yesterday needing more postage. Haven't heard anything about the other four. And a birthday card I sent out came back. I'm sure I weighed it and added extra postage. They want even more postage. And I haven't heard about whether two boxes I sent made it. Makes me afraid to send Kyle's grad photos to Mom. Arggg!

I'm learning...

Yesterday, I spent a bit of time and learned how to add a slide show to my blog. So I added two! The top one is an altered car book that I made for my son graduating in December. While taking his senior photos in November, he noticed that there was a red Ferarri in the photographers garage. Her husband's. So, naturally some of the photos ended up with a big red prop! I gathered the photos and made him a mini-book. The books started out as a truck board book from the Targer dollar spot. I disassembled the board book, cut it down and altered it with patterned papers and embellishments.

The second slideshow are some of the items that I made in the past few months to six months. I needed to put up some artwork and I haven't really made anything recently (except for some cards and Kyle's car book) so I put a lot of the layouts from our spring break vacation in March 2007.

Things I love to hate

Okay, well, list making seems to be going around and this is the flavor of the month list. So here's my list of things I love to hate.

1. people throwing cigarette butts out their car window (I'm with you on that one, Tiff);
2. people who drive in the wrong lane to get to the front of the line and then either zip in front of the line or want you to let them in (and I'm guilty sometimes but really I didn't know I needed to turn left...)
3. people with their car stereos (especially thier bases) too too loud;
4. people who don't RSVP;
5. people who wait to the last 5 minutes to RSVP;
6. people who don't send thank you notes for gifts;
7. not listening;
8. mustard;
9. my scale!;
10. the smell of the marks-a-lot markers.

We're #1

Wow! What a fantastic day! Lindsey had a volleyball tournament over at HJC. They made it through pool play UNDEFEATED and took first in their pool! Their first two games in bracket play were close but they pulled together as a team and did outstanding! Then they went on to the finals. They played a scrappy little team from San Antonio -- who couldn't hit well but they had great defense and kept tipping it short right over our front row. They beat us the first game! The girls held together, made adjustments and came back to win the second game. The ref got all bent out of shape and yelled at some of our players, seems "Chip" didn't like their exagerated protests and expressions. Then he yelled at the coach for walking over to the score table to check the rotation (at least that's what we thought she was doing). Come on, man! Get a life - it's called competition and yes, the girls are going to get excited about the game! But, despite "Chip," the girls perserved and came back from 3-8 score to win the game! We are so proud of how they did!

How to Blog?

Well, I'm jumping off in the blogging world! I have no idea what I'm do or how to add those cute photos and artwork, but I have been thinking about a place to collect "journaling" so to speak. So, here I go. Warning: I will NOT be updating daily! Who has the time?