Domestic Homefront Coordinator

Chatter from the Heart February Newsletter

2011-02-05T21:29:00.000-06:00

Greetings from my living room where my youngest is playing over and over (and over, and over, and over...) a dancing bear singing the chorus of "Come 'n Get Your Love." As it plays, I can't help but think of all the "love" that Close to My Heart is offering this month and I want to share it with you! Keep reading to discover the news you want to know about your hobby!

FREE LIBRARY CROP

The monthly crop at the Ellis Public Library is the coming Friday (Feb. 11) from 7 p.m. to midnight in the Community Room (the rear of the library). Please RSVP if you plan to come so there are enough tables and chairs set up.

SPRING/SUMMER IDEA BOOK NOW LIVE!

You got a taste of the newest, greatest products from Close to My Heart last month with the Inspirations Brochure and my week of e-mails. Now you can see it all in the Idea Book. This book is "live" from February 1 through June 30. If you can't wait until the actual book is in your hands, you can visit my website for a digital version. If you would like a copy of the Idea Book, let me know. They are only $2 and packed full of project ideas and techniques.

FEBRUARY STAMP OF THE MONTH BLOG HOP

Want to see over 70 examples of artwork using D1453 Friendship? Click here to start a blog hop of Close to My Heart consultants' projects.

WHILE SUPPLIES LAST

Close to My Heart announced an updated list of products discounted and available only while supplies last. Click here to see what's available!

FREE, FREE AND FABULOUS ~ A PERFECT 10!

Free, Free, and Fabulous is perfect for those thinking about making the leap from customer to Consultant. In addition to the $100 in select product credit new Consultants receive when they achieve both levels of Straight To The Top, every Consultant who joins Close To My Heart in February and achieves both levels of Straight To The Top will receive a New Consultant Kit rebate of $129. Free product credit and free kits make February fabulous!

February is also a fabulous month for Studio J® members, because it’s time to achieve "A Perfect 10". Members who buy 9 custom-printed layouts in a single order get the 10th layout free! Take advantage of this promotion to save more and get more with a Studio J membership.

LEVEL I KITS RETIRING

Are you a fan of the pre-designed Level I kits? If so, now is the time to get them. Close to My Heart announced this week that all Level I kits will be available only through June 30. There will be no Level I kits after the release of the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book. While this is sad to some, I am always amazed by what Close to My Heart introduces when a loved product is retired. I'm excited to see what is coming to keep scrapbooking faster, simpler, and easier!

February Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - D1453 Friendship

2011-01-31T16:18:00.001-06:00

It's been a while since I've been able to participate in a stamp of the month blog hop, but I'm super excited to join this month's hop and be among some very talented paper crafters! If you're following the hop, you've come from Cecilia Marsh; if you're continuing on, you'll be headed to Vickie Tagatz. Before you move on, don't forget to see my creation below!

This month's stamp set is a regal damask-like set. When I first received it, I knew right away what colors I wanted to use: Cranberry, White and Black.

This 5x7 greeting card was a quick assemble, but has such a bold look it doesn't need much. Don't you agree?

Here is a shot of the full stamp set:

Here is a list of supplies to recreate the card pictured above. All products are available for purchase on my website or send me an e-mail for the newest Idea Book which goes live February 1.

1385 White Daisy Cardstock
1386 Black Cardstock
1272 Cranberry Cardstock
Z2105 Black Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Z2109 Cranberry Collection Designer Ribbon

If you'd like to continue on the hop, your next stop is Vickie Tagatz.

The Best for Last - Chatter from the Heart Day 5 (Studio J)

2011-01-21T09:51:00.000-06:00

We've come to the end of the week and I've saved the most exciting change for today! Before I reveal what it is, let me ask you some questions.

Do you have a computer with digital photos and an internet connection?
Do you love to take pictures but find it hard to get them printed once they've been downloaded to your computer?
Do you have memories captured in photos that you'd like to preserve?
Are you interested in scrapbooking but feel overwhelmed by where to begin?
Are you a seasoned scrapbooker that would like to be caught up on thousands of pictures?
Would you like to create themed albums (like Baby's 1st Year, Christmas, Sports) but don't want to invest in the paper and embellishments to complete a project?
Do you want to create more than one of a layout for multiple books? (i.e. a copy for family member or one for each child in your family)
Are you pressed for time but want to complete pages to add to existing or future albums?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, then I have a solution for you!

Introducing Studio J, an online design software that allows you to create custom-printed two-page layouts for 12" x 12" albums. There is no software to purchase and install; instead, simply log in to Studio J and start designing your layouts. You can create and immediately purchase your layouts, or you can save them for later completion and purchase. And, don't let the word online or digital turn you away; please keep reading!

Close to My Heart knows you have busy lives—lives that are hosts of crazy schedules and demands, but also of joys and wonders. We take more and more digital photos, but preserve memories less and less. You have the photos, you want the scrapbooks. Ultimately, you need a solution that brings everything together in real time. Studio J is the answer: It translates real life into real scrapbooks in real time—more quickly than you could imagine.

I want to share with you how you can take the photos of your joy and wonder and preserve them for generations to come. You are invited to join me for one of 3 informational events where I'll show you how faster, simpler, and easier Studio J will make preserving your memories. At these events you will:

View printed pages made using Studio J (see the layouts in this message in real life!)
Watch step-by-step creation of a Studio J layout
Learn tips and tricks to enhance your pages
Learn the pros of using this form of scrapbooking
Discover the savings of different ways to create and print pages

Reservations are required (and will earn you a free gift!) and refreshments will be served. Choose the date that works best for you:

Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. (Reservation deadline Jan. 30)
Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. (Reservation deadline Feb. 2)
Feb. 5 at 11 a.m. (Reservation deadline Feb. 4)

Latisha Haag, Independent Consultant
Close to My Heart
785-624-6356
latishahaag@myctmh.com
Visit my website for the latest product, video tutorials, and shopping!

Chatter from the Heart - Day 4 (Getting product at a discount or even FREE)

2011-01-20T06:29:00.000-06:00

With all the exciting changes, I bet you're wondering just how you can get your hands on the great products you've read about. Maybe you're wondering how you can afford all that you want? What about earning product packages (below) at 50% off?

Collection One (only $36.73) - great for a beginning papercrafter!

Bliss Level 2 Paper Packet, Bliss Level 2 My Stickease, Bliss Level 2 Assortment, Chocolate Exclusive Inks Pad, My Acrylix Trellis Stamp Set, 4x4 My Acrylix Block, Clear Buttons, and Irresistibles Villa Chipboard Die-Cuts.

Collection Two (only $37.83) - created with the cardmaker in mind!

Creative Basics Wings Collection, Wishes Card Confidence Program, Weezers, Bitty Brads Metal Assortment, Buttons Green Assortment, 4.5" Colonial White Circle Cards, and My Acrylix Dream Stamp Set.

Collection Three (only $44.70) - a complete set!

Sophia Level 2 Paper Packet, Sophia Level 2 My Stickease Assortment, Sophia Level 2 Journaling Spots, Desinger Ribbon Pink Collection, My Acrylix Heartfelt Treasurers Stamp Set, My Acrylix Fill in the Blank Stamp Set, 1x1 My Acrylix Block, 3x3 My Acrylix Block, and Pear Exclusive Inks Pad.

Collection Four (only $54.48) - for those interested in getting caught up quickly!

12-month Studio-J Membership and a 12x12 Outdoor Denim Quick Pic Album

So, just how can you earn all the products at 50% off?

Host a home (OR online) gathering and let me teach you new techniques, see the products in person and share with friends how Close to My Heart makes this hobby faster, simpler, and easier while still going easy on your wallet!

At home or online, a gathering is a great way to celebrate relationships through the art of stamping and scrapbooking. What could be better than sharing products you love with the people you care about? And just as great, when you become a hostess, you can earn valuable Hostess Rewards. Get started with the free product credit, and continue with the shopping spree with Hostess Rewards Plus! items at 50% off. It's a great way to get the products you want and need affordably or even free.

Can't get everyone together because of time, distance or gathering space? Host an online gathering! If you have e-mail, you're ready to host an Online Gathering using EZ Invite where guests are invited via email and do all their shopping online. You'll receive all the benefits of Hostess Rewards without cleaning the house and preparing food!

Need more incentive to host either a home gathering or online gathering? The first 3 people to book and hold a home or online gathering will receive a FREE product of your choice from me ($10.95 maximum value).

Contact me today to schedule your gathering!

Chatter from the Heart - Day 3 Adding some bling with embellishments!

2011-01-19T16:06:00.000-06:00

Since today is HUMP day, who couldn't use a little more bling to spice up creativity? Close to My Heart knows how bling can make any project perfect...that's why there's over 125 products to embellish your creations and 30 of those are brand-spankin' new! What's your fetish? I bet there's an embellishment just for you and all less than $6!

Choose from this list of new products:

(3) colors of ribbon - Blue, Pink, and Sweet Leaf
(8) Button Assortments - Red, Pink, Green, Blue, Basic, Clear, Wooden & Canvas Badge (wait until you see the neat techniques you can do with these!)
(5) Brad Assortments - Red, Pink, Green, Blue, Basic, & Metal
(2) Bitty Brad Assortments - Basic & Metal
Sophia Level 2 Journaling Spots
Lucky Level 2 Assortment (die-cut chipboard shapes)
Lucky Level 2 Journaling Spots
Bliss Level 2 Assortment (mesh flowers & filigree butterflies)
Sweetheart Level 2 Assortment (set of 32 epoxy stickers)
Fanfare Level 2 Assortment (15 designer brads)
Wings Level 2 Assortment (pleated ribbon in 3 colors) - these can be ordered NOW through the Inspirations Brochure
(1) Mini-Medley Accents Collections - Black
(1) Alphabet Rub-on - Newsprint
(2) Irresistibles (resist pattern that shows through when covered with chalk, ink, markers or watercolors) - Eclectic Alphabet, Villa
(1) Kraft Color-Ready Borders

Plus, the new SPRAY PEN! This fun tool is great to mist your projects with a mix of water, re-inker, and or pearl paint. You can get one NOW when you reserve your Wings Workshop on the Go kit available during National Papercrafting Month.

Have I wet your appetite to see for yourself what these embellishments look like? Did you know all of these embellishments range in price from $3.25 to $5.95?

Contact me today to get your copy of the 2011 Spring/Summer Idea Book (the only place you can see them before they go "live" on February 1) for only $2 or ask how you can one FREE!

Chatter from the Heart - Day 2 (More, as promised)

2011-01-18T09:30:00.000-06:00

Are there specials?
Well, of course! Keep reading to find out what those specials are as well as find out how you can participate in the classes!

When do the classes begin?
The first WOTG class is February 5 at 1:00 p.m. Reservations (with payment) are required by January 21.

Subsequent classes will be offered every other month: April, June, August, October, and December. There is no commitment - come to one or to all, it's your choice. Classes are open to as many or as few as reply, but there is a benefit to encouraging your friends to attend with you. If a minimum of 6 commit to one class, names in a drawing for the hostess rewards for that class...you can earn a minimum of $25 in FREE product! Remember, you don't HAVE to attend the class to complete the projects, so if you live out town/county/state, you can still get in on the hostess rewards drawings if you purchase the kits.

What is the first kit?
This answer leads me into the second promotion you'll want to know about! The first kit is Wings:

This rich kit is offered as a sneak peak during the month of January and includes some fabulous deals if you purchase the WOTG. January is National Papercrafting Month so to celebrate, you can take advantage of discounted new products that cannot otherwise be ordered until February 1.

What are the deals if I attend purchase the WOTG?

Special pricing on 4 new My Acrylix Stamp sets (average discount of $3 off each set), including a new E-sized Alphabet set (purchase for $25, regular price $34.95)

Earn the January Stamp of the Month for 25% when you purchase the kit or the kit and 1 item featured Inspirations Brochure
Earn the January Stamp of the Month for 50% when you purchase the kit and 2 different items featured Inspirations Brochure
Earn the January Stamp of the Month for 75% when you purchase the kit and 3 different items featured Inspirations Brochure
Earn the January Stamp of the Month for FREE when you purchase the kit and 4 different items featured Inspirations Brochure

Receive the New Spray Pen as part of the Wings WOTG
Purchase 2 new embellishments - Black Mini-Medley Accents Collection or Pleated Ribbon in 3 colors - before they are "live" February 1
Purchase the new My Creations Banner (8 Chipboard Pennants with 7 Jump Rings) before it's "live" February 1

While you're visiting my website, don't forget to check out the discounts. Some items are up to 90% off!

What are you waiting for? Reserve your Wings WOTG today and get started creating faster, simpler, and easier today...all for LESS!

Chatter from the Heart - Day 2 (Close to My Heart's Workshops on the Go)

2011-01-17T22:02:00.000-06:00

Two is always better than one, right? Today it is! You get to read about 2 featured promotions from Close to My Heart in this and a subsequent daily dose of what's new for 2011.

First, Close to My Heart offers a fabulous way to create a set of scrapbook pages and 6 cards faster, simpler, and easier - and CHEAPER! I'm pleased to announce this year I am offering Workshops on the Go classes. While CTMH has offered these kits in the past, I have not promoted them because I was unaware of just how incredibly low the price was for what you get! It's also a fabulous way to get projects completed.

So, what are Workshops on the Go?
Workshops on the Go (WOTG) are unique, economical kits that Close To My Heart offers during each Idea Book cycle to help you get more "bang for your buck." They offer an incredible value because they are the basics you need for some fabulous projects plus you'll learn a new technique completing the projects! Each WOTG includes:

(1) My Reflections paper pack ($12.95 value)
(1) exclusive B-size stamp set ($13.95 value; this set is only available with the kit)
(1-2) coordinating embellishments or tools ($5-8 average value)
(1) full-color project guide with instructions (priceless because they cannot be ordered separately!)

The guide features an exclusive two-page 12"x12" layout with complete instructions and an exclusive card pattern (with instructions for creating six cards, two each of three different variations). It also offers suggestions for a second layout and three or more different cards (based on CTMH’s how-to guides). You can create everything in the brochure (and then some!) with the materials you receive in your kit.

Though each WOTG kit is valued at well over $30, they only cost $29.95 each (plus shipping & handling/tax), which automatically qualifies you for the stamp of the month at 25% off!

Do I need to attend a class or can I do these on my own?
You do not have to attend a class to create the fabulous projects featured in each WOTG. If you DO attend class, you will have access to all my tools, inks, etc., (and, of course, ME!) that you need for the projects. You will have the option each month of purchasing a specific WOTG kit for the next class, but with the instruction brochure you could easily do the projects on your own. (Of course I’m only a phone call or an email away if you get stuck on something.)

What if I only make cards or only make scrapbook pages?
That's the beauty of these kits! If you don't make one medium or the other, you can simply omit that and use the additional paper to create more cards or more scrapbook pages!

Are there special offers?
To find out, you'll have to wait for the next post later on Tuesday...

Chatter from the Heart - Day 1 (An update on what's new with Close to My Heart)

2011-01-16T22:28:00.000-06:00

As with every new year, there are fabulous changes coming in the paper crafting industry and Close to My Heart is no exception. Besides the innovative designs and programs you've come to love with papers and stamp pads as well as Cherish, Imagine and Wishes, CTMH is also leading the industry in making your scrapbooking and stamping creations faster, simpler, and easier while going easy on the pocketbook! Each day this week you'll be receiving an update on what's to come in 2011. Keep reading to see what Close to My Heart and I have in store for 2011 and for you!

TODAY'S FEATURE: My Reflection Kits

Beginning February 1, you can order your favorite products from the NEW Spring/Summer Idea Book. But, HURRY! One of the changes this year is the My Reflections kits are only "live" during the idea book period for which they are featured. If you have favorites, you must purchase them before the next Idea Book is released. Doing so will give you more choices for fresh product instead of choosing from the same styles over and over.

This Idea Book features 8 new designs with fresh new color combinations:
Sophia (Floral) - blush, goldrush, hollyhock, pear
Bliss (Wedding/Anniversary) - bamboo, chocolate, grey flannel, vanilla cream
Miracle (Bold Floral with Butterflies) - bamboo, crystal blue heavenly blue, sweet leaf
Sweetheart (Hearts) - baby pink, black, cotton candy, tulip
Wings (Butterflies) - black, juniper, sweet leaf, vineyard berry
Mayberry (Summer Scene) - cocoa, honey, olive, smoothie
Lucky (Vintage with Bicycles) - desert sand, olive, outdoor denim, sunset
Fanfare (Stars/Summertime) - cranberry, pacifica, sky, sunny yellow

Only 4 My Reflection Kits remain from previous Idea Books: Magnifique, Olivia, Hooligans, and Mistletoe. All are viewable on my website: http://latishahaag.myctmh.com

Do I have your attention yet? Would you like to see these kits for yourself? You can! Call today for the new Idea Book and be one of the first to see these stunning My Reflection Kits! One of the best money-saving changes made is a reduced price on the Idea Book - instead of $3 the price has been reduced to $2...or you can get it FREE! Contact me today to find out how!

2 - 4 - 6 for 8!

2010-08-03T07:55:00.000-05:00

Whoo-hoo! For 8 days in August (starting August 4 at 2 p.m. - Aug. 11) Close to my Heart will be having a HUGE paper and stickease sale on our websites! Supplies are while they last but there is a HUGE list of products to choose from PLUS you can combine sale and non-sale items AND all sale items count towards Stamp of the Month promotion too!

To get these great deals, just visit my website starting AUGUST 4 at 2:00 p.m.!

$2 - Level 2 Stickease!

$4 - Level 1 Kits!

$6 - Level 2 Kits!

Remember - it is WHILE SUPPLIES LAST so log on early - sales like this in the past have sold out within the first day! And, to sweeten the deal, for every $10 ordered, your name will be placed in a drawing for a brand new Level 1 kit or Level 2 paper pack from the Autumn/Winter Idea Book to be released on Sept. 1!

Without further delay... here is your sale list so you can start planning your shopping!
My Reflections Abundance Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Abundance Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Abundance My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Animal Cookies Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Animal Cookies Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Animal Cookies My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Aspen Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Aspen Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Aspen My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Back Country Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Back Country Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Back Country My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Bella Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Bella Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Bella My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Best Friends Forever Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Blue Ribbon Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Blue Ribbon Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Blue Ribbon My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Boom-Di-Ada Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Boom-Di-Ada Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Boom-Di-Ada My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Caprice Level 1 $6.00

My Reflections Caprice Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Caprice My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Cutie Pie Level 1 $6.00

Cutie Pie My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Daydream Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Daydream Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Daydream My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Discovery Level 1 $4.00

My Reflection sEmporium Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Emporium Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Emporium My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Enchanted Level 1 $6.00

My Reflections Enchanted Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Enchanted My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Evensong Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Evensong Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Evensong My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Everlasting Level 1 $6.00

My Reflections Everlasting Paper Packet $6.00

Everlasting My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Expedition Level 1 $6.00

Expedition My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Floral Impressions Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Floral Impressions Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Floral Impressions My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Floral Tapestry Level 1 $6.00

My Reflections Free Spirit Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Free Spirit Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Free Spirit My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Game On Level 1 Kit $4.00

My Reflections Game On Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Game On My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Good Times Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Good Times Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Good Times My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Grace Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Grace Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Grace My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Heirloom Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Heirloom Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

My Reflections it’s a Guy Thing Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections it’s a Guy Thing Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

it’s a Guy Thing My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Jingle Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Jingle Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Jingle My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Just Chillin Level 1 $4.00

Just Chillin My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Laid Back Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Let's Get Together Level 1 $6.00

Life Delights My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Lifes Delights Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Magic Moments Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Magic Moments Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Magic Moments My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Majestic Blue Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Majestic Blue Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Majestic Blue My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Moon Doggie Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Moon Doggie Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Moon Doggie My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections More To Adore Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections More To Adore Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

More To Adore My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Notebook Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Notebook Paper Packet $6.00

Notebook My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Paper Garden Level 1 $4.00

Paper Garden My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Perfect Day Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Perfect Day Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Perfect Day My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Rough n Tumble Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Rough n Tumble My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Route 66 Level 1 $6.00

Route 66 My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Sarsaparilla Level 1 Kit $4.00

My Reflections Sarsaparilla Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Sarsaparilla My Stickease $2.00

School Zone My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections School Zone Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Silhouette Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Silhouette Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Silhouette My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Simple Pleasure Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Simple Pleasure Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Simple Pleasure My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Sonata Level 1 $6.00

Sonata My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Stardust Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Stardust Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Stardust My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Sweet Pea Level 1 $4.00

Sweet Harmony My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Sweet Home Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Sweet Home Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Sweet Home My Stickease $2.00

Sweet Pea My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections That’s Amore Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections That’s Amore Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

That’s Amore My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Tinkerin Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Tinkerin Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Tinkerin My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Twitterpated Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Twitterpated Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Twitterpated My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Unforgettable Level 1 $4.00

My Reflections Unforgettable Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00

Unforgettable My Stickease $2.00

VintageTravel My Stickease $2.00

My Reflections Vintage Travel Level 1 $4.00

Close to My Heart July Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

2010-06-30T14:49:00.000-05:00

You've arrived from Melissa Burch's blog on the Close to My Heart Stamp of the Month Blog Hop. Unfortunately, I'm unable to participate this month. Please continue to Jill Lucas's blog to see more fabulous artwork using the stamp set below! Happy blogging!

June Stamp of the Month - Wonderful Friend

2010-05-31T20:09:00.002-05:00

Tonight's post is going to be a quick one so I can slide in under the wire. You know me: Last Minute Latisha!

If you're traveling on the CTMH Blog Hop, you should have arrived from Allison Mullen's blog. After you view this bolg, you will travel to Laurie Newton's blog.

The June Stamp of the Month - D1422 Wonderful Friend - has a Father's Day theme, but can be used for many other celebrations. For my 4x4 card, I used the tie as a background because my husband doesn't wear ties. Hopefully this will inspire you to look outside of the box when working with this set.

Products used:
D1422 Wonderful Friend
Z2135 New England Ivy Ink Pad
Z2140 Outdoor Denim In Pad
Z2114 Cocoa Ink Pad
1301 Bamboo Cardstock
X5642 Cocoa Cardstock
1388 Colonial White Cardstock
Z1146 Pewter Designer Brads

As always, all these products are available on my website.
(Sorry about the blurry picture - I was holding the baby when I took the picture.)

2 - 4 - 1!!! May Stamp of the Month AND National Scrapbooking Month Special

2010-05-01T00:24:00.000-05:00

This month you get a sneak peak at 2 of my most favorite items released with the new Idea Book (Summer 2010) that goes live on May 1:

May Stamp of the Month - D1421 Cherish the Moment
Miracle Kit for National Scrapbooking Month

If you're blog hopping, you should have arrived from Laura Dame's blog. If you're continuing in the hop, you're next stop is Shirley Ross's blog. But, before you rush off, spend some time browsing through the creations on this stop!

I can't say how much I LOOOOVVVVEEEEEE this set! Having a background in English/Journalism, I think journaling is very important on scrapbook pages because it tells the story to those who weren't present at the event. I admit, however, that I don't always journal like I should. This set will make it so easy to record the important information without a lot of journaling (for those times when the creative juices are flowing and you don't want to stop to journal about the event).

This stamp set, as well as all the products used on these samples are available on my website.

I admit up front that there is little originality in my creations this month. I used the Miracle Kit to create the pages. The cool thing about this kit is that it gives you EVERYTHING you need to create the pages except the ink and pictures! When you finish creating, you'll have 4 completed pages and scraps to create some cards!

The kit includes:
5 – Colonial White Cardstock, 1 – Bamboo Cardstock, 1 – Floral B&T Duos® Paper, 1 – Stripe B&T Duos® Paper, 1 – Crystal Blue Circle B&T Duos® Die-Cut, 1 – Sweet Leaf Bracket B&T Duos® Die-Cut, 1 – 6" x 12" My Stickease® Assortment, 1 – 6" x 9" Irresistibles™ Chipboard Die-Cuts, 1 – Mini-Medley Accents Colonial White Collection, 12" Colonial White Waxy Flax, 3 – 4" x 6" Memory Protectors® Flip Flaps™, 2 – Sponges, 1 – Directions cutting guide. All of this for only $19.95! You can even get it for free!

Now hop on over to Shirley Ross's for more creations!

Close to My Heart April Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - Flower Pot

2010-03-31T19:54:00.001-05:00

This month's posting snuck up on me - well, sort of. I've actually had the projects completed, but haven't had the time to sit down and write about them. If you're blog hopping, you should have arrived from HELEN ONULAK's blog. If you plan to continue along the hop, JILL LUCAS's is your next stop.

I'll admit up front - I didn't like this stamp set when I first received it. BUT, it has definitely grown on me now that I've created with it. Truthfully, the reason I was turned off was because it's a line art stamp and I just don't want to take the time to "color" in the images. My challenge to myself was to create projects that required little coloring yet effectively showcased the stamp set. I certainly liked what I came up with and hope you do to!

I chose X7121B Caboodle for the My Reflections Paper Pack to create the projects. I also added Z2115 Sweet Leaf Collection Ribbon Rounds to each one and only used two colors of ink in all three projects: Z2117 Crystal Blue Exclusive Inks and Z2105 Black Exclusive Ink. Remember, all of these products are available to order on my website under "Shop Online".

We'll start with the smallest creation and save the biggest for last. The first project is a 3x3 gift card. In addition to the supplies listed above, I used 1385 White Daisy Cardstock for the card base and 3505 Watercolor Pencils blended with 3174 Blending Pen to color the flower pot and flowers.

Next is a 4x4 Notecard. I didn't use any other product on this card other than what's been mentioned already. I did run the Sweet Leaf cardstock through my Cuttlebug for the embossed swirls. I have to say, this is one of my most favorite creations of all time!

The last creation I want to share is a Z1195 6x6 My Creations Memory Showcase album. In addition to the products listed above, I also used Z1217 Metal (Pewter 4mm) Brads, and Z1271 Tiny Tabs.

Front cover:

Back cover:

Inside pages, set 1:

Inside pages, set 2:

Inside pages, set 3:

I hope you've enjoyed this month's projects. As always, if there is anything I can do to help with your stamping and scrapbooking needs, don't hesitate to let me know! Just a reminder, your next stop on the hop is Jill Lucas's blog. Happy Easter to all!

Close to My Heart March Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - A Little Everything

2010-02-28T20:00:00.009-06:00

Happy March! Can you believe the first two months of 2010 are over? I can't! I'm still stuck on time to get started with all that I hope to accomplish in 2010!

Welcome to the Close to My Heart March Stamp of the Month Blog Hop. If you started at the beginning with Jena DeVries, and continued through in order, you should be arriving from Katy Donaldson's blog. From here you'll go to Danielle Chapman's blog.

This month's stamp set is one of my favorites. I'm a sucker for sentiment stamps and fonts anyway, so this one was no exception. D1408 A Little Everything is a whimsical set with not only general holiday sentiments but also some additional phrases to complete popular greeting card wishes.

I created 2 projects for this month's hop. We'll start with a standard card. I used X5807 Creative Basics Animal Cookies Collection, 1242 Sunflower cardstock, 1385 White Daisy cardstock, Z1087 Sunflower Waxy Flax, Z1214 Summer Carnival Brad Assortment (Clover Meadow 8mm), and Z2103 Black Ink. By the way, all these products are available on my website or through me.

To create the frame, I used my cuttlebug. The sunflower cardstock is layered under the frame. I love Close to My Heart cardstock because it has a white core. It's nice to choose whether I want the complimentary effect of the white or a solid color tear edge. When I saw the frame, it reminded me of a business window and I couldn't help but create a look of an open/closed sign with the waxy flax hanging from the brad.

One other fun technique I'd like to point out on this card is that the "all you do" is only part of the full phrase. Because Close to My Heart's acrylic stamps are clear, it's easy to omit words you don't wish to use by "stamping off". It's so easy to line up because you can see where you're stamping exactly. The full phrase in this stamp was "for all you do." I just simply left the "for" off and stamped the remainder of the phrase!

In keeping with my theme for this year's projects, my next sample using the stamp of the month is a gift card holder. Several years ago, I purchased these cardboard CD cases. I thought them to be perfect for a gift card holder with a little more "wrapping" if you will.

X7105B My Reflections Emporium Level 2 paper pack, Z1125 Designer Ribbon Rounds Sweet Leaf Collection, Z1220 Twinkle Brads Jolly Assortment (Twilight standard brad), Z2117 Crystal Blue ink, and Z2214 Cocoa ink are the products used in this project.

On the inside of the CD folder, there's a pull out blank piece of cardstock to write a message to the gift receiver. Opposite the message card, there's another tab pull. On this piece, I placed 4 photo corner holders to insert a gift card.

Once the receiver has removed the gift card, it would be quite easy to turn this into a mini album or photo frame for a desktop. I LOVE when things become 2 gifts in one!

I hope you've enjoyed this month's creations. If you're continuing in the blog hop, you're next stop is Danielle Chapman's blog.

Close to My Heart February Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

2010-01-31T20:00:00.003-06:00

It's hard to believe January 2010 is over and it's now time to be thinking of hearts, cupid, and love! With the close of the month, it means it's time for the monthly stamp of the month blog hop and this month's stamp is ubber-cute! It's called Piece of Cake and is full of fancy cakes and desserts.

But enough jabber, onto the artwork! If you started at the beginning of the hop, you came from Susan Brooks' blog. There are 72 bloggers this month so there's lots of artwork to see! You can view all the participants with their blog addresses on Helen's blog.

I think I mentioned last month that when I purchased the vinyl folios, I had to buy 100 of them. That means I have A LOT of them! So, in effort to use them, I once again created a gift set featuring 4x4 birthday cards.

To create this set, I used X7118B Twitterpatted Level 2 paper pack, Z2111 Chocolate ink, Z2117 Crystal Blue ink, Z2164 Sorbet ink, Z2153 Sweet Leaf ink, and X254 Cards and Envelopes. The card and folio cover designs are from 9032 Originals. I used the 3x3 patterns and cut the paper to fit 4x4 cards.All of these items are available on my website - simply type the product number in the quick search box and each item will appear!

Because the post office charges extra for square envelopes, I chose to use the regular sized cards and simply cut them down and mail them in the envelopes that come with the card bases. Plus, the pieces you cut off the card make perfect bookmarks - part of a future project so check back!

I tried to use a different embellishment or technique on each card. For this card, I used the random stamping technique to create the pattern on the white part of the card. I also added Sweet Leaf Ric Rac from the Z1052 Ric Rac Collection. It's not the easiest to see, but under the ric rac is chocolate brads from Z1218 Basic Brad Assortments.

This was my attempt to make a somewhat masculine card for the gift folio. I never have enough cards for men in my stash so I'm always looking for ways to make more. It's simple and I love the look. I used Z1247 Crystal Blue waxy flax to add the stitching on the side.

This card is another simple elegant - I'm into those right now! I stamped the cake in chocolate ink and then used the 3174 Blending Pen and 3505 Watercolor Pencils. If you've never used these two together, you're in for some fun! When you color with the pencils you get the "childhood scribble" lines, but by simply rubbing the blending pen over the color, it smooths them and makes them look like watercolor paints. One tip, though, be sure to drag your blending pen on scrap paper until the strokes are clear or the color you just smoothed will bleed into the next color.

This next card is my favorite out of the group. Close to My Heart cardstock has a white core so one of the fun techniques you can do is create a pattern by sanding. This pattern was created by placing a sprial paper clip under the cardstock and then sanding.

If you're continuing on the blog hop, your next stop is Cindy Leek's blog. If you're interested in any of the techniques, projects, or products I've featured, please contact me. Later this week I'll be sharing and posting the events for the month of February. Be sure to check back!

Close to My Heart January Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

2009-12-31T19:55:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!

I'm so excited about the upcoming year and the blog hop! It is achieving two of my goals on my 101 List of Things I'd Like to Do in 1001 Days (blog coming soon - keep watching): write more and update my blog more often!

If you're following the CTMH Blog Hop you should have arrived from Shirley Ross's blog. Welcome! For those of you new to blog hopping, simply click on the link below to go to the next blog. If you started at Helen's blog, you've made it all the way through. Following each link will allow you to see over 60 different ways to use the January Stamp of the Month, True Friends (D1406). Below is my contribution to the hop (a total of 3 today!).

First is a Postcard Gift Pack. I purchased the vinyl cases from an online website for another workshop, but they are PERFECT for this project.

Inside the vinyl case is two slots. One is perfect for a decorated cover and the other is good for 4x6 postcards. To make the postcards, I simply random stamped one side of a sheet of 12x12 cardstock and trimmed it to the postcard size. You get 6 postcards from one sheet.

In addition to the January SOTM, I used the Grace Level II Paper Pack (X711B) and Copper Brads (Z1217).

(Vinyl case open)

(Postcards with open case)

The second project is a 4x4 Gift Card. The sayings on this stamp set was perfect for gift giving.

I like to try and use paper and color combinations that differ from the company suggested combinations. This card uses paper from the Tinkerin' Level II Paper Pack (X7113B) and the Designer Ribbon Rounds Sorbet (Z1123). I also added Just Blooms Paper Flowers White Daisy Variety Pack (Z1300) and Twinkle Brads Jolly Assortment (Z1220).

Finally, I altered a 2010 Planner that I picked up at my local Dollar General store for $1. The paper pack is retired now (Free Spirit Level II Paper Pack), but I loved the colors. I also used the Playful Flourishes set (D1212) and some brown ric rac I purchased when a fabric store was closing.

All of these current items are available to view on my Close to My Heart website. Click here and then choose the "Shop Online" button. You can search by item number for quick location of the products.

Be sure to join me again in February for the Stamp of the Month Blog Hop. A listing of classes, workshops and crops will be available on my website shortly after the first of the year. Subscribe to my blog to receive updates when I post.

If you're continuing in the blog hop, your next stop is Helen Onulak's blog.

Here is a complete list of blog participants if you prefer the jump around method:

Helen Onulak http://www.hookedonstamping.com
Jena DeVries http://www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com
Jessica Booth http://jessicabooth.blogspot.com/
Carla Ironside http://www.carlacreates.blogspot.com
Lori Miller http://www.clearlyfromtheheart.blogspot.com
Misty Jackson http://www.misstscraps.blogspot.com
Jen Patrick http://www.roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com
Susan Brooks http://www.stampingintheopen.blogspot.com
Kathleen Androlewicz http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/
Dawn Ross http://www.iamahappystamper.blogspot.com
Amy McVey http://www.clearlystamping.blogspot.com
Antoinette Herrin http://www.GodblessyourART.blogspot.com
Jill Lucas http://scrapwench.blogspot.com
Barbra Otten http://barbraotten.blogspot.com/
Lori Brown http://www.savingmine.blogspot.com
Brae Montgomery http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com
Wanda Riley http://www.creatingwithwanda.blogspot.com
Adeline E. Brill http://adeline-brill.blogspot.com
Kami Welter http://www.scrappin4memories.blogspot.com
Judy Burger http://makingtimeformemories.blogspot.com/
Pamela O'Connor http://www.cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com
Cindy Leek http://www.paperspadsandpictures.blogspot.com
Mary Eisen www.mestamp2.blogspot.com
Sylvia Jacquot http://stampinsylvia.blogspot.com/
Laura Dame http://www.thecroppersconnection.blogspot.com
Melissa Laverty http://www.fancymelissa.blogspot.com
Haley Dyer http://www.inkyscrapper.blogspot.com
Terrie Dodd http://www.my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com
Katy Donaldson http://www.scrappinkaty.blogspot.com
Chris Shouse http://www.houseostamps.wordpress.com
Tammy Lea Pinchard http://mycreativeclubhouse.blogspot.com
Krista Ritskes http://kristaritskes-simplycreating.blogspot.com/
Shannon Pelletier http://www.mycolorfulworldinvt.blogspot.com
Deb Young http://www.scrapbookczar.blogspot.com
Amy Edwards http://PaisleysPlayhouse.blogspot.com
Sheila Bennett http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com
Kristie Herdener http://www.goofyscrapper.blogspot.com
Jen Rubio http://www.jenrubio.blogspot.com
Jody Gustafson http://www.cre8nmemories.blogspot.com
Sarita Schraeder http://www.blessedscrapper.blogspot.com
Laurie Levnik http://www.creationsbylaurie.blogspot.com
Debra Van Patten http://memoriesoftheheartbydeb.blogspot.com/
Kimberly Smith http://verykimberry.blogspot.com/
Michelle Nist http://Michellenist.blogspot.com
Karen Norman http://www.gettinscrappywithit.blogspot.com
Traci Godbee http://createwithtraci.blogspot.com
Nancy Brown http://www.creativelyartsygallery.blogspot.com
Maricar Harris http://www.maricarharris.blogspot.com
Nona Davenport http://www.nonapearl.blogspot.com
Laurie Newton http://scrapsfromthebeach.blogspot.com/
Dawn Heuft http://www.stamptildawn.blogspot.com
Melissa Burch http://melissaburch.blogspot.com
Kim O'Rear http://kimorear.blogspot.com
Michelle Bourlet http://michellescreativeconnections.blogspot.com/
Angela Tutton http://www.tuttonstreasures.blogspot.com/
Jenifer Benner http://www.jensmessystudio.com
Shirley Ross http://www.momnmescrap.blogspot.com
Latisha Haag http://domestichomefrontcoordinator.blogspot.com

Getting what YOU want for Christmas!

2009-11-02T06:57:00.000-06:00

Don't miss the latest from Close to My Heart. November's special is Buy 2 My Acrylix stamp sets, get 1 FREE!

Click image to view larger picture.

What's new on the CTMH front - Sept. 2009 Newsletter

2009-09-18T22:37:00.003-05:00

Click on the image to view a larger version.

Remembering Adeline

2009-09-08T09:02:00.003-05:00

Today we put Ron's mom to eternal rest with the Lord. It is my job to read the eulogy and I wanted to share with you what I wrote in memory.

Adeline “Addie” Ann Haag was born August 20, 1929, in Fredonia, ND to Daniel and Caroline Mouldenhauer. She was the youngest of 5 children and the only girl. Her brothers were Elmer, Bill, Clarence aka Nut-Nut, and Heinz. She spent her childhood in Fredonia.

On Sept. 19, 1947, she married Lawrence “Larry” Haag in Aberdeen, SD. After one year in Fredonia, they moved to Hansen, ID, where Larry worked as a farmhand. In 1954 they moved south of Hansen to a farm; three years later they moved to Eden to farm. In 1958, the purchased the home place in Heyburn where Larry farmed until his retirement in 1971 and lived the remainder of his life. Adeline owned the farm until 2006.

In the early 70s, they built the Haag’s Country Court and owned/operated it until the late 80s. She was employed by the State of Idaho as a potato inspector when she was not a homemaker and wife. Adeline was a member of the Congregational Church in Paul.

Adeline leaves behind 3 children: Richard and spouse Marsha, Carol and spouse Gary McConnell, and Ron and spouse Latisha as well as 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. She was preceeded in death by her husband, Larry, her parents and her brothers.

While these are the factual bits of Adeline’s life, they are far from the most important or most memorable. This mother, grandma, and great-grandma

left us numerous memories, which we will always treasure; I’d like to share a few with you now.

Adeline’s life could be placed into four categories: a wife, mother and grandmother, a spunky woman, a great cook, and a Christian.

Let’s begin with the first category: wife, mother, and grandmother. Many say the Beaver Cleaver family did not exist in real life; however, Larry and Adeline Haag defied that myth. The fell in love, married, had children and stayed married – through good times and bad. Between the 2 of them, they had 10 years of education yet managed to build a successful life, raise 3 children, and touch the lives of more people than can be counted. She can boast of a marriage of 49 years to the same man and no divorces among her children or grandchildren.

Of course, the last point is an area of debate. Most of you know Adeline suffered from dementia in the last few years, leaving her to forget many of the details of recent years. Just after her heart attack a few years ago, Ron and our family were gathered around her hospital bed. She remembered Ron and her grandson Zeke but after Ron re-introduced her granddaughter Kaydawn, she glanced at me at the end of the bed. She asked Ron, “And who is that?” When he replied that I was his wife, she exclaimed with relief, “Oh thank goodness you got remarried!”

Family vacations consisted of fishing and camping or visiting her children and grandchildren, whether that was in Idaho or Oregon, California or Germany, Nebraska or Kansas. Her walls were covered with pictures of her children and grandchildren and she was quick to boast of how her oldest was in the Air Force, her daughter was married to a pastor, and her youngest was an outstanding wrestler and coach and the “inter-murial” director at a college.

Now, some of those pictures didn’t last long, though. When Carol brought Gary home to meet her parents, they took a picture of the young couple. When Gary returned to visit Adeline after his training in the military, he returned as a much slimmer and clean-shaven young man – not at all what Adeline saw in the picture. Not wanting to hurt the feelings of Carol’s new beau, Adeline slid the picture discreetly to Carol and told her to get rid of it so Gary wouldn’t know about the old boyfriend. What a surprise to Adeline when Carol told her that the man sitting with her that day WAS Gary!

She worked hard to teach strong morals and values in her children, even to the point of perhaps protecting them from the real world. One memory Carol likes to share about this fact is how Carol learned what the meaning of the middle finger really meant. As a freshman in high school, she saw several times in the hall how other kids her age expressed their anger towards another. They would argue and invariably flash the middle finger. Carol didn’t know what it meant, but it always happened when someone was angry. Well, one day she was angry with her mother – very angry and decided the best way to show it was to give her the middle finger salute. Carol learned very quickly what that was the wrong thing to do!

Some of these stories could very easily fit into the next category but there are others that exemplify it better. Adeline was a spunky woman, not letting many things slow her down. Perhaps it was an innate need to go fast – but fast she did go. Her grandkids Mike and Angie liked to tease her that she was the little old lady from Pasadena! But the title fits because she liked to go fast, no matter what her mode of transportation was.

The last car Adeline owned was a Pontiac Bonneville SSEi. A pretty little silver sports car that had a strong engine in it that Adeline knew how to use. One of the last times she drove that car was when Rick and Ron moved her back to Nebraska. Just outside the hills of Lava Hot Springs, Rick let her climb in the driver’s seat. Ron was leading and she had let him get quite a bit ahead. When Rick said something to her about this, she gently accelerated to catch up. That car was smooth and before long her acceleration reached near 100 miles/hour and she didn’t even notice!

Even when she wasn’t speeding in her car, she was finding the fastest mode to get where she was going. When she was living with Carol and Gary in Oregon, she purchased a fold ‘n go motorized wheelchair. On the speed setting there was a picture of a turtle and a picture of a hare. I’m sure you can guess what setting she kept it on! Carol and Gary took her to an RV show and were soon embarrassed by her “need for speed.” She was taking people out left and right and would get to going so quickly she’d knock herself over! And it wasn’t just with Carol and Gary that she did this. One July 4^th Rick and Ron took her to boot hill in Dodge City, KS. She zipped all over the little town at the highest speed. When she was left alone for any amount of time, she would find the spot in the walkway that was most uneven and tip herself over. But she had a need to get somewhere and get there fast!

She also set her grandchildren on the fast track. When her granddaughter Kaydawn was just barely crawling, she “taught her how to walk.” It was Christmas and she was holding Kaydawn on her lap in her wheelchair. Most everyone in the room was busy with different tasks so when Adeline had tired of holding Kaydawn, she promptly stood her next to her wheelchair and patted her forward. Kaydawn stumbled and was fortunately caught by her daddy.

She was also good at getting “lost.” If you asked her, she knew where she was going, but she left those with her in serious mental turmoil over “losing” her. Shortly after Larry passed away, Ron took her Las Vegas so the two of them could get away and relax. They spent the first night at Circus Circus but had to change motels the second night. Knowing it would be easier to leave her in one spot close to the door and pick her up rather than have her walk, Ron left her with strict instructions to “stay put.” Of course, she got interested in the nickel slots and soon was moving from machine to machine. When Ron returned, she was nowhere in sight. It took nearly 3 hours to find her, all the while Ron was thinking how best to tell his siblings he’d “lost” their mother in Las Vegas and she was never to be seen again!

I, too, have a similar story. My husband Ron was selected as an official to do an NCAA Division II National Championship in Greeley, CO – quite an honor. The 3 of us all attended and my job was to get his mom to and from the gymnasium. Between sessions, she and I decided to go get a bite to eat. Because of the number of people attending, I wasn’t able to get a spot close to the door to park. I left her inside the door since it was snowing with strict instructions to “stay put.” When I returned, she was nowhere to be found! I began wondering just how I was going to tell Ron I’d lost his mom! Mind you, we weren’t yet married so this was a terrible predicament for me. I eventually find her. She had decided to walk to the car even though she had no idea where I’d parked since I’d dropped her off earlier that morning!

Adeline was also known for her cooking. Living most of her life in Idaho, there were always potatoes on the table in addition to her German dishes. One of those signature dishes was her Cream Gravy Strudelah. Her cellar was full of jars of jellies and jams as well as many other popular canned foods. At Christmas, she’d make taffy and other candies. She’s passed down recipes to her children for favorites like cream puffs and pheasant with sour cream gravy. If she wasn’t cooking, she always loved having a hamburger, especially at “Apple-eggs.”

And while Adeline is known for all of the things I just mentioned, it is the last that is the most important – her strong Christian faith. Adeline accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior and lived her life instilling this belief of Christ in her family members. Her legacy is evident in even the youngest members of her family.

On Friday night when Ron told his children about Adeline’s death, he did so like this:

“I have some good news and some bad news about Grandma. The good news is that Grandma can walk again.” As he paused, both Kaydawn and Zeke cheered at the good news, so excited their prayers had come true.

Then he continued with, “But we won’t see Grandma walk until we’re with her in heaven because God healed her by taking her to heaven with him.” And as he paused again, his son cheered again because even as young as he is, he understands that she has eternal life in Christ. For you see, the Bible says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Adeline lived her life exemplifying this statement. And the good news is, those of us who believe in Jesus Christ as our personal savior will see her again and we will walk with her again.

Chatter from the Heart - June 2009 Close to My Heart Newsletter

2009-05-31T07:41:00.007-05:00

Chatter from the Heart ~ June 2009

It's hard to believe that summer has arrived, but it's here! My family and I are excited about the upcoming month of June, not only for the summer fun, but because we are expecting the arrival of our third baby! Like any stamper and scrapbooker, I look forward to another opportunity with the arrival of this baby to preserve my family's memories and legacies.

Arrival of Baby Haag

You can join in the fun of this arrival and win $10 in free Close to My Heart product with no purchase necessary! There's many unknowns with this baby:

we don't know if it's a boy or a girl;

we don't know what day it will arrive (due date is June 20);

we don't know the weight or length;

we don't even have a name chosen!

Here's what you do:

Send me an e-mail with the information you think fits the categories above. The entry that comes closest will receive a $10 gift certificate that can be used on any Close to My Heart product. You may even help in choosing the name of this new baby! Again, submit this information via an e-mail and you'll be entered to win!

Sex of the baby

Day baby will arrive

Weight and length

Name

June's Special: Deal-A-Day

While you may not be anticipating the arrival of a new baby in June, this month could still be your favorite month! Close to My Heart is offering a unique special called "Deal-a-Day"! With qualifying purchases, you can receive FREE Close to My Heart products and on 6 days of the month, you can purchase a goodie box full of both current and retired products at 50% off retail value! The deal changes daily and is only available on MyCTMH website. Visit my website to see the full explanation of Deal-A-Day (under "Calendar").

June Stamp of the Month - Tender Tags

Don't miss this month's Stamp of the Month, Tender Tags. Featuring a variety of tags with select sentiments, you can earn it for FREE with a qualifying purchase. Visit my website to learn more. Information about the set is under "Calendar"; to view artwork featuring the set, click "My Art."

Wishes Card Confidence Program

This month also features the release of Wishes Card Confidence program. If you have used either the Reflections, Cherish, or Imagine scrapbook programs or the Originals Card Confidence program, you know how fast, easy, and simple these how-to guides make scrapbooking or card making. Wishes is no exception! This program will make your card making just as elegant with less guess work involved for you. Visit my website for more information.

June Events

I hope June is a great month for you. Because of the impending arrival our baby, there will be no classes or workshops in June. Watch for July's schedule to be released soon. As always, events are available on my website under "Calendar."

The Ellis Public Library Free Crop is still scheduled (if I'm unable to be there, someone else will be available). Join us for a night of cropping from 7 pm to midnight. There are plenty of tables to spread out and we happily share tools and ideas. Come join us! (Please RSVP if you plan to attend.)

Pink Sweetheart

2009-05-28T08:48:00.003-05:00

Kaydawn danced in her first dance recital this past weekend. She was SO proud up on the "big stage" of Beach Schmidt auditorium. She did very well, emphasizing her positions and movements - and claimed her favorite part of the whole recital was where she got to "rock 'n roll" in the song "Do you believe in magic."

Probably the funniest part of the whole weekend was when she and her friend Taelyr had a stare down on the stage. Kaydawn was supposed to stand on the second row during the second dance. She DID NOT want to be there, apparently, as she found a way to work to the front. At rehearsal, she put herself next to Taelyr. Despite Taelyr's efforts to get her back in the second row, Kaydawn wouldn't budge. She even continued to dance with a determined look on her face. She did move herself to the front row during the actual recital, but not as much as during rehearsal.

What fun it was to watch her!

Close to My Heart's June 2009 Stamp of the Month, Tender Tags

2009-05-28T08:35:00.002-05:00

Each month, Close to My Heart offers a stamp of the month. This set is only available during the month it's offered and can be purchased at full price or discounted cost depending on purchases. This month, the set Tender Tags, really has some cute and unique tags that can be used in different ways. Here's a sample of the set in different artwork.

If you'd like to see more artwork featuring this set (after June 1), visit the Close to My Heart website.

Metamorphosis with Christ

2009-05-03T16:08:00.003-05:00

It's hard to believe it's been one month since I last taught children's church, but the first weekend in May has arrived. This means this morning, I once again sat in front of the church and tried to teach the children a lesson about being a Christian.

Ironically, this lesson came to me in my sleep. Those of you who've experienced pregnancy first-hand know how strange your dreams can be. Well, this lesson came to be in my dreams last night. I was really dreaming about the verse in the Bible "...I knew before I formed you in the womb." And there were butterflies in this dream.

When I woke, the first thing I did this morning - as I do every morning - was head to the recliner downstairs with my daily Bible reading. The New Testament reading was John, chapter 3, which finished off the inspiration for my lesson today.

I couldn't help but share this lesson here. I hope it touches you as I believe it touched many during church today. Here it is:

"Metamorphosis of a Christian"
#1 - It's spring. What are some of the things you notice about spring?
*Green leaves and grass again
*Fresh air
*New insects and animals

#2 - We as Christians go through our own kind of springtime. Did you know that? Let me read you a verse from the gospel of John.

"I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You must be born again." John 3:5-7

#3 - I bet that doesn't make a lot of sense, does it? Let's look at another way we see life "born again." We're going to use metamorphosis to explain how a butterfly is born again. Can you say that big word?

Here is a butterfly. Does anyone know how a butterfly gets to be so beautiful? Let me show you.

#4 - (Use caterpillar picture) Here is how a butterfly begins. It doesn't look like a butterfly, does it? What is it? (caterpillar) Is it very pretty? It's okay because it's a creation of God, but it's not as beautiful as it's going to be.

Well, this caterpillar is like us as children. At this stage of it's life, the caterpillar goes around eating and eating and eating. As children, we come to church and Sunday school and VBS and read our Bibles to learn and learn and learn and store up, just like the caterpillar eats to store up.

#5 - (Use picture of chrysalis) Then the caterpillar spins a chrysalis, sometimes called a cocoon. While the caterpillar is inside of the cocoon, it uses all that food it stored up to make an amazing transformation.

Now, as children we don't spin a cocoon. But that doesn't mean that all those lessons you learned aren't working an amazing transformation in you. Instead of a cocoon, the holy Spirit is working an amazing transformation on you.

#6 - (Use butterfly picture again) Once that amazing transformation occurs, the caterpillar emerges from the cocoon as a beautiful butterfly - it has, in a sense, been "born again."

In people, we can be "born again" as well. But when the holy Spirit has worked it's transformation, we emerge as Christians to share eternal life in Christ. It means we have been saved from the not so pretty life and now have access to a beautiful life with Christ. It is the gift of salvation.

In Romans 10:9 it says,
"For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

#7 - So while our transformation into Christians isn't always as simple as the metamorphosis of a butterfly, we still emerge in a new life.

Let's pray: Heavenly Father, your work in nature is amazing. You take a lowly caterpillar, not so beautiful to behold and transform it into a graceful butterfly. Fortunately for us, you do the same when we are born again in you. Help us to learn so we may transform into a beautiful Christian. In your name, Amen.

2009-04-07T22:22:00.000-05:00

Close to My Heart's April Stamp of the Month: World's Best Dad

Resurrection Easter Eggs

2009-04-07T14:50:00.003-05:00

Since Easter is this weekend, I just had to share my lesson from Children's Church this past Sunday. On the first Sunday of each month, the children of our church come forward while I present a simple lesson. I wanted to impress the importance of Holy Week on the children, for it is important in the lives of Christians to understand why we have salvation.

I can't take credit for this concept as I found it in my quest for good topics for children; however, I felt it so good I had to share. Ron and I have decided to use it throughout the week to keep the information fresh in Zeke and Kaydawn's minds as well as impress upon them the importance of the week.

This is a picture of our "Resurrection Eggs." Inside each egg is an object or picture directly linked to a verse in the Bible that tells of an event leading up to, during, and after the crucifixion of Christ.

Here are the items/pictures in the eggs along with the explanation of each:

1. (Bread) Matthew 26:26
While they were eating Jesus took a piece of bread,
gave a prayer of thanks, broke it, and gave it to His disciples.
"Take and eat it," He said, "This is My body."

2. (Coins) Matthew 26: 14-15
Then one of the twelve disciples, named Judas Iscariot, went to
the chief priests and asked, "What will you give me if I betray
Jesus to you?" They counted out thirty silver coins and gave
them to him.

3. (Purple cloth, representing a purple robe) Mark 15:17
They put a purple robe on Jesus. . .

4. (Thorns) Matthew 27:29
Then they made a crown out of thorny branches and placed it on
His head, and put a stick on His right hand; then they knelt
before Him and made fun of Him. "Long live the King, of the
Jews!" they said.

5. (Scourge-a small piece of rope or thick string) Mark 15:15
Pilate wanted to please the crowd, so he set Barabbas free for
them. Then he had Jesus whipped and handed Him over to be
crucified.

6. (Cross) John 19: 17-18a
He went out, carrying His cross, and came to "The Place of the
Skull," as it is called. (In Hebrew it is called "Galgotha.") There
they crucified Him.

7. (Nails) John 20:25b
Thomas said to them, "Unless I see the scars of the nails in His
hands and put my finger on those scars and my hand in His
side, I will not believe."

8. (Sign) Luke 23:38
Above Him were written these words: THIS IS THE KING OF
THE JEWS.

9. (Sponge) Matthew 27:48
One of them ran up at once, took a sponge, soaked it in cheap
wine, put it on the end of a stick, and tried to make Him drink it.

10. (Spear) John 19:34
One of the soldiers plunged his spear into Jesus' side, and at
once blood and water poured out.

11. (Rock) Matthew 27:59-60
Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a new linen sheet, and
placed it in his own new tomb, which he had just recently dug
out of solid rock. Then he rolled a large stone across the
entrance to the tomb and went away.

12. (Empty) Matthew 28:6
He is not here He has risen just as He said.

I wish all of you a blessed Easter!

That's Amore Acrylic Album Clock

2009-04-07T14:32:00.002-05:00

Here's my latest project - an acrylic album altered to become a clock. I first saw this idea on another Close to My Heart consultant's website and was inspired. (Thanks, Tracy Mason!)

I used the That's Amore paper pack and chocolate rub-ons as well as one of the 4x4 Foundry Frames.

Hope you enjoy!

Big Boy Haircut

2009-03-27T13:42:00.003-05:00

I've been on a mission to complete pages before the baby arrives. I've been quite neglectful about my 2006 and 2007 albums and here were are in 2009! Thanks to a week-long retreat last week, I did accomplish many pages, but stil have many to go. This set of pages I power-paged but hadn't gotten around to doing so I put them together. I really like how they turned out! It's of my DS's first and only barber shop haircut (his aunt is a hair dresser) and he did such a good job of being a big boy!

I used Close to My Heart's Good Times paper pack and the Friendship Alphabet.

March 2009 Stamp of the Month Butterfly Wings

2009-03-21T08:49:00.001-05:00

The 6th Picture Challenge

2009-02-19T12:27:00.003-06:00

I've been challenged by Elaine at Times Captured

These are the challenge instructions:

•Go to your photo folder in your computer.

•Go to the 6th folder of the photos.

•Go to the sixth picture.

•Put the picture on your blog and description of it.

•Invite six friends to join the challenge.

•Link them in your blog and let them know they have been challenged!

The 6th thing didn't quite work out for me because there were only 2 pictures in my 6th folder, but by far pictures some of my most favorite scrapbook pages. I posted both pictures since there were only 2. The pages are of my son Zeke in his cowboy garb - he doesn't go anywhere without those boots or hat (well, a little more now without than before, but...you get the idea).

Tagged in this post:
Staci Roe: Paper Heaven & Stamp Obsession
Leanne Eisler: Scrappin' with Gamma
Laura Bohall: Just Gathering Pieces
Mary Carrell: Scrapbook and Stamping With Mary
Debra Van Patten: Deb's Not-So-Daily Ramblings
Mary Vogel: On Life & Creating

2009 February Stamp of the Month Artwork

2009-02-01T10:18:00.001-06:00

Back to posting...FINALLY!

2009-01-29T16:19:00.004-06:00

It's good to be posting once again. After my laptop crashed TWO times before Christmas, it took some time to get back on track of all the e-mails, downloading/uploading pictures, and finishing paperwork. I'm glad to be back to having only a few pictures on the camera (which makes it easier to download and upload to Winkflash) and I'm caught up on paperwork so that gives me more time for creating and sharing.

This little project is my January workshop which is this Saturday. It's a fun little desktop calendar using Close to My Heart's January Stamp of the Month, Moments in Time. The workshop isn't full (I know it's only a few days before, but you can still RSVP if you like) but it's going to be a quick one and a good price! Only $6.

30 Cards for $30 - Assembly Instructions

2008-11-21T13:04:00.005-06:00

Whew! It's good to be back online. I've lots to tell, but most importantly, need to post the directions on how to assemble the cards in my 30 Cards for $30 workshop. For those of you who need to assemble, best of luck. I hope you enjoy them!

Some words of note:
1. I've tried to list helpful hints in assembling the cards - use them or don't; just things I've discovered in putting them together.

2. Some pieces are slightly altered; I've tried to note that on the descriptions.

3. You should be able to click on the picture and a new window with a larger view should open so you can read the directions attached to each picture.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Caught by the 'BUG

2008-10-09T08:40:00.004-05:00

You read correctly. I've been caught by a bug - the cuttlebug that is. I'm not one for jumping on big ticket scrapbooking items. In fact, I consider myself pretty cheap and rarely give into spending a lot of money at one time on something. But, I just couldn't resist this one. I gave in and bought one and some dies and embossing folders.

See, this nifty little machine will work with any dies (like sizzix or quick cuts), and not that I have any of those, but I might find a good deal!

Anyway, here's my first project using my cuttlebug. The entire cupcake is free hand. I used my cutter and scoring blade to make the lines in the cupcake wrapper and then sent the "frosting" through the cuttlebug in the swirl embossing folder. Then I used glitter on the swirls to make it stand out a little more.

The stamp set is from Close to My Heart; it's called Card Sentiments.

Fall Friend Tree

2008-10-02T21:03:00.004-05:00

Each day, I try to come up with some "activity" for my kids to do. It varies from playdoh to watercolors to puzzles. One afternoon, I had (what I thought) a great idea for an activity. I don't remember what it was, but when my son asked me, he curled up his nose and said, "I don't like that activity!"

Not to be so easily put off by my son, I searched the internet for preschool activities. One of the sites suggested making a tree with blessings. While I'm all for that, I tweaked it some and turned it into a "FALL FRIEND TREE" - a tree that shows us just how many friends we have not only in our hometown, but all over the country...even the world.

At one of our recent playdates, we put our plan into action. Since our fall tree was bare, we decided to start adding fall leaves to fill it out. We traced the hands - both adults and children - of those in attendance, wrote the name of the owner and added them to the tree.

The kids were so excited to see the leaves (hands) up on the tree and started asking when, where and how we'd "grow" more leaves for our tree. Well, again, not to be outdone by my son - who is afraid we've grown all we can - I decided to take the challenge to the net.

We have friends and family all over and we'd love to add your leaf (hand) to our tree. If you want to participate, please trace your hand, write your name and where you hail from, and send it to my kids. We'd love to fill out the tree...make it so full that it looks more like a tree in the spring rather than the fall. If you don't have our address, please comment or contact and I'll get the information to you. (I'm not foolish enough to just put our home address on the net...I know what kind of scaries are out there!).

I hope you will consider participating. What a great lesson in kindness as well as geography for the kids - and showing my son that I CAN make things happen.

Egg in a Basket, Egg in a Hole...whatever you wanna call it!

2008-10-02T10:12:00.005-05:00

This week, thanks to Ree on ThePioneerWoman.com, I discovered my favorite new lunch time favorite for my kiddos. She makes these EASY all-in-one egg and bread meals for the Marlboro Man (which if you're not familiar with Ree, you're not in the know!).

They're sooooo easy! Ree has step-by-step instructions on her site, but you're only getting the halfway pic and the end product pic from me!

Start with a slice of bread. Butter it. Then, using a biscuit cutter or a small round glass, cut a hole in the center of the bread. Place the bread butter-side down on a hot griddle. Crack an egg and deposit the insides right in the middle of that hole. It looks like this: (See the little circle I cut out? I toasted it too and tossed it on the kids' plates and they loved having a round piece of toast!)

Let it cook a while, then flip it. It will look like this:

I cooked the kids' until the yolk was completely solid, but mine I left runny. Oh my...LOVE to have a runny egg and dip my toast in it. This way it's all-in-one!

This was quick and my son even asked for seconds. I'm telling ya...you can't go wrong!

Oh, and BTW - Ree's pictures are MUCH nicer and prettier than mine. But, hey, you're following this blog so (to quote my 5-year-old son), "Ya get whatcha get and ya don't throw a fit!"

Why I am the Domestic Homefront Coordinator

2008-09-25T15:27:00.003-05:00

The reason I can claim to be the Domestic Homefront Coordinator is because of these two. My oldest, Zeke, proudly displays his "C" items during the week he was learning the letter C in school. Princess Kaydawn is always dancing and prancing about. Because my husband works so hard, I'm able to stay home and raise my children. Aren't they beautiful?

CTMH's Treasure Life

2008-09-25T15:04:00.004-05:00

I couldn't resist showing off this card. I made it for a swap using Close to My Heart's September Stamp of the Month, Treasure Life. The technique is called retriform. My inspiration came from Debra Langdon; thanks, D!

30 Cards for $30

2008-09-25T14:52:00.008-05:00

Four years ago, I started a workshop called 35 Cards for $35. It was a tremendous hit and I've done it time and time again, both as a workshop and parties. This year is no different and I've already done this year's samples.

I used Close to My Heart's Evensong paper pack and Magical Christmas and Vintage Christmas sets. Of all the workshops I've done, this is by far my favorite!

If you're interested in coming to this workshop, it will be on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 11 am at Scrapbook Frenzy. Pre-payment and registration is required by Nov. 2. I do all the cutting for you...all you do is stamp and assemble!

It's been that long?

2008-08-26T20:14:00.004-05:00

Oh my goodness! I know I'm bad about blogging, but I didn't realize that it was December since my last post! Holy cow!

I guess my only excuse is that I did try and have had very little luck getting things on my blog. Also, it's been one heck of a spring and summer. I never thought I'd be glad (and I'm still sad for different reasons) that school arrived so we had a semblance of normalacy around here!

Our summer was - once again - jam packed with activities and events. We began with a tornado on Memorial Day Weekend that led to even more remodeling. It was supposed to be a summer without the house torn up, but it wasn't.

We packed in two VBS in one week, followed up with Kiddie College, went right into a trip for me and the kids to Manitou Springs, and then ended with a couples trip to Kansas City with our friends, Chris and Brandy.

We began July with a bang...fireworks, of course! When the 4th rolls around, I have 3 kids, not 2, shooting them off. It's always a "blast" to see the kids light and then run. After the 4th I threw myself into painting the upstairs (where the tornado damage was). It took 52 hours, but I was able to get it all painted (and the garage too!) before Aug. 1. We headed to Plattsmouth to visit Ron's mom, went to my sister's to help her paint, and bid farewell to our good friend Allen as he started a new job in Wichita.

The first week of August brought our family vacation to South Dakota. What a trip we had. We hit almost every tourist attraction there was in the Black Hills and still had a blast.

Upon our return, we purchased our second rental and I began my daycare for Joel and Hannah. It was a blur, but we managed to squeeze in playdates (especially with the Beckers), swimming, t-ball, music lessons, and spending time outside.

Hopefully the fall will lend me more opportunity to post to my blog. But for now, here's a parting photo.

My Try at Digital Scrapbooking

2007-12-01T08:26:00.000-06:00

While I'm a die-hard papercrafter, I also love the computer. In my previous life as a high school English/Journalism teacher, I worked with Photoshop and Pagemaker. I loved making the pages come alive from the designs in my head. I love staying home with my children, but sometimes I miss the technical projects I did when I worked. Digital scrapbooking was just the thing to give me my fix. I won't replace all my scrapbooking with digital, but I do like that I can take the laptop on a trip and that's the only tool I need. It fulfills my incessant need to be doing something all the time (is that normal???). Anyway, here's my first creations...

Scrapbook on a Canvas

2007-11-03T22:45:00.000-05:00

The latest project for Hostess Club is Scrapbooking on Canvas. This fun and simple project is a great way to take your altered art to the next level while creating a unique way to display "pages".

Supplies needed for this project include:Mod PodgeAcrylic Paint to match papersCardstock, Background/Texture PaperStampsInks matching papersFoam Brushes for paint and mod podgeEmbellishments

Step 1: Paint your canvas. For this canvas, I wanted some of the original canvas to show. You can cover the entire canvas, however. (Please note that painting the canvas is not necessary; using the canvas is fine as well.)

Step 2: After first coat of paint dries, add second coat if you're using more than one color. Additional coats may be needed if you are coating the canvas in a solid color all over.

Step 3: Stamp images on the canvas. Keep in mind what pictures will be covering the images so you can use stamps that will read best and be seen. Another helpful tip is to place something solid below the canvas so when you press the stamp into it, it does not sag (leaving a partial stamp). Remember, if you're using acrylic stamps, you'll need to place a piece of foam between the solid item and the canvas. Allow ink to dry thoroughly before mod podge is applied.

Step 4: Distress with ink. This step is optional, but added to the theme of my canvas. Again, allow ink to dry thoroughly.

Step 5: Plan the layout of your pictures on the canvas.

Step 6: Apply mod podge for first layer. I only applied mod podge to a section so it wouldn't dry before I had all the pieces in place. Make sure mod podge completely covers the area your placing an item.

Step 7: Apply mod podge over each layer to smooth onto canvas. Make sure both the top and bottom of the piece is thoroughly covered in mod podge. Smooth any air bubbles from paper or they will wrinkle on your project. An old credit card works great for this task.

Step 8: Continue placing items on your canvas, building the "page". Work in sections and layers.

Step 9: Modge podge each time an item is placed on the canvas. Again, be sure to cover both sides of an item with mod podge and smooth wrinkles.

Step 10: Allow mod podge to dry thoroughly and then recoat. Once second coat is dry, add embellishments such as ribbon or brads. Use a piercing tool to poke through the canvas (be mindful of the frame).

A neat distressing techniqu I discovered in this project is using a touch (and I do mean a SMALL touch) as I swiped the second coat of mod podge. It gave the canvas an additional aged look.

All products used to make this piece were from Close to My Heart.

X7086B Caprice Level 2 Paper Packet

Z2111 Chocolate Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad

Z2105 Black Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad

Z2103 Bamboo Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad

X5760 Winter Cozy Textured Cardstock Combo (Crystal Blue used)

Z1301 Chocolate Collection Ribbon Rounds

Z291 Hinges (Copper used)

Z299 Basic Collection Bigger Brads (Copper used)

Pictures were taken at the Brick Barn Inn, Topeka, KS

A Kansas Sunset

2007-09-16T19:21:00.000-05:00

Anyone who's never driven through Kansas in late summer has missed a truly beautiful place to visit. Personally, I get tired of the bad rap Kansas gets for supposedly being a flat, uninhabitable place where there is no beauty.

Kansas is full of beauty...if you get off the interstate and experience it. (A little bit of trivia: the first stretch of interstate was laid in Kansas and part of that stretch had to have at least a 1 mile stretch of straight road so if a plane needed to land, there was a place for it to do so. Therefore, the stretch of I-70 that spans the state of Kansas is pretty boring to drive because it SEEMS the state is nothing but flat. Anyway, back to origianlly scheduled programming...)

The picture to the right was taken at Cedar Bluff Resevoir just as the sun dipped below the rolling hills and bluffs surrounding the lake. The wind was blowing just enought to create a lapping wave on the sandy shore of the swimming area. While the shore is lost in the evening shadows in the picture, the grass was a vivid green and the sky full of blues, grays, reds, oranges, and reds. A hint of brown dawned the tips of the tall blades of grass as the middle of August had born it's heat just enough to sap the edges of moisture.

This resevoir was created in the 1950's when a dam was built between the walls of bluffs in a valley. (So explain to me how Kansas is flat if they could close off a valley!) It's mostly flooded timberland and a great place to fish because there is great habitat for freshwater aquatic life. It's a hidden retreat, 15 miles south of the interstate on a state highway.

Oh, by the way, I don't know if I've mentioned I'd like to be a photographer someday. I enjoy covering my face with the body of my camera, peering through the lens and creating a scene, visible only through the lens. Based on how I focus, I can create a widespan or a close-up view of what is reflected in the little mirror in the body of the camera. What is burned on the digital chip of my memory card is what I choose. Fortunately, God has given me a full array of possible canvases and individuals to capture on my memory card.

And now, the rest of the story...

2007-09-13T10:08:00.000-05:00

(The continuation of "About Me" since I'm only allowed 1200 characters.)

The question I get most often about my e-mail signature tag is "What is a Domestic Homefront Coordinator?" Nevermind that I have my website for my direct sales business on there nor my information about how I'm an Independent Consultant for Close to My Heart.
So here's an answer to that question: A few years ago, I think even before I became a mom, I received an e-mail about how this lady went to get her driver's license. When she got to the section about occupation, she wasn't sure what to write since she was a stay-at-home mom and homemaker. Neither of these titles seemed to fit all she really did, plus society's connotation of the terms left a mindset that she really didn't work. So on the line for occupation, she squeezed in all the titles that fall under the previous mentioned. Chef, taxi driver, school classroom volunteer, daycare provider, teacher, nurse, doctor, mediator...the list went on.
While I appreciated the e-mail when it came, I did not fully understand the magnitude of what a woman does when she stays home to raise her children. Being in the "politically correct" era in America, I couldn't help but create my own title to describe just what it is I do. While there are many facets to the job, it isn't one I'd trade any time soon. I saw on someone's signature line once the following quote: "Stay-at-home mom is the hardest, most rewarding job I don't get paid to do." Enough said.
Oh, and a little more about me other than I'm a Domestic Homefront Coordinator. I am a scrapbooker/stamper and an Independent Consultant for Close to My Heart. I am also the web coordinator for Engravingshop.com as well as the VP of Membership for MOMS Club of Hays, Ellis Public Library Board of Trustees member, Children's Time teacher at Ogallah Christian Church, and teacher/designer for Scrapbook Frenzy. I have a Fantasy Football team...well, two actually; I like to attend auctions and garage sales because a good deal is too hard to pass up; I'm not afraid of a power tool; love to cook and bake; am thinking about taking up knitting even though I already have too much on my plate; value friendships; and have a secret desire to become a writer (partly why I created this blog). I have a million thoughts in my head that I'd love to share, just need an outlet. In my previous career I was a teacher, most recently at a Catholic high school. I taught English and Journalism and found both parallel with my love for scrapbooking and writing.
Well, that's about it. What I've missed here, I'll add in my daily blogs.