TERESA COLLINS

WINNERS-

The winner of the Bon Appetit collection of papers is:

I love it all, especially the Bon Appetit Bracket Recipe Cards. Here is a really fast and easy cookie recipe - that my kids LOVE.

CHOCOLATE MINT COOKIES
1 Devil's Food Cake Mix
2 eggs
1/2 C. oil
Approx. 24 Andes Mints

Mix first three ingredients together and drop in spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and lightly pat each cookie with the back of a spatula to flatten cookies. Immediately after removing from oven, place an Andes Mint on the top of each cookie. After it starts to melt, take a spoon and gently move the Andes Mint around on each cookie until it is completely smeared over the top of the cookie. Allow to cool completely before serving or eat IMMEDIATELY for a deliciously RICH warm cookie.

You can also use canned cream cheese frosting as a filling; putting two cookies together to form an "oreo".

Posted by: Molly P | July 02, 2008 at 09:56 AM

Molly- please email me.

The next winner of a DREAMKUTS machine is:

It is so stink'in cute! I love the bracket cards. I can think of soooo many ways to use this line! Love, love it.

Posted by: echo wein | July 01, 2008 at 03:34 PM

Echo, please email me.

Hope everyone has had a GREAT 4th of July. I had A LOT happen- LONG STORY with the kitchen remodel. I basically think I am near a break down. They came to install my cooktop and the granite was too big and the cook top will not fit. So now, I'm waiting for the granite installers to come back. I have sinks and faucets but my general contractors cannot get the faucets to run without spewing out water. The forgot to install 3 of my electrical outlets in my 14 foot island. That is just a FEW of the issues we are facing. I will warn everyone- please get a general contractor /subcontractors that YOU have contacted their prior references. I am learning the hard way that "anyone can talk the talk" on what they SAY they can and will do. My travertine floors are in, but there is a lot of issues and they are coming again on Monday to regrout the entire floor and fix other issues. I think we are looking at another month of work. I was so sad yesterday, that I cried all day on and off. I completely was off line for two days, because I was dealing with all the craziness of this, the 4th of July and trying to "scrapbook".

So TODAY...

check out the my website again www.teresacollinsdesigns.com 

My newest Halloween Collection has just been added. New for CHA Summer is SPOOKTACULAR.

I just got a few sheets of it overnighted to me. Here is a few projects-

Halloween last year, Taylor was a CAT. I used my spider web paper...and snippets of my tag paper. 12 spooktacular tags on ONE sheet of paper. Oh, how I miss this girl!!!! Isn't she the cutest CAT????

I love ROUND pages!!! All papers from my new line. Love this photo of Taylor and Ty. He is a little devil- love how he is looking at his sister.

This is a crazy photo. I about deleted it last year, because I didn't like it. Ha!!!! Just goes to show. Now I love that I have Zach dresssed up as a WITCH. This is my diamonds mixed with my tags paper....

MORE to share. Here is my black w/ dots paper that I added gems inside the dots. I love the orange/black dots...and how cute is the pumpkin circle???? The pumpkin and label are from the TAGS paper.... I wanted to create a line that is EASY to document our SPOOKY memories....

Okay, give the collection a peek!!! Then leave a comment here to WIN a BIND IT ALL. Yes, you read it right... SOMEONE will win a BIND IT ALL on MONDAY. I will pick ONE LUCKY person. Off to get a gazillion things done- thanks for all the wonderful positive comments about the Bon Appetit line. THANKS so much!!!!

JULY 2nd

Hey all-

It's JULY now- can you believe it? I have been stuck at home every day and so this summer has been weird. I just found out that my appliances and the last 1/2 of my countertops will be installed tomorrow. I will miss Zach at his 4th of July baseball tournament. He has two games tomorrow. I am about to cry. I feel SICK to miss his games- such big tournaments. They are about an hour from my home- and I need to be home to supervise all the work. Sorry to whine- it's just been a nightmare. I wish I could say I have all my CHA projects done- the trade show is in Chicago. I leave in 14 days to go to the show. I will be teaching at Windy City Scrapbooking- two weeks from today. So looking forward to this. Also, an update on Taylor. She moved to Oregon on Monday. She is working for her aunt at her dental office. Taylor graduated with her dental assisting certificate from high school and has done an internship her entire Senior year of high school. She was offered this amazing job and will live with her Uncle and Aunt, and take classes at college too. She is doing the dental program. She loves to work with people. My 17 year old baby moved out- and so she calls me EVERYDAY. It has been a huge blessing. I prayed about it, and KNEW she was making the right choice when the opportunity came. She will fly back home in two weeks to travel with me to the trade show.

OKAY- another layout to share from the collection. Also, if you are looking for my products, you can go to   www.papercraftsource.com and put in your zip code. The stores that  carry my product should be listed. If you are a store that carries my line make sure you are on this list. This is a store locator.

   

This layout is using the measurement paper. I wanted to do a page about my kitchen pre-remodel. Since my background is Interior Design- I like to scrapbook, my home. I know years from now, it will be a great reminder of my children of where they grew up. I am sure they will look back and see how dated the house and furnishing have become. After my mother passed away and I visited her home, I took hundreds of photos of the house I grew up in. Such great memories!!!! Happy Wednesday everyone- keep posting your comments for the prizes.

Teresa

Well, today is a good day. They installed 1/2 of my granite counter tops. That's good right??? Well, it's progress. AND- I am going to share one of my CHA Summer releases. It's called Bon Appetit. It's a cooking, food, kitchen, recipe line. You can see it at my website NOW at http://teresacollinsdesigns.com/c-44-bon-apptit-collection.aspx

Here is a couple visuals of the line- a few projects for the CHA S booth... So this a project of MY FAVORITE recipes.

It was so easy since all the labels, papers- everything was my newest collection. YOU can SEE all the paper designs by visiting my website. Okay, now I want to share ONE layout that I did with the collection. Each day this week- you can come back and see inspiration from this line. Here is a layout using ONLY my new papers.

Here is the journaling within the frame- This is our family tradition. When we all sit down together at night for dinner- we all go around the table and everyone takes turns telling about their day...June 2008. So a behinds the scene about this collection. I wanted to do a really beautiful line (green, black, tan and white) that would help document our cooking, eating, recipes, etc. memories. For one sheet of paper (retails .70 cents) you get SIX recipe cards. They are double sided and so you can really design your own recipe box, book- whatever. I am the FIRST to admit- I am not a cook!!! So why in the world would I design a cooking line? Simple, because I eat everyday- we all do. I still have to feed my kids and I want to capture photos of my family baking, eating, cooking, etc. This line will make it easy and hopefully inspire you to document such a important part of our EVERYDAY life. Start taking photos of your kitchen, your table, your favorite foods...because THEY are memories!!!!! Okay, some of you who KNOW me- are you shocked? I can't wait to show you more projects from this line. I'm going to start cooking lessons in the Fall. I have been re inspired to cook more. So here is the deal. This week I am giving away some great prizes. Here is how it works- I will pick TWO winners on Saturday July 5th. I will be giving away a DREAMKUTS machine. Remember, my demo using it on my website??? It's valued at $90.00. Wow...and it's the ULTIMATE machine. I also am mailing ONE lucky person the new BON APPETIT collection of papers and some other goodies too. You can win the new (no one has these paper!!!!) papers or the DREAMKUTS machine simply by posting what is your favorite paper from the newest collection. Yes, visit the website and then leave a comment. To make it fair, you can leave a comment every day that I post. I will pick the winner from all the comments. Post as much as you want. Hey, post a recipe...anything. I am so excited...and any comment you post this entire week will make you eligible to win the TWO prizes. I always get nervous showing my latest and greatest...so I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts. Also, good luck...and check back EVERY day because you will be able to get some ideas on how to use the line. Oh, and YES- the top project I posted will be a KIT...offered to you. If you like and want to purchase it- this will be the kit that all proceeds will be donated to the JENKINS family who are dealing with colon cancer...email my assistant (my daughter Gentry) at teresac8@msn.com. She will let everyone know the cost and all the information after she gets the list of everyone interested. I want to be able to help my friends financially. The kits will not ship until after CHA S in August. Have a fantastic day!!!!

FINALLY- the PHOTOS were loading. Now I can RELAX. Yes, post a comment here. Visit my website to see the collection. I would LOVE to have some simple recipes- stress the word- simple...ha! Thank you all for your patience. I had thousands of hits on my blog yesterday and I felt horrible that I could not get my post posted as promised.

TRYING this POST AGAIN

trying to post  again.

TRYING TO POST AGAIN

checking checking checking...

trying again to post today....

CHA SUMMER RELEASE

CHA Summer Preview...

CHA SUMMER RELEASE

TRAVEL envelope...

I thought I would share a little envelope book that I made for the CHA S show. It opens up to reveal quite a few photos and journaling. I used TRAVELOGUE to do this mini project.

So many emails and I can't seem to keep up. It is my intentions to spend a few hours in the am getting everyone answered. Yes, you can order kits from the stores that I am teaching at. Please call the stores directly. THANKS for the interest!!!!

Today was church. Do you ever feel like the talk or lesson you hear is directed JUST FOR YOU...it is something YOU needed to hear?  Maybe it's not in church, but advise from a friend or parent, etc. Today, the lesson was about doing the best we can to serve others, to helps those in need and help MORE when we are able to. A man gave the comment that "We need to concentrate on DE CLUTTERING our lifes." I so agree with him, and it just reminded me that I am justified in all the purging that I am doing in my life. I have spent the last two months, donating "great items" away to various good will organizations. Items that are often brand new, big ticket items like furniture, etc. I struggled with giving it away...since my husband works hard to provide for our family. Then I realize that "all the stuff" that we have is "too much." It's like a weight- and I want my life to be less stressed. It's hard because I am a purger and my husband is a die hard "saver." I know we have boxes of items from when we moved into our home, that he has never used, or even opened. It is one of the "hot topics" in our home. Ha!!!!

Tomorrow, check back...yes, it's the big reveal of what I've been up too. I can't wait to share the "story" of my thoughts on this line. Plus, it's time for MORE prizes... big prizes....and well, you don't want to miss out!

*tile is all laid as of yesterday. they will grout the tile tomorrow. problem...they did not use spacers on a lot of the flooring...so guess what- it's another- PROBLEM. We have some tiles that are side by side and then some with the small spacing. The say they can drill it out to give it a space. Let's hope! At least they worked hard this week. I have workers in at 9am to 8pm at night almost every day. I was stuck at home all this week- I am missing the summer fun!!!!

GOOD THINGS

I wanted to post a quick POST. For some reason I am having internet problems AGAIN. So before I lose my connection-

Life is good. I am dealing with so much construction issues. Still going- still slow. I've gained back some weight, but not letting it get to me. I should have a kitchen within the next two weeks. I KNOW what to do to lose the weight I've put on--- since EATTING out since April-- so what if I've backslided. I am happy with me and a number on a scale will not depress me anymore. NOTE- kitchen remodeling is NOT good for the waistline. HA!!!

I had lunch with Layle K. yesterday at Mimi's Cafe. We talked about INSPIRATION unlimited. Girls- you are getting the BEST deal for $199. You will be amazed at the mini workshops, make n takes (all day Friday) and then the workshops. WOW!!!! I KNOW you will be BLOWN away... I saw Layles mini workshop and I was DYING. She is so cute!!! What a nice girl and if you LOVE Scenic Route, Fiskars, Teresa Collins (ha- had to include my stuff) and more....well, this event is for you. I kept mentioning it, because it's worth the trip to Vegas. (flights on sale this weekend at www.travelocity.com- oh, and we are filling up!!!!)

My friend becky is doing a very contest called the ULTIMATE SUMMER Challenge with Scrapbook Etc. It is a weekly challenge with TEN FINALIST for techniques in your scrapbook layouts. It is designed to INSPIRE you and get you inspired to try new things. The contest link is.... http://my.scrapbooksetc.com/app/voting/index.jsp?id=/templatedata/sbe/voting/data/1207926635964.xml

Go and VOTE and help out these talented girls and be inspired today. Becky's layout is named "finding Laurel." I'm sure you will find lots of eye candy this weeks challenge was doodling or creative journaling. Go VOTE!!!!!

{GOOD THINGS}

THIS MONDAY... I am letting you know...THIS MONDAY-

I'm going to Preview ONE OF MY NEWEST PAPER COLLECTIONS debuting at CHA-S. I say...why what???? I can't wait...so come back- MONDAY!!! Remember, my hint- YUMMY!!!!

Have a great weekend!!!!!

class kitting....

I am waiting for some of my CHA S paper releases...patiently...one of the lines is coming today. I can't wait to play- always so "rewarding" to see my designs in a brand new 25 pack of paper. The line coming today is YUMMY. Hmm...That is all the hint that I can give. Ha!

Anyway, I am kitting up my class for Windy City, Scrapbook Island and Scrapbook Territory. I am home very little in July, so I have to get it all done now. Class signups for ISLAND and Territory are STARTING NOW!!!! Windy City is sold out, but I did make up extra kits for those who could not get into the class.

I'm taking a little kit break. (Oh, thank you thank you for all the email offered to kit my class kits!!!!- for some CRAZY reason, I can't let go of the control- ha! I pay my oldest daughters to KIT with me. I watch them like a hawk-ha! It just works best for me. I teach large classes- a small class for me is 30 students, so I like to have everything pre-done if possible. If you've taken a class from me- you know...

So want to see the three classes that I will be teaching at in San Jose www.scrapbook-island.com an Jose on Sat. August 9th????

This is a big 8x8 CLEAR Zutter Cover book. It's all about documenting those SUMMER TIME memories...using my BOARDWALK collection. I am so biased- but this big book is DARLING.

You can CUSTOMIZE the entire book- because you get the entire set of 182 black alphabet letters.

The workshop is FOUR hours... I LOVE longer classes and I hate to be rushed. How about you???? So have I tempted you to come????

The second project is the TRAVELOGUE workshop that I teach at Windy City Scrapbooking in 3 WEEKS!!! It sold out FAST in Chicago. So California girls- hurry- because this is the SAME big project!!!!

   

I'm looking forward to teaching this project. I wanted to do a project that makes documenting any trip or vacation easier.

Then the third project- yes, I'm teaching three workshops at Scrapbook Island- is a "There is Time" mini journal. Oh, it is so sparkly!!!

I used clear covers and made a mini journal of my family/life. Lots of room for wallet sized photos, and we stamp like crazy in the workshop. Love freestyle stamping!!!

SIDE VIEW of the PROJECT-

A couple of the pages!!!!

 

So there you go!!! I can't wait to go back to my friends Laurie and Dianes store. They are truly my friends. I have known both of them for years and I they have supported me and my lines unconditionally. They have been so patient waiting for me to make it back to teach at their stores. I promised I would fit them both in...so I  want to make this really wonderful for not only them but all my N. California girls. I can't wait...so it's official- you can sign up NOW!!!!

I am so OVER THE TOP EXCITED. Remember, the event in October in Vegas??? Inspirations Unlimited is now over 1/2  FULL in only a little over a week. This was testing the waters for me...letting someone organize a event for me & my friends Janna and Layle. The sponsor list keeps growing- FISKARS is being BEYOND GENEROUS!!!! Do you love Fiskars punches??? Ms. Janna is going to AMAZE you...trust me- I am dying to take her workshops. ALL workshops are NEW- never been taught before- NEW products. Girls, this is the ultimate girl friend weekend. So if your working on airfare- or trying to talk your hubby into a early Christmas gift--you won't be sorry!!!!

Okay, got to get back to those CLASS kits. Oh, my tile is being laid and it's GORGEOUS. I'll post a photo tomorrow. I bet you can feel the happiness in this post.

so busy

okay...so busy that I haven't even had time to email or do anything other than cha stuff related stuff and my home. thanks for all the comments...

We are "working" things out as best as we can. They are laying tiles this week. I am watching them as I type.

Zach's team won the Tournament!!!! It was a LONG and HOT day on Saturday. It was incrediable!!! It was 96 degrees and Zach caught most of the games. Poor kid! He hit another home run- such a good timing, and got the team "going."

THANKS for all the offers to do CHA samples. I really would need someone local by me- SLC area. So thanks for the countless emails... I so appreciate all the support. Definitely thinking about doing a official design team. I realize that I can't do it all. I need some cheerleaders on my team. Ha!!!!

The girls got home from TREK and it was amazing to hear their experiences. All my girls got up on Sunday and talked and bore testimony on their experience. Taylor told me it "humbled" her. It reminded her of "all that she has." We sat and cried together. I am so proud of her for being humble and saying sorry to me- she wrote me a letter and left it before she went on Trek. She realizes she was wrong. Gentry played the piano for our church congregation on Sunday. It was beautiful...and I cried.

Okay... I have to get my son, Ty to guitar lessons.

More soon.

teresa

MAJOR DRAMA

My life has been really "exciting" lately. I'm not sure if that is the correct word. Today our general contractor and I were not communicating very well. I acknowledge I am at my wits end and started to get angry on the phone. We began this remodel process in April and now we are in mid June.

Anyway, long story short...our contractor set our cabinets and wanted to do the 18x18 travertine now--after the cabinets have been installed.  We had addressed our concerns several times as this is not the norm and just doesn't make sense. We researched it and talked to our friend who owns a tile company. Everyone agrees that the tile is layed down first and cabinets placed on top of the tile. Our contractor did not believe this to be the case and...now we have no other choice and deal with all the cuts that will have to be done around all the cabinets.

Ty has been quite upset about the tile and some of the workmanship he is seeing. You have to understand, Ty is very much so a perfectionist. We have holes cut into the back of our cabinets that were cut wrong, a water line to the fridge is not there yet, etc. You know little and big things, but our GC said he will make everything RIGHT before it's all done. I understand- but it's hard when you have a perfectionist who is watching their every move. I am so caught in the middle!!!! I warned my GC of this BEFORE we ever began!!! I bet he wishes he never signed on my job... 

Anyway, today the GC called me this morning and was "TALKING" loudly to me- and blamed me for the work in the house being stalled today. I was explaining my point of view and was angry at this point...I won't get into all the dumb details, but believe me there is lots to get done around here. Ty was sitting beside me and could hear the GC "TALKING "- he did not shout, but he was upset and talking loud and somewhat disrespectfully to me.

Ty grabbed the phone out of my hand and started yelling at the GC. He told him he could talk to him anyway he wanted, but he would  NOT DISRESPECT his wife. Ty said, that I had been very patient and understanding and he would not tolerate the way he was talking to me.

So they continued to ARGUE very loudly for over an hour. It became a heated argument. I have never in 12 years of marriage EVER seen TY this angry. I was literally shocked. Ty never gets mad. He is very passive- strong willed, but never let's himself get worked up. Ty was yelling-yikes.... I have NEVER seen him yell at anyone before. 

Basically, no work was completed and all work is at a standstill of sorts- due to the flooring concerns. Wish us luck!!!!

The good news is all SIX projects are finalized for Scrapbook Island/Scrapbook Territory. Now the real work begins- kitting, instructions, visuals...with CHA S in one month- I will have to hire out help. I am stressing over my booth samples since I do not have a design team. I killed myself last time and did not sleep for almost a week before the last show.  Thankfully I have the amazing Jamie Harper who helps. So love her!!! Even with two of us, the work is overwhelming and it takes a huge toll on my family. I would like to find some local girls who could help with booth samples.

So I am going to post a sneak peak of my three classes at Scrapbook Territory on Aug. 8th. I love DIANE and Wilbur. I have been to her FABULOUS store before. Space is VERY limited- so sign up fast if your interested.  www.scrapbookterritory.com

It's PINK, BLACK and WHITE...and over 1/2 of my photos of are my boys...(there are NO RULES in scrap booking- right????)

SIDE VIEW of book...

I used some of Heidi's very cool Glossy Chipboard Accents. They went with my Damask/Bella Girl line perfectly.

The entire project is full of project and I love the hanging book charms and chandler on the book coil.

*hey, my first time ever using butterflies and a bird. 

This is a long FOUR hour workshop. It's a big project and I like for everyone to be relaxed- and take my ideas and make it their own.

The other classes for the S.Territory are a darling Mini TRAVEL Journal book-

I love the wing book charm. Also, we are using all my Stampers Anonymous stamps in class. Total STAMP playtime...

A couple visuals of the inside of the book.

TRAVELOGUE collection does make it easier for you to document all your travel memories-promise!!!!  

This is a 1.5 hour workshop...and so cute!!! Cover is clear acrylic and the back cover is WOOD...from Zutter. HAVE YOU seen the PINK Round it ALLs??? They are shipping. They will round the corners of thick chipboard, wood, clear acrylic...so amazing... They are so HOT- I don't even have one yet.  

I have used them though and believe me- they are the coolest tool ever!!!

Then the third class is a 2 page-- 12x12 layout and a CLEAR dome RING workshop. Two classes in one!!!!

I did a layout based upon one that I taught at Scrap A Ganza in The Netherlands. I changed it up a bit since I have longer to teach it...and of course- we are going to DESIGN a RING TO WEAR with my clear dome rings. We will decorate them in any way they want. I will have gems, paint, inks, pattern paper and we will all just create...create...very FREESTYLE... 

There you have the projects for Scrapbook Territory in Berkeley, CA on Friday August 8th. Sign ups begin on this MONDAY.

I will post all my classes for Saturday in San Jose tomorrow. I will be teaching three different projects the following day.

I am very happy to say the INSPIRATION unlimited event is going well. YEAH!!!! The things we have planned...did anyone say manicures???? Like I said...it's totally a GIRLS CREATIVE RETREAT. I am teaching a project that is a ONE OF A KIND- workshop. I will only teach it at this event. It is HUGE...I mean HUGE project. The album is 9x9- need I say more???? Plus, I have THREE mini workshops. That is just ME!   Janna and Layle are going to blow everyone away with their projects. Ms. Janna has informed me she will be teaching hands on how to create some of her amazing hand made flowers. Layle and I are going  to lunch on Friday. So looking forward to this. I have "known" her for a long time, but now will get a chance to "really" get to know her better. Such a cool girl- so I'm looking forward to this. We are driving to Vegas for the event together...so I'm looking forward to the "girl time" with her. 

Wow...this is the longest POST ever. I think I've seriously overdone this one. If you are still reading this- wow...if not, I don't blame you. Ha!

Night all-

WORKING....

I am happy to say, I'm on a CREATIVE roll. I am almost done with all SIX classes that I will be teaching in Northern California- Aug.7th/8th for Scrapbook Territory and Scrapbook Island. I only slept about 4 hours last night- because thankfully- I was "in the zone." Ha! So hopefully tomorrow- I can show the sneak peaks.

Today I thought I would post a visual of my cabinets- they are being installed now. Progress- so thankful to see my cabinets being installed. We are still probably looking at another two weeks before I can technically USE the kitchen. That is being optimistic...

I found a letter that Taylor left me yesterday, after she went to TREK. It was so sweet and apologetic. I am thankful she realizes how she hurt me and was wrong. I miss the girls!!!

Okay...one SMALL peak at the Summer 8x8 workshop that will be taught at Scrapbook Island-

I used my BOARDWALK line and a Zutter 8x8 clear book- so LOVE how it turned out. *I am sorry to say that this is a LIMITED space class.

I will not be able to offer this as a kit- SORRY! I only have enough chipboard alphabet letters for the class. It's quite the project a 3.5 hour workshop!!!

Back to "the Zone"... better keep at it while it lasts!!!!

Insightful

I am so thankful that I followed my heart and shared what I am going through. I read all the comments and many private emails. I learned so much from your advice. MANY of you have had such similar experiences. I thought I was the ONLY one- or at least it felt that way to me. Because of EACH of you- I felt comforted in what happened and possibly why. I guess you could say, that I now realize that sometimes demonstrating TOUGH LOVE is the best way for me to parent in this situation.

I had no idea so many boys and girls around this age, are doing the exact same thing to their parents. I never experienced this- not that I was a perfect teenager, but I was always afraid of "hurting" my mother. I see that my daughter is struggling with her independence. She is truly such a good girl. Wow, I mean she is kind hearted, giving, thoughtful...but her attitude is very disrespectful right now. My girls all want to TREK today. It  is a long three days of wearing pioneer clothes, and living in the "wilderness" with the bare basics with the youth in our church. They take no modern conveniences- no cell phone, make up, ipods, etc. They even sleep on the ground on a tarp (in a sleeping bag). They carry a big wooden handcart and learn what it was like to be a pioneer. I know it will reconfirm to the girls the blessings of what they do have and where those blessings come from. So after TREK I will continue to love and support Taylor everyday. I told her that I love her, but cannot allow her to disrespect me. I hope the next few days at TREK will help her "see" the light. Ha!

Yesterday morning, I felt like I needed to stop thinking about "myself" and went to do some service. I spent three hours cleaning the home of the Jenkins family. They are coming home today from a family vacation. Bryce will start chemotherapy tomorrow. They have been gone for two weeks. In the mean time, their friends have went in a did a lot of work on their home. The home needed a good cleaning. I was blessed to be able to go and do something for someone else. I felt so much better after I left. I realize that when we are feeling the most down, give service to someone else and it will instantly help US more than anyone. 

Last night, I went to a barbecue with Gentry for the Spartonian parents. I had a blast. I loved meeting all the drill team parents. It's always hard being the "new" girl. Most of the team knows each other. I was assigned to do all bulletin boards when I was away teaching. They had heard I was a "scrap booker." I laughed but excited to share a little bit of "myself" creative wise this year.

I wanted to tell everyone how exciting it is to see all the sign ups for INSPIRATION unlimited event. In one week- we are getting lots of sign ups. YEAH! A cute group of girls from Canada signed up this week. We have girls from across the country coming. We have set up a on line forum (thanks Janna) that is so cool. *girls, if your coming to the event- make sure and join us. I will post sneak peaks and we will post swaps, get to know you, and roommates needed/wanted, etc. Don't worry if your coming alone- YOU will make friends. I also can't contain some cool news...our event is busting at the seams with good stuff. We are going to be giving away from FANTASTIC prizes--like- drum roll- Bind it all, DreamKuts, etc. and the like. I am also doing a little "SPOOKTACULAR" give away for EVERYONE that attends. Oh, is that too big of a CHA S product hint???? Oh well, you girls HAVE to know that I LOVE HALLOWEEN- so today- let's just say...one of my CHA S releases is called "SPOOKTACULAR" and its my ALL TIME favorite HALLOWEEN line I've ever done. So girls- everyone at the event will be getting to do a "spooktacular" mini book on Friday. So girls, can you tell how excited I am????? I can't thank all of you that have emailed me and signed up for the event. All the info is on my side bar if you are interested.

I am watching my cabinets being installed to my kitchen walls RIGHT NOW. YEAH!!!!! Progress...so thankful. Off to scrapbook... tomorrow- I will posting the classes that I will be teaching in August in Northern California. Have a great day!

Letting go...

Today has been probably one of the worst days ever for me as a mother. The day just started off bad and got worse. I think my kids like ganging up on me. Recently, I have had a lot of problems with my kids talking back to me. It is especially bad with my oldest girls. Well,today... my oldest daughter decided she did not want to do the chore that I asked all five of my kids to do together. She proceeded to sit down and refused to help weed the flower bed. I was so upset and had basically had it...it turned into a argument and ended with her moving to live with her dad today. She got into her car and left after I told her that she was not allowed to leave. (He is about 20 minutes from me). All day, I have felt overwhelmed with crying, guilt, sadness and anger. That is what is so had about having to share parenting with two parents. She can go between the two of us and plays us against each other. Anyway, after I called her dad, I knew that I had to let her go live with her dad. I was torn- wanting desperately to keep her at home with me, but also so frustrated at the way she has been treating me lately.

She came back to the home after a couple of hours. I watched as she packed countless bags and left. It broke my heart and I'm still in shock. She is a good girl- a great girl...and has the best heart, but she is only 17 and thinks she is all grown up. Is this normal when a child graduates? Do they suddenly feel like the rules do not apply to them? The problem is that I grew up in NC where you respect your parents/elders. period. I have struggled with her for months. Not the big time struggles but the simple ones, like respect- doing what is asked, etc. So I feel like a huge failure. I know a lot of this is timing. The kitchen/remodeling is a HUGE problem in our home. They came today and ended up doing NOTHING all day. There is always the setbacks that puts off our remodel every day. I am especially on edge and regret deciding to do the remodel. 

I thought today if I would blog about this. I knew that I needed to share and hopefully maybe even get some wise words of wisdom from you. I often hear from people...oh, your the best mom etc. I often laugh-  because I am just a normal mom who struggles like everyone. Today reconfirms to me, how I wish our children came with a Manuel on what not and what to do.

After Taylor left, I've called her several times to tell her that I love her. No matter what  I love and miss her. I hope I am doing the right thing...

  Finally some photos from my trip. I've been home a week now. I can't wait to go back.

A cab in London. Visiting BUCKINGHAM PALACE.

Oops...I guess I should have edited my photos...

anyway, the guards are "all business". Michelle and Andrew were the best tour guides. Thanks Michelle.

BIG BEN

So beautiful.

I am not used to using the subway. I loved the ease of the transportation. We went on the underground from Heathrow airport to the city and back

Then we headed to Chepstow in Wales. This is the place that Ty and I stayed.

This is my new friends that I adore. Pam, Louise with Ty. They were the BEST tour guides ever. I absolutely LOVED the country of Wales. I really bonded with these two beautiful woman. Can't wait to go back!!!!

This castle is older than my country. It was amazingly beautiful. I have my notes with all the information, but am being lazy and not including it all in my post. Sorry!

oops...sideways here. ha!

yes, I LOVE the red phone booths. I couldn't get Ty in the booth for a photo though.

We walked across the bridge. You were in Wales on one side of the bridge and the other side you were back in the UK.

The Museum in Chepstow.

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Did you know this is where JK Rowlings grew up???? This is the home that she lived in. Pam pulled over and let me take a photo. My girls are HUGE fans of the Harry Potter books.

After a wonderful day with Louise and Pam- we had a wonderful long lunch at the Country Club. Ty learned all about the game of Cricket from Pam. Thanks Pam! Louise is quite the cook and made us the BEST dinner. I was very impressed. Then we headed to the Rugby Club where I taught a class. Here is a photo of the girls coming and finding a spot.

I found every single one of my "new" friends to be so nice, so geniune. I would go back in a heartbeat. I would like to stay for a lot LONGER next time. I was pretty tired by this point from traveling. I pulled my hair up and took my heels off.

I finished reading the book The Host by Stephanie Meyer after my class that night. (Always need to rewind after a busy day- and I like to read).

Next morning, we drove to the airport to catch a flight to Amsterdam. I already blogged about the happening at the airport...well, thankfully we made it to our event and I was able to teach at Scrap a Ganza.

Some photos from the event-

So thankful for my sweet husband, Ty. He taught hundreds of woman how to use the Bind it All. I love him and am thankful that he LOVES me enough to travel across the country to help me. He even bound a book for a nice lady who was in another class that used the BIA and needed help to bind and coil her rather complicated book. He is always willing to help and my classes were full. I had classes of over 80 students- teaching a book project in only 1 hour 15 minutes. Yikes!!!! My class was simple, but I knew it had to be to get through it.

I met the most amazingly talented woman at this event. I was so inspired, impressed and awe struck at the ladies projects.

Here is Emma. Remember this project??? I posted it on my blog previously. Once upon a time...with Bella Girl. She is so humble and sweet. I LOVE her work!!!!!!! Great to see it in person.  I got to spend some time with my friends Melodee L, Nellie (new friend from Holland), Layle Koncar, Vicki Boutin, CD, Donna Downey & hubby, hmmm...hope I am not missing out anyone....oh, Jennifer Moody from Luxe (sweet girl!)...then Diane and the UK girls (so much fun- these girls)...and Karen B. & hubby. Oh my, is Karen not the most talented technique girl ever. So funny...love her. All in all...a wonderful wonderful trip.

I am doing a mini book about the trip this week. I'll be sure to share...thanks Heidi and Michelle for inviting me.

Now...off to read a new book. Almost every night, I curl up to a good book.

crazy weekend...

summer is busy.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY! We went to church, the children got up and sang two songs for the dads. We came home and barbequed ribs on the grill. Then dad (Ty) got to enjoy a LONG relaxing nap. Ty is such low maintenance. He expects nothing, and is very happy. Of course, he got cards- his fave treats (grapefruit juice, nuts, CD of old school rock, etc. from the kids) Ty is the type of person if he wants something, well he just buys it. So he is the hardest person ever to get gifts for.

Ty won his games...then lost in the third game round. Season over...and so proud of my little guy.

Zach's team played TWO games yesterday. They won both. Poor guy was feeling sick but played great anyway. His knees are starting to really bother him. He is a catcher on the team and catches a lot. He is only TEN so this worries me. When we were in Amsterdam, his team went to Idaho and WON the championship. They play in another tournament on Saturday. (makeup from Memorial day)

After two games yesterday, I went to McKay's year end dance recital. She did amazing... I saw her up on the stage and realized how SHE no longer looks like a little girl. She has grown into quite the little beauty. So thankful for my kids- wow- just don't know what I would do without them.

So can I complain just a minute???? I am NOT doing well without a kitchen. I use my main floor bathroom sink to wash dishes and we eat out 80% of all of meals. I just want it DONE! My cabinets were delivered on Friday. They are beautiful... but there is still so much more to do. I feel horrible health wise... I just want my house back. Okay... I know complainer complainer.... I am feeling sorry for myself. Oh well, it's just that I think I am at the end of my ropes. I want my space, my routine, my healthier lifestyle back. Okay, done...

Happy Father's Day!!!!

INSPIRATION UNLIMITED

Here is our logo for the INSPIRATION unlimited event. Can I tell you how excited I am to do an event in Vegas. Well, technically it is just outside Las Vegas- in Henderson. I have been getting emails with lots of questions. I will post a blog post on that hopefully this weekend. Briefly, it's a event to come be inspired, but relax too. Hmmm. We are planning the ultimate girls weekend- you know, you can crop, do mini workshops & make n takes on Friday. The hotel has a nice pool, many on-site restaurants, and is very affordable. We wanted an event that everyone could possibly afford to attend. It's the ultimate girl time!!!! If you want a message, well- that will be available...you want to run to IN-N-OUT or something to grab a bite to eat- well, that is no problem. We have shopping on the agenda- and will leave time for anyone who wants to see the sites of the Las Vegas strip or shop at the local scrapbook stores. Some of the great manufacturers represented will be Scenic Route, Teresa Collins designs, Fiskars, Stampers Anonymous, Zutter (Bind it All) and many more.  The workshops on Saturday are going to AMAZE you. Each participant will get to take all three workshops. My workshop is quite the project- It's a larger album (think album track here!!!). I can't show it quite yet  since the {album} is debuting next month at CHA S. It's full of product, very technique driven and the album is titled "THE GOOD STUFF." I'm using chipboard for my title so you could adapt it to be whatever theme you desire. The classes on Saturday are three hours in lengthn- so you can not feel so rushed. Again, you get to take a class on Saturday from not only me, but Janna Wilson and Layle Koncar. Wow, didn't mean to even type this much...I guess I'm excited. So excited that people are signing up already...hey, California girls...time for a road trip!!!!!

I just wanted to let everyone know how much I appreciated your comments yesterday. Taylor read them and was VERY touched. People tell me all the time that she looks like me. She was okay with me posting about the subject. I think at times we feel like we are the only ones facing issues like this. Thanks Pam for the email!

I have to get to Home Depot to get door handles and finalize a *secret something* for the summer show product line... a last minute addition. Tonight lil' Ty has a baseball game. They won last night (we are in playoffs now- single elimination). Ty hit two "bombs" last night in his game. He got two triples...he is so cute running the bases. He could have probably had home runs but he isn't a super fast runner. He runs and cheers at the same time. Ha!!!! So cute...I was up the tower running the scoreboard and was so excited I about yelled in excitement....

catching up...

I have so much to share. I wanted to rewind a bit and share some things in my life. My oldest daughter Taylor graduated just 12 days ago. I have some photos to share (my family will appreciate these!!!!)

This is a happy girl. She was getting ready to go to her graduation. Murray High Schools color is orange and black. I bought her a dozen pink roses.

This is my baby...only 17 years old. I told her she will ALWAYS be my baby- no matter how old she gets!!!!

This is a few of her friends. Many of you may remember from my blogging how Taylor has had a hard time with friends over the school years. I guess you could call it the "MEAN GIRLS" thing. She still has very few friends. She spent a lot of her  Elementary, Jr. High and High School years alone. She was made fun of, her hair pulled, once a group of kids in elementary school put pins on her seat and when she sat down- she sat on them. They went through her buttom and physically hurt her. Emotionally the pain was far worse. I spent many hours in prayer for her. She was alone and sad and could not figure out why no one wanted to be her friend. I am crying as I blog this...wow, it's been some emotionally tough years. To see your child hurt, well, it's as if they were doing it to me- but far worse!!!! She was blessed to have found a small group of friends last year. It changed her life. She has always been the underdog. However, Taylor has always been the girl who is friendly and kind to everyone. She knows what it is like to be alone and the girl "not invited" to the parties. She recently told me, that she seeks out those who need a friend. She understands- so I'm so proud of the young woman that she has become.

This is the graduation class. It was around 450 students.

Here SHE is- Diploma in hand!!!! I love you Taylor- remember that- your inner beauty shines. Taylor will be at CHA S with me at the show. She will be helping do some cool make n takes. I'm taking her to see Wicked on Thursday night. Anyone want to go with us????

The next day, we did the yardsale for my friends family. I was so thankful that I was able to help that day. We raised $21,000 dollars to help the Jenkins family. I had a very "proud" mommy moment. You see the cub scouts (my boys) made signs for the yard sale. When I arrived at the yard sale my friends showed me this sign.

I guess Ty knew exactly what he wanted to say-

FUNDRAISER come help BRICE and his color cancer (sad face) HELP!!!!

I literally got tears in my eyes. They placed the sign by the bake sale. They made a couple thousand dollars on the baked goodies alone.

Anyway, if you know me- or have taken a class from me...well, you KNOW why I scrap book. It's all these memories that I NEVER want to forget.

So excited for the event I announced yesterday. Woo hoo...sign ups are starting. I thought Vegas would be the best place for a little retreat- a creative inspiration weekend. I will be posting ONE of my projects that I am teaching in a couple of weeks. You will NOT want to miss this event- I'm so excited...

My house is being painted this week (all the interior) and it's quite chaotic. The bright side- a freshly painted house is very uplifting to me. Everything just seems cleaner. Off to get back to CHA S samples.