TERESA COLLINS

TIME TO TRAVEL

Well, I'm not traveling for about three weeks, but I have been thinking A LOT about traveling. I'm getting ready for my trip. I am doing the pre-trip stressing. I have so much going on- my daughter graduates from High School in 2 weeks. (I'm sad & Happy for her at the same time!!!) I always said that I loved getting married at 19 and having kids so young. Now, I realize I'm not ready to let her completely grow up!!!! Taylor came home from school yesterday to let me know she will graduate with a Science Honor special award. She didn't apply for it (norm) and the school counselor found her  and told her to apply she was the top student to get it. COOL!!!

Baseball is in full swing and Ty or I will be found at a ballpark/game every day (except Sundays). I love it and it's my favorite sport to watch!!! McKay is getting ready for her end of year dance recitals, and choir concert. WHY do they WAIT for the year end to DO EVERYTHING???? I have to run in two races this week- Fun, Fit, Walk Run with little Ty on Friday with his school and Saturday- a 5K with the church youth going on TREK (camp). I am so happy to be busy...but wow, it's nonstop.

They are trying to have my kitchen done by the time I leave for the UK in 20 days. I am so over the top worried about everything. Right now, it is very SLOW. I am not seeing a lot of progress. Tomorrow there is supposed to be (promised by contractor) non-stop action going on if they are to complete  the house/kitchen remodel on time. I sold my appliances, and listed them on line at KSL.com on Monday night. I sold a refrigerator, range and built in microwave oven within ONE HOUR. Wow...FAST! They will pick them up tomorrow- so I will officially be without my kitchen. This is what I have been dreading!!!! However, the bright side is the appliances sold.

I guess...this post is simply that I am beyond busy. I am finalizing lots of artwork. I am over the moon happy with my CHA S releases. Every time I do a line, I can't decide what is my favorite. I have many favorites this go round!!!! Oh, I am taking Taylor to CHA S with me. She has begged to go for years. Since she is now graduating and older, I am bringing her to the show to help do one of my make n takes. THE MAKE N TAKES for this SHOW are OVER THE TOP...I mean, if your at the show you will want to RUN TO MY BOOTH!!!!! Okay, maybe not RUN, but we are doing something pretty AMAZING!!!! I also have Jamie Harper in my booth again to help with another Make N Take. I am so blessed to have Jamie working with me. She sent me a project she did for the booth yesterday- Want to see it????

Here it is- TRAVELOGUE:

    

Whether your traveling near or far...I hope you remember to document your journey. Jamie's book is so cute!!!! I have to go- but tomorrow, I plan to share more projects that many of you have sent to me. THANK YOU!!!

Remember, send images of your clear dome rings!!!! You will be so sad, when you see the prizes that the 5 winners get, if you didn't enter. Oh, did anyone watch American Idol last night???? Thoughts???? Who do you think will be voted off tonight? I think at this point- it could be anyone. I really didn't like the song the producers choose for David A. to sing last night.

More soon-

THANK YOU

Thank you for your comments and several heartfelt private emails. I am truly TOUCHED. Oh, I have a couple more photos to share from David A. homecoming.

We blew up 3,000 balloons and had 3,000 shirts printed up. The shirts were gone FASTER than anything. It was just such a fun day.

Taylor and I hung up a ton of banners that had been made. So many- Will you marry me? banners.

These football stadium seats were completely full. I knew I needed to take the photo early before they let anyone in.

Taylor did not have classes in the AM so she helped volunteer too. We got these cute shirts!!!!

It was really fantastic to do this for the day. I wanted to support David. He is so humble and realizes where his gift is from. His brother will be singing a duet this week at the JHS choir concert. McKay said he has a GREAT voice too!!!! So tonight, I will be watching American Idol- the three remaining "idols"are so completely fantastic. I am sure it will be a great show.

McKay had her cute friends over on Friday for a little party.

They are cute! (McKay is in the white shirt!)-

We had pizza, birthday cake and candy. Lots of nutrition. Isn't it great to see your children HAPPY and laughing? PRICELESS.

So I have so good things to share. Yesterday, I was talking on the phone to Donna Downey. I had agreed to go teach at her INSPIRED artist workshop 2009- May 7-9th in Concord NC. I will teaching some mini workshops. So excited to be involved. The teachers are fantastic and I only heard the BEST things about her event this year. DONNA DOWNEY- INSPIRED EVENT- here is a link to the event! I will see Donna in 3 weeks in Amsterdam. How cool! She is a sweetheart. Oh, did I mention that this event is only about 30 minutes from where I was born/raised??? I feel like I'm going home.

Some other cool news- I will be teaching at WINDY CITY SCRAPBOOK store on Wed. July 16th from 6:00-9:00pm. There is very limited space, so I wanted to let you know in case you want to call and get on the class list. I will be teaching a very cool book project that is filled with good and new things! If you are in or near Chicago, hope you can make it! I will post the store contact information-

www.windycityscrapbooking.com

2265 N Cylbourne Chicago IL 60614

PHONE: 773-935-0585

I need to run some errands. Have a great day!

 

Mother's DAY

I have the hardest time on Mother's Day. I am so emotional anyway, so my kids know I'm very tender hearted. I had a beautiful lesson taught to be in church today. Several woman talked about motherhood. I wanted to share something REALLY simple that was said...it was to "live in the moment." So often, we worry about a clean home, our crazy over scheduled days, and feelings of not being the mother we want to be. I could go on- but if your a mother, you know the word- GUILT. I am very hard on myself. I was inspired today to just simply enjoy "being a mom- all my faults and all."

As many of you know, I lost my mother 5 years ago. It was so sudden and unexpected. Without sharing too much, my mother in law and family has been having some emotional issues within our family. Out of respect to my family, I won't share the private details. I want to share this- in family's we all have misunderstandings and hurt feelings. It's a part of life. I sent a very bold and heartfelt email to my mother in law this week. I was so sad to see people that I love hurt and being judgmental. I said something that I truly mean. I mentioned that as much as my mother and I --often had issues (what mother and daughter) doesn't at times? I regret that we spent so much wasted time due to misunderstandings. In my email, I said that I would give ANYTHING to have just ONE hour in the presence of my mother.

ONE HOUR...just to see my mother again.

The other stuff...it just doesn't matter.

When I hear friends complain about their mother's. I feel compelled to tell them to ACCEPT who they are. Embrace the good, and overlook the bad. I have no idea WHY I'm sharing this...just felt I should.  Love your mothers...Love your daughters...life is too short!

I was so thankful to be able to share the day with my birthday girl. I know we all love our children, so I am no different than any other mother. I told my children tonight that I LOVE being their mother. I wanted them to know they are my life, my heart and my joy. One of McKay's best friends came by tonight. She wanted to give her a gift on her birthday. Her friend Camrey, gave her a CD that she made for her. At first, I thought it was a music DVD. However, it was a DVD made especially for her. It was a video of various pictures, videos of them together, and words made to music. It was the most touching thing! Camrey put photos of the girls-some- several years old. It was of them at Halloween, goofing off, at school, etc. She said..."We have been friends for nine years and you are still the same since the day we met. You are sunshine!" Plus, other cute thoughts. She had photos of sunshine...and photos of their friends together. It was the most thoughtful gift. Camrey took the time to give her a true gift. A gift of LOVE- from the heart. I know Camrey does not read my blog, but I can't thank her enough for loving my daughter. I will personally go over to her home tomorrow and give her a big hug.  Lesson learned-the gift of love is priceless.

I will post more photos from the homecoming tomorrow. Hope you had a wonderful day surrounded by those that you love!!!

David's Murray Hometown Visit....

***typepad was wonky for me last night. I was not done with this post and it would not allow me to continue. I will do another post later with more info. and photos. HAPPY MOTHERS DAY and HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET MCKAY- I LOVE YOU!!!

Are you ready for the details from yesterday????

Be prepared for lots of photos. I have SO many photos, that it was hard to decide which one to share.

Here goes:

David sang three songs for his fans. He was OVERWHELMED with the thousands of people who came to see him. David had no idea so many people would show up.

He performed at the high school- stage on one end of the football field. We were so lucky to be in the reserved spot- right up front.

It's so evident that so many people have been inspired by this young man. He had fans from across the nation show up. One girl gave him a scrapbook. Taylor saw it, but I was busy helping blow up 3,000 balloons. Yikes!

I wanted to show this photo of Mayor Snarr (Murray Major) telling David that yesterday was officially David Archuleta day. That is David's dad (hat), and family. He has one brother and three sisters.  That is American Idol's camera man shooting the moment.

David with family again. His mother is in yellow- somewhat hidden. I think she is beautiful. David's brother, Daniel is in the black t-shirt. He is a gifted athlete. Also, he sings as well. He will be singing a duet this Thursday at the choir concert at the Jr. High. McKay says he is quite the singer too.

David was given a street named after him.

This is a view from the stands before David showed up. Police had to stay overnight in the parking lot, so that people could not take the students/facility parking. When I arrived shortly before 9 am, I saw only three parking spots. It was a MAD HOUSE. The police said there was so many people, we had to open the doors early at 1:15 instead of 3:30 as planned. I was hanging banners and I saw all these people RUNNING across the football field to get to the front of the fence. I had to stop doing what I was doing, to help deal with the crowd.

Before the show, my boys came from school to watch David. They were so excited. These are the shirts that we gave out to the first 3,000 people. We tried to give all the student body shirts. We ran out of shirts so fast. I felt so bad!!!! I had people offering me money for a shirt. One man asked- how much money would it take for you to give me a shirt? I could not help him since we would not sell the shirts

       

thursday...

I am wondering how to host a party for McKay when my home is so torn up. She turns 14 on Sunday- Mother's Day. Once again, we get to share the day. She wanted to invite about 40 friends. McKay is very social and has many friends. Thankfully, they are good kids. My only complaint is that they want to constantly be together and I want her home more. I limit how often she can "hang" out with them. This makes me the "mean" mom. I have ordered a big cake and was planning on a small party tomorrow night with her friends. My home is in complete disarray, so I cannot really have them over. Unfortunately, it's rainy now- so the backyard will not work. I'm thinking tomorrow after the BIG David Archuleta gathering, they can come over for Pizza, Cake & Ice Cream and a late night.

I will be volunteering for the big AI Welcome Home Party for David. I will go to Murray HS at 9am for the day. We are blowing up balloons, and decorating for his arrival. The PTA has 3,000 shirts printed to give out to the fans. It is expected to rain, and so we will very likely be out in the rain. They are expecting anywhere from 15-20,000 attendees. The high school is right beside the new IHC hospital. My husband will be across the street, doing surgery. I wonder if he will be able to hear all the "celebrations & cheering." So tomorrow, it's going to be a day full of fun.

I want to share the images from my stamps. They are the perfect size for ATC cards too. Have a great day!!!!!

It's RAINING....

I love RAIN when it's springtime. It's still WARM outside and it's just CALM. I have been running errands ALL day long. I mailed out all the packages from the winners of various contest. I sponsored a contest at www.scrapscene.com  and the winner was Michelle Beck from FRANCE She did a beautiful layout!!!!

Then I had to go to UPS to mail a surprise box of goodness to my dear friend Ms. Janna Wilson. Many of you may know her, she and I met through our work at Junkitz. That is just one of my many blessings from working with Junkitz. I love my sweet friend. We talk on the phone as often as we can and we are both TALKATIVE. We are very similar and I simply adore her!!! I am so proud to call her my friend. Love you Janna!!!!!

Oh, then the quick trip to Costco that ended up to a quick $200 spent. Can you tell groceries have REALLY went up???? I try to buy healthy food and I think it costs MORE to eat the good food. I loaded up on strawberries and watermelon. I crave chocolate around 7pm EVERY night...always have. So I buy those snack size packs- mixture of chocolate. I then can have a piece at night.  The problem is not allowing yourself to eat more than one or two pieces. Ha! I am down 8 lbs. so far. I so appreciate all your emails that helped get me back on track.

I wanted to share some more layouts that have been shared with me-

what a cute layout of two sisters. This page is Jen Erickson's layout. I love her creative journaling and the bird/stars.

This project is AMAZING... can you see the Tim Holtz grungeboard hinges? on the book??? I was blown away by this book. The talented designer is from the UK- Emma Trout. She used Damask and Bella Girl. I simply am in love with it. I wish I could see it in person. She is on Heidi's (Scrapbook Mate) design team. 

I have to go make dinner, and then head to church tonight for Young Women's night. I will come home JUST in time to watch American Idol. My girls think I am obsessed with David. HA! I'm just so proud of him. FYI- if you watch the show- you know tonight we find out if he has made the TOP THREE and will get a HOME TOWN visit. So our town- Murray- is already a buzzing. He is performing at our high school football stadium- MHS-this Friday at 4:30 pm. If you are in Utah- it's open to everyone. They are estimating 20,000 people. If he is voted off- well, it's a WELCOME HOME celebration. If he continues on to next week- it's the PARADE too, etc. Either way- it's pretty exciting here. Of course, our family will be there cheering him on. ***please know I support all these finalist. It's just we (well, my girls-) happen to know David and his family.

I have had a few RING CONTEST entry's. Wow...you girls are fast. Trust me, it's worth entering this contest. Wink!!!! I have SPECIAL prizes- just for the 5 winners- so be sure and enter. Oh, and if your a store and you carry the rings- please post on my blog. I have had people asking where they can find my clear dome rings.  Here is some tips:

1. use glossy accents as your adhesive- it will DRY clear. *remember LESS is more. A little goes a long way!!!

2. The rings come in size 7, 8 and 9. They are fairly true to size. I wear a 7, but later in the day or in the summer (hot weather)- I bet I will wear a 8.

3. The rings retail for $1.00 MSRP.

Correction: Stamper's Anonymous booth show hours are 10-6pm.

Thanks for noticing the new "me"photo. Ty took it for me a couple months ago. I think he is quite the camera man. I think I'll keep him!!!!

Have a great night!!!

Rambling....

I’m so thankful for the beautiful weather where I live. It’s sunny and warm. We have a baseball game tonight (perfect baseball weather) and then I will RUSH home to watch David Archuleta perform. McKay downloaded some of this songs on ITUNES. It’s kind of weird knowing David- before AMERICAN IDOL. Fame is so funny. I can’t imagine going from NO

ONE

knows you- to MILLIONS of people who do. They are getting pretty nasty on TV, online,etc. about “the real David” and his father. To set the records straight- the rumors are so untrue- his dad IS NOT the evil SHOW dad that they are portraying. He is not mean and demanding of his son. I know that David will remain the great young man that he has always been. When it comes down to it- I feel that David Cook will win because of this age, genre and such. Oh, and he is greatly talented too!

Both David’s are amazing!!!!

I am so impressed and wanted to HIGHLIGHT an amazing album contest winner on my blog.

This is the winner's entry SIMON KAMPS. She entered her book at www.coordinatescollections.com and I LOVE it!!!!

Simon used the stitched file folder that I designed when I was with Junkitz.  I LOVE this project!!!! It is clever, creative and I think INSPIRING!!! Congrats Simon- 

Stampers Anonymous will be debuting my new stamps at a consumer show this weekend. They will have my new rubber stamps and new Travelogue papers. The show is Saturday & Sunday.

Here is the Show info:

Somerset

,

New Jersey

May 9-10
Friday -

Saturday

Garden

State

Exhibit

Center

9-5 each day

I want to share a project that I will be teaching this summer. It's a small travelogue book-

 

I used my new stamps on the cover- I am loving playing with the stamps!!!! I used the BIA covers too. Since it is a class, I with show just a few images. I am so excited to teach more- I know I have several stores on a waitlist. I am wanting to make it to more stores this year. Contact me if you are on the waitlist and want to confirm anything, or to inquire about my schedule. I have been having issues of emails bouncing- not getting to me- for the past few months.

So I have to share a photo that I came across from NSD. I was blown away-

Now I LOVE all of the different examples of my CLEAR dome rings decorated.

WOW- K2 Scrapbooking in Sarasota FL did my rings for NSD. I get asked all the time, about visuals of clear dome rings decorated. So I thought- let's do a contest- my official FIRST ever contest!!!! Decorate one of my clear rings (TC-2304 Clear Rings) in ANY manner and send me your image. I will PICK 5 WINNERS who will be featured on my website & blog. Each winner will get a prize package from me!!!!! Sound fun????

Requirement: HAVE FUN!!!! and send a brief description of how/what you did to your ring. I can't wait to see what you can come up with! Deadline: May 25th. I want to announce the winners and send the prizes before I go teach at Scrap a Ganza.  I hope you'll join in on the fun!!!!

Here it is...

I have so much to share. I want to thank EVERYONE for the comments and the personal emails. I got the BEST advice from you. It was EXACTLY what I needed. First, I went in and stepped on the dreaded scale. I was up 13 lbs. from my last weigh in. Wow...I about cried, but more so- I was MAD at myself.

I have been breaking some of "RULES" for the past few months. 1. I stopped weighing myself (loss of accountability) 2. Stopped drinking my 64 oz. of water every day- NONE. I have been drinking Caffeine Free Diet Mt. Dew. I went a year 1/2 with NO SODA and then I slipped. I am drinking caffeine free because I stay up until 4am every night if I drink caffeine. My body will not shut down... 3. I started getting COMFORTABLE with myself. I felt good about my size and figured that I looked "good enough." 4. After CHA, I let all the emails and new product design deadlines become a PRIORITY over exercise. I am a people pleaser, and daily I get 50-100 emails emails that I WANT to respond to. I just get overwhelmed.

So on Friday, I KNEW what I had to do. I needed to REFOCUS. I looked at the positive- I had not gained all the weight back. Then I read all the comments (a few times!!!!) and took your advice to heart. Yes, went and found the older photos from two years ago. I decided right then to STOP lying to myself.

So I am happy to say, that I weighed myself this morning- down 3 lbs. So I'm back on track. I still have 10 more lbs to go- and then more after that. I'm focusing on the first goal first. I will just say, that I have NEVER been more "happy" with myself. In the past, I would have seen I gained weight...and then ATE & ATE because I was DEPRESSED that I had gained weight. What a cycle!!! (okay...sorry  for the long weight issue posts) If you are reading my blog... and really want to know who and what I am about, then you'll find I share my life- just how it is.

FINALLY- the winner- PICKED randomly for the BOX of TC PRODUCTS is:

OMG, I would love to be the lucky winner to get some of your goodies!!! I'm sorry you had the dreaded appointment today! I hate that!!! But I hate the dentist even worse!!!! I know, that's strange!!!

You will get everything together with your weight and everything will fall into place. You seem like such a terrific person, and you have a wonderful family.....you're doing something right!!!!!

Patti H.

Posted by: Patti | May 02, 2008 at 02:15 PM

I am the

MAY

Guest Designer for Freckle Friends. I have to say, that I LOVED their kit. I adore the girls who own the site www.frecklefriends.com . (Susan hope you feel better REALLY soon!!!) They have supported me and my product lines since the very beginning of their online business. I was so happy to do some projects for them. Here is a few images of what I created-

The kit had Damask and Bella Girl & Journal it, a Fontwerks stamp, a cool Cosmo Cricket album and some very cool Tinkering Ink paper. (plus more!!!!)

I have been wanting to scrap this photo of Zach from TWO summers ago. VERY simple page. I cut the large DAMASK image in 1/2- and used in along left and right side of black cardstock.

Oh, isn't this a fun book? I made a mini book for Gentry. She had to wear this sign two weeks ago to school. I wanted to document it. I love the Hambly transparency sheet.

Scrapbooking those Sweet 16 photos, with the kit.

Freckle Friends kit club---http://www.qbaroo.com/frecklefriends/index.cfm?categoryoid=48&productoid=1120

I need to get myself to HOME DEPOT. My home is completely torn up. I still have the kitchen (partial)- so that I can cook for another week.  Have a great day!!!!!

Friday....

I am happy to say, that my crazy day yesterday worked out. I had some kids that had to WAIT for rides, etc. Last night, I was just so thankful to have the day DONE. It was stressful. It's crazy days like this, that can be so overwhelming. Last night, after the girls YW recognition dinner, I told the kids to load in the car and we went to McDonalds. My kids like the fruit and yogurt parfaits. We went through the drive-up and then came home. It was a NICE way to end a very busy day.

This morning, I have my good ole' appointment with my OB-GYN. I dread these routine but necessary visits. In fact, I HATE them. Nothing fun about getting up on a table and well, you know...I am a very private person when it comes to modesty. I am so uncomfortable with the entire process. I HATE being weighed on the medical scales. Today, I admit, it has been a LONG time since I weighed myself.

THERE... I admit it. I am struggling. I have lost my motivation. Now, I'm afraid of SLIPPING back...gaining the weight I lost. Why in the world am I admitting this???? Because, I want to be real and honest with myself. I have always admitted that I will struggle with my weight- every day for my entire life. I am not a girl that is naturally thin. I am the girl who will eat out of boredom, stress, happiness, sadness...I think you get the picture. So HELP- anyone- does anyone have any advice on how to get my motivation back???? I think I am in denial, but I worked to hard to gain it all back. I will find out today if I've gained weight.

So tomorrow is National Scrapbooking Day!!!!! I hope you have some fun "creative" plans. I will be going to two baseball games and one baseball practice. I will be THINKING "creative" thoughts. Does that count????

So to celebrate, I am going to do a TERESA COLLINS PRIZE BOX for some lucky winner. YES, I will include my latest paper line- TRAVELOGUE-PLUS Damask, Journal-it, Clear Ring, Black Chipboard bracket shaped book, Boardwalk, Bella Girl, my die cuts, etc... post a comment to win. Good luck and happy NSD.... So fun to do a PRIZE

FANTASTIC...

My trip to Sacramento was FANTASTIC. I always come back MOTIVATED and INSPIRED. It is such a cool thing to be able to talk to the retailers who support me and the industry. I have found some of the dearest and closest friends that I have at these events. I was able to hear about the classes and projects that they are doing with my lines. Many are actually using my lines for their NSD projects. I am  THANKFUL and APPRECIATIVE. I had the best time. The event was held at Embassy Suites and Joan Mills and her Rep group are simply AMAZING. I am so impressed with how smooth the event ran.

It's always fun seeing my friends. I had no idea Jenni & Jared Bowlin were at the show too. I LOVE her! We are a lot a like...so I love chatting with her. I am so proud of her. She does amazing products and is the SWEETEST, most down to earth- southern girl. I was able to see Tim H. & Mario again. I love them both. It was so nice having time to catch up. You could not ask for nicer people to hang around with. I always go to Tim and Mario for advice. I trust their advice and am so impressed with all that Tim is able to accomplish in the industry...(he wears a lot of hats!!!!).

Ken and Amy with Product Performers were with me. I could not be working with better people. They are truly fun, smart and know how to run their business. I greatly admire Ken and feel so thankful that we are able to work together. I have countless stores express to me how fantastic they are to order from. It's vital to offer good customer service and deliver when and how you promise. They do that and continually make my life 1,000% easier by taking care of the business end of my passion. I am free to focus on my designs. THANK YOU- Ken and Amy!!! Oh, I should say- I love Amy. She is one of those girls that YOU LOVE to hang out with.

A few of us went to Joe's Crab Shack on Monday night, and had the best time. Tim suggested that I order the barbecue crab legs. I have to say... it was the BEST! I am not a huge barbecue lover, but this was AMAZING. I hope to take Ty there soon...maybe this weekend. It was delicious. The next morning, I was able to have breakfast with Melodee Langworthy. She is so talented and sweet. Then I taught a class using my new TRAVELOGUE collection to the retailers.

  You can order them NOW and they will start shipping TOMORROW...May 1st.

You can see all the images at www.teresacollinsdesigns.com and if you are retailer- you can order them with Product Performers. It was great to teach a project with the papers at the show. Thank you everyone for your continued support.

I want to share some layouts today. I wish I could post them all. FYI- we are adding projects to the website gallery. So keep an eye out for your creations there too!!!!!

This is the CUTEST project designed by Lori Kaye. I LOVE it...and it reminds me that SUMMER is almost here.

This is a layout from Bangkok- by Dorcas Yam. I really loved to see the playfulness of her style. She made Journal-it so FUN!

This Bella Girl layout- mixed with the die cuts- is fantastic. It was a class, designed and taught by Claire Wheatley in the UK. She taught 130 students this layout... Love it!!!!

Another layout that I wanted to share. This is by the talented Lynda Volz. I simply LOVE it! This small image does not do it justice.

This is only one image of the most DARLING book by Heidi Sonboul. It is a mixture of journal it and damask. I was impressed with her details to document her life. Cute project Heidi!!!!

I think I may have already showed this one- but it's so cool, I didn't want to miss sharing it. Layout by Lori Renn. Love all the details!!!!

Look at this CARD! Isn't it clever???? Netty Coleman, I love it. So girlie and so cute.

Oh, I love this candy bar wrapped so beautifully in the damask paper. This is created by Suzi Finer of www.iamadiva.com . It makes me want to do this too. What a nice little way to give someone a chocolate treat!

I am in BIG TIME construction land. It's crazy. I have walls gone, my hardwood floors being torn up, painting being done...and it's just a big MESS. I focus on NOT focusing on it. Ha!!!! It's keeping me busy...

Tomorrow is my crazy day. I have FOUR places that I need to be at the same time. At 6:30pm, we have DANCE lessons, Piano Performance Class, Ty's Baseball Game and Gentry and Taylors YW Medallia Recognition Dinner. They all start at the same time. I still do not know how I can pull this one off. Do you ever have days like this????

Watch for the free website class for April. I hope it will be up tomorrow, but it may be Friday. I had hoped I would have it up sooner. I am still going to do the free website class on a continual monthly basis.

Have a great day!!!!

PS Diane and Laurie (Scrapbook Territory and Scrapbook Island) have informed me that they are going start sign ups for my classes SOON. I love both these girls- and cant wait to teach at their stores in August. Laurie's car was scratched up doing Valet parking at the hotel. I felt so bad for her- hope it all worked out!!!! Claudia, I loved your project. Please email a photo- mine did not do it justice.  

Heading out

I am headed to Sacramento in the early am. I am going to the Joan Mills Rep. Show. I always dread leaving the family, but I look forward to the show. It will be a fast trip...home on Tues. night. I spent today with the kids. After church, Taylor and I watched Monster in Law with J. Lopez. I packed  and now am ready to go.

Off to get a few hours of sleep. I have a lot of emails that I was not able to answer. So if you emailed me, I will work on it on Wednesday. Thanks!!!!

Friday happenings...

I think my favorite day of the week is on Friday. I love that my kids (the boys) have early day and come home to play with their friends. Then when the girls get home, it's filled with excitement. Today, Gentry is now gone for the first time driving by herself. She was nervous, so Taylor went with her. I'm so nervous right now. It's so hard to let go- and allow your children to do things at times that may hurt them. Driving is one of those things!

Two days ago, I was on my way to Zach's baseball game. For some odd reason, I missed my usual turn to the park. I drive this route every week at least twice a week. As I missed the turn, I decided to not turn around and go another way. As I approached the road to get me back on course, I was shocked in that four cars at the intersection collided. One car (Yukon) went into the air and flipped several times, landing upside down on it's top. All cars were severely damaged. The Yukon had a huge tire that completely torn off the vehicle and was several feet from the car. I slammed on my brakes. I was RIGHT there- the cars could have easily hit or slid into my car. I got out of the car and watched from the road. A big man had went to the Yukon trying to rescue the people out of the car. The driver and occupants were trapped in the upside down car. I watched as the fire trucks, ambulances, and police arrived. I kept seeing the accident over and over in my mind. It really shook me up. It is the same intersection I would have been driving through had I not missed my turn. I kept wondering if I would have been involved in the accident. Had my error saved my life? The big man pulled out a young boy about nine from the vehicle. He was in complete shock. They worked and could not get the driver out. It was going on several minutes and they had not been able to get the driver out. I prayed and then the area was closed and they motioned for us to clear the area. I drove to Zach's game in a daze. I do not know what happened, but I have prayed for the driver of the Yukon and the family. I came home that night and had a family meeting with my family. I reminded them WHY we must always wear a seat belt. I reminded them that LIFE is fragile. I reminded them to DRIVE responsibly and if they are in a car with someone is NOT driving responsibly that they should get out and CALL for a ride. I know, I feel like all I do is lecture my kids. I just hope it makes a difference. Sorry for such a long story, but I think it's something as drivers we all need. A little reminder to drive a little safer and be more alert.

NEWS- many of you have emailed me about my new stamps. Wow, I got my stamps today. I have to say they are fantastic and I'm very happy with the quality. I did these stamps for Teresa Collins for Stampers Anonymous. I have always been a big fan of Tim Holtz stamps and their quality. So it was so cool that I am now doing stamps with such a wonderful company. As always, Product Performers will distribute my stamps. I love one stop shopping!!!! Also, you can purchase the stamps directly from Stampers Anonymous. I will keep you posted as to when the stamps are available to purchase.

Also, for the store locater on my blog. I think I jumped too soon. I did not realize how many hundreds of stores would have to be added. We are working to set up a way on my website to add store locater information. I get so many emails asking for information where to find my products. I honestly do not have this information. For now, I would suggest you ask you LSS if they carry my line. If they do not, you can ask them to order it. I'm smiling here... Then if you need an on line source, I find that if you Google my name you can find sources too.

Okay, time to take Zach to batting practice. The girls are all doing fun activities tonight with friends and the boys want to do sleep overs. So no date night for Ty and I.

Have a great night!!!!

SWEET SIXTEEN....

I am happy to let everyone know that you can visit my website-TERESA COLLINS DESIGNS and see all the papers for TRAVELOGUE. Here is a layout that I did with some of the papers:

This layout is with photos of our recent family trip to Vegas.

I have been getting A LOT of emails about the paper release. They are on my website now. Retailers can begin ordering Wed. April 30th- and shipping begins on May 1st.

Did you notice I have added a category on my blog??? You can see now the stores (both brick and mortal) and on line stores that carry my product. If you carry my product lines and want me to add you to the list- please email me. I get hundreds of emails and I would like to be able to let everyone know where they can find my lines. If a store carries all my collections, then I will make note of that. I know many of you want to get full lines. So we will see how this works out!

So I want to share some photos from Gentry's birthday. I take a photo of my kids on their birthdays (just by themselves). I want to remember what they looked like and see how they grow from year to year...

   Here is her birthday hat- sparkles and all. I wanted her to feel like a princess on her special day. She is holding her birthday cake!!!!

(PS she loves not having on braces anymore!!!)

This is a photo that same day, she WILL love. You know, years from now when she is NOT so hard on herself. (Gentry- if your reading this- YOUR perfect JUST the WAY you are. Don't be so hard on yourself. I love and adore you. I'm so PROUD to be your mother.)

16 pink balloons...they are now in her bedroom- I put them in there (one by one) so they fill her room- so cute!!!

This is her cake. It is a small cake- about 5" wide. I wanted her to have her own little cake. She LOVED it!!! It made her feel special. (yes, she shared it). Now, all my other kids have asked for their own little cake. I think I started a trend here. In truth, I made banana nut bread for her and the kids too because, Gentry wanted a banana cake. However, with my lack of kitchen skills- it did not work out. Don't ask!!!! ha...

  I know this is silly, but I want my kids to feel SPECIAL on their birthdays...(well everyday), so I do SILLY STUFF. I got her this glittered pink Birthday Princess sash. She only wore in at home- for a little while. I know it embarrassed her, but it was cute to me.

So there you have it...no big party- per her request. Just a little family thing. As for gifts, she really is independent and so she got money. This way she can pick out her own gifts... she loves to shop for clothes and shoes. When she is spending HER money, she is great to look for sales and find the deals.

Have a great day!!!!!!!

Sneak Peak- STAMPS

I want to post photos from yesterday- Gentry's birthday, but I am so behind on things today. I have two baseball games to go to in about 45 minutes. Both boys play at the same time...so Ty and I will divide up.

I am so grateful TODAY for the sunshine. It makes me happy!!!!

So I wanted to share just a few of my stamp's. There are 24 total. I did 12 to go with Journal-it and 12 to go with Travelogue. They are about the size of ATC cards. I am a huge stamper...I love them all...and if you take classes from me, you know I use a lot of stamps. So here a just a few of my stamp images-

I  am not sure if the images are too small or too big-

so these will show you at least the images.

I Here is another stamp...   Off to baseball...

Also, I wanted to mention that this weekend there is a big crop and online activities at www.coordinatescollections.com so check it out!!!!! Jamie carries my lines and she has been doing some really great events and prizes....

did anyone say Die-Cuts?????

I can't thank you- each enough for the posts and comments from my sneak peak. I had so many personal emails too. THANK YOU! Okay, so today- I want to share a little bit more. This new line is named TRAVELOGUE. 

I wanted to do a travel line that was EASY- similiar to journal-it- to document any trip. I made the line very universal in that you can use it to document ANY TRIP- local or international, a day at the beach, or a trip to visit a relative. I knew at CHA that I was going to do more lines that JUST MADE SENSE to me- meaning, I want to create lines that INSPIRE others and help us to DOCUMENT our memories (and make it easier to do!!!). I appreciate your comments, I read every single one of them.

So I knew before CHA that my new line would be TRAVELOGUE. This is my FIRST ever Travel line. I have been wanting to do this theme for a long time. Since I do love to travel, I wanted a line that incorporated journaling tags and icons that I love. This line has FOUR different die-cut shape papers that go with the line. Yes, FOUR. Thankfully, everyone is LOVING the die cut papers and so there will be four for this line.

I created a TRAVELOGUE book class with the these die-cut papers. Here is just a few of the pages... (ps it is a class of mine- so I will be teaching this project!!!) This is my new black shaped chipboard album covers. They have NOT shipped yet. Brand NEW!!!

This cover is from my tag paper. Of course, I had to have a black polka dot paper. Like some of you, I LOVE polka dots. I tell my friend, Janna that I did this paper just for her. We both love them!!!

This is one of the die-cut pages. I simply put a photo of the palm trees where we stayed at.

Here is another view....more die-cut pages, mixed with tags from the 12x12 papers. I love how with the Bind it All I can customize my projects!!!!

Another view....I did this entire 26 page project in about 1.5 hours. It went fast, using the die- cuts. I cut my tags out with the Dream Kuts and it went super fast.

  Here is a sneak at the various shapes and such. OUR TRIP is from the paper line- (manila background- like journal-it)

So here is my sneak peak of the die-cuts from the line. I appreciate your comments. I am thankful for your support and for all of you have asked your LSS to carry my products. It is something that I am humbled by. I made the right decision to do this on my own- with Product Performers (the most amazing distributors!!!!!), and create from my heart. I have never been so scared but excited. I am taking it slow. I do not have hundreds of sku's coming out. I am taking baby steps. I am so happy to do what I love. I feel so blessed.... I can't thank you enough.

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY 16th BIRTHDAY GENTRY.... I love you MORE than ANYTHING you can SAY, THINK or FEEL.... (on my way to pick up her 16 pink balloons and the Banana cake that she wanted)...I'll post some photos tomorrow and of course another sneak peak.

FYI- the new line with be up on my website on April 30th. Shipping will be on MAY 1st. THANK YOU again. Also, my class for retailers at Joan Mills Rep Show- next week sold out... If your in the class email me. Thanks!!! 

A little something...

WINNER WINNER- randomly picked by Gentry tonight:

Stamps! yay!! I am lovin your current papers, can't wait to see this new stuff, and it comes out right before my birthday! Hehe.

Here's something I made with your bella girl papers...http://www.scrapinstyletv.com/portfolio/view_layout.php?layout_id=80320&user_id=6559

Posted by: Kimmy | April 20, 2008 at 05:11 PM

congrats Kimmy- please email me your address!!!- I will post more sneak peaks tomorrow on the blog.

So here is the first peak at my new line. I know it will GIVE IT AWAY...what they theme line is. However, I will still post something EACH day this week.

Everything you see on this layout is part of the new line. (with the exception of the Prism White & Red Card stock). So can you tell what theme I designed????

Here is a closer view... anyway I have been designing projects with my newest line this past weekend. I have found them very easy to use. So what do you think????

Please still post on the last entry as well. My cute Gentry who will be 16 tomorrow- wants to pick the winner tonight. So your not to late!!!!

Last night our family watched The Ultimate Gift on DVD. Have you seen this movie???? I cried and laughed and felt so appreciative for the message of this movie. It is a about a wealthy billionaire who died, and left a GIFT for his grandson. The grandson is very into the world of luxury and privilege. He appreciated nothing and was selfish. In order to receive the gift he had to do certain tasks. Each one of them would teach him a lesson. He learned several lessons... The lesson of work, the lesson of friends, etc. In the end, he received The Ultimate Gift. I won't share it, since it would ruin the movie for you if you have not seen it.

Have a great Monday!!!!

update...

I'm so surprised how busy that I've been lately. Just when I think things are going to slow down a bit. Well, anyway...there is reasons I have been so busy.

So I've been DYING to tell everyone. So tonight, I thought I would share. I have designed a new paper line & 24 stamps that will be RELEASED on May 1st. Yes, I was so inspired right after CHA W and came home that week and did this line. I have been playing with the papers this past week. I am so super excited. In so much, that SOMEONE- one of you will WIN the new paper collection by posting today. I will mail out the papers to the winner on May 1st.

Now, I know you will hate this, but I am only going to give you HINTS about WHAT the new line is. I KNOW...mean! Anyway, I think you will find that this line is a must have...it's very similar in feel to journal-it. I know not a huge hint, but you know it's a start.

EVERY day...I will start posting SNEAK peaks of my NEW papers and stamps. Any guesses????

Today we had two back to back baseball games. My son Zach hit a grand slam home run. Our team was down when he brought in the four runs. Then due some errors, the other team came back and won by ONE run. That is fine, but the problem was that one of the fathers from the other team, was OUT OF CONTROL. He was talking smack to all of the parents on our team. When one of our players made an error and the run came in, he yelled- JUSTICE, now that is what you get- JUSTICE. Then this man, got into the face of one of our fathers and told him over and over that he was "WHITE TRASH" and lots of the F word. It grew heated, in that the fathers from both teams and some moms, were going at it. I have been to hundreds of Zach's games, and honestly- this was a new level of CRAZINESS. I could not believe it. I was so saddened to know that the boys- 10 year old boys- had to see GROWN up men- call other men names. It was horrible. I wanted to stand up and yell..."it's just a game." Anyway, we lost and the boys were deflated. We rarely lose, but honestly, it's good for them to lose. YOU GROW by failure sometimes. Anyway, so loved watched Zach play. I am still shocked at the parents, and thankfully this is so not the norm.

My son Matt left today for Chicago. He attends BYU and he did his last final today and then caught a plan in the afternoon. He is doing what he did last summer- selling home alarm systems, for Protection One. I was so hesitant last summer, but it was not a hoax and Matt earned 80K in 16 weeks last summer. I know UNREAL! He was one of the top sells men of the year for the company. Now, he is going back as a manager (still selling) and has 36 people to manage. I miss him already. Wow, I'm proud of his ambition and drive. He is only 22 years old. I only tell you this, because we always hear the horror stories of people getting scammed. Well, with a lot of work and effort, you can earn great money if you work with reputable companies.  Have fun Matt- we love and miss you!!!

Gentry was kidnapped out of her bed this morning at 5am. She was initiated as a MHS Spartonian (dance/drill team) member. They raided her closet and made her wear like 5 layers of unmatched clothes. Her top was a bathing suit. They blindfolded her and all the new girls and if they peaked, they got squirted with a water gun. They went to a girls home and played games, ate waffles, and got to know each other. It sounded like a lot of crazy fun. High school memories...the best!

I love the layouts that your sharing with me. LOVE...just know that I will start sharing them again. However, my computer is having some issues and I am using my husbands laptop until my new cord arrives. I still will continue to share, no worries. I love seeing them too- thanks for all your comments.

So post a comment, and you could win the newest BRAND NEW paper collection hitting the stores beginning MAY 1st. If you are a store and reading this....MAY 1st will be the day we will start taking orders on the new line. However, each day on my blog...you will be able to see sneak peaks.... I have been so wanting to share this so TODAY I feel so happy.

PS Marilyn, I want to thank you for touching my life. I am truly BLESSED to know you and call you my friend. Your example of love, and kindness are so cherished. Your one FANTASTIC mother. I think you need to start scrap booking now...K???

Have a great weekend- Teresa   

time...

Well, I can't believe how fast time goes. I feel horrible when I do not have time to blog. I am finally able to celebrate in that I am done with my CHA-S designs, now granted- not 100% but enough that I feel a HUGE sense of relief. I am so excited about EVERYTHING. I spent the past few days finalizing some paper designs, and I was so busy that I forgot to eat. (If you know me, I love food and this NEVER happens)

It was 2:00am on Tues. and I thought I was going to faint. However, when I am in the "creative ZONE", I can't stop.

Since I can't say yet, WHAT I am releasing, I will say that I am trying to make scrap booking easy for all of us. With Journal- it or Damask...I could use this line for ANYTHING. So my vision is to keep creating my lines with that in mind. I will be going to CHA Summer in Chicago in July.

The house is moving along. It's pretty slow. I gave my kitchen table away to a friend of mine in Utah, that I met through scrap booking. I love that she could use my table, since I no longer have a formal dining room.

I watched American Idol and The Biggest Loser last night. Did anyone else? David A. did great. I was wondering how he would sing a Mariah Carey song. I watched Biggest Loser, because I LOVE the final show. I rarely watch it, but I like this one- where you see how much they ended up losing. It's very inspiring. How in the world did the winner- Ali- lose 112 lbs in 22 weeks? That is insane!!! Honestly, I can't imagine how many hours a day you would HAVE to work out. Plus, how much do you think she eats? She won 250 K and is very thin now. I noticed most of the people who lost the weight had extra underarm skin.  The body is not meant to lose weight so fast. Anyway, it was great for me to ONCE again think about where I am. I am EXACTLY the same weight. I have maintained. I am not focusing on losing weight, and so I haven't. I WANT too, but there is more important things right now in my life that I focus on. My focus is to MAINTAIN, which I do find really hard some days. I needed a BREAK!!! That's the story. I was tired of the mental process after 19 months. So I took a few steps back about 6 weeks ago.

I decided to take a little hiatus, but maintain what I have done so far. I am happy to say that I have lost 46 lbs.-50 lbs. Depending on the day! However, I do have the feelings coming back that I want to start it up again. I want to realistically lose 20-25 more lbs.

Zach's team won the entire Championship last weekend. The team is full of cute TEN year old boys. I love watching these boys grow and play together. Zach hit one over the fence, and is doing great. He told me this morning, that he things about BASEBALL all day long, and that at night he hopes he DREAMS about baseball. Funny guy!

Big things going on- Taylor is getting ready to graduate next month. (Her gums are still hurting her). Gentry will be 16 on the 22nd. I can't believe it! I wanted to do a big party for her. She informed me, or better yet BEGGED ME- not to do any party. Gent said she hates being the center of attention and it just is awkward for her. She made me PROMISE not to throw her a party. We still will celebrate, but with our family.

Oh, I have been getting so many layouts sent to me. I will keep posting them. I TRY to post as many as I can.

This is a darling composition book by Sesil Cratin. I love creating my own books too. How great is the bold red with the Damask collection?

This is a Damask layout by Alex Hobson. She sent this to me, and told me that after her husband saw it- he loved it. I love that! I love that HE got it, and supports her. Her layout was created from a sketch inspiration.

This is a altered project by Cindy Gilchrist. What a creative way to use Journal-it!

This is by Jenn Emch. Isn't the photo great? I loved her simple but eye catching way to document her son, Zachary's DOUBLE DIGITS birthday.

This CUTE Bella Girl layout is by Jill Brush. First, how sweet is this page. I love how she incorporated the journaling on the page. It works great!

This darling page is by Lori Kaye. I loved how she did  the bottom of the page, the ribbon with gems, the title,