TERESA COLLINS

Officially ADDICTED....

to this... Okay this is a blurry photo...and NO- this girl is NOT me..

but you get the point. This is a fun class that I take at the gym. It is a hour of pure fun. I can't tell you how much I love it. I even went to the gym today without my aka drill sargaent. She was "too" busy playing tennis. I knew I had to go on my own...and so I did.

What is so cool is that you are toning EVERY single part of your body for ONE hour. You are doing this to AMAZING rocking music. The time simply flies by...

Here is a photo of the what it looks like with many students...

Yes, it is popular and packed with people.

I am committed to working out and toning up my body..and so I figure if I blog about it- then I will be accountable, huh????

I have some things I need to ask YOU about. Well, I am getting so many emails about the rolodex class. I will be in CA teaching it in 10 days. The problem, I guess is a good problem to have is that it sold out FAST. I cannot kit more kits due to the popularity of the 7 Gypsies rolodex spinner. It is sold out- completely and 7 Gypsies will not have more in until January. So I will not be doing any more kits. I have had so many emails from people asking- if I would mail them my instructions and photos. Well, here is where I have to explain some things. I simply cannot feel right, giving away any of my class instructions and photos. Why??? Well, other people have paid money to take these classes. I have spent many hours designing, then doing instructions (yes, this can take me a entire day!!!), and then kitting, etc. to develop a class. I always struggle to know what to do. I want to please everyone and make everyone happy. So this is where YOU come in. If I am not kitting a class- should I offer to mail out my instructions/ photos/ handouts, etc. (without the supplies) for classes for a flat fee- say $10 (just throwing this amount out there)? I would not email them- I like to offer color copies, and instructions. I would want it to be something you could actually GET and not have to print out yourself.

I ask YOU for your honest thoughts...if you are a teacher, student, store owner,etc. I want to hear from YOU... I am happy to share my creations- that is WHY I do this... I would appreciate your thoughts. I will not be doing this for every class- only in situations where you absolutely could not make it to the class due to distance or the class was SOLD OUT and only AFTER I had taught the sold out class. For years, I get emails from people asking for me to just send them my instructions and photos from the classes that I teach. So I thought it was time to ASK for suggestions on how to best handle this request.

I will be teaching at Ever After in December. Next stop, Scrapbook Junkie in TX (Feb. 1st/2nd), and I will be teaching FEB 11th...at a secret location in CA during CHA. Any guesses????

So please let me know YOUR honest thoughts on my kits- should I offer instructions/colors by mail? Many of you take my classes and will give me excellent insight. I will pick THREE winners from the posts to receive a box of GOODIES. Of course, they will be PACKED full....just a little something to BRIGHTEN the holidays...

thanks TERESA

Working out...

Yes, my workout yesterday (BODY PUMP) was great. However, I guess doing weights and leg lunges again- after such a long break- well, I am pretty sore. My friend who is a semi- tennis pro (she is not really pro  but she plays alot and she is great at it)- is NOT. I felt bad to tell her I could not go to the gym today, but I think my muscles are in need of a day of rest. However, I will go tomorrow- same class- Body Pump. My home is multi-level and I have to go up ALOT of stairs to my bedroom. I have to do it slow and I walk like I just had a baby...you know what I mean if you've ever given birth. Anyway, I still felt GREAT and it was so fun. The music is really motivating and makes you want to dance, dance, dance!!!!

I don't watch alot of TV, but last night- the kids and I watched "Dancing with Stars."  Do you watch it too???? If so, who do you predict will win???? I have no idea. I do think Mel is the strongest technique dancer right now. Marie is such an entertainer with personality!!!! I have a Cub Scout Pack Mtg. tonight with the boys so I will miss it tonight.

So I have some news to share- and a quick layout that I did (serious- 10 minutes- very simple layout!!!!). I did a layout with a couple photos that our friends took of Ty and I two weeks ago in the Caribbean. I had printed the photos and thought...I'm not going to scrapbook these- no makeup/ hair not done/in a bathing suit...kind of thing. THEN I remembered my new resolution to MYSELF to scrap the REAL moments in my life. I did it, and wanted to document the days that Ty and I did our "excursions." So I really am going to work on scrapbooking the "real" memories-

I wish you could see the yummy green color of this Bazzill cardstock. It is my FAVE green. I love GREEN and BLACK together. Not any pattern paper on this one. Oh, can you see the SILVER ribbon on the lower left corner?

So in love with SILVER ribbon. I think it is MAY ARTS and it is my new obsession. So Christmas Cards...yes...silver ribbon!!!!!

Here is a close up of the it-

So I thought I would post this layout and tell you about how excited I am about THE ULTIMATE SCRAPBOOKING CRUISE in January 11-17, 2009. I have to tell you why I am excited- the line up of teachers on this Caribbean cruise is just sooo full of talent and inspiration- and you will get to take a class from EACH one of the teachers. I am HONORED to be teaching with this line up of teachers-

Here is the list of teachers- Donna Downey, Teresa Collins, Heidi Swapp, Margie Romney- Aslett, Karen Russell, Nicole Gunter, Michelle Van Etten and Jim West.

You can see full page ads of the cruise with the instructor photos- such a cute ad in Creating Keepsakes Magazine, Simple Scrapbooks etc. this month. Want more info: call toll free 1-877-887-1188  or SCRAP MAP CRUISE . They are doing so many fun things- like giving away a car valued at $10,000- and so much more. So if you are thinking of a cruise- (you can bring a non-scrapbooker too!!!) you will WANT to check this one out!!!!

Time to get back to work!!! Happy Tuesday...

 

The holiday...

is now over and the kids are back to school. It was hard getting MYSELF up this morning. So I'm doing a quick post and then I'm off. I have to go weigh in- yes, we did Thanksgiving again yesterday. I highly recommend this!!!! We had a great time with the kids and Ty's mom and friend came to dinner too. After dinner, my kids did a little "talent show." Well, not really, but lil' Ty played a guitar song that he will be performing in his band recital- followed by ZACH doing ORIGAMI (he had all 12 of us in attendance, folding and making a cool STAR!!!) I felt like I was in a scrapbooking class. BTW- I failed...did not do mine correctly... then both Gentry and McKay played the piano for everyone. They had piano recitals last weekend, so they played it for our family again. Fun night!

I tried to get the kids to let me do a Christmas photo to put in my cards...this is what I go-

Nope- they did not want to pose or look at me. They kept making fun of each others hats and well you know- basically trying to DRIVE me crazy....then the girls asked to have their own photo... I told them they looked MAD and like they wanted NOTHING to do with Christmas...so I guess we will redo the Christmas photo...and  hopefully they will cooperate more.

I am off to the gym with my friend-aka Drill Sargeant BECKY- and we are going to go do BODY PUMP (after I go get weighed in)- so I hope I can walk later today... I want to share this photo of Ty and I at my mother in laws on Thanksgiving...why???? look at the expression on Ty's face.  He was NOT happy that I asked him to let Dad take a photo of him and I together. That is his LOOK of " I don't want to do this!!!!!" I wasn't going to post this photo- WHY???? because I don't like the photo of ME. I caught myself...because

I realize there is so many times, I do not take photos or share photos because I think I look bad, ugly...fat, etc. Well, I was touched as I read this weeks People's magazine article about Peter Jennings. They had a sweet article about him. They had LOTS of candid shots of him with his family. I immediately noticed, the photos were not the best compostion, some blurry and some where he wasn't all DRESSED and LOOKING "perfect."

It occured to me HOW MANY PHOTOS I MISS...because of these things. I made a mental note to STOP waiting for the perfect photo, or "a perfect hair day" etc. but take more photos of REAL everyday life....

Must go...the gym awaits...

*teresa*

LOVING...

the long weekend. I was able to kit the Rolodex class last night. Gentry was the BEST helper and helped me stamp on the cards for the kits for people who ordered the kit (not able to make it to the class). The stamps were a big part of the project and I wanted the kits to be special to those who purchased them.I think we spent about 4 hours stamping. So thankful for her help!!!!

Today...going to do lots of errands, and going to my fave home boutique. It will definitely get me in the Christmas mood. It is small and quaint and just makes me happy. We are doing a Thanksgiving dinner again tomorrow, so that all our kids will be together. When you have to SHARE your holidays, it can be hard. However, I am in the frame of mind- that it's not the DATE of when you celebrate being thankful and being together- it's that you do it anyway. So after church tomorrow, my family and I will have a celebration.  Oh, you know...I had to weigh myself this morning...and I lost 5 lbs overnight. CRAZY!!! Just goes to show you how much your weight can change from day to day and from too much sodium. Technically, I did gain a pound on Thanksgiving. I will be at the gym- Monday- stat!!!!

I want to share something I created last night. It is for a fund raiser for a very special 14 year old girl that has been diagnosed with cancer. The medical costs that her family is facing is earth shattering. There is a crop that was set up benefit to help with the medical costs. I was contacted and asked to donate an item for a silent auction. I hope in some small way that this little chipboard MAYA ROADS book will benefit her cause.  Here is the info if you are interested: http://croppin4acause.blogspot.com.
Since I could not put photos in the project, I used stamps (Rhonna Farrer- aren't they the coolest????), and Karen Russells sticker quotes- Life Quotes. Maya Roads chipboard album is just so so CUTE!!! I need to get my hands on more of these. I will be mailing it out today to the cause, and pray that in some small way that it will make a difference to this family. I have daughters THIS age, and it simply breaks my heart to think of someone SO YOUNG, having to face cancer. I PRAY that someday soon that we will be able to find cures for all the cancers that are so prevalent. Each day that we have is truly a GIFT and everyday when I wake up...I try to remember this...and no get sad or down about THINGS that simply DO NOT MATTER!!!! The most valuable thing, gift we have is our health and something I am so aware of...I took for granted my health and life, until I had my stroke with my last pregnancy. I was 30 years old and in excellent health- I had even ran 4 miles on my treadmill the day before my stroke. I was thin, healthy and TO THIS day...the specialist have NO IDEA why I had a stroke. My little guy is 8 years old now...and Ty was born perfect- no problems. I recovered, but it took about a year to fully recover. I did lose my left side peripheral vision and  it never came back. However, your brain is amazing and I never really notice it anymore. So the truth is- it was a blessing- I now view life differently and I find happiness in the smallest things. Okay...enough...didn't mean to go into this today.

Have a wonderful weekend!!!

teresa

Post Thanksgiving...

Well today is BLACK Friday. Ty and I are actually doing MOST of our shopping for Christmas online this year. We have found it's sometimes easier and so many places offer great discounts and free shipping. I can't tell you what we purchased since my kids have been known to actually READ this blog. I know- shocking!!!!

So today, we are home- looking for deals on the internet of the items we are interested in. I am finishing up my kitting for the rolodex class. Okay, let's just SAY this kit is HUGE. I am excited that in TWO weeks from today, Ty and I are flying out to San Diego. Teaching at Ever After- and I get to eat my FAVORITE salad in the world from BOSTON MARKET.  So girls if you are in the classes at EVER AFTER and have not recieved the list of items to bring to class- email me...K!

Speaking of food- I was actually REALLY good yesterday. I ate only ONE plate of food- no seconds- but I did have dessert. I had a small piece of 3 different types of pies- choc chip pecan, pumpkin cheesecake, and banana cream pie. I weighed myself at home yesterday and was surprised that today- went into LA WEIGHT loss and was up 5 lbs. I kid you NOT!!!! I gained 5 lbs in ONE meal. I know my body was like wowza- okay, so today DRINKING lots and lots of water...and back to eating the GOOD stuff, on the plan...can you believe I am admitting how much weight I gained???? Well, you know...it happens. The center said that is normal when you eat so much sodium and food that you normally do not eat.

Since it is colder, I have not been walking outside. So on Monday, my friend Becky and I are hitting the gym together. We both have memberships at the same gym- Xcel. They have the BEST classes. My fave are Body Pump and Body Attack/Combat. Yes, it does KICK your butt. Anyone want to join us????? It's time to TONE my body and well, you know- MOVE more and such. I am blessed to have a friend aka DRILL SARGEANT in my life who pushes me!!! Thanks girl!!!! Anyone, else do these fun classes????

So I need to get back to those cute kits that are all over my house. I have so many girls emailing me, that were not able to get into the class. I am doing some new class designs soon with a cool new machine called the BIND IT ALL. Have you seen this machine????? check it out at BIND IT ALL.   I can't believe how REASONABLE the cost it. Seriously, it is the coolest invention ever. I am so happy to have mine. If you need an idea on a cool gift to give yourself or have someone give you- you need to check this machine out. I love to do mini books of any type and this will allow you do create and make your own spiral bound books.

Have a great day!!!! 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING....

I want to wish each of you a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. I hope you are able to spend it with people that you love. We are traveling in the morning, to my mother in laws to spend the day with Ty's family. I am very grateful and thankful for them and in all honesty- that I am not doing all the cooking. I am doing a large veggie tray and making two big casseroles of  Green Bean Casserole.  I weighed in this morning and weigh in again on Friday, so it keeps me 'focused' on not going overboard in the food department. *let's just hope there is no cheesecake to tempt me....

I needed to let you know that we have added 5 more spots to the Friday night class at Ever After  in two weeks. I had enough products to do extra kits- You GET alot in this class and the kit is filled with fun stuff. Unfortunately- I have no more supplies for additional kits for the sold out Rolodex class and so I will not be able to offer any kits to anyone who is not already signed up in the class. I wish I could have accomodated more of you.

I have been really busy working on some TOP SECRET- big things. I guess, I can just say...it's BIG...oh yes, BIG things are in the works. I have hesistated to say anything for  the last couple of months about what I have been "up to" since I resigned from Junkitz. Well, it won't be long and YOU will know what has been keeping me sooo busy. Did I say that it is BIG???????  I can't share any details just yet, but SOON, very soon....

So I am very grateful for all that have in my life. Last Sunday in Church, a friend of mine, was talking about prayer. She said, when you say your prayers, just focus on expressing your gratitude of things that you are thankful for- not "asking" for anything...just expressing gratitude. She was pointing out the fact, how hard it is to think of everything and just expressing our gratitude and how much easier it is to ASK for things. So I am trying to express my thankfulness and not always ask for more blessings- although, there is nothing wrong with asking the Lord to help us. I am going to write each of my children & Ty a note tomorrow expressing- why I am so thankful for each of them.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!

So...

I am kitting up the classes that I will be teaching in 2.5 weeks at EverAfter in California. It is quite the process. I got several HUGE boxes from 7 Gypsies (ATC card holders)- and let's just say if you are in the class- WOW!!!! I just finished kitting the GRATEFUL clear (Page Frame Designs) book class. Both classes are SOLD OUT!!!!! We did as many as we could accomodate, but it's hard when the ATC Card Holders are so HOT and in DEMAND! If you are looking for one, Ever After will have a few to sell but 7 Gypsies is OUT for a while. You can try to find them online too.

My kids are out of school today for three days. I am counting this as a huge blessing- just my kids and family together- no school until next Monday. We are going to watch the Santa Claus 3 movie tonight as a family- out on DVD today. (*maybe, do a little double duty and do some kitting too).

Off to pick up the girls from school. Taylor not having a car is keeping me busy. I don't mind- it has made her more appreciative for what she had and has.

Much love- Teresa

Sharing....

I had a wonderful weekend. Last night, Ty and I went to a neighbors house for a "LUAU"- a Murder Mystery Dinner Party. We were there with three other couples. It was a blast!!!! We have decided to make a ongoing dinner group- we will switch off hosting it at each other's homes. It will not have to always be a "Murder Mystery," but just an occasion to get together over dinner and socialize. We will do this every two months. Once a month can be overwhelming, at least for me. We had to go dressed up as our character....Ty was a Indian Chief Wiki Wiki and I was a swimsuit model, Nadia. I wore a modest swimsuit and cover up!!!! Our host, did an amazing job of having a Hawaiian Luau- yummy food and I had a great time. I admit, I really had to talk myself into going on Saturday. Sometimes I just would rather stay home with the kids, but then I am so glad I pushed myself (& Ty) to go. Have you ever done a Murder Mystery???? If so, give me your thoughts. I want to host one now. I would like to obtain some that are geared for younger and teens. Does anyone know if they have these available??????

I wanted to share something I just created tonight after church. I am this weeks guest designer at METHOD PLAYGROUND.  I did a simple challenge...covered chipboard with glitter. I also did a challenge to make it a "GRATEFUL for..." themed project. Here is the info about what is posted at the site:

Project technique:

      I was excited to be invited to do a project for the Method Playground blog. I love to incorporate simple, but stunning techniques into my projects. I absolutely love glass glitter and how it shines. I wanted to do a challenge with a "GRATEFUL for..." theme since it is almost Thanksgiving. It gave me the idea to cover the number 4 with the silver glass glitter. I used a raw chipboard number 4 and adhered Elmers glue to the surface. I applied the glass glitter over the glue and allowed it to dry. It is simple and easy to create your own glittered chipboard!!!! If  you would like to seal the glitter (so that it will not shake off), apply a even layer of Glossy Accents by Ranger to the chipboard. Allow several hours for the liquid adhesive to dry.

Project theme:

      I decided to do a layout about something that I am grateful for. There is so many things that I could do...but what kept coming foremost in my mind is my teenage daughter Taylor. My husband and I recently went on vacation this past month, and while we were away Taylor was involved in a terrible car accident. Her car was totaled and since we were on a cruise, she could not contact us. When I found out about the accident, I was devastated. I was overcome with gratitude and felt blessed that she was not hurt. All I could do was say prayers of thankfulness for her. So I wanted to document, just how grateful and thankul that I am.

Posted at Method Playground-

I know that in church today, I kept thinking of what I wanted to do my layout about. I knew with it being Thanksgiving, I wanted something to document this time in my life. I kept thinking of TAYLOR. I used a library card to journal about my thoughts:

"Taylor, when I heard you had been in a terrible car accident, my heart nearly stopped. We were in the Carribean when you totaled your Jetta. All I could do was think of you- I wanted to rush home & hug you. I thanked God that he protected you! I LOVE YOU and am so grateful you are okay. I love you more than anything. Nov 2007."

I did this page in less than 20 minutes- quick and easy, but it means alot to me, it's a message I can share this with her. I know that I have so much to be Thankful for...

I often get asked if I still SCRAPBOOK for me...and I have to say...YES! YES! and YES! I journaled it personally to Taylor and then share it with you and others--it is my hope that YOU can somehow be inspired in YOUR own way to document your life...in your WAY.  I  strive to document the "real life" moments and not forget "why" I am doing it. Hope that makes sense!!!!

Teresa

Happy Friday

Hi All,

Sorry to take so long to post the winner. My computer is having a few issues and will not let me post my photos and return my emails. It's kinda crazy. Here is the winner of the box of goodies....

Post #17-

Posted by: Beth | November 14, 2007 at 05:28 PM 

Please email your information and congrats!!!!!

So much going on and I have to SHARE a little update. When I last posted, I posted about how a recent event had really threw me for a little loop. Well, I woke up the next day-  I KNEW that being positive and not dwelling on what had happened would be the only WAY to face the situation. I spent the day being appreciative and thinking about all the things in my life that I am grateful for. I mentally would not let negative thoughts linger in my mind- and I went about my day trying to be productive. I had a wonderful day and felt at peace...and

THEN I got the most amazing email- the very next day- let's just say I KNOW without a DOUBT that there is a God that watches over us and GUIDES our life. This is something that I would NEVER have thought would happen. Like they say...."when one door closes, another one opens."

I am once again reminded that I do not know what is truly best for me sometimes and that I need to LISTEN to the promptings in my heart. I must admit, sometimes I want something so BAD, that I talk myself into BELIEVING that it is right, it's good and what I should be doing. When in fact, in my heart- I have many seeds of doubt or that little voice that says..."don't do this...this isn't right for you..." etc. however, I fight it...and this time- WOW...thankfully the Lord stepped in and made it CRYSTAL CLEAR that I was supposed to be doing another path.  I guess, I just needed a HUGE whack aside my head to see it!

Well, today I went with my friend Becky to drop off some of her requested layouts to Scrapbook Trends magazine in Provo...then to a local scrapbook store in Springville. Such a cute store- it's still really cool to go into a store and see my PRODUCTS- it is something that I am still very humbled by. This store had sooo much product. It was alot of fun. I purchased the new Making Memories Christmas stuff- rubons and papers. Must say they are my fave and I love the vintage feel of the line. I make my own tags for the presents and I want to have my kids help me do more of them this year.

Okay, off to watch Zach play in a basketball tournament tonight. Have a great weekend! Thank you for all the comments. I was very touched and gain so much from YOU!!!!!

Teresa

In perspective....

Have you ever faced something that really just knocks the wind out of your sails???? Something that came out of nowhere and you are like...Wow!!!!! Well, yesterday I had something happen in my life that threw me for a big curve. Normally, I would have CRUMPLED and been devastated, but you know what????

I didn't. I stood up- took a deep breath and put it all in perspective. My family and my faith remind me every day JUST how LUCKY and BLESSED that I am. So today...I am at peace and happy. In fact, REALLY HAPPY....I know things happen for a reason and I am STRONGER for this life experience. I just am headed down a new path- one that I thought I would never be on.

Like the saying goes...

"when life gives you lemons...make LEMONDADE." Well, that is the plan.

I work with the Young Women (age 12-18) in my church. I am so blessed to get to be with them. They remind me of when I was younger and full of DREAMS- nothing was going to get in my way. They teach me to have fun and not sweat the small stuff. We have weekly activities every Wed. night. Tonight we are doing a Pizza party. So tonight...it's PARTY TIME...(well, for me...no pizza)...so not fair!!!! he he

A big shout out to my friends...YOU KNOW...YOU KNOW...I love you all. Thanks for picking me up when I needed a hand...and for loving me. See, that is why I am so happy- no worries- life is grand!!!!

*It has been FOREVER since I did a blog prize. I am going to pick ONE winner who will get a BOX crammed FULL of product. Over $100 value-easy. You should see it!!!! I will pick a winner tomorrow sometime. So all you need to do is post. Tomorrow I will post some photos from the Carribean...love teresa

SOLD OUT...

I needed to come on and post about my classes at Ever After on Dec. 7th and 8th. The bad news is that the ATC 7 Gypsies Rolodex SOLD OUT FAST!!!! Camille ( the store owner) called me today to let me know. I guess her phones have been ringing off the hook with woman trying to get into this class or order the kit. So here is the plan- we are working on adding more students in the class and offering the kits to those who cannot physically attend the class. I will prestamp your cards, give you a color copies of the images from the class, complete instructions and of course all the supplies. Whew...so yes, you can call the store and get on the waiting list and kit only list. I would suggest you get on the list FAST- since there is already a waiting list for the class and for the kits. I am trying to work some magic and get enough supplies to offer this class to more people. I have become aware that the project I posted here on my blog- is on SEVERAL on line blogs, chat boards, etc and I am getting literally hundreds of requests for a kit. PINCH myself- THANK YOU so much!!!!! 

THANK YOU for all the wonderful emails and I will do everything I can, to add more spots in the class and offer the  kit to purchase. The contact info for EVER AFTER is in my blog post from yesterday.

Also, Fridays Class is ALMOST sold out....only a few spots are left. Again, I got several requests for this as a kit to purchase. So YES, I have decided to kit extra kits- but you need to call and reserve one before they are gone. Here is the class project again: "Grateful" PAGE FRAME designs CLEAR ALBUM taught on Friday 6:00-10:00 pm.

So here is few images from the class. This is Tammy Mitchells beautiful little girl, ASHLEY

She is a doll!!!!!

Okay, so here is some photos from my class in Puerto Rico at Scrapbook Gallery. I was so thankful to meet these girls. I loved the store- the colors- the friendly atmosphere. It was just wonderful and I can't wait to go back and teach!!!!

So today I weighed myself again, three pounds less than yesterday. So I guess, I gained 3 pounds on my vacation/cruise. Not too bad, with all the food that I ate. Thanks for stopping by the blog.  Have a good day!

HOME-

I am home. We had the most wonderful time!!!! I just got home this morning about 1:00 am. I am still on Caribbean time still- three hours ahead. It
was very relaxing and I enjoyed having no email and quality time with Ty. We were gone for 10 days- and it really puts “life” in perspective. I missed my kids so much, and all I wanted to do was come home and hug them.

Unfortunately, Taylor wrecked her car last week. She had just got the car about two weeks ago. It was a "used" VW Jetta, and we only put liability insurance on the car, since the car was only about $5,000. It looked as if it was going to be a total loss of the car (she got it 10 days before the accident)- this is Tay’s SECOND wreck and both have been her fault. We then learned that the car could actually be repaired, but would be about the same amount as the car’s value.

HOWEVER… for some reason, I don't understand WHY- but the insurance company called on Friday to say that they were going to PAY to repair Taylor’s car, and there would only be a $500 deductible. What a blessing- Taylor has such a hard time last week. She said it was the HARDEST time of her life and the most spiritual. She did a lot of praying. I think she is growing up and it’s hard to watch your kids make mistakes and then have to “be accountable” for those mistakes. I told her that we would not pay the money for the deductible- since she was at fault for this accident.

I was just so thankful that she was okay...the car, the money, etc. just is not important- I am so thankful that both of the drivers/passengers were not injured in the accident! I have no idea, but wonder if insurance will now terminate Taylor from being insured.

THEN… little Ty got hurt playing in a football game yesterday- he had to go to an orthopedic surgeon(our next door neighbor) who put in arm in a splint. How lucky to have our neighbor, who immediately took care of Ty. It looks like a broken arm. The x-ray did not show a clear image of the break, which is normal at first. Thankfully, we were already on our way home from Puerto Rico. We called home from Atlanta to find out that he had been injured. Ty is doing well though and isn’t in too much pain. He is enjoying all the attention!!!!

I want to let EVERYONE who has emailed me about the Rolodex class- wow, THANKS so much!!!! If you would like to purchase a kit from the class you can PURCHASE the kit directly from EVER AFTER. The same is true with the PAGEFRAMES CLEAR ALBUM class- GRATEFUL. ***Please NOTE—the class samples arrived last week at the store. The classes/kits were already close to SELLING out so I would suggest you contact the store ASAP, if you want to order a kit of the class projects.

EVER AFTER SCRAPBOOKS
2618 B El Camino Real
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Tel: 760-433-9313
Fax: 760-433-9315
Email: info@everafterscrapbooks.com

Store Hours:
M-F 9:30am - 8:00pm
Sat. 9:30am - 7:00pm, Sun. 11:00 am - 5:00pm
Click here for directions

Please email me directly if you have any questions about the kit contents.

I want to share photos, but have misplaced my card reader. Too much jet lag, so I am sure I will remember where it is tomorrow.

I just want to thank Lynne at Scrapbook Gallery in Puerto Rico for asking me to teach at her BEAUTIFUL store. I loved it! Thankfully- everyone knew English and welcomed me with enthusiasm and kindness. I was touched when at the end of the class, a beautiful woman told me that her mother had recently died and she was making this book as a memory album of her mother’s life and was going to give it to her sister for Christmas. She kept thanking me for giving her “this gift” and how much it meant to her. I was FILLED with thankfulness, FILLED with knowing in some small way that I made a difference…I was simply FILLED with gratitude that I met her and so many other wonderful woman. Lynne took Ty and I to lunch after the class. It was authentic Puerto Rican food, and it was the BEST food I had during the entire trip. I loved Lynne and plan to go back again to visit her and teach again. I have NEVER seen a scrapbook store like this one. It was in a MALL! The walls were all bright WONDERFUL colors- BRIGHT YELLOW, HOT PINK, BLUES,etc. and it was FESTIVE and FUN. She carried the latest and greatest- yes, and I was impressed!!!! I must say that Lynne was one of those woman that is beautiful, you see her and by appearance- she is simply a beautiful woman. However, getting to spend time with her was truly a gift. THANKS Lynne and all the girls who FILLED the class up! I will post photos very soon!!!!

So much more to share, but I will wait until I can add some photos. Oh, my friend Tim Holtz has started his very own blog… check it out… www.timholtz.typepad.com. 

Oh, and the final thing to SHARE…Well, I gained SIX pounds over the cruise… Well, actually I weighed a few hours after I got home, so I will know the REAL DAMAGE tomorrow. Serious, I ate A LOT more than I should have, but I will share more about that tomorrow. I am back on track now that I am home, and that is something that makes me happy.

*teresa*

Puerto Rico

I am leaving in a few hours for the airport...excited, but hate to leave the kids. My sweet mother in law is here. THANKFULLY! I spent all day in the airport tomorrow. I know I will be exhausted. I teach my class on Friday and then plan to spend the rest of the day shopping in Old San Juan and at the beach.

Halloween was GREAT...well, minus lil' Ty getting really sick late Tuesday night. He missed school and was up most of the night sick. I had to do laundry in the middle of the night, and he was scared because he kept vomiting. I don't think he has ever been so sick. He got to the point at 3am where he wanted to sleep by the toilet bowl. Poor little guy, it broke my heart.

THANK YOU so much for the rolodex class comments. I mailed it to EVER AFTER today- it will be in the store on Friday- so if you're local... I had SO MANY email requests to sell it as a kit. I am sorry, I was not able to email back. So for now, I can only say- I honestly don't know. I promise to keep everyone updated. I know I owe MANY people emails about the class....please know I will respond as quickly as I can. Thanks so much for all the kind comments!!!!

Teresa