TERESA COLLINS

Vegas photos to share...

Sharing some photos from Vegas last week.

This was our first stop. I I LOVE their fries. I hear they are opening a restaurant in SLC soon. *I do not like their special sauce, but their burgers are yummy with mustard and ketchup.

The boys did great in the car. We separated the boys and the girls (they actually did not get into ONE fight!!!)

They watched movies and listened to their Ipods during the 5 1/2 hour drive.

I read LOTS of magazines. Ty likes to drive, so I never get to drive when we take road trips.

When we arrived in Vegas, we went for a walk around the hotel. I love having photos of the kids walking together.

I took way too many photos inside the hotel.

We never did go on the gondola ride, but I took a photo anyway.

I looked up and saw this view of the hotel. My kids complained that "I take TOO many photos and I embarrass them."

The boys loved wearing the robes in the hotel. They were HUGE on them...

This is the boys looking out the window in the robes.

We went to see Phantom of the Opera. We really enjoyed the show!!!

I want to see WICKED, but have not had the opportunity.

Then we spent the day Thursday touring Vegas. We visited M&M World. We watched the short movie they provide. Being surrounded by all the M&M's made us all hungry.  So we each purchased a bag. Did you know they have Cherry M&M's? They were good--I was surprised!

Next, we went to ride this roller coaster at the  top of New York, New York hotel. I thought it was a little jerky, but it was really a GREAT roller coaster. As you can see, we had BEAUTIFUL weather.

Gentry took this photo of McKay jumping in the air at the pool. It was nice swimming in March.

McKay then had to take a photo. We were trying to look serious...ha!!!!

Sorry- I know A LOT of photos!!!!

I have hundreds of photos to document. So thankful for photos that help me to remember such fun times.

HOME

We are now back home. We had the BEST time during our vacation. The best was just being  together. We started by playing a game of writing down all the license plates that we saw. We were able to find 42 states. It became a FUN game!!!

We LOVED the Venetian hotel. (not lil' Ty- he thought it was too TALL!!!!) The Phantom of the Opera was FANTASTIC! If you are in Vegas, you really should go to this show. Everyone really enjoyed it, but lil' Ty was TIRED of all the singing by the end of the production. In hindsight, he would have liked the Blue Man Group more. We tried to get tickets, but the only seats left were the back of the balcony section.

I visited a very cool scrapbook store- SCRAPPIN TIME- on E. Russell Road in Las Vegas. I was amazed at their HUGE selection of products. My fave find was the Prima tape w/ crowns on it. I  bought some Vegas diecuts (they were very cool!!!) for my travel album that I will be doing of our trip.

I am so thankful to be home. Traveling away from home makes me--- more appreciative of my home and the comforts that I do take for granted. We encountered a lot of needy people during our trip. It is a great time to educate your children on "the REAL WORLD." For instance, during one of our meals at a restaurant, our waitress was VERY pregnant. I would imagine she was about 16 years old. She was working so hard, and she looked really tired. We noticed no one was leaving good tips.  So our family gave her a generous tip. As we left the restaurant, we could see her go to the table. As she saw her tip, she had this huge smile on her face. It was something so small, but I would imagine it made her day a little better. Another waiter was in his 80's. He was so slow, but he was the kindest older gentleman. We were at a buffet, and again many people did not leave him a tip. So we made a point to talk to him, and give me our tip. He was so appreciative. It is important to me, that my kids realize that we need to be appreciative to those wonderful people who do things for us. I have always been big on saying PLEASE and "thank you"... if they don't say THANK YOU to others than I will get after them. It's something so small, but means a lot to the person who is doing something for you. It's the southern girl in me...it was how I was raised.

I am working on many new paper designs right now, and I am on a creative HIGH right now. I spend about an hour tonight in the paint section of the craft store. I can't wait for YOU to see what I have been up too. I am doing lines that I have NEVER done before....hint: some are THEMED...and I LOVE the challenge of this.

Off to get my boys to bed...I know it's way past their bedtime!!!! 

Teresa   

PACKING....

It is now late...and I have not started to pack for our trip in the morning to Vegas. However, I did have a great day today with my kids. We went to TARGET. We needed to get some food for the road trip and the boys needed some new shorts. The boys are in the stage where they need new clothes every 9 months. So last years summer clothes are too tight. Zach is so tall for a 10 year old. Thankfully, the girls did not out grow their summer clothes. Anyway, it was a productive day.

We had baseball practice for both boys tonight, and I rushed home to watch American Idol. I barely walked in to be able watch David. I thought he did great, but I have no idea what the song was that he choose to sing. He is so talented!!!! I agree with Paula, he could sing from the phone book and still sound amazing.

I have to share this layout that was sent to me today. The designer is AMY LICHT. She is a teacher and design team member for RUBAN ROUGE in Florida. I have always been a fan of Amy's work. Look at her Bella Girl layout...

Okay, this layout MELTS me. I think her daughter is simply gorgeous. She reminds me, of my daughter Gentry when she was younger. Love this layout Amy- are you surprised to see it on my blog?????

I love to share the INSPIRATION... and so thank you (each of you!!!!) that are taking the time to send me your projects with my designs. I will try to share them, as time permits. Hope you each enjoy this layout- makes me want to go grab my Bella Girl stash and create. Thanks Amy for the inspiration!!!! (your daughter is sooo CUTE!!!!)

Okay, I know.... I must go pack. We will see Phantom of the Opera tomorrow night. We will be staying at the Venetian- which I think will be a big treat for the kids. I love the decor and know I will be inspired by my surroundings. We are driving (which I LOVE), I love road trips. I have my bag packed with my fave magazines: Domino, Shape, Self, (to keep me motivated to eat healthy while I am traveling), Creating Keepsakes, Scrapbook Etc., and lots of home decor magazines. I always travel with my sketch book and will be sketching while I am away. So many upcoming deadlines, and I am feeling creative. Wish me luck!!!! 

Free CLASS on Website

Happy Monday!!!!

Hope you each had a great Easter celebration!

I had a great time decorating Easter eggs with lil' Ty. He is very CREATIVE!

So on my website... http://teresacollinsdesigns.com

the free MARCH class is up. It is this project-

So the class, all visuals, and materials used are on the website now- go and print it out. Hope you enjoy the class!!!!!!

I have spent the entire day cleaning...spring cleaning. I now need to head to DI (good will) and donate some furniture, knick knacks, etc. It feels great to get rid of "clutter." I am a firm believer if you do not LOVE it, then donate it to someone who will.

Off to take the kids out. It's a beautiful day here.

Have a great day!!!!

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY....

today is my husbands birthday...

So I wanted to tell Ty- HAPPY BIRTHDAY...We love you TONS, and appreciate YOU.

I hope you enjoy the big Chocolate cake-ha!

Poor Ty, doesn't like it when I have cakes around. He would prefer that I do not bake them or purchase them. *this one this year is purchased, but it is yummy. We went to dinner last night to celebrate.

Unfortunately, there was a INCIDENT. If you know my husband, you know that he is very protective of his children and family. The man at the booth beside us (the wall was a half wall--so our booth was right beside each other) was on his cell phone. The man was quite upset and kept swearing, I am not talking about the little bad words...the BIG ones...it was nonstop---bleep, bleep, bleep...as he was telling someone off. At first Ty said LOUDLY, that his children could hear his conversation.

The man kept swearing really loudly. Ty got up from our booth and I could tell he was upset. He walked over to the man's booth- and said how he did not appreciate how he was talking, swearing, and such in front of his children. Granted, Ty was upset and then the man- jumped up and wanted to fight (bleep, bleep, bleeps...were coming out of his mouth- this is the edited version!) and beat my husband up. He said he would do it in front of our children.

My husband is not afraid of anything. He has a high moral compass- basically, he will stand up for his beliefs. The guy jerked up, after glaring and swearing at our table, he proceeded to leave. He said he would be waiting for TY when he left the restaurant, and would beat him up in front of our kids. He left....and I was shaking. My kids were shaken and a great night out with the kids, well- it was not the best.

Then a man, came up to our table and thanked my husband. He said he was about to do the same to the guy. Then another family thanked my husband, since he was there with his family. He said he was wishing HE had said something to the vulgar mouthed man. So EVERYONE in the restaurant (our section) heard the altercation. When we left, a big man went to the door -when he saw my husband leaving. He wanted to make sure the guy would not be there causing problems. I decided for my children's safety, that I would let Ty go first and I was on my cell phone...to make sure I did not need to call 911. Ty thought I was crazy, he was not worried, but I feel you NEVER know what someone will do when provoked.

Anyway...he was not there. In hindsight, Ty said he probably should not have been so angry as he told the guy to stop his conversation. I think the guy felt threatened, but that is Ty and he was trying to protect our family. Plus, we were at a family restaurant. They do not serve alcohol or even have a bar...

I admit, I could never have done this. I would have asked to change tables, or leave the restaurant. I hate altercations.... Well, Ty I love you and I love that you care so much about all of us.

As of last night, we changed our SPRING PLAN  trip. Ty has patients until Tuesday, but then we are headed to....

Can you guess?

It's in the Desert.

Hopefully it will be warm.

Okay, it's the Venetian in Las Vegas. We are going to go see...

I know change of plans. I so wanted to do Mt. Rushmore, but honestly- the kids wanted warmer weather. It has been a cold, snowy long Winter in Utah this year. So we will spend a few days in Vegas. Our version of fun will be swimming, shopping, gondola rides, and of course, just being together. Oh, I will find a scrapbook store to visit.

Off to take Ty to a birthday lunch.

Enjoy the day!!!!

DAY ONE

Day one of Spring BREAK...

and my kids are fighting. It's okay, since I am choosing not to HEAR it. I refuse to pick sides, so they usually stop. We went and got Subway sandwiches for lunch, which helped with all the bickering.

Now we are off to BASEBALL practice. It's pretty chilly still, so most of the time- I sit in the car and sketch paper designs.

Here is a image of the free MARCH class project that will be on my website soon.

I am officially ADDICTED to these chipboard shaped books...

more later. Have a nice day!

TC

Spring Break...

My kids are officially on SPRING BREAK for 10 days. We celebrated tonight by watching the movie "Shredder Man" on Nickelodeon. Well, the kids that were home. How funny these silly movies are, and they are entertaining! The kids are piled on my bed, and we are going to watch another movie together. I wanted to let everyone know that I am finishing up the instructions for the FREE class for March for my website. It is a die cut album. I will post the photo tomorrow. I hope you are enjoying the free class projects. I so appreciate your support!

I so appreciate your comments on the last post. It will help me to know the stores that do carry my products. So the random drawing for the winner-

Unfortunately my LSS here in Huntsville, AL, does not carry your products, but my favorite online site, Create My Keepsake, does!! LOVE your stuff, it's just my style... thank you for bringing us such awesome product!!

Posted by: Rae | March 19, 2008 at 07:00 AM

So the lucky winner is Rae. Please email me!!!!!

I wanted to post this layout with the CALENDAR paper from the Journal- It line. It was a very simple page to do. Each photo was punched with my FISKARS square punch. The black chipboard is assorted black fonts- Scenic Route and Heidi Swapp. The large finial is the TAG paper from the line. I used the lines to journal in. Although this paper is 12x12...I simply trimmed around the frame. It is one of my favorite pages, because it has so many memories/photos on ONE page of our family in 2007. The way this paper is designed, you can easily create your own version... if you happen to do it, please share your creation with me.

Oh, better get back to the movie. Check tomorrow to see the free class project visual. -tc

UPDATE

I will post a winner today. Sorry- got crazy around here. I'm off to take my kids to piano, guitar and dance lessons. Thursdays are my crazy days!!!! Check back tonight  for the winner.

Thanks

Teresa

it's all about David

Well tonight we will get to see David perform again on American Idol. Our high school- David's- is showing our support. We are meeting at Murray High School to watch the show together in the big auditorium. In addition, to the students, and their families we will watch the show together. The local news media will be in attendance, as well as HOLLYWOOD media.

You know, Access Hollywood, etc. those type of TV shows. Are you going to think I'm crazy if I say that I get NERVOUS for David??? I want him to do well, and I always pray for him. So if you are in Utah and want to come to MHS tonight- be there at 6:30pm. We want to show our support and love for him.

Last night was so fun, we met with Ty's entire family for dinner (Sweet Tomatoes) and then 2 hours of bowling. Ty's mom, did this for all of us for our Christmas gift this year. It was fabulous.

I love his family and I loved that we will REMEMBER this. (sometimes you forget the gifts you get, huh???) Ty's sister, Leann is so FUN. She brought all the St. Patrick stuff, green necklaces, HUGE green wigs, BIG green bow ties, green hair extension, etc. and insisted we all WEAR something while we bowled. CRAZY, but so fun! I only broke 2 nails...I LOVE the idea of spending TIME together as our gift. Thanks MOM!!!!!

Okay, my SWEETEST cutest friend Janna Wilson is UP to SOME COOL CREATIVE goodness... http://jannawilson.typepad.com She is offering on line classes that are $15.00 and include the visuals to create her project and detailed instructions/supply list. I am LUCKY that she shares her fantastic creations with me. I am always inspired by Miss. Janna...and I bet you will be too.

Weigh in...check...I did not gain weight. How did this happen??? I was sure I was up, but I guess I was being too hard on myself. I tend to beat myself up when I feel like I am not doing my best. I am my own worst critic. That is why I don't read reviews of my products, or go to any sites that are out there that talk about the "scrapbook" world. I am all for everyone expressing how they feel. However, for me, I can hear 100 people say- Hey, I love your journal-it line, and then the 1 person that says...wow, TC's products sucks-

"THAT IS THE THOUGHT" that will linger in my mind. I think my tender heart is both a blessing and a curse in my life. For instance, I was made aware that not too long ago, that someone was speaking on my behalf on a blog that was smacking another person- specifically Junkitz.

I got the news while I was away in PHX. I guess some anon posters posted that they were me, and a few of my other close friends on this forum. I would NEVER post comments and attack another person on line or in person. I think in life, YOU GET what YOU GIVE. I will do my best to GIVE positive thoughts. I want to publicly declare here-- do not always believe what you read. I have heard for years now, the same thing about Rusty Pickle. People saying things that I NEVER have said. For the record, I am so appreciative for the opportunities that I was given both with RP and Junkitz. I have ZERO issues-serious, I am thrilled how well RP has continued to be and I'm still so sad that Junkitz  did not make it.  So if you read my blog- know that I support this industry and those that are in it! I say prayers of thanks EVERY single day for this opportunity. ENOUGH- sorry, my heart just wishes we could BUILD others up and not TEAR others down.

Thank you EVERYONE who has been emailing me. I am always behind. I hope you do not ever feel like I do not like you or care if it takes me awhile to respond. I have so many (everyday) of you sending me links to your work with my products. I LOVE THIS!!! I wish I could post them ALL. In the future, we will look into doing a gallery on my website. Wouldn't that be so cool????  THANK YOU for the support.

If you wouldn't mind...I would LOVE to know where you shop- your LSS name or on line, etc. If they happen to carry my product, will you post this information. I know I get so many emails from people who want to know where to shop. I will pick a winner TOMORROW...a box full of my new releases and some other great goodies from reorganizing. I promise you- YOU will want this BOX. It's CRAMMED FULL of Goodness....

Good luck, and watch American Idol tonight!!!!

Back to normal...

I have neglected the blog. However, I have had good reasons. I wanted to focus on my organization. I feel so much better...I worked all weekend going through my products, and organizing all my supplies. I took breaks to scrapbook some projects that have been weighing on my mind.

I designed a layout for one of my FAVE scrapbook magazines that will be out this summer. I can't wait until I can SHARE all the details of what it is all about.

Then I designed a book for Gentry that was from a kit from www.concroption.com

I am their GUEST designer for the month. I really loved the kit selection. They used my Bella Girl line in the kit. (I outlined along the tone on tone pink scroll on the paper) This is a 6x6 Zutter BIA book.

When I got the kit, I KNEW immediately what I wanted to create for my book. This is Gentry's first year in High School, so I wanted to do a book that reflects what she did this year: her classes (included her class schedule/report card, her friends, taking drivers eduction, getting her braces off, how she practices the piano 45 minutes a day now, making the HS drill team, etc. One day, she will be grateful to have a book that documents her life at 15- almost 16 years old. I gave it to her today, and she was very appreciative

Thanks Tricia and Concroption for letting me play with your fantastic kit! (did you notice the Newspaper Flowers that I designed awhile back???? It is included in the kit)

I finished the project that I will be teaching in the UK in June. Thanks so much Louise, for inviting me!!!! Ty will be traveling with me. It will be his first time to the UK. Here is Louise's website- www.chepstowpinkscrappers.blogspot.com .

A couple peeks of the book.

It is a die cut chipboard book shapes, and die cut papers and assorted papers from my lines. I used some of my favorite Technique Tuesday stamps, and am so thankful for the photos that Jamie Harper took of my family last year during Spring Break. She took the most "real" photos of my boys JUST BEING themselves.

Jamie encouraged them to play and took photos while observing them. She captured THEM. I know Jamie is interested in doing photo shoots not only in AZ, but will travel to accommodate your needs.

Our spring break starts this Friday for 10 days. We are thinking of driving to Old Faithful (Yellowstone) and then Cody, Wyoming... then head to Mt. Rushmore. Seriously, my kids are less than thrilled with the idea. However, I think it would be so educational AND a fun (yet, long!!!!) road trip. So does anyone know if this is a horrible time of the year to go to Mt. Rushmore? Also, anyone know of any scrapbook stores in those areas???? When I travel, I always try to support all the local stores.

Sorry for such a long post! I still have a couple Melrose Vintage photos to post. I am so sad that I have no photos of Diane and I together. Next time, I go to PHX, I plan to spend the ENTIRE day at her store...just shopping and admiring the decor.

Have to go get weighed in the morning. I dread this!!! However, it's vital for me to keep on track. I was sick last week, so it's been over TWO weeks since I stepped on the scale. Yes, and the gym tomorrow...priority!!!!

it's Friday

and it's snowing again in Utah. I am officially ready for SPRING. How about you?

It is short day for the boys
so today after school they are going to
go see HORTON HEARS A WHO! at the movie theater. No idea if the movie is good.

I am set on cleaning my scrapbook supplies up. I am overwhelmed with trying to figure out a way to store my supplies for my classes. I have boxes of stamps, ink, Bind-it-all's, etc. and I am out of room. So this weekend- my priority is to get my supplies somewhat organized- the problem is that I am out of room.

I found out that Gentry will be performing with the drill team next year in NYC. This makes me happy-a girl trip with my daughter. I love to travel, and I love NYC. Gentry has been floating since she made the team. She is my girl who does not show a lot of emotion, so I am overly happy to see HER so HAPPY.

I am so sorry to let everyone know that I was not able to do extra kits from the AZ Melrose Vintage Class. I ran out of some the embellishments, and I would have to order in such large quantities that it was starting to be a big frustration. I have kept all the emails that I have received, and if I have extra kits in the future- you will get a email. Thank you so much for your interest!!!!

Oh, here is some eye candy. This was sent to me from Ally in California. It is a class that she is teaching at "It's About Time". She used my papers to create a darling project...ALLY's CLASS. I love the projects that you are sharing with me.

I get A LOT of emails asking for where you can purchase my products. I would suggest that you go to your LSS and ask for my products. I am so thankful for the local scrapbook stores that work so hard to carry the latest and greatest. You can send them to my website at www.teresacollinsdesigns.com.  They can order my products directly from my distributor- www.productperformers.com . If you are not close to a store, then I would suggest that you look online. I can't keep up with all the wonderful online sources-again, thankful that there is so many great online stores that support this great hobby, but if you google Teresa Collins- you should find sources.

I've been so bad. I have not been working out...and I feel like a lump of goo. Ha! So as of Monday morning, it's back to the gym. Really, I'm telling YOU because then I am accountable. Right????

Zach is having a sleep over and so I need to go bake some cupcakes. Have a great weekend!

So excited...

It has been a busy week. McKay is in her school play, and we went to watch her tonight. I admit, I'm so glad it is finally here. It's been so much after school time, and lots of extra running around. It was really cute!

Then yesterday Gentry tried out for the school drill team- the Spartonians. She told me she did not care if she made it, and had me convinced that it was no big deal to her. Well, she got surprised tonight with the news (they came and found her and brought her a rose!) that she was a new MHS Spartonian. It's quite a honor to make this team, and so I am over the top excited for her. I love that she honestly did not think she had a chance to make it. I told her last week..."nothing ventured, nothing gained" and that you have to sometimes put yourself out there- sometimes you WILL get hurt or disappointed, but it's so much better than never going for something you really want. So thankful that she gave it a shot!!!!

Hey, if you were at Melrose Vintage and have any photos will you email them to me. Zach took a lot of photos during my time there and when I was going through them today, I only have a few photos. I don't know if he accidentally deleted them.

Today was a great day, I'm starting to feel better. I was happy that David was not voted off tonight. He has been really sick- strep throat and so everyone around here was worried how he would perform this week on American Idol.

It's almost 1:30am and I need to finish the very last part of my book- Eclipse. I don't think I will sleep until I know what happens.... thanks for all the comments on the classes. It helps to know what you like and so I appreciate the feedback!!!!

quick recap

I am now home from AZ. I have so many great memories. I have to say, that Melrose Vintage was MORE eye candy- than I even imagined. The store is beyond beautiful. I LOVED the store. I am so impressed with her distinct style and selections. It was so much MORE than scrap booking. I loved the atmosphere, the decor, the people, the owners,...it was just magical in the store. I so enjoyed the students in the class. The class was filled with several newer scrap bookers and I did a BIG project. I realized it was too much for three hours. I felt bad, but REALLY wanted to do a book project that was FULL of technique, stamping, etc. Many stayed until 12:30 am and got it done. So I learned a lesson, I need to design my classes in the future taking in factor what can be done in a three hour time frame. (or whatever time the workshop is!!!!) I do not want students to be overwhelmed or frustrated. I want students to walk away with having learned and experimented with new techniques. It is hard teaching classes where you have advanced and brand new scrap bookers in the same class. I had one cute gal in the class who was using a paper trimmer for the first time.

So I ask you, I know many of YOU have taken a class from me- what do you REALLY want??? Do you want a bigger project- one that you may not complete in class- but since I give you color copies of each page- you can complete. Would you prefer a smaller project that is easier to get done- less pages/products???? I would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks to Jamie Harper and Ty (and Zach!!!) we did it! Thanks Diane and Wendy at Melrose Vintage. (I'll post photos later!!!)

Zach's team did okay...meaning, they won 3 out of the 5 games. They did not go to the championship game- the first time in three years. So I think it was good for the boys. Sometimes it takes losing to GAIN a new perspective. Zach hit his first home run of the 2008 season. He played great and his pitching was on- they have not played any games this year- so I was happy to see him play so well at the beginning of the season. I LOVE watching him play. I wasn't feeling too great this weekend, but there was NO way that I would miss watching him. I know it may sound strange, but I feel so much gratitude and thankful for the gifts that he has. Zach has a gift and for his age, it is quite special. I tell him always that it is one that he has to nurture and develop. It is from our Father in Heaven. I wish you all could meet Zach, because he is such a great kid. Often, I wonder how I got blessed with a kid who is so kind and compassionate towards others.

Other news...I got hit by a ball at the game. When they say HEADS UP...well, you never know what to do. I got hit hard on my right shoulder. I was thankful it was not my HEAD. I was in shock. I was waiting for Zach's game to begin on Saturday when I got hit. I cried (thankfully I was wearing dark sunglasses) and then felt so stupid. In all my baseball days, this was the first time that I got hit by a ball. Let me tell you- it hurts!!!!!

We stayed in Scottsdale at the Sheraton Desert Oasis Villas. It was like a resort, but very affordable for AZ. We loved it and I highly recommend this place. The pool was huge and had a beautiful waterfall. Zach swam every chance he could. I even went swimming one night at 10 pm with him. Zach really wanted us to go swimming with him, so as much as I really did not want to - I did. Thankful for the memories and that I did it!!!

Other than watch the baseball games, I read nonstop. I finally allowed myself to read Twilight ( LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.) and then NEW MOON. I could not put the books down. Now I know why my girls love these books by Stephanie Meyer so much.

I have some design work to do, so I will not let myself start the third book yet. It's by my bedside TEMPTING me... I never thought I would enjoy these books as much as I did. Wow- they are fantastic!!!!

Anyway, home and working on some designs. I have a ton of new emails, and I am trying to not stress about it all. That is easier said than done. I will post photos from AZ this week, after I catch up a bit.

It's nice to be back home.

   

On the go...

I am packing today, for our trip to Phoenix, AZ. I am looking forward to teaching at Melrose Vintage tomorrow night. Even though the class is sold out, you are more than welcome to stop by. I have only heard the most wonderful things about the store. It's not only a scrapbook store, but a furniture/decor store. I have four girls coming all the way from California attending the class- thanks girls, I truly appreciate each of you (CA girls and the AZ girls) that are coming!!!!

Then Thursday it is BASEBALL, BASEBALL, BASEBALL.... for my ten year old son. Zach is so excited to 1. get out of school for THREE days 2. get to be with mom and dad all by himself (no sharing!!!) 3. going to a practice game on Thursday for the --Angels and Giants 4. In N Out burgers 5. Swimming (hope it will be warm enough).

We are traveling so that his team can play in the Triple World Crown tournament this week. Unfortunately, with the other's kids school schedules and lessons, they are staying home. That is hard on me, but they expressed how they could not afford to miss their classes. They are in some tough classes and making up work can be such a hassle.

That reminds me, I am taking Gentry to meet with the college concurrent enrollment counselor tonight. In Utah, you can take college classes and have your associates degree when you graduate from high school. Not only do you graduate with the degree, but it then pays 75% of your tuition during college. Gentry will turn 16- NEXT month- she is in 10th grade this year, so she will be able to drive herself to college to take classes. She will have to take classes during the summer too.  I mention this, because a lot of people do not realize the programs that the high schools offer. My oldest son, Matt graduated from our high school with his associates degree and had his college paid for (we have not had to pay anything-still!!!) by doing this and with his academic scholarships. The program is not for everyone- it's TOUGH. Matt and Gentry would not be able to have after school or summer jobs, but we felt if they wanted to do this... it was their job. Hope that makes sense. Plus, they have to WANT to do it. So today, I'm packing away- so I can attend the meeting with her. I strongly encourage you to look at the programs that your schools offer. 

I am looking forward to watching David on American Idol tonight. The news reporters have been interviewing the high school kids and asking his friends about him. Unfortunately, some vocal high school kids are being very negative and spreading horrible rumors. Gentry said they are saying that he is "not as nice as he puts out" and "he is GAY!"- that is putting it nicely. I know she was shocked, and it is really sad. For the record, he is that kind and he is not gay. However, the point is- how sad that others want to put others down like this. 

Today, there is a short little interview posted on www.scrapscene.com  that I did. I am so thankful for Angie, who understood how LONG it took me to finally get the interview done. I enjoy her website- always full of inspiration.

So productive...

It's almost midnight, and I am finally able to blog today. Thanks to all the girls who were at the chat. CHERRIE...email your address. I am sending you a journal it album-you will just need to add your photos and journal.

Today, I spent cleaning the house, and preparing for our trip to Phoenix this week. I like to leave with a clean home and come home to a clean house. That is not always the case. I worked on my MESSY scrap areas...there is more than one area right now. It feels so good to have a cleaner room. I can now be more productive.  I admire people who are naturally organized. It is a struggle for me. Organization has and continues to be a struggle for me. I create huge messes and then will throw all my supplies in a box, instead of putting it all back to it's proper home. I need HELP!!!!

So I taped a video that you can see on You tube...I filmed it with my FLIP video camera. It was filmed to put on my website. However, we were concerned with the volume. If you watch it, PLEASE let me know if you could hear and understand me. I have to say, I get MORE nervous doing these home videos than I do going on national TV. When I did Home Shopping Network last year, I remember feeling pretty calm. I like live TV so much better. When I video something, I keep thinking that I should redo something. So here is the link:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=aieUSqqTXKI

I wanted to show how fast and simple you can create a Journal-It book with the DreamKuts and then binding. If you have no idea what the DreamKuts machine is...then you need to watch the video- you will love it!

Also, the Free Calendar Class is now uploaded on my website. I love the idea of offering these classes each month. You can find it at www.teresacollinsdesigns.com. Feel free to comment on the blog if you have any questions or suggestions.  Have a great weekend!!!!