TERESA COLLINS

Easter Sunday....

I am home from church. My girls are with their dad this year. So it's a little quieter here at the house today. So the boys and are are having a special barbeque dinner to celebrate. I am thinking so much today about how blessed I am as a person. I just want to focus on the good things. The things that make me happy. I am a firm believer that positive thoughts make a happier and healthier person. 

So I thought I would share some of the little things today that make my heart happy. I love that Gentry has started a blog. 

It means so much to me that she realizes how important it is to document to remember "her story." Her kids will so appreciate this. As her mother, it makes me very thankful.

www.devanandgentry.blogspot.com

I am so happy for them. I keep buying house stuff for them. They are both going to be in college after the May wedding. Devan will graduate next month from BYU but is going on to get his Masters Degree in Accounting. I feel completely different this time with Gentry getting married. I have felt so much peace in knowing that they both are ready and are perfect for one another. So our family is so happy they found each other. I am also VERY happy that my sister Shelley is flying from NC to be here. My best friend is coming too. I am so fortunate and blessed with a great family and friends that I love.

I am so greatful today to be able to celebrate and worship as I wish. So thankful to live in the United States and the blessings of living in the land of the free. This world is so scary with war, rumors or war and I have to focus on living in PEACE. Trying to make my home and surrounding peaceful. It's hard not to live in fear, but I have faith that no matter what things are going to be alright. I am so thankful for my testimony and belief in God. It is what makes me who I am. I have had experiences- truly personal that have given me this knowledge.

I love that McKay was on the TV news this past week. Channel 2 News at her BYU apartment complex. They interviewed her on going on a mission and how her apartment complex will be turned over next month as new missionary housing due to how many sister missionaries are going on a mission. I admit, I cried when they mentioned that she was serving a mission to Seattle, WA Spanish speaking. I was so proud of her and her decision.

This is the first photo that we have from Seth from the MTC. He loves it. He expressed how he is learning the Spanish language so well and that he knows God has helped him with this. He is eager to get to go to Mexico to serve his mission. Seth (far right)...

Maxson and Azelea are in CA, but I am so thankful for online communication- instagram and facebook make keeping close so much easier. I think Maxson looks so cute in his Easter suit.

I love seeing Azalea and Kayla doing the Easter egg hunt. I wish we could be there with them. However, how grateful I was to see these adorable photos of my family today. I love them so much!!!!

I spent yesterday at Taylors house. I love that she is super organized and does all my kitting for my events. There are thousands of kits each year and she wants (she tells me she loves her job!) to help me be successful. It is not a small task. I am so thankful that we work as a team as a family.

We had to go buy her another shelve to fit MORE supplies for my upcoming classes. I will be announcing a few events TOMORROW. 

It's time for dinner with my boys. I can hear my boys wrestling in the background. I want to cherish this sound. I am beyond fortunate to have the noise, the large family, the non-stop carpooling. I remind myself of this everyday. 

Hope you have had a wonderful Easter day!

I'm headed to LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas going to Searcy

I am going to teach in Searcy, Arkansas in August. It is JULY 12-14th at The Scrapbook Attic & More. I have to say that I am just announcing it, but the classes already have over 25 women in all three workshops. I am amazed that prior to me announcing it that the workshops are so full. So I am officially announcing it for the first time today on my blog. The workshops look like they are going to sell out and they haven't even seen my projects. They are BRAND NEW with my new CHA releases... so that is why I can't share them yet.

If you want to join Denise and I make sure you call and sign up. I can't wait! This is my very first time ever teaching in Arkansas. I have been so impressed with Denise and can't wait to visit her store. 

I want to thank all of you that commented on yesterdays blog post. It is something so hard and so many of us have had to deal with cancer either personally or someone we love. I hate CANCER. Thank you Heather for your brave spirit that has inspired all of us. It broke my heart to hear from many of you with stories and some that were not so positive. 

It reminds me to truly CHERISH each and every day we have. LOVE each other and honestly don't let things get to us that simply don't matter. Tell your loved ones every day that you love them... every day. 

My fifteen year old Zach is just the coolest. He tells me everyday...Mom, I love you! It's random and heartfelt. It melts my heart. I know it and it comforts me. I think the world would be a better place if we lived with daily gratitude more and expressed our love MORE and fought less.

Thank you for reading my blog. I really appreciate each of you!!! 

I am a survivor.... a message of hope!!!!!!

I got an email the other day from a woman who has an amazing story of survival. She has an amazing story and I have found it so inspiring and have learned so much. You can also learn more about her here!

Today she is sharing her story here on my blog as a special guest. I find her so inspiring!!!!

Motherhood and Mesothelioma

My 36th year started off as the best year of my life. My husband and I became parents when I gave birth to our adorable daughter, Lily, on August 4, 2005. Many of our loved ones shared in our joy after her birth, and we had never been happier.

We never would have guessed that everything was about to change. After I returned to my job, I noticed that I was not feeling well. I was always tired, and I was losing weight rapidly at a tune of about 5 to 7 pounds per week. Something told me that this was more than just tiredness from being a new mom, so I made an appointment with my doctor. After a ton of different tests, the doctor finally received my results and delivered the shocking news. I was diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer. I was no longer just a wife and a mother of a 3 ½  old daughter. I was now also a cancer patient.

This type of cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos. I discovered that I had been unknowingly exposed to asbestos when I was younger, and this exposure had caused my cancer. My condition was very serious, and the doctor believed I only had 15 more months to live if I chose not to receive treatment.

 

Not treating my cancer was not an option. I wanted to be around for a long time for my husband and to see my daughter grow up. Since we decided to treat the cancer aggressively, we were required to make some tough decisions. We lived in Minnesota, but my doctor recommended a mesothelioma specialist in Boston. I had a major surgery, extrapleural pneumonectomy, on February 2, 2006. This procedure removed one of my lungs, part of my heart and chest lining, as well as part of my diaphragm. I was in the hospital for 18 months, and after another 2 months of recovery I began both chemotherapy and radiation.

As you can imagine, there was no way to properly care for an infant when I was in the hospital. My parents offered to watch Lily, so she flew with my mom to my parents' home in South Dakota. I missed my baby girl every minute of every day, but I will be forever thankful to my parents and other family members who took such good care of her.

Cancer is a terrible disease, but I found that it was important to not just dwell on the negative. We all have things happen in our lives that we do not want, but we can choose to remain positive and maintain a good attitude, while also look for the lessons that you can learn in every situation.

Thank you Heather for sharing this story with us. I am truly believe in your message of hope and attitude. THANK YOU! So loved having you as my special guest on my blog. I wish you and your beautiful family only the very best!

 

Currently thinking...

Going to the expo was really fun for me. I met so many sweet women who love to craft. I was thankful that the make n takes went so well. I loved meeting new friends...sharing stories and realizing that what I do really does form connections. I love to meet the people who use my products, read my blog, etc. It really inspired me to hear the stories and just feel like what I do in some small way is appreciated. 

I love being able to be around such talented fun girls. This is Sherry Mendoza. She works for My Craft Channel. She helped with line control. Everyone loved her Australian accent.

 So thankful that Sesil was able to come help me on Friday. Then we had a very productive meeting and dinner with my dear friend Julie Conyers. She works with Xyron so we were having the best time "discussing" upcoming TC Xyron products. Oh... can't wait to share!!!!

I loved meeting all the crafty girls at the show. SUCH a highlight!!!!!!

It was really a great day at the expo. I love that my girls came and helped me on Saturday for the demos. 

This is Brad. I call him Brad Paisley. His company is Scrapbook Liquidators. He was one of the vendors at the expo who carried my lines. I appreciate the support! 

Then a really special thing happened for McKay. She went to the Temple for the very first time. I went with her as her escort. She was so darling and ready for this opportunity. It was really special and very sweet. We went to the Oquirrah Mtn. Temple. 

I am very thankful to be her mother!!!!

I'm busy, busy... busy

I am headed out the door this morning for the Scrapbook Expo in Sandy. I will be doing the make n takes today and tomorrow from 11:00am to noon. There are several booths that are carrying my products. I hope if you are in Utah that you will come by.

Seth went into the MTC on Wednesday. That is the Missionary Training Center. He is learning to speak and understand Spanish and the gospel. We are so proud of him. 

My new mid-release is at the office and I was preparing samples with the new line. This line is GORGEOUS. Okay... there is glitter too. Oh my... soon I can share!!!! I was inspired by Gentry's wedding (no, it is not a wedding line though).

Today more than anything I am feeling a great need to say thank you again to all of you who support me in my life. I have the best of friends, a wonderful family, a thriving business and loyal customers that I so appreciate. I have felt so much gratitude and mere words cannot express to each of you and to my Heavenly Father how much I appreciate it. I was getting dresssed today and I heard this lady on the radio talk about "not being very pretty" and I instantly thought of something my mother always taught me. She said... "beauty is from within... if you are good and kind- your spirit with raditate outward and others will always see your REAL and true beauty." I do believe that beauty is a heart that is good and I'm striving so hard to be a beautiful kind person and one that appreciates everything. So thank you!!!! I wish I could meet and talk to all of you that visit my blog and support me. It truly means so much to me.

I thought I would congratulate and mention- the GRAND OPENING this week of CREATIVE CARD & CRAFTS in IL. I will be there April 12th and 13th. You won't want to miss out on the fun- the classes are big and we made room for EXTRA for the celebration. This is going to be a great weekend. Sign up here: 15 E. Park Blvd., Villa Park, IL.(630) 782-9999

Also, I announced that I will be teaching in PUERTO RICO for the 5th annual event of The Scrapbook Store. This is my first time at this event, and second time teaching in Puerto Rico. I am so excited about this!

Calle San Luis #342 Paque Industrial Bechara, San Juan, Puerto Rico(787)200-2582 / (787)994-6741

Did I mention that I am also planning Gentry's wedding and McKay to go on a mission? ha... super busy and I love it. I'm often asked how I do it all. Well, I take it day by day and always put family first. Plus, I have the most amazing husband that helps me. PS It's his BIRTHDAY today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Ty... I love you so much!

(notice: no photo. Honoring his request...)

Scrapbook Expo this weekend...

This weekend is going to be so fun. If you are in Utah you can join me at the Scrapbook Expo in Sandy Utah. I will be doing a make n take in the www.mycraftchannel.com booth at the show.

This is the project that I will be doing-(yes, they told me that it needed to be a five minute quick project- I couldn't help myself!!!!)

 Come and make a Teresa Collins MEMORIES FILE FOLDER BOOK. Since we only have five minutes per rotation of the make n take so if you are coming please bring the following so you will be good to go- trimmer, adhesive, scissors and bone folder (scoring board). This way you will not have to share supplies. 

I love the pockets and tags in the file folder. This is going to be a great weekend to join us this weekend. I will be doing this make n take for only one hour each day at the show- Friday and Saturday from 11:00am-12:00. I look forward to seeing you there! 

My next trip out of town to teach is April 12th and 13th in Villa Park, IL at Creative Cards & Crafts (630) 782-9999. I will be teaching this BRAND new MEMORIES workshop-

This project is so big!!!! 

I am also teaching a Far & Away Travel book and Stationery Noted file folder workshop. Call if you are interested. I am not sure how many if any spots are left in the workshops. 

I also will be going to Porto, Portugal to teach in April. The kits are all done and will soon be on their way to the event. Oh my... I loved teaching in Portugal last year and am so honored to be asked again. 

 

Family weekend- saying goodbye to Seth

The past few days were so wonderful. WONDERFUL doesn't capture how special it was. My entire family was together for the first time since Thanksgiving. Matt, Kayla and the kids came to stay with us and visit for the past few days. Zellie is now talking lots and walking like a pro.

We had so much going on. Our church threw Gentry her first bridal shower on Saturday. Thank you so much Rachel for hosting a beautiful shower. I was completely blown away with how special it was. Plus, we had girl time this weekend. We had so much fun. Zellie was not happy in this photo!!!!

I can't leave out my boys. My heart is truly so overflowing as I write this blog post. Wow, who would have thought when I married Ty that together we would blend and create this BIG and awesome family. Now we have Kayla and Devan, Maxson and Azalea. It shows me that it's true... LOVE grows and expands/ multiples.

This is Seth in the center of the photo in the plaid. He is not often here with us. I am truly so proud of him. He gave a talk in church yesterday. It was his mission farewell. He leaves this Wednesday for the Missionary Training Center. He will learn Spanish and serve his mission in Mexico. This young man expressed from the heart a testimony of God that was so strong. He had a hard time in high school and did some things that he was not proud about. Seth talked about this and how he was unhappy with his choices and knew what he needed to do to feel Heavenly Father in his life and heart. It was a beautiful talk and I shed many tears for his honesty and being so strong and brave. We are truly going to miss him. We will write him every week as a family and support him. He will serve for two years.

This photo means so much to me. It is our last photo together as a family for TWO years. I would have loved to have a professional photo done, but I simply wanted to capture OUR kids. I wanted Seth to have this photo to take on his mission. (Ty, Zach, McKay, Taylor, Gentry, Devan, Seth, Kayla, Azalea, Matt and Maxson) That is my gang and I'm super thankful that God blessed me with this crazy crew. We are certainly not perfect and yes, we have fights and misunderstandings, but we always forgive and love each other.

Maxson loves the attention from his aunts and uncles. He can pretty much get away with anything with them. 

We celebrated that Seth was going to Mexico. The kids love to do silly photos.

I guess your never too old to do things like this. Right?

I am super proud of this young man. He is mature for his age. He is a really hard worker and he is just a sweetheart. He never lived with us and honestly, I wish he had. Zach and Ty really have looked up to both Seth and Matt and I'm so thankful for them. 

This morning I watched Matt and Kayla load their car and leave again. This time they drove to their new home in Huntington Beach, CA. They moved for Matt's job and are going to their new home for the first time. I tried to not cry, but I broke down. You would think that it get's easier... I admit I am very emotional. We want our kids to grow up and be on their own and be happy, start their own family, make good decisions... and with that we have to let them go. I never realized how much my heart would be conflicted with happiness and sadness to see them leave. 

So to keep myself busy I started to craft today. I have some big news that I will be able to share soon. It is something that I am so thankful about. It has been keeping me busy and I have not been able to share anything about it. 

I debuted a new MY CRAFT CHANNEL segment today on my new file folders. You can watch it here: www.mycraftchannel.com/shows/Teresa-Collins-Designs-Show/Teresa-Collins-File-Folder-Albums

Also, Utah crafters. Join me this FRIDAY at the Scrapbook Expo in Sandy Utah. I will be in the MY CRAFT CHANNEL booth doing a free make n take from 11:00-12:00 am on Friday and Saturday morning. I would love to see you there!!!!!!

It's Friday... What is going on?

It's a beautiful day here in Utah. It is record breaking high the last couple of days. The family is here for Seth's mission farewell. It was fun to go out last night and spend time together. Last night was girls night out. We went to Cafe Rio and then downtown SLC to shop. Ty and the boys stayed home happily and watched Maxson and Azalea.

This is the early morning jam session in the undies for the kids.

We also had four baseball games this week. So exciting to watch Zach finally get to play on the high school team. Zach is playing on all the teams as a 9th grader. We are learning all the players name now. 

The girls even came up from BYU to watch and support their little brother. We were really excited to see him play so well. He even hit his first high school home run. When it went over the fence, I was so happy that the season started off positive. He plays Sophmore, JV and Varsity. He is catching and occasionally 1st base. Baseball is a very mental game. Zach has been working really hard so that he can get selected to play for a division 1 college team- his goal is to play for BYU baseball. Zach is going to a BYU baseball camp this Summer so that we be a great experience for him.

 Then we shopped yesterday for Gentry's ribbon for the wedding. Then we went to Goodwill thrift shop shopping too. We found about TEN frames that we are spray painting and using at the reception for signs and photos.

I love her colors. She is doing shades of pink and rose gold. We have had so much fun planning the May wedding. Countdown is 66 days. 

Now for the MARCH free TC Stampmaker download. You can visit Photocentrics blog to get the FREE download.

http://photocentric-imagepac.blogspot.com/2013/03/free-march-2013-download-stamp-designs.html

 Have a GREAT amazing Friday!!!!

And it begins- Yes, I am ready!!!!

Last night, I was reading a magazine and I saw this quote. It really hit home to me. I thought it was just a great reminder to me once again... to focus on what matters most.

It really is something that I feel is true. It is my greatest desire to make others feel that they matter and that I am a friend to them. I know we can't possibly be friends with everyone, but we can be kind and make others feel important. Anyway, this is going to be added to my quote book. I wanted to share it with you.

Today...(I'm so excited)is Zach's first baseball games in high school. He got suited up last night and we took a couple of photos. I want to remember this. He has worked really hard to be playing and to be playing on Varsity as well. It really is not something he ever thought would happen as a Freshmen. However, he worked so that he would be good enough. That is what inspires me about him. 

So this afternoon, I will be watching two back to back games. Good thing I love BASEBALL. McKay has been home a lot working on her papers and she will be able to see his games today too. I will be taking lots of photos today.

Matt and his family are coming home to visit us TOMORROW. We have not seen them since Thanksgiving. Hopefully, the kids will remember us since we did SKYPE each other. The kids have grown so much already.

Okay... wanted to share this weeks TC video at MY CRAFT CHANNEL.

Here is the link to the show- ROLODEX TC SHOW. I know you will LOVE her ideas and cool ideas. Plus, she is super cute with her Australian accent. Thanks Sherry for being my special guest!

 

 

 

 

Leaving Georgia... cruise next time

I have had the best weekend. I was talking to my husband late last night and he mentioned that my southern accent is really strong again. This always happens. I can't tell the girls thank you enough for coming. The workshops sold out so fast and everyone was excited to be there. We shared many stories, laughs and good times. My heart is truly full and blessed.

A special thanks to TC for being the BEST tour guide, friend and chauffuer. I can't tell you what a gift it is to know her. She truly is a sweetheart and made my trip so special.

When I arrived we drove to the store and stopped by a few antique stores and went to Pier Park in Florida. We event went to the ocean for a little bit. I needed this break so much. I am such a LOVER of sunny warm weather. Just what I needed.

Her husband Jesse is a Blackhawk pilot for the Army so I got a special tour at Fort Rucker. It was so cool. Can you tell it was a very windy day? Oh my... what a special treat.

I taught three workshops. We had a great time together and I really loved having it at the hotel again. Susan Moore hosted the event- her store EMI SCRAPBOOKING in Cumming, GA is just down the street from the hotel. The store is FULL of my product lines. I'm not kidding when I say she gets EVERYTHING that I come out with and produce. I love her and appreciate Susan and her support. Everyone that works for her is so super nice.

A few things displayed at the event. I love being surrounded my projects with my family photos. Did I mention my ENTIRE family will be together this coming week? Seth goes on his mission in 12 days and Matt, Kayla and the kids are coming to Utah this week. I'm happy!!!!!

These cute girls are so lovely. They drove 14 hours together to come to the workshops. We have Cheryl, Judy and Judy. I just felt a instant connect to them. It makes me feel thankful to have this opportunity to meet special ladies that only enrich MY LIFE. Thank you TEXAS girls. I love all of you!!!!!

The store was beautiful as always. This was my third visit to the store. It is well worth your visit to see all the kits, some pre-made, products and selection at Susan's store. 

We had so many girls at the event and when it sold out so fast, I agreed to do many kit onlys. I am looking forward to our event which is.... 

The Caribbean JOURNEY CREATING at Sea... Scrapbook 7 day Crusie with EMI Scrapbooking and Special Guest- me!!!!!

It's not to late to join us. We have so many girls coming. Yes, many are bringing their spouses and friends to join them. This is going to be a full week of sunshine, good times and crafting while we are on sea days. This ship is full of things to do while on board. The cruise leaves from Port Canaveral. We will be visiting the following places: Cococay * this is Royal Caribbeans private island. We are having a beach barbeque and party. Then we will also visit St. Thomas, and St. Maarten islands. 

The ship we will be on is the FREEDOM OF THE SEAS. I have loved the Royal Caribbean cruise ships in the past and this one is the second largest (I think) in the fleet. 

Yes, the ship has a rock wall, ice skating rink, surfing wave and we are going to have fun!!!

Here are some of the details-

Sail Date- 20 October 2013

7 Nights Eastern Caribbean

Ocean View (Double) $729.00 USD

Inside Stateroom (Double) $609.00 USD

To book your room contact Royal Caribbean International at the following...

Number 1-800-465-3595

Group Number 5953562 (Give this to the Guest Service Agent)

Rooms will be held at a Group Rate

Scrapbook portion of the event- Participation fees of $200.00 USD are to be paid through EMI Scrapbooking. Event fees are separate from your cruise fees and will include the following:

Teresa Collins will teach THREE large exclusive workshops true to her signature style. Expect fun suprises, and prizes and much more!

7 nights of Cropping, Group Activies such as dining together each night, Event T-Shirt, Daily Make n Takes, Tote Bag, many prizes and much more. Excursions are optional at your own preference and will be signed up through the cruise ship. 

Class participation is optional, and therefore not included in the cost of the cruise. Spouses and non crafters are welcome to come on the cruise. We would love and encourage this. However, only paid participants of the crafting/scrapbooking event will be included in the workshops and activities. 

Payment for class workshops and scrapbook participants are DUE NO LATER then June 30,2013.

Please contact Susan Moore at EMI Scrapbooking at 1-770-888-2417 or TC at [email protected]. Feel free to call or email with any and all questions. We would LOVE to have you all join us. 

McKay Mission Call

 

 

Hi all,

I am super excited to share this news with you. My daughter McKay is going on a mission. I know I shared about it earlier last week. I am so thankful that she is such a good, kind and sweet young woman. She truly inspires me. Every time I watch this video I cry. Yes, that is the mommy in me.

I hope you enjoy this. Our family is all very excited in the background.

xoxo

Teresa

Scrapdoodles event...

I wanted to share about the FABULOUS event that I went to last week. I flew to Richmond, Virginia to teach at the Scrapdoodles event. It was held here...

Yes, there were more buildings like this one. It was so colonial and gorgeous. The estate was absolutely stunning and it was the BEST food ever... I mean ever... at the event. Yes, they had a buffet daily for the event. These were unlike ANY events I have ever attended. Maybe it was the grits that they served at breakfast? I was in heaven. I thought I would gain weight, but I didn't and that makes it even better.

This is Cheryl. She is the store manager. We are honestly so much alike that we just "click." We had a lot in common and I loved her spirit. Her attention to detail and sweetness to everyone at the event was truly heartwarming. I found the event to be a true inspiration to me. I loved walking the crop and talking to the crafters. These girls were super friendly and kept thanking me for coming. YES, I can't wait to go back!!!!!

I have to share what happened to me Friday morning. I always seem to have the BEST travel stories. I was going through airport security in SLC and of course took off my zip up boots. I once again was searched because of my "blingy" butt jeans. This literally happens EVERY time I go to the airport. 

I gathered my belonging and went to the bench to put my boots back on. As I zipped up my left side boot the zipper broke. I sat there and thought, "What can I do now?" I had no other shoes in my carry on. I thought of all the stores at the airport and realized none of them had shoes for sale. So I decided to "pretend" that my boot dragging on the floor was something that I didn't notice. You may wonder... Why did she just not tuck her boot in her pant leg? Well, I was wearing my "skinny jeans" and yes, the pants were way too tight to allow the boots to fit underneath them.  

So I walked to the gate and sat down promptly. I wanted to go buy water, but I was noticing I was getting stares. ha! I was so thankful to board the plane. The flight attentant looked down and said "Oh dear, your boot is broke." We talked about how there was no shoes in the airports. Maybe somebody should do this as a business.

After I arrived in Detroit, I was getting off the plane when I got another weird look from an airport worker. I have to admit, it was uncomfortable with all the stares that I was getting. So I went into the restroom and decided to take off my boots and throw them away. I had on long thick black socks so I don't think it was as noticeable. Yes, I boarded the plane in socks and arrived and met Cheryl in Richmond in my socks. Ha ha... it was really just one of those days and I added another funny travel story to my growing list.

I was really thankful for all these amazing women who came to the workshops. Thankful for sold out classes and for those women who drove several hours to come. I was really touched by the stories and felt inspired in so many ways. I feel like I gain so much more than I will ever be able to give. 

This is Oprah and Gayle. Yes, they had me laughing and enjoying what FRIENDSHIP truly is. I loved their humor and kindness. I even loved that Gayle knew so much about me. I was beyond flattered. 

 I wish I could have taken a photo of everyone at the event. They were the sweetest girls. I felt at home and I bought a huge stash of American Craft Alphabet Thickers!!!! Scrapdoodles is an amazing store and event. Their events sell out fast so if you want to go- contact them to get on their waiting list. I can't wait to go again.

Now for some family news... I am happy to share that Zach made the high school baseball team. Zach found out Friday. When he went to pick up his jersey he was told that he will be playing on the Varsity team, JV and Sophmore. He is a 9th grade Freshman. I am super excited that they noticed his hard work and dedication. I will be at LOTS of baseball games. Good thing I love the game. 

Here he is wearing his new practice wear. He is 15 years old and is now much taller than all of us girls. 

Well, this week is so emotional for me. We will find out tomorrow or Thursday where McKay will be going on her mission. The letter is in the mail and we are all excited to see where McKay will serve for the next 18 months. We are going to videotape McKay reading the letter and I am going to post it here on my blog and on my facebook. 

 

Headed to Virginia

It's time. I'm headed to Virginia. It's a long day of traveling for me this today, so I am up early. I have never been to this area before.

I feel like I'm headed home. I can't wait to meet all the women at the Scrapdoodles event. I teach a workshop tonight after I arrive. I am going to try really hard to take a little nap on the plane. I like to read and sketch designs when I am on the plane. I am not a fan of airport food, so I pack my own food and snacks when I can. 

 

TSA always opens my suitcase. I try hard to be prepared. I'm sure they think I'm crazy for bringing food in my luggage. Right now, I am loving grapefruit with Stevia. YUM!

Off to the airport.....