TERESA COLLINS

It's been ONE whole WEEK...

McKay went into the MTC one week ago today. I am so super proud of her. I keep thinking of how much she is going and learning. She has sent me a email and mailed a letter to tell me how much she is learning, growing and loving being a missionary. I think I smiled so much I have permanent lines. I love that girl!!!!

I can't wait to get home and be able to properally share them all. I would feel horrible if I did not just express my gratitude to Heavenly Father for the peace and calmness in my heart that I have felt this past week. Many tears were shed and yet I am so feeling blessed and uplifted from her example. She told me to NOT miss her in her email to me. I just laughed, but I know she wants me to not focus on missing her, but probably do something constructive like she is doing. I guess I can start my countdown- 1 week out... ha!

Today I am in Italy. I taught a workshop this morning and then we had a yummy lunch while looking at Lake Como outside. I was just in LOVE with the beauty of the country and the women at this event. I have made the best of friends here. Thank you Angela, Cathy, Chris, Tricia, Athena, Fonda, Nora, Jeanne, Laura, Lynn, Carol, Lynne, Judy, Sara, germane, Jiun, Laure, Sherry, Addie and Dana for being so kind and for the wonderful time and conversations that we have shared.

This afternoon Jeanne taught us to do our own painting and I was in LOVE with the process. Mine looked NOTHING like her's or anyones. I just felt prompted to do it as if it was Taylor and to write a message on mine. I will give her this piece when I get home. I just felt so strongly that Taylor would appreciate the artwork and message that I wrote on it to her. I know that she is still struggling with her divorce and the feelings that that has left her with. I have seen her grow so much... but her heart is still so tender and she is rebuilding her foundation. I am so proud of her and for how she has handled the challenges. I know she is working hard on those feeling and taking her time to just heal. I can't wait to share what I did... I hope she will like it.

This place is beyond special and peaceful. I am thankful for this time. I am so inspired. You will get to see at CHA W what I came with since I have been here. I love it when this happens. xoxo

 

HELLO from Italy

I just got back from a boat excursion with lunch at this amazing place. The women are just so nice and we are all getting along so well. Laura has truly planned the best excursions for our group and we have really been able to get to see Bellagio, Como and feel the culture of Italy here. I am so grateful and thankful for this experience. I am not even going to post photos yet... I want to enjoy every moment. Tonight we have a local Artist Event that Laura has planned. I can't wait to see the artwork and crafts of the local designers. I am so inspired here.

Off to enjoy the beautiful weather...

 

The day McKay went into the Missionary Training Center

I am still in Italy. I wanted to share the photos from taking McKay to the MTC last Wednesday. This was such a wonderful and "sad" day for me. I was so mixed with emotions and I am happy to say that I am doing great, because I know that she loves what she is doing and having a wonderful experience. As a family we drove her down to Provo and went to lunch and then proceeded to the Provo Temple to take some photos. It was a windy day so most of the photos have flying hair everywhere. In this photo, you can't really see it but the MTC is in the background.

Just like our family to do "crazy" photos. I have to say these are usually my favorite ones. My boys are 14 and 15 years old so it is what we often get from them now.

I made her promise to send me lots and lots of photos during her mission. I have started a book for her already. I want to help her document this wonderful time so that years from now she will remember all the details.

This is my FAVORITE photo from the day. The Provo Temple is in the background. This was right before we left to drop her off.

Of course, I had to have a photo with her. I am a very proud mama. I am so happy that she is serving a mission.

Obviously, these two love each other so much. Zach and McKay are so close. I think when I had Zach, McKay wanted to act and play that he was actually her baby.

I was taking photos of McKay when DEVAN decided to be silly and jump into the photo... well, of course, now he is on the blog. He does fit into our family!!!!

What can I say... boys will be boys. I think the silly photos helped McKay and us to not be so emotional right before we had to say goodbye.

 We took lots of photos that day. SUCH wonderful good and tender moments we had. I know I will be so thrilled each week to get her letters.

The workshops in Italy start tomorrow. It is amazingly beautiful here and I love all the walking up and down the hills all day. I am mad at myself for not bringing better walking shoes.  Today we even had lightening and thunder showers today. It is almost 1 am here and I am still on USA time and can't seem to get acclimated yet. I am loving being here with the women and the other teachers. I am going to try to force myself to actually sleep tonight. 

I'm in ITALY.....GUEST POST: Alissa Fast

I am in Italy.... crazy right? This has been a long (long) day to get here. I am majorly tired. I should be used to this right? My flight was from SLC to LAX... then to Germany. I flew on Air Berlin. This was a first for me. Then the next flight was into Milan, Italy. We are lucky that we made our flight to milan so <i am grateful. I can't wait to take countless photos and teach in this beautiful country.

 

 the best thing was waking up to a letter that mckay had mailed to the house. taylor emailed the letter to us. i am so happy. she is doing well. they are teaching and talking to her only in Spanish. She said she can understand more than she can talk. so proud of her..... okay... on our way to Bellagio now... <i am so thankful to be here.

 

I wanted to share a special Guest Designer Post from Alissa Fast. I have been a HUGE huge fan of her work and was thrilled to see what she created. I love her chic simple style. I hope you do too!

I'm Alissa Fast and I live in Ferndale, WA with my husband of 26 years and our sweet little cat, who happens to be a Hurricane Katrina Survivor from New Orleans. I work full time for a wireless carrier and in my spare time I scrapbook and dabble in photography, I'm working to build up a small client base in my area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I created this project with the new Summer Stories collection from a framed box at Marshell's. The pages are 6x8 to easily add photos. There are bags to hold "stuff" and I included the stitched journal from the collection to write things in. I see this as something I can just drop photo's and stuff in during the summer and can come back to finish the pages later. It's like a loose leaf mini book!

I have been on the Cocoa Daisy Design Team for just over 2 years and joined the Evalicious Design Team in January this year. Most recently, I have joined the new Life Documented Design Team at Simple Stories.

When I'm not scrapbooking, or working, I enjoy spending time with my husband or my mom or my sweet little great niece and nephew.

I loved working with the new Summer Stories line. The colors and designs are beautiful and work well with many themes. Thank you, Teresa for having me as your guest designer.

To see more of Alissa's work please check out her blog: Www.alissafast.typepad.com

 

She's in the MTC now...

McKay is in the MTC in Provo Utah. I did not expect to feel so sad and happy at the same time. How is this possible? One minute I am crying and the next I am thinking how wonderful this is. The tears have flowed often and I hope that it gets easier... right now, it's honestly hard. It makes me realize how military and other missionary parents and family feel. It has really given a new perspective on sacrifice. We started yesterday with tears on and off. McKay finally was more emotional and crying. She was scared and I wanted to be more "upbeat" to not make her more nervous. She was so nervous thinking she wouldn't be a good missionary and also that she will be learning to speak Spanish. She cried when she talked to her dad and Taylor. She said she did not want to say goodbyes anymore since it was so hard on her. I tried to keep the conversations as light/fun as possible. 

Ty, the boys and I drove McKay to Provo. We met Devan and Gentry and went to JDAWGS to eat lunch (McKay's choice). I avoided looking at McKay in the eyes. She kept tearing up. We then went to YOGURTLAND and then to the Provo Temple to take photos together. She was scheduled to be dropped off at the MTC at 1:30 pm. She was excited and very nervous. She has always wanted to serve a mission. I reminded her how this was her dream and that I was so thankful she was able to do this. This is completely voluntary and a missionary's choice to go serve.

As we walked from the temple to the car, I just could not stop the tears from flowing. I then felt horrible. I knew that I needed to be strong. As we drove to into the MTC parking lot, they had so many missionaries waving and welcoming the new missionaries. They were so friendly and smiling. We pulled up to the curb and they came to the car to greet and take McKay with them. I gave her the biggest hug and told her how proud I was of her and how much I loved her. They got her two big 50 lb bags out of our trunk and I saw Ty give her a big hug. Then I knew it was time to go.

McKay walked over to me and hugged me again and said..." I love you so much mommy." Oh my... it was hard to leave her. I think they are smart to have the quick drop offs. I got in the car and just cried and cried. I really hope she did not see me or realize how hard today was for me. I wonder if all missionary mom's do this or am I the only one who couldn't control the flood gates?

I am going to Italy this morning and I should have come home and packed. I couldn't. I could have come home and went right to bed but I knew this was not at all good for me.

I spent the entire day cleaning her room. I opened all her dressers and washed every single item of clothes that she owns. I washed, folded and put them all back neatly. I organized all her jewerly and stuff she had not done. I think she put it off and since I could not be with her, I wanted to feel close to her. I deep cleaned her room and did her laundry. I just needed to be alone and allow myself to feel sad. Then of course, there is the guilt that I feel for feeling sad. Oh my... I need to be stronger and realize what a great thing she is doing. I am just being honest in that I am having major heartache missing her. I know in time it will get easier... or that is my hope. I just think last night was the hardest because I was more worried about her. This morning a new perspective and I KNOW she is going to love her mission and do well. I am so thankful for weekly emails, a few phone calls and that I can send her packages and letters. I am even going to join a missionary mom group- I want ideas on how to truly support her and Seth. 

I thought I would share photos from her farewell on Sunday. I wish that Matt and Kayla and the kids could have been here but they had just been here for Gentry's wedding. It was the perfect weekend and day to come together to tell her goodbye. 

I wanted to make sure I shared the photo with my cute husband Ty. He doesn't like to have his photo taken and I am so thankful for a photo on Fathers Day and McKay's farewell.

Just call me puffy eyes... crying the last week- entirely way too much. I should clarify so many are good tears. We have laughed and cried and had a great time preparing her to go. I am so happy for her.

My three girls. Gentry, McKay and Taylor. So thankful that they are truly best friends. They are super close to Kayla too. I look forward to the day Kayla & Matt moves back with the babies so too. They hope to move back to Utah some day so that we are all closer. 

Sister McKay Pier- Seattle Washington Spanish Speaking Mission. She will serve until December 16, 2014.

Okay... I will post the other photos soon. I am truly thankful for McKay and all my children. They mean the world to me. Our family is super close. I am so thankful that I have taught them that family is everything. *missing Seth and Matt- yes, 7 kids!!!!! That is what I am most HAPPY about... my kids get it. They are all so close. Now we have Kayla and Devan and we just love them so much. It's true LOVE GROWS!!!!

I'm up early today. I just packed for Italy. Thankful for a great nights sleep and feeling comforted in KNOWING that McKay will be fine. I have faith in her and what she is doing. I am even sending her a package today before I head to the airport. She forget a few things. Yes, that is so typical her. I love this about her. 

Italy here we come!!!!!!!!!

 

 

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TWO MORE days... & WELCOME LESLIE ASHE

I am so thankful for a great farewell and open house yesterday. THIS photo means so much to me...

It was a great day. I know she is ready to go and will be a wonderful missionary. (thank you Ty for taking the photo) It was a great Father's Day too. I am thankful for my family!!! I will share more photos later from the day.

Today you can see a new TC show segment at www.mycraftchannel.com. This is a preview of my show today.

 

 

I am so excited!! Last month we asked Leslie Ashe to be a guest designer on the team and her work was so well received that we asked her to be a part of the team and she accepted!! Welcome to the team Leslie, we are so excited to have you!! If you missed her guest spot from May you can see it here: http://bit.ly/Z0iCCC

 

Leslie creates layouts that have a fun and unique look! You can see in her layout below where she matted her photo on one of the new mini file folders that she unfolded! I love how she drew on the heart! 

 

 

 

I love all of the textures Leslie created using the Summer Stories collection! I am addicted to this beautiful line. 

 Thank you Leslie and congratulations!! We are all so excited to have you on the Teresa Collins design team!

 You can see more of Leslie's work on her blog here: http://leslieashe.blogspot.com/

I am off to go get my missionary ready. More photos later!!!!

 

 

 

 

Today is her Farewell...

I got up this morning at 4am. I could not sleep. I don't know if it's just me, but when I have so many things on my mind... I can't sleep. Today we have McKay's farewell during our church Sacrament meeting. This means she will talk to the church congregation today before she leaves for the MTC (Missionary Training Center) this coming Wednesday. McKay is talking about an assigned topic (Obedience) and about her personal story on her desire to go on a mission. I am so proud of her and her sacrifice to go serve others. I wish all of you that haven't had the chance to meet her could. She is truly a special young woman. I think her kindness towards others is something that I most admire.

Taylor took photos of her this past week for her mission. I wanted to share them today since it is her farewell.

She's now nineteen years old and has recently completed three semesters at Brigham Young University. This girl has been blessed to have so many great friends and she easily makes friends.

Yes, she does have these crazy beautiful light blue eyes. She is truly beautiful on the inside and it radiates to her outside. She is often asked if she is wearing "contacts" to make her eyes so blue.

I know that as much as this mission is going to help others- I think the person it will truly help the most is her. I believe by serving others and sacrifice we truly learn the pure love of Christ. 

It's true that you LOVE those that you serve. I think that is why mothers love their children so deeply. (and Fathers!!!!)

I want to personally thank all my family, friends, neighbors, her friends and teachers who have helped me raise her. Wow, it takes a village. I know my mother would have been so proud of her. I know that our family will truly miss her but we are so thankful for her and her example. It's hard to let her go, but we are thankful for her desire and her worthiness.

I created a FAREWELL missionary book that I will have out today with these photos. After our meeting today where she gives her talk, often the families will have a OPEN HOUSE. This is where anyone who wants to come and say goodbye to the missionary does. Of course, there is lots of food and it's a time to say goodbye. You never know how many friends and family will show up to send them off. I think I have enough food for about 150-200 people. Since it is also Father's Day I am not sure how many people will actually be able to come.

Today is Father's day. I want to wish all the Father's and men out there a special Father's day. I hope you are surrounded by love and children who appreciate you! I am truly thankful that my children have been blessed with a Father who loves them so much and who has truly "been there" to teach them and help them along the way. Since I did not really have a Father who did this for me, I always am thankful to know that I have a Heavenly Father who does love me.  Today is going to be amazing. So much to celebrate and be appreciative about.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY Ty!!!!!!

It was amazing- more Puerto Rico photos

I wanted to post some more photos from my time in Puerto Rico. It was really just one of those events that really changed me as a person. I gained so much insight about myself in that short amount of time. Lately, I have been more serious and have not had much "fun" in my life. I have let running my business sometimes be a constant thought and worry. When I went to Puerto Rico and saw all the time that everyone was having and how much they just enjoy life- I knew I needed to have more fun in my life. I really need to RELAX more.

These girls have been together for YEARS. They get together once a month and craft together. They talk on the phone each day and they are FRIENDS beyond the once a month. They are "there" for each other and heavily involved in each others lifes. The connections were so strong and I felt them. I wish I had a group of women like them in my own life. I need to make time to do this. I loved watching them and talking to them. 

I adored this lady. She gave me this most beautiful bracelet that I am wearing. It is the Father's prayer. I just was beyond touched by her story. Her family needs to know what she does really matters. I am thankful for her story. 

Crafters are cool and beautiful. When I saw her I told her that she looked like Heidi Klum. She was stunning. It was so nice to get to meet her.

Everyone was so happy and excited  to be at the event. It was just so inspiring to me to know that the industry is so exciting here. The feeling was so positive and upbeat. 

I so enjoyed meeting this cute girl. She came to meet me and I just felt such a instant connection. I was so welcomed at the event and it just meant so much to me.

Connections. That is truly what it is all about. It is always very important to me to do this. I want to get to know them and hope they get to know me.

There are no rules in crafting. It is enjoying the experience.

How cute are these girls???????

Oh how I loved their spirit. They were so very sweet and kind to me. I enjoyed getting to know!!!!! I loved their shirts too.

I am wearing a beautiful necklace here that she gave me. It was made by her friend in Venezuela. I am still wearing it too. I love it. I am just so thankful to meet each and every person at the event. I simply adored the women and can't wait to go back again. 

Today I am preparing all the food for the farewell for McKay. I just want it to be very special for her. I am loving having Gentry and Devan here for the weekend. They are so happy and doing so well. So very much to be thankful for!!!!

It matters....

Wow... is this week flying by!

I am getting ready for McKays farewell and open house this Sunday. I am buying and preparing lots of food for our family and friends to come and say goodbye to McKay. She is almost done packing and we are putting things in storage, and some clothes she is giving away since it will be 18 months before she will wear them again. She figures if she doesn't wear the items now it's best to go ahead and give them away and not store them. 

This week has been day by day for me. My heart is truly happy for her. Her desires are righteous and I know she will be a light to others. I know as her mother I will miss her like crazy. She is my baby (yes, always will be) and our connection is very strong. I can look in her eyes and know what she is feeling. I am trying to be strong and not cry all the time. Okay- I did break down Wednesday in the grocery store produce department. ha! She just hugged me. She is right... it's a very good thing.

This week I prepared my sales staff to go to a big show (like a pre-CHA) next week. My new CHA Summer lines came in and they are BEAUTIFUL. I was making samples every night this week. I am running on 4 hours of sleep and last night I crashed at 7:30 am. No kidding and I slept until 8 am this morning. I did samples that I love. I did my workshops for my event Inspiration Unlimited (Vegas- SOLD OUT!- but you can get on the waiting list for next year), Archivers workshops- big workshops and I have a longer time to teach them and I did projects for the event next week and the display boards. Whew...

It was a lot and yet I love it. I am so passionate about what I do. CHA had a meeting yesterday in Sandy for the Craft and Hobby direction and show. We as manufacturers want this industry to THRIVE and grow. Some make think... Scrapbooking... Scrapbooking is not cool. Let me tell you... not only is it COOL but I am doing something meaningful and it has purpose. I am so proud to say I am a scrapbooker and what I create does matter. I am so thankful for my support. My company is growing and thriving and I owe it to YOU. This economy is not the best. I often (pray) and (pray) and analyze why I am doing well in a horrible economy. I know it is because of you. I know that I create from the HEART and I want a message to be felt and a desire to create to come when you see and use my products. SUPPORT you local scrapbook stores... PLEASE or they will all go away. Think of ways to support them- have a birthday party at your local scrapbook party. Have your daughters or sons parties there and let them create and have a fun time. Oh, I could go on. I love what I do. 

Well, I have so many more things to share and photos from Puerto Rico still. They are coming. I'm off to walk... yes, 5 miles this morning. Have a great Friday!!!!!

 

She leaves next week....

It's definitely Summer here. It was close to 100 degrees yesterday. I got home from Puerto Rico really late Sunday night. I LOVED it! I am going to blog more about the event later this week. I got home and my son was downloading new music for me- he deleted ALL my contacts and photos. Everything on accident! So PLEASE text me with your name if you will so I can RE-ADD you to my phone. He was so sad and felt so bad. I honestly am okay with it. Life is too short to get upset over this. Thankfully, I have printed photos along the way so all is not lost. 

McKay has her MISSION farewell this Sunday at Church. It will be at our meeting house in Murray at 12:50 pm. Friends and family are invited and we are hosting a OPEN HOUSE at our home after. I am so proud of her and we are getting her all ready to go. She is starting to pack and trying to get everything she needs into her TWO suitcases. Yes, I tend to cry a few tears each day.

For now... I wanted to share Keisha's latest blog post. She is truly amazing!!!!!

Summer Stories layout by Keisha Campbell

Hello, Keisha here today sharing a layout using the Summer Stories line. This page features my two youngest girls-Mikiela & Lulu. The two that are my biggest trouble makers! When they are together it may seem sweet, but there are times when they are up to no good-especially at bedtime.

OK, so this page is easy as pie! Just some dies for all the pattern paper shapes using a pretty simple & common page design.

When in Puerto Rico.....

You simply have to have fun! I will tell you that this event is unlike any event I have EVER went to. If you win a prize- you dance, dancing and crafting go hand and hand here. The first class I was a little shy about dancing in any way. Oh, ask my kids- I have ZERO coordination. However, I knew I needed to go "beyond my comfort zone." Yes, there MIGHT be videos and photos of me dancing. MIGHT- ha!!!!!

The weather is GORGEOUS. This is the view outside my hotel room-

I came to Puerto Rico due to this sweet girl. She told me she was my SUPER FAN. I am touched. I love her. I asked her if we could sit together at lunch today. We did and I hope she knows that I LOVED getting to know her. I guess she begged Yamille to ask me to come teach. Thanks to her and the other girls asking Yamille to have me come teach... I'm here. So thank you SUPER GIRL. I am now YOUR SUPER FAN!!!!!! She knew all my collection names, my kids, where I had traveled, my My Craft Channel episodes. I was BEYOND super touched. Did I mention this girl can DANCE!!!!!

*HOTEL VIEW FROM MY ROOM. 

Oh how I love that these beautiful girls who are only 13 and 15 years old took the workshops here. They are so talented! They are my boys ages and so it was cool to have them here. My boys would never think girls this age would want to do this.

I taught THREE workshops today. They were all FULL of beautiful talented women. This was the VIP day. Tomorrow we have 100 more women in addition to the VIP attendees. I had the most wonderful assistant today. She translated me into Spanish for those who did not understand me. They had girls from Venezuela and Brazil here. Everyone was so grateful and easy going. They simply wanted to be together and have fun.

Cheering was part of the package and I enjoyed it so much. I wish we all did this in all my workshops. It was a great way to just "relax" and be in the moment. 

Smiling- happiness truly is contagious!!!!!

Holding up their Stationery Noted Memory Keeper books.

After three- four hour workshop (we were all tired but smiling)- we met as a group and listened to the band. They played and EVERYONE danced. It was honestly so not like me to dance and let loose... but I did it and I need to do this more. It was so much fun! I am thinking Zumba will be on my list to do when I go back home. OVER the TOP fun!!!!

So thankful to have my dear friend Vicki Boutin here with me. She is just a pro at teaching and crafting. She has taught at my IU event. I love events when we can see each other. She oozes creativity and talent. Oh... but did you know this girl can DANCE? Oh yes, she is a ZUMBA queen. She was killing it and I could not even hope to compare. Thankful we are friends and could see each other here.

Oh, I had to say I love these girls. They were in my third workshop. They had these COOL t-shirts on. Some were rocking purple hair. Aren't they super adorable? I've made new friends here and I'm thankful.

The last photo was after we had danced a lot and decided to go to dinner. It was after 9pm. 

This was my first time meeting Frank (Prima Marketing) too. He was a super sweet guy. We had dinner at 10PM. It was a very long day. It was a long and very rewarding day. I wish you all could come and experience this amazing culture and love for LIFE, CRAFTING and EACH OTHER. I am better for having been here. 

Time for bed- I am going on very little sleep and I have FOUR- three hour workshops tomorrow. I am definitely looking forward to it.

By the way... I wanted to share this super silly photo from our trip to New Zealand-

I always say BE in your photos. Be a part of your story. How thankful that I had these silly photo with McKay. Trust me- memories need to be documented. Life is too wonderful to not do so. I will FOREVER cherish these photos. PS McKay you rocked the PINK hair.

Zip lining.... yes, we did it!

Today was "kind of" the last day of school for my boys. Tomorrow is the actual last day- year book signing for 3 hours. Zach had an award ceremony since he is in 9th grade (they go to high school in 10-12th where we live) today. He got the Math Award for the 9th grade, some sports awards and a award for being 4.0 (the highest you can get in our school system) for all 7th, 8th and 9th grade. Honestly, I admire him. He focuses on academics and balances baseball (which is a big commitment of time). 

Yes, he did not want this photo taken. I am just thankful he let's me take them anyway. He started baseball tonight- he plays on two teams, plus a traveling team. He will play games every single night but Sundays (no games). Okay... you may think that is a ton. It is so many games and you would think he would get sick of it but this it is his love and passion. He came home from the game tonight and asked his dad to go in the batting cage to practice some things with him.  

IN two weeks... McKay is leaving for the MTC- Missionary Training Center. 

Oh my heart is torn between exploding with happiness at her desire to serve others and knowing she will be gone for 18 months. Zach is having a hard time knowing she will be gone.

Tomorrow, I am headed for a long day traveling to Puerto Rico to teach. McKay, Taylor, Rachel and Josilyn are driving to Anaheim to see Matt and his family and go to Disneyland together. I love this. I'm thankful for Kayla and Matt for letting them stay with them. It will be a short 4 day trip for them. I know this will be a great weekend for McKay to enjoy the family, Disneyland and the beach before she leaves.

Family and Friends- McKays farewell will be on Sunday June 16th if you would like to come. She will be talking in church. It will be at 12:50 pm at our church. We would love to see all of you and we are having a open house at our home immediately following church. We would love to have you all there! 

I wanted to share photos from our last two days in NZ. I loved this trip!!!!

I think I love this photo. It reminds me of being in Jodi's car and having the most amazing ride throughout the country side. The green & lush landscape, the animals (sheep), the long winding rooms... it was just so beyond beautiful.

McKay and I together. I loved having the one on one time with her. So important when you have as many children as I do. I always knew I wanted a large family. I gave birth to FIVE amazing children. I have two wonderful bonus sons. This is the ultimate gift(s).

We went to the ferry to head to Waiheke Island. This was on our last day. We were meeting Michele and Michelle to go ziplining. I was more than nervous but really wanted to do it.

We were at the very top of island. 

They had McKay show us how to put on our gear. They said it would give us all an instant "butt lift." It was uplifting. ha!

My favorite photo from the day- right before we all went on one of three lines into the bush. Michelle, Michele, McKay, ME, Maggie and TC. We were all a little nervous. McKay and I decided to go first. We went down in pairs. The view from the top of the island- WOW! We went down all three lines and then had to walk about 30 minutes from the bottom- through the bush- to the top of island.

Our safety was top priority to the guides. I felt comfortable the entire time and safe. I think that is why I could allow myself to enjoy the experience.

Maggie and McKay. So thankful that Maggie invited us to stay at her home for two days after the event. She really made us feel welcome. It was wonderful to get to know her. 

 

A cool view of the guides getting McKay ready to come down from doing a ride.

All safe... we loved it so much. It was the perfect day spent with amazing friends. THANK YOU Michele for coming and going with us. (& Michelle). 

Then we went to lunch before we had to go to the ferry and race to the airport to come home.

We had a yummy lunch here. I am truly grateful for this trip. Seeing the world always makes me even more appreciative for life, for God's creations and I feel so blessed to get to meet new friends around the world.

I did not expect to being going back next year. When they asked me after the event- I immediately said YES! I am looking forward to going again.

Now for a few hours of sleep before the next journey... 

Really... this was fun- more photos!

I had so many photos and I wanted to share more of them with you today.

I was so lucky in that my room that I taught in had this BEAUTIFUL view- look at all the windows. I loved the natural lighting. Look at all the smiling happy cute girls!!!

This was the PINK class. They were my very first class (thanks for putting up with me!) and then my very last workshop. I really enjoyed each of the groups.

The girls were always busy busy. This was the Far & Away Travel workshop. I loved how many girls brought their photos. Many girls completed their entire albums with photos within the 3 hours. IMPRESSIVE!!!

So many birthday girls were in attendance. I have to say that would be a great way to spend your special day. Next year, I will remember to bring some extra prizes.

After the event was over, we went to the Onehunga meeting house to go to church. Oh my... I absolutely loved going there. It was a Polynesian English speaking ward. It was truly a wonderful experience for us. Some of the men wore lava lava's. I had never seen this before.

She enjoyed Sunday afternoon with Staci and went into the bush to explore with Staci on mountain bikes. I stayed at the hotel and read for a bit. I find I am too busy at home to read much so I like to do this in the hotel to relax.

Sunday night was a special dinner hosted by MAGGIE at her beautiful home. LOVED her little Meg!!!! We had the most delicious food and I'm definitely loving Hokey Pokey Ice Cream. I am so thankful that they don't have it in the US or I would eat it way too often and too much. 

This was the group photo of Heidi Swapp, Donna Downey, Maggie, and the event coordinators Jodi and Michele. Honestly, I had the best time. I am so inspired by these girls and really enjoyed getting to hang out with them. We had a GREAT time. Jodi and Michele went above and beyond to make us feel welcome, feed and showed us around New Zealand. I can't wait to go back!!!!

We really had some fun times together. We have many of the teachers assistants in this photo. They were AWESOME. Wow, can I please have them come help me in every class? I was spoiled. I really appreciated them so very much. It makes a huge difference to have the help.

I really loved this thoughtful gift from the event hosts. I really loved it and I love this reminder of NZ. So many girls gave us the most thoughtful gifts. It was just so sweet.

I got to hang out with these three fun girls. Seriously, they are FUN! Michele, Donna Downey and Michelle. I really enjoyed each of them. Donna is so funny! We had a nice car ride through NZ. Everywhere we looked we saw sheep. It was breathtaking.

This was Monday afternoon. We had a wonderful "last lunch" together by the ocean. I ate fish and chips and loved it. It was a perfect day. It has stopped raining and it was sunny and warm. 

I am going to post even more photos tomorrow. Guess what? I leave on Thursday for Puerto Rico. Yes, in less than two days-

I am feeling back to myself and this will be a 2 hour time difference for me. However, it's a long day for me to get to the event- all day Thursday. I am so thankful for a husband that supports me. My entire family does and I really appreciate them. I try to take someone from my family with me when I travel. I think it's important for them to know what I am doing and WHY it matters. 

Yes, I really love being home because my kids are so fun to be with. Last night Zach wanted to take photos together. How cool is this- a 15 year old who considers me his "bestie"? I can't believe he will be high school next year. Where does the time go?

PHOTOS from NZ

Okay... I had no idea how hard it was going to be for me to recover from so many back to back events in my life. We had Gentry's wedding, Zach played in the State regionals for baseball (the same week) and I had returned from Portugal and then left for New Zealand the day after the wedding. Whew... it was a lot. After we got home, I really just tried to "regroup." I slept alot and even read some books. I am now 100% back to normal and so thankful for the few days to just be with my family.

Gentry is home from her honeymoon in Park City and then a family trip to Anaheim (Disneyland). They just got home and are ready to settle in to "real" life.

I wanted to share this months TC retailer class kit- it is shipping soon. You can order the kits (retailers) directly from Brian or Jared at the office. 

I printed out my cell phone photos that are 4x4 that I had printed in instagram size. (walgreens app) I love it! I did the entire mini book from the 6x6 paper pad- Now & Then. I love how it turned out!

I have so many photos to share from NZ. I am going to share them this week. I had the BEST time. I am so honored and thankful to be asked back to teach at the event in 2014. This was a trip that I will forever cherish. I went with my McKay and we just enjoyed our time together so much. 

The journey began. I was so excited that TC was going on the trip to NZ too. She went with McKay and I on the long journey. She went as a student to the event. We were tired from the wedding and decided to wear our sweatshirts and relax as much as possible on the 19 hours to NZ.

This was my first time on AIR NEW ZEALAND. It was a great airline and I really enjoyed the LONG flight there. I am lucky in that I normally can sleep on the long flights.

We arrived and we absolutely loved it. It was so green and beautiful. It was raining on and off for the first few days. It was breathtaking! 

I went from the airport arriving on Friday morning and then taught two workshops that day. EVERYONE was so super nice. I really enjoyed the women at the event. I was really tired about 6 pm and all I could think about was sleeping. ha! I really enjoyed the group dinner on Friday night. Fabulous food!

This was the FIRST year of the event. Oh my... sold out and they had women from Australia, New Zealand and America. If you would like to go next year- everyone is welcome to join us. I know it will be something amazing again. They are having Joey Otlo (BAZZILL), Aimee and Diane (Graphic 45) and ME as instructors!!!!! It is the same dates as this year too.

It was truly my biggest blessing to get to know these sweet women. I was inspired by their stories and their heart. They are all so talented too. 

I am super thankful that McKay helped me so much during the event. She did the prizes and everyone was so sweet to her. They gave her treats and gifts and she was able to go mtn biking with Staci (Michele's niece). It was so much fun for her to get to go out in the bush and enjoy the day with Staci.

This was Friday night. They did a photo booth and it was so much fun. We were really feeling tired by this point, but so enjoyed all the girls here. *thank you Ally so much for the bracelet's. Oh my... we loved them!!!!!  Such good memories with these beautiful girls. PS Maggie you were so ELLEN!!!! My photos did not come out. YOU nailed it.

I had to share our messy hotel room. Yes, I am normally a lot neater. I have to say McKay is a "little" messier. I embraced it. It was so fun to just have so much fun together. I could not sleep past 4am. It was hard for me to adjust to the time difference. I just woke up and then would read until it was time to get up and shower. 

This is our last trip together until after her mission. She leaves in 16 days. She is so excited and I am so thankful she has a desire to do this.

I really appreciated the TA's. They were all OVER THE TOP amazing. I wish they were at all my events. They really helped so much. Michele and Jodi truly paid attention to all the details and really created an "experience" for all that attended. I was so impressed and felt so honored to be there.

I loved the hotel that the event is held at. 

Sunday morning breakfast to support Breast Cancer. I was really thankful to go to church at the Onehunga ward. We so loved the experience. 

Okay... more photos tomorrow. I guess you can tell by now... I loved every second of my trip to New Zealand.