Oh my ! Can't believe it !

Well the past week has had its ups and downs for sure. But I will only talk about the good stuff..because it feels good. And i am focusing on the good. Anyway on Friday, I was contacted by Best Creations paper co. to design/ make some samples for them to use in some trade shows and other things. Wow..can you believe it ? That really felt good. I am so flattered by that. Screamin' Susie's..who I still really miss (side note) had an account with them and a fond relationship with the company. Anyway, way back when they saw some of my layouts/projects and asked to bring them back to the owner and well months later..voila..they have asked me to make a few things for them. Yippee ! I am thrilled.

So... I am on cloud 9 feeling kind of good and 2 days later I find out that I was chosen for the DT on a new website called Scrapbook Supplies Direct. They are a new online store and message board trying to get out there and noticed. So I am now here to shamelessly promote. Join the board and grow with us...... :) There is even a little RAK giveaway on there that I am hosting..go check it out :) The girls there are great. Susan the DT coordinator is a great gal and FUNNY. Jeanne,the owner, is selfless...... she even put aside time to talk to me on the phone the day the Hurricane was expected to hit her area. WOW ! And just to help me with some techie problems that I was having with my computer...IMAGINE THAT !

Umm well Nicholas is now officially 9. He got his coveted Nintendo DS from my parents, and some games from his lil' bro. and Granny. We got him ROCKBAND for the Wii. He and my Dad played it together and here is a pic of that....certainly a site to see.

Now that Nicholas is choosing BIG EXPENSIVE GIFTS..we don't do the big million friends party thing anymore. So on Friday we will be taking 3 of his friends with us to ROCK CITY, an indoor rock climbing place, and then $5 Pizza from Little Caesars..maybe getting him expensive gifts is the way to go...no gigantic party planning really takes a load off.

Well I am off for now...too tired...had a headache just about ALL DAY. Not fun. But then again..focus on the good..focus on the good :)

(((HUGS)))

Christine

Shame on me !

NO I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. No I am not giving up blogging. I am just a slacker. I have been overwhelmed with school starting up, getting my classroom ready and life in general. So yep..I neglected my blog. So much has happened, so many pics to be shared and now they are yesterday's news. Whoops. So here goes nothing.

School stared and I think Adam is thrilled, Nicholas..not really. But he will live. Here are a few pics from the first day of school.
School started for me too. My class is pretty decent, sweet, just a bit chatty. Tonight is back to school night. Gotta get everything into gear. EEK !

I of course, have been scrapbooking. Sent some time at The Scrappin' Table. Had fun visiting with my friend Michelle and cropping with some other girls. There is a lot of great new product in there. AND kudos to my friend Michelle, the owner of The Scrappin' Table, who donated to Adam's soccer fundraiser basket. All the moms were thrilled with it ! I would have put my name in the raffle,but it would look kind of peculiar if I won...don't ya think? Thanks Michelle it made a great raffle item !
Here is a goofy layout,that I just love...just cause it is a bit out of the box for me...but now I am on a doodling kick...

Well this weekend my parents are coming in town tomorrow to celebrate Nicholas' b-day. He will be turning 9. Oh dear...where does the time go ? Then on Sunday I am having a Stampin' Up party. It should be a lot of fun and chaotic. Did I mention my best childhood friend is coming in town to stay with me on Sunday..so out will walk my parents, in will walk April and then the party (Stampin Up) will get started..oh my !

Well for now this is my update...goodbye for now my friends and hugs to all of you !

Teeny Tiny update

Well last night was my very last class at Screamin Susie's which of course was bittersweet. It was hard going in there knowing that it would be my last one,but uplifting knowing how much I have been appreciated. Brent and Susie have been so good to me, so generous and I know that I can confidently call them my friends. The attendees of my classes have been so complimentary and so easy going. I can honestly say that they have made it a lot of fun for me as well, so I thank you. Those of you who have been faithfully coming to my classes, you know how to contact me and please do not hesitate to do so. I would love to hear from you and I will definitely keep you in the loop :)


Sorry for such a quick little post..but I will be back with more news...soon !

Thanks to all my friends old and new :)

Christine

Wanna RAK ?

Go here to see one hot chick and a giveaway too !
http://scrappydoo2u.blogspot.com/

What's New ?

I've have been really lazy about updating my blog and I can see that some of my faithful friends in blogland have been checking up on me. We have..I have, been busy, taking on projects at home, going here and there and basically I just haven't gotten myself in gear. So here I am !

I just finished reading this book.

And I would have to say that not only is it a good read, but it is very eye opening. As a mother of a child with Asperger's I found this book something that I could really relate to in many ways. The "Aspie" mind is really complex and amazing at the same time. John Elder Robison, The author, is a highly gifted individual and right now I think that I may be his #1 fan. He is humorous in his aspergian way,which I have learned to appreciate. I think that anyone who is curious and wants to know more about how the AS child or even adult for that matter, works and thinks, should read this book. It helps the reader to understand how an Asperger's individual thinks, relates to social issues and struggles for things that we all take for granted on a daily basis. The book has a lot of up and down moments, but then has you laughing 5 minutes later. J. E. R. is the older brother of Augusten Burroughs, the author of ,Running with Scissors. Read the book...you will be enlightened.

Speaking of the Asperger's Child..hmm. Well my son, Adam, quirky, intelligent and secretive has decided to let me in on a little secret.....umm HE CAN READ ! I don't mean sight words I mean books, pages, short paragraphs. He apparently has decided that it was time to reveal that he could read the other day. If you know Adam, then you know that he does not allow himself to make mistakes and does not take risks in front of others. He must be infallible (according to him). So being that he just finished Kindergarten, I would expect him to be an emergent reader. When school ended he was reading short word lists. And perhaps sentences like "The dog sat". But the other day he decided to suddenly reveal to us that he could in fact read more...a lot more. He read 9 pages of a Curious George book. He read the word suddenly, heard (which you can't sound out) etc. That little stinker ! I guess he had to reveal himself once he knew that he was "ready".

Took the boys to Legoland the other day and had a blast. It was perfect because we went in the middle of the week and got there as soon as it opened. We spent from open til just about close there and got to do EVERYTHING that we wanted to. The boys enjoyed themselves, lines were never too long and the Roller Coasters there are quite doable for me. I just can't hack the big stuff anymore.

Been scrappin' here and there. And I have been having fun doing so. Celebrated my b-day and Jennifer's scrapbooking with the girls. Janet, Illyse, Jennifer and I had a great time and Susie's. Here are a few layouts that make me happy.

My sweet niece, Sofie

Nicholas at art camp

My 38th birthday

And Lastly... I will be teaching a few classes in August. So come and see me at Screamin' Susie's.

Just Tinkering/Girl Time
Mon. Aug. 11th
7-9 p.m.



• You're all wet !

• Thurs. Aug. 14th

• 7-9 p.m.




• 'Love to you' Botanical gift card set

• Mon. August 18th

• 7-9 p.m.
  
  

  So I guess that I am off for now. Drop in and leave me a comment..I see you there, so come and say hello :)

(((Big hugs)))

Christine

Happy Birthday to me

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

Nancy Scraps, Jenna Lee and Mama in Pajamas :) Sorry for the late post girls and thanks for playing ! Please email me your snail mail info !

July is a good month, it is my birthday month,


we celebrate Independence day, we are well into summer vacation, new products are released at CHA , I love the sunshine, going to the beach and I just generally feel good. To make the month even better I have had a bit of a lucky streak too ! I was published in scrapnart (yippee..they rock). I got a surprise b-day gift in the mail from my sweet Alicia, my twin sister separated at birth, (Dilly as some of you know her). I won a RAK..cute little clay buttons..yay ! From Inkster :) Not to mention that two sweeties I know, Dawn and Jenn gave me a blog brillante premio award....AND BOY DOES IT FEEL GREAT !

So first let me nominate a few new bloggy brillante premio friends....

1. JennaLee for always having a gentle disposition, being incredibly artful and creative (yes I made up the word artful).

2. Michelle for always being honest with me, for always being a lot of fun, for always being a sensitive and caring gal and for having the courage to take on new challenges and diving in headfirst ! YOU GO GIRL !

3. For Ms Tina K. for being a giving and caring person. For being extremely talented and supportive.

4. Stephanie for being a sweet girl that has got the whole world ahead of her and for always greeting me with a smile.

5. Leah C. because she is creative, talented, giving and sure of herself and I like that !

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST.....

Illyse and Jennifer who of course have already been nominated because the are so ever worthy of this award. I cannot go without mentioning my girls! You rock and you know it chicas ! No need to tag me back ladies...you don't need to go through the moitons.l.just know that you are loved !
Now here are the rules to follow if you have been nominated: 1) Put the logo on your blog
2) Add a link to the person who awarded you -Click on Jennifer and/or Dawn's name.
3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs
4) Add links to those blogs on yours
5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs




So now that I am completely a wind bag (tee hee) I wanted to say, since I have been doing all the receiving...it is time for me to do a bit of giving..PAY It Forward...know what I mean? So here's a little RAK . Please leave a post on my Blog and 3 lucky winners will receive a set of Basic Grey Romani Monograms. Not bad eh ? I will draw on Monday July 21st :)...so check back !

Thanks you to all those friends who have made the last few weeks grand. Sometimes we all need a little lift.

I will be posting a few new classes in the next few days, so check back !

Lastly ALOHA to my friend in Hawaii ;0) Who knew that I would get a visit from there. Ain't sitemeter grand !? It is so much fun to see where all my visits come from !

Take care all !

(((HUGS)))

Christine

Having Fun...just Happy

Have you ever thought that things just happen for a reason..that maybe they were just meant to be ? Well I do ! I have to say that going to Screamin' Susie's was a wonderful change for me. I feel like a part of the team and a lot of good has been coming out of it and that just makes me happy. The other night by chance while I was there a woman came in to speak to the owner . It turned out that she was a special ed. teacher that teaches high functioning autistic kids (need I say more?) She was looking for a field trip/project to be made for her students. She wanted to get them out into the community for socialization and have them do something fun at the same time. Well being that this is an issue really close to my heart, I was happy to be a part of it. Lucky me, I got to teach the class. Like I said, things happen for a reason. Here is a quick little snapshot of the kiddos after the class with their pencil boxes that they made. I had a great time with them . They were so cute and a few of them reminded me of someone I know very well ;0)

Monday night I had my pocket card class. It was a lot of fun and the ladies that signed up even made it better. They were all so happy to be there, made me laugh and really made me feel good ! For any of you who visited me on Monday...thank you for being so complimentary and for making it all the more fun. Seems like there was a lot of last minute interest in the class as well. So those of you who came by and for those of you who missed it, I will be teaching another class that is similar,but fall themed, in Sept.

My Look how you have Blossomed layout class is on Wed. July 9th. If any of you are still interested, there are 4 spots left. Come in and see me and join in on the fun..goodies and a raffle will be included. Here is what the layout looks like :

And here are some upcoming classes:

Marvelous Monogram Clipboard

Thursday, July 17

7-9 pm

Bloomin' Ribbon Box

Monday, July 28th

7-9 p.m.

And the best fort last..this summer my Adam is going to Gymnastics's camp. Last week the school put on a little show for the parents to show what the kids have learned. Adam is the second boy in this routine...watch carefully right int he beginning...he shocked the beegeebers out of me ! He is just 6 and only learned how to do this the day before...WATCH...

Fun in LV and some ramblin in the O.C.

Well we just got back from Las vegas last night and lots of good things have been going on. Here is a pic that I thought I would share of my kiddos with their cousin at Kung Fu Panda. The boys had a very nice time with their cousins. This time I really didn't get a pic of my sweet little niece Sofie (who is now almost 2) Shame on me !

Got to see my most favorite pal April while in LV. We have been friends since we were 11, and no didn't take a pic of us together either. We did go to dinner at Fado and had a few ciders with our meal..all yummy and well earned. Did I mention that school is out. Thank you oh thank you God. It was really time for a mental break.

On my way home I 'accidently' stopped at a scrapbook store that I have been itching to go to and check out for a few years now, Scrapbook Blvd., in Victorville. Have I mentioned how it is conveinently located directly off the freeway? I met Cheryl there and she was a sweetie. So my words to fellow scrappy friends are... go and give yourself a treat right before you lose all your $ in Vegas and stop by the store. It really has an fantastic selection and fresh baked cookies too. Could a girl ask for more ?

I am teaching a few more classes in the next couple of weeks at Screamin Susie's . Here they are..come take a peek or pay me a visit :)





What's in your Pocket ?
Mon. June 30th 7-9 p.m.

Look How you have Blossomed
Wed. July 9th 7-9 p.m.





We will also be having a Christmas in July theme next month:

Dear Santa
Thurs. July 10th
7-9 p.m.

Christmas is just around the block

Tues. July 15th

7-9 p.m.

In more news, my friend Tina K. will be teaching all around The O.C. and the inland Empire. She is a Designer for Best Creations and Cosmo Cricket. Tina is a wonderfully talented girl with a great big heart. Go take a class from her..you will not be disappointed.

Follow this link: http://www.tinakeyner.typepad.com/

Did ya hear about Inspiration Unlimited? If not, oh boy hop on the bus with us and let's go ! Illyse, Yenny and I are going to take classes with Layle Koncar, Teresa Collins and Janna Wilson in Oct. In my fabulous hometown of LV. I can't wait October cannot come soon enough..but for now I will just enjoy the summer :)

Last but not least I got my Canon photo printer delivered yesterday..oh goodie..so thrilled ! I just am so excited about it. Tomorrow is my day to play with it ! Thanks Lil' Miss Annie for enlightening me !

Ooh fun...other stuff and OUCH !

So we are completely packing up our classroom and as of right now my partner and I have packed 40 boxes and from doing so, my back hurts. :0( They are darn heavy ! Anyway despite all of that I am in a really good mood. :)

Last weekend I went to the Freckle Friends/MAMBI crop for autism speaks. It was incredible. Those ladies really know how to put on a fundraiser. I heart those gals ! They did a fantastic job and never missed a thing. We were greeted by Susan who showed us to our spots to crop and there waiting for us was a nice...very nice bag full of scrappy treats, we had yummy treats on the table to eat all day, there were 4 beautiful make and takes, a delicious lunch and an fantastico Italian dinner. Oh and did I mention the raffles. Raffles...rock. Everyone won something ! The grand prizes were a Cannon photo printer and a Tammy I trunk. VERY COOL !
There were also a bunch of wonderful auction items as well. We were spoiled all day. And you know what..I will ALWAYS attend their crops if my schedule allows. I can honestly say that if they have a crop...YOU NEED TO GO. You will not be disappointed !

And in other news... I had my first class at Screamin Susie's last night ! How fab is that? All the ladies who signed up were so gracious...they thanked me. Isn't that nice? They really made me feel good and I appreciated that. I was hoping that it would all go well. I brought some brownies to sweeten things up ;0) , we made our birthday in a box tin and card and then we topped it off with a teeny little raffle. They were great and made it all the more fun. I have to say that I do feel good, just because it was my first class and I am the newbie at the store. It was nice to get that little pat on the back.

I have a few more classes this month and I believe 3 more next month..so check the June and July class calendar out at Screamin Susie's if you are interested in paying me a visit. I would love to see any of you..old friends and new :)

Lastly.... 3 MORE DAYS OF SCHOOL FOR ME. YAY! I cannot wait to be home for the summer. I need a break and I am definitely looking forward to it !!! More updates as soon as my summer officially starts !

(((BIG HUGS)))

Christine

Ellie Willaert

Sometimes I think things are meant to happen for a reason. The other night I was just goofing around and perusing on Etsy when I stumbled upon someone's shop. I was admiring her scrappy work and then noticed a message posted to all buyers. The shop owner had stated that she was closing her shop indefinitely. The reason being is that her Daughter,Ellie, had just been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor the month before. This of course made my mind go in a different direction. So I followed a link to her website to learn more about her situation, and this is what I read:


On April 29th Ellie joined a very small group of children in the U.S., in the world even. A few weeks before then Ellie began having vision and balance problems. She tilted her head to the side as if she were having trouble seeing. She took baby steps in unfamiliar places. She was reluctant to walk down steps she didn’t know. Her pediatrician recommended an MRI, which was quickly scheduled. On April 29th, Ellie’s results were in: she has a diffusely intrinsic brainstem glioma, a tumor in her brainstem. It is malignant, it is aggressive, and it is inoperable. The prognosis is serious, and the numbers are grim. The survival rate of this type of tumor is very low - between 5 and 10%. The average life expectancy post-diagnosis is between eight and ten months. This disease follows no hereditary or environmental patterns. It strikes like lightning for no reason the oncologists could give us.



You can read more about it here http://amiracleforellie.org/wp/ and here http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elliewillaert. On the first website listed there is a a link to the right where you can donate to the Willaert family.



This family are complete strangers to me,but I believe that God brought me to their site for a reason. Every little bit helps. I can't even begin to fathom what they are going trough. Ellie's mom just had a baby boy last week. They are surely are experiencing lot of ups and downs in their lives right now. Perhaps reaching out to her family will make everyday just a bit brighter and give them some hope. Please include them in your prayers...AND feel free to REPOST this ON YOUR BLOG.



Thanks for reading.

(((BIG HUGS)))

Christine