Mixed Monday

Today is a very mixed day.  My sister-in-law had her first appointment as a pregnant lady last week and found out everything is going well.  We can now share the news publicly as we have been sworn to silence since Christmas Day.  It has been a very long and difficult road for her and her husband and we are so excited that they have finally been blessed with a little bundle of joy on it's way!

On the other hand, I received news on Sunday that a dear friend of mine's mother had a massive stroke and was in the hospital.  It was very difficult news to hear.  Later that evening a mutual friend of ours called to say that our friend's mother had passed away.  There is quite a group of us (that all scrapbook together and know her and her mother) that wish there is something that we could do to help her and her family through this difficult time.  For now, we are providing as much emotional support as we can.

Yes, my blog friends, it's a difficult Monday filled with mixed emotions.
Best,

Contest Month

It's the month before the new Idea Book release and I'm busy working on many projects that I can't even show you!  Yes, I've decided to compete again in the consultant contest that is held before each new book's premiere.  So, since I can't show you my projects, I'll show you some sneaks at the new products.

This new pack is called Mayberry

And this one is Lucky

I love new paper!  It's just so exciting.  Yes, I'm a tad obsessed.  They say the first step is admitting you have a problem, right?  LOL! :)
Have a paper-ific day,

U've Got Cute Mail

As promised, here's what I did to that horrible looking mailbox.  Ok, the pink one wasn't that bad, but I transformed the white one which had an ugly red flag.  Yech!  This is much better.

A 4x12 strip of pattern paper fits perfectly around the middle.  Both ends are detachable for easy decorating and the flag pops off with very little effort.  It was a breeze to alter!  The paper is a sneak peek from the new book.  It's called Sweetheart and is totally for the girly girl who loves pink.  :)  I had a to make a card too...

...And it's a dimensional little 3x3 cutie.  This way it actually fits inside the mini mailbox.  Here's a pic of everything together.

I used a variety of CTMH products old and new as well as some contraband I had on hand.  I'll be altering the pink one too a little closer to Valentines I think and the red one is going to be for Ben.  I'll show them both when they are done.

Have a very pink day,

Dollar Spot Alert

I was at my local Target the other day and snagged me 3 of these little guys from the dollar spot.  Run! Don't walk to get some of your own.  Trust me, they are going to look WAY cuter when I'm done with them.  :)

They come in white, pink and red.  I bought one of each.  Come back and see me on Wednesday for the "way cuter" version and some awesome sneak peeks at the new Idea Book that will be available to day crop attendees on January 29!

Have a good day,

Cropin' for Seniors

Today I'm up at Kenowa Hills Central Elementary at a fundraiser crop for their Senior All Knighter (since they are the Knights).  The crop is 9-9 so please feel free to stop by and see me even if you're not cropping.  I'll have create'n'takes and I've got my entire inventory on a blowout sale.  Stop by for some seriously discounted deals on supplies and albums.  Everything is 50% or more off retail price - some are even 80% off!!  The school is in the area of Wilson & 3 Mile.  You can call me at 616-648-7455 or text me for directions.  Hope to see you there!

My First Award!

Before I dropped off the face of the net, I received this beautiful award (my first!) from a fabulous blogger, Becky Brown.  Please do stop over and see her at Scrappin' Becky B.

By accepting this award I must do the following things:
1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded you
2. Share 8 things about yourself
3. Pay it forward to 8 bloggers who you have recently discovered
4. Contact those bloggers and tell them about their awards

Now, for my 8 things, some of which you may already know about me...
1. I am addicted to my coffee.  Seriously, my 2.5 year old can order for me at both Biggby and McDonalds. That's how I know I'm addicted.  :)
2. I love color, but I can't seem to pick a wall color for my house that's not neutral.  I'm currently painting my den a color called Cattail.
3. I might actually spend more time rearranging my scrap supplies then creating with them.
4. I have a real fear of being covered in bugs.  It doesn't matter what kind - but multiple bugs is a bad thing in my book.
5. I love to bake!
6. I have never had a traffic ticket.  (Knock on wood!)
7. I'm not a pink girl...or red either.  For some reason, I've never been a fan.  However, I can craft in pink easily and now that I have a son, just down right need to use it sometimes!  :)
8. I am a "Cathy of all Crafts." I also crochet and sew & I'll try any craft at least once.  Occasionally I bead, make soaps & work with dried/faux florals.

Here are 8 fabulous blogs (in no particular order) that you should check out.  Some a couple are not recent finds, but I hope they still count!  I haven't been surfing a lot lately.  :)
1. Deneen
2. Vicki
3. Mandy
4. Krista
5. Tammy
6. Debbie
7. Annette
8. Corina

Have a great day,

I do exist

Please forgive my massive absence.  I really do still exist.  :)  It appears that I got seriously off track in the virtual world...but, I promise I'm coming back soon!  Give me a handful of days and things will resume to normal posting again.  Note to self: This year, prepare for the hectic holiday season in advance of the actual holiday season.

Happy New Year! & See you soon,