Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing everyone a wonderfully blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!

I'll be enjoying a scrumptious dinner with my family this evening, a little shopping tomorrow, AND some much-needed 'crafty-time' thru the weekend!!

I LOVE the lyrics to this old song:

"Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me"


Verse I 
As the world looks upon me, as I struggle along 
They say I have nothing, but they are so wrong 
In my heart I'm rejoicing, how I wish they could see 
Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me 
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Chorus
There's a roof up above me 
I've a good place to sleep 
There's food on my table 
And shoes on my feet 
You gave me your love Lord 
And a fine family 
Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me 

Verse II 
Now I know I'm not wealthy, and these clothes , they're not new 
I don't have much money, but Lord I have you 
And to me that's all that matters, though the world cannot see 
Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me 

Repeat Chorus, then: 
Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me

I truly do thank my Lord for so many blessings!  AND not just today, but everyday!!
For Salvation and the promise of an abundant life and an eternal life
For my precious, precious family
For my church and church family
For our health, our homes and our jobs
and for all our beautiful friends!!

I'm truly blessed!
Jenn

My very first Studio J layouts!! I’ve been bitten!!

Click on either image to enlarge!

 Yes, I’ve been bitten by the digital scrapbooking bug – with Close To My Heart’s Studio J!!  I actually never thought I would ‘get into it’ because I truly love ‘classic’ scrapbooking with the all the actual inking, cutting, distressing and dimensional elements!!  BUT I’ve been inspired by my sweet friend and sister CTMH consultant, Pamela O’Conner, and once I got started, I couldn’t stop!!

My first 2 layouts are of my son Jaime and his wife Allie with their little addition, Kameron, who was born in December 2007.  I don’t know that I’ve ever witnessed a more proud and ecstatic new daddy!!    Kameron stole his parents’ hearts that day!  I had so many pictures to choose from but these were some of my favorites.  My absolute favorite is the snapshot on the bottom right of layout #2 where Kameron was in the newborn nursery with Jaime at his side – it looked just like Kam had stretched his little neck to look back at his daddy!!  Definitely a Kodak moment!!

The picture of Allie with her face touching Kameron’s is so tender to me.  You can sense the great love that she has for this precious gift from God they were so blessed with!

Off to create some more Studio J Digital Scrapbook pages!  Join me in this fun journey – you can try it for free or become a Studio J Member and receive great discounts and free shipping of your printed layouts!! 


** A Studio J Membership gets you the best value for your money **
You’ll save an amazing 50% off the retail price be becoming a member.  Only members receive free JPG files of their layouts with each purchased custom-printed layout and also have the option to purchase JPG files separately.  JPG files come in both high resolution and thumbnail sizes to print, share, or archive.  Membership comes with other perks such as exclusive patterns, kits, and free Memory Protectors.  On top of all that, members also get free shipping on one order per month that has a total of 4 – 20 layouts!


Membership Options
12-Month Membership – $99.00
3-Month Membership – $30.00
then
Per two-page, custom-printed layout - $6.50
Per JPG file – $3.00
or you might like to try -
A 5-pack – this includes 5 two-page, custom printed layouts, 5 Memory Protectors, and free shipping.  Ideal for gift giving, or as an affordable way to try Studio J for the first time.
5-Pack  - $55.00

Give Studio J a try today!! 

Awesome combination - Cricut and CTMH!!

OMGosh!! I'm totally hooked! My new Cricut Expressions 2 shipped today so while I'm waiting, I've been checking out the awesome new 'Cricut Craft Room' Beta site that will be introduced soon!! So MANY possibilities for scrapbooking and paper crafting!! Especially when partnered with Close To My Heart's new Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge!! What a combination!! I've been sampling it on my little Cricut Personal Cutter, but can hardly wait to get down to business with my new Cricut Expressions 2!!  So if you have a Cricut, you can get your cartridge here and you'll see what I'm talking about! www.jenniferlee.myctmh.com

With delight, we introduce the exclusive Close To My Heart Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge! Simply plug the cartridge into your Cricut®* Personal Electronic Cutter machine (sold at retail stores) and you’re ready to cut any of the 700 shapes with the touch of a button! The exclusive images are incredibly versatile, and many are designed to be used with specific My Acrylix® stamps for real eye-popping power!

When you purchase the Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge, you’ll also receive three exclusive D-size stamp sets designed to perfectly coordinate with images on the cartridge. Plus, we’re including three sets of Dimensional Elements that work in tandem with the cartridge as well. You can mix and match to your heart’s content! Stamp on your Cricut® shape; cover your Dimensional Element with a Cricut® shape; or cut, stamp, and then cover! You’ll be all set to create uniquely beautiful artwork with incredible ease.


... Collection includes:
1 – Cartridge (700 images: font, shapes, and 3-D items)
3 – My Acrylix® D-size stamp sets
3 – 9" × 12" Dimensional Elements (3 sheets of different shapes)

Possible Hostess Reward Choices with only a $500 Party!

Contact me to schedule your own party (if local!) or a Catalog party to earn these awesome products or any you choose from our new gorgeous Fall/Winter 2011-2012 Catalog!!  E-mail me at 31GiftsWithJennLee@gmail.com with the words "Ready to Party with 31" and I'll get you on my calendar and mail out your Hostess Packet!

Jenn

Party with Thirty-One Gifts!

Go to www.MyThirtyOne.com/JennLee to view our new Fall catalog online!

Partying with Thirty-One is just like the best shopping trip with your girlfriends – except you never need to leave home!

Join in the fun by hosting a Thirty-One party! Our Hostesses get great deals and rewards: half-price items, discounts and even FREE products are just some of the benefits! A few friends or relatives and a convenient place to get together are all you need to host a home party. I’ll do the rest! I’ll even help you with your guest list; the more guests at your party, the better your rewards! There are so many creative ways to get together with friends, and if you love our products, so will all your gal pals!

Worried about getting everyone together in one place at the same time? Then our Party-to-Go is the best way for you to reap some great Hostess benefits! Our Party-to-Go comes with everything you need to take your Thirty-One party on the road. It includes a wide array of products cleverly packed in one of our most popular totes so you can take those orders and watch your Hostess Rewards grow!
Our options don’t stop there! Another way to be a Thirty-One Hostess is by simply passing around a few catalogs for a “Thirty-One Catalog Party.” You can collect orders or give your friends my website address and they can go online and place their orders directly. Contact me, and you’ll be started down the road toward great times and FREE products!  Contact me via e-mail at 31GiftsWithJennLee@gmail.com.

Look forward to partying with you and your girlfriends!

Jenn

Fabulous CTMH Convention!! Best Ever!

WOW!  That about sums it up for me!  Close To My Heart did it again ~ just when you wonder how will Jeanette Linton and her Corporate staff amaze us any further, they go above and beyond!  I just returned this week from sunny Anaheim, California, the Disneyland® Resort, where I so enjoyed our 2011 Close to My Heart Convention! Hundreds of Consultants from all over the United States and Canada gathered again for loads of fun, motivational training, new product reveals, company updates, business classes, inspiration from the awesome Extravaganza and Create & Takes!

New product is scattered throughout our fabulous Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book/Catalog, including new embellishments, Workshops-On-The-Go kits, gorgeous new stamp sets (with ALL new lower prices!!), and the grandest new product is – drum roll please . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CTMH has partnered with Cricut® and now offers an Exclusive Cartridge called ‘Art Philosophy’ Collection that contains 700 images!!   With this one final, show-stopping reveal, Jeanette introduced this new product that is ideal for stamping and die-cutting.  This collection includes a Cricut® cartridge with shapes and designs chosen by Jeanette herself, PLUS three coordinating D-size My Acrylix stamp sets AND three sets of Dimensional Elements (9" × 12" sheets). The stamp images and Dimensional Elements coordinate perfectly with the images from the cartridge making it so easy to quickly create fabulous artwork. The entire collection is available for only $99!!

Ordering can begin when our Autumn/Winter Idea Book goes live on August 1st.  You can order on my web-site or email me at Rather.Be.Scrappin@gmail.com to place your order or for any questions!! 

And the new Idea Book is absolutely gorgeous!  Awesome format, great artwork of course, and stamp set images shown at 100%.  You’ll be able to view it online or you can email me with your address for your own copy!!

Stay tuned . . . . . . . .

Jenn

CTMH Convention in 1 Week!!!

** This time next week, I'll be on the grounds of the "Happiest Place on Earth" !!  Our 2011 Close To My Heart Convention is being held at Disneyland!  We'll enjoy excitement and big reveals at the first day's general session and oohs and ahhs will be heard as we learn of the latest trends and newest products that will be showcased by very talented Consultants!  We'll receive lots of creative training on all the new products that will be unveiled ~ all this making for a fabulously fun FIRST day!!


** Day two will provide us with great information and strategies at the business classes along with fulfilling our creative urges by learning new techniques at the Create & Take.  THEN the awesome Annual Awards Banquet that evening where we'll enjoy an exquisite feast while cheering for our top achievers as they receive awards for their outstanding success!!


** And finally, Day three will be a whole new experience!  We'll begin our day by attending two inspiring business classes and learn the business strategy behind our products in one and have hands-on time with those products in the other!!!  THEN, a brand new addition to Convention:  The Closing Crop!!   There will be a bounty of entertainment and fun!  There will be music, a planned creative project, as well as prizes!  We can use this time to create, visit with friends new and old, or just unwind from our whirlwind Convention weekend!


** And yes, of course, we have a whole day planned to spend at Disneyland and Downtown Disney!  


** Be watching out for my posts as I'll be updating with all the fun and exciting news!!


** I'm counting down the days on one hand now!!


Jenn

Happy Birthday to Jaime!!

It’s hard to believe my first-born is 26 years old today!!  He’s my Independence Day baby, born on the 4th of July, 1985!  Jaime’s across the way working over-seas and the 4th is nearly over already for him as I’m posting this, even though we’ve not even had lunch yet here at home!  But we’ll definitely celebrate when he gets home!
To My Precious Son, I love you!
You are a shining example of what a son can be – loving and compassionate, beautiful and good, honest and principled, determined and INDEPENDENT, sensitive and intelligent.  You are a shining example of what parents want their son to be and I am so very proud of you!
written by Susan Polis Schutz (but read from my heart!)
Much love and lots of hugs and kisses to Jaime!!
Happy Birthday!

Want to know more??

By becoming a Thirty-One Consultant, you have the freedom of owning your own business and the opportunity for unlimited earning potential. But we offer you more than just a career and income. You’ll have the pleasure of working with supportive and encouraging women just like you, and through our commitment to providing you with flexible hours, you’ll still be able to devote time to your family and yourself. Whether you're looking for the blessing of meeting new friends, finding new ways to grow personally, or financial rewards like making that house or car payment, open your world to Thirty-One! Here are just some of the wonderful opportunities that await you:

A faith-based company devoted to supporting and encouraging women

• Personalization is available on most products in a variety of styles and materials
• Online parties with E-Vites and online customer ordering capabilities
• Online customer & Consultant referral
• Unlimited earning potential and financial freedom
• A casual work atmosphere surrounded by friends without any high-pressure sales pitches or demonstrations
• Flexible hours for more time with the special ones in your life
• Personal and professional growth
• Special rewards and discounts
• Partnering and collaborating with an enthusiastic Home Office Staff and other Thirty-One Consultants

Ready to take the next step? Joining an opportunity like ours can be a big decision, and just like welcoming a special friend to your home, we want to make this completely enjoyable – that begins with planning for YOUR arrival! Right now, we are asking you to join our Wait List and we’ll invite you to enroll in groups throughout the summer and early fall.
Even if you've already verbally shared your plans with me, please take a couple of minutes to fill out the interest form on my website to let the company know if you are planning to enroll with Thirty-One when our new Fall Enrollment Kit and Catalog become available. By sharing your information and intentions here, the company will be totally ready for YOU when you get that new kit and begin holding your very own Thirty-One parties. I want the experience of owning your own Thirty-One business to be amazing!

When you say "YES, I can't wait to join," you will be placed on our special Wait List. This is the ONLY way you'll be able to enroll, so please take a minute and say "YES!"!

Commit today to reward yourself with a new business that can change your life if you let it! Then, when the time comes and we open the doors to our special opportunity, Thirty-One will send you an e-mail to let you know it's time to enroll! Until then, look for updates from me and other special messages from the company!

Click on the "Join My Team" page of my website to get your name on the Wait List!

So, want to find out more about Thirty-One??  Ask me!!

Hurry! June Special Ends Today!

 

Summer is here at last! And Thirty-One has your vacation ‘in the bag’!! This month, (which ends today!!) for every $31 you spend, you get a Large Utility Tote for only $9 – that’s 70% off!! You can choose from 10 fun and fashionable prints!

Now just think of all the places this everyday, everything tote can take you. This Large Utility Tote is just the beginning of getting your family ready for the season. Even if the furthest you’re planning to travel this summer is back and forth to the ballpark, Thirty-One is ‘stepping up to the plate’! A busy baseball mom can purchase the Market Thermal Tote for just $38 to keep drinks and snacks cool on those blazing hot days. Then she can get the Large Utility Tote to carry those balls, bats, gloves and so much more for just $9. Spending a total of just $47 sounds like a ‘Homerun’, right??!!

Market Thermal Tote

Make a splash at the neighborhood pool as the most organized family with products from Thirty-One! Keep trips to the snack bar at a minimum by loading up the Picnic Thermal Tote with juices, fruit and other healthy choices. Pack towels, sunblock, and a sizzling summer novel in a Square Utility Tote, and the family only makes one trip from the car with everything they need!

So take advantage of this awesome June special by visiting my Thirty-One shopping site, before this sale ends tonight: www.mythirtyone.com/JennLee

Happy Shopping,

Jenn

Adorable Ensemble for Work!

 

Just look how adorable my work ensemble was on Monday!!!  My gorgeous Skirt Purse with the Bow Medallion Skirt, the very roomy Organizing Utility Tote in Garden Bloom (with my ‘J’ embroidered in Coral Pink) and my snacks all nestled in the cute little Small Thermal Tote (embroidered in Hot Pink)!!  LOVE it!!!

This Skirt Purse is a Thirty-One favorite that lets you change your look for the season, your mood, or the outfit you're wearing!  It comes in black or brown with one free skirt of your choice (several designs to choose from). There's plenty of room for your cell phone, cosmetics, wallet, etc. Price: $42  Additional Skirts: $15 www.mythirtyone.com/JennLee

I absolutely LOVE mine!! I got the brown skirt purse with the denim skirt shown in the picture above, of course with my 'J' embroidered in Sandstone!! But I also HAD to have the Bow Medallion skirt that I have on it this week!  This is one of the products I chose for my Half-Price item when I hosted a Party-To-Go last month BEFORE I joined Thirty-One Gifts and became a consultant!!

To purchase your Skirt Purse, just head over to my shopping site at www.mythirtyone.com/JennLee

Jenn

Introducing . . . . !!

My new business venture ~~  I'm so excited to announce that, as of Wednesday, June 15th, 2011, I'm officially an Independent Consultant with Thirty-One Gifts!!

My family teases me about being a 'Bag Lady' because of my love of bags, purses and totes but now I'm an official Bag Lady!!  I'm guilty of carrying several bags anywhere I go, to contain many things I may need at any time!  Know what I mean??!!  I need one for my Close To My Heart Idea Book and business supplies/samples, one for work, a bag for my lunch and drinks, etc. etc.  PLUS my purse!!  So you can imagine how thrilled I was to be introduced to this awesome company back in April while at the Scrapbooking Retreat in Weatherford, Texas!

At first glance of this Large Utility Tote, I had to know more . . . . . . . .

A fellow Scrapper sitting adjacent from me had a TON of Close To My Heart Paper Packs and other items organized in the Large Utility Tote that is shown on the left in the above picture.  I checked it out and it was gorgeous, to begin with, and so sturdy and roomy!   THEN, she pulled out her awesome little 'Skirt Purse' and let me try it out!!  Well, I was totally SOLD on the products right then and there! 

But the most impressionable thing about Thirty-One came once I got back home from the Scrapbooking Retreat and began googling this company!  It's faith-based and it's very name is derived from Proverbs 31!  The more I learned, the more I knew I wanted to be  part of it!

I really believe the Lord led me straight to my Sponsor / Director, Laura Aridgides!  I came upon her fabulous and informative videos and immediately felt connected and comfortable with her.  Then I contacted her and the rest is history!! 

There was a freeze on recruiting at that time, so I collected a catalog order, earning tons of free products and half-price items to start my collection.  I was on pins and needles waiting to get the e-mail from Corp that I could sign up!!  SO, as of June 15th, I'm officially an Independent Consultant with Thirty-One!!!  You can shop with me right from your seat at my website:  www.mythirtyone.com/JennLee

My Enrollment kit will be here tomorrow afternoon and I can hardly wait!  I'll be sure to post pics of it's content and hopefully tempt you!! 

If you would like to be kept informed of specials and other info, and you have a Facebook account, please look over on the right side bar here on my blog and click on 'Like'. 

I'll thank you in advance for considering me for all your Thirty-One Gifts needs (wants!!)!

So excited!

Jenn

Virtual Craft Room Sale UPDATED!! 12 more stamps sets added!

Head on over to my 'Virtual Craft Room Sale' via tab under heading and check out my awesome deals on a great selection of new and gently used My Acrylix stamp sets!!  12 additional stamps set posted today.  Deeply discounted and ready to ship out!

Thanks for shopping with me!!
Jenn

Stronger Together

CC1012B  You & Me

Together we can make a difference!

Severe flooding, tornadoes, and storms have affected the lives of thousands across the United States, but together we can make a difference.

Purchase the You & Me scrapbooking kit for only $15.00 US/ $16.50 CAN (a retail value of $34.95/$38.95), and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross Spring 2011 Floods and Tornadoes Relief Operations. 

With the You & Me kit, you’ll create two fully embellished two-page layouts using the included instructions, papers, D-size stamp set, and accessories. At only $15/$16.50, this kit is more than 50% off the retail price. You’ll win by getting the kit at a phenomenal price, and those in the weather-devastated regions will benefit from your charitable contribution. Together we can make a difference; together we are stronger!

Offer valid June 1–30, 2011, or while supplies last. No qualifying purchase required. Tax and shipping/handling charges apply.  Orders yours here !



You won't want to miss out on this awesome special, nor on the chance to make a difference!!

Virtual Craft Room Sale!! Pics posted!

Head on over to my 'Virtual Craft Room Sale' and check out my awesome deals on a great selection of new and gently used My Acrylix stamp sets!!  Deeply discounted and ready to ship out!

Thanks for shopping with me!!
Jenn

My Journey to Texas to Scrapbook! (Part 4)

This should be the 4th and final installment of my Scrapbooking trip to Texas!!  I actually could go on and on, since I’m such a ‘talker’ and I had such an awesome time but I’m going to try to finish up tonight!
In my previous post, I showed you a picture of The Covered Bridge Inn where this Scrapbook Retreat was held – well here is the owner, Mrs Pat Farrington:



She is such a sweet lady and is fortunate to have fulfilled a dream of providing a Retreat for crafters or ladies’ groups, etc.  Mrs Pat prepares all the meals along with help from her husband as well as a neighbor girl, and let me tell you, these meals are awesome!!  I could hardly wait each time for the dinner bell that she rang when it was time to eat!!  She actually compiled a cookbook several years ago but has sold all of them.  And for those of you that know I LOVE cookbooks, know how disappointed I was that I couldn’t get my hands on hers!  



My corner of the restful accommodations upstairs was in the ‘Sunshine Room’!  It was very comfortable and cool and had a great view out onto the front lawn.





Of course being a crazy camera lady anyway, you know I took a picture of every single room in this house, upstairs and downstairs, the very relaxing living room, the exercise room, the kitchen and dining area and of course, the Crop Zone!!  But I won’t post ALL of the pictures!  They are definitely going into my Travel Scrapbook though!

And speaking of the Crop Zone!!  Here’s a few shots of some scrappers as we all began the moment we unloaded our gear and personals from our vehicles!



And I would LOVE for Don to see that I’m not the only woman that hauls an actual TON of scrapbooking supplies and tools with me for a few days of papercrafting!!

The first layout I worked on was with the Mayberry Paperpack that quickly became a favorite of mine!  I chose pictures of our sweet little blue-eyed granddaughters, Railey and Autumn Verley!  I didn’t do my journaling that night but I wanted to share the layout anyway!  The girls are simply adorable!




Well, I’m guessing now that this won’t be my last installment after all!!  One more post this week should wrap it up!  I’ve had a good time re-capping my trip though and can’t wait to go back in November!

Stay tuned for conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . !

My Journey to Texas to Scrapbook! (Part 3)

Well Thursday came and it was time to make my way on out to The Covered Bridge Inn to meet my new friends and scrapbook to our hearts’ content!!

I passed a couple of nice Ranches on the way out and one place that tickled me called ‘Hooves and Wheels’ !!  It was a campground that accommodates motorhomes/campers as well as the horse trailers!!  I just thought that was so clever of the owner!!  I’m sure there are many more all over the place, but my first time to see one!

But this view below is just one of the many stretches of land I saw, that, as simple as this picture is, it reminds me of the amazement I feel each time I capture glimpses of God’s handiwork all around us.  I so thank God for the privilege of taking in all the beauty of nature He so lovingly created. 

When I finally arrived at The Covered Bridge Inn, which was only about 15 minutes outside the city limits,  I stopped to thank God for my safe trip there and also to thank Him for the opportunity to enjoy this retreat, the scrapbooking I would get done and the fellowship I would enjoy with sweet ladies who share the same passion for ‘preserving memories thru the art of scrapbooking’ as I do!!

Then I finally got to officially meet in person, Pamela O’Conner, a sister Close To My Heart Consultant!!  I have followed her blog, Reflections of my Art and Soul, for a couple of years, admiring her beautiful artwork, but mostly being inspired by her faith!  I had actually shared an elevator ride with Pamela last year at our CTMH Annual Convention in Washington DC and was so excited that she spoke to me and smiled, saying she recognized me from Facebook and from me following her blog!!  Needless to say, I was tickled!

Maybe I’ll soon get to the part where we are really scrappin’!!!  After all, isn’t that what I drove 600 miles for???!!!
    
To be continued . . . . . . . . . . . . . !

My Journey to Texas to Scrapbook! (Part 2)

Part 1 just below, if you missed it!

So I got a great night’s sleep at Aunt Ruth’s even after sitting up chatting half the night!  I actually slept comfortably in my late grandma’s bed!  And her picture sat on the bedside table so I was able to smile back at her and say goodnight!

We enjoyed fresh brewed coffee with some Apricot Croissants (a first for me!) for brunch.  I actually didn’t head on out until around noon because I had to wait for my prescription refill to be transferred from the Meridian Walmart to the Longview Walmart.  Well, THAT took forEVER!!!  I had already completed what little shopping I needed to do before getting back on the road so I was simply walking around, killing time.  Decided to grab a bite in the Subway (because the sweet lady at the Pharmacy told me, once again (for the 3rd time), it would be a FEW more minutes!  Not her fault but I sure got tired of hearing that! 
** BUT as I headed back to the Pharmacy for the fourth and final time that afternoon, I ran SMACK into a classmate from home, Quitman, MS!!!  What a great coincidence!  It was awesome to see Jamie Mitchell and hear about his sweet family.  Jamie and I graduated together in 1984 and I believe the only time I’ve seen him since then was at our 10 year class reunion in 1994!  So that was a nice treat that made me forget I was irritated about having to wait on my meds!!

Needless to say, I pulled out of the Longview, TX Walmart at 4 pm, continuing my journey to Weatherford.  Before I even got back on Interstate 20, the rain began and I don’t think it slacked up for the next 3 hrs that it took me to go through Dallas and Fort Worth then my final stop in Weatherford.  That was frustrating but I simply asked God for traveling mercies and knew I had family and friends praying me through the rainy weather as well!

Though I didn’t venture out into Dallas, Fort Worth or Weatherford this trip, what I did see was amazing!  And like I said, just being back in Texas was so special to me! 

My first night in Weatherford, I enjoyed a ‘breakfast for supper’ meal at the local IHOP!  We don’t have one at home so I really enjoyed that and it was close by my suite so I got back before dark.

This was my little mini-vacation so I did nothing for a day and a half before heading out to the scrapbooking retreat, except for rest, read, relax and enjoy eating at new places!  NOW on Wednesday, I DID drive back to Fort Worth to visit one of their SIX Hobby Lobby stores!!!  Can you believe a city can have SIX of them!!!  I was in hog-heaven!  It was definitely ‘Texas-sized’, the biggest Hobby Lobby store I’ve ever been in! 

THEN I found the ‘Braum’s Ice Cream shop!!!  Oh My Goodness!!  It was awesome and my choice of the ‘Two Scoops on Waffle Cone’ for only $1.79 was Chocolate in the bottom and Buttered Pecan on top – this thing was HUGE – again, ‘Texas-sized’!  I believe that was the BEST ice cream I’ve ever had!  Of course I had to get my phone and snap a picture of it!

It’s really true what they say that, ‘Everything’s bigger in Texas’!!  Even the bananas that Aunt Ruth sent with me to snack on during my drive were bigger than usual and delicious!!

Tune in later for Part 3 . . . . . . . .

My Journey to Texas to Scrapbook! (Part 1)

From the moment I saw this sign that welcomed me back to my home state of Texas, I began smiling!  And I kept that smile my whole trip!!  I think I smiled even in my sleep! 

Just being back in Texas where I was born and spent my childhood, (and what a wonderful childhood I had) - planning a layover at my Aunt Ruth’s and Uncle Bob’s home in Longview -  then on to Weatherford, TX to enjoy meeting new friends that I would spend 4 whole days with -  working on my most passionate hobby, scrapbooking and papercrafting -  was plenty to fill my heart with excitement!  Boy that was a mouth-full !!

My first stop in Texas, after resting at the Welcome Center, was in Marshall to see Jaime!  He was working days that week on his land rig and the timing was perfect as I came up on the Marshall exit, to pick him up and enjoy some Mexican appetizers at The Jalapeno Tree!  It was such a treat to spend a little time with him and get to see his work week accommodations.

Aunt Ruth and Uncle Bob are terrific hosts.  My cousin Rita was there as well when I arrived and of course she had me rolling with laughter!  She’s hilarious!  Aunt Ruth had a delicious Pot Roast with potatoes cooked so I surely didn’t pass that up!  She and I sat up talking like teenagers until about 1:45 am!!  It was great spending time with her but we also shed some tears because just a few weeks earlier, she had lost her mama, my grandmother.  Hearts are definitely still aching at the loss felt at Grandma’s passing but we’re so blessed to know that she simply made it to Heaven before any of us did!  As I’ve said, she’s smiling as she’s now ‘Face to Face with Christ our Savior’.  That gives tremendous joy and comfort!

 

This picture was about 16 months ago of Grandma and my sweet daddy!  It was Thanksgiving day 2009 at the Johnson household!!

Stay tuned for Part 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hope for Japan - CTMH's Efforts & how YOU can help!!

Our hearts go out to the victims of the earthquake and Tsunami in Japan.  With the tragedy and devastation, Close To My Heart is eager to help.  And helping has never been easier!


You can help by purchasing this adorable Hope for Japan, A-sized stamp set now through April 30th for ONLY $5 ($7.95 value) and Close To My Heart will be donating 100% (Yes, you read it right, ONE HUNDRED PERCENT!!!) of the profits to the American Red Cross to benefit relief efforts in Japan. How awesome is that?!?!  So if you want to help out and get this specially designed, gorgeous stamp set, please click on over to my website, here, to purchase.  This stamp set reminds us of how our hearts are hopeful for those who are in need. 


As Jeanette Lynton (CEO of CTMH) says, "Let's show our support and together, provide real HOPE for Japan!"


Jenn

Inspirations - January Special Offers with Close To My Heart!

I’m thrilled to share with you our January  offer - a sneak peek of new spring/summer products along with the chance to purchase stamp sets at a deep discount!   This interim brochure, called Inspirations, is filled with awesome new stamp sets and the gorgeous new paper packet, Wings, available a month early (before the February 1 launch date of the 2011 Spring/Summer Idea Book).

Here are the details of the offer and you can shop here on my web-site:

Availability Dates: January 1, 2011, 9:00 am – January 31, 2011, 11: 59 pm

Featured Products:  Wings Workshops on the Go™ Kit and new My Acrylix® stamp sets.  When you purchase a new Wings Workshops on the Go kit for $29.95, it opens the door for you to participate in three exciting promotions. With the purchase of the Wings Workshops on the Go kit you can choose any or all of the following:

1. Purchase new Spring/Summer Idea Book My Acrylix® stamp sets at a super discount:

My Acrylix® Stamp Set - Discount Price - Full Retail

• A Game (A1113)   $5    (Reg $7.95)
• Rosy Regards (B1369)    $10.00    (Reg $13.95) 
• Take a Picture (C1440)    $15.00    (Reg $18.95) 
• Dreams Come True (D1470)    $18.00    (Reg $22.95) 
• Bohemian Alphabet (E1019)    $25.00    (Reg $34.95) 

2. Get the January Stamp of the Month set, Find Your Style, at a discount or free by purchasing new Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book products as follows:

Purchase a Wings Workshops on the Go™ kit then, to get the Stamp of the Month, 
purchase . . .

• 1 item from the Inspiration brochure and get the SOTM set at 25% off
• 2 different items from the Inspiration brochure and get the SOTM set at 50% off
• 3 different items from the Inspiration brochure and get the SOTM set at 75% off
• 4+ different items from the Inspiration brochure FREE!

You can also earn the January Stamp of the Month with your purchases from the Autumn/Winter 2010 Idea Book following the standard Stamp of the Month program based on dollar totals rather than item totals. Mix and match new products from the Inspirations brochure and products from the Autumn/Winter 2010 Idea Book, and we will automatically calculate the greatest savings between the standard program and this promotion for you to get the best deal possible!

 3. Celebrate National Papercrafting Month in January with a My Creations® banner project. Simply purchase a My Creations® Banner (Z1378) and you will be able to make the project with the remaining supplies from the Wings Workshops on the Go™ kit and the E-size Bohemian Alphabet stamp set. The how-to instructions are included with the Wings Workshop kit exclusively through the month of January.

Please feel free to contact me if you have questions about how to order this amazing kit for yourself!


Happy Shopping!!!