Sharing my Sweet Life

Welcome 2012!!

2012-01-02T10:08:00.001-06:00

Whew ~ Fresh Start!! Thank you, Jesus!

I thank God for a great year in 2011 (tough times & bumps in the road, right along with the smooth & happy times!). December 31, 2011 found us all in good health and all together at the close of the year. Lots of changes and adjustments are taking place in our family BUT we're so blessed to be a close-knit family that is grounded in love (unconditional love) as well as sharing a mutual faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! We're so grateful for His Grace & Mercy!

After bringing in the New Year together, we enjoyed two awesome services at church on the 1st! What a way to start the New Year! I thank God for our precious church family and for our pastor/friend and his sweet wife.

But this new year also brings new challenges, as well as those changes and adjustments I spoke of - so for that, I ask all my praying friends and family that visit my blog to keep me and my family in your prayers, as I will you & yours!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL and may each of you experience God's Love, Grace, Mercy and tremendous Blessings and live with JOY!

Jenn

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T13:28:00.001-06:00

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!!

2011-10-11T13:30:00.000-05:00

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!!

2011-09-27T00:33:00.000-05:00

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!

2011-08-10T22:09:00.000-05:00

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!

2011-07-31T21:32:00.000-05:00

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!

2011-07-21T22:19:00.001-05:00

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!!!

2011-07-07T20:40:00.002-05:00

** 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!!

2011-07-04T12:24:00.002-05:00

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??

2011-07-02T20:01:00.001-05:00

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!

2011-06-30T00:16:00.001-05:00

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!

2011-06-29T22:05:00.001-05:00

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 . . . . !!

2011-06-20T00:49:00.002-05:00

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!

2011-06-17T20:51:00.000-05:00

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

2011-06-08T23:28:00.000-05:00

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!

2011-06-05T16:40:00.000-05:00

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)

2011-05-01T23:24:00.001-05:00

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)

2011-04-20T00:25:00.005-05:00

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)

2011-04-17T22:01:00.000-05:00

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)

2011-04-09T11:47:00.000-05:00

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!!

2011-04-01T18:29:00.000-05:00

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!

2011-01-01T23:32:00.001-06:00

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!!!

Sweet Face – Kameron deep in thought!

2010-12-16T21:41:00.001-06:00

Plenty for Twenty!!

2010-12-01T18:58:00.000-06:00

Close To My Heart is offering Plenty for Twenty in December!

From December 1st - 31st, when you place a $20 order on my CTMH Website, you'll be rewarded with a popular, retired D-size stamp set for FREE! That's a $22.95 retail value, plus there is FREE shipping/handling and no tax on your free stamp set.

Take advantage of this Plenty for Twenty Special in December by visiting my CTMH Website and making a qualifying purchase today! You'll be glad you did!!

Jenn

Tribute to my favorite Veteran - My Son!

2010-11-11T19:38:00.000-06:00

Right after Graduation from Marine Corp Boot Camp, Parris Island, SC - Sept 2003. Our new Marine with me on his left side along with Granny (my mom!) and his dad on his right side, his step-dad and step-grandparents and Grandpa (my dad!) behind him!

Surrounded by his siblings and cousins! Sister Jessica hanging onto his left side with Josh next to her, Amber and cousins, Rachel, Colby and Jonathan on his right!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I think of it so often . . . . . especially today as we honor our Veterans . . . . . the many months Jaime served our country as he was deployed to Iraq for 2 tours, in Fallujah (2004-2005) and then Ramadi (2006).

James Kristopher Walker graduated High School in May 2003 at 17 years old and, having never been away from us for anything more than church camp one week one summer, he left for Marine Corp Boot Camp at Parris Island, South Carolina in June. That was ONE of the toughest days that were to come over the following four years.

Jaime spent his 18^th birthday sitting quietly cross-legged on the cement and watched some fireworks at Parris Island. You see, his birthday is the 4^th of July! No birthday cake or presents or hugs & kisses from us that love him so much. It was not much of a celebration at home either since we missed him terribly. BUT at the same time we were so very proud of him!

Jaime signed up in the Delayed Entry Program during his Senior Year in High School. As his mom, I was filled with two HUGE emotions – first, tremendous pride that my son was choosing to join the Marines, especially with the knowledge that he would most likely receive orders to deploy to Iraq soon after being stationed. Secondly, I felt an over-whelming sadness that my precious first born child would be gone for a long time, too long, and would be in definite harm’s way.

Jaime excelled in all that Boot Camp/Basic Warrior Training threw at him. Though he had entered a completely different world and endured more than a lot of us ever go through, Jaime truly became a man, a strong man of integrity, honor, virtue and faith. He was an awesome young man when he left home for boot camp, but had a whole new sense of who he truly was and all he could be.

I cherish every single letter Jaime wrote home to me, while in Basic Training as well as the few I was blessed to receive while he was in Iraq. I would pour over them for hours and cried many, many tears. His words were so precious to me and I watched him mature and his faith in God grow through each page of his letters. I so loved reading the words that expressed to me how much he prayed and how he knew that God was watching over him and taking care of him and his platoon. I hold those letters very dear to my heart.

It was in between tours to Iraq, while stationed at Camp LeJeune, NC, that Jaime met and married his Marine best buddy’s wife’s best friend, Alison!! Allie is from Tennessee and was there visiting. They met and married 3 weeks later!! I know, I know, I about had a heart attack too!! But they are still married today, and have a precious son, my grandson, Kameron, who will be 3 yrs old in December this year!

Jaime and Allie decided to come home after his 4 years in the Marine Corp, though it was a tough decision. They had made a comfortable home in NC and had many friends, so many of them with whom they share tight bonds that will never be broken. So they came back to Clarke County, Mississippi, bought a house and started their family. I’m so proud of them.

And I’m so very proud of and thankful for Jaime’s service to our country. Though there were many horrific things he endured and saw during the War and many challenges he faced while in Basic Training, Jaime is so proud to have become a United States Marine and will never forget his time in service.

Thank you God for bringing our son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew and friend home safely.

Thank you Jaime for the courage, bravery and the strength you possess and for all that you mean to me and your whole family and circle of friends! We love you dearly!!

Just a few minutes after he stepped off the bus that brought them to their last stop on their return from his first tour in Iraq. He was an awesome sight to see!

On his return home from his second tour, Jaime had a wife waiting to welcome him!! Plus the rest of us were excited to be there to welcome him home and spend a few days with him at their home in NC.

Can you tell I'm a proud and thankful Marine mom!

Olivia Cards!

2010-11-06T10:43:00.000-05:00

The Olivia Paperpack from Close To My Heart has been such a hit for the fall season! With it's rich colors, Barn Red, Pear, Smoothie, and Sunset, these papers work well for all your autumn and fall scrapbook pages and cards too!

The first card above was a Gathering Project designed by corporate to showcase the awesome papers as well as the My Acrylix Stamp set "The Present". On my demonstration card, I had to substitute the brads with the Opaques Mocha Adhesive Gems as that's what I had on hand! The pattern is from the Originals How-To program book which guides you with an actual blue-print to create this beautiful card! The pattern is called A Heartfelt Classic™.

Christmas Card using Mistletoe Paper Pack - my favorite!!

2010-10-25T18:12:00.000-05:00

I'm just enjoying our Christmas paper pack this season called Mistletoe!! It has quickly become one of my All-Time Favorites!

Products used:
* X7130B Mistletoe My Reflections Paper Pack Level 2
* D1388 My Acrylix Stamp Set - Card Chatter - Christmas
* Z1330 Mistletoe Assorted Accents
* Z2135 New England Ivy Ink Pad

Jenn

Happy Anniversary to my wonderful parents!!

2010-10-25T10:00:00.000-05:00

I'm so extremely blessed with my wonderful parents - I thank God for the awesome privilege of having been born to two such loving, giving, self-less, Christian people!! They consider themselves 'simple' but that's not a bad thing! My daddy and mama are so loving, accepting, non-judgmental, and hard-working and have opened their hearts and their home to so many people since I can even remember as a small child. There's warmth, safety, joy and love always felt at home with them.

I truly thank my God for my parents and pray He continues to bless them and their union that began on this day, October 25th, 45 years ago in 1965!!

James (Tootsie) and Pat Johnson

Besides 'daddy' and 'mama', as they are to me and my sis, they are known to many as Grandpa & Granny (most that use these endearing terms are not even blood-related!!), Uncle Tootsie and Aunt Pat, Bro James and Mrs Pat and of course, Tootsie and Pat. But Theresa and I are the truly blessed ones because we call them Daddy and Mama and when I'm with them, I always still feel like their baby girl!!

Thank you Lord for your many blessings on me!

Look what I won - mailed straight from Idaho!!

2010-09-29T11:02:00.000-05:00

I just had to share this awesome card that was sent to me by my friend and Close to My Heart sister, Nichole Lewno in Idaho!! I was so excited to win a hand-made card from her because she is so artsy and creative.

Nichole is hosting video classes on U-stream twice a month on Tuesday evenings (which I have so thoroughly enjoyed), and after the broadcast thru until Sunday, you can leave a comment on her blog and a winner is randomly chosen! Yeah!! I won the very card I had my eye on while she was presenting her class!

This is a Flip-Top card that Nichole demonstrated in, I believe it was, her first U-stream class a few weeks ago. She did a great job and I was so happy to receive it!

Thanks Nichole for sharing your talents and generous spirit with me and all you come in contact with!

To check out some of Nichole’s artwork and a glimpse into her life, head on over to her blog by clicking on her name! You'll enjoy your visit!

Reindeer Christmas Card

2010-09-29T02:06:00.007-05:00

Well, I finally got my hands on my new Christmas stamps again this evening after about a month and half! I got so many in my Bundle that I purchased at CTMH Convention back in July, that are in our Autumn/Winter 2010 Idea Book, and I’ve only had a chance to create with 2 of the sets!

I used the following products from our gorgeous new Idea Book:

C1427 I Believe (set of 7 stamps) - I used the Reindeer stamp (gorgeous!)

A1110 A Timber (set of 7) - I used the phrase ‘Happy Holidays’ from this set

X5811 Creative Basics Mistletoe Collections – I used the Cranberry B&T sheet

1282 New England Ivy Cardstock

Z2135 New England Ivy Ink Pad

Z134 Prisma Glitter

Z891 VersaMark Ink Pad

Z1126 Colonial White Ribbon Collection (I used the Crocheted ribbon – love it!)

My card base is actually the Colonial White Textured Cardstock.

This reindeer card was totally inspired from a YouTube video that a fellow stamper (with another stamp company) demonstrated last year using a reindeer stamp of theirs! I altered it a tad and made it work for me and my personal style but totally spun off of her creativity!!

I fell in love with her technique of dabbing the VersaMark Ink Pad over the whole piece of cardstock that the reindeer was stamped on, then sprinkling with the Prisma Glitter and heat-setting! Loved, loved, loved it!! You’ll have to remember from one of my very first blog posts that it was heat-embossing that won me over to the scrapbooking and papercrafting world with Close to My Heart!!

Hope you enjoy!

Jenn

Celebrate National Stamping Month!!

2010-09-09T16:35:00.000-05:00

Celebrate National Stamping Month with Close To My Heart’s Triple Play!!

You can create 3 great 4” x 4” mini-albums (like the one shown above) with this terrific kit that’s available now through September 30th. You can order them on my website or contact me at 601-479-3053 or via e-mail at JenniferLee@myctmh.com.

This awesome kit includes:

1 - My Acrylix "Love This" Stamp Set
4 - Exclusive Inks Mini-Stamp Pads (Desert Sand, Hollyhock, Indian Corn Blue and Sunset)
9 - 4" x 12" Panels (3 each of 3 color schemes)
3 - 6" x 12" Die-Cut Sheets
1 - 72" Length Colonial White Grosgrain Ribbon
3 - Hook and Loop Fasteners
1 - Step-by-Step Instruction Full-Color Brochure

You can have this great mini-album kit by:

Purchasing it for $29.95 (use order #CC1010).
Purchasing $25 in My Acrylix stamps* and get the Triple Play kit for just $15 (use order #CC1010A).
Spending $40 on My Acrylix stamps* and get Triple Play for only $5 (use order #CC1010B).
Hosting a Gathering with sales of $300 or more and get Triple Play FREE!
Joining Close To My Heart as a Consultant and get the kit FREE! Call me for my consultant number and you can get signed up to join this fabulous company!!

What a deal, right??!! Well, head on over to my website to place your order by clicking on Shop Online or feel free to give me a call!

National Stamping Month is always fun, but this year you'll get ‘triple’ the excitement with Triple Play! With inks, stamps, albums, and pre-cut accents for stamping, you’ll complete all three albums in a jiffy. Since each album has its own color scheme, all three are unique and ready for many different kinds of photos. Make one for yourself and two to give away—if you can bear to part with them!

Jenn

Brand New Idea Book from Close To My Heart!!

2010-09-01T23:00:00.001-05:00

Introducing the amazing new Autumn/Winter Idea Book/Catalog from Close To My Heart!! It is now available through my website at http://jenniferlee.myctmh.com .

This book is loaded with great scrapbooking, card-making and paper-crafting ideas! You’ll find new paper packs, awesome new colors and brand new clear acrylix stamps!! You can sit back and enjoy browsing right from your seat and place your order via my corporate web-site to be delivered directly to your door – OR if you’re like me, and have to have the physical book in your hands to drool over, contact me for information on how to get your copy!!

AND for the month of September you can earn the cool stamp set, ‘Thriller’, at a discount or even for FREE! Ask me how!! Just look at the amazing artwork that you can create with this set – it will be great for all of your fun Halloween events coming up. But it’s only available during the month of September ~

So head on over to my CTMH web-site and get ready to be inspired!! Be sure to call me or email me to discuss having your own Gathering where you can earn free and discounted products! There's sssssoooooooo much to choose from, you'll want to own it all!!

Enjoy,

Jenn

Slip-Sliding Fun!!

2010-08-19T22:11:00.001-05:00

This was a fun afternoon back in June in my back yard!! Jessica slipped off for a few minutes that morning while the kids and I were eating brunch and returned with a few new toys!! Of course the slippy slide was an instant hit!! I parked my lawn chair at the end and captured their sweet faces as they slipped, slid, and played around under the water sprinkles. Little Miss Madalyn sat at the top of the slide and watched Nicholas and Cooper for a little while before deciding to join them but once she did, she didn't want to come off of it!

As I've stated before, I'm a little creatively challenged so when I got ready to scrapbook these photos, I immediately grabbed one of my Close To My Heart "How-To" program books to get me started! These books are loaded with original layout designs complete with cutting diagrams and samples! They are awesome. I got my inspiration there then branched off and added my own touches like the little Window Charms! I had a few more photos than the sample showed but that's okay because I was able to incorporate all of them anyway!

You can purchase any one of our terrific How-To program guides over on my CTMH web site!! You won't be disappointed ~ You'll love every last one of the 100 12" x 12" scrapbook pages that are featured in the newly updated Reflections TM program. Each layout pattern comes with a blueprint, detailed assembly instructions, companion layout guides, photo options and creative techniques that are sure to make your memories come to life!

OR. . . . . . .

You can create your own 12" x 12" designer layouts with Jeanette Lynton's second volume of incredible scrapbooking patterns. Imagine TM is packed with 50 all new, two-page patterns, complete cutting diagrams and assembly instructions, plus inspiring techniques. This book is every scrapbooker's best friend!

Jenn

See what I mean?? . . . . . .

2010-08-17T20:33:00.001-05:00

Jessica’s creativity (see previous post), really came through on this project!! She made this ‘diaper cake’ for a friend’s sister and I think it turned out great!! She can just throw things together and before long, she’s created something awesome! Of course I had to take pictures of the cake and the little stool she painted, but this time, I had an assistant!!

Nicholas grabbed my ‘pink’ camera and started snapping photos right along with me!! He did really good and was up on the table, crouching and turning to get all kinds of angles! He was so funny – then it turned into a photo party! Even after Jessica left for the baby shower, Nick held on to the camera. I didn’t realize he had been busy snapping until he came up and said, “Mammy, let’s scroll through my pictures”. I just started laughing and said, “Oh my gosh, Nick, Mammy’s a hot mess” and “Oh no, we have to delete that one, Mammy is toe-up!!” He was laughing so hard at my reaction to those pitiful pictures!! Oh don’t get me wrong, he did a great job BUT he caught me looking a hot monkey mess while I chased Madalyn around, cooking supper with her at my feet and Cooper on the counter ‘helping’ all while stepping across a ton of toys on the kitchen floor!! Nick would zoom in and that made it even worse but it was hilarious to him!! It was fine because hearing that hearty laughter from my sweet grandson is so worth it!

About to brag a little!!

2010-08-14T12:01:00.001-05:00

I just want to take this time to brag on my sweet daughter for a minute!! It’s so easy for the world to focus on a mistake or a bad decision that a person makes and totally forget that person’s MANY awesome qualities so I’m here to point some of those out!! Some people like to broadcast the ugly but I like to share the beauty!!

Jessica is such a sweet young lady who will literally do anything for anyone. She has such a big heart and loves her family and friends so fiercely. Her smile actually lights up a room and I’ve been told that from so many people ever since she was a little baby girl!! She’s creative, artistic and just simply talented at whatever she sets her mind to do! Jessica also writes beautiful poems and has even made up precious little songs for each of her awesome babies that they still love for her to sing to them!! I so treasure watching and listening while she sings these little songs to her babies and my heart strings are definitely tugged as I see their eyes and expressions when they look up at their mama!!

Though Jessica’s little family began at a very young age for her, she’s made so many accomplishments and waded through such adversity that I know most women could not have done and a lot of women never do. I’m so proud of her, not only because God blessed me to be her mother, but because I watched her bloom into a courageous young woman, mother, wife and friend, all starting at the tender age of 15. Her children and her family are her life – literally!

I’m so thankful that Jessica loves the Lord and that she accepted Him as her Savior many years ago. That’s why I KNOW that since God is the ultimate parent, I can simply ask Him for clarity and discernment to know when to just pray and let Him work in my children’s lives without any other help from me. Only God knows the right thing to do. That’s why I can have true peace about situations my children find themselves in – I have to release them completely into God’s hands and put Him in charge of their lives. Though I may not agree with their decisions or approve of choices they make, (Lord knows I’ve made my share of unwise, unhealthy decisions!), my children need me to LOVE THEM, BELIEVE IN THEM, and SUPPORT THEM IN PRAYER. We can’t “fix” or “change” our children. ONLY GOD CAN MAKE CHANGES THAT LAST IN ANYONE. Our job as parents is to release them into God’s hands and then pray for the Lord to make changes in them and their lives according to His will AND NEVER BE JUDGMENTAL TOWARD OUR CHILDREN OR ANYONE ELSE’S CHILDREN.

Thank you God for my precious children and grandchildren! They are my greatest blessings, imperfections and all! “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward” Psalm 127:3. I thank you God that even right now, you are working miracles in the lives of my children and my entire family! Keeping the faith and trusting in you God, is definitely the best defense against Satan and those that seek to judge, harm or destroy. I thank you for my Christian heritage and the wonderful parents you blessed me and my sister with! I love my family and true friends!!

Another version of the Savannah Bag!

2010-08-12T22:38:00.002-05:00

I just love making these little bags! I had gotten this fabric back in the Spring at, of course, JoAnn's!! I didn't find it in a Charm Pack like I have for my previous bags so I just bought it off the bolts and cut my own squares. I actually made the straps longer than usual on this one because it is so much easier to drape it across the shoulders!! And this cupcake bag is a good bit bigger than my other bags. I decided to add the ribbon across the front as well as on the straps just for a little something different!

Jessica snatched up the brown and pink paisley bag that I made before this one and is using it as a little diaper bag for Madalyn!! On that one, I made a wider ruffle and sewed it laying down instead of up on the outside of the straps. I actually used some fabric for it that Jess had bought and made little Maddie a sundress from! It was so cute and she did a great job for her first hand-made garment! I'll have to get a picture of both the dress and the diaper bag and post them as well !!

If you would like a custom made 'Savannah Bag' please feel free to contact me using my info in the 'Contact Me' box on the right side bar!

Thanks for looking!

Jenn

My Winning 2-page Scrapbook Layout!!

2010-08-10T21:44:00.001-05:00

Two weeks ago, I was blessed to attend my second Scrappin’ Retreat (Scrappin’ Summer Camp) in North Mississippi, hosted by a terrific little lady, Terry Dunlap and her gracious husband, Glenn!! Although I was coughing basically with every breath and my feet and ankles had swollen larger than they ever have, I had a wonderfully crafty and relaxing time! We had mega time to get creative and work on projects that some of us otherwise don’t get the chance to do. So from Friday morning at 9 am thru Sunday at 2 pm the Scrap Zone was open!! It was great seeing our new scrappin’ friends again – some from Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi!! I can hardly wait for the next Scrappin’ Retreat in October! And since we have a Brand New Close To My Heart Idea Book/Catalog, I’ll have plenty of new projects to work on!!

One of the fun things we do at the Scrappin’ Retreat is have contests for best 1-page scrapbook page, 2-page layout, homemade card and altered items. I decided to enter the 2-page layout category and submitted the above layout and I WON!!! I couldn’t believe it!! I thought my pages were great because the Cherry-O workshop kit has become a favorite of mine and of course, my sweet baby granddaughter, Madalyn Claire, is just absolutely precious! But I sure didn’t think I would win – you see, there were very talented crafters in my midst!! (Remember, you can click on the images to get a better view!)

Then as soon as I had my picture taken with my winning layout and our Retreat hostess, Terry, and went to sit back down, I was called right back up because I had also won first place in the homemade card category!!! I was inspired by a beautiful Christmas card we made at Convention last month using the new Clear Cards and came up with this !! I have gotten so many compliments on it and have been commissioned to make a few sets for a couple people who absolutely hate crafting (hard for me to imagine!! It’s my therapy!!) I used papers from the new Workshop Kit, Mistletoe, which are quickly becoming my most favorite Christmas papers!! And the little ornament is from a new Christmas My Acrylix stamp set debuting September 1st!!

Until Later!

Jenn

Awesome Scrapbooking Paper Supply Sale !!!

2010-08-03T07:23:00.000-05:00

2, 4, 6, 8, who do we appreciate? It’s YOU, of course! We are shouting from the rooftops how much we love and appreciate you! It only makes sense to pass along our appreciation with amazing deals. So for 8 days, August 4 through August 11 (while supplies last), you can purchase select My Stickease® Assortments for only $2 US/CAN, My Reflections® Level 1 kits for only $4, and My Reflections® Level 2 paper packets for only$6 online. Visit my website (here) during that time to see these amazing deals for yourself. You’ll want to shout for joy, too! AND Yes! This order does qualify you for the August Stamp of the Month (see gorgeous picture above!!) You'll definitely want to take advantage of this awesome campaign and cash in on the great deals for $2, $4, $6 for 8 ... It’s YOU We Appreciate!

Tax, shipping and handling apply. Offers are while supplies last and available only on a MyCTMH® website and here's mine!! http://JenniferLee.myctmh.com

Any questions please contact me today!!

Here is the big list of stickease, kits and paper packs on sale!!!

X7045A My Reflections Vintage Travel Level 1 $4.00
X7045C VintageTravel My Stickease $2.00
X7056A My Reflections Discovery Level 1 $4.00
X7060A My Reflections Heirloom Level 1 $4.00
X7060B My Reflections Heirloom Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7061A My Reflections Floral Impressions Level 1 $4.00
X7061B My Reflections Floral Impressions Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7061C Floral Impressions My Stickease $2.00
X7062A My Reflections Laid Back Level 1 $4.00
X7069A My Reflections Just Chillin Level 1 $4.00
X7069C Just Chillin My Stickease $2.00
X7070A My Reflections Simple Pleasure Level 1 $4.00
X7070B My Reflections Simple Pleasure Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7070C Simple Pleasure My Stickease $2.00
X7071A My Reflections Best Friends Forever Level 1 $4.00
X7072A My Reflections School Zone Level 1 $4.00
X7072C School Zone My Stickease $2.00
X7073A My Reflections Abundance Level 1 $4.00
X7073B My Reflections Abundance Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7073C Abundance My Stickease $2.00
X7075A My Reflections More To Adore Level 1 $4.00
X7075B My Reflections More To Adore Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7075C More To Adore My Stickease $2.00
X7076A My Reflections Sonata Level 1 $4.00
X7076C Sonata My Stickease $2.00
X7077C Sweet Harmony My Stickease $2.00
X7078A My Reflections Cutie Pie Level 1 $4.00
X7078C Cutie Pie My Stickease $2.00
X7079B My Reflections Rough n Tumble Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7079C Rough n Tumble My Stickease $2.00
X7080A My Reflections Route 66 Level 1 $4.00
X7080C Route 66 My Stickease $2.00
X7081A My Reflections Majestic Blue Level 1 $4.00
X7081B My Reflections Majestic Blue Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7081C Majestic Blue My Stickease $2.00
X7082A My Reflections Expedition Level 1 $4.00
X7082C Expedition My Stickease $2.00
X7083A My Reflections Let's Get Together Level 1 $4.00
X7084A My Reflections Floral Tapestry Level 1 $4.00
X7085A My Reflections Everlasting Level 1 $4.00
X7085B My Reflections Everlasting Paper Packet $6.00
X7085C Everlasting My Stickease $2.00
X7086A My Reflections Caprice Level 1 $4.00
X7086B My Reflections Caprice Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7086C Caprice My Stickease $2.00
X7087A My Reflections Enchanted Level 1 $4.00
X7087B My Reflections Enchanted Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7087C Enchanted My Stickease $2.00
X7088A My Reflections Free Spirit Level 1 $4.00
X7088B My Reflections Free Spirit Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7088C Free Spirit My Stickease $2.00
X7089A My Reflections Lifes Delights Level 1 $4.00
X7089C Life Delights My Stickease $2.00
X7090A My Reflections Silhouette Level 1 $4.00
X7090B My Reflections Silhouette Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7090C Silhouette My Stickease $2.00
X7091A My Reflections it’s a Guy Thing Level 1 $4.00
X7091B My Reflections it’s a Guy Thing Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7091C it’s a Guy Thing My Stickease $2.00
X7092A My Reflections Good Times Level 1 $4.00
X7092B My Reflections Good Times Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7092C Good Times My Stickease $2.00
X7093A My Reflections Sweet Pea Level 1 $4.00
X7093C Sweet Pea My Stickease $2.00
X7094A My Reflections Paper Garden Level 1 $4.00
X7094C Paper Garden My Stickease $2.00
X7095A My Reflections Boom-Di-Ada Level 1 $4.00
X7095B My Reflections Boom-Di-Ada Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7095C Boom-Di-Ada My Stickease $2.00
X7096A My Reflections Blue Ribbon Level 1 $4.00
X7096B My Reflections Blue Ribbon Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7096C Blue Ribbon My Stickease $2.00
X7097A My Reflections Game On Level 1 Kit $4.00
X7097B My Reflections Game On Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7097C Game On My Stickease $2.00
X7098A My Reflections Sarsaparilla Level 1 Kit $4.00
X7098B My Reflections Sarsaparilla Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7098C Sarsaparilla My Stickease $2.00
X7100A My Reflections Perfect Day Level 1 $4.00
X7100B My Reflections Perfect Day Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7100C Perfect Day My Stickease $2.00
X7101A My Reflections Magic Moments Level 1 $4.00
X7101B My Reflections Magic Moments Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7101C Magic Moments My Stickease $2.00
X7102A My Reflections Notebook Level 1 $4.00
X7102B My Reflections Notebook Paper Packet $6.00
X7102C Notebook My Stickease $2.00
X7103A My Reflections Aspen Level 1 $4.00
X7103B My Reflections Aspen Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7103C Aspen My Stickease $2.00
X7104A My Reflections Evensong Level 1 $4.00
X7104B My Reflections Evensong Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7104C Evensong My Stickease $2.00
X7105A My Reflection sEmporium Level 1 $4.00
X7105B My Reflections Emporium Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7105C Emporium My Stickease $2.00
X7106A My Reflections Unforgettable Level 1 $4.00
X7106B My Reflections Unforgettable Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7106C Unforgettable My Stickease $2.00
X7107A My Reflections That’s Amore Level 1 $4.00
X7107B My Reflections That’s Amore Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7107C That’s Amore My Stickease $2.00
X7108A My Reflections Daydream Level 1 $4.00
X7108B My Reflections Daydream Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7108C Daydream My Stickease $2.00
X7109A My Reflections Stardust Level 1 $4.00
X7109B My Reflections Stardust Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7109C Stardust My Stickease $2.00
X7110A My Reflections Back Country Level 1 $4.00
X7110B My Reflections Back Country Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7110C Back Country My Stickease $2.00
X7111A My Reflections Moon Doggie Level 1 $4.00
X7111B My Reflections Moon Doggie Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7111C Moon Doggie My Stickease $2.00
X7112A My Reflections Animal Cookies Level 1 $4.00
X7112B My Reflections Animal Cookies Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7112C Animal Cookies My Stickease $2.00
X7113A My Reflections Tinkerin Level 1 $4.00
X7113B My Reflections Tinkerin Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7113C Tinkerin My Stickease $2.00
X7114A My Reflections Bella Level 1 $4.00
X7114B My Reflections Bella Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7114C Bella My Stickease $2.00
X7115A My Reflections Jingle Level 1 $4.00
X7115B My Reflections Jingle Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7115C Jingle My Stickease $2.00
X7116A My Reflections Sweet Home Level 1 $4.00
X7116B My Reflections Sweet Home Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7116C Sweet Home My Stickease $2.00
X7117A My Reflections Grace Level 1 $4.00
X7117B My Reflections Grace Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7117C Grace My Stickease $2.00
X7118A My Reflections Twitterpated Level 1 $4.00
X7118B My Reflections Twitterpated Level 2 Paper Packet $6.00
X7118C Twitterpated My Stickease $2.00

*Available August 4-11, 2010; while supplies last

ENJOY SHOPPING!!

Sites from the Riverboat Tour on the Potomac!

2010-07-06T20:11:00.000-05:00

What an awesome feeling to be here in our Nation’s Capitol!! I’m no history-buff, mind you, BUT I really enjoy history – if that makes sense??!! I love feeling a part of yester-year by seeing and by hearing stories!! Weird??!!

The tour of the Monuments along the Potomac River was great yesterday evening! The narration was so informative and almost like being back in school ! I took a few pictures of the views from the Riverboat and just got so absorbed in the moments as the Narration continued! So much to see and feel a part of here in DC! Just thought I would share a view snap shots of what I’ve seen so far!

Great tour!

Until later,

Jenn

4 days left!! Jackpot June with Close To My Heart !!!

2010-06-27T16:34:00.000-05:00

Jackpot June will end in four days!! This month-long fun has been filled with awesome deals and will continue through July 1, 2010 at 10 am. Included in this great sale has been a big variety of Close To My Heart products at terrific discounts or even FREE!!

There are different deals each day only on my website: http://jenniferlee.myctmh.com. Click on the Jackpot June link to see each day's deal. Each day will either be a Jackpot day or a Goodie Box day. Deals run for 23 hours: from 11:00 am (EDT) to 10:00 am (EDT) the following day, while supplies last. (The hour between 10:00 am and 11:00 am will be used to prepare for the next deal.)

On Jackpot days, 5 products are offered for sale at special discounted prices. On each Jackpot day, we've selected one of the 5 products to be the Jackpot item for that day, but you won't know which one it is. So exciting!!

If you happen to order the Jackpot item, lucky you! You will be rewarded you with a fabulous Close To My Heart Jackpot, which may be one FREE product or a bundle of several FREE products! For those of you who aren't risk-takers, you'll want to purchase all 5 items to guarantee you'll hit the Jackpot!

If you purchase multiple quantities of the Jackpot item, you'll receive multiple products FREE. So, buy as many as you'd like of each item—there's no limit—and you could be a big winner!

The free items are featured on the Jackpot June shopping page, alongside the 5 discounted products. We'll send your FREE items with the products you've ordered—and we'll pay the shipping/handling for your free items! Special shipping is offered on the discounted products you purchase: just $0.99 for each item.
So, how do you know if you've hit the Jackpot? Each day we'll announce what the Jackpot item was for the previous day on www.facebook.com/closetomyheart and at www.closetomyheart.com.

On Goodie Box days, you will be able to purchase a Goodie Box filled with wonderful Close To My Heart products at 50% or more off retail value. The Goodie Box contents will vary by day (we're not revealing specifics but you'll be thrilled!) and will include favorite current and retired stamp sets, paper packets, embellishments, and other great scrapbooking, stamping, and card-making items.

Important Notes: In order to give shoppers the best possible deal on products and shipping, Jackpot June purchases must include ONLY Jackpot June items (the Goodie Box or the discounted items) and nothing else. This will streamline the shipment of orders and is also how we’re able to offer discounted shipping for this exciting promotion. This means:
* On Goodie Box days, only one Goodie Box and no other items may be checked out in a single transaction.
* On Jackpot days, only the discounted items may be checked out in one transaction; no limit on discounted items per transaction.

Hopefully this information will help you to understand these important qualifications so you can take full advantage of the great deals and incredible shipping discounts associated with this promotion. Customers wishing to make regular-priced purchases on my website may still do so, but they are not eligible for the Jackpot June discounted products, free items, Goodie Boxes, or discounted shipping.

Please contact me with any questions at: JenniferLee@myctmh.com

Be sure to check my website every day thru Thursday morning to see how you can save money and fill your crafting supply needs at terrific savings! http://JenniferLee.myctmh.com

Studio J – CTMH’s Digital Scrapbooking

2010-05-31T00:23:00.001-05:00

Close to my Heart recently launched an AMAZING new online scrapbooking product called Studio J !! I know you’ll absolutely love it! It’s truly virtual scrapbooking … It’s the closest thing you can get to actual ‘classic’ scrapbooking but with nothing to clean up afterwards! But be forewarned, once you start playing with Studio J, you won’t want to stop!!

There is absolutely NO COST to try it out. Just go to My CTMH website, http://JenniferLee.myctmh.com to find a Studio J page. You can upload pictures, choose the paper kit you want to play with, select the layout that will work for the number of pictures you’ll use and then you can just play - - - with the embellishments, titles, distressing and more!!

Once you’re done playing, you’ll want to print your layouts. You can purchase each two-page layout for just $12.95 – AND – when you place a single order for 5-9 layouts, you’ll receive a pack of 5 Memory Protectors FREE! For placing an order for 10 or more layouts, you’ll receive FREE shipping/handling plus a FREE pack of 5 Memory Protectors for every 5 layouts in the single order!

To see a video with more information, just go to http://www.studioj.com . Then when you’re ready to start your digital scrapbooking journey, head on over to http://JenniferLee.myctmh.com !!

Jenn

Jackpot June with Close To My Heart !!!

2010-05-30T23:39:00.002-05:00

Have I got good news!! Jackpot June will be here in two days!! This month-long fun with awesome deals begins June 1, 2010 at 11 am and goes thru July 1, 2010 at 10 am. Included in this great sale is a big variety of Close To My Heart products at terrific discounts or even FREE!!

In June, there will be a different deal each day only on my website: http://jenniferlee.myctmh.com. Click on the Jackpot June link to see each day's deal. Each day will either be a Jackpot day or a Goodie Box day. Deals will run for 23 hours: from 11:00 am (EDT) to 10:00 am (EDT) the following day, while supplies last. (The hour between 10:00 am and 11:00 am will be used to prepare for the next deal.)

On Jackpot days, 5 products will be offered for sale at special discounted prices. On each Jackpot day, we've selected one of the 5 products to be the Jackpot item for that day, but you won't know which one it is. Excited yet ??!!

If you happen to order the Jackpot item, lucky you! You will be rewarded you with a fabulous Close To My Heart Jackpot, which may be one FREE product or a bundle of several FREE products! For those of you who aren't risk-takers, you'll want to purchase all 5 items to guarantee you'll hit the Jackpot!

If you purchase multiple quantities of the Jackpot item, you'll receive multiple products FREE. So, buy as many as you'd like of each item—there's no limit—and you could be a big winner!

The free items will be featured on the Jackpot June shopping page, alongside the 5 discounted products. We'll send your FREE items with the products you've ordered—and we'll pay the shipping/handling for your free items! Special shipping is offered on the discounted products you purchase: just $0.99 for each item.
So, how do you know if you've hit the Jackpot? Each day we'll announce what the Jackpot item was for the previous day on www.facebook.com/closetomyheart and at www.closetomyheart.com.

On Goodie Box days, you will be able to purchase a Goodie Box filled with wonderful Close To My Heart products at 50% or more off retail value. The Goodie Box contents will vary by day (we're not revealing specifics but you'll be thrilled!) and will include favorite current and retired stamp sets, paper packets, embellishments, and other great scrapbooking, stamping, and card-making items.

We have made every effort to differentiate the Goodie Box offerings by date so you can purchase boxes on different dates and receive a wide variety of products. The prices of the boxes will vary but each will be at least 50% off retail value. The higher the box price, the greater your savings from the original retail value. We're also offering discounted shipping.

Important Notes: In order to give shoppers the best possible deal on products and shipping, Jackpot June purchases must include ONLY Jackpot June items (the Goodie Box or the discounted items) and nothing else. This will streamline the shipment of orders and is also how we’re able to offer discounted shipping for this exciting promotion. This means:
* On Goodie Box days, only one Goodie Box and no other items may be checked out in a single transaction.
* On Jackpot days, only the discounted items may be checked out in one transaction; no limit on discounted items per transaction.

Hopefully this information will help you to understand these important qualifications so you can take full advantage of the great deals and incredible shipping discounts associated with this promotion. Customers wishing to make regular-priced purchases on my website may still do so, but they are not eligible for the Jackpot June discounted products, free items, Goodie Boxes, or discounted shipping.

Please contact me with any questions at: JenniferLee@myctmh.com

Be sure to check my website every day in June to see how you can save money and fill your crafting supply needs at terrific savings! http://JenniferLee.myctmh.com

Fun with Kam!

2010-05-09T23:45:00.000-05:00

Just look at this sweet face!!

Kameron and Allie came for a visit this afternoon and we spent some time on the porch swing! It was such a beautiful day out and we just couldn't bear to stay inside. Kameron gathered up the toy tractor with wagon and a few hot wheels cars and found him a spot on the porch to play. Then he jumped up on the swing with me and since he was full of smiles, I proceeded to get my camera out!! I actually started with my IPhone to have a couple current pictures of Kam on there but I thought of the perfect CTMH Paper Pack I would use to scrapbook today's visit so I had to use my Sony.

Kameron is talking so well . . . in really complete sentences!! He has such a sweet voice too ~ can you tell I'm a proud Mammy??!! Kam was 2 in December. He's still not mastered big-boy underwear yet but is very advanced in his speech. I've said it before and will say it again, Kam can't help but to be a talker with a mom and mammy who love to talk!! He jibber-jabbered at a young age but is really talking well now.

I didn't catch their smiles at the same time but I though this was a great head on shot of Allie and Kam!

I love my daughter-in-law!!! Allie's a wonderful mother and terrific wife to my son. She and I have a lot in common (loving to talk, of course, is the first thing!) but we also share views on a lot of topics. I'm so blessed that we have a good relationship. I consider her my friend as well as a daughter.

Little Beauty

2010-05-01T21:02:00.000-05:00

Miss Madalyn Claire spent some 'Girl Time' with me a couple of weeks ago and we, of course, had a photo-shoot!! She does great for a while but when she's tired of it, she's done!! No more smiles and she even throws in a couple 'No, Mammy'. But while she's in the mood I have to take advantage of it!

We walked out in the backyard and I think she had to touch every blade of grass! The little grunting sound she made with each tug was so cute!

Madalyn was captivated by our neighbors' yard - lots of colorful things over there plus a kitty cat!! In this picture she's pointing to the fence where a tweeting bird was pirched! Well, it WAS pirched until she started walking over toward the fence, jibber-jabbering!

She even let me get her little measurements for a summer play suit I'm planning to sew up for her! I found several prints of Tutti-Frutti fabric on sale at Jo-Ann's last month and picked up a few yards to make something for our 3 little beautiful baby girls!! Now I just have to get together with Amber to measure Railey and Autumn!

My Little Slugger at his very first T-Ball Game!

2010-05-01T14:14:00.001-05:00

Nicholas waiting on first base. Unfortunately, I don't have a shot of him of his 1st At Bat because someone walked in front of me just as I clicked !! That's okay though, I should have already been standing where I stood to take snapshots of the rest of the game!!

Rounding 2nd base!!

Woo-Hoo!! Scored a run!!

The teams played great and had a lot of fun! All of Nick's fans were there cheering him on: his mama and daddy, Mammy and Papa (us!!), Meme and Pop, Granny and Grandpa, Uncle Jaime, Aunt Allie and Kameron, Uncle Josh, Aunt Amber, Railey and Autumn and Leah.

After the game, he willingly shared his little bit of snack with his cousins!! He has a sweet generous heart!!

Not quite enough to go around but he made it stretch!!

I even caught Cooper sharing his Icee with Madalyn!! He really can be sweet, every once in a while! Well, actually, he HAS to be with little Miss Maddy Claire because she is SO demanding!!! He's about met his match in his little sister!!

And the final shot is an up-close of the Slugger!

Of course, we're a baseball-loving bunch so here's to many years of playing the game - Cooper and Kameron will be along too in the next 2-3 years!!

Jenn

Savannah Bag!

2010-03-06T23:28:00.001-06:00

Oh my gosh!! I'm so loving the Charm Packs and Fat Quarters I bought from JoAnn's (my favorite craft store) !! Look at this little quilted bag I made this week! I had purchased the Charm packs of this fabric before Christmas and just pulled them out last weekend. I cut the squares down from 5" to 4" using my Fabric Rotary Cutter, laid them out how I wanted them, sewed the pieces together, added the ruffle, liner and handles and Voila! A cute new bag!! I LOVE bags!! My husband and children call me 'The Bag Lady' because I have so many and CARRY at least a couple with me every where I go! Seriously! A girl has to have her 'stuff' with her at all times!

I followed instructions from Angie Juda from SU that she so graciously shared on her blog. She's awesome and I'm totally addicted to this bag that she named 'Savannah Bag'. Of course, you can be versatile with the size by adjusting the number of blocks and the measurements for the liner and ruffle accordingly. My girls really like it and have voiced they would like one a little bigger!! So as soon as I come across some more cute Charm packs and Fat Quarters, I'll be making some more!

Jenn

Memory Keeper using Veranda Workshop on the Go!

2010-03-03T22:19:00.000-06:00

This is an absolutely beautiful paper pack that I've been stingy with because I just hate to cut it!! I know that's crazy but when I really like a particular paper pack, (usually love them all!!) but when one REALLY grabs my attention, I just hold on to it and pull it out and look at all the different patterns but can't bare to cut it!! Ridiculous, I know! But these patterns and colors remind me of my mom so as I was piecing together the Biscuit Pillow I was making for her, I thought about Veranda and decided to use it on the My Creations Memory Keeper to give to her as well. She had recently made a comment after church a while back that she needed some new pictures of all of us to update her collage frames. So I printed a stack of our newest pictures and hid them in the Memory Keeper! I also included a 'My Pages Talk - Voice Recorder' and recorded them a sweet little message then attached it to the front!! I love my parents so much and feel so blessed to have been born to the two most precious people in the world!

Supplies Used:
Z1116 My Creations Memory Keeper
Z1147 Foundry Metal Accessories - Foundry Bookplates
Z1269 Filigree Charms
Z1033 Big Pinks Flowers- White Daisy
Z1131 Creme Brulee Ribbon
Z1132 My Pages Talk - Voice Recorder
Colors: Cocoa, Garden Green, Juniper, Creme Brulee

So, I went out to daddy and mama's last night and gave them their little happies and they were so very proud! Made it all worth it.

I had whipped up a little Camoflage Pillow for daddy with a picture of him and mama from this past Thanksgiving. I had intended to use a picture of him holding up the big deer he got during Hunting Season but my printer jammed printing it out. He loved it just the way it was!!

I made this into a more boxy pillow instead of the traditional. Daddy really loved it!!

I felt just like a kid who had just handed her parents a page she had colored, smile across her face waiting on their reactions!! How goofy am I??!!

Jenn

My Biscuit Pillow!!

2010-02-23T08:10:00.000-06:00

It felt so great to be back sitting behind my sewing machine again Sunday afternoon!! Sewing was a passion of mine for a long time when my children were small and I've only sewn off and on since then. But Jessica received a very nice Singer sewing machine for Christmas from her mother-in-law, Robyn, and has graciously let me 'try it out' !! I love it!! It's quite a bit different from my old Singer as far as threading and how the bobbin is loaded but other than that, it's awesome!! I'm seeing a new sewing machine in MY near future as well !!!

I posted a picture of the charms packet I purchased at Jo-Anns before Christmas (refer to this post!) and due to time constraints I never got to make any of those projects I had anticipated for Christmas. SO . . . . I'm on them now!!! My first project was the Biscuit Pillow for my mama and this fabric from the charms packet was so perfect as it is 'so her'!! Back in the day when I first began making them, I made smaller 'biscuits' and actually made a ruffle to go around it. I changed it up a bit and made the puffy biscuits an inch larger, made the backside into a biscuit as well, and didn't add the ruffle. And the lap throw isn't actually a 'lap' throw because I ran out of fabric!! I don't know what it will be but when mama receives it, she will love it and find a place and use for it!! She's such a grateful recipient of anything we present to her, especially hand-made gifts! It's nothing fancy or extraordinary but as I said in the above mentioned post, the fabric reminds me of her so much and she had mentioned how she always loved those pillows I had made years ago, so it did my heart good to make her one!!

Now I'm off to my day-job - but I've already cut most of the pieces for my next project that I hope to start working on this afternoon or tomorrow evening! It feels great to be sewing again!

Jenn

My First 'Topstitch' Cards!

2010-02-14T22:50:00.001-06:00

I had a great time today (during Madalyn's nap!) crafting with the Close to My Heart 'Workshop on the Go' kit, Topstitch! I see why everyone's been blogging about and sharing artwork they've created with this kit! The patterned paper is gorgeous and the color palette is great - Chocolate, Baby Pink and Heavenly Blue!

First, I created one of the cards from the Card Workshop portion of the Workshop Guide that comes in the kit. I really liked this one but seeing the finished project, in person, is gorgeous!! Jeanette Lynton and the Art Department at Close to My Heart are so very talented, it's amazing the designs and patterns they come up with!

So here's a replica of Card #1 from the guide:

Supplies used:
X7120B Topstitch Level 2 Paper Packet
Z2102   Baby Pink Ink Pad
Z2111   Chocolate Ink kPad
Z1276   Mini-Medley Accents Colonial White Collection
Z1104 Clear Sparkles
Z1096 Embroidery Floss Neutral Assortment
Z1114 Piercing Tool Kit
Z697   Sponge
Workshop stamp set is 'Love Is in the Air' (available only in the Workshop Kit)

And . . . this second card is my attempt to create something without a pattern!! Like I've said in previous posts, I'm creatively challenged, which is why I absolutely LOVE Close to my Heart's Program Books which contain beautiful pictures of the artwork along with the blueprints and full instructions to make gorgeous cards and scrapbook pages!! So here's my custom creation!!

You can order all the supplies to make cards like these plus many more PLUS beautiful scrapbook pages!! Just click here to shop right where you are and you'll be crafting with 'Topstitch' in a few short days!

Jenn

My little 'Sweetheart'!!

2010-02-14T17:47:00.003-06:00

Miss Madalyn likes to crawl down the steps herself since

she's such a big girl!!

My little sweetheart spent the day with me and we stepped outside for just a few minutes to listen to the birds singing! We could hear them through the window and she would make the 'Ohhhhhh' face and listen real intently. So I decided to grab my camera and get a few shots of her before it got any cooler! And of course, you guessed it, she did

NOT want to come back inside!!

Now, she actually posed her little self when I said "Smile at Mammy sweet baby girl" and she did really good - Only she forgot the smiling part!! And she has such a beautiful smile!!

Then the birds began their singing again at the neighbor's house in their big tree. Madalyn immediately turned her little head toward them!

She sat like this for a long while, listening and looking. Then I told her we would soon have to go inside and she took off!! When I ran after her and said, "You'd better come back here little girl" , she thought that was funny and giggled a little but I still didn't get her smile!

But then she gave me a half smile and even that melts my heart!!

I'm so blessed with wonderful children and grandchildren!

I just wanted to share some shots I took today while enjoying Madalyn's company!

She's a wonderful "Sweetheart"!!

Of course, I'll be using Topstitch Kit to scrapbook these pictures.

Jenn

Fun Snow Day!!

2010-02-13T03:45:00.002-06:00

We had such a great time in the snow !! No school and no work for Mammy !!! Little Madalyn was amazed and didn't seem one bit phased by how cold it was, Coop enjoyed making tracks in the snow and Nick engaged in a snowball fight with his mama!! They also built a great snowman!!

Happy Birthday to me!! Plus "Piece of Cake" Stamp of the Month!

2010-01-31T21:02:00.002-06:00

How lame was my title!!! Oh well, I've had a great day!

I so love Facebook!! Yes it was my birthday today and through FB, I received more ‘Happy Birthdays’ on one single birthday than I ever have!! It was so cool!! All day, my IPhone was beeping that I had another birthday wish and/or message on FB! These birthday wishes were from family and friends, plus several old school friends that I don’t see regularly or haven’t seen for years, Close to My Heart sister-consultants as well as customers, plus friends that I’ve worked with at some point in my life or have gone to church with!! Of course I had to work a few hours after church today and I get very little phone reception in my office but the messages came through! So I want to say thanks to everyone for all the birthday wishes today!

Birthdays never bother me as far as getting older. I’m so thankful to be pretty healthy and definitely happy in my life and oh so blessed with my beautiful family, my church family, my home and my job. For me, it’s simply a number because I really don’t FEEL older – yes my body has slowed down a bit - there’s not quite as much energy as there used to be!! I know this sounds goofy but I still feel like my parents’ little girl!! They still treat me like it too!! I love it!!

I share my birthday with an awesome Close to My Heart sister-consultant, Melissa Laverty!! I was blessed to meet her at Leadership Conference 2009 in Long Beach, California, after having followed her blog for awhile. She’s a beautiful person with a great personality and just inspires me so much with her enthusiasm and her artwork. Her blog is listed on the right under the 'Blogs that Inspire Me' and you can visit by clicking on ‘fancyMelissa’ or you can simply click on her name above. She’s even made a cool video showcasing our awesome My Acrylix Stamps! Check it out!

I thought I would share the link to the beginning of the February Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! These are sites of some very talented consultants that participated in SOTM blog hop so be ready to be inspired! The stamp set is A Piece of Cake and you can purchase it at a great discount or receive it absolutely free with your $100 order starting tomorrow, February 1st. Click here to place your order via my CTMH web-site!!

You’ll begin the blog hop at Jen’s blog, RoxyBonds and she’ll direct you where to hop to next!! Enjoy!

Jenn

Happy Highlights - Art & Soul webisode!

2010-01-18T21:52:00.001-06:00

How would you like to be inspired with scrapbooking / papercrafting classes while sitting by your computer or with your laptop while relaxing in your pj's? If so, you'll LOVE Art and Soul, brought to you from Close to My Heart! Art and Soul mini classes are taught by our amazing corporate team including Jeanette Lynton herself!

A new mini class airs the first Tuesday of each month. To see the mini classes - simply go to my website and click on "CTMH TV" or click here to take you right to the page on my website! Be sure to book mark it and mark your calendar to watch each episode. Each mini class features tips and techniques on the products and programs of Close To My Heart! These mini classes are 10-15 minutes in length and are available 24/7 from the comfort of your home! Not to mention, if you have not seen each mini class webisode - don't worry - you can catch up and watch all the classes!

The December mini class featured several products - Top Coats, Dimensional Elements and the amazing Posterboard stamp set! Each mini class there is a special for a limited time - the special from this class is the stamp set - regularly $34.95 - this set is on sale until January 31, 2010 for just $28.00. If you are interested - click here then on "Buy the products needed for this workshop project" to purchase this stamp set! (To receive the discounted price - you must order the stamp set on my website!)

Jenn

A Great Quote to Share

2010-01-10T22:52:00.001-06:00

"There is nothing, no circumstance, no trouble, no testing that can ever touch me until, first of all, it has come past God and past Christ, right through to me. If it has come that far, it has come with a great purpose."

Alan Redpath

I got this quote from a fellow paper-crafter whose blog I follow and it really touched my heart. I thought I would share it here along with a prayer that it may speak to someone else. This is an awesome way to look at trials we all go through. Our troubles and circumstances don't catch God by surprise! He's well aware and stands ready and waiting to bring us through them as we trust in and rely on Him. Thanks Teresa Kline for sharing this quote on your blog!

Jenn

Look what I'm about to create with!!

2010-01-10T15:53:00.001-06:00

Straight from the newly released Close to My Heart Spring 2010 Idea Book - the Veranda collection! I'm so loving this paper pack, embellishments and the Stamp set that's included in the Workshop On The Go kit. And the Creative Basics Veranda Collection that includes a spool of Creme Brulee' ribbon extends the paper pack to create not only beautiful scrapbook layouts but several handmade cards and other paper craft projects.

I'm about to assemble a Memory Keeper box and pretty it up using the Veranda collection for my mother. Her favorite color is any shade of yellow and the Creme Brulee' will work great. Mama also enjoys watching birds and loves flowers so the stamp set that comes with the WOTG kit will provide the perfect stamped images on this project.

Well, if my craft room has warmed up some, I'm heading up there to get to work! It's the coldest room in the house right now and that would be great IF it was during the summer months, but you guessed it - at that time, it's the warmest room in the house!! Oh well, thank goodness for box fans and electric heater fans for this ole' hormonal gal!!

Pics to follow,

Jenn

Her first taste of Deer Jerky!

2010-01-10T14:35:00.001-06:00

I just had to share these snapshots of Madalyn enjoying her first piece of Deer Jerky!! Her Aunt Amber made some for Josh and he was sharing with Nicholas and Cooper. I assumed Madalyn would turn her nose up at it but when the boys were munching on theirs, she started her little squealing that she does when she wants something really badly!! I held a piece for her for a little while but that didn't last very long - she took it from me and took off in her walker across the kitchen floor!!! Honestly, she nibbled (sucked) on it for quite a while and actually got a little attitude when she thought Cooper was about to try and get her jerky! What a little stinker!! Of course, she needed a real scrubbing bath once she finally decided she was through with it because she had drooled the seasoning all down the front of her clothes!

Little Madalyn will sure have to develop a taste for deer meat since her dad, Pop, Uncle Jaime and Grandpa are big hunters!! Looks like she's starting off right!

Jenn

My goal to prepare 3 new recipes a week ~

2010-01-03T23:45:00.000-06:00

I absolutely love to cook (and eat, too!) and I've always had a passion for cookbooks!! I especially like the ones with delectable photos on the covers and appetizing pictures inside along with the recipes!! So over the years, I've collected a pretty good library of cookbooks, either that I've purchased myself or received as a gift.

This year, my goal is to prepare at least 3 new recipes each week from my various cookbooks and I want to share them with you! I'm pretty sure most of you know of these first three and probably cook them all the time, but they were new to our family and went over very well!!

The old 'Green Bean Casserole' is a favorite of my family BUT they've grown kind of tired of it. So I came upon a recipe for a modified version that I had tasted years ago at a family reunion and loved:

~ ~ ~ ~
Shoepeg & Green Bean Casserole
2 (7oz) cans shoepeg corn, drained
14 1/2 oz can green beans, drained
10 3/4 oz can cream of celery soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 cup crushed Ritz Crackers (about 18 crackers)
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted

Stir together corn, beans, soup, sour cream and cheese; spread in a greased 2-quart baking dish. Top with cracker crumbs; drizzle with melted butter. Bake, uncovered at 350 degrees for one hour or until golden. Serves 6 to 8.
~ ~ ~ ~

And I'm really sure I'm the only person who had never made a Pineapple Cheese Ball !! I absolutely love them and could eat the whole thing myself. One of the ladies of the church prepares one for most all meals at the church and I always head straight for it!! Now I'll be making my own!

~ ~ ~ ~
Pineapple Cheese Ball
Serve with an assortment of crackers and bread sticks and watch it disappear!
2 8-oz pkgs cream cheese, softened
2 T green pepper, chopped
2 T onion, finely chopped
2 t seasoned salt
1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained
2 T sugar
2 cups chopped pecans, divided (I substituted with chopped Walnuts and it was awesome!)

Mix first 6 ingredients with one cup pecans (walnuts!); shape into a ball. Cover and chill one hour. Roll in remaining one cup pecans (walnuts!); cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm. Makes about 2 1/2 cups. Delicious!
~ ~ ~ ~

And the last new recipe I prepared last week is a 'wanna-be' Whoopie Pie that my mother-in-law has been making for years!! My husband and brother-in-law love them and put their requests into Edith anytime we'll be seeing her! Of course, hers are delicious but I've never watched her make them. So I came across this recipe that is very similar - not that I'm trying to take over the Whoopie Pie making - the guys will always love Mom's WPs but hey, I can come a little close!

~ ~ ~ ~
Devil's Food Sandwich Cookies
18 1/4 oz pkg Devil's Food Cake Mix
3/4 cup shortening
2 eggs
8 oz pkg cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup margarine, softened
1/2 t almond extract
16 oz pkg powdered sugar

Combine cake mix, shortening and eggs. Form into small balls and flatten slightly on ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese, margarine and almond extract. Gradually blend in powdered sugar until desired consistency. Beat with a spoon 'til smooth; refrigerate. When cookies are cool, spread filling between 2 cookies; repeat. Keep refrigerated. Makes 2 dozen.
~ ~ ~ ~

This week, I'll take pictures to post along with the new dishes!!

Well, tomorrow's the first work day of the new year! Thank you God for our jobs and please always bless the work of our hands!

Jenn

The Close To My Heart Spring 2010 Idea Book!!

2010-01-01T09:21:00.001-06:00

The beautiful cover is only the beginning!! Each page you turn offers exciting products and awesome ideas for your scrapbooking and papercrafting projects!! And it's LIVE today!!

Simply locate the photo of the Idea Book on the right side of my blog and by clicking on that photo you can view the book page by page. It's absolutely gorgeous and packed with fun new products and amazing artwork and ideas. You can order from this Idea Book by clicking here, which will take you to my website, then click 'shop online'.

Enjoy!!

Jenn

Wow!! 2010!!

2010-01-01T09:03:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year!! I pray that 2010 is a year filled with happiness, love, laughter and prosperity for all!

We're so blessed with wonderful family & friends, our home, our jobs - but most importantly with a Savior who loves us and promises us and all who believe in Him, Abundant Life and Eternal Life!! Thank you Jesus for loving me, for salvation and all the merciful grace you extend to us!

My prayer on this new day of this new year is that all will come to know Him and receive this gift of salvation that He so longs to give! God is so good!

Happy New Year!
Jenn

Ok - so I'm no painter !!

2009-12-14T20:24:00.000-06:00

And I'm so thankful I don't have to rely on that skill for a living! Boy, I was so frustrated today trying to finally finish my craft room - then my sweet son, Jaime, stopped by and just at the right time!! I was irritated and had paint from head to toe and just decided to forget it all. I would just keep my beautiful 'Sweet Blush' painted walls (Don had done that for me a couple months ago) with the terribly ugly, yucky beige yellow door trim, base boards and window sills that were on there when we bought our house!!! That was going to have to do - - that is, until Jaime took over!!

The problem was that I was painting over that ugly color that wasn't accepting my new color, white, which is a semi-gloss interior paint. I'm thinking now that I probably should have brushed on a primer or something prior to attempting to cover the ugly beige-yellow with my clean white paint!! Oh well, Jaime - full of patience and wanting to rescue mom - did a great job! He says we'll actually apply one more coat tomorrow and it should be good-to-go! Then I can finally finish setting up my craft space. AND just in the nick of time because I have some sewing projects and papercrafts to complete before Christmas! Don will be ever so grateful to have our dining room table back!!

Hopefully pictures will follow tomorrow night or Wednesday!! I'm so excited! It's a small room but accommodates my crafting just fine!

Jenn

Kameron's telling stories . . . .

2009-12-08T21:52:00.005-06:00

Kameron loves books! And I'm so glad because I'm a book-worm! None of my 4 children ever liked to read and still don't. So I'm thrilled that Kameron has taken to books. He was hanging out on my kitchen floor 'reading' a Diego book while I was cooking supper one night. He would look at a few pages then say "Hey Mammy, Diego" and point to something on a page.

Well now, Allie said his other grandma has been telling him stories so he's repeating them and really talking well ! He's only 2 this past Friday, Dec 4th. Allie and Kam have been visiting her parents in Tennessee and I miss them so much! But they'll be home for Christmas and I can hardly wait! Kam has the best sugar!! Jaime will leave the rig on Dec 23rd, I believe and head to Dyersburg, TN to pick them up and bring them home!!

Lord willing, we'll all be together once again to celebrate the birth of our Savior and enjoy the fellowship surrounding the Christmas season. We're so blessed!

Jenn

Brothers / Buddies !!

2009-12-08T21:27:00.004-06:00

It was so funny to watch my little guys fall asleep chatting! They had just been fussing over their Monster trucks and Little Cooper likes to reach up and slap Nick on his back. He's becoming a little 2-yr old bully and it drives 5-yr old Nicholas crazy! Nick is such a sweet big brother and doesn't want to hit Coop back so he tries to 'talk' him down!! It's so funny ~ but it's really a challenge to keep Cooper from striking out when he doesn't get his way.

But all is well when they're settling in for the night. They just chat like little girls!! Nicholas says his complete 'Night Prayers' at least 4 times before he drifts off to sleep!! It's precious ~ if he happens to wake up for a bathroom run or when Madalyn wakes up for a bottle, he says his prayers all over again before going back to sleep. I love it and I'm so proud of him and the fact that he's already believing in the power of prayer, even at his young age. He's quick to say he's going to pray for you when he hears you're going to the doctor or if you have to travel! Oh, it does a Mammy's heart good!

Just felt like sharing!

Jenn

How about a Peek into our New Spring 2010 Catalog??

2009-12-08T19:41:00.011-06:00

Introducing Topstitch!!

This will be our January 'Kit of the Month' that we'll create a couple of layouts from as well as a few cards. Then we'll have enough supplies left over for other craft projects you can create at home after the workshop.

As with all of our Workshop Kits, you have two purchase options, Basic and Best, based on your preference, personal style, and budget.

The Basic Kit includes the Topstitch Level 2 Paper Packet, My Acrylix Stamp Set 'Love is in the Air', Mini-Medley Accents Colonial White Collection and the Workshop Guide that provides pictures, cutting diagrams and measurements! You pay only $29.95 plus shipping and tax!

The Best Option is the Basic Kit + Accessories and your cost is $39.40 plus shipping and tax!

The added accessories are our Dimensional Elements Hearts, Clear Sparkles, and Embroidery Floss Neutral Assortment. You'll have 4 beautiful 12 x 12 layouts, several gorgeous hand-made cards plus supplies left over for another project!

I'm so looking forward to this workshop! The pages and cards are beautiful and I already have my pictures selected for these layouts.

Jenn

'Notice the Details' December Stamp of the Month!

2009-12-05T00:18:00.004-06:00

'Notice the Details' is a great set of 41 stamps that is the December Stamp of the Month!! It's item #D1378 and retails for $22.95 BUT you can receive it absolutely FREE with your $100 or more purchase!! Just take a look at the samples above of what you can create with this set! Available Dec 1-31, 2009. SHOP HERE!

$100 Grab Bag for ONLY $30 !! 50-80% Off Clearance Sale While Supplies Last !!!

2009-12-03T23:05:00.005-06:00

Check out the list of items for AMAZING deals and to see what you can get for 50-80% off!!!

My Acrylix Stamp Sets

Scrapbook Kits

Paper Packs

Card Kits

My Stickease

Grab Bag

Coloring Pencils

Ribbon Rounds

Sassy Strands

My Accents Plus so much MORE!!

Only while supplies last!! So don't wait - shop online at http://jenniferlee.myctmh.com/

to take advantage of this great sale before December 17th - these items won't last long at these very low prices!

Happy Shopping,

Jenn

Charms and Fat Quarters!!

2009-11-24T00:32:00.004-06:00

I've discovered Charms and Fat Quarters!! And I'm so excited to get started on a couple of small projects for Christmas! I used to sew quite often, years ago, but haven't in quite some time. Sewing would always relax me and Jaime and Jessica would play with their toys on the floor in my sewing room until they fell asleep near my feet!! Sweet memories!

Well, Jessica began sewing a few months ago, using my old Singer, and is doing a great job! It sparked a seamstess fire in me, so I got my machine back out and am about to get some sewing done. And lucky ole' Jess got an early Christmas present from her sweet mother-in-law - her very first Singer Sewing Machine!! She's thrilled and I'm happy for her! She said to me, "Now we can have a sewing party, mama". Well, that just tickled me to death!

And to top it all off, we have a brand new JoAnn's! I had never been to one and of course, once I stepped thru the doors, I didn't leave until about 2 hours later!! Don thinks that's so ridiculous! But I loved it - that's where I found the Charms and Fat Quarters! I'm so excited! They will work great for a couple of gifts I have in mind for my mama. I had made several Biscuit Pillows back in the day when I was sewing regularly and she mentioned last week how she thought those were so nice, so she's getting her own special one for Christmas along with a little semi-quilted lap throw! The fabrics in the charms pack and the quarters pack are so like my mother - dainty, soft, old fashioned and pretty! Her favorite color is yellow and she loves flowers so I know she'll like it.

I plan to start tomorrow afternoon and possibly have it complete this weekend so I'll be sure to post some pictures! I'm so excited!

Jenn

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

My Little Halloween Sweethearts!!

2009-11-03T22:02:00.006-06:00

Kameron was a little monkey! Getting a Halloween costume for Kam was an quite an experience, says his mom, Allie!! He DID NOT like the costume store at all. Kam made a precious little monkey!

Mr. Scaredy Cat Nicholas dressed as a Skeleton! He got mad at Mammy because I didn't tell him who my secret treat-giver was going to be! And he was all dressed up in a 'scarey man's' costume!! Nick finally calmed down and sat next to 'cousin Colby' (my surprise treat-giver!) and helped him hand out candy the rest of the evening!! He had more fun doing that than going 'Trick or Treating' himself!

Cooper dressed as a skeleton as well and he didn't like Mammy's treat-giver either! But once his daddy picked him up, he was fine with the 'scarey-man'! Trick or treating didn't really appeal to him - he actually fell asleep!

And little Miss Madalyn was a pretty fairy!! She actually had a cute head piece also and did fine wearing it, but it came off when everyone was passing her around! She was so busy crawling around, that I kept missing getting a shot of her sweet little face!

Such precious Grandchildren! They bring so much joy to me and Papa!

It's Stampaganza Time - November 3rd - 30th

2009-10-30T21:30:00.003-05:00

Stamp lovers rejoice! Whether you're a long- time fan of stamps or are just venturing into this fun hobby, now is the perfect time to grab some My Acrylix decorative stamp sets. From November 3rd-30th, 2009, when you make a purchase of any two stamps sets (sizes A, B, C, D, or E) at full retail price, you will receive a third stamp set of your choice for FREE! (equal or lesser value- a savings up to $22.95). Choose from any stamp set offered in any of the 2009 Idea Books or current product review!

Take advantage of this month's great offer and add to your assortment of these innovate stamps!

Jenn

Christmas CD Packaging!

2009-10-27T23:32:00.004-05:00

These quick and easy gifts were a big hit last year at Christmas! I used all Close to my Heart products plus the Music Makeover template designed by Lauren Meador that I purchased from PaperTrey Inc. It's the ideal creative packaging for giving special gifts from custom made picture CDs, favorite music CDs, hot chocolate packets, etc! I made the packaging for custom Christmas Music CDs for our PR staff to give to nurses in our referring clinics as little Christmas 'Happies'. They were well received!

I actually did all the cutting of the templates that I had printed onto our awesome cardstock, the stamping, the embossing and assembling them in my daughter's hospital room the night she delivered Little Madalyn Claire on December 22nd! I had already printed the templates out and gathered my stamps, ribbons and tools to finish them up for delivery on Christmas Eve Day BUT Madalyn decided to make her entrance! I've been blessed to get to spend that first night in the hospital with Jessica after she delivered both the boys so she said we couldn't break tradition - So I worked from the little rolling dinner tray in her hospital room and finished them up!! Of course, this caught the attention of all the nurses that came in through the night! I had done the first bach (20 of them) at home already and finished the other 20 there at the hospital! Definitely won't wait until the last minute again!

I hope you enjoy my photos - it was actually pretty dark in here tonight when I took the snapshots of them so they're not very good pics - the boys had fallen asleep on their blanket pallets here in the den so I only had the lamp on!

Let me know what you think!!

Jenn

Cards made from the Twitterpated Paper Pack!

2009-10-19T22:50:00.004-05:00

* I'm not creative at all and that's why I'm so appreciative of our 'How To' program books at Close To My Heart! They are jam packed with beautiful artwork as well as blueprints and detailed instructions to have you creating extraordinary cards you'll be proud to give away!

* BUT this time, I decided to wing it on my own, just to see if I could do it!! I took out my Twitterpated paper pack that I received at Leadership Conference this past summer and decided to take the advice of a sister consultant, Nichole by taking 1-2 pieces of cardstock, 1-2 pieces different B&T paper, coordinating inks, 1-2 stamp sets and a couple embellishments and give myself 30 minutes to create and assemble 2-3 original cards!! And I did it!! They're nothing extravagant, rather simple but I'm sure the recipients will enjoy just as well! I actually wanted to incorporate the Crystal Blue into the color scheme but I'm away from home on a business trip and that's the ONE ink pad I didn't have with me! YES, I brought along my AWESOME new rolling tote from CTMH !! It's a beautiful organizational piece and I take it with me on any trip I go on!! Keep it pretty packed too.

* Well, I hope you enjoy the cards! Hop on over to my CTMH web-site to view this Twitterpated Paper Pack and see the other gorgeous papers included in it. It's great for Fall pictures and just as soon as I can sit my family down outside in this beautiful weather we're having, I'll be able to finish the 2 page layout created with the Twitterpated Paper pack and a few embellishments - then I'll post those as well. You'll love the layouts! The guide with the blueprints and instructions is included in the Kit of the Month Kit along with embellishments and a B-size stamp set!

Jenn

Look at my Little Scrappin' Angel !!

2009-10-04T22:28:00.003-05:00

I just had to share these photos of my sweet little grand-daughter, Madalyn, who is officially my newest scrapbooking partner!! Look at her drooling over the 'Magic Moments' paper pack from Close to my Heart!! She has great taste! Madalyn glanced up at me to see if it was ok to play with it because it looked so appetizing. Then when she saw what she thought was my approval, I get a big smile, and she grabs for it!! So precious!!

Jenn

Loving' the new Jingle Paperpack

2009-09-29T08:14:00.003-05:00

I so enjoyed working with this Jingle Paperpack last night!! I like the traditional Christmas colors but this variation is so nice especially with the addition of Hollyhock and Blush, two of my favorite CTMH exclusive colors!!

With my Christmas music playing on my IPhone and a few of my PartyLite French Vanilla candles burning, I was inspired to get these sketches out of my head and into some artwork! I like how they came together and hope you enjoy them!

Supplies include:

Jingle Paperpack

Tulip, Creme Brulee, Juniper and Black inks

Clear Sparkles

Juniper Grosgrain Ribbon and
Embossing ink and white embossing powder

Very simple!!

Off to my day-job!!

Jenn

Getting the Holiday Spirit!!!

2009-09-29T07:53:00.003-05:00

It's so nice to re-live precious moments thru my children being parents, that I experienced as a mother when they were little ones!! Jessica just called me after she took Nicholas to school and said "Isn't it a beautiful sight when they turn around to wave at you as they walk into the school?" I told her it definitely was! She said Nick had not been doing that but she of course waits until he gets in the building before driving away. Now he's turning and waving!! I loved her excitement. Of course, Kindergarten is a big thing for a 5 year old!! He'll go thru a couple different stages even this year but each are moments to treasure and capture in our hearts!! It's two-fold for me because Nick's my precious first grandchild and Jessica's still my sweet 'baby-girl'!!!

THEN, Jessica asked had I been outside yet this morning!! "It's the beginning of our favorite time of the year." The sun's peeking out, the air is light and crisp, cool even and it feels great! We so love this time of the year! Homecoming at school, hunting season begins, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years!!! All times shared with family! We're so blessed!! Thank you God, for family, for nature, the beautiful seasons that you orchestrate so wonderfully, and for the privilege of experiencing them!

Jenn

A Peek at my old art work!!

2009-09-22T19:34:00.005-05:00

Since I haven't been able to squeeze in any craft-time as of late, I thought I would share a few pics of some of my ancient art work! I came across them as I was going through my scrapbooking supplies to hand down some to my daughter-in-law who has begun to scrapbook!

It was actually fun seeing these cards and remembering the inspiration I received from our monthly publication, back when it was called 'On the Dotted Line', as well as from past Idea Books.

These first two cards were my very first swap submissions back in 2001. That was so much fun but I was so nervous because I felt really intimidated by all the talented consultants!

Hope you enjoy!

Jenn

2009-08-22T05:47:00.007-05:00

I'm so proud of Jessica! She was nominated and elected as PTO President at the K-2 Elementary School where Nicholas is in Kindergarten!! It was a total surprise and she felt so honored. She'll be great because she is so creative and loves working on projects for children. She's not much on speaking in front of a crowd so that was her first question, "Will I have to stand up in front of everyone at the meetings and speak??" !! The current president assured her that she wouldn't have to do that very much. So she accepted and brought home a box FULL of stuff related to her new role!!

This is goofy but Jessica and I both have a passion for notebooks (what I always called "tablets"!) and pens! We sometimes pick one up for each other whether we need a new one or not!! So of course, this occasion of being elected PTO President calls for a new notebook!! But I suggested to her that she get a View Binder this time so she can use her Close to My Heart scrapbooking supplies to create a nice cover and she thought it a great idea! This way, she can also advertise her new business since she will be having so many new contacts. How exciting for her! And Nicholas is excited to have mama doing some work at his school. She and my son Jaime actually built the homecoming float for the Pre-K last year when Nick was elected Homecoming King of the Kindergarten!! It turned out great and they were super-stars for a while!! So this will be fun for all of us as we love to be active in school related activities.

All of my girls are blessed to be stay-at-home moms. I pray they never take it for granted and I've told them to remember to thank God and thank their husbands for this privilege!

Well, I plan to get some paper crafting done today. I sketched out a few cards for Christmas and I'm going to incorporate our new Jingle paper packet and my new Christmas stamp sets that will be available in our new Autumn/Fall 2009 Idea Book! This new IB is absolutely awesome and I can hardly wait for it to go live so you too can have a chance to own some of the new stamp sets, paper packets and other new products!!

Home from California!!

2009-08-09T22:21:00.004-05:00

Wow!! That’s all I can say!! Leadership Conference 2009 was simply incredible!

I’ve been home since last Monday night but went straight back to a very busy week at my day-job; that’s why I’m just now back to my blog!
Leadership was held in sunny Long Beach, California. I actually flew into San Diego a day prior and my gracious upline, Bren Yule, hosted me in her home the evening I arrived. Of course, I was in awe of her craft room!! It is fabulous! Bren challenged me to try something new every day so that first night, she treated me to an awesome dinner at her daughter and son-in-law’s restaurant, Harney Sushi!! That was definitely something new for me, actually incredible. I enjoyed several dishes I had never eaten before and the ambience was wonderful. We walked through some of the historic part of San Diego and I really enjoyed that! The weather was just right and Bren’s a great tour-guide! Then we went to a precious little scrapbook store on Thursday morning before we got on the road to Long Beach for the conference. The store was beautifully decorated and had tons of scrapbook and paper-crafting supplies. Of course, I’m pretty loyal to Close to My Heart products and supplies, but I DID purchase a cute little brown (chocolate) and pink (blush) organizer!! Lunch was on the deck of a quaint little place called Cody’s at La Jolla, CA where I enjoyed another new entrée while looking out at the Pacific Ocean !! It was a beautiful sight – actually breath-taking to me.

Thursday evening began this year’s Leadership Conference with a focus on artwork! We got a sneak peak at a new Workshops on the Go™ project along with new products from the Autumn/Winter 2009 Idea Book. You’re going to love it!! Our new products were introduced via a runway show featuring our founder & CEO, Jeanette Lynton, along with two fashion divas, VPs Kristine Widtfeldt and Monica Wihongi!! CTMH models walked the catwalk holding covers of each of the past Idea Books up through the NEWEST and the AWESOME Autumn/Winter 2009 Idea Book!! Included on the runway was a sampling of the hottest new products for fall !! New products were given away to many in attendance and each consultant received a newly redesigned Shoulder Tote!

The highly anticipated Autumn/Winter 2009 Idea Book was the show-stopping finale! The Idea Book, which had an ‘extreme makeover’ with a newly designed look and layout, was handed out to each Consultant in attendance!! The business classes taught at this year’s event were fun and informative and filled with other exciting announcements. Not to mention the fabulous fellowship and networking with fellow CTMH’ers!! It was an awesome week and I can hardly wait to get my hands on all my new products! My package actually came on Wednesday, filled with the bundles I purchased on Saturday of Leadership!! Attendees are able to purchase the new products in bundles while at conference and then they’re practically waiting on your doorsteps when you arrive home!! I’m telling you, you will love all the new stamp sets and paper packs!! I’ll be getting a display board prepared with some of the new products this week and plan to post pics toward the end of the week.

Although I had a wonderful time at Leadership Conference and spending time with Bren, it was also great to get home!! My little welcoming party included 3 little munchkins who were proud to see their Mammy!! I was feeling the love!! Little Madalyn learned to crawl while I was away so she was crawling up my legs a little, Cooper hunkered down on my left leg and Nick positioned himself under my right arm!! We sat like that for about an hour – they even sat through looking at some of my pictures and loved the videos I took of the take-off and landing of my plane! California was terrific and I had a great time, but it was even more wonderful to be back home and with my family!

So another week begins in less than 12 hours but things shouldn't be too hectic this week now that we’ve completed our Month-End Process; hence, the plan to get some artwork created with my new stuff!!! Did I tell you how much you’re going to love, love, love the new Idea Book and all the new products??!! Well, they’ll be available September 1st !! So stay tuned !!!

I’m sorry this was so long!! Just felt like I needed to catch up! I’ve missed blogging!

Jenn

Off to Leadership Conference in less than 12 hours !!!!!

2009-07-29T00:10:00.002-05:00

Oh my gosh!! In less than 12 hours from now, I'll be boarding my flight for Leadership!! I've been counting down the days and it's finally here!! Can you tell I'm a little excited??!!

I'm all packed except for 2 clothing items and at the moment, I'm attempting to clean out my purse!! What a chore! I don't know why or how my purse gets so filled with so much STUFF but it drives me crazy. I don't know how all of this was even in there to begin with - don't think I could cram it back in now if I tried ! Crazy ~

I just finished gathering my supplies from the list Corp sent us of products to bring that we'll use for Crop Night and our Fall Create and Takes!! I had everything on the list except for 2 sizes of the Acrylic Blocks and I'm surprised because I really thought I had them all! Of course they could have gotten picked up by mistake after a workshop or something. I'm sure I can check them out from Corp or borrow from my terrific upline Bren who is graciously picking me up from the airport and hosting me in her home my first night in California as well as the night before I fly back home!! Thanks, Bren for your hospitality!!

I plan to take lots of pictures and will be posting daily (THAT'S the plan!). So stay tuned . . . .

Jenn

Quick & Easy Baby Shower Gift package

2009-07-25T16:31:00.003-05:00

This was a simple last minute gift I whipped up using one of Lauren Meador's templates! I didn't do a lot of extra stamping or embellishments due to time constraint but it turned out alright and was well-received!

I used our Colonial White Textured cardstock for the base, Blush CS for the front and side panels, white ric-rac and a sticker strip from the Emporium - My Stickease pack that has the Sweet Leaf color in it (one of my very favorites!) that matches the green in the little sleeper.

Nothing fancy at all - actually only took about 30 minutes and that's from printing the template, cutting it out, ink-sponging the edges, adding the ric-rac and stick-ease and the flower with the Hollyhock brad. Quick and Easy!

Counting Down the Days 'til Leadership Conference!!

2009-07-22T12:02:00.004-05:00

I just read where my fellow Close to my Heart Consultant, Melissa Laverty (fancyMelissa), had blogged her excitement about our upcoming Leadership Conference next week AND I had to SECOND that excitement!!!

I literally have butterflies in my stomach and feel just like a child at Christmas!! I've been counting down the days for about a month now! I leave one week from today (July 29th) and get to spend 3 fabulous days with hundreds of CTMH consultant friends ~ some I've met, more I'll meet next week for the first time! We'll be attending a great line-up of classes that are geared toward helping us take our businesses to the next level. We'll be hearing about all the awesome new things that await us through-out the coming months as well as spending time creating with our new Product line being introduced in the Fall/Winter Idea Book. Oh! My! Goodness! I can hardly wait!

I was a hobbyist/semi-consultant for so long (until I attended my first CTMH Conference last year - see my previous post about my history with CTMH here ) - but through a wonderful program that CTMH began last year called Journey to Director, I've already brought my business up a level and am now a Supervisor, having 2 new members on my team! This program was created to help consultants reach the upper management levels in the company that, actually, I never thought would happen for me. But through the awesome training we receive, the literature and networking available and very importantly, our Journey to Director Bulletin Board, it is SO achievable! I'm reaching higher!!

And by all means, if YOU would like to be a part of this awesome company, please contact me at Rather.Be.Scrappin@GMail.com .

Did I mention how excited I am !!!!! And the great news is that you can share in this excitement too!! Close to My Heart is open to Business Builders as well as Personal-use Consultants, which is where I began. July is a great month to begin your own business as a CTMH Consultant - when you sign up during July, you get to choose five fabulous products from our Favorite Five list for FREE - with no additional shipping or tax. What this means for you is that you'll be getting product worth up to $100 for no charge, just for signing up in July!! How awesome it that?!! For your sign-up fee of only $99 you'll receive about $400 total retail in product! It's an incredible deal that will really jumpstart your business and your artwork!

Again, you can contact me via e-mail at Rather.Be.Scrappin@GMail.com or phone at 601-479-3053. Hope to hear from you soon!

Jenn

Sweet Baby Girl with new Pink Ice Earrings!!

2009-07-19T17:58:00.005-05:00

Ok - we're here at the Mall just sitting in this chair surrounded by sparkly things. I really don't know why - I just know my Mammy has her camera out so I'll give her my smile she loves so much . . . .

Wait a minute ~ what in the world is this lady doing and why is mommy holding my arms down AND PRESSING ON MY FOREHEAD - Mammy, HELPPPPPPPP.

Goodness, all that fussing really wore me out! But my mammy said I was such a big girl and looked beautiful with my new Pink Ice earrings!!

Boy, what an experience! Madalyn has a good pair of lungs!! She startles easily anyway so I think it was more the click of the piercer that actually upset her more than pain, as well as being held down. But she was a trooper and looks precious with her new earrings. And she's done quite well not messing with them last night or today. Her mom (my sweet Jessica) was 6 months old too, when we got her ears pierced - that would be almost 21 years ago!!! Oh my!!!

Just thought I would share our little adventure we had yesterday!

Jenn

Memory Keeper using Animal Cookies

2009-07-19T00:17:00.006-05:00

(Remember you can click on the images to get a larger, closer view!)

I finally got a Memory Keeper made using Animal Cookies following Chris Green's instructions she posted on our CTMH Bulletin Board back in May! I love it!! I plan to use it for Nicholas' various school papers this year and other memorabilia he'll make or collect in Kindergarten. I'm also planning to make a 6 x 6 album using the My Display Album to use for pictures we'll take through out the school year to go along with the Memory Keeper.

This was fun to make and really easy as Chris provided very specific instructions and great pictures! Thanks Chris !

Look what I received today . . . . .

2009-07-17T22:00:00.003-05:00

(Remember, you can click on the image to get a larger, closer view!)

I’m so excited!! Look what I received today:
A beautiful charm from Close To My Heart that features the signature “heart key”! It’s a Congratulatory gift for reaching a milestone in my Close to My Heart business – my 5 year Anniversary! The letter included states, “At this special time, we want you to know how deeply we value your loyalty, energy, and creativity. We’re honored to have you as a member of our family.” And a family it is!! It’s amazing the bonds you create, over so many miles, with people (most of whom you’ve never met) who share your love of preserving memories through the art of scrapbooking and paper crafts! AND with a company as awesome as Close To My Heart, wonderful friendships are formed, memories are created thru meetings and Corporate Events, and business goals are met uniquely for each Consultant. I feel so blessed to be a part of the Close To My Heart family! Thanks to our founder and CEO, Jeanette Lynton and everyone at Corporate! And thanks to all my sister- and brother-consultants for all the inspiration and encouragement! Here’s to many more years with Close To My Heart!!

Happy 4th of July ~ Happy Birthday Jaime!!

2009-07-04T00:04:00.001-05:00

I wish everyone a wonderful 4th of July weekend!! We’ll be on a day-trip to Reform, Alabama to my mother-in-law’s to celebrate her birthday (it’s on Monday, the 6th) as well as fellowship for the 4th! We’re taking 3 of our little munchkins with us, Nicholas, Cooper and Madalyn and they travel well so we’ll have a great time!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY PRECIOUS JAIME!! My oldest, Jaime, is 24 yrs old on the 4th but he’s off-shore so I’m hoping he’ll get to call at some point so I can sing “Happy Birthday” to him! It’s okay – he lets me!!! I know this is SUCH an old saying, but it REALLY DOES seem just like YESTERDAY that he was my ‘little man’, toddling around. Jaime was a very calm, laid-back little boy and then young man. But he’s always had a great sense of humor and loves to make me laugh. He’s lifted my spirits through many hard times with his precious sense of humor as well as his sensitivity. Jaime has such a big heart and loves his family and friends deeply with it. I’m so thankful to God for giving me the honor and privilege of being Jaime’s mom. I’ve cherished every moment since the pregnancy test read Positive!!
Well, I’m off to finish our church bulletin. I normally prepare it on Saturday afternoons but since we’ll be gone all day, I’d better get it done tonight. All 3 babies are asleep now so here’s my chance!!
Jenn

Been on Overload!

2009-06-27T12:39:00.003-05:00

No, I haven't been working on my new Scraproom ALL this time!! If ONLY it was THAT big!! Don did get it painted the 'Sweet Blush' color I wanted but we haven't had a chance to do the white trim. The trim is still the ugly cream yellow that was here when we bought the house. So needless to say, I didn't want to take any pictures of what I DO have ready because of the ugly trim!! Crazy, huh?! I'm still sorting through a lot of my supplies and doing some organizing as time permits.

My day JOB has been wild the past few weeks and I haven't even had much time for any kind of crafting OR completing my new room. PLUS, I forgot to mention that the air is not working in there. Of all the rooms in this house that don't get used much, MY NEW SCRAPROOM is the one that has issues with the air ducts!! Don had our son-in-law come out and climb in the attic to check things out and he found nothing electrically wrong and the damper was open so we've yet to know why that room is so uncomfortable. But I've been running a box fan from down the hall and that's the only way I've been able to hang out in there!

But I AM planning to work on a project for my Mother-in-law at some point today since her birthday is July 6th. I need to get it in the mail by Monday, so I'll post some pics of it tonight.

Don and Josh are playing golf today so I'm going to get some housework done (Saturdays are the only time I can really get any of that accomplished!) Then we have our Annual Church Picnic this afternoon at 5pm and I'll be preparing for that! SO, to unwind this evening - I WILL spend some time crafting!! (hint: I'm psyching myself up!!)

Hope everyone's having a great weekend!

Jenn

New Scraproom!

2009-05-27T23:18:00.003-05:00

I've been busy moving and re-arranging things from our spare room that will now be my new scraproom! I'm so excited! I decided on Sweet Blush for the walls, with white trim! It's all cleaned out now (I have phoned the children to come and get all the things they've left over here in the past year that got stuffed into the spare room!) Don's going to roller paint it for me tomorrow and then we'll hang my white shelves tomorrow evening! I can hardly wait. I'll be sure to post some pics once it's complete (hopefully in the next couple of days). I'm ready to get back to scrapping!

Jenn