Back to Bloggin'!!

Wow, it's been a little over a year since I've posted here on my blog and I've sure missed it!  This past year and a half saw lots of heartache, with changes and adjustments that took place - BUT as I stated in a previous post, we are so very blessed to be a close-knit family, grounded in love that's unconditional and we share a mutual faith in our Lord and Savior.  We remain grateful for His Grace & Mercy.  Though my marriage dissolved and I found myself alone and hurt and scared, God's love never fails and I've learned who I am IN CHRIST and my worth and value is in Him!

With that said, I'm happy to proclaim that God brought me, my children and family through another emotionally tough time - and I'm stronger for it.  I know that He will never put on us more than we can handle - but oh boy, I had begun to wonder just how strong God thought I was!!!  But you know, it's in times like these that He reminds us we are to trust in Him and know that He works all things out, in His time and in His awesome way!

So in this past year and a half, I've moved twice..... and I DETEST moving!!  I had to downsize quite a bit - well, actually, a WHOLE lot.  And yes I've pouted, stomped, cried and pouted some more!!  But the greatest thing is how God works things out - I'm back on Johnson Hill, buying my late Grandma's house, next door to my wonderful parents (the Johnsons), and up the hill from my sweet daughter and my precious grandchildren!  How blessed can an old girl be??!!  It's actually the house my uncle built, that we lived in for a minute while having our house built (when my sister and I were young teenagers) which is where my sweet parents still live!  My Grandma bought the house from my uncle and lived there until she passed away 2 1/2 yrs ago.  SO we're fortunate to be able to keep it in the family and I'm lovin' livin' there!  My family loves it too!

But - IT REALLY IS SMALL!  I'm not complaining . . . . but I have SO MUCH STUFF!  Crafting stuff!!  It's ridiculous - though during the 2 moves, I really did purge quite a bit and have a good bit more to go.  I'm thinking I will do another Virtual Craft Room Sale to weed out some more that I just don't have space for.  We'll see!

So anyway - I'm back!  And I'm on fire about my Close To My Heart business!  I just returned from our annual Convention which was held in Orlando, Florida and let me tell you - it was awesome!  Great and fun new products and benefits beginning in just 2 days!  That's right - our Brand New Autumn/Winter CTMH Idea Book goes live on August 1st.  So be sure to check out my website to view this beautiful new catalog - it's choked full!!

Fabulous CTMH Convention!! Best Ever!

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

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

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

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

Stay tuned . . . . . . . .

Jenn

CTMH Convention in 1 Week!!!

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


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


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


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


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


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


Jenn

Sites from the Riverboat Tour on the Potomac!

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