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

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

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 !!!

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!

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

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!

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!

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!

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!!

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!

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'!!

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!!

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!

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!

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

"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!!

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!

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 ~

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!!

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!!

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 !!

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 . . . .

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 !!

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??

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!

'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 !!!

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!!

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!!

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!