Welcome to My Blog

Time to get serious!

1. I need to lose the last 30 pounds to get to my goal weight.

2. I need to grow as an Independent Close To My Heart Consultant.

3. I need to start writing - prolifically

You are cordially invited to join me as I share my successes and obstacles, my thoughts and feelings, and my love of card making, scrapbooking and other crafty things.

I welcome your opinions, advice and inspiration.

Come ON! Let's GO!!


Saturday, December 31, 2011

How to Make a New Years Resolution

A resolution? People are making a lot of them at New Years. What exactly is a resolution? Resolution is a noun meaning the act of resolving. Resolve means:  to deal with successfully : clear up <resolve doubts> <resolve a dispute> b : to find an answer to, to reach a firm decision about <resolve to get more sleep>

I like those definitions! My New Years Resolutions will help me deal successfully with breaking bad habits that I have formed, they will help me find an answer to my dilemmas, and the last one, they will help me reach a firm decision about something I need to do, change, think about, etc.

How does one make a New Years Resolution?

First, decide what you want to do this next year.
For me, I have a list a mile long:
  • lose 96 pounds by this time next year by following Alex Beedings 10 weight loss challenges and going to TEAM 3 days a week.
  • take on 3-4 sub jobs a week
  • get my own classroom by the fall
  • start a business with Kim - KD Whimsy CO
  • finish the Mary Engelbreit cross-stitch quilt squares and make them into a quilted wall-hanging
  • finish Destinys wedding present before June
  • start a novel in January and finish it by November
  • start a year scrapbook and finish my other scrapbooking projects
  • and finish reading my stack of books...
Second, determine what this list will require
For me it will require a good dose of discipline, self-control, time management, organization and business savvy.

Third, break down your goals into smaller, measureable objectives. 
For example, my goal is to follow Alex's ten weight loss challenges, these include
  • eating rainbow veggies every day (red, green, yellow/orange, white and blue/purple,
  • eat 7-9 servings of veggies and 2-3 servings of fruit every day,
  • drink at least 96 oz. of water every day,
  • eat out no more than 5 times a week,
  • remember to take vitamins and other supplements,
  • no carbs or low carbs after 6,
  • practice push-ups, planks and crunches every day,
  • do something extra (water aerobics, extra walks, lifting weights)
  •  and no more than 3 sweets a week 
oops, thats only nine... whats the other one? Anyways, all those little objectives look hard unless I make them measurable...making them measurable involves deciding how often I need to do this...every day or a few times a week?

Finally, make your resolutions to help you change the habit, thought process, etc. to help you accomplish your goals

Therefore, knowing that I want to do all of the above I therefore resolve:

to change my negative thinking to positive thinking...I can do this! I am strong! I am creative! Nothing is gonna stop me now!
I resolve to purge out old habits and replace them with healthier habits.
I resolve to let no negative excuse slip from my lips...
I resolve to wake up earlier so I can have more time in the day to plan and prepare
I resolve to declutter my belongings and sell,  give away or throw away anything that hinders me from accomplishing my goals.
I resolve to set aside time each week to work on my crafty projects and writing.
I resolve to spend money wisely buying no more new books until I finish the ones I need to read.
Finally, I resolve to not forsake my relationships with God, my family and my friends...they are my reason for living...

And most of all... always remember this:
If it matters you make the time.
If it doesn't you'll make excuses...

That's why most New Years Resolutions ends so quickly... most of us are really good at making excuses...

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Once Upon a Christmas



Started writing December 5th, 2011...finishing it and editing today...

The treadmills are whirring. The clunk from barbells and dumbells being dropped to the floor can be heard from across the room. The floor is slightly shaking from the activity level of everyone who is working out. I have gotten to the gym early and am sitting down waiting for my class to start. The class, to lose weight, which was inspired by my father passing away due to heart disease. But first, I feel a pressing need to write. Something that has been weighing heavily on my heart all day. Memories of my father at Christmas time.

Today has been a gloomy day, cloudy and overcast, grayness pervading my thoughts. Christmas is going to be difficult this year, I am thinking. How does one deal with the recent passing away of a loved one that they held dear to their heart? How will my mom and sister make it through? So many memories of Dad once upon a Christmas... not so very long ago, but death makes time stand still. Dad would read the treasured gospel stories of the birth of Christ, the shepherds visitation, the wise men rejoicing when they saw the star and Mary pondering all these things in her heart - the Christmas story once upon a time.

 From the time I could remember to his last Christmas on earth, whoever was in the house on the night before Christmas day, would mute the lights in the living room, sip on their hot chocolate and with the glowing warmth of the Christmas tree lights Dads voice would gently read the words again to us... Once upon a Christmas...a holy hush...away in a manger...a silent night and peace on earth, goodwill to men. And then we would sing! Hark the Herald Angels Sing, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, O Little Town of Bethlehem, The First Noel and many more. And every year, a tear would slip down my cheek as I was reminded of what Christmas was all about. An infinite God becoming an infant. An infant growing up, dying on the cross and rising from the dead, so my ending could have a beginning. As Ann Voskamp writes, "If there is no cross in my Christmas, then my Christmas has lost Christ." Did Dad know the impact the Christmas story made upon my life...once upon a time?

And now this year? Who will read the treasured gospel stories of the birth of Christ? O Come All Ye Faithful... I can hear Dad singing it as we joined in on the melody and harmonies. Joyful and triumphant. God called a faithful man, husband, father and friend to many, home this year, and with joy he entered into eternal life. We miss him this year. Oh how we miss him! But with joyfulness we will remain triumphant. Tonight is Christmas Eve...David will read the Christmas story tonight... All my family, my three children and a son-in-law, will listen once again to... Once upon a Christmas, in the city of Bethelem, a baby was born... Christ the Lord, the Savior of man and His name shall be called Jesus...

Thank you Dad!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

The Naughty Christmas Elf

This year we have a Christmas Elf that has moved into our house. He is spreading his mischief all through the house and its directed at me. He is trying to sabotage my weight loss efforts and make me look like I'm the naughty one. Take a look!

We have caught him in the pantry with an open bag of Pretzel M&M's... everyone thought that I had opened them and was eating them..


Then we caught him on the surveillance camera in the leftover Halloween candy...with the milk duds and tootise pops...


Then just this morning the surveillance camera caught him playing "I'm Gettin Nuttin' for Christmas (cuz I ain't been nothin but bad) on the piano... and everyone thought I was playing it!!! Rude and naughty Christmas Elf...




Wonder what he will try to do next?


Monday, November 21, 2011

Monday Musings - Just Do It

I just thought it was interesting that when Nike made the "Just Do It" slogan famous, they increased its share of the domestic sport-shoe business from 18 percent to 43 percent,from $877 million in worldwide sales to $9.2 billion in the ten years between 1988 and 1998... isn't that interesting?
I have been "musing" over this slogan for quite a few weeks now. Just Do It... a lot of wisdom is packed into though those three little words.
Want to lose weight? Just do it
Want to start exercising? Just do it
Want to write a book, a blog, a research paper? Just do it
Want to get a scrapbooking project done? Just do it..
Want to change a habit? Just do it....

But then come the excuses. I have no time. I'm too busy. I'm sore. I don't feel good. It's too hot. It's too cold.

They are endless... the things we want to do and the excuses we have for not doing them. I have found that out these past few months since I signed up at the gym to take a TEAM weight loss class... Working out for three days a week, and a nutrition class on one of those days. I didn't think I could do it. Those first few weeks were endless pain and self-inflicted torture (although I blamed my fitness coach)... but I did it. Sometimes I put in a mediocre effort but I was there every day. I laid the excuses aside, tried to find the fun in the adventure and did it....and is it wrong to say? I am proud of my accomplishment.

Now, I have been given a challenge to lose 40 lbs in the next 13 weeks during the same class, which I signed up for again. (A whole year actually). Sigh... enough musing about how I am going to do it... I need to Just Do It!

There are many other people in my life who I have noticed putting this slogan into practice.
My mom was having really bad pains in her gut the other day...she hates going to the doctor but she had my sister take her to the ER and it turned out she needed emergency surgery to remove her gall bladder... what would've happened if she hadn't of Just Did It?

A friend of mine found out she was having numerous health problems and has changed her diet. She Just Did It.

Another friend of mine has gone sky-diving, taken Krav Maga classes and climbed the Pikes Peak Incline and she is in her 50's.... wow! Just Do It...

So...maybe we won't get rich like Nike did! But we will blessed beyond belief when we Just Do It... because the feeling of accomplishment.... well....its FANTASTIC!!!!

So go... follow your dreams. change that habit.....Just Do It!    

Swoosh.....

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Confessions and Wonder Fall

    I confess! I went to Olive Garden and ate Pumpkin Cheesecake and I liked it!
(The Pumpkin is the veggie, cheese is the protein and cake is the carb... How balanced can a diet get? The nutritionist didn't quite agree with that. Wonder why?)

Kim videotaped me the other day eating pumpkin cheesecake at Olive Garden and then she emailed it to a friend of mine who goes to the same gym as I do. I'm sure my weight loss coach will see it when she heads back to the gym to this week. Way to hold me accountable!  I am so dead! Last time the whole team had to do holding squats because I had twinkie pie. (I can't help it if I have sweet tooth and it did have fruit!)  I am in a rebellious streak.

 Go ahead take those videos, take those pictures of me feeling bad. "For the first time in my life I feel wicked" (Elphaba - from the musical Wicked) Is that a bad thing? I have made healthy eating choices this week... a few bad ones? Yeppers! And it was so good! I have such a major sweet tooth. And honestly I do feel stressed... and this week I just got really, really, really lonely for David. I am psyching myself up to the fact that he might be gone for another year. I want him home so bad but him being unemployed scares the bejesus out of me.

I eat my emotions... and man! do they taste good! Pumpkin cheesecakes and midnight truffle blizzards from Dairy Queen. YES! Bring on the happy...

My healthy eating choice this week: I really really like black bean tostadas with shredded lettuce, tomatoes and cheese! I think I could eat them everyday. My goal is too have a vegetarian lunch everyday...well at least most days.

Exercise...although it is hard to admit is kind of starting to feel better. This week my heart rate has not shot up to 166 on the treadmill and I haven't felt like a fish out of water gasping for air... I haven't had to use my emergency inhaler very often either. But shhhhhhh! I can't admit that its helping - not yet. I am still too skeptical. I doubt myself... Where is my confidence?!!!

On to the start of the sixth week of fitness class. Halfway point. I think we have an endurance test this week. I have made it halfway! Wow! I wonder if I can do my holding squats while leaning against a wall... HA!



Walking down memory lane and started to feel blue... not because it's fall. I love Fall and the wonder of Fall.  The weather starts cooling off, the leaves start turning into the rich colors of olive green, dark reds, browns, oranges, burnt umbers, etc. All my favorite colors. When Fall comes there is an excitement in the air... another year is coming to an end, Christmas is just around the corner and the season of giving thanks begins. (It's also the season that my birthday falls in). No...I'm feeling blue, cuz this time last year hubby and I took a Fall trip.

We had no destination in mind we just took off driving, stopping where we wanted, taking pictures of the fall colors. Our trip led us to Breckenridge where we stayed at a cozy bed and breakfast. The owners had two standard poodles as the mascots of the Inn. Loved it. It was so peaceful. Jacuzzi tub in the room. Huge King size bed. I was just getting over a bout of pneumonia so walking around Breckenridge was not too easy but I did it. Our trip also led us to Estes Park, where for the first time we got to see the Inn where The Shining was filmed... (not the one with Jack Nicholson the modern one). We took the ghost tour but we didn't see any ghosties. Might be fun to spend the night there someday. We went during the Elk Fest and actually saw an Elk get loose and run down the road right next to our car.  We had so much fun on this trip - totally spontaneous, relaxing and enjoying each others company.  This year he's working overseas again.... and I am really missing him being home. You'd think 21 years as a military wife would desensitize me to his being gone... Nope... Absence does not make the heart grow fonder.

Stress this week also came from busy traffic and stupid drivers... Bills needing to be paid. Chores needing to be done... and I found myself actually looking forward to going to my TEAM Weight Loss Class. Mostly, because I am beginning to realize how much of a stress releiver it is to do a workout.

Ahhhh... life is good!

Be blessed


Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Sometimes It's Hard... Sometimes It's Easy

Uploading a video while I type this. Hopefully, it will upload OK. Had troubles getting it to upload on Facebook so maybe with blog spot I will have better luck. How long does it take a video to upload? This seems like it is taking forever.
Yea... looks like it might have worked... We shall see!

Anyways, the video is of my little Chihuahua boy - Journey. He has this nighttime ritual now of wanting to get up on the bed and trying to jump up. After a couple of tries he starts whining. He comes around my side of the bed, tries to jump and whines some more. Sometimes, I will tell him 1...2...3...BIG JUMP... and he makes it... Other times, when I can see he is getting frustrated, I will tell him to assume the position, which is to turn around, so I can scoop him up by his belly and put him on the bed... for which he is forever grateful and I get lots of dog kisses. However, when I have food or a doggie treat for him... he seems to have no trouble whatsoever jumping up on the bed. Then he very gracefully comes over the top of the bench at the bottom of my bed.

Life lesson learned from my dog.... in life... sometimes everything is going along great! We are able to jump up and get on with the daily routines, reaping the rewards and blessings of all that God has to offer. Then are times... when we try and try and try again... to jump up and we just can't make it. So we listen to the words of advice from our friends... Just Jump... Just Do IT.... but sometimes it seems like nobody is really listening or really truly cares. We run around trying to find a way to just get up to the top... but it is not until we stop, "assume the position" in a humble, attitude of prayer and graciously accept God's help, that we will finally feel God's hand around us... carrying us forward and upward in glorious victory.

Thanks Journey for that life lesson. You're right... once again, I need to stop worrying and stressing over the little and seemingly "mighty big problems" - finances, health, etc. and just let God pick me up.

Quote: "Grant that it may not be in the power of any to rob me of peace that results from a firm trust in Thee. Whenever crosses or troubles are met without, may all be well within." Susanna Wesley

"We want our strength in public to be explained by what goes on in private between us and God." Elizabeth George

Psalm 121:1-2 - I will lift up eyes to the hills - from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Seriously?

Seriously? I love saying that word... seriously? I think if I ever had another dog I would name him/her Seriously. Not that I want to get another dog anytime soon. Since December 27th, when the six puppies were born, I now am back to my original four. All of the puppies have gone to good homes and I would like to thank everyone who has taken one or two. What would I do without you? I am at peace knowing that they all have found good families and will be able to fulfill their purpose of loving their owner. Goodbye, Gizmo, Tuck, Charli, Dexter, Lucy and Skippy. You will forever be remembered....

Seriously?

On to scrapbooking. I am kind of not on speaking terms with my sister until she apologizes, which I hope she does because I do miss talking to her... I made her a birthday card yesterday...


Unfortunately her birthday was yesterday and the card is buried somewhere under piles of stuff in my scrapbook room. Oh...look there is that word seriously again...

Kim and Brent made it back to California safe and sound with all of their 5 dogs. I miss her being here but I know that she should be with her husband. We had fun when Brent was here. We went to Cow Day at Chick-Fil-A. If you dressed up like a cow you would get a free meal. I used my Cricut and made three cows...two with the Create A Critter cartridge and one with the Old West cartridge. I taped paint stirrer sticks on the back of them to make them look like masquerade masks... and amazingly, we all three got a free meal. Cheapest dinner I have had eating out in a long while. I love Chick Fil A too!

I made scrapbook pages with the cows I made. Seriously? Yup


I had the traditional black and white cow


Kim wanted the brown and purple cow


Brent got a manly cow - the longhorn steer

Anything in this economy to save a buck. It pays to be creative.... builds memories

Seriously?

You betcha


Sunday, June 26, 2011

Summer Heat

Lying on my bed

     Air circulating from the air-conditioner

          And two fans

              Yet, I'm still hot

                    and sweaty...

                       and SLEEPY

     I have the coolest room in the house

         And it's all worth it

               Cuz of the dog

                    At my feet....






Sunday, June 12, 2011

Unconditional

After arriving home from a late night of scrapbooking at Archivers, I was standing in the kitchen with Kim and Peggy Sue and surrounded by a sea of dogs. I remember stepping back and hearing one of the dogs yelp! I didn't know which one it was and I didn't think nothing of it since they are always getting underfoot. It's hard not to when you are one of eleven dogs... (Kims four, my four and three puppies).

The next day (Saturday), Kim and I noticed that Hallee was limping and not using her right front leg at all. Kim tried to check the leg but Hallee was in a lot of pain and let Kim know it. I tried to look at it but she wouldn't let me touch it. We took her to the Banfield Emergency Vet and they x-rayed her leg and found out that she had two broken toes... Poor thing. They had to muzzle her and give her pain medications that made her drool like a St. Bernard because it was making her nauseous, put a splint on her leg clear up past her elbow and made us tie an IV bag around her leg every time she has to go outside so the bandages don't get dirty. And on top of all that they made her wear the Cone of Shame! (See the movie UP).

I feel so humbled... I stepped on her paw and broke her toes, putting her through some excruciating pain and multiple vet visits. Yet through it all... she still loves me...unconditionally.  Why? Because that is her purpose... to love her people no matter what...

Dog spelled backwards is God...

Kind of makes you want to stop, bow the head and bend the knee to thank God for His unconditional love...

I am so sorry Halle Bug

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

21 Years...

I love making cards and working with paper... I love choosing the right colors, a layout, what embellishments to use, what technique to use to make the card, and what purpose the card will have when I am done with it.

Wow! That's how God is with us. He creates us in His image. He chooses the right color, the perfect layout of our lives, the embellishments that makes us unique. He also knows the purpose that each of us has.

One of the best thing about making a handmade card is that the creator can personalize the card however he/she chooses.

My youngest turns 21 in a few days. (Sooooo hard to beleive). I don't tell him often enough but I am so gosh darn proud of that man. I didn't know, back when I was 24, why I got pregnant 8 months after having my second child... but now I know. God gave me the best "card" ever in the birth of my third son. I wish he were here and not half a world away right now so I could give him a big huge hug.

In my scrapbook room the other day... I was able to get three cards done. The first one was for my son. The second I will probably send to my mother-in-law and the third one is my hubby's Father Day card. What an amazing man he is... he has and always will be a great Father to his kids.



I love the military moose. I tried to make it look like the moose was stepping over the threshold of turning 21... into the life of being a full-fledged adult.


I am sending this one to my mother-in-law. I don't write her as often as I should. I used my Stampin Up owl stamp and punch for this card. I made a boo-boo with the pearl ink for the dot of the i... but I fixed it. Isn't it great that God doesn't make mistakes?

Last but not least... I made an L-shaped card from my Card Makers Kit from Annies Attic. These are acutally quite fun.




Well...thats all. If you like any of these cards let me know and I can make a kit for you. Have fun making cards...

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Homeschool Reflections: On Patience

            Before I started homeschooling, back when the kids were little, when the oldest was going to public school and my middle child was attending special needs preschool, I would’ve laughed at anyone who told me that in just a few years I would be homeschooling all three kids. I would’ve laughed even harder if they had told me that I would continue homeschooling until the youngest graduated from high school. Me? Homeschool? Riiiigggght….. I have no patience.

            Today, I hear from mothers who have professed an interest or desire in home educating their own children but end with the same reason I did. I have no patience. Well, this blog is to help debunk that excuse. Patience doesn’t happen overnight. Just as a child goes through stages of development so too patience develops as we go through life’s stages. As parents of young infants we walked the floor with them when they could not stop crying, we changed diapers over and over again, we waited until they were done eating. At times…we might have felt frustrated but we were patient because the situation at the time called for it. We were probably not even aware that we were being patient.

Patiently, we have helped potty train our children, taught them to recite their ABC’s, learn to spell their names and tie their shoes. We have waited (and waited) at myriads of doctor appointments to get our child a round of antibiotics or to get their next immunization. We have nursed skinned knees and have waited through many tantrums. We have waited in traffic, helped our children with homework and have sat through many teacher/conferences, PTA meetings, and school programs. Everyone, who reads this, can add to this list according to their situations. Clearly, the key is that patience is always at work. Patience is a character trait that requires everyone to exercise it.

Homeschooling is not sitting around the kitchen table or establishing a “school” room in your house and becoming a rigid task master. Homeschooling is a way of life and a very viable form of education and Mom or Dad, if you feel like you should homeschool do not be deterred by thinking that you have no patience because you are already practicing it and it takes practice to become “perfected”

 

By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope… Romans 5:2-4

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Hebrews 12:1-3

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Creativity Strikes Again!

Ah... a lazy day today but the creativity was flowing in my scrapbook room. I love having a creative day... even though nothing productive was done such as the never ending, multiplying pile of laundry and the sink full of dishes... I did get a couple of cards made.


This first card was a card I had started many months ago and today I finished it by adding the circles, butterflies and the I Like You sentiment.



This card was made with my new Stampin Up Open Seas set. I was inspired by my Dad and his love for sailboats.

So... want to make a card? Let me know and I can have a workshop for you and show you how...


Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Mountain Climbing and Valley Victory

       What possessed me to drive over Wolf Creek Pass (near Pagosa Springs, CO) towards the end of November to get to California, I will never know. The weather was beautiful in the valley. The sun was shining and the last time I had gone through Wolf Creek Pass was during the summer and it was beautiful. (If I could I would retire to Pagosa Springs). By the time we got to Wolf Creek Pass, the sun was still shining, the little rental car was driving great, but the mountain pass was snow packed, icy and very slippery. I slowed my speed and made it up the mountain. The problem came on the downgrade. I started going way too fast!!! And "gasp" there was a slow car in front of me and a steep drop off on the left hand side of the road. I started to brake and felt the car slipping. I knew (somehow) that if I tried to pass to the left of the slower vehicle, I would probably go off the "deep end" (Not that I already wasn't). I also somehow knew that I needed to SLOW DOWN. I prayed a quick prayer and knocked the gears down to a lower gear, steered the car to the right, went off the road a little and hit the mountain wall. Slowed me down enough that I finally made it to the valley. Never was I more grateful to see the valley.




Victory comes not just from making it to the top of a mountain. Victory comes from making it back down to the valley. The climb up the mountain took a lot of energy, but the victory hasn't been won yet. Take your time going down the mountain, don't speed, downshift as necessary and enjoy the scenery. The valley is waiting just ahead, the sun will be shining, visibility has returned...see the fruits of your labor. Victory at last!

Monday, May 9, 2011

Starting Again

One of my favorite magnets on my fridge says... Never enough time to do it right but always enough time to do it over...

So I am starting this blog...again. I didn't realize until a few days ago that I have two blogs going. I have 40 followers on this one and 8 on the other one. So in order not to disappoint the majority I am going to start using this blog and try to bring some of older blogs over to this blog. (Gotta love copy and paste).

My apologies to the 40 followers for not realizing this error until now.

Life has been busy though, which is as good excuse as I can give. I have finished my student teaching and my Masters Degree in Special Education. (What an accomplishment). I can now sign my name with M. ED. behind it. (whoo-hoo). Trying to get applications filled out now for teaching jobs and teacher licenses is not an easy task. Whew! Very time consuming. I am also thinking of putting my shingle out to be a consultant for homeschool moms who deal with students with special needs. I was a homeschool mom for 15 + years with two students who had special needs. One student was diagnosed with ADD and one student was recently diagnosed with Autistic Disorder. If I knew back then what I know now... what a difference that would've made.

My daughter is staying with me for the time being. Her four dogs and my four dogs, plus the four puppies that we could not find a home for = twelve dogs! Yea! I am in trouble. Have to go to court on June 7th and show proof of license registration and inoculations for my four dogs. Sigh.... My number one pet peeve... (get it) has got to be nosy, busybody neighbors.


Two of the Puppies: Lucy and Cricket the Rocket Dog (Still need a good family to go live with)


My dear father passed away March 27th. I have been busy trying to scrapbook old pictures from his high school years and early married life. I am looking for "vintage" and or other ideas from those of you who have scrapbooked your parent's pictures. I am finding it to be very therapeutic.

And last but not least.... I am now a Stampin Up Demonstrator! Check out my Stampin Up blog too!

http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/mussacknotes/

Onward then!