I sure do love this kid... (ps I'm still around)

Figured that I better post something here to prove to you that I'm still around. Little Eli loves to be held, which hasn't allowed for much crafting time, well none really. It's sort of hard to believe that I haven't cut one piece of paper for months. Starting next Weds. the boys will both be in school, at least for a couple of hours each afternoon Monday through Thursday. My hope is that Eli will start enjoying a small uninterrupted afternoon nap each day and I can get my craft on.


Last night Conner asked if we could go out on a date. How could I turn him down? So tonight after he got home from school we left Eli and Blake with Daddy and just the two of us went out. First up, dinner at Burger King (his choice) where we acted silly, took photos and Conner drew. I'm amazed at how detailed his micro images are.

Afterwards we did a little necessary shopping. Shopping with just one kid is so easy! I handed him a camera earlier in the evening and let him snap photos of anything that caught his attention which included a father and son at Costco. It is rather funny that my kid who shies away from attention had no problem snapping photos of random people he didn't know smiling at him.

We finished up out special night out with a little photo exploring at Olson Mansion. Seeing how much fun he was having snapping photos of everything made me smile. By the time we left it was nearly pitch black!

I think we'll have to plan another date real soon!

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Meet Gustavo

I'm always amazed how Brian and I will "ask" for something by describing what we want and it shows up in our life.

For instance, we described what we wanted in a couch right after building our house and no kidding Brian called one afternoon telling me that a buddy of his was giving us his couch - matching our "dream" couch description. Best of all it was free!

When we were dreaming about building the house, we "asked" for a builder who would work with our budget and while remaining realistic would not crush our aspirations. Shortly there after we were introduced to Mike Connelly, who was a pleasure to work with and was able to help us make magic with our small budget.

Last night we brought home Gustavo who is as close as possible to the dog we described as our ideal. We've always liked French Bulldogs and have dreamed about having one. Brian would have loved another boxer, but they just have so much energy and are a little bigger than I was wanting. We've love our pugs, but wanted one like Ollie who could breathe. Enter Gustavo, he is a French Bulldog / Pug mix, he looks like Ollie's redheaded twin with just the ideal amount of energy. Brian fell in love instantly and the boys just adore him. I'm pretty sure that he was destined to be ours, just like Tyson.

Yes, you could probably call me crazy bringing home a new fury family member with a 4 month old who keeps me busy. But just look at that mug, how could I not bring him home ;)

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Believe or Wonderland : Perfect Pairs for July 30 - 31

The "Perfect Pairs" available for Monday, July 30th through July 31st are the Believe Paper Pack with Holiday Pockets or Wonderland Paper Pack with Stickease.

Remember to order early in the availability period as these items are only available while supplies last.

Place an online order of $75 or more in July and we’ll send you a popular paper packet and coordinating accessory—a Perfect Pair—for free! Different Perfect Pairs are available on different dates throughout the month so you’ll want to place more than one qualifying order to snatch several Perfect Pairs.

Specific pairs are available on specific dates; see below to find out when your favorite Perfect Pairs will be available. Be sure to place your order early in the availability period, as the promotion is while supplies last.

Go Shopping Now

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Sophia : Perfect Pairs for July 26 - July 29

The "Perfect Pair" for Thursday, July 26 through Sunday, July 29 is the Sophia Paper Pack and Stickease a $17.90 retail value.

Remember to order early in the availability period as these items are only available while supplies last.

Place an online order of $75 or more in July and we’ll send you a popular paper packet and coordinating accessory—a Perfect Pair—for free! Different Perfect Pairs are available on different dates throughout the month so you’ll want to place more than one qualifying order to snatch several Perfect Pairs.

Specific pairs are available on specific dates; see below to find out when your favorite Perfect Pairs will be available. Be sure to place your order early in the availability period, as the promotion is while supplies last.

Go Shopping Now

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Mayberry : Perfect Pairs for July 21 - 25

The "Perfect Pair" for Saturday, July 21 through Wednesday, July 25 is the Mayberry Paper Pack and Stickease a $17.90 retail value.

Remember to order early in the availability period as these items are only available while supplies last.

Place an online order of $75 or more in July and we’ll send you a popular paper packet and coordinating accessory—a Perfect Pair—for free! Different Perfect Pairs are available on different dates throughout the month so you’ll want to place more than one qualifying order to snatch several Perfect Pairs.

Specific pairs are available on specific dates; see below to find out when your favorite Perfect Pairs will be available. Be sure to place your order early in the availability period, as the promotion is while supplies last.

Go Shopping Now

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Lucky: Perfect Pairs for July 16 - 20

The "Perfect Pair" for Monday, July 16 through Friday, July 20 is the Lucky Paper Pack and Stickease a $17.90 retail value.

Remember to order early in the availability period as these items are only available while supplies last.

Place an online order of $75 or more in July and we’ll send you a popular paper packet and coordinating accessory—a Perfect Pair—for free! Different Perfect Pairs are available on different dates throughout the month so you’ll want to place more than one qualifying order to snatch several Perfect Pairs.

Specific pairs are available on specific dates; see below to find out when your favorite Perfect Pairs will be available. Be sure to place your order early in the availability period, as the promotion is while supplies last.

Go Shopping Now

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Fanfare : Perfect Pairs for July 11 - 15

The "Perfect Pair" for Wedsnesday, July 11 through Sunday, July 15 is the Fanfare Paper Pack and Fanfare Assorted Brads a $17.90 retail value.

Remember to order early in the availability period as these items are only available while supplies last.

 

Place an online order of $75 or more in July and we’ll send you a popular paper packet and coordinating accessory—a Perfect Pair—for free! Different Perfect Pairs are available on different dates throughout the month so you’ll want to place more than one qualifying order to snatch several Perfect Pairs.

Specific pairs are available on specific dates; see below to find out when your favorite Perfect Pairs will be available. Be sure to place your order early in the availability period, as the promotion is while supplies last.

Go Shopping Now

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Looking for a Great Deal on Retired Close To My Heart Goodies?

Right now you have a chance to win fabulous bundle(s) of Close To My Heart goodies. Many of these bundles are full of retired and hard to come by paper, stamps and embellishments.

If you win multiple bundles we can easily bundle them together for the best shipping rates. Approximately 3 of my current bundles available will fit in one USPS Flat Rate box.

Go Check Them Out Now - Auction Ends Sunday, July 8

Go Check Them Out Now - Auction Ends Sunday, July 8

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Perfect Pairs for July 6 - 10 : Dreamin' with Harvest Charms

The "Perfect Pair" for Friday, July 6 through Tuesday, July 10 is the Dreamin' Paper Pack and Harvest Charms a $14.90 retail value. Remember to order early in the availability period as these items are only available while supplies last.

Place an online order of $75 or more in July and we’ll send you a popular paper packet and coordinating accessory—a Perfect Pair—for free! Different Perfect Pairs are available on different dates throughout the month so you’ll want to place more than one qualifying order to snatch several Perfect Pairs.

Specific pairs are available on specific dates; see below to find out when your favorite Perfect Pairs will be available. Be sure to place your order early in the availability period, as the promotion is while supplies last.

Go Shopping Now

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FREE "Perfect Pairs" All July!

Place an online order of $75 or more in July and we’ll send you a popular paper packet and coordinating accessory—a Perfect Pair—for free! Different Perfect Pairs are available on different dates throughout the month so you’ll want to place more than one qualifying order to snatch several Perfect Pairs. 


Specific pairs are available on specific dates; see below to find out when your favorite Perfect Pairs will be available. Be sure to place your order early in the availability period, as the promotion is while supplies last.

ORDER DATES	PERFECT PAIR	RETAIL VALUE
July 1–5	Mischief Paper Packet (X7144B) and Midnight Felt Shapes (Z1462)	$15.90
July 6–10	Dreamin’ Paper Packet (X7142B) and Harvest Charms (Z1633)	$14.90
July 11–15	Fanfare Paper Packet (X7138B) and Fanfare Level 2 Assortment (Z1400)	$17.90
July 16–20	Lucky Paper Packet (X7137B) and Lucky My Stickease® Assortment (X7137C)	$17.90
July 21–25	Mayberry Paper Packet (X7136B) and Mayberry My Stickease® Assortment (X7136C)	$17.90
July 26–29	Sophia Paper Packet (X7131B) and Sophia My Stickease® Assortment (X7131C)	$17.90
July 30–31	Believe Paper Packet (X7145B) and Holiday Pockets (Z1486) OR Wonderland Paper Packet (X7146B) and Wonderland My Stickease® Assortment (X7146C)	$14.90

*Taxes and additional shipping/handling may apply. Offer good during above-specified dates, while supplies last.

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Review: Mix and Match with Footloose and Stella

I had a blast mixing and matching Footloose and Stella. If you missed seeing the full post on any of these items, go back and check them out :)

Let me know which one was your favorite!

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Odds & Ends Push Your Creativity

My goal here was to use up my handful of left over heart dimensional elements and a mish mash of paper pieces I had laying on my table left over from my other projects. I'd say I'm rather happy with the results. :)

Are you someone who keeps all the odds and ends / scraps or do you toss them? If you are a keeper, how do you organize them?

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All Boy I Heart Faces Photo Challenge - Rock on Eli

Only 1 week old in this photo and Eli is already "All Boy." Many who saw this photo said he was rockin' out on an air guitar. Too funny, I didn't see it before they mentioned it. I Heart Faces challenge this week is to post a photo that fit in the theme "All Boy" and this photo cried out to be entered :)

We'll be seeing Eli and George rockin' it out together over the next year in the series "The Incredible Shrinking George." Each month I'll be taking a new photo of Eli and George together to show off just how much Eli has grown.

This photo was submitted to the I Heart Faces photo challenge – www.iheartfaces.com

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Photography: Not Just Faces - Capture Places

It's pretty safe to say that I've liked photography since I can remember. When I was old enough to start taking my own photos, I always had a stack of film waiting to be developed. Remember how expensive photography used to be! Not only did you have to buy the film, but you also had to pay to have it developed and you really had no clue if any of your photos would even turn out.

Flash forward to the birth of Conner, my photography addiction went through the roof. I simply couldn't take enough photos of him. I wanted to freeze every moment to relive as he grew up way to fast. Thankfully, I was now shooting digital and had the freedom to capture a gazillion photos and not go broke doing so. Digital also allowed me to practice taking better photos.

However, I don't only take photos of my kids. I've been known to stop on the side of the road to capture an amazing dark, moody sky with a happy little rainbow or the bend of the road just before my house. Because these are moments and places I also want to remember because they evoke strong emotions for me.

This photo is a prime example of a place that I love to look upon each time I drive by. It's just down the road from my house. I love where it sits on the hill and the way the sun filters through the rows of trees. Yesterday, we went on a walk as a family and I brought my camera along. On the way home, my hubby pulled the truck over so I could finally capture this image and I'm so happy that we stopped!

Is there a place that you love, a place that makes you feel something each time you come upon it? Have you taken the time to photograph it? Share it with us, use the Linky tool below. *Linking will be open for one week. So if you haven't already taken your photo, use this as your push to get out there and do so!

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---

It's easy to participate. Here are a few suggestions:


1. Make your post easy to find. Link to the post that includes your image, not just your blog address.
2. Keep all images family friendly. I will delete all non-family friendly links.
3. Link back. It would be awfully sweet of you to link back.
4. Have fun!

Twinkle - Moments To Remember

Each night my hubby reads to the boys and then I sing to them. Right now they are both sleeping together in the same bed (by choice) and it is too cute to walk in and find them snuggle up together. I hope that they'll remember this as they grow, but just in case they don't this will serve as a reminder.

What moments of your "normal" day do you hope will be remembered?

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It’s Time for a Stampaganza - Buy Two Stamps, Get One Free

My Acrylix^® stamps are the best around; they bring beauty and precision together with versatility, durability, storability, and affordability! And during the month of June, they are even more affordable than ever before during Close To My Heart’s month-long Stampaganza!

My Acrylix^® stamps are the best around; they bring beauty and precision together with versatility, durability, storability, and affordability! And during the month of June, they are even more affordable than ever before during Close To My Heart’s month-long Stampaganza!

During Stampaganza from June 1–30, purchase any two stamp sets, sizes A through E (some exclusions apply), at full retail price and select a third stamp set of equal or lesser value for free—a savings of up to $29.95! Buy as many as you want without worrying about having space for them all—the compact stamp set envelopes allow them to slide into even the fullest craft closet!

The advantages of our My Acrylix stamp sets are as clear as the stamps themselves, enabling you to craft with confidence. Being able to see through your stamps makes stamping techniques like double-stamping, base and shade stamping, layered stamping, and cluster stamping so much easier. The clear stamps and blocks remove the guesswork from stamping by allowing you to see exactly where your stamped image will be.

My Acrylix stamps make it possible for you to do so much more with stamping. Take advantage of this extraordinary campaign, and stock up on the highest quality stamps on the market! Contact me for full campaign details—and in the meantime, start shopping!

Get some free stamps! »

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Variety of CTMH Goodies for Sale at a Discount

I have posted a selection of Close To My Heart ( CTMH ) scrapbooking and stamping supplies for sale on my Facebook fan page. Many are retired and no longer available (ie hard to come by).

You can find the items pictured here as well as a larger selection at www.facebook.com/CreatewithChristine .

Click here to view my "For Sale" album

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Early Arrival - Announcing Eli Joseph David

Hard to believe that I was in the hospital last Friday anticipating the arrival of this sweet baby. He decided to join us an entire month early. His delivery was amazingly easy, however since he was so early he had to spend 6 hours in the NICU under observation. My husband lovingly sat guard over him, saving me from worry. He passed all requirements with flying colors and was released to me and I don't know if I've sat him down for more than a moment since.

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Stella & Footloose Baby Photo Blocks / Dotty for You

I know it's been quiet around here, we are in the home stretch on the way to baby boy #3. I've been prepping the house (okay, maybe nesting a bit) for him. Stella and Footloose provided me with color inspiration for his room - shades of grey and blue.

Blake arrived close to 3 weeks early, making me wonder if this little guy will also join us early. Considering the contractions I've been experiencing, I'm thinking that being ready a little early is a good idea.

Remember while things are quiet here, you can still order all of your favorite CTMH scrapbooking and stamping needs online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at createwithchristine.ctmh.com


Speaking of favorite CTMH goodies, have you seen our Dotty for You Paper Packet? It is stinkin' adorable and a must have. Place an order of $35 or more from the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book between now and May 31st and get the Dotty for You paper packet for just $5. Start shopping...

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Stella Meets Footloose - Baby Journal

One of my most favorite things about CTMH is that everything coordinates so easily. I remember when I started scrapping and would visit local stores. It was an overwhelming experience. I'd get home with papers that I liked at the store and yet nothing really went together when I started creating with them which I found rather frustrating. Thankfully that isn't the case with CTMH!

For me Stella and Footloose are the perfect example of how well CTMH papers coordinate and offer greater flexibility. Just as I did for my other two boys, I picked up a cheap journal for baby #3 and had fun customizing it. I just love how the colors from each kit pop!

Have you tried mixing and matching kits? If so, what are your favorite combinations?

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