I sure do love this little guy!

Blake is such a joy in my life! From the moment he was placed in my arms, I was awe struck. I wish I could explain the feeling I have when I see his face (whether full of joy or hacked off because he isn't getting to do what he wants) - my heart flutters. 

Sure there are times where he stretches my patience as his mother and if you call me you are likely to hear one of the following phrases...

- "Out of the oven Blake"

- "Off the top of the piano Blake"

- "Please don't eat the fish oils capsules."

- "Honey, please no fishing in the fish tank."

- "Poison control, my son consumed ______ (fill in the blank)."

But you know, I wouldn't change a thing! I love him as he is and I welcome the journey ahead as I do my best to keep him safe as he grows.

Recently, he decided that he loves his helmet (he wears it when he gets to ride the motorcycle with Daddy in the yard).  However, he has decided that it should be a permanent fixture on his head.  Go ahead and say that it is a normal 2 year old right of passage (like the need for a specific security blanket), but I have a feeling that Blake knows as well as we all do that the helmet comes in handy for more than just riding bikes and motorcycles.  So, I welcome this new accessory as it may save us from another trip to the ER!

NSD Crop Game: Secret

The ladies did amazing creating their cards for the Ice Breaker game at our National Scrapbook Day Crop. You'll see their very creative cards below. Here's a little secret though, When I prepared the supply bags, I cut for a template in Wishes, one of Close To My Heart's nifty how-to books. Imagine how much easier it would have been to create their cards if they had the template for inspiration even with the eclectic collection of supplies.

Template used: Wishes Keep It Level (pg. 107)

National Scrapbook Day Crop Recap

Now that I have put all my crop supplies away, it is time for a National Scrapbook Day crop recap. This last Saturday, May 1st, 31 ladies joined us for our all day crop.


Upon arrival each lady (still looking for a few talented guys to start joining us) was greeted with a custom made purse filled with goodies and supplies for the techniques we would be teaching throughout the day. AND of course, the brand new Idea Book, which was a huge hit. There was lots of oohing and awing.


Thank you to Stephanie Dawson for providing the "kitchen equivalent magnets" and to Stacy McDowell for the sweet smelling PartyLite tea lights.


Everyone quickly settled in and prepped their space for a full day of crafting.

Once the majority of the ladies had arrived, it was time for the Ice Breaker game. We divided the group up into 4 teams. Each team was given a baggie of supplies and instructed that everything in the bag must be used on the card. The catch, the card must be assembled relay style - each person may only add one item to the card during their turn and there was to be no giving instructions from the sideline. All the cards would be signed be each team member and sent to Jeanette Lynton. The team to complete their card the fastest would be the winning team, so knowing that it was going to Jeanette ensured that they would still strive to be extremely creative. What a blast it was to watch all the ladies with widely different styles work together as a team - many having just met for the first time.

Team #1 was the first to complete their card and win the prize! Check out their smiles in the first team photo :)


Then it was time for a scrumptious lunch, followed by an afternoon of crafting, shopping and technique classes.


After dinner, we enjoyed desert while voting on the wonderful art contest entries. Alicia and I were amazed at how creative all the ladies were in using the supplies that came in their goody bags. I wish that I had managed to snap a photo of each piece of artwork.


The winning layout featured a darling red head and an exceptional use of color. Congratulations to Dawn F. - her prize was a handmade cupcake and a gift certificate for $20 off our Fall Scrapbooking Retreat this October.


Thank you ladies for a marvelous day. Alicia and I are already looking forward to next year!

Click on images to see them larger.

Home Run = a Memorable Mother's Day Card

This week I went for a home run: Mojo Monday sketch, Heart 2 Heart challenge (Mother's Day), Practical Scrapper challenge (use up stickers) and Jeanette Lyton's Color Me Monday.

I'd have to say this stretched me and a few pieces had to be reconsidered or filed in the trash. I am rather happy with the final project though.  

At our crop on Saturday, we taught the ladies how to make crumpled flowers and brainstormed how to use them. A brooch for Mother's Day seemed to be a perfect fit and what better way to give them than to include them as part of a card.

Hopefully my Mom won't look at this before she receives it this card :)

Double Up - Mojo Monday & Heart 2 Heart

Phew! In just under the gun :)  This week I have doubled up and completed both the Heart 2 Heart and Mojo Monday challenge.

Now the cherry on top? If you'd like to win this sweet little card, simply leave a comment and next Sunday I'll pick a lucky winner. Topic: Check out the new catalog on my website and tell me your favorite new Close To My Heart product! 

Of course after you drool over the catalog, you can order right online.