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Monday, August 31, 2009

The BIG 35!!!!



Nope it's not my day but my sweet husbands special day. A few days ago we were able to celebrate Mike's birthday. I learned from his 30th birthday not to have a big celebration. He had such a hard time turning 30 that he was down for the entire year. It wasn't until earlier this year that he explained it to me. "I felt like I couldn't be a kid anymore. I had graduated from the 20's and had to be an adult now!" Well, an adult he must be,especially with 4 kids!!! Yes, he must be an adult, HOWEVER, he still acts like one of the kids 98.8% of the time. No matter what, he is still my honey and I love him. He keeps me laughing when the kids don't, which isn't often, but at least it's adult humor!
Happy Birthday, sweetheart!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Tinker Bell goes to school

Ah, what an exciting day! Tinker Bell had her first day of Preschool. Mommy was really nervous as Bell hasn't been wanting to go to her class at church for several months now and will only go with her big brother, Bruiser. She was solo today and I was really nervous on how she would handle it. But God is in control. She got an amazing teacher - actually the one that Whiz Kid had his first year of Preschool. She is amazing and after Bell's first few nervous minutes she settled in and did great.

Bruiser was so great encouraging her about going to his "old" school. She packed her backpack, made her lunch and got her favorite jacket on "because it might rain."

She was just so stinkin' cute!!! Don't you just want to squeeze those cheeks!?!


I can't believe how big my kids have gotten. It is so hard to believe that Bell is already so big. My baby is growing up! I don't have any real babies any more!!! Ugh - I just might cry!


Well, like I said, She had a great day at school and was so happy when I came to pick her up. She ran to me, all excited to tell me all about her day!!! I was so proud of her! Way to go sweet girl!!!

Friday, August 14, 2009

Can you say busy week?

Oh, what a fun week. It started with the 1st day of school. Whiz kid started 4th grade, Princess is now in 2nd, Bruiser had his first day of Kindergarten.




Of course, Tinker Bell wasn't going to be left out so she started "school" too.

They all had such a fun day and it was great. It always seems so hard to get into the groove of things but this year the kids were so excited to start school again that they were waiting for me at their desks. (Wish I felt that way when I was in school!)








Tuesday night I had a workshop where we played with the Animal Cookies papers once again. Those papers are so much fun!

Wednesday night I had a unit meeting with my downline. They got to come and see all the FREE stuff I got when I went to Leadership in CA.





Here is a book that we made in our Chocolate University day of classes. This is such a fun book. We are going to recreate it using the Let's Get Together papers in my September Hostess Club. You want to create it too? Call me and find out all the details and fun that we have at the Hostess Club.





This week was also a difficult week for our church. Our Pastor's son was in a terrible car accident on Tuesday night which took his life on Thursday. Josiah was an organ donor and was able to touch 77 lives through his donations! How amazing is that! We are so sad to see him leave us here on earth but celebrate that he is in heaven having a celebration of his own! I ask that you lift his family up in prayer over the next couple weeks. It has been amazing to see how his family has handled this tragedy. They of course are saddened but their faith and hearts are strong! Praise be to the Lord!!!

Monday, August 3, 2009

Back from CA


WOW!!! It seems like forever since I have been on here. I had such a crazy week before leaving for our Close to My Heart Leadership Convention in Long Beach, CA and thought for sure I would be able to blog some while I was there. However, as you can see, I wasn't able to get internet connection until the last few days so... I'm finally here.


CA for awesome!!! I love the beautiful weather and the ocean!!!! Oh my goodness - it is gorgeous!!!! A couple of years ago I was able to to San Diego, CA for another Leadership event with CTMH and I have fallen head of heels for the ocean. Never having traveled very much to the beach, I feel so blessed to be able to go and enjoy God's creation! It was gorgeous!!!


Another blessing was that my friend Andrea was able to meet me there a few days before the convention began. Andrea used to live in CA but now lives in WA and was able to come and show me around. It was so wonderful to be able to take some time and just relax. We went to the ocean almost every day and were able to plan our day with what we wanted to do. How awesome and rare is that!!!!

Here we are our last night together enjoying a fun night at the SawDust festival where artists come and show and sell their work. Andrea had been there many times before and was so excited to see many of the vendors that she saw in her childhood. This is also one of the many things I love about being with Andrea. She always takes me to see things that I probably wouldn't go and see on my own (probably because I would be going where my 4 children would want to go :) This was just for us and was amazing. One of the other things we loved was the Sea Lion Rescue Center. It was amazing to see them and how cute they are! It was so hard not to talk to them too. They would come up to the fence and bark at us and you just wanted to talk back to them but were warned not to because it could humanize them too much! It seemed to me though that they wanted to communicate with us for sure!


My time with Andrea was wonderful and then I had to leave and go to Leadership. This part was also wonderful as I got to see many old and make a few new friends while I was there. A tradition at CTMH events is to bring your roomies a gift. Here are the lift gifties I had for my roommates.
I filled these little mailboxes with little munchies for them to enjoy through out the week. There were so many wonderful things that we got to do and see at Leadership that I can't tell you all about it now but I can say - it was fabulous!!!
Close to My Heart did however release their new Retired list for the year. I wanted to get these out to you as quickly as possible as these items are only available while supplies last and will not be brought back after the end of the year. Close to My Heart is also offering a wonderful special this month - purchase $100 in product and receive the Stamp of the month free and a free pack of paper - retail value of $35.90 FREE! but only until August 17th!! So, why not get those items you have been wanting and get some extra FREE stuff too!!! The list is long but read through it carefully. I would hate for you to miss anything. When you something you need, please e-mail me or go to my website at http://HeatherHicks.MyCTMH.com to get it before it's gone!

Z1190 Barn Red 12 x 12 Linen Album 7 7
Z1180 Amethyst 12 x 12 Linen Album 7 7 89
Z1181 Heavenly Blue 12 x 12 Linen Album 7 7 89
Z1185 New England Ivy 12 x 12 Linen Album 7 7 89
Z1186 Baby Pink 12 x 12 Linen Album 7 7
Z1187 Indian Corn Blue 12 x 12 Linen Album 7 7 89
Z1189 Bamboo 12 x 12 Linen Album 7 7 89
Z1174 Amethyst 9 x 9 Linen Album 7 7 89
Z1175 Indian Corn Blue 9 x 9 Linen Album 7 7 89
Z1176 Cranberry 9 x 9 Linen Album 7 7 89
Z1177 Garden Green 9 x 9 Linen Album 7 7 89
Z1178 Outdoor Denim 9 x 9 Linen Album 7 7 89
Z1202 Hollyhock 9 x 9 Linen Album 7 7 89
Z1168 Amethyst 6 x 6 Linen Album 7 7 89
Z1169 Indian Corn Blue 6 x 6 Linen Album 7 7 89
Z1170 Cranberry 6 x 6 Linen Album 7 7 89
Z1171 Garden Green 6 x 6 Linen Album 7 7 89
Z1172 Outdoor Denim 6 x 6 Linen Album 7 7 89
Z1203 Hollyhock 6 x 6 Linen Album 7 7 89
z1133 White Daisy Ricrac 91 91
x287 Square Metal-Rimmed Tags 94 92 92
Z825 Clear Inspirations Friendship Dangles 92 92
Z1083 Amethyst Waxy Flax 92 92
Z1084 Olive Waxy Flax 92 92 91
z820 Window Charms Squares 92 92 92
z817 Just Blooms Autumn Daisy 93 93 92
z818 Just Blooms Sunflower 93 93 92
Z1304 Just Blooms Autumn Leaves 93
z4128 Foundry Frames 94 94
z4129 Foundry Plates 94 94
z1010 Colored Staples 94 92
1757 Eyelet Kit 94 94
z330 Eyelet Setter 94 94
z331 Eyelet Mat 94 94
z336 Exchangeable Head/hole punch 94 94
z135 Baby Pink Eyelets 94 94
Z136 Heavenly Blue Eyelets 94 94
Z149 Garden Green Eyelets 94 94
Z150 Autumn Terracotta Eyelets 94 94
Z151 Outdoor Denim Eyelets 94 94
Z153 Indian Corn Blue Eyelets 94 94
Z157 Cranberry Eyelets 94 94
Z159 Buttercup Eyelets 94 94
Z165 New England Ivy Eyelets 94 94
Z168 White Daisy Eyelets 94 94
Z169 Black Eyelets 94 94
Z171 Pewter Eyelets 94 94
Z179 Chocolate Eyelets 94 94
Z182 Bamboo Eyelets 94 94
Z1051 Bitty Brads 95 95
Z1137 Spring Harmony Brads 95 95
Z1110 Spring Blossom Brads 95 95
Z1111 Summer Carnival Brads 95 95
Z1112 Autumn Harvest Brads 95 95
Z1113 Winter Cozy Brads 95 95
Z1040 Antiqued Copper Brads 95 95
Z1107 Black Brads 95 95
Z1108 Chocolate Brads 95 95
Z1106 Colonial White Brads 95 95
Z1109 Cranberry Brads 95 95
1758 Gold Brads 95 95
1759 Silver Brads 95 95
Z199 Pewter Brads 95 95
Z1105 White Daisy Brads 95 95
Z295 Bigger Brads Spring Harmony 95 95
Z296 Bigger Brads Summer Carnival 95 95
Z297 Bigger Brads Autumn Harvest 95 95
Z298 Bigger Brads Winter Classic 95 95
Z299 Bigger Brads Basic 95 95
Z292 Photo Clips 95 95 93
Z1037 Mini-Medley Shades of Chocolate 95 95 93
Z1043 Dimensional Elements Bookplates 96 96
Z1017 My Creations Circle Album 97 98 95
z1012 Braggin' Tags 97 98
Z1199 Life Delights Memory Showcase 97 98
Z9071 Magic Moments Scrapbook Kit 97 98
1394 Vellum Paper 12 x 12 98 97
x1400 Stickstock Twill 98 97
x1401 Stickstock Linen 98 97
x277 Cello Envelopes 5 x 5 1/2 98 97
x278 Cello Envelopes 6 1/4 x 6 1/4 98 97
x301 Weekly Calendar 98
z920 Earth Coloring Pencils 101 101
Z921 Primary Coloring Pencils 101 101
Z922 Pastel Coloring Pencils 101 101
4206 My Legacy Writer Pen Set-- Color 99 99
Z1049 Photo Marker 99 99 98
1762 Write 'n Rub Pen 99 99
z268 3-D Foam Squares 99
z261 Double Scrubber 100
z533 Cutting Knife 103 103 98
z309 Sculpting Foam 101 101
z657 Vineyard Berry Embossing Powder 101 101 96
z1293 Delta Paint 102 102 98
z1295 Paint Brushes 102 102
COLUZZLE
Z368 Cutting Mat 103 103
Z369 Swivel Knife 103 103
Z370 Refill Blades 103 103
Z374 Oval 103 103
Z500 File Folder 103 103
Z375 Tags 103 103
Z371 Circle 103 103
Z1144 Big Circle 103 103

1776 Long Reach Punch 1/8" 103 103
1777 Long Reach Punch 1/4" 103 103
1012 Eyelet organizer 104 104
1505 Memorabilia Pockets 104 104
1011 1" posts & screws 104 104
Z4126 1/2" posts & screws 104 104
z4201 Shoulder Tote 105 105
z4202 Rolling Carryall 105 105
Z1134 Holiday Fabric Tags Back Cover
z400 Sassy Strands White Daisy 92 91
z401 Sassy Strands Autumn Harvest 92 91
z402 Sassy Strands Winter Classic 92 91
z463 Sassy Strands Spring Harmony 92 91
z464 Sassy Strands Summer Carnival 92 91
z465 Sassy Strands Winter Cozy 92 91
z466 Sassy Strands Autumn Garden 92 91
z468 Sassy Strands Summer Celebration 92 91
Kits Retiring
X7045A Vintage Travel 32
X7045B Vintage Travel 32
X7045C Vintage Travel 32
X7079A Rough 'N' Tumble 31
X7079B Rough 'N' Tumble 31
X7079C Rough 'N' Tumble 31
X7080A Route 66 32 48
X7080B Route 66 32 48
X7080C Route 66 32 48
X7082A Expedition 33 45
X7082B Expedition 33 45
X7082C Expedition 33 45
X7083A Let's Get Together 31
X7083B Let's Get Together 31
X7083C Let's Get Together 31
X7084A Floral Tapestry 32
X7084B Floral Tapestry 32
X7084C Floral Tapestry 32
X7085A Everlasting 32
X7085B Everlasting 32
X7085C Everlasting 32
X7086A Caprice 43
X7086B Caprice 43
X7086C Caprice 43
X7088A Free Spirit 41
X7088B Free Spirit 41
X7088C Free Spirit 41
X7087A Enchanted 33
X7087B Enchanted 33
X7087C Enchanted 33
X7089A Life Delights 39
X7089B Life Delights 39
X7089C Life Delights 39
X7093A Sweet Pea 47
X7093B Sweet Pea 47
X7093C Sweet Pea 47
X7094A Paper Garden 46
X7094B Paper Garden 46
X7094C Paper Garden 46
X7099A Whoops-A-Daisy 45
X7099B Whoops-A-Daisy 45
X7099C Whoops-A-Daisy 45
X8608 My Originals Groovy Blossoms Card Kit 53 53
X8611 My Originals Pretty Purses Card Kit 53
X8615 My Originals From the Heart Card Kit 53 53
X8617 My Originals Holiday Wishes Card Kit Back Cover
X8620 My Originals Merry & Bright Card Kit Back Cover
X8524 Simply Snapshots Rough 'N' Tumble Album Pages 50 50
X8525 Simply Snapshots Let's Get Together Album Pages 50 50 31
X8527 Simply Snapshots Free Spirit Album Pages 50
X8529 Simply Snapshots Silhouette Album Pages 50 50
X8530 Simply Snapshots Sweet Pea Album Pages 50
X8531 Simply Snapshots Boom-Di-Ada Album Pages 50 50 31
X8532 Simply Snapshots Perfect Day Album Pages 50 50 31
Stamps
A1083 WHIMSY NUMBERS 87 87
A1090 SUMMER'S WAVE 9
A1094 MAKE MY DAY 59
A1097 NO GREATER LOVE 13
A1100 Boo-tiful 7
B1210 FLUTTER 1
B1213 LITTLE ANGEL 17
B1256 ALFRESCO 1 41
B1265 WONDERFUL CHARMS 64
B1270 BELOVED BLOSSOMS 62
B1271 SUMMER PICNIC 5
B1274 CELEBRATION BLOCKS 17
B1276 DINO ROAR 28
B1279 LIFE IS A PARTY 17 72
B1280 BEST OF TIMES 43
B1281 HALLOW SCREAM 24
B1282 SENSATIONAL SEALS 43
B1283 LITTLE SPOOKS 7
B1299 SPRING EQUINOX 46
B1300 LUCKY YOU 65
B1301 SOFTBALL 71 68
B1303 GOLDEN YEARS 69
B1304 GYMNASTICS 70
B1310 Volleyball 19 68
B1312 Make A Wish 68 73
B1317 Shalom 17
C1190 Believe Lowercase 85 85
C1191 CALENDAR 24
C1205 WHIMSY CAPS 87 87
C1206 WHIMSY LOWERCASE 87 87
C1247 SIMPLE BLOSSOMS 1
C1256 LITTLE BOYS 72 66
C1259 BECAUSE I LOVE YOU 58
C1263 CHARM UPPERCASE 85 85
C1265 CHARM LOWERCASE & NUMBERS 85 85
C1267 EASTER EXCITEMENT
C1268 VALENTINE EXCHANGE 2
C1269 FABRIC FINISHES 21
C1270 PURE LOVE 57
C1271 TREASURES OF THE HEART 24
C1273 AHOY MATEY 72 42
C1274 NATURE WALK 30
C1275 SAFARI 30 45
C1276 ADVENTURE 25 45
C1279 ROUGHIN' IT 29 59
C1280 OUT WEST 73
C1281 CARD COMMENTARY 82
C1283 DANCING DREAMS 70
C1284 WILD THING 30
C1285 VICTORIAN SNOW FLAKE 22
C1286 GOODNESS OF LIFE 24
C1287 CELEBRATE LIFE 39
C1289 WARM MEMORIES 13
C1290 MEMORY LABELS 22
C1294 SWEET TREATS 13
C1295 WINTER PLAY 9
C1296 COLOR MY WORLD 1
C1298 PARTY INVITATION 73
C1301 THING OF BEAUTY 62
C1302 BOUTIQUE NUMBERS 84 84
C1303 PLACEMENT GUIDE 77
C1306 Genuine Country 18 43
C1309 Decorative Dainties 45
C1312 United We Stand 4
C1314 Tool Time 18 67
C1319 Laughter 20 65
C1320 Just Arrived 68
C1321 Solos Punctuation 88 88
C1325 Wonderful Holiday 15
C1327 Snowflake Kisses 48
C1329 Homeward Bound 13
C1330 Winter Fun 14
C1331 Santa's Flight
C1332 Merry Wishes 22
C1334 The Season Defined 26
C1335 Ring in the New Year 17
D1063 SWEET TALK 2
D1082 MADE BY ME 23
D1083 Believe Caps 85 85
D1085 HAPPY EASTER 2
D1110 GIVE THANKS 8 40
D1131 RITZY RIBBON 23
D1139 SMALL PLEASURES 2
D1141 SO SWEET SEASONS 23
D1151 OFF ROAD 28 61
D1154 LOVE IN BLOOM 3
D1160 FRIENDSHIP FLOWERS 3
D1164 THE GOOD LIFE 25 41
D1167 Halloween Parade
D1168 SCHOOL ZONE 20
D1169 BIRTHDAY SURPRISE 16
D1178 CHRISTMAS GREETINGS 12
D1181 AUTUMN SPLENDOR 8
D1182 IT'S A PARTY 16 72
D1183 ADORABLE 63
D1184 FLYIN' HIGH 18 61
D1186 RUSTIC FLOWERS 3
D1189 FLORAL DELIGHTS 63
D1192 NOW AND FOREVER 69
D1193 VINTAGE VALENTINES 2
D1199 COME UNTO ME 67
D1205 NEW HORIZONS 18 42
D1209 LOVE FLOURISHES 76
D1210 MOMENTS
D1213 HUNTING 29 58
D1215 GAME NIGHT 20
D1216 FINISH LINE 18 61
D1218 SUMMERTIME
D1220 TYPEWRITER KEYS 87 87
D1223 FAIR BLOSSOMS 3
D1228 CHILLIN' 9
D1229 FABULOUS FALL 7
D1230 CELEBRATION FEAST 7
D1231 LOVELY BUCKLES 41
D1232 NATURE'S VEIN 8 40
D1233 POWER PLAY 19
D1234 TAKE FLIGHT 29
D1235 TICKET FOR ALL SEASONS 25 83
D1236 NURSERY BASH 16 71
D1238 A BIRTHDAY WISH 16
D1240 DOODLE ART 20
D1241 WINTER WONDER 14
D1246 SWEET LOVE 83
D1253 FRIENDSHIP'S FLIGHT 61
D1256 ALL STAR 71 46
D1264 ANGEL WHISPERS 60
D1268 JANUARY WORD PUZZLE 80
D1269 FEBRUARY WORD PUZZLE 80
D1270 MARCH WORD PUZZLE 80
D1271 APRIL WORD PUZZLE 80
D1272 SLUMBER PARTY 73
D1273 TEE TIME 19 68
D1274 BELIEVE IN ME 67
D1277 Touchdown 19 68
D1278 Best Shot 71 46
D1279 Shootin' Hoops 71
D1282 He Said, She Said 81
D1287 May Word Puzzle 26 80
D1288 June Word Puzzle 26 80
D1289 July Word Puzzle 26 80
D1290 August Word Puzzle 26 80
D1291 Celebrate Canada 25 81
D1295 Vintage Canada 6 69
D1310 September Word Puzzle 27
D1311 October Word Puzzle 27
D1312 November Word Puzzle 27
D1313 December Word Puzzle 27
D1314 Friendship Patch 8
D1318 Uniquely You 10
D1321 Festivities 83
D1323 Happy Christmas 10
D1325 Argyle Backgrounds 77
D1328 Post Marked 83
E1001 Essential Alphabet 88 88
E1003 BOUTIQUE ALPHABET 84 84
E1004 COBBLESTONE ALPHABET 84 84
E1007 HOMESTEAD ALPHABET 86 86
Lots of great stuff but only to make room for even more wonderful things. Let me know if I can help you make your beautiful layouts and cards even more gorgeous!