It's Been a Big Day!

Today has definitely been a big day all around!

To start my morning off, it was our first day of school. I wasn't quite as ready as I would have liked to be but the kids were chomping at the bit to start school and there was no holding them back. We rearranged the school room so even little Tinker Bell would have her own desk, and we began. (Can you see Mamma's coffee off to the side :) - I am not a morning person :))

Our first day was a pretty good day considering we changed all of our curriculum this year and are starting fresh. I was as nervous as the 1st day we started homeschooling, six years ago, as I wasn't sure what this curriculum would bring. I'm praying for an easier and more enjoyable school year for all. Although we did have our hiccups, today did run pretty smoothly and the kids seemed to enjoy all their studies.

Today was also the first day of Close to My Heart's amazing $2, $4, $6 for 8 We appreciate You Sale. Every other year or so Close to My Heart has a huge "side walk sale" in Utah where they clear house for their new and upcoming product. This year they decided to do it big and to thank all of their customers by offering all but 4 their current Stickease (card stock stickers), Level 1 paper kits (semi-prelaid out papers) and Level 2 paper kits (patterned paper and coordinating cardstock) for over a 50% discount. This is the biggest sale I think Close to My Heart has ever done and it has rivaled the day after Thanksgiving sales. The system was pretty slow with thousands of people shopping at the same time, some people had error codes but many, many people were able to save hundreds and hundreds of dollars. The Sale will run for only another 7 days and although there is a lot that is already sold out, there is even more still available. You can check out the sale on my website at http://www.heatherhicks.myctmh.com/.

I thought I would share this months workshop with you too. I just finished creating it this past weekend. I created this layout using our new Passages papers and plan on teaching it at my workshop on the 20th. If you want to make this too, e-mail me at HeatherHicks@MyCTMH.com to get all the details. I would love to have you join us.

I have to say I had a blast creating this layout and loved that I had all my pictures organized and ready to flip through t0 pick out the perfect pictures for my layout. I also just love these pictures!!! This is my Bruiser as a baby. Doesn't he just have the cutest cheeks! Just looking at those cheeks makes me want to kiss all over them. These pictures bring back so many memories which I guess is what scrapbooking is all about! At the beginning of the year I taught a workshop helping everyone get their pictures organized and ready to be scrapbooked. This organizational system has helped me tremendously!!! It is so nice to be able to have pictures on hand and ready when I am creating my layouts. I love it!!!! If you have been struggling getting your pictures organized, e-mail me, I would love to have a workshop with you and your friends to help you get started too!