The Memory Bee

He is a soldier.

God gave us the most perfect day today! Blue skies and sunshine... just right for graduation at the National Infantry Museum. It was emotional and honored these men who joined the Army during a time of war. I am proud of Brandon and all his fellow soldiers in a way I haven't been before. I really did take it for granted, but never will again! Like with most things, I just didn't understand until I went through it.

 

It hard to see but Brandon is the third one in the first row. He led his platoon onto the field because he was the tallest! They wear their ACUs (Army Combat Uniform) rather than their dress uniforms for graduation because it is a time of war.

 

 

 

After graduation we had a few hours to go to Starbucks again (twice), the mall, the Sprint store, the PX, Ranger Joe's for a new Army backpack and duffle, and just enjoyed being with him.

 

One of the coolest things we got to do today was go to Stephanie Howell's house on base where Brandon got to meet and talk to her husband Jimmy who is a Major in the Rangers. They just moved here this week, and it was so special that they were able to encourage Brandon (and us!) I admire their faith and how they have trusted God as they've moved a lot and through Jimmy's deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Brandon was very impressed by how they've handled things as a couple with two darling little girls. Thank you!!

 

 

It was so nice to see Stephanie! I wish we'd had more time to talk about scrapbooking and all the things we have in common, but I was in mom-mode today. Hopefully we'll have time again someday!

We had to have Brandon back to his barracks (I kept calling it his "dorm") by 8pm. Boy, it was hard to say goodbye, but I'm so glad I'll be in San Antonio in December and hope to get to see him there. He ships out tomorrow morning. Thank you for so many good wishes and prayers! He is so thankful for them! Don't stop!

Can I just take him home with me?

How is it possible to have so many mixed feelings all at one time? My heart is overflowing with so many emotions today! It was wonderful to put my arms around him again! He looks great... I love hearing his stories... and watching him... so polite - even calling the cute young waitress at Carrabba's "ma'am."

Can you tell I'm happy to see him?!

 

 

 

Notice our first two stops? We went to Starbucks twice today! He wanted Skittles, too.

 

Tomorrow is graduation and one more day together. I don't want to say goodbye again!!

Who knew?

The last nine weeks seem both like forever and like a blink of the eye! We're here in Georgia to see Brandon graduate from boot camp. I am a proud and very sentimental mom! We weren't able to see him today but did drive around the base and took pictures of his barracks. I had no idea that it was going to look like a college campus! I pictured Gomer Pyle type barracks! It's cool how the bottom floor at each end is open for lining up and whatever else they do under there. We could see the soldiers... I knew one of them was mine! 

I'm proud of him and want him to be successful in all he sets out to do! Couldn't he have done something nice and safer though! Lots of mixed feelings! I'll have lots of better pictures tomorrow. I think it's so cool to be here for Veteran's Day - it makes it so much more personal this year!

While I'm learning all about PT and grenades and stuff, I'll also be missing my friends at Silver Bella this year! I was all registered and even have my plane ticket to Omaha but then I found out that Brandon was graduating the same day, so it wasn't a hard decision to go to Georgia instead. I'll just be missing the glitter and the girls and the creative getaway I so enjoy every year!

I'm looking forward to classes this weekend at Sweet Memories in Carrollton, Georgia, and then next weekend at For Keep's Sake in St. Louis. It's the end of the ATC class (it's been the most popular class I've ever taught!) and the beginning of the new Canvas Christmas class. I'm really excited about this new class and the fun things we'll be doing with the canvas pages! Kits are packed and on their way!

Missing the sunshine!

I am so missing the sunshine! I came home to gray skies and the feeling that winter is just around the corner. It's good to be home but I loved this time with my mom and dad and the sunshine and all. I told my mom yesterday that I don't think you ever get too old to appreciate the fact that your parents love you and are proud of you. The feeling's mutual!

 

I think this picture will have to be my screen saver to take me back to all these good memories...

 

It's hard to find anything better than breakfast on the beach! It was a real treat to have my stay overlap my sister's visit by a day!

 

I had a great weekend in Orlando teaching at Scrappy Boutique! So fun to see familiar faces and to meet lots of new friends! If you live in the Orlando area, you are very fortunate to have a store like this where you can shop and get the very latest scrapbooks products! Wow! I liked the way they purchase entire collections of products rather than just picking out a little of this and that. I saw things that I haven't seen outside a trade show. I can't wait to come back someday! Our class pictures are in the photo album on the left side. So cute!

I missed Brandon's call last Sunday! I had my phone right in front of me during class but the mute button was accidentally pushed so I missed 3 calls from him! He called his brother and let him know that he passed his final PT test! Yeah! Thanks for all the prayers! We're off to graduation next Tuesday. Can't wait to see him!

Doodlin'...

What a great time we had on Sunday and Tuesday at "The Doodle"! Whim So Doodle is one of the best stores I've ever seen! The size, the displays, the variety of products, the classroom, and most of all- the employees and the students are all so wonderful! Fresh-baked cookies for classes- how amazing is that?!

 

Thank you for the opportunity to teach and visit your store! I can't wait to return (watch for a date soon!) Your pictures are in the photo album on the left... everyone looks cute! :)

Brandon finally called from boot camp during class on Sunday! I don't usually answer my cell phone during a class, but I wasn't going to miss this one! It was so nice to talk to him, but too short! He sounded good... More mature... he even asked how my "Bucket" class went. I'm surprised that he was thinking of that in the midst of what he's going through! We'll see him two weeks from today at Family Day. Can't wait!

We're heading out to the beach soon. Monday my mom and I had the most perfect day at the beach. The gulf was a smooth as can be, the water was so clear so we could find tons of shells (I'm always on the lookout for sand dollars - found 3) and "eyeball" shells (found 5) and several stingrays. I like it when the water is so clear so I can stay away from them!

 

I'm heading to Orlando on Friday to teach at Scrappy Boutique for the weekend. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone there! It's going to be fun!

A happy birthday!

My mom and I celebrated our birthdays yesterday with some good shopping and a lovely lunch at a restaurant on the water and then finished up with more shopping (at Goodwill...I actually got a couple things I love!) A perfect day! I got a beautiful bouquet of flowers from my husband... so sweet! I guess I'll keep him!

 

The nice thing about getting flowers here is that my mom gets to enjoy them, too!

It's been really difficult since I've been here in Florida... sitting on the beach and looking for shells and watching the sunsets; shopping and going out to lunch... I'm suffering terribly! HA! Not!

It's very important to get to the beach to see as many sunsets as possible! Here's picture of the first night's sunset and tonight's.

 

I love the way every night is different but so beautiful. See the rainbow? It's amazing how other things seem less important when in beach mode!

Yesterday we went to a fabulous store called The Cat's Meow. Earlier this year I'd visited the store in Venice, FL, but they've now moved to Ellenton and the store is just gorgeous. If you're going south (or north) on 75, it's well worth getting off the highway at the Ellenton exit and going west about a mile. 

 

 

Just fabulous!

So Inspired!

I'm home for only a few more hours until I leave for two weeks in Florida. It's pretty crazy...just coming home from Louisiana and switching the stuff in my suitcases to get ready for the beach, for teaching, and some relaxing! I'm so excited about teaching at Whim So Doodle in St. Petersburg this weekend and in Orlando next weekend at Scrappy Boutique. Plus my mom and I get to celebrate the birthday we share on Thursday!

I came home inspired from Simply Inspired, the event I taught at this past weekend with Jenni Bowlin, Rebecca Cross, Margie Romney-Aslett, Layle Koncar, Terri Davis (missing from the picture), and Elizabeth Achvin, the sweet store owner who put this special event together.

 

We had so much fun! We laughed and got silly; we got to take each other's classes, and it was really fun to play; and met the sweetest Southern women that made us all feel so welcome and like family! I loved having the time to sit and talk to so many of the lovely ladies there. It was especially special for me because I got to teach a different kind of class...not just a project but also talk about a subject close to my heart and make a journal to put our thoughts into. I was moved to tears by some of your stories and encouragement. I hope you take the time to think about what's in your bucket and who God wants you to be and the special purpose you have in this world. Like I said in class, it makes life such an adventure when you believe there's a bigger picture and you have an important part to play. Thank you to everyone that made this event a success! (Check out all your cute pictures in the photo album on the left!)

I missed Brandon's first phone call from boot camp on Sunday! He called when I was on the plane coming home. I'm so sad but the end of this phase of his training is almost here. Only three more weeks! My husband said he sounded ok. He can't wait for it to be over. He hates the cold as much as he hated the heat. He was in the infirmary with a 102 degree fever for two days, but it was the weekend, so it didn't set him back at all.

I've been getting a lot of emails and comments asking about buying a kit for the Christmas album. I don't sell kits myself but you can purchase them from a store where I'll be teaching. The Christmas album will be taught at each of the stores in November and December on my schedule. You can click on the store name and it will take you to the store's website to get their information. After the class takes place, they'll ship the kit to you and then you can email me and I'll send you the directions and pictures. If I have any kits left over, I'll post a message about it, but the number is limited so I doubt that I will have any left over.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

I heard that it snowed in Buffalo yesterday! I'm in Louisiana where the temperature has dropped about 30 degrees since I arrived (from 90 to 60!) I actually like the cooler temps better though.
My mind has been on Christmas since I've been working on the class I'll be teaching in stores in November and December. I like to design projects that I will actually use too, so I've been thinking about the kinds of pictures I'll be taking and the kind of album I'd like to put them in. Christmas will be the first time Brandon will be home, so it will be extra wonderful, and I'll want a really special album to put our pictures and mementos into. Here's a peek at the front cover and some of the pages on the inside...

 

I love all the different textures and happy colors in this album. I've never scrapbooked on canvas before, but I painted and wrote and stamped and stapled and glued! So much fun! I can't wait to teach this class! The only thing that's missing from the cover picture is the second big red and green bow that binds the album together. I'm waiting to get more ribbon for the class kits. (You can read more about the class under Upcoming Classes on the right side and see where I'm teaching the class on my schedule ... November and December dates.)

I'm having a fabulous time here at Simply Inspired with Margie, Layle, Rebecca, Terri, and Jenni and all the students! I'll have lots of pictures when I get home!

An apple a day

One of my favorite fall things to do is to take a trip out to Becker Farms in Gasport and pick apples (and get the fresh warm cinnamon sugar doughnuts and hot apple cider.) Yesterday the sun was finally shining, so we headed out there. I can't bring myself to buy apples from the grocery store when I can pick them off the tree myself! The wagon takes you from the farm to the orchard and then the tasting begins. I like the Cortlands and Dave likes the Empires. Not quite as much fun without the boys, but good though!

 

 

(Still no word from Brandon...)

What's up?

You know I don't have anything too exciting to talk about when I post pictures of the cat! The first picture is actually a yawn. I've been feeling a little like he looks in these pictures... kind of low on energy and motivation. I think it's partly the change of the seasons, a little crashing between trips, and some empty nest emptiness. If you've been there, then you know what I mean!

So what have I been doing besides watching a boatload of reality shows (Dancing with the Stars, Top Chef, Survivor, Project Runway, Chopped, The Next Iron Chef, and Amazing Race)...

• watching the mailbox and waiting by the phone to hear from Brandon. We haven't talked to him in over a month since he's been at boot camp. I hope he can call soon! No more letters yet.
• working on my schedule for next year! So far I have trips to San Diego, San Jose, Wichita Falls, Ottawa, Houston, and PARIS!
• packing kits (all shipped now) and working on my presentation for my "Bucket" class in Louisiana next week.
• working on my Christmas album class. Playing and seeing what happens...

 

                and competing with the cat for who gets my chair!

• really enjoying the Bible study my group is doing...actually redoing. We originally did Beth Moore's study, A Women's Heart: God's Dwelling Place, back in 1997, and are doing the updated version now. This is a great study! If you're ever looking for a wonderful study to do, I highly recommend this one. I got a kick out of verses in Exodus 31:1-5, where it says, God chose Bezalel and filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts - to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship. I love the idea that God gave them the gifts and skills they needed to do crafts and design! I know I depend on God giving me what I need!

• and lastly, wondering about the dream my husband had last night: we were flying somewhere and missed our flight because TSA made us get out the security line and go to a big room where we had to complete scrapbook pages before we could go. The room was full of people doing their scrapbook pages, too. When he starts dreaming about scrapbooking it gets a little scary!

My Bucket

One of the things that I've been working on is the class that I'll be teaching in Louisiana in a couple weeks at an event called Simply Inspired. You may remember this post from earlier this year. Elizabeth from Simply Inspired contacted me and asked if I would take this concept and turn it into a class for her event. I was honored and grateful for the challenge. I got so many interesting and moving responses to the idea of asking "What's in my bucket?" It was cool to see how people took it in different ways and applied it to their lives. Here's a peek at the cover of the journal we'll be making in class...

 

There are so many things I could say about the whole "bucket" idea and I'd appreciate prayer for me as I sort out exactly what to share. This is a very spiritual subject to me, but I'll need wisdom about how to present it at an event with people from all different backgrounds.

We got a long letter from Brandon last Friday. It was a combination of "not so bad" and "I'm in hell," so it was actually kind of funny. He said that lots of guys in his group must have ADHD...not only can they not pay attention...they can't stand AT attention. It's been hot and humid enough that he's quite sure he's not going to want to live in Georgia someday! We're looking forward to going to graduation in November. I couldn't let the opportunity to teach in the area go by, so I'll be teaching in Carrollton, Georgia, at a darling store called Sweet Memories the weekend of November 13. I'm hoping that's a good time and location for my Southern friends and students!

I'm also working on the Christmas album I'll be teaching at stores in November and December. I'll post some pictures soon!

Virginia is for lovers

and I loved Virginia! I had a great time teaching at All About Scrapbooks! Once again everyone was wonderful, and I left feeling that I've made so many new friends that I'll look forward to seeing again someday soon! I so appreciate all your encouragement about Brandon and boot camp! I know, I say it after every store visit and event, but I really am so blessed to meet wonderful people who share a love of telling our stories and making cool projects and are just so darn nice! I have some of your pictures in the photo album on the side, but I'm so mad at myself that I forgot to take pictures of everyone on Sunday! I need to assign someone to remind me! Now I HAVE to come back!

The weather wasn't too good for the beach but at least I got to see it and loved having time to catch up with Jon and Sally, who used to live here in Buffalo and now are in the process of moving to Virginia Beach.

Now I actually have two weeks at home and some projects to work on. I'll post some peeks soon!

From the Pacific to the Atlantic...

Last week I was enjoying the majesty of the Pacific Ocean, now early tomorrow I'll be on my way to the Atlantic Ocean and teaching this weekend in Chesapeake, Virginia, at All About Scrapbooks. My students at CKU Nashville told me about this store and now I can't wait to teach there! Come visit us! When I scheduled this weekend, we had no idea that my good friend, Sally, would be moving to Virginia Beach, so now we get to spend the day at the beach tomorrow and then I'll have two days of teaching at the store before I head home Sunday night.

Lots of you have asked and the answer is no...I haven't heard from Brandon since he went to boot camp two weeks ago today. With all the rain they've had in the Atlanta area, I picture him marching through lots of mud at Ft. Benning. Is it silly for me to hope he has dry socks? I'm hoping he'll call this Sunday but I may miss his call (unless he calls my cellphone) since I'll be in Virginia. I learning appreciate the art of letter writing again! It's been years since I've written a letter since email is so convenient!

I was able to get back into a little bit of a routine this week: back to Bible study, back together with the "Debbie's", saw some old friends, and have a clean house again finally. Feels good!

Have I mentioned that I love my mini cooper? :)

Have I mentioned that I love and appreciate my parents so much?!

The most fun thing we did in San Francisco was rent a "Go Car" for a few hours. It's a little three-wheeled car that runs on a moped engine and has GPS to guide you on a scenic tour of the city. We had a blast and got to see so many places we'd never seen before. I highly recommend it if you're ever looking for something really touristy to do there. Aren't we cute? :)

We also took a tour out to Alcatraz and really enjoyed that, too. We had the most perfect weather! I love the way just the island is shrouded in fog. It seemed like a special effect just for us. Isn't this a cool picture of the seagull flying alongside the boat with the skyline in the background?

Another adventure awaits, so I'm off to bed. Have a great weekend!

Savoring the memories!

We had a wonderful time in San Francisco! We had a few days vacation time to relax and be tourists, and I had two days of fun teaching and seeing so many friends! You can see your pictures in the albums on the side. Thank you for making me feel so blessed ... to get to meet so many kind and encouraging people and to call you friends ... it makes me weepy! I can't wait to come back in January and see you again!

On Saturday we had a crazy, fun time at Scrapbook Territory! It was a full house and lots of action in the store. Some of the ladies from Creative Escape took my husband and me out for an anniversary dinner. Thank you so much! I loved getting to relax and visit and enjoy a great meal together!

On Sunday we had a full day at ScrapHappy! What a great classroom! Everyone could not have been sweeter and the gals at the store made everyone feel so welcome. Can't wait to come back some day! It's so hard to choose a picture to include here, but I guess I have to show stalkers #1-3. You guys are so funny!

I'll share pictures from our days in San Francisco in the next couple days. I promise to post more often!

Remember to breathe!

I am juggling a million details right now...getting ready to leave for a week in San Francisco tomorrow (taxi pickup is ordered for 4am!), teaching at Scrapbook Territory and ScrapHappy this weekend, ordering product for classes, checking off lists, lining up new dates for this year and next, taking care of family needs...it's been a really crazy few days and I have to remind myself to breathe. I'm hoping to be able to relax and really enjoy this vacation time.
Brandon leaves "reception" and goes to actual bootcamp tomorrow. He's called three times and sounds really good. I know he's anxious to get started!
Jeremy's back to college and settled into his new apartment.
All is well.
Here's to some great meals, good shopping, some sightseeing, and sunshine!

Back to CE!

The last few days have been a roller coaster of emotions and crazy-busy with soo much to do! I hired my mom and dad to help me assemble the kits for my classes next weekend in the Bay area (can't wait to see everyone at Scrapbook Territory and ScrapHappy!) and they're on their way (the kits, not my parents!) I'm working my way down my enormous list of things to do. My husband is coming with me to San Francisco and we're going to be celebrating our 30th anniversary but I haven't even made our hotel reservations yet. It's on my list!

I know some of you have been waiting for more pictures from Creative Escape! I wish I'd taken more, but I'll share some here and there's more in the photo album on the side. I'm still relishing the great time and memories from the event. I love the emails and Facebook messages I've been getting from students who are adding to the albums we made in class. LOVE it! So glad you're using your albums!

My time in Phoenix started with a little shopping trip to two fabulous stores with Carol and Pam. Rust and Roses is a feast for the eyes. I found a darling pair of pink patent leather little girl's shoes there that came home with me.

Then we made our way down a couple stores to Melrose Vintage. It was so nice to see Diane and Wendy again! I'd like to move most of the store back home with me!

Creative Escape begins with the trunk show where the teachers display their work and get to meet the students. I packed all this stuff into my suitcase...can you believe it?! I love seeing everyone's work in person!

Each of the teachers taught their class eight times on Friday and Saturday. In my class we made the album to put all the memorabilia and from the event into. I can't wait to have a little time to work on mine! I met so many wonderful women...from all over the world! It is my favorite part of the event!

Creative Escape ends with an elegant dinner where we eat dessert first, of course! One of the highlights was awarding a free spot on the Ultimate Scrapbook Cruise next year to a lucky lady! She'll joing Heidi, Stacy, and I on this FUN Caribbean cruise!

The absolute best thing about the weekend was the raffle and auction of the lamps we each decorated. We started with the same lamp from Ikea. It was really cool to see how each of us brought our own style to the lamps. I was so happy that Jenn won my lamp! Can't wait to go to Ottawa to teach at her store!

It was incredibly moving to see Heidi's and Tim's lamps auctioned off to such generous people. Their lamps were great, but it was more about giving to the charity. Together their two lamps raised $37,200! Amazing! There was hardly a dry eye to be found.

 

Thank you to Doug and Heidi for putting on such a wonderful event and to all the friends who shared their hearts and encouragement with each other and me! My heart is full!

 

A Proud Day

Our goodbyes have been said and Brandon is spending his second full day at bootcamp. After months of waiting, he couldn't wait to go. He was excited and nervous, too. I was excited for him but sad, knowing that this is another milestone in our lives. I didn't cry in front of him and he was happy about that!
He got his first taste of his first week of waiting when they got him up at 4am on Tuesday and he sat and waited until noon to go to the airport and then didn't fly out until 7pm. We went to the base for his final oath and then I got to see him for a couple minutes at the airport when I took him some more socks and his phone charger. Mom 'till the end!

I have gotten so many emails from people across the country full of kindness and encouragement. Thank you so much! I can't express how much I appreciate all the thoughts and prayers...please pray for Brandon when you think of us! I wonder how long it will be before I hear from him! I think it's time to buy the K&Co. Army scrapbook.

An amazing escape!

I'm having a hard time finding the right words to express how fun, satisfying, amazing, and so full of memories that I will treasure forever this weekend was! The friendships, the giving, the emotion of it all is overwhelming!
The resort itself is fantastic! An oasis in the middle of the desert! Each morning I sat on my balcony (the only time it was bearable to be outside!) and listened to the silence and felt so full of gratitude for the opportunity to teach at this event. I am humbled by the love and sweet words that the students (my new friends!) gave to me.
I'll be back soon with lots more pictures and details. I'm a bit overwhelmed with emotion...coming home from such a wonderful weekend and then saying goodbye to our son as he leaves tomorrow for basic training at Ft. Benning. We took him to the recruiting center today and said goodbye. I didn't even cry in front of him, but tomorrow we go to see him take his official oath as a soldier and say the real goodbye for now. Hope I can keep it together for his sake. I so appreciate your thoughts and prayers! Love you all!

Trading one mini for another!

I think a magic wand was waved over my mini van and it was transformed from a 2000 relic with dents, rust, 150,000 miles, no heat or air, broken windshield wipers, and other problems... what I've called my "humility vehicle" into the cutest car ever... a new Mini Cooper!
Before:

After:

Don't you love it?! I do! It's a nice distraction from Brandon leaving for boot camp and Jeremy going back to college soon. A new baby to love! :)

I'm packed and ready to leave in the morning for Phoenix to teach at Creative Escape. I'm so excited and have looked forward to this for so long! Can't wait to see everyone ...I've heard from so many people that they are coming... it's going to be the best time! I'll have lots of pictures when I return next week!

Now that my mom and dad have come north (thank God, my father is finally better!) the family is enjoying a few get-togethers before Brandon and Jeremy leave for boot camp and college, respectively. My niece Julie made this fabulous cake for our picnic yesterday. Doesn't it look good? It tasted as good as it looks!
I love this picture of my niece Audrey! It makes me laugh out loud. She's shy when she first sees people she doesn't know too well and gives the "scowl" but within a few minutes I got a smile!

I also love pictures like this that show the minutes before the posed picture is taken...captures more than the poses!
Before...

After...

Two more days...