The Memory Bee

December 25

Wishing you all a blessed Christmas as you celebrate with those you love!

December 20

I get very sentimental and often teary-eyed at this time of year anyway, but this year is especially emotional. Being in church with my boys is up there on the top of my list of my favorite things. After church we headed down to Pano's on Elmwood for a great breakfast together. 

 

Don't they look thrilled to have their picture taken? .....Too bad! :)

The rest of the day was filled with watching the sorry Bills game, working on upcoming classes (peeks and info coming soon!) and watching the season finale of Survivor. (As much as I disliked Russell, he did make this season fairly entertaining. There were too many "beige" people cast this season, I thought.) 

December 19

So good to have time together! Of course, our first stop was Starbucks, then Target, and then a quick haircut. I haven't been along for a haircut for years so it was pretty funny to be along for a "high and tight fade" or something like that. I'm learning a whole new vocabulary!

  

Before and after...

  

I think he's going to hide my camera soon!

December 18 My Christmas Gift

I don't need or want anything else for Christmas other than the gift I've already been given... my two boys are home, safe and sound! Jeremy's only 45 minutes away and so I see him more often, but I'm so happy to have him home. Who knows where he'll be a year from now?! Brandon is home for the first time since August. I REALLY have no idea where he'll be a year from now, so I'm going to enjoy this two weeks and try not to think about the future. Count my blessings TODAY! Enjoy every moment!

 

 

 

 

I'm a happy mama!

December 15-17

OK, so now I'm cheating and catching up all in one post by covering three days in one. The last three days have been consumed with unpacking, sorting and putting away, a little napping, catching up on my TIVOed shows, and the Christmas shopping that I just started.

The "3-Ds," Debbie, Debbie, and Debby, had our monthly dinner at the Roycroft Inn in East Aurora. This is the home of the Arts and Crafts movement furniture and architecture and is so picturesque at Christmas. There is something so special about history with great friends. We started teaching together at Christian Central Academy in the 80's, and although life has taken us in different paths since then, we have been getting together just about once a month to catch up and pray for each other. It's so cool to see how things have worked out for each of us and our families and how we're still trusting God for some big things too.

 

December 13 & 14

Yes, I'm behind on my daily blogging but I'm plugging along. Just a few more Holiday Hideaway pictures! We started the day Sunday shopping in Prescott, went to lunch, headed over to Tim's house (loved seeing his studio and his new products for CHA... my lips are sealed!) and then to dinner. It was a great time to relax and just get time to visit.

  

  

  

  

 

 

On Monday we made our way back to Phoenix and then on home. The desert mountains along the way fascinated me with the cactus instead of trees like I'm used to. So beautiful! It's been a great trip but I'm so glad to be home, get ready for Christmas and my boys being home, and preparing for a new year of classes!

More December 12

Our Saturday at Holiday Hideaway ended with our gift exchange. In a twist on the white elephant/ stealing the presents idea, we were given $20 and about an hour and a half to go to the stores in Prescott to find a gift that was so cool that we would like to keep for ourselves, but would be willing to lose if it got "stolen" from us. I found an old Kodak camera with the pull out bellows that I hoped to keep but of course, lost after it was taken by the third person (and after Tim "sold" it to the group by pointing out how great it was.) I ended up with a great tray that will be good in my studio or on a coffee table, and I went the next day and bought another camera like the one I didn't get to keep. The funniest gift was the oven mitt that no one would confess to buying. Not exactly the antique that everyone was hoping for! 

  

  

 
 
 The second last gift of the night was the biggest surprise! We were told to look under our seats on the count of 3 to see if you had a ticket on the bottom on your chair. One girl didn't wait until 3 and looked and had a ticket. That seemed to be the end of it, but no... Tim said we should still look to see if anyone else had one. We ALL did! We all got a motorized Big Shot machine from Ellison! I have never owned a die cut machine before so I'm excited! 

  

The gift I will cherish the most is this key from Tim. I love the seamless stone that is formed around the key. Very meaningful.

December 12

Words can't even describe what a day this has been! Imagine the very best Christmas morning as a child and multiply it. In the morning we worked on a Grungeboard book that can be our keepsake album for this weekend. First Tim gave us the Creative Imaginations Christmas line, then the music started that means that gifts are coming and he gave us the Cosmo Cricket line, then the Graphic 45, and finally the matching Coordinations cardstock package, and we could choose the look we wanted our album to have. I didn't add too much to my album (in fact, right now I just have a pile of pages and inclusions) because I want to work on it at home with all the things I've collected from the weekend. Because we didn't have to bring any supplies, anything we needed to work was given to us! Need a paper trimmer? The gift is there! Need a Binderie punch to make the holes? It's there. Need adhesive? A bag FULL appears! Just amazing! The companies that provided products were soo generous!

  

 After a delicious Mexican buffet that Mario made us for lunch, we worked on our books some more using some of Tim's new product. After a little shopping interlude, we began our second class for the day. Without a sample to follow so that Tim could create with us, we made a very cool layered canvas with ephemera, a charcoal pencil, and beeswax. Then he brought out tons of his own collections of "stuff" for us to add to our creations. The elf music kept playing... and playing... and playing... just amazing. Here's my work in progress... I'll take a picture when I finish the project.

 

You'll be amazed at how it transformed when things are added to the front. So far I've added a "frozen Charlotte" little china doll, a small bottle brush tree, a vintage bottle cap, and a glass ornament "exploding" out of one of the canvases. We were given products from Melissa Frances, Martha Stewart, American Crafts, Jenni Bowlin, Advantus, Ranger, and more!

 

The room looked like a creative whirlwind hit it!

 
 Now the challenge is to pack all this to ship home. Right now it's all in four boxes...

December 11

 What a day! I almost cried... it's better than Christmas morning! We played all day and learned so much. Every time the music plays the "elf" at our table goes and gets the gifts that Tim has for us. Plus we've gotten to use some of his new products that will debut in January at CHA. New Sissix dies... totally cool; 12 new colors of Distress Inks... I love them! When we come into the room, he has the table covered and then unveils some of the things we'll be using, like this before and after from his own collections of goodies...

  

We made five projects today. I start out each class feeling so intimidated but then it all comes together. We made a necklace and a bracelet from Ideology pieces, Grungepaper roses that we put in a frame, a wood block with Grungeboard pieces to look like it was carved into the wood, and a collaged shadowbox frame that is full of personal meaning. I just love it!

  

  

 

Can't wait to see what tomorrow has in store!

December 10

By now you might know that I'm here in Prescott, AZ, to go to Tim Holtz's annual Holiday Hideaway. This is a "party" that he throws for himself and friends to play, create, and just have a blast. I have a feeling that my face is going to hurt by the end of the weekend from smiling and laughing!

  

 

These are my tablemates for the weekend... already so fun...Michelle, Mimi and Michelle (from Scrapbook 911), Diane (from Scrapbook Territory), and Kathy, (Tim's hair dresser.) Mario will do all the cooking for us... I hear it will be out of this world!

 

  

Our first activity was a gingerbread house contest where we had a kit, $10 to shop for additional decorations, and 30 minutes to go to the store to buy what we wanted, and then time to decorate. My table didn't win but I thought our house was pretty cute with a log roof, a cactus, and a snowman in a hot tub. We also made the pin that's on my apron in the top picture. Can't wait to see what he has in store for us tomorrow!

We started out the day shopping here in Prescott. They had quite a bit of snow earlier in the week and are still recovering from that. It's such a quaint town though! I love the mountains around it, too!

 

  

 

 

December 9

Timi, Nancy, Sue, and Nancy arrived safely in Phoenix from St. Louis and Wendy arrived from Chicago and we were off on our shopping tour for the day! But first we had to fit all the luggage of six people into a mini van! It seemed impossible but we made it!

 

 
 We started out at Melrose Vintage where I got the coolest bag with a drawer handle on it. It was great to see Diane and Wendy there! 

 
 
 Then it was on to Rust and Roses. I found a creamer and sugar bowl in a pattern that I collect.

 
 
 From there we headed across town to Mystic Paper and Domestic Bliss. I love that store! I could move in! I bought a little red and white Christmas tree and a necklace there that just called my name. It was fun to meet Trish there who I "knew" from Mary Smilove's blog. Small world!

  

 
Then we went to Ruffler's Roost and drooled over aisles of ribbons! Just down the street is Scrapbooks Etc., so we made our way there and did some damage. Stores were closing by now, so we went to Lucille's for fabulous Bar-b-que. Yum!

 

Finally it was time to head north to Prescott where we settled into our hotel. Tomorrow we'll shop Prescott (I hear there are some amazing stores!) and then the REAL fun begins!

December 8

 

Today I made my way from San Antonio to Phoenix where it's cold, too, but at least it's sunny! I picked up a rental car and set out to do some shopping in the Scottsdale area where I'm staying tonight. My first stop was an antique shop named Lizabel's Treasures. They had recently come home from a shopping trip to London and Paris. I bought a small French Bible that they got on their trip. So sweet...I'll take a picture eventually.

 

Then I stopped at Last Chance, the final "dumping ground" for Nordstrom returns. Nothing that I wanted there today. Most of the clothes and shoes seem to be worn and dirty but the last time I was there I got a brand new looking white raincoat with the tags still attached for $19.99 and one of their super soft bath robes for $9.99. Then I went on to the Fashion Square mall. While driving for miles around looking for a Target, I found the Shops at Kierland. Very pretty at night! This is the picture I took as I was driving through it.

 

I actually think it looks kind of cool! Tomorrow the other girls are arriving and we'll be following our GPS around Phoenix, going to our favorite fun shops and then driving to Prescott tomorrow night. Stay tuned!

December 7

My day started out at the Shops of La Cantera in San Antonio where I wandered and explored until Candice Stringham met me for lunch. The funny thing is that we went to Grimaldi's Pizza which originated at the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. I've never been there and had come to Texas to get it. It was great to catch up with her since she recently moved here. (We've taught at CKU for a few years together.)

  

I wish we had great shopping centers like this where I live! From there it was on to Scrapbook 911 where I taught two classes. It was so nice to see people I know from other stores and events. You Texas girls are soo sweet. I just love coming here! The gals at the store could not have been better. Thanks for all the Texas treats! I hope we can do it again someday!

  

I'm exhausted! These were the last two classes of the year! All the Christmas class kits are gone! There are a couple travel album kits left and that class is done too. Time to get to work on the new classes for the new year... but first I'm off to Phoenix tomorrow morning for a day of shopping and relaxing. Yeah!

December 6

I just thought it was so cool that I was going to be in San Antonio at the same time as Brandon and envisioned us spending the day together at the Riverwalk and all kinds of fun things. As the time got closer I realized that I might just get to see him for a while on base and then in the last day or two, I began to prepare myself for the fact that I might not get to see him at all (but I was REALLY hoping I could!) He has been in reception for the last three weeks and just TODAY moved in his new company and begins medic school tomorrow. What timing! I was able to go on base (really called a post :) and go right to the building where he is. I explained that I was in town on business and just wanted to say hi to my son. They went to ask permission for him to come see me and came back and said that the commander said no. Something about being short-staffed and moving 500 people into place today, etc. I couldn't believe I was so close and couldn't even see him! I thought maybe he saw me because there were groups of soldiers standing in formation at his building and I knew he would be dying of embarrassment, so maybe it was better in that way. Here's some photos I took. 

Almost there... his barracks:

  

He could be one of these soldiers... or one of these:

  

Their belongings ready for moving in... my niece and her Major boyfriend (thanks for trying!)

  

 

I'm so glad I at least got to see where he'll be for the next 16 weeks.

It's been so wonderful to get to stay with my brother-in-law and sister-in law! We started our day at church this morning and then we went to the Alamo... well, the Alamo Cafe, not the real thing. Love some good Mexican food! One more day here with classes at Scrapbook 911 tomorrow and then the adventure continues!

    

 

December 5

I didn't have a good internet connection yesterday to do my daily December post, so I'll have to catch up with two today! We had a great day of classes at Crop Paper Scissors in Waco. It was so cool that in each class just about everyone had taken a class from me somewhere before! I love seeing people again and catching up on how they are and see some things they've been doing! Thank you all (or y'all) for your sweet welcome and hospitality. You are so lucky to have Crop Paper Scissors!

A big thank you to Linette who gave me a ride to Austin to rent a car to drive the rest of the way to San Antonio after class! Can't wait to see you all again!

December 4

Yes, it really did snow here in Waco! So pretty but it didn't last long! See the white flakes? :)

 

We started our day with lunch and then a visit to one of my favorite stores, Bloom and Bee Swanky. I wish I lived nearby to shop in there regularly. Such a great mixture of old and new things! Emmalie, Mary her mom, and I searched for some special treasures! I found a few!

 

Then we had such a treat! We went over to Stephanie Howell's mom Becki's house. Wow! She has the most awesome collections of vintage treasures! I told her that she maybe she should check my purse when I left in case some things made their way home with me! I loved being able to tell her about our trip to Georgia and what a great daughter she has! It was a precious time together! We're calling you Stephanie and Harper and Sadie and saying hi on one of the little red phones! You are very missed!!

I just needed to have my mom here, too! The day ended with a great group at class at the store. Can't wait until the next two classes tomorrow and then it's on to San Antonio!

December 3 A day in the air

I had a pretty uneventful day flying from Buffalo to Newark to Houston to Waco. I'm thankful for small blessings like the fact that Continental is now part of Star Alliance so that I can get exit row seats and for the carts that you can hop on to go long distances in the airport. Did you know those aren't just for handicapped people? I never knew that but I've had a few of the cart drivers assure me that they'll take anyone that wants a ride and will give them a little tip! That's me!!

I had to take this picture at the gate in Houston of the weather forecast for Waco. I thought I was leaving the snow! I guess I'll be here for a pretty unusual thing! It's great to see Emmalie who owns Crop Paper Scissors and stay in her darling home again! This is my third time teaching here and so I can't wait to see everyone tomorrow!

December 2 NYC windows

Every year the window of the Bergdorf Goodman store on 5th Avenue are the most fantastic, incredible, inspiring of all. This year was so creative and full on inspiring details. You can click on any of these pictures to enlarge them and see the details a little better. Pictures are always a little challenging because of the reflection of the buildings across the street, but I hope you can see it well enough to enjoy.

The first was made of mirrors and the second was a fantasy of glitter and paper and vintage images (I want to live in the Victorian house up near the top):

 

The third is really hard to see but it was a chess board on its side. Every figure, card, and embellishment was attached to the back wall of the window so that we looked at the top of everything. The fourth window was my favorite because it was made of entirely of paper. I've included lots of close ups to show details of all the paper creations. Just amazing!:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I even like the titles they gave each window! The mushrooms and Humpty Dumpty are made out of the folded pages of books. So clever!

The Anthropologie windows were great too!

 

 

These paper sculptures continue throughout the store with huge displays of the snow cone cups and slips of paper. So cool!

I'm packing for an eleven day trip to four different places and trying to figure out how to pack one suitcase for different climates! Quite a challenge!

NYC... getting ready for Christmas

I was pleasantly surprised to see so many of the decorations already up in New York when I was there last week. I usually go to New York closer to Christmas, but this year there isn't going to be time to go then. The only thing that wasn't ready was the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center. Those lights are turned on tonight. This is what the tree looked like last Monday with the scaffolding that is used to string all the lights on it. By Wednesday the workers were busy removing the scaffolding and it looked better.

 

The star was up over 5th Avenue and the stores and their windows were decked out for the holidays. As usual, the Bergdorf Goodman windows were outstanding! I'll share those pictures in a separate post... so amazing! Here's some of the sites around the city...

Tiffanys and Henri Bendel...

Cartier and Saks Fifth Avenue...

Times Square... so many people at 11 at night!

Tinsel Trading Company... eye candy!

Baked by Melissa mini cupcakes... just a window on Spring St. in SoHo. They are the cutest little things but I'd rather have a whole cupcake! I had a really yummy caramel cupcake that I liked better from Magnolia Bakery!

The new Shabby Chic store... definitely not the same as before. I missed the more gifty things that they used to have. One thing that was really fun to see was Rachel Ashwell's actual inspiration board that was shipped to the store from California.

 

 

Jeremy and I had an absolutely outstanding meal at Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill. Every bite was amazing! I never saw Jeremy enjoy a meal so much! It was really fun!

 

We had our usual breakfast at Viands and at Balthazar. Some of you know from Facebook that we were seated right next to James Frey who wrote A Million Little Pieces, and is notorious for making up most of that book. Jeremy didn't know who he was, so I looked him up on Wikipedia on my phone and passed it to him. We could hear him talk about a book he's writing now. Quite a "celebrity" sighting!

Thanksgiving day everyday

This holiday weekend was so relaxing! I took naps and watched TV and got a some work done and spent some time counting my blessings! Here's just a few of the things I thought of...

• my family: I'm thankful that I knew exactly where my boys were this year. Even though we weren't all together, I knew Brandon was well taken care of by family in Texas. Next year it could be a whole different story: Brandon could be deployed and Jeremy could be living somewhere else in the country depending on where he finds a job when he graduates. I can't even let my mind go there without turning my thoughts over to God. I know they will be well taken care of by Him!

  

This is the only picture I have of Brandon from the weekend that I got from his Flickr site. It's funny to see him out of his uniform! I love that he's with a Chick Fil A Santa cow! Looks like he's having fun though. 

I'm thankful for such a supportive husband who helps me in every way he can.

I'm thankful that I still have both my parents (and although I wish they lived nearby, I'm thankful that they live in such a good place to visit!)

• I'm thankful for our home and heat and lights and clean water.
• I'm thankful for technology. Even though it can be a blessing and a curse, it allows us to keep in touch like never before and so I'm thankful.
• I'm thankful for my new car ( I love my Mini and give thanks every time I get in it!) After driving a car for so many years and being stranded many times when it broke down, I'm very thankful to have a new one finally!
• I'm so thankful for our jobs. We've gone through unemployment when the boys were little. (I remember having to go to a free clinic for shots because we couldn't afford to go to the pediatrician; of using powdered milk because we couldn't afford regular milk; of going to the mall with my little boys just to have something indoors to do, but taking a packed lunch because we couldn't afford to buy a taco. There wasn't even one extra dollar. All these things cause me to not take any of these things for granted... my heart is full of thanks everyday!) One of the things I learned from this time is that God is our provider... usually He provides with our jobs and other times He meets our needs in other ways.
• I'm thankful that I get to do what I do! I am so blessed to do what I love and meet so many wonderful people. I only hope I can be near the blessing to them as they are to me.
• I'm thankful that airfares have stayed fairly reasonable so that I can continue to travel.
• I'm thankful for friends like Keith and Kelli and their family who have included us in their family Thanksgivings and Christmas Eves for the last few years.

• Most of all, I'm thankful for God's love and guidance, for His faithfulness, and the Bible. I give all the credit to Him!

I'm planning to start posting every day in December like I have the last couple years. It's a great way for me to keep track of all the activities of the month for my Christmas scrapbook.