Black Friday Deals

Yep, we too have black friday sales:

Come in and pull a tag with your discount - upto 40% off your entire purchase!!!
Then, go shopping. No, surprises, no let downs - you know what you've got and your budget - shop your little heart out.
Today from 2 - 5 pm
Extended sale hours tomorrow from 11 am - 4 pm only.

Write soon,
Dee

P.S. We do not have enough croppers for tomorrow night's crop - so that is cancelled. But, we do have enough for next Saturday's prima crop - space is very limited. Remember this is a free crop! We only have 4 spots available. First come basis. 11 am - 7 pm.

As promised, the count...

drum roll please......

LO 487 it's s"no"w fun
LO 488 i will love you to infinity
LO 489 pool wars
lO 490 today:a clean room
lo 491 1 (one)
lo 492 fast friends
lo 493 summer fun
lo 494 pool pout
lo 495 girls
lo 496 Go!
lo 497 be loved
lo 498 us
lo 499 grandma gloria
lo 500 you together
lo 501 old jail shoot
lo 502 goofy
lo 503 happy birthday
lo 504 love
lo 505 you stole my heart
lo 506/507 it's cold outside
lo 508 the last time
lo 509 christmas magic
lo 510 it's my birthday
lo 511 celebrate
lo 512 40, 40, 40
lo 513 happy birthday
lo 514 your soul
lo 515 happy
lo 516 my girl
lo 517 i'm proud
lo 518 you two

Can you believe it??? and i've still got some more in me. I swear that if I didn't scrap I would probably be in a loony bin or a maximum security prison. Scrapbooking has truly saved my life. I guess you've probably realized that I must have a lot of issues that I need to scrap that often. And the answer is probably yes.

But, it is a safe alternative to all the other things out there!!! Especially lately, I've had to scrap to stay sane and work through a lot of stuff.

For the last few months I have been keeping a secret: This summer my husband called me early one morning in agony. He had this horrible pain in his left side and he just couldn't take it anymore. After several more macho calls I finally convinced him to go to the ER. Many hours later the verdict was in - he had passed a kidney stone on his left side. Unfortunately, that was not the end of that. We were so excited to hear that it was a kidney stone until the hospital rep let us know that that wasn't the real issue. There was something wrong with his right kidney. What??? His right kidney??? That can't be right? So, after several more visits to the specialist it turns out that he has cancer in his kidney. He is having an MRI and then we will see about surgery. The thing is because it's inside his kidney they can't tell me what can exactly happen until they open him up. But, we got a warning - a sign I truly believe. My husband hasn't been to an ER in the entire time we've been here. The fact that he went in for the kidney stone gave us the chance to catch it early. So, we are hopeful. I am damn adamant about him being okay. He has no choice.

I know it took me a long time to reveal this information. But, at this time, it seems quite likely that he will have surgery in the next few weeks and my time at the store will be even less while we work through this. I really didn't want to affect your visit to our store by dampening the mood. So, now that I have told everyone, I won't have to keep repeating it and crying all over again.

I hope that you will continue to support our store and keep us in business during this trying time. I promise to continue to provide quality products at great prices. Kicking it off with our prima crop on december 5th. So, if you have not signed up, give us a call or email me at dee@deescrapbookstore.com. Space is already very limited.

Thank you for all of your support in the last three years.

And don't forget to keep us in your prayers.

write soon,
dee

Why...

You probably are wondering what now...why what...are you still talking about why you scrap. Well, the answer is yes. I am still talking about it. But this will probably be my final installment on the subject - this is the hardest of all reasons to scrap. But, what the heck - this is supposed to be cathartic - it's supposed to make me feel better when I journal it out. So, here goes:
I've made a huge error - I have not met a goal - I have failed at something - yep, it's true. Many of you only hear about the great stuff in my life. I have been asked so many times how I do it - how can I have a day job, a business, and am still married with 5 kids. The truth is I am not even sure. I don't know how they put up with me. I am bossy, pushy, argumentative, difficult, demanding and so much more. But, who can live up to those standards all the time? I can't meet up to those standards.

You are all probably wondering what is this big thing that she failed at. What huge, big secret has Dee been keeping from us. Here it is: My birthday came and passed and I did not get my driver's licence. I know it doesn't sound so bad - most people are shocked or think it's weird that I don't drive. But, I can't help it. It really doesn't matter to me that I don't drive. What does, is my inability to bite the bullet and take the test. What could have caused me not to meet a goal - when I am such a Type A personality? Why haven't I done it? What is my excuse? All week long I have been thinking about this - how am I going to admit that I couldn't do it? How could that be? I had actually posted it on here to force me to do it - because after all I could lie to myself but not to you guys - I would get it done.

So, naturally, I was going to do it. OOPS! That didn't happen. I actually avoided it even more - everyday saying that today was the day until I had no more days left. I am 40 and drivers licenseless. But, never fear my type a personality got me to thinking how could I fail at this? what is it that is stopping me? After, much thought, I am sure that I am afraid. Really, I am scared. But, not only of failing as a driver but failing the test. What happens if I take that test and I fail. I can't fail a test.
For as long as I remember I have not failed a test - through middle school, high school, college, my masters, both of my endorsements - I truly can't remember once - my evaluations are always high - having won the map award the last two years as one of the best teachers in the county - even being the teacher of the year at alva last year. I am good at taking test because I love what I do, I love to excel, I love to get the A - (Don't worry - I know this is a sign of a much deeper psychological issue). But, still for all those things I know what is expected of me. I have the background knowledge, the degrees, the work ethic to know what is expected and I get it done. But, this type of test is not something you can study for - you don't know what someone else is thinking...what they had to drink...what's happening in their lives...you don't know. And that my friends is what truly scares me. The not knowing - I am AFRAID of the unknown, of what might happen because I don't have enough knowledge in the subject. I am not ready. So, my husband has bought me driving lessons for my birthday and I am going to face head on my demons. I will be afraid no longer (well, maybe I will still be afraid of the unknown - but not of driving). I will practice and practice and I will get it done. So, although I have failed at this - I don't plan to let it stop me. I am going to do it.

So, there you have it - it might seem odd that I said this is one of the reasons I scrap - but with everything in life - you must take the good with the bad. I think generations to come will be astounded by my fear of driving - who knows what they will be doing - flying perhaps. LOL. Journal and document your fears and worries because after all we are all human and our families get that. Give them a real glimpse of who you are real and raw.

Write soon,
Dee

40 and Fabulous

Yes, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Forty so far has been fantastic. I had a great weekend. Time with good friends, tons of gifts, starbucks, and new prima bling. How can that be wrong? I am so looking forward to the rest of this year. Although, I did hit 40 without a driver's license (oh well) I am planning on doing it. John has found a driving school for me and I just need to call for the first lesson. So, after 10 of those I am going to take the plunge. This has to be the year. I have no choice, it's not an option. If I can go to school and deal with 18 - 5 year olds I can do anything. Okay, do I sound convincing. I'm really trying.

As for everything else. My husband is just fantastic. Although he makes me crazy and I want to strangle him most of the time - he is truly amazing. I had the best birthday ever. I slept in, I got my favorite Seafood Barbecue Lunch/Dinner, I got to scrapbook, I had a photo shoot with my girls and my oldest came over and joined in as well. My other boys are acting Camera Shy and promise a photo shoot soon...

This weekend I spent using up all my giftcards. I hit Target, Walmart, Barnes & Nobles, LongHorn, and still have some gift card money left. Oh yeah. So, this was the birthday that kept on giving. Wish I could do it every week without having to get older of course.

Oh, well.

I am excited to say that I will get to celebrate a little more at our Prima Party on December 5th though. There new mid-year lines have already shipped and include some beautiful papers, flowers, and more. Plus, all those swirls that flew out of the store at the crop will also be back in the house - so if you missed out this will be the day to come in and get it before it's all gone. The crop is FREE from 11 am to 7 pm. So, email or call us to sign up. Space is limited. Croppers will get 10% off their entire purchase including prima products. The girls and I will be putting together some samples for you all to scraplift if you like. Instant ideas can it get better than that?

Well, I've got to go. I need to get my pages in my book so that I can update my count. I am sure that I have hit 500 already. Now, we are down to the wire - let's see how far I get.

Write soon,
Dee

A big deal...

okay don't get me wrong, scrappin the everyday moments is great but documenting those big milestones is just as important.

While I have photos/layouts of the kids just sleeping with books on their laps, of faces full of chocolate, and mani/pedi days w/ the girls, I also have photos/layouts for all the big deal stuff. You know what I mean, the photos of the kids in front of the christmas tree every year, the ones of every single bday party, every single cheer performance, every single holiday program, end of year awards, etc. Those are important. Those matter.

My little one is a "cheerleader." She loves it. It's in her blood. It's part of her personality - of her charm. It is who she is. So, every single performance is a major event - the hair, the socks, the sneakers, etc. Those are unforgetable moments for her. Moments that she will treasure forever. She truly is amazing. Luckily, I scrap, I scrap it all.

You should too - scrap all the big moments in your life, in your children's life, in your work life (yes, there is such a thing - right diana?). So, scrap those big moments!!!

Write soon,
Dee

Stress relief...

This weekend we are celebrating my 40th birthday and christmas in a big two day bash. Which is so awesome. But, like any party, it takes a lot of work to plan and execute these things - all the new product and the classes, and schedules, and challenges , etc. It's a lot of hard work by me and the entire team. But, there is always a silver lining.

Last weekend Amy M came in with a little cutout quote that she received and that I wanted to share with all of you:

Research indicates that scrapbook writing (or what we call journaling) can help to relieve stress, enhance your immune system, heal inner hurts, and help focus oneself in an empowering way.

Did you know that?

It makes sense. It is a stress reliever. It has literally saved my children's lives. I would probably be in a 6x10 cell screaming "I'm going to change my name" "or is a little peace and quiet too much to ask for" or "Did you hear me?" or even better "Because I said so". Any of these sound familiar? You know they do.

But, really it has helped me through so many things. Some layouts causing tears of happiness, while other tears of understanding. It has been a form of therapy - a lot more expensive form of therapy - but therapy none the less. LOL

So, there you have it - another reason to scrap: to stay sane. Choose sanity - scrap instead.

Write soon,
Dee

Just a week away....

In one week I will be forty. The big 4-0. Fortunately for me I am like fine wine I get better with time.

Honestly, I am just happy to make it to 40. Every decade marks the beginning of a new life for me. In my 20's I was young and single - hanging out at the clubs, smoking, and drinking. My 30's were about settling down and raising my children in my own home. So, what will my 40's be about??? What will happen next? What will my next adventure be??? Who knows???

Yesterday, my two little ones were "battling" with their new swords and shields while I was eating breakfast. I told them that they were so cute and that I would take photos later because I was already late to the store. They were quite understanding and agreed to pose later. I went to the store, worked late, went out to dinner, etc, etc. Arriving at home many hours later. My children got ready for bed and then ran in to remind me that they needed to pose for the "gladiator photos." Wow, my babies wanted to pose for pictures of those everyday moments. No, not of the gladiator shots but what they are willing to do to get out of going to bed on time. What they failed to realize is that I am not a newbie - I am old pro at this. So, after just getting 5-6 shots off they went to bed - no 2 hour photo shoot for them. Much to their dislike. Oh well.

But, those are the moments. The everyday moments that take your breath away (believe me getting my two little ones to agree to anything is short of a miracle). So, there you have it - another reason to scrap - to capture those everyday moments that might not really make sense to anyone else but mean so much to your family - like Nik's pictures covered in magic markers, amanda'a half shaved phots, mikaela's eyebrow escapades, albert in his messy shirts, jj's silly grin, the kids falling asleep in the back of the car on the way to nyc, and they just go on. Scrap them and record those everyday moments that only your family can appreciate and let them feel through your layouts all the love that you pour into them when you create them. Isn't that why we scrap - out of love.

So, bring it on 40's more everyday moments that will take my breath away. I can't wait...

lovingly,
dee

Somber mood...

All week - i've been feeling odd. Like something was wrong. Just a bad omen feeling. But, I just couldn't put my finger on the reason for distress. Was I just going crazy. Then, in conversation it came up.

This week it makes 6 years that my mother in law passed. She was one of the good ones. Although she had her moments - we all do. She was fair and decent, she was a good cook and loved the kids to death. She would fly to nyc for each birth and spend several weeks at my home taking care of the kids while I recovered - cooking, cleaning, washing clothes. Basically, she did it all and if my husband even looked at me cross eyed she would straighten him out. I was a good woman period and he'd better apologize and behave. She was a good women. But, cancer ate her up. In 8 months she was gone. It was sad to see her become a shell of the person she was. I was sure that she was going to make it. If anyone was going to make it it was her. I was so sure and still 6 years later it seems unimaginable - unbelievable. But its true.

This weekend I will pull her photos out again and remind the kids of the beautiful person she was. But, this year it will be different. Because I think I am finally ready to scrap those photos. No more boxes for them.

Another reason that I scrap besides as proof of the good times (evidence) - out of respect and love, to honor those who came before us and left a mark on our lives.

Take the time out and do that - honor someone else. Remember the good times and share them. And hug those dear to you closer, love them deeper, and cherish them more.

Respectfully yours,
Dee

Glee is in the air...

Yesterday, while picking up my glasses (they were finally ready) we did a quick run through Walmart and my little one found the GLEE CD (okay I found it, and pointed it out, and suggested that she tell daddy about it - hahaha). She just had to have it and what the hey we needed to get it - it was a matter of life and death. Why is it that when it comes to kids getting stuff, it has to be a matter of life and death?

Well, after listening to it about 50 times in the last 24 hours, my daughter replays her favorite song - a remake of Diana Ross' You Keep Me Hangin' On. She loves 60's music. After I took a closer look at the cover I realized that the songs spanned the decades. They reminded me of the tunes I grew up on. That's why I have connected with the show - the music. I am just happy after every episode. So, no matter how horrible I thought it was, my mind subconsciously has related these songs to happy times in my life.

Music - okay loud music was a part of growing up in my home - I could hustle as a kid and my sister and I competed at every family party (remember Puerto Rican families are huge so parties were an almost weekly occurence). I listen to everything - I think my IPOD is having an identity crisis as it plays celine dion after LL cool j that followed Marc Anthony (spanish song). But, darn it if it doesn't prove that there were good times.

My kids can sometimes drive me up a wall. Which of course means that they will complain about every little thing and how horrible I am and sometimes I wonder if when they grow up they will remember anything besides the bad moments. Will they remember all the hand-picked teachers, the $$$ spent on tutors, the countless hours spent in emergency rooms, the tears I cried when they cried during their vaccinations, the visits to nyc, chicago, puerto rico, disney, sesame place, great adventures, universal studios, the two busch gardens???

Oh yeah, that right I have the photos to prove it - that's why I scrapbook - it's evidence. So, the next time they yell out that I am so mean, maybe I'll pull out that layout with me holding their tiny little bodies on the day they were born. That's a good one. I am going to file that one. I know I am going to need to use it with these little ones. So scrap it - it's evidence of good times had - you just might have to use it.

write soon,
dee

Another sponsor...

yep, we got another sponsor for this crop - Creative Imaginations. They rock - they always send a ton of stuff for goodies. Thanks Chris!!! You are awesome. I already got confirmation from UPS and it has shipped.

Prima also arrived and i heard that it's all beautiful - if you find any slobber on it it was rebecca drooling all over it. She is hilarious. She must have it all - but she is going to have to wait - it won't be out on the floor until the crop and remember we are not opening until 3 pm on the 13th - so bail early and come spend your money here we will have plenty of goodies to tempt you with. We are also expecting over 20 new collections just in time for this crop - so if there is anything you need this will be the time. Oh yeah!!! I can't wait to get my hands on some of it - especially the prima, CI, and bo bunny. Are you drooling yet??? cause I know I am....

well if I don't get off the computer soon I won't be able to finish my online class assignments on time - yeah - I've still got a whole bunch of stuff to do. It's going to be a long night.


write soon,
dee

Spots are filling up fast...

so don't delay. Ines' prima class is full and Rebecca and Kellie are almost full, too. Remember, if you want to take an additional class please let me know so that we can prepare a kit for you. We will have a limited number of extra kits for each class at $15 each. If you have signed up you should have gotten a confirmation with the classes you have been registered in. If you have not received a confirmation I have not received your request - please contact me immediately to remedy this situation.

I am so excited - the prima goodies arrive tomorrow and the ci kit items arrive on friday. Oh yeah and american crafts is also en route - but remember all the pretties will not be out on the floor until the day of the crop - November 13th. We have special hours that day as well. We will not open until 3 pm and it's going to be awesome! SO, whether you are signed up or not don't forget to stop in and shop, shop, shop. Oh yeah!!!


Write soon,
Dee

the moment you all have been waiting for...

some minor class descriptions:

Remember if you are attending saturday of the birthday crop you must email me your class request at dee@deescrapbookstore.com. Classes are capped at 6 and are on a first come/first serve basis and will be filled in the order they were received. Please list your choices in order from 1-5. You will receive a confirmation with your classes.

Kellie - is doing a layout class w/ a card made out of the scraps using fancy pants
Rebecca - is also doing a layout class using mm mistletoe
Sharon - is doing a stand-up accordian album with Pink Paislee Mistletoe and Co.
Ines - is doing a prima inspired layout
Renee - is doing a decorative banner project w/ slots for interchangeable photos

Remember these are technique classes - so there will be several techniques introduced - including distressing inks, perfect pearls, embossing, dimensional glue, stamping, alcohol inks, and so much more - imagine the possibilities!!!

Write soon,
dee

P.S. Kits will be available for sale for all the classes. So, if you get locked out of a class - you can purchase the kit for a $15 fee. Instructions will be included.

count update

As promised here is the count update and I am so close:

Book 9 cont'd
lo 434 beautiful
lo 435 ride
lo 436-437 trouble duh
lo 438 egghunt
lo 439 love
lo 440 smile
lo 441 kids at play
lo 442 mommy in training

Book 10
LO 443 prettifuls
LO 444 My girl is in middle school
LO 445 Cherish
LO 446 My girls
LO 447 After
LO 448-449 romance
LO 450-451 Pagelli's
LO 452-453 without a title
LO 454-455 gentle
LO 456-457 family forever
Lo 458 It just flew my
LO 459 Friends
LO 460 1st Day
LO 461 turtle love
LO 462/463 Cheer
LO 464 Earth love layout
LO 465 Sweet
LO 466- Another Earth love layout
LO 467 My man
LO 468 Tiger Arroyo
LO 469 the two of you
LO 470 Love
LO 471 I wonder how we became friends - scrappin
LO 472 remember it all
LO 473 Pool Fun
LO 474 Fresh
Lo 475 Right Now
LO 476 you are the reason
LO 477 Mommy in training
LO 478 school photo 09
LO 479 life saver
LO 480/481 the most expensive photo shoot ever
LO 482 swim

Book 11
Lo 483 water baby
LO 484/485 water play
LO 486 that look

I am so close - but this is not going to be the weekend. I am hoping to get there at the birthday bash. That would be so awesome. Then, I can change it to 550. If I can get 550 layouts done this year that will be a lifetime record. I don't know if I could ever beat that. But, I know that I am going to have fun every year trying to get there. Oh yeah!

Anyone out there close???
You've still got time!!!
Get it done!!!

write soon,
dee