Where oh where does the time go?

The last month has been absolutely CRAZY!!! This weekend is the end of the birthday mayhem in my house. On 2/1 Nik turned 10, on 2/16 Al turned 21, on 3/6 Mimi turned
12, and this weekend my baby girl will turn 8. Yeppers the big 8.

Every birthday with Amanda has been more difficult then the last. Maybe because she is the last one in the set and they are so close to each other - I just feel like time is flying by - in a month they all get older. Plus, by now I am emotionally and financially drained - absolutely exhausted. Wow, what a difference a month makes.

So, I have been going through spurts of creativity and madness and whipping out layouts in manic moments where I feel the pressure to catch up. But, lord knows that I will never ever catch up so the feeling quickly subsides. But, in those manic moments I have managed to add a boatload of layouts to my albums including all of the following:

Book 3
LO 77 Sweet ( a little change- update)
LO 78/79 Giddy Up
LO 80/81 beauty
LO 82/83 Gotta (heart) them
LO 84/85 Love
LO 86 A True Heart
LO 87 P.S. I Love You
LO 88/89 My Boy
LO 90 Serious
LO 91 My Sweet
LO 92 Miami
LO 93 Sweet
LO 94 (Nameless) new prima paper
LO 95 glasses
LO 96 Stout

Book 4
LO 97 The Stare
LO 98/99 These are the moments
LO 100 /101 Florida Pool Homes
LO 102/103 Makeup Madness 2008
LO 104/105 Big Brother
LO 106/107 Spaghetti Lover
LO 108/109 Old Friends
LO 110 Live, Laugh, Love
LO 111 Make your dreams come true
LO 112 Backyard
LO 113 Dream Big
LO 114/115 Make Everyday Beautiful
LO 116/117 The Brides of Tigger
LO 118/119 Play
LO 120/121 Timeless Beauty
LO 122/123 Nameless (MM paper)
LO 124 Infinity & Beyond
LO 125 Out of this World
LO 126 Reach the Stars
LO 127 What
LO 128/129 Rock On!
LO 130/131 Slow Down
LO 132/133 Busch Gardens
LO 134/135 A Box of Chocolates
LO 136 Giraffe

Book 5
LO 137 South Beach
LO 138 Fun with Titi Cindy
LO 139 fun
LO 140/141 Cutie
LO 142 Turning 7
LO 143 dreamer
LO 144/145 Barbie Princess
LO 146 Bathing Beauties
LO 147 Pure Innocence
LO 148/149 Happy Birthday – sept 07
LO 150/151 Having Fun
LO 152/153 Autographs @ Disney
LO 154/155 Got Characters?
LO 156/157 Minnie
LO 158 Now u see it – now u don’t
LO 159 Cute

But, the fun doesn't end there - this weekend is our Betty crop so come in and check out all the new pretty stuff from Webster's Pages - you would not believe how gorgeous it all is. The embellishements keep getting better and the cameos are a great deal. They are scheduled to arrive tomorrow so they will be out in the NEW section at Betty's just in time for the crop.

Plus, next weekend I am planning to finally empty out my cupboards and have a garage sale at Alva - they are having a community sale from 7:30 to 2:00 pm so after a thorough house cleaning I have enough stuff to fill up 10 booths but 2 will have to do. So, come in and check it out - there will be a ton of stuff from paper, to food, to furniture - so check it out plus it is a school fundraiser - some come and support our 4th grade. It will be at Alva Elementary right off of 80 on Broadway - email me at mika369@aol.com for address/info etc.

Well, I've got some birthday plans to confirm.

See you all soon,
Dee

P.S. I feel like a spurt coming on....

Where have I been???

at Betty's. We had another crop on the 30th. Those damn chairs were incredible. I don't even know what it is, even my table seems bigger. That crop room is a nice one. Then, to top it off Juli's son Jonathan (the chef) made lunch for us. WOW!!! I have eaten some of his food before but who would have thought that he could make chicken salad seem like a gourmet meal and the dessert was of course my favorite - a concoction with whipped cream, coconut shavings, chocolate, and oreo cookies. Oh my.
We all just chipped in a few dollars and called a win-win. I definetely came out good on the deal - any other place would have been double the amount and we would either have to wait an hour for delivery or waste even more money to drive over and pick it up.

Then, to top it all off I put a huge order together for Betty and it ALL has been ordered. Of course it all comes down to Prima sending it all but it's supposed to arrive just in time for our crop on the 20th - so if you have not signed up yet - you'd better do it quick because this crop should fill up fast and bring your money because theses are all must haves!!! and as always items only come in 6's and the paper only comes in 10's so run don't walk to the crop or you will miss out. Of course I will have plenty of layouts for you to copy including a couple of wedding layouts, some baby girl layouts (my niece) and a few more topics including a beachy layout.

I also wanted to post my layout count for 2010 - I know a litlle late but's it better than never:

Book 1-2010 (BOOK 13 – 2009)
LO1 together
LO2 crafty
LO3 pool butt
LO4/5 Merry Christmas
LO 6 puerto rico
LO7 Free to be me
LO8/9 You are such a girly girl
LO 10/11 I wanna see it all!
LO 12/13 Universal Seuss
LO 14 School pic’s 05
LO 15 Monkey Love
LO 16/17 Turning 13
LO 18/19 Alva Awards 2008
LO 20/21 Dinosaur PJ Yeah!
LO 22 Good Day Sunshine
LO 23 Easter Egg Hunt
LO 24/25 Celebrating 13
Lo 26/27 The Carnie
LO 28/29 Absolutely Magical Sea World
LO 30/31 Our Family
LO 32/33 Science AR Party Fall 08
LO 34 Generations

Book 2 -2010
LO 35 my handsome boy
LO 36/37 Manly Man
LO 38 Those Eyes
LO 39 Things I love
LO 40/41 Mini Me
LO 42 Wonderful
LO 43 Pure Love
LO 44 You
LO 45 Hilarious Faces
LO 46 This Boy
LO 47 Gotta Love Him – no really
LO 48 Fly
LO 49 All Smiles
LO 50 – No photos or name yet
LO 51 - No photos or name yet
LO 52 dino love
LO 53 perfect
LO 54/55 Outtakes
LO 56 You five are so different and so much alike
LO 57 Cool
LO 58 3 Reasons
LO 59 Perfect
LO 60 Timeless
LO 61 The Four of Us and Nik
LO 62/63 - No photos or name yet
LO 64/65 Utter Love
LO 66/67 Innocence
LO 68/69 My Superstars
LO 70/71
LO 72/73 So You
LO 74/75 Sea World
LO 76 Best Friends 07
LO 77/78 Beauty

The goal this year is to beat last year. Although I got to a bumpy start. I am making up for lost time. I will photograph my favorite 5 or 10 and post them here - especially the ones with the gorgeous basic grey or the beautiful prima papers Betty has at the store. I love those too.

So, come check out the new ones on the 20th. Don't forget to call Betty's and reserve your spot - this crop is sure to fill up fast and don't forget Juli's son is making lunch again so if you are interested don't forget to bring some cash to throw in the pot.

Write soon,
Dee

Woohoo

I have crop room envy.

Yesterday was our first crop at Betty's and it was heavenly. The crop room is huge and comfortable. I am so glad that Betty's welcomed us with open arms. It was a great day and I got my hands on some new PRIMA. The basic grey was gorgeous and we got our hands on some gorgeous ribbon, too.

I want to thank all the ladies and Kale who came and hungout with us at Betty's. A great time was had by everyone. In fact, they had such a good time that they signed up for Betty's $5 crop on the 30th, so if you missed out, give Betty a call and get your name on that list. They have space but it is very limited.

Our crop next month is the 3rd Saturday of the month, February 20th. Give Betty a call and sign up for that. I am not sure if I can make the one on the 30th but I will definetely be there for the one on the 20th.

Also, the new Fancy Pants should arrive this week, so if you missed the crop come out this is week and pick this up. It's gorgeous.

Write soon,
Dee

P.S. I still have not had a chance to get my layouts from storage so I can update my 2009 count but I will update my 2010 count sometime this week if not later on tonight and post some of my samples with the new paper at Betty's.

It's so beautiful...

I just got my hands on the new Basic Grey Origins and I must say it is beautifullll. I am not sure what I love more the blooms, the pops, the sparkling rubons, the writer's blocks or the doilies...oh and the american crafts thickers are ooh, la, la and about 4 of them match the bg collection. OMG.

This is a drive by blog. I need to get out now and scrap. I should have quite a few samples with it on saturday at Betty's. Don't forget to stop at Betty's for our crop and to check out the new stuff including bg's Origins collection and some more top secret picks.

Write soon,
Dee

Happy New Year...

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, it is unbelievable that 2010 is here.

With that comes random thoughts and random blessings:
the dr gave us good news - it is not growing at all!
my sister in law is having a boy (she has a girl)
Veronica is having a girl (she has a boy)
my husband is in good spirits
the store is so empty - it's weird
got some confirmations and things are on their way for our first crop at Betty's
the crop is full
the product is fabulous
I got to scrap the last few days
I have to go back to work on Monday
I need to update my count for 2009 - had layouts at the store that I need to add to my books - will have to do this soon.
I need to start a count for 2010. My goal is once again to get to 365. But, with all this extra time who knows what mayhem I might get myself into.
I will get a license this year.
I will go on a cruise this year
I will finish my ESOL endorsement this year.
I will finish my reading Endorsement this year.
I will cherish my friends.
I will laugh even more.
I will, will, will...

I know it sounds kind of lame but I am doing self-actualization. I think that's what they call it. If you believe that you will do something the positive energy will help you get it done. Oprah had a boatload of people bragging about this and meeting spouses, getting new jobs, pregnancy, etc. So, I'm going to try it. It's like if you build it they will come - if you believe it you will do it. So, here is to believing!!!

Write soon,
Dee

THIS IS IT!!!

Yep, tomorrow we are closing our doors for good - but we are squeezing one last sale out. From 8-11 am and 3-6 pm we are doing our final sale. Come in and get 60% off every single item in the store.

We still have some fixtures available.

Cash only sale.

Write soon,
Dee

P.S. Space is already limited for the crop on the 9th. We only have a couple of spots available. Call now to reserve your spot.

OMG...we are making a dent

Can you believe it?
We are starting to make a dent...
You can actually walk around the store and not trip over the racks.
But, we still have a ton of THICKERS and I know that there are plenty of you alphabet lovers out there- so come and get it and at $2.00 each you can't do better than that.

I've also made a wall of paper the 4 for a $1.00 wall. So, come in and check out what other deals you can get. It must all go. Really!

dee

Okay, this is it - really

Well, my husband is oficially driving me crazy.

He thinks there is just too much stuff left and that there is no way for us to store it all.

So, we are adding another 2 days to our sale. Tomorrow and Tuesday we will be open from 11 - 5 pm and everything is even cheaper. Everything is 60% off but it's a cash only sale. So, come in and help make my husband happy - help me get rid off it.

If you purchased a rack this weekend don't forget to pick it up Wednesday between 3 and 6 pm. We need to have the entire place emptied out on Wednesday.

Write soon,
Dee

I couldn't resist...

Okay, American Crafts just launched some brand new thickers and I just couldn't resist ordering...eventhough you know. So, is anyone interested??? I have to cover shipping on them so they will be something like $3.50 - if you are in, just email me I got 6 of each of them - which translates into 5 of each to sell. There are 8 different ones and they are oh so cute. They retail for $5.00 each - so you can't beat the price. I will have them with me on the 9th if you are interested or email me to make other arrangements.

Oh, and I also did that with some prima - so I will have a LITTLE stash to get rid of.

Write soon,
Dee
dee@deescrapbookstore.com

Okay, I can hear you loud and clear...

I will be opening tomorrow. Yes, one more day.
We will be open from 11 am - 5 pm. And, everything is now 55% off if you pay with cash or a giftcard only.
We still have some fixtures - so if you are interested, please give me a call or stop by tomorrow.

Merry Christmas!!!


Write soon,
Dee

It's going fast...

The back room already has one entire bare wall. The spinners and displays have been changed to include new paper since no one saw it before. The kits have been organized, with the sample for each right in the crate. Some new samples have been made - with some of the new paper. The glass shelves have been freshened up and the prima wall has gotten a face lift.

We are also giving away free magazines with each purchase until we run out. They are not new magazines - but they might be "new to you." So, stop by. The minutes are just ticking away.

Also, some of you have asked about the inventory - no Betty is not buying me out. What is left will be boxed and stored. So, if there is a kit or paper that you must have - you need to come and get it because you will NOT be able to pick it up later.

Write soon,
Dee

Thanks so much...

You all have been so wonderful.
I told my husband he doesn't need to worry - because with all these people praying for us I know that we will be okay. Right????

On a more personal note, I just want to say that I am so proud of my son, Albert. On Wednesday, our first day of the Going Out of Business Sale, he drove me into Fort Myers. He took me to breakfast and told me that this was just the beginning. That in a couple of years I can open the store again since by then Dad will be fine and the kids will be older and we will have the start up all over again. Although, I was upset, I knew that he was trying to comfort me and that he had thought this out. In the moment I was upset because the wound was still fresh. But, I am so proud of him. So, no matter how bananas he makes me, I know that he has my best intentions at heart. That he is really trying and that I did raise him right - which sometimes when you have teenagers you don't feel often since they are from Mars. But, gosh darn it if he didn't make me proud.

As for Betty plans, everything is on track and deliveries should arrive just in time for the big launch on the 9th of January. I am so excited. I am like a kid in a candy store. I can't wait to get my hands on all the new stuff. I can't wait for the crop especially since I will get to spend some time with some of you. I have made some incredible friends these past three years starting with my incredibly loyal and talented designers and ending with my big theme croppers like Diana, Patty, Juli (and let's not forget Randi - who came from out of state) to my Naples clan - Jennie, Chris, Tracey, and Michelle. Thank you for being my loyal customers and friends.

I hope to see you all on the 9th.

Write soon,
Dee

It's got to go...

Yep, it all has to go...so come and get it. We have 3 days left on our Clearance Sale and everything is now 50% off of everything.

We still have some prima, october afternoon's farm fresh and christmas line, Bella Blvd's christmas line, both of prima's brand new paper lines, Kaiser's lilac field, and rewind collections, a ton of american crafts embellishments, bazzill dot paper, webster's pages, creative imaginations, fancy pants, mm mistletoe, pink paislee's valentine and christmas lines, and that's just the tip of the iceburg...

Come in and check it out...


Also, if you are coming on the 9th you'd better hurry the list is getting longer everyday. Just a few spots left to guarantee you get the best new product out there first. So, email me at dee@deescrapbookstore.com or call Betty's at 239-939-0355. Space is very limited.

Write soon,

Dee

P.S. I want to say thank you to all of you who have stopped by with well wishes. It is really appreciated.

Thank You!

I can't believe the outpouring of support. You will not believe how many emails I have received in the last 24 hours. I can't believe it. I am so blessed. All of you have been so incredible. The well wishes and the prayers are awesome. With all this praying I know that everything will be okay - I can feel it.

On a less personal note - I have begun to take names for the crop on Saturday, January 9th at Betty's - email me and let me know if you are coming.


Don't forget about our clearance sale tomorrow - starts at 10. Hope to see you all in the next few days.

write soon,
Dee

The Big News

By now, you should've all gotten the email about the pending close of the store. Yes, we must close the store. Unless one of you is independently wealthy and wants to buy it. :)

But, I do have some great news for you all - Betty's will be sponsoring us every 2nd Tuesday of the month for a free crop - where all the latest and greatest things will be available for you all to buy. Betty and I have been in talks and she has been talking about adding more scrapbooking product to her store and she is willing to work with me. So, it looks like we are just weeks away from some brand new beautiful paper in a beautiful new store - with an ac that doesn't freeze up and red lobster just across the street. What a great mix!

So, save the date. January 9th @ Betty's. I will be there too to make sure this is a seamless transition.

Well, I hope to see all of you at Dee's this week - I will personally be there to kick off this huge sale on Wednesday. Spend and be merry!

Write soon,
Dee

It's been a week already?

Really, wow?
How did that happen?

Oh that's right, life gets in the way. It's crazy. No matter how much I want to do a million different things there just isn't enough time in the day to do everything. No matter how much you want to do it.

This week has been especially crazy. John has been having some pain and waiting to hear the results from the doctor can be very stressful. But, one thing about the waiting is that I scrap like a loon to calm down. Really, that's what takes my mind off of it. This week, I did a whole bunch of layouts. So, I figured, that I would brag about that first - so here is my count:

Book 11
LO 519 - I raised a good man
LO 520/521 - just nuts
LO 522 flawless

Book 12
LO 523 love ya
LO 524/525 I am proud
LO 526 Crazy Cool
Lo 527 all grown up
Lo 528 Why?
LO 529 So long ago
LO 530 made up
LO 531 us
LO 532/533 40 - that's love
LO 534 slow down!
LO 535 birds of a feather flock together
LO 536 friend
LO 537 can buy me love - for a dollar
LO 538 field day
LO 539 universal
LO 540 Melody Ross
LO 541 Disney
LO 542 giddy up
LO 543 Time w/ Titi
LO 544 It's starting to look a lot like christmas
Lo 545 friends

So, with just 25 days left this month - I really don't know how far I will get. We will just have to wait and see.

Oh, and that doesn't include all the Prima samples I left at the store this weekend. There are about 10 from the designers and myself - some of it with their new paper as well as their flowers and some are just with their new embellishments and other papers available at Dee's. I must say, Prima just keeps outdoing themselves. I really am dying to see what else they will come up with next. Some items, are already sold out, but there is still plenty for you to choose from. The butterflies are my favorite. Check out my sample at the store titled close with the butterfly in it. My next favorites have to be the centers or maybe the medicci's or the fancy sheer lollipops. Oh, okay the truth is i love it all - they still managed to back order a whole bunch of stuff. But, it's all gorgeous - I thought my husband was going to have a meltdown when he saw all the things that I picked up to make samples - but it was all just too pretty - I needed it all. Plus, some of the items came in before and I didn't get any of them - that's how beautiful they were. You will love it! But, you'd better hurry - because I am not sure how long some of it will last - espcially after I went shopping. I made a dent!

But, I do plan to have a whole bunch of new samples available this weekend. So, if you haven't had a chance to drop by come in and check out what the girls and I did. Their talent is amazing.

But, yesterday was a little crazy. Since, I decided to play hookie on Friday and go to dinner with my husband. Yep, I was supposed to come in on Friday night and put out all the new paper out but my darling husband got my son to spend his Friday night watching the kiddos so that we could have some time alone. It was an ugly night out but we had dinner at Pagelli's again so I was happy. Then, we did a little christmas shopping. We had time alone and boy did we need that. Then, last night I got home and we watched Star Trek. Yes, Star Trek. I can not lie I am a huge trekie fan - but getting the clan to watch the movie with me just wasn't going to happen - so I had to wait for the video. But, my husband watched the entire movie with me and loved it - so I think I won him over. Plus, Tyler Perry was in it and John loves Tyler Perry. The movie was awesome. It was action packed and I cried. So, it had all the elements of a good one in my book.

Today, I worked on my classwork. I just wrapped up week 10 and I have 4 more weeeks to go. I can't wait!!!

So, now that I have caught you all up, I going to scrap with some of our new stuff - including the eskimo kisses from basic grey and the new crate paper. It's beautiful.

Check it out this weekend - I'll have it at the store with me. If not, stop by and enjoy our sales this week - tuesday we have a stack of paper for just to choose from at ten cents each and a special Limited Edition Double Dee from Ines for $12.95. Look out for the email. Lots of stuff going on this weekend. We also have our His/Her kits available with brand new kaiser paper - love it!

Write soon,
Dee

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