Allison Orthner

YES CHA here we come!!!!!!!

2012-01-26T10:21:00.000-07:00

YES!! YES!! YES!!

For all those asking, YES I am again heading to CHA in LA this weekend for the biggest, best, blingiest craft show ever along with my partner in crime Christy Riopel!!!!

And YES we will be partying and playing with the Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine Team!! We even rented a bus to tour LA with many of the other Canadians that will be there... can't imagine that there will be ANY trouble that follows us on that adventure!!!

And YES I am on the hunt for my Top Picks from CHA 2012 so if you see something online you would like me to check out (like this new Bo Bunny line!!), leave a comment and I'll try to go see, touch, smell, and photograph it for you (I draw the line at licking... usually!!)

And YES I am also on the hunt for Splendiferous Sponsors for our Crop and Cruise HAWAII event in November this year!!! I can't wait to take a closer look at this line called "Tropical Travelogue" from Graphic 45!!!

So the only CHA thing I am not a clear YES on is if I should try again to interview Tim Holtz!! If you don't know what happened last time, you can go HERE to read about it!!!

And YES we are planning another super fun GIVEAWAY event from CHA where all you need to do is comment, answer questions and participate on our blogs from the comfort of your home!! More details will follow, but we may as well get started even though we don't fly out until Saturday!! So...

Question #1: Should I attempt another Tim Holtz interview? Why or why not?

Crop For Mexico!!

2012-01-19T09:17:00.000-07:00

YES, we will have delicious homemade food again (this year we will also serve a light breakfast of delectables in addition to lunch, supper and snacks!!)

YES, we will have strong abled guys to help carry all your crop supplies in and back out to your cars (and shovel the snow and start and scrape your cars!!)

YES, we will again run an on-site garage sale for attendees and the public (so please start gathering your donations now to bring along to the event!!)

YES, we will offer optional add-on classes taught by our hosts and instructors (will post these as they become available... meanwhile let us know what you'd like to learn!)

YES, 100% of your registration fee and ALL spending at the event will go towards building a home for a very needy family in Mexico!! Have fun and change lives!!

Registration opens Friday, Jan. 20, 2012 at 5am!!!

Click HERE to register!!!

My New Favourite Book!

2012-01-16T12:41:00.000-07:00

This book, "Heaven is for Real" landed in my hands through a friend and after reading it, I immediately went out to buy my own copy (found it at Costco). I have the tendency to collect too many books, so I'm more careful now and only invest in ones that deserve the "real estate" on my book shelf... this one was a no brainer!!

It's the true story of a little boy Colton (age 3) who almost died and while in the hospital, went to Heaven and met God, Jesus, his great grandpa Pop (who he had never met) and a sister (who he didn't know even existed as his mother had suffered a miscarriage years earlier and had never shared with him). The details this little boy presented to his parents in the months after his hospital ordeal floored them and convinced them that their little boy did experience something special!!

Colton is now 11 years old and although some of his 3-4 year old memories have faded (whose memory doesn't fade through the years!), he still holds to what he saw and learned in Heaven and his Dad wrote the story. Here's an interview they did on the Today show recently...

I'm getting Brad and my kids to read it too (Justin read it in about 3 hours last night from start to finish!) as it has a LOT to ponder. I was reading it while on my elliptical and burst into tears thinking about getting to see my grandma's again (btw... apparently adults in Heaven are a younger version of themselves! Wooo hoooo!!), I'll get to see my friend Tammy that died when I was 12, Brad's little brother that died as a baby and a host of other friends and family. My favourite part is the hope it offers those who have lost a child... "Jesus REALLY loves children" says Colton :)

TWO Exciting NEWS...and 1 deadline!

2012-01-06T12:33:00.000-07:00

So I have TWO exciting things coming up that just so happen to have the very SAME deadline of:

Sunday, January 15, 2012

The FIRST... I'm writing another article for Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine called, "Life's BIG little Lessons" and am having sooooo much fun with it!! And we'd LOVE LOVE LOVE to see your submissions!!! They can be funny life lessons (like this layout Christy Riopel did about our friendship... one of my favourites EVER of hers as it so accurately portrays our crazy beautiful friendship)

or it can be a more serious life lesson (like this one I did for another CS article on Scrapbooking Your Faith... another one of my favourite layouts that I now have displayed in my scrap room as a daily reminder)

Either way, I'd love to hear what you think are "Life's BIG little Lessons" and if you can put it on a layout and submit it for the article, even better!!!! Just get them in by Sunday, Jan. 15!!!

And SECOND... I'm planning on heading back to Mexico this July to build more homes for needy families and am hoping to bring along others who wish to join us!!!! Wanna come????!!!!! WARNING: it will change your life :)

If you want more info, you can go HERE or you can always contact me as I'd love to tell you more!! But the deadline to apply is Sunday, Jan. 15 so you don't have much time!!!

AND... if you can't go, but are interested in helping out support the project, we will be doing some fundraisers again including... wait for it...

Last year we raised $7001 and I am soooooo excited to see what this year's event will bring in and who I will get to play all day with!! Remember, 100% of your event registration and 100% of your spending at the event goes towards building needy homes and schools for those in some pretty sad living conditions in Mexico. I already have tears and goosebumps just writing about it :)

My THREE Babies!!!!!

2011-12-23T10:28:00.000-07:00

I have a few exciting "Babies" to introduce you to leading up to Christmas!!!!
First is this little guy Newton that came to visit me in my "oh-so-close-to-being-ready-studio" this week...

He definitely has a great set of lungs we got to enjoy!!! But it was just pure pleasure to see my friend enjoying the arrival of her new addition (welcome to motherhood Rose!!)

My second baby...

This new addition just arrived in my home this week!!!! It's an Elliptical trainer that my brother who owns Fifth Avenue Club has blessed us with!!!!! I have been woefully leaving exercise out of my life this past year so I'm hoping and praying this will help!! I tried it out yesterday and although it felt like I was going to DIE after only 3 minutes, I pushed through it and ended up going 30!!! And it felt sooooo good!! It will definitely help leading up to my knee surgery and following as well!! So a

HUGE THANKS

to my brother at Fifth Avenue Club (check out his new website) and be sure to check out his club if you work downtown!! It is the BEST PRIVATELY OWNED fitness centre downtown... known for it's Friendly, Personalized Service!!!

So my third baby is directly related to Christmas...

I love Christmas. I really do. It is truly my favourite time of the year.

And no, it's not just because of the gifts (although I do enjoy both the giving and receiving part!) and it's not just because the kids are off school (and I get to sleep in!) or the extra time I get to enjoy with my extended family (we get along great, so no stress there and I love filling my home with them!)

... and it's not just because of all the awesome food (although I am sooooo stoked that Christy Riopel has invited our family over for one of her infamous dinners!). It's not even the music (I can and will listen to Christmas music all year) nor is it the decorating and pretty lights and bling all though my home (which I adore and have had up since mid Nov!!)

As awesome as all that is, Christmas for me is simply a beautiful reminder of why I am here on this earth... to celebrate my Jesus... the true reason for the season as the saying goes!

Our pastor showed this funny video in church on Sunday... how Jesus' birth would have been handled with today's social media... check it... it's great for a good laugh!!!

So my third baby is baby Jesus... and I have to say sometimes it's hard amidst all the hustle and bustle of Christmas to stay focussed on the why we even have Christmas.

I heard a sad statistic on the news last week... Christmas day holds one of the highest suicide rates of the year. :(

My heart aches for those who don't have the hope and faith that there is a reason for EVERYONE to be here on this earth... no matter what... no matter the trials... no matter the burdens... no matter the disappointments... EVERYONE... even YOU... especially YOU :)

I have had a most blessed life and I have had heartache and struggle as well... but no matter what, I try to keep my eyes on my Jesus. At Christmas, I get to see this Nativity Scene we built (I bought the "action figures" and my brother did the manger, but I did "Isaac's Inn" and "Meshach's Market")...

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be on his shoulders: and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

I love that this verse was written hundreds of years before Jesus was even born and I love that it describes Him as a Wonderful Counsellor (I use him a LOT when I'm struggling with life), and Mighty God (He has proven Himself to be more powerful than I could imagine in situations I thought there was no hope), and my favourite... Prince of Peace. Peace in this world is soooo underrated... and I'm not talking between countries (although that is important too), but I'm more referring to the peace in your heart... in my heart... through tough times when it makes no sense to have it... the peace that passes understanding... but it's there for me through Him... and it can be for you to :)

Anyways, those are my 3 "Babies"to introduce you to... my heart's cry is that each of you have a most blessed Christmas with family, friends, good food (including some awesome chocolate "sumthin"), but my greatest wish for you is that you all find inner...

and

TV Segment: Top Christmas Gifts for Crafters!!

2011-12-07T22:21:00.006-07:00

Watch Breakfast Television Thursday, Dec. 8 at 8:10am for my

Top Christmas Crafts and Gifts

for the crafter in your life!!!

#1 Stocking Stuffers (under $20)

My daughter Lindsey made these cute little snowman candy bars one night while I was out!! What a great little gift for teachers, friends, neighbours, etc.!!

Click HERE for instructions on the Snowman Candy Bars!

I love anything and everything glittery at Christmas so I made this beautiful snowflake ornament with some assorted bits and pieces (felt snowflake from Michaels, trinket from Bo Bunny, bling from an old candle holder and Craft and Glitz has recently come out with a NEW CHUNKY GLITTER)!!!

Click HERE for more information on Craft and Glitz Glitter!

Give the gift that keeps giving all year... a subscription to Canada's BEST scrapbooking magazine!!!!

Click HERE for information on Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine!

#2 Projects, Kits & Classes (under $50)

MondayNightClass.ca has come out with a fantastic idea book called "Perfect Page Patterns" based on their fantastic kits!! Just imagine receiving a MondayNightClass.ca Kit along with this idea book!!

Be sure to visit your local scrapbooking stores to find the above and below Bo Bunny, TwiddleyBitz and Tim Holtz goodies as well as great CLASSES (like a Canvas Class on Dec. 12 at Scrapbooker's Paradise) you can take yourself or give for Christmas!!

Scrapbooker's Paradise

Macleod Plaza

#20 - 9250 Macleod Trail S Calgary

Crowfoot Crossing

#45 Crowfoot Terrace NW Calgary

Scrapbookers Bliss

Lincoln Park Centre

#22 - 14 Richard Way SW Calgary

#3 Upcoming EVENTS!!!

Studies show that the joy from an "experience" lasts longer than a tangible gift so why not give an event to someone this Christmas!! Click on the image to learn more about each of these amazing events!!

BTW... I'm teaching two different Photography Classes at the Cropaganza event in Red Deer and you can sign up for just the classes without attending the entire event!! Give the gift of a Photography Class this Christmas :)

Hopefully this gives you some great ideas for your own wishlist this Christmas as well as ideas for the other crafters in your life :)

BIG NEWS!!! Featured Instructors Announced

2011-11-30T23:48:00.000-07:00

We are so very pleased to announce:

Joining Allison Orthner

as Featured Instructors on Crop and Cruise HAWAII in Nov. 2012 are:

Jill Hildebrand

and

Christy Riopel

We are stoked to have these past Crop and Cruise instructors back on board with us by popular demand!!!! Not only are they ridiculously talented (you will learn TONS and TONS of the industry's best TIPS and TRICKS just hanging with them and taking their classes), but they are also more fun than we can even put into words!!! And if a picture's worth a thousand words, check these out from the last time the three of us were together to get an inkling of what's in store in Hawaii:

And as a special bonus, we will also teach you the top ways to wear Hawaiian leis...

The "Roman"

The "Bam Bam"

and the "Scrunchie"!!!

Watch HERE over the next week as we introduce each of these ladies a little better... we promise that their passion for crafting, photography and sharing their heart and soul with you will be inspiring!!! We invite you to join us on this ultimate adventure!!

You had us at Aloha!!!

Sneak Peek!!!

2011-11-15T13:16:00.000-07:00

Guess what one of my next BIG REVEALS is going to be????!!!!!

My NEW STUDIO!!!!!!!

This is just a "sneak peek" of what I've been working VERY hard to get ready!! I did a "test run" this past week with this cutie patootie and absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE this new look!!!!

Since moving over a year ago, I haven't really been doing any "official" studio shoots because I have been planning, dreaming, creating and collecting "FUN STUFF" for my NEW studio and working on my NEW website!!! And it's oh so close to all coming together!!!

So this little "test run" has done two things... first, it has just reaffirmed how much I miss doing creative and unique portraits in a studio and second, it's inspired me to get'r done!!!! Not sure if it will be in time for Christmas, but at the very least, I'll have gift certificates available!!

So what do you think???? I know I'm excited :)

NEW!!! Crop-a-ganza Event!!!

2011-11-07T11:11:00.000-07:00

How exciting is this??????!!!!!!

This coming February you have the chance to partake in a most fabulous weekend called

"Crop-a-ganza"

taking place at the beautiful Sheraton Hotel in Red Deer on the Feb. 17-19th weekend!!

Here is the lineup of instructors coming to educate and entertain you!!

YES, that's Donna Downey's smiling face you see along with Cathie Allan, Christy Riopel, Susan Weckesser and myself!!!

I have met Donna Downey at CHA, but never had a chance to take one of her classes, but I hear they are amazing!! And I can speak first hand about the talent of the others instructors and can't say enough about what each one brings to the craft table!!! As for myself, I will be teaching a brand new photography class and am so excited to have this (see below picture) as part of our venue... a full wall of natural light with such beautiful potential for photos!!

And speaking of venue... take a peek at the rooms we will be staying in...

Not only is it a FULL weekend away (3 days!), but the "Stay and Play" package includes your crop space for 3 days, hotel room for 2 nights, 4 meals and a late night hot lunch right at the hotel, a goodie bag, door prizes and a ton of fun ALL for only $290!!! You don't ever need to leave the building!! Thinking THIS is the perfect Christmas gift for you and/or the scrapbooker in your life!!

So be sure to check it all out and register soon at

www.Cropaganza.com

My First Commercial (with bloopers!!)

2011-11-01T08:51:00.000-06:00

ALOHA!!!!!!!

Crop and Cruise HAWAII

in November 2012 is getting SUPER exciting!!! We already have just under 40 people from all across Canada planning to come and it is going to be a seriously HOT TROPICAL PARTY!!!

And guess who our

FEATURED INSTRUCTORS

are going to be????

If you don't already know, I'll give you a hint (if you already know... shhhhh just for awhile to let some others have fun guessing :)

All I can say is this next Crop and Cruise I get to plark (AKA "Work and Play, but more play than work") with my dream team in Hawaii!!! These ladies are not only seriously talented, artistic and internationally experienced teachers, but splendiferously FUN to hang with as well!!!!

And we would love it if you joined us!!!!

You had me at Aloha!!!

TV Segment: Halloween Crafting

2011-10-27T14:29:00.001-06:00

It was soooo very much fun to reunite the crafting team of myself with Christine Collier and Christy Riopel for another fun TV segment!!! It's been way too long!!!

So each of us agreed to come up with some fun crafting ideas and here they are!!!

Christine created a fabulous necklace and earings set (blinged up with glittery Mod Podge), some oh "sew" cute felt critters (click HERE for instructions) and a bowl full of eyeballs (styrofoam balls with coloured reinforcements and some red inking effects!)

Christy crafted a stack of treat boxes (from Michael's) and I complimented it with a ghostly lollipop (perfect for young kids to make for their classmates using a white napkin and orange yarn) and a witches shoe that can also hold treats (perfect for the teacher). Click HERE for the instructions for the shoes.

Halloween is definitely NOT my favourite holiday, but I must say I LOVED the elegant decor that Christy came up with... the hats are made with Crate Paper and some lacy embellishments, the rocks were painted with Christy's favourite paint: ChromaColour... then written on with a white Sharpie marker.

Her willow decor was my favourite not only because it had bling, but I can see using this idea for all sorts of holidays and seasons!!!

And her daughters helped put some fun Apothecary jars together (poison is simple food colouring)!!

And my "Speciman Jars" were inspired from HERE and were both disgusting and yet intriguing!! The "Albino Jellyfish Stingers" are simply strands from a hot glue gun, the "Pickled Brains and Eyeballs" is cauliflower and peeled grapes (yes I sat and peeled grapes!) and the "Unknown Specimen" is one of those "mega grow" creatures that grows 600% when put in water. This picture was taken less than 24 hours and apparently it will continue to grow for 3 days so perhaps I'll post an updated picture when it's finished!!! Looks creepy enough for me already though!!! And I darkened the water simply with assorted amounts of coffee grinds :) Easy Peasy!!!

Finally, the "Bleeding Candles" were super quick, easy and inexpensive!! I simply used black acrylic paint to paint red candles then added some small spiders on the holder for extra ickiness and voila!!!!

And now I'm soooooo ready to start thinking about Christmas as that IS my favourite holiday of the year!!

It's turning into a PARTY!!!!

2011-10-25T14:36:00.000-06:00

It's still over a year away and we already have 30 people registered to come with us to Hawaii in November 2012 on our next Crop and Cruise scrapbooking and photography event!!!

IF you are thinking of joining us, we strongly recommend that you register sooner than later as space in portions of the event are limited (and certain rooms/cabins fill up quickly like triple and quad occupancy).

Also, the sooner you register, the greater chance of being able to take advantage of PROMOTIONS that come along (like right now you can get up to $250 in cabin credits, but only until the end of October!!)

You had me at Aloha!!!!

Now to completely switch directions...

Be sure to watch Breakfast Television on Thursday, Oct. 27 at 7:50am for a fun Halloween crafting segment with my good friends Christine Collier and Christy Riopel!! We are gathering some super fun ideas... I've caved and joined Pinterest and WOW!!! I can totally see how addicting it can/will be, but it is a huge resource for ideas like these super cute and easy candles and check this out...

What a great arrangment with some BLING!!!! Just click on the picture to go to the websites for instructions!!

And be sure to watch on Thursday for more fun ideas!!!

Extreme Home Makeover: Mexico 2011

2011-10-19T15:03:00.000-06:00

I think I'm finally ready to share about our trip to Mexico this past summer to build a home for this needy family...

... I've wanted to share MANY times already, but truth is, I'm still processing...

... and I've not been sure how much to tell...

... and I am honestly not sure WHO really wants to know WHAT.

You see, we all KNOW that poverty exists in our world, but not everyone wants to face it, to see it (and I mean REALLY see it)... it makes us uncomfortable especially those of us who live in affluence (myself included and pretty much EVERYONE who lives in North America... even our poorest are abundantly wealthy compared to most of the world).

Anyways, for those who are merely interested in seeing a super FUN video we did...

Extreme Home Makeover:

Mexico 2011

Here it is!!! First though, I want to say a

HUGE THANK YOU

to all our supporters who contributed to the building of this home!!! An extra special shout out goes to attendees at our "Crop for Mexico" scrapbooking event and the "Scrapbook Your Heart" retreat as YOU (YES YOU!!!) gave enough to build and furnish THIS ENTIRE HOME!!!!! Please consider this as YOUR home and YOUR family whose lives will be forever changed...

WARNING: The following is now a long post on my honest heart's cry about my trip... my life is an open book... I have nothing to hide... I just truly desire to share what I have learned. But in doing so, PLEASE understand that my goal is NOT TO GUILT!!!

My goal is rather simply TO INSPIRE!!!

And the difference, I believe, comes in YOUR perspective as you read, not mine.

I'm just telling my story. You get to decide how you respond... but I pray that you read with the attitude of seeking what God might want you to learn, to change, to do, to give and yes, maybe to even consider coming along!! We are going back again next July and I can bring ANYONE along with me!!!

So read on only if you think you really want to hear "the rest of the story" ... and careful, you might just be inspired too, to change your life :)

When I was only 7 years old, my family of 6 piled into our station wagon and headed on a camping trip from Calgary all the way through the states to Tijuana, Mexico.

This trip became the "epic" vacation of our childhood as we battled the heat driving through Nevada (no air conditioning in the car!)

and we got to go to Disneyland (I kicked Porky Pig and he spoke to me about not kicking people then gave me a hug... funny what we remember as kids!)

And we finally made it to Tijuana Mexico!! For those who have never been, most people park in the US and walk across the border which is what we did. So there I am, 7 years old, on this exciting adventure with my family and as we are walking across the bridge to Tijuana, I see children playing in what looked like a garbage dump. I was captivated by the scene.

I remember asking my mother why those little children had no clothes on and why they were playing in the garbage and she told me that is probably where they live and that they likely didn't have money for a lot of clothes. I know we spent the entire day in Mexico (there are pictures of me there), but I honestly remember NOTHING else other than that scene of those poor children.

Fast forward to this past summer... I was on the bus with 42 people driving back from Mexico to Calgary and as we passed over the border in Tijuana,

I had a FULL CIRCLE MOMENT!!!

It hit me like a ton of bricks!!! I was finally DOING something about the exact same poverty I had witnessed at age 7... I just helped build a new home in Mexico for children just like those I had seen 38 years ago while crossing the exact same border.

Life gives us defining moments... some are good, some are bad, but ALL help us define who we are and help us understand who we've become. I always knew that my experience in Mexico at age 7 was a defining moment as it softened my heart even at that tender age to poverty in our world. I love to give to those in need... so much so that I joke with Brad to let me know when my gift of giving exceeds his gift of getting! (The great news is that Brad is actually like-minded and I can't tell you how many times we both come up with the exact same amount in our heads to give to something! Cool eh?)

And I'm desperately trying to raise my kids to do the same! Over the years, we have packed countless shoeboxes and sponsored children all over the world...

We even took the kids out of school for almost a month to take them to Chain of Love in Brazil... an organization that rescues street children and gives them a home with loving parents (we got to meet our 2 sponsored children Alexandre and Carina!!)

So prior to going to Mexico this summer, I have to say that I was feeling pretty good about how much I give, how soft my heart is towards those in need and how well my kids are learning the same values.

Yup, I was feeling pretty proud about fighting the battle against our North American culture bombarding us with messages of how money, status, fame, popularity, getting ahead is the goal and wanting more and more is the norm! I figured we must be doing good because even the government thinks we give too much and are constantly auditing us for our giving!!

So the last thing I expected then, was the impact this trip would have on me in this area. I've seen poverty first hand, I've watched World Vision on TV (and DONE something by sponsoring), I've given to countless causes, but until this summer, I didn't realize how far I still had to go...

I didn't realize how truly obscene my wealth is compared the rest of the world.

I didn't realize how good AND bad I would feel because of this trip.

Picture this... we had some extra $ and sat down with the the family to see what else they might like us to buy for them. They didn't want anything... the house was already too much. (The dad finally admitted he would like another hat if possible... he only owned one... I had brought 4 hats just for myself... different ones to match my work outfits... I suddenly felt completely ridiculous.)

On dedication day, the family was expressing sheer joy at the gift of their new home, but also expressed how sorry they were that they could never repay us for what we did. They thanked us profusely for our immense sacrifice to come and build them a home... then they begged God to in return bless us... bless US... and it felt sooo good and yet soooo wrong...

Later that night, one of my team members finally articulated what I was feeling...

"I would be utterly embarrassed if they saw the home we live in back in Canada. Our wealth is simply obscene."

And I humbly agreed. We are obscenely blessed beyond imagine. Here is our home...

So even after months, I'm still processing what it all means... what I'm being called to do... and not do.

I have several life lessons I'll share, but make no mistake... I've not "arrived" (not sure we ever will while on this earth). But in the meantime, I am continuing to pursue an answer to the...

"How then shall I live" question

This is the question I ALWAYS ask as often as possible... it is the question that ensures continued growth and perspective as we go through life. It helps to solidify the life lessons and actually put some action to the lessons.

So... in no particular order, here are some of my

Top "Aha's"

beyond what I've already mentioned:

1. The "face of poverty" is different once you've actually seen and lived amongst it for an extended period of time. And we didn't even really "live" amongst it in Mexico... we got to leave the community each day to go back to a comfortable house with running water, electricity and wireless internet!!! I have a new appreciation for what their day in day out life is like, but I'm sure I still don't even come close to truly comprehending!! And I've still never experienced the worst poverty like we see in some other parts of the world... at least not yet :) On my bucket list!!

2. I've always sought "balance" in my life... trying to balance everything that's important including my money. But balance is no longer my goal!! I'm seeking an imbalance!! An imbalance towards doing more for others and less for myself... giving more of my time, money and energy to others... I'm still a firm believer in taking care of myself, my health, my family, my home, etc. but I've been fooling myself thinking I've been achieving a "good balance".

3. I've been digging into my Bible (did you know God speaks more about money in the Bible then He does about almost any other subject?) and I'm realizing I still have a LOT to learn!! And I've also happened upon this book...

Let's just say WHOA!!!! This is a super thought provoking read!!!! I actually borrowed a copy and now need to order my own cuz I've GOT to highlight and "work" it out in the pages.

4. I've never really given "until it hurts"... not sure I'm ready to do that... not sure God's even calling me to do that... but I do know I'm being MUCH more intentional about putting aside more of my resources for others. For example, when we go out to eat as a family, we order water then come home and put in our special "bucket" the amount of money we didn't spend on drinks. When I shop on 10% Tuesday, I come home and put the savings into the bucket. Unexpected money... our family has a "formula" to apply that includes giving an extra percentage of it away to a good cause that we discuss as a family. Little things like this are helping... but again, we're so blessed already that we hardly notice so I'm still working though this one!

5. How do you change the world? One person at a time. One family at a time. One community at a time. It's hard to not be overwhelmed by the need. Hero Holidays receives about 30-40 requests per week for a home. They only get to build 30-40 homes each year. Imagine needing to choose whose life you will change and who you will say no to. I couldn't do it. But allowing oneself to be paralyzed into doing nothing is completely wrong... do something!! Do anything!! Not everyone can actually GO build a house and that's okay!! But we all can still play a part in meeting the needs of people... can be as simple as a smile for someone who has none, a phone call, a card in the mail, a meal, a visit, a prayer. Start looking around you and I know God will reveal how you can make a difference.

Okay, I'm going to stop now. As you can tell, I've had a LOT to process and I'm still going strong on it!! Pretty sure I'll be processing for the rest of my life!!!

It's ALL GOOD though!!!

And I am hoping to go back to Mexico again in July 2012 to build another home!! I had so many people ask about doing this and am pleased to let you know that you have the chance to join me!!! I'd be thrilled to share the details with you if you're interested.

AND... for those asking, YES we will be having another

CROP for MEXICO
scrapbooking event!!!

We raised $7001 at the last one and I'm super stoked to see what we can do at the next one!! Be sure to watch for details :)

Thank you for taking some time out of your busy lives to read what's been on my heart. My prayer is that you will be inspired to take some steps to change your life as well by helping change the lives of others. And please understand that it's not out of guilt that I do anything, but rather out of love for my Jesus who has done everything for me and I simply wish to love and live like Him and inspire others to do the same.

My BABY!!!!!

2011-10-14T09:53:00.000-06:00

I can't believe it, but my baby Justin turns 15 today!!!! People always told me it would go quickly, but I think this is one of those life lessons you simply need to live through in order to fully understand!!

It seems like just yesterday that I'd go in to wake my napping little boy and be greeted with a huge smile!! He was SUCH a good baby and easy going toddler!!

He has the greatest smile ever!!!!! And when he was little, he was willing to let me dress him up for photo shoots!!! (Wasn't too long though when he decided that either I would have to pay him or he wouldn't do it anymore :(

And if he actually ever reads my blog, I know this will embarrass him (but isn't that part of the job description of a mother??!!!), but I always called him my Snuggle Bunny when he was little as he wasn't scared to cuddle and snuggle with me!!

Nowadays, the hugs still come, but not quite as often as I'd like... but I guess as a teenager that's sort of to be expected. And so I'll wait until it's OK to hug mom again and still be cool :)

And speaking of cool, one of the things I love about Justin is that he sets his own trends with things like hats!!! He has had so many different (and brightly coloured) hats over the years!!! I LOVE it!!!!

So here's to 15 wonderful years with my "baby" boy... I truly had no idea what joy (and sometimes struggles) come with having children, but it is oh so worth it!! Love you always and forever, no matter what!!!! Happy 15th Birthday buddy!!!!!

Fun at the Great Canadian Scrapbook Carnival!!!

2011-09-26T14:44:00.000-06:00

What a blessing to be a part of the Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine Team!!! Not only do I get to write about what I love (photography, crafting, etc.), but I also get to hang with some of the most creative and fun people in this country and meet new ones!!

The fun started on Thursday with the arrival of this lovely lady who was teaching for Westcott for the weekend... Jill Hildebrand :)

Jill is one of those friends that it feels like we've known each other FOREVER, but it's only really been since 2007 when she was one of the featured instructors on our Crop and Cruise Scrapbooking Cruise!! And I'm not the only one to feel that way!!! She "reconnected" with a few other Alberta friends from the past...

And met some new creative friends like Susan Weckhesser who is an amazingly talented designer that has recently joined our CS team and has her own whimsical line of papers from SusieBee Studios. I figured Jill and Susan would hit it off as their style is very similar and both are simply beautiful ladies!! Jill had a lot of fun giving away some of Susan's papers at the crop :)

This year I had the privilege of hosting the 2-day crop, running our infamous "photo booth" and teaching my Lights! Camera! Action! photo class!!! Here are some of my favourite photos from the day... first my "students" having fun in our photo class...

And the fun in the photo booth...

But the photos that make me smile THE MOST are these...

Christy Riopel is a soul sista extraordinaire and although she has met Jill numerous times over the years, it simply warmed my heart to see the two of them getting a chance to really get to know each other this weekend... and THIS is the result...

Simply too much fun!!!!!! And now, we get ready to do it all again next weekend in EDMONTON!!! Be sure to make it out!! All the details are at www.CanadianScrapbooker.ca under "The Great Canadian Scrapbook Carnival".

Photography Class and Special Guests!!!

2011-09-08T12:46:00.000-06:00

If you've always wanted to take my classic

"Lights! Camera! Action!"

photography class and learn my best tips and tricks for capturing photos, NOW IS YOUR CHANCE!!!

I'm teaching in both Calgary and Edmonton this Fall at the Great Canadian Scrapbook Carnival sponsored by Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine...

Several instructors from our Canadian Scrapbooker Team are going to be there including my soul sista Christy Riopel

(you MUST take her Design Secrets Class if you haven't already!!!)

AND... guess what other super special, talented and fun featured guest is going to be in Calgary teaching for WESTCOTT????

Jill Hildebrand!!!!!!

We are so excited to have her join us in the fun in Calgary!!!! Make sure you pop by her booth to say hello and pick up a special "FREEBEE"!!

And guess who's coming to Edmonton to play and teach for WESTCOTT???

Michelle Zemlak!!!!

Our favourite shabby chic super sweet lady!!!!

I am sooooooo excited to hang with all these amazing ladies and get to play with all of you too!!! I'm hosting the crops in both cities (think both are sold out!), but remember, this event is

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

for shopping, playing, hanging and taking classes so be sure to check out all the details HERE!!!!

All of us would love it if you came by!!!

You had me at Aloha!!!

2011-08-23T21:25:00.001-06:00

I know it's still summer time, but I'm dreaming about Crop and Cruise Hawaii in the winter of 2012!!!!

I just met with Corlann, our travel agent from KeyWorld Travel and we spent several hours working out a ton of hot tropical ideas for this event!!!

Remember that there are TWO parts... a land event which will take place at a beautiful resort in Oauhu right along the beach...

And the following week will be an island-hopping cruise visiting 4 different Hawaiin islands and 5 beautiful beaches!!!!

Because we are going to be at port a fair bit on this cruise (almost 100 hours!), we are making sure that our crop room has HUGE windows to enjoy the view while on board :)

Can't you just imagine crafting in that room with friends and some of Canada's TOP instructors!!!

Be sure to watch the Crop and Cruise website over the next few weeks for more and more information!!! Remember, you can take part in the LAND only or the CRUISE only or BOTH!!!! It's up to you :)

Start saving and planning NOW to join us!!!!

The Great Canadian Scrapbook Carnival!!

2011-07-30T16:09:00.001-06:00

Here's some fun news...

The 4th Annual Great Canadian Scrapbook Carnival is coming!!!

AND... I'm honoured to announce that I'm the new hostess for the crops at both events in Calgary and Edmonton AND will also be teaching my Lights! Camera! Action! photography class so those of you that have been asking, here's your chance!!!!! Check out the fun details and be sure to register ASAP!!!

REGISTRATION OPENS AUG. 2 @ 9am!!!!!

PRESENTS...

Come join us at the 4th Annual Great Canadian Scrapbook Carnival! Everyone is welcome to shop, learn and get creative! This year we have our own hall filled with paper crafting exhibitors ready to meet you! Various local scrapbook stores, consultants, demonstrators and Canadian manufactures will be on site surrounding 100 excited croppers! Get ready for a fun and inspirational weekend in both Calgary and Edmonton! We can’t wait to see you!!!!

MacEwan Conference & Events Centre on U of C Campus
402 Collegiate Boulevard Northwest
Friday, Sept 23rd: Noon – 9pm
Saturday, Sept 24th: 9am – 5pm

Central Lions Senior Centre
11113 – 113 Street
Saturday, October 1st: Noon – 9pm
Sunday, October 2nd: 9am – 5pm

The Creative Market Place - open to the public!
Join the fun and creative excitement and of course shop!
Day pass: $8.00
Weekend Pass: $12.00
12 years and under: FREE

2-Day Crop - limited spots!!
Join us for 2 fun-filled crop days with inspiration galore and exciting prizes!
Crop registration opens on Tuesday, August 2nd at 9am MST.

The Classes and the Teachers:
Class registrations are open to everyone! Sign up for inspirational, technique driven classes! You will learn, laugh and love the energy!

Class registration opens on Tuesday, August 2nd at 9am MST.


Jackie Ludlage	Cathie Allan	Christy Riopel	Allison Orthner	Connie Nichol	Susan Weckesser

Thank you to our generous sponsors that make these shows possible!

Brought to you by:

Click HERE to register starting Aug. 2!!!

Make the House a Home Day!!!

2011-07-23T01:33:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the delay in posting... life has been BUSY!!!!

Yesterday we had the fun task of shopping for items to help "Make the House a Home"!! A HUGE thanks to all of you who contributed to this part of the project... it was such a blessing to have extra money to buy some extras for each family!!!!

Our first stop was the local furniture store... Sami's!! There are not too many options for stores (no Walmarts or Ikea!!) so you make do with what is available... pretty much all used items... for us we'd likely send most of it to the dump, but for these families, it was simply wonderful!!!

We chose 3 sets of tables and chairs, 3 dressers and this pile of mattresses!

Next we found a bike store as one of the dads had a bike as one of his top priorities as an "extra treat" and method of transportation. We picked a pretty blue one for him :)

Then it was off to the grocery store... 3 carts running up and down the aisles grabbing basics like rice, flour, beans, oil, salt, spices, then a few perishables like eggs, fruits and veggies and then some soap, diapers and toilet paper. We filled each cart and spent less than $100 per cart!!!

Meanwhile, back at the build site, half of the team members were finishing off some painting and building shelves, etc. I love that so many good friends and family are with me on this trip!!! My soul sista and sister-in-law was on another build, but loved seeing her in action painting as she absolutely LOVES to paint!!!

This is Lyndon who is ALWAYS having fun making jokes or acting out. He likes me taking pictures of him especially when his hair looks perfect!!!

And as we remind each other every day, this project is NOT just about building a home, but also building relationships with those in the community. There is no shortage of kids ALWAYS around ready to hug, play and distract us (which is a very good thing!)

We ended off the day with a super fun trip back to the community school yard after dark where we threw down some tarps and then showed the movie "Tangled" in Spanish with English subtitles and handed out popcorn and glowsticks for the kids. We had to bring out a generator to run the projector, but boy did the children (and adults) giggle and enjoy the whole evening!

All in all, it has been one of the most amazing, difficult, wonderful, heart wrenching, eye-opening, fantastic experiences. We do debriefing with our group every night (which I LOVE) as there is a lot to digest. Personally I am constantly processing inside my head and heart and it will need to come out soon in writing (some I promise to share with those of you interested in reading). Just know that it truly has been life changing for ALL... the families we have built for AND the families that have come together to do the building and I highly recommend it!!! You cannot experience this and not be changed for the better :)

And... as though I needed any more emotion heaped on me, my daughter has decided to get baptized this weekend in the ocean along with 5 other youth. I will expand on this in another post, but I cannot think of much more that excites me than knowing my daughter's heart has been affected too as such a tender age and her desire is to simply love and live like Jesus.

Off to bed (BTW, Christy... I can now feel your pain... will explain when I get home!)

Look Inside and you will see...

2011-07-20T01:07:00.001-06:00

So this is the house that we are rebuilding for our family. It's hard to tell from a photo how small it really is so I measured it today and it is 100 inches by 100 inches. That is just over 8 feet square... for a family of 4... including their "bedroom", "kitchen" and living space... which is smaller than the ensuite I have in my home back in Canada. Sobering!!!

I took this photo standing in their doorway... pretty much a bed (where all 4 sleep together) and a table and everything else has to hang on the walls (I'm going to ask tomorrow through our interpreter who plays the guitar :)

And speaking of ensuites... the bathrooms or "banos" in these "homes" are not inside, but rather outside... in a hole in the ground...

This is a picture of one of our team members guarding the washroom while his wife uses the facilities!!! NOTE: when squating over a hole to pee, always ensure that your knees are higher than your "cheeks" and that other team members are NOT reaching over the rather low walls to take a picture of you with their Ipod!!

So Salarina (the mother) and her baby girl (Elizabeth) are super shy and timid and pretty much try to stay out of our way while we build. They stand just outside the door to their old home for hours watching us. Elizabeth is pretty scared of us and stays real close to mama and I can't get her to crack a smile if my life depended on it!!! But she is still so darn cute and I'm determined to win her heart by the end of the week :)

Betrice, the older daughter, can not NOT work!!! She is a machine!!! We encourage family members to participate in the build as it really helps them take ownership of their new home AND it helps us build a relationship with them so we are quite enjoying her assistance!! She can paint, hammer and even used the nail gun today!!!

Kay... I'm exhausted and need sleep. Physically the experience is pretty hard (but I love a good physical challenge so I'm good with that) and emotionally it has been hard as well. I found myself welling up today with unexpected emotion and almost lost it twice... once was when a boy in a wheelchair (he was missing one leg) pushed himself across the difficult terrain of the field towards our home and asked to help paint. Turns out Hero Holidays had built him a home awhile back and he just wanted to pay it forward. I took a photo (I'll try to find it and post it later) and had to remind myself just to breath as I was so taken by the sight of him painting and the guesture of his love and care for this other family. Many great life lessons I'm digesting... and it's ALL GOOD :)

If you build it, they will come!!!

2011-07-19T00:30:00.001-06:00

What a great day!!!!!!! I honestly didn't expect that it would be this much fun to build these homes!!! I know a big part of it is simply our amazing team... we have mostly families and several of them include some lifelong friends so it has been pure joy to get to share this experience with them :)

So today we did our first day of building!!! I've never hammered so many nails in my life and although I started off a tad "shakey"... it doesn't take long to get the hang of it!! And I was just so stinking proud of my kids... you can tell we've been building a deck back home as that experience sure paid off with them knowing what to do!!

And the most fun part of the day... if you build it, they will come!!!! As we were building, we began to gather all sorts of kids from the area who wanted to come watch and help us build!!! A HUGE part of this trip is to reach out and connect and love on the entire community so we intentionally seek out opportunities like this!!!

A lot of the kids create their own toys (can't afford to buy a lot) and one of their favourite things is to create kites out of garbage bags and sticks, pop bottles, etc.

A couple of kids came around our site and Derek was trying to play with their kite and they were rolling on the ground laughing at him while he tried to wind up the string!! Had I not been working hard holding something for Brad, I would have grabbed my camera!!

The thing that has really hit all of us is how happy and content these kids are despite having so little... and compare this with how stressed, rushed, busy and angry so many of us are back in Canada, it makes me wonder what we are all striving for. Lots to think about!!!

I've got to get to bed (again!), but thought I'd leave you with my favourite shot of the day...

These are the two little girls (Elizabeth and Beatrice) who will get to live in the house we are building... I can hardly stand it!!! I just keep imagining the difference this will make in their precious little lives and they are both fast making their way deep into my heart... and it's only day 1!!!

The Eagle has landed!!!

2011-07-18T01:45:00.000-06:00

We did it!!!!!! After over 30 hours on this beautiful bus, we finally arrived in Mexico and went straight to the community we are building homes in!!! We were terribly excited if I do say so myself!!!

Here is a shot of our group of 42 walking through the area as we visited each of the 3 build sites we will be working at! What an indescribable experience to finally meet each family in person!!

We split our team up into 3 building groups and here is group #1... this little boy immediately asked Brad for a "Kapuchki" or piggy-back ride!!!

The next home was MINE!!! My heart jumped as this was the home I was hoping to build based on the pictures we had been sent so when our family's name was called (they made us wait until we were there to find out our teams!), I was so very excited!!!

And take a look at this cutie patootie that lives in this house!!!!!! BITE-A-BLE or what????!!!! Guess who I'm going to be taking a ton of pics of!!!!

And then house #3... the mom at this house was simply delighted and actually remembered a few team members from the builds from last year!!

I will try to show you pics of the inside of their current homes tomorrow... be prepared.

Well, it is about 1:30am and the rest of the team is already sleeping and I have to be up early!!!! Couldn't wait to share at least a few shots with all of you as I feel like you are all part of this team in spirit and in support :)

I'm already learning great things and it will come as no surprise that I have cried already... I am just so humbled at this whole experience... the needs are just so great... the people are just so grateful... and I am just so thankful and feeling immensely blessed.

60 Hour Bus Ride and WINNERS!!!!

2011-07-15T01:13:00.000-06:00

What is one word that describes what the next 10 days holds for my family????

ADVENTURE!!!!

Between 60 hours on a bus heading to a remote part of Mexico with 42 people, building homes for 3 needy families and everything in between, the word that describes it best is ADVENTURE!!!!

I love that I really don't know what to expect and I really LOVE that I'm not in charge of this event!!! For once I can simply "ride along" and just enjoy the experience.

Know what else I love???? Our house-sitter is going on a humanitarian trip to the Philippines in the Fall so by her helping us while we're gone on this trip, we are in turn sponsoring her trip :) LOVE win-wins like that!!!!!

It's funny because CHA is this week and normally I would feel a little sad not going, but NOTHING can compare with what is ahead and the lives and entire community that will be changed :)

And I just want to say a huge THANKS to all of you who have had a part in this!!!! I can hardly wait to report back to you with how your support has been used to touch the hearts and lives of those in Mexico!!

And on that note, here are the winners from our

"Make the House a Home" Fundraiser:

Quilt by Christine Collier

Winner: Kandi Permann

Photo Shoot with Allison Orthner

Winner: Linda Carr

Iginla Jersey

Winner: Jeff Lowe

Out on the Town

Winner: Marcia Enz-Morrison

Crop and Cruise Tote

Winner: Marilyn Ritchie (and Leonka!!)

So thanks again to ALL who helped contribute to the funds for this adventure!! I'm confident God will richly bless you ALL in ways you can't imagine :)

Chat soon from Mexico!!!

Quit sharing!!!!

2011-07-08T11:37:00.000-06:00

Have you ever told your kids to quit sharing??? Sadly... I found myself telling Justin that recently!! But before you judge me, here's the story :)

This year in school, Justin and Lindsey got to play on the SAME soccer team!!! I was thoroughly enjoying watching them get to play TOGETHER for the first time EVER!!!

So it was the end of the season and their team had made it to finals and were going for GOLD!!! It was a scoreless game and truth be known, I wanted us to WIN!!! Now Justin and Lindsey are both great players, but Justin was playing... how do I say this... way too politely!!!!! He had numerous scoring opportunities, but would instead pass the ball to someone else to "let them score"... but then it never materialized! And so the game remained scoreless when I knew we could win.

So at half time when Justin came walking off the pitch, I pulled him aside and said, "Quit sharing the ball!! Just go in there and score already and THEN you can go back to sharing!"

After the half time break, I was thrilled to see that coach put Justin and Lindsey on together as forwards and sure enough, Lindsey skillfully dribbled the ball up the field, passed it to Justin...

who then deeked out a few players (notice it's 6 of them and 1 Justin) and patiently picked his spot in the corner to score...

Naturally the parents and the team went wild with cheering and congratulations while the goalie lay defeated...

... continued to lay defeated...

... and continued to lay defeated...

And I think this shot is my favourite of my two soccer stars running back together after scoring what ended up being the winning goal!!

So here's the victorious team holding the ever coveted banner (apparently these banners are "notches in the belt" for school gymnasiums!)

And my two GOLD medal winners after the game :)

BTW... Justin did go back to politely "sharing" as it is in his nature (he's just like his father) while Lindsey continued to play in her typical "pitbull on Redbull" manner which she is known for (not at all like her mother!!!!). All in all a super fun season!!!

Bring in the Clowns!!!

2011-06-24T13:27:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I'm so caught up in the scrapbooking industry that I forget there are other passions and interests out there!!! So recently I was invited to photograph a CLOWN CONVENTION!!!! How fun is that???!!!!! Did you know that this industry is also alive and well and growing and colourful and also full of "clown celebrities"???!!!

Even several kids are involved!!! What a great way to make a little extra cash on the side growing up!!

And anyone recognize this cute face??? It's Corlann, our friendly Crop and Cruise travel agent!!! She has all sorts of hidden talents!!!!

And these are her parents!!! It "runs" in the family!!! How cute are they???!!!!

Anyways, just thought I'd share some fun and colourful photos heading into this weekend!! It's about time we had some colour in our world of rain this summer :)

And I've got some super exciting news I'm not quite yet ready to reveal, but it has put a huge smile on my face the past couple months (and no I'm not talking about Crop and Cruise in Hawaii... although THAT IS exciting as well)... it is part of my "getting back to what I love" in life :)

MEN!!!!

2011-06-20T16:10:00.000-06:00

I like men. I've always liked spending time with men or guys. It might be from the fact that I had 3 brothers growing up (and no sisters) and virtually all of my cousins were guys (see below... this is just a few of them... I have 38 cousins) so I didn't have many options. And I learned early on that men had far less drama than women!! They still do!!

So this past weekend being Father's Day and all and getting to spend it with my entire extended family (almost!) I had a lot of "think and life evaluation" time (which is always a good thing!).

Bottom line is that I've just been fortunate to be surrounded by some really good men. Men who are true examples of what REAL men should be like... loving, kind, genuine, integrity-filled, good natured, sense of humour, committed, treating the women in their lives well and Godly. Do you know how hard it is to find men like this these days??!!! We don't get to see too many good examples on TV and sadly not too many athletes, politicians, etc. seem to stay the course either.

So this weekend I am thankful for the few good men in my life... starting with this guy...

I still am in awe that God saw it fit to give me Brad in my life. I shudder at what life would be like had I married a few of the other guys I dated!!! He honestly is one of the best Dad's I know... and I know everyone says that, but he truly sets the bar high and all those who know him, know I speak the truth. I'm so thankful Lindsey is learning that it IS possible to have a guy of such quality! She may have to look long and hard, but I have faith they are out there!!

And then my own father...

I just love this shot of him!!! He was and still is my example of a great man... God first, family second and money was NEVER a focus and yet we always had enough. At a time when it wasn't the norm, my dad was heavily involved in raising us... from changing diapers to playing with us downstairs after supper EVERY night to taking us on fantastic memory-filled camping trips. Watching him enjoy life brings me great joy :)

Now my oldest brother, Mark, is the only one who isn't a "regular" father and has never married... but much of his life has been dedicated to being a surrogate "dad" to countless street children at the Chain of Love Homes in Brazil. He is like a ROCKSTAR there!!! And the really fun part is he is getting married to a lovely lady down there next year and will become "step-dad" to two grown men and plans to continue to work with underprivileged children and youth!! Definitely the heart of a true dad!!!

Next is my brother Grant...

He is such a gentle soul and has always been the most tender of my brothers! Growing up Grant was always able to make us laugh (and cry) and still does have a most amusing sense of humour and soft heart! He is a great Dad to 4 kids (and a puppy!) and is already seeing them grow up and move on :(

Then comes my brudder Darren...

We are closest in age and pretty much grew up hanging out with each other... and still sort of do as he lives minutes away, his wife is one of my soul sistas and his two girls are good friends with my two kids :) His life is so full of integrity that I always comment that I wanna be just like him when I grow up!

So those are the "dad men" in my life... what a great group for Justin to be surrounded by growing up!!! My goal is to raise Justin to be like his dad, grandpa and uncles... and someday his wife will rise up and call us blessed for it!!!!

And none of this would be possible if it weren't for my mother!!!!! We were in Canmore this weekend celebrating Father's Day and my mom's 80th birthday!!! Did you read that right?????!!!!! YES, she is 80 years old!!!!! Look at her!!!

She doesn't want people to know because she thinks people treat you different if they think you're that old, but I say SHOUT IT FROM THE MOUNTAIN TOPS!!!!! I'm so very proud of how great she looks, that she works out regularly and still enjoys life so much!!! I can only hope and pray I am the same way at her age!!!! GO GENETICS!!!!!

So just feeling blessed and wanted to take some time to honour these special people in my life. The older I get, the more I'm realizing what's truly important in life and family is real high on my list!!!!

Introducing Three Special Families!!!

2011-06-13T21:19:00.000-06:00

I was so very excited this week to receive the photos of the 3 families down in Mexico that our team will be building NEW homes for!!! Here is the first family and their current home... I can't wait to take photos of these two girls to frame in their new bedrooms!!!!

The second family apparently owns a very LARGE rooster and also takes care of their granddaughter. Their oldest daughter had to quit school to help the family make ends meet :( Hopefully we can help enough that she can continue her education...

The third family is a younger family who is sooooo excited that they were selected to receive a new home!! All the families are carefully screened to ensure that they own their property (otherwise the property owners would seize it once the house was done!)

As you can see, the area is definitely NOT a resort part of Mexico and is in dire need of some of the basic necessities of life.

The homes we will be building will be a huge improvement over what they currently have, but nothing like what most of us live in here in Canada (we have to build 3 homes in just 1 week so I know they won't be elaborate!), but I do know that we can do a LOT to help them make these houses a home for their families!!!

AND YOU CAN HELP TOO!!!!!

See the post below for our fun "Make the House a Home" Fundraiser and perhaps you will WIN as these families have won!!! I absolutely love a WIN-WIN!!!!! And the best part is you can lay your head on your pillow knowing you have had a part in changing the lives of many :)

No amount of fame, money, hair or scrapbooking goodies can touch that!!!!!

Help Make the House a Home... and WIN!!

2011-05-30T21:44:00.000-06:00

As most of you know, my family along with 40 others are heading down to Mexico (by bus!!) this summer to build homes for 3 needy families. GREAT NEWS: We have raised ALL the money needed to finish construction of all 3 homes!!!!!!!!!!!! Woooooo hooooooo!!!!! My sincerest THANKS to so many of you who helped us reach this goal.

We are now focussing on raising some funds to take down with us to help make these three houses into homes!! We would like to purchase food, appliances, bedding, etc. down there (which also helps the local economy) and help love on these families by filling their new homes!!!

And you can WIN BIG by simply helping out!!! Here's how:

Make the House a Home Fundraiser!!

For each $5 donated towards our "Make the House a Home Fundraiser" for food and household items for the 3 families, as our way of saying "Thanks for your support", we would like to enter your name into a draw for one of the following 5 prizes all worth over $200 each!!

Know that you can choose which prize you would like to be entered into!

All you need to do is send a cheque payable to "Absolute Leadership" to me along with the prize(s) you would like to be entered in and we'll do the rest!!!

PLEASE NOTE: Winners will be announced and contacted at the end of June!

An ode to Christy Riopel on her 40th Birthday

2011-05-17T16:29:00.000-06:00

I am blessed to have several soul sistas who are a such an important part of my life! One of those is turning 40 today and I just wanted to celebrate our friendship with a little photo tribute to the fun (and trouble!) we get ourselves into together!!!!!

Here goes...

"An Ode to Christy Riopel"...

Our weekend at Bull River sure did rock!

Even though my hair and non-boobs you did mock...

And remember all the fun and giggles at CHA

My Tim Holtz non-video and the tote that "ran away"?

And we mustn't forget the hot Mexico sun

Teaching together was the epitome of fun!

And I even forgive you for the lack of empathetic emotion

When you laughed at me and my camera going down in the ocean!

I feel so truly blessed and will always hold you close to my heart

And I know we both felt this special connection right from the start!

May your 40th birthday be all you hope for and more and may you know beyond a shadow of a doubt how truly beautiful, considerate, wonderfully talented and cherished you are by so many including me :)

A quick life update...

2011-05-04T23:38:00.000-06:00

So even though I haven't quite finished setting up my new studio, I've done a couple photo shoots like this little cutie!!! I love this new hat I snagged just for little girls like this!

And then there's this handsome guy!!! Justin has simply grown up over night!!!!! He even has his learner's license and is starting to drive!!!!! I'm thinking he's looking more and more like his handsome father every day :)

And then my mini-me Lindsey is also getting ready to hit a growth spurt (I'm convinced!!!). She needs to so she can hold her own even better when playing soccer!!!! Check out these action shots against other teams her age (but definitely not her size!)...

You can see why I'm anxious for her to grow and gain some weight!!! And some indoor shots from Provincials (which are always poor quality unless you have one of "THOSE" lenses!)...

Despite her size, Lindsey is thoroughly enjoying her time with her soccer team (her coaches last year called her a "Pit Bull on Red Bull") and I had a ton of fun taking photos of them at a recent tourny in Kelowna!!!! Here are the girls lying on Jerome Iginla's lawn at his lakehouse!!! We snuck over there for a few quick pics :)

Another few with one of her "besties"...

And their hard work (and play) paid off with a GOLD medal :)

So lots more to share later and some HUGE NEWS coming soon!!!!!!!! Think the Ultimate Hot Tropical location... and I am inviting YOU to join me!!!!!!!!!!

Camp Croppin' 2011 Overview

2011-04-21T02:13:00.000-06:00

Well, another year of Camp Croppin' here in Calgary has come and gone it was again a most splendiferous occasion!!! I have had the privilege of being a part of it for many years and it's always a great experience meeting fellow crafters, getting to know some of my favourite companies better and judging the layout contest (which is really a great fundraiser for the Children's Hospital Therapeutic Scrapbooking Program!!!) All just way too much fun!!!!

This year was extra special as Katharina Doyle (co-founder of Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine) was the keynote speaker and she enlisted the aid of the Canadian Scrapbooker Team to help out!! She THINKS she doesn't do well public speaking, but as those present will attest to I'm sure, she was fantastic as she is simply just super genuine, caring and FUN!!!!

We did a fun little "Scrapbooking Personality" quiz and then also ran a friendly layout contest where each table received some awesome product (Kiki Art, Prima, Kaiser Kraft, Smooch, etc.) and had ONLY 5 minutes to create a layout or project. You should see what they did!!! Here are just a few examples...

And what is Camp Croppin' without the regulars from Saskatchewan!!!!! These girls are such a hoot and contribute so much to the whole experience. I especially enjoyed seeing Amanda there IRL!! Although "Flat Amanda" was highly entertaining last year, it was sheer joy and pleasure to have her able to be here and WIN the best layout for her story about battling cancer.

And the ever gracious Kate Kading baked dozens of these cupcakes to sell to help raise money for the Children's Hospital. Now that's some heart :)

And one of my all-time favourite companies is Bo Bunny and Matthew Lanoy was there to teach and entertain the masses!!! His mother is one of the "Bo Bunny Girls" and he is a valuable part of the company (one can learn a lot over dinner and drinks... like our shared passion for Black Ops!!!)

And it's always fun to have Trisha Ladouceur around!!! I can still hear her calling out "We're going on a BOAT" all through our Crop and Cruise Scrapbooking Cruise for Canadians in 2007 :)

And a simply lovely lady that I had met briefly before at CHA, but never had the chance to get to know is Wendy Senger who created the Tattered Angels company and the Glimmer Mist that we all use and love!!!

I love her story... she used to own and run a photography business before she began Tattered Angels and when she found out I did photography, we did a super quick little photo shoot out in the parking lot (in the snow and cold!!!!) She wanted some new head shots...

Don't you just LOVE LOVE LOVE her coat!!!!!!

And last, but most definitely not least... it will come as NO surprise that I went into ugly cry while reading the layouts for the layout contest!! I thought Katharina was standing beside me when I was reading this one layout and half way through I LOST it big time!! I turned to get comfort from Katharina and discovered that I was standing all alone doing the ugly cry in the hallway!!!

Well, needless to say, we picked that layout for the journaling prize and the author is a wonderful girl named Leonka who took the entire year to write her journaling about wanting to be like the other kids in school, telling how the teachers would not give her the chance because they did not feel she could accomplish anything (gosh, I'm tearing up even now just thinking about it!!!). Anyways, here I am giving her a hug after announcing her winning layout (thanks Barb Riley for the photo!!!!)...

She read her layout to the entire crowd and received a spontaneous standing ovation at the end. Don't think there was a dry eye in the room. I love my job. I love seeing that smile on her face as she absorbed that the cheers and applause was for her. That, my friends, is what real life is all about :)

Drumroll please...

2011-04-13T23:01:00.000-06:00

Well, with a few loose ends and a couple last minute "sales" of some of our extra garage sale items, we finally have a total for our Crop For Mexico event!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am humbled and amazed and excited and grateful and simply honoured to announce that together we raised...

$7001

That's right... not only did we meet my personal "faith" goal to raise enough to build one complete home down in Mexico for a needy family ($6000), but we totally exceeded that!!!!!! And I love that it is $1 over the $7000 because I truly care about each and every dollar that was given!!!! Each dollar is special and will help change lives :)

AND... we were able to "pay it forward" with some of the extras from the garage sale!!! We donated a huge box to the Children's Hospital Therapeutic Scrapbooking Program and another to the children's programs at Grace Baptist (a huge thank you to the church for donating the space for the event). I just love a win-win-win-win!!!!!

So a HUGE THANKS to all that participated!!! A special thanks to the guys who helped out in the snow storm by carrying supplies and clearing off cars, to the food team (wasn't the food AMAZING!!) and to all those helping in various ways throughout the day and then an extra special thanks from the bottom of my heart to all the ladies that came to play, create, shop and crop the day away for this cause.

I can't wait to share the experience with you... to take pictures and video of the whole building process and introduce you to the family whose lives will be changed because of you... can't touch this feeling!!!

Feeling immensely blessed :)

COME SHOP!!!!

2011-04-01T10:34:00.000-06:00

COME SHOP!!!
HUGE GARAGE SALE OF

Scrapbooking & Crafting Supplies

Sat. April 2

1-4pm

Grace Baptist Church
2670 Radcliffe Dr SE
Calgary, Alberta

100% of proceeds going towards a humanitarian project to build homes in Mexico for needy families!

Here is a sneak peek at some kits available for purchase!

PLUS...

all 12x12 paper is 4 for $1

still in package items 20-50% off

albums, tools, stickers, stamps and more!

gently used items starting at $1

Bring along your crafty children, friends, etc. and come shop and be part of a fun day... all for a really great cause! Our faith goal is to make $6000 during this Crop For Mexico event and we'd love to have you be a part of it :)

Breakfast TV - Spring Flowers

2011-03-28T00:14:00.001-06:00

tWatch Breakfast Television Monday, March 28 at 8:40am to see my daughter and I show a ton of fun ideas for creating some "Spring Flowers" (in hopes that this snow will finally go away!!!).

Update: Click HERE to watch!!!!

Here are some stunning cards designed and created by the ever so talented Christy Riopel!

The glittery flowers were made with hockey tape and micro-fine Glamour Glitter by Craft & Glitz!!

Green flower on this one is simply fabric torn and wrapped (adhesive was Sookwang Tape).

This one is a classic technique using coffee filters formed into flowers then sprayed with Glimmer Mist.

These two were made with coffee filters and tissue paper and a new toy I got to play with....

the Grand Calibur!!!!

You can die-cut and emboss up to 8.5 x 11 papers with this baby!!!

And this little cutie patootie was done with gauze from my first aid kit and embellished with the ever so fun canvas buttons from Nikki Sivils!!!

Check out this Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine webisode to see how easy these are to make!! (NOTE: I sprayed mine with Glimmer Mist AFTER I made it to add the colour).

And we still have 5 spots left for the Crop For Mexico event happening this Saturday, AND please come shop at our on-site Garage Sale of Scrapbooking and Crafting goodies!!!!

You do NOT need to be registered for the event to come shop at the

GARAGE SALE between 1-4pm!!!!

We have had a ton of donations and now we need shoppers and 100% of your money spent shopping goes towards building homes in Mexico for needy families!!! What could be more fun????!!!!!!!!

Click HERE if you'd like one of the last 5 spots at the all-day event!!

It's Time to Book Your GRAD photos!!!

2011-03-11T10:03:00.000-07:00

One of my all-time favourite photos to do are GRAD photos!!!!

Whether it is for Grade 9 or Grade 12, I just love working with this age as they are game for having some fun!!!

When doing INDIVIDUAL photo shoots, we get to focus ALL the attention on YOU... different outfits, different poses, locations and looks...

But just imagine how much fun you can have with your friends during a GROUP photo shoot...

And we must not forget the classic look of some dramatic BLACK & WHITE images...

Be sure to contact me soon to book your special day!!!

Scrapbook Your Heart Featured Instructor!

2011-03-07T12:22:00.003-07:00

One of my favourite things to do as part of the crafting industry in Canada is to search for and discover some of those "hidden talents" we have across this awesome country of ours!!!

Whether it is for my Crop and Cruise Scrapbooking Cruises for Canadians, Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine or local events I'm involved with, I absolutely LOVE finding these gems and introducing them to those who may not yet have had the privilege!!!!

So with no further adieu, I am pleased to announce our special guest and featured instructor for this year's Scrapbook Your Heart Alberta-wide retreat this May...

Diana Kennedy

Hi! I am Diana Kennedy from Edmonton, Alberta. I have always been artistic in some way throughout my life. I have tried my hand at drawing, painting, sewing, crocheting, clay sculpture, jewellery making and all kinds of dancing ranging from ballroom to belly dance. More recently, I am teaching myself how to create art journals and mixed media art. My day job has me using my Master of Science Degree in Clothing and Textiles working as a manager of Arts in Healthcare Programs within an acute care hospital.
I was introduced to scrapbooking in 2007 when I went on a retreat with a friend. I was scrapbooking my wedding and was instantly hooked! I am presently on the design team for "Scrapbooking From the Inside Out" and have been published in Canadian Scrapbooker, Scrapstreet.com and featured on Donna Downey's and Cathy Zielske's blogs. My other interests include clean eating, baking/cooking, organic gardening, hiking, running, biking, being a Zumba® instructor and of course going shopping for scrapbook supplies.

I am inspired daily by all the many talented people who tell their life stories through the art of scrapbooking and am anxious to help you do the same at the Scrapbook Your Heart retreat.

Diana is not only super sweet, but she is just over the top talented and is PERFECTLY tuned into what this retreat is all about!!! As we say over and over, Scrapbook Your Heart is a retreat designed to help you explore and craft about deeper matters of the heart... it is about women coming together to help one another make it through this life on earth that is sometimes amazing, but many times nasty!! And Diana is all about crafting the good, the bad and the downright ugly parts of what we all encounter in this life...

And one of my personal favourites we picked for CS publication at the Great Canadian Scrapbook Carnival in Edmonton last fall... I simply couldn't resist her butterflies!!!!!!!!!!!

So as you can see, not only is Diana super talented, but she is beautifully vulnerable, inspiring and eager to share herself with us at Scrapbook Your Heart.

Be sure to check out more on her blog and please give her some LOVE!!

And know that we are almost already sold out!!! We only have 1 cabin left in Aspen Ridge and 3 in Creekside!!! And I can hardly wait!!! There is nothing else like this event... we may go home exhausted from lack of sleep, but you also take home the life changes, fresh perspectives, new friends and crafty projects to remind each one how incredibly special you are!!! Please join us :)

Trying to make a difference... wanna join me???

2011-03-03T11:42:00.002-07:00

How would you like to live here...

This was the home of a lovely family in Mexico before a group of Canadians went down last year to help build them a new home. Below is a picture of their new home almost finished...

Now I just built a new home for my family this year (or should I say we had it built for us)...

Here's a quick peek at my kitchen the day our appliances were being installed... I absolutely LOVE my kitchen and am really trying to do more cooking and baking there... baby steps!!!!

But back to my point... I must say that the new home in Mexico does not compare with my new home here in Canada and in my constant quest for balance, my family decided to join this year's group going down to Mexico (by bus!!!!!) to help build at least 2 more new homes for needy families.

We will be going in July (thank goodness I LOVE the heat!!) and until then, we are doing fundraising.

Now I am always seeming to be involved in fundraising whether it is through my kids school or their soccer teams, but I must say that I struggle raising money for "rich American kids" (as in North American) to get new computers or new matching track suits when children in other parts of our world don't even have their basic needs met of food, clothing and shelter.

Now don't get me wrong... I support the fundraising efforts of our local kids and obviously believe in the benefits of them, BUT you will find I personally throw myself full force into causes that help others much less fortunate.

And so with great excitement, I personally invite you to attend a super fun event...

You're Invited...

This event is two-fold:

1. A scrapbooking party lasting 10 hours including 2 meals and a class of your choice taught by myself and two other fantastic instructors (see classes below)

2. A overflowing garage sale of NEW and gently used items!!!

And for both of the above

100% of your money

goes directly to the

Mexico home building project!

It costs $6000 to build one home so we are hoping

to raise the money for one completed home on that day!!!

So... want to make a difference in our world? Want to be part of something life changing? I'd love to have you join us!!!!!! Here's how you can get involved:

join us at the Crop For Mexico event!!! Space is limited, but there is still room!!

Click HERE to register!!!

donate new and gently used items for our HUGE GARAGE SALE!!!!

come SHOP at our HUGE GARAGE SALE on April 2 from 1-4pm!!!!!

please tell all your friends... post on facebook, your blogs, etc. about this event!!!

And if that's not quite enough to entice you, here are the classes that you can choose as part of your registration!!!!! That's right, FREE with registration!!!!!!!

And tomorrow I will tell you about another amazing event...

near and dear to my heart...

life changing...

soul searching...

inspired creating...

one you won't want to miss...

Scrapbook Your Heart

and we'll announce this year's featured instructor for this annual Alberta-wide retreat!!!

Canadian Scrapbooker Webisode & Giveaway!!

2011-02-26T12:31:00.000-07:00

This lovely and epically talented lady Cathie Allan is pretty much the stamping diva and has more ideas than could fill volumes!!!

So it comes as no surprise to hear that Cathie has designed a new tool especially for STAMPERS called the POSITION-IT!!! I've seen her in action and you've got to see the webisode on Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine's website of Cathie introducing what it does!!!!

AND YOU CAN WIN ONE!!!

Watch the Webisode video HERE and then comment to WIN!!! You only have until Monday at midnight to enter!!! Winners will be posted on Wednesday. Good luck!!!

CHA Giveaway Winner!!!

2011-02-16T19:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in Christy Riopel's and my CHA 2011 overview and GIVEAWAY!!!

We did a random pick from the over 145 entries from both our blogs and our winner came from Christy's blog and the question:

When you see new stuff do you have to have it right away or do you wait until you have a use for it?

And our winner is...

Stephanie Giles said...

Wait...hmmmm.... what does this word mean :)
I am super needy to get the new tools and inks/colours right away. Paper and embellishments I am getting better at having a plan on where I can use them before being in a must buy situation.

February 6, 2011 12:44 PM

So Stephanie... please contact either Christy or myself to claim your prize!!!!

Meanwhile, if you love Coco Brooks pizza and you are in the Calgary area and want to fill your freezer with these fresh ingredient pizzas, we are doing a fundraiser for our Mexico Homes Building project!! Here is just another way you can help make a difference and who doesn't like pizza!!!

What I love about these are that they are personal pizzas so each member of the family picks what they want so there's no argument about what type of pizza to have!!! That and of course they're perfect for those nights I don't have time to cook (okay... for those times I don't FEEL like cooking!).

Orders need to be in by Feb. 27 and pizzas will be ready on March 10, 2011.

Click HERE to see an order form :)

Crop for Mexico & Final CHA picks and Giveaway!

2011-02-09T23:11:00.000-07:00

Before I pick up again with the final CHA reveal, I have a most exciting invitation for YOU!!!

If you would like to be part of something truly important AND have tons of creative fun at the same time, I'd love to have you attend our Crop For Mexico event!!!!

We have 2 super fun things going on April 2 here in Calgary...

1. A crop event where 100% of your cost goes towards building homes in Mexico for needy families! We have special guest instructors and you get to choose a class from one of them as part of your registration (see link for more info and class photos) PLUS you get lunch, supper and tons of goodies!!!!

2. A "Garage Sale" of new and gently used craft items where 100% is again donated to our Mexico homes!!! You do NOT need to attend the crop to come SHOP at the Garage Sale!!!

Registration for Crop For Mexico opens TODAY!!!

Now back to some eye candy from CHA!!!

One of my all-time fav companies is Basic Grey and Christy Riopel showed you a peek at some of their fantastic new lines, but here is what caught my eye!!! Ribbon Doilies!!!!

And still in partnership with Basic Grey... Core'dinations has sandable cardstock that coordinates with Basic Grey!!!!!!!!!! Just check out their scrumptious patterns and colours!!!!

And YEAH for Canadian companies like MyStamp Box!!!! Here is a fantastic new set of stamps that has HUGE potential!!! If you want to see some layouts, check out my good friend Jill Hildebrand's amazing work as she designs for MyStamp Box!!!

Now this got my attention!! I'm not actually familiar with the Vintage Street Market company, but I'm in love with this Tinted Tape product and it's potential!!!

Looks like you can add a fun edge to your papers and of course I'm thinking of photos!!!!!!! It comes in a variety of styles like the "soot" one above and the "aged" one below. Definitely going to be checking out this company!!!!

And I'm always on the look out for new tools and this one from We R Memory Keepers caught my eye as it can help me "sew" or at least look like I've sewn on my layouts with ease!!! Hence the name "SewEasy"...

And not sure if this is a new release or just newer to me, but I got to see this Distressing tool by Zutter called the "Distrezz-it-all" in action a couple weekends ago at a retreat I was at and the local store sold out of them once we saw it work!!!! I distressed an entire layout with a ton of assorted pieces in a matter of minutes!!! It was a beautiful thing :)

Okay... I know there is so much more, but this will do it for our recap for this Winter CHA 2011 event!!! I must say I missed seeing all the goodies up close and personal and really missed catching up with some of my friends in the industry (and our Crazy Canuck dinner we always do), but I've been busy with some pretty important "LIFE" stuff so I don't regret my decision for a moment!!!

Final question you can enter to win (remember that we will pick a winner on Monday... VALENTINE'S DAY between all entries from all days on my blog below and on Christy's blog!)

If money were no object, what "creative experience", event, tool, product, etc. would you splurge on?

More CHA Top Picks & Giveaway!!

2011-02-07T13:42:00.001-07:00

So some of you struggled a bit with my "motif" question last day so I thought I'd give some more examples of possible suggestions...

One of my favourite motifs are birds... I don't actually decorate my home with this one, but do LOVE birds and we are seeing them all over in the crafting industry (and we have some neat plans for them at our Scrapbook Your Heart retreat in May!!!) The top picture is a template from Crafter's Workshop and below you can see an entire line from one of my favourite companies... FANCY PANTS!!!

Even the title of this new line makes my heart sing... "It's the Little Things"...

and I'm all about these quick and cute journaling aids... there is now NO EXCUSE for not including some journaling on every page!!!!!

And some Maya Roads stamps that I think are simply perfect just as they are!!!!!

Glitz Design has some beautiful new lines....

And one of my favourite motifs that I do use in both decor and scrapbooking is "ornate" type patterns...

Even their blingy "glitzers" have beautiful ornate designs!!! This makes me happy... combining ornate with bling!!!!!!!

And I just threw this one in because my father-in-law lives for crosswords and I think it would be so fun to create a layout with this on it!!!

So another motif I thoroughly enjoy and am confident will NEVER go away is flowers!!! Check out these new metal ones from Graphic 45!!!! How fun!!!

Kaiser Craft presented a "Magic Happens" line perfect for the princess in your world!!! I love these colours together...

Kaiser Craft also does a lot of wooden "motifs" like the butterflies, birds, flourishes, etc. that make the perfect accent as is or altered.

And back to princesses for just a quickie... LOVED this stamp from C.C. Designs!!

And these ones from Unity Stamps...

And these push-pins from Webster's Pages... how cute!!!

Okay... today's question (hopefully a less intimidating one!!!)...

What things do you think make for the BEST Crop events???? Is it the location, the facility, the food, the instructors, class projects, the sponsors, having a "cause", the people organizing, the people attending, etc. Tell me your top things you like at an event to make it EPIC!!!!!

Leave a comment here and then be sure to head over to Christy Riopel's BLOG for more chances to win a prize bundle worth $50!!

CHA TOP PICKS 2011 #2 and Scrapbook Your Heart Retreat!!

2011-02-03T10:21:00.000-07:00

REGISTRATION OPENS:

FRIDAY, FEB. 4, 2011 for PAST attendees

FRIDAY, FEB. 11, 2011 for NEW attendees

To start today, I have the privilege of announcing our 4th annual

Scrapbook Your Heart Alberta-wide retreat!!!!

This retreat is truly a big part of my personal WHY I am on this earth!!!

It is NOT a crop, but rather a retreat for the soul using art to help us dig deeper into matters of the heart and it is the only event I do where attendees report "life changing" results. In fact, last weekend a past attendee showed me a butterfly tattoo she got after the year where we discussed the journey of the butterfly :)

So in honour of our Scrapbook Your Heart retreats, my next CHA TOP PICKS are all about retreat themes we've seen or will see!!!!

And today's just happen to come from one of my all-time favourite companies...

BO BUNNY!!!!!

Check out their first new line called "Gabrielle"... it's so beautiful I'm gonna die!!!!!!!! (phrase slightly adapted from Dispicable Me movie :)

And when I saw Bo Bunnys new line called "Timepiece" I was heartbroken that we didn't have this last year at the Scrapbook Your Heart retreat where our theme was "A Time For Everything"... so I'm just going to regress into the past once I get my hands on some of this!!!!

So I think I'll stop here and leave a few more for next time!!!!! Meanwhile, here is my question of the day for a chance to win a $50 prize bundle between my blog and Christy Riopel's as we reveal our CHA favs!!!

What "motifs" do you like to use in your scrapbooking and even in your interior designing?

BTW... I looked up the definition of motif : is any recurring element that has symbolic significance. Pretty wide open :)

CHA 2011 Top Picks and GIVEAWAY!!!

2011-01-31T23:52:00.000-07:00

So although I decided to not attend CHA this winter (in lieu of other amazing things I have planned this year!!!) I can't help but still scour the internet for my TOP CHA PICKS as I do every year!!! It's hard cuz I really want to physically be there to see, touch, smell, lick (oh wait... that's Christy!) all the yummy new products!!!!!

But alas, I will live vicariously through photos until the product makes it into the stores!!!!

So here are some FANTASTIC things that have caught my eye (and heart!!!) I'm starting today with PRIMA who never disappoints!!!! Check it!!!

These blingy beautiful ribbons make my heart sing!!!! Can't you just see these on an elegant layout??

And those who know me know that I have a thing with birds and I tell you that there is NO shortage out there of birds including these cute ones!

These flocked rub-ons have my interest peaked as well!!!

Along with these super intriguing new masks!!

And what is Prima without luscious new flowers of all sorts!!!!

So enough eye candy for the first day!!! On to the GIVEAWAY!!!! Watch here and on Christy Riopel's blog as we both present our CHA "wish we were there" items and comment to win here and on her blog each day for a chance to win $50 worth of product at the end!!!! Now for my first question:

What is your favourite colour of accent to use in your home and on your layouts? Is it the same or different?

To the Saskatchewan Mother...

2011-01-25T13:56:00.000-07:00

So this weekend my daughter's soccer team was in a tournament in Saskatoon and I must say it was interesting to say the least (from the terrible Saskatoon Inn hotel room... to the traffic!!! Who knew it would take 30 minutes to go 8 miles in Saskatoon!!!).

Anyways, back to soccer... as you can see, Lindsey is not only small for her age, but they were playing against older teams (see below image for size comparison and note that there were 3 players "on" Lindsey as she skillfully handled the ball)...

And here's a shot of one of the players literally "on" her in the corner (yes, Lindsey is in this picture if you look real close!)

So things are actually going along quite fine... our girls are playing well and even scoring some goals...

and Lindsey is doing her job defending and because she is super quick, the other team begins to get a tad frustrated and one play while running full force, the girl on the other team (not the girl in this picture)

gets outrun by Lindsey and in frustration pushes her from behind with both hands (totally unacceptable and punishable in almost all sports). We are all waiting for the whistle and red card while Lindsey flails, but refuses to go down. But no whistle, no card and Lindsey manages to stay up and keep running. So then the girl pushes her AGAIN even harder from behind sending Lindsey sailing! And still no whistle and no card!!!! So Lindsey's down hurt and there is finally a whistle, but no card. The girl that pushed her is standing over Lindsey when the ref finally approaches and eventually pulls out a yellow card (meaningless with no real consequences... Lindsey is removed from the game to recover while pushy girl gets to keep playing).

Thankfully Lindsey is okay (see pic above... love her attitude and resilience!!!) and after the game we find out that the girl that pushed her did not get a card for pushing, but rather for laughing and mocking Lindsey while she was down injured!!!!! SERIOUSLY??????!!!!!!! WHO DOES THAT????? Did your mother not teach you right from wrong?????

So later that night, Lindsey receives a beautiful package with this on the outside...

and inside is a circle album for her...

along with this card...

The package is from a super talented and generous lady named Dawn Hueser that I know from Saskatoon who has battled breast cancer and Lindsey had donated some hard earned money to a "Run for the Cure" for Dawn without ever meeting her. Dawn was especially touched by the gesture (having a stranger provide some much needed support touched her as she often felt a little alone in her battle) and she wanted to say thank you to Lindsey. The look on Lindsey's face as she met Dawn was PRICELESS... I didn't have my camera, but her smile is permanently etched in my memory :)

And I thought to myself that night...

"To the Saskatchewan Mother whose daughter intentionally shoved my daughter twice and then laughed when she was injured... I wish you knew the true joy that comes from a daughter who smiles and laughs because of sheer joy of sacrificially giving to others. There is no gold medal that can even begin to compare. May you and your daughter some day learn this truth."

My Journey...

2011-01-18T12:38:00.000-07:00

I want to give a little behind the scenes insight about my current "life journey"... it's neat to look back and see how each little "stone on the cobblestone path of life" gets placed at just the right time...

The above layout called "Let Go and Fly" was created last summer as part of my "Scrapbook Your Faith" article for the current Winter issue of Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine (which by the way, you MUST get if you haven't already!!!!!). At the time, I was feeling like God was calling me in a new direction, but it was very vague and quiet and unclear... and yet familiar... He's done it before (hence the layout).

So over the past several months, I've been waiting and praying and seeking direction... and although it's still not clear, I've had a few "moments of clarity"...

One fairly major one came this Fall as I was preparing for my next splendiferous Crop and Cruise Scrapbooking Cruise for Canadians!!! I was busy hiring fantastic instructors, planning fun excursions and collecting HUGE amounts of swag to play and create with on board from generous sponsors. Sooooo much fun!!!!! Here's a photo of just a few of the boxes of supplies left outside my cabin upon arriving on the ship!!! Our neighbours couldn't even get in and out of their cabin!!!

Meanwhile, my brother and my neice were planning a trip to Belo, Ethiopia with his fitness club through Canadian Food for the Hungry. As I was collecting swag for my trip, he was also collecting "stuff" for his trip. One night when he was over, he mentioned that they were looking for soccer uniforms to take for the kids at the local school in Ethiopia. Brad and I looked at each other and we both knew in a heartbeat that we could meet that need!!! Stored in our new garage (moved from our old house) was a bag full of new soccer uniforms... too long story why we had them and why we hadn't given them away in the move... but suffice it to say it became abundantly obvious that it was for this reason alone!!!!! The joy I had in collecting swag for my cruise did not even begin to compare with the joy I felt turning those uniforms over to my brother to bless needy children in Africa. Nor did the joy I felt seeing these pictures upon their return...

How ridiculously cool is that!!!! From the floor of my garage onto the beautiful backs of children in Africa!!!! Now don't get me wrong, I don't think that there is/was anything wrong with what I was doing in planning hot tropical vacations or being a stay-at-home mom, sub teaching, photography, etc.

BUT my heart begged me to answer this question:

What are you doing with your life that really matters?

So I'm on the quest to discover exactly what, why and how God would like me to spend my time, my money, my energy, my new home and my passions to live a life that really matters and makes a difference!!! Pretty sure I won't be moving to Africa or anything like that (but I also know to never say never!!!!!), but I am also pretty sure it will require sacrifice and I may have doubt and questions along the way (make that WILL have doubt and questions), but ultimately I'm terribly excited to discern the new direction He has for me!!!!

Is this a mid-life crisis??? Maybe. I don't really care actually. I like that I'm turning 45 in March. I like that I feel I'm in a much better "space" than when I was in my 20s and 30s!!! And I like a challenge in life and truly seek out all opportunities for improving and learning what new things God has for me (including our family trip to Mexico to build homes and this is another reason I'm taking the Soul Restoration course through Brave Girls). And I am still feeling called to and have a heart for many of the things I'm currently doing (including the Scrapbook Your Heart retreat here in Alberta coming this May!!), working with teens, doing photography, teaching, writing for Canadian Scrapbooker, etc. I just need to figure out how it all fits together :)

And I would be delighted to inspire any one else who may be on a similar journey... please don't be afraid to ask the same question of your own life. Re-read the journaling on my "Let Go and Fly"... I invite you to let go and fly with me... it is so worth it!!!!!!!

My Exciting News!!!!!!!!

2011-01-10T15:01:00.000-07:00

I have a TON of exciting news that I'm going to share!!! I'll just pick the top ones for today though :)

Exciting News #1:

Okay... it's all finally official and I'm more excited about this than almost anything :)

My entire family is heading to MEXICO!!!!!! Not for my next Crop and Cruise or hot tropical scrapbooking event, not for a family vacation, but to work on this...

Hero Holiday is a non-profit organization that facilitates groups who wish to come to a high needs area of Mexico to build new homes for needy families... and my entire family is going along with many other families and individuals to build 2 or 3 homes!!!!!!!

Now having just built a beautiful new home here in Canada, I have to admit it will not begin to compare (honestly still sorting through that whole process in my heart... but that's another day)... it will be similar to the one shown above. But as you can see, it is a "mansion" compared to the old one beside it made of cardboard and cloth.

The mission is to work together like this (above) to change our world bit by bit and put a smile on the face of a child and family in need... like this (below)...

I have tears even as I'm typing this (big surprise!!!) as I anticipate not only the change in the Mexican families lives, but in the lives of my own family and the others we are traveling with!!! To say I'm stoked is putting it mildly :)

Sometime soon I will share how this trip fits into other things that have been happening in my life (yeah!!!!), but meanwhile, you can "keep watch" with the details on our Grace Baptist Mexico trip blog and there you can find ways you can be involved!!!!!!

Exciting News #2

In my constant quest for an authentic life doing what God created me to do... I'm taking an online course called "Soul Restoration" put on my Melody Ross and her sister Kathy!! Actually, there is a large group from Calgary doing this all together as well as women across Canada (we have our own group on the website!!!). TODAY is the last day to register, so I know it's last minute, but I invite you to join us on this adventure!!! They promise it will be life changing!!!!

Exciting News #3

Book the weekend NOW for our next annual Scrapbook Your Heart Alberta wide weekend retreat taking place May 13-15, 2011 at Camp Caroline in Caroline, Alberta!!! We are still working out some of the session topics and themes, but know that this year is going to be AMAZING!!!!

Just remember that this is NOT a crop weekend, but rather a ladies getaway retreat with sessions, projects (supplies provided), optional classes and the opportunity to learn, grow, create, play, laugh, cry, hot tub, hike, take pictures, make friends and dig a little deeper into matters of the heart.

Space is limited and registration will open beginning of February... first for "repeat attenders" and then for "newcomers" until full.

OKAY!!!! That's enough exiting news for one day!!!! Know that I'm anxious to share real soon lots of other life things that are going on including my new journey of discovery this year (NOT a new year's resolution, but something that has been percolating for months now... timing just appears to be with New Years :)

I hope many of you join me on all of the above and more through this year!!!! A journey walked together is much better than alone!!!!

If you are on facebook...

2010-12-20T10:05:00.000-07:00

If you are on facebook,

please click HERE

to vote for the above photo on Nikon Canada's facebook page!!

Deadline is Dec. 21 :)

This photo is extra special and many of you may recognize it...

it is the little chapel at Camp Caroline where we hold our annual Scrapbook Your Heart retreats (info for the 2011 one coming SOON)
it is the cover shot for my Scrapbook Your Faith article in the current Winter issue of Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine (will also discuss that soon!)

Christmas Crafting on City TV

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So one of my favourite parts of being in the crafting and photography industry (other than hosting tropical vacations like Crop and Cruise!) is doing regular TV segments with an assortment of people and products!!!

This week we got to play with Jill Belland and Christy Riopel at Foundations for the Future Charter Academy with these crafty students...

Jill is always great to work with as a host and this time she brought along another beautiful lady named Kristin who is training to be TV host so we let her practice on us throughout the morning!! She also did great so be sure to watch for her in the future :)

So we played and crafted with Westcott Trimmers, Stix2 adhesives, Harmonie and Kiki Art papers, a ton of stamps, papers and these 3 main tools...

The Bind-it-all machine from Zutter is a fantastic tool for binding a wide assortment of projects!! Check out what Christy Riopel designed using this machine...

An advent book... 25 little envelopes to hold special somethings leading up to Christmas!!

Next she took a bunch of old Christmas cards and "recycled" them into this fun mini-album!!!!

Zutter also sells Cover-alls that go all the way up to 12x12 seen here... they come in Black and White and are perfect for decorating (this one I simply attached a 12x12 layout made with all Kiki Art products to the front and voila!!!

A close-up of this layout leads us to our next two fun tools we played with...

The Marvy Border Punch allows you to do 8 different beautiful and substantial borders on cards and up to 12x12 in seconds!!!

The I-Rock tool allows you to apply the bling to projects and cards and even fabric and wood in seconds as well!!

Here are a few of the cards and tags we created using the Marvy Border Punch and the I-Rock...

A huge thanks to all the students from FFCA and to Christy, Jill and Kandi for helping us pull this all together for a super fun morning of crafting :) See below post to find out where you can purchase these great tools and products!!!!

I will try to post the video from the morning real soon!!! Meanwhile, Merry Christmas everyone!!!!