Alter This

Prom!

When i arrived at Perkins yesterday, Jon was getting ready and wanted to show me that he had practiced tying his tie all week!    He did an awesome job!  Here are a few favorites from the Prom.  I think Jon and Mihn were the cutest couple and I was one proud, teary-eyed mom.

Perkins campus...the famous Howe Tower!

"I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to perservere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles." ~ Christopher Reeve

Quote is dedicated to my son and hero, Jon.

love mom.

A very special Graduation!

How does that saying go?  Twenty-one days makes it a habit?  If that is true then i am on the right track to making that goal a reality...Here is to Day 3 post!

This morning I am finishing up a few projects before my next box arrives, umm today!  I wish i could post some photos of the new products coming out....but i can't soooo i will just say...oooh and ahhhh.  Only 5 weeks until CHA Summer!

This afternoon I am going to Perkins School for the Blind to take photos of my son, Jon and his girlfriend, Mihn.  Tonight is his prom...I can't believe he is graduating!  For sure Jon should win an award for achieving so much in his short 19 years of life given all he has been through.  He has endured alot of pain and suffering but you would never know that by meeting him - Jon is a survivor.    Congratulations Jon, I love you.

I love this photo of Jon and Mihn it puts a huge smile on my face.  The picture is from Mihn's birthday celebration at our home in February!  Tomorrow i will post some photos of the couple all decked out! I leave you with a fews quotes from my favorite author, Helen Keller. 

"Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it."

"We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world."

and my favorite of the bunch:

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched.  They must be felt within the heart."

Thoughts.....

I am still buried but want to try and post a thought or quote along with some photos everyday {trying so hard to be better at blogging}...so here are a few favorite photos from my recent Cruise in March!  Speaking of cruises........there may be one in the works that i will be teaching on in early 2009....and it sounds amazing! 

I love to hear from people who read my blog...still baffles me that more than one person does..*snicker*  Anyway yesterday I received a quote of the day from a friend and wanted to share as it left me thinking alot about what is important in life...so in my spare time...*insertsarcasm" i starting looking on the internet at what is important and found a jewel of an article by "Charles Schultz, the creator of "Peanuts" comic strip.  The article asked the reader to answer a few questions:

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman Trophy winners
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America Contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award Winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?  The point was that no one remembers the headliners from yesterday.  All the awards, achievements and prizes tarnish or are forgotten. 

Here is another quiz.

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

and finally the quote from my friend which is really a life's lesson:  "The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most crendentials, the most money, or the most awards.  They are the ones who care." ~Charles Schultz

I received a few emails about my classes at Croptopia Getaways ....they will be up on the site early next week for the August 1-3rd event!   Check it out as this is a wonderful weekend with lots of prizes and giveaways.  Drop me an email I would love to know if you are planning on coming!

Okay off to finish some more projects.   Have a Blessed Day!!!! 

Buried!

It is that time of year again when assignments come in for the the CHA show.  Our team has been busy on our first round of projects for the catalog!  By Friday my desk should be clear and awaiting the arrival of assignments for the show boards and enjoying what is suppose to be a beautiful weekend!

Here is my list of To Do's and i am proud to say we have managed to cross off quite a bit!

• Make Stefanie and Anthony's baby invitations....done
• Plant my tomatoes and put up the new bird feeders.....done
• Continue with the renovations...paint kitchen...done
• Paint Metal porch set ....done
• waterproof both decks ...done

Now written down that list is pretty impressive....good thing i have a wonderful husband who has done his fair share on this list!  What do you have planned for this weekend? 

The list of items Not done *sigh*: {list is long so i am only including n a few}

• Brunch recipes for the baby shower
• Baby shower games
• Make new cushions for the metal porch set!
• Paint the living room and hallway with a fresh coat of paint

Did I mention that the baby shower is going to be at my home? We have the perfect yard for hosting so it was a natural choice!  Here's hoping the weather is a 10 or even an 8!  Speaking of baby showers does anyone have ideas for some brunch recipes or baby shower games?  Love to hear your suggestions!

And a post is not a post without some photos right?  I have been sorting through hundreds and thousands of photos and found some from my recent trip to New Mexico!

My dear friend, Jone in her fabulous studio!

Some sights while shopping around Santa Fe...

The amazing views....On the last night of my stay, I visited with Marah's mom at her beautiful home and did manage to snap a few shots before the sun stop cooperating!  The views from her home, the first class dinner and wine were unforgettable!

Secret garden....

Back of Marah's Mother's home

Window outside pool area

Before i leave I have one last photo of one of the boxes i received early last week of Karen Russells New Narratives line called "Bloom".  And I wanted to mention Creative Imaginations will be working with A Million Memories all this month, with CI Artist chats, sponsorship of their fabulously, talented design team, and some fun surprises!  Be sure to check out this month's kit featuring CI product!  And check out Creative Imaginations blog for some projects using Holey Cardstock.   

and I leave you with two quotes of the day that i received this week!

"It is simply a matter of doing what you do best and not worrying about what the other fellow is going to do." ~ John R Amos

"Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don't recognize them." ~Ann Landers

Spring is Here!

I woke up to another beautiful New England day - sunny skies, the birds are chirping and warm weather!  Spring and Summer are my favorite seasons, I know that the days are numbered until we the kids are all home for the Summer and we can spend some days by the pool and the beach with my nieces and nephew.  I usually start asking them how many days until the pool is open sometime around new years.  They like to remind me with "Aunty the pool is still covered in snow".  Yesterday I dropped off some new pool toys that i picked up in anticipation of the opening.  This morning I was sorting through photos from last Summer and found a few favorites from this past Summer. 

Nick and Olvia playing in the sand at Nantasket Beach.

Samuele and Nick {He is such a ham!}

 

Memorial day weekend usually marks the opening of pools, planting of gardens and cookout season in New England! 

This weekend will be quite busy for our family, planting our garden, finishing up some yard work and picking up a few gallons of paint for our kitchen! {we have been renovating the house slowly}    This year I am planting some tomatoes and herbs {Samuele bought me for Mother's Day} and reducing the garden to a fraction of previous years.   I just love fresh garden tomatoes and I can already taste my a favorite Summer dinner; Mozzarella and Tomato salad with a crusty bread! 

This weekend is my birthday {yikes another year already} so my children have been planning a special little get together.  My oldest son, Michael and his girlfriend Laurel live in the North End and have invited us for a quiet dinner and conversation on the eve of my birthday.  Stephen and I usually take the boat in and enjoy a glass of wine instead of fighting our way with the traffic.  Makes for a relaxing experience!  Michael's apartment has some incredible views of Boston from the roof {he lives on the fifth floor}.  I must remember my camera!

June is going to be a very busy month!  In a few short weeks my son, Jon will be graduating from Perkins School for the Blind.  Lots of exciting preparations big event this weekend with a tux fitting and graduation party invites to go out! 

This past Wednesday I was inviting to Stefanie and Anthony's ultrasound for the twins.  It really hit me that in only a few months we will be welcoming two beautiful baby boys into our life.  And I.AM.A.GRANDMOTHER....Yikes!  Stefanie is doing so well...The babies have doubled their weight in only 3 weeks - each are nearly a one pound.  She will be doing ultrasounds every 2 weeks for the rest of her pregnancy.  Here is my first photos for my brag book!

Twin A...foot and......Twin B sucking his thumb....!

And finally I am teaching a class at Right At Home using my "Pail and Shovel" chipboard book, Scenic Route Grafton and Creative Imaginations Holey Cardstock!  I did want to mention that If you are interested in taking the class or purchasing a kit I only have a limited supply of books to teach this project .  Class is scheduled for June 7th.

Before I log off I have a few of the following kits available -  I think i have answered everyone who emailed me about purchasing these.  I have to update my blog as the ones listed on the right are sold out.....I have only a few of the following kits available {first come/first serve} if you want one please send an email today:

The Seasonal Series - Winter and Spring

• Winter Snowflake Book - 2nd in Seasonal Series
• Winter Snowflake Limited Edition Box
• Spring Butterfly Book - 3rd in Seasonal Series
• Spring Butterfly Limited Edition Box

And I have double digit projects on my desk for the Summer CHA Show for Creative Imaginations...I am sooo excited about the new lines that are coming out! Off to play with some paper and glue!!!

QOTD:  "We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as unsolvable problems." ~ John W Gardner

My friend, Meghan

Back a few years ago, our family had the priveledge of meeting Meghan and her family.  The circumstances  surrounding our introduction were life changing and our meetings were always the same time every week.  You see Meghan and my son, Jon met at Dana Farber Cancer Institute where each week they both would chat about their treatments or the events of the previous week.  Meghan was diagnosed with Leukemia and my son, Jon with a brain tumor.  Our families only live within miles of each other.   

A couple of years ago Meghan told me she started scrapbooking and papercrafting {something i started when Jon was diagnosed and it is how i began my journey into the scrapbooking world}. This past Christmas i was lucky enough to be invited over to her home to see her beautiful new scrapbook room that her parents built her as a surprise gift.  The room was painted in her favorite color, bright pink, and i couldn't help but see the similarity between the color and Meghan's personality.  In the past whenever we see each other {Meghan is a full time student at Bridgewater State College} I always bring her some of my favorite supplies for her to create with.  She is a sweet, brave, talented, artistic young lady who just shines when you meet her. 

Last month we found out that Meghan has had a slight set back in her fight with leukemia, this time she has had to undergo surgery and will start treatment shortly for a brain tumor.  Yesterday,  Meghan sent me an article that her brother wrote about her in our local paper and I asked if I could share her story on my blog and ask for your prayers. Before Meghan starts treatment next week i am looking forward to a ride in her new convertible VW Bug!

"Difficult times have helped me to understand better than before, how infinitely rich and beautiful life is in every way, and that so many things that one goes worrying about are of no importance whatsoever..."

 

National Scrapbook Weekend!

Wow...just Wow!  I had such a wonderful time in Connecticut at Scrapbook Clubhouse. {pssst i need pictures girls so i can post a few from my classes ...hint hint!- my camera battery was dead...}  I have so many people to thank for this past weekend.  First the owner, Sharon, she has one of the most incredible stores..if you are in Connecticut you MUST make the drive over.  Her store is stocked with the latest and greatest product!  Her staff, Tracie, Mary and Avery.  These girls are so helpful and so kind - thank you for your dinner outing advice and suggesting a stay on our way home in Mystic!   In addition to the incredible staff at Scrapbook Clubhouse, I met, laughed and shared lunch and ice cream with some truly wonderful girls.  Thank you so much for taking the classes and for making my stay at Clubhouse so memorable.  It was nice to see some of the gals from when i was in Connecticut for Scrappink last September too! I also wanted to thank Sally Lynn for her friendship, warmth and incredible product awareness and demo using the new D-mensions Chipboard by Creative Imaginations.  I wanted to thank Karyn Terlecky for her friendship and help during my classes.  If you have not had the pleasure of taking a class or meeting Karyn or Sally Lynn, you must take the time to do so.  In fact, both Karyn and Sharon from Scrapbook Clubhouse are running a charity crop in June to benefit the Leukemia Society.  They will be hosting a wonderful day filled with prizes and all kinds of special events during the weekend! Call the store for details!

Speaking of charity events, I received a newsletter from Colorful Creations and at the bottom was a special crop for a local family.  The fundraiser benefits 5 beautiful children, ages 18 months to 13 years old who recently lost their father.  This is an all day event running from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and will be held at the Middleboro Elks Club, 24 high st, Middleboro, MA 02346.  The donation for this event is $40.00 and will include lunch and goodie bag.  There will also be a raffles and a chinese auction.  Make checks payable to "The Watson Children's Fun" and mail to Julie Rogers, 1892 Washington St, Stoughton, MA 02072.  Any questions feel free to contact Julie Rogers at 781.341.1389 or email her at juliea2@comcast.net

I would like to thank Creative Imaginations , Magistical Memories  Scenic Route Paper for supporting this charity with their donations.  For more information click Download THEWATSONCHILDRENCROP.pdf . 

And some information on the home front! Sam had the most wonderful time on his cruise - he met so many local friends from the area on board the ship!  And this Thursday Jon leaves for a disney cruise with his senior class!  Okay off to pack him up and send him back to school!

The twin babies are doing so well but mom is tired...poor stefanie! Please say a prayer or post an uplifting comment on her blog Here. 

QOTD:  "Motivation is everything.  You can do the work of two people, but you can't be two people.  Instead, you have to inspire the next guy down the line and get him to inspire his people. ~ Lee Iacocca

By now you probably have read that my son is having two twin boys!   The 3D photos are incredible of the boys and i am happy to report mom is doing very well!  Stefanie has really started showing and even felt the little ones kicking!  I cannot wait to see my first two grandchildren...yikes that sounds so funny!

And onto other news....I had a blast in New Mexico! Wonderful meetings and so much fun sightseeing.  The landscape, architecture and Art is truly one of a kind!  One of my favorite places that we visited every day for brunch was The Tea House.  A trendy spot where you could sit for hours in the courtyard and sip tea and taste some unique dishes.  One of my favorites, a black rice and steeled oats for breakfast.  It was so delicious = sort of like oatmeal but so much better. 

This past weekend I taught two classes at Right at Home and had a wonderful time.  I love seeing my old friends and meeting some new ones! Thank you so much to everyone for taking my winter and spring chipboard album classes! 

I am so excited about next weekend - I will be spending some time with Scrapbook Clubhouse teaching three classes at her store.  I am sooo looking forward to meeting everyone and doing a bit of scrapping myself!  If you have never visited the store it is a must if you are in Connecticut!  I drove Karen Russell to her store last year after her classes at Right At Home and fell in love! 

And before I close i wanted to let you know that i will be updating my class kits later this week and wanted to post some exciting news.  I received a call from the owner of Croptopia Getaways and I will be teaching for her in August in Manchester as well as November in Newport Rhode Island! For more information check out her site here. 

And don't forget about Creative Imaginations National Scrapbook Day contest.  Check out the link for more information! You could win one of two prizes!

A CI Contest, some classes and New Mexico....

What a gorgeous day in Massachusetts, the sun is shining, the birds are singing and the temperature is nearly 70 degrees! That is my kind of weather.  I am leaving this weather in the morning for what i hope to be even warmer weather in New Mexico.  I am going on business but do hope to enjoy a bit of sightseeing while i am there.

Before i leave for a few days here is a run down on some upcoming events!

• My son, Samuele is leaving on a cruise to the caribbean...he is going to have so much fun! 
• My son, Jon is leaving to spend some time in Connecticut with a friend from Perkins
• My son Anthony and Stefanie will find out the sex of the babies this Monday.  I will find out while in Santa Fe - must buy something special!  If you want to keep up with their lives during their pregnancy you can check out their blog here.
• Creative Imaginations is having a contest and you could be one of the winners of a $100 prize package! Check out the details here.
• Over the years i have had many emails asking me how I seal and protect my projects.  Up until a short time ago i did not have a way to keep the light, dust and moisture from aging and eventually ruining my projects.  Creative Imaginations has released the most amazing product for sealing and protecting your projects.  You will be amazed at this video - watch and see how they dunk newspaper into a tub of water and it doesn't absorb a drop. 

And to answer a few emails here are some projects and dates for some of my upcoming classes.

I am teaching April 26th two classes at Right at Home.  I will be teaching book 2 and 3 of the seasonal series.  Snowflake book and the Spring Butterfly book.   Below are the images of both books that i will be teaching.  The matching limited edition boxes will be available to purchase after the class.

I am also teaching during National Scrapbook Day at Scrapbook Clubhouse in Westbrook Connecticut.  I am teaching three classes. 

Grateful Album

Butterfly Album

And the last is a Recipe book using Renae Lingren's Miss Elle Line

And since i have slacked a bit on my "quotes of the day" i am going to post one from a gentlemen that i first saw on You Tube.  If you can spare 10 minutes or even 5 view this video as it is life altering.  I ran out to barnes and noble and bought his book The Last Lecture - best $23.00 i ever spent.

Here is a quote from his lecture "We cannot change the cards we are dealt, jus the way we play the hand." ~ Randy Pausch

A Raffle to help the fight against Cancer!

My dear friend Susie is running to put an end to cancer.  As most of you know Cancer has been a fight both my son, Jon and myself have fought against.   Please click on the link and donate $5.00 {I spend that nearly every day on coffee} to help win this fight!

Scrapbook Raffle to help the fight against Cancer

To enter go to: http://www.active.com/donate/tntgla/give2thebucket and donate $5. For each $5 you donate you will be entered once. Donate $20 and your name will be entered 4 times, it’s that easy and all the money goes toward a good cause. All donations must be made between March 31 and April 9th. Winner will be chosen on April 9th 8:00 pm Pacific Time. Winner will be contacted by email or go to http://www.active.com/donate/tntgla/give2thebucket after 9:00 pm on April 9th and the winner will be posted on the website. Anyone can enter and your donation is greatly appreciated. 

2 Scarlet Lime Scrapbooking kits: February and March main kits

Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist 6 colors: Periwinkle, Cherub Pink, Sea Glass, Patina, Graphite, and Pink Ink

Maya Road Chipboard: Microchips Motif Buttons Neutrals, Fresh Chipboard Hearts and Bird Coaster Album

Bohemia Embossed Chipboard “Bliss” Shapes

Me & My Big Ideas – Glitter Chipboard-Dark Pink

Teresa Collins New Scrapbooking paper lines of Damask, Journal-it, Bella Girl, and Boardwalk

Making Memories 9x9 Coral Mini Album

7 Gypsies Seal Stamp

4 mini composition books (3.5” x 4.25”)

Thickers: Roller Rink and Platforms

Foo-a-la Savannah Glitter Chip Alphabet

Heidi Swapp Chipboard Kits: 3 Rectangles Grass-White, Jet-White, Icee-jet & 1 Circles Pink-Brown

Queen & Co Felt Fusion: Football-brown, Basketball-orange, Vehicles-red, Vine-black, Eggs-pink, Vine-green, Soccer-black, and Fish-blue

Queen & Co Felt Board – Bold Black and Pure Purple

The Craft Collection Adhesive Roller refill

Glitz Frosting – Yellow & Red Bazzill Cardstock Strips- Chablis, Rio, and North Sea

And just for donating you get a Team in Training T-shirt & a Scrapstrong bracelet.