NEW EYE CANDY! (mommy kind)

I know I know, two posts in one day, but I had to tell you.

We received Scenic Route ROXBURY today.

This is such a fun line you are going to love it! I had to tell

you now 'cause its going to go FAST...

GOT CANDY?

What are you plans today? My day started off with a mini snickers for breakfast, that can be kind of scary. I am not a sugar fien, I am more of a baked good girl, but how can one resist on a day like today. Near my office there is a church hosting "Trick or Trunk" now how fun is that, all the members park their cars trunks in and open them up, they have buckets of candy ready for the taking. Its a one stop shop so to speak.

I hope you see our store as a one stop shop. Tonight we will be handing out candy from 4-6pm. We would love to see your ghost, goblin or princess. We have so much new product you'll want to hurry back. This weekend if you have had enough of the "haulingthekidsaroundforsugar" and you are on the downside, Debbie is hosting a PJ party Friday nite. 5-11pm, and if you were your pj's you get double punches, not a bad deal!

I am going to have a few more treats today then make sure that they hid the basket. My candy choices today are going to be the Queen & Co self adhesive felt, the new fabric ric rac from MayaRoad, and the journaling cards from Cosmo Cricket. Now that's what I call CANDY!

WE R MEMORY KEEPERS!

We have it!!!

We R Memory Keepers new collection finally arrived! You are going to love the rub on's and glitter, there are fun alphabets and kits too! Hurry you don't want to miss it!

Monday - Being Thankful

Today is a tough one for me. I know I committed to being Thankful and I have so much good in my life. I am just not feeling it. It just goes to you that you can't trust your emotions, right?

1- I have an iced cold Diet coke today for comfort and believe you me, its going to be full all day.
2- I had clean clothes this morning to wear to work
3- I got some sleep last nite after one too many restless nites
4- It's not raining.... I don't particularily like the rain
5- Jamie came and hung out with me yesterday afternoon at the store. I needed a friend and of course she was there. Thanks James, you are one in a million.
6- 11 more wake up's till I go on my girls weekend. now thats something to be excited about.

New Arrivals

We have new Cosmo Cricket papers in the store. "Gretel and Wonderland" have arrived. They are so yummy you are going to want them all! There are tags and journaling spots, there are matching ribbons and more!

This week we will see Roxbury by Scenic Route and White out by We R Memory Keepers. What an exciting time! We hope to see you on Halloween, (we have candy) and.... Thursday is our first Happy Hour nite 5-7 double punches. You can't beat that!

update on Mike- he is finally out of the hospital after 4 days. He will the doctor Tuesday, we saw the wound today, it doesn't look too bad. He'll have his cast on for 2 weeks and then get the stitches out. Thanks everyone who prayed

DID YOU HEAR?

CROP PAPER SCISSORS

has been open

ONE YEAR

to celebrate

we're having a PARTY

Saturday 10am-11pm

Put your name in a drawing with every purchase

Everyone who spend $25 or more gets a present

KIT CLUB @ 1pm

open CROP from 10-4pm

SMART GIRLS CROP from 4-11pm

dinner included!

Stop by, have some CAKE

see all the new paper and embellishments

We're celebrating you

and a very exciting 1st year!!!

Mike- update, he is resting in the hospital, a bit anxious, but hanging in there, they are giving his IV treatments to fight the infection.

More random unexpectedness

First a dog bite, some stitches and now today... surgery... this morning we awoke and Mike's hand was red with some white striping, and twice the size of his other hand...

We went to the ER, they sent us immediately to the Ortho surgery center, and they immediately sent us back to Tri State for surgery. As Dr. Boyea told me "i am going to filet his wrist and debride it" I immediately thought of salmon, when he said "filet" Not a great picture. I am now home... Mike is resting, with a huge cast, and a drain.... he will be in the hospital till Saturday receiving antibiotic treatments.

How was your Thursday?

The unexpected

My morning started off so normal, arrived at work a little late and signed onto my computer, then the phone rang, it was Mike (not unusual) He exclaims "Wilson (the neighbors dog) was in our backyard, the boys (our dogs) were a little too worried," so in an attempt to grab Wilson, fight breaks out, Mike reaches in to break it up and CHOMP, there is a hand bite. The neighbor was home, got her dog safely to his kennel, our dogs back in the house and off to Tri State ER Mike goes. I met him there. They have him in x-ray and his hand looks so twisted and swollen, we all assumed it was broke. I am quickly thinking, great, another hospital stay while they do surgery. The wounds aren't that bad, but the bones are blue already. 3 x-ray's later and some scrubbing, (oowwwee) Its not broke! (Thank GOD) But it was stitched both inside and out and dressed and casted. Mike was a trooper. He is home resting and will be fine. The dogs are so concerned its sweet.

How is your Tuesday?

Being Thankful on Monday

I am going with being Thankful again today even when its difficult.

Mike had a rough weekend so I am spent....

BUT there is so much good in my life too.

1- I made 6 layouts this weekend, it was so fun being creative
2- Kristi W spent the afternoon in the store with me brainstorming ideas and classes, her attitude really inspired me, I was talking so fast I was mixing up my words
3- My folks are having a GREAT time on the Oregon Coast
4- We took the dogs for a ride in the car this morning, what a site! Two huge boxers hanging their heads out the window, ears flapping in the wind....
5- I have a great job where I help people, although sometimes it doesn't seem that way, I am really blessed. (If you've ever seen Dirty Jobs, mine makes me look like royalty)
6- Rebecca is working at the store today, I am thankful I have friends who help us out when we need it and whom I can completely trust to do it right. Thanks Becks.
7- I have life group tonight at the King's its a safe place to be ourselves and be loved
8- We have a friend named Lori and she had twins that delivered early recently and they were able to come home healthy from the hospital. What a miracle.
9- My housekeeper comes today. Anyday she comes is GOOD.
10- My friend Jean is trying to go back to work today after the death of her sister, its a blessing she has a GREAT job and so many friends, I'm praying for her and so thankful for her friendship. Love you Jean.

What about you? Are you thankful in the hard times? Sometimes you have to search to find, but the Good is always there.

a fun list...

13 Things <--- inspired by Shawna S
The Lucky 13 Things You Need to Know About Me
1. Scrapbooking rules are made to be broken..I don't follow them anyway. Heck, I pretty much break all rules in life. I'm dangerous. I'm a rebel.
2. I am doer, I hate indecision, let's just DO IT!
3. Creating is my relaxation.
4. I love Target. Sometimes I wonder if they would notice if I just moved in.
5. I am a night owl. Sleeping in is next to Godliness in my book
6. I would say I'm fairly organized, I am a list maker... but my lists pile up next to the mail and boxes and opps.
7. Joy is an Iced cold Diet Coke
8. I love fall. I love long warm days and crisp cool evenings
9. Family is everything to me. My husband and kids can drive me up the wall, but I would be lost without them.
10. Color rocks. I love color so much every room of my house has a touch of something bold, Red kitchen, Dark grape bedroom, green and blue stripes downstairs... makes it hard for resale but it makes me smile all the more.
11. Sweet tea, puppies, long lunches, afternoon naps, Heidi Grace paper, 7 gypiseis rub-ons, my daughter dancing or playing the piano and Baked apple pie candles make me weak in the knees.
12. Music feeds my soul, Hillsong, Linclon Brewster, and Rascal Flatts are my current faves.
13. Most importantly I love me some Jesus, and I don't mind saying so!

lists, planning and trips.....

I am a list maker and a planner. I know that if there is something (like a carrot or for me a diet coke) I am more apt to do it! I like to have something to look forward too, it makes the mundane days of work go faster and rough patches a little easier to swallow....

I have planned a "Desperate Housewives" getaway weekend, some of you just laughed 'cause I am so not a stay at home mom/housewife, Martha and I have nothing in common, but my posse aka girlfriends are mostly all SAHM's and we are escaping! We have rented a cabin in Cd'alene for a long weekend and we are going to stay in our jammies, scrapbook, someone is going to cook, or we hope so and we are just to relax, no children, no hubby's little to no stress, doesn't it sound divine? Knowing this event is just a few weeks away, I have been able to deal with juggling 4 people's schedules, mike going back to work part time, changes at the store and the arrival of a ton of freight, class schedules, doctor's appts and on and on.

My folks are going to Hawaii for 2 weeks in February. In fact my whole family is going but my immediate household. They are miffed that we aren't going.. but let me show you my list of reasons why we aren't going. Its fairly straightforward..

1- $$$$$$$$$$$

2- one full time job for me

3- $$$$$$$$$$

4- a Store that oh yeah I OWN

5- $$$$$$$$$$

6- Two kids that go to high school, they can't miss 2 weeks of school

7- $$$$$$$$$$

8- a husband who will be working full time (notice how I spoke that out confidently)

9-$$$$$$$$$$

10- 3 boxers and a little princess named Sister

11-$$$$$$$$$

get the point? They have rented 2 homes so our housing would be covered but airfare would be about 2000.00 and then food and play for even a week would be at least another 2000. Do these people know how music paper and fun for the store 2000k will buy? Ha they are so dillusional.

Needless to say, I have the ache to go, go, go

So yes, I am planning a scrapbook cruise, its going to happen, there are several choices running around in my mind, I think we will tag onto someone elses event and it will be a long weekend one rather than a full week, but in '08 watch out, we might just have to go on Teresa Collins 8 day one to the Caribbean. OH YEAH!!!!

So if you are remotely considering going w/ us on the cruise in April, here is your list...

1- you need a passport and thanks to Osa whoever.. they are taking forever so you need to apply now..... of if you are like me and mine expires soon, get the darn thing renewed.

2- put your 25.00 this week in your cruise fund, jar, under the mattress, whatever it takes. our deposits aren't due for awhile but heck, saving now will make going later all the more fun!!

3- if you work, get the time off. We will be leaving on the evening of April 10th (after 5pm)

and returning late late on the 14th. This is fun because it means you only have to take 2 days off of work. nice, huh?

Mercies that are new everyday

I was really blessed today by Lisa Bearnson's blog, you have to read it... it was a gentle reminder today of all the ways God takes care of us. They had some amazing instances where lives were spared and God took care of their family.

I know that there are times in my life I see God's hand perfectly clear and other times it takes me a little longer. This week my folks are travelling and its always really hard on me. But there is peace in the journey.

Many of you know what our family has been through the last 6 months, today was a big day, Mike worked 7 hours today in our family business. Jacob's kidney's checked out fine and Savannah had a great time at dance and church tonight. These are huge accomplishments for us from just a few weeks ago. Those are my mercies. They truly are gifts from above.

On a lighter note, you have to see the new Christmas embellishments we just rec'd. OH MY! We received Me and My Big Ideas Christmas glitter stickers, and Jolee's dimensionals that are so darling you won't want to miss it..... I love that Christmas is arriving everyday!

Something to talk about.....

I found this over at Homegrown Hospitality...... TWO for Tuesday
Today is Tuesday....and if you saved $2.22 a day ( that is one large diet coked with extra ice with 29 cents change) per day for the next 205 days....well then you could afford to go on a cruise with me, and my pals...and the peeps from Timeless Treasures... what do you all think about this? cindy and I were just talking about how fun this would be... forget the Palouse Divide lodge.... what about we all go on a CRUISE?

Monday morning...

I don't think I like Monday's. I don't like having to wake up and get ready, I would prefer to get up when I am good and ready, I don't like that it means we will be busy and hurrying from place to place, I don't like that it means that I will be working all day without time for "relationship" so I thought I would start a new blog tradition, I would start being Thankful on Monday's.

I was lying in bed last nite trying to fall asleep, tossing and turning and already anxious about Monday morning, when I realized a few things.

I am thankful for...
- a husband who snores 'cause it means he is home, safe and peacefully sleeping, not alone in a hospital or up 'cause he has anxiety
- a son who was excited to go to school when he went to bed because his kidneys are healing and he no longer feels so crummy
-a warm bed with dogs snuggled all around me instead of all alone in a foreign town
-a daughter who was content to watch Law & Order reruns with me all evening and one who is not out till all hours of the nite with God knows who.
-a husband who woke us all up to go to church together, instead of a husband who doesn't know God.

Just a few things that keep Monday's in perspective. How about you?

World Card Making Day

Tami has a great new camera and she just sent me these pictures from World Card Making day! We were swamped, there were amazing cards designed by Tami, Cori, Erin and Cindy!

New and Fun

We have new Queen and Co in the store, that amazing felt borders, also finally Autumn Leaves acrylic stamps and bags of buttons. You better hurry! They won't last long.
Monday nite - Erin has a great Christmas card class
Tuesday nite- Debbie has a fun and whimsy tab album
Wednesday - kids club is back!

So much fun in just one week.

I won! I won! Scenic route

I won! its so rare that I am on the receiving end of a gift. Scenic route was having a contest to receive the new Roxbury release and I won! 600 people entered. I can't wait to receive my prize in the mail. Good news, we are going to order the line for our store as well. Scenic Route is a staple in our store, we love their colors, and matching chipboard. Thanks Scenic route for the goodies and such great paper!

Seasons change

I love FALL. I love the cool evenings and warm afternoons. I was looking out my window today at work and noticed several leaves have already fallen, I can honestly say that although Christmas product is arriving daily into the store, I am no where nearly ready for Winter. I want Fall to last longer. I want to go to the pumpkin patch and hang some corn stalks by the front door. I want to smell fresh baked pumpkin pie and think twice each month before I leave if I need a coat or not. I enjoy Friday nite Football, and pink sunsets, I like that I don't have to scrap my windows yet and wish for short sleeves on the drive home. I hope you are liking the season change.

With a new Season also comes new events. The store has received our Fall papers, ribbons and flowers, we have Football, and soccer papers and there are hints of the upcoming holidays laying around. Our calendar is full of Christmas ideas, calendars, cards and layouts. I hope you will stop by soon to see the colors and the change. Soon you will hear Christmas carols and wish for a turtleneck with mittens, but not just yet!

Too Cute bags and fun friend JAMIE P

The last few days I have visited many doctors offices from Spokane to Moscow to even Kamiah, and people all the time are asking me about my handbags. Its great that we have a friend, Jamie P who has "Designs by Jamie" She makes these darling bags. I thought I would show you one of her recent creations I borrowed from her website. Check her out! She has GREAT parties where you get to select your own fabric and then she will deliver to you an amazing bag in a few weeks. We love Jamie!

I have to admit I am hooked on these bags, I have 5 or 6 now and think I need a new one real soon but I am waiting awhile since Savannah needs glasses, why on earth should a mother be forced to choose, "Glasses for her child or a new bag" I will get back to you with my final decision.. :)

Random facts

Lil' fun info...
Nickname: Kristi O
Scrapbook size: 12 x 12
Camera: Pink Cannon
Work Space: anywhere my friends are, but currently the studio in my store
Style: undefined
1 or 2 pages?: depends
Color preferences: rich ones like navy's, red's
Fave products: almost anything
Childhood ambition: Marine biologist
Fondest Memory: owning my first horse
Retreat: the ocean
Wildest dream: Scrapbooking 10 day cruise
Proudest moment: 12/12/98
Biggest challenge: not enough time to sleep
Alarm clock: 6am
Perfect day: peaceful, sunny, friends
1st job: work study in college admissions office
Indulgence: Diet COKE
Last purchase: bagel
Fave movie: American President
Inspiration: my mom

Something different

Just for fun!!
1. Your rock star name: (first pet, current car) Nikki Caravan
2. Your gangster name: (favorite ice cream, favorite cookie) Peanut Butter Chocolate Snicker Doodle
3. Your detective name: (favorite color, favorite animal) Red Dog
4. Your soap opera name: (middle name, birth city) Marie San Diego
5. Superhero Name: (2nd favorite color, favorite drink and add “the”) The blue diet coke
6. Nascar name (first names of your grandfathers) Claire Rae
7. Stripper Name: (favorite perfume, favorite candy) El Bacchio Snicker
8. Witness Protection Name: (mother’s and father’s middle name) Rae Lee
I have to say the Rock Star and Stripper names are pretty good. Leave me a comment with one of your “names”.

What a fantastic DAY!

What a GREAT day we had in the store. All day long there was a buzz. It was world card making day and we had ladies who spent time creating. There was chatter, laughter and more! Watch for pictures of what we created.

Thanks to Erin, Cindy, Tami, Cori and of course Jan for making it a wonderful day!

Tomorrow Tami and Cori will spend the day CREATING away from 10-4. Stop by and say HI

PS! it's Jan's (aka QUEENIE'S or mom's) birthday tomorrow. Drop off a card if you think about it, it would really bless her when she returns on Monday! ( or leave a message on her BLOG)

SATURDAY ~ don't miss out

World CARD Making Day

We're having a CARD open house

Stop by anytime Saturday from 11-4

we will have cards, make-n-takes and drawings

Oh and there is a SALE going on as well

40% off many items!

EXCITING STORE NEWS

HUGE SALE

Come by the store

There are tons of 40% off items

A table of 25% off

Today thru Monday

CARD CLASS

This is the best idea for a card class. You come to the store choose 2 printed papers, 1 solid and a pack of cards and we will help you design 5 cards. Can you imagine? What a value! Call for details!