Greetings from Convention!

Hello Ladies! I didn't think I would have Internet access, but I do..... Hooray for Hilton's Wireless Internet. I don't have any pictures to share with you yet, but the new catalog is FABULOUS!!! I LOVE it! I was able to buy some really great things at Memento Mall and can't wait to show all of new fabulous products!!! I am so excited for the things the next few months hold! Also, if you sign up as a Demo between Aug 11th and Oct 11th you'll receive an extra stamp set! That's a $41.95 value!!! There are many more specials to come. You should all be getting a Catalog Sampler in the mail very soon! Look out for all the great new products! I'll post again tomorrow. Until then.... Happy Stampin!

Hi Ho, Hi Ho it's off to Convention I go!

This time tomorrow I'll be flipping through the new catalog,swapping cards, shopping at memento mall, and my favorite cutting out new stamps!!! I wish that I could take you all with me! It's going to be so much fun hanging out with the girls from Inkin' Empire! I look forward to getting to know them all much better. We'll be eating, sleeping, breathing and stamping together for 4 whole days! I won't be posting again until Sunday, since I won't have computer or Internet access. I look forward to sharing everything I learn with all of you at the Open House on August 23rd.

Convention Countdown

I preparation for Convention I made a luggage tag and tag for my Convention Bag. I am so excited for Convention I can barely sleep. I am so excited to learn all I can about Stampin' Up!! It will definitely be trip to remember and one I will never forget.

For Hayden

Whenever I get ready to go to Utah, I always get a little depressed. I miss Hayden so much and it just brings back awful memories that make me wish I would have died with Hayden that night. I don't remember much from that night, but this is what I do know.

I had gone to the doctor Friday the 21st of February because I wanted a new nausea medicine. Dr. Barton took one look at me and made me go to the University of Utah Hospital. My Mother-In-Law drove me there and it seemed to take an hour to get there. I walked into Labor and Delivery and then collapsed into a wheel chair. They called Robert at work and told him I was going to die. They then did an ultrasound and told me that Hayden had died.

My kidneys had completely shut down and I was on my way out. My blood went completely septic and I had to have 4 transfusions. I remember hearing Robert on the phone with my Parent's telling them to hurry, because I wasn't going to be around much longer. They drove all through the night to get there as fast as they could. Robert never left my side.

I remember giving birth to Hayden in the ICU at 2:25 am on the 22nd. I told the Nurses I didn't want to scream because it meant I was a wimp. I obviously was not in my right mind. I remember it hurting really bad and just wanting to go to sleep and keep him with me. I remember screaming for my Mom and crying hysterically. My Brother and Father-In-Law gave me a blessing and I fell asleep. The next thing I knew it was 9am and I was starving. I ate 4 breakfasts and the doctors wanted me to eat more but I was really stuffed. Robert called my parents to tell them a miracle had happened and I was going to live. I cried because I didn't want to live. Apparently Heavenly Father had other plans for me.

Then about 20 doctors and students came in my room and they all asked me the exact same questions. They were very annoying and insisted that these things just don't happen and that they had never seen or heard of anything like this before. I was a Medical Mystery. I then decided that I wanted to see Hayden and hold him to say goodbye. Then they moved me from the ICU that evening and we planned Hayden's Funeral. We called the Mortuary and they came and picked him up.

Then they moved me into a large private room later that evening. It was so nice! I had lost all of my strength and had to re-learn everything. I had to walk around the entire Hospital in one shot, before they would let me go home. They made me eat foods that were high in fat and calories, because I had lost 50lbs. and was down to 99lbs. I looked like a walking corpse. My Doctor came to check on me everyday, even tough it wasn't his hospital. We would come everyday after work and stay for an hour and do his own examination. He even gave me many blessings. I spent the next 3 days eating and gain my strength back. I went home on February 25th.

Hayden's Funeral was February 26th. We kept it very simple. We had a small graveside service. Robert, my Brother and Robert's Brother Eric carried the small marble casket from the hearse. My Mom gave the Opening Prayer. Dr. Barton spoke and said many kind things about Hayden(Only in Utah is your OB-GYN a Bishop in his own ward). Robert Dedicated the grave. We sang I am a Child of God. Robert's Mom gave the Closing Prayer. We stayed for awhile, cried and said our goodbye's. There were so many in attendance. Robert's Aunt's were there. His brother's and sister's. My Parent's, my Brother and his Family, and even Dr. Barton.

I am looking forward to seeing Hayden and talking with him to fill him in on all the new and exciting things that have happened in our Family in the last year. I always take him Sterling Roses. My Mother-In-Law is taking me Wednesday evening to see Hayden. While we're there we'll also visit with Janell, Robert's sister who was also stillborn and who Aurora is named after.

I miss him everyday and wish he was here. I know that I will get to be with him someday and raise him. That knowledge is the only thing that makes life bearable.

Mama Sparkles

I just had to share some great giveaway's with you! My Friend Marissa has this Great Blog called Mama Sparkles, and she has tons of great giveaway's for great products. Be sure to visit her Blog and check out all the great giveaway's http://www.mamasparkles.blogspot.com

Family Reunion

A few weekends ago we had a Mini Family Reunion. My Oldest Brother and his Family were only here for 6 hours. We decided it was time for a new Family Picture, since we've added 3 new people since the last one.

Back Row: Jacob, Heather, Danny, Dad, Aurora, Robert, Amy, Adelle, Joey
Front Row: Trever, Sidney, Mom, Sage, Cula

We also had a picture taken of just us, we've never done one before. Too bad Robert forgot to take off his sunglasses.

Danny, Dad, Mom, Cula, Joey

My Sister's and my Niece
Adelle, Amy, Heather, Cula, Aurora

Then we went to dinner at the BBQ Pit in National City for Dinner. We then came back to the house for a combined birthday celebration Adelle(june26), Danny(july11), Sage(july17). We had cupcakes and homemade ice cream.

Aurora decided to steal Jacob's cupcake. She was on quite a sugar rush after this.

It was a good day! We aren't always in the same place at the same time, so it was nice to be together. I really do love my Family, and enjoy the time we get to spend together, even though we do drive each other crazy from time to time.

Indiana Spud

I just had to share the coolest toy ever with you! My Friend Marissa and her Husband Paul bought this Mr. Potato Head for Sage's Birthday. He comes complete with a Golden Spud Idol, Fedora, and Whip. When you press his hat, the Theme from Indiana Jones plays. Needless to say that Sage now knows the Indiana Jones Theme and won't stop singing it! The funny thing is I think I love it more than Sage does! Thanks Paul, Marissa & Keenan for the best gift ever!

Retiring Accessories

Click HERE to view the list. Items on this list will be available while supplies last or until August 10th, whichever comes first.

Products are marked as Available or Unavailable. If an item is marked as Unavailable our supply is exhausted, and the item can no longer be ordered. This list will be updated every afternoon until August 10th.

With most catalogs, some accessories are completely discontinued, while others are redesigned or reconfigured for the new catalog. Sometimes popular items are "discontinued" in their current packaging or style to come back with improved packaging or added product features. This year, no accessories are being reconfigured.

Stamp-A-Stack & Scrap Night

Stamp-A-Stack and Scrap Night is this Friday the 25th at 7pm at My Home. Those of you are are participating in Stamp-A-Stack will be making these 10 cards. Cost is $20(club members) $25(customers). Those of you participating in Scrap Night just bring your supplies and you'll have access to my Stamps, Ink and Punches. We'll be having Homemade Ice Cream for Dessert. Please R.S.V.P. by the 22nd, so I can have enough supplies set out.

Retiring Accessories

For the first time ever, Stampin' Up! is offering some their retiring accessories at a discounted price. Click HERE to view the list of products being offered at a 25% discount.

The offer doesn't start until Monday, but feel free to e-mail me your order and I'll place it Monday! This is only a partial list. Check back with me on Monday for the full list.

Also, don't forget about the 25% discount on all Hodge Podge Hardware. It is being offered at $20.96 while supplies last.

Blog Candy Winner

Thanks to everyone who entered the drawing. www.random.org picked Diane. Congratulations Diane! Call me and I'll get your prize to you today.

Sage's Day

Yesterday for Sage's Birthday Robert and I took him to Sea World for a day of fun. We did only what he wanted to do. First, we went to the new Sesame Street Bay of Play and rode the rides.

Then he jumped on the Air Jump

We had lunch at the Rain Forest Cafe and had some really yummy food!
We saw Circ De La Mer. Sage loved every minute of it!

Then off to the Shark Encounter. We also rode the Sky Tower and saw the new Sesame Street 4D Show "Lights, Camera, Imagination". Sage also loved that and laughed the entire time.

Sage and Me walking to the Sesame Street 4D Show

Later in the day we had Pizza for Dinner and Ice Cream for dessert. We opened presents. Sage got a reversible batman/superman cape from my Mom, batman & superman action figures from Aurora, a new Disney Cars backpack and lunch box for Preschool and an inflatable Thinking Chair from Blue's Clue's from Robert and I. He loved all of his presents. Thank you to everyone who sent cards, left comment's or called, you truly made his day!

Sage

Wow! I can't believe that my Boy is four today! It seems just like yesterday that he was born. In honor of his special day I would like to share some of my favorite things about him.

1. He is ALL BOY!
2. Loving -He is always worried about every one's feelings.
3. Cuddle Bug - he'll drop almost anything to cuddle with my Mom.
4. Funny - he always knows how to make us laugh.
While these are not the only things we love about him, they are what comes to mind first.

Sage's Favorite Things

1. Cartoons - All kinds
2. Milk - He'll drink it all day long if you let him
3. Chocolate - Just like his Dad
4. Fruit - He'll pick that to eat, over anything else
5. Laughing - He loves to laugh and make others laugh
6. Cuddling- He loves to have our arms wrapped around him
7. Ice Cream - He'd eat it all day if we'd let him, doesn't matter what kind as long as it's cold.

Reflecting on this day, always brings bittersweet memories. Sweet because he was the most amazingly calm baby and bitter because Bryton and Hayden should have been there to welcome their Little Brother into our Family. I'm sure that they took good care of him in Heaven though. He is growing up so fast and I wish I could keep him little forever! To celebrate his Special Day Robert and I are taking him to Sea World for a whole day of fun. Then we'll come home and open presents have Pizza for Dinner and Ice Cream for Dessert.

Aurora The Artist

Today, Aurora had her first Art Exibition. I was cleaning house and when I got to the Living Room to vacume this is what I found.

She is always coloring on whatever she find. I guess she couldn't find any paper or Stampin' Up! Catalogs. She was not too happy with me for taking her picture, but it was too funny and I had to capture it on film.

Excitement & Blog Candy

I can't believe it! My first SU! Convention is only 2 weeks away!!! I'm so excited! I have so many things to do to prepare. I'm making 50 cards to Swap with other Demonstrators, I still have to work on those. Hopefully I'll get them done this weekend. I can't wait to share everything I learn there with you all.

In Honor of my first SU! Convention I'm am giving away a Pack of the Love & Happiness Rub-On's from this years Sale-a-bration Catalog and the retired Stamp set So Many Sayings (it is mounted but never used). To win just leave me a comment telling me about your favorite thing about Summer. Deadline to enter is Friday July 18th at Midnight. The winner will be determined on Saturday the 19th at 9am using random.org. Good luck to everyone!

Sushi Anyone?

A few years ago I was searching for a fun April Fool's Day Prank and I stumbled upon a great recipe for Mock Sushi. The first year I made it I was in Utah watching my Nephews for a week. They came home from school to find Sushi and were totally freaked out that I actually ate Sushi. I told them that they had to try it and reluctantly they did, holding their noses and gagging until they actually bit into it to discover something sweet. I would never make anyone eat real Sushi, The thought of it makes me sick.

All you need to make this is Rice Krispie Cereal, Marshmallows, Gummy Worms and Fruit by the Foot. You can find the recipe HERE

Swim Lessons

A few month's ago we decided to sign the kids up for Swim Lessons. I found this great pool in La Mesa that offers a wide range of lessons for all ages (thanks Jenn)! Living so close to the Beach we find it necessary that the kids learn to swim. Aurora's Class (parent participation) started last month and has been every Saturday Morning. The first lesson she spent the whole time crying hysterically. With each lesson she relaxed and actually enjoyed her time in the water. I am so proud of her! Sage's Lessons start this week. He'll be in the same class as his friend Sierra. Hopefully that will ease any fears he might have. Although I don't expect him to be too fearful. I thought I'd share a few pictures of Aurora and Robert in the Pool. They are too precious.

Aurora having a fit at her first lesson

Aurora, a little more relaxed at her 2nd lesson

In honor of Convention being less than 3 weeks away, I'll be posting some Blog Candy soon, so keep your eye's peeled!

Camping

We went camping this last weekend. We always go up to Julian to the William Heise County Campground. They have the best cabins with heat and electricity, and even outlets for the laptop and this time we even took a fan with us. We would have died without that fan. We hung out and watched movies and tried to stay cool. I didn't take many pictures because it was SO hot! I don't deal well with heat and as it turns out either does Aurora. I did manage to take a few pictures. Here are some of my favorites.

Sage put a Capri Sun straw bent in half in his mouth and was pretending he was a duck.

The campground had a Rescue Shelter come and talk about wild birds.
This is a Baby Barn Owl. He only weighs one pound.

Sage and I walking back to the Cabin from the Bird Presentation.

As you probably know, I am not a camping person, but Robert and Sage love it, so Aurora and I just hung out inside the cabin watching cartoons and snacking with our fan blowing on us. We are the ultimate Girly Girls. Even though it was HOT, it was fun. The highlight of the trip was the smore's. On our way up to Julian we stopped at this Restaurant we saw on Food Network's Diner's, Drive-In's, & Dives called Ramona Cafe. I had the most amazing omelet that I have ever had in my life. It was called the ABC Omelet. Avocado, Bacon and Cheese Omelet served with the best hash browns in the world. If your ever up that way you must stop and try the food. We also stopped in Santa Ysabel and bought some Dudley's Bread. Hooray for Potato Bread!!! All in all it was a great trip, although we won't be doing again in the summer.

Stampin' Up! News

Hello Ladies! Stampin' Up! has just made two BIG announcements. Because the Aged Copper, Antique Brass and Pewter Hodge Podge Hardware is being discontinued it is now being offered at a 25% discount. So, instead of $27.95 they are now $20.96. The offer is good as long as supplies last, so call me today to place your order. Now for the Most exciting news of all...... All NEW stamps sets will be Die-cut! This means no more guessing where you should trim your stamps. Just pop, peel and mount your stamps and your ready to stamp. I am so excited about this, it will save me SO much time!