Wow! Where did August go?

It's hard to believe it's the last week of August already.  It's been such a whirlwind month and I can honestly say, I'll be glad to see it go.

My youngest turned 12 this month. For his birthday, he wanted to go camping at Bogg's - so we did.  We invited my brother and his kids to come with us as well.  He's been going through a tough time and I thought it would be good for him to get away for a weekend and enjoy his kids and a little relaxing time.  Although with 6 kids and 3 adults, I believe we were outnumbered LOL!  But everyone did have a great time and I got some awesome pics for scrapping later.

School also started for us this month, so that meant back to school shopping and registration, physicals, etc.  My oldest is a Junior in High School this year - so hard to believe he's that old already. My youngest is in 6th grade.  My kids no longer allow me to take 1st day of school pics, but that's okay - I get to keep all the report cards, awards, etc. that they come home with.  We're still settling into our back-to-school routine and learning schedules and extracurricular activities.  Hopefully things will line out soon and we can get back into a rhythm.

I took a trip to Michigan last weekend for our Close To My Heart Unit/Team meeting.  I am so proud and happy to be a part of two of the best teams.  I love the family feeling and the welcome I get every time I go - especially considering I only get to go about once a year.  This meeting was our annual team awards.  I was pleasantly surprised to receive awards for personal sales and number of gatherings. It was so great to see everyone again as well.

Unfortunately, with all the good times, there comes some sad times.  As I was leaving town Friday morning for my Michigan trip, my husband called to tell me that one of our very close friends had died the night before.  My husband had debated whether to wait and tell me when I got home, but I'm glad he didn't.  I debated not going on my trip, but he told me to go and make the most of it and he would let me know of the arrangements and we could go from there.  While I know everything happens for a reason, some things I don't understand.  Eric, I hope you can feel the wind in Heaven and may you always ride free.  You will be greatly missed.

Today marks the 16th anniversary of my father's passing.  He was one of the best men I have ever known.  He is the one who taught me right from wrong and taught me to be strong.   Everyday I find myself doing things and saying things and realizing what my dad had taught me.  Everyday I miss him and so much want to talk to him just one more time.  I love you, Daddy!

I hope to get back to more regular posting again soon. I have been working on a few projects here and there and do have some things to share.  There are lots of exciting things happening with Close To My Heart in the coming months! 

Until next time...

My Apologies and a Surprise!

My apologies for not posting sooner...it's been one of *those* weeks.  The kids won another 2 days off school due to snow.  As I had taken time off to work on stuff I needed to get done for Crop for the Cure, I was home with them.  Unfortunately, I didn't get a whole lot done towards the crop. However, we did have fun playing board games (even though I got beat).

I also got an unexpected text from my stepson on Wednesday evening.  He had taken his girlfriend to the hospital because she thought had the flu and at 36 weeks pregnant, that apparently isn't a good thing (not that it's a good thing any other time either).  However, they decided to keep her as she was showing good signs of being in labor.  They hadn't planned on them staying there and didn't take the baby bag or the camera - could I bring mine and they borrow it for awhile?  Well, I'm not about to turn down the opportunity to get shots of my new granddaughter, so they borrowed my camera.  Hence, the lack of the artwork posts.

Thursday morning at 4am, I get a text from my stepson with a picture of my new granddaughter, Hala Nevaeh. 

We went up to see them late Thursday morning. She is such a cutie and SO tiny!

She was 5 lbs. 7 oz. and 19 1/2 inches long.

The kids brought my camera back this afternoon (pictures intact too - they know better).  So now that I have my camera, I hope to start sharing some artwork I've gotten completed.  It's just going to have to wait until tomorrow.  It's been an exhausting week.

Until next time...