A lot going on....

Oh Goodness! There has been a lot going on since my last post.

We have spent the summer getting things done around the house and going back and forth between kids activities. We started with taking down our 70 yr old Silver Maple in the front yard and the mulberry tree in the backyard. The kids had 2 wks of swimming lessons and then Maycen went straight into volleyball camp at Highland High School. She enjoyed it and it was her first dose of volleyball since my coaching days.

Then we decided to tackle an above ground swimming pool. Boy, was that fun! Took me about a week and 1/2 to get all permits and installation lined up and several weeks later we still need to finish the fence and get the dirt filled back in and leveled out. One thing about the installation is that it doesn't include the clean up or hauling of dirt. Slowly but surely we are getting things done...but its definately at a slow pace :)

The last two weeks have consisted of soccer camp. Jackson and Maycen attended the Chicago Fire Camp and Maycen liked it so much that we put her in a more competitive camp the following week. She wants to go to the 8 wk session they hold in the fall but the jury is still out on that.

Last week Maycen started practice for her U12 Girls team that Charlie is coaching. She is enjoying the practices and her teammates. Jackson will start practice this next week and Charlie will help as well. For me, I am the fill in for Charlie when he is away. I am hoping to get a few more photos taken this season for both teams.

That prettty much brings us up to date as I take a glance at the calendar as see that school starts the following week. So officially one week of summer left and then we hit the books :) This was the first summer we had the kids in activities and stayed put without traveling. It definately made for an interesting summer and we were all busy.

Chicago Fire in the US OPEN CUP

Last night we took our Highland 3 v 3 team is gearing up to play in a tournament on July 19th to the US Open Cup game between the Chicago Fire and Cleveland. The Fire WON!!! Next opponent, DC UNITED on Tuesday!

The girls had a fabulous time watching an action packed game! The highlight was meeting some of the players afterwards. (A big THANK YOU to Chris, Chad, Calen, Jon, Nick, and Diego for taking the time to chat with the kids about soccer!)

GO FIRE!!!!

Going to Fair Oaks Farm

Swimming class was cancelled this morning due to rain...imagine that ...you are in a pool of water but rain cancels the class :) So, the kids need something to pass the time so we decided to go with our friends down to Fair Oaks Farm...a diary farm. We pass it all the time when headed to the lake or NC but have never stopped. So off we go...

The kids had a blast touring the farm. We got to see the milking carousel, sample cheese, participate in tons of interactive games and see the birth of several calves...well, actually we missed the actual birth that could have been a good thing. We saw one mommy cow cleaning her calve up right after birth, one mommy cow getting ready to give birth (our tour was leaving so we had to go) and then we returned to the birthing barn right after two other mommies gave birth..but we got to see the calves stand for the first time and eat for the first time...quite an interesting day I must say!

Last Weekend

I finally remembered to download all my photos to clear my memory card..YEAH!! Over the past few days I have had to selectively delete photos as we were out and about to create room for new ones.

Last weekend, Charlie and I decided to take the kids to the Shedd Aquarium. We knew the kids would love it! I think Maycen was most impressed by the Kimodo King exhibit which was home to some very large reptiles. Jackson loved seeing the small aquariums because he could get up close.

Afterwards, we walked out to view the art exhibit located between the Shedd and Grant Park. Everyone had their favorite...but Charlie couldn't resist the ole ball and chain display.

SU Retirement List is HERE!!

Wow! How the years flies by! Now some of my favorite stamp sets are getting ready to retire. To honor our beloved favorites, I am offering a special on ALL RETIRING Stamp Sets. When you buy 3 sets, you will receive the 4th 1/2 off. However, this is a limited time special...you must contact me by June 27th to receive this fabulous deal!



Here is the RETIREMENT LIST for your review.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

To all the DADs in our lives, HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! Thank you for all that you provide and all the love you give.

Is it Summer?

Well...it's suppose to be summer where you take time off to relax..right? That's is definately not the case here :) The past week has been jammed packed full of appointments, errands, events, practices etc. After four days of being constantly on the run I felt it catch up with me last night but there was no time to take a break. As the late afternoon arrived yesterday I had to find the energy to keep going because I had an Uppercase Living Open House and several items to finish up for the Highland Soccer Club registration today. So..how did I make it? My trusty energy drink of course, a nice cold Coca-Cola! That did the trick ...I was pepped and ready to head out the door. I had a great hostess (Hi Tammy!) and she did a fabulous job! Her friends and family were great and were amazed at how simple the decals were to apply!

After Tammy's Open House I headed home to finish some items up for registration..well, I shouldn't say FINISH quite yet. As my eyes got heavy and my head started moving downward I decided it was time for bed. SO..up at 6 this morning and FINISH the final details of the Spirit Wear and displays for today. Drop the kids at the neighbors (thanks Belinda!) and spent the day at the Recreation Center promoting Spirit Wear for Highland Soccer. All in all it was a fun day and best of all I can now take it easy until tomorrow :) Next Saturday will be a another registration for Highland Soccer at Lincoln Center so you know where I will be...oh, by the way, we are a soccer household, can you tell? GO FIRE!!

Summer should arrive this week for a short while..that is until the kids start summer activities and camps :)

School is out!

Well....Jackson has completed his first year of school! He loved his teachers, classmates and school and is super excited about attending 1st grade. Even though summer has just began, he has a packet of worksheets (83 pages) to complete before returning to Johnston Elementary in the fall...so far he has kept up and reminds me each day that he needs to do his school work.

His Kindergarten Class held a graduation ceremony which was too cute. The kids wore their handmade tye-dye t-shirts and sang several songs. Charlie took off work to take part in the ceremony...I put him in charge of video taping. Jackson was quite a character during the performance of his favorite song , "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom". Only later did Charlie realize he didn't press the record button...thankfully, we can get a copy from Jackson's teacher of his stellar performance :)

As the school comes to an end it amazes me that Jackson will be in 1st grade and Maycen will move on to 5th grade. Where does the time go? As much as I am looking forward to having the kids in school all day next year...I struggle with the thought of being by myself each day...no really..that will be a weird concept to get used to.

The day following Jackson's graduation was Maycen's Awards Day where is was recognized for being the president of K-Kids (a service group), participant in Choir, and Straight A Honor Roll for the 4th Quarter. We are quite proud of Maycen's grades this year as she only had one qtr where she did not get all A's. She was recently invited into the Academic & Arts Talented Program and was excited to participate next year.

This past weekend we wrapped up the U10 soccer season. The girls had a great season and we had fun coaching them. The girls ended up placing 2nd in the tournament and 1st for the regular season. However, soccer never ends in this house...on Thursday we start practicing with our U10 3v3 team. The tournament is in mid July and will be great practice and competition for the mastering a quick attack.

That's the low down for now...I have a feeling the summer will be short with all the events the kids are involved in but I rather have them active than saying they are BORED!

Soccer Practice

A great day for soccer! Jackson loves soccer and loves the fact that dad is coaching his team even more! This is the first season Charlie has coached Jackson and the first time for Charlie coaching U6 in a very long time.

Jackson loves to help Dad demonstrate how to perform soccer skills. He is the smallest kid on the team but steps up to any challenge! Recently Jackson has started practing with Maycen's U10 team that we help coach. His favorite position: GOALIE! He loves to stop shots coming at him.

Trip to the ZOO

We went to the Brookfield Zoo a few weekends ago with our friends. It was such a nice afternoon that we decided the zoo was a nice place to go after the kids were done with their soccer game. The first stop was the kid's zone where they got to paint their faces..what a hit! Jackson was also thrilled that he got a chance to see "Zaboo" from Zaboomafo up close and personal.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHARLIE!!!

Today is a milestone around here...CHARLES IS 40!! WOW!! Happy Birthday Charlie!

Since Charlie is on his way out of town today, he enjoyed a birthday donut bright and early :) Then he was surprised with a few decorative touches on his car.

We love you!

HAPPY APRIL FOOLS DAY!

Can you believe it's April already? I can't believe it! It seems like Christmas was just a few weeks ago! However, I am happy that we are slowly seeing some warmer weather...its gradually but its not below zero which is GREAT!

The kids started soccer practice last week and so far its been fun coaching both Jackson and Maycen's soccer teams. Charlie definately has his hands full between traveling for work, the start of the Fire's soccer season and coaching the kids.

We have all battled the nasty virus flu-like bug that hit our house during Spring Break. I was just glad that the kids didn't miss school and could recoup and get back into the swing of things at their own pace.

The Fire have their home opener this Thursday...GO FIRE! If you can't go to the game be sure to check it out on ESPN2! The kids and I plan to go so we are hoping for decent weather. The Fire are hosting $1 hot dog night with a Firework show after the game. I know what the kids we be eating for dinner :) Can't beat a $1 dog at the stadium..YIPPEE!

I have been very busy with home improvements, stamping classes and Uppercase Living parties. Not that being a mom doesn't keep us all on our toes to begin with :)

My new Uppercase Living adventure as been going great and I am offering a sign up special for anyone wanting to join my team before April 30th! I am thrilled that I am able to offer new demos a great perk..(and believe me its great!) Shoot me an email and I will give the scoop on the perk..let's just say it will definately be worth your inquiry :)

My stamping business is going great as well. I recently held a class for a terrific friend/ hostess...hi CAROL! I loved working with Carol and her friends at our stamp a stack class. What a great bunch of ladies! Carol did such a terrific job! She made her class into a St Patty's Day theme with green food everywhere...who knew there was that much green snacks and treats in the stores! WAY TO GO CAROL! The ladies had a blast chatting, endulging in great treats and of course stamping!

Tonight Maycen has her Spring Concert. Need to make sure I have the video camera charged as Charlie and I missed the Winter Concert when we were in Hawaii. Should be fun to see what the kids have been working on in music class and in choir.

Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY APRIL FOOLS DAY!

HOST A WORKSHOP AND....

RECEIVE $25 in Extra Hostess Benefits!

Not only can you and your guests take advantage of the fabulous wheelie promo but you, as hostess, can receive $25 Extra Benefits for a qualifying workshop of $350 or more! THAT'S FANTASTIC!

Hostess that book a workshop with me April-June will receive an extra special gift from me as well! Call me or email at stampn@comcast.net and we can chat about how much fun we can create with your friends!

WHEEL INTO SPRING!

Free Wheelin' Promotion
Dates: March 18-April 30, 2008
Promotion Details:
Buy a preselected stamp set and receive the coordinating wheel for FREE! Options, prices, and bundled item numbers are listed below:
Item Number Description
112848 Wonderful You bundleIncludes Wonderful You stamp set & free Stems & Silhouettes jumbo wheel $33.95
112851 Life's a Breeze bundleIncludes Life's a Breeze stamp set & free Something Fishy jumbo wheel $29.95
112850 Pun Fun bundleIncludes Pun Fun stamp set & free Sweet Stars jumbo wheel
$30.95
112847 Year after Year bundleIncludes Year after Year stamp set & free See You Around jumbo wheel $30.95
112849 Stitched Exotics bundleIncludes Stitched Exotics stamp set & free It's Beautiful jumbo wheel $33.95
112853
Enjoy Every Moment bundleIncludes Enjoy Every Moment stamp set & free Daisy Dash jumbo wheel $29.95

Happy Birthday Jackson!

Ok, I am a couple days late on the blog but we celebrated Jackson's 6th birthday on Saturday. Can't believe he's already 6!!! How time flies! Jackson asked for a picnic party that evening so we spent the night watching movies and taking part in a picnic made of pizza and cupcakes (made by Chef Jackson). We have a knack for spreading out our birthday celebrations...this was only part one. Part 2 will occur at the bowling alley with classmates upon Charlie's arrival back from Mexico.

Oh- and not to let Maycen out of the loop...she received her first perm on Saturday. She not only was the talk of the salon but also quite the chatty Cathy as well..go figure :)

I LOVE IT!

Today I received my first expression from Uppercase Living. I wasn't home when it arrived so it was a tad bit cold after sitting in the 10 below wind chill of northwest Indiana. As soon as it warmed up to room temperature, I was ready to go! Not only was it my first time applying a large expression to my walls, it was also on textured walls, and it was a 2 part expression! With all that in mind, I lined it up on my wall and got started! It was SUPER EASY! First, I taped the HOME to the wall and applied it...rubbing it firmly. Then I lined up the overlay "where your story begins" and rubbed it firmly...and THAT WAS IT! DONE!

I am very impressed with the outcome and can't wait to do some more! Best of all, the colors Maycen and I choose were perfect and look great! Yes, you can select your own colors to match your decor! LOVE IT! The colors we selected were warm stone and chocolate brown...and you can't tell from the photo but it is on a very light blue wall. GORGEOUS!

Now that Maycen has seen how great it turned out, she can't stop thinking about the expressions she wants in her "new" room when we redecorate this spring.

A tisket a tasket! A black and red basket...

Take a look at this darling Valentine's Day basket with a peppermint patty tucked inside. Maycen had a group of friends over for a Valentine's stamping party this past weekend and this is just one of the cute projects they made. How adorable! Please excuse the mess...stamping in progress!

New use for ROUND TAB PUNCH

A few days ago I posted an alternate use for the scallop punch. Well, today you can endulge in a new use for your round tab punch. The pictures below show a 3 x 3 card with a circle punched out. The circle is big enough for a scallop piece of cardstock to fit through..How did I do it you ask? ...Here's how..take your round tab punch and slide your cardstock to the back of the punch. Then punch. Turn the punch 90 degrees, lining up the punch with the already punched cardstock and punch. TA-DA! You will have a PERFECT CIRCLE!

RETIRED STAMP SET SALE..Need to go...

I have some retired SU stamp sets that would love to find a new home. Please adopt :)

Delightful Doodles $5
Burst into Bloom $5
Fresh Flowers $10
Love Ya Bunches $7
Simple Sayings II $12
Simple Shapes $12
All the Best $10
Holiday Basics $ 10
Along the Same Lines $10
Fun with Shapes $15
Tag Line $18
Nice and Easy Notes $17
Baby Frame $17
Flower Fest $20
Mini Mates $18
Brushstroke Alphabet $20
Brushstroke Numbers $13
Cute As A Bug $11
Itty Bitty Borders $5
Tag Time $20
In the Sky $5
Holiday Woodcuts $14
Little Layers II $10
Fresh Fillers $ 5
Flashy Florals $9
Nice and Narrow $9
Loving Hearts $12
Trim the Tree $12
Send a Celebration $8
Tags So Much $10
Totally Cool $15
All Occassions $11
Springtime Smiles $12
All Year Cheer II $20
All Year Cheer I $20

Shipping is not included in the price.

Thanks for looking! If interested, email me at stampn@comcast.net.

I'm EXCITED!

Most of you know that when I get excited about something I just go for it and my friend Kelly, brought up a fantastic opportunity today! I am now proudly a demonstrator for Uppercase Living! WHOOHOO! What is it? A trendy new way to decorate your home with words. You can customize anything with these fabulous phrases. If you would like to see for yourself go to www.uppercaseliving.com, click on customer login. Enter 995131 for the number and Raycroft for the token. :o) Want to know more...email me at fabphrases@comcast.net!

EVERYONE has favorite quotes and sayings, subliminal messages they would like displayed in their homes, they are not permanent and can even be taken off and re-positioned somewhere else! FUN! Wish me luck and join me if you dare ;o)

SALE-A-BRATION is COMING February 1st!

SALE-A-BRATION
February 1-March 17, 2008

Our Sale-A-Bration promotion gives everyone a reason to celebrate! Your purchases during this period of time earn you FREE products from the catalog above!

Customers: For every $50 purchase you make, you will receive a free Sale-A-Bration product.

Hostesses: In addition to our regular hostess benefits, hostesses will receive a free Sale-A-Bration stamp set for workshops that reach $300 or more.

Recruits: Anyone who joins as a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration can choose any stamp set--a value of up to $47.95--from the current 2008 Spring/Summer Collection catalog.

Whether you would like to take advantage of this great special get free stamps or host a fun night with your friends, I will be more than happy to help you make the most of the Sale-A-Bration promotion. Email me at stampn@comcast.net or call me directly (219-513-8640) to get started!

Punch Away!

My friend Sue, sent me this beautiful card highlighting the use of the scallop punch in a new way! See directions below. What a gorgeous card!Thanks, Sue!

New Scallop Punch TIP!

Are you ready for this WOW technique using you're scallop punch? Get ready...here it comes...

First, punch a scallop out of cardstock. Then adhere it to a scrap piece of paper using temporary adhesive. Next, take you're scallop punch and line it up over the punched scallop, alternating the scallops. Punch and detach from scrap paper and there you have it a new design using your scallop punch!