Caring & Sharing for a Cause...Dr. Suess

I'm absolutely addicted to all things Dr. Suess!  What a surprise huh? One of my Favorite books written by him is "Oh, The Places You'll Go!"  I started this guilty pleasure years ago with my son.  I started collecting Dr. Seuss books from the bookorders that use to come home when he was in elementary school. Admittedly, I have a picture of him one Halloween dressed in the cutest little cat in the hat costume.  (I don't have a digi of it)  Of course my love for Dr. Seuss was for the nonsense words that he creates and the way he rhymes.  The stories and illustrations are a great way to teach how to sound out letters, rhyming, counting, you name it.

Well suffice to say in K's first grade class her teacher Mrs. Platt has a passion for Dr. Suess as well.  In her room on the back wall is a whole counter full of these books with characters to match them.  I fell in love immediately when I seen this themed display and also overheard her during reading time comparing sense and nonsense words using Dr. Suess.  When I asked her where in the world did she get those (thinking it must of cost an arm & a leg), she lite up like a ray of sunshine and said "Oh, they cost $5.00 each at Kohl's".  I literally thought I was going to just pass out right then and there.  How in the world can these collector books with exclusive large plushes only cost $5 each?  The answer is simple...Kohl's offers different themes from Dr. Suess, to Disney to Winnie the Pooh.  What they do is sponsor these limited edition exclusive books and plushes to match, for $5.00 a piece.  Kohl's does not profit from any of the proceeds.  In fact 100% of the profits are donated to support kids' health and education initiatives in communities nationwide.  What an incredible initiative to support. Not only do I get to collect these exclusive items the moment they hit the store but I also get an opportunity to give back to communities all over the country and even better yet, I have a blast doing it.  

Today was great because Mrs. Platt said she was meaning to e-mail me as Kohl's just got a new shipment in of Dr. Seuss and of course I went straight from school to the store to pick up my collection.  So I wanted to share where they are going to be displayed in my home.  Plus the photo of the newly released Dr. Suess collection.  I suggest that if your a fan like me to grab your keys and get to Kohl's for your set today.  They sail off of the shelves very quickly and once they are gone there gone!  

Share your favorite Dr. Suess story in the comment link below...if your store has run out I just might have a special one of these just for you!  Bonus...I'm still looking for a home on my last Creatique Candy give-away post. 

Creatique Candy Time - "A Little Story Told"

When you think of telling a story, we think often of the meaning behind that particular story. I'm an admitted avid reader personally. My point is that I find inspiration within stories. Because only within a book can I tend to get lost in a moment that well, each individual experiences or perceives the meaning in a different way. I had this professor Lois Hart in college, she always had books lying around her home. Our first Literature class she had me read a book by Maya Angelo called "Why The Caged Bird Sings". That book evoked so much emotion, a portrait within my mind that at the moment I can't seem to find the words to explain. What I can say is that inspired by that experience and course, I've always kept my heart open to other opportunities.
So we have "Blogtoberfest" going and I have been recuperating from an infection. I know sounds yucky don't it? Well it shouldn't because it is that time of the year. I wanted to do something new and creative because I just enjoy playing around in my photobucket account and today was also K's school picture day. So what better than to create a story of the pictures I took but in a different and unique way then I ever have before. "Portrait In Progress" kind of thing. So without further ado here is "A Little Story Told"
Click on the slideshow for Album.There are so many different ways that you can tell a story or share something creative even when your feeling a little bit under the weather.  Our precious little Miracle truly inspires me everyday.  She makes me want to be a better Mother in so many ways.  I'm so far from being the perfect Mom but I do my best to teach her about reading, creating, and using our inner heart's to help others.  Here is one of my Favorites Taken:

"CREATIQUE CANDY" Time...

Since there was not a "Technique Tuesday" taught this week.  I'm wanting to give some Creatique Candy away!  YAY, it is something I've been really holding back on so I'm really excited to share it. Only one other lucky person will have this card I created.  If you would LOVE to have this card...all you have to do is leave a comment about your favorite story, book, song, phrase, anything really, to be entered into the drawing.  The winner will be announced on October 26th @ 6:30 pm MST -7:00 during my LIVE "Technique Tuesday" broadcast on the Creatique Innovationz Ustream Channel.  You won't want to miss it.  I'm going to be designing a glass "krafty block" an really neat gift idea.  Stay Tuned for more...

I'm Right Where I Belong!

Today was one of those days...it started out raining, then turned cool with clouds in the sky and the sun decided to play peek-a-boo for most of it.  Then again, I've been very under the weather sick for a few days at least and spending most of my time wrapped up in my fuzzy blanket, sleeping.  I realize lots of vitamin C, water, and rest are the key ingredients to feeling better.  Well, so does creating a little something inspirational to remind me that I'm right where I belong.  
I was able to muster up enough energy to create some lay-outs that I want to dedicate to my Darling Husband.  He's mustered through the worst of "sickness" storms and more with me.  
It is rare for us to go out and have a date night or spend quality time with our children on a day-trip, something we used to do once a week when we were back home in South Dakota.  These photos are from here in gorgeous Idaho taken a couple months ago.  However, they are a reminder of the love we share and the precious moments we do get with one another and truly does provide that "medicine" I need to help me feel moocho better in times like these. 
When your feeling a little blue and somewhat a little disconnected, it is very therapeutic to find reminders of just where you belong. Thank you Kip for being that Pillar of Love, Inspiration, Support, The most Amazing Daddy to our wonderful children and most of all the Love of My Life!

You view more detail in a larger format just by clicking on each of the photos.  

I'm always inspired by Helen Onulak's StudioJ Tips.  She shows so many goodies on her blog on how to incorporate ideas, use tools, or take advantage of our exclusive membership program in creating well designed lay-outs in a fun, elegant, informative and most certainly some of the most unique ways of expression.  Hence, I've created an additional few "Studio" scrapbook lay-outs using some of her tips.  Stay tuned to my blog for more upcoming posts during our annual "Blogtoberfest".  There will be some "Creatique Candy" to give away coming soon.

Christmas & December 2009!

This was a very difficult month for me... well the term "Agoraphobic" can only describe what I'm personally going through.  I have felt such an overwhelming since of being "lost" & literally panic at the thought of getting into my car & going anywhere.  With the whole wide-world at my fingertips I find I crawl into the walls of the info-highway much safer than the "real" world lately.  It is a story that is time to share.  Just because I constantly hear "Nichole You can do it!" or "Nichole, We Miss YOU!" or "Nichole, it is easy just get up & motivate." - While all of these calls, letters, messages, e-mails, cards, letters...& the like keep pouring in.  I find myself drawing more inwards.  
  Yes it is very hard to believe considering how extremely out-going I am & How Blessed I have been through-out my life.  I can't explain it & I have no answers for what has happened.  In fact I try to mule through my mind many a times where & when it all started to happen.  The issues with my breasts did not help matters...being torn in 20 different directions perhaps or the fact that it is time to admit to the world "I CAN NOT DO IT ALL" is probably more in order.  I know I'm not the only one who has felt this way.  

  In fact...it is crippling, trying, exhausting, & most of all....it affects all those that I love deeply around me.  All I can say is that time will heal whatever started this spiral of desolation I've imposed upon myself. However, I thought it important to share because despite How Easy it can be for some...it is not so easy when put into these shoes to wear. Now I understand what others go through more so now than ever.  Being dubbed a Self Proclaimed "Survivor" in which I am if only my entire story were to be told.  I would think that I could just pick-up & go like normal, as I always have.  Maybe it is the Holiday Blues, or Missing my Family terribly.  Whatever, that reason is that I find and repair...be rest assured all will know when I'm back! :O)

  My Slideshow was probably not the appropriate place to put this but figured it would have the attention it deserved in understanding my world as I live in currently.  Having that said without further ado...
  We had our first snowfall that actually stuck to the ground.  Kaedyn had her Christmas Program, Alec registered for Basketball, I created a "Veranda" card playgroup for January & Random family pics of the Holiday...that about sums it up.  I really do look forward to using the best medicine I have & that is Close To My Heart.  When I create I find I'm in an entirely different world with inspirational CTMH Sisters.  It is something that pulled me from an abyss before & without question saved my life.  I'm quite sure as I pour over my new Idea Book pages...it renews that sense of belonging with my fellow sisters here & abroad fighting for our freedoms.  I LOVE YOU ALL!!!   

New Addition To The Family...Ruff Ruff

I just can't help myself...Had to blog about our new Marley & Me pup... "Reiger" is his name. Boy is he just as cantancourus as ever.

Picture Day!!!

Oh How I love Picture Day!!! She enjoys posing in all kinds of ways...Taylor Swift is her idol! Short & Sweet for da first time ever. :)

Football Season Has Begun!

Alec has played football for the last 3 years. To our surprise it is one sport of the many that he does that he enjoys the most. The best part is this year he is actually playing for his school team.

Rightfully he worked hard to earn a spot on the Varsity team. Above all else he understands and acknowledges the important ingredients of being in such a special position as he is above all else a "STUDENT" - "Athlete"... With that said he knows he has to maintain his grades in order to participate. That means no missing assignments. We are so very proud of him and I can not wait to scrapbook his football season in whole - after Wrestling starts. :)

Among his 8th grade desires in sports as in previous years, Alec will also be on the Wrestling, Snowboard, Basketball, and Track & Field Teams for the Eagle Colts. He is quite the lil sports monster and rightfully earns every bit as he is above all else a team player, has incredible sportsmanship, participates in his community, very active in church and has many duties to his scouts as well. So his commitments ride out everyday of the week and we all support his tireless efforts. Plus he gives us many memories to scrap and share for his future generations. We are very proud of you SON!!!

Back To School :) Yipee!!!

I Love back to school day...of course Kaedyn does too. This year she will be attending Kindergarten again with Little Miracles Kindergarten. She has attended this school for 3 years now and we have enjoyed every moment of it. The decision was in her best interest to reattend with an incredible addition to their programs. The best of all is that she now is split in her class with 1/2 girls & 1/2 boys. In her previous year she happen to be one of the two girls in attendance the whole year through. So yes...with that came picking noses, doing lil boy things...but she has got a lil flair back to her "Princess" style. We are very excited about her new venture.


Alec went off to school this morning without a few minor hitches...What do we do with teenagers? So I did not get first day of school photos of Alec like our tradition stands but if ya coulda seen what he intended to wear, then a 20 min debate over it...well anyhow. I will be updating with some photos of him and his new doo soon. We are very proud of Alec and his new schedule and all of the activities he is participating in. He has already started Football practice a couple weeks ago. He has his first game this Thursday. Most know that along with his sports schedules: Football, Wrestling, Snowboard Team, Newspaper/Yearbook, Basketball, & Track & Field...we keep pretty busy throughout the year. Many photos to come.

Were very proud of both our lil treasures and I'm doing the happy dance because now I have at least 6 hours a day to dedicate to what I would love to call my "Creative Therapy" Time. WhooHoo. So along with more blog updates you will also be viewing more photo reals of my latest inspirations and some new ideas implemented.