Here We All Are! Hope to See You All in the Spring!

WOW! It's All Over!

It's all in our memories now and all I can say is WOW!  Was that fun or WHAT?!?!

Thanks, Kim, for hauling part of my stuff home for me.

Thanks, Vickie for hauling the REST of my stuff home for me... and taking it to my house and unloading it for me when I wasn't even there!!!

Thanks, Jessie and Missy for taking the food.  Their men are firefighters and they took all of the leftover food to the fire station for all of them to devour!  I loved that!

Thanks, Lavon, Pat and Myriam for going to my room and getting my stuff into my car for me (I got so busy, I totally forgot!)

And, now I'm going to be so mad at myself because I am going to miss thanking some people who did SO much to help me out but I am still brain dead this morning!

So... THANKS TO EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU WHO LIFTED A HAND TO HELP ME... THERE WERE SO MANY OF YOU AND I CAN NEVER THANK YOU ENOUGH!

I hope you all made it home safe and sound.  I did, but not until after Lyla and I went to lunch at Olive Garden (and ran into Lori there, too!).  And after leaving there, we headed to Krista's store, Scrapbook Memories because heaven knows we need MORE SCRAPBOOK STUFF!!!

This retreat had so many sweet memories.  It was just such a wonderful time!  Please share some of your special memories by leaving a comment here... If you can't comment, send me an email and I will be happy to place it on here! 

I already miss you all!  Hope to see you in April!

It's Here!

Well... this is it!  Tonight is my last night to pack!  My group and I will be heading to Branson in the morning.  We plan to be there about 9:30 or so and start the unpacking and setting up

I just wanted to wish you all luck with your final preparations and be sure to travel safely when you do get on the road!  If you need anything... like directions!!!  Don't hesitate to call me on my cell... 417-880-2426.

We will see you when you get there!

Ok... I really can't wait now!!!

The Cobblestone Inn MAP (just in case you need it!)

Happy Packing!!!!

Here we Go!

This is our last weekend to pack!  Have you figured out what you are going to work on?  Have you got it all packed!  Are you all organized or are you going just to have fun and work on whatever you happen to have packed!!!

Are you bringing cards for the Operation Write Home project?  Are you bringing stuff for the Scrap Pool and/or the Drop and Swap table?  Are you ready for a nice massage!  Have you figured out what snacks you are bringing!


Leave a comment and let us know!

And if you can't find Christmas Jammies, you are not alone!  A lot are having that problem, so I'm going go tie a "ticket" to wearing them... however, just for fun, if you bought a Retreat T-Shirt, plan to wear it Friday.  I want to get a group picture Friday night.

And Saturday, if you DID find Christmas Jammies... or have something RED or GREEN to wear or anything that's Christmas related (like raindeer antelopes!), there will be an extra drawing ticket waiting for you when you show up with something Christmas-y on!!!   Remember Saturday night is our Christmas Dinner... and of course, we will need festive pictures!

Gotta go!  More packing to do!  Will my house ever be the same again?

Is Anyone Reading THIS???

Leave a comment and win a ticket... simple as that!

Massages at the Retreat!..... WOOHOO!!!

Here is the latest, latest news...

I'm so excited... and I just can't hide it!  And I'm so pleased to announce another NEW feature at the Retreat!!!  CHAIR MASSAGES!!! How awesome will it be to have a place to get "rubbed down" when your shoulders start to tighten or your hands start to cramp!

Myriam Boter, a friend of Lavon's, will be joining us for the retreat.  She is a scrapbooker and will be attending as a "retreat go-er", however, she has been gracious enough to offer to bring her services, too!

She will have times blocked off during the day (probably mid morning and later in the afternoon/evening) to accommodate us.  You will need to sign up so she can schedule her scrapbooking time.

Charge... just a $1.00 per minute!!  She says "most people can get relief from tension in 5 minutes of a specific modality that targets the affected area".  However, she is not limiting the massages to 5 minutes... you would just need to talk to her about your needs.  She sounds very flexible and completely willing to be of service to us!

Is that awesome or what!  I know I plan to be the very first one in the chair!

Operation Write Home

Ok, I'm adding ONE MORE THING!  This is one of those totally optional deals and one I hope will be very attractive to our cardmakers out there.  Ok... you scrapbookers, too!

OPERATION WRITE HOME

I found this foundation on Facebook and I've been following them ever since.  This place is wonderful.  In a nutshell, they collect "handmade only" cards from anyone who wants to send them and then they ship them to military units assigned overseas.  A lot of times, the troops do not have any access to a Hallmark store, so Operation Write Home ensures they always have an ample supply of cards to use and send to loved ones.  This has just tugged at my heart and I am actually fighting tears as I write this.  It's something that never occurred to me that might be a deficit (however, I am sure this is not the only thing, it's just something that really touched me... particularly since I have so many cards just laying around my house!)

Anyway, I am challenging you (whoever you may be!) to make a few cards either before the retreat or during the retreat - it would be a great opportunity to bring some of those cards you have laying around taking up space!... just remember, they DO have to meet the guidelines outlined below. Just get them to me by 5pm Saturday night, October 10th, the last night of the retreat.  I have one single prize for the person who brings me the MOST cards.  I am also going to have a donation cup (to just drop some change in!) to help with shipping .  I'm hoping we will have so many I can't afford to mail them myself!!!

Be sure to visit the website http://operationwritehome.org to learn more about the organization.  It's really awesome what they do.  So simple and straightforward.  They also have a Facebook page... click HERE to visit that.  If you "LIKE" them, you will be amazed at the updates every day.  They share some great cards and challenge you to make them.  And sometimes, troops will leave message and actually let them know they are running low and need more!

They do have very strict guidelines for the cards (who knew glitter could make you visible to the enemy using night goggles?) and we want to comply.

I have copied those guidelines (in GREEN) here for your reference, too... (I have made comments, which are (RED).  Click HERE to visit the site with the guidelines.  (I will be sure and have a copy of these guidelines at the retreat for your referral)

Operation Write Home's Mission
To support our nation's armed forces by sending blank greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them. (note... BLANK... don't stamp the inside!  And if you use a dark card base, be sure to put a white liner inside as the troops don't have white pens!)

How it works
The simple version: you send your handmade cards to a shipper, they process them and ship them out!  You don't need to "sign up" or become a "member" or anything-just get started!

The basic guidelines:

1. No glitter. Seriously. It's a hazard for our heroes, so we won't send cards with any glitter that will flake off the card. Read more.
2. A2 sized cards. Most efficient for our shipping dollars, so we strongly recommend A2 (4.25" x 5.5" - half a sheet of cardstock). Read more.
3. No storebought. Yep, pretty straightforward. Our heroes don't like them, so we send them our cards filled with love and creativity! Read more.
4. Watch the deadlines. We have to mail cards 5-6 weeks ahead of a holiday, so check out the deadlines posted on our homepage, on the left side. Those are the very last last last dates, so aim for a couple weeks earlier if at all possible, since we start shipping 8 weeks ahead. (For Christmas cards, October 30 is the deadline, which is what I am going to go by... regardless of the types of cards we send... birthday, anniversary, get well, love you, miss you, whatever)
5. Any quantity. One card to 100 to 500 - every card matters! We recommend emphasizing quality over quantity...relax, do your best, and pour lots of love into each card! 
6. Packing Slip. Download this handy packing slip and write in your contact info and quantity-the shipper will be able to email you to let you know your cards arrived. If you haven't heard back you can also check the Thankful Thursday post each week to see if they've arrived. Our shippers get lots of packages every day, so please give them some grace in getting back to you. (I'll take care of the shipping and let you all know when they arrive in their hands)

Some additional things you may want to do that will help out our shippers:

1. Stamp the backs of your cards. We put "Operation Write Home" on the back of every card so families at home know how their hero received such a work of art to write home on. You can order your own stamp, acrylic or self-inking; you can handwrite "Operation Write Home"; you can make a label; or have your own stamp made at your local office supply store. Listing your own information on the back of the card is fine, we just add OWH to it.  (If you can label your own cards, using labels I will have printed and there for you, I would REALLY appreciate it!)
2. Sort your cards by theme. It's especially helpful if you note which cards are for a holiday; if we get a vast number of cards at once, we may need to just pull out the holiday ones right away to ship them, and we don't want to miss yours.
3. Learn "the tuck." If you are including envelopes (some people prefer to include a donation for envelopes instead, and leave the labor to our shippers), the tuck is very helpful if your cards are already stamped. If they are not yet stamped, leave them entirely outside the envelopes. Check out the mailroom video below for more info on the tuck. (click HERE to visit the page with the video at the bottom... the video is awesome and really puts everything in perspective... plus is show the CARD HOSPITAL!)
4. Include a donation. Small or large, cash or check, every bit helps! Please paperclip it to your Packing Slip to be sure your check doesn't sneak off to Afghanistan by accident.  (Whatever is left in donation cup will be sent along to help out!)
5. Limit multiples. Some folks like to make a lot of one design. While that's fine, it becomes a biggg problem in one particular instance: holiday cards. If you want to make a lot of those (over 30), please send them 8 weeks ahead (or more). That allows us to mix them into the most boxes; we often end up with 100 of one design arriving the last week, and if most of those holiday boxes had already been sent in weeks prior, those multiples will have to wait til next year.

Remember... any number of cards are appreciated!  And if you don't have time to make cards, a couple of dollars in change in the donation cup will be equally appreciated!

How about a Scrap Pool...

But first, we are going to have a DROP and SHOP table.  This is simply an exchange table.  If you've got something you want to get rid of, leave it and if you see something you want, TAKE IT.  That's what it's there for!!  At the end of the retreat, what is left gets donated to a local woman's shelter.

And now, the SCRAP POOL... This is a little different.  Nothing I've ever done before, but I know other retreats have.  The SCRAP POOL is where you can sell items you no longer want!  You will be totally responsible for this.  I am only providing an area for you to use.  Be sure to label your items and include your name and price.  If someone wants to purchase from you, they will need to come and find you to complete the transaction.  

So make sure your labels are clear and well placed.  

I'm getting ready to go send this info out in email format, but you may read it here first!

Last Call For.... and a few other reminders!

TODAY is your last chance to order TOMBOWS and to get me your CLOSE TO MY HEART order before the RETREAT!!!
I can't believe we are getting so close!  But we are! 
So don't delay... TODAY is the last day!!!  I will be submitting orders in the morning!!!
TOMBOWS 

Click HERE for a listing of what I can order as well as pricing.  Every TOMBOW order gets you an EXTRA DRAWING Ticket, too!  (and if you've already given me your order, I have already credited you your ticket!) 

If you need anything, let me know.  You can pay by credit card, check or cash.

CLOSE TO MY HEART Order

There's still time to get me your order.  And remember, if you are a registered retreat goer, you will be entitled to a 10% discount off your entire order placed by September 20th...which is TODAY. 

(Any order will get you an EXTRA DRAWING TICKET!) 

You can view the NEW 2010 Fall/Winter Idea Book online at my website... www.jmpurves.myctmh.com.

 (NOTE: in order to get your 10% discount, you can NOT order through my website, you must email or call me with your order)

And just a reminder about a couple of things...

The BLOG

This will be a good time to start visiting this blog a little more frequently.  You never know what I will put out here.  It's WAY easier to put announcements and reminders here and it's easily (or should be) accessible to everyone.  If you have ANY problems with it, please let me know and I'll try to get it fixed.

If you want to get an email update every time I add something, look over on the right side of the blog, enter your email and click on "Get Email Updates" to subscribe.  Be sure to check your junk email in case those get routed there!

CARD SWAPS

If you are in the card swaps, here's a couple of things for you make note of...

• Each group will make 6 cards.
• Be sure to package your cards in a zip lock back.
• Label your bag with your name, group category and group number (I'll get that info to you later this week).
• Include envelopes if you can

FOOD for EXTRA TICKETS

Here are the categories.  Most of you have emailed me... THANKS!  That really helps with my planning.  If you haven't and want to, click HERE
to send me an email and let me know what you'd like to bring.  I don't need specifics, just in general.

BEVERAGES
1 Ticket per item

(ex - a 2 liter bottle of soda, a box of hot chocolate, etc)

STORE BOUGHT ITEMS
1 Ticket per item

(ex - a full size bag of candy, package of cookies,
a cake/pie/donuts, full size bag of chips, dip, etc)

HOME MADE ITEMS
2 Ticket per item

(a full recipe of something homemade,
like a cake, cookies, snack mix, etc)

Remember, we will have endless coffee, iced tea and lemonade.

3 Weeks til RETREAT!!!

Food Ordered - check
Tables reserved - check
T-Shirts ordered - check
Swaps all figured out - check
Snacks coming in - check
Goody Bag stuff here - check
Prizes here - check
Extra Drawing tickets updated - CHECK
CTMH order ready to be submitted Monday - check
WALKING BETTER EVERY DAY - CHECK!!!!

WOW!  I can't believe how much is already done!!!

I COULD start packing next week!  That is always so exciting because it's a commitment to myself that I won't NEED anything until after the retreat!  I am so ready!

I need some chatter on this blog!  It's been a little quiet lately! 

Who's excited about the retreat?  Who is READY for it to be here?  Who NEEDS it to be HERE!!!  Let's leave some comments and get this PARTY STARTED!!!

Order Your Retreat T-Shirt NOW!

I've never done THIS before, but this is what happens when you are sitting around... doing NOTHING!  I've designed a T-SHIRT for our RETREAT!  And here it is!  (Don't worry about the messy scissor on the front... it will be nice and neat or I will do another one (scissor, that is!)) 

RETREAT T-SHIRTS
available NOW for ordering

These T-Shirts are a 50/50 blend, Jerzees brand and comes in sizes Small to 4x.  Your cost is $15 each ($2 more for 2x and larger).  You can pre-pay (which will earn you an EXTRA DRAWING TICKET!) or you can order and pay at the retreat (NO extra drawing ticket for that).

Here is the kicker... I almost waited too late... I HAVE to turn this order in ONE WEEK FROM TODAY!  That would be September 13th in order to get them in time for the Retreat... so DON'T DELAY!!!  Email me TODAY to place your order... be sure to tell me the size you want and if you will be sending me a check ahead of the retreat or if you will be paying at the retreat.




CHRISTMAS PJ'S
In case you haven't thought about it... REMEMBER to pack your CHRISTMAS PJ's!  I know I plan to wear mine!  Maybe the whole time!!! 

Latest Update - Attendees, Prizes, The Menu and More!

Phew!  This has been a busy week!  Mainly working on retreat stuff!  And that means an update for you!!!  There's a lot of info here and ONE EXTRA TICKET opportunity, so read closely!

PRIZES 

Last night, Kim came over and we dug out ALL the prizes.  Well, let me just say... I've done WAY more shopping than I thought I had and I think you are going to be thrilled with what I have so far!  Almost $1,500 in prizes with more to come!!!

THE MENU 

BREAKFAST - served at 9am (if you need something earlier, the hotel's continental breakfast is ready by 6:30)
Friday and Saturday - Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Biscuits and Gravy and Fruit
Sunday - Bagels and Cream Cheese and Fruit
LUNCH - served at 12:30 
Friday - Ham and Cheese and Roast Beef and Cheese Sandwiches
Saturday - Chicken Salad on Croissants (yes, the same ones we had last year!  yummo!)
DINNER - served at 6
Thursday - Fried Chicken, salad, mashed potatoes and corn
Friday - trying to decide between Italian, BBQ or Mexican (any input will be appreciated!)
Saturday - Christmas Dinner... Turkey and all the trimmings!

CHRISTMAS CARD SWAPS

As of today, here are the numbers in each category
Traditional Christmas - 9
Non-Traditional Christmas - 9
Religious - 6

FINAL PAYMENT DUE SEPTEMBER 1

Be sure and get your final retreat payment to me by September 1st.  If you are mailing it and it may be a day or two late, please email me and let me know that.  I do have a waiting list and if you have changed your mind or you can't make it, please let me know so I can fill your spot.

ATTENDEES

 Here's the full and final list... we ARE 50 now and we are FULL!!!

1. Alisa Stanton
2. Amy Roller
3. Barbara Francis
4. Becky Pearce
5. Beth Bruner
6. Bettyann Shuert
7. Brenda Boyd
8. Brenda Stewart
9. Carol Adkins
10. Cathey Hicks
11. Chastity Bradford
12. Christine Dix
13. Christine Rantz
14. Debbie Goosey
15. Debbie Harris
16. Debbie Hill
17. Dorinda Arney
18. Gaylynn Crosby
19. Gwenda Warner
20. Janis Purves
21. Jessie Kelb
22. Judi Hough
23. Julie Windle
24. Kathy White
25. Kim Beasley
26. Kim Kelley
27. Kippen Richards
28. Laura Huffman
29. Lavon McGinnis
30. Lenette Davis
31. Lori Ball
32. Lyla Crawford
33. Michelle Johnson
34. Michelle Leigh
35. Miranda Paladino
36. Missy Kaiser
37. Myriam Boter
38. Pam McEntire
39. Pam Thiesen
40. Pat Reitmeyer
41. Pat Richards
42. Patricia Ervin
43. Rebecca Clark
44. Rita May
45. Samantha Green
46. Suzy Bruner
47. Tammie Patton
48. Toni Huffman
49. Tysha Shay
50. Vickie Alcorn

UPCOMING THINGS TO BE WATCHING FOR!

TOMBOWS - I will be ordering Tombows again this year.  I plan to turn an order in on September 20.  I will be sending a reminder along with details to everyone earlier in September.

CLOSE TO MY HEART - Some of you know that I am a Close to My Heart Rep.  I will be having my Open House on Saturday, Sept 11th from 1 - 4 at my house.  This one will be a little different that my normal ones, but we will still have fun!  Be watching for an email with details!  More important to you than my Open House is my SPECIAL I offer to all retreat attendees.  If you are officially registered, (at least a deposit paid), you will be entitled to a 10% discount off your entire order placed by September 20th.  (An order will get you an EXTRA DRAWING TICKET!)  New Fall/Winter Idea Books will be available on September 1st and you can get your very own copy... FREE... by attending my Open House OR by stopping by my house and picking one up.  As you know, I'm not mobile yet, so you are going to HAVE to come to me!  (pretty lame way to get attention, huh!)  Call first, so I can leave the front door unlocked!

I hope you are getting as excited as I am!  If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

One of our own.. Barb Francis

Click on the page "Cheering for Barb" on the left to see what's going on with one of our fellow retreaters!  Leave any messages you like here for her to read.  There is power in numbers!!!!

Christmas Card Swap

What a great response to the Card Swap!  I am thrilled and I think this will be SO much fun. 

If you haven't signed up, you still have time... September 1st is the deadline.  That will give everyone plenty of time to get their cards planned and made.

Update on me... I am feeling great!  I am just bored out of my mind!  I'm still having to stay down (in my recliner with my toes up level with my nose!) for 50 minutes out of every hour.  Some days, those 50 minutes sure go slow!  BUT, I am playing lots of games on Facebook!  I start my water physical therapy a week from Tuesday.  That will sure get me out of the house! 
And, I've had tons of time to work on Retreat Stuff!  It's amazing what all you can BUY when you are flat on  your back with only access to the internet... this downtime could definitely be your GAIN!!!

Christmas Card Swap

As I've been sitting here... doing NOTHING... I've been thinking... and I think it's time to announce our

 CHRISTMAS CARD CARD SWAP

for the retreat!

We are going to have 3 categories.... 

1. Traditional Cards - made with traditional colors (like red and greens or golds or silvers) and traditional items (like ribbons, santa, reindeer, poinsettias, snow, etc)
2. Non-Traditional Cards - made with non-traditional colors (like pinks or blues or purples) and non-traditional items (like palm trees or swimming or dogs or cats)
3. Religious Cards - made with any colors and with a religious theme or words

If you have something in mind and want a clarification,

let me know and I can help you place it in the right category.

You can join any or all of the categories!

If you've never done a card swap, you really should try this one.  There's no pressure... lots of time... and well, it's just fun!  You can start planning your cards and get your first one done in the next few weeks.  And then, sign-up closes, I'll let you know how many there are in each category, so you will know how many to make.  Here are a few simple rules... just to keep everyone on the same track.  Don't hesitate to email me or leave comments here if you have any questions.

General Rules

1. Sign up by Sept 1 by emailing me and telling me which category you'd like to join
2. I will get you those final number by Sept 4th
3. Materials from any or any combination of manufacturers
4. Any number of embellishments you wish
5. Any size of card you'd like to make
6. Do you very best work... something you'd be proud to send your mom!
7. No prizes, you'll just be able to take home a bunch of cool cards!

So... as soon as you decide, let me know.  I will need to have at least 5 in each category.  If we have a huge response, like I'm hoping for, I will break up the categories into groups no bigger than 9.  So, if we have 10 sign up, we will have 2 groups of 5, etc.  And if you'd like to be in two groups of the same category, that is fine with me!

Hey There! Wanna Earn Another Ticket?

I think it's time to earn another ticket in the drawings!

I've had my surgery... I'm finally lucid... I conquered the steps today... and I'm feeling like giving away a ticket to everyone who leaves a comment!  You don't have to keep track, as we are doing that for you, so let's go!

Earning an extra ticket simply gives you more of a chance to win prizes!  You want as many as you can earn!  Here's how to do it now.

Leave a comment here and give me an idea of what you'd like to see on the prize list.  You know I gotta get my "special shopper" busy.  WOOHOO!  Let's make a big ole' list to work from!

Just testing mobile blogging! I love technology!

Latest Attendee List - as of 7/26/10

Here is the latest attendee list.  You SHOULD be on here.  If you aren't, let me know!!!

Alisa Stanton

Amy Roller

Barbara Franc1s

Becky Pearce

Beth Bruner

Bettyann Shuert

Brenda Boyd

Carol Adkins

Cathey Hicks

Chastity Bradford

Christine Dix

Christine Rantz

Debbie Goosey

Debbie Harris

Debbie Hill

Dorinda Arney

Gaylynn Crosby

Gwenda Warner

Janis Purves

Jessie Kelb

Judi Hough

Julie Windle

Kathy White

Kim Beasley

Kim Kelley

Kippen Richards

Laura Huffman

Lavon McGinnis

Lenette Davis

Lori Ball

Lyla Crawford

Michelle Johnson

Michelle Leigh

Miranda Paladino

Missy Kaiser

Pam McEntire

Pam Thiesen

Pat Richards

Patricia Ervin

Rebecca Clark

Rita May

Samantha Green

Suzy Bruner

Tammie Patton

Toni Hoffman

Tysha Shay

Vickie Matthew Alcorn

One Last Post... and I'm Done for Tonight!

There is still time to earn some extra tickets!

Registration by email - 5 tickets

$50 deposit paid by June 1 - 10 tickets

$50 deposit paid by July 1 - 5 tickets

Registration fee paid in full by June 1 - 15 tickets

Registration fee paid in full by July 1 - 10 tickets

Registration fee paid in full by August 1 - 5 tickets

 

I know it's only one way, but that's just for now!

 

And just a reminder... FULL REGISTRATION FEES are due by SEPTEMBER 1ST!  

(I thought I'd better remind everyone of that NOW before 

I get under the influence of pain medication!)

And, By the WAY... WE ARE FULL!!!

I know!  I'm just as excited!  We are full and registration is CLOSED!!!  You can still make payments here through Paypal, but I am going to remove the registration form.  (it didn't work that well anyway!)

The Countdown Counter Died!

...and I had to remove it.  It wasn't loading right, so I'll look for another one.  I think they are fun to watch!  If you know of a good, free one I can use, let me know!

I'm BAAACKKK!!!

I'm back from DC and we had a wonderful trip!  It was a long drive (over 2,400) but we made it!  Convention was awesome and I can't wait to be able to show all the new product!

The day after I returned, I had my follow up visit with my podiatrist and my surgery date was set.  For July 30th.  That's just next Friday!!  I had to get real busy and start making plans for that.  For those of you who do not know... I injured my "stupid foot" (as I affectionately call it!) about a year and a half ago.  It has gotten better and then would get bad and better and badder (is that a word??) and finally, I just got fed up with it.  I was finding myself being able to go less and less.  And it just plain hurt... like someone had place a branding iron on the back of my ankle!  So, I decided to talk to a podiatrist.  And was told it would need surgery, but of course, I just HAD to get this Washington DC trip out of my way!  So, now it's time.

And here's the plan.  This is what they are going to do... They are going to make an "S" incision on the back of my foot, detach my achilles tendon, clean up the bone spurs and remove the floaters and reattach the achilles with screws and staples and sew me back up. 

Then, for my recover, I have to be down, with my foot propped up high enough to be above my heart, for 55 minutes out of every hour... for the first week.  Then for 50 minutes out of every hour... for the second week.  And so on, and so on.  You get the picture.  It's not going to be fun.  But I'm hopeful I will at least be able to walk for more than 5 - 10 minutes.  I will be off work for 8 to 10 weeks. 

GOOD NEWS is... I will be back on my feet for the FALL RETREAT!!!  YEAH!!  And I have such a wonderful team of ladies who are volunteering to help me that I just know it will be JUST FINE! 

And being off my feet that much, you all will be hearing from me a LOT MORE!!!  Well, at least after the pain medication wears off!  (I wouldn't listen to much I say for a week or so after my surgery!)

Anyway... I have been talking with Krista at the Branson Scrapbook store and she is going to start shopping for me for goody bags!  I can't wait to see what she comes up for us!  She is just awesome and I can not wait for you all to meet her!

Well, that's it for now, but be watching because my guess is... the second week in August, this blog should start hopping.  I'll be thinking and planning when I can't do anything else, so LOOK OUT!!!

Heading to DC

Monday, my friend, Lyla and I will be heading to Washington DC for our Close to My Heart Convention!  We will driving, so please be thinking about us (and praying for us if you are so inclined!) as we head out on our GREAT ADVENTURE! 

Here's the cool part... while gone, I will be blogging to my new MOBILE BLOG!  You can follow our trip there... we will be posting pictures and journaling along the way... She doesn't know this yet, but she's going to be a Mobile Blogger before she knows it!!!

Visit that site by clicking on this link... www.crazycroppermobile.blogspot.com

Have a happy holiday weekend and I'll continue with this blog when I return!

Double Digits Instead of Triple!

Thanks to Suzy for pointing this one out!  We went from triple digits on the countdown counter to DOUBLE DIGITS!!!  Now THAT is exciting!!!  And I got a confirmation from one more lady... Welcome Debbie Harris, who will be staying with Gaylynn Crosby!

I just cannot wait to meet all of our newcomers!

I'd like to hear from everyone... Who LOVES the idea of a Christmas Theme... in October?  I'm thinking full blown... Christmas Trees, Lights, Dinner, PJ's, PRESENTS!  Let me know what you think.  And for everyone who leaves a comment right here... you will get ONE ADDITIONAL DRAWING TICKET!!!

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!

And don't forget... if you have any problems with this blog... let me know!!! It's probably just some silly setting I have gotten right.  Blogger has made some changes and I'm trying really hard to keep up, but, well, I don't always!

NEW, NEW List of Attendees!

I am so close to being full, I am calling it DONE!  WE ARE FULL as of right now!!!  Here is our list.  Everyone on this list is locked in with a spot!  I do have a couple more ladies who are trying to get their group to decide, so when I hear from them, we are DONE!!!

If you are on this list and can't make it, please let me know as soon as you can so I can free up a space.  If you know someone who is supposed to be on this list and isn't... let me know quickly!  I don't want to leave anyone off!!!

If you have not paid your deposit, anytime would be good to GUARANTEE your spot.  If I do get any serious inquiries, I will be contacting those of you who have not paid a deposit to give you a heads up that I will need that before I turn people away.  I hope you all understand!  And of course, if you have paid a deposit or paid in full... you are GUARANTEED your SPOT!

Alisa Stanton

Amy Roller

Barbara Francis

Becky Pearce

Beth Bruner

Bettyann Shuert

Brenda Boyd

Carol Adkins

Cathey Hicks

Chastity Bradford

Christine Dix

Christine Rantz

Debbie Goosey

Debbie Hill

Dorinda Arney

Gaylynn Crosby

Gwenda Warner

Jessie Kelb

Judi Hough

Julie Windle

Kathy White

Kim Kelley

Kippen Richards

Laura Huffman

Lavon McGinnis

Lenette Davis

Lori Ball

Lyla Crawford

Michelle Johnson

Michelle Leigh

Miranda Paladino

Missy Kaiser

Pam McEntire

Pam Thiesen

Pat Richards

Patricia Ervin

Peggy Scarborough

Rebecca Clark

Rita May

Samantha Green

Suzy Bruner

Tammie Dawn Patton

Toni Hoffman

Tysha Shay

Vickie Matthews Alcorn

What a FINE looking bunch of LADIES!  I can NOT wait until October!  And I can't wait to see you ALL there!

Just so you know... I will be heading out to our Close to My Heart Convention in Washington DC Monday, July 5th.  I won't be back until July 13th!  My buddy, Lyla (yes, she's up there on the attendee list!) and I will be driving out.  We are VERY excited and can't wait to get back and share the new book and new products with you on September 1st!

List of Attendees - SO FAR!!!

Here's our list of attendees... who are confirmed!  I've had a few who have said they can't make it.  I've had a few others who are going to be here for the first time!   But this is the latest list as of June 13th!

We have 43 CONFIRMED.  That leaves only 7 spots.  If you are NOT on the LIST... AND you plan to come, you need to let me know ASAP and if you know someone who you THINK is coming and they are NOT on the LIST, give them a call and tell then to get signed up!

Alisa Stanton

Amy Roller

Barbara Francis

Becky Pearce

Beth Bruner

Bettyann Shuert

Brenda Boyd

Carol Adkins

Cathey Hicks

Chastity Bradford

Christine Dix

Christine Rantz

Debbie Goosey

Debbie Hill

Dorinda Arney

Gwenda Warner

Jessie Kelb

Judi Hough

Julie Windle

Kim Kelley

Kippen Richards

Laura Bramwell

Laura Hoffman

Lavon McGinnis

Lenette Davis

Lori Ball

Lyla Crawford

Michelle Johnson

Michelle Leigh

Miranda Paladino

Missy Kaiser

Pam McEntire

Pam Thiesen

Pat Richards

Patricia Ervin

Rebeca Clark

Rita May

Suzy Bruner

Tammiei Patton

Toni Hoffman

Tysha Shay

Vickie Alcorn

WOW!  What a group!  You are going to be SO glad YOU are on the list!

Subscribe! AND Join as a Follower!

I have added a different Email Subscriber over there to the right!  The other one just wasn't working properly, so you will need to sign up again... sorry 'bout that!

And don't forget to join as a Follower!  That way, we can get to know each other as we progress.

I spent Friday night and all day Saturday at a Crop here in town.  We had so much fun!  It really got me excited for the Fall Retreat!  Like I wasn't already!!!

Anyway, I mainly just wanted to let you all know about the new Email Subscriber!  So, get signed up and learn as we go!

Can You Believe It?

Can you believe we are just about full?  And we have 4 months left!!!  AMAZING!!!

Right now, I have 41 confirmed attendees and 10 who are very interested but can't decide just yet.  I'm going to be sending out an email the end of this month advising them they are going to HAVE to decide! 

Can you believe there are going to be FIFTY of us!  WOW!  We are going to have a blast... I can't wait to get the excitement building and I really CAN"T WAIT until OCTOBER!!! 

Oh, wait... I have to get to DC and back in July before I can go totally crazy for the retreat... but that'll be here and gone before you know it!

Talk to you all soon!

Christmas in October!

I'm ready, are YOU!  Here are the details for the Fall  Retreat!!! I just know this one is going to fill so fast, I'm almost afraid to post this!  As of right now, I have 49 people expressing serious interest.  And, I only have room for 50!  And I'm going to hold it at that as I don't want to lose our spaciousness!

Expect to see some changes!  But, I promise, they will only be to better the retreat.  As soon as I get them worked out, you will be the first to know!

One thing I can say for sure is... Christmas WILL be the theme!  And I'm hoping to see a LOT of Christmas PJ's running around... HOW FUN!!!

AND... I know that SCRAPBOOKS FOREVER in Branson will be our on-site store!

Quick details....

DATE - October 7, 8, 9 and 10

WHERE - Same place... Cobblestone Inn in Branson - visit there website HERE

Guarantee your spot with a $50 deposit.  (check out the Paypal "Donate" button over on the right side of this blog)  If you make a payment that way, be sure to email me and let me know you did... it's a new thing and I want to be sure it's working!!!)

Print the REGISTRATION FORM (click HERE to find a copy).  Fill it out, scan it and email it back to me, IF you are feeling like a techy!  OR, just email me your information and then MAIL it to me!  if it would be easier for you, send me and email and ask me to email you the form.  It's no problem to do that at all!!!

When I receive your deposit and registration form, you will be officially registered!

Payment in full is due by September 1st.

Prices per person -
3 Night Package

1 person in room - $345

2 in room - $265

3-4 in room - $235

2 Night Package

1 person in room - $245

2 in room - $190

3-4 in room - $170

No-Room Package

Thurs - Sun - $160

Fri - Sun - $120

One Day - $60

This year, we won't be seeing Crop Cash (if you were there for the Spring Retreat, you'll understand why!  It got CRAZY!!!).  And since Christmas is a crazy enough time, we want to think C A L M.  You will be able to earn tickets for almost everything you have earned CROP CASH for in the past.  (more on this later on)

Earn tickets...

Registration by email - 5 tickets

$50 deposit paid by June 1 - 10 tickets

$50 deposit paid by July 1 - 5 tickets

Registration fee paid in full by June 1 - 15 tickets

Registration fee paid in full by July 1 - 10 tickets

Registration fee paid in full by August 1 - 5 tickets

Check out payment options on the right side of this blog!