What a beautiful hotel at our scrapbooking Convention!

I absolutely LOVE to travel...add in some scrapbooking and it just can't get any better.  I am in Washington DC for our annual Close To My Heart National Convention.  I truly treasure the time I get to spend with some of the most creative women I know.  It is the best time a girl could ask for.  We are kept BUSY every day and evening, but it is soooo worth it!  We learn some great new business ideas, get to create some wonderful new artwork, get to share some time with new and old friends, get a sneak peak at the brand spanking new Idea Book (I can't even show you that part yet), and just plain get rejuvenated!

What a beautiful hotel the Gaylord National is!  Of course, for over $200 per night, it better be!?!  Good thing I have my 3 wonderful roomies to split the cost with (waving hello to Sheri, Rachel, and Lynn :)

Here is what the joint looks like...and this is the 'back' side of the place.  How would you like to have a backyard like that?

This is the view from our room. We get to look out over the Atrium and also get to see out over National Harbor.  It is awesome!

Our first day in town, we did a little sight seeing. We went to Arlington National Cemetery.  Here are the graves of President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline along with the eternal flame.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers and the changing of the guard.

Stay tuned for more sight seeing photos and some new artwork.  We are exhausted here every day, but it is so worth it.  I may have to go home and go back to work just to rest up!

Happy Scrappin'

Washington, DC rocks!

Well, here I am in Washington, DC for our National Close To My Heart Convention.  Today was our Leadership Day and I learned so many great things.  I will have artwork to post, but am just plain too worn out to do it tonight.  We just got back to our room a few minutes ago (it's about 11:30 pm here) and have been going non stop since about 7:00 this morning.

I will have some great new swap layouts to show you, swap cards, layouts we make tomorrow, touristy photos, and much, much more. 

I have got to head to bed for tonight, but check back tomorrow night to see what's new.

Happy Scrappin'

Birthday cards galore

Someone here that should remain nameless celebrated a birthday this month (OK, it was me, but enough about that).  I just wanted to share some of the handmade cards I received.  I just love receiving handmade cards.  It makes me feel so special to receive something that someone else made just for me!

How is that for a little artwork for you?

Hopefully tomorrow night I can get some more artwork posted for you.  First I have a meeting and then my Zumba class.  I have really been enjoying Zumba.  The first few times it really kicked my butt, but it is so worth it.  It is a great workout!

Happy Scrappin'

Greetings from Tomah!

Here we are in sunny Tomah, Wisconsin for the big NTPA National Tractor Pull.  I am back at the campground...us girls took a little break in between sessions while the guys are hanging out in the pit area.  Icy cold beverages in our hands :)

While my husband does tractor pull, he is not at this level...at least yet.  It is a dream of his.  He pulls at the National level for antiques instead.  He is a huge 2 cylinder John Deere fan.

Here are a few pictures of some of our friends that pull.  It is fun to be able to walk through the pit area and know so many of the guys!

Here is our friend Isaac on his IH 1066 called Operation Detonation.

The Green Creaper

Our friend Charlie from Michigan on his John Deere 4010 called Cruel Intentions

Yes Deere

and a black colored John Deere 6030 called Black Power.  This is the size tractor that Dale dreams of.  In fact, he was even checking eBay while we were here at the campground bidding on one.  He won the bid, but did not meet the reserve price the seller had set (good news for me??)

I hope to get a few more art filled posts on here in the next few days.  This is the first one with my new computer.  It is taking me a little while to learn how to work this new "toy" but I will get there.  Hopefully Monday when we get home I can work on that for you.

Until then, Happy Scrappin'

Our visitor...

I know I have been absent for a while now.  Being back to work really takes up most of my time, but beyond that, I have been without a computer.  Yes, my motherboard kicked the bucket.  Luckily my hard drive was ok, so the computer dr. was able to save my data (no worries, my photos were already backed up thanks to my Picture Keeper!)  Now I am just awaiting the arrival of my new baby.  I have decided to go with a laptop this time around.  Maybe now I can even keep you updated as I travel around!  How cool is that?

Anyway...on to our visitor!  This little lady has been invading our yard lately.  She likes to nibble on the leaves of my little crab apple trees.  Yesterday morning as I was leaving for work, she was there again.  I stopped the car, rolled down the window, and had a little talk with her.  OK, maybe I should not be telling this story, you all are going to think I belong in the loony bin!  Ha, ha!  Really, I did talk to her and she even seemed to listen..  She stood right there.  I told her to come her and talk to me and she even took a couple of steps closer!  I probaby could have leaned way out my window and petted her if I had wanted to.

As common as deer are around us (and we live in town) I still like to see them.  I hope she continues to visit us, but I also hope she quits eating the leaves on my trees and my hostas.

Once I get my new computer, I have more artwork to show you.  Stay tuned, it'll be here soon...I hope!

Happy Scrappin'
Tammy

Zippidee Club layout

I have so many things to show you yet, but alas my computer is in at the computer doctor!  It is sounding more and more like the Motherboard is shot.  I guess, looking at the bright side, I will be getting that laptop that I have been thinking about!

I am posting tonight from my husband's terribly slow and ancient laptop.  I guess it is better than nothing, but I can hardly wait to get one of my very own!

Tonight's photo is of the layout that my Club girls will be putting together on Sunday.  It uses the new Zippidee paper pack.  The colors are Bamboo, Cranberry, Indian Corn Blue, and Honey.  I also used the new dimensional element stars and colored them with a sponge and ink. 

I absolutely love the way it turned out!  It is not often that I say that.  I did not put a title on this one or photo mats, but will leave that up to the girls.

I am sad that this is the last time my club will be getting together until the fall.  Summer is just a busy time for everyone and it is so hard to find a time that works for everyone.  Rest assured that come fall, I will be starting it up again...plus a card club for those interested.  If you would like to join either or both of my clubs, please let me know so I can put you on the list.

Happy Scrappin'
Tammy

PS-remember to check out my website daily to see what the Jackpot June deal of the day is :)

Wonderful Friend - June SOTM

The June Stamp of the Month, Wonderful Friend, is a great stamp set to use for all those Father's Day cards and pages that you are sure to make.  Here is some of the artwork that my friend Liz made using this stamp set.

It is easy to get this set for yourself.  Simply click on the link on the left to get to my website to order it or send me an email (tammyhellstern@myctmh.com) to let me know that you want it.  You can purchase it outright for the full $22.95 price, or get it at a discount or even FREE!  Just ask me how.

Happy Scrappin'
Tammy