Words that melted my heart...

A text that I received from my husband this evening..." I have to tell you...Abby is still awake. I told her she needed to go back to bed as we are getting up early to go to see Mommy. A big smile came across her face, and she gave me a big smile. She can't wait to see you tomorrow!".

Abby is not the only one! I have had the most fantastic time these past few days! Close To My Heart has pampered us--with so many presents (I could get used to a new stamp set tied with a bow on my plate at every meal), business classes, inspiration and so much more! The entertainment alone has been amazing! The friendships--unforgettable. I can say with an open heart that I have found my place...the place where I belong! And a company that I am proud to be apart of! I would not trade any of these moments for anything, however I am looking forward to seeing my children tomorrow! And of course, Jay too!

My friend Barb.

Comedian Anita Renfroe - too funny!


An artist (forgive me, I can't remember his name) painted this painting as we watched! All in about 5 minutes and to the beat of the music (U2 I believe!).

My friend Jennifer!

Me with my roommates Lisa and Kathy!

Watch out Mickey...because next year, CTMH is coming to Disneyland! For all who know me personally...this is fantastic because I am a Disney fanatic at heart! And our next incentive trip has been announced...Hawaii...a place on my bucket list! My mind is spinning from the excitement!

Awards Reception

Close To My Heart's Awards Gala!

Tonight has been an amazing evening! We celebrated the successes of our year with an Awards Gala! Close To My Heart made many special efforts to make this a fantastic night for all of us!
I was honored to walk across the stage as one of seven Centennial Club recipients from the entire company. Talk about nerves! Following the the Gala, all award recipients were invited to a special reception with Jeanette and the Executive Team members. What an unbelievable opportunity to meet Jeanette (hopefully a picture to follow soon). I was completely humbled being among such a talented group and was inspired to dream higher dreams!

My friend Barb with Jeanette (CTMH CEO & Founder) as she received the Spirit of Close to My Heart - the highest honor given! She has been an amazing mentor to me! She befriended me at a time when I needed a friend the most! She has taken me under her wing, talked with me, offered suggestions and genuinely has cared about my career and my successes. I am ecstatic that Barb is the recipient of this honor--for she is the spirit of Close To My Heart! So many hugs!!!

Jon Schmidt, pianist: our amazing entertainment for the evening!

his amazing Cello Player!
My husband would have loved this performance--it was truly spectacular!
A very special moment!

The Awards Reception after the Gala!
L to R: Brian (CTMH Executive Team), Myself, Monica (VP Training & Consultant Services) Barb Curico, Christine (CTMH VP of Marketing & Sales) Tina Sutton & Kara Heilman.

My roommates! I cannot remember when I have laughed so hard! We represented Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Florida and Canada! They have been oh so inspiring, motivating, and OH SO FUN! It was like an on going slumber party and being all over again!

Complete Magic!

Introducing...Jeanette's newest book! It is complete Magic!

"Bring Magic to your scrapbook layouts using clever interactive techniques. You'll add hands-on excitement and dramatically increase your photo and journaling space using pop-ups, pull-outs, slides, casscades and more! Magic includes 35 gorgeous 12x12 layout patterns that can be used on their on or with interactive techniques. DVD included. $29.95 retail.

Exploding with New Colors!!!

You asked and Close To My Heart delivered! Here are the new colors! In the Summer Carnival line, you will note that Hydrangea has been given a face lift to become Gypsy. Holiday Red and Sunny Yellow have stayed true. Pacifica replaces Star Spangled Blue. Sunset replaces Orange. And Topiary has moved from the Summer Celebration family over to the Summer Carnival to replace Clover Meadow. In the Summer Celebration family, Dutch Blue is the only color that is moving forward and there are an array of beautiful colors to the palette! Cotton Candy, Lagoon (LOVE IT), Pear, Sky and Smoothie!!

So much more to share, but I am off to an Extravaganza!!

So much Bling!

Part of the fun of every convention/trade show/business meeting that I have participated is reading all of the name tags--meeting new people and seeing where they are from! With Close To My Heart, this part is still just as exciting, however the Lanyards are filled with pins, buttons and ribbons--and they tell some of the details of each of our lives! What an exciting way to spark conversation and to celebrate each others successes! Being the scrapbooker at heart, I just had to take a picture of my lanyard to save the memories!

Each pin, ribbon and button has significance:
1. In Memory of Pin - a pin my up line Pam M. designed, and made, to honor her friend, and my grandma up-line Jen Cheveney that lost her battle to Ovarian Cancer in April of this year. Notice the little lady bug--a favorite of Jen's.
2. #2 in Sales for the year with the Scattered Hearts Team.
3. $3000 pin - for $3000 in sales.
4. Picture This Frame - celebrating my 1st year at CTMH convention.
5. Recognition ribbons - PH-d Degree earned; Super Seller $4000 (for $4000 in one month); Centennial Club - special recognition for a 100 Gatherings within the year and reaching $30,000 in sales; Scattered Hearts Team Member
6. My PH-D pin! Wahoo!
7. Scattered Hearts Team Member pin.
8. I'm earning the Epic cruise pin!

Last night we had our Scattered Hearts Awards Ceremony! The evening was filled with friendship, fun and amazing talent! And the ceremony was all about the Bling! I was honored to be among such amazing leadership and talent to receive an award for the second highest sales in the Scattered Hearts Team and to be the leading EPIC Cruise seeker on our team! Thank you for all of your support in helping me make my dreams happen! Card Artwork by Tina Sutton.

My Favorite Pin - yes, it is adorable, but to me more importantly is the significance! I have been working all year to earn a Cruise for my husband and I with CTMH--to celebrate my 10th Anniversary with my husband!