What you see is what you get

In love with COLOR....

2012-01-12T20:45:00.000-08:00

Since I started working for WOW, I've been totally addicted with color. I love what a lot of my dt members have created for the WOW blog and it's been great inspiration for me!!
All of these layouts and tags use Simple Stories and WOW Embossing Powders

Thanks for stopping by!

creating...outside my little box

2012-01-10T11:30:00.000-08:00

It's that time again...CHA is around the corner and I do nothing but create projects...ALL THE TIME! I've been doing a lot of designing with a lot of friends and family and I gotta say it's a lot of fun but by the time we are done...I think there's nothing else I can create. LOLThis is a project that I started on Sunday and finished yesterday. I used the Authentique paper line and the rest are WOW Embossing Powder products. I held all the papers with Helmars.

This next project I'm kinda surprised over....I hadn't planned on making this...but felt inspired!! I found the canvas in my garage and had the rest in my scrap area. I used: WOW Embossing Powders, Shimmerz, Girls Paperie, Sakura Glaze pens, Helmars, and some embellishments.

Thanks for looking everyone!!! I hope you like them.Hugs,

creating...and family....LOVE!

2011-12-29T11:15:00.000-08:00

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! I woke up this morning feeling lucky that I'm alive and have a beautiful family that loves me!!! My Heavenly Father must love me a lot because he's blessed me with three beautiful kids that I absolutely adore!! I love to look at their faces and see a little or a lot of me in them. I was looking at some pictures on my iphone and these pictures stood out.
Sierra wearing the scarf and head band that her sister made her. She absolutely loves it!

Jeremy joking around with Angel. Her first reaction was to touch his face and give him hugs.

I love them so much and hope they never ever have any doubts. So I've been in creation mode....I've been working on these cute little tags that feature my colors that are debuting at CHA! I'm super excited!!! Here's a sneak peak!

Thank you for looking everyone! I wish you all a wonderful NEW YEAR!!! May it be prosperous and full of love!!!

My blog makeover!!!!

2011-12-22T11:38:00.001-08:00

Holy spankers!!!! I'm so beyond thrilled to show you the beautiful blog that my friend, Jamie Cripps created for me!!!! Isn't it so beautiful? I love it!!!!
I sent her a few of my little doodles and she fancied up my blog!!
Thanks Jamie for being so wonderful!!! You are a rock star!!!
Hugs,

Happiest place on earth

2011-12-13T13:48:00.000-08:00

I had the best weekend ever with my beautiful family! It's rare that we all get to vacation together because we are so busy but we made a decision to take time and to just do it!
We did a lot in a short period of time! We went to Disneyland, California Adventures, and Knotts Berry Farm. It was a blast!!! Here are some of my favorite pictures of our trip.

Thanks for looking!! I've been busy with lots going on for CHA!!! Can't believe it's next month already!!! I have lots of great surprises!!!Big hugs,Suzy West

I've been a bad bad bad blogger!

2011-12-01T11:31:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone! Remember me? I'm the crazy frizzy hair girl that has been missing in action. In my defense, I've been beyond super swamped. I'm not just talking regular super swamped....but insane crazy super swamped!
Here's what's going on since I came back from England...(the last post).

--I went on another trip.
--I have been finishing up the design of the booth.
--I met up with my fabulous 5 dt leads for a CHA meeting.
--Working on new stamps
--working on new other stuff. :)
--working on my CHA class using the new book I designed for Basically Bare and more.
--I went on a 4 day trip to work on CHA projects at my good friend, Gina's house.
--Went through almost 200 amazingly beautiful submissions. Chose 26 of them.
--Been chatting it up with the DT planning lots of fun stuff!
--Trying to finish my Christmas shopping.
--Started a new kit club, Paper Medley with friends!!! You have to check it out!!!!!

So do you forgive me?

I wanted introduce you to my wonderful new DT!! We are all very excited!!!

LEADS: *Tricia Wilson--lead
*Gina Lideros--lead
*Jen Deal--lead
*Angel Bartonico--lead
*Erin Payne--lead

DESIGN MEMBERS:
1.Sesil Cratin, Utah
2. Ilene Tell, Delaware
3. Lara Scott, Utah
4. Amy Sotolongo, California
5. Diana McGraw, California
6. Jeannie DeGruccio, California
7. Jennifer Matott, New York
8. Anne Brown, Texas
9. Sherrie Suttles, Ohio
10. Linda Abadie, Virginia
11. Jamie Cripps, Michigan
12. Jenifer Cowles, idaho
13. Tanisha Long, New Jersey
14. Jan Hennings, Iowa
15. Patti Hamil, Georgia
16. Gini Williams Cagle, North Carolina

17. Tina McDonald, Canada18. Donna O'Leary, New Zealand
19. Benedicte Raphalen, France

20. Amy Prior, Australia

21. Irit Shalom, Israel
22. Jennifer Roach, Canada
23. Erika Taylor, Canada
24. Iris Uy, Philippines
25. Katarina Damm-Blomberg, Finland
26. Birgit Koopsen, Netherlands

I have lots going on and I will share very soon!!! For now, thank you so much for all the sweet support you give me. I appreciate it and it motivates me a ton!!!!

Have a wonderful day!
Hugs

Suzy West

My England Trip (some of my favorites!)

2011-11-18T11:15:00.001-08:00

My trip to England was fabulous!
I had the opportunity to work at the hobby and craft fair and see some of my students from my last trip and meet new crafters.
After the show I went to the new company that I'm working for. We planned a lot of our CHA show plus I got to play with some new colors! We also worked on some other fun things!!!
After three days of meetings I spent a full day of fun with my friend Amanda.
Here are a few pictures of my trip.

I love this building!! It was so beautiful!!

I couldn't wait to get to Harrods!! The windows were just beautiful!!

Gorgeous!!!

LOVE!!!

This dress--WOW!

She looked so real!

Loved shopping there!!! Lots of fun goodies!

Walking through the town of Windsor.

Such a fun town!!

This is such a beautiful place!!!

This Castle is gorgeous!!!

The beautiful church

This place is HUGE!

Beautiful gardens!

The guards!!

We were walking through London and I saw this beautiful building!!

I got to stay at the most beautiful bed and breakfast that was built in the 1700's!

Looking forward to going back in February!! Thanks for looking!!
Hugs

Suzy West

DT update!!! :)

2011-11-14T07:11:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone!!! I'm super excited about all the submissions I'm getting. They are all beautiful!!!
I wanted to answer a couple of questions for ya.

Is this an international call? YES---we want demonstrators everywhere!!!

Wondering why I haven't given the name? The company is already established outside the US. (the main company has been around since the 1700's!!) The products that we are introducing in the US will be a little different so we don't want to confuse you and our customers. We are working on a temporary website but we have some other things that have to get done first...such as...finishing up the new stamps (big deadline) and other time sensitive things. As soon as we pick the team, we'll give more details to them as we get everything ready!!! Our embossing powders are so beautiful! If you have seen anything embossed on a hallmark card...that's us! :) Yes, they use our products!

We are thrilled at the great response!!! We are excited to be debuting at CHA and have big plans!! We are happy to find people that not only want to be dt members but demonstrators. We want them all over so everyone can play with our products! That's why payment is involved with that part of it.

Please continue to email me personally your submissions!! Pass the word along!! :)

DT call is in post below.

Hugs
Suzy

official design team call...

2011-11-12T01:05:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone! I'm excited to be working for this company and to be heading up this dt call! Even though it's NEW to the US...the company has been around for a long time. It's the baby company to a HUGE company that has been around since the 1700's!!(more to come...I'm such a tease, I know! LOL)

I'm going to make this easy for ya. Here's what we are looking for:

DESIGN TEAM CALL!!!!
I am looking for 20-25 design team members (some will also be company educators) to join my 2012 team. The main product is embossing powders but there are other products such as stamps.
I'm looking for happy positive designers that can create projects of all kinds: cards, layouts, and mixed media projects.

Requirements:
--each designer will commit to a 12 month term.
--Each designer will commit to creating THREE projects a month: There should be at least one layout and one card. I would like to see a variety of different book projects from each designer every so often. If you were to create a book project that would equal out to three projects for the month.
--You will create a HOW TO blog post ONCE in your 12 month term. We will assign you a date.
--You must have an active blog to promote our company and willing to share at any of your social medial groups.
--You may be asked to create for our trade shows so projects would need to be shipped. (some projects may be kept for future shows)

Benefits:
--each designer will have their bio/picture on our website.
--each designer will receive products every quarter.
--each designer will have the opportunity to DEMOnstrate at their local scrapbook, stamp, and or craft store and receive an hourly payment($ will blow your mind!) PLUS 10% commission of ALL sales. (will explain more to those that make the team--awesome plan!!)
--teaching classes at your stores will be encouraged and we will help provide you with the products that you need!!
--Payment will be given to all projects approved for the trade shows.
--All classes and demos that you create will be advertised on our blog to help spread the word!!

How to apply:
--Send your application to psajfamily@aol.com
--Include: Name, address, phone number, and email address
--Include your personal blog and a link to where we can see your work.
--Tell us about yourself and why you want to be on this team.
--Attach three of YOUR favorite projects (Please make sure the pictures are not HUGE)
--Please include a list of all the teams you are on or have been on. (You DO NOT have to have dt experience but if you have some please include)
--Please include if you have a local scrapbook/stamp/craft store that you can demo and/or teach at OR if you are a traveling teacher.

Please note: You can not be on another company team that sells embossing powder.

The call is NOW open and will remain open until November 27th. I will announce the new design team on December 1st. Those that are picked for the team....first assignment might be CHA project!

Thanks everyone!!! Looking forward to seeing your application!

Hugs,
Suzy West
Marketing Coordinator, US territory

New dt call

2011-11-11T01:58:00.001-08:00

hi everyone! I'm sitting at the airport in England waiting to board. I am so looking forward to getting home as I miss my family tremendously! :)I've been busy at work trying to get everything done to get ready for our CHA release and let me tell you I'm super excited!! I would like to thank everyone for all the emails that I have received concerning the dt. We have put together an amazing program!!I'm looking for dt/demonstrators from all over the world! To start off and so it's not too crazy we will have about 20-25 designers. Those that join the team will receive lots of products to design with. You will also have the opportunity to do demos and teach at your lss with the products. For those that take the time to demonstrate and help us get the word out there about our wonderful products (and I'll explain more later)...guess what.... There will not only be hourly payment...but also a percentage of sales!!! Am I joking? Totally not!!!this is quite exciting!!!!!!the official call will go out in a day or two but like I said before...I'm already looking and anyone is welcome to post their work here so I can start looking! Can you tell how excited I am about this?thanks everyone for your time and interest in my new venture!!!hugs,Suzy West

NEW DT Call...coming soon...

2011-10-29T12:25:00.000-07:00

I'm really excited that I got so many responses on facebook for the DT call that I'll be posting soon. I'm definately going to be putting out a call asap! I just want to meet with my boss in the UK first. I'll be seeing him the beginning of next week.

In the meantime...I'd love to see your work. Please link your blogs here. I'd love to see any work you've done with Embossing powders if you have them. (don't worry if you don't). The main product we have is embossing powders but there will be stamps and other products as well!!!If you have any questions, please feel free to email me HEREHave a wonderful weekend!!!!Hugs,Suzy West

Tonight's going to be a good night!

2011-10-17T09:10:00.000-07:00

Words can not express the love and humility I feel over Saturday's event. We celebrated Ever After's 10 year Survivorcrop FUNDRAISER!!! If you read my post below, you know that I travel all over the world and have been to many events, but NOTHING compares to this! This year over $65,000 was raised to help raise awareness for breast cancer. It amazes me what Ever After has done. John Akins, co-owner of Ever After started Survivor crop two years after they opened their store. I'm sure he has no idea it would get this big! Here's a news article of this years event.My favorite part of this 24 hour event is when they announce how much was raised at midnight and then the music comes on as we celebrate!!!Here are some pictures from Survivor!!

I can't wait til' next year when we celebrate Survivor year 11!!! LOLOn another note...I'm so excited you all love that I'm selling my kits! I sold out in such a short time last time. I've gotten most of them out. Sorry if I haven't given you a total yet. I've just been so swamped!! I will contact you with a total tomorrow when I get home from my trip.So you want to see my next one? Let me tell you....this class was soooooo popular and I only have 25 kits! These are going to go FAST!!! So if you would like one...EMAIL ME fast!Here's the picture.

Thanks for always leaving me sweet messages! I love reading every single one!!!!!Hugs,Suzy West

Helping to raise funds & awareness to end breast cancer

2011-10-11T16:52:00.000-07:00

I LOVE my "job!". I enjoy traveling, teaching, and having fun with all my scrappy friends. Each event is memorable to me but I'm going to be honest...there is ONE event that means more to me than any other event I am a part of. I get emotional just thinking about it.

The event I love is called Survivor crop and is put on by Ever After Scrapbooks in Vista, Ca. Survivor Crop is a 24 hour crafting event that takes place in October every year and raises money for the San Diego Affiliate of Komen for the Cure. The people that help with this event are simply amazing! They donate tons of hours, money, and love to make Survivor happen! All the girls that attend the fundraising crop work hard for MONTHS collecting tons of money to donate. My favorite part is at midnight when they announce how much money was raised! Everyone dances, cheers, and hugs!! Some of US cry over the overwhelming emotion we feel!!! If you are in the area, PLEASE come and donate!!! I leave for the event this Thursday to donate time, do the make n' take, teach (one Basically Bare and 2 flower classes), and hang out with everyone!!!! Have a wonderful week!Hugs,Suzy West

Home is where the heart is...PLUS...guess what...

2011-10-07T13:30:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Checking in from beautiful Florida!!! I'm teaching at Whim So Doodle in Tampa. They have such a great store!! I have a new project to show you. Actually it's just a sneak peek. I am still finishing up a lot of the inside of the book. I gotta tell you...I LOVE this project!!! It's using NEW Generations line from Simple Stories, Basically Bare albums, Shimmerz, Helmars, and a ton more!!!

I will be teaching this project at the following two stores: Photo Scraps in Maryland and the Keepsake Elements in Chicago. I hope you can make it!! :) GUESS WHAT? I've been asked a ton of times if I could mail out kits to people that can't make it to the stores. I will be taking orders on a first come first serve basis. The first one will be a project I am retiring. It's SO popular! I just finished making about 10 more kits! It's the FAMILY BOUND BY LOVE class that I've taught all over the states! Once they are gone...they are GONE FOREVER!

This project comes with a ton of products!! The big 8x10 album is filled with lots of pages, all the papers, stickers, embellishments, etc and instructions.The kit is $45.00 plus shipping. I'll be doing it through paypal.If you would like one of these kits, please email me at psajfamily@aol.com. Have a fabulous weekend!!! Suzy West

Creating is my passion!!

2011-10-03T11:40:00.001-07:00

I am so lucky to be able to do what I love for a living.

In my free time, I spend it creating. It makes me so happy!! There are many times I sit next to Sierra and the two of us create. (She inspires me!) Last night she said, "mommy, creating is your passion". I thought about it and realized...it really is!!It made me think...if I have only ONE life to live...I choose to do things that make me happy and creating does that for me.I have so many friends that really want to spread their wings and make their passion a living...to YOU I say....DO IT!!!! Don't let anyone tell you that you can't or you shouldn't. If you dream it...DO IT! If there is anyway, I can help you...you can count on me!!Have a great week!!Hugs,Suzy West

Feeling Thankful!

2011-09-29T14:57:00.000-07:00

Today I'm so grateful for friends that really came through for me when I need it! Yesterday I asked for A LOT and they helped me accomplish a very important task!! I thank them from the bottom of my heart! I'm a strong believer that if you put your mind and heart into something, you can accomplish just about anything and let me tell you...these girls have both! We accomplished something that should have taken months in ONE day!

I saw this poster and a lot of these sayings express how I'm feeling. What are you grateful for? I'd love for you to share with me!! I'm getting ready to fly out to Oak Park, Ca to teach at one of my favorite stores, Treasured Memories!!! I can't wait to see Christine and the girls!!! I have so much fun with them!!! If you ever get a chance to visit the area go see them!!! Christine is awesome and is so dedicated to her store!! She also has a love for reality shows like me...(we can sit for hours and talk reality tv!! LOL) Have a fabulous weekend!!!! I'll post when I get back. Don't forget to leave comments here and on the posts that I have contest going on!!! Hugs, Suzy West

YOU are amazing!!!

2011-09-28T09:03:00.000-07:00

This is for everyone that feels like they are not "good enough".

It's such a bummer that the scrap industry doesn't always recognize good talent! They choose the same people over and over for design teams and overlook the new faces because they feel like they are "not known" or don't have "enough experience". I feel everyone deserves to be noticed!!! I've worked on several design teams and I like to try new people out as well as experienced designers.I am sad when I hear someone say they feel like they are not good enough. You TOTALLY are!!!Keep on creating your beautiful pieces!! Don't let not being on a design team or being published make you feel like your work isn't great!! It totally is!Hugs,Suzy West

Giving away another kit!!!!

2011-09-26T16:22:00.000-07:00

I feel like I'm a broken record! I keep saying how busy I am...but it's really true. LOL Here's my October Calendar...Check out where I'm going this month! :) I'm really excited about seeing all my friends at my favorite scrapbook stores!! I've been kitting the classes and getting everything ready so I'm prepared!!! This is one of the projects that I'm teaching at Treasured Memories in Oak Park this weekend!! YAY!!

So you all have been so wonderful in always supporting everything I'm up to so I think it's time to do another give-away! Leave as many comments as you want here by this Friday and I'll pick a winner!! That lucky person will get this kit!! In case you haven't replied in my post below...I'm doing another contest as well!!! So post on both!

Thanks for all your posts!! You guys are the best!!! Hugs, Suzy West

Product design, a give-away, and more!!

2011-09-22T16:51:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy few months for me. As you know, I create products for different manufactures. This CHA will be the same except I have even more products coming out! I'm thrille about what I'm doing for LOOK BELOW, LOL

Don't know if you saw their post on facebook but they are looking for people to work their booth!!! Here's the scoop. We are looking for one or two people to work at our booth at Winter CHA in January greeting customers, showing products, overseeing make n' takes and taking orders. We will pay up to $12/hour, plus we will pay for your hotel room. Transportation not included, so if you live in SoCal or are planning on attending anyway, great opportunity to make some cash and have some crafty fun! Email info@basicallybareonline.com!I know they will also have room for others to work the booth (with payment) but no hotel room as well. So if you are interested in these spots let them know.to be considered to work there...head on over to Basically Bare's facebook page!!! Tell them I sent you. Here's the LINK to their page.I'm also working on some stamps and other products as well. I can't wait to have them in my hands. All of these products will be released for CHA and I'm excited!!!I'll be looking for dt members for the new company I'm working for very soon!!! I'll also be doing a give-away of some of my products!!! Post here if you want some!!! I'll be looking back at this post to choose someone to send some to.

It seems like yesterday

2011-09-15T11:32:00.000-07:00

It seems like yesterday that I got the phone call that my grandma had a attack and to quickly go to the hospital. When I got there the Dr. told us that her heart had stopped.They worked hard to bring her back to life. I remember feeling so lucky that she was alive.

The next day she was awake and we all took turns talking to her. She told me she wanted me to record her stories and that she couldn't wait to go home so she could make me my favorite meals. My grandma LOVED to cook and would cook for anyone and everyone that went to her house. It made her so happy to make things for others. Everyone got their turn to be with her. The following day she was even better and they moved her to another area. We again spent the day with her and she was happy smiling that she was getting a lot of attention from everyone. We left so she could rest and about an hour later we were called to come to the hospital because she was unconscious. When we got there my grandma had passed away. It wasn't because of the heart attack, it was because she had had internal bleeding.Almost a week later I was giving her eulogy. It took me a long time to write it and towards the middle I just felt impressed to stop and to ask one question..."How many of you were fed by my grandma?" Almost the entire room raised their hand.My grandma was a special lady. She always left her door open so that people felt like that they were always welcome. She was extremely crafty!!! If you saw her hands you could tell she had spent her entire life creating with them.It's been ten years since my grandma passed away. I miss her so much. The other day while cleaning I found the partially made blanket that she was knitting before passing away. She was making it for her newest great granddaughter, Sierra who was only two months old. I am so sad that my little one will never know her great grandma. I know they would have gotten a long very well.I hope that everyone that has a grandma or grandpa takes the time to be with them. Who knows how long they will be on this earth with us. When you see them, give them a hug. I wish I could do the same.I love and miss you grandma, Hugs,Suzy West

We have a winner!!!!

2011-09-13T17:32:00.000-07:00

I feel like it's been forever since I updated my blog. I've definately not forgotten about it, I've just been really busy! I just came back from beautiful Calgary! I had such a great time at Scrapbooker's Bliss!! We even planned for me to go back in January!! I can't wait! The day before I left I picked up this little number. I LOVE my new Ipad!!! It's so great!! yesterday I bought a pink backing for it. It looks so cute with the green.

I also purchased the black suitcase. I needed to get a new one as my beautiful pink suitcase said good-bye to me. The poor thing has been through a lot and finally the main zipper broke so it was time. It hurt to throw her out.

last, we have a winner for the WIN A CLASS KIT contest!!!! The winner is....

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Please email me your address and I'll get a kit out to you!!! Have a fabulous week!! Hugs, Suzy West

The color white

2011-09-05T10:58:00.000-07:00

For most...the color white is boring and bland. For me...white is awesome...at least when it refers to Sierra.

It's been almost three weeks and Sierra's not turned yellow once!!! For the first time in ten years her eyes have been white. Not only that...and this is going to sound weird...but I was walking outside with her and looked down and her scalp was even white!! We have NEVER seen her like this and it's exciting!! You see...It's not just the color...but the meaning...This means she's not losing blood cells!! It means that she won't be tired, she won't be jaundice, and she wont be in fear of needing a blood transfusion.So I know this is kind of a boring post...but I had to share. THANKS for listening!! Hugs,Suzy West

...and we have a winner....

2011-09-03T09:51:00.000-07:00

for the Piece by Piece sample pack contest!!!!The winner is:MICHELLE!!! She posted. I love all the Fancy Shmancy in every color. I love the vintage look of it.
Congratulations Michelle!!! Please email me so I can get you in contact with Bev, owner of Piece by Piece

Don't forget about my other contest going on too!!! Look at the post below...you'll love it!!!Hugs,Suzy West

Travel Teaching....and a contest!!

2011-08-31T20:56:00.000-07:00

Every year I travel all over the country doing what I love to do....TEACHING!

I'm excited about going to a lot of my favorite stores!!! In the next few weeks I'll be in Canada, Southern Ca, Maryland, and other fun places!! I kit like a mad person this time a year and always like to give one KIT to a lucky winner. This is the kit that I'm giving away.

Here's what to do to win... Post a comment here...It can be anything about my blog. You can post up to 5 SEPERATE comments. I'll pick a number and which ever post it lands on...that person will win this class kit!!" You have from now until Wednesday of next week to do so. Good luck everyone!!! Looking forward to seeing your comments.hugs,Suzy West

Totally Inpsired...

2011-08-29T16:40:00.000-07:00

By all the girls that I got to hang out with on Saturday at Art Inspired!!It was so much fun hanging out with everyone at my friends beautiful store in Brentwood!! If you haven't visited it, you have to!
I was so thrilled to surprise everyone by bringing Sarah. She loves the girls over there and couldn't wait to see them! We got our groove on (and by we...I mean everyone else but me...I socialized the whole time. LOL)
I look forward to seeing everyone again soon!!!
Hugs,
Suzy West

Need decoration help!!!

2011-08-26T12:42:00.000-07:00

Hey there everyone!! I would love your opinion. I got these beautiful wall decals from Hambly.
Where do you think I should put them at? I was maybe thinking the black chandeliers above picture frames. (on the left and right hand side)
I also thought about putting them on the left hand side. On the blank wall above the white boxes.

This is the picture of my scrap area.

Would love your opinion.
Thanks
Suzy West

Thankful for family...

2011-08-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

....everyday! I created a project about my family. I wanted to include private letters so I made this fun "book" that could hold letters and any other memorabilia.

Each page has pretty stickers, die cuts, and other fun products from Simple Stories new line, Generations. I love the pretty colors and patterns that this line has. I started creating it around 9pm and didn't want to stop. My husband had to tell me to go to bed when 2am hit!! LOL
okay...I'll admit...I wanted to keep going and even gave my nephew my Giants ticket so I could continue to play!! LOL
Thanks for looking!! Can't wait to teach this at Treasured Memories in Oak Park, Ca next month!!!
Hugs
Suzy

new CONTEST!!!! Who wants to win a fun prize pack?

2011-08-25T09:27:00.000-07:00

In case you didn't hear...I have been playing with the beautiful trims from Piece by Piece!!
My friend Beverly has a wonderful etsy shop where she sells tons of trims and other fun embellishments. She has also started to sell WHOLESALE for all you store owners!!! Her prices are the best I've seen!!

Here is a picture of some of her trims!!! There are a lot more!

I decided to do a contest!!! Beverly will be sending one lucky winner a packet of fun trims!!! Here's how to enter to win.
1. Check out the etsy shop and look at the fun trims. You can click on the different styles on the left hand side to see them all.
2. Come back HERE and POST what your favorite trim is.
3. go like their facebook page.
Good luck everyone!!!! Have a fabulous day!
hugs
Suzy West

Make a wish...and a winner

2011-08-24T18:02:00.000-07:00

...and blow out the candles!!

I am so in love with the following combinations: Simple Stories, Basically Bare, Helmars, and Shimmerz! This combo created this book that I'm loving!
I am so excited to teach this class! It's so full of color and dimension. This is a sneak peek of this new project.
....and now...the WINNER of the SIMPLE STORIES collection..
Kedra said...
I love the new Christmas line, but really I love ALL of their lines! Your book is beautiful and I can't wait get the paper and make one too!!
1:04 PM
Congratulations Kedra!! Make sure to email Jodi @ Simple Stories. jstacey@memory-works.com
Thank you to everyone that replied to the blog!!!! I love reading all your posts!
Hugs and kisses,
Suzy Wests

Sierra's surgery day

2011-08-18T22:27:00.000-07:00

Today my baby girl had surgery. They took out her spleen and appendix. I was so proud of her because she was scared but handled it very well.
This picture is of her before surgery. Here is daddy waiting to see his daughter. He and I were both so sad when they took her. We both shed some tears. Today was a special day. Not only was it the first day of Sierra's new life but it was the first time that all of these kids were in the same room together. AWESOME!!
My two babies are super close and I can't imagine them not ever being together. I love them so much!! They love their cousins so I know this meant a lot to them.
These three just re-united after 10 years!
Alyssa (on the left) is Robbie and Ashleigh's sister.
They have the same dad and because of a couple of silly people...Ashleigh and Robbie haven't had a relationship with their sister. It's great that all that has changed!
It was so wonderful to see them together. It took everything out of me to not cry.

It makes me so happy that so many family members came to visit Sierra. Even though she was out of it most of the time, I know she felt good to have everyone there.
I would like to thank everyone for praying for my little baby girl. I know the prayers made the surgery go by smoothly.
Hugs,
Suzy

My scrap space

2011-08-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

I've had a lot of fun creating a space that works for me. It's taken a couple of weeks but I'm almost there. I've had several ask to see more pictures. This is all I can show you right now. It looks nice and beautiful right now because I haven't done anything yet. As soon as I start creating in it....I'm sure it will be a lot messier.
For those asking where I have purchased my storage spaces...Ikea and Michaels.

Let me know if you have any questions about any of the pieces....thanks!
Suzy West

Getting over the bridge

2011-08-16T09:08:00.001-07:00

If you have been reading my blog you know this has been a hard few days for my family. I've felt as if I've been hit in the gut and I can't breathe. Today I'm feeling like things are going to get better.
When I was very young I remember having a recurring dream. I dreamt that my family and I were driving over a bridge. We had the windows down as the day was beautiful! We were happy and smiling. I looked over at all the cars and they were filled with happy families too.
As we continued on the bridge...fear set in. Ahead of us, we could see that the bridge went under water. We all closed our windows and our smiles went away. We were scared as we knew we had no choice but to go under.
As we went down, you could see the fear in all our faces. All the people in all the cars were frightened and crying. I could see that all the cars were on a track. The goal was to continue on the track to get to the other side and get back above water. If you did...you knew you would be okay.
We prayed and held each other in hopes to get over. Along the way, we saw many cars get off track and those families were lost. Our car kept feeling like it would come off the track but it didn't and finally we made it over and we were safe.
We again opened our windows and smiles came back.
I had this dream for many years and always wanted to know the meaning of it. I finally received an answer.
Through out our lives our family would face many obstacles. There would be times that we would feel like we were going to lose each other but with faith and love for one another we could make it.
The last few days I have felt as if we were on those tracks again but I know together we will make it all the way and we will be okay.
Last night, my brother and husband with the boys built a bunk bed. It was so sweet to see them all working together.
When they finished they gave each other high fives!
Finally, it was time for bed. I asked them all to brush their teeth and change. When they were in bed...I gave them all a kiss and told them I loved them. My nephew gave me a big hug and told me he loved me too.
We made it through the bridge.
Hugs
Suzy

Life brings changes...

2011-08-15T10:41:00.001-07:00

Life brings change...

Sometimes they are little and no big deal and some are huge and can change your entire life. Like many of you, I have been dealing with a lot of change in my life.

Our family keeps pretty busy...especially me. I've been working on a lot of projects that have to do with my professional life that have made a difference in our family life.
This last week, I said NO to some more really big projects.
I made an easy decision to put other more important things FIRST. The main one is right here.

SIERRA

As you know, my little one is having surgery this week. I've kept busy doing a lot with her as she will not be able to do a lot after her surgery. She'll be in the hospital for possibly a week and then stuck at home for a week. She'll start 5th grade right after so I need to make sure she's totally recovered. I appreciate all the wonderful emails and phone calls about your concerns for her. Many of you have asked what hospital she'll be at. She'll be at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View. Her surgery is on August 18th.
Another big change...
My heart has been heavy the last few weeks over other family members. As you know, I'm very close to my family. I love my family with my entire being and I would pretty much do anything to make sure they are safe and happy. Recently I learned about some very disturbing news that had to do with my niece and nephew and since then, it's been very hard for me to sleep, eat, or think. I've had several conversations with my family expressing how upset I am and how I expect changes to be made...NOW!

As of last night, our family made the decision to bring him to stay with us. I'm so happy to welcome him into our home. It is a temporary situation but while he's here...he's MINE. I want nothing but to love him, feed him, and take care of him. He's been through so much and I just want to see him smiling over happy good things. Jeremy is up right now cleaning out his room because they will be staying together. I'm so proud of my son. Last week we talked about getting him a brand new bedroom set that was more "grown up" as he's entering his senior year of high school. As of last night...we made a decision to go the opposite direction and get bunk beds so that they have space in the room. My heart jumped as I looked at him and with a smile on his face he said, "that sounds good to me." I went into his room and noticed all of his clothes everywhere and all the drawers were open. I asked him what he was doing...he said he was condensing all of his clothes because he was going to share the room equally with him and so half the drawers and closet are for Robby. Love my kid.
Okay so I've talked about a lot of big changes...I want to tell you about a little change. A few days ago..it was a big change for ME...so not! LOL I'm re-doing my scrap area. I started it last week and then had to drop everything. Seriously...everything is everywhere right now. This is all I have done since we started. A lot of you know that I'm working on my scrap area and want to see pictures...this is all I have. Once It's complete I will show you more. I picked up baskets, jars, and more stuff but I haven't gotten to it yet. I need to finish picking up stuff and getting the other items taken to donation.

This week will bring many changes as we get used to having another teenage boy here and taking care of Sierra as she goes into surgery and then starts the recovery process...to a change that is supposed to make her life better.
Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers...we definately need them. Hugs, Suzy West

Forever in Love with you

2011-08-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

I love the NEW Simple Stories line, Generations.

The colors and so bold and pretty!! I'll be honest, normally you couldn't get me to touch a line that was about generations....the colors are usually really depressing but this line is very different.

I LOVE all the pretty patterns and images on their sticker sheets.

This is a layout that i did of my parents.

The line will start shipping to stores all over the end of August so make sure to ask your store if they are carrying, and if they aren't....tell them to pick it up. LOL

Don't forget....one lucky person will have the opportunity to win a collection of theirs so make sure to go two posts down and see what to do to try to win.

Thanks for looking!

hugs,

Suzy West

In just 6 days...

2011-08-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

I can't believe these words are coming out of my mouth....in just 6 days, Sierra will be having the surgery that we've talked about since she was born!

It's what we have always been scared of...but KNEW it would be good for her when she finally had it.

In 6 days, her daddy and I will drive her to El Camino Hospital in Mountain View so she can have her spleen and appendix removed.

The thought of them taking her away from me and I'm sure from my arms so she can go into surgery makes me cry.

I want so much for her. I want her to feel better. I want to not look at her and see yellow from her being jaundice. I want her not to tell me she feels tired due to her losing so many blood cells in such a short time.

I'm so grateful to have a family who is so supportive and has such an amazing love for her. My younger brother canceled his trip to Costa Rica to be there. My uncle is taking the day off of work so he and my aunt can be there. Our kids and my parents will be there.

We'll all be there praying for my little girl.

Today, I'm going in to do a blood donation. We want to be prepared in case she needs some.

My whole family asked if they could donate. love them!

If you belive in the power of prayer...please keep Sierra in your prayers.

Thanks for being here for me,
Suzy West

Simple Stories--Contest and a project

2011-08-09T10:18:00.001-07:00

I'm lucky to be the instructor for awesome companies such as Simple Stories. They are a wonderful paper company out of Utah.
I love all their beautiful lines!! This is their 25 days of Christmas line and I'm in L-O-V-E!! You can see the entire line here and some of the projects the DT has created.
This is a project that I created for a lot of my stores that I'll be teaching from now until October!!

So we were thinking we should do a fun contest!!!
How would YOU like to receive one of their collections? Simply leave a comment here on my blog about which line you like and why and then go LIKE their facebook page. When you go to their facebook page...tell them I sent you.
You have from now until August 22nd to do so.

Good luck everyone!!! Have a wonderful week!!!
Hugs

Suzy West

Happy Days are here again!! :)

2011-08-05T18:07:00.000-07:00

I love the new HAPPY DAYS line by Echo Park! Madison gave me the collection to play with and I couldn't wait to create with it. I made this layout of pictures of me in London.

I have a lot of exciting things going on right now! I can't share them yet but i do want to say how grateful I am for the wonderful opportunities that are constantly coming my way. A lot of it I get to busy for, so I'm always happy to share the wealth and refer friends that I feel will work well with specific companies.
My favorite thing is to teach and I can't get enough of it!!
Thanks for reading my blog!! Your posts always inspire me to write more.

Hugs, Suzy West

Creating with Authentique

2011-08-03T19:01:00.000-07:00

I've been busy creating with Authentique since I became a teacher for them!! I love their products so it's not hard! LOL I'm getting tons of projects done so I can get all the details to all the stores that I plan to teach at!!
I've had some stores ask that I create a book similar to one that I created before but with this new line. I'm super excited about this project!
Here are some sneak peaks!!

I'm in Sacramento right now with friends and they are playing with it too!!
All of us are also using Hambly, Helmars, and more!!
I am also excited about something else. I'm helping a company that's been around for a while in the UK debut in the US at CHA, Winter!!!
I've contracted Gina Lideros, Angel Bartonico, Sarah De Guzman, Tricia Wilson, and Erin Payne to be my dt coordinators. I will be doing a DT call soon and all the girls will be working with myself and the one of the girls above!!!
We are all very excited!!!!
I'm looking for product designers (stamp designers) and more!! If you are interested in showing me your work please feel free to post here or contact me personally!

Have a wonderful week!!
Hugs, Suzy

The night before....

2011-08-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

...the surgery.

Today, Thursday I took Sierra to her pre-op appointment with her wonderful surgeon. We talked about what was going to happen. How many little cuts he'd have to make, what he was going to take out, how she was going to be sleeping when all this happened, and how her life would be better after this surgery. We talked about everything that is going to happen tomorrow. Tonight I am going to tuck her in bed, say a little prayer with her, and tell her how much I love her and how I'm blessed to have her as my daughter.

By the time YOU all see this post...I will be at the hospital with her. We will be sitting with her making sure she feels safe and that she knows we will all be there when she wakes up.

This is the wonderful surgeon that is going to make her life better. He is heaven sent. We are so lucky to have an amazing surgeon that is so gentle and honest with her. He tells her stories and reassures her that he knows what he is doing and that she will be okay.

I feel so blessed to know that so many of you are praying for her.
Today her life will change for the better.
Hugs,
Suzy

Getting over the bridge

2011-08-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

YAY!!!! Today is going to be a blast!!

2011-07-30T09:46:00.000-07:00

Guess where I'm at today? The song by Naughty by Nature is a hint...Our Paper Place...AKA OPP!!
Three of my favorite things are going to be in this store today!
1. Scrap supplies
2. friends
3. FONDUE!!
We planned a really fun FONDUE crop! (Notice how the word FONDUE is all in capitols! LOL)
I can't wait to spend ALL day with my good friends!!!
I'll make sure to add photos!!! In the meantime, I created this last night for OPP!!!
This is a layout that I did yesterday. Will post my other ones soon!
This one is using NEW Authentique!!

Thanks for looking!
Hugs
Suzy West

I've been a busy girl!!

2011-07-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

I've been a busy girl lately!!!! I went to CHA and had an awesome time looking at all the booths, seeing friends, and doing some networking! When the show was over, I went to downtown Chicago with my friends Katrina and Jennifer!!
I came home from Chicago on Friday at midnight and the next morning I was up bright and early getting ready for a day at Great America, amusement park. We had such a great time!
In the evening I was off to Our Paper Place for a fun night with the girls!! We had an awesome time!!!
On Sunday, our family went off to church and then I went home packed me and Sierra and we were off on a train to Sacramento to stay with our friend Gina and her family for a few days. We had an awesome time!!!
We had a great time scrapping with friends while the kids played in the swimming pool!! We shopped, ate, and had more fun!!!
On my last day there we went to Old Sacramento and visited the State Capitol, ate, and took pictures.
We came home on Wednesday evening and I sat down and planned the next few days while we watched a movie together!!
Today we are going swimming with Angel and the kids. I'll be hanging out at Our Paper Place in the evening.
The rest of the week I have a baby shower, a day at Great America, a Giants game, a full day of cropping and fondue with all my scrappy friends at Our Paper Place, and then re-pack and catch another train to visit my friend Gina and her beautiful family!!!
I have some scoop!!! I am a NEW educator for two awesome companies: Simple Stories and Authentique!!! I'm super excited!!!! I will be teaching with their products at a lot of stores!!!
So look out for where I'll be with in the next few months and next year!!! I have some exciting things going on!!! I'll be using their products on our product that is debuting in January!!
So see...I've been a busy girl!!!
Are you exhausted from reading my post yet? LOL
If you read all this...you rock!!! LOL
Have a great week!
Hugs
Suzy

A day in old Sacramento!!

2011-07-27T19:41:00.000-07:00

We spent the day in old Sacramento and let me tell you, it was a lot of fun!!! There were a bunch of really cold old shops and restaurants. Everything looked so cool! The kids had fun in the old school house. It was so cute! I got a lot of fun pictures there. Here are some of my favorite of Kalee and Sierra. I'm creating a book about the two of them.

I took more but these are most of the pictures that will be in my project!! It was great to spend a couple of days with good friends!! Thanks Gina!!

Love my friend Gina!!!

2011-07-27T12:00:00.000-07:00

I love my friend Gina Lideros!!! I've had the pleasure of spending a lot of time with her lately and she just amazes me with her sweet spirit and wonderful talent!!!
I'm in Sacramento right now visiting her for a couple of days and will get to see her on Saturday when she comes and visits me on at Our Paper Place.

So this post is nothing more than to say THANKS GINA!!! You are awesome and I'm lucky to call you my friend!!

You rock my friend!!! LOVE YA!!!

A Natural Beauty

2011-07-26T09:32:00.001-07:00

The night before CHA, Madison from Echo Park Paper gave me this beautiful line to create with. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it!! I was in my hotel room so I didn't have many extras to play with but truly it didn't need much, the stickers and papers it had were gorgeous!!
I was asked to teach with this line from a lot of my store owners all over the country and abroad so last night while cropping at my friends place (where I still am...YAY!!! Love you GINA!!) I started creating a NEW version of the one I made at CHA!! It has a little more in it!! :)
Here are some of my favorite pages from the book! I'm so lucky to be teaching with Madison's beautiful lines!!

I used Basically Bare for my album, Victoria line from Echo Park, Helmars for my liquid adhesive, 3L for my tape, Clear Snap and Ranger for my ink pads, Hero Arts for my stamps, Ranger for my paint and glossy accents (for creating an epoxy look on cover), Sakura for my pen, and Hambly for my overlays. Thanks for looking!!!
Hugs, Suzy West

CHA madness!!!

2011-07-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

I swear I haven't forgotten about my blog!! I've just been super busy! I have been busy setting up meetings to talk with people and doing some "research". :)
As always I design a lot of projects for CHA using a whole bunch of different lines.
I wanted to post soem of the projects that I created.

Hambly--They came out with new papers and rub-on's. They are so super cool!!!

This is a little mini book that I created using the new Hambly overlays and rub-on's.

Here's another layout I created using their beautiful overlays.

I created this project using the NEW Basically Bare books. LOVE these!!! I used the new Echo Park to create with!!! I also used Hambly and Epiphany Crafts. LOVE LOVE LOVE!

I created these two projects in my hotel last night!!! Madison from Echo Park gave me products to create with and this is what I made.

I used Basically Bare to make these. This is the new HAPPY DAYS line.

This one was created with the VICTORIA line.
I did more but I didn't get pictures. ooops! Thanks for looking!!!! Have a great day!!!
Hugs
Suzy West

It's been a couple of weeks!!

2011-06-28T15:28:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been a couple of weeks since I posted last. I've been just a little busy. LOL I just got back from Maryland and Virginia. I taught at Photo Scraps a beautiful scrapbook store. I then taught at the Great American Scrapbook Convention!!

I got to stay at this beautiful bed and breakast. It was so stinkin' adorable!!

I got up the next morning and went over to Photo Scraps where I taught two classes. I had such a great time getting to know all my students. I can't wait to go back!!!

I then headed over to Virginia. I had another beautiful room at the hotel. It was great because I stayed on the 6th floor and my class was on the first floor. I would get up each morning, get ready, and just go straight to my class. Between classes I could go to my room or do something else. I went to the expo part of it to go shop. I went straight to the Carolee Creation booth to purchase purchases and jewlery!!

It was great getting to know all of my students in my classes. I had a lot of them that took all three. It was great fun!!!
My students introduced me to Chick Fil-a!!! OMG!!!! SO YUMMY!!!!!! I at their everyday for lunch!!!

Look forward to next year!!!! Hope to see everyone again!
Hugs
Suzy West

New challenge at Our Paper Place

2011-06-12T14:54:00.000-07:00

I was at Our Paper Place before I left for Texas and told Sarah that we should make a challenge video for her store. She thought it would be a fun idea. We got together the other day and did the video with the help of Gloria (our camera girl and co-owner) and Sierra (our "director"). We had fun putting filming together and Sierra felt very special to be a part of it. LOL
You can view the video here: OUR VIDEO
We invite you to take on the challenge. You can find out more information on Sarah's store website, OUR PAPER PLACE
We look forward to seeing what you create.
I'll be teaching at Our Paper Place next week, check out their site to see what's up!!
I'll be attending the Great American Scrapbook Convention--CHANTILLY in a couple of weeks. The day before the show I will be teaching at a wonderful store, PHOTO SCRAPS in Eldersburg, MD
Have a wonderful day,

Suzy West

Excited...and a winner from the kit contest!!!!

2011-06-08T12:07:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!!!! I'm excited to say that I'm working with an awesome company that I love!!!! I'm going to be busy getting all the prep work done so we can launch soon!!

I'll be putting together a DT call VERY SOON!!!! I want people from all over the WORLD!!!

If you are interested in having me view your work in the meantime...please post your blog here.

I have a winner for one of my kits....the winner is:

CLHAJNAL said...

Hi Suzy! I am having such a blast here at GASC, you are a wonderful hostess!!!!

Carrie Hajnal

Please email me at psajfamily@aol.com with your addy

Hugs, Suzy West

Crying in the backroom

2011-06-07T09:05:00.001-07:00

How do I start this post? Let's see....I know...Last week was one of the worst times in my entire life...but I had fun! WHAT?!?!?!?!?!? LOL (just read on...you'll see why)

(warning...there will be tons of rambling...more than usual...going on several days with little sleep, LOL)
For a mom, there is nothing worse...than being in a different state and receiving a phone call or text that your daughter is being rushed to the hospital! That's what happened to me!
Let's back up a couple of weeks. Sierra got pneumonia. She was really sick. We got her "all better" and she was fine. I had a trip coming up and was going to not go if she didn't get better, but she did and so I went.
I was having an amazing time in Texas teaching classes, burning calories from the blazing hot sun that was making my hair expand and my make up melt, and had already hosted the Thursday night crop that was a lot of fun!!!!
The next day I was in class. I had put on my timer so I could make sure to finish on time. The buzzer went off...but it wasn't the timer...it was a text...with a picture of my little girl on a hospital bed. YES...this is how I found out she was sick!
My husband didn't want to call me to "bug me" so he thought....after class...I'd see a text and then call him. NOPE...I found out during the class.
I just tried to keep my composure...went on with my class. It finished...thanked everyone for coming and RAN out the class to find out what was going on.
I called my husband and he told me she was going to be okay and not to worry...YA RIGHT!!! he said..."right now we are just waiting to find out what's going on and why her fever is not going away...so stay where you are and have fun!" again...YA RIGHT!
I had a cry fest...wiped my eyes and tried to look semi normal and headed out for the next crop night I was to host.
For those that attended...I want you to know that I had a blast.....and I hope this doesn't sound like I didn't have fun...because I did while I was there...but I wanted to be home with my baby.
I would go out to the floor...laugh, do prizes, etc...(and honestly...I did have fun)
and then I'd go to the backroom...and CRY at the thought that my baby was sick.
I'd call my husband...who seriously....had not left her sight for even a moment. He was amazing! He barely ate, he hadn't showered, he missed work that entire time...and never complained!
He told me..."have fun and do what you need to do...because you get home...I'm going to need you". I told him I was having a hard time eating and he got mad and said, "eat or your going to get sick and you might as well stay there" LOL So yes...I ate.
So I continued what I was doing...I did try to check on flights to get home early...and EVERY SINGLE flight was FULL and OVER sold!!!
I called the night before again...FULL
Finally...the morning of...I got up...put on my clothes...and I was out of there. I couldn't wait to get home. Paul said she had a rough night the night before.
I got there...boarded my plane...called and told my baby I was coming home. Then nothing.
We sat there...for a while...and then we heard...there was something wrong with the plane...we had to get off!
We got out...they announced that they were trying to figure out what was going on and to just sit and wait. YA RIGHT!!! I went over to see if there was another flight I could take...and as I had heard several times before over the phone..all flights were FULL! There was nothing.
Finally a new plane arrived and I got on told my family I was on and was coming home. Then nothing...we sat there yet again!!! I couldn't believe it!!! They were checking some things and would get back to us. Finally everything was clear and we took off!
Those were the longest hours of my LIFE!!!! We landed and my parents were there to pick me up. I RAN into the hospital when we arrived and Sierra's face was priceless!!!! She was so happy!
She told me she was so happy I was there and to please not cry because it would make her cry and she just wanted us to hug.
Earlier that day...she had a relapse. Now, she was still pale but she was doing better. She really perked up and started talking more and saying silly things. We sent daddy home to rest and spend time with Jeremy (my other sweet angel).
She and I started playing school and talking and I could see her getting better and better very quickly. We had visitors come and they gave her gifts. She was sitting up and was THRILLED!
That evening...she took her first steps with out passing out and we walked around the hospital.
The Dr. said that everything was better and that it looked like she could go home!!!
I wanted to make sure so I told her we'd stay one more night. That night, she slept like a baby! It was her first night with real sleep!! I was in heaven!!!!
The next day we got our plan for home treatment and now...I sit here on my bed writing this while she sleeps right next to me. One of her legs is on top of mine and I can feel her little breathe on my side...because she's laying here..that close. She's a sweetheart and I love her to pieces!!!
My son...and older daughter...I love them so much!!!! I missed them both so very much to!!
While Sierra rested...I went to pick up Jeremy from school...it was the first time I had seen him since I left. We spent one hour of quality time together...I dropped him off...told him to take a shower because I was taking him to the Dr.'s at 5. I quickly drove over to where Angel was working and surprised her there...she needed her mommy as well. Spent 45 minutes with her and then rushed home to pick up both Sierra and Jeremy. Sierra had a quick check up. Jeremy had a physical.
We came home and a sweet gal from church had brought us dinner.
THANK YOU!!!! Thank you to everyone!!! I read Sierra every single get well wish she received and she loved all of them!!! Thank you!
Sorry for the rambling!!!! Hugs
Suzy West

Sierra update

2011-06-04T08:22:00.001-07:00

Last night I received a phone call that Sierra was re-admitted in the hospital.

My heart just broke, I was in the middle of hosting a crop of hundreds of amazing women and there was nothing I could do about it. I went to the back...cried for a few minutes...found out the details...and went back out as I knew there was nothing I could do.
I want to start out by saying that I have an amazing husband. He has stayed so strong through this whole thing and has not left my Sierra's side. He's been extra cautious as he knows I am freaking out...double checking everything every time I get a break (I have called Dr's., bishops, specialists, etc). Paul keeps telling me everything is okay and says, "Don't worry, I got it". I don't know if he knows this but every time he says that...I feel really good and it reassures me that everything will be OK.
Sierra has pneumonia. It started out on one side of her lung...she caught another bug and now has it on both lungs. For children with Hereditary Spherocytosis...pnemonia is really bad. She's going to have surgery next month...It's supposed to help her a lot. She's been so bad I suggested we do the surgery now, but unfortunately...they say there is no way, she's too sick and not prepared.
So we are going to get her all better and prepare her for next month.
I didn't sleep last night, I kept texting with Paul to find out the details and for about an hour...I did nothing but cry thinking that about her and how much I miss her. I'm also sad for my son Jeremy...my lone ranger...who gets forgotten...not on purpose...but it happens as we have been in and out of hospitals the last few weeks. Next week...I'm going to take him out and spend some quality time with him.
I called Paul this morning to find out more details. He said that the nurse said that we have one of the sweetest little girls. He asked why. Last night he laid down in the hospital bed with Sierra and this morning he finally fell a sleep. The nurse came in to check on her and Sierra had one request, "please don't wake up my daddy".
I am so blessed to have the sweetest little daughter, I love her so much.
Thank you to everyone for your continual prayers.
Sierra loves reading your posts so please leave some here and I'll be sure that she gets to see them. Thank you everyone!!
Hugs
Suzy West

New project... post to win a kit!!!

2011-05-31T14:00:00.000-07:00

I've been pretty busy lately getting ready to teach at different places. Tomorrow I leave for the Great American Scrapbook Convention in Arlington, Texas. It's been cold and rainy here...it's going to be 100 degrees when I get to Texas!! YIKES!! I feel sorry for my hair and anyone who has to look at my hair. It's going to go crazy!! (those going to the show...you've been warned!)
My friend Sarah and I are up to something really fun for her store, Our Paper Place!!! It involves scrapbook supplies, a video camera, and the two of us!!! A crazy combination!!!! (for those that watch...you've been warned again...we ARE crazy! LOL) Watch for the news on Our Paper Places facebook page, twitter, and on their blog. Can't wait to show you!!!
This is a sneak peak of my project that I'm working on. It has Crate Paper, Epiphany Crafts, Basically Bare, Helmars, Jillibean, Hambly, and more!!

CONTEST!!!! Do you want to win a kit??
All you have to do is leave a comment here on my blog and one lucky winner will win one of my class kits!!!
You have from now until Sunday to post anything you'd like. I'll post the winner on MONDAY!!
Thanks for looking!!!
Have a great day and rest of the week!!
Hugs
Suzy West

PS...do you know you can follow me on twitter now?

Blog udpate--family, friends, teaching, and more!!

2011-05-27T10:16:00.000-07:00

I have had a really busy good and bad few weeks!!

Sierra was really ill, she got pneumonia and had the roughest time getting rid of it. Luckily she's doing a lot better!!
Something I'm grateful for: AN AMAZING DR.!!! She has a great one. He checks on her all the time and makes sure to research everything before making any decisions.

This is Sierra making book marks. She is having surgery in July and wants to bring things to do and reading is one of them so we thought we'd make book marks. She's so sweet!!

I love my time with Jeremy!!! He is such an amazing guy!!!!
We love going to the movies and to baseball games!
The other night he and I went to Giants game and had a great time!! I celebrated NSD at Our Paper Place with a lot of different gals!!! OPP had three different days and each one was perfect!!! LOVE the store!!
I love this picture of us girls!!! We are all Survivor fans and really wanted to watch the ending...so I took my laptop outside and we watched it there to not spoil it for anyone else!!!! AWESOME!!!!
I love teaching!!!! It's something I'm really grateful for. Last week I taught at Treasured Memories in Oak Park, Ca. I loved seeing the girls from the last time I was there and the new gals I met. I look forward to seeing everyone again in September!!
I have a lot of fun things going on....look to the right to see some of the dates that I have posted!!! I'll be adding more dates soon!!!!
Have a wonderful day!!!
Suzy West

Basically...this is my favorite booklet!!!!

2011-05-18T09:59:00.000-07:00

I've been in heaven playing with these amazing books by Basically Bare!!! Seriously...this one is my favorite!! It's 8x10...and really in this instance...size does matter!! LOL
I'll be teaching this project at a few different scrapbook stores which I'll post soon but in the meantime...These are a couple of my favorite pages, what do you think?

I used Echo Park and Hambly to decorate this lovely book. I gave it color with paints and of course Shimmerz, my favorite!!! I adhered everything down with Helmars. LOVE THE STUFF!
Thanks for looking!!!
Hugs,
Suzy West

Live Laugh Love

2011-05-11T12:07:00.000-07:00

I'm so lucky to be able to play with a lot of fun products!!! This time was no different. I designed this project using brand new Basically Bare booklet, Totally Tabbed and the fun fun dress form is one of their Basically Embellies. All the paper is Echo Park!!! LOVE all their stuff!!!!!

My favorite part of this book is that it's 8x10!!! You can do so much with it!! I'll be teaching this at a bunch of stores so look out for it!!!
Hugs, Suzy West

Dear Allergies....

2011-05-10T17:45:00.000-07:00

I try not to complain about things(I said TRY, LOL)...but when it comes to allergies...OMG...I'm the biggest baby!!! They have been kicking my behind the last few days.
Anyway, today my facebook update read:

Dear allergies,
Please go away! I haven't been able to sleep well and my eyes are super swollen so I could potentially scare people...looking crazier than usual.
Thanks
Suzy

Different people posted about having allergies as well...but ONE person...replied with the following:

Dear Suzy,
thank you for your recent letter. We understand that you are displeased with the service you have received lately from our representatives, and are sincerely sorry for your experience. Please be assured that we have made note o...f your concerns and have forwarded them to the proper department. As a token of our gratitude for your continued loyalty, please accept these extra allergies free of charge. We thank you for your continued patronage and look forward to many pleasant visits in the future. Sincerely, Your Allergies

I was at a restaurant when I read this and totally busted out laughing.
Paul Rhoades, a friend since I was about 8 wrote this...he has a very similar sense a humor as my husband--another Paul. SCARY! LOL

Anyway, for those of you suffering from allergies...I thought it might make you laugh, it did me.

Thanks Paul for that!!!! Totally blog worthy!!
Hugs, Suzy West

Together...we're GIANT!!!

2011-05-09T22:09:00.000-07:00

On Friday, Jeremy and I got on bart and headed down to San Francisco!!!
We went to the Giants game!!

I feel so lucky to have spent an entire day with my guy!!! We had a blast walking around our beautiful city!! We couldn't ask for a better day!
We got in line aroun 5pm to get in early and make sure we could get one of the Willie Mays trophies. Everyone was celebrating Willie's 80th birthday!!!
The two of us cheered on the entire night...we weren't doing so hot in the beginning...but we didn't stop believing in our guys...and we took it home!!! The game rocked!!!
My favorite...the overwhelming smile on my Jeremy's face and all the high 5's!!!
Can't wait for the next game!!!!
Hugs, Suzy West

National Scrapbook Day at OPP!!!

2011-05-05T11:51:00.000-07:00

I am so thrilled to be attending National Scrapbook day at Our Paper Place in Newark!!

They have planned awesome events for everyone!!!! They have three dates on the calendar.
Saturday, May 7th--10am-10pm (SOLD OUT)
Saturday, May 14th--10am-10pm (2 open spots)
Sunday, May 15th--10am-10pm (2 open spots)
Not sure if the spots are still there but if you are intersted in going, call the store at 510-792-4487.
I'll be doing demos on certain dates. Hope to see you there!!
Hugs
Suzy West

The kid to the left

2011-05-03T09:30:00.000-07:00

I love my kids!!! I love taking pictures of them...but there is one that is never in pictures and it's my Jeremy! I try to take pictures of him but he avoids the camera like the plague!LOL

I got this picture with him in it and think he looks so handsome! I just had to do a blog post about him.
He's such a sweet boy! I love him to pieces!! Excited about this Friday, he and I are going to the Giants game!!!! It's going to be fun!!!

PROUD to be an AMERICAN!!!!

2011-05-01T21:23:00.001-07:00

Tonight we heard the news that osama bin laden(sorry no capitals) is dead! It was ten years ago when we witnessed just some of the work of this horrible man!
I was so proud to listen to our President comfirm the news!
I strongly feel that we need to pray for our country and for our US leaders.

That they may be inspired to make the right decisions for our country.

Please pray for our troops, that they may be safe & God bless the USA!!!

Basically Bare--new projects, teaching, and more!!

2011-05-01T17:00:00.000-07:00

I am so thrilled to announce that I've been asked to be one of the Endorsed Educators for Basically Bare, a new manufacture!!!!
You can check them out HERE. Please check out their blog. I have a post there. You can see what Sarah De Guzman created as well.
I am thrilled to have a book created by my ideas and inspirations!!! I'll be teaching with it all over the country!!! (I'll be using their other products too!!)
It's this book here that I created Fun In The Sun with!!! The book is called Funky Findings. It's a fun tall and slender book. LOL

This other book was created with Totally Tabbed. I love that it's big and filled with lots of fun different pages!! You can fit a ton in it! The book is 8x10!!!

I'm thrilled to be teaching these projects and another at Treasured Memories in Oak Park. I will be there the end of May. You can check out the details at their site here.

I have a class coming up at Our Paper Place on Friday, May 13th!! Check it out here.
Thanks for looking and hope to see you at one of my upcoming classes!!!
Hugs
Suzy West

Contest winner--announced and more...

2011-04-29T15:14:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to bed semi early so I could get up at 1am to watch the royal wedding!! I was SOOOOO excited that I dvr'd it and set three alarms on my phone! LOL

Unfortunately, I forgot that I had set my phone on silent and I was soooo tired...that I didn't wake up until 7am!!!! I totally missed it live!
So this morning everyone came to my room and we watched the whole thing together!!!
I cried like a big baby!!!! It was so sweet!!!
Favorites from the wedding: two kisses from castle, Prince Harry looking back at Kate, the big smile on Prince William when he saw her for the first time, their carriage ride, and all the people there sooooo happy!!

We have a winner for the naming of the mixed medium booklet contest!!!
LINDSEY ALVES!!!!
Although we didn't use the exact name Lindsey posted...we were inspired by it and came up with something really close!!! THANKS Lindsey!!!
Please contact Angela at info@basicallybareonline.com. She's going to be sending you a prize!!

Shout out to my friend Katrina Hunt---I think you are fabulous!!!!
Hugs,
Suzy West

The best job ever!

2011-04-28T19:57:00.000-07:00

I have the best job!

It is a job that I didn't go to school for, so I couldn't even do an internship to prepare for the real thing!
I'm not sure how well I do, but let me tell you...I love my job!
My title: MOM aka mommy
This year has been interesting. My kids have gone through a lot of change and even though year wise...it's not a bold difference...they are different.
To my little gir...I'm her mommy
She's tender and sweet! She warms my heart with her hugs and sweet "I love you's".
To my teenage boy...I'm his mom
Even though he's pretty quiet and keeps to himself...He is so sweet!!! Everytime he gives me that sweet smile I just melt! I love that he's not embarrassed to give me a kiss in front of his friends and tell me he love's me.
To my married daughter...I'm her mother
I love that she is not only a great mother and wife...she's smart and has continued going to school because she wants to help make a better life for her family.
I don't get paid to be a mom...but as I see my kids play together or give each other hugs...that is all the payment I need! I love the time that we spend together!!! I'm lucky to be their mom!!!!
Thanks for letting me share my thoughts with you.
Hugs, Suzy West

Easter 2011

2011-04-26T22:01:00.000-07:00

It was great having the kids together! They had so much fun!
These two are so sweet!!
They have all grown up together. This warms my heart.
First year that Tristan really got into the egg hunt! He had a blast!
All the kids looking for hidden eggs! The goal was to find the ones filled with money!LOL

We are still looking at the names from the contest!!! I will be posting a winner on May 1st!!!

Hugs
Suzy West

Love days like these...

2011-04-26T19:07:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I don't know where my brain is.LOL. I had planned to visit two friends with Sierra today. NORMALLY...I would drive to their house, but today was different. For some reason, I thought we should both RIDE our bikes there.

That's okay if you ride a lot...guess when the last time I was on a bike? Well I couldn't tell you the date...all I know is that it was over 20 years ago!
Yes, 20 years! LOL
So I sit here typing...with a pillow under my bum...because I'm in PAIN!! LOL
Alrighty, let's forget about the pain for a moment.
Sierra and I talked about a lot of different things as we rode to our first destination. There, we had a great time giggling about different things with my friend Janice. We had delicious strawberry shortcake, hung out in her amazingly beautiful house and backyard, and looked at family pictures. LOVED my time there. So did Sierra.
We left and headed out to visit my other friend, Diane.
She and I laughed and laughed over funny stories while Sierra had a blast playing with the tiny kittens and her two sons. Had a blast!!!
Sierra and I took off for home and pretty much rode home standing up as our bums were killing us. LOL
It doesn't matter the pain, I'd do it again!! It was an awesome day! I had a great time with friends and my little girl!! What a blessing!!
Hugs,
Suzy West

I can't believe I'm saying it...It's official...

2011-04-25T16:24:00.000-07:00

We have set the date for Sierra's surgery!!

It's scary to think my little baby girl will be having surgery but truth be told..it's much needed.
Her little 56lb body has been through a lot!
I still remember being in the hospital two weeks after she was born because she couldn't come home. They couldn't figure out why she was so jaundice and why her levels wouldn't change. They called in a hematologist and she asked me if anyone in our family had a blood disorder. At first I couldn't think of anyone...because I was only thinking of my side...DUH...it takes two people to make her and my husband had Hereditary Sphero Cytosis. The "A-HA" statement from the dr. said it all...my baby had the same condition.
So through out the years, Sierra has had to deal with losing blood cells, feeling tired, and turning yellow.
This is going to help her. She is still going to have some issues to deal with but it's going to be better.
So today...we found out that she's also going to have her gall bladder taken out. Because of her condition it's a given that she's going to have gall stones UNLESS they take it out.
We set a date for June 14th but found out that it was her last day of school, so we changed it for Friday, June 17th. She's set for 10:30am.
I believe in the power of prayer and have a ton of faith. We would appreciate your prayers as well!!!
Thanks for listening and thinking of my little Sierra.
Hugs
Suzy West

Random shots

2011-04-23T21:13:00.000-07:00

I've been taking lots of pictures with my iphone. I've added even more photo apps since my last post.

Here is a set of pictures of me TRYING to take pictures of Jeremy...but as you can see...or not see..he didn't let me. LOL

This is another new app that I got. I love this feature. This is Sierra at the Earth Day event.

Here is a picture of me in London.

Can you tell? I love the color green!! I didn't realize how many green color items I had.

I was asked to scan my signature last week to add to packaging for a new product that I created, so much fun!!!

This is a shot of my favorite nail color right now. LOVE IT!!!
Thanks for checking out my blog!!
Hugs
Suzy West

Sierra--setting the date

2011-04-22T19:25:00.000-07:00

I am so lucky to
call Sierra my daughter.
She is such a sweet little
girl with a beautiful
innocence about her.
I told her today
that I was meeting with
her surgeon on Monday.
She looked at me and
sweetly said, "I trust
whatever decisions
you make for my life."
It took everything
I had to not cry.
We are going to set
the date with the surgeon
on Monday. I'm not sure
if I want it to be done
sooner or later. Things to
think about before Monday.
Thanks for listening.
Hugs,
Suzy West

Some of my favorite APPS for my Iphone

2011-04-21T21:10:00.000-07:00

I'm often asked what my favorite apps are. So I'm going to share some of my favorites.
These are all FREE for Iphone.

1. EVERLATER--this is an awesome travel journal. You can add photos, rate where you stay, restaurants you eat at, and write stories so you remember what you see and do on your trip.

2. Check Please--This is great when you eat out. Especially with friends and you are splitting the bill. It breaks it up and asks you what percentage tip you want to give your server.

3. OPI--I LOVE this app! If you love OPI nail polishes you will too. You can see how the nail polish will look on your hand. You can make "the hand" lighter or darker. It has EVERY single color!

4. Old Photo Pro--This app makes any picture look old and distressed. This picture is beautiful in color but I love the way it looked when I used this app!

5. Photosynth--this is a new one. Just learned about it today. You can stand in one place and move your camera and it takes panoramic pictures of an entire area. It's awesome!!

6. Instagram--Just started using this one. It's kinda like the old photo pro but it has more options. Here's an example

7. Skobbler--it's a free navigation program. I use this a lot!

8. Moron Free--this is a fun game that test how "smart" you are.

9. xfinity tv--lets you record a TV show from where ever you are!!! Although I haven't done this, you can watch the show on your phone.

10. Skype--I love that I can see and talk to loved ones from where ever I'm at.

Okay so those are my favorites!!! Please tell me about some of yours!!

Hugs
Suzy West

5 things I'm grateful for this week

2011-04-20T20:12:00.000-07:00

I am feeling so grateful this week and wanted to share with you 5 things
that have made me smile.

1. My children--I love them so much!!! I want them to know they can always depend on me and I will always be there!
2. Scrapbooking--I'm so grateful for this beautiful craft!
3. My camera--I love my camera! I love that I can capture a moment...a feeling...in one single shot!!
4. Religion--I love going to church every Sunday (when I'm not traveling, LOL) and having the opportunity to feel close to my Heavenly Father in his home.
5. My car--I'm lucky that I can always depend on my sweet van to get me from point a to point b.

That's what I'm grateful for this week!

If you didn't see the post below...check it out...there's a contest!!! I'd love for you to participate.

Hugs
Suzy West

To create (CONTEST)

2011-04-20T17:31:00.000-07:00

Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.
Franklin D. Roosevelt

I feel very lucky to work with some of the most creative people in the craft industry.

This week has been a really fun one for me. I've been working on some really cool projects for teaching all over the country and working on products for future releases!

Sometimes it takes me a while to come up with something and other times it just comes to me.

Today I created something really cool!! I can't wait to see what others do with it when it's released!!!

**Sorry...my blog was acting up.<

Contest!!!!!!
Help me name my album!!!
I am looking for same letter named book!!

For example: Terrifically Tabbed or Krafty Kreations.

You have from now until Saturday to post as many times as you want.
If your name is selected, you will receive my new album and yummy new embellishments.

Thanks!!

Loving our little fur balls!

2011-04-17T19:27:00.000-07:00

Our little fur babies had a rough last week.

Angel and I took all our dogs to get vaccinated on Sunday. My little guy Gravy and Angel's fur babies did really good but Biscuit freaked out a little! I posted the pictures of the dogs when they got "the surgery" on Thursday. We were told they needed to have the cone of shame on for TWO weeks!! They don't like having them on at all!!! They also need to be seperated so they have been extra sad. Sierra has been giving each one a lot of love so they are not so unhappy! Today she decided to work on a scrapbook for the dogs and asked if I would take pictures of them. Here they are. Here is Biscuit

...and this is Gravy

I'm hoping that they will be able to get their cones taken off early and will heal fast so they can be together!! I think we will all be a lot happier! Thanks for looking!!! Suzy

Photo shoot

2011-04-16T16:46:00.001-07:00

This morning I asked Sierra if I could take some pictures of her and reluctantly she said, "yes". I told her we'd go out after and she started getting a little excited!! LOL

Here are a few that I took of her. We lasted all of 30 minutes because she said she was cold.

Thanks for looking!! Hugs, Suzy West

A busy week

2011-04-14T23:39:00.001-07:00

It's been one heck of a week!!! Here are some pictures of what I've been up to!!

I've been out twice this week with Angel buying up all kinds of fun items for Tanner's birthday party! This year he's chosen Buzz Lightyear for his theme. We went shopping for clothes and this was one of his favorite outfits that HE put together!!

He is so adorable!

Tonight I went to the Sharks game!!! Thank you Julia for the ticket!! The seats were awesome and the energy was amazing!! I finished creating another class for the GASC show!! This will be taught in both Texas and Virginia!! My two doggies got neutered!! This was NOT fun!!!! Poor little things have been so sad! They need to have the cone of shames on for TWO weeks! They had their surgeries yesterday and Angel's dog had his surgery today!

Tomorrow I will getting my scrap on at Our Paper Place!!! I was asked to teach at Treasured Memories again so I will be working on new projects!! can't wait!!! Thanks for reading my blog!! :) hugs, Suzy West

Thanks for the prayers! A video of my sweet uncle

2011-04-13T10:35:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank everyone that has been praying for my uncle.
My heart has felt so heavy ever since I heard that he fell and has been having seizures. It's been even more sad to hear that he feels like it's time to go too.
That's the first time I've ever heard him say anything like that.
I know he's lived a long life and can't be selfish and expect him to go on if his wishes are to go home to heaven and to be with his wife. I just want him to go peacefully.
Just a few weeks ago I head the honor to attend his 103 birthday party and recorded him.
He couldn't hear what I was asking him at first he's so cute.

Thanks for letting me share!!!
Hugs, Suzy West

A day to remember, a new projects, and post your blogs!!

2011-04-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

Last night was such fun!! I went to a crop at Our Paper Place. The new store that Sarah De Guzman owns very close to my house!! I finished creating this project that I'll be teaching at the Great American Scrapbook Convention in both Chantilly, VA and Arlington, TX. I got to work with Echo Park, Clear Scraps, and Epiphany Crafts!!

I'm teaching this class and other ones as well! If you are planning on attending, hope you can make it to one of my classes. I'm also the MC at the Arlington, TX show!!!! Come and get your scrap on with me!!!

The day before I left on my trip I attended my uncle's 103rd birthday party!

It was such a wonderful event full of memories and love!!

I'm grateful to have a lot of great pictures with him!!! Here are just some!!

Last, I'd like to thank everyone who has contacted me about the future DT call. I'll be finding out a little more soon and will start putting out a call soon! Please continue to send me your blog info!! Please post them here so I can have one spot to look. Have a wonderful day!!! hugs, Suzy West

projects, a saying, and a future dt call!!

2011-04-05T11:59:00.000-07:00

Hi all!!! I wanted to show you some projects that I've created lately!! I made this first one using the beautiful For The Record by Echo Park!! The lovely album is by Clear Scraps!! I love the scallops!! I will be teaching it in Texas at the Great American Scrapbook Convention!!

The other day I made this layout using the NEW Websters Pages!! Love this line!! If you are in the San Francisco bay area, you can find it at Our Paper Place.

I wanted to share this with you!!

When I saw this saying it became my favorite quote!

As you know I'm working on a lot of really cool projects right now with some amazing manufactures!! I can't say yet what's up but I will soon!! For one of my new adventures, I will be looking for designers all over the world!!! So let me know if you are looking...I'm going to be doing a call but I'll probably be hand picking some as well!!

Hugs, Suzy West

The face of a busy girl!!

2011-04-05T08:28:00.000-07:00

See this face?

It's the face of a girl that has been on overdrive since I've been home from London! I've been blessed to have a lot of opportunities come my way and it's been hard deciding which ones I can and can not do due to lack of time. From now until CHA Summer I'm going to be swamped with certain amount of projects and then from summer to winter there will be more. All in all...there's some exciting things in the works!! You'll hear about it soon! Hugs, Suzy West

this guy right here...

2011-04-03T17:29:00.000-07:00

drives me nuts!!!!!

BUT...there is no one else I'd rather be with! Paul and I have been together for so long and honestly...there have been many times where we thought we'd strangle each other...but as our wedding song says, "After All that we've been through It all comes down to me and you I guess it's meant to be Forever you and me, after all."

He's the one!!! I love him and I can't picture my life with out him.

Some of my favorite shots of London!!

2011-03-31T06:20:00.000-07:00

I got home yesterday from being in London for a almost two weeks and since my body thinks I'm still there I have been up since 3am!!! LOL Paul kept telling me to just relax and stay and in bed but I couldn't! I counted the pleats on my curtains about five times, thought about how the room would look if I changed the bedroom a different direction, was thinking about new songs on you tube I could add, and had a ton of thoughts in my head for a new adventure that I'm working on!!! I can't wait to tell you about it!!

I wanted to show you some of my favorite pictures that I took. I have a ton more but I don't want to bore you with them all! LOL

Let me know if you want to see more!!! thanks for letting me share of my pictures with you! Hugs, Suzy West

Checking in from England!!

2011-03-28T07:57:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I've been super swamped so I haven't had time to post much let alone blog. LOL I did want to quickly put some pictures up to show you a couple of things that I've done. These are a couple of pictures of when I was at Bury St Ednunds!!! This place is so freaking amazing!!!!!!

Here are just a few pictures. I'll post more soon!!!!

Going to be doing a ton of sightseeing tomorrow and then I go home on Wednesday!!! looking forward to coming back in November!! Hugs

Suzy West

Grateful for the beauty around me

2011-03-16T16:34:00.000-07:00

The tragedy that has happened in Japan has saddened me so much!
One day everything is good...the next day...everything is gone!
It's unbelievable to think that this could happen anywhere and to anyone.
I feel especially grateful for all the beauty that is around me. I think I take it for granted and that needs to stop!

Today...make a decision to appreciate your surrounding. Enjoy the streets, the lights, your home, your church, schools, stores, parks, the grass, the trees, your family & friends....everything!

I appreciate you!!!
hugs, Suzy West

Couldn't be happier layout

2011-03-16T12:09:00.000-07:00

Sarah got a lot of new Bo Bunny products in the store and asked me to create
a layout to display.
It was so easy to create this layout!! Let me show you.

...and there you go!!

Thanks for looking!
Have a great day!!

My little princess!!

2011-03-14T11:31:00.000-07:00

I love this beautiful new line by Crate Paper!!!
The colors are so gorgeous and very easy to use!!
Wanted to share it with you.
Everything here is Crate Paper. I used Helmar to hold everything together. Love the stuff!!

Thanks for letting me share!!
Hugs, Suzy West

Take me out to the ball game!

2011-03-12T18:28:00.000-08:00

My grandson Tanner played his first game today and let me tell you it was so awesome!!

I laughed so hard watching him run around like someone wound him like an Easter Bunny.

He was hilarious!!!!!

I was so proud of him! He did such a great job!!!

Keep scrolling down to see how good he did today...

He got the GAME BALL!!!! YAY!!!

Thanks for letting me share my awesome day with my family!!

I love my boys!

2011-03-11T10:53:00.000-08:00

This post is simply to say how much I love these two little boys!!
They make me laugh and smile!!
They touch my heart with their hugs and kisses!
They fill my soul with lots of love!

London...Sierra...Jeremy...and top 10 list!

2011-03-09T10:07:00.000-08:00

I'm having fun playing with tons of WOW embossing powders!!!
I love how easy they are to use and how they don't get all over the place!!
I'm excited to get to play with them a lot in London and to do this mini project for make n' takes.

I have a lot of exciting things coming up!!!
It's been a little crazy since it all seems to be happening at the same time!
I'm truly grateful for all the fun opportunities!

Wanted to update you all on Sierra
Thankfully she's feeling good right now! We are meeting with the surgeon soon to discuss dates and to prep her for the big day.
It feels kinda crazy saying that because all her life we knew that one day this day would come and we talked about it a lot but now...they day has really come.
She's been a real trooper!!! She broke down the other night because she was a little scared but mostly because she didn't like the fact that she would have to be on penicillin twice a day for two years! That really upset her!! I told her the time would go by fast so not to worry!
I know things will be a lot better for her! Please keep her in your prayers!

On other news! I'm so excited about this!!!!
My son...is going to PROM!!! Yes, you heard it...MY SON is going to prom!!!
I can't believe this day came too!! We always knew this day...blah blah blah! LOL
If you know my son, you know that my guy doesn't do dances. He's never attended one. Why? He thinks they are boring! He just doesn't like them!! So for him to go...it's a huge thing for the West family!! LOL

THE BUMMER
I won't be here when he goes to prom!!! I'm so sad about it!!
I'll be in London! I'm forcing my daughter to take pictures! I'm sure I'll need a few moments to cry my eyes out because my heart will be so full....okay...crap...I'm crying now just typing this (Pull it together woman!LOL) but will be excited too!!!

So anyways, I'm grateful for a lot of things this week! I read Sarah's blog (poor thing has been super sick)...and she inspired me to write my top 10 things I'm grateful for!
So today...here they are.....

1. insurance--I'm so grateful that we have excellent insurance and that we see the best dr.'s!!! Angel's surgery will be done at Stanford Hospital!
2. my bed--I love after a long day I can just sink my body into my bed!
3. family--I love that I have people that love me...no matter what!! I trust them with my entire heart and life!
4. old pair of jeans--Love my jeans! I've had them for a while and they feel so yummy! Not tight...not loose...just perfect!
5. scrapping--I love when I get to hang out with all my friends and get my scrap on!!! I can't wait til' Saturday to see a lot of friends!
6. California weather--I feel so lucky to live in a place that even though I sometimes complain about the weather...it's a thousand times better than in other places!!
7. DVR--I love that I can watch my favorite tv shows whenever I feel like it!!
8. You tube--I LOVE you tube!!! I have a play list of all my favorite songs!! Including all GLEE!!! Oh ya!!
9. Easter candy--in case you didn't know...Easter has the best candy!!! I love my favorite chocolate bunnies! YUMMY!
10. LUCKY CHARMS--oh how I love thee!!! I always have to have a box of this!!!

Okay so that is my list!!!!
If you read all of this...wow...thanks!!! I can't believe I typed it all. LOL
Hugs,
Suzy west

My uncle turns 103!!

2011-03-08T08:19:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited about celebrating my uncle's birthday!!! He is turning 103 years old next week!!!
This man is amazing!!!
If you saw him in real life...you'd want to put him in your pocket! LOL He's about 4 ft. 8 in. tall! He came to the states from El Salvador in 1944 with the stipulation that he had to join the army. He joined and fought in world war 2!

He also had to have a trade. He took after his dad and was a tailor.

My uncle made a name for himself and did the tailoring for Frank Sinatra, Ronald Reagan, and other famous people.

My uncle believes that education is very important and recently started meeting with the kids in the family because he wants to help them go to college.

This is a picture of him when he turned 100! The city wanted to honor him and he was featured in the news paper.

Love him and feel so lucky to have him in my life.
hugs,
Suzy West

Going to LONDON!!!

2011-03-03T17:09:00.000-08:00

I am excited to announce that I have been invited to teach classes in London!!

I'm going to be teaching at an expo event there.

If you are in the area...come and see me!!!

Hugs, Suzy West

Been creating!!!

2011-02-28T09:45:00.000-08:00

Saturday was a lot of fun!!! I taught a really fun class at Our Paper Place and then stayed for the crop!! It was fun getting to hang with some of my gal pals!!!!

I finished another project that I will be teaching in April!!
I'm teaching a spring related class...I know Spring is supposed to be bright and sunny...but I really liked this paper line by Jillibean!!
Here are some sneak peaks of my project.

Sunday was also really nice!! We went to church in the morning...after church I spent some quality time with my son Jeremy. Then we went to go see Tanner and Tristan practice playing T-ball!! I told them they had to see Jamma hit a ball...(they didn't believe me that I could hit it)...ohhhhh I sooooo hit it! LOL
In the evening I went out with Julia and Jen!! Had such a great time talking about all kinds of craziness! LOL

Thanks for coming by!! Leave me a comment! Love reading them!!
Hugs
Suzy west

...tap tap tap...is this thing on?

2011-02-24T10:02:00.000-08:00

I'm really excited!!! I was invited by the Great American Scrapbook Convention to be the MC at the crop night events in Texas!!!!! I'm super excited! We are going to have a ton of fun!!!

I was also asked to teach several classes!!
I'm really excited and am in the sketching process!! I'll be giving more scoop really soon!

If you are going to the Virginia expo...I'll be teaching there too!!!

I scrapped another layout for my layout class next month! If you are interested in the class, you can get the information in the post below!!!

Have a wonderful week!!!
Hugs,
Suzy West

The best present ever!

2011-02-22T22:57:00.000-08:00

So today I turned 40! I had planned to go out to lunch with my mom and do some shopping.

My plans changed.

Sierra did not feel good so I kept her home from school. She had a fever and got SICK!

She told me she wanted to take a shower and when she got out...I helped her get dressed and started drying her hair...out of no where she passed out!
I tried to get her up....and then took her straight to Urgent Care.
On the way...she almost passed out again. I carried her in and told them her condition(hereditary spherocytosis) and what happened and they immediately took her in. When they started taking her vitals she almost passed out again.
I called her Dr. and he showed up really quick! We feel blessed to have an amazing Dr.!!
They did blood work...had her hooked up to an IV. She was there for hours!
We honestly thought she was going to get admitted. I believe that all the prayers that were given on her behalf helped her get better really fast! The Dr. was amazed at the results of her tests. Normally when she gets sick like this...she ends up getting admitted and sent over to Stanford Hospital.

I am happy to say that she is at home in bed sleeping. She's not fully recovered but she's a lot better and I'm happy!!

I could not take a picture of her when she was WHITE as snow but did snap one of her when she started feeling a lot better. She was still pretty pale but looked a lot better!

She asked me to thank everyone that prayed for her!!

I feel so blessed to have this precious jewel as my daughter! I'm grateful to my Heavenly Father for all that he does for us and making sure that our prayers get answered.
I feel so lucky to have received the best gift ever today...and that is that she is well.
Hugs, Suzy

Birthday fun and a new class!!!

2011-02-19T20:46:00.000-08:00

This Tuesday I turn 40 and the celebration has already begun!!!
It started on Friday during lunch... Angel, Sierra, the boys, and I went out to Red Robins. We had a great lunch and then the waiters came and sang and gave me a hot fudge sundae.

In the evening we celebrated at Our Paper Place!! There was yummy cake and snacks!!
So much fun!!!

Today the family and I went to an awesome restaurant and we celebrated there!! I had such a great time with them!!!! Nothing makes me more happy than to have everyone together.

Before I show you all the pictures from my birthday party....here's a sneak peak of my class at Our Paper Place.

It's a layout class using Crate Paper!!!!
It's on Wednesday, March 16th--Starts at 7pm
To sign up call the store at 510-794-4487

You will make four different layouts!!

Here are some of the pictures from tonight!!!

Me and my kiddos!!! I love them so much!!!

All the girls!!!

The men in my life!!

My main squeeze!

My sweet and beautiful mommy!

Love my Jazzy!

The best brothers!!

My yummy new Vera Bradley bag for my Lap top!!!
Love it!!!!

Thanks for letting me share!!!!!!
Hugs, Suzy West

The day has come...

2011-02-16T18:28:00.000-08:00

My Angel registered my little Tanner for KINDERGARTEN! Yes, you heard right...this little guy is starting school!!! I can't believe it!!!

It was just yesterday that he looked like this!

He's such a sweet little guy!!! I love hanging with him because he makes me laugh!!! He has a crazy scense of humor and I LOVE it!!!! LOL
Besides starting school, he's going to be starting t-ball!!
I can't wait to watch him play!! I'll be the crazy grandma cheering my baby on!!!!
I love you my not so little one!!!

My Angel

2011-02-15T20:56:00.000-08:00

I love this girl right here!!!

I am so grateful for my relationship with my daughter Angel! She is such a blessing to me!
Everytime we are together, we have great time. We laugh like crazy and talk about almost anything.
Ever since she was young, she knew she could tell me anything...even though sometimes I didn't want to hear it. There were times she would tell me she wanted to talk to me about something but before she said anything I needed to promise to act mature. LOL
It's been about four years that she and her husband moved out on their own and
even though I miss her tons not being at home (she lives 5 minutes away....that's a rule..JK)I am beyond happy that she has a home of her own that's filled with lots of love and happiness!

We have so much in common!!
We both love to scrapbook
We are both major GLEEKS!
We love going to La Fondue together!
We love to sing--except she's the only one with a great voice!
We love fashion--except she's the only one with style! LOL
Our favorite meal is Chicken and brocolli casserole
We love to text and talk on our cell phones!
We both do things sometimes with out thinking first!

Sometimes we drive each other crazy! I think it's because we are so much a like. We get into an argument but we know that will last all of 5 minutes! We can't stand being upset at each other!
No joke....argument happens and then soon after we call each other for something random. LOL

I love her with all my heart and there's nothing I wouldn't do for her, Christian, or the boys!
Today I'm feeling especially grateful for her. Nothing really happened....I was on the phone with her...she always calls me when she gets off of work...we talked...she said, "I love you, bye" like she always does. I got off the phone and felt like writing about how much I love my girl!!!
So there...that's my post today...I love my girl!

New project--Echo Park

2011-02-14T20:00:00.000-08:00

This past week I felt super inspired to get my scrap on!

Madison had sent me some amazing Echo Park line to play with and let me tell you,

this line is super easy to play with!! The line is full of color and beautiful pieces.

Here are some sneak peeks!!!
I will be teaching this at Our Paper Place in Newark next month.
I'll also be teaching it at some of my other stores that I travel to!!

The silhouettes are by Hambly!! They are gorgeous!!!
I colored these beautiful little flowers with Shimmerz!!
I used Helmars to adhere almost everything!!
Thanks for looking!!
Hugs, Suzy West

What are your favorite pictures on your phone?

2011-02-11T22:14:00.001-08:00

I love looking at the pictures on my phone. They always put a smile on my face.
Here are just a few of my favorites!!!

This is a picture of Sierra getting ready for school!!! She asked if she could wear my favorite headband. She looked so cute!!!

This is a picture of Tristan at my dr. appointment. While I was talking to the nurse he couldn't take his eyes off her little frog. This picture always makes me laugh!! The grand babies spent the night.
In the morning they had a ton of energy and were jumping from my bed to Tristan's crib.
This is a fun picture of me with Patti and Nidia at Art Inspired. I was there for a crop. So much fun! This is a picture of Sierra relaxing on the couch with Gravy. So cute!!! This was taken on the day that Sarah signed the lease to her new store!!
This was such a great day!!! I love this shot!!! I had called Angel and she told me she couldn't get Tanner to go to sleep. I told her I would go pick him up for him to spend the night. He was totally wide awake so we had fun playing for hours!!! LOLI love Target!!! I can spot one a mile away!!! This one was in Louisiana!!! This is a picture of my mom and I at Santana Row. it's one of our most favorite shopping places!!

This is a picture of Alyssa and I!!! She's so freaking adorable!!!!

I just found out that my grandmother moved into the blue apartment you see in this picture when she came from El Salvador years and years ago!!!
Her first job was helping to create dresses/sew for a new clothes designer named....
JESSICA MCCLINTOCK!!!

This is a picture of an almost finished pot of chocolate at my favorite restaurant, La Fondue!!

This is a picture of Jeremy making fudge. He did such a great job! The fudge was YUMMY!!!

This is a picture of the girls at my mom's birthday party. They are so beautiful!!

This was a fun night!! We were at an Art Inspired event and it was the same night the Giants were playing! This is us celebrating the Giants winning the pennant!!

This is a picture of Erin and I at the Survivor event that Ever After puts together every years!! She's such a fun gal!!!

Thanks for letting me share some of my favorite cell phone pictures. I bet you have tons that you like looking at too!!!!!!

Hugs,

Suzy West

I love teaching!!!

2011-02-07T22:49:00.000-08:00

I was asked today what is the best part of scrapbooking besides doing it...my answer...TEACHING IT!!!

I love teaching scrapbooking classes!!! I have been doing it for many years for many manufactures and let me tell you...nothing is more fun than that for me.

Every time I go to a store...I get so excited about putting my classes together, putting together my kits, and seeing the faces of my students that are excited that they finished a project.

This is a picture of one of my CHA classes that I taught a little over a week ago.

Thank you to all my stores that ask me to teach...and to my students that come and take my classes!!! I appreciate you so much!!!!

Hugs,
Suzy West

Tae Kwon Do

2011-02-05T23:51:00.000-08:00

A little over a month ago Sierra came home from school with a sign up sheet to take Tae kwon Do lessons at school. It was for a fundraiser that they were doing.
Sierra was so thrilled and reminded us every day that we needed to turn in the permission slip.

So fast forward...few weeks later...Sierra finished up her lessons at school and they had a graduation ceremony.

The most amazing part...today my little Sierra broke a board with her foot!!! Yes, my little Sierra did that. She was so proud of herself!!

After she broke the board she and the other kids received their awards.

This was supposed to be just a couple of weeks, well that's changing...we just signed her up for more lessons. She's going to start on Monday.
She can't wait to get her uniform!!!

I'm so proud of my little munchkin!!!

working on new projects

2011-02-05T10:23:00.000-08:00

Since I got back from CHA, I have been wanting to do nothing but create but haven't because I've been spending quality time with my beautiful family!!
Last night I went to a crop night at Our Paper Place and started creating with the NEW Echo Park Paper line. (it's not out yet). I was given some products for designing at CHA for them. It will be shipping out soon!!!
I wanted to do something a little different and started creating with random non scrapbook items to create my project.
I've done a little bit more but this is part of my cover.

I'm excited about this project and even though it's not done yet, I've already been asked to teach it at different stores. LOL
Anyways, I'm so grateful to have some inklings of inspiration right now!!!!
I plan on finishing this tonight and doing more!!!
Thank you to everyone that inspires and encourages me to keep creating!!
You are all wonderful!!!
Hugs
Suzy West