A weekend of FUN!

I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with family over the weekend. We attended two very special events.

 

My beautiful niece Alyssa graduated from college so her family threw her a party. Here are some pictures from this beautiful day.

 

My kiddos! Love them so much!

 

 

The next day we went to the wedding of my cousin Vincent and his wife Tracy.

It was such a beautiful wedding! The venue was GORGEOUS!

My son wanted to dress up. He looked so handsome! So did my girls!!

 

Angel and Christian celebrated their anniversary on that day as well!! So awesome!

The boys looked so adorable in matching outfits.

 

Sierra and Tanner

I love creating classes! So excited to be teaching a lot of these and others at stores all over!!

 



 

Thanks for looking!! I appreciate you coming over.

Hugs,

 

Things that I love....

I was looking at some pictures of Sierra today and it just made me smile. I love my little girl!! The things she says and does are so amusing to me. I can listen to her all day! Especially if she's talking about things she feels strongly about. These are some pictures of her that I took last week.

On Saturday the boys stayed the night with us so Angel and Christian could go out on a date. I had so much fun with them. I love that in the morning they came flying into my room so they could snuggle and be silly. I got to snap these pictures of them.

I love frilly pillows! Don't know why...I just do. I can't stop buying them. I think there are about 17 pillows on my bed. Here are some of my favorites!!

I love my room! If I could live on my bed forever...I'd be okay with that. LOL I surround myself with all my pillows and blankets. LOL

One of my most favorite people to spend time with is my son. Now I know some of you won't believe this but this is the absolute truth...this guy is the best kid on the planet! NO JOKE!

I can honestly say that he has never once got into trouble....ever!

If there is anyone that anyone could ever trust with anything...it would be him!

I'm such a lucky person! I can honestly say that I have a great family!

My mom is my best friend on the planet!!

I love spending time with my friends Laila, Jen, and Gina!

Love texting with my girls Michelle and Elizabeth!

I love when I get to visit with my friends like Camille and Christine!!

There are so many others!

Thank you for reading my blog!! Please feel free to leave a comment! I promise to read them!!



It's been a while...

Hi there everyone! It's been a while since I've said hello here but I've been majorly swamped. Right after CHA I went to Ever After and Create 365. We had a blast!!!
I then took some time off to do some personal vactions. I first went to the Bahamas with my brother and friends. We had a blast!! Here's the view from our room.

I got slightly tan! LOL

I enjoyed spending time with him!!

I came home and a day later, Sierra and I were off to Gina's house. We played and then Gina and I were off to southern ca for a fun meeting!!!
I came home and the next day I was off to Hawaii with my kiddos and mom!! This trip was fantastic! We did so much!! Here are a few pics.

I am getting ready for my last trip vacation. I'm going off to southern ca with Paul. We need a trip for just us!! I can't wait! It's going to be a small one but we don't care.

Once I get back, it's time to kit again. I'll be visiting more stores!! I am so looking forward to seeing a lot of my favorite people!!

Okay so that's all I got today. Thanks
Suzy

5 things...

I'm going to admit something....I never know how to start a blog post. I always have a lot to say but I never know how to put it all down in writing. LOL Today I want to tell you some things that I've been grateful for this week.
1. I went with Jeremy to pick out his prom dates flowers. Today we are going to pick up his tuxedo. Even though he's a quiet guy, I know he's excited about his senior ball tomorrow.

2. I went with Angel to help her pick out her dress for the Mary Kay convention. It was great to go with my mom, Ashleigh, and Sierra as well. I adore this picture.

3. I'm grateful for friendships. I love hanging out with girls that inspire me and have amazing personalities.

4. I'm grateful for crafts! I love designing and what it has done for me.

5. I'm grateful for a little girl that has a heart of gold! I have so much fun with her. She's my not so girlie girl. She stands up for what she believes and she is proud of being a "nerd"!

I'm looking forward to this weekend!! I'll be sure to post some pictures. I'd love to hear something you are grateful for this week!! Please share. :) Hugs,

Sierra's surgery day

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

Life brings changes...

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

Crying in the backroom

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

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

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

Together...we're GIANT!!!

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

The kid to the left

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!!!

The best job ever!

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

Random shots

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