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

Forever in Love with you

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...

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

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!! :)

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

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....

...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

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

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

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!!

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!!

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!!!

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

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!!!

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!!

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

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!!!!

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

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

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