Hello there!

I just received my new case of 2009-10 Stampin' Up! Catalogs and they are fabulous! I haven't been this excited about a catalog in awhile. I have planned some great events in July to showcase items from this catalog. Be sure to check out my calendar on my Stampin' Up! website to learn more. You can visit it at: www.emikowesterfield.stampinup.net

Gotta run! My sister-in-law and brother-in-law are in from New Orleans and we've got an action packed day (and week) ahead of us! The kids have loads of fun visiting with them - I'll have to post some scrapbook pages of our visit together!

Have a great Sunday!

Emiko

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms out there!

The month of May is a month full of wonderful memories of my mom, Kazuko Bronson. Not only is Mother's Day in May, she also celebrated her birthday during this month and it is one of the months dedicated to Mary who my mom had a great devotion to.

Such a sweet and beautiful woman my mom was. Truly a kind heart and a good spirit. She was gentle and loving to everyone she encountered. My mom was a wonderful mom, grandma, teacher, and wife. She was the most patient and forgiving person I have ever known. We all miss her so much!

On this Mother's Day, don't focus so much on the perfect meal, flowers, gift, or card, instead focus on having a genuine conversation with your mother. Ask her questions about her past, her opinions, how your parents met, what you were like when you were little, what her favorite things are, what scares her. Find out what makes your mom tick so one day you don't wistfully think "if only I had asked her when I had the chance". Take pictures of her with your kids and with you. Take pictures of your mom doing what you most remember her doing - whether that be cooking, gardening, reading, playing cards, laughing.

There are two pictures I regret not taking of my mom. The one was of our last Chirstmas together, I was tired that day and not taking as many pictures as usual and my mom was busy and wanted me to wait to take it later. I wish I would have snapped a picture of her cooking or taken the camera back out later in the day. The other picture I wish I would have taken were of her hands. Those hands were so wonderful! Dainty and strong all at the same time. She cooked and cleaned with those hands. Felt our heads when we were feverish. Graded papers. Prayed with those hands.

In memory of my mom on Mother's Day, I want to encourage others to cherish the time you have with yours.

Happy Mother's Day Mama!

GONE FISHING LAYOUT

WOO-HOO! Super excited! I figured out how to upload blog templates from PYZAM! I'm still playing around with it, but figured I'd use this one for now. Fun stuff! Now to get some cleaning done!

Have a marvelous day!

Emiko

What a spectacular day! I've had a very productive day so far. Finished some laundry, cleaned the kitchen, prepped lesson plans, surfed the net and am now getting ready for work (well almost).

I have a million ideas floating around in my head! It's so good to recharge your battery in whatever area you are (or once were) passionate about! Attending the Gateway Glitter 'n' Ink meeting has me thinking of some great Recession Buster Classes I am going to hold as well as adding to my list of "must haves" to incorporate in my scrapbooking and stamping an share with customers.

I know many of you have gotten away from what you love doing. Family life, work obligations, money constraints and more but remember, YOU are important! Make it a priority to rekindle your interests and passions and you will find life a lot more fun! A bonus is those close to you will appreciate the positive change in your disposition making it win/win for everyone!

Have a spectacular day!

Emiko

These pictures were taken at the Gateway Glitter 'n' Ink downline meeting on Saturday. Some talented ladies! The circle "Birthday Celebrations" card and the Elmo cards were by Karen Graff-Povis. The purse and dress cards were created by Sarah Klasing. The two window sheet cards were by Lynn Luetkemeyer. Can you say FABULOUS? There were many other samples, but I figured posting a few was better than posting none - right?

This post is dedicated to Karen, not giving up on the hope of my updating my blog LOL!

Today I attended my first Stampin' event in awhile - the Gateway Glitter 'n' Ink Meeting. It was so fantastic seeing everyone! Such clever people! Sarah, Rita, Lynn & Karen your projects and demos were fantastic! Sue & Sally LOVE what you are doing for your upcoming class! Kim and Andrea and everyone great to see you again!

I haven't purchased the Big Shot yet but it is a must have seeing all of the projects they were creating. We are talking some super cool stuff and the possibilities with my scrapbooking are endless! Of course Sarah brought her Big Shot bag which is just to die for! This thing is GORGEOUS! Another must have on my list.

It's been awhile since I've posted new pics on this, but I think I will play around with it tomorrow. Have an outstanding day!

Emiko