I Lost my Hero...

I'm neglected my blog for a few weeks...I'm so sorry about that, it thrills me to hear someone tell me how much they enjoy my posting!

I'm posting about something personal today...if you are a Facebook friend of mine you have heard me post about this for a week now.  My Heart is still so heavy, you see, we lost our Hero this last week.  

Obituary Photo

My Grandpa had battled courageously against a very rare type of skin cancer for well over 20 years.  He lost that battle last week. I feel broken inside but I do know he rests in heaven with his Jesus at this very minute.  Grandpa was Crazy for Jesus and throughout my entire life I KNEW it was the foundation of his life! He told everyone how much he loved Christ.  

He had suffered such physical pain throughout this battle and I never heard him complain even once, instead praising the God that gave him life. Throughout his battle he'd have good years here and there....here is a photo of my Grandparents and myself at my Little brother's High school graduation in May of 2010.  I never realized - until looking at this photo - how much I resemble my Grandpa. :)

Grandma, Grandpa, Sus - May 2010

He was a very proud man and especially proud of his children and grandchildren.  As I was growing up (lived less than 2 miles from them) I remember thinking that I must be one of his most favorite people in the world because he always asked to spend time with me, often coming over to pick me up to go fishing.  When I got older I realized he treated all of his grandchildren that way. My cousins, siblings, and I say  that kiddos who are not able to experience Grandparents who truly want to invest in the lives of their grandchildren are getting  cheated!

I don't ever remember - even once - turning on the TV! We were always out fishing with Grandpa, baking with Grandma, making play dough saddles to put on our My Little Ponies (Grandpa perfected this - right at the kitchen table), playing Frog soccer, picking up walnuts, "Riding" on the round bales when he moved them to the hay lot with the tractor, or driving (I never told my parents that he was the one who taught me how to drive).  

My sister and I, along with 2 of my youngest cousins, were only a few years apart so we had many sleepovers at Grandma & Grandpa's house....my most Cherished memory was being put to sleep laying across Grandpa's chair with a plastic tractor running over my back...I know it's so silly but it is a memory I will remember the rest of my life. I had lunch with Grandma yesterday after church and took a picture of my beloved Tractors.  They are most likely older than I am and mean so much to me.

He was such an instrumental part of my childhood and I will feel that void for the rest of my life. While I will continue to miss him I rejoice at the thought of seeing him again one day in Heaven because of our shared faith in Jesus Christ.

Rachel, Grandma, Grandpa, Sus, & Ben - May 2010

Robert William Gardner, the only son of Paul Theron and Mildred Fern (Reese) Gardner was born on August 16, 1935 near Collins, Missouri. God called him to his Heavenly Home on July 1, 2013 at Sac-Osage Hospital after a 23 year hard fought battle with cancer. 

Robert attended Ashworth and Rainey grade schools, then Faith Bible Academy at Roach, Missouri. In 1951 he met the love of his life, Bonny Wheeler, at Vista Baptist Church and on August 16, 1955, he married that love. To this happy union God gave two wonderful children, Jeanie Floyd and Lynn Gardner. Robert loved Ford tractors and farming. 

He was employed on the C.L. King Farm for 50 years. He often said he’d always lived within 3 miles of his birthplace. Robert loved helping people even if it was only pulling them up a slick snowy hill. His greatest thrill was to go “Muddin” with grandson Ben Gardner. 

At 6 years of age he accepted Jesus as his Savior and was baptized in the Sac River. In 1955 he was baptized again to join Vista Baptist Church. He loved to serve his Lord if he was needed as Sunday School Secretary, Adult Teacher, hauling children to Bible School, serving as Deacon or telling someone about Jesus. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Mildred Gardner. Robert is survived by his wife, Bonny Gardner; daughter, Jeanie (Fred) Floyd; son, Lynn Gardner; grandchildren, Susan (Randy) Williams, Rachel (Jeremy) Rothmayer, Ben Gardner, Robert (Melissa) Floyd, Stacy (David) Rogers, Heidi (Matt) Aton, Heather (Trent) Berry; great grandchildren, Cody Williams, Jay Rothmayer, Rylan Evans, Quinton Rogers, Allie, Sean, Kira and Emma Berry, Cole and Bo Aton; his sister, Luella (Bill) Meloy; nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends and neighbors. 

Thanks for listening to me blubber on today...I'll be sure to post something FANTASTICALLY CRAFTY tomorrow! 

Blessings, Sus 

Happy Anniversary to US!

Today marks a momentous occasion in our home, our 14th Wedding anniversary!

We were, as they call it, High School Sweethearts and never had a previous relationship with anyone else.  Many said it would never last.  

We actually enjoy telling the story....January 27, 1997, After crushing miserably after him for a year and a half he suddenly came  up to me one day while walking down the hallway at school, put his arm around me, and asked if I'd go out with him.  Of course it presented a problem right away....I was only 15 years old and the family rule was no dating until 16.  So what does a girl do? I said "I have to ask my mom!" (um...crawling under a rock right about now!) LOL  But girls, it is reassurance that all is not lost when you make a fool of yourself! After getting permission we went to a school dance together and the rest is history.  

He is my very Best Friend! We were married in a church right here in our home town 3.5 years later. :) Every member of our immediate family (and our Best Buds) are in this photo with the exception of our mothers.

Standing on a neighbor's bluff during Dad's Annual 

Trail ride - October 2004 

Sister-in-law's Birthday Celebration - April 2010

Church Christmas Program - December 2012

In July 2003 our little boy made his entrance, he is so special to us....we Love our Codybear! :)

Riding on a Spring Day with Mom after playing in the 

dirt on Daddy's Job site.  May - 2008

Playday at the Arena with Daddy.  June - 2008

Don't you love the "Cowboy Sun visor"? LOL

Visiting the "Real" Thomas the Tank Engine in 

Baldwin City, KS.  June - 2010

Cody and Mom just being silly.   Mar - 2013

A Quick picture at the Grandparents 

Christmas Dinner. Dec - 2011

Thank you for allowing me to share this little peek into our family life, if you hang with me in the future you'll see similar posts often...I truly love my family! 

Marriage is HARD work but it is the most rewarding "work" I've ever experienced.  We see so many broken homes now days, I believe a strong marriage is the VERY BEST gift we will ever be able to give our son!

Blessings Friends,

Sus

Throwback Thursday!

Seems like Throwback Thursday is all the rage lately! I thought I'd play along!

Here is a single page layout I created WAAAAY back in 2010! It was on my VERY FIRST Display board (ever)!

The photo was Christmas eve of 2007 at my Grandparents home! Our little boy was only 4 years old then...my goodness.  Here he is kissing on his daddy.  :) 

I have to admit, I'm not one for the "fads" but it does seem fun going back and sharing a photo of something old....I might have to make this a regular thing! :) :) 

Thanks for joining me today for this rather short post! 

Blessings, Sus

A Camo Party!

Yesterday I told you I would share some projects I created for my sister's baby shower! This artwork is actually a year old but I found it appropriate since Close to My Heart has introduced such a great Banner Campaign throughout the month of June!

My sister, Rachel asked for a camo theme so I strayed from my Close to My Heart Paper stash but refused to leave my Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge unattended...it is a MUST HAVE!

I wanted to make a "Welcome" Banner to sit on top of the Cake so I cut my pennants from my Beloved Art Philospohy cartridge....it has multiple pennant shapes.  I cut the base scalloped pennants from Close to my Heart Cocoa Cardstock and the layering camo print were a simpler triangle pennant. I think they layered nicely.  I used Close to My Heart Chocolate Waxy Flax (this stuff is the BEST!) for the string and attached it to a couple small dowel rods.

Here it is on the Cake....Super Cute, right?!  My mom has owned her own baking business for over 35 years and she is well known around these parts for it! I told her "Messy Camo"...she said she doesn't do "messy" very well! 

My nephew's name is James Allen but he is called "Baby Jay" in remembrance of his Great Grandpa who passed before  he was born.

Here are the cupcake toppers I created...Did you know the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge also has multiple Medallion Shapes?! I cut the scalloped circles from Cocoa cardstock, cut a banner from Colonial White cardstock, and adhered a corrugated star from the Milepost Shapes assortment onto the front.

These attached nicely to regular toothpicks just by using a small bit of Liquid Glass. :)  

Disregard that horrible Cupcake plate....It was an oversight and I had to borrow one from a family member! (a girl is bound to forget SOMETHING, right?!) I did try to jazz it up a bit by covering the inside circles with the camo paper though...and when you need circles who better to get the job done...? Art Philosophy! :)

I had never given a shower before so I did some research online for game ideas, I stumbled onto the timeless candybar game and I made it into a matching game of sorts....I cut scalloped square cards from the Art Philosophy cartridge using desert sand cardstock, topped it with a cocoa cardstock layer and then cut my numbers from Bamboo and New England Ivy. I wish I would have taken more pictures of this game, in fact this is the only one I have and it was just a quick snap shot with my phone to show a friend while it was sitting in my office.  It was so cool and has been passed around for a few additional showers. :)

This  was my  Favorite  project  for  the  Shower!  I  created  a "Wishes for James" Treasure Box from the Close to My Heart My Creations Card Box!

I cut the scalloped cards in Chocolate cardstock from the Art Philosophy Cartridge and hand typed the sentiments on my computer and printed them on 8.5" X 11" Vellum sheets then trimmed to size.

Each guest was given a card to fill out, then they were returned to the box...they will serve as a wonderful keepsake for both  Jay and his parents. I also think this project was enjoyed by all. :)

I shared this yesterday but am sharing it again today as it is one of my favorite projects I've ever created. Here is the My Creations Mini Banner I created for my nephew, it was used as decoration during the baby shower but it now hanging on the wall of his nursery.

And No, I didn't trace/trim even a single pennant! Every shape in this banner has a coordinating cut on the 

Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge! It was a SNAP to put together! The scalloped circles and font are also both cut from the AP cartridge.

Don't forget the June Special....for every $25 CTMH purchase (it must include 1 A-D sized stamp set) you will receive a FREE My Creations Mini Banner! And when I say FREE I mean TOTALLY FREE, they aren't charging tax or shipping for this freebie! :)  You can take advantage of this special as many times as you'd like ($50 order with 2 stamp sets = 2 free Mini Banners, $75 order with 3 stamp sets = 3 free Mini Banners, you get the point. )

I'm also carrying over my personally offered special...all $50 orders from my website (and by joining the "Banner June" Gathering) will qualify you to receive one of my Exclusive Pre-Cut Layout Kits FREE! Shipped right to your door!

I hope you enjoyed this post on some of my old Art Projects! I wish I would have thought to take photos of everything I created for the event! But Isn't it great knowing that our Close to My Heart products are valuable to us OUTSIDE of  Scrapbooking and cardmaking?! 

I also wanted to share one last picture of this little fella...my sweet nephew, Jay! This was bright and early one morning at our office while I was playing him  his daddy was out catching cattle).  He is the sweetest! :) 

I know he made you smile....now go have yourself a Great day! I'll see you tomorrow! :)

Blessings, Sus

Make it a BANNER Day....er....Month!

Of course with my being a Consultant with Close to My Heart I think they are just TOP NOTCH but each month they continue to surprise me! 

Like most Direct Sales companies they offer limited time specials for their customers but MY WORD...CTMH just keeps shipping out the freebies! 

Throughout the entire month of June Close to my Heart will include one of our My Creations^® Mini Banners (Z1736) with every $25 order that includes any A-D sized Stamp set! 

Do you want to know the BEST thing about this cute little Chipboard banner? It comes with (10) 3" X 4" Pennants in 4 different shapes...and EVERY SINGLE ONE of them has a coordinating Cut on the Close to My Heart Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge! The days of tracing and trimming are a thing of the past! Whoot! 

I want to share with you one of the Mini Banners I created last year for my Sister's baby shower! My nephew Jay (James Allen) has it hanging in his nursery at this very moment. :) 

His Nursery is all about the Outdoors and has a "Camo" theme so I strayed from my Beloved Close to my Heart paper for this project! 

I used the Art Philosophy for both the top and bottom layers of the banner pennants as well as the scalloped circle and font.  The cartridge also has multiple medallion cuts as well!

I actually created an entire baby shower using this camo paper and my art philosophy cartridge along with a few other beloved CTMH products! It was a huge hit and I think my sister loved it! 

I would love to show you some more of the projects I created for the baby shower, please join me tomorrow to have a look.   

In addition to the FREE BANNER with $25 orders I'm sweetening the deal! Bump your order up to $50 and include (2) A-D sized stamp sets and Close to my Heart will send you 2 of the My Creations Mini Banners AND I will send you one of my Pre-cut Layout Kits FREE! I'll even ship it right to your door! 

Annnnnnd, don't forget....all $50 orders will also qualify you for the June Stamp of the Month for only $5! 

Do you realize that your purchase of $50 will qualify you to receive free product in the amount of $38.85!? WHOOT! 

All you must do is Join the "Banner June" Gathering on my website and place your order of $50! I'll do the rest! 

Please, ALWAYS, feel free to email me with any questions you might have! It will be my pleasure to assist you! If you enjoy Facebook I'd like to invite you to "Like" my Close to My Heart Business page! I post lots of CTMH information, Kit specials, artwork, etc. on there as well. :) 

Thank you for joining me, I'll see you back here tomorrow with more Artwork to share! :) 

Blessings, Sus

Close to My Heart is SUCH A TREAT!

One of my very favorite things to create with my Close to My Heart Products are what I like to call 'Treat Treasures'! Do you give hand crafted treasures to your loved ones? As a Christian Mom it is my desire to raise our son to be a servant to others.  At the age of 9 and having Autism it is sometimes a struggle for Cody to learn as well as his daddy and I to demonstrate.  I enjoy-more than anything-having him join me in my craft studio to create treat treasures for our family, Sunday school classes, or friends.  He enjoys getting messy with mom's things and I enjoy spending quiet time with him doing something that I love!  

An experience that we had last fall (and one that I enjoy re-telling) will remain in my heart forever...My husband and I, our son Cody, along with my Sister & Brother-in-law as well as their two children Koel and Riley created a project that we plan to make a yearly tradition for our families.  It was such a small gesture yet received BIG response...I am getting goosebumps thinking of that day all over again...I really have no idea where the idea came from and truth be told it was a pretty silly idea.  The response was very humbling for us all.  We baked all kinds of cookies, popped popcorn, and sorted candies into small plastic baggies and  added a special touch...

We filled our baskets and headed to our nearest Wal-mart, about 45  minutes away, on Thanksgiving day! We thought, "when better to show appreciation to others than during one of the most hurried, busiest, and Thankless days of the year?!"...Preparing for Black Friday! So, we and our kiddos headed inside and every employee we saw working that morning received a baggie, and more importantly a Smile and our appreciation.  I would have NEVER believed how it touched some of them.  Some accepted our small gift with a bit of a "dumb founded" look on their faces later to walk away, turn back around and shout "Hey, Thanks!!" and others light up right away in such a way that my heart skips a beat just thinking about it.  Most we left smiling, some wanted to take our kiddos' picture, and ALL were extremely thankful.  I think the Cashiers in the front of the store were most effected, I can assume they had already had a rough day of disrespectful customers thus were the most appreciative and shocked.  We heard the most delightful things from them, "Your children are precious little servants", "This is the sweetest thing I've ever heard of", and one young lady was especially effected as she went to hug me I saw tears streaming down her face and she said "No one has ever shown me love as your family has today".  It was such a humbling experience for us, I remember the moment when I turned around to look at my husband and brother-in-law and noticing they had lumps in their throats and mist in their eyes thinking that I have NEVER experienced a "High" as I had at that very moment.  We passed out well over 100 baggies that morning, we gave one to EVERY single employee working that day, and I feel certain that even with our smallest of gifts we BLESSED over 100 people as well.  It was an incredible day for us! We are already planning on doing it again Thanksgiving 2013, this time Bigger and Blessing even more.  Have you ever seen a bunch of PROUDER kiddos? :)  

I would LOVE to see some of your 'Treat Treasures'! better than that I'd love to hear a story of how you have Blessed others!....post a link for me please (I'm new at the Blogging-obviously-so I'm sure there is a better way to share our photos & information but I'd love to see and hear them!)  

I am so Thankful that Close to My Heart makes creating our 'Treat Treasures' Faster, Simpler, Easier! 

Blessings, Friends! :)