I'm Back....

I'm back...

Life has gotten chaotic-busy in wonderful ways and blogging was taking a backseat. I'm here now...in and out...still busy, but hoping to keep up on my all my blogging. I have so many saved posts and ideas. I haven't even had time to try and post one up. But hopefully in a day or two I'll be moving along.

I do have some great holiday giveaways planned...I owe that to you! I can't wait to give some presents away! ♥

I did finish the pettiskirt...

Go me! It was HARD! I'm not going to lie....tedious! But she was so cute as our little Autumn Fairy.

Homecoming was a blast...we had 20 kids over for a candlelight dinner. My girl is growing up! Makes me happy-sad...

Genealogy has become a big hobby for me lately...I could go on and on about that! What an amazing experience that has been... Found my long lost family that had been forgotten.

So much more has been happening in our little world, but with all the craziness I have managed to be creative and create...which has probably kept me SANE! I'll share some of my fun with you soon....

Winner of My Big Celebration Giveaway is...

One of my most favorite bloggy friends in the blog world...

Debbie from Suburb Sanity. By the way Debbie, love the new blog makeover! Debbie was picked by random draw and will be getting my big Celebration Giveaway! She'll be receiving the following

• One large bag of Aunt Kate's Roll Mix from Food Storage Depot.
  
• 16 oz. package of SAF yeast from Lesaffre Yeast Corp.
• A Mini Cherish Bound Recipe Story Starter from ME
• $29 publishing credit to make her own 5x7 recipe book from ME!

Debbie, email me your mailing info so we can send you your goodies!!!

Jump Start Summer & Another GIVEAWAY!

Don't miss My BIG Celebration Giveaway!!! Click here for another one!



Are YOU are driving your kids nuts??? Come on....are you driving them nuts yet??

I push mine outdoors and we have lots to do, most days, but once in awhile it's nice to come in the house, shut down the shades, crank up the A/C and let them veg.
My little Z-man has found his veg... it's this!

Jump Start online has been his new little passion...or should I say obsession...and a good one I might add! Before school got out, every day he'd come home and say, "Mom! Can I PLEASE-PLEASE-PLEASE play the cool jumping game!! Please...." I gave him 20 minutes after school each day to play some Jump Start....and I was so impressed with what he learned in that short period of time.

Here's a list of a few of our favorites features!

• EASY to navigate - He had NO trouble at all using www.jumpstart.com and CD game "3D Virtual World - Legend of Grizzly McGuffin"
• Creating his own avatar - "Jumpees"...he LOVED this part!
• The games are educational, but fun! As he enjoyed playing "video games" and didn't even realize he was learning so much....actually, I take that back. He did realize it. He called me over to the computer about every 26 seconds to show me a new word he could spell or a math problem he solved.
  
• Another great feature is it's personalized for each child and it's creative, bright, and let's them use their imagination....it allows them to create and think.
• Progress Reports! Yes, I get his progress reports emailed to me that show me what he's learned and completed....oh, yeah, and they have a Parent section...oh and a blog!
  
• He loves AdventureLand!! They can explore and are given missions. Here are a few screen shots of his adventures...

So I guess what I'm trying to say is...Jump Start has created a great online World and CD program for kids! I give it 2 thumbs up....and so does Z-man!!!

you can't hear him right now....but he's asking to get on and play as I type....

Sonia, over at Jump Start has offered a lucky reader a 3-month membership to www.jumpstart.com! A free upgrade to use and take advantage of the entire site!! Perfect for the summer months! It's a great tool to keep your kid's minds thinking and not forgetting everything they learned over the past 9 months of school....it's so much better than a "workbook"....and who wants to sit down and do a workbook during the summer?? NOT ME!

Here are the entry rules:

• For one entry just leave me a comment
  

• For 5 Entries: Visit www.jumpstart.com. (click the link and scroll down) They have HUGE list of skills that Jump Start helps kids with...Just leave a comment and let us know which skills your kids could use some help and/or refreshing on.
  
• For 5 Extra Entries: Follow my blog
• For 5 More Entries: Follow me on Twitter @cherishbound176 and Tweet about it. Please leave tweet URL in comment
  

Please leave separate comments for each entry (just 4 separate comments...you don't have to do 16 comments), and you must leave your email or have your email in your blogger profile or a new winner will be selected. Giveaway runs until, Sunday, July 26 @ 11:59pm. Open to anyone who can get online!

And I also saw that they're going to have Jump Start For the Wii soon! Hopefully they'll let me review that one too! {WINK-WINK}!!

It's a Celebration! Happy Day to Me - Giveaway!

Well, there is much to celebrate here at my blog this week!

1. This is my 400th post!
2. My Birthday is next week - July 23rd
3. My Blog Birthday is Monday
4. My Wedding anniversary is mixed in with it all too

So I'm doing a big fat yummy Giveaway in celebration of all these things...

• To survive 400 posts, even if I blog to myself is huge...for me! How many hours have at sat staring at this blog?? Too many to think about ;o)
  
• And I love birthdays...I'm not afraid of turning 35...Yes, I'm 35 next week, can't believe how young I still am! It's incredible... (apparently, I have no idea how old I am. I'm turning 34. Just figured that out - 07/16/09 @ 9:16pm EST.
  
• My 2nd Blog Birthday is Monday, and again, that's a big deal for me because I have ADD and the only thing I've stuck with longer than this blog is being a wife and mother.
  
• And of course my wedding anniversary is arriving again....the 15th one! Can't believe we've managed to survive these amazing 15 years....but to be completely happy is worth celebrating! Right?!

So lots to be happy about....

Yesterday on my Wordless Wednesday post you saw those YUMMY delicious HOMEMADE cinnamon rolls that I made right? I'm a wannabe baker, and I'm okay with that. I'm finding myself in the kitchen a lot more these days, but I'm loving it, not fighting it. I love to bake. I've always loved to bake, but have been intimidated by mixers, yeast, sifters, temperatures...you know all the "stuff" that goes with baking. Well, I've discovered that it's actually harmless, it's very hard to get hurt baking, and there are amazing products out there that make baking...enjoyable and easy for people like moi!

Cinnamon Rolls happen to one of my most favorite things to EAT! I lose total control when cinnamon rolls arrive...I have NO guilt, NO limits, NO worries. So when I finally made a batch that worked and tasted good all by myself....I had to share and celebrate! I'll share the entire recipe next week.


I'm going to give credit where credit is due though...without these two products ain't NO WAY it was going to happen. I'm wanted for killing yeast all over these parts, so I pretty much gave up on anything that required the use of that small, single-celled plant. Until....I found this!

SAF Yeast by Red Start

You CANNOT KILL THIS STUFF! It's "tara-proof"...that's saying A LOT! If you're looking for ways to make baking with yeast more enjoyable and successful, look no further! You must get this yeast! Also, they have GREAT recipes, ideas, and other yeasts for those that need gluten free or specialty yeasts as well over at www.redstaryeast.com

Second...I'm all about making from scratch, but I love buying "mixes". I love having some fun varieties to play around with, but I'm also into building my family's food storage in the event of an emergency, disaster, even a job loss and income change. You just never know...

One of my favorite sites for stocking up on Food Storage is the Food Storage Depot. They have a great selection of Food Storage products AND their prices are very affordable. They have lots to choose from from basics to gourmet and monthly to yearly supplies.

• Emergency Food
• Dehydrated Food
• Home Food Storage
• Freeze Dried Food

They also have my favorite MIX! Aunt Kate's Quality Roll Mix! That's the amazing mix that helped me make those delicious cinnamon rolls! They have truly revolutionized food storage!

So what am I giving away...Can you smell the rolls??

• Food Storage Depot has generously offered one of my readers a bag of Aunt Kate's Roll Mix.
  
• The winner will also receive a 16 oz. package of SAF yeast from Lesaffre Yeast Corp. Woo!
  
• And...the winner will also receive a Mini Cherish Bound Recipe Story Starter from ME
• $29 publishing credit to make your own 5x7 recipe book from ME!
  

That's right.... The winner will get ALL OF THIS!

So wanna know how you can win ALL OF THIS? There are TONS of way to get in on this!!

1. Leave a comment letting me know what your FAVORITE thing to bake is (1 entry)

2. Follow My Blog (1 entry)

3. Tweet About this Giveaway & leave the link (1 entry)

4. Put my Button on your blog (1 entry)

5. Post about this giveaway on your blog. Make sure you share your favorite thing to bake and then link back here to the McLinky FOR 5 EXTRA ENTRIES!

Make sure each entry is a separate comment. US Residents only. Giveaway ends on July 22, 2009 at 11:59 pm. I'll announce the big winner on July 23 (my birthday)! Make sure you leave your email in your comments if you don't have a blog or your email in your profile.

Confessions of an Ex-Scrapbooker #35 - It's a Giveaway! I ♥ Vinyl Lettering!

I ♥ Vinyl Lettering. I do.

I'm just going to come right out and admit it. I don't care if it's a fad or if it's a tacky. I don't care. I think vinyl is cool. So I made you something... Well, I made ONE of you something. ;o) I made myself one....and then I made one for you...

SO EASY to make too! Well, my friend has one of those cool Cricut doohickey things. Awesome little machine....she uses it for card making and such....she's an "EX" too. ;o) You likey?? Well, if you want one of my homemade-vinyl-lettering-picture-frame-decor-things, you've come to the right place!

It's a giveaway!

Here's how to enter this giveaway!

• For one entry go to my Cherish Bound store by clicking HERE. Visit the Story Starters (list on top left) and tell me what story you would love to capture and share. Oh and notice the sale I'm having this weekend! Leave your email if you don't have a blog profile or I will pick another winner (i'm saying it nicely)
• For a second entry follow my blog. If you already do, great. Just leave a separate comment.
• For a third entry Tweet about it and leave your link

US entries only. Giveaway ends on Thursday, July 2 @ 11:59pm. Winner will be announced next Friday. Please leave your email if you don't have a blog profile with your email listed. Winner will be picked by random.org

One more thing... EVERYTHING in my Cherish Bound Story Store is 20% off!!! Don't forget to check it out! ;o) okay...I'm done.

Wordless Wednesday

2 weeks ago I had a giveaway.... I Dare You I'm announcing the winner of the Cherish Bound Wordless Wednesday photo book today!! Random Draw picked....

Shari from A Psych Mommy!! Woo-hoo!!! Congrats! You just won a Cherish Bound photo/story book!!

For more Wordless Wednesday visit www.5minutesformom.com

Wordless Wednesday - I Dare You...Giveaway!

Nothin' like a little Playground Dare....right?
How about a little Wordless Wednesday Dare for you?
Would you like to win a published Cherish Bound 5x7 softbound book with up to 24 weeks of your Wordless Wednesday photos published in it???

Of course you would! It'll make a great keepsake for your family and let your little ones or even your hubby have a look into your WW world that they may not otherwise see.... To enter the giveaway here's what you have to do!

Leave a comment and link your Wordless Wednesday in Mr. Linky. For 5 extra entries mention this WW giveaway at your Wordless Wednesday and you're in!

US residence Only. Giveaway starts May 6, 2008 and ends on May 19, 2008 @ 11:59pm. Winner will be announced 5/20 WW!
PLEASE! PLEASE! Leave your email in your comment if you don't have a blog profile.
So enter right now... I DARE YOU!

Another Business Giveaway & a few others...

Did you miss out on the last Cherish Bound Business Giveaway??

Well, the amazing Cindy over at Skip To My Lou is doing another one!!

Click here to check it out!

And 2 other giveaways I stumbled on today....

My favorite-favorite-favorite quote in vinyl lettering on tile....I really want this! Over at Hannah's Blog.

And a fanatic opportunity over at Not Entirely British to win free publicity in a new Internet magazine called MultipliCitymag.com That would be so awesome!

Blog Makeover Giveaway WINNER!!

After compiling all the entries and extra entries for the Blog Makeover Giveaway #35 was picked by random.org and the winner is

Katie, Kevin and kids

Woo-hoo! Congrats Katie!! You're going to love working with Jen!

For those of you that didn't win, if you're interested in getting a blog makeover, visit Jen over at The Trendy Mommy Blog Designs. She'll fix your blog up beautifully for a very reasonable price! Check her out!

Blog Makeover Giveaway!!

My most favorite Trendy Mommy, Jen, is giving away BLOG MAKEOVER!!! Yep, right here on my blog, she's giving one of you a chance to makeover your blog! Jen has made my blog over 2 times already...I just recently did this makeover and I have to say she's incredible. I gave her about 10 ideas w/ colors and pictures, etc....and her FIRST sample was pretty much exactly what you see here!!! Both times, first try! She's that good! And she's sweet too. ♥

Do do you need a blog makeover??

Well, here's how you can win a free one from Jen!

For one entry (REQUIRED): Visit her site and check out her portfolio by Clicking HERE. Take a look at some of your favorites and come back and comment to let us know what you like and also what style you'd love to have...spill your bloggy guts!

For extra entries you can....

1. Follow my blog

2. Follow us both on twitter ME and HER

3. Tweet about it

4. And for 5 extra entries Blog about it!

PLEASE leave a separate comment for each entry and you must leave your email in one of your comments OR if your email is on your blog profile that will work too. If not, we will not be able to add you to the giveaway. Open for everyone! Ends on Friday, April 10th at 11:59 pm!

ALSO, she's having a Disney World Sale!! Check out her incredible sale...she's prepping for an amazing trip to Orlando and would love to have some extra spending cash for her kiddos....so if you're anxious to get started check out the sale and put her to work!

Winner of the Cherish Bound Business Giveaway is....

Well, after 80+ entries the winner of the Cherish Bound Business Kit giveaway was selected by random draw....and the winner is....

Lolli from Life is Sweet!!!

Congrats Lolli girl!!! So excited for you....I was crossing my fingers for ALL of you. I'm so excited to work with ALL of you. Remember, everyone wins in this giveaway. If you entered the original giveaway please contact me at tarabrown at cherishbound dot com. I'm also going to be contacting everyone as well via email and blogs tonight and tomorrow so I can get you the updated information about starting your new Cherish Bound business because EVERYONE wins in this giveaway!!!

For those of you who entered the giveaway, please email me your contact info ASAP so I can get your starter kits in the mail by the end of the week first of next week. I want to start a series of conference calls by next week so we can "meet" and get all 50 of you on your way to Cherish Bound success! I'm so excited about what is in store for you and can't wait to share everything with you.

Thank you everyone!

LUCKY DAY! Business Giveaway UPDATED!

Many of you have entered HERE to win a Business...a Cherish Bound Business! Well, ladies today is Your LUCKY DAY!!!! Wanna know why???

Our president and Co-founder, Carol Rice, read through your comments and realized that every single one of you would make our company better, and you all deserve the chance to have the Cherish Bound opportunity and make your life better!!!! Somebody Pinch me! I'm Serious!

So....Even if you don't win the $99 Kit, everyone who comments by March 20, 2009 @ 11:59 pm will become Honorary Cherish Bound consultants FOR FREE with the same benefits and rewards as all consultants...just as if you signed up the traditional way with a purchase of a kit!! Instead of having to buy a kit, you'll receive one Story Starter of your choice, a Cherish Bound DVD, a catalog, business materials, and ME.... FOR FREE!!!!

I'm so excited!!! I'm so happy for every single one of you who has poured your heart out to me!!! You have no idea what is about to happen and how this opportunity will change your life! So please go...

HERE

and enter if you haven't....if you already can you please leave me another comment with your email or email me tarabrown at cherishbound dot come and let me know you saw this update and you're ready to join me!

Breaking News: I'm Giving Away a Business!

UPDATED 3-17-09!!!!!!

BREAKING NEWS!

I'm giving away a business! Who wants it?

Many of you know I have a business that has something to do something with books... and stories...and memories...

I'm a National Founding Leader for Cherish Bound. An amazing direct sales company founded 5 years ago by 2 amazing people with a vision for traditions, stories, and families. Outside of my family, Cherish Bound is my passion and my life. I've been waking up for four and a half years thanking God for this amazing opportunity. I find myself thinking, "Is this for real? Can I really be so lucky...so blessed to have this opportunity?" Yep! It's for real.

I want to share this opportunity with all of you....So here's the scoop!

Basically, we know we have a good thing going here at CherishBound and would love for more people to know about us. We receive great feedback from our customers about how preserving memories and paying attention to the story has changed their lives and improved family communications. We want to help more people, especially during these hard times... so we are looking to add 400 people to our team in the next couple of months.

Won't you join us?

I'll tell you a few of the reasons why I decided to join Cherish Bound:

• I wanted to be home with my kids
• I wanted to work for MYSELF!
• I love photos and stories. I realized I could organize my stuff like I never could have with scrapbooking (and for those that have never done anything at all you'll luv this even MORE!)
• I wanted to find a group of women...powerful, passionate, women to surround myself with and become friends with.
• My passion for being a teacher was put on hold, and this became my outlet through the I'm An Author Children's Writing Program...I know I'm making a difference not just for my family and future generations, but for other families in my community.

We're confident you'll fall in love with all that we're doing...with the founders, the other consultants, storytelling and all the ways it will open opportunities for your family. Help us get the word out and ride the wave Cherish Bound is creating!

Drum roll please.....

• I'm giving away ONE FREE, no obligation, Cherish Bound business kit!
• $99 kit worth over $250!
• You will be the next Cherish Bound consultant.
• You'll automatically have a 20% discount on all publishing and products.
• You'll have access to Cherish Bound as a consultant, the publishing center and can run your own business.
• Cherish Bound does not have monthly or quarterly financial quotas!
  
• You can choose to run your business as a hobbyist or aspire to be a national leader with me!

Whatever your passion, it's up to you....but I'm giving away a business!

So how do you win a Cherish Bound business...it's easy!

1. Comment about why you want this business! Just tell me what you want out of it...that's easy!
   

For extra entries:

1. Tweet about it!
2. Follow me
3. For 5 extra entries blog about it on your blog!!
   

For those that would LOVE to win this, but do not get picked... You'll get 50% off a business kit if you choose to sign up by March 31! THIS IS EVEN BETTER!!! Everyone who posts a comment on THIS POST that doesn't win will become "Honorary" Cherish Bound consultants FOR FREE!! Yes, you'll be honored in just like ANY OTHER CONSULTANT!!! Just the same as if you won or if you purchased a kit.... And it gets better my friends!!! You'll get one Story Starter of your choice, DVD, catalog and all the business info you'll need to start a business for FREE!!!!! {I can barely breath....I'm so excited!!} Our president and Co-founder, Carol Rice, read through your comments and realized that every single one of you would make our company better, and you all deserve the chance to have the Cherish Bound opportunity!!!! Somebody Pinch me! If you don't win the kit YOU Must email me at tarabrown at cherishbound dot com by March 31, 2009 and let me know that YES, you're ready to join me!!! US residents only. Remember... NO obligation, just see if CB is a fit. The giveaway for the free KIT will end on March 20th 11:59 pm. Winner will be announced Monday here on my blog! PLEASE-PLEASE-PLEASE leave your email if you do not have a profile or blog!

So what do you say?? Wanna join me and start a business??

Cherish Bound Giveaways Around The Bloggy World!

If you're looking to get in on some FREE Cherish Bound goodies visit these blogs that are hosting Cherish Bound giveaways!

Skip To My Lou

Your Mama Reviews

The Winning Mommy's Blog

These Ladies Rock! Go visit them and enter their giveaways!!

And Don't Forget my
I'm An Author giveaway

...Giving kids a chance to write their stories!

I'm An Author Giveaway!

If you haven't heard me yap about Cherish Bound's I'm An Author program yet...
WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?

Take 4 minutes...okay 5 minutes and watch this YouTube video of our I'm An Author Program.

IAA is a children's writing and publishing class that was created and put together by an amazing team of teachers, storytellers and Cherish Bound. The IAA program gives children confidence through written and oral storytelling as well as a creative artistic outlet. The class is beautifully simple and so rewarding for children and the Cherish Bound consultant.

At the end of the session, children receive their books and put on a wonderful and exciting culminating event we call "The Author's Fair". You'll see it in the video!

IAA has been taught in schools, after-school enrichment programs, homeschooling programs (co-ops and in-home), summer camps, weekend retreats, gifted and talented programs, etc. If you're interested in learning more about the I'm An Author program please let me know. All active Cherish Bound consultants can teach this class, which is a great source of income for anyone looking for some extra cash flow. Please let me know if you're interested in getting it started in your area by emailing me or commenting.

Okay...watch the video! And then check out the giveaway below...

GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!

This great little Author's Gift Pack is sure to bring out the storyteller in any child! You can see a sample of one of my little author's books (not included). Your children will love the fun little compact art set, deck of Child Chat Cards and a "My Adventures" Story Starter. $35+ Value!

To enter giveaway....

1. Leave a comment on a story your child, niece, nephew, grandchild, etc....would love to write... and/or leave a comment letting me know if you'd like to learn more about the program and receive info to start the program or have your children be apart of IAA.

2. Tweet about it! of Course! Come back and leave a Separate Entry!!

3. Blog about it on your blog for 10 extra entries! Come back and leave the link in a separate comment.

Of course always make sure I can contact you via email or through your blog bio. US residence only. Giveaway will end on Sunday, March 8th 9pm EST.

Tuesday Tradition #41 - Crafts & a Giveaway!!!

Crafts.

The dictionary says "craft" is a "skill, art, trade..." but most of my crafts are just humble little wannabes that most people would secretly mock. But I love them...

I think it's the thrill of the shopping trip that gets me all excited. I love laying everything out on my table and checking out all the goodies I've got...and I even love the little collection of "crafting supplies" that are slowly building up. So yes, I ♥ crafts! Most of the time I love my finished projects...MOST of the time. But not always...sometimes I secretly enjoy them and then hide them...and wait for the next community garage sale.

Anyway.....crafts are traditions. I've seen so many crafts passed down in my family (LOL!!) woo-wee....and I've started new ones too. I'll be honest though, I really miss sitting around the big table with my grandma, aunts, mom, and cousins while doing some holiday craft, laughing, jabbing funny jokes at grandma....that was a good time. I miss it dearly. It makes me sad to think that those days have passed, but excited to know that I can continue that tradition with my own family.

The past month I've mentioned a few times that I'm in serious crafting mode. I've made quite a few little things...Daisy and Sunflower hair clips for my little girl, Wooden words, decorated picture frames....and THE SCRABBLE PENDANTS!

These were not only easy, but turned out so adorable! I can't stand it! I'm hooked...I've made about...14 so far. Anything I can cut and paste is going on a scrabble chip.

Here's my first batch...

I gave my oldest daughter the one in the middle and my other daughter got the one of her playing softball! How cool is that???? Mom...if you're reading...you may have an idea of what you'll be getting for Mother's Day...and yes, you'll get Cherish Bound book too.

I'm giving away the cute one up there to one of you!! Here's how you can win!

1. Leave a comment telling us about your favorite craft. If you can, please leave a link to it if you have it on your blog. We'd love to see.

2. Sign-up for my newsletter (top right corner) and leave a separate comment.

3. Follow my blog and leave a separate comment

4. Follow me on Twitter @cherishbound176 and tweet about - leave a separate comment

Don't forget to leave your email if you don't have it listed on your profile!! Open to US residence only! Giveaway ends Monday, February, 23 @ 11:59pm. Winner will be announced on next week's Tuesday Traditions. Winner will be chosen using random.org.

Tuesday Tradition #40 Writing & Sharing Your Love Story & Giveaway!

I just realized this is the 40th tradition that I've posted...wow! I have to say I'm ever so slightly proud of myself. We've got quite a collection of traditions here. There are plenty to go around and enough to last the entire year. I hope you enjoy them all and please feel free to share and pass on all of yours as well.

With Valentine's Day knocking on the door, L♥ve is in the air. What a prefect time to reflect, write and share your Love Story. Many people never take the time to write down the details of a love story. We all have a love story....some are fairytale-like and others...well, let's just say lessons can be learned.

Take the time to sit down write a few words in your journal or "type" them up and tell about how you met, your first kiss, when you knew "he" was the one. Or how about the first time your eyes met? The first time your boyfriend met your parents? You can't help but have those sweet feelings flood your heart again and put a smile on your face.

Need some help remembering those moments? Well, I have the perfect tool! By using Cherish Bound's "Falling In Love" Story Starter, you'll be prompted with over 50 ideas and questions about your love story. With room to jot down your thoughts you'll organize and collect all those memories in one place. Something fun to do is have your hubby answer the same questions and create a "He said, She said" version of your love story. My hubby and I did this...Oh, it was fun!!! And let's just say we both remember our Love Story VERY differently...but I so remember his adorable perm, checkered Vans, and gray parachute pants with safety pins all the way up his calves.......beautiful!

This is one of our most popular Story Starters for good reason. Read through the questions with the one you love and write your story to share with everyone. And when you're done collecting those memories...You can put them into this adorable "Love Book" from Cherish Bound. It's the cutest 5x5 book with pink and brown accents. SOOO CUTE!

Would you like a chance to WIN the Falling in Love Story Starter?

• Then share with us one quality that made you fall in love with your husband by leaving a comment. I know there are so many, but pick one...or two and share them.
  
• For a second chance to win, follow my blog! If you already follow leave a second comment to remind me or let me know you're a new follower.
  
• Make sure you leave an email if you don't have one in your profile. Giveaway closes Friday, Feb. 6th @ 9pm! Winner will be drawn by random.org.
  

Family Yearbook Challenge 2009 - Week 3

We are officially in the month of ♥ February ♥ of the year 2009! Incredible! It's so hard to believe...but it's here. Lots of memories and stories being made daily.

If you're just joining us click here to see the Family Yearbook Archive so you can catch up! And don't forget to leave a comment. I'm keeping track throughout the year...and one lucky person will get an amazing gift!

Also, look up @ the top of my blog....you see the Button?! We've got button! Grab it and slap it up on your blog! Let's spread the word about our Family Yearbook Challenge!

Also, last week I had my first giveaway for the FYB Challenge "Family Celebrations" and the winner is Heather from A Goddess in Progress! I ♥ Heather! She's awesome and has a beautiful blog...not to mention an AMAZING writer! I love her posts!

Okay...on with our Homework!

Homework Feb 1 - 8:

1. Any January Birthdays? How old? How was it celebrated? Anniversaries? Births? Deaths?

2. Did you watch the Superbowl? Did your team play? How did you celebrate?

3. Write about 1 or 2 of your family's favorite traditions.

4. Did anyone have a great achievement or accomplish a goal in the past year?

5. What has been your family's biggest "Lesson Learned"?

6. Name one thing you do as a family every day and write about it. Interview and get our spouse and/or children involved.

Let these questions prompt you into writing whatever comes to your mind.

Be Creative! Let the stories flow....

After you're done collecting this information and it's typed into a Word doc, save it in your FYB_2009 folder under February and name it Feb1-8.

Now COPY and paste any photos that you have that go with these events and questions into the January folder. If you'd like to rename the photos you can with Feb 1, Feb 2, Feb 3, and so on and so on. If you have any memorabilia that is NOT digital, scan and save as a jpg. minimum 300 dpi to your February, named and labeled.

Winners & Awards!

Announcing the winners of my Bloggy Giveaways!!

Giveaway #1 The Family Tribute Story/Photo Book Package goes to
Ginny at My Creative Life & Mom of 2 Dancers

Giveaway #2 Handmade Wipe Case goes to Noreen over at
Silly Mommy of 2 Silly Girls

Giveaway #3 Storytelling Cookbook and Apron goes to Ryann from A Working Blogging Mommy!

I also wanted to Thank Sarah over at My Charmed Life for giving me this great blog award. She's sweet, adorable, has a great, and has twins like me! Go say hi to Sarah and check out her adorable goodies she makes.

I also won the MOST ADORABLE giveaway on Sarah's blog...

I know...isn't it ADORABLE! From BeBe Babies and Friends! You must check these babies on Etsy!

Bloggy Giveaway! Tribute Story/Photo Book Package

More bloggy Giveaways @ www.bloggygiveaway.com

Celebrate the life of your parents with this amazing giveaway. This package contains a variety of items to help you find, capture and share your parent's story. Retail Value of this gift package is over $60! To learn more about Cherish Bound click Here.

Tribute Story Starter: Use the Story Starter as a guide to help you remember and collect the stories, lessons, and moments that you remember about your parents.

$29 Cherish Bound publishing credit**: Use on any project you publish in Cherish Bound's publishing center or to use towards publishing a Tribute Book. **The full cost of a Tribute book is more than the $29. This is an actual "credit" that can be used towards that book or any other Cherish Bound project. If the book cost goes over the $29 you are required to pay the balance via credit card upon check out.

Sassy Binder & Story Pockets: Help you organize and keep your story, memorabilia and photos all in one place.

This is a sample of the books I made my parents using Cherish Bound's Tribute Story Starter. I collected my thoughts and published the book. The credit is good for $29** in publishing towards ANY project you create and submit in the publishing center. **The full cost of a Tribute book is more than the $29. This is an actual "credit" that can be used towards that book or any other Cherish Bound project. If the book cost goes over the $29 you are required to pay the balance via credit card upon check out.

Here's how YOU can win it:

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US residents only. Please make sure you leave your email!!! No email-no prize :O( Last time I had a hard time getting a hold of people that didn't leave their emails. So please-please-please leave your emails! Leave a separate comment for each entry to win! Giveaway ends on Sunday, February 1 @ noon.

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