Faithbooking Inspirations

Rise to IT

"Your life is an occasion ~ Rise to it"

I heard this on Mr. Magorium's Magic Emporium, and, thought it'd be great for our albums.

Stick this little statement on a page with balloons, airplanes, high places, climbers on couches or mountains, graduation, new path, or even on a front page.

Those 8 words can alter the course for someone searching for, or struggling with, where they want to go or what they believe God wants them to be.

**And, if you are looking for a good movie check out Mr. Magorium's Magic Emporium.  It is clean, filled with a wonderful message and, will make you smile.

SBB Welcomes 2008

Yes, Scrapbookers Bubble Bath is still active, and, will continue to bring you faithbooking inspiration.  The end of 2007 and beginning of 2008 brought many changes and I had to put my passion on the back burner for a just little while.  But, as you can see, my beauty remains as breathtaking as ever!!  :~)

2007 was a year of amazing changes and challenges!  And I am sure 2008 will be just as exciting!

The name and domain "Scrapbookers Bubble Bath" just celebrated its 4th birthday on January 29th ~ Wow, that is so hard for me to believe!  What a blessing that silly name has been to me and what an impact it has made on my life.  I pray our vision has blessed you and helped you leave little splashes of eternity in your albums!

During the time that I was visiting Houston, the next place we will be settling ~ I spent much time in prayer about where the Lord wants Scrapbookers Bubble Bath to go and what my focus should be.  Not only is my family in transition, but, I believe SBB needs a new face and focus.  To be honest, no matter what I do or where my eyes wander, I keep coming back home to my passion of helping others get His Word in our albums.

I believe whether we scrap as a fancy Fay, a plain Jane, or a wordy Wilma, our albums are the best place for us to make an eternal impact for our family.

So, there'll be some changes ~ but, you will see the focus remain of leaving a legacy for eternity.  The changes will be simplified sites, more sharing among yourselves, and, hopefully, easier searching for ideas and inspiration.  These alterations may be slow, but, they will be all towards one goal ~ helping you make an ETERNAL IMPACT through your albums.

Now to the first order of business for 2008:  With excitement, I have decided to lower the prices of the Unto All Generation Series to make them more available to more scrappers.  They are currently available as downloads and CDs.  You can purchase them here. 

• Volume III ~ $6.99 download, $8.99 CD
• Volume I & II ~ $10.99 download, $12.99 CD
• Volume I, II, & III ~ $15.99 download, $17.99 CD

The next change you will see within the next week is some changes to the actual Scrapbookers Bubble Bath website.  Some of those pages have been unchanged since SBB was first born 3 years ago ~ I'm thinkin' the old girl needs some updates :~)

This site (Faithbooking Inspirations) will continue to provide ideas, links, and inspiration with the intent to give you a wonderful resource for quick searches and page ideas during those moments of cropper's block. If you are not subscribed to receive posts directly in your email box, be sure to sign up to the right. 

Again ~ as I have said so many times ~ thanks for being a part of SBB and for blessing my life.  I pray this next year finds us creating pages of legacy and eternity that will just rock this world for Him!!

A Scrapbooker's Christmas List

It's Christmas ~ and, us Scrapbookers have a list too :~) 

So, I thought I'd send Scrapbookers Bubble Bath's annual Scrapbookers Christmas List of Links and gift ideas for you to pass on to YOUR Santa.

Of course, the most exciting for me personally is the Unto All Generations Series ~ Available December 7th in all 3 formats: as a download, auto-run CD, and printed.  The CDs are very economical and make great gifts to wrap up for your favorite Scrapbooker.

Also, don't forget that Christian FaithScrappers will be open any day ~ ready for you to shop for Christian Scrapbooking Supplies as gifts to put under the tree ~ perhaps pick up even a few for yourself :~)

Here is a list of some great prices on Scrapping Products ~ You're sure to find something for your list here ~ at a great price!  :~)  (Of course there is no way this list can be all inclusive, and, I know there are lots of sites I am missing, so, if you have any other you'd like to share, please just click down to the comments, and, add your favorite place to shop.)

• Memory Miser ~ great place for die-cutting supplies
• Frugalities ~ kinda fun place ~ different discounts daily up to 49%!!
• Scrapbook Corner ~ great selection and good prices
• Custom Crops ~ I like her prices and colors :~)

The Scrapsack is a nifty little bag and helpful for those who travel and scrap.

If you don't have the Cricut by ProvoCraft ~ it is a must have! I just love mine, and, wish I had more time to play with it :~) I have seen that even some Wal-Marts are selling them for $118 with a limited edition cartridge!

And now, ProvoCraft keeps dipping into our pockets: tempting us with cooler and better products.....

First, the Cricut Design Studio ~ this program allows you to hook your cricut to the computer and play even more ~ amazing, and, with ENDLESS possibilities!

Of course, the list of over 40 cartridges is too endless to mention, but, if you have a Princess lover, there are 2 new Disney Princess cartridges, as well as awesome font cartridges for fall and winter.  I've heard that AC Moore and even Wal-Mart are carrying these, so, shop around for the good sales.

There are now Colored Markers available to use with your Cricut instead of the cutting blade ~ the machine will draw a colored line where it would have made a cut!

And, finally, and, biggest of all, there is now The Expression which can cut up to 23.5 inch letters as well as do some completely cool tricks!  Can we say Scrapbooker's Gluttony?   Well, perhaps you can justify it by making a few BIG Happy Birthday and Anniversary signs for your husband :~) 

Here are some of the best prices I've heard and seen to find the Cricut products on your list: 

• Hallmark Scrapbook ~ I think the Cricut product prices are one of the best you will find ~ The Expression is only $299 here! I also have read good things about their customer service on message boards.
• Wal-Mart ~ If you are lucky enough to find them, some of their cartridges are at $30!
• BargainPack ~ Through December their Design Studio looks like it is the cheapest at $59!!
• Creative Express ~ they have cartridges on sale: buy 4 get each for $27
• AC Moore ~ I have read that they are selling The Expression for $299 to $379, AND, it comes with 4 cartridges, a set of markers and a mat!!!  If you have one near you, keep your eyes open for that SUPER sale.  If you DO have one near you, I'm jealous :~)
• E-Bay ~ If you do not have the personal Cricut, there are some Cricut addicts that bought the Wal-Mart exclusive package, took out the special cartridge, and, now need to sell the new machine on E-bay before their husbands find out :~)  You can get a great deal there ~ just do it in the next week or so before they sell all their stashes.

That's all the deal sharing I have for you this year ~ next year I will be typing my Scrapbooker's Christmas List of Links in warmer weather :~)

**** PS ~ For Faithbooking Inspirations subscribers ~ for some reason, the last post, (Our Scrapbooks ~ Our Love Letters) didn't go out to my email box ~ if you didn't receive it either, here is the link.  It is an important reminder of why we scrapbook and have these Christmas Lists :~)

Supercalifragilistic news

The Lord is so amazing!

In a beautiful turn of events the Lord has worked to keep the Faithbooking Store open by a new owner!!!

This has been such a blessing to me to see how He has worked to keep His Word in our albums through Christian Scrapbooking Supplies.  He does have a plan and purpose for our albums ~ and, He miraculously works to see that plan fulfilled!

So, while Christian FaithScrappers will be in its early stages over the next few weeks, I want to be sure you all hear the supercalifragilistic news so you have an opportunity to spread the big news around the table this Thanksgiving week as you eat turkey and share love with your families! :~)

A couple quick tidbits:

• As I have spoken with her, I believe the new owner has a beautiful vision for the store and I am excited to see where she takes it.
• We will be working closely together, so, you will continue to get a few updates and news from the store, as well as be able to get there easily from the other Scrapbookers Bubble Bath sites.
• The new owner is offering a Free Gift with Purchase for all orders placed through November 30th.
• Since the goodies are still in transition between our two homes, all orders will begin being shipped Monday, December 3rd.

So, spread the word, stop on over, and, shop till your fingers drop for yourself and Christmas gifts for your favorite crafter!

I so believe the Lord had this timing for the two of us for a purpose ~ We both are extremely excited to see where He has brought us and where He will take us.  As a team, we will be able to provide the ideas, inspiration, and, products you need to Leave a Legacy Unto All Generations!!

Annual Halloween E-Cards

E-cards are frequently ending up in my email ~ it is my kids little way of saying anything from "Hi", to "Sorry", to "Can we make cookies".

And, Mama's Little Vampire can be found anytime of the year ~ but, especially many times a day around October 31st!

So, in honor of my kids, I thought I'd share our Annual 3 favorite Halloween E-Cards

Take lots of pictures tomorrow, and, enjoy the time with your children!

Here are some page ideas using these e-cards I have posted previously, and, here are more links to e-card suppliers

Our Favorite Halloween E-Cards ~ these will make any Mama laugh!

• Mama's Little Vampire
• Knock Knock Ghost:  Boo Hoo?
• Knock Knock Ghost:  Interrupting Ghost

***And, by the way while you sort through and eat all that candy ~ try creating a page with your favorite candy wrapper

He is "I Am"

Thought I'd share my page created from the "I Am" He Keeps Us Devotional just to encourage you to sit down and make one of your own.

I journaled what His name means to me, as well as a few other names I whisper as I pray and go through my day.

There are so many songs that speak the beauty of His name ~ they all say it so much better than I could ever express on my own....

I had two options ~ make a video of me singing them.....however, with the extreme lack of talent, my fear is that no one would ever look at my albums again :~)

Instead, I thought it better to choose to make a CD of others singing my favorite versions of "Something About That Name", "His Name is Wonderful", "Your Name", "I Am", etc.

Two ideas to point out:

1. Create a page focusing on the Name of Jesus, or His names you most treasure ~ if you need the I Am Devotional, just email me, and, I'll send it your way
2. Burn CDs for any music you would like to include in your albums for special songs, or songs used to create pages such as some of these posted earlier: 

• Why ~ For You and Your Legacy
• Your Growin' Up Music
• My Wish
• Special Songs for Special Someone

Make a pocket for the CD, or use the paper CD sleeves you can get at any office store to include a CD of songs from your childhhod, dating times, worship songs, favorite songs, most cherished hymns, etc.

Of course, not sure how long the CDs will work with the progress of our world ~ I'm sure there will come a day when they will be as outdated as 8-tracks, but, they'll be treasured even then :~) 

Fabric Embellishments ~ Update

A couple of months ago I made a post about using special fabrics in your albums ~ And, I did end up making a beautiful page using the curtain fabric from my last home. 

However, I thought I'd quickly pass on this warning, ideas and info that I just found this morning.  I really like the idea of using paper between the pictures and fabric and doing a "fade test".

I believe in being very careful what we do put in our albums since we want them to last forever and we spend so much time finally getting those pages done!  :~)

Dancing With Memory

"Lost love is still love, Eddie.  It takes a different form, that's all.  You can't see their smile or bring them food or tousle their hair or move them around a dance floor.  But when those senses weaken, another heightens.  Memory.  Memory becomes your partner.  You nurture it.  You hold it.  You dance with it. (from The Five People You Meet in Heaven)

And, isn't that why we scrapbook?  In a few words, that is why our passion to preserve our loved one's legacy is so strong.  Dancing with Memory ~ it's my children looking through my albums and reading the stories; it's sitting quietly in my favorite big purple chair with a cup of chai, counting my blessings and remembering moments past; and, it's looking through scrapbooks to see how He has loved and cared for us.....Our albums are the recorded music that we dance to.

Even as spring is here, and summer is coming, continue taking those pictures, keeping Precious Papers, recording the stories in you Journey Jots, and, preserving the stories in your albums.  The time you spend will give future generations plenty of dancing material :)

PS ~ if you haven't read The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom, grab a copy.  It's a quick read, and, it'll make you look at life through different eyes.  We truly do not realize who we impact for eternity.

Precious E-Cards to Preserve

With the internet being such a part of our lives, now greeting cards can be sent with just a few clicks and key taps.   When these things first started coming out I thought they were completely impersonal and that I would n-e-v-e-r send one. 

Well, of course, never say never, and, now ever since last year with the Invasion of the E-Cards in our home, these cards we send these things to each other regularly.  And, the cards from my children have just blessed my life.  Who'd thought these things would become a part of my family scrapbooks!

The kids send cards to each other with such such sweet and funny words ~ being a house with mainly boys, you can begin to imagine the verbal exchanges :)  This one from my daughter just meant the world to me ~ she giggled as I made my mouse kiss the little guy, and, be sure to click exit to read her message!! 

While I don't print them all, I do print the screen(s) of the cards that are treasures to keep and save them in my album just as I would cards through the mail.  Even now as we look at them in our albums they bring precious memories and moments.

So, start sending and saving your e-cards.  All you have to do is click on one of the links below, browse through the 'card aisle' and forward to your loved ones.  Then, be sure to hit "print" on your browser to preserve the cards that are sent or received that mean the most.  I just crop around the printed card to remove the extra paper, mount it on some of my mounting paper, file it, and, then put it in my album when I get to that date.  These have become a permanent part of our family's story and are now honestly are treasured just as much as a card from the 'real' card store.

• Crosscards ~ This one has some beautiful Christian cards.  There are even some reminding us to set our clocks ahead Saturday.
• Hallmark ~ having just come from vacation, I think my kids have clicked and watched that car with the snakes card at least 50 times :)  I just love the Interrupting Ghost and Mama's Little Vampire, they just make me giggle.  And of course, I've received lots of 'nature cards' with "Mommy's birds and deer".
• Monk-e-mail ~ my kids LOVE this one!!  Who can resist a monkey that you can dress up and make it say what you type!!!  :)
• American Greetings ~ We having used this one too much, but, I'm sure they are just as good

Have fun, and, get those e-cards flying!

Your "Growin' Up Music"

A friend gave my husband hours and hours of '80s music, and, as he played these a couple months ago, a group I haven't heard in YEARS came on ~ Air Supply!  Now, you have to imagine that moment as we played Slap Jack with the kids, and, I heard "Here I Am, the One That You Love" begin.....I was speechless and felt like I'd just won a million dollars (well, almost) 

This week he put those hours of Air Supply on the MP3 player for me to listen to on the treadmill.  And, as I listened to those sappy songs, I had to just smile as the memories literally came flooding in.  These were moments that were such important parts of who I am today and memories that I couldn't believe I had forgotten. 

For so many of us, certain songs bring moments that our family would love to hear ~ and we need to share!  Songs bring back special memories with loved ones, spiritual milestones realizing Who HE is, and, well,  just plain "growin' up memories". 

How cool would it be if our family knew the song that got you through those late night college crams, the song that you realized you found your mate for life, the song you loved to play real loud as you cleaned your room, or, perhaps the song that you prayed while you were pregnant with your first child. 

I think those moments on that treadmill have made me renew my desire to create a special album just for songs that have been important for me.  I think you should make one too :)  These albums don't have to be fancy ~ don't worry about the sitckers and colored papers, just get the lyrics down, type what those words mean to you at the bottom and put them in an album or even a 3 ring binder will be treasured for years to come. 

Or, if you don't wanna make an album, just stick the pages right where you are working ~ because, remember, It IS OK to be out of order!

Or, at least get started by creating a folder, and, just begin making some of these "Songs" documents ~ I was really good a couple of years ago and did just that.  I am including some so you can see how simple these can be, yet, how very special to your family such words would be. I'll Be (Download ill_be_done.doc )  Keeper of the Stars (Download keeper_of_the_stars_done.doc ) I Want to Be Just Like You (Download i_want_to_be_just_like_you_done.doc)  and She's a Butterfly (Download shes_a_butterfly_done.doc).

I'll Be 

Keeper of the Stars (Coming Soon)  :~)

I Want to Be Just Like You   

She's a Butterfly   

Making such a page is super easy.......

1. All you have to do to get the lyrics to a song is, in your search engine, type "lyrics to ______" using the title of your desired song
2. Open up a 'new document' in your Word program
3. Copy and past the words from the page to your document
4. Play with the font style, colors, and, size
5. Type your "story, memories or love for" the song
6. Hit 'Print', and, there you have it, a page completed!!

I have just a few links listed below that will help get those memory juices flowing, and, will show you how many special moments we associate with songs.

• Tropicalglen.com ~ This site is awesome!  You can chose a year or other list and have those songs playing in the background.  Although this only has the 50s through 1982, what a blast to listen to!
• John Larocque has some great sites for the 70s.  These songs are listed in alphabetical order of the artist ~ man, just look at those names, and the memories will be flying!!  They also have similar pages for the 80s ~ note Air Supply right on top there :) and the 90s
• In the 70s, 80s, and, 90s is fun because there are coordinating quizzes ~ bring the quiz to your next family gathering, and, the stories will be spilling out!  You can spend hours on this one just renewing old flames, old habits, and, old friends :)
• 100 Greatest Rock n'Roll Songs of the 60s and The Wanderer are just 2 sites you will find if you do a search for "music of the 60s"
• AND, don't forget your spiritual memories and growth!!!  There are great sites like the Cyber Hymnal (this has the stories behind many hymns ~ I LOVE IT!!!) and Name that Hymn, and Hymn Lyrics (this also has praise and comtemporary songs).

Even as I type, and listen to "Still" play on Tropicalglen.com  I remember marching in band at half-time, turning towards the stadium and chills running down my spine as we "brought it home" for the final chorus ~ such special memories that I should share ~ So, get to cruisin' on the internet, and, find those long lost songs whose songs will bring laughter, tears, smiles, and, memories.....then, make and album!!  :) 

A New Year Note

I actually scrapbooked a ton this weekend ~ my stuff came out of my scrapbooking room and I took over the kitchen table.  My poor family had to eat on the floor or stand up for 2 days!!  :)

I have finally hit the point in my past pictures where I started making notes, such as Journey Jots.  Man, was I thanking myself for doing so.  I know there were things I had written down that I never would have remembered by the time I finally got to scrap them.

One of my favorite things was a New Years Note to each of my children.  It kinda was a "year in review" and "prayers for the coming year".  These are a great way to end a year in your scrapbook. It helps capture key moments and growth from the previous year and gives an opportunity for me to be sure I document my prayers and hopes for the coming year.  There were soooo many things I wouldn't have if I had not taken the short 30 minutes or so to capture my thoughts.

So, I thought I'd encourage each of you to take just a few minutes to make a quick New Years Note to each of your family members and then, plan on capturing these in your album.  Here are just a few ideas to help get you going:

• Favorite / special toys, shows, friends, clothes, music from the past year
• Physical, emotional, and spirtual growth or milestones from the past year
• Any specific trials or mountains and how they were met / beaten
• Bible verses or stories that are relevant to the past year / coming year
• Prayers for growth (physically, emotionally, and spirtutally) in the coming year
• Your respect or admiration for the loved one

Even if you are not a point that you can scrap them now ~ just get your thoughts down.  Type them or write them out real quick.  I just scratched mine down with abbreviations I didn't even know what I meant 2 years later :)  Then, when you do get to a point you are ready to put the notes in your albums, here are some quick ideas on how to use them:

• Type, or even better write, each one out as if you were sending them, and, stick them in a pocket page or envelope taped directly to your page
• Type out the letter, embellish the paper or page you place it on so it can be easily read as others look at your album
• Use the past year moments as page embellishments.  These can be written or even typed out in different fonts and paper
• End the year, or start the next year with the Notes ~ What a great front page for a new year!

Hope this gets you thinking and writing!

On a personal note ~ 2006 was a year of overwhelming growth for Scrapbookers Bubble Bath.  I am speechless and humbled.  To think that He would use me, an internet-afraid and techy-dumb nurse :) just really amazes me.  I passionately pray that SBB can, in 2007, continue to help each of you capture your legacy and leave that eternal impact.   

For each of us 2006 was a different mix of trials, growth, pain, love, blessings, and change ~ Only He knows what 2007 will bring.  But, one thing we do know, it will be a year of His Work and His Love ~ and, we wouldn't want it any other way!

To each of you, thank you so much for being a part of my life and for blessing me ~ You inspire me with your love for your families and the Lord.  May we each draw closer to Him and learn more of His Woundrous Love and Amazing Grace this year!

Much Love,

Tina

The Cricut

There is this amazing new machine out there that is a complete spoiling to any of us who scrapbook or create cards ~ it is the Cricut by Provo Craft.  It is an electrical die-cutting machine that cuts letters from 1" - 5"!!! 

So, I got this for my birthday, and, just finally got to play with it once (most) of my boxes were unpacked.  If you are looking for something to put on your Christmas list - here it is!

With the cost of the machine and cartridges a little higher than I am willing to spend on myself, I have searched for the best place to purchase the supplies.  I thought I'd share the info ~ so, all you have to do is pass on this link to your gift-givers, and, they will know where to get the best deal :)

Here are the best contacts I have found:

• QVC has the machine and it comes with an extra cartridge that is only available through them.  I got mine through QVC, to be honest, only so I could get the extra cartridge.  Since it is one of those "limited" things, I figured I'd get it while I could.  Once I paid shipping, not sure I really saved more than a few dollars, but, at least I got that limited cartridge :)
• There is another supplier I have found through the web that seems to have the some of the best prices of both the cartridges and the machine.  I am on a yahoo group of "Cricut groupies", and, I have seen only positive comments concerning Kim.  I will be getting my cartridges through her as well.  I am including Kim's email address since she has requested to be contacted directly for ordering information.
• I have seen JoAnns cartridges on sale for as little as Kim's only once, so, if you are patient, and a regular lurker at your local JoAnns or other craft store, you may be able to find a great sale.

If by some chance you are lucky enough to already own a Cricut, or, talk someone into getting it for you, I do reccommend you get on some Cricut community.  I have only been a reader, but, I have learned TONS.  There are major Cricut Junkies out there that know everything there is to know about the Cricut.  I am also including a couple links for you to join.  I actually joined a couple of these before I purchased to be sure I really wanted to make the investment and gather any other info I could.  (And, no, I am not a paid representative of Provo Craft, just a crazy scrapper that loves gadgets!)

• Cricut Cheat Sheet ~ This is awesome if you are trying to figure out which cartridge you want, or, if you happen to be lucky enough to own a few cartridges
• Cricutcutter ~ This group is pretty chatty, therefore, I have learned so much from them. I just put myself on a daily digest, and, then I can scroll through the subjects I need to read.  These women are amazing at what they can do with this machine!
• Cricut Chirp Newsletter ~ Again, lots of wonderful info and updates, directly from the manufacturer.  You can see past ones here
• Cricut Message Board ~ Wow, if you have the time for message boards, this one looks awesome!  I have not been able to spend time on it, but, I know it is there, is very active, and, I would imagine it would be very helpful.
• Just a few project pictures ~ While all of these groups I have listed have lots of pictures, here are just a few to get you hooked :)

So, hope I have sparked your interest - I know you will love this machine!  Be sure to contact Kim and get her prices info before you purchase any product.  I do think she may be, simply, the best deal.

If you do have a cricut, or, have any comments, be sure to list them below - I am sure there are plenty of you out there with your own "little bug" :)

Using His Creation in Our Albums

I continue to be amazed at His creation and all the beauty He gives us to see as we travel through our life. And, at times I wish I could capture this beauty in my albums to look at over and over.

Of course, I have taken lots of pictures ~ even being the amateur I am, some have turned out semi-beautiful.  However, besides the pictures, I'd love to have other ways to show His beauty.

Last year we picked up leaves and had them copied - although I have not gotten to use the papers yet, I found them last night as I unpacked, and, am excited to put them in my album ~ but, I am only in September :)  Be sure to try this ~ the papers do turn out pretty amazing.

How about some other ways to put His beauty in our albums?

• Print a picture in draft mode on a full page to use as background, journaling, or matting paper
• Use pictures of His creation as a title page
• Print the pictures, and, use them as the paper to cut out letters or shapes for a title on a page
• Include scriptures on a page with your pictures (Taken from Unto All Generations):
• ~ For by Him all things were created, things in Heaven and on earth...Colossians 1:16
• ~ Praise the LORD from the earth...you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars.  Psalm 148:7,9
• ~ The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.  Isaiah 40:8
• ~ He has made everything beautiful in its time...Ecclesiastes 3:11

Next time you look out your window or walk out your front door, look at His creation as your very own scrapbook supplies store :)

** Be sure to let us know any other ideas you have or have created by leaving a comment below.

Fabric Embellishments

As I moved from my other home, it was difficult for me to leave a couple sets of curtains - There were the ones I have had in some room, in one way or another, since we have been married; I also left behind the curtains my mom made for the kitchen ~ a special gift that holds a treasured story; And, what about the Blue Angels curtains I made for the boys ~ but, put the fabric upside down :)

However, as I unpacked, I found scraps from each set of curtains I left behind.  Since there was not enough to make anything else, I held it in my hand, wondering what in the world I could do with it.....

I want to preserve not only how my kitchen looked, but, the story of the curtains, and, the precious soul who made them.  I want the boys to know the moments leading to their fabric choices and the excitement they had as the rooms were completed. 

Being unable to just toss the fabric that brings special moments to mind, I put the pieces in my scrapbooking room - with plans to make pages using the fabric.  The swatches can be used as background, embellishments, or as the focal point of the page itself.  Besides the curtain fabric for my albums, I have also kept:

• My dad's baby clothes - to make a pocket on a page to put some of his clothes in, along with pictures of him when he was a baby (Of course this can be done for our own children)
• Old lace curtains from my grandmother that can never be hung due to aging, but, can be used as a special embellishment with some pictures of her
• A candy wrapper my husband brought home ~ I have framed it and set it on my desk
• A pair of pajamas I made for my son that were made from fabric he chose, with a very funny story  behind it
• Feathers from a Halloween custome I made for my daughter
• A ribbon worn by my daughter for a special picture
• I even saved the robe from my honeymoon pajamas, that, of course, no longer fits after 4 children and 16 years :) and made a collage with our wedding invitation, favors and program.

Sometimes we remember to keep the recital programs, the first day of school pictures, and the hair from the first haircut, but, there are so many other keepsakes that can be added to our albums ~ we only need to open our eyes to the potential of the other cherished pieces.

Do you have any special fabric sitting around that could be used as an embellishment?  Does anyone else have such fabric or other odd keepsakes that can be used in our albums?  If you have any suggestions, please leave a comment below.  I would love to hear and share other ideas from you faithbookers out there with a passion to leave a legacy through your albums.

picture from http://www.trendycrafts.net/images/fabric.jpg

Salvation Stories

Sometimes I get caught up in making sure the day to day stories are captured in my scrapbooks, that, I forget to capture the eternal stories.

A few years ago, my son had to type up his "Salvation Story" to become a member of our church.  He retyped what he had written in the front of his Bible.  As I was going through some files in my computer last week, I found it, printed it, and, stuck it right in the album I was working in ~ remembering that "It Is OK to Be Out of Order" :)

While the page is simple, it's meaning and significance well over-shadows any picture in the album.

So, get a notebook out, and, ask your kids about Jesus - type up what they say and make a page for each or, a collage of their answers.  If they are old enough, have them type / make their own page.  And, don't forget the adults in your life ~ their stories will be well seasoned and full of His works and love!

** Click on the picture to see it larger and read his precious words

Eternal Expressions #3 ~ The Beauty of the 4 Seasons

I have a Magnolia Tree in my front yard that is just beautiful in the Spring.  But, if you miss those 2 weeks that it is in full bloom, you've missed the beauty until next year. 

We all have beauty in our yard that peaks at various times of the year.  Whether it be the blooms in Spring, the vibrant colors of Fall, or the pure white of Winter, He shows His creative workmanship year round. 

Challenge yourself to take pictures of your yard throughout the year and make a few pages, or, even dedicate a small album to the seasonal beauty of your home.  Include pictures with journaling to describe your home and the feelings the seasons bring to your spirit.

Ideas

• What is your favorite time of year
• Do you have a favorite tree / plant
• Take pictures of the leaves and buds in various stages of bloom.  (A partially closed rose is as beautiful as one fully opened)
• Describe treasured smells or moments (I know when I smell the Magnolia through my window that spring is here and a summer with my children is on it's way)
• Include special memories from the plants and trees (One tree is treasured to me because that is where my children love to climb.  Our butterfly bushes have lots of stories and memories circling them)
• Designate an envelope for developed pictures or file on your computer for the images ~ This time next year, bring all the pictures out and make an album
• Write your thoughts on your Journey Jots and keep them in the envelope or a special place
• GIve your children the camera through the year, and let them make an album as well ~ It would be so treasured to see the yard from their point of view
• Don't forget pictures of creatures such as frogs, snakes, birds, and squirrels

Scriptures

• For this is what the LORD says - he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited - he says:  I am the LORD, and there is no other.  ~ Isaiah 42:18
• Oh, visit the earth, ask her to join the dance!  Deck her out in spring showers, fill the God-RIver with living water.  Paint the wheat fields golden.  Creation was made for this!  ~ Psalm 65:9
• How many are your works oh Lord!  In wisdom you made them all... ~ Psalm 104:24
• He has made everything beautiful in it's time... ~ Ecclesiastes 3:11
• The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever ~ Isaiah 40:8
• ...Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow... ~ Isaiah 1:18
• And ~ there are sooo many more!!  :)
• Scripture inspirations taken from the Unto All Generations Volume I~ Families and Heritage Scriptures

** This picture is from Steela B's website - there is some kinda cool stuff on there :)

I.O.U Mom!

With mother's day just a few days away, I have been trying to think about what I should say ~ well, my brother did it better than I could even begin to try, so, read his, and, listen to the song ~ warning....major kleenex needed :)

To my children, on mother's day ~ I can never begin to express in words how blessed you have each made me.  If I had created my life in my mind, I could not have even begun to come close to His wonderful plan!!  Thank you so much for bringing such peace joy, prayer, strength and plain old fun I never dreamed possible.  I pray that I can be the mom you each need to mold you to be all He created you to be ~ And then, may you Find Your Wings, and, "Rock this world for Him"!

To my mom ~ As Aaron's I.O.U post says, I could never begin to repay all you have been to me and all you have given me.  Him or I, had we enough talent, could have written that song on our own.  You taught me how to love and give way beyond I may think I can.  My children and their children will be blessed for all you have done and all you are.  You truly will hear "Well done good and faithful servant!".  I love you!

~~~~~~~~

~ I.O.U Mother's Page Idea ~

I.O.U. for construction work, for building kites and confidence, hopes and dreams an’….. Somehow you made them all touch the sky…..
And for cementin’ together a family
So it would stand the worst kind of shocks and blows…..
And for layin’ down a good strong foundation to build a life on.

Those are my favorite words in the I.O.U song.  I could ramble the how and the why ~ but, I will save that for my scrapbook page:)  In short, Scrapbookers Bubble Bath would not exist today if my mother had not taught me to reach for my dreams and laid such a solid foundation in our family and HIM.

• What part of that song touches you the most, or could have been words from your own hand?  Maybe write those down in your mom's card this year, or better yet, call her and tell her
• Cut and copy those words into Word, print them off, and, put them on a page with a picture of your mother ~ or, if you don't have a picture, just make a beautiful double page spread with the words on one side and your special memories on the other
• Perhaps you can forward the link or get a copy of the song and play it for your husband, mother or father.  Have them share memories from their mom, and make a page for them ~ how cool would that be for future generations to read of ones further back then yours!
• Make your own poem or list of I.O.Us straight from your heart
• Include scripture and how your mother has fulfilled that scripture: *** Her children arise and call her blessed ~ Proverbs 31:28  *** Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all ~ Proverbs 31:29  *** And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children ~ Isaiah 54:13 (Scriptures taken from Unto All Generations ~ sections Mother's Day and Women)
• No matter how or what you do for a mother page ~ be sure to take the time to create one in your Journey to a Legacy book.  Future generations will want to know how this woman impacted their lives

My 'Jesus Bird'

Living near the woods gives us many beautiful sights and sounds ~ one of my favorite being the singing of birds.

This spring we have tried to really listen to the sound of birds singing.  Many times we have been able to find the bird we hear singing in the trees and discover more about that particular species such as what they eat, where they live, and, the meaning of the calls we hear.  It has been truly exciting for us to talk about God's amazing creation as a family ~ even daddy is in on the discussions!

Being a mom who wants her children to be solid in their faith, and, as I always tell them, "rock this world for Him", I am constantly striving to find little ways to sneak in glimpses of His love, grace and majesty.  And, as I have discovered, His birds singing in the trees are a perfect way to remind them, even well into adulthood. 

There is one bird that we heard many times over the course of a couple of days.  Noticing that the song was frequent and loud, I mentioned that it sounded like he was singing 'Je-sus' ~ so, the kids started calling it 'Mommy's Jesus Bird', and, it has stuck.  Now, whenever someone hears him, they will say "Hey, there is Mommy's Jesus Bird", or, they have simply sang "Je-sus" as they have ridden their bikes, played catch, or hunted for worms to feed the newly captured ribbon snake.  One of them even has added 'Je-sus....Is Lord' to the song.  How beautiful to hear children say His name!!!

Since that time, we have found a few more that have songs that could have words of Him added.  There is one we have named the 'Praise Bird' because the kids say it sounds like it is singing "Amen, amen, amen, amen".   

By searching books about backyard birds, and tapes of bird songs, we have discovered that my 'Jesus Bird' is a Black Capped Chickadee male singing 'phee-bee' as his call in search of a mate.... I think I like 'Je-sus' better :)

Page idea you ask?  Wow - this is a cool one!  In fact, I am so excited, we are working on it now reminding myself that It is OK to Be Out of Order :)  (I'll add our completed page to this entry once we are done) I am so thrilled to see how His creation can be used to make pages that turn future generations to Him, His works, and, even His Word. 

• Find your own backyard bird that sounds like it could be singing 'Jesus words'
• Take a picture of the bird, or find it on the internet if it is too hard to catch a good shot
• Search the internet or library books to find info about the bird including it's habitat, feeding trends and behavior.  The library also has some wonderful CDs and tapes that actually have recordings of the bird songs, making your particular bird much easier to correctly identify.
• Make a page using your pictures ~ and, if your children are old or young enough, be sure to let them do some journaling or drawing on your page.  Or, they, can even create their very own page.
• Include what you have learned about the bird (feeding, nesting, colors etc)
• Take a picture or record the location of the tree / bush you frequently hear the bird singing in (Backyard Maple tree, Frontyard Lilac bush)
• Be sure to include what bird watchers say the bird is saying and what you hear in the birds song (phee-bee, but, we hear 'Je-sus')
• You can journal how it makes you feel to hear your children singing His name, or, how you feel to hear the bird singing in your yard (Yesterday I was truly awakened by my Jesus Bird singing right outside my window ~ what a beautiful way to wake up!!!  I found myself starting the day praising Him with tears in my eyes for His amazing beauty and grace)
• Use His Word as journaling, titles, or filler where you usually would place stickers:
• Let everything that has breath praise the LORD ~ Psalm 150:6
• He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge ~ Psalm 91:4
• And God said,.."let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky"  So God created every winged bird,.. and God saw that is was good.  God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and increase in number, let the birds increase on the earth" ~ Genesis 1:20-22
• Scriptures taken from Unto All Generations ~ sections Animals, Nature, and Protection ~ Available at Scrapbookers Bubble Bath

So, listen to His creation today.  Find your own 'Jesus Bird' that your family will think of you as they hear its song for the rest of their lives.  Think of the opportunity His little bird and your scrapbooking has to cause coming generations to stop for a moment and turn to His majesty and Word.  For me, to hear my children speak His name is such a blessing that I can only praise Him for His precious gift to me of being a mom!

A Sibling Prayer

I have one of the most amazing brothers a sister could ever ask for ~ I could ramble on about what I respect, admire, and cherish about him, but, I found some perfect words instead.  In a million years I could never begin to explain what he is to me better than these:

Give them wisdom and devotion in the ordering of their common life that each may be to the other a strength in need, a counselor in perplexity, a comfort in sorrow, and a companion in joy.  Amen

I think the words came from The Book of Common Prayer ~ at least that is what was at the bottom of the prayer.  And, while they would be perfect for pictures of a wedding, church community members, or even friends, I will use them for the next picture I scrap of my brother and I.

If you are making a Relationship Moments page, a wedding album, or a special gift for a friend, journal these words on a page ~ they say so much even standing alone. 

• Write these words down on a Journal Jot and take a picture of your children and journal your prayers for them, especially as they become adults
• Put them next to your wedding picture ~ remember, as I said in It's OK to Be Out of Order, just stick that picture in there now, and journal how these has been true in your relationship
• Have someone take a picture of you and your husband, sibling, best friend, or parent and use these words
• Use them as a title page of a wedding or family album
• Make a page or poster for your community group at church
• If you have the Unto All Generations, write these in the Love or Family section

I am sure there is at least one person in your life that would be an answer to this prayer ~ let them know today and thank Him for His gift of others.

PS - if think I am just a proud sister and don't believe me how awesome my brother is, check out his blog In Leftfield ~ you'll agree with me that he is a blessing to this world. 

Plumbing, Pictures, and Pages

Well, as I mentioned on the welcome page to SBB, I am in the middle of those few frantic weeks before you put your house up for sale ~ you know, doing those projects and touch ups that somehow never manage to get done until you are ready to pass your home on to someone else :)

In the middle of painting and packing, we had quite a weekend....If I explained it all, no one would believe me - it is a story that truly would only belong in a sitcom!  In short, we had 6, yes, 6 different plumbing issues this weekend.  Now, these issues were the opposite of "clogged", so, as you can imagine, there really was not a dry towel in the house last night.  It started with a drip that we noticed from one of the showers and just continued on including feed lines, a basement toilet and 2 seperate leaks with the water heater that really is only a few years old.  I think the funniest (now that is fixed) one is the drip, drip, drip I heard while a friend was visiting, and, I thought, "oh, I need to turn the faucet off better when she leaves".  Unfortunately it was not my faucet, and by the time she left, my laundry area was soaked and the water heater was literally running hot water.

Whew, now that my water is turned back on, I have towels in the washer and dryer, my sink stacked full of dishes waiting for the next load in the dishwasher, laundry that may just end up taking over our home like that old movie "The Blob", and, a story that will make some awesome pages in our "Bedford Home" album!

Before my wonderful, life-saving, and super smart dad left last night, I had to have my husband and him pose for a picture ~ while the plumbing story itself will make wonderful pages, even more treasured is the story of how my father has influenced the life of my husband and the beautiful relationship they have.  This page idea came to me Friday night when I asked my husband how he knew how to fix all this stuff, and, his answer brought tears to my eyes "From watching your dad." And, as I went downstairs to get back to my painting, I thought of all the times I have heard the two of them discussing, laughing, and working through projects.  My dad has such an amazing calm presence about him, that even in the midst of the 6th attempt at sodering a joint the two of them can talk and joke. I could ramble in this blog forever with the projects they have attacked, the knowledge that has been passed on, and the friendship that has been created, but, I will save those words for my album.

So, actually there are 2 ideas in this post ~

1) Of course, take before and after pictures of remodeling, but, don't forget to take pictures of projects with stories.  I seriously took a picture of each "leaky culprit" - it is all too funny not to put in our album.

2)  For even more of a legacy leaving page ~ Do you have someone who does help you with life?  Don't forget to take pictures of them "helping" as I did of my dad and husband after the plumbing project.  Then, write how the story or even a list of the projects you two have done together.  I have pictures of my dad and husband working on a car before we were even married that I treasure - those will be copied and placed on this page along with the kitchen floor, back porch, electrical endeavors, and, of course, the plumbing!

Eternal Expressions #1 ~ A Lost Tooth

(This is the first of SBBs new Eternal Expressions entries.  As each entry is created, the link will be added to the Eternal Expressions catagory to the right ~ so, come on back and visit us.)

My daughter lost her first tooth this week, and, I apologize to any poor soul who her saw her in the last few days, because they got to hear the entire story ~ every single detail!  :) 

In addition to our traditional letter to / from the Tooth Fairy, (she even taped the tooth to the paper so it wouldn't get lost beneath her pillow), of course we got the close-up picture of the mouth, minus one tooth.

While a lost tooth seems like such a normal childhood happening, it really is an amazing opportunity for us, as parents, to share how wonderfully we are created, and, how His plans are in place long before we know.  What a better place to share these words than in our albums.  So, here are some ideas and scriptures for your own "The Tooth Fairy is Coming" page.

And, keep your eye open for other seemingly "daily happenings" that really are "daily opportunities" to point to Him!

* Don't forget, send us copies of your pages - we'd love to share them in or New Gallery coming soon!

Ideas:

• Take a picture of the tooth and the toothless
• Take a picture of the child sleeping and waiting for the Tooth Fairy
• Create a letter from the Tooth Fairy
• How much does your Tooth Fairy leave?
• How did the tooth come out?
• Include the reactions of the child (who they called, were they excited, how did they describe the incident?)

Scriptures:

• ...I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. ~ Psalm 139:14
• O LORD, You are my God; I will exhalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness You have done marvelous things, things planned long ago. ~ Isaiah 25:1
• I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.  I will build you up again, and you will be rebuilt. ~ Jeremiah 31:3-4

~ Scripture inspirations taken from the Unto All Generations Volume I ~ Family and Heritage Scriptures

A Reason to Party

Remember as a kid loving parties?  And, have you ever stopped to realize that as adults we don't have parties enough?  I realized that this weekend as we were visiting some very dear friends - and, thought I'd pass some inspiration and fun for life, refreshed by 2 little girls, as a great legacy moment and page idea.

While visiting my dear college roommate, our daughters (8 and 5 years old) took the initiative to plan a party for all 13 of us.  They put so much thought and creativity in it - They carried toys downstairs for the kids, including the army men for the boys, and blocks for the youngest. There was a game boy carefully set out, games for all of us to play, and even a sign in sheet that we were required to sign before entry.  They took extra care planning, setting up and surprising us as we "weren't allowed to come down until it was ready".  And, without them realizing it, they gave me some wonderful pictures with a sweet story behind them :)

Last fall, my kids wanted to have a party for their dad "because he works so hard".  I let them plan the whole thing from the food to the decorations, all the way down to wrapping poor daddy in toilet paper before he was allowed to see the set-up in the dining room :) Again - those pictures from that day represent such precious memories and moments that my children will cherish.

Does a party require a birthday, Christmas or special occasion?  Can't we have a "It's Tuesday Party" or "We Saw A Bluebird Bash", or "We Love Daddy Cause He Works So Hard Celebration"?  Why, of course - and, what awesome pages those pictures would make!!

Other Party ideas ~ Celebrate a day of the week; the weather; a favorite food, animal, commercial or sport; a test grade; a lesson learned; everyone's home; a "clean house" - I know, yeah right :)   The possibilities are endless - The idea is to celebrate life together as a family and preserve those moments - just look at your day and be inspired!

So, let you kids plan their own bash - You don't have to spend any extra money - half the fun is being creative with what they can find around the house. 

• Be sure to take pictures of the planning, preparing and partying 
• Write down the words they said, the decorations they planned, and the activities created
• Keep pieces of the decorations or momentos from the time
• Let them help you design the page 

So, party on, and, be sure to share your ideas here and with others to inspire them as we, like children, find the simple reasons in life to celebrate!

Sport Superstitions and Traditions

Well, Super Bowl XL is tomorrow - I know my son takes his steelers blanket with him everywhere, and, is wearing his 'Official Terrible Towel' on his head :)

So, as the day approaches, I am wondering if you or your family have 'pre-game' rituals, superstitions or traditions for football, baseball, or any sport?  Do you have a lucky shirt?  Is there a certain hand you hold the remote in or a way you wear your hat when your team is on offense?  How did these traditions start?  Why do you do them?  Do they really work?  How do you know?  Who do you do them with? 

It would be special to take pictures of those rituals and make a page! - I am finding that some people do some pretty funny things to help boost their team to victory :)

All These Precious Papers

My 7 year old son made this precious card for my 10 year old's birthday - It was such a sweet moment watching him play with the font, color the Steeler's emblem just right and go through 3 yellow markers to color the entire background yellow "Cause the Steeler's colors are black like the letters and yellow like the background"

Then, there is the receipt for the bag of 360 suckers that my son saved for weeks and earned on his own by reading and doing little chores around the house.......but, he would want me to tell you it only came with 359!  :)

And, I can't forget the letter from my son thanking us for helping him with school, that is as special as literally hundreds of other little pieces of paper that I want to save and put in my albums

But, there is a problem - I am still only scrapbooking the end of 2004! - I am not ready to put those treasures in their eternal place of album pages.  So, what to do?

Easy!  I have 12 folders, each marked with a month and the year.  I keep them right in the Blessing Room in my house for easy access.  And, when I find that receipt, precious note, or special doodled picture - I write the important info on a sticky note, put it on the back of the paper, and, place it in the appropriate month's folder.  Then, when I finally get to that month or time of year, I have the papers dated, and the moment's special memory written down.

What are some things you may want to jot down about the paper?

• The date!!!!
• Why you are saving it
• What was said about the paper - include quotes - their words are priceless
• Any special work or effort put into creating / earning it
• Feelings about the paper (pride, love etc)

What papers could be saved?

• Receipts
• Drawings
• Notes
• Schoolwork such as tests, reports, artwork
• Newspaper articles
• Ticket stubs or pay stubs
• Advertisements
• Programs
• Food or toy wrappers
• See, it is endless!!

So, find 12 folders, while you watch TV next time, date each folder for the entire year and put them in an easily reached area.  Put a pile of sticky notes in a central place or close within reach as well.

I promise you that you will find yourself saving more of those 'special moment papers', and, you will be loving yourself when you do finally have the opportunity to preserve them, that you had taken the extra minute to write why in the world you saved this!

Special Songs for Special Someones

Have you ever heard a song that could have been written by you for someone else in your life?  I know I have many - There are songs that take me back to a moment in time or a person in my life that is so precious I only wish I could send a thank you to the writer.

I heard one of those songs a couple of weeks ago and cried as I looked at my daughter in the back seat - It was Reba McEntire's new song "You're Gonna Be". 

As I heard the song again today, I thought of a picture I have of the two of us and what a perfect page it would make.  So, I thought I would pass on the idea.

Choose a special song that means something special to you about another person and find a picture with or of that person. Get the words, type them into Word, change the font, and print off the paper.  (You can find most lyrics by doing a search, and even copying from the site and then pasting into a new Word document.  If you need further instructions or steps, just email me).

I have made quite a few pages like this, and, they are some of my favorite.  Just a simple picture and the words to the song ~ often I write or type why that song is special on the bottom of the page or on the opposite page.

In fact, as I type, I am considering devoting one special album with pages of the songs that are special to me - how neat would that be?!!  Even neater, download the songs, burn a CD, and keep it with the album.

So, think about it, get those words to the songs and the stories behind them recorded.

And, to my precious daughter - You're Gonna Fly!!!

~ You're Gonna Be ~

Six pounds an' nine ounces lookin' up at me,
Like I have all the answers:
I hope I have the ones you need.
I've never really done this: now I know what scared is.

Sometimes I'll protect you from everything that's wrong.
Other times I'll let you just find out on your own.
But that's when you'll be growing,
And the whole time I'll be knowing.

You're gonna fly with every dream you chase.
You're gonna cry but know that that's ok.
Sometimes life's not fair, but if you hang in there,
You're gonna see that sometimes bad is good.
We just have to believe,
Things work out like they should.
Life has no guarantees, but always loved by me,
You're gonna be.

I'm afraid you'll have to suffer through some of my mistakes,
Lord knows, I'll be tryin', oh, to give you what it takes:
What it takes to know the diff'rence,
Between getting by an' living.

'Cause anything worth doing is worth doing all the way.
Just know you'll have to live with all the choices that you make.
So make sure you're always giving,
Way more than you're taking.

You're gonna fly with every dream you chase.
You're gonna cry but know that that's ok.
Sometimes life's not fair, but if you hang in there,
You're gonna see that sometimes bad is good.
We just have to believe,
Things work out like they should.
Life has no guarantees, but always loved by me,
You're gonna be.

Someone's everything, you're gonna see,
Just what you are to me.

You're gonna fly with every dream you chase.
We just have to believe,
Things work out like they should.
Life has no guarantees, but always loved by me,
You're gonna be.
Always loved by me.

Lyrics to You're Gonna Be sung by Reba McEntire

Candy Wrappers

"It's definitely a bubble-bath day"

My husband brought this wrapper home for me yesterday - how perfect is that?!!! 

So, in trying to think of a reason to put it on the Inspirations, I thought of this page idea.  Although it really is just my excuse to share this really cool wrapper, :)   I think this would be an awesome page.  If anyone does it, send it to me, and I will put it on the SBB Gallery!

What was your grandmother's favorite candy? What was the first candy you ate after you went trick-or-treating?  What is each of your family member's favorite candy? 

Find the wrappers for each person's favorite candy and either scan them in and print them on safe paper, or, just put the wrapper directly on the page beside the picture of the candy lover**.  Talk about why they like it, how they discovered it, what they remeber about the candy as a child, etc.  It would add neat embellishments and the wrappers and words would be preserved forever!

**This is one reason why I love Creative Memories pages, I feel a little more secure putting something small on my page that may not be 'photo safe' since the pages are buffered.  Check out Creative Memories for more info or to find a consultant near you. ~ And no, I am not a CM consultant :)