So I am  typing from inside a ‘yellow taxi’ driving along Newport BLVD, on my way to LAX to catch a flight to Pennsylvania for tomorrow’s QVC craft day. I am leaving my Kasteler family reunion all on the beach for the quick jaunt. I can’t say that I’d rather be at QVC than on the beach, but you take what you can get! Seriously, I LOVE going to the beach. Usually it’s a trip with the Swapp’s, but this time it’s with my family…good stuff! I was laughing because last year when we came for our annual beach trip, I only had 3 childreN! And this year I have 5. Sounds like a brain teaser doesn’t it?
I have attempted to blog now about 4 times since my last post, but the entries keep getting too long as I attempt to mention the goings-on around here in the last week or so.
I’ll switch to list format.
*eric returned from 10 days in china Sat evening
*Sunday morning we left for UTAH (12 hours in the car) for the Wallin Family Reunion

*spent thru Wed in Heber Valley, Utah at the Homestead Resort where we met up with 95 members of my mom’s family…she comes from a family of 8 siblings-the oldest being triplets. My kids were in heaven with so many cousins to play with. I decided that family reunions are so WORTH the effort.

*blessed Connor Price Swapp
*celebrated miss Capri’s FIRST birthday (twice)

*drive back to MESA all day Thursday for meet the teacher on Friday.
* completed my CHA winter release.. and I have to tell you, it totally ROCKS. I am so excited about it. After I am sure that everything is a GO, I’ll have to share a few secrets. I am very pleased with it!
*the Creative Escape idea book is almost done!! (my end anyway!)… huge shout out and thanks to JIM who is my graphics guy, and has been working very hard… as well as Lisa Brennan over at Bazzill…she is awesome and i think is juggling more projects than I am. If you want  to place a pre-order for the book, or just sneak a peek at this year’s cover, you can see it on Bazzill’s website. This year we are selling them ALL spiral bound. I love that.
*sat morning we headed out for Newport , only a 6 hour drive this time. But I think that worrying about the product files, CE book, QVC samples and preparations AND packing for the beach with now 5 children (2 in bottles, diapers, binkys and pak-n-plays)… I feel like I forgot all my own stuff. LOL! Thank heaven for target. I spent like $70 on magazines and have been pouring over them all trend spotting and being inspired. Man, I almost feel like my old self again! (the perks of driving-Eric likes to drive and I can look at magazines between refereeing all the fighting between kids) I haven’t cared about colors or trends or new ideas for a LONG time! And I am kinda feelin’ it! And it kinda feels GOOD!

*on top of all that…I am DIETING. Ok, well, I WAS dieting. I held strong for the first week of vacation, but immediately caved the minute we got here and ordered pizza. It’s so hard to eat good on vacation! That’s no vacation!

So… now Connor and I are on our way to QVC! Em is coming to help out w/ the little man. He’s a great little traveler! (well, a great little everything-SUCH a good baby!)
I will be presenting 5 different kits…but I am not exactly sure which is when…I left that info at home. I will update this info when I get there, if I can.
The kits are: (I was hoping to photograph each kit, but due to time constraints didn’t!):
1.    Iron-on letters and the little iron!
2.    Clear stamps… a whole bunch of them
3.    Chipboard alphabets… great kit-
4.    Credit Card Embellishments
5.    A new Card kit that has stuff to make like 60 cards..super quick, and kid friendly… I LOVE mine and I use it all the time.

And, as a special bonus… I will be presenting a SWEET deal on BAZZILL paper!! You will NOT want to miss that!, I know the clear stamps are 3 am (eastern) tomorrow- that is like midnight tonight pacific. Then tomorrow at noon,  and nine I think (eastern times). Then we are back on a flight and back to the beach! At which time I plan on collapsing! At least now, if I look tired and out of sorts on air, you will know whY!  LOL! Deep breath. Now here’s to hoping for a SHORT security line!

Comments

[Frances C.]

OH MY!!! I thought I was busy! LOL I'll be watching QVC. Safe travels!

Frances C.

[Giddy]

I don't know how you do it ALL.....you are my hero!!
Valerie

[Shelly J]

Two Words: Super Woman!

HELLO??!?! How do you do it all? Safe travels and can't wait to see you tonight on QVC! I have stocked up on my Diet Coke supply to help me through the night!

[Grace Palazzolo]

Safe travels can't wait to see what you have. I am tired just reading your Blog Phew...LOL! Ok do you have to be a vendor for CE book? Not letting us put in and it says preorder 6 limit. Tried calling I guess they are bombarded? LOL! Ah the powers of blog info! thanks

[Stacie]

I got dizzy just reading this!

[marion]

Hope you didn't get caught in that 10 hr. mess at LAX! I don't know how you do it! Two babies in less than a year would be enough without all of the work stuff and three other kids! Safe trip...

[margie]

You crazy freak...I will pray for you!
kiss kiss
m

[Kim Griffin]

breathe heidi, just breathe...
:O)

[EmmaJ]

Can't wait to see you on TV Heidi! Good luck! I'll be shopping.

[Patricia]

Find your happy place;) I'll be alternating coffee and Coke Zeros for sure.

[Joy]

You TOTALLY inspire me!

[Caroline]

WOW you are so lucky to have so much in life, and love it all,the kids, a dream job ,a supportive hubby and still find time to scrapbook and all of the other side jobs.
Keep on ROCKING Heidi you are an inspiration to alot of people, Oprah should do a piece on you!!!!
lots of love I'll be watching you on t.v, everuything is being recorded so I won't miss a thing.BYe
peace love and scrapbooking
{ck}

[Patti]

Wow you are one busy woman. Thanks so much for posting what will be on QVC. Defineately will be watching and hope to catch you. Really curious about the card kit. I think I have most of your other products you are showing but have to watch just to be sure LOL.

[Colleen E]

Thanks for all the sneak peaks on QVC. What a schedule you've got! Enjoy Newport - there's no place on earth I'd rather live than the beach (we just got back Sat.). So clean, cool/breezy, peaceful...xo

[Donna]

Heidi
You are an amazing woman. Thanks for letting us know when you will be on. I hope to catch you on QVC. Cough, Cough I feel a cold coming on, maybe I need to stay home from work tomorrow. :)

Thanks for all you do Heidi

[Melissa Cavanaugh]

Hey Heidi
Just in case you check this before you go on the air... say hello to Frani and Mona... see you soon! I do not know how you keep up with everything you do... I'll be watching, perhaps, I might even call.
Melissa

[Camille Roskelley]

I agree, you are amazing! I came across your blog and just had to say you are so talented! I have really enjoyed reading it! Thanks for sharing!

[karawylie]

holy hell!! your post made me giggle, glad to see things are normal as always! travel safe! (hi Em!)

[christie]

wow super mum. you are so amazing ill never winge about having a hectic life again.

[Karalynn Tyler]

Don't know how you do it but, girl, you inspire me. I had to laugh and show my husband the photo of your hubby feeding Connor with Miss Capri on his lap too. Our son is due in five weeks and our daughter just turned one. We both wonder how we're going to juggle two so little- especially as I head back to teaching full time and am working on finishing up my masters program. But you do so much with FIVE kiddos and God has given you the grace you need so I trust He'll provide it for me when it comes time. Safe travels to you and your family!

[Laura Shanor]

check your email. There is something I would like you to read. Thanks, Laura

[Sue B]

Heidi, Ditto to the rest, you make me tired reading your blog. You are amazing to keep up that pace. I just wanted to let you know I got my Club Heidi parcel today(I live in Australia) and it is sensational and I want to thank you for the opportunity to purchase it. I hope you had a successful trip are now back at the beach, catching your breath and RELAXING. Do you know what that means? :) SueB

[maria wiltshire]

you amaze me. i dont know how you do it. thanks for being such an inspiration.

[Wendy]

I went to Bazzill's website, but it won't let you preorder the creative escape book?! Anyone?
Can't wait to see your products at QVC!!!

[Grace Palazzolo]

About the "book" Only if you are a vendor and order 6 can you do it. Bummer I know. Heidi you looked adorable at 3:30 AM! Cool Stamps. Can't wait to see what else is coming...