Not even sure where to start! Lots going on, and it’s really HEATING up around here! 100 degrees F yesterday here in AZ, and we got in the pool for the first time! still a little chilly in the pool, so it felt great.
Ok, I have a story for you, and I am only sharing it because it will make you feel REALLY good about yourself! …I am such a dork.
SO, my folks are taking a little R&R in St. Geroge, and I decide to throw the kids in the car and head up for the weekend. Quick trip, but didn’t want to rain on their post-tax parade too much. Eric’s office gets wind that I am driving to St. G and ask me to pull a trailer w/ a door (all crated up) to meet a guy that will be picking it up there. I figure, no prob, and after we get all loaded, we swing by and pick up the load- off we go. We have the set up, so that we can play a video ipod through the TV in the car, and the kids are happy! We are all singing and dancing to Yo Gaba Gaba and Disney Channel shows (I hate them SO bad). Ok… so, we get to the Hoover Dam- and I pull up to the ck point and the guy tells me no way is he letting me past w/ this wooden crate. (it’s all screwed closed, you can’t get in it) so, I ask for some tools- I’ll pop it open. They don’t have tools on hand. (silly me). SO, I am TICKED cause we have to turn back and go around, up through Laughlin. Well, maybe 5-6 miles back up the road, there is a road crew working and I pull off and get them to pry the box open to reveal my load. Turn back around and we breeze through security and on to wait 2 HOURS to get over the flipping HOOVER dam. So we were starving and needed a break and stopped for some play place in Vegas. I had 1/ 2 tank of gas, and figured lets just power to St. G (another 2 hours). We are moving good, and we get to Mesquite, and I still have over ¼ tank of gas, and opt NOT to stop… had some good momentum! About this time, my phone battery starts beeping that it’s dying and I don’t have a car charger w/ me. (do you see where this is going). It’s about 9:30 at night, and we have about 45 min through the gorge to get to ST. G. We power through the gorge which is this really winding, up hill mountain pass, and about the end… my gas light goes on, and I realize I am in trouble. I suddenly remember that in this car, when the gas light goes on, you are OUT. …and my phone dies… SO, we get a few more miles, and I feel the car kill and we coast as far as possible and die right in front of an exit sign that tells us that there is ¾ mile before the St. G exit. UGH. 10:30 at night… 5 kids in the car…phone dead.. out of gas… (see, aren’t you feeling good about yourself!) after weighing my options, I get out and flag down a car, a couple guys stop (a little scary but super nice) I use their phone, call my folks, they come w/ gas and save the day. no worries… but still. After my dad put 2 gal of gas in, my tank registered almost ½ tank… so I guess the gauge is off a bit. NOW I know! After that everything was perfect.
We went to the park, the pool ate pizza and even got in on a great sale at Old Navy! Smile…
Monday I spend the day at Bazzill photographing the trunk show pieces from the Creative Escape teachers… such awesomely talented people. It was so fun to open the boxes and see each of their pieces and photograph them. Amazing work, and each so unique and reflective of the artist. Every year at CE, I am in awe of the teachers.. this year is no exception! … this year Debbie Crouse is one of the teachers… I had the pleasure of working with her on the Designing With books, way back when… and as per usual, I LOVED pulling her projects out and just ooohing and aaahhhing. I LOVE her stuff! She and Paula Cheney are teaching together, and their projects came wrapped up like presents! Seriously! i was feeling SOO inspired.
Today, it’s back to Bazzill for another CE meeting! We are like 3 weeks away from our Preview Day …which is when we do the full run through of all the projects with all the volunteers. I can’t believe it’s here already! Sneaking up on us, just like the HOT weather!
I know that there are still people waiting and wishing for a SPOT at CE…we are STILL filling spots. The Lottery process is kinda a tedious one, as we give each winner the option to take one or two spots, and give everyone a few days to decide. I know that the majority of the spots are filled, but we are still notifying people that they are in… so don’t give up hope yet!
ATTENTION HOUSTON AREA LADIES:
This $200 value – weekend with me AND at Tracy’s FABULOUS store… can be yours if you leave a comment… I will pick a number THURSDAY EVENING (april 24) and I will post it here on my blog!!
Here is the CATCH: you HAVE to be able to COME TO THE STORE and BE THERE May 1st and 2nd. SO… we are talking HOUSTON. WE are NOT willing to mail the kits or other goodies that will be happening on that day. SO, if you enter you have to GUARANTEE that you can get there… (this is pretty much a locals only deal!) Classes are Friday night, Sat morning and Sat afternoon. LUNCH Sat. is included! GOOD LUCK!! We will have a select number of kits to sell in the store that weekend as well.
I was just coming to see if you updated your blog since I knew NSD is getting closer! I love By Design and I love your work, so I would love to win this spot! I wanted to sign up, but unfortunately with a little one on the way (due in August), it just wasn't in the budget for me this year! Maybe I will get lucky though! Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: Jennifer Silvertooth | April 22, 2009 at 11:11 AM
I live in Dallas and could fly in, so I would love a chance! Thanks for the opportunity :)
Posted by: Adrian V. | April 22, 2009 at 11:22 AM
wow ... that bedroom is so lovely! I love it!
Posted by: Marije | April 22, 2009 at 11:24 AM
Is a fat dog heavy? Yes! I can come to Houston. My sister lives there and I have been wanting to go to Tracy's store when I visit my sis - and there is an IKEA there too. Thanks, CindyML
Posted by: CindyML | April 22, 2009 at 11:27 AM
This would be the most fun experience for me! I'm just starting to scrapbook, and what a better place to learn some new things, than from YOU at one of THE CUTEST scrapbook stores!! As much fun as it would be for me though, I'd have to nominate my mother as well (I'm not sure if she'll comment on this) But she loves you, and all of your work, and she could really use a "mini vacation" from being a mother!! Debbie House is her name!! :) Thanks for this opportunity!
Posted by: Shaylin | April 22, 2009 at 11:37 AM
OOh I've been there for a class with Janet - its an amazing store. Would love to win this.
Posted by: hanna | April 22, 2009 at 11:38 AM
I would so like a girl's week-end in Houston and my daughter (Candi) would truely enjoy the class!!! Pick me, Pick me :-)
Posted by: Carmel Harrell | April 22, 2009 at 11:53 AM
Pick me, pick me, pick me!!!!!! I am in Iowa (ya know... the cold!!!) I would love an excuse to get away!! I have been on their mailing list since the grand opening! I LOVE this shop. I would be so excited to see the store in person!! I love the boutique feel with all the scrappy goodies!! I love the big chunky frames for wall displays, the chandeliers, the chairs, the pink & black... THE EVERYTHING!!! I hope this is a lucky number!!! {and yes, I have already checked into it and I will fly down for the weekend!!} I can't imagine a better NSD than this!!!!!! (I already know what I would wear!!) :)
Posted by: Candi Ladwig | April 22, 2009 at 11:56 AM
I'm a local girl...I could walk to Tracy's store and I would love nothing more than to be a part of the fabulous-ness you guys have planned!
Posted by: megan | April 22, 2009 at 12:35 PM
Live in Mesa, but have been to this fab store when I was in Houston last year! I would love the opportunity to go again!!!
Posted by: Michelle | April 22, 2009 at 12:43 PM
Thank you for your disaster story...it really made me feel so much better after getting off the phone with my son's bank, which he called to close the account BEFORE he deployed to Iraq and they did not do it, and they would not give me the time of day to help correct their error! Grrr. OOOOooopink flowers and chick on your blog is calming me down. Thank you for being so darn cute and talented! **blows kisses** Deborah
Posted by: deborah | April 22, 2009 at 01:10 PM
I am truly blessed being able to go to By Design whenever I need to get my scrapping inspiration. This has to be the happiest place on the planet. The store is gorgeous but it is Tracy and the staff that make it such a treasure. I did not sign-up because I thought I had to be out of town that weekend but those plans have changed. It would be such a delight to spend NSD with ya'll.
Posted by: Mary S. | April 22, 2009 at 01:10 PM
Would love the chance to go. I'm a local girl and had too many things up in the air when sign ups occured. You know, things like "Is my husband about to leave me for indefinite amount of time to be on the next season of Biggest Loser?" "Am I pregnant?" Well, (un)fortunately, he did not get picked for the final interviews, but I am pregnant! I could really use an Energy journal right now...really just some energy would be nice.
Posted by: Cassaundra Lala | April 22, 2009 at 01:11 PM
By Design is the "Most Fab" store EVER! Tracy has done an awesome job. She and her employees are so helpful and friendly. My friends and I drive to Houston about every 6 weeks to get our By Design "fix" and we work at a Scrapbook Store! Yes, we know that we really need help. But who can resist all that Pink Fabulousness!
Posted by: Anette Rowzee | April 22, 2009 at 01:30 PM
does it count if I can be there Friday afternoon, and Saturday Morning, I am teaching a Saturday Afternoon Scrapbook class on the opposite side of town.... I really want to come. I love this store and love to be able to stop at it when I am on that side of town and would love the chance to meet you in person. Been following your blog well for a while.=O)
Posted by: Angie Hamill | April 22, 2009 at 01:41 PM
Love to be there but I live in Calgary. I hope you have a great time. Thanks for sharing the story. I have ran out of gas before...not fun but it was grat to hear that the guys helped you out. I cannot wait for the new Hof3 release:)
Posted by: Sandy M | April 22, 2009 at 01:41 PM
You sound like you have my luck when traveling. Houston would be a fun get away, and I would love to take your classes.
Posted by: Vicki | April 22, 2009 at 01:51 PM
Ahhhh, Heidi!! I would love to win, but I am out of town on a job. I had so wanted to stop by and tell you hello. I miss Beijing!! I'm sure you are missing things about it too. Anyway, I'll see you at CE in Aug.
PS Could you find that picture you took of me (you put it on the blog) taking pictures and send it to me as a jpg file? Please, please, please!!!!
Posted by: Sandy | April 22, 2009 at 01:59 PM
My husband is famous for running out of gas on vacation! I was pregnant and carrying a toddler on a highway! We took a ride from a stranger finally! All turned out good, thank goodness!
I would love to take your classes at that fabulous store!!
Posted by: Julie A. Wooten | April 22, 2009 at 02:16 PM
OMG Heidi --- how scary for you to be stranded like that --- sounds like something that would happend to me! have a great weekend. love the picture of you mom with the kids --- so tender. michelle
Posted by: michelle | April 22, 2009 at 02:27 PM
I'm happy to say I'm a local girl and am blessed to be able to visit By Design any time. Thursdays are late nights at Tracy's and a fellow scrapper and I start our girl's night out at 'the pink store' with a Thursday make and take. It's a great store -- but it's the girls that make it so special. Wished I could have signed up for the week-end but even if I'm not picked for your give-away, I have plans to come by to visit and meet you. Have a safe trip to Houston and see you for NSD at By Design!
Posted by: Sylvia Y. | April 22, 2009 at 03:38 PM
OMG Heidi! I'm so glad that everything worked out for you and your kids. What a scare! Have a great week;)
Posted by: Jaime Benavides | April 22, 2009 at 04:27 PM
Oh Heidi - this is so super nice of you and Tracey too to offer us a chance. I am a local girl and missed getting a spot for NSD event. I love your creativity and energy and would love to spend my weekend at By Design....love all that PINK and they are the sweetest ladies who work there. So PICK ME PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE !!!!
Posted by: Debbie O'Neal | April 22, 2009 at 04:32 PM
Love the girl's room! It is SUPER CUTE! I can't wait to get my hands on some cute wall art :)
Posted by: Anna B. | April 22, 2009 at 04:36 PM
Only you Heidi would this happen to yet be so close to your destination! Glad it all turned out so well! OMG! I so want to win! I had to pass on your classes at the time of sign up but would love, love, love to win! My hubby is out of town for 14days and it includes the weekend you are here! What better way to spend it but with you and the gals at By Design! Hope to win but if not, I may have to go by there to try and meet ya! hehe, would be totally cool to meet THE Heidi Swapp! hugs from Conroe, TX!
Posted by: Nancy Wyatt | April 22, 2009 at 04:40 PM