Jammed Pack!

Whew...I think Josh and I have officially worn the kids and ourselves out! We packed a lot into the past 3 days but it was so fun! I just love that each day can hold a new adventure for us here and that we are taking in as much as we can during our time in Virginia.

When I was a kid my Daddy was stationed at the Pentagon too. We lived about 10 miles west of where I live now and I have such vivid and fond memories of our 4 years in VA. I was in school for 4th-7th grade in Virginia and the field trips alone were something you could not experience anywhere else! I am so excited my kids get to experience the same opportunities too and I wonder if it has awaken a little historian in them? My parents firmly believe that a lot of the exposure I had during 4th-7th grade made such a profound influence on me that when I went off to college I wanted to learn more. I was an American History and Political Science junkie and I LOVED everything I learned then and still continue to learn. I love making History FUN and exciting for children - we are truly a blessed Nation and I hope my children grow up with a full understanding of that and what their own Daddy contributes to this great Nation.

On Sunday we explored the American History Museum. The exhibits they have are great and I honestly could spend A LOT of time in there. We had done half the museum back in December but it was so crowded we could not see everything. So I was happy to spend a lot of time

exploring around and taking it all in. We also went over to the Smithsonian Castle and the kids

got to see the great Pile of LOOT from the Movie! Plus they have the first American Idol set of chairs on display! From the movie they have created a great Treasure Hunt for the kids to do at each museum- this really helped keep Patrick engaged and eager to explore! After the Museums we drove over to Teddy Roosevelt Island. This is an amazing natural and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of DC. In the middle of the Island is a monument dedicated to this great President. They had 4 of his quotes surrounding him and I loved reflecting on their powerful and subtle meanings- I will share these with you tomorrow! Teddy is one of my favorite presidents and I think after the quotes tomorrow you might have a better understanding why. :) We headed home for a little rest and to let our dog out for a bit.

Then we were off again to take in an early evening National's Baseball Game. Patrick was so excited to see two games in a ROW! The Brewers won last night which made Ireland very happy! see Sunday's post to understand why.

Today we were back at it again! We did the Capitol Tour which was honestly a MAJOR let down from the tour I did when I was a child. Today we watch a great informative movie- thought it helped explain things to my kids. Then we walked into the Rotunda, then the first senate/house chambers, and then the crypt underneath and that was it! I guess you have to request special passes to see the Senate and House floors. I am not too disappointed since Congress is not in session right now but I would have like the children to have seen it in person too! I mean they see Mommy watching it on Cspan! HA! Next time I go to the Hill I will be sure to have all the right passes and to go when they are in session. :) (and be sure NOT to have food or water with you- not allowed!!! I thought we all were going to have a meltdown and make the news for sure!).

After the Capitol we took the underground tunnel to the Library of Congress. I have never been here before and it was an amazing building on the inside- simply stunning! I was overcome by viewing Thomas Jefferson's personal collection of books he donated to start the Library of Congress. Even Ireland was amazed at the vastness of his collection and simply asked, "Did he read all these books." I told her yes and look at how much he studied and learned isn't that incredible!

We then walked back down the Mall towards the Washington Monument and we took the tour up the elevator to the top! The kids had fun seeing the city from way up high. Josh was VERY disappointed that he could not walk the stairs down! It is only 550 feet up...no big deal to him! :) I think the kids and I were thankful for the elevator ride.

Now we are home and resting and talking about the next adventures we will take when we have the chance. I just love that all of this is in our backyard! Tomorrow I need to get working and prepping for a fun Friday night to share the New Fall/Winter Idea Book with you and the new Clubs for the Fall! Looking forward to seeing you! I will also be mailing out Idea Books this week....make sure to email me if you would like to be on my mailing list! :)

Enjoy the pictures!

~Jennifer :)

DC sightseeing!

We are taking in the sights. Living in Northern Virginia is amazing and I am like a kid in the candy store being able to take the kids to see all the historic sites! Josh is taking off a few days so we can have a long weekend and we decided to stay at home and be DC Tourist! Today was our first day in our 3 day adventure!
We woke up this morning and drove into the city and started at the Washington Monument taking it in from the outside. One day we will ride the elevator to the top but we were on a time schedule today as we were headed to the Nationals Baseball game this afternoon.

After the Washington Monument we headed to the WW II Memorial. I was moved beyond words! The elegance and beauty of this Memorial is amazing and I was moved to tears more than once. It is definitely a must see and the guided Park Tour was incredible to hear about all the symbolic meanings- they took so much into consideration with this memorial.

After the WW II Memorial we headed to the Lincoln Memorial. I remember being in awe of Mr. Lincoln when I was a child and I felt even the same way as an adult. I could tell my kids were impressed but I also wondered if they thought he would talk like he did in the "Night at the Museum II." :) Their little legs were aching so we sat at a park bench overlooking the Korean War Memorial and Daddy went to check it out. With little legs, Josh and I need to remember they tire easy and especially in the hot sun! :)

We topped the great day off with a baseball game at the Nationals! The Nationals played the Milwaukee Brewers and I had a house divided! Ireland loves supporting all things Wisconsin (my hubby's home state) but Patrick has embraced the Nats! He loves Adam Dunn and we saw him hit a HOME RUN! WOWSA!!!! We saw a total of 3 home run's by the Nats and 1 by the Brewers! A GREAT DAY at the Ball Park! The kids got to run the bases too at the end of the game- THE LOVED THAT!!!!






I am looking forward to a fun filled day tomorrow too! Wish Daddy could be home all the time- so much fun hanging together!

~Jennifer :)

Celebrate National Stamping Month!!!

I just love our Exclusive Card Kits that are released each year for a limited time to CELEBRATE National Stamping Month. You are just going to love this kit and I love it because of how gender neutral it is and how great it is for the boys in our lives! I have to admit I have a hard time making masculine cards and this kit is going to HELP!!!! YIPPPEEEE!

Delight in Everyday Card Kit makes 16 fabulous cards! It is available for a limited time only August 18th- September 30th and WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!!! The Kit contains merchandise worth $48.50 and you can get it for FREE in some exciting ways!!!

*1st way- order $60 in My Acrylix Stamps and select this Card Kit for FREE!

*2nd way- Have a Home Party or Catalog Party and have $400 in sales and as a hostess you will get this great kit for FREE!

*3rd way- JOIN My Team with Close To My Heart and you will get this great Delight in Everything Card Kit for FREE with your Consultant Starter Kit! It only costs $99 to join Close To My Heart and you receive an amazing starter kit for that PRICE plus the Delight in Everything Card Kit!!!!

or you can simply purchase this Delight in Everything card kit for just $39.95( a $48.50 value)- simply use code CC1006B.

This Kit is a Rockin' Deal! Here is what you get for your money:
~ 1 Full Colored Instruction Brochure to make the beautiful 16 cards!
~ My Acrylix Everyday Celebration Dsize stamp set (an exclusive stamp set for this kit)
~ 16 Adorable Scrolled Edged Colonial White Card Bases and envelopes
~ a 12 x 12 piece of Dutch Blue Cardstock and one of Colonial White Cardstock
~ 4 pieces of coordinating 12 x12 Background and Textured Papers.
~ 1 Chocolate Distressing ink and 1 Dutch Blue Distressing Ink
~ 1 Mini Medley Shades of Chocolate Collection
~ 5' Chocolate Ribbon with Colonial White Stitch
~ 50 3D Foam Squares
~ 1 sponge

My kit came today and I took some pictures of the products so you can see them!







I just cannot say enough about these card kits! THEY ROCK! You can use the cutting diagrams and
instructions to make cards with other paper collections you have...a great source of inspiration! And the adorable Stamp Set has great versatility!

Contact me today to place your order, book a party, or join my team! I look forward to hearing from you! Email- craftingdivas@cox.net









Cannot wait to get playing with this card kit soon!!!! Oh I have so many new goodies to play with...life is good! Hope to see you at my Create and Take Night on the 28th of August!


~Jennifer :)

thankful for Playdates...

I have been thankful for much needed Playdates this week for my kids! The summer is winding down and Ican pretty much some up how my kids feel- THEY ARE SICK OF EACH OTHER! Which means if I don't have them busy with something they are arguing and fighting...oh the joys of siblings! :) They get along really well but I can tell we all are ready for school and routine to start again! Only 19 days till school starts but who is counting???

During their playdate today I made myself focus on a project. I have been cleaning the house and organizing the family calendar but have not felt inspired to create anything!!! :( So I forced myself to pick a project and finish it! I am so happy with the project I worked on today because it is for ME(very rare in my world!). I made this acrylix album using pictures from our Honeymoon 11 years ago, my how we have changed! We were such "youngesters" as my friends like to point out but we were so HAPPY and Ready for our journey together! It is fun to look back on these memories. Cannot wait to show the Big Guy tonight! ***you can click on the pictures to see them larger too if you like.

Enjoy!

~Jennifer :)


















Close To My Heart Products used: Z1117 My Creations Acrylic Mini Album, X7111B Moon Doogie Level 2 paper pack, X7111C Moon Doogie MyStickease, Z1098 love letters rub-ons chocolate, and some coordinating ribbon to finish it off. Shop on my website for any of these products, see more of My Artwork, shop other fun products we offer or discover how to join my team!

another happy....

I just wanted to share another "Happy" I made my roomie, Cherie Lynn, for Leadership Convention. I miss my buddy but cannot wait to hang out with her and her cute hubby in October!! I love making these fun Flip Flap Albums. I use our 6x6 memory showcase albums, fun and easy to create one just for that special event!

I have been busy playing with the kids and running around to different Doctor's appointments too with Ireland. Trying to get everything checked and done before they head back to school on the 8th of September. I am hoping Josh will take a couple days off and we can have fun being tourist in our own backyard!!! So much to see and do!

The Front Cover

inside of the album

another page of the inside of the album

back cover page

Cleaning House!

Okay it is time for my to go through my instock inventory which means savings for you! I am going to offer my discount on these instock items- 25% off the price listed here!!! Don't you just love a sale?!? I will add $6 to the final amount to cover shipping to you. Interested in any items just simply email me at craftingdivas@cox.net.

Stamps:

D1284 With Love $22.95
B1316 Coffee Stain $13.95
D1183 Adorable $22.95
D1254 Soul Mates $22.95
D1244 Snow Friends- 3 $22.95
C1350 Dainty THoughts $18.95
D1153 Because of You- 2 $22.95
C1288 Playful Petals $18.95
D1204 Delight in Everything $22.95
C1257 Happy Birthday- 3 $18.95
B1167 Thinking of You $13.95
B1312 Make a Wish $13.95
D1252 Checklist $22.95
C1305 Family- 2 $18.95
D1171 New Fallen Snow $22.95


My Reflection Paper kits and My Stickease

level one kits- $9.95
level two kits- $12.95
stickease- $4.95

X7100B Perfect Day lvl 2- 5
X7100C Perfect Day Stickease- 5

X7106B Unforgettable lvl 2- 2
X7106C Unforgettable stickease- 2

x7108C Daydream Stickease-1
X7108B Daydream Stickease- 1

X7105A Emporium lvl 1- 2
X7105B Emporium lvl 2- 3
X7105C Emporium stickease- 2

x7099B Whoops a daisy lvl 2 - 2
X7107b That's Amore lvl 2- 6
x7107c that's amore stickease- 3

x7034a Heaven Scent lvl 1- 1
x7034B Heaven Scent lvl 2- 1

X7090B Silhouette lvl 2- 1
X7090C Silhouette stickease- 3

X7088A Free SPirit lvl 1- 1
X7086A Caprice lvl 1 - 1
X7081 Majestic Blue lvl 1 - 1
X7104B Evensong- 2
X7104C Evensong stickease- 1

X7092B Good TImes lvl 2 - 2
X7092C Good TImes stickease- 2
X7070A Simple Pleasures lvl 1 - 1
X7070B Simple Pleasures lvl 2- 2
X7070C Simple Pleasures stickease- 2

my heart is breaking!!!

Hello Blogger Friends,
A couple of weeks before I left for Leadership I received a heartbreaking email from a downline of mine back in Navarre- DIane Davis. Diane and her circie of friends are dear friends and were great customers while I lived there. Upon my depature, Diane joined my team to keep the love of CTMH going. She has shared her own trials this year but the message I received from her regarding one of my dear friends and customers broke my heart! It took me a week to process what I read and this is what she wrote:

"I have some very upsetting news I received last Wednesday. Debbie Gallon has been diognosed with stomach cancer and is given only 6-12 months to live. The doctors say that it is too far gone for them to do anything and that chemo would only give her maybe another 2 weeks. They received this news the same day as her husband's mother passed away in Michigan and the next day they both left driving up there. We have all been saying novenas and rosaries for her and are praying for a miracle. Please keep her and her family in your prayers."

Debbie is an amazing woman that always puts others before herself and from what I hear her spirit and journey continue on that path! I contacted one of the other ladies in our Church group to see what I could assist with and she wrote me back today. If you have anything you can donate I know it will be greatly appreciated. Here is Angela's email today:

"This is trully heart breaking news. Debbie and Roger are struggling with this as you can imagine. They claim they don't need anything. However, Debbie is having a garage sale this weekend so she can raise money to buy stuff for the memory boxs she wants to do for her children and grandchildren. She would never earn enough $$$ to buy the close the my heart stuff she needs. That is why I initiated this fundraiser to help with the cost. I think we have it covered but if you want to donate cutesie stuff to decorate the boxes and 9x9 according albums please send them to me. The papers she has choosen is It's a guy thing, Moon (something), Animal Crackers, Boom di ai da, unforgetable, route 66 so if you have some left over papers from these packs I'm we could use that too. We got all of the necessities but didn't get all the trimmings like ribbon, brads etc. So we could use any of that stuff.


Or if you would like to make a $$$ donation that is nice too. I am collecting all of it and will pay for what we did purchase memory boxes and voice records etc. All extra funds will be given to Debbie and Roger to cover extra expenses they are now incurring and just to do fun things together these last few months.

If you would like to any of the above will be a great help. Thank you for still caring about our community. Please send one of you home made cards for her so she knows you are hear in heart. My address
9812 Parker Lake Cir
Navarre Fl 32566

Rejoice in the Lord Always! Angela"



Tank you so much for taking the time to read this. I will be putting a box together and trying to pull some things together for them! I have never posted anything like this before but her story and the fact they are using CTMH products touch me so much!!!! Close To My Heart consultants are so giving and generous and that is one of the biggest things over the years that has touched my heart. I feel confident in posting this and Debbie's story being received with love and prayers!

Take care and God Bless,
Jennifer

for my brother and future sister in law!

How adorable is my "baby" brother(he loves when I call him that) and his fiance' Alyssa??? They are so sweet and I am just so excited for their upcoming wedding on September 12, 2009! It is going to be a wonderful celebration and I am so tickled for them! Plus my kids think that "Auntie Alyssa" is SUPER FUN! SO CUTE!

My Mom asked me if I wouldn't mind helping her with the Rehearsal Dinner invitations and I of course said YES!!! I did a bridal fair once in Pensacola, FL and had so much fun playing and designing invitations, party favors and showing them how to make darling albums for their memories! You can view some of this on my website.

It was a bit challenging to design something with my Mom all the way in Colorado but thank goodness for email and digital pictures!!!! LOVE IT! My Mom is a simple and elegant lady and she is very specific for what she wants so I hope I fulfilled her vision- she is one tough customer! LOVE YOU MOM! :)

So here are the fun invitations I made. I will be mailing them all to my Mom tomorrow. And I just love the Clear Envelopes! I added a 6x6 piece of vellum to lay on top just to mute the wording in the envelope. :)


***Close To My Heart Product Used: Colonial White Grosgrain Ribbon, Olive Cardstock, Buttercream Cardstock and Colonial White Cardstock.

~Jennifer :)

thank you Tina!!!

Oh I feel so touched today as my dear friend, Tina Sutton, gave me a blog award. This is my second and it is so fun to receive! I just love blogging and keeping up with my friends that love sharing too! The Idyllhours blog award is the BFF award - Blogger Favorite Friend. How fun is that!!! Thank you so much Tina...I just love keeping up with you on your blog.

The rules of this award are:

• accept the award by commenting on the blog of the person that gave it to you
• pass it on to five others
• reveal five things you enjoy doing

So here goes! I am sending the Idyllhours BFF award to Tiffany, Karen, Michelle, Melissa, and Elissa. These ladies are so much fun and it is great to keep up with them!

5 Things I Enjoy Doing:
*Spending time with my kids and Josh-always a good time
*Being creative with all my Close To My Heart products- love it!!! Keeps me happy!
(www.jenniferbohnart.myctmh.com)
*Reading a good book- just finished a great one a few weeks ago "Handle with Care" by Jodi Piccoult
*Shopping and going out to Eat with my Girlfriends
*Exploring each new state we live in- Having fun with how much there is to do in Northern Virginia!!!

~Jennifer :)

can it be?????

Wow!!! 11 years ago today Josh and I were married at the United States Air Force Academy Chapel. We had a beautiful day shared with friends and family. I was so excited to start my journey with him. And today as I sit here thinking about the 14 years we have shared together I would not have it any other way! I have lots of great girlfriends in my life and I would not trade them for anything but no offense ladies Josh is my best friend- he is my world!

We are going to have a great day today and I am feeling so blessed! The kids have swimming lessons and then tonight Josh and I are going out on the town. And here is a BIG surprise, especially if you know Josh, he has planned the evening! The sitter comes at 6pm and then we go somewhere! I am not sure what to wear but I will see what he picks (thankfully he does have some fashion sense) and we will go from there! I will let you know for sure what my evening was like. I am bad with surprises so I have been trying to dig it out of him BUT he is not budging and I have stopped asking because I should let it happen. :)

Have a great day!

~Jennifer :)

Do you love FREE things?!?

Oh I love to give away things for FREE! For a limited time only, August 3-17, when you spend $100 with me you receive a Free Current Level 2 Paper Pack picked by Close To My Heart to add to your order plus you will receive the August Stamp of the Month for FREE!!!!! And it gets even better it is 100% free to hidden fees with shipping and tax on the freebies! LOVE IT!!!

So make your list and get shopping! Three ways to shop on my website, email me(craftingdivas@cox.net, or call me (850-217-7034). So easy! With this great incentive it makes an Amazing month to host a party because your friends can get things for FREE too!!!! I have some dates available and would love to help you- a fun home party or an easy catalog party- your choice! Contact me today before my dates fill up!

Talk soon!
~Jennifer :)

Studio J ROCKS!!!

Have you ever had a Big Hairy Audacious Goal??? Well Close To My Heart did! For the past 3 years they have been developing their own Online Production Studio and let me just say it BLEW MY MIND!!!! I am so JAZZED about this great addition to our company and I love that they are giving CTMH consultants the fall to preview and use this wonderful format PLUS they are giving consultants an introductory offer! We can create 10 layouts (which is 2 pages) for a very low price- LOVE IT! Just wait till you see my Studio J layouts you will be blown away! Do you want to be apart of this great company and exciting new avenue??? I would love for you to join me! I have a team of over 20 consultants and we are spread from Japan, Germany, Florida, Colorado to Virginia! As you can see I can help you near or far!!!! :)

So are you wondering what the heck is Studio J??? This is Close To My Hearts own amazing answer to the digital world! What makes me so excited is it works seamlessly with our 60 color palette, uses 25 of the Cheirsh and Imagine Layout Patterns, 40 of our great themed kits and incorporates kit mixes, accessories or toggles as they will be called in Studio J- oh the list goes on and on. You can view a taste on the Studio J website- www.studioj.com and I know you will be like me ready and waiting for this AMAZING feature! If you are like me and cannot stand waiting then join my team and you will get to play starting in September rather than the Spring!

Can you believe that is a Layout made using Studio J??? Oh wait till you play with it...you are going to LOVE IT! Click on the photo to see it larger or visit the Studio J website to learn more!

~Jennifer :)

CTMH- ROCKS!!!!

WOW!!!! I am home from an amazing Leadership Conference! I was so BUMMED last year when I could not attend Leadership and Convention because we were moving---Josh had one SAD girl on his hands. Especially when all my CTMH sisters were calling and sharing I was happy they were calling me but so upset I was not there with them! Well not this year...I did not miss it for the WORLD and I almost did again BUT thankfully to amazing Grandparents I was there in Long Beach!!

Many of you have heard me talk about Josh- you by now know that he is my world and I will be forever proud of him. He works so hard for the Air Force and he is an amazing father. He loves CTMH for all that it gives me in my life- a creative outlet, friends, and a career that works with our crazy lifestyle. Simply put I could never have a job like this in the "real" world without CTMH and for that I am grateful. We depend on each other as we do not have immediate family in the area to lean on when we need help. So I am so thankful that my inlaws flew all this way to help take care of the children so I could go learn, grow and play!!!! I am one lucky girl!

And Leadership was AMAZING! I think my body is still trapped somewhere between here and there. I will catch up soon and I cannot wait to start sharing all I have in this little head of mine! Let me tell you everytime I lay down all I think about is Close To My Heart- my clubs (hang on they are getting better!!!), my team ( hang on I have got news for you), and having fun at parties- let's have FUN TOGETHER!!!!! LOVE IT!!!! and you are going to FLIP over the new Catalog and all the NEW STUFF!!! I am not sure how Jeanette Lynton does it but she is one amazing lady! She keeps pushing this company to be the best and I am so grateful for her dedication and spearheaded devotion! I would love to share this company with you and have you journey with me! If this is something you have been thinking about TRUST me now is the time to join us....we have so much coming and so much to share that you will never regret your choice! Simply check out my website or email me(craftingdivas@cox.net) today....would love to share with you my
Passions!

~Jennifer :)