February Specials and New Idea Book

Do you know what to get your sweetheart? I can think of a few things! Here are the specials going on this month from Close To My Heart. Pick one up for your bestie and maybe take one for you, too!


1.  BRAND NEW IDEA BOOK!
2.  Five for FREE in February
3.  February Stamp of the Month
4.  Help Make a Miracle
5.  Brand New Consultant Kit

1.  BRAND NEW  IDEA BOOK:  

Every 6 months (in February and August) a brand new Idea Book comes out with Close To My Heart full of so many wonderful things, including (but not limited to!) 8 new scrapbooking kits, dozens and dozens of new stamp sets, a plethora of pretty embellishments and 6 new Stamps of the Month.  WOWZA!  Here it is.  You can view it page-by-wonderful-page by clicking here or on the icon of the new Idea Book on the left side of my blog.  Then, when you've made your list, you can make your purchases on my website. But wait!  Keep reading. I think you'll want to know about a few more of the wonderful specials this month before you do.

2.  Five for FREE in February:

You can double your layouts with our Five for Free promotion! For each Studio J® 5-pack you purchase this February, you’ll get one free 5-pack. That means you get 10 layouts for just $55—that’s just $2.75 per page, with free shipping. Even if you’re already taking advantage of Studio J’s incredibly low members-only pricing, you’ll save even more when you purchase 5-packs through this special February deal. New to Studio J? This is a great time to try it out and double your pleasure! To order your 5-pack and to get one free, head to my website, click on "Shop Online" then add item #SJ5P. To build your layouts, head to my website, click on "Studio J" and go from there.
 
Also, beginning February 1, you can visit StudioJ.com for a set of instructions for creating five beautifully crafted layouts in Studio J. These instructions are intended to help you become familiar with Studio J and its features. And they're just plain cute, too!

3.  February Stamp of the Month: As always, Close To My Heart has designed a beautiful stamp set that is available during this month only. The February set is called "Thoughtful Tidings" and is full of wonderful sentiments, many of which coordinate with shapes on our CTMH/Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge.  You can see a few fun boxes and 3D items below that the talented Close To My Heart Art Department below. I made the card at the beginning of this post using the set as well. I was inspired by a card I saw on Pinterest. I love Pinterest, don't you?  Anyhoo...back to the February Stamp of the Month:  if you spend $50, it's yours for only $5 (a $17.95 value). Or, you can purchase it for $17.95. Either way, it's only available during the month of February.  You can order it through me (call me or email me-my contact info is on the top right side!) or through my website. Once your spend $50, you will be prompted to add it, or if you are purchasing it for the $17.95 price, enter item #S1202.

4.  Help Make a Miracle:

Let’s make a miracle by raising funds for Operation Smile®! The Close To My Heart Consultant who raises the most in donations between January 1 and March 31 will have the opportunity to go on an Operation Smile international medical mission where they will work as part of the non-medical staff, alongside doctors and nurses, providing care for children, screening applicants, teaching parents, and assisting in every way in this important endeavor.  You can donate by contacting me or by donating on my website when ordering (you'll be prompted to add your donation before the end of your order).

Imagine. Just rounding up your next order. Then doing it again. It only takes $240 to pay for one surgery and we can SO do it OURSELVES this month! It really only takes a little to give A LOT! 

5.  Brand New Consultant Kit: Along with a new Idea Book also always comes a new Consultant Kit. If you have or are thinking about becoming a Close To My Heart Consultant, this is a great time to do it with a brand new kit!  Our base kit is only $99 (plus shipping and tax) and then there are three add-on kits to choose from at $40 each as well.  My suggestion:  If I were just signing up, I would purchase the basic kit, plus "Choose Me Three" (this includes a three-month Studio J Membership and 5 free two-page layouts).  This Add-On kit alone is worth over $62.50.  I'll even show you the kit contents below. Before I do, let me just tell you how easy it is to sign up:

• Go to my website
• Click on "Your Opportunites"
• Scroll down that page to the bottom until you see the link that says, "To Become a Consultant, click here."  Of course, click there.
• Once you sign up, Close To My Heart will notify me and I will contact you right away to help you get started. Also, if you have any questions as you are deciding to sign up, I am more than happy to answer them! (Check the top right for my contact info today!)

BASIC KIT:

_____________

Add-On Kit One:

_________________

Add-On Kit Two:

________________

Add-On Kit Three:

WOW! If that doesn't give you some ideas, I'm sure we can come up with some more! Give me a call, text or email me or just visit my website and browse! Your sweetie will be smitten!

Warm Wishes,

It's a Brand New Day (and CTMH Idea Book!)

Welcome to Spring and a beautiful new line of products from Close To My Heart (CTMH). The new Idea Book is debuting to the public today and it's absolutely fabulous! We have 8 new paper packs to play with (4 were caried over from the Autumn/Winter 2011 book that are PERFECT for your upcoming Valentine's Day projects) and many new wonderful stamps! Check it out online at http://www.CTMH.com/slvrlinin or contact me today to get your very own copy FREE!

Warm wishes,
Trish

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Customer Appreciation Sale

In appreciation of your loyalty I am offering 15% off your purchases from now until 11p. The order must come through me by text, email or phone, NOT through my website. Studio J memberships and 5 packs DO apply, but Studio J layout orders do not apply as they come from a different ordering system. (There's A FANTASTIC deal ending today on your Studio J layouts- For every 9 layouts ordered, you get a 10th layout free! Go to http://www.CTMH.com/slvrlinin for more details!)

Today is the last day of the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book so get those must-haves before they're too-bads. Mischief, Believe, Wonderland and Dreamin are retiring along with all the stamps in the Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book. Come back tomorrow and see the brand spankin' new Spring Summer 2012 Idea Book right here and a fab deal on Studio J 5 packs!

Warm wishes,
Trish

Artwork courtesy of the Close To My Heart art department.

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{jeanettelynton.com} Spotlight on Art: Spray On!

If you haven't been by Jeanette's blog yet, you need to stop by and check out these cute ideas! Plus you can submit your artwork for consideration to be highlighted on her blog!

jeanettelynton.com: Spotlight on Art: Spray On!

I can't wait to make that cute layout! Love those babies!

Warm wishes,
Trish

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Winner, winner

..chicken Dinner! You can be a winner as you cash in on the new retiring items before the new Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book goes live on February 1st. You can order until January 31st at midnight on my website at http://www.CTMH.com/slvrlinin or by phone email or text. Call me today - don't get left behind by standing in the mashed potato line!

Warm wishes,
Trish

Paper Collections Typeset Workshop On The Go (WOTG) Kit – G1024 - $29.95 Roxie WOTG Kit – G1025 - $29.95 Elemental WOTG Kit – G1026 - $29.95 Dreamin’ L2 Paper – X7142B - $9.95 Dreamin’ My Stickease – X7142C - $4.95 Dreamin’ WOTG Kit – G1027 - $29.95 Sonoma WOTG Kit – G1028 - $29.95 Mischief L2 Paper – X7144B - $9.95 Mischief Compliment Rub-Ons – X7144C - $4.95 Mischief WOTG Kit – G1029 - $29.95 Believe L2 Paper – X7145B - $9.95 Believe My Stickease – X7145C - $4.95 Believe WOTG Kit – G1030 - $29.95 Wonderland L2 Paper – X7146B - $9.95 Wonderland My Stickease – X7146C - $4.95 Wonderland WOTG Kit – G1031 - $29.95 Sophia L2 Paper – X7131B - $12.95 Sophia My Stickease – X7131C - $4.95 Mayberry L2 Paper – X7136B - $12.95 Mayberry My Stickease – X7136C - $4.95 Lucky L2 Paper – X7137B - $12.95 Lucky My Stickease – X7137C - $4.95 Fanfare L2 Paper – X7138B - $12.95 Fanfare My Stickease – X7138C - $4.95

Stamp Sets A Hop – A1112 - $6.95 A Little Buzz – B1353 - $9.95 A Little Everything – D1408 - $17.95 A Love – A1103 - $6.95 A Paisley – A1105 - $6.95 A Posy – A1102 - $6.95 Adoption – A1098 - $6.95 Adorning Corners – D1322 - $17.95 Always In My Heart – A1101 - $6.95 Ambiance – C1349 - $13.95 Around The Block – D1377 - $17.95 Baby Love – B1368 - $9.95 Backgrounds and Borders – D1463 - $17.95 Beary Best – C1363 - $13.95 Beary Busy – C1409 - $13.95 Beautiful Butterflies – B1373 - $9.95 Beautiful Things – D1298 - $17.95 Believe In Your Dreams – B1322 - $9.95 Beloved – B1343 - $9.95 Birthday Blast – C1436 - $13.95 Birthday Boy – C1411 - $13.95 Bless This Nest – C1445 - $13.95 Blooming Layers – C1449 - $13.95 Bon Apetit – D1367 - $17.95 Boom! – B1354 - $9.95 Bunny Love – B1324 - $9.95 Campin’ Fever – D1353 - $17.95 Carefree – C1447 - $13.95 Catching Waves – D1466 - $17.95 Charmed – C1385 - $13.95 Cherished Flourishes – D1413 - $17.95 Ciao – D1461 - $17.95 Circle Around – D1300 - $17.95 Circle of Love – D1438 - $17.95 Circle Together – B1372 - $9.95 Connections – D1330 - $17.95 Cruisin’ – D1471 - $17.95 Cupcakes Sprinkles – D1336 - $17.95 Daydream – D1297 - $17.95 Down By The Sea – C1451 - $13.95 Dream Big – D1399 - $17.95 Dreams Come True – D1470 - $17.95 Enjoy Every Moment – C1395 - $13.95 Extreme Happiness – C1356 - $13.95 Family – C1305 - $13.95 Family Ties - Adult – C1346 - $13.95 Family Ties – Children – C1345 - $13.95 Family Ties – Pet – B1350 - $9.95 Fill In The Blank – D1465 - $17.95 Flower Pot – D1409 - $17.95 For Every Occasion – D1187 - $17.95 Friendship Blessings – D1191 - $17.95 From My Heart – C1443 - $13.95 Fun Times – B1309 - $9.95 Happy Holidays – D1431 - $17.95 Happy Moments – C1437 - $13.95 Hero – D1474 - $17.95 His and Hers – C1460 - $13.95 Horizon – C1454 - $13.95 Hot Diggity – C1407 - $13.95 Howdy – D1435 - $17.95 In The Month Of April – C1405 - $13.95 In The Month Of February – C1403 - $13.95 In The Month Of July – C1417 - $13.95 In The Month Of June – C1416 - $13.95 In The Month Of March – C1404 - $13.95 In The Month Of May – C1415 - $13.95 It’s A Zoo – C1360 - $13.95 Just For Boys – C1338 - $13.95 Just For Girls – C1337 - $13.95 Just The Ticket – B1323 - $9.95 Kanji Phrases – C1339 - $13.95 Let’s Go Camping – C1355 - $13.95 Little Princess – C1414 - $13.95 Love Always – D1337 - $17.95 Love Birds – C1396 - $13.95 Love Ya – D1460 - $17.95 Magic Tabs – C1448 - $13.95 Makin’ Waves – C1365 - $13.95 Ms. Chillin’ – D1404 - $17.95 Ms. Scrapbook – B1352 - $9.95 Notice The Details – D1378 - $17.95 On The Edge – C1399 - $13.95 On This Day – D1468 - $17.95 One Of A Kind – D1410 - $17.95 Over The Rainbow – D1426 - $17.95 Paisley Praise – D1414 - $17.95 Piece of Cake – D1407 - $17.95 Play Day – D1360 - $17.95 Post Card – Travel Series – D1357 - $17.95 Precious Love – C1444 - $13.95 Priceless Love Word Puzzle – D1348 - $17.95 Recipe Box – D1364 - $17.95 Retro Tech – C1446 - $13.95 Royal Birth – D1441 - $17.95 Salutation Seals – C1461 - $13.95 Shining Star – D1320 - $17.95 Smiles – C1397 - $13.95 So Lucky – C1390 - $13.95 Soul Mates – D1254 - $17.95 Springtime – D1415 - $17.95 Star Power – D1403 - $17.95 Summer Breeze – C1453 - $13.95 Summer Days – B1375 - $9.95 Sweet Baby – C1359 - $13.95 Take Luck – B1364 - $9.95 Tasty Treats – D1427 - $17.95 Tea Time – C1438 - $13.95 Thank You – D1361 - $17.95 Thrill Ride – D1425 - $17.95 TLC – C1364 - $13.95 Togetherness – D1402 - $17.95 Treetops – C1368 - $13.95 Trellis – D1451 - $17.95 True Happiness – D1365 - $17.95 Two-Step Backgrounds – D1473 - $17.95 Unity – C1422 - $13.95 X-Treme – D1432 - $17.95 You Did It – C1351 - $13.95 You Rock – D1346 - $17.95 You’re Great – D1434 - $17.95 You’re Sweet – B1351 - $9.95

Ribbon Colonial White Ribbon collection - Z1126 - $7.95 Cranberry grosgrain ribbon - Z1103 - $6.95 Cocoa grosgrain ribbon - Z1100 - $6.95 Colonial White grosgrain ribbon - Z1102 - $6.95 White Daisy grosgrain ribbon - Z270 - $6.95 Wings Level 2 Assortment - Z1398 - $4.95

Floss Embroidery Floss - Red/Pink - Z1092 - $3.25 Embroidery Floss - Green - Z1094 - $3.25 Embroidery Floss - Blue/Purple - Z1093 - $3.25

Waxy Flax Waxy Flax - Cranberry - Z1086 - $3.95 Waxy Flax - Sorbet - Z1249 - $3.95 Waxy Flax - Juniper - Z1248 - $3.95 Waxy Flax - Crystal Blue - Z1247 - $3.95

Brads Designer Brads - Colonial White - Z1274 - $3.95 Decorative Brads - Pewter - Z1146 - $3.95

Mini-Medley and Eyelets Mini Medley - Antiqued Copper - Z1275 - $4.95 Mini Medley - Colonial White - Z1276 - $4.95 Foundry Metal - Bookplates - Z1147 - $3.50 Soft Set Eyelet Tool - Z1208 - $14.95 Soft Set Eyelets - Black and White Daisy - Z1228 - $3.95 Soft Set Eyelets - Chocolate and Colonial White - Z1229 - $3.95

Coordinating Collection Embellishments Midnight Felt Shapes - Z1462 - $3.95 Harvest Charms - Z1633 - $4.95 Holiday Pockets - Z1486 - $4.95 Top Coats Icing Overlays - Z1468 - $4.95 Lucky Level 2 Assortment - Z1356 - $4.95 Lucky Level 2 Journaling Spots - Z1359 - $3.95 Bliss Level 2 Assortment - Z1355 - $5.95 Sweetheart Level 2 Assortment - Z1386 - $4.95 Fanfare Level 2 Assortment - Z1400 - $4.95 Just Blooms Spring Blossom - Z1266 - $7.95 Just Blooms White Daisy Variety Pack - Z1300 - $5.95

Color Ready Alphabets Color Ready Alphabets - Oxford - X5749 - $3.95 Color Ready Alphabets - Hodge Podge - X1406 - $3.95

Dimensional Elements Dimensional Elements - On Target - Z1226 - $5.95 Dimensional Elements - Flurry - Z1225 - $4.95

My Creations Items My Creations - Board Book - Z1310 - $6.95 My Creations - Journal - Z1268 - $7.95 My Creations - Memory Showcase 9x9 - Z1198 - $5.95

Misc. Rubber Brayer - Z616 - $12.95 Eyelet Tool Replacement Punches - Z1245 - $2.95

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Family Photo Albums ~ Let's Get Started!

Along with January comes it's many resolutions, promises and big plans. Many of us resolve to be better photographers, better Moms, better scrapbookers and definitely better organized! If you're like me, you have a few plans for your family albums this year which fit in to one or more of these categories. We get so excited making our big plans and then halfway through spring we've hardly had time to tackle that elephant. Don't set your self up for failure. Instead be smart and plan accordingly! Here is a great site I ran across today highlighting how to tackle that elephant (one bite at a time) and set yourself up for success.

Family Photo Album Tips {Photography Project} | I Heart Faces

I can tell you I have resolved to do all of the things listed above and since I have no patience and am a self-described procrastinator, I will probably be seen stuffing my mouth full of that elephant now and again. Just don't beat yourself up about it! Get back on track and try, try again.

That said, I have resolved to redefine the way I scrapbook this year. Last year, I created my first Week in the Life scrapbook and learned so much about myself and my methods. You can read about that here. As a result of the New Year and deliverance of the most precious baby ever (see him here). I want to do something more involved and also easier (contradictions, that's me!) Let me explain. That will take too long. Let me sum up. (2 points to the person who can name the movie that quote came from!)

I really like the philosophy of Becky Higgins and Ali Edwards after doing the Week in the Life and following Becky's Project Life on her blog. Do I have time to do this? Obviously not judging by the big piles of stuff on my desk. Still. I want to get this done for my children instead of getting frustrated trying to catch up. And I'm gonna do it the Close To My Heart way!

So I'm gonna take a page out of my own book here and follow my own advice to take it one small bite at a time. The first thing I'm going to do is start scrapbooking  the now. I'll try to catch up as I go, but honestly, the now is passing us by as I keep focusing on things I'm trying to tie up from 6 years ago in my anal chronological way. No more.

I'm starting a reduced version of Project Life, which is, after all, still Project Life. It doesn't have to be 365 days a year. Becky even said so, so there. =) I'm gonna do it in 12 months per year. This also goes along with the 12 12 12 project. 12 Scrapbook Albums for 12 months of 2012. The key, as we learned from iHeart Faces is to start NOW on the now.

So get your file structure in order and download your photos accordingly. Then at the end of the month complete your first page for January 2012. And guess what. You can do your title page now and design your game plan. So let's get started chewing that elephant so we're not gaggin' on it in February.

Warm wishes,

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Let's Start With Halloween

Happy New Year! Ok, so this is a little out of season... I created this layout a while ago for my Stamp Camp and it's been sitting naked since. I just didn't have the right number of Halloween photos to use. Admittedly, these are not the most technically correct photos I've ever taken, either. The blur that resulted from the wrong setting on my camera, made for some super spooky creepies! I also started with the Sweet Leaf and Silhoutete to begin with, thinking Silhouette was perfect for a webby wayout, er.. layout.

This past week, I saw a challenge on the Heart to Heart blog with a color challenge involving Pear, Sunset and Gypsy. I knew this was a perfect layout to modify so I could pursue that! Sadly, I couldn't quite get the Gypsy to fit with what was already there since I had absolutely NO gypsy embellishements.. Hmm. So here is what I came up with. The spider is courtesy of Aidan, by the way. Let me know what you think and leave me some love!

Warm wishes,

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Happy New Year and a Christmas Layout {Studio J}

It's the end of another year. We had many great memories together and I hope to have inspired you at least once during that time. With year's end comes a moment of reflection and and a list of "I will.." resolutions for the new year.

Some Great Moments
Two blog awards!
Week In The Life 2011
Ann Lessner wining my first blog candy contest.
Magic Layouts
April Fool's Day {Colt}
Countdown to Valentine's Day

Welcoming A New Year
I'm including January's Constant Campaign info today as I'll be out of the office on Sunday the first for New Year's. There's a lot a fun coming up in 2012 with brand new classes and stunning artwork! Start signing up for classes as space will go quickly. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, there's something for everyone. Mark your calendars now and sign up today!

January
Play Dates
This month make three layouts from Wonderland. With your Basic Kit you get enough supplies to complete 3 layouts and you get to take home an exclusive C-size stamp set to keep!

Wonderland Kit (G1031)

Retail value: $33.78 / You Pay: $29.95
Wonderland Level 2 Paper Packet (X7146B)
White Daisy Cardstock Sheets
My Acrylix® Wonderland Workshop Stamp Set (C-size)
Clear Sparkles (Z1104)
Foundry® Pin Clips (Z1612)
Instructional Brochure

Rock the Block

When you place a minimum order of $25 from the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book, you can get two valuable new products for just $15: the My Creations^® Collage Cubes (a Spring/Summer 2012 sneak-peek product!) and the exclusive My Acrylix^® Rock the Block E-size stamp set (available only during this promotion). This Rock the Block promotion represents a retail savings of almost $30! You're going to love the collage cubes and the Rock the Block stamp set, which work together for interactive, fashionable fun!

Dates: Offer valid December 19, 2011–January 31, 2012.

Perfect 10
January is free layout month for Studio J^® members! For every 9 custom-printed Studio J layouts you buy, you’ll receive the 10th layout free. To receive the discount, just add 10 or more layouts to your cart. You’ll see a discount reflected in your order total. And you can totally take advantage of this promotion by ordering in multiples of 10. Buy 9, get 1 free. Buy 18, get 2 free. Buy 27, get 3 free. And so on! If you’re not a member yet, now’s a great time to join!
Dates: Offer valid January 1, 2012–January 31, 2012.

Stamp of the Month (SOTM)
Get the stamp of the month for just $5 when you order $50 in products during the month! This month is for all of your little reminders and it's great for Save The Dates!

February
Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book is live for customers on the first and it is SPECTACULAR. You can see it online at closetomyheart.com or you can get one in your hands by calling me TODAY!!

Countdown to Valentine's Day
Here on the blog we'll be counting down the days until Valentine's Day with a fun project every day. Whether cards, layouts or gifts for your sweetheart, this is the place to be to get some GREAT ideas!

I can't wait to see you in the new year! Reserve your spot today and have a Happy New Year!

Warm wishes,

A Very Merry Christmas {Studio J Layouts}

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas this past Sunday! I've been going through my photos and organizing 2011 after uploading my shots of the Christmas festivities in preparation for the final backup and cleanse before 2012 starts. I take an awful lot of photos and it's worse now that I have a digital camera! I love being able to scrapbook them easily and quickly and actually enjoying them rather than just filing them never to be seen again in the lost recesses of my hard drive.

(And I don't feel bad about scrapping them all now!) This layout reminded me of a great post on the Studio J Blog called Remembering Favorite Holiday Traditions. Going to see the lights on Temple Square is one of the highlights of our holiday season and I love scrapbooking these photos afterwards. It's one more way to relive the great feeling you have when you were enjoying the activities in the first place.

You can learn more about Studio J online scrapbooking here. PS - Don't forget to place your order by this Saturday, December 31st at 11:59pm to take full advantage of your membership bennies!

 Warm wishes,

Merry Christmas {Family Pictures}

It's been a pretty crazy year so far! I still don't have a printer so no one got the Family Letter this year in their Christmas card. I'm a slacker. I own it. But just so you don't feel left out, here it is, along with our newest family picture, courtesy of my Dad. It was quite a production to get everyone on the bed and for Brandon to even be involved (he still has the bruises from Brook's bony knees to prove it!) but I think it turned out alright!

The kids had a great time decorating the Christmas tree this year and since I couldn't get us all together, they got to star in the Christmas cards this year! I don't know how professional photographers get such great kid shots.. they must have WAY more time and patience than I do!

I just had to add this photo I took of my sister's family this fall. They are so cute and we had such a great visit while they were in town! We tried all the traditional posing and set up but that just doesn't work for this group! I love how this turned out for them. It's fun and it clearly shows what a great relationship they all have. Can't wait for their new little girl to arrive this spring!

2011 Morton Family Letter

Merry Christmas! We had a pretty great year in 2011 and even managed a few camping trips to Fish Lake, UT this summer and fall. We are truly grateful for the many blessings we received this year and for the experiences in which the lessons were learned.

We welcomed a new addition to our family (see Trish's and Colt's sections below) in November. Brandon and Trish thought their family was just right, but Heavenly Father had other plans for us! We think He must have decided it was now or never, so.. we got now! As a result, we realigned a few of our plans and it has been a great experience for us. We are so happy to have Colt with us. We couldn't have asked for a better Christmas present than this little angel.

We have enjoyed living in South Jordan again this year and the children enjoy a special relationship with their Great Grandma few are blessed to have. Each has learned service to others in helping Great Grandma out and in being companions for her (sometimes a little too much company..) Grandma is a great help to our family and we are fortunate to have her with us this holiday season.

Brandon has enjoyed outfitting the Trailblazer for offroading this past year and then of course, trying it out in between running our household like a well-oiled machine. He was able to take it to Fish Lake this summer and up over Hi-Top and to Crater Lake on some pretty mean trails. In addition he has been documenting his progress with photos (see, scrapbooking is for everyone!) and was excited to have one of his photos featured in the Trailvoy.com 2012 calendar. (Trailvoy is a website for Trailblazer and Envoy offroading enthusiasts.) He was able to finally go coyote hunting this past fall with his best friend, Drew - a trip two years in the making. He continues to hone his mad skillz as a marksman and all of the kids enjoy it when Dad takes them out.

Trisha will celebrate 12 years this January at VECC as a 911 Fire Dispatcher, a job as enjoyable as it is demanding. She continues to enjoy her Close To My Heart scrapbooking business and was able to take some time off from classes this past summer and fall as her pregnancy with Colt progressed. Who can be disappointed in a job you love with flexible hours? The pregnancy was a crazy surprise this spring and we celebrated by breaking the news on April Fool's Day. It was great hearing the different reactions of our "joke" on us. The summer was long and the hottest on record she can ever recall and was a completely new experience as the other pregnancies were on a schedule like clockwork from late Summer to Spring where this one was completely opposite. The surgery went well but recovery was slower and she needed some oxygen for the first two days due to a reaction to pain medicine. She also enjoys a calling at church as a Visiting Teaching Supervisor and has loved getting to know the other ladies in the neighborhood she serves.

Brook has loved being in the third grade this year and has really enjoyed learning cursive and keyboarding. She continues to love drawing and all things art as well as starting to listen to her own music, relishing her own space (no boys allowed) and has started to like reading (yes!) Being the only princess is tough sometimes, but she manages. Despite being the resident royalty, Mom finally consented to cutting her hair (like, OFF-take a deep breath, Mom) in order to appease Brook's tomboy tendencies (and make Dad's mornings easier). She really hoped Colt would be a girl, but alas, she must suffer alone and has decided to keep him and is a great help! Her best neighbor friend moved away this fall and she hopes some girl, er..kids her age move in soon.

Aidan started kindergarten this year after a great time in Miss Crystal's Preschool. He still loves learning and has found two great friends in the neighborhood from his class. He loves being in the big kids' school with his sister and has begun reading. His favorite game at night (second to Mario Kart) is to pick out the sight words from the scrolling ticker while Dad and Mom watch the news. He also has made a self-appointed study in debate this year. We're hoping he takes this in a constructive direction and may some day make a great lawyer.

Garrett has had a great year to grow and develop from the baby into a toddler. We can't believe how much he is talking now from a year ago and how fast he picks up new concepts. He is so curious and adventurous and is never afraid to try anything new. It doesn't hurt that he has some great footsteps to follow in and he loves copying his older brother and sister. In fact, he's recently taken up chemistry and started a few experiments of his own. We all learned some great new ways to work in these exacting environments and I'm sure they will be the basis for many a funny story in the future (far, far in the future.)

Colt is our newest addition and he has been a true joy for everyone. He came into our world on November the 10th a day early (due to everyone and their dog booking 11.11.11 as their delivery date two seconds before we tried) at over 9 lbs with a full head of dark hair and will be starting school next week after his first haircut. Okay, maybe he's not that big yet. Due to being born by cesarean section, he had a little fluid in his lungs that needed to be suctioned and took another day to adjust to breathing without oxygen. This is normal for c-section babies and he is now doing great with no lasting effects. And it certainly hasn't slowed him down. His two week checkup showed he had gained all of his birth weight back and was up another 8 oz on top of that and was in the 98th percentile for height.

We hope your holiday season is just as merry and bright and we are blessed to count you among family and friends.

Warm wishes,

The Morton Family