So Much As Happened Since My Last Post...

I'm sure some of you have thought I dropped off the face of the earth. Well...I can assure that I have not. Although, honestly, there were times I wish I had.

On August 11th my dear husband stepped on a nail. In an of itself that's usually not that big of a deal, however, he is diabetic. Of course we immediately went to urgent care and he was put on antibiotics and x-rays taken to make sure that nothing remained in his foot. Everything seemed okay for the first few days, however by the 4th or 5th day we started noticing changes that made me uncomfortable. So...in trying to make a long story short...eventually what was just a small puncture wound became a very large gaping wound. By September 23, our Dr. had pretty much done as much as he could and the infection had started up again working its way to the side of his foot. We ended up in ER and he was admitted. He had surgery just two days later. The good news out of the surgery was that the infection had not moved into the bone. We were very thankful for that. He came out of surgery with a Wound VAC (which he is still wearing). However, it ended up that the infection was MRSA. He was put on heavy duty antibiotics and moved to a room of his own...all in all he spent 17 days in the hospital. He was released on October 9 with is Wound VAC. He goes in every Monday to the Wound Care Center at the hospital and a Home Health Nurse comes two times a week to change the dressing. 

So...just as we're settling in with our new routine...I begin getting terrible back pain. Thinking I had just strained it or something I treated it with ice/heat and so...just like I've always done in the past when my back has hurt. Well...it just was not working. It was getting worse and I began to notice tingling in my right leg, weakness and finding it hard to sit for any length of time...which was beginning to make driving difficult. At one point it got so bad that my poor husband had to take me to ER...they pretty much said it was a back strain and to rest and take Vicodin. Well...just 4 days later the pain was so much worse that again we made another trip to the ER...this time they gave me stronger meds and again said rest. I followed up with my Dr. a few days later. By this time I could hardly walk. He ordered an MRI and put me on some different medications. However on November 1st I began having a reaction to the new meds and my husband had to call 911. This time they finally admitted me and ordered the MRI for the next day. The MRI showed a cyst on the nerves in my lower back (S1) and it was decided that I would have surgery right away due to the fact that I had little to no nerve reactions in my lower right leg and the pain was so bad. So on Saturday, November 3 at 7:30 I went in for what was suppose to be a simple hour to and hour and half surgery to remove the cyst. Well...three hours later the Dr. finally came out to let my husband know that the surgery went 'Okay', but they were unable to remove the cyst due to the fact that the nerves had become intertwined in the cyst. Removal would have most certainly caused permanent nerve damage. They did drain the cyst and enlarged the hole where it was located. He told my Marty I would be in recovery for about an hour and then moved to my room. Well...when I woke up in recovery I was in so much pain and screaming out that they called my husband back to my bedside to help calm me down. They ended up having to medicate me more which in turn resulted in me not breathing! I don't remember much from recovery except the pain and then Marty sitting by my side and continually telling me to breath. Apparently every time I would close my eyes and go to sleep is when I would not breath. At any rate it was about 5-6 hours before I was stable enough to move me to a room. It was Thursday, November 8th when I was finally released to come home. So I am now recovering at home and having good days and bad days.

So as of today...Marty is doing well. He was giving a week off of his Wound VAC which has been a nice break for him. He goes back to the Wound Care Center tomorrow to see where things are at. I am doing okay...like I said good days and bad days. I'm trying to do a little stamping for therapy. My husband has helped me set up a little corner on our dining room table so I'm not alone in my craft room. It's been nice to be able to create a little to help get my mind off of everything else. However, I can't sit very long, so then I get up move around a little and then lay down. I'm finding that back surgery is indeed a process.

Well...now that I've bored you with all of the ugly details of everything that has been going on...how about some exciting news from Stampin' Up!? There is so much happening that I have not been able to post so here goes:

Online Extravaganza

November 19-28, 2012

The Online Extravaganza promotion is our biggest online sale of the year! During these 10 days only, you can get incredible discounts-up to 50 percent-on some of your favorite products!

In addition, there will be three products 20 percent off for 24-hours only on both the first and last days of Online Extravaganza-our very own doorbusters! Woot!

For a complete list of everything on sale (including the 24-hour specials) here is a PDF file for your to help with your shopping. I will give you a heads up...if you've been thinking about getting a Big Shot...now is the time...tomorrows 24-hour special is the Big Shot for $79.96 (regular prices $99.95)!

Just click here to visit my online store to place your order (starting at 12:00 am MST on Monday, November 19)!

Next...

TALKING TAGS...

With Talking Tag, you can send a gift that is uniquely you. Talking Tag is a message label you can attach to cards, invitations, gifts . . . anything! Personalize birthday cards, Christmas gifts or even record quick instructions for a project. Now your pictures really can say a thousand words!

How to Buy Talking Tags:

Buy 'em by the sheet! You get 10 tags for just $7.95 (item 129723).

How to record a voice message:

1. Download the FREE TalkingTagT App on you smartphone from talkingtag.mobi, iTunes® or Google PlayT.
2. Adhere the message tag to your card or gift.
3. Open TalkingTagT App and scan the code.
4. Record your message (recording starts immediately, so make sure you're ready!).

You will have the opportunity to listen, re-record, cancel, or confirm your message after you've completed recording it. Each label allows up to 60 seconds of a greeting, song, or product message.

To play the message, recipients will need to download the app and scan the code.  Messages are saved for two years, so they can listen to it over and over.

And finally...

SIZZIX TEXTURE BOUTIQUE EMBOSSING MACHINE

Due to our partnership with Sizzix, we are pleased to be able to offer a test run of the Texture Boutique Embossing Machine in our North American markets. We have 4,000 available to be sold only while supplies last. If this product test goes well, we may offer the Texture Boutique again in the future.

The Texture Boutique works with Textured Impressions Embossing Folders to transform ordinary cardstock, paper, metallic foil, or vellum into an embossed, textured masterpiece. This machine embosses only; it does not die cut. Because this is a product test, the Texture Boutique is not branded with the Stampin' Up! logo. It comes in Sizzix packaging and is the same color and design that is sold in stores. We recommend you read the included instructions before using the Texture Boutique and that you pass the same recommendation on to customers who purchase it.

'Tis the season of giving, and the Texture Boutique makes a wonderful gift for anyone who wants to create their own elegant embossed art. To help you with your gift-giving needs, we're offering a special value bundle that saves you $5.90. If you prefer, you can also purchase the Texture Boutique alone. Looking for stocking stuffers? Pick up some additional embossing folders.

Texture Boutique Bundle
Item 132700
$39.95 (a $45.85 value)
Includes:

• Texture Boutique Embossing Machine, 1 Pair of Standard Embossing Pads, 1 Mylar Shim
• Flower Garden Textured Impressions Embossing Folder-Stampin' Up! exclusive
• Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder-Stampin' Up! exclusive

Texture Boutique Embossing Machine
Item 132657
$29.95
Includes:

• Texture Boutique Embossing Machine, 1 pair of Standard Embossing Pads, 1 Mylar Shim

So...now that I've made probably the longest blog post ever! Thank you so much for taking the time to read all that's been happening. I do ask that you please lift our family up in prayer as we are recovering and healing. We are currently waiting for disability to kick in for Marty so we've had no income for the last month and a half. It's been real stressful.

I'm excited about all that is happening with Stampin' Up! right now and all the specials and such that are being offered. Just an FYI...I've also had a peak at the new Spring Catalog and the Sale-A-Bration flyer...YOU ARE IN FOR A TREAT! I can't wait until I can share both of them with you.

Have a wonderful, safe and blessed Thanksgiving!

August, August, August

There is so much to talk about this August 1st. Stampin' Up! has so many things to offer today...so let's get started!

#1.

The Holiday Catalog is now available! If you have not already seen all of the beautiful and fun items included in this years Holiday Catalog then you are in for an amazing treat!

You can place orders from the Holiday Catalog starting today and going through January 2, 2013.

One of the things I've enjoyed creating is the beautiful ornament pictured on the front of the catalog. If you are interested in learning how to make this ornament either for yourself or for gifts for your family and friends then please contact me to schedule a class.

#2.

MDS2...My Digital Studio's newest software...is no available in downloadable format. Start playing today with this wonderful upgraded product. Some of the new features included in MDS2 is...create your own custom-sized projects, add different colors to your stamp brushes, layers, and so much more.

Do you already have the original software? Then upgrade today for just $19.95

If you have not yet taken the firs step into My Digital Studio then you can do so today. 

Get the downloadable version of MDS2 (software only) for $39.95.

or

Really jump start your digital scrapbook experience with the MDS2+ (software plus $500 in content) for just $79.95

If you still can't decide if you'd really enjoy using MDS2 then take advantage of a FREE 30 day trial!

#3.

In addition to the launch of MDS2...enjoy 31% off Digital content.

Get 31% off 31 digital content options and most of our print products for all 31 days in August! August is the perfect time to enter the digital designing craze and see what it's all about!

Click here to see all the wonderful content that is on sell now!

And....as if that's not enough!....

#4.

Ever thought about joining Stampin' Up! but just kept putting it off? 

Well there's no better time to join than the month of August!

 For just $99, choose up to $125 worth of brand-new products from the annual 

       or holiday catalogs, for your completely customizable Starter Kit!

Have you been asking yourself what are the advantages of being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator?

• While the $99 price tag is exciting in and of itself, one of the biggest perks of the new Starter Kit is its flexibility! Not only will you get a great deal on Starter Kit products that you get to choose yourself, but you'll also get a 20 percent discount on Stampin' Up! products.
• For you social butterflies, you will get free access to Stampin' Connection and invitations to Stampin' Up! events-not to mention the fantastic new friendships you'll forge and regular opportunities to get together and stamp.
• For those who can't get enough of the products and samples, you'll get access to sneak peeks, Title Benefits Bundles, Stampers' Showcase, and a FREE demonstrator magazine filled with beautiful photos and project ideas!

In addition, new demonstrators are eligible for TWO FREE months of Demonstrator Business Web Services (DBWS)-including your own business website and Online Store, access to a blog, calendar, a monthly e-newsletter, project gallery, and e-cards-if you sign up within 21 days of becoming a demonstrator.

plus...

(as if the above is not exciting enough)

Joining in August get you this FREE Howl-o-ween project kit valued up to $60! (pictured below)

The Howl-o-ween Printer’s Tray includes the Toxic 

Treats set, printer’s tray, and all the goodies you 

need to make this boo-tiful project.*

*Project kit does not include ink

To make it even easier to join all you have to do is click HERE.

So what are you waiting for...Join my team today and let's have some fun together!

Well...I think that's about it for this August 1st! 

Whew!!!!

As always, if you have any questions about ANYTHING that I've posted today, please do not hesitate to contact me!

Happy Stamping!

CHRISTMAS IN JULY/REASON TO SMILE

Yes...its' been Christmas in July in my Stampin' Studio for the last few days.

I've been having so much fun with my preview order from the Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog. I just can't wait to share some of the creations with you.

Remember...the Holiday Catalog is available August 1st so book your workshop now and get a head start on your Christmas Cards!

Both of the cards above were created using items out of the new Holiday Catalog.

The above two cards were made using stamp sets that are currently available in the 2012-2013 Stampin' Up Catalog along with a couple of items out of the new Holiday Catalog:

Beautiful Season

Bells & Boughs

And...A Reason to Smile!

For the month of spend just $50 and any Stampin' Up! products and get the Reason to Smile Stamps set (a $20.95 value) for only $5! 

It's like getting an early Christmas Present!

Contact me for more details!

Happy Stamping!

The All New 2012-2013 Stampin' Up! Catalog

June 1st marked the launch of the all new 2012-2013 Stampin' Up! catalog. Needless to say we were not disappointed.

I have been having so much fun with my new Stampin' Up! products that I just have to share a couple of them:

Bird and Frame: 

Papaya Collage, Lovely Little Labels, Little Labels Punch Set, Simply Scored, Simply Scored Diagonal Plate, Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad, Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin' Pad, Midnight Muse Classic Stampin' Pad, Primrose Petals Classic Stampin' Pad, Summer Starfruit Classic Stampin' Pad, Primrose Petals Stampin' Write Marker, Gumball Green Stampin' Write Marker, Very Vanilla Card Stock, Whisper White Card Stock, Primrose Petals Card Stock, Twitterpated Designer Series Paper, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Pearls Basic Jewels, Chocolate Chip 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (retired).

Heartfelt:

Layered Labels, Whisper White Card Stock, Black Staz-On, Pretty In Pink Stampin' Spot, Primrose Petals Stampin' Write Marker, Raspberry Ripple Stampin' Write Marker, Gumball Green Stampin' Write Marker, Pretty In Pink Stampin' Write Marker, Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack, Paper-Piercing Tool, Stampin' Pierce Mat, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, Labels Collection Framelits, Stripes Embosslits Folder, Twitterpated Designer Series Paper, Rhinestone Basic Jewels. Whisper White 1/8" ribbon Taffeta (retired).

I hope you've enjoyed these latest creations.

April, April, April...

OH MY!....nothing like coming on to my blog to draft up a post only to realize that I had a post that I failed to publish from back in April! So...I guess it's better late than never...

April has always been a busy month in our family. And this year was certainly no exception!

This year I sat down and got all of my cards done in one shot! I was so proud of myself :)

First up was my husbands and mine 27th Wedding Anniversary. so this is the card that I made for my wonderful husband:

Next up was our daughters 25th birthday:

And then two cards for our daughter's Mother-In-Law (one for our daughter to give):

And rounding out the month of April is my Mother-In-Law's birthday:

  

 

Followed by my mother's birthday that falls on May 1st:

I then had the unexpected of the passing of a friends father:

So...I think that does it for my April cards...unless of course something else unexpected comes along. 

My next projects will involve making Graduation Announcements for a friends daughter and then of course Mother's Day!

Hope you have enjoyed!

THIS JUST IN:

INTRODUCING A NEW STARTER KIT FOR NEW STAMPIN' UP! DEMONSTRATORS...

Effective May 1, 2012:

We're excited to announce that beginning May 1, we're offering a fully customisable Starter Kit for new recruits at our new lower price of $99! This will give the the perfect start to their business-their way!

When a new demonstrator joins Stampin' Up!, the choice is hers to put together a kit with any of our current high-quality products-she can choose up to $125 worth of any Stampin' Up! products! She'll also receive a business supply pack (valued at $65) to create a kit with a total value of $190 that still shps for free!

With the introduction of the new Starter Kit, new demonstrators will no longer have the option to purchase another kit or the add-ons. If you do not want to wait for the new pricing option you have until April 30, 2012 at 11:50 PM (MT). to place your order with the current pricing plan.

If you have questions or would like more information, please let me know. It is a great time to join Stampin' Up!, and how wonderful to choose the items you want for your kit.

If you would like the current kit option, you can go HERE, then click on Join Now on the left side. If you want the $99 kit option as of May 1st...you will go HERE then Join Now on the left side (remember this will take effect May 1)

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My email link is at the top of the screen.

Stampin' UP! Senior Associate, Independent Demonstrator

http://reneedean.stampinup.net

FREE My Digital Studio 30-day Trial

Have you ever been interested in trying My Digital Studio but didn't want to purchase it without giving it a trial run? Well then I've got some exciting news for you! Stampin' Up! is now offering a FREE 30-day trial of My Digital Studio Express. How awesome is that? What's even better is that this will be an ongoing offer. This means that you can tell you friends and family about this same offer months from now!


When you download the My Digital Express free trial (item #129600) from my Stampin' Up! website, you will receive full access to all of the MDS Express contents and the opportunity to purchase additional downloads.


Plus you can always add the full content available in the package DVD's Software by purchase the My Digital Studio Express Booster Pack, adding $500 worth of content! The My Digital Studio Booster Pack is available as packaged DVD's (item #124889 or as a downloadable version (item #124484) for $39.95


You can view the full My Digital Studio catalog and look at lots of samples and more information at MyDigitalStudio.net


Here is a video with additional information on My Digital Studio Express vs. the full version of My Digital Studio.


SO...what could be any better? Well how about making the most of this offer by signing up to become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator dur Sale-a-bration? Now through March 31, 2012 you can choose either the Stampin' Up! My Digital Studio (MDS) Starter Kit or Standard Starter Kit during Sale-A-Bration and save $50. Sign up now for only $125 and get $340 in product, up to $120 product bonus and it ships for FREE. ALSO, get a FREE digital download or paper pack each month for the rest of the year!!!


So what are you waiting for...download your free trial now or better yet, contact me today and I'll help you sign up to become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator!