Good Morning Everybody!!!
Sorry, I've been out of touch this week! Have you ever had the feeling that your running 90 mph and you look back at what you've accomplished and you're still behind? Amazing! LOL! Why am I laughing? :)
You know this week (and it's still this week...two more days to try to shove as much as I can into these two days!) was one of those weeks where you know you either have good health or it's simply not time for you to go to Glory yet! If I haven't had a heart attack yet, folks, it's not going to happen! LOL! Preparing to go out of town for a week both at my job and home has made the normal mix of craziness that much more exciting! Ellie, my little mini dachshund, had three breast cancers removed, then trying to create/design two additional projects for G45 that are just for fun and one other for a blog hop that's due on the 16th when I'm in Chicago, haircut, packing, air reservations, paying bills, etc. it's been the week from hell! I'm not complaining really, I know we are all so busy! Somehow just writing it makes me feel better! HAHAHAHA!
In this non-stop world of chaos, I completely forgot about my sister's birthday! It was the big one too! You can try to figure out which one it was, she'd kill me if I announced it to the world! Like I said earlier, I'm not ready to die yet! Anyway, I was even gently reminded by my mother that it was Kim's birthday! The day after, my mom asked if I had talked to Kim and I said, No, why? She once again said, it was your sister's birthday yesterday, remember? I was driving to work and had to pull off the road and beat myself over the head! I'm the best about remembering birthdays! Especially, when your sister turns 50! Oops, did I say that out loud! I felt horrible! Still feel horrible! That's the cool thing about family though, they understand and she did! God bless her! I called immediately from work and my friend Marsha and I croaked the Happy Birthday Song to her!
Just a quick note about my sis, she's a beautiful, beautiful person inside and out! Loving, kind, generous, caring, mother to Emily, Gibson, Tucker, Molly, Liya, and Little Finny and a wonderful wife to her husband Truett and incredible sister and daughter! I'm so proud of her and all of her accomplishments!
Happy Birthday Kimmie! I love you!
Other news to catch you up....
Yes, I'm Chicago bound Monday! Decided to make it a vacation and took the week off to explore Chicago after the show. So looking forward to meeting my Graphic 45 family, seeing all the cool projects, the new products from all the vendors, making new friends and filling up my inspirational cup to bring home and share with you all! I will be blogging from Chicago, so watch out! I'm taking phones, cameras, laptops and batteries! I'll try to show you what's new and exciting...so stay tuned!
I will be posting a couple of times today! When it rains it pours, I know! LOL!
Off to get busy! I CAN DO IT!! I CAN DO IT!! I CAN DO...I can...I....I think I can! LOL!
Thanks Gang!
Jim
The Gentleman Crafter
For starters HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kim!!! You have a wonderful brother!!! It brought tears to my eyes reading how much he adores you!!! You are blessed!!
Jim, I really hope Ellie has a full recovery. As a dog owner I know how they become one of the family and how heart wrenching it can be to have them hurt or sick!! Best wishes!!!
Also Jim I hope you are feeling better. I know a week or two ago you weren't feeling well, I hope that has passed!!! Have a safe and fun trip and bring us all back lots of inspiration!!!!
Take Care, Hugs,
Kerri
Posted by: Kerri-Jo Sharp | 07/14/2012 at 07:19 AM
And I thought I was busy this summer -
that's why you haven't seen me lately! Tell your sis not to fret over the 5-0. I see she has teenagers and little ones, they keep you young minded and active. It's only a number and because she turned 50 she can use that as an excuse, I do it all the time. Don't want to do something, say "I am 50 and don't have to!" Tell her to sign up for her AARP 10% off purchase every Tues! If only I would remember to use it. Have a fun time in Chicago! Love that place.
Posted by: LoriC | 07/14/2012 at 07:40 AM
OMG Jim! I hope Miss Ellie is ok. Sending love and hugs to her the poor little thing. I can totally sympathise with that situation at the moment.
So jealous of you Mr Jim! Your going to CHA!!!! OMG I dream of going there and seeing that absolutely always dreamy G45 booth. Have a blast, I can't wait for updates and pics!!!
Posted by: Cassandra | 07/14/2012 at 07:43 AM
What happened to Atlanta??? We had a date to schedule a date while you were here??? :(
I hope you get all your projects finished. I know you will. Hope someone will take good care of Ellie while you are gone. She is going to miss her daddy!!!
Happy Birthday to you Kimmie, too. She sounds FABULOUS!!! You'll have a great time at CHA. And in 6 months, you will be doing this for Winter CHA, so get ready!!! Love Ya...
Posted by: DWD | 07/14/2012 at 07:43 AM
Your sister does look like a beautiful person and happy 50th to her! It's not so bad turning 50. It is only a number! I still feel like I'm in my 20's. She can just tell people she is 30 for the 11th time. If you need any help with Ellie while you are gone, let me know. You know I love the little doxies and she would be spoiled here! Just remember one thing... you can only do what you can do and if it doesn't get done, the world will not come to an end! You are awesome!
Posted by: Kim S. | 07/14/2012 at 08:22 AM
I meant to say 39 for the 11th time. I can't type in the dark... comes with turning 50. HA!
Posted by: Kim S. | 07/14/2012 at 08:23 AM
So you are heading to my next of the woods...good ole CHI town. Not to worry about snakes in this part of the world. Please pack very, very lghtly as we are due for some beastly HOT, HOT weather. While you are here you MUST try a Lou Malnati deep dish pizza...a true piece of heaven with tons of yummy stringy cheese, a sheet of sausage and a fresh tomato sauce..to die for. Word has it there are no calories in this puppy!! Have a fun, safe trip and keep us posted!
Posted by: .Pam | 07/14/2012 at 08:56 AM
Hi Jim, all my best wishes to Ellie for a full recovery & a belated Happy Birthday to your sister. Have fun at CHA & don't forget to tell us all about it.
Posted by: Disco Queen | 07/14/2012 at 08:58 AM
Just wanted to say, have a wonderful time at CHA!!!! I know you will. So glad that you and Laura will try to share it with all of us. Enjoy! Hope little Ellie is on the road to a full recovery. Sorry to hear your baby is ill. Try not to worry to much.
Marcie
Posted by: Marcie Smith | 07/14/2012 at 10:56 AM
Wishing your sister a happy belated birthday --so nice that you have such a treasure for a sister!
Hope you have a terrific time at CHA (my dream is to go there one day) and enjoy your time in Chicago (my eldest son and his wife just moved there a few weeks ago and love that big city life). Looking forward to hearing all about it!
Posted by: Gail Elizabeth | 07/14/2012 at 11:05 AM
Hey Jim! Sorry to hear about Ellie; sending healing thoughts her way. Thank You for sharing the story about your sis (Happy Belated Bithday Kim). Have a wonderful time at CHA and exploring Chicago. Looking forward to your posts. I'm hoping that Laura gets a good signal from the hotel so you two can do a UStream class on Tuesday. Safe travels.
Posted by: Sharon Y (sharona62) | 07/14/2012 at 12:50 PM
WHAT?!?! You're leaving for Chicago? Are you going to CHA? You didn't tell me...you little brat boy...LOL!!!
Happy Birthday Kimmie!!!!
Speedy recovery Miss Ellie!!!
Posted by: Barbara Albrecht | 07/14/2012 at 01:18 PM
See ya in Chicago if you are hanging around the G45 booth.
Posted by: Sarah | 07/14/2012 at 02:00 PM
so...the little engine CAN!!! Have fun in Chicago and at CHA...get really inspired!
Posted by: kay | 07/14/2012 at 02:39 PM
Happy birthday to Kim! She looks lovely and I can tell how fond of her you are - it's so nice. Sending Ellie a big hug too and I'm sure she will miss her Daddy next week. Please try and rest at some point, but I'm sure you'll have an amazing time and come back full of incredible ideas. Are you sure you don't need me to carry your case for you?!
Lynn
Posted by: Lynn Wild | 07/14/2012 at 05:19 PM
Major hugs for Ellie's Doggie Daddy!!! God bless you and Ellie--from one survivor to another (species doesn't matter). All best wishes to your beautiful sister Kim from many, many of your faithful fans. Kick butt for CHA, Jimbo, as I know you will. Keep smiling, sweetie, and we want want pictures when Laura plants one on you!!!!!
Posted by: Trudie (aka crzyladycrafts) | 07/14/2012 at 07:28 PM
CHA!! How cool is that! Look forward to your CHA posts. Enjoy!
Oh, Chi-town pizza is the best!!
Posted by: Nan G | 07/14/2012 at 08:19 PM
Sorry you had such a rough week. Makes me think of an old saying, "The hurrier I go, the behinder I get." LOL
You will have a blast at CHA. Thanks for being our eyes and ears. Going there someday is on my bucket list. I hope you have a great week, catch some rest and get a chance to relax.
Posted by: kathy/NorthCarolina | 07/15/2012 at 03:12 PM
Jim, give Ellie a hug from me, I hope she feels better soon. Happy Birthday to your sister! Have a great time at CHA, I can't wait to see what you have to show us.
Posted by: shari (cricutrookie) | 07/15/2012 at 03:55 PM
Okay, I just went back and read my post. Wondering where the AARP 10% discount is? Yup another side affect to being 50, you forget things, a lot of things. Anyway it is Michaels. Aren't you jealous Jim, you have to wait a couple of more years!
Posted by: LoriC | 07/15/2012 at 05:12 PM
Lori C!
Oh yeah too jealous! Hahahaha
J.
Posted by: The Gentleman Crafter | 07/16/2012 at 04:43 AM
Just catching up on your blog and I found this one! Thank you Bud for the sweet words and birthday greetings from everyone...wait did you tell everyone I turned the big 5-0?? HEADS ARE GONNA ROLL!!!!!
Posted by: Kim | 07/17/2012 at 01:39 AM