This isn't something I would normally ask...

...but it's for a good cause. I'm not one to sell things at work. Not scrapbook stuff, not raffle tickets, not even Girl Scout cookies (and who doesn't love a thin mint or samoa?) I will donate as I can when asked, and I have no trouble walking around the building asking for (some might say demanding) money when someone has a death in the immediate family or a grave illness has hit someone close to us. Maybe even for a new baby from time to time.

But this is different.

This is for children with cancer.

My nephew is 11, and for the last couple of years he and his hockey team have participated in raising mooney to shave their heads for the St. Baldrick's Foundation. Last year he raised over $800, this year his goal is $500. I realize times are tough, but if you are able to help him raise money for others, here's how you can donate:

Go to http://www.stbaldricks.org/ ->
"Find a Participant" ->
1st name Nicholas, last name W, click "shavee" ->
Look for Nicholas W, East Northport, Changing Times Ale House, Team Jacob ->
Click "donate" (or "view profile" if you want to see a picture of him or check out how much he has raised as of that moment.)

Nicholas thanks you for helping him reach his goal and supporting his cause, and I thank you for encouraging him to continue to do things for others just because it's the right thing to do. A lot of that is missing in today's world.

I repeat that phrase I say to him everytime he has done us proud - Good job, Kid! Keep it up!

Calling all CTMH Consultants

Are you a CTMH Consultant? Have ideas you like to share but would liek to get some in return? Tired of posting on the BB with the comment "email me for pattern" and 85 people respond with "please email this to me at..." Consider joining a new Yahoo group I started. It's for all CTMH Consultants. You must post ideas, class instructions, cutting guides, technique instructions, etc. at least 4 times a year (that's not a lot if oyu think about it) and, in return, you have full access to everyone else's postings, files, etc.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CTMHGiveandTake/

One catch - you'll have to verify you're a CTMH Consultant. Not hard, email me (or post with your email address) for the easy way to do this.

My First Time

No, not that. This is a crafting blog people!! :) "Layering items cut on the Cricut Expresion Mike got me for Christmas" is the correct answer.

Yes, after more than a year of saying I didn't need or want it...I caved. Mike also thought the Expression was a good idea since I could to more with it than the original I had and barely used unless the girls were over - I know, I am a very spoiled and lucky girl!!

I cut out letters for a welcome back sign last week, but you-know-who wasn't all that impressed with that. Last night, my pal Debbie graciously let me borrow her Disney cartridge and - wait for it - I made several Mickey's. I think it might have gone faster and more smoothly if my Diet Coke had a little something added to it, but I finally caught on after the first 3 attempts.

Now, if you know me you know I can't stand Disney and find it to be my own personal hell, not the "happiest place on earth." However, a colleague's family is taking a very special trip to Disney next week and I wanted to do something a little extra for the trip. After some thought and input from other fantastic colleagues (thanks Marilyn!) I decided to make autograph books. Here's the first one I did:

I used 5.5 x 8.5 chipboard, card bases pre-cut to that exact size (go figure!), bought some official Disney paper, cut Mickey on the Cricut and layered, layered, layered using CTMH paper. The words were cut out on my Wishblade using a Walt Disney font I downloaded, and used the Bind It All to finish it off. I'll be heading out today to get some red, black, and white ribbon to finish off those coils. I have a second book I'm getting together right now, the cover paper is the only difference, done on purpose so the girls know which book belongs to whom by sight. I also precut their names in the Disney font for the first page. There are black mats on each left page for photos of the girls with the respective autographs. I hope they like it.

How's my Mickey, Disney people? If it isn't quite right, please lie to me. I'm bringing the books to work Monday and have taken it apart 17 times already to get it "just right." I think I'm there (in my own mind, anyway!)

As always, thanks for looking!


PS - Since my computer fizzled I no longer have any blog addys...if you can leave yours with your comment so I can visit you and return the love I'd appreciate it!!