still me

ok in beijing

so my email server has been down for 3 days, and just kicked back into action this morning...and there were a bunch of emails asking if we were ok, and effected by the earthquake.  we are about 900 miles away from where the epicenter was... and though eric thinks that he felt the tremors, most of us did not.. ... our prayers are going out to the thousands who have been effected by the earthquake- and other recent natural disasters.

my folks arrived late satruday night, and we are off having wonderful adventures, and taking lots of photos.
i will stop to take a breath as soon as possible!

last day of fun...

It’s Tuesday night, and I leave Cape Town tomorrow morning, to start my long journey home. I think my travel time is about 36 total hours. Loving that! (lots of quiet productive hours!) I am ready to be home! 10 days is just too long…I am sure that Eric would agree (wink).  I today was an awesome day, despite waking up to serious rain clouds and cold, windy conditions… we went up the coast and hit some super cute shops and then onto Fish Hoek where we saw real live penguins that just live there on the beach. They were so cute! So fun to watch. What a highlight… I also ate fish and chips for the first time today! i am not a fish eater, but I was assured that I HAD to try, and that is was THE THING to do just there… so I did indulge! And they had Mountain Dew at this little fisherman’s spot… it’s mainly a ‘locals’ place, so it was most enjoyable. I even ate it doused in vinegar and salt! I am feeling ‘cape townian’ already!  We did a little more shopping in the evening (mother’s day may 11th! Don’t forget!—I am lucky enough to have my mother with me this year on mother’s day! can’t wait). It also happens to be miss quincy’s birthday on may 11th!  Gasp!
I am also including some photos of yesterday’s adventure up to the top of Table Top mountain. We rode up on a cable car. Stunning view from the top. And good hot chocolate there too!
(this is the hotel we are staying at here in cape town... SO beautiful!)

Monday morning..

Monday morning… and ready for action! We have had a wonderful, delightful time staying here at the Spier Hotel. It’s in the ‘winelands’ part of Cape Town, quite inland from the ocean. The resort has a convention center, where the classes were held, and just beautiful grounds, fabulous restaurants and even a cheetah outreach program where we went and actually petted the cheetahs.  They are just amazing and beautiful. One of the cheetah cubs that we were able to ‘meet’ has ‘king’ markings on her coat, and is very, very rare. So that was cool to see, and learn about.  We also learned that big cats either roar or purr, but they can’t do both… and cheetahs purr… so as we were petting them they were just laying there purring! How cute is that? it was really cool. Afterward, we took a 2 hour long drive up and over the mountain and down around ‘False Bay’… the cool thing about Cape Town is that it’s at the southern point of the country where the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean meet in this huge convergence. There are these huge, rugged mountains that have strange weather patterns on either side… it’s very ‘california’ to me. It seems to be northern and southern California all within the confines of a very small area. I think that is so cool. This would be an awesome place to live.. its has a little of everything. We drove through amazing orchards, and farms… I could see trials for biking and hiking… and we drove along the most magnificent coast where the sharks and whales are… simply amazing place. Happy to be here… (Eric, you would LOVE this place). We sped back to eat at the most spectacular restaurant that I think I have ever been to… it’s all under a tent.. or outside in the trees… great ambiance. The food is served buffet style, so you can try all kinds of stuff…and there was really fun entertainment- including face painting for everyone! They came around and put white dots on all our faces…so much fuN! Very memorable. I loved it. of course I ate too much, and even this morning- I don’t feel like I need to eat for a week.

having a great time..

I just have a few photos I want to post from the Joburg event… the venue was absolutely stunning, and I don’t even think that my photos will do it justice. I only brought my little camera, and it’s just not the same! Luckily I have Janet walking around shooting fabulous photos with her big camera, I can just get her to burn me a disk! (wink!)

joburg event...

Oh what a day… I am beat. We are back at the hotel with our feet up and eating room service. Today was the Joburg event…I took a bunch of photos because this venue was absolutely STUNNING. It was an old home built by one of the most wealthy south Africans…it has been converted to a convention center- for special events. It is gorgeous. And it was a beautiful day- it had rained last night, and it was a crisp, beautiful fall day. just awesome. We were ‘fetched’ at 7am…and classes started at 8am. There were 4 classes all 2 hours each, with quite impressive tea and lunch in between! The food was so good. There was even a bit of a breakfast, my favorite were these peach yogurt smoothies. YUM. The day started out with 8 cards from Amy and Adriene at MSE (my sentiments exactly). I had never met them before, so it was fun to get to know them a bit. They are so cute… mom and daughter… cool that they get to work and travel together! They have some really cute stamps and gave some amazing kits for the class! Louise was next and she did this amazingly intense page with serious cutting and stitching, and beading. It was over the top- very cool, and beautiful to look at. After lunch, Janet was up- I love her class… it was a 12x12 album with some pages that were made from clock overlays and other bits that were inserted into the album by using that punch that makes a spiral punch. So cool.  We both got to teach using new product- so that is always fuN!
I taught a variation of the project I taught at Scrap ETC. event…it’s really nice to teach a class you are really familiar with and have had experience knowing what works and what doesn’t… and I love the mirror album!  It was a fun day. Louise and Glenda have a way of really creating beautiful events. This was nothing less. It was fun to see some familiar faces!  In the morning we leave for Cape Town where we are teaching on Saturday…doing the whole thing again! We get a bit of a sleep in, so that will be good!
UNFORTUNATELY, I don’t have a card reader for the camera I have been using. So I will have to wait until I get home to post photos… or maybe I can find one to buy.  Good night!

happy birthday to me!

so i am not a big fan of my own birthday- not that i don't like a little birthday indulgence... in the form of red velvet cake.. and mint chocolate chip ice cream... or that i don't like presents ... really- i have no idea what it is, just a little aversion!  but right now... i think that i am having a pretty perfect party of my own! SMILE... i arrived late last night in Johannesburg, S. Africa and was met by my sweet friend Louise and her partner Glenda...they brought me to this great hotel called 'Wanderer' where i checked in to my room, ordered room service, had a long HOT HOT bath, and slept for a straight 9 hours. ALL ALONE! it's been quiet.. i have been able to think, write, rest and relax. and man, it seems like it's been ages...  leaving the kids and eric is so hard, even more so since the babies are still so little, and demanding...! thank you eric! for your awesome attitude and willingness to send me on my way with a big hug, and a sincere 'have FUN'... "everything here will be just fine".  like i said, i am feeling really lucky.
it dawned on me that there is a temple here- so i am going there this morning. i don't have the luxury of living close to a temple like i have my WHOLE LIFE...and it's true, you totally and completely take it for granted. when we drove by it last night i knew it was all i wanted for my birthday! so it's a FABULOUS birthday for me! a  happy good thing when as a mom, you get a chance to escape just a little from those demands, and re-charge.
it's just what i needed!
again... thanks eric, thanks Louise...
and i have to give a big thanks and cyber hug to stephanie sassaville who works in florida at advantus, that not only just sent me a huge box of all my new products packed so cute and nice in little baggies on rings all ready for my to organize into my stash... but also packed out all the kits for this weeks event here in SA. (not just my kits, but Janet's too) Stephanie, you are so awesome... we couldn't do it without you! THANK YOU.
i forgot my computer adapter for the projector again.. (GRRR) so i need to find an apple store as well. dang, i have to go shopping.

suits, skirts, and PJ's

In a short 6 hours I will be leaving (like on the plane in 6 hours) for South Africa! I get to teach in both Johannesburg and Cape Town…both Janet and I are teaching classes. I hope that it will be nice weather! i was in s. Africa a few years ago- back when there were only 3 children…man, it seems like ages ago! Anyway… we had the best time! so I am looking forward to going back. I haven’t ever been to Cape Town, so that will be cool. I have heard so much good about it… very cool! I really should be packing and not blogging! but I have to share just a few fun photos! these are for you mom and dad!  You will be here in what… 10 days? We can’t wait to see you! 
  SO, we have been to the Summer Palace quite a number of times, and it never ceases to amaze me… I love it. anyway… I have been wanting to do a boat ride, so I thought this would be a good time to try! We rented this little electric boat with a pathetically S L O W motor on it… holy cow… it was sketchy! It was SUPER windy- it always is there. (look at Connor’s hair blowing!).  and my FAVORITE photo of the day was this one of Colton jumping from some rocks to the window nook of this building.  The kids love climbing around on everything! Every time we go, they explore more! Cam was nice enough to carry Capri on his back! Of course, she always gets so much attention everywhere we go!

So, today- we went to the fabric market. Cam was wanting to get a new suit or 2 made.. and I have a new fixation on getting pajamas made! so I bought more silky material! I love it.  the fabric market is such a crazy experience! They loved it. LaRane bought stuff to have some skirts made…we had a very successful trip! This afternoon, Eric took them to a local tailor and they got all measured up! I can’t wait to see the finished products..

The evening ended on this note..
Sweet Connor and a few first steps captured by LaRane… holy cow! Is that possible?
Good times, good times..

good times...

It can’t only be 10pm.  It feels like  the middle of the night. I am exhausted. I have been trying to recover from the travels of last week, and have been feeling a bit run-down ( to say the least)…sadly…my sweet cousin that has been here since the beginnig, left Thursday! I almost can’t believe that she is gone! I will miss her SO much. not just cause she is an awesome help, and so great w/ the kids, she is just such a delight, and has become a dear friend to me. sigh. SO SAD… I will miss her terribly.

However… as a worthy distraction from our heartbreak… Cam and LaRane arrived yesterday (my brother, and his cute wife). We met them at the new (and wildly impressive) new airport, and waited and waited as their bags never arrived. (this yet another reminder to put some necessities in your carry on!!). but nothing could really  dampen their enthusiasm and our excitement… it’s so fun to introduce people to this crazy place! After dinner last night (Chinese take-out…breaking them in right away), I took them to get foot massages- a certain highlight! And they loved it- we were able to keep them up until about midnight. A good first day for the jet lag battle.  We woke up this morning with lofty plans to load up 7 bikes and drive into town a ways… far enough to get to a point that we could get out on the bikes and ride around to get a closer look (closer than the car window anyway). I’ll bet we rode more than 20 miles all together. we were on the bikes for hours.  Mostly just exploring and taking a leisurely (but at the same time life-threatening) sight-seeing ride.  We had lunch right by the Forbidden City, and then walked around there a bit. We made our way back to where we had parked our bikes, and then rode a ways to check out the old drum and bell towers. It was so cool to see them, and climb up the towers and get a great birds-eye view of the immediate area.
Well here are some pictures to get our next sets of guests excited!

the last 24 hours well spent

We made it home! Just a mere 24 hour venture. Yikes… it’s good to be back. Its so fun when people are so happy to see you! the babies were just thrilled beyond belief… I think they have been wondering ‘where is that mama person?’… everyone did great while quincy and I were away, what a blessing! Everything went smoothly with travel as well… all the connections made with ease, and all the luggage made it here… I have a stockpile of tootsie rolls and A-1 sauce…(ah, the little things) Capri was so happy with her sparkly, glitter shoes from target; colton was climbing through the bags to find his new books… I got him 3: “Inkheart”, “so you want to be a wizard”, and “ the Lightning Theif”… quite a reader that kid is… Cory was thrilled by another myatchi and some rootbeer candies (next best to the real thing) and eric was just happy to have me home! Connor looks bigger, and happier and more mobile than I remember him! Chuckle. He was so excited to see me! it just made my day… So now, I have tons of unpacking to do… but I am going to sleep, and try to get back on Beijing time. I just missed an entire MONDAY!! And I just tried to download my photos, and for some reason, all my photos from the event are corrupt… so if you were in nashville, email me a photo or two! So sad! I am proud to say…that my creative mind needed a rest so something possessed me to buy a sudoku book… I finished the whole thing, and was bummed I didn’t have more! That was a really good time waster! I have to apologize to Katie, cause I made fun of her for liking it… it really is fun! Sorry kates… Ok, going to bed!

nashville TN

Once again, I have failed miserably to keep my blog current! I am typing from the Nashville Gaylord hotel. I just got all my bags packed and stuff compiled and have gauged the weight of each one… and in my ‘seasoned-traveller’ estimation, think that I am right on the brink of 50lbs (the limit) with all 4 pieces. (yikes). I have everything in here from pancake mix to books to compendium books and printer ink for my big Epson! (thanks guys!) I even have a stock-pile of bazzill bling and trail mix! Truth is, my bags are not FULL, I could fit WAY more into them! But… they are heavy. I can tell.
Quincy and I flew into PHX on Tuesday afternoon where I was lucky enough to get my hair done, and eat some choice Mexican, and make a sweet J-crew purchase…among other things! we were able to see 'grammy swapp' and catch some comfortable. Wednesday morning, after we visited her old 1st grade class, and returned Flat Stanley…(it was so cute, the kids were all so excited to see quincy, and really enjoyed asking her tons of questions about life in China- she felt loved, and SO sad to leave!) we flew to Charlotte and after delays and a cancellation- finally got to Nashville LATE. We slept in until about 2pm, and did necessary preparations for my 2 days of teaching Friday and Saturday at the Scrap ETC event. I have had a great time! SO MANY familiar faces! Monique had invited to me to teach 2 classes: one a lecture and the other a project… so I decided to tie the two together…the first day we created a super intense little mini-book using a new-not-yet-released product (a mirror-mini-album)! It was the first time I was able to teach with my new papers… so cute, I loved playing with it all!  The second day, we finished off the project by adding in quotes and tabs and I gave a spiel about ‘to your heart be true”… interestingly enough, I was able to invite a woman named: Amanda Hudson to sing a song she wrote that tied in perfectly with my message. It was really amazing, other than it was quite emotional (typical me). She sang throughout the event, and it was so cool to have her talent as a resource. It really added an awesome dimension to the class. I taught 4  2-hour rounds yesterday, and 4 2-hour rounds today, and I am exhausted! My eyes are burning. I haven’t been much of a sleeper since I have been here… hoping that quincy and I will just sleep the return trip away!
Sending out a special thanks to everyone here at the event! I totally LOVE visiting the South! And thanks to all of your behind the scenes people that went to tremendous effort to make sure I had all that I needed! I met so many awesome people! It’s one of my favorite things to connect with scrapbookers from everywhere.  It was so fun to bring quincy! She was so sweet and so cute. I just love having a sweet little daughter. It was so funny, she pretty much fell asleep everywhere… I can’t post any photos, but I will have to- poor little thing, the jet lag is so hard to deal with! unless you just completely defy it! and go the NO-sleep route, which is my strategy!
So now, 5am, we are back to the airport, and on our way home to Beijing!
I am reminded how much I love to teach, and share ideas. I am thankful for that opportunity to do every so often. Every time I do, I feel like I learn so much!
Thanks for having us Scrap ETC!


this is a little shot of the class that i taught at the show.  janet and i will be on our way to S. Africa  in a week or so, and this is the same project that we'll be working on... turned out cute. it was pretty stressful putting it all together, but i think that most people had it all put together for today's class... so that was good!
ok, i am falling asleep at the wheel!