From Stampin' Up!

Just came across a contest Stampin' Up! is doing and thought some fellow stampers might be interested.

Submit a Project

We want your kit ideas for upcoming kits. No, this is not a typo. We are starting up a new kit program especially for you. YOU will be the inspiration for the kits and YOU will vote to decide which project will be sold.
Submit a Project is not limited to demonstrators, so spread the word to your downlines, clubs, classes and neighbours to submit and vote on upcoming kits. This is a great way to get the entire stamping community together. Start creating! Send us your kit ideas and get ready to vote for your favourites.
The Not-So-Fine Print

• This program is available to both customers and demonstrators.
• While your projects should not include retired products, they may include products not created by Stampin' Up!, such as jars or frames.
• Projects must fit into the following category: Birthday.
• Projects can be cards, scrapbook pages, home décor, holiday décor, birthday decorations, etc. If you can make it with Stampin' Up! product, you can submit it!
• Submit your projects by e-mail. Send an image (less than 2 MB), supply list, and instructions for creating the project to mailto:kitideas@stampinup.com?subject=Project%20name%3A. In the subject line, include the name of your project.
• Please keep in mind that all submissions become the property of Stampin' Up! once received. We reserve the right to change project elements, the name or any feature to make the kit easy to reproduce.
• What's in it for you? Glad you asked! Those who submit the winning kit will:
  • See it - your photo, name and project will be posted online.
  • Flaunt it - you'll receive "blog badge" for your personal blog or website.
  • Spend it - you wouldn't be a winner without a $125 Stampin' Up! shopping spree.
• That's not all! Those whose submissions are in the top 20 will also receive product used in the winning kit or a $35 shopping spree of their own.

Happy New Year

Since I am not actively pursuing my stamping business any longer (although, I am still technically active as a Demonstrator) I have decided to take a different approach to the world of blogging for 2013. More writing. I've always wanted to write. At any given time I usually have at least 3 or 4 journals started. I've never been one to write in a single book until the end and then start a new one. That might drive some of you just a wee bit crazy, but I find it very freeing - no stress if you misplace one... just pick up another and write down your thoughts. I always put the date at the top of the page... not that it really matters because I don't share my handwritten journals with anyone else.

The name of this blog is Stampinsars, and the description states that it is a blog about my life and my stamping. I will keep this blog active for the times when creativity strikes, but as for the happenings of the Five Froeses, I have started another blog. Shocking, I know! I have several on the go - just like journals, I suppose.

I welcome you to follow it, if you would like. And I wish you and yours a very Happy New Year and blessings throughout 2013.

Five Froeses - This is the LIFE!

Our Christmas 2012

Here are a few pictures (ok, I guess there are a lot!!) to share with you from the Christmas season in our family.

Scott was a Wise Man in a Christmas dessert theatre.

My lovelies in their Christmas attire. Elise picked out her dress, and wore it several times throughout December. She said, "If I have to wear a dress then it needs to be blue!"

School Christmas concert.

Family gathering... "Bring your Favourite Appy". The selection was amazing!

Kids' choir at church.

Present time...

Just a tad excited about this new game for the Wii!

Light sabers. They have been playing hide-and-seek in the dark with these today, and having so much fun!

Reading the Christmas story at Grandma and Grandpa's.

We spent a week with Grammie and Papa and Uncle Angus.

Christmas dinner at my parents'.

A little catch-up with some dear friends while I was in my home town.

The annual Boxing Day Skate. Elise playing hockey with Uncle Angus. She was lovin' it!

And the collection continues to grow...

May I introduce you to my newest Nutcracker. Steve gave me this Santa Nutcracker for our 11th Anniversary, which was on December 22nd.

2 Pirates and a Karate Kid

We went to the Fall Fest at church instead of trick-or-treating on Halloween, which was nice because it was a super rainy night! Then, today, the kids had a costume party at piano lessons and had a mini-recital for their fellow piano students, so they got to dress up twice this year!

Crab Fest 2012

I love it that my dad takes us Crab fishing. Salt water fishing licenses for kids under 16 are free, so we always have the kids' up to date when we go for a visit. My dad renews his each year and Steve and I go along for crowd control, and of course we help with the eating. Scott isn't a big fish-eater, but he sure loves catching them and hanging out by the ocean and on the dock.

Getting the traps ready.

Down they go!

Pull...

Keep pulling...

Sometimes you get the reward of a beautiful male crab that is big enough to keep, and sometimes you get a great big slimy starfish!

Steve made a few new friends...

We had the most incredible weather while we were on the island.

We got 6 keepers the first day and 10 the second day. Each license is allowed to keep 4, so our max would be 16.

Todd and Papa... two peas in a pod and best buddies from the start!

A typical scene off the Sidney Pier

Thanksgiving Overseas...

It was the first time in about 5 years that we were able to join my parents and brother for Thanksgiving. Nothing like being home for the holidays. Mom put on a feast, as usual!

Loved mom's festive displays around the house...

We also celebrated my big brother's birthday.

The kids all chose gifts to give him and piled on him on the couch to get him to open them!

I don't know if Elise was trying to get her card to look like Uncle Angus, or not, but she sure made a cute card!!

Then, the after-dinner festivities included a show by Elise and Uncle Angus - they had us in stitches!

My dad and his "girls".

They got some new chicks that were "all girls" but my dad said as soon as he saw the babies he knew this one was a rooster, even before the baby feathers grew out, he was struttin' his stuff. The last rooster they had ended up in the freezer, so it was nice to see one around there again!

On our ferry ride home, a nice lady took our picture.

We have so much to be thankful for, including the bounty that was loaded in our truck as we were leaving. All from my parents' garden, and from their neighbour's garden. Potatoes, garlic, tomatoes, zucchinis, pears and more. Fresh food is the best gift!