wow...............I've been a real blog "slacker", it's been way too long since I've updated, but............I can say with all honesty I've been very busy.

For those of you who know me, you know my love of gardening, both flowers and vegetables! I've been busy working in my flowers (and I have LOTS of them) and also trying to put out a vegetable garden (in between rain showers and thunder storms) which we decided to increase the size of due to the rise in grocery prices, I'm excited to report we also planted a mini orchard which has 2 apple trees, 2 plum trees 1 peach, 1 cherry and 1 nectarine tree!! I also transplanted my raspberry bushes and planted a couple more blueberry bushes. All this in addition to holding a couple of scrapbook workshops, whew.......no wonder I'm soooo tired! So hope you all have been as "fruitful" as I've been...............smiles, Connie

I' haven't checked in for a few days, been having some internet explorer problems, I think I have them squared away, at least I hope any way!! I've also been busy getting ready for my open house on Fri., lots to do, displays to make, games and prizes to prepare and of course refreshments to prepare! i've had quit a few People say they are coming so I'm anticipating a good turnout...........wish me luck, hope to see you there!.............smiles, Connie

Summer Idea Book/Catalog Open House
April 24th 3:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Lots of games and great prizes! A fantastic Door Prize, and a hands on project for you to create.
all attendees will receive a copy of the Idea Book/Catalog FREE, a $3.95 retail value.

You get to preview and register for upcoming classes and workshops, and as always delicious refreshments will be served.

Some lucky lady will be chosen as my mystery hostess and receive lots of great scrap booking and stamping supplies just for attending my open house.

R.S.V.P. via e-mail and you'll also be entered in a drawing for a special gift!

Happy Easter to everyone! Hope you have a beautiful day with family and friends. We plan on having Easter Supper as both my hubby and son Matt had to work! Gives me a little time to come home from church and relax a while before I head to the kitchen. We'll be a few family members short this year, my other son Joe and his family are in Fl. so we'll be missing them, sad to say we have gotten used to not having him home for most holidays, that's the military way of life, hard to get used to but we must! I'm just glad to have the rest of the family near, my biggest wish is that before too long he'll be closer to home also. Well again Happy Easter to all.................smiles, Connie

I've been working feverishly to make some changes and updates to my blog, it's been very challenging for me (I'm sure you could smell the cobwebs burning) but I do love a good challenge, I'm so pleased with myself when I figure things out on my own! Hope you enjoy the new look!

For those of you who don't know me very well I babysit my grand girls, the oldest is 10 and resents the phase "babysits", the younger just turned 2 on March 30th, the baby and I are both under the weather this week so that has made it a bit more diffucult to get anything done. I have an order that I need to check in and bag up so I guess I'll get off here and get-er-done! until next post................smiles, Connie

Welcome to my blog! Please bear with me as I learn how to navigate the blog set up, something that can be really tough for those of us who are computer challenged! I've been wanting to begin a blog for some time now, but kept putting it off because I'm afraid I won't keep it updated, so now that I began, my challenge to you is to keep me accountable, if I slack off shoot me an e-mail with a gentle reminder.

My main purpose for this blog is to try to keep my Close To My Heart customers (who are really more like friends) informed and updated on whats new at CTMH. Hope you'll visit often and comment as you desire...............smiles Connie