fresh & fun

I’m so glad you had a wonderful Christmas and you were all together. Welcome to the Midwest!

It’s so good to hear from you, Beate! It sounds like you’re having a wonderful holiday season with your family! Awesome!! Hugs!!

{{{Beate}}} I’m so happy to hear that Rick made it home safe and sound and you all got to spend such a wonderful day together. I can picture the smiles on your faces!!! Brings tears to my eyes.

Wow that’s going to be quite the move….somewhere that gets snow now…lol I bet the people in Ohio are hoping you bring the warmth and sunshine!

I’ll pop in all the time so I don’t miss anything you may post or create! Can’t miss a thing girl!

Happy holiday season to you all!

Glad you had a good family Christmas with Rick home safely. I’ll miss your challenges but I always think real life is more important, so I am sure you have made the right decision. Enjoy the rest of the holiday season, and Happy New Year to you and your family.

Super big cyber {{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}} I am so happy that your family is reunited! What a wonderful blessing! Enjoy your family time! You so totally deserve it!

glad to hear your husband made it back safely—let me be the first to welcome you to ohio—i’m in columbus and i visit friends in dayton all the time—maybe we can connect and become scrap buddies—remain blessd!

So glad you and your family were all together for Christmas!

So sorry to hear you won’t be doing challenges anymore. I really enjoyed them all and will miss playing them with you.

Happy 2009!

Ann

I’m so happy to hear you had the whole family together this Christmas! Sorry to hear you will have to move again, but at least Rick will be there with you. I know he’ll appreciate your willingness to support him by blogging (challenges) less. Your family comes first. God’s blessings to you & yours now & in the new year!!!

Beate, please tell Rick that I am very glad he made it home safe and that was able to spend Christmas with you all! I will miss his smiling face when we met for the soldier goodies. But rest assured I will continue the project over here in the Land of Sand!

Beate -

So glad your family has been reunited! What a wonderful Christmas that makes for you!

Welcome to Ohio!

So happy to hear that your DH is home for the holidays
We will miss your challenges but understand that what important!
Like Sherry said, welcome to the wonderful Midwest.

Beate, I’m so happy you are having such a wonderful holiday, with your husband home and all! That’s so special! I hope you will enjoy the rest of your holidays! You’ll be moving to the state next to me - I live in NY! Good luck with everything and we’ll see you when we see you!

Hey girl - I am so glad Rick is safe!

I was hoping for Texas, but I lived in Dayton for a summer while my dad taught at Wright-Pat.

It’s a nice little town and the college is nice.

I remember Rax burgers fondly! There’s also a great Chinese restaurant there!!

Your kids will enjoy that air museum.

Merry Christmas!

I’m so glad Rick is finally home! Have a wonderful New Year and am sending wishes for all the best in the New Year. With or without the challenges, I will still be stopping by your awesome blog to see your fabulous creations!

Merry Christmas!!

Welcome to Ohio!! I live very close to Wright Patt - feel free to give me a shout!!

I am so happy for your family! I live and work close to Dayton, and even CLOSER to the only Archiver’s around! I will continue checking your blog to see all of your beautiful creations!
Best wishes on your move! Let me know if you need a new scrap buddy!
Tiffany

I’m so happy you got the best Christmas present of all…Rick home! Congratulations on the move and the decision to make your life a little more stress free. Know your blog will forever be in my (and lots of others I’m sure) reader…I’ll never miss one of your posts!

Happy New Year!

Its sounds like you had a perfect Christmas!! I hope you enjoy your next duty station. We all love you and will continue to visit, enjoy your family and your time off!
Happy Holidays

So glad Rick made it home safe and sound and you got to spend Christmas as a family. Of course your family comes first and you just do what feels right to you, when it feels right. You have already given so much to stampers around the world you can just sit back for a while with your feet up!

Merry Christmas to you! I grew up in Southwestern Ohio and worked in the Dayton area for 3 years - I loved the small city feel.
Sorry though - I know that you don’t like the cold!!! Here’s to sweaters and blankets!

It must be so wonderful to have Rick home. I can only imagine the joy you have each day seeing him still home. Wonderful I am sure. I hope you continue to find time to blog…its like loosing a sister thinking we might not hear from you. Enjoy your children and have a wonderful happy holiday.
Hugs
Heather

Welcome to the midwest next summer. Dayton is only a couple of hours from Indianapolis. I don’t know this for a fact, but I believe temps below 40 and snow about 5″ spurs incredible bouts of creativity! Welcome to my neck of the woods! SB

I’m thankful that you experienced a wonderful Christmas. I hope your move will not be traumatic and will go smoothly. You are one of my favorite designers and I follow your blog regularly. Though you may have to take a hiatus during the move, I hope you will pick it back up soon. There are just too many of us out here that are just waiting to see what you’ve created next! Happy New Year and Godspeed to you and your family in 2009!

Welcome to Ohio…..it is true that the “winter” months of Jan & Feb especially are condusive to stamping and scrappin’ That’s when I get most of my project work done….then it tends to sit and only the necessary cards are completed on an ongoing basis

My daughter is in college in Springfield, OH…I’m 2 hrs. north, but when we have time to play in her neck of the woods we head to Fairborn near Wright Patt to do some shopping, etc. Nice area to explore.

I’m fairly new to your blog (learning all this techie stuff ) and have enjoyed it immensely you are truly a talented lady and I’m sure it has helped deal with your hubby being away serving our country.

Enjoy your new adventure in Ohio….and most especially having the family together a belated MOST MERRY CHRISTMAS and blessing for you and your family in 2009!

I am so glad to know your hubby is home safe and sound. Happy to hear you ejoyed a wonderful Christmas together. I am sorry to hear you will be leaving Texas. It looked like you and the children enjoyed it so much. I am happy to welcome you to the Buckeye state. My family lived in Dayton for 2 yrs while I was in elementary school. Merry Christmas and heres to a Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas Beate. I sure will miss your challenges — best of luck with the move to Dayton.

I’m so happy your DH was home with the family for Christmas! I know you were too - and the kids! I’m so sorry ya’ll will have to move to OH where you will probably have some BAD WINTERS, and there’s no beaches there to run in and take those great pictures. Is your DH out of Iraq for now, or does he go back until ya’ll move? I miss your creativity on the group and your blog. Look forward to seeing your work occasionally! Take care, and have a save move, and hope your house sells quickly!

Good to hear you had a Good Christmas! We have never been stationed at Wright Pat but one time we had to go there for something it was quite a few years ago, all I remember thinking was that it was BIG base! Wish you all the luck in your move! My husband retired after 23 years of Air Force, and now he is working on the base as a civilian.

Beate & family - So glad that your DH is back safe and sound and that you were all able to spend a wonderful Christmas together! Your family will love Ohio and the Midwest - it’s different from the southwest or northern Florida; but a lovely part of the country!

Hi Beate, Merry Christmas to you and your family! I’m so glad that Rick was able to come home and that he’s here safe and sound. Wow, big news about moving to Ohio next year; I know you’ve loved being near the beach but I know you’ll make the best of where ever you are as long as you’re with your family! Happy New Year!
Kathy

Such a great Christmas present to have him home!! I live fairly close to Dayton maybe we can meet irl!!

SO glad to hear you had a wonderful Holiday with your WHOLE family. When you get settled in Ohio, we’ll have to figure out a way to meet up. I live only about an hour from Dayton (down in Cincinnati!). I would love to help make you feel welcome in your new home! Let me know if there is anything I can do for you! Happy New Year, Beate!
hugs, Lisa

Merry Christmas Beate!
So glad to hear that Rick made it home in time for Christmas with you all - and that he arrived safe and sound!

I am also glad to hear you are moving to the Dayton area…I have a sister in Cincy that I visit quite often - and there is a great stamp store right around the corner from her called Stamp Your Art Out in Kenwood. Maybe I’ll see you there sometime!

Best to you and yours -

Jen

Welcome to Ohio Beate! I grew up in the Dayton area (Kettering suburb) and I am sure you will come to love your new home. I now live in Columbus but still visit family often back home. You will come to enjoy and love the people you come in contact with on base. Check out their new town center mall called “The Greene” located near Beavercreek. If you want to shop at a grander version, come to Columbus’s Easton Town Center (which has an one of the 4 “Archivers” store in Ohio. So glad you are back with family and have scaled back. I also learned that time with family is too precious to let pass us by. Take care!

Wow, Beate…big news on the move to Ohio. I’m about an hour away in Columbus, so we will definitely need to meet up once you get here. We have an active demo group that you would be welcome to join…several members live in the Dayton area. I know you’ll miss the beautiful Emerald Coast…vacation in that area all the time (Sandestin and Grayton Beach). Glad your family was together again for Christmas!

So glad Rick got home safely - couldn’t ask for a better Christmas present!! I’m sure it was a special Christmas with lots to be thankful for as a family.

Will especially miss your sketch challenge (have a file for them) but family comes first and I’m sure Rick and the kids will need you during this time of transition. Know we are not going anywhere and will be here when you do post. (((hugs)))

I’m glad Rick made it home safely. Prayers & hugs for a safe & hassle free move. You definitely had the best Christmas present this year. Tell Rick thanks for being the “card man” for us this year.

I’m so happy to hear that you had such a wonderful Christmas! What a great Christmas present to have Rick home! Sending you big hugs!

Beate -
It’s good to see you blogging again, and I am so glad you had a wonderful Christmas! I live in Dayton (and have for most of my 45 years) and used to work at Wright-Patt. Your family will love the Dayton area. There is always lots going on, and a lot of it is free!

To those commenting on the bad winters here, they can certainly be cold and snowy (of course compared to Florida!), but today it is 70 degrees!! I have my doors open to let in the fresh air. I must say this is very unusual, however :-). On Christmas Day it was around 30 degrees.

I look forward to seeing how this part of the Midwest inspires you!

Beate…I’m so happy that Rick is home and I’m praying for you all as your family begins yet another new journey as a family. I know that 2009 will hold many changes for you but hold tightly onto each other and you’ll not only survive this next year but you’ll also thrive.

Love you much !!
Corinne

Merry Christmas, Beate! That is a huge change coming your way this summer. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I have missed your sketch challenges during your holiday break … what WILL I do during this upcoming BIG break? That’s OK … I’ll survive … you do what YOU need to do for YOU and your family! Just know how much I love your sketch challenges!

Congrats on Rick being home. That must be such a nice change from the last year. I have some friends near Dayton and have been there on a few occassions. Next time I’ll have a reason to swing by. LOL!

{{{Beate}}}, so wonderful to hear that your hubby came home on Christmas Eve…now THAT’S a great present!

Sounds like a fabulous Christmas for you and your family! Good luck with the big move!

Sounds like a fabulous Christmas for you and your family! Good luck with the big move!

Wonderful for you to have your husband home! And, I am sure all of the stampers within many miles of Dayton will rejoice when they hear you are coming. You’ll have to check out Marco’s papers and ‘Stamp Your Art Out’ in Cincinnati- they have an annual Stamp Fest that I have never been able to attend, but will some day! It won’t be as cold as Chicago there……hahahaha but you will have to get used to snow again………. I love reading your blog and love all of the SCS tutorials you do! God Bless you!

Shelly Schmidt

How awesome a Christmas for you! I’ve loved your sketch challenges and SCS contributions and will stay tuned for whatever the new year brings - here’s wishing you an amazing journey and happy new year!

Oh My Gosh! We’re in Dayton OH right now while my husband completes his Masters Degree at AFIT. He will be graduating March 26 and then we will be moving to Lejeune NC for 3 years.

I can’t believe you will be coming here!!!
There’s an Archivers in Columbus and a wonderful Marcos Paper’s in Centerville. Also Live Love Scrap and Simply Scrapbooks are my 2 favorite LSS in the area.

So excited you are coming and I’m so happy to hear that your husband is safe and home with you again!

Many Blessings and Hugs to you!
Alicia AKA Militarystampingmom on SCS

Dear Beate,

Congrats on your new location, Dayton, OH! I live in Cincinnati and frequently travel to shop in Dayton. Very nice area. You have to become a member of a store called the “Flower Factory”. I love shopping there because I get the most unique items at a very reasonable price. Don’t be fooled by the name, it is not just flowers. You can find stamps, scrapbooking items, home accessories and tons more stuff.

Again, “Best Wishes” on your relocation!

Your stamping friend in Cincinnati, OH,

Alice Bridges

Wowowowow, I am so happy to read that Rick made it home for Christmas and hes safe and sound!!!! Im sure that made this Christmas that much more Special!!! Welcome HOME Rick!!!
You enjoy your family for the New Year!!! Hugs
Danita

As much as I will be missing your challenges, as much I am happy for you and your family, to be together and have new plans, a move and so many new things coming up…. how exciting life can be. Wish you all the best, lots of creative spirit and good luck for the coming year!

We are currently stationed at WPAFB. We’ve been here 4 years and love it. I know you’ll like it here. Enjoy the season and your hubby being home:)Email me if you need info on WPAFB:)

SOOOO glad you had a wonderful Christmas with your hubby!!! Best of luck with your move!!! Hugs!!!

Great to read Rick made it home Christms Eve! Who needs presents? You got the best gift of all! Happy new year to you and your family! Super hugs, Deb

What a blessing to have your family back together to enjoy Christmas. Sounds like you have another hectic year ahead Beate. Will lift you up in prayer as you prepare for your move. Hugs~Patti

Well, I’m glad to hear your husband is home safe! Sorry to hear you have to pack up and move again but you couldn’t be moving to a nicer state! LOL We Buckeyes are all super-duper people! Anytime you need stamping buddies after the move, there are many of us that would welcome you!

I’m so glad your “back”. I’m also glad you were able to enjoy the holidays as a family. I cannot even imagine how hard that must be to have your husband gone. My son can’t stand to have his dad gone for 24 hrs (he’s a firefighter) I also live very close to Dayton in a teeny tiny town called Germantown. I moved to this area almost 4 years ago. I am from Michigan so the winters here are much more mild in comparison. It is a very fun area though. There is so much to do. They have beautiful parks with lots of activities. I am not that familiar with Dayton itself but that’s because I’m a country girl. But this area really is the best of both worlds. Big City and country life. I hope you enjoy the area. Let me know if you ever need anything. Definitely lots of fun shopping to be done:)

Beatte,
Great to her that your family is together and safe. I here that you are moving to Dayton. My family lives between Dayton and Cincinnati. I work in Dayton as well. Good luck with your move.

Beate, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Congratulations on finally having your family back together, and for your decision to cut back and minimize your stress. It’s not always an easy decision to make, and we will miss you for now, but I’m sure you’re doing the right thing. Enjoy the time with your family, and good luck with your move. I hope you get some time for stamping and just enjoying the craft as a hobby. Take care!

Beate,
Glad to hear your family is together again. Welcome to the midwest - if you were coming farther north in Ohio I’d also welcome you to the “North Coast!” (The weather is much milder down in Dayton compared to where I am - closer to Lake Erie - so you won’t have to deal with all of the lake effect snow.) Lots to do down there though with Cincinnati and Columbus not too far away.

Thanks for sharing a bit of you with us. I totally understand not doing challenges - we will miss them but realize how much work it is for you. I’m doing challenges on my blog on Mondays so you can come play along with mine!
Take care - hugs - Glenda

Just saw your post…I am a little late in catching up on my blogs. My brother and his wife are stationed at Wright patterson AFB. They have been there a couple of years and enjoy it. If you would like a contact in the area to get an idea of what’s where, let me know.

Hey Beate,

I am so happy to hear that Rick is home safe and sound, and you can all share the Christmas celebrations as a family together!!!

Whilst I am going to be desperately sad that there will be now challenges this year, I appreciate you making your family number 1!

Thanks for all the challenges and inspiration you have supplied us all year, and May God be with you all in the challenges ahead!

Thinking of you!

Love Keesh x

Ohio is cold, snowy and icey, but I love living here. Dayton is not far from Cincinnati or Columbus, so there are plenty of exciting things to see and visit. I live just north of Dayton now and graduated from Wright State University (right next to the base). It’s not a horrible place to live, I promise!

Beate’s coming to OHIO!! Beate’s coming to OHIO!! Beate’s coming to OHIO!! Yeah!! Just alittle over an hour away!!! Beate’s coming to OHIO!! Beate’s coming to OHIO!! Beate’s coming to OHIO!!

you will be moving close to Otter and maybe even Prinny… You will have to check that out!!

I missed this post as I was in FL at the time, but a friend of mine just told me you were moving to Dayton. My DH works at WPAFB. We live in the suburb of Miamisburg. If you have any questions or need a friend just let me know!