NEW YEAR, NEW BLOG, NEW ME :-)

Happy New Year all!! I can't believe I have been living in Florida for over a year now! So much has changed since I left California to start a new life in Florida.  I realize I left a lot hanging out there in terms of Stampin' Up! but my life was turned upside down with a divorce, a move, hurt children, and a whole new scary way of making a living.  Well, things have certainly changed. My divorces was finally finalized this year (yes I know, it took forever); however, during the last year, I met a wonderful man named Gary who has since become my fiance. He is an amazing human being sent to me by God, of that I am convinced. He has put up with a lot from me in the last 14 months; I have had my share of roller coaster rides on the emotional highway I can tell you! Through it all he has been here, and he is the most patient, most kind, and most amazing man I have ever met.  I was determined that I was never going to fall into that marriage thing again, but I have had to admit to myself (and yes, to Gary) that I was wrong. It's not marriage that is at fault, it's the people in the marriage. So, with that epiphany, just this week we have set our marriage date for October 18th, which will mean we will have been together for two years. That is not all though......one of the greatest bonuses of this wonderful man is that he has a now nine year old daughter (she was seven when I met her).  Allie is an adorable, well mannered, sweet natured little girl who has stolen my heart! Her mom, Gary's wife, died of cancer when Allie was a year old. So, Gary has raised her on his own - and has done an amazing job! However, she has confided in me that she is glad he is getting married because she thought it was time she had a mommy and she was glad he picked me because she thought I would make a nice one! How can  you not get all mushy inside over that!!

Now that my personal life has stabilized and my kids are all happy and healthy, I have made the decision to jump back into my business. I know a lot of you may have forgotten me or wondered where I have been, but I am hoping to reignite your passion for stamping and papercrafting and bring new people into this wonderful world of crafty happiness! So, stay tuned for tomorrow when my very first blog post will appear with a *gasp* stamped item in it!!! I love you all and I am so very glad to be back!! XOXOXOXO

*STAMPIN HUGS* Alex