Changing the world... one smile at a time!

My Austin was born with Cleft Lip and at the age of only 2 months had to undergo surgery to have it fixed. When I first found out he had this defect at only 4 months pregnant, I was appalled when I was offered an abortion. Soon after finding out, I was able to meet with the surgeon who would fix his lip and got details of what to expect. When he was born he was perfect!! The smile that lit up his face was something I was not sure I wanted to change. We did face some difficulties, breast feeding was out! And because he was not able to close his lips around a regular bottle to suck, we had to get special bottles that allowed us to squirt the formula into his mouth. During the process of surgery prep and follow ups, I saw a lot of children who had to undergo so much more than he did... and I knew we were lucky and blessed!

He is now a handsome 16 year old! He is full of life and is a joy to be around! Always smiling and sharing his love of life with those around him.

 

I loved Close to my Heart before I even knew they were involved with Operation Smile, a wonderful organization that does these much needed surgeries world wide. I feel blessed to be a part of it! Join me in adding one more surgery to the total!!

February Constant Campaign

Share the love this February by purchasing the exclusive My Acrylix^® Share the Love D-size stamp set (CC1060). Filled with adorable icons and loveable sentiments, this stamp set will be a beautiful addition to your collection—but there is more to this stamp set than meets the eye! Not only will you be getting a high-quality, swoon-worthy stamp set by taking part in this promotion, but Close To My Heart will also donate $7 USD of the proceeds from this stamp set to Operation Smile™, an amazing organization that provides surgeries to repair cleft lips and palates for children all over the world!* Check out our social media channels all month long to see this stamp set in action, and remember to post your own artwork using the hashtag #ctmhsharethelove to help bring attention to a wonderful and worthy cause.

To get yours today... Click Here!

Craft Therapy Time

I have heard it time and time again... "I'd love to do my crafts, but I can't find the time", " life is just too busy ", " one of these days I will have time to Scrapbook "... Here are my thoughts... You will never have the time unless you make it! 
Would you stop taking your son to football or your daughter to dance because you don't have the time? No! You schedule it in... Right? Or would you not go in for your yearly check up at the doctors? Again it's put on the calendar and made time for!
Why can't your craft time be the same? Why not schedule yourself an hour a week, a few hours every two weeks, or maybe a weekend day of crafting? Getting your projects done, spending a little YOU time... Is good for your mind and heart! Create some craft therapy time!!