Hello stampers, I am sorry that I have been MIA most of 2023. You can always find me live on my Creating with Colleen YouTube Channel every Wednesday at Noon ET, my Creating with Colleen Facebook Page and even Pinterest but getting to my blog has sadly not been top priority.

You see, for the past 2 years I have had a wonderful distraction in my life of having my son's family and my 2 grandchildren live with us. When that happens, you can't eat a bowl of cereal at 8:00pm and call it dinner. It's hard to stay upstairs working when you hear their little voices downstairs knowing times like this won't last forever. Knowing that, I spent more time with them than I did making sure all of my work was done. Thankfully there are no regrets! They moved out the end of October, and although I miss them terribly, I am getting back to a work routine and I'm excited for what 2024 will bring.

I am also blessed with 4 other beautiful grandchildren! My goodness, a few years ago I was hoping I would have at least 1 grandchild and now there are 6! They weren't kidding when they said "Ask and you shall receive"! These kiddos fill my heart with so much love and joy and I am so thankful for all they bring to mine and Danny's life.

Speaking of Danny, he retired this past August. How did we ever get to this stage of life so quickly?! We are both still in awe of this life changing event. If you know Danny, he's not one to sit still so every morning he gets up early and works the day away but it's on what he wants to do and when he wants to do it! I already knew how great it was to be your own boss and now he does too! Up to this point we haven't really gone anywhere to "act retired" but hopefully that will change soon. In fact, I think we talked about going out for breakfast to a new restaurant tomorrow. LOL Baby steps you know but hopefully that will grow into going out West this fall! I love having him home and the only conflict we've had so far is that he drinks most of the coffee before I can get my 2nd cup! Well, if that's the biggest problem I have, I'll take it! 

In true Stampin' Up! style, with a New Year comes a New Mini Catalog and Sale-a-Bration! You can see both catalogs in the side margin of my blog. How they produce such beautiful bundles, designer papers and embellishments year after year always amazes me! I will be sharing these new products on my Creating with Colleen Magness YouTube Channel so please visit my site and subscribe so you don't miss a thing! I also include videos and lots of stampin' information in my email newsletter. It's all stamping, all positive, all the time so I hope you will also "Request my Newsletter" right here on my blog.

So coming out of 2023, I would like to thank each you for your wonderful stamping support. You make my business possible and I am forever grateful for each and everyone of you! Going into 2024, I am excited to share my love of stamping with you and to keep inspiring you to do something creative each and every day! May God bless you and your family in this new year in ways that only He can! Happy Stamping and my best to you always, Colleen