Just like most of you, I do a lot of reflecting this time of year... thinking about the events, challenges, and mostly the blessings of the last year and wondering about the year to come. I face the new year with a sense of anticipation and excitement, not knowing all that the year will bring but knowing that God is good and by my side makes every day something to look forward to!
(Do you like my 2012 album? It's a new class I designed over the last few days! More details at the end of this post!!)
2011:
- My travels took me on and off planes over 80 times last year. Teaching and traveling to South Africa and Paris, visiting Paris and London twice, criss-crossing the US several times from New York City to California to Texas to Florida and many places in between has been loads of fun. I truly love it. I love my students and the new and "old" friends and collegues that I have all because of this little thing called scrapbooking!
- Brandon and Alicia deployed to Iraq and thank God left Iraq safely. Please continue to pray for them as they spend the next 6 months in Kuwait. It's dismal and awful but relatively safe. I'll keep praying that nothing happens in Iraq or the Middle East that would require their units. I'd much rather have them bored and miserable than in harm's way!
- Jeremy got a job, although not the engineering job he needs, but it's a job. God also blessed him (and us!) by bringing Rebecca, his girlfriend, into our lives. Sooo thankful for her!
- Dave's job continued to keep him very busy! The Verizon strike in August was a bump in the road! We loved being able to travel together too!
2012:
- I'm looking forward to upcoming store visits and teaching across the country! If all goes as planned, I'll be taking four trips to Europe this year... France twice, England twice, and Italy.
- I'm planning two shopping trips for ladies... one to London and Paris in April and one to New York City next November. I LOVE sharing the places I love with others!
- Brandon and Alicia will be coming home for R&R hopefully in February and then finishing their deployment in June or July.
- Jeremy will hopefully find the electrical engineering job that he trained for and longs for. This may be the year he moves away when he finds that job! (Rebecca too? :)
- We're so thankful to all be healthy!
This year has had its difficulties... there have been nights that I've cried myself to sleep, kept a penny right at my side, prayed and tried not to worry, got stressed out and tired, but in the midst of it all, I can say that God answers prayer and that I trust Him.
Now about this new class! It's a chubby little 2012 album that we're going to make using a Melissa Francis calendar album, 6x6 page protectors, and darling October Afternoon products. The 36 pages of this album include a divider for each month, a pocket with a calendar printed on it for each month, and a page protector layout for each month. There are pockets and flaps and fold-outs and lots of different ideas for altering the page protectors to include several photos for each month.
I'll be teaching this class the first time on Friday night, January 20, at Creative Cuts and Crafts outside Chicago, and then again at Paper Tales in San Diego, the weekend of February 3 and 4. I don't sell the kits myself, so if you're interested in one, you can call those stores and order it. OR take a trip and come take the class at one of those stores! I'd love to see you there!!
As a thank you to all my blog readers and friends, I think we should start the new year with a present! I have a beautiful 2012 leather planner that J.Crew sent me, but I don't use a paper planner like this, and so I thought I'd give it away to one of you! Just leave a comment on this post and tell me what you're looking forward to most in 2012. I'll choose a name randomly on Tuesday, January 3, at 9pm EST.
Happy new year... may it be the best one yet!!
Happy New Year! I hope I can retire before the end of the year! Come back to San Jose soon. I found my Debby Schuh shirt.
Posted by: Doris | January 01, 2012 at 02:57 PM
Happy New Year! Your travels have taken you ALL over and I am so happy to have been able to catch you a couple of times along the way! Your gifts are truly making room for you everywhere! Love you, sweet friend! I hope to see you somewhere along the way this winter! xo
Posted by: Joey | January 01, 2012 at 03:48 PM
oops...I almost forgot to tell you what I am looking forward to the most this year! I guess it would have to be our daughter's wedding in May! Everything else pales in comparison...but a few weeks in the winter in Florida is close! xo
Posted by: Joey | January 01, 2012 at 03:50 PM
So many things happening for us this year - hoping you will teach the 2012 album class in Buffalo so I can file all my memories.
Posted by: kathleen | January 01, 2012 at 03:50 PM
What a cute album. You have some of the best ideas. I don't want the J Crew planner but just wanted to wish you a Happy New Year. I am praying God will make it a wonderful year with no need for those tears. For me, I'm praying God will draw me ever closer to him and will help me be more like him in my relationships with others. Love you.
Posted by: Deb J | January 01, 2012 at 04:04 PM
I looking forward to taking more time to create for myself.
Posted by: Sue E | January 01, 2012 at 04:28 PM
Happy New Year - I am looking forward to downsizing my home and life for the next step as empty nesters.
I have always appreciated your esthetic Debby - you are definitely an artiste in the paper world. I look foward to creating more memories and thank God for life's blessings this past year!
Posted by: Ellen Felix | January 01, 2012 at 04:55 PM
Do you think you'll come to Waco this year. My sister and I will drive up to take your class. I am looking forward to a scrapbook filled year.
Posted by: Ginny Papp | January 01, 2012 at 06:15 PM
Ohhhhhhhhhh Debby. Here it is January 1 and I have not gotten my 2012 day planner. This would be perfect - especially since red is one of my favorite colors. I love reading all about your 2011 and this upcoming year.
Posted by: SuZeQ | January 01, 2012 at 07:31 PM
Love the 2012 album. What creative ideas you have. I am hoping to make more time for myself to scrap on a daily basis so that I can create those memories sooner than later.
Posted by: Lina Fo | January 01, 2012 at 07:33 PM
Hey, Debby! Sounds like you had wonderful end to a very hectic year! So sorry for the bad times, though. Hugs :)
I popped onto your blog to get the info on the Sarasota places you go. Planning on a day trip tomorrow.
(BTW, Rebecca would be a wonderful addition!!) Will keep your family in my prayers, and hope you have more happy times throughout 2012!
God bless,
Beverly Jordan
Posted by: Beverly Jordan | January 01, 2012 at 08:07 PM
Happy New Year, Debby. Looks like you have an exciting year filled with international travels for 2012. I am most looking forward to the arrival of my 3rd child, which is due in June 2012. Thanks for the chance at such a sweet present.
Posted by: Patty Del Rosa | January 01, 2012 at 10:11 PM
I am looking forward to watching my grandchildren grow. The baby is almost 1 year old and I see so many changes in him each time I see him. Also I am looking forard to going on an Alaska cruise with my husband. We have been planning this for years and this summer I believe its a go. I hope for good health and happiness for my family and myself - thats the best thing I can wish for.
Posted by: freddi lynn | January 01, 2012 at 11:50 PM
Happy New Year Debbie, praying the Lord blesses you and your family. Also praying Brandon and his wife stay safe. I'm looking forward to more time with my adult kids this year. And hopefully a few trips with my sweet husband.
Posted by: Dana | January 02, 2012 at 06:51 AM
Happy 2012, Debby! This year could be the year that my son, too, finds love in his life! It's scary and a real blessing all at the same time!
Posted by: Gloria L. | January 02, 2012 at 09:26 AM
Happy New Year Debby! I love your blog and how you share your travels, and your heart with us all. I've never met you, but hope to catch one of your Waco classes sometime.
Blessings,
Jacquie
Posted by: Jacquie | January 02, 2012 at 11:29 AM
Quality (and hopefully quantity) time spent with family and friends. Hope you have a great 2012.
Posted by: Roxanne | January 02, 2012 at 01:48 PM
Happy New Year Debby. See you in Anaheim at the end of the month!
Lia
Posted by: Lia Biscoe | January 02, 2012 at 01:53 PM
I'm looking most forward to celebrating 10 years since my heart attack. I've learned how precious our time on earth is, and to celebrate every moment. Happy 2012 to everyone! See you at Creative Cuts--love the project.
Posted by: K2 | January 02, 2012 at 02:49 PM
Love your new 21012 album. I might have to order one of those! I looking for to going to Europe with my husband and 2 good friends the end of September and making lots of mini albums and cards this year. Have a great 2012 Debbie!!
Posted by: Barbara Thompson | January 02, 2012 at 02:54 PM
Love the new album...I still cherish the one I made with you at CKU Detroit! I could use the JCrew planner to plan all the wonderful events that I know will happen in 2012!
Thanks for the chance!
Trindin in Michigan
Posted by: Trindin | January 02, 2012 at 07:36 PM
I look forward to teaching some craft classes this year. I hope to get back into doing my creative work, which involves re-organizing my craft room. I hope to get to take a class with you if you return to Texas. I hope that my daughter will be safe in Afghanistan when she deploys as a combat medic in two weeks.
thank you for alway sharing with those who follow you. Be blessed this year!
Liz in Arlington, TX
Posted by: Liz Aguilar | January 02, 2012 at 09:16 PM
Love your ideas, so creative. Great giveaway!!
Posted by: Debbie | January 03, 2012 at 07:13 AM
I'm looking forward to a year full of art...painting..scrapping...and time with my family
Posted by: Becky T | January 03, 2012 at 07:36 AM
I love your post...so honest and heartfelt...you had me tearing up. I pray you and yours are always safe while traveling and that God brings your son home soon! I don't need a planner...you know I love my phone apps...but I am looking forward to the most creative and productive year yet!!! Happy New Year to you!!! Cyber hugs!
Posted by: Anita Houston | January 03, 2012 at 07:54 AM
I'm facing the realization that I did my job right in raising my two sons and both of them are functioning wonderfully in their marriages....I just didn't realize it would be so hard to be left in the wings!
Posted by: Teresa M | January 03, 2012 at 08:20 AM
The thing{s} I'm looking most forward to in 2012 is: I can feel the Lord changing things in our lives. And I so look forward to seeing what He's got planned. There's been so much change in the past couple of years: our daughter getting married + moving 2 hrs. away. My in-laws lived with us last winter. My hubby and I are now empty-nesters. And my job description changed at work. So a little more change {maybe a LOT of change} won't hurt. ;)
Posted by: Nanette | January 03, 2012 at 08:46 AM
We will have a lot of changes in this new year - two kids finishing high school and starting college, a new sports team for the youngest, and some changes with my job - so I'm looking forward to the uncertainty and excitement that will come with all of this. Thanks!
Posted by: Donna C. | January 03, 2012 at 09:03 AM
I'm looking forward to a relaxing beach vacation in May!
Posted by: Emily Barklage | January 03, 2012 at 09:07 AM
Happy New Year! One of my great memories from 2011 was taking a class from you at BSS in Buffalo. What I am most looking forward to in 2012 is spending more time in my art room and doing ballroom dancing in NYC. I look forward to getting the info about your shopping trip to London and Paris.....maybe that will be my favorite memory for this year!
Posted by: Kathy Gielow | January 03, 2012 at 09:47 AM
Hope that San Jose is on the list to visit and teach a class or two. I look forward for a great 2012 where I can spend more wonderful times with my family...
Posted by: Florence Germono | January 03, 2012 at 10:43 AM
happy new year Debby! I am most looking forward to becoming more Christ like this year in all of my relationships and losing some weight, getting healthy, and scrapping more in 2012!love jcrew and the planner! it would help me with achieving my goals! can't wait to get the kits i ordered from you! God bless you!
Posted by: denise kerut | January 03, 2012 at 10:44 AM
Looking forward to your classes and going to New York this year. Cathy
Posted by: cathy L | January 03, 2012 at 10:56 AM
Happy New Year, Debby! I'm looking forward to working in a remodeled kitchen later this year. Also looking forward to photographing a new puppy in a couple of months. Here's to a happy and healthy 2012 for all!
Posted by: Sara Horton | January 03, 2012 at 01:46 PM
I am most looking forward to watching all four of our grandchildren grow this year! I am also looking forward to celebrating my mother in law's 80th birthday in April!
Posted by: Lynn Gleason | January 03, 2012 at 01:50 PM
p.s. Debbie - I LOVE your 2012 album! It's adorable!
Posted by: Lynn Gleason | January 03, 2012 at 01:51 PM
Happy New Year. I am just looking forward to being more organized in my life. Food, Budget, Health and Work.
Time will tell.
I love your new Album.
Luanne
Posted by: luanne | January 03, 2012 at 01:59 PM
Happy new year to you and your family! I am looking forward to Italy, or some vacation at least. Thanks for sharing your talents with us.
Posted by: Sunny | January 03, 2012 at 02:10 PM
Hi Debby: I am looking so forward to my trip to London and Paris with you this year! and watching my grandkids grow!
Thanks! Nancy
Posted by: nancy goldston | January 03, 2012 at 04:22 PM
Happy New Year to you! I look forward to hopefully starting my family. I am currently doing an IVF cycle to try to conceive our first child. Here's hoping 2012 brings me the miracle my heart desires!
Posted by: Jen | January 03, 2012 at 04:43 PM
Comments are closed for the drawing now. thanks so much!!
Posted by: Debby Schuh | January 03, 2012 at 06:39 PM
I am looking forward learning how to paint.
Posted by: susan lew | January 03, 2012 at 08:33 PM
Love that Santa/Eiffel Tower ornament! If you know where it was purchased, please let me know, I have someone who would absolutely love that as a gift - Christmas time or not!
Posted by: Karen | January 06, 2012 at 08:10 AM
I am also looking to take more time to create for myself.
Posted by: plentyoffish | January 15, 2012 at 10:38 AM