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Friday, September 13, 2013

The time has come.......


Hello everyone!

This is probably the hardest post that I have every had to write.....but it is written with sadness and excitement at the same time. 

I sat and stared at the discussion title blank for quite some time trying to decide how I should start this blog post, as there is no easy way to say this.  After much prayer, and more prayer, and then some more prayer, I have made the decision to close Clear Dollar Stamps/Clearly Digi Stamps.  

The bottom line is that God just told me IT IS TIME.

Some of you may know that a couple of years ago, God clearly told me to home school my girls.  They were both doing very well in school, both had friends, both well adjusted.  I felt like God was telling me to home school them, so I went to a local home school convention just to see if God gave me a peace.  As I stood in the middle of the convention area, I just felt God sweep an entire peace over my whole body and say "you are going to home school!"  Now, a person doesn't get too many of these moments in their life, so I was so excited!  So I told God, "Yes, Lord, I hear you, but you need to convince my husband!"  The rest is history!

My daughter and I have also discovered that we are corn and gluten intolerant, among many other foods.  Those of you with this same "challenge" know how time consuming cooking everything is....because, as you know, if you are corn intolerant, corn is in everything that you buy.  I have discovered some wonderful recipes and that gluten/corn free really isn't that bad! I hope to be sharing some of that creative journey with you too, here on my blog!

With that said, I feel that my attention has been too divided between home school, health issues, and trying to run a business that my girls have no interest in helping with. I really want to devote my time to them and helping them succeed!

My girls are in 5th and 7th grade this year, and we completely love homeschooling.  We have two little shelties that just became parents to 5 precious little babies.  Time for a picture insert, don't you think?



We want to start a little Etsy business together making "tweeny style" dog clothes and some other toy items, which can be a part of their home schooling.  So I will still be out there being creative, but I will get to do it with my kids...what a blessing!  So watch for what is to come!

I will also be making SVG files for Laurie Wilson's shop, Doodle Pantry.  I also hope to do some scripture stamps through my Etsy store....but that timing is yet to be decided....so make sure to follow my blog so that you know when the blessed event occurs!

I have had many cries over this decision, but I am finally to the excited part of my journey....excited to see what God has for me next!

I will be closing the store on September 30th.  Laurie will be taking her illustrations to her store, Doodle Pantry.  Deedee will be moving to Diane Noble's store here.  Austin and Kathy's husband are to be announced as to their new paths.  Trudy Sjolander is going to be taking her illustrations and selling them too, but has not let me know where yet.  I'll keep everyone posted as time unfolds.

So we will all still be here in blog land, just in a little different way!

I have made so many wonderful friends through this business...what a blessing!
I hope that Clear Dollar Stamps/Clearly Digi Stamps has been a blessing to you over the years too! 

Make sure to get any digis that you would like before the 30th when we close!  Some of the girls don't have a new home yet, so they will be unavailable after the 30th of September.

From now until the 30th of September all digis and SVG files will be 25% off!  Enjoy!
Enter this code at checkout:  SEPT30CLOSING


Love and hugs to you all!
Lori McCroskey

15 comments:

Suze said...

Lori - I wish you well in your new venture. I'm sure that it will be so rewarding running an Etsy shop with your girls. They grow up so quickly - my eldest is not far off finishing her schooling. Make the most of the time you can spend with your girls. All the best. BTW - great photo insert. You'll be busy there too with all those pups running around!

CanadianScraps43 said...

Lori thanks for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of your team. I have learned some amazing things from these ladies and have enjoyed the many wholesome digi stamps that help make cardmaking more about Him and sharing His love. Thanks for that, the crafting world would have never been the same without you. Big hugs and all the best on your new adventures.

Katy said...

Hi Lori! I would be lying if I didn't say I was sad. But I know this is the best thing for you and your family. God knows best :) Thank you for letting me be apart of this wonderful team. I have enjoyed the using everyone's digis and visiting all of the talented people in blogland. Congrats on the cute puppies also! Most of all Enjoy the Journey wherever it may lead. :) Big Hugs. :)

Indy's Designs said...

Best wishes in your journey! I have enjoyed both your stamps and digis. I have loved being on your challenge design team.
Hugs,
Debbie

D- said...

Lori-
You are doing what is best for your family and I totally support you.
I will miss coming here to play but am excited for your new adventure.
Take care!
Crafty hugs
D~
http://designsbydragonfly.blogspot.com

NanaConnie said...

Lori, It is sad and exciting at the the same time. I'll miss CDS but I certainly understand that God leads us in the directions we are supposed to travel. Blessings to you and yours. :-D

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Best wishes and Blessings to you! Debbie

MiamiKel said...

Many blessings and good wishes on the venture ahead - your sweet mama in the picture is a pure delight to behold! I love your outlook on how the journey ahead is one we may not know, one we see with mixed blessings, but truly He knows what's best for us and what is in our hearts even long before we do! Blessings to you and the etsy journey!

Marsha said...

We will miss this blog, the challenge, the store but good for you for listening to the Lord. I home schooled for 20 years and it was really tough for some of those years when I had to work too. God bless you and the best to you on your new adventures.

Shell said...

Ah, Lori .... I am so glad that you and the girls are so happy in your homeschooling journey. I know that this decision was difficult for you, but I know that the Lord will bless you for honoring Him. Enjoy this precious time with the girls. It doesn't last long enough! Love and blessings to you and your family. :)

Edwina said...

CDS will be missed. I wish you good luck in all you do. CDS was the very first blog I started doing challenges in. Thank you. Edwina brown
PS the hop was great. I just finished it.

Lorianna said...

Lori
Change is challenging, but we must follow our hearts.
I am honored to be working with you on the Doodle Pantry Design Team and say WELCOME!!
PS
Your furbabies are soooooo cute!!
Hugs
Lorianna

tickmenot said...

Lori,

Your stamps have been a blessing!

Could you tell me how to sign up for your blog?

Thanks!

Becky
ischu9@aol.com

lipchaklinda @ gmail.com said...

Lori:
Will think of you every time I use the Charlie Series of stamps....always my favorites.
God Bless you.
Lynn L