Wednesday Sponsor Giveaway: Freehand Scraps, Big Picture Scrapbooking, + Paper & Co. Show

My big recent "leap" was moving to Michigan for my husband's new job, even though we knew job prospects for me would be scarce. My little "leaps" are the daily substitute teaching jobs I take. You never know what kind of class you'll end up with!
Great prizes today!!! Crossing my fingers!

Wow, what great giveaways today. And I love the topic of courage. My most recent leap of courage was to leave the company I worked at for 6 years to take a new job at a new company with new people. This is a big deal for a loyal person such as myself. It was a very good decision as I have experienced things I never would have otherwise.

Here is my most recent "little" leap. I'm a stay at home mom and I'm totally in the stay at home clothes rut. My wardrobe consist of jeans and t-shirts. I never spend money on clothes for me and when I do I'm usually buying clothes at Target! So I took a little Christmas money and went out and bought just a few things that have totally updated my look. And the great thing about it...when I am wearing these new things, I feel so much better about myself. I know when I am picking my daughter or son up from school, or at the playground with my preschooler, I'm walking with my head up a little higher!

My current leap of courage is to begin counseling to learn to live with my diagnosis, bipolar. It has alot of bad connotations, but it also has good things about it!! I am learning to live with it better, and try to be a better mom, wife, friend and a person who finds time for my love of scrapbooking! Thanks Ali for all your inspiration!

great giveaways! I am not a leaper, at all. I don't embrace change and actually fear it sometimes. Maybe I should try to get over that. That would be a leap.

My recent leap is finally, finally! having met all requirements for graduation, so that I can now sign up and start working on my diploma. This feels so, so good.

My most recent LEAP came last night when I was out bridesmaid dress shopping with my sister-in-law. I had to continue reminding myself that it was, in fact, her wedding and what she wants goes...She did pick out a lovely dress!

My biggest leap has been going back to work full time. I worked part time for nearly 10 years and was home with my kiddos and it has been quite the adjustment for all of us. But it has been a great experience and the kids are becoming more independent--a great move all around (except for the tired part, but I can live with that :)
Great prizes, wow, thanks Ali!

My biggest leap was going through a time of self analyzation and realizing that because of a traumatic event in my life when I was a child, I now know why I respond to things the way I do. I understand so much more about myself and, while painful to experience, it was such a great aha moment for me. This even impacted by scrapbooking as I now understand why I've never recorded certain events in my life--because I didn't want to go through the pain of reliving them again.
I loved your quote for the day--who doesn't need to read something like that?
Thanks for the chance to win some great things (although there's no way I could go to Italy in March, so I'll leave that great prize for someone else!)
Thanks Ali for the inspiration you provide people everyday. Hope all goes well with you and your upcoming delivery!

I agree that leaps come in different shapes, sizes and commitment levels, and it seems that everyday I am leaping alot. I am a teacher, and I have been leaping for some of my children lately because no one else is. I love my job and my kids but sometimes I wish that their families could leap for them too.
I love that fact that you remind us of these little things that make me realize that I am not the only one out there. Thanks.
Also, thanks for the give aways. I have been thinking about taking Stacy's class. I have her book and love the concept. But I worry about the time commitment. Thanks for the opportunity to participate...

WOW awesome goodies!!
Ali I love your blog for so many reasons!!
my most recent leap of faith is making babysteps in my life to live how I want instead of how our circle of friends does. I watched Fireproof on Sunday & It really got me thinking of the person I am vs. who I want to be. I thought I was 'doing my own thing' but realized I can do much more. and am looking fwd to it :) thanks for this opportunity!

the big leap of courage i just took... i tried Coke Zero...yummy! i have made the switch over to that :) it is a small one, but a big one to me.

My family's recent leap was when we learned that my husband is losing his job last week. A stunning blow to someone who actually LOVES what he does. I really needed that quote today, Ali. I am going to post it in my office for daily inspiration as I become the sole bread winner and the encourager for the love of my life as he himself jumps into searching for a new job. Would love to win that kit or the class! Can't see myself going to Italy anytime soon--ha!

my leap, i am very very very close to signing up for my first marathon. i have been inspired by lots of blogs that i read and found this quote from nike yesterday which might just push me over the edge
No one runs in my family.
I am not built like a runner.
My bones aren’t weightless.
My legs aren’t gazelle-like.
As a child, no one ever said,
“Now that one…she’s going
to be a runner.”
I am not a marathon runner.
But, I know that no one
is a marathon runner until
they actually run one.

The New Year was supposed to be awesome for me. I had just started a new partnership back in October of 2008 and it was going well. To make a very long story short, we dissolved our business on very short notice. I was heartbroken, but made the leap of faith that this was God's will in my life. After the initial heartache, the letting go has been easier than I ever dreamed. Thank you, Jesus! :)
Thanks for giving me the change to win!

My most recent leap would be to finally admit that there's something wrong in my marriage. Not only to admit it, but to do something about it to change it. No matter how it works out, I'll definitely need courage to get through it. Thanks for the inspiring words today. You always give them to me when I need them the most.

Oh! Thanks for the giveaways! Staccy Julian's class would be amazing! My small leap is to take care of some health concerns.

Having to take my friend to the doctor for some serious medical issues, watching & helping the same friend going through a divorce...all new doors to walk through and learn from.

Very cool give away! Thanks for inspiring us-even when you are about to deliver : )

My biggest leap has been quitting my full-time job and going back to school for my masters in education and teaching license; this has been an enormouse leap, and the lack of paycheck led me to another leap of taking on a part-time job in addition teaching and school. My life has been very busy, but what has to be done is getting donee. Only 5 more months!