Hello From Anaheim

Hi Everyone,

We got to Anaheim safely, put up our booth on Friday and spent the day yesterday at Disneyland.

Here's some pics. Stay tuned for more from the show!


This is what the show floor looks like when you get there.

After a couple hours the booth is up and almost stocked.

Uh, Oh...... we forgot to send any Paper Crafting Kits...... Hello, UPS, can you do a Saturday delivery.

Disney Land! Can you guess whose family is behind us?

Hey Eric, I think these glasses need some embellishments.
Hey Julie, I think we should sell embellishable glasses!
And another product idea is born........ I think that means we can now deduct this Disneytrip as a business expense!

Larry the Temp Grants A Wish

Hi Everyone! After yesterday's movie, Lindsay is threatening my life. So, in fairness, I need to let you all know that his favorite food is garlic. In fact, on one trip, I was flipping through the SkyMall magazine and came across a counter top garlic roaster. I told Lindsay I had found the perfect gift for his birthday. He replied, "Don't bother, I already own it." True Story!

I have even more garlic stories, but I'm already in enough trouble!! So, let's just move on to today's episode of Larry the Temp.

Larry the Temp Gives Risky Advice

We hope you are enjoying our light-hearted approach to this year's sneak peek. These movies are intended in good fun and nobody is safe. In fact, you might find yourself in the middle of a joke....... just ask Kristen! So, grab your popcorn, sit back and relax for the next two minutes and 23 seconds.

Oh, and be sure to tune in tomorrow to see Larry the Temp make a wish come true. You won't want to miss it.

Larry The Temp Spins Again!

As you could probably tell, no actors were harmed, or even used, in the making of these movies. Also, a special thanks to Anthony, our UPS man, for going well above the call of duty!

Here's more Spinner Cards and more from Larry the Temp.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Well, it is finally Christmas Eve. I am still putting the finishing touches on some very large scale thrifty gifty projects. I have three stockings left to sew. About 5 or 6 presents left to wrap. A gingerbread cake to make and then I'm all done!

After the big day, our family is taking a bit of a break from all things other than family, so Lindsay and Krista will have to entertain you all. If you know Lindsay, this means prizes. And, if you know Krista, this means better projects than I would ever make! Really, as I think about it, I think they have ulterior motives encouraging me to do the blog. I suspect they think they are keeping me out of trouble or something.

Oh well, today you're stuck with me! So, here is my Christmas newsletter reviewing the major events in our family last year. It is meant to be sung to the William Tell Overture. But, I won't torture you with my rendition, you'll have to sing it yourself.

Let's start with December of last year,
We had a great Christmas with lots of cheer.
I got a road bike for my hubby dear.
He got me a necklace that I always wear.

Then came January, it was so very cold.
It snowed everyday which got very old.
Eric borrowed Lindsay's car and almost rolled.
But he's safe and sound, I don't think he told.

February was the same as the month before.
More snow and cold it had in store.
We went to CHA on the western shore.
Our new lines sold even more and more.

You'd think in March the sky might turn blue,
But in Providence that would not be true.
My mood declined which was something new.
Vitamins made it better...... after a few.

Then April came and my Jack turned three.
He refused in the potty to poop or pee.
I thought I would lose my sanity,
And the temperature was about 23.

There was one day in the mid of May
When the sun was out and the kids could play.
Abby rode her bike the entire day
Till she split her chin and chipped three teeth away.

We took her to the doctor, I got a little sick
When they stitched her up, though they were quick.
In the middle of the chaos I forgot to get
To Ethan's class for his maturation clinic.

In June Ethan and Abby's birthdays were a go
The wading pool was a flop due to more snow.
So school was out, and the house was full,
In need of a diversion we went to bowl.

In July we found out Abby could not see
Through her left eye, since she was a baby.
We patched it for what seemed an eternity,
And Jack finally learned to use the potty.

In August, Kate went from eight to nine.
Everything in her life is going fine.
She has more friends than were ever mine.
When she turns sixteen, the boys will get in line.

With September, the kids went back to school.
15 years of marriage seems pretty cool.
With Cosmopolitan magazine we had a duel.
They told us that we were breaking their rule.

October came, along with Halloween.
We had the cutest kids that you've ever seen.
Nancy Drew, Winnie the pooh and a Vampire queen
And the Grim Reeper wasn't even a little mean.

With November we will end our song.
I'm sorry it's gotten just a little long.
Our turkey was delicious, I didn't cook it wrong.
We served it up, not even owning a tong.

We have been very blessed as you can hear.
Each and every one, throughout the year.
We wish you the same and some holiday cheer,
Merry Christmas to you and a happy new year.

Buckle Up Mom and Dad....

it's going to be a roller coaster!

Yesterday, I was at the warehouse fumigating all our employees with the smell of spray paint as I worked on some Christmas projects for my kids. When I got home, Kate was very excited to see me. Kate is my oldest daughter and the child who's personality is most like my own. She says, "Guess what Mom! Zack left another note in my desk today."

Let's back up here for one quick second. Zac, a poor, apparently smitten boy has come up in conversation in our home before. A few months back he left a secret note in Kate's desk telling her that he loved her. Of course, the rest of the class let Kate in on who her secret admirer was. And, not being a shy girl, Kate walked right up to him, note in hand and said, "Please explain." Zac, not knowing what to do ran away. I hadn't heard about him since until yesterday.

So, back to the story. Kate continued, telling me what the note said. "Roses are red, Violets are blue, Do you like me? Because I like you!" It was signed "Your Secret Writer." This time Kate didn't do anything to embarrass Zac, which I was glad for since we had talked at length about how she had probably humiliated him the last time. But, after lunch there was a second note that said, "Are you going to respond? Your Secret Writer."

Then, Kate proceeded to read me the following letter, which I have scanned for you amusement.

You can click on it to see it larger, but it says, "Dear Zac, I know you are the one who's been writing to me. I will respond now. You are a really good friend. I love romance (try to keep a straight face when your child reads that to you). I personally think that romance is the best type of story on earth. I don't think you're crazy (I'm not sure why she thought it was important to include this observation). Zac, you are a really nice boy. I think you have WONDERFUL talents. My three favorite sports are ballet, basketball and rollerblading. What are your favorite sports? I really think you have good talents. Sincerely, Kate C.

What's almost as funny as the letter, is Eric's take on it. He doesn't think Kate is very clear at all about how she feels about Zac. He thinks this is the beginning of man's misunderstanding of women. Why, he wants to know, does Kate not just directly say exactly what she feels. "What is Zac suppose to make of this," he asked me, "It's like she's given him a little bit of hope just so she can toy with him some more."

Maybe looking into Kate's world, Eric will learn to understand all women better. Is Kate in love? Is she trying to let Zac down gently? Is she afraid of admitting she likes him too? What do you think?

The Cosmo Cricket Christmas Party

Today was our Christmas party and as those of you who have followed our blog know, we have a tradition. It is the Cosmo Cricket Christmas Party Poem. Lindsay is always the author (it seems I have gotten him hooked on the pleasures of rhyming). Here is an edited version of this years poem (the edited parts required a level three security clearance, sorry).

Another year past
And no chapter 11!!
Carrie came back
And we hired Krista and Devin.

We produced some very cute products,
Mr. Campy, the best!
But, Cosmopolitan, the magazine,
Our will, they would test.

All that's now behind us
It's time to move on.
Jodie, left and
The warehouse is without Jon.

Kathie's still here
And Kristen is great.
I'm still here too,
It must be my fate.

Eric and Julie
Are working at home,
While I sit in the office
Writing cute little poems.

We love all our people,
And love what they do.
We just couldn't ask
For a more spectacular crew!

Thank you so much!
You're just what we need
To insure in the future
That Cosmo Cricket suceeds.

A Winner and Something Funny!

Congratulations Liz @ 2:36. You are lucky today! Send us your email and we'll send you your prize.

Now for some fun. Lindsay sent me the following idea in an email this morning. It doesn't actually use any Cosmo Cricket products, but with the economy being so tight I thought it was worth sharing. I know many of you, like me, enjoy making home-made gifts. Well, every year I purchase pajamas and slippers for members of my family. This year, though, I think I can save the expense of purchased slippers and make them instead with items I'm sure most of us gals have on hand.

WARNING: This is not meant to be taken seriously. Do not read any further if you are among the faint of heart!

What you'll need:
•Four pairs of maxi pads per pair of slippers. Depending on the size of foot, choose light, regular or night protection.
•Some cute embellishments for the toe area.

What you'll do:
1. Take two of the pads (one for each foot) and lay them out flat.
2. Take the other two pads and wrap them around the toe area to form the top. (refer to photo below)
3. Tape or glue each side of the top pieces to the bottom of the foot part. It's best not to expose the adhesive strip since that will make the whole thing sticky, not just the part you want sticky.
4. Decorate the tops with whatever you desire, silk flowers (this is most aesthetically appealing), etc.

These slippers are:
* Soft and Hygienic
* Non-slip grip strips on the soles
* Built in deodorant feature keeps feet smelling fresh
* No more bending over to mop up spills
* Disposable and biodegradable
* Environmentally safe

Seriously though, wouldn't that be the most hilarious joke gift ever?

One more funny email from Lindsay. I think after a weigh in day, we can all appreciate this one!

My Rescue Plan

As predicted, the number on my scale increased by two pounds. Which really got me thinking about how to make it go back down. This is when I realized that government involvement might be what's been missing from my weight loss plan. You see, I've noticed that government involvement is really good for making assets shrink. So, I scheduled a meeting with President Bush and told him I was in need of a government bailout. He told me he would make sure they got involved. He said not to worry if at first the numbers increase. He said they might increase for several years, but that it would be well worth it, because after a while, one night I will go to bed and wake up in the morning 1 trillion pounds lighter. And, this is the best part......... the loss will stay with me for years to come despite all efforts on my part to gain it back. It's almost like a miracle!

Tell me how you did. Do you want the government to get involved in your weight loss plan?

A Winner and Some Fun

Congratulations Stine66, send us your address and we'll send you a prize!

Now for some fun. Lindsay and I have a work agreement. He is under obligation to send me at least one funny email per day. Should he fail in this mission, I have the right to reprimand, sulk and become quite unbearable. Here are some he sent this morning:

For all of us weight loss strugglers:
The correct way to weigh yourself. I can't believe I've been doing it wrong all these years!

For all residents of Utah and surrounding areas:
How Warren Jeffs was really caught.

Have a great day! And, remember it takes muscle power and burns calories when you smile!

Forgette the Donettes

PS: This would have been even funnier if I weren't so darn pale. The powdered sugar doesn't show up as well against my ultra-white skin in the low res version of the movie!

A Winner and A Birthday Boy!

Happy Birthday Mr. Lindsay Moore (who is not stiff at all in real life) and congratulations Chelle, who posted "good for you! not only getting fit, but posting your 'laundry' for all the world to see! ..... chelle"

Send us your address and we'll send you a prize!

Better Late Than Never

The Jack's World Display, that quiet book is the cutest project ever!

Eric, the long-armed man, takes a self portrait.

Mr. Campy Display...... always packed.

"Hey Lynette, can you teach me how to dance?"

"Sure Julie, that would be fun!"

"No, Julie, like this."

"I can't look, it's too embarrassing."

"And, why doesn't anyone want to dance with me?"

"Please let us have a great show. Please let us have a great show."

Jack's World Blackboard made big for the display.

Lynette Taylor or Sissy Spacek?

"Welcome to Cosmo Cricket, may I take your order?"

"Yes, can I have Mr. Campy with Haunted on the side?"

Tired and done, "Take us home, boys."

Let's See Some Paper Episode 2

Julie was reluctant to participate. Maybe she should have been more reluctant.



For those of you who are confused about the reference to Julie's shoes, look here and here. We really had a blast making this one, and thanks for tuning in again.

Our winner for today's show was:

ELiScrAper said...

Oh my, gosh, gee, let's see....box number 1! NO WAIT.....box number 1, darn, I already said that didn't I? Ok, ok, hmmm...let’s see, I know, I know, box number 3! Goodness, what if there is just a bag of stuff under there? Oh no, gosh, can I come back later and choose then? This is just too stressful!............ Ok, I am ready now (I think!), ok my final answer is......box number 1! Yeah, that is it, box number 1. Whew, I feel better already! BOX NUMBER ONE! PICK ME PICK ME!
And if I didn't tell you already, Happy Birthday America!

Write to us at jonthewarehouseguy@cosmocricket.com and we'll make sure you get your grand prize.

Cory's Revenge

So, I got this email from Cory Ashworth last night.

A party? Why would I be so cruel?

Don't check out this link:

http://www.clipperstreetonline.com/Commerce.Web/product.aspx?id=8363&catID=112

Cory

Farewell Old Friends!

This post is really for Cory Ashworth. Cory has teased me about these shoes since the dawn of Cosmo Cricket. He noticed that I wore them at our debut show and repeated them at our second show. I told him that they were the coolest shoes ever (he is not convinced) and were my signature piece........ you know, like Jackie O's pearl necklace. He thinks they are old, worn out and dated, but you have to consider that although he might have a point, this criticism is coming from a man that wore a grey winter-type sweater in California..... two days in a row! He has given me such a bad time about these shoes that I have been determined to wear them more and more. Well, he won in the end because after more than 6 years, 7 trade shows and 3 countries they are breaking in half. You can sort of see it in the photo. I think I might have them bronzed. Or, better yet, maybe I'll send them special delivery to Cory.

Lindsay and Eric's Weekend Adventure

People Who Can't Dance

I really don't know why we insist on humiliating ourselves, except that it is fun!

Something's Different at Booth 1351

The Booth is all set up and looking good!

Notice the back wall art! These are enlarged versions of the Blackboard shapes from the Get Happy and Cogsmo Collections. But, more importantly, they will make for fun photo's at the end of the show when we are all feeling a bit crazy!

Ahhh, the crowds! Our free paper pads were gone in about 10 minutes! You could say the Cricket was Hoppin'!

Here's Eric looking like a rock star!

This photo is for you, Becky!


Of course I'm partial, but I totally think he's a 10!

Tehawna, Lindsay's wife, and I head out on a road trip.

We're getting a bit wacky now!


Watch out ladies, here are the Cosmo Men!

It's funny, but even other manufacturers seem to get great ideas in the Cosmo Booth. This is our friend Mark Hillard with Prism Papers.

I wish I could remember what he was looking at! Don't worry Tehawna, it's probably just a scrapbooking layout!

This was Eric's idea.

We had a great show! Thanks for supporting us and making CHA a blast! One last note, there was no alcohol consumed in the making of these photos. We are naturally this insane!