I'm here

I'm here !! not that anyone would be missing me, but I'm back. Where have the last 5 weeks gone?? My life is so crazy that I can feel a nervous breakdown heading my way, and soon. There just isn't enough time in the day to get everything done that needs to be done. I'm feeling like a broken record saying that, but it's so true. I just can't keep on top of everything right now.

I'm having a few issues with # 1 son right now. His attitude stinks, and he feels that he isn't part of this family anymore. He won't tell me why he feels this way, and I'm not sure if something is going on at school to make him miserable either. I'm actually thinking of taking him to see a counsellor next year, and maybe he'll open up to this stranger. It's so frustrating to not get any responses from him when I try to talk to him about things.

Son # 2 is going along great. We had his kinder concert this week and it was so much fun. All the kids did a great job singing Christmas carols as well as a few other songs that they have been practicing all year. He is sooooo excited about Santa, and being 4 years old, it is magical. I am loving Christmas more this year than normal. Ethan never really got into the excitement of Christmas, but with this one, so much fun. He even takes the toy catalogues to bed with him, and he has everything circled that he wants from Santa. Try explaining to a 4 year old, that what he wants and what he gets are 2 very different things LOL.

Son # 3 is becoming cheekier by the day. Poking his tongue out when he is in trouble is his new trick. As well as ripping the paper on the presents under the Christmas tree, and pulling all the decorations off on a daily basis. The joys of toddlers.

I've started my school course now and hope to have finished it within 12 months. Just a matter of finding time to sit down and do the work.

Went to the Funtastic toy sale on the weekend. If I'm lucky enough to get a ticket next year, there will be NO shopping done until i've been there !!! What a bargain, and what fabulous things are there !!! I spent $260 and bought every type of Leap frog known to man, as well as Cabbage Patch Dolls, Baby Born, Roary Race track. the list goes on and on. The kids are going to be a little spoilt this year, but it's not Christmas every day. Plus, they're only little for a short time so I want to make the most of the magic.

I've got some pics to share from Bailey's concert but they will have to go up on another post.

I was sent this email by my wicked friend Tam, and thought I would share. It is so true !!!!


Dear Santa,
I've been a good mum all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my doctor, sold sixty-two cases of choc bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground. I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.

Here are my Christmas wishes:

I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (in any colour, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze; but are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the lolly aisle in the grocery store.

I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy.
If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like fingerprint resistant windows, a radio that only plays adult music; a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.

On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, 1'Yes, mummy' to boost my parental confidence, along with two kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.

I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting 'Don't eat in the living room1' and 'Take your hands off your brother,' because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.

If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a styrofoam container.

If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare tomato sauce a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely. It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.

Well, santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the door and come in and dry off so you don't catch cold.

Help yourself to cookies on the table but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.

Yours Always, MUM...'

One more thing. ..you can cancel all my requests if you can keep my children happy, healthy and always believing.

Would love to hear from anyone who might read this !! Would love to know who stops by (if anyone).

Things.

I can't believe where the time has gone. Life just seems to get busier and busier each week !!! When I started this blog, I wanted to maintain it weekly, but that hasn't happened !! Not that anyone is out there to read it anyway !!

What's been happening. Alot, that's what. I officially handed over Mystical Scrapbooks start of October, and I can't tell you how happy I am about that. It took up so much of my time, that it was doing my head in at the end. I have however made some great friends from the site, and learnt ALOT, so I am grateful for that. I wish Donna the best with everything :)

We had our MS retreat last month, and what a great weekend it was. I actually managed to get some scrapping done *shock, horror*. It was fantastic to meet everyone, and I hope that everyone enjoyed themselves as much as I did.

Here are few snaps. Check out the stunning sunset.

And here's some of the crew -Tam, Me, Sara and Wendy

And here's the whole gang (minus Tamara as she was taking the photo)

As I mentioned, I did some scrapping LOL. Here's what I did over the weekend.

Life is Just Beachy was my entry for WW1 challenge, and Can you believe that I got THIRD PRIZE !!!! For someone who has NEVER entered a challenge before, I'm rather pleased. It's one of my fave photos of Bailey.

Another LO of Bailey. He seems to be the easiest to scrap lately. Not sure why. This was a sketch for Scrapbook Establishment. Didn't enter though, but was happy with the outcome.

And this rocket is a door hanger for Aidan. I've used the November Wicked Princess Kit papers for it, and a Kaiser rocket. Now I have to do a red one for Bailey !!

This LO is one that I've just finished for this month's WW1 challenge. White, Lime and scallops. Aidan went for a visit to mum's and came back with a new haircut. To look at him, you would think it's Bailey all over again. Quite freaky really !!

So there you go, I have managed to get some scarpping done in between everything else. Wicked Princesses is great, and I love working with Tam. We're thrilled with how things have gone so far, and fingers crossed that it will only get better from here.

I went shopping today and bought these

I've decided to get serious about my running again, and needed the right attire to do it !! I've been running 4 times a week for the past couple of weeks, and I'm feeling better for it. Cracked the 5km this week, without stopping, and did it in 32 minutes. Quite chuffed. I should be running now, but am doing this. Will get onto it ASAP !!!

Here's a few happy snaps of the boys. This is Aidan, being Aidan

"Take my picture mum, I'm laughing" says Bailey. I can see a scrap page with this photo

Ethan doing something not normal - homework without being asked. Needs a haircut, so we're off for a visit to the shearer this weekend

All the boys

Bailey at swimming. This was his 3rd teacher in 3 weeks as he continues to move up classes !! Heather was playing up to the cameras, and Bailey was loving it.

Ethan has started Little Aths this year and loves it. He did 3 PB's last week. Here he is jumping over the hurdles. He gets the unco-ordinated jump from me !!

Well, best be off. I'll be back next week (fingers crossed) with some pics from Aidan's 2nd birthday this Sunday. Where does time go??

Until then.

Life is Busy

Life has been rather hectic of late, and school holidays are doing my head in !! Bring on next Monday when life returns to some state of normality.




For those that don't know, I have sold Mystical Scrapbooks. I am sad to see this chapter end as I have put a lot of hard work to get it to where it is now, but, I am also excited for Donna (the new owner) and can't wait to start on my new venture with Tam and Wicked Princesses. Our new site should be up and running by middle of the week and we are so excited about it !! And now that I have sold the site, it might mean I have more time to spend with the kids and DH, as well as actually scrap. Shock, horror.





My exciting news is I have a new car.

It is a Mitsubishi Outlander, and I love it. So easy to drive, and the kids think it's the greatest car they've been in LOL.

Onto scrapping news. I've managed to do a few LO's in the last week or so. I'm not the greatest scrapper on the planet (by a long shot), but I enjoy what I do, and I'm happy with the results.

This LO is one of my favourite photos. It is Justin and Aidan when we were at the snow during the month. I've used the new Basic Grey Ambrosia papers. The sketch is from Stuck Sketches, and the color combo is from White with 1.

This LO is of Bailey is his besty, Lachlan. They are thick as thieves these 2 kids. Just used a few old scraps of paper (Junkitz, I think), Buzz alphas, Kaiser rubons and Blueyedezines star felt ribbon

This is a LO of my eldest son, Ethan, at our niece's first birthday earlier this year. The sketch is from Black Magic sketches, but I didn't stick to the colors required. I've used painting as the technique and cut out my flower embellishments from cardstock. Rather basic, but that's me.

Don't forget that Wicked Princesses is looking for new DT members. Applications close October 4th, with the new DT announced shortly after. Email your application to wickedprincesses@y7mail.com and make sure you look out for our new website, www.wickedprincesses.com.au later this week. Our October kits are on the blog now, and Melissa Corbett is our GDT for October.

That's it for now.

Ciao

WICKED DESIGN TEAM WANTED

Wicked Princesses are looking for 2 Design Team members. Do you have what it takes to become a part of a NEW and exciting brand of scrapbook kits? We want you! We want you to find your inner Princess and bring her to the wicked side and transform yourself in to a Wicked Princess. Pretty and sweet on the outside but oozing with wicked creativity on the inside.
We want someone with passion and drive, someone who isn’t afraid to let their Wicked Princess dominate their creativity! Does this sound like you? Do you have what it takes to bring out your Princess? If so read on!


DESIGN TEAM REQUIREMENTS
1. Designers are required to submit at least four layouts each month with layouts to be due by a date determined by us.
2. Designers acknowledge that the length of design team commitment is open and may be terminated for any reason, at any point in time.
3. Use of products not found in the monthly kit is permitted, as long as the focus remains on the monthly kit products.
4. Layouts are due in the form of a jpeg file of which will be your responsibility to upload in the gallery before the deadline
5. All designs must contain original artwork.
6. You acknowledge and agree that designing for other monthly scrapbook kit clubs is considered a conflict of interest. Other DT roles are ok but no other scrapbook kit site.
7. You agree to promote Wicked Princess whenever and wherever you can and agree to make posts on your personal blog provided you have one.
Design Team Submission details:
§ Submit (3) layouts (12x12 or 8 ½ x 11) Double-page layouts are considered to be one project submission.
§ A headshot and a short biography about your life.
Please answer the following questions:
A. What do you feel you can contribute to the Wicked Princess design team?
B. What would you classify your “scrapbook style” as?
C. What would make you a fab Wicked princess??
Designs must be submitted to wickedprincesses@y7mail.com using the following format: Scanned, jPEGs, 200kb or smaller files. Digital photos will be accepted provided the images are sharp, clear and smaller than 200kb. Links to online galleries will not be accepted.
Entries cannot be submitted for publication until after the DT has been announced - Personal blogs are OK as long as there is a link back to the Wicked Princess Blog.
Deadlines for submissions: October 4th, 2008. Winners will be contacted no later than October 10th and announced shortly thereafter on our blog. http://wickedprincesses.blogspot.com At this time our new website will be up and running as well, with a complete Wicked Gallery to show off your fabulous inspiring layouts www.wickedprincesses.com.au (currently under construction)
Design Team Members will receive a free kit (retail value of $25-$35) each month and are able to purchase any add-ons for half-price.
Good Luck...Go forth and find the Wicked Princess within!!

Karen & Tam
Wicked Princesses

Check out the below pictures...... How devine does this look?????? Sand, sun, lazing away the days by the beach (or pool), massage. I could go on...... Well, get ready to be JEALOUS because I'm going to be there next March/April !!!!! Oh, where is it?? Didn't I tell you that part.....

It's GIRLS WEEK AWAY in downtown PHUKET !!!!!!!! And, am I excited - you betcha !!! Am I looking forward to a week with no husband moaning - you betcha. Am I looking forward to no whinging kids - you betcha.... no wiping kids butts - you betcha..... a week to be ME with my closest friends - SHIT YEH I'm looking forward to it.!!!!!! Bring it on. The countdown will begin soon, and I promise not to make you all too jealous with my updated pictures until then. LOL


There we are - can you see us - up there on the banana lounges. BRING IT ON !!!!!!!!! I don't think I've been so excited to go on a holiday, and that's saying something. I've been to many a place, but this holiday is going to be fantastic. And considering I'm not the greatest flyer (my fear is to die in a plane crash), I'm super keen to get on that plane for 9 hours to have 8 days of freedom !!!!!

Anyway, enough of that. You can all put your tongues back in your mouth now LOL.

I've actually scrapped one thing since I was last here. It was a challenge set by Dee over at Mystical Scrapbooks. Silly Tam and I decided it would be good to let the members challenge the admin. Well, I had to do an OTP item about my family, which wasn't too bad. Tam on the other hand, has to scrap a kitchen item - not sure how she's going with it. But here's my take. It looks like a normal 12x12, but I promise you it's on a wooden canvas and me being the fool that I am, scrapped and scrapped and then turned it over only to find I'd done it upside down!!! Now to find some wire and screws so that I can actually hang it up on my study wall.



Onto other things - check out our new blog banner for Wicked Princesses Kits. Isn't it cool ??? And below that, are a sample of some of the September kits that you will find. Click here to check them out.

It's been awhile since I was on here. Life is so busy lately. I think I need to take a step back occassionally and make sure that I'm doing the important things - like spending time with my kids and hubby. Must be doing something right though, as Ethan has improved out of sight this term at school. His teacher is so pleased with the turn around from him !!!

That's about it for now. My weekend will be busy cleaning out the house as we're going to have a garage sale (not sure when). And, my other exciting news - I'm getting my NEW treadmill on Tuesday (so the garage is needing cleaning this weekend). Can't wait to get back into the running again. Apart from needing to shed a few kg's before my big holiday, I'm thinking of going in the Run for the Kids Fun Run again next year. So having said that, best get into training !!!

OK, have a great weekend everyone.

Until next time.....

Wicked Princesses

Wicked Princesses Scrap Kits are a new range of wicked and funky kits by Mystical Scrapbooks. There are 7 in total, and with the prices ranging from $15 - $70 there's something for everyone. Make sure you check them out and cure your scrapping urges !!!!

Here are a few samples of what you can expect

And if these don't tempt you, simply leave a comment on the Wicked Princesses blog, and go into the draw to win our Fairy Dust kit, valued at $25.00. It couldn't be easier.

All the details on how to purchase can be found on the blog too.

It's been awhile since I updated my blog, as I've been flat out, but here's a quick update of what's been going on .

Bailey turned 4 back at the start of July. I'm no pastry chef, but here's my efforts at making a train cake. Never again will I make one like this !!! The icing wouldn't work, it wouldn't stick, and overall it was a pain to make. But, Bailey loved it !!! And that's the most important thing. Oh yeh, it tasted OK too :)


As you can tell by the below picture, Bailey was more than happy with his birthday cake

And, it's taken me about ONE MONTH to do, but here's one more LO I've done. Not a very good picture, but here it is anyway. I'm rather happy with it.

This is Bailey when we went to Point Leo beach earlier in the year. For some reason, he is absolutely petrified of going anywhere near the water !!! He just has to get his toes wet and he's running back screaming. So, this is where he likes to stay. Close to the beach tent, and as far away from the water as possible. Maybe that will change later on.

Onto Ethan, he's doing better at school. So far this term he seems keen to get his maths homework done, and now has a tutor at school helping him. I must say it has made a difference already (only been back for 2 weeks). I can't tell you how happy I am. Now to keep up the good work for the rest of the term so that he can get his PSP back !!!!

Over at Mystical Scrapbooks, we've been having a MASSIVE clearance sale. Almost EVERYTHING is GONE !!!!! I can't believe the response I've had. Thankyou to everyone. If you're looking for paper or cardstock cheap, make sure you check it out. That's about all I have left now.

The reason for the sale is because I am downsizing the store significantly and will be selling a variety of kits, with only a handful of branded products in the coming couple of months. The kits are being worked on now, with the first sneek peeks due to come out this weekend. I am sooo excited about these kits. They are going to be fantastic. Hope you all like them as much as I do. The first month is going to be packed with NEW CHA stock, so make sure you get in quick so as not to miss out.

That's about it for now, except - make sure you read the below info about BLACK MAGIC SKETCH BLOG. Starts this weekend, and we can't wait.

Until next time.....

Black Magic Challenge Blog

Are you ready??? Black Magic Sketch Challenge Blog is ready to go LIVE !!!! Make sure you check it out this Sunday, 27/7 when the first challenge will be posted. Each fortnight a new sketch will be posted, with the very talented Creative Team inspiring everyone with some magical layouts.

The first prize is a Marvy Mega Punch - 3″ Scalloped Square. To be eligible you need to enter both challenges for the month. Easy, or what !!!!

If you haven’t seen the blog yet, make sure you do yourself a favour and go check it out. We would love to see everyone enter the challenges this weekend.

Happy 1st Birthday

Happy 1st Birthday to my niece, Bonnie. It was her birthday on Saturday, and everyone had a great day. There was a jumping castle, cupcakes, ice cream cake, lollies, and Sarah Fairy. She was brillliant. The 4 year old boys were the most excited about her out of everyone. Will have to keep that in the memory bank for Bailey's next birthday.


Here's some snaps from the big day

This is me with Birthday Girl Bonnie. She's not looking overly excited by the whole day !!!

Bonnie loved sitting in new dolls cradle she received. It was a perfect size for a one year old.

Yummy !!! Who doesn't like eating ice cream birthday cake !!!! What a good job she did of actually getting it in her mouth :)

Here's Ethan, after "Fairy Sarah" had finished painting his "devilish face". How good does it look?

And here's Bailey (on the left) and his partner in crime, Lachlan, with fire breathing Dragons on their faces.

So it's school holidays now, and it's only lunchtime on the first day and already I'm over it. Going to have to find some activites to keep the boys occupied. Doesn't help that it's raining now either. I've done no scrapping since I was last here, and dont know when I'll get to finish the LO I'm working on. With so many challenges over at Mystical, I would like to participate in a few, and considering I have soooo many photos to scrap, that could be a good idea !!!

Well, will chat later. Thanks for looking

Happy Snaps

Not much scrapping has been done lately :( I'm busy with looking after the kids, and trying to get Ethan back on track with his school. It's a long story, but we have a lot of work to do if he is to go up to grade 5 next year.

So, I thought I'd just share some pics of the boys that I've recently taken, and will one day get to scrap them

This is Ethan at his "Lightning Premiership" football round robin. Not looking to happy after the team experienced their first loss for the season. The weather was horrendous. It must have been the coldest and wettest day we've had in about 12 months.

This is Bailey. I think the boots and pj's could be the next big fashion statement !!!

And here's Aidan at his grubby best.

Ethan with Travis Cloke at the Lightning Premiership. He was very excited to get his photo taken with the Collingwood champ and his autograph

Just another photo of Aidan at his grubby best. So cheeky :)

And finally, here's Bailey showing off the new Lego that his dad bought for him. He was very excited to receive his very own Knights Kingdom lego

Well, must keep working and cleaning the house. Sometimes I think it would be easier to go to work !!! Hope everyone has a great day.

Toodles.

Black Magic Challenge Blog

I'm very excited to announce that Mystical Scrapbooks now has a NEW Challenge Blog - Black Magic Challenge Blog !!!!! We will beginning in August, and are currently looking for 3 members to join the Creative Team.

What's it about???

Our Black Magic challenges will require you to draw inspiration from
1. Sketch (By the CT)
2. The color BLACK
3. Plus 2 other colors (combinations will be provided)
4. Plus 1 scrapping technique

To apply for one of these positions, you will be required to submit the following:
1. One original sketch
2. Two LO's using the below sketches
3. Sketch 1 MUST have the color black (predominant) plus Hot Pink & Orange
4. Sketch 2 MUST have the color black (predominant) plus Lime Green & White
5. Each LO MUST have a different technique (applicants choice)

You must write which techniques you have used when loading your submissions to the Mystical Gallery.

Sketches can be found here

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
* DO NOT POST your submissions onto any other gallery. Your personal blog is OK, so long as there is a link to Black Magic Blog.
* NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED
* Only one entry, per person is permitted
* Judgement will be made by management.
* Position will be for 6 months, starting August 1st 2008
* You must submit a brief response to "What can you bring to the Creative Team" by email to admin@mysticalscrapbooks.com.au
* Store discount will be available for successful applicants.
* You must create an account in the Mystical Gallery to upload your work.

ENTRIES CLOSE MIDNIGHT JULY 10th, 2008 . Entries to be loaded to the Black Magic Blog in Mystical Gallery. Click here.

Creative Artist monthly requirements
* 1 - 2 sketches
* 4 LO's

If you have any questions, please email karen@mysticalscrapbooks.com.au

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE

A couple of LO's

I know it's very hard to believe, but I've actually done a couple of LO's, and I'm working on one as we speak. Shock, horror, I know. Here they are

The first one is of Aidan over the Easter break when we were camping down at Jan Jac. I love this photo :)


This next picture was taken back in March. We were at the local park, and Bailey was VERY unhappy that he couldn't do what he wanted. This is a typical photo of Bailey when he can't get his way.


That's it for the scrapping for me. I'm busy trying to update all of the new Doodlebug products into the Mystical store. They will be available for pre order tomorrow, and I'm rather keen to have a go with the new Flock product. Sound quite interesting.

Onto other things, the past 24 hours have been horrid. It started with Bailey last night, vomitting and on the toilet. Had to clean the floors about 4 times, and a change of undies needed every half hour :( Then to top it off, Aidan started this morning and is still vomitting. Not much sleep was had here last night as we were continually up and down to the toilet. Fingers crossed that nobody else gets it. I was crook with gastro a couple of weeks ago, and I don't want it again !!!!!

Thanks for reading

So, here I am. I've decided to start a brand new blog and my aim is to keep it updated !!! Let's see how I go.

This blog is about the busy everyday lives of my family. I am a SAHM of 3 young boys - Ethan (9), Bailey (4) and Aidan (19 months). I also run an online scrapbook store - Mystical Scrapbooks. Come on over and join in the fun :)

Well, must go and check the cookies that are cooking, and see which of my boys are killing each other while I'm on here.

Will chat to you all later.

Thanks for reading.