[ScrapArtist's 1st Birthday!]

My weekend consisted of a lot of things, we went swimming at David's 'work park', swam here at home in our little pool, put some of our new furniture in our living room (wow, what a change!) and ScrapArtist turned 1. LOL! SA is one of my favorite digi stores, but not just the store...the people there are soooo nice. (Hee Heeee! Hi, Kellie!) I had a blast this weekend doing some of their challenges. Oh, and I gave myself a little challenge of using mostly ScrapArtist products. I buy kits and don't get to use them as soon as I'd like because I need to use team products first. So, this time, SA came first. :)

Check out this thread for more info on the challenges: http://www.scrapartist.com/scrapforums/forumdisplay.php?f=52

So, I scrapped most of Saturday away...it was 106 degrees outside with the heat index figured in. YOU COULDN'T BREATH. I stayed in the air. LOL! Here are the challenges I've completed so far! The first one is my very favorite!!! Love the colors!!!

This was the "Poolside Reading" challenge. Scrap your 5 favorite things of summer -
with an emphasis on the journaling. You can see the credits here:
http://www.scrapartist.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18175&cat=500&ppuser=892

This one was for the "Freestyle" challenge. This layout seriously only took me maybe 20 minutes. The only reason it took that long was because I wanted to put a little bit of thought into the journaling. Once I figured out what was going to do...I just did it and didn't go back and change any of it. That's so not normal for me! LOL! I figured...that is as free as I can be. You can see it closer here along with the credits:
http://www.scrapartist.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18191&cat=500&ppuser=892

This was for the Synchronized Swimming challenge. You had to take 1 of 2 sketches and create a layout. I used the 8.5 x 11 sketch for my 12x12 page. Here are the credits: http://www.scrapartist.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18201&cat=500&ppuser=892

I have one more finished, just not sure I like it...it's so plain. I've got ideas for the other 2 challenges too. I guess I'll try to get them done tonight.

[Eating and Drinking...]

Today is my last day of eating/drinking freedom. I guess I shouldn't say it that way. LOL! So far today I've had pizza for lunch, a coke and a few pretzels with whipped cream cheese. So not good for me! Tonight we're getting Olive Garden (or Outback, if David has his way). Tomorrow...it's withdrawl symptoms from no Coke. LOL! I'm ready though.

Okay, I'm going to go rest for a few minutes before Tristin and Paxtin get up from their nap. We've got to go pick up Anakin from camp in an hour anyway. :) Later!

[Spud Club & Toot!!!!]

I haven't got to toot for a while and this one I've been waiting to let loose so, here it is!!! Look closely (or go to http://www.polkadotpotato.com/spudclub/kimandpetrasummerfun0806.htm to see it closer)! Anakin, Tristin, Paxtin, Paige (neighbor) and Hannah (my friend Ann's girl) are proudly displayed on MY samples for the new "Spud Club" at www.polkadotpotato.com. :)

I was honored to be asked to make the samples, it was so fun and totally easy to do. This was my first 'altered' project since I've gone "digi". Basically, you can use the templates that come with the project (insert your pictures, print and then add embellishments you want) or create your own. The one in the far background of Anakin is one of Kim Crother's templates, Hannah is in the cup. The others of Paige and Paxtin, I made. There is another template laying on the table and that's my 3 boys. You can see it here: http://www.polkadotpotato.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=33&products_id=240. So, check out the site and the club and go become a charter member!!! You can also try to win a year free membership here: http://www.polkadotpotato.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=34&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0.

[Not much else]

is going on right now...it's almost 1:30 am and I'm still up! I took a nap this afternoon with the boys. Opps! We met some friends at a pizza place today and I ate PIZZA. Just one other food that I wanted to eat and not think about before the big day. LOL! I'm not saying I am cutting all pizza out of my life. I wouldn't survive. My boys wouldn't survive. LOL! I just can't eat as much. Okay, I'm rambling...night!!!

[Look at what I got tonight!]

Amy Tanabe's new paper pack at ACOT. It's gorgeous...and 12 papers for $3!
Click here to be taken to the store!
http://www.acherryontop.com/digital/new/9000841/?l=1&sr=0

I don't know if I have a picture (or two) worthy of it...but, I'm going to search high and low for one! I may even do a little scanning of my baby book. I don't know why, but the first thing I thought of was a baby picture of me. LOL!

[Do boys ever have babies?]

Anakin, Paxtin and I were in the truck this morning going to pick Tristin up from summer pre-school. Anakin asks a TON of questions and this is the one he asked me today. "Do boys ever have babies?" I said, "No, they don't have the right stuff to have them." Was that vague enough? He then says..."Oh good, I'm glad. I don't ever want to have a baby." LOL! He then asked me where babies come out...and I just didn't feel like answering him. I was trying to drive for goodness sake! I have told him before and I'm very truthful...it comes out of Mommy's Pee Pee. Oh, that's bad isn't it. Someday...he'll find out it's not exactly from there...for now, it's ok.

[Library News - Some stuff I missed before & an update!]

Anakin started the library reading program 6 weeks into the 8 week program. In one week he caught up! He read 30 books PLUS his 2 'bonus' books that had to be chapter books. The chapter books didn't HAVE to be read by him, we could have read them to him...but, he read them all! Can I tell you how proud we were of him!?!?!?! He's only SIX! So, we took him and let him pick out a few "Magic Treehouse" books...that's his favorite chapter books. We came home from the library after getting his 6 weeks and 2 bonus books stamped and he sat down and finished like 6 more books. Crazy kid! He had the rest finished the next day. 10 more books and he was finished with the program. LOL! So, fast forward 2 weeks and here we are to today. He got to go to the library tonight for the ending party. They had root beer floats and watched some Bugs Bunny cartoons. He was so proud of himself. Oh and he got his last few 'book bucks' (they get 10 book bucks for every 5 books they read and then get to 'spend' them at their little store) and he got to pick out a new FREE book. He was soooooo excited to see they had the Magic Treehouse books! Thanks for letting me brag a little. It's just amazing to me (he is my firstborn afterall). He starts 1st Grade in a few short weeks...and we both are READY!!!

[Surprise on 8-5!]

David has something up his sleeve. All I know is the boys will be at a sitters...and we'll be back late. Hmmm...what could it be?

[Shopping]

So, I like to read Gina's blog (http://www.ginamiller.typepad.com/) to see what she buys at Target. That girl can spend $$$! LOL! So, I thought I'd tell you what I bought today. Not as exciting as Gina, I'm sure. First, we didn't go to Target (which I love) we went to Walmart. They had the college supplies out so I went looking for some cushions/pillows we could use in our 'new' living room.

Oh, wait, I didn't get to write about that either! We bought new furniture for our living room!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can I tell you how excited I am? We have had hand-me-downs from my parents for the past 8 years. The couch is ripping, one of the recliners died...and our couch and chairs in the basement are even worse! The couch down there has to be over 100 years old...seriously...and it's been recovered multiple times. So, it was time. We got a new couch, love seat, chair, ottoman, coffee table, end tables and a couch table (I think that's what it's called). Basically, we're replacing everything but the entertainment center, which I'd love to get rid of...but, not now. I'll take pictures as soon as we get it in the living room.

So, I went looking for cushions/pillows to put on the floor for the boys (or us). Basically, we want to put the boys on the floor. LOL! I wanted beanbags, but they were HUGE and we don't have room for them. I hate the little ones... So, I found them at Walmart! 4...about $16 each. I was so excited. I got tan thinking they'd match our brown couch...nope...looks horrible! LOL! I'm going to go get the darker brown tomorrow.

What else did I buy?

A smushy ball for Paxtin - 88 cents!
Milk & Eggs
Coke (this is the last week)
Bacon and Sausage (Anakin wants to eat breakfast for supper this week!), My favorite BBQ chips (again, this is the last week)
Scalloped potatoes (lmbo...it just sounded good, I was thinking what can I buy that I like and haven't had and won't be having in a long time)
Mac N Cheese and Spagetthi O's (those are only for the kids...oh, okay, I'll eat a little Mac N Cheese)
Bread
A new makeup case for me
and
Chewy Lifesavers for Anakin and Bear cookies for Paxtin (he was HUNGRY).

What was the damage? $106 dollars for some junk and some pillows. UGH!

On that note...night!!!

UGH!!!!!!!! Blogger just ate a long post with pictures. I'm going to cry!!! Here's the short version!

[I love Mater!]

Long story short. This is at David's work...they sponsored "Cars" and they came to corporate headquarters for us to see. Thank God because the next day they had the cars at a public location and thousands upon thousands came through. As you can see here, we had it good!

[Runner up?]

They say I came in first, but really I really came in 2nd, so wouldn't I be called "runner up"? At any rate, here are the contest results: http://www.peppermintcreative.com/DNTS/top5.html You can click on our names to see our layouts we did for the contest. Personally, I know that I did the best I could do and creativity, I rocked the house. The contest pushed me once again. I'm glad I participated. Now, I need to concentrate on my design/creative teams and rock them. ;)

Okay...must...go....to....bed!!! Night!

Here are the pictures!

My strong man winning a prize for Tristin. :) I didn't realize that they change the degree of 'hardness' on these games! LOL! He won what Tristin was wanting non-the-less.

Tristin aka "Mr. Squinty Eyes" with his prize...a blow up Superman "balloon" as he calls it.

This is my most favorite picture. Anakin in the front with Tristin following him,
as always. They were having fun cooling off in the water.

This was the only character the boys wanted to pose with! LOL!
One of their favorite cartoons right now. Scooby-Doo!

David and the boys

Me and the boys

Anakin...love this picture!!!

Paxtin eating "dippin' dots" for the first time. These things are cool.
Little tiny balls of ice cream. He pretty much ate the whole dish!
He was soaked by the time he was done and we had to change his shirt. LOL!!!

The sweetest picture. Anakin and Tristin curled up next to each other at the hotel.
One minute they were awake...the next they were out! Peace...of course Paxtin was up another hour after this. He fell asleep at the park because we were there so late. He was also very excited to be free to run around...poor baby hardly walked the whole day!

[Six Flags]

We had a great time at Six Flags! The weather couldn't have been more perfect. After a week of almost 100 degree weather and storms, the mid 80's with a nice breeze was amazing. I actually got chilled in the evening too! (Love it)

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from our trip:

Okay so...Blogger doesn't like me right now. It won't let me add my pics. I'll try again in the morning.

[Humiliation]

I can't believe I'm going to share this here, but I figured if why not..It'ss not a secret that I'm fat and not many people read my blog. LOL! I had the most humiliating experience of my 'fat career' at Six Flags. I knew I wasn't going to be able to ride a lot of the rides due to my weight and I was prepared somewhat for that. Emotionally, I was worn down by the end of the day. I love rides. I love my kids. I love seeing them have fun...and I didn't get to share that with them. Yes, I got to see their faces when they came off the rides and hear what they thought, but I wasn't THERE.

Anyway, David went with Anakin on the Scooby Doo ride and said I could go. So, I took Tristin. For those that don't know, it's a water/boat ride in a dark tunnel type thing and you shoot a laser at these lights and things pop out at you. I thought, no problem, I can fit. Well, the fitting wasn't the problem. We got up to the front of the line and I saw the boats. They were TINY. Tristin got in first (and he wanted in the front). This child weighs 28 lbs soak and wet. Then, I got in. I thought the whole front end of the boat was going to go under. I prayed like crazy and turned my head away from the crowd of people waiting in line. The whole ride all I thought of was...what if it sunk! We get through 1/2 the ride and there's a part in it where you go up a little ramp and then plunge down into the water. (Of course this is where they take your PICTURE.) I almost had a nervous breakdown!!! I thought for sure when we were pointed down the ramp we'd go straight in. So, why am I sharing this? Well, I was embarrassed. I have never been that embarrassed. I was sad for Tristin...because really...even though I kind of enjoyed the ride, I probably was more worried about sinking and having to go get out of that little boat in front of a whole new crowd standing in line. Tristin didn't notice anything. He was so stinking scared of the ride! He didn't even 'shoot' anything. He was safely snuggled under my arm (in my arm pit!) the whole time shaking!

I guess this all comes at a good time. On August 1st a few friends and I are going to start the weight loss journey together. A few are going to do Weight Watchers and I...well, I'm going to "do" Dr. Phil, The Biggest Loser and South Beach Diet all rolled up in one. I need to change my lifestyle. I can't just try to lose a little by eating salad for a few months. I have got to cut out the fat, sugar and processed CRAP that I eat. I did this before I got pregnant with Paxtin. I lost 30 lbs in 3 months (and that's why I got pregnant with him!!!). I can do it. I felt so good at that point! I was still huge, but man, I'm even bigger now. The biggest I've ever been.

Jenny, one of my friends just emailed me and is planning "The Last Supper" for all of us. LOL! Sunday night we're meeting and bringing our favorite foods to share. Yep, I'm bringing my 2 favorite dishes from the Mandarin Garden - Mongolian Chicken and Garlic Chicken. I might even get an order of Crab Rangoon. Until then, I am going to try to wean myself off of regular coke. That's the biggest sugar intake I have. When I did this before, I got to where Dt. Coke tasted like a million dollars. Right now, it tastes NASTY. It's time to break out the Splenda and decaf tea!

Sorry this is so long. It felt good to share it in cyber space.

[New Designer Digitals Goodies]

Okay, when we got home today one of the first things I did was jump on my computer to see what Designer Digitals had coming out today. Oh wow...I'm excited! I love their brushes and Jackie E's stuff is my favorite there. I like it all, but Jackie is more my style of GRUNGE! Here is what is on my wish list: (I can't copy DD's images so here are the links.)

Scratchy Paper Pack
Scratchy Elements
Quirky Stitches, Black
Double Take Boy
Beyond Measure Brush & Stamps
Permanent Record Stamps
Between The Lines Borders

Okay, I'll stop there! I know I've missed a few weeks (of buying) and there are so many things I want to buy. :)

[Inspiration]

Oh, and I got great inspiration from a Mountain Dew ad on a bill board near Six Flags! I can't wait to scrap it. :) I'm off to bed...well, soon. I'll have to answer a few emails first. Night!

[Kim Christensen...she's done it again!]

This CD was released last week, but with my blog 'down', I didn't get to show it off as I would have. So, here it is...the best CD I've ever seen. Seriously. To top it off, it's all BOY (but could be used for a girl too...it's just not flowery and no PINK!) :) Okay, Kim and Meredith Fenwick did a boy CD a few months ago that rocks too! I can't forget that. I need to go back and use that more. It's also at www.scrapbook-bytes.com.

Link to Kim's CD at the store: http://scrapbookbytes.com/store/product.php?productid=19130&cat=0&page=1 There is a downloadable CD, a shipped CD and she's putting the individual kits in right now.

Here are the layouts I've made with the CD so far. (You can click on my gallery links to the right also to get a closer looks...and leave me some love.) I seriously can't wait to use them again. Kim has the BEST elements I've ever seen. They are always varied and different...not the same tags, etc. that we see all the time. I had so much fun doing these:

Tristin, my goggle boy, actually I have 2, Paxtin is one too...I just haven't done the layout yet. LOL!
Credits: Kim's "White Water" kit from her RAD CD. This LO will be in next month's E-zine at Scrapbook-bytes!!!

Credits: Kim's "SK8" kit from her RAD CD. I want to EAT the circle paper. LOL!

Credits: Kim's "Market" kit from her RAD CD.

For some reason, it's not letting me add the last layout here, so here's a link to my gallery:

http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2620&cat=500&ppuser=138

[Miss Mint Contest]

I entered another contest at www.peppermintcreative.com. Mainly because I just wanted the challenge. My favorite layouts are the ones that I did in the last contest...so, I figured I just needed the push. I have entered my last layout and now the wait is on to see who wins. You can see all my layouts here: http://www.peppermintcreative.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=lastupby&uid=261.

Okay, that's all for now, I've GOT to go pack. We're heading to Six Flags tomorrow (and David just told me it has FREE wireless access!)...lol!!!

[Thank you]

To my official "tech support", my hubby David! :) I worked on my blog for about 2 1/2 hours last night and just couldn't figure out why my posts were not showing up! Well, he figured it out. Thank you, Honey!

[Updates]

I have so many things to share, but don't have the time today! We are cleaning today (David's off), doing laundry and getting ready for a little trip! We're taking the boys to Six Flags tomorrow. So, look for an update on Sunday or Monday (at the latest).

Hugs!

Keela, I think we have your blog fixed. How does this look? Do let us know. Thanks!

- keelathefox Tech Support

So, I'm starting over! I don't know what I did to the other template...but, I figure it'll be easier to just fix it this way. Wish I knew what I was doing! LOL! Stick with me, I'll have things back up and running soon!