Makeup to mud in 3 seconds flat

latest family adventures-long photo post!!!!!!

So desperately trying to get back into blogging. I have to admit, its been much easier to facebook, instagram, tweet and pinterest. They are so much faster and can be done on your phone. But the reality is I have so much to share.

Let's start with the depressing first and work up to the fun stuff.

Dentist and Endodontist. I have spent more time with them this month then outings with my husband. sad to say but true. 12 times! I'm a clencher, and we've figured it out it'sall because of my roots which seem to go to timbuktu! Plus that and a huge issue of freezing only lasting approx.22 min. creates HUGE problems and I usually am left crying like a baby! One goal in sight, fix all the cracks that clenching has done to my teeth and get a new mouthguard.

The picture below cracks me up. I took it because a friend was making fun of how terrified I am of dental work. So I took a pic of myself. Another friend called this my CSI crime scene photo. lol.

yeppers call me pansy.

but pretty soon I will have like bionic teeth. seriously.

 

However if you need endo work in Saskatoon, I beyond highly recommend Dr. Plain in Midtown Plaza tower, 5th floor. Unbelievable dude. seriously didn't cry once.

Now for better news, my kids have all been dancing; boys in hip hop and pips in ballet/tap. And the competitions have started. The boys placed Silver in their first competition and gold in the last one with Best choreography. Pretty darn cool!

Ireland did a whole little photo shoot with her besties from school, so I will probably have those to share later. But i did have fun taking a few of these. She was so rockstar happy because she got to wear makeup!

These adorable little girls came with their mommies to our house and I curled all their hair. It was a great morning!

Well we went to Edmonton for their second dance competition~ FUN TIMES!

Of course we spent a day at the mall. Yeppers, this momma is a ride junkie with 2 seriously brave kids that will do any adrenaline pumping ride,and one little red head who will contemplate the risk factor of the ride. Some fast ones he does, some you can't even pay him to ...yes I've tried. put $5 on the table for one. wasn't worth it to him. lol

But their faces are AWESOME!!!!!

I can giggle forever when Ireland tells me she doesn't know where her stomach went. But she's sure it left her body cause she felt it move. kids. and the funny things they say.

of course Riley trying to make it look so easy...

and then every once in a while the skies part and your oldest child "lets" you take a smiling picture. This kid used to pose for me non stop. our little model. now he's getting stingy. So I have to always be ready with him.Apparently in grade 4 it isn't cool...

Then it wouldn't be our house if we weren't doing some sort of experiment. Here we are growing "a lizard". This one was a hit. IT really did grow a little everyday. When it cracked out of the egg, it was monumental!

Now this image takes me back to my childhood days. We were always tying each other up and locking each other in rooms by the lasso. Jager has become quite the little man at tying knots. and getting into mischief as you see. Behind this door is a little hot tamale of a sister...who apparently doesn't like being tied in. Of course mom is beckoned "ever so sweetly by her adorable daughter" (aka yelling like a psycho at the top of her lungs) and I come up to see this. well glad I keep my phone in my bra. nice and handy for moments just as such.

Oh and you can't forget this photo. Little miss showing me what she thinks of the sweater dress I bought her. I ADORE it, she DETESTS it.

and I will leave you with this last one. We are movie junkies, more 3D than regular. Cannot get enough 3D. I will tell you this, if you ever get like me and are so sick of how many toys you have in your house, suggest movie passes for gifts. This year the kids received enough that our entire family could go to the movies around 11 times. BEST GIFT EVER!!!!!! The kids vouchers come with popcorn, drink and candy. And the time spent together is the best gift. Trust me, your kids remember this far more than gifts. Just a thought. IT's always on our wish list for presents.

Man it was fun to be back blogging. Maybe see you again  soon....

 

Where in the World Have I Been?

Seems like a familiar tune this year with this blog.

I have good intentions, take a lot of pictures, but just don't find the time to update it often. I think I was in a slump with wanting a change. So, when needing that creative outlet, you must go in search. For me, I came to the conclusion, I needed a blog make over. (one that actually happens.lol) So I've comissioned someone new to work on it in the New Year. I am STOKED. So that has got my heart going pitter patter working on fun stuff to send her. It in fact has motivated me big time!

Of course lot's of my work is always for companies and I don't get to show you many sneak peaks, but this year I thought I might change that. I love doing CHA boothwork, it is highly fulfilling. And I am well ahead of where I usually am for CHA Winter. I've got a good chunk done already, and that feels fantastic!!!!

Let's quickly catch you up on what has been occupying my time. As I write this, it feels like our Christmas letter. I didn't intend for it to be this way, but just rolling with it. So here is our Christmas Card to share virtually with all of you!!!

 

Ireland:

The number one kid in my house that has a gazillion nickname changes. Right now, we tend to call her pips. She has went through these so far in her short 4yrs. Little Miss, Pipsqueak, Pixie, Monkey and now Pips.

This little girl started 4yr old preschool. Going 3 mornings a week, which is fabulous. However that means I drive to and from the school 3 days a week.

We had her in Speech Therapy for a group of sessions this past 2 months and we saw AMAZING differences. Much stronger in her pronounciatio of words. So that is AWESOME! Of course she is just an active little girl, soccer and dance every week, and trust me, if they let 4yr olds join our Tae Kwon Do, she'd be in there.She is counting down the minutes till Sept.2013 when she will be able to go with the boys.

She really discovered Barbies this year, so her & I play Barbies daily, and sometimes the boys join in when I can convince them nice brothers do just that. So we also now have "Ken" dolls so the boys can play.

Pips is definitely our fashion diva. She is more conscious about what she wears than any other child I know. Always likes to match, have her hair and jewelry accesories match. Pretty neat to watch. My fave is her in tights and boots. So cute!

(first day of school pic-Sept.2012)

Jager:

This kid is our comedian. always entertaining, always dancing, always on the move. Smiles and sinister looks always are letting us know he is up to something. But I couldn't possibly live without my daily dose of Jager!

This is probably the most calm photo I have of Jager. Probably because he is embarassed I am taking first day of school photos while all his buds walk by. but tough. He should be used to it by now...REALLY! lol.

He has kept us busy with an intensive social calendar for a Gr.2 yr old. He's got a core group of buddies since Kindergarten, and they are tight like a mafia group.

He decided only to take Tae Kwon Do, hip hop and basketball this fall/winter. Basketball is a fist for us, recommended to take by his Gr.1 teacher. She told us he is amazing at it, I looked at her like she was nuts. But I trust her explicably, we enrolled him and who would've thought. The kid rocks at Basketball. So he's been enjoying that. and well Hip Hop is just his "groove". no surprise.

We still have him in French tutoring, and I won't give up our spot with her till Ireland is out of school. She works with Riley & Jager and is just that perfect part of our week that helps the kids out with the French.Great confidence builder that we actually have the kids reading in front of the class now. Who would've thought any of my kids would've been shy to read in front of the class. Not me.

Riley:

This kid is the heart and soul of our family. The biggest help and the kindest kid EVER. Just one big walking hug. We've had such a fantastic year with him, and have actually stopped counting how many times we get calls from the teacher on how he helped out another student, or from other parents that he was there for their kid, we even had such nice calls from the principal and vice principal. One day a kid fell and got hurt at his bus stop, he ran and helped and the adults all told us, he reacted so fast and just immediately took charge to help. Neat things to hear. Cause you wonder everyday if you are doing things right.

His strong points in life are definitely anything athletic. It just come naturally to him. This fall/winter season he is in soccer, tae kwon do and hip hop. Both boys did also play floor hockey for a few months. It's over now, but such good exercise.

So as you can see I do a LOT of driving and activity watching during the week. Around 21 hrs worth a week to be exact. But that is exactly why I am a stay at home working mom. I don't want our kids to miss out on any opportunities.

Now is really the time for them to figure out what sports they really enjoy, what activities they are interested in.

Riley was doing so well, he got asked to move up to the advanced class. Kinda neat since he's only been in Tae Kwon Do for a yr. Already Yellow belt, black stripe. working on his green belt next.

This kid however has discovered a passion for DC and Fox clothes. Ouch, those a nice and pricey. But on the same aspect, he's been saving and earning money like crazy. He's about 2 months away from being able to buy his own ipad. AMAZING drive! And he's got 100% on almost every single spelling test this year. Things like that just make us proud! He has to work so hard because surprisingly, the English language structure does not come easy to him at all. He's struggling but not giving up. Funny, he enjoys French so much. I always wonder if we are doing the right thing having our kids in French Immersion, but it's always the end goal I have in mind.

As for Jim & I, well our life has drastically been inverted lately. We sold our semi & trailer, now to get out of gravel hauling and buy a new truck to do a different job. Always freaky starting something new. I'm still pretty consistent, lot's of scrapbook work, still traveling to teach and work at events. Less than before, as you can see, my home life is BUSY! But I still love it.

Well, speaking of busy, gotta go pick the kids up from school, so I will try to keep up with the blog. Bare with me. Change is good, and I have had some exciting things happen to me lately, I can't wait to share!

 

 

 

 

 

can you believe it, I'm blogging!

                                               
Summer is the time for fabulous things. And when I say fabulous I mean:

• swimming
• swimming lessons
• boating
• camping
• tenting
• playing at the park
• late bedtimes
• sprinklers
• sprinklers under the trampoline
• bbq's 
• roasting marshmallows
• having sociables, possibly everyday, who cares, anyone judging? lol 
• 2 months of utter lack of responsibility and routine (ok, well not as much)

This last year just got busier for me. like a whole notch was turned up. 

 

I found these old photos from last summer and I was shocked to see how much the kids have grown and changed. Where does the time go?

 
 




And my fave pic of last summer...

our own beach bum. (well I can honestly say that is the only thing that has stayed the same, little pip's bum cheeks. lol)

heaven help us when she is older.

well, I think I might have a minute to start blogging again, should be fun. see you tomorrow. maybe...

Happy Valentine's Day!

I didn't get a chance to upload the pics I took of my kids Valentine's but I will this weekend and then share them with you. I was inspired by Scrapbook & Cards Today, and can't wait to show you my interpretation of their fabulous idea!!!!! But until then...

I tried to create my own vintage Valentine's pics of the kids. I loved this one of the boys giving pipsqueak a kiss.

Well hope everyone is having fun today, give those smooches!!!! Don't be stingy. 

Check back on Wednesday, I have 2 fabulous things to share with you. They are going to be funny!!!!!

White Lotus Photoart ROCKS!

So what does Regina have to offer? 

Parliament Buildings

Science Centre- which totally ROCKS. We always go!

Roughriders

AND.... White Lotus Photoart-Kids. I was very lucky to have met this girl years and years ago and just love her take on things. Her scrapbooking was clean, crisp and a graphic artists dream design. Then her photography and invitation business skyrocketed. I follow her art, her blog, her site and longed for a day that it could work that we hooked up for a photo play date. Well Sunday it worked! woohoo. We met up and had fun. I never dreamt of seeing sneaks so fast, but she had quite a few. So I simply must share.

and yes, stitches and all. This was reality.

Of course, the feet shot. I'm a mom that loves their little parts! It's all in the details!

I love how Ireland stands like a girl waiting for her first kiss.

Now will the real Forrest kids please come forward....

yeppers, they are all ours. we love em to pieces. Rockstar!

I simply do not know how I will wait to see the rest. HUGE HUGE thanks Melissa Chapman for fitting our pipsqueaks in!!!! you are amazing!

update.

I have a few emails that my link to Nathalie was working sometimes and not others. Why does typepad have to be sooooo frustrating? So here is her address in case you can't click on the link.

www.scrapbook-trends.com

Nathalie Kalbach

Also, check out my Easter banner I made with the kids a few weeks ago. It is using all new American Crafts COnfetti line and of course Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L. It is fun!

How's is everyone's Easter holiday going? I LOVE that this week off with the kids is warm weather! well the teeny weeny thunderstorm today was refreshing, but I am loving the warmth. Jager even got a sunburn as well as at least a hundred new freckles. I LOVE freckles. so I told him how cool those were.

Riley just can't keep his teeth in his mouth. seriously. Here's his freaky look. I told him he's not very scary. He tried to prove me wrong. Watching him eat has been quite hilarious.

If Jager isn't an accountant or dentist I will be shocked. He has to examine Riley's mouth very intently everytime he loses and daily to see if new teeth are coming.

And then speaking of Jag. This one is for you Vicki Boutin. You love coming home to my house and laughing at my kids body painted and how they even paint in their ears. Here's Jager for you.

such concentration. AND I have a whole bunch of photos so look for them one day in my scrapboking. I LOVE them all but I will just show you a few!!!!!

And then my husband joins in.... see it isn't just me.

proud.

and people wonder why I scrapbook.seriously, I am living with performers that provide me with gold. It would be a shame if I didn't capture them.

Easter was very nice. We delayed a few of our traditional activities as we were out of town. and Lucky us, the kids don't know dates very well yet, so they aren't sticklers. So we painted the eggs and they had their "hunt" today. Which was almost foiled because of princess below. No one told the kids to go looking for them but she snuck out and came back in with her face covered in chocolate AND had already scored quite a few and hid them in her bicycle pouch. So of course MAJOR emergency, quickly had to wake up Jager, tell the kids to get dressed. and off we were collecting. The best part, they had only 2 tiny eggs, and were content with that. So only little sugar = manageable kids = happy mom.

The kids were pumped,and even more excited when we went into the house to decorate the eggs. This year, we used Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist, Glam & Glaze. total fun time, and EVERYTHING was glittery. I broke out the Kaisercraft pearls and rhinestones, Clearsnap glitter, American Crafts markers and Harmonie stickers. boy did we have fun! the kids said this was the BEST year ever for decorating. I agree. SO  I think no more store bought cheap dyes, momma's breaking out the good stuff. 

After all, future artists in the making.

I didn't get any pics of Riley, he was far more interested in something else. He is starting to get a little tired of the pics. :( (Or maybe is it in the same day????)

anyways, I got a dozen of JAger showing off his faves.

Then we went to my gramma's for a birthday party. Of course a snazzy affair. as you see below...

We call her gramma when she wears this pair. Too funny.

But the hit of the party was the BeyBlades. Our kids finally earned theirs on the weekend and man has our house gotten a little louder. especially since Ireland can play and Jim has joined in. Fun times. But be prepared, if you are a boy and invite my kids to your bday party, expect these. They are in love with them right now.

Well, I should go to bed. I am tired, it's hard having fun all day. and then purging all night. But I am sooo proud of myself. I have made 3 major garbages, 2 huge boxes  of scrap paper, 9 boxes of stuff to sell. And I have completely reshelved, counted and categorized my kitting room. Also made 23 kits all ready for me to scrap at crops. So that is fabulous!!!!!! My goal, to purge another 10 boxes downstairs, make a few ore kits and fill at least 3 more boxes to donate. 

I had 2 more boxes arrive today, 2 more on the way, and a wall full I haven't opened that arrived before Camp Croppin. So I am going to try to  (once I get organized and purged) to start the motto:

for every box that comes in I MUSt have one go out OR have a box full of layouts/ projects to show for it. 

hmm, no guarantees. But I will try.

 

well off to conquer the world, or at least my scrap space. (aka my scrap house that is slowly seeing the light) 

wish me luck!!!!!

I think Spring....

is peeking out today! The snow on my lawn is melting at a rapid rate. The breeze is beautiful. I have opened every window in my house and Ireland keeps walking around saying "I'm cold, I'm cold." but I just put a sweater on her. We have been cooped up way too long, I want spring. we planted this little bulb and I think it is gonna be a trooper! Isn't new life so pretty?

Today was beyond busy for me. Just a checklist of a million things to do that I had put off while I wasn't up to it. I'm hoping for a few more boxes to arrive this week to finish kitting my Calgary classes. Then my basement will start looking less like a scrapbook store. A person can dream can't they? I know Jim would like his pool table back. :))

We are switching banks because I just have not been happy with the one we are at. I definitely was looking for something better, and since our mortgage came up, I figured now was the time to look. Little did I realize that meant a full house inspection. Seriously,I did not have time for this. I really didn't. Besides being sick and the last thing I wanted to do was do daily cleaning. I didn't want to do extreme cleaning. But I did. And I repainted all the baseboards and doors and closets, banisters, the ceiling. The house is looking sweet. But the level of stress put on me was high. Especially in the middle of an extreme class kitting week. I warned the inspector as we walked downstairs that I couldn't change this for him. So look beyond the boxes. He laughed, but I don't think he thought I was telling the truth. And then when he saw all the boxes, he laughed again, and again. But he did check out the projects and the supplies and thought my work was really awesome. So that was nice. I was worried he would check that little box that says "hoarders, call the tv show ASAP".  He wanted to know what percentage of the house we dedicated to work. I told him it would appear almost every room. He laughed. So at least the guy had a nice demeanor. When he was leaving he said our house was really nice and artistic. I wonder if that is a good thing. 

Anyways, it is done with. And thank goodness cause I couldn't afford the kids anymore if I had to keep that up. I have had to bribe them with everything to just to keep them from messying everything up again.

phew!

 

So today was also a huge contract signing day. funny how they come in waves. I've joined 3 design teams that are being announced now and in May, along with a new job position. So that is exciting. I've pre-warned Jim since more boxes will start arriving to our house. :)) like I said, they are our decorative furniture. I really need a studio in a much larger space. But it just isn't realistic right now, because I scrapbook ONLY when the kids are in bed, in the wee hours. And if I left every night to go to a studio then JIm would have to deal with the kids if they wake up or need something and that just isn't fair. HE wakes up so early everyday and works soooo hard. So instead I will one day dream of building above our garage. Again, a dream. But if I ever win a lottery... look out.

I wanted to share a few of my project life pics from this week.

We went to Superstore to find splash pants. no luck, of course. I left it to late in the season. BUt what I did spy was unbelievable daffodils. The sign said $16.99 a pot. I thought yeah right, that can't be right. So I asked a guy to price check. They came up as $3.99 6 inch pot. I looked and laughed cause they are definitely about 16 inches tall. So I picked up 3 pots. Couldn't leave them behind at that kinda deal. Then put them in vases around my house. This is seriously a major feel good for me. I love flowers around the house. I love any sort of plant. But I love them in the bathrooms especially, don't know why, but all of them right now are screaming spring.

Yesterday we played outside in the snow for a long time. IT was fun!!!!! Here's a few pics. 

King of the hill.Rockstar.

Then mini princess of the hill. (forever the copycat)

superstar

her attempt at jumping off, but didn't quite land well.

then of course she wanted lipstick on cause I was putting it on...

Then of course we took pictures of ourselves. LOL, the camera was sitting there, so we posed and giggled. (I can see I definitely need my eyebrows waxed.oops!)

Then this is us on our walk. Forever the comedian. I love how she picked out her own sunglasses. Funky.

Come back tomorrow and I will show a project I did with Vicki Boutin. I finished it and love it!!!!!