I'm Back!!

As if you couldn't tell by all my catch-up posts...hehehe!! I had an awesome time at my first ever California Beach Scrapbook Retreat. I got to meet Shanna, Kelci, Jen, Andrea, Kristi and Kat in person. I spend a lot of time on an online scrapbooking forum with these ladies so it was super exciting to finally meet them!! I can't wait to do it all over again next year!! Thank you Kelci for a fabulous time!!

(Jen, Kristi, Me, Shanna and Kelci)

Beautiful Sunset from our Beach House!!

Group Photo (minus Kat who left early Sunday a.m. for CHA and Heather who was packing her stuff in her car)

Back Row - Kristi (TX), Kelci (CA), Jen (CA), Me (WI), Eva (CA)

Front Row - Andrea (CA), Shanna (AR) and Shana (WI)

Fun Exploding Box

For the FREE pattern please click HERE!

I've Been Tagged!!

Yep, that's right. I was 'photo tagged' by Shanna!

Rules: You've been photo tagged!
Go to My Pictures, and pick the 4th folder, the 4th picture in that folder and blog it!

So here is my little man pretending to play the drums. He would use two Duplo Blocks boxes and a bucket as his drums and then two plastic bowling pins as his drum sticks...too cute!

Close To My Heart!!

I just wanted to post and let ya all know that my Kick Off Home Gathering for Close To My Heart will be Saturday, January 31st. I am gonna do a little give away for some cute little 1" stamps to all my online buddies. Any order you place with me between now and Satruday, 1/31 will earn you a FREE stamp!! You can check out all the products on my website:
http://www.keeleyskreations.myctmh.com/
But in order to qualify for the FREE stamps, you need to send me an e-mail at kirwankm@hotmail.com and let me know you wish to place an order, and I will send you an invitation. Easy Peasy!! If you have any questions regarding any of our products, how to become a consultant, how to earn more FREE stamps or to get the January Promotion Key To My Heart...let me know!! Happy Shopping!!

The Banana Test

THE BANANA TEST

There is a very, very tall coconut tree and there are 4 animals,
a Lion

a Monkey

a Giraffe

and a Squirrel

who pass by. They decide to compete to see who is the fastest to get a banana off the tree.

Who do you guess will win?

Your answer will reflect your personality.

So think carefully. . .

Try and answer within 30 seconds

Got your answer?

If your answer is:

Lion = you're dull.

Chimpanzee = you're a moron.

Giraffe = you're a complete idiot.

Squirrel = you're just hopelessly stupid.

A COCONUT TREE DOESN'T HAVE BANANAS.

Obviously you're stressed and overworked.

You should take some time off and relax!

Try again next year.

Check Out My Award!!

Yeah...that's right...I'm one bad ass momma...HAHAHA!! I got this fun award from my good friend Shanna over at Shanna's Sketches and Ideas! I am so freaking excited as I get to fianlly meet this chicky in person. I have been talking to her for about 3 years now and will get to meet her in person at a Beach Scrapbook Retreat that I am going to January 23-25. I will also get to meet Kelci, Jen and Andrea who are listed below.

Here are the rules: Link back, and pass it on to 5 of your favourites, or 6 if you're like me and can't help but break the rules! My bad-ness has to come from somewhere, right?

First off is Julia...She just had a beautiful baby boy a couple days ago - Welcome Baby Noah!! Congrats Julia!! Enjoy your time with your little man!!

Secondly is Ashley...She just found out she is having her 3rd Boy!! Her and her hubby make the most beautiful little boys...ok ok...I know you aren't suppose to call boys beautiful and I just did twice in two paragraphs...hehehe...but they are so stinkin' cute!!

Thirdly is Andrea...she's an awesome gal from California. I get to meet her personally in less than a week. I can't wait!! I also won some super cool blog candy from her a few weeks back...and I am proud to say that I enabled her to buy from PeachCheap today...HA HA HA!!

Fourthly (is that even a word?) is Miss Kelci. She is the queen of Etsy Bags and Stickles...hehehe. She is a wonderful friend, and a great mommy!! I love her crazy sense of humor and her blog cracks me up everytime I log on!! See you soon Kelci!!

Lastly is Gretchen. I know her from a scrapbooking board we are on together. I love reading about her two little monkeys. Trevor is always saying or doing something that cracks me up. Oh yeah and did I mention that Gretchen is from Michigan...GO BIG 10 AND BUCKY!!

And just because I am a bad ass...here's my sixth gal...Jen!! I also get to meet Jen at the retreat I am off too. She is my Close To My Heart Upline and can't wait to talk to her in person and learn some stuff...hehehe. Our kiddos are almost the same age...both have a boy for our oldest and sweet little baby girls. See ya in a few days Jen!

It is soooooooooo CCOOLLDD here today!!

When we got up this morning it was -14 degrees outside. You read it correctly...that's fourteen below zero and that's just not right...LOL!! My poor dog had to go to the bathroom and was prancing around out there looking for a good spot. Then when he had to do his #2 business, he would hold one front paw off the ground and then switch to the other. Needless to say there was no doddling out there this morning...he was ready to come back in as soon as he was done. Today's high has been changed to be -6 with a -20 to -40 wind chill. Now that's just insane!! Why oh why do I live here?!?! LOL!!

http://www.channel3000.com/weather/18486132/detail.html

Don't Forget...

To redeem your Gymboree Gymbucks if you have them!! They are redeemable January 15-25, 2009.

Rise & Shine Distribution: Now thru January 25, 2009
Now thru January 25, 2009, when you spend $75 or more in stores or online at www.gymboree.com, you will receive a coupon for 25% off our next new line, redeemable February 20, 2009 (12:01 AM ET) through February 22, 2009 (11:59 PM ET), on all regular priced merchandise.

Is Your Bug Cold?!?!

Cricut Expression owners is your buggie cold?!?! I had a Cricut Cover for my Little Bug when I had it and loved it as it kept the dust off. I had been searching Ebay for someone who makes them for the Cricut Expression and couldn't find one I liked. Well today I just ordered my Buggie a nice warm cover...hehehe. Check out Cover Crafters. They have a huge selection of fabrics that they will make not only for your Cricut Expression but for your Baby Bug, Cuttlekid and Cuttlebug as well as your Xyron 500, 505/510 and 900. Check them out!!

I thought this fabric was very fitting for my Buggie!!

Cute Joke!!

A group of kindergartners were trying very hard to become accustomed to the first grade. The biggest hurdle they faced was that the teacher insisted on NO baby talk. "You need to use 'Big People' words," she was always reminding them.

She asked Chris what he had done over the weekend?
"I went to visit my Nana."
"No, you went to visit your GRANDMOTHER. Use 'Big People' words!"

She then asked Mitchell what he had done.
"I took a ride on a choo-choo."
She said "No, you took a ride on a TRAIN. You must remember to use Big People' words."

She then asked little Alex what he had done.
"I read a book," he replied.
"That's WONDERFUL!" the teacher said. "What book did you read?"

Alex thought real hard about it, then puffed out his chest with great pride, and said, "Winnie the SHIT."

Morgan Finally Did It!! 1/10/09

I totally forgot to post this!! Miss Morgan has been so close to rolling over for the past month or more and finally did so on Saturday 1/10. We were at our friend's Stephen and Alyssa, and they were like she's gonna do it. I had just got done telling them that she has been so close forever so she's probably just teasing us. Well low and behold she DID it!! Of course we had left the camera at home. I think that's why I forgot to post this cause I didn't have any pictures of it. She hasn't done it since so hopefully it wasn't a fluke...tee hee!! WAY TO GO MORGAN!!

Tell Me Again Why I Live Here?!?!?!

I seriously have to laugh my butt off when people from California and Florida are complaining about it being cold when it is in the 40s, 50s or 60s...check these temperatures out people!! Those are the highs and lows for this week...AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!! LOL!! Please tell me why I live in Wisconsin - especially during the winter...I ask myself this every year?!?!?! LOL!! I'm gonna be freezing my cute little butt cheeks off here...I'm not ready for this!! My California scrapbook retreat can't come fast enough (January 23-25)!!

Fiskars Threading Water Border Punch - Making Scalloped Squares

I got these directions from Scrapbook and Cards Today.

How to use the threading water punch from Fiskars to make a perfect scalloped square. Let’s get started:

Beginning tip: To punch scallops all around the square, it's easy if you first make a template of a 'perfect rounded corner' first. Making the template.

1. To start making your template, take a 5 x 5 inch square piece of cardstock.
Make the first punch along the straight edge by lining it up along the grid line as shown in Fig A. This grid line is the 8th full square from the end.


2. Punch down in a clean swift motion making sure not to move your paper.

3. Rotate the template 90 degrees clockwise and line up to the grid line (also at 8th full square in from the end) and punch.

4. You have just made your template with a punched scalloped corner with 3/8 inch strips on each side. Do not tear these strips off as they will be used as guides to properly trim your paper in later steps.

Rounding a corner.
5. Take a square mat (could be rectangle as well) and start punching along one side. Just when you are about to reach the end, stop punching.

6. To round the corner, place your template over the scallops you have just punched and line up the corner scallop of your template to the last scallop punched. With a pencil, draw a line along the strip/edge of the template.

7. The portion marked with an X is the excess paper you need to trim.

8. After trimming the excess off in the previous step, you can now punch scallops along the new edge. Flip the punch over so that you can line up the last scallop punched with the first scallop on the punch itself- this will be your corner scallop.

Finish punching around the edges.
Finish punching around all the edges using the steps above and you should end up with a perfect corner on your last edge. Figure L is an example of a finished card with a square scalloped mat.

BUGZ BUGZ BUGZ!!!

I made these bugs for a "Critter Swap" I am in on a Scrapbook Forum I belong to. I think they turned out pretty cute!! I used the CTMH Retired Beetle Bugs Stamp Set (B1202) and the new Spring Blossom Ink Pad in Tulip (Z2166). I stamped them twice on Tim Holtz's Grungeboard and cut them out, curled the antenna and wings up for dimension and then added some crystals. What do ya think?

I HAVE A CTMH WEBSITE NOW!!

WOOHOO...it's now official!! I have a CTMH website for you to browse and order from!!

Check It Out:
https://keeleyskreations.myctmh.com/

Nathan's 1st Dentist Experience!!

Nathan had his very first Dentist appointment today at 3:00. He was so excited to go. He kept saying how they were going to make his teeth sparkly. We got there about 10 minutes early, and he was keeping the entire waiting room in laughter. My little man sure is a talker let me tell you...I wonder where he learned that from?!?! LOL!!

Here he is just chillin' before they start to do anything.


Practicing his aaaaaawwwwwwwwww's.

They had him put on these cool shades so the light wasn't so bright. He was so excited to go but once we got there, and she was ready to begin he got a little nervous. He didn't want to open his mouth. Heather, the dental hygienist, told him that she was just going to count his teeth and then she would make them sparkly for him. Sparkly...did you say sparkly...he is all about the sparkles so opened right up...LOL!!

Here he is getting his teeth counted and making sure there were no cavities.

This was his favorite part...getting the water sprayed in his mouth and then suctioned out!!

And then it was time to get them cleaned with the electric tooth brush thingy...he giggled because it tickled. Oh yeah...she also bribed him to keep his mouth open with a toothbrush...not just any old toothbrush mind you...but a Lightning McQueen toothbrush!!

Here he is after having his teeth cleaned and looked at by Dr. Warren. He told him he liked him and wanted to know if he could come back again to get his teeth sparkly...LOL!! Dr. Warren told us he wish he could just take him home he was so cute...LOL!!

And here is the happy crew - Heather the Dental Hygienist, Nathan and Dr. Warren. I was so proud of my little man...no cavities and a perfect gentlemen as he thanked them numerous times for cleaning his teeth and his cool Lightning McQueen toothbrush. Our next appointment is July 30, 2009 at 4:00pm.

January's SOTM - Moments in Time

Here is January's Stamp of the Month called Moments in Time!!

All the years, months, and reminders you'll need to build a collection of fond memories and highlight special dates to remember. Available January 1-31, 2009 only.

Moments in Time (Set of 47) - D1339 - $22.95

Recommended Blocks: 1" x 1" (Y1000), 1" x 1 1/2" (Y1001), 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" (Y1004)

With a minimum qualifying pruchase, get your Stamp of the Month at a great discount rate or FREE!

*Spend $25.00 and save 25% - You pay $17.21 (D1339A)

*Spend $50.00 and save 50% - You pay $11.48 (D1339B)

*Spend $75.00 and save 75% - You pay $5.74 (D1339C)

*Spend $100.00 and save 100% - You get it FREE! (D1339D)

Spring 2009 Paper Collections

So as I dig deeper and deeper into my new-found endeavor...hehehe...I keep finding fun new things to post. Here are the new 2009 Spring Paper Collections:

Daydream

Emporium

Stardust

That's Amore

Unforgettable

January's CTMH Promotion!!

Close To My Heart has a cool special called the "Key To My Heart" which is running thru January 31st for National Papercrafting Month.

It includes the following:
12 - 12" x 12" B&T Duos(TM) (2 each of 6 patterns)
10 - 12" x 12" Cardstock Sheets (2 each of 3 colors, 4 neutrals)
1 - My Acrylix(R) Key to My Heart E-Size Stamp Set

How can you get this cool offer?
* When you spend $130, you'll get the Key to My Heart kit FREE
* When you spend $75, you can purchase the kit for just $20
* Buy it outright for only $47.90
* Hostesses can get the kit FREE with a Home Gathering sales total of $400 or more

If you are interested in placing an order or would like more information regarding CTMH products please shoot me an e-mail at kirwankm@hotmail.com. I am currently in the process of getting my website up and running. Thanks!!

Thank You Shanna, Bo, Caleb & Carson!!

My other awesome online friend Shanna and her family sent Nathan a birthday present as well!! When I handed him this present he said with a puzzled expression, "Is it my birthday again?" LOL!! As he was opening this one he kept repeating over and over, "Mommy you can't look!" and then he screamed, "I GOT LIGHTNING MCQUEEN!! LOL!! I have a feeling Lightning may end up in bed with Nathan tonight...hehehe. Thanks so much Shanna!!

Thank You Kelci, Steve, Bella & Matea!!

My awesome online friend Kelci and her family sent Mr. Nathan an awesome Birthday present!! He was so excited to open more presents when he got home from Preschool!! He got a super fun Winnie the Pooh Candyland!! We of course had to play it immediately and as usual Mommy lost...dang that 3 year old genius!! LOL!!

I'M SOOOOOOO EXCITED!!

I am officially a Close To My Heart (CTMH) Consultant!! WOOHOO!! I am just awaiting my kit which is due Monday 1/12. The NEW 2009 Spring Idea Book is now out!! You can view all the new products HERE. If you are interested in ordering anything please let me know as I will be able to hook you up!! I am working on getting a website and can't wait to get rolling!!

Morgan's 4 Month Check-Up & First Cereal Pics

Morgan had her 4 month check-up on Monday 1/5. She's doing great!!
13 lbs 8 oz which was the 50th percentile
23 1/4 in which was the 15th percentile
41.8 cm head circumference which was the 75th percentile

Her weight and head circumference stayed the same percentile, but she went from the 25th to the 15th for height. Doctor Neary said not to start worrying yet...she will probably have a growth spurt and catch back up. Sean said she better as she will be playing for the Badger Women's Volleyball Team...hehehe.

We got the go-ahead to start feeding her rice cereal as well. She did really well with it. She is still nursing like a champ so very thankful for that!!