Wow..still recovering from Christmas...

I hope everyone  had a great Christmas. This was our first Christmas in Utah. It was our first Christmas together with JUST our immediate family. It was nice and I actually enjoyed myself that day. The kids were excited and it was everything they wished for. They really had a great day.

My brother came to town, and we celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve. The kids were so excited that they could  open a couple of the gifts.

Ready to open gifts!

I wanted to get a quick picture of the kids with my brother...yea...they wanted to play!  But at least I have a picture.

 

Drew, Jubert, Ann, Caroline and Sammie

Then Robert and I put everyone to bed and Santa could  visit. It was a memorable Christmas at the Cratin house.

I was fortunate enough to be able to take some engagement pictures of Jubert and Ann. I am pleased with how they turned out.  Tonight we went to Temple Square to try and take some pictures with the lights.  We could  get a couple, but it got dark quick.  However, we have a couple of great shots.  We even could  get away and have a nice dinner.  I loved it.  I could  spend time with my brother and his future wife. My future sister in law,  I am over the top excited and so happy for the two of them and starting a life together.

So my family is happy and excited about next year!  Hope you had a great Christmas.  I Cannot wait to get 2011 started.  Hope you have a happy NEW YEAR!  Time to spend more quality time with my family before "crazy time starts."

Until the next time...have fun creating.

Wow..still recovering from Christmas...

I hope everyone  had a great Christmas. This was our first Christmas in Utah. It was our first Christmas together with JUST our immediate family. It was nice and I actually enjoyed myself that day. The kids were excited and it was everything they wished for. They really had a great day.

My brother came to town, and we celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve. The kids were so excited that they could  open a couple of the gifts.

Ready to open gifts!

I wanted to get a quick picture of the kids with my brother...yea...they wanted to play!  But at least I have a picture.

 

Drew, Jubert, Ann, Caroline and Sammie

Then Robert and I put everyone to bed and Santa could  visit. It was a memorable Christmas at the Cratin house.

I was fortunate enough to be able to take some engagement pictures of Jubert and Ann. I am pleased with how they turned out.  Tonight we went to Temple Square to try and take some pictures with the lights.  We could  get a couple, but it got dark quick.  However, we have a couple of great shots.  We even could  get away and have a nice dinner.  I loved it.  I could  spend time with my brother and his future wife. My future sister in law,  I am over the top excited and so happy for the two of them and starting a life together.

So my family is happy and excited about next year!  Hope you had a great Christmas.  I Cannot wait to get 2011 started.  Hope you have a happy NEW YEAR!  Time to spend more quality time with my family before "crazy time starts."

Until the next time...have fun creating.

Merry Christmas!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!

I just woke up and wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas.

I also wanted to share the HUGE Giveaway from Teresa Collins Check it out HERE!

I am blessed to work with such a wonderful, caring and talented person...Teresa Collins. Go check out her blog for the amazing opportunity.

Off to open presents with the kids. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!

I just woke up and wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas.

I also wanted to share the HUGE Giveaway from Teresa Collins Check it out HERE!

I am blessed to work with such a wonderful, caring and talented person...Teresa Collins. Go check out her blog for the amazing opportunity.

Off to open presents with the kids. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

So much fun...

The kids are on winter break so things are a little crazy around the house. We have been playing games an a ton of computer games. I have been working on getting holiday cards out and pulling addresses off the computer. They think they are helping and doing their work when they are on the computer. At least they are playing the educational websites.


First I would like to share a layout using Teresa Collins Noel line.

Crazy Drew Christmas Layout

This was a picture from last Christmas. If you know my boy he is a total goofball. This layout is the perfect representation of Drew.

Last night Sammie lost her third tooth. This was her front tooth. We were all using the computer and she jumps up and says "Thank you Drew for helping my tooth come out! I love you! Look Mom my tooth is out!" Apparently Drew was sitting behind Sammie pushing her while she was playing on the computer and pushed her while she was holding her tooth and knocked it out, the tooth has been loose for a couple of days.
Here is a picture of her and her new smile!

Sammie's new smile.

Okay...off to finish some projects like clean house, finish the holiday cards, wrapping gifts, start preparing for Christmas Eve Dinner. Oh...So excited that my brother and his fiancee are spending the holidays with us.  SUPER EXCITED!  Our first Christmas in UTAH!   Okay...have a great day....

OH!!!! Let me tell you a secret...YOU DO NOT want to miss out on the HUGE giveaway on Teresa Blog on CHRISTMAS.  TRUST ME ON THIS.  Make sure to check her blog everyday.  I am telling you...here is the link....HERE!

Okay... of to be productive! Till next time...be creative and enjoy life NOW!

So much fun...

The kids are on winter break so things are a little crazy around the house. We have been playing games an a ton of computer games. I have been working on getting holiday cards out and pulling addresses off the computer. They think they are helping and doing their work when they are on the computer. At least they are playing the educational websites.


First I would like to share a layout using Teresa Collins Noel line.

Crazy Drew Christmas Layout

This was a picture from last Christmas. If you know my boy he is a total goofball. This layout is the perfect representation of Drew.

Last night Sammie lost her third tooth. This was her front tooth. We were all using the computer and she jumps up and says "Thank you Drew for helping my tooth come out! I love you! Look Mom my tooth is out!" Apparently Drew was sitting behind Sammie pushing her while she was playing on the computer and pushed her while she was holding her tooth and knocked it out, the tooth has been loose for a couple of days.
Here is a picture of her and her new smile!

Sammie's new smile.

Okay...off to finish some projects like clean house, finish the holiday cards, wrapping gifts, start preparing for Christmas Eve Dinner. Oh...So excited that my brother and his fiancee are spending the holidays with us.  SUPER EXCITED!  Our first Christmas in UTAH!   Okay...have a great day....

OH!!!! Let me tell you a secret...YOU DO NOT want to miss out on the HUGE giveaway on Teresa Blog on CHRISTMAS.  TRUST ME ON THIS.  Make sure to check her blog everyday.  I am telling you...here is the link....HERE!

Okay... of to be productive! Till next time...be creative and enjoy life NOW!

Finally getting into the holiday spirit.

It has taken me a bit to get into the holiday season. I think it was because we have been so busy with trying to get Jump Around Utah open, all the kids school activities and just other things going on, I haven't been in the holiday spirit. However, the other day something  clicked. I wasn't as stressed anymore and just went with the flow.


The last couple of days have been busy with the kids' school programs. It was so cute to see each of my kids perform with their classes.

Sammie at her school performance.

Drew at his school performance.

We finally took pictures with Santa. We got the kids dressed to visit Santa, and they were so excited to see him and tell him what they want for Christmas. We knew this would be the first year we would be able to get a picture with Santa without anyone crying...or without making mom and dad get in the picture. Success! Caroline was so excited she got to dress up. The other two were in school programs, and she felt a little left out. So here she is all proud of herself. I have to say...Caroline needed a bit of bling. I took some Teresa Collins blingage, Amy's Gems added a Jumbo Zot to the back of the gem and added it to her dress, no pins to stick her or me. Then I took one of Miranda's Jewels and added it to a ribbon I tied in her hair. Perfect jewelry for children.

Caroline excited to go see Santa.

So now that I have pictures of the kids with Santa, I could  make the Christmas Cards.  I created them and sent them off to get printed. Phew. One more thing off my list.  The kids are now out for their winter break.  It is time to get crafty with the kids.


Okay... off to bed, another busy day tomorrow. Don't forget to check out Teresa Collins Blog HERE for the great giveaway!

Finally getting into the holiday spirit.

It has taken me a bit to get into the holiday season. I think it was because we have been so busy with trying to get Jump Around Utah open, all the kids school activities and just other things going on, I haven't been in the holiday spirit. However, the other day something  clicked. I wasn't as stressed anymore and just went with the flow.


The last couple of days have been busy with the kids' school programs. It was so cute to see each of my kids perform with their classes.

Sammie at her school performance.

Drew at his school performance.

We finally took pictures with Santa. We got the kids dressed to visit Santa, and they were so excited to see him and tell him what they want for Christmas. We knew this would be the first year we would be able to get a picture with Santa without anyone crying...or without making mom and dad get in the picture. Success! Caroline was so excited she got to dress up. The other two were in school programs, and she felt a little left out. So here she is all proud of herself. I have to say...Caroline needed a bit of bling. I took some Teresa Collins blingage, Amy's Gems added a Jumbo Zot to the back of the gem and added it to her dress, no pins to stick her or me. Then I took one of Miranda's Jewels and added it to a ribbon I tied in her hair. Perfect jewelry for children.

Caroline excited to go see Santa.

So now that I have pictures of the kids with Santa, I could  make the Christmas Cards.  I created them and sent them off to get printed. Phew. One more thing off my list.  The kids are now out for their winter break.  It is time to get crafty with the kids.


Okay... off to bed, another busy day tomorrow. Don't forget to check out Teresa Collins Blog HERE for the great giveaway!

My busy crazy life..it's all good.

Life is crazy and especially mine, okay in my own little word it is crazy.

Saturday we had a little tree trimming party to help kick off the holiday season. We had a couple of neighbors over and decorated the tree. The kids loved the party all the kids got along and played nicely together. (We had 9 kids 7 adults in our little house.) I had a great time spending time with everyone and loved that the kids didn't want the party to stop. It is never a party without excitement right? So the event of the night happened when we were finished decorating the tree, just relaxing and talking, then all of a sudden...the tree FALLS OVER... yes, you read that right....the tree fell over. Here is the poor tree. (notice the Easter Egg ornament that one of the kids made.)

Do not adjust your screens.  Yes the tree fell down. Notice the broken star.

So we are waiting to see if the tree says where we put it and not fall over, so for the time being it looks like this. Sad I know but at least we have a tree.

I told you...don't laugh!

Then on Sunday, I had to do the laundry. Oh the dreaded laundry. This is what my piles of laundry looks in my home. We go through so many socks and jeans.  And I have to wash all the bedding every week. I know we are supposed to have spares but for some reason we didn't have that many linens that made the move.  And we just not had the chance to go out and get more. So I do laundry. 

Oh how I despise doing laundry. But someone has to do it and that person is me!

I have been working on helping Teresa Collins with her 25 Favorite Things Giveaway. Let me tell you there are some amazing giveaways that you are not wanting to miss.  So make sure you check out her blog EVERYDAY till Christmas.  Here is the link to her blog: Teresa Collins Blog. It is amazing to see how everyone has just been extremely generous with the giveaways and supportive of Teresa's good nature to pay it forward to her readers.  I am lucky to work with such a talented, genuine and  kindhearted individual.  You should see how hard she works behind the scenes. She is constantly being  mindful of her customers and her fans.  Maybe I will be able to give you a sneak peek on what goes on behind the scenes of Teresa Collins Designs.

But until then, I have to get back to getting my computer fixed. Oh yea..had to reformat my computer and now I am re-installing my programs, drivers and all that fun stuff that deals with the computer CRASHING while trying to get the newsletter completed.  NICE thanks mr. computer.  So I am spending time working on my computer when I would rather be working here in my studio.

my studio

Until next time!  Have fun creating!  Hopefully soon I will be able to get to the studio and create something. So I can share a project or two.  See ya, hope your life is not as crazy as mine. 

My busy crazy life..it's all good.

Life is crazy and especially mine, okay in my own little word it is crazy.

Saturday we had a little tree trimming party to help kick off the holiday season. We had a couple of neighbors over and decorated the tree. The kids loved the party all the kids got along and played nicely together. (We had 9 kids 7 adults in our little house.) I had a great time spending time with everyone and loved that the kids didn't want the party to stop. It is never a party without excitement right? So the event of the night happened when we were finished decorating the tree, just relaxing and talking, then all of a sudden...the tree FALLS OVER... yes, you read that right....the tree fell over. Here is the poor tree. (notice the Easter Egg ornament that one of the kids made.)

Do not adjust your screens.  Yes the tree fell down. Notice the broken star.

So we are waiting to see if the tree says where we put it and not fall over, so for the time being it looks like this. Sad I know but at least we have a tree.

I told you...don't laugh!

Then on Sunday, I had to do the laundry. Oh the dreaded laundry. This is what my piles of laundry looks in my home. We go through so many socks and jeans.  And I have to wash all the bedding every week. I know we are supposed to have spares but for some reason we didn't have that many linens that made the move.  And we just not had the chance to go out and get more. So I do laundry. 

Oh how I despise doing laundry. But someone has to do it and that person is me!

I have been working on helping Teresa Collins with her 25 Favorite Things Giveaway. Let me tell you there are some amazing giveaways that you are not wanting to miss.  So make sure you check out her blog EVERYDAY till Christmas.  Here is the link to her blog: Teresa Collins Blog. It is amazing to see how everyone has just been extremely generous with the giveaways and supportive of Teresa's good nature to pay it forward to her readers.  I am lucky to work with such a talented, genuine and  kindhearted individual.  You should see how hard she works behind the scenes. She is constantly being  mindful of her customers and her fans.  Maybe I will be able to give you a sneak peek on what goes on behind the scenes of Teresa Collins Designs.

But until then, I have to get back to getting my computer fixed. Oh yea..had to reformat my computer and now I am re-installing my programs, drivers and all that fun stuff that deals with the computer CRASHING while trying to get the newsletter completed.  NICE thanks mr. computer.  So I am spending time working on my computer when I would rather be working here in my studio.

my studio

Until next time!  Have fun creating!  Hopefully soon I will be able to get to the studio and create something. So I can share a project or two.  See ya, hope your life is not as crazy as mine. 

One of those days

One of those days.... when I just need help and no one is there to help. That is okay. I just need to take care of some things, and we will be back to our regular scheduled program. In general, I struggle dealing with the daily things but to add in the holiday activities makes me a little frantic. I need to remember to breathe, and everything will be okay.

One of those days

One of those days.... when I just need help and no one is there to help. That is okay. I just need to take care of some things, and we will be back to our regular scheduled program. In general, I struggle dealing with the daily things but to add in the holiday activities makes me a little frantic. I need to remember to breathe, and everything will be okay.

Teresa Collins and Therm o Web giveaway.

 Go to Teresa's Blog: HERE

you could win THIS

“Items depicted in tote are not included”

Here are the details of the prize:
 Impression Urban Stamp Tote – this fashionable and functional stamp tote has a stair-stepped design to hold stamps, tools, inks and even static-mount stamps in special pockets on the lid! The flip-top box holds photos or envelopes and finished cards!

Mini Stamp Case – This accessory piece holds 100 teeny ¼” alphabet stamps!

Prize Pack of Adhesives:

Zots Adhesive Dots: Small, Medium and Large

Use these adhesive dots to quickly and easily adhere photos, paper, faux flowers, chipboard, buttons and other embellishments!

Foam Squares – Add a pop of dimension with these ¼ and ½ foam squares!

PeelnStick Fabric Fuse – Add patches and badges to scout uniforms, tote bags or clothes! Just press on, no sewing or ironing! And its machine washable / machine dryable.

SuperTape – The strongest acid-free adhesive on the market! Use it with metals, rubber, plastic, paper, beads, glitter, sand and more.

SuperStik Glue Stick – A jumbo sized stick in a compact case! This super strong glue stick is super smooth and non-clumping! Great for use on chipboard and boardbooks.

Sticky Strip Runner – 34’ of clear slivers to adhere photos and papers!

Vellum Tape Runner – 45’ of adhesive for vellum, transparencies, acrylic albums and clear embellishments!

So head over to Teresa's blog: HERE and find out how to enter to win.

Teresa Collins and Therm o Web giveaway.

 Go to Teresa's Blog: HERE

you could win THIS

“Items depicted in tote are not included”

Here are the details of the prize:
 Impression Urban Stamp Tote – this fashionable and functional stamp tote has a stair-stepped design to hold stamps, tools, inks and even static-mount stamps in special pockets on the lid! The flip-top box holds photos or envelopes and finished cards!

Mini Stamp Case – This accessory piece holds 100 teeny ¼” alphabet stamps!

Prize Pack of Adhesives:

Zots Adhesive Dots: Small, Medium and Large

Use these adhesive dots to quickly and easily adhere photos, paper, faux flowers, chipboard, buttons and other embellishments!

Foam Squares – Add a pop of dimension with these ¼ and ½ foam squares!

PeelnStick Fabric Fuse – Add patches and badges to scout uniforms, tote bags or clothes! Just press on, no sewing or ironing! And its machine washable / machine dryable.

SuperTape – The strongest acid-free adhesive on the market! Use it with metals, rubber, plastic, paper, beads, glitter, sand and more.

SuperStik Glue Stick – A jumbo sized stick in a compact case! This super strong glue stick is super smooth and non-clumping! Great for use on chipboard and boardbooks.

Sticky Strip Runner – 34’ of clear slivers to adhere photos and papers!

Vellum Tape Runner – 45’ of adhesive for vellum, transparencies, acrylic albums and clear embellishments!

So head over to Teresa's blog: HERE and find out how to enter to win.

Crazy week..and it is only going to get crazier...

Wow...This week has really just escaped me.  Have you ever had one of those weeks were you plan on being productive and a wrench is thrown your way.  Well that is how my week has been.  But in a good way. I don't mind being busy it actually made me excited and energized about the holidays.  All in all I was able to accomplish something. I was able to work, get my house clean, babysit and play with my kids.  What more could you ask for.  The holiday season is always busy but we have to remember what is important in life. Our family.

So here are some cards I created using Teresa Collins Noel line.  I used Stickles to accent the holly berries and used my Copic markers to color the leaves of the holly.  I also used distressed inks around the card to give it the red hue around the card.

full card

 

close up of the stickles on the berries

I also created this card using Teresa Collins Noel line of paper and clear stamps.
I did heat emboss this card with black embossing ink.  The small notes are stamped with versamark to give the watermarked look on the cardstock.

Embossed card.

Okay...don't forget to check out Teresa Collins Blog : HERE
Everyday for some great holiday give-a-ways.

Have a great week...take care and create!

Crazy week..and it is only going to get crazier...

Wow...This week has really just escaped me.  Have you ever had one of those weeks were you plan on being productive and a wrench is thrown your way.  Well that is how my week has been.  But in a good way. I don't mind being busy it actually made me excited and energized about the holidays.  All in all I was able to accomplish something. I was able to work, get my house clean, babysit and play with my kids.  What more could you ask for.  The holiday season is always busy but we have to remember what is important in life. Our family.

So here are some cards I created using Teresa Collins Noel line.  I used Stickles to accent the holly berries and used my Copic markers to color the leaves of the holly.  I also used distressed inks around the card to give it the red hue around the card.

full card

 

close up of the stickles on the berries

I also created this card using Teresa Collins Noel line of paper and clear stamps.
I did heat emboss this card with black embossing ink.  The small notes are stamped with versamark to give the watermarked look on the cardstock.

Embossed card.

Okay...don't forget to check out Teresa Collins Blog : HERE
Everyday for some great holiday give-a-ways.

Have a great week...take care and create!

Day 4: Teresa's 25 days of Christmas Giving.

Just wanted to post to check out Teresa's blog: Here

Some great give-a-ways.  I will post updates later today. BUSY BUSY!. 

Day 4: Teresa's 25 days of Christmas Giving.

Just wanted to post to check out Teresa's blog: Here

Some great give-a-ways.  I will post updates later today. BUSY BUSY!.