Another layout for Bug

I am being productive today!~! Here is another layout for Bug's mission book
Tia Ko Be Bug
mom

Baobab Trees layout

One of the things that Bug was looking forward to seeing while on his mission was the Baobab trees that are so famous for Madagascar and he finally got to see them this last trip he was on. He sent pictures and I couldn't help but to document it for his book.
Tia Ko Be Bug,
mom

7th Grade

Finished a layout I started the other day for Kassi and her new school clothes and style! Luv ya Kassi

Finally a letter from Bug!!

Omg...this has been the longest 2 weeks ever...not hearing from Bug is like having my arm cut off!!! hahaha

It was so so worth it though, he just sent home the most amazing letters ever... I am so blessed to have such an amazing son...and feel so unworthy to have him.

you can read his letters on his blog:
http://elderbugmadsen.blogspot.com

School Shopping

I love school shopping....I love to be able to see the kids all dressed up in fun new outfits with a hope of new beginnings so to speak on their faces...I have always been a dork about it and loved watching the kids do a "fashion show" showing off all the new styles they had for the year. This year Kassi has definately spirited a new fashion and showing off her spunky personality. I loved it...I am going to do a scrapbook page today showing off all her new outfits but, here is a couple of my favorites..
Josh won't show off his new clothes but has surprised me this year with a definite new style sporting anything with the color purple!! He also "had to have" this fun new leather jacket! And, yes, we finally found shoes...size 14 is tough to find in a style a 14 year old likes...of course they sport the color purple as well!

A TEACHER

I have thought for months what this word or position would finally feel like when I got the news of officially having a license to teach in my career. The day arrived today...I was approved and given a license to teach. WOW...how cool is this. I am relieved, excited and overwhelmed all at the same time. I don't think that we ever stop learning from one another and it feels so good to be able to meet a goal of something that is important to you. I feel great to have accomplished that goal and look forward to learning more and becoming a better person and teacher. Hopefully I can touch someone else's life in a positive way by doing what I love to do.

A Saturday off...

I worked on Monday this past week so got to have today off and it was awesome to be able to finally clean my house and catch up on some laundry. I am not sure why I never get them done on Mondays...haha too much to do during the week.
I found a new blog that I am totally in love with doing some fun hair techniques that I tried out today. I will upload some photos of them once I practice a few more times and feel they are worthy to share..haha my mannican is definately having a fun time today with different kinds of braids and updo's going on.
Kacee called tonight and found a 59 chevy pickup that she wants us to go look at so maybe we will ride over to see it tomorrow. She is getting ready to move into a new apartment...yeah for her, she is doing so good.
Bug wrote a little bit last night to remind us that he is headed out for their 10 day trip through Mada to visit the other missionaries and is very excited to see everyone and see the rest of the island.
Pups are doing pretty good, the runt is still struggling a bit but at least I am not having to get up every 2 hours to feed it now...whew..
Have a great weekend everyone!
lol
T

New Puppies and letter home from Bug

Yesterday our english bulldog, Mumu, had 3 new puppies and so needless to say we had an adventure all night long taking care of new little ones.. They are adorable, 1 girl and 2 boys. We also got an awesome letter home from Bug with great photos that I have shared on his blog and you can see there. On the right hand side is the link to his mission blog.
Here is babies:

fixed the laptop..

So I took my laptop into the computer expert..haha (not) and after he fiddled around with it for 3 days told me that everything was gone and they couldn't help. Next day I took a couple of hours and messed around with it and got all the files back, still not sure how..but they were weird..this morning was doing some researching and found someone else had the same issue so I did what they suggested and now have all the files back just like before and felt so smart for a few minutes....okay maybe only a minute..but hey..fixed so yeah there ya go.

Letters from Bug are getting shorter and shorter, he must be so much more busy with his new AP calling..He is doing amazing still and that is awesome to me.

Summer is flying by and soon the kids will be back to school and hopefully the next 6months will go super fast...

I started my facebook account back up yesterday and did some deleting of people not needed..I think I needed that little pick me up as I feel good about it so far. It is so weird to me how little things let me get all worked up but, I am trying to do better with life and the challenges that we face everyday. I am trying to learn that other people's reactions and actions don't need to affect me unless I let them. Try to be a better person and keep learning from the things that life gives me. I have a lot to learn, but, I am willing to learn and hopeful that I will be a good person and help someone through their day.
Tia Ko Be

ugh...

Another virus sent through an email hit my laptop this week.. I took it in to see if we could recover things but this time it wiped out all my files and I have lost thousands of photos (back up back up back up!) and layouts that I have done over the last 5 years..there were about 400 of them now gone...sigh....

Not a good week in the mom department either..sometimes life is hard...but here we go again and time to start learning how to do better...

28 Years!

So this past weekend was our 28th anniversary.. Have to say it too, I can't wait for the next 28. I am very very blessed to say that I am married to my best friend in the whole world. He is and always will be the best thing I ever did in my life!

I am Teaching the Gospel..right HERE

A layout for Bug's mission book. I found a couple of kits by Dawn Inskip that are perfect for some of his pages.. they are called "are we there yet" and "doodly zoo" You can find them along with some awesome templates that make scrapbooking easy and fun at scrapbookgraphics

A Fun Day Out-- Tyson

This weekend we went on another picnic up Logan Canyon and got some fun pictures while we were there. Tyson has discovered how to "cheeeze it" for the camera and was going strong today while Josh took some photos. I couldn't help but scrapbook them today..turned out to be a really fun layout for the day!
Gotta Love those Grandkids!!!

Added and update

I added a few little things to my side bar today and updated them. You can now follow me through email...give it a try!

My blog featured

So just got an email that my blog is featured for it's scrapbook stuff...It is kinda cool, so had to share.

http://scrapbooklayoutsideas.com/blog_awards/index.php?id=27539

Dad's Model "T"

Just did a fast layout of Kassi in Jeff's model T and thought I would hurry and share it. Still working on those New Year goals...

Talked with Bug

Via yahoo messanger that is..haha ...oh it was so awesome... I didn't get a letter this week though because we spent the whole alloted time he had talking instead..now that is better in my opinion.
He is doing great and loving being a zone leader even though it is a bit "stressful" at times he said. He is a bit worried about coming home but, looking forward to spending time chillin with the family. Only 6 more months to go!!!

I made some business cards today and got them ready to be shipped..whohooo
I also got a few new things from victoria secret, pants and capris as I am finally out of the size of pants I have and needed some smaller ones. I also got a new toy this weekend called a Nook.. so much fun, got a couple of books for it and of course downloaded the Tabitha Coffey book which I am so stoked to read.

Josh went to scout camp last week and it was sure quiet without him here..even Kassi was glad to have him back home! She leaves for girls camp in another couple of weeks and that just seems so weird to me..she is NOT old enough, is she?

Went to the fireworks last night with Savana and her family and got to play with the boys..they are growing so fast and so dang adorable! We also went to Sanpete for the 4th of July weekend and Jeff and his brother went fishing. I went photo hunting and got some awesome pictures of some deer that are definately glad it is finally popping something to eat out of the ground now. Hopefully they will all stalk up fast for the winter season. I will add a couple of photos that I took while there.

I also uploaded a few make-up looks I did at the school last week and taught cosmos how to do in the studio. I really love the new 2 kids that I get to teach an hour class to each day.. it is turning out to be really fun.

Pivot Point is coming the middle of the month and I have mixed emotions about them coming as I have to miss the family reunion to Yellowstone because of it but, it will be a great opportunity to learn and grow in my career.

To my kids..

This one is for my kids..they have been on my mind alot this week.


http://www.donny.com/video/all/whenever_youre_in_trouble

working on my goals...

I got a new updated scrapbook program today and LOVE it.. just got the trial version for the 30 days but already know that I will be buying it. Here is a layout I did this afternoon for Bug's mission book.
Thanks for looking.
Tia Ko Be
me

Talents...

First of all, A Happy Happy Birthday to my awesome son, Bug...I miss you so much and can't wait until you come home and we can make more memories.. Your an amazing man and I am one lucky and blessed mom to have you for a son!
Tia Ko Be
mom

Today in our RS lesson we talked about talents and how to share them and recognize them and how to develop them more. It made me start to wonder what I really have as talents in my life and sent me searching the internet for long ago scrapbook pages that I have done.
Treasure was found.. I was surprised to find a former gallery that I had uploaded quite a few of my layouts that I have created and no longer had copies of. I spent most of the afternoon reflecting and saving these layouts to my computer and uploading them to my online slide show here on my blog. There are over 400 layouts on this blog now that I have done since 2005 and I can definately see my talent grown over the years as I learned and practiced and shared my gift. Now I have taught hundreds of people throughout the last few years how to do this and continue to do it with an all about me class at the school I teach.

We all do have talents, sometimes we just need to rekindle those gifts and realize that the gift is to be cherished and cared for.

Have a great week everyone
Tia Ko Be
me

Updated for Bug

I finally updated Bug's blog for those following his mission. It is a couple of months worth of letters. I will try to update the photos and do a couple more scrapbook pages this weekend for it as well.

Goal...keep it updated...hmmmmm...hehe

Life has been tough lately..sorry for my distance and negativity. I am trying to turn things around as best as I can and do a better job on my attitude..thanks for supporting me all of you.

love
me

http://elderbugmadsen.blogspot.com/

Wicked!!

My dearest most awesome hubby got a friend and I tickets to go see the broadway Wicked this week. We finally got to go see it last night after the months of anticipation.
Oh my Goodness, it was soooooo amazing!!!! Speechless is what I am!! We had the best seats ever and it was just AMAZING!!!!!

Here are a few pics of the event:

And on to the next phase!

So...I took my instructor test today and got a 96% ohhhhh yaaaaaaaa!!!!!! I am a big kid now!!! finally on to the stage in life that I get to do what I have been training to do and it feels so good. Maxine, my boss and awesome friend, took me down and then we went out to lunch. It was so great.. I am grateful for such awesome support. All the other instructors and some of the girls text me and gave support and some of my friends too.. loved it.. thank you everyone!!!

My family is really excited too and I can't wait to tell Bug! It is a great feeling..

so..with that news, I got a quote today from Golden Nuggets that I thought was appropriate for the day and wanted to share it too:

"Sometimes we want to have growth without challenges and to develop strength without any struggle. But growth cannot come by taking the easy way. We clearly understand that an athlete who resists rigorous training will never become a world-class athlete. We must be careful that we don’t resent the very things that help us put on the divine nature."

Tia Ko Be
me

Out with the bad...

So, I have decided to deactivate my facebook account due to some negative enviroment that is pulling me down lately. I will just keep posting on my blog for those that want to follow along in my eventful life..haha..it is a more controlled enviroment and hopefully will help me to stay more positive.
The last year and a half has been a big growing time in my life with Bug on his mission, Savana becoming a mommy to two wonderful little boys and me starting a career and Kacee choosing a different life than we had hoped for her. I have learned a lot and also learned that I am not as strong as I thought I was in certain areas of my life. Family has always been such an important part of my life and I guess that the evil one knows that is the place he can hurt me the most. They have always taught me in my church that the world will try to break the family to succeed and I didn't think that when Bug left on his mission that this would be the area that we are challenged the most, but, it has been and still is being challenged more than I ever thought possible. I hope that we will survive the test and become stronger and that all of us will be able to say we won the fight. Each day comes with different challenges and some days are better than others..my hope is that I can say each day I tried my best and did what I thought was best for my family and that I survived. Some days I do better than others.
Tia Ko Be
me

Scrapbook, color and hanging out

I did a scrapbook page for Bug today.. turned out pretty good.
I also colored Kacee's hair, purple again, this week..haha
Hung out with Kassi cus she is sick today and caught up on laundry..oh the life.

photos from Bug

I worked for Stacey at school today and will have Saturday off..BONUS!! can't complain about a weekend off...
We have been trying to learn some fun new things to help expand from the every day things and I am excited to try a few out.
This last week we did hair wraps (they were fun) and we did a fundraiser event at the college in Logan with haircuts, steps and braids. I really had a good time watching everyone. The students are so awesome.

I set up a makeup class with MAC for the first of next month and I can't wait for it. I love makeup!! haha need to do a few more before and afters.

Got some fun pics today from Bug that I thought I would share as well.. enjoy.

Wow it is March

It has been so busy the last few weeks with all the final details of the MST tradeshow and now that it is successfully done we are trying to get back to a routine around here. I haven't had a day off of work since Feb 20th and starting to really be burned out with the days... but, it was so much fun for the tradeshow and I met and learned so much from the BEST in the industry.
I am forever grateful for the opportunity and now ready to improve my skills as a teacher and designer. Lots to learn and many many things to practice to achieve the skills I need.. Here we go!!!
Watch me now I am going to soar!!! (I hope..hehe)
Tia Ko Be

Another page for Bug's mission album

I did another layout today with some fun new things I got from scrapbookgraphics.com today. This is a picture of him right before he headed to Mahajanga in November for the transfer. He was so excited, but, sad at the same time for leaving such a wonderful ward and group.
Tia Ko Be
mom

change is good

MOST of the time that is.. haha
We are definately growing at our little school and with it we are making some adjustments which are going to be so great. I am so excited to be able to start teaching more and with this adjustment will be able to actually do it more and more.. benefit the students and definately benefit the atmosphere along with some instruction that will help everyone involved more and more. I love that I have a boss that is so open for options and has the best intentions for her staff and students. That is a quality that not many owners can say they have.

we only have 12 days to the tradeshow!!! oooh my am I excited!
Tia Ko Be
me

Happy Birthday Kassi

It's Kassi's birthday today.. 12 years old.. wow..what a blessing she is.. Happy Birthday to my mum too..I miss you mum.
Tia Ko Be
me

Layouts for Bug

I started to scrapbook today again. Another one of my goals this year was to start scrapbooking for the love of scrapbooking and I am rusty for sure.. This layout took me literally hours to do. I had to reload pse4 and definately need to find some shadows so that I feel the elements have the dimension they need.
This one is simple but, it is done with love.

Happiness is Mahajanga Sunsets.
Tia Ko Be
mom

For Bug

Every Day...
Tia Ko Be
mum

MST Tradeshow

22 MORE DAYS....ARE YOU READY??

Make-up play day

I am just adding a little more to my portfoloio this weekend. I saw a tutorial from Misschievous that I have been wanting to try out and this is what I came up with. Kassi is a great sport about me constantly trying out new ideas.. she is still young and loves hanging out with her mommy..so that is a plus.

I used nyx white pencil, mac eyeliner and eyeshadows, nyx eyeshadows and bh cosmetic pallet to create the look.

It was fun but harder than I thought it would be to do the blending and I need to practice more on it..watch for progress.

Tia Ko Be

me

New Photos to share

I have a couple of things to share today. First is a full face "zombie" that I did at school on Saturday. It follows the same as the scar I uploaded earlier in the week but, is a full face. I thought it turned out good but, it is a bit darker and next time I will use a lighter blending makeup. Not bad for my first time though and I am excited that I have accomplished another goal I had for the year.

The next photo is of Kacee and a makeup I did on her this morning. I used the Urban Decay naked pallet. I really like this pallet for every day makeup and neutrals. Kacee is a rockstar for letting me play since she "hates" makeup!! hehe thanks Kacee.

I will add all of them to my slide as well.. Love Mondays!!

Tia Ko Be

me

A friend's blog..

Some good friends of ours that we loved hanging out with in Sanpete county.. All girls in there family and all fabulous with an amazing mom and dad. This is where I learned to scrapbook and learned so much from..both crafty and life experiences...

Hi Sheri, Dani and family!!

They have a blog that I started a follow on today and thought I would share it. If you like crafts, photography, recipe or just love watching a family that is amazing go check it out!!

House full of handmades

Taught at School today

I have been trying to learn things with makeup this year as one of my goals and wanted to learn how to do stage makeup.. This is a creation I did and taught the girls at school how to do today. It is just a patch but, will be doing a full zombie face on Josh this weekend.

Tell me what you think...

Kassi in Young Womens..

My little baby girl is growing up and tonight was introduced into the Young Women's program.. I had to write a little get to know you about her and decided it would be a good post for today as it sums up most of my thoughts for her today..

Tia Ko Be Pooka!!

On February 15th, 1999 a little angel was born in a province called Hung Yen in Vietnam to a very special woman name Leigh. She named her little angel Mai and then lovingly gave her to the care of an orphanage for adoption.

Two weeks later a picture was sent to our family with her paperwork to get things started to bring her home. Before we saw her picture we had gone through a series of events:

For about 5 years I had a dream that would be consistent and reoccur quite often. In the dream Savana and Kacee would be standing together and a little girl with big brown eyes and long dar hair would peek around their legs and smile. She was shy and cautious but obviously loved her two "sisters".

I shared the dream with my husband one day and to our surprise discovered that he was having the same dream as I was. We started looking at adoption shortly after. Different times for several years we would get close to picking up a child or for some reason or another be told that we couldn't have a particular child.

In 1998 Kacee, my 2nd daughter started having a dream about a little baby sister. She would continually tell us that it was time to go and get our little angle. One day, frustarted because of her persistance I told her that obviously she needed to pray about it because we had done everyting we could to get her here. Kacee's reply to me was "Mom, no, it is your turn to pray, I have."

About a week later a friend of mine called to tell me of an experience she had in the temple that she had felt impressed to share with me. I called Focus on Children the next month, which was January 1999. What should or normally takes about a year of paperwork and preparation through the government, to everyone's surprise was completed in about 3 weeks. On April 14th 1999 my husband and I were in a hotel room in Hanoii Vietnam anxiously waiting for someone to bring us our little angel. She came to us through a translator, her care giver and a wet nurse that had been hired to feed her on the way to the hotel. Wrapped in a frail worn out blanket, a hand sewn bonnet and a new bright yellow outfit a very tiny and weak baby girl with big dark brown eyes was carefully placed in the arms of her daddy for the very first time.

As we layed her on the bed she looked up and smiled the most adorable smile I felt that I had ever seen. The caregiver started to speak to us and was translated to that is the first time she has ever smiled and be careful with her as she is very weak.

Kassandra Elizabeth Mai Madsen was born on February 15th, 1999. She was named after my mum, Sandra, her sister Kacee starts her name and her middle name of Elizabeth is from her great grandma Elizabeth or "Beth" Cutler. Her given name of Mai is also shared as a middle name in honour of her birth mom.

She was born at 8 lbs. 8 oz but lost 4 pounds due to lack of nutrition in her first 2 months of life. Though she had a rough start, we know she was blessed and protected by the angels in those short 2 months.

Kassi is the youngest of 5 siblings and an aunt to 3 boys (1 being older than her) and 1 girl who is one of her best friends.

She loves to shop, play basketball and dance. She is very artistic and loves to read and text her freinds constantly. She is a constant model for her mom and sister while they are going to cosmetology school and is excited for her first runway show the end of this month.

Kassi loves the color blue, loves eggrolls and fried rice. Although she is tormented by her brothers she is definately stronger for it. Kassi took the challenge a couple of years ago to develop a "six pack" and currently does about 200 push ups each night and over 100 situps. She is also diligently working on her "spiritual sixpack" of reading the Book of Mormon, a goal given to her by her oldest brother Bug.

Kassi is dedicated, loving and a true friend to those she is friends with. She is shy until you get to know her and then watch out, she is loud and crazy and a ton of fun to be around.

Kassi is very excited to start Young Women's next month and even though her big brother doesn't want her to grow up she is and ready to be a Young Women with Values and share in these experiences.

We love you, Pooka, and hope that you have as much fun in Young Womens as we did.

Tia Ko Be

mom

365+ days

And now we are on the downhill of the mountain.. 367 days ago Bug left for his mission...1 year, 2 days and 10 hours later....wow...this has been one long year but, so happy that he is there teaching the gospel to those who need him.

A son leaves his family for 2 years so that other families can be together forever..

I love ya Bug

Tia Ko Be

me

MANDRAKISAY NY FIANIKAVIANTSIKA

MST Tradeshow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuM86UP4XOs We have been working on these photos for the tradeshow the last couple of weeks and today they became our first You Tube Video!!! whohooohooooo!!! We are soo close to the tradeshow and it is going to be so much fun!
Come and join us on Feb 28th and March 1st. The Runway show will be our closing on March 1st and the students are working hard for a fabulous presentation!!

I want to Live

I have always been a fan of John Denver and love his music. It speaks from my heart when I hear the words of some of his songs. This one is one of my favorites and shared to my son, Bug, from his dad in an email this week.
Tia Ko Be
T

Photo for the day

So, today I decided to share a photo I took last night after Savana text me to look at the sunset. I love that she takes time to check out the most beautiful things and reminds me to look at them too..

What a great end of the day!

Sunset 1/10/11

The next photo is one of Josh actually doing homework.. haha this happens very rarely so I had to document it!!

thought for the day.

I found this in my scriptures tonight and decided it was worth posting.. A little tid bit to make me happy....

"Sorrow looks back, Faith looks Up!"

Tia Ko Be
me

Things that Make your heart...

Some things just make your heart ache.. today was one of those days... I saw a 22 year old hug his mom today and say I love you.. wow...what an impact those little actions can make.. I really miss that from all of my kids...

Another thing today was seeing an absolutely beautiful young lady tell me that she has never had anyone until today tell her sincerely how beautiful she is. Made me remember my childhood a little too much I must say.. But, so glad that when she said that I was the one that said those words to her and realized that I know that I have always told my own children how beautiful they each are especially deep in their souls.

We all do things throughout our lives that affect people every single moment of the day, sometimes I ache for those little moments that were created years ago when all my kids were home and protected from the world. The world can be so cruel.

Soo... what did I learn today.. I learned and reflected on the little things, some happy some saddened by life and the world. Hopefully this will be a better year of memories that make us happy and not so sad.

Tia Ko Be,
me

Almost Half way through

the week that is...the first week back at school/work I CAN DO THIS!!

Sometimes I think that there is so much I don't know how to make a step forward but, I am learning all over again and trying to do better at being happy, finding peace with myself and being more positive around those I am with. It can be a daunting task somedays, today included, but worth it hopefully.

Did some fun makeup today in the studio and will upload a photo of Angela, gal at school/work that let me do the demo on her today. I really love creating this part of my blog and excited to learn more about it.

Tomorrow..well, I am going to be a demo for Christa in sugaring.. nuff said there haha and Friday get to do a TCA peel... whohohooo more excited than ever for that one! I will update photos of the before and after on the TCA peel. I am really excited to work on my master esthetician and learn more about that.

I made a blog for the studio today at school..here is a link if you are interested in following it. I will help them keep it posted and updated through out my time there:
http://www.mststudio.blogspot.com/

Mischievous copy Kesha look

I am a huge fan of a makeup blog called Mischievous and follow her work quite often. One of my goals this year is to try to do some of her creations and learn more about makeup as I go. This is one that she did to resemble a video by Kesha. Her blog link is in the list where I follow.. Check it out!

I will add more of the photos to my slide.

Tia Ko Be
me

Kassi, Sephora 2010 line

I did a little make-up today. This is Kassi, my 11 year old, with a fun teen makeup. I used the Sephora 2010 new showcase line and it is full of great products to choose from. I also used a gel eyeliner that I picked up at the store today. The eyeliner is just by Wet and Wild.

We went to see the elk today at Hardware Ranch as well.. the photos are on my phone for that so I will post them tomorrow. It is family game night, go wii mr potatoe head and yahtzee!! wish me luck

Tia Ko Be
me

2011 wahohoooo

Oh yeah baby!!! bring on the new year and get rid of the last one.. I am soo glad for a fresh start and going to make this one a lot better!
Had to take the computer in today to get unlocked because someone got on it during the night and changed the password.. the hint was yellow sunshine....hmmm had no clue what or how to change it back or even figure out what the password was so had to take it in to the computer shop... back up and running now tonight so now going through all my accounts and changing the password just to be safe.

I am missing my little Kassi today, she went to a friends house to help tend yesterday and spent the night and was hoping to do a make over on her today. I did cut Josh's hair last night and will take pictures of it and upload it to the new slide.. He is such a super HAWT tween!!

Hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday!

Tia Ko Be
me

Happy New Year

Okay Happy Thoughts...a few today, I got to work again with an amazing group of gals and a few guys.. and wish like crazy it could be just that little group all the year round haha.. sometimes every job is hard but, there are positive things that happen we just need to watch for them and that is the goal this year!
School is all ready for the students to come back and we are excited for a New Year with a great list of activities coming our way. The biggest is the MST Trade Show coming February 28th and March 1st. The list of vendors and professionals are unreal and I can't wait to meet some of them.
A few are: Damien Carney and Sue Pemberton from Pivot Point teaching a DF class that I can't wait to see. Manuel Rodriguez and Yolley Ven Koppel, Trang from Odysey Nails will all be teaching classes for the students in the valley as well as professional level classes. There will be booths from Joico, Pivot Point, Elan Lashes, Odysey Nails, Konad, Donna Bella, Alexandria, Spa Girl and more. We will be holding a few competitions in the school that we get to start this week preparing for that I can't wait to see results from including a huge runway show that the students will be competing in for top prizes from Pivot Point, Joico and Odysey Nails. A special surprize competition will be held as well but, that is on the shhhh requirements for a couple more weeks.
The school will be running several of the booths and product will be sold to the public for professional prices during the event along with a ton of prizes and on the spot training available.
I am sooo stoked!!!
We will also be doing a special fund raiser event during the show for abused women and children that I will follow up with details about as the time gets closer.
Watch for a new blog coming from the studio of MST students along with you tube video's and commercials about how awesome our curriculum and talent bursting at the seams from MST.
I can't wait!!!
Tia Ko Be
me

Day 1 back to work!!!

And I made it!!!! yah!!!! It was a good day today at work getting ready for the New Year and I so love the people I work with. We have an amazing staff that really cares about the students and their lives and making their school enviroment a fun and educational experience. I am so honored to be part of this team.
We have 1 more day til the New Year and I am ready so BRING IT ON!!!! Let's make 2011 the best year so far!

Tia Ko Be
me

Accomplishing Goals

So, one of my goals over the Christmas break was to start getting my house back to being mine and we are definately on our way!! Got the tv room, kitchen, laundry room and bathrooms and finally did my bedroom... whohooooo it looks awesome and I even rearranged furniture and pictures on the walls...cleaned and scrubbed and ready for spring!!! well, the snow just fell instead today but it was productive!!

It's a New Year almost!!!

I for one am ready to start over and do a new year!! I have several goals this year and one of them is to start a blog for an online portfolio and get back into sharing my love for the things I do. I have added one of my most favorite slide show pictures of Kacee and her very very purple hair we accomplished. What a process but, dang it was so fun.. watch for more to come and more posts of life!
Come on New Year!!!!

School overload!!!!!

This past couple of weeks have been a killer... soooo much homework and tests to study for and long long hours.. sorry for being so mia but, I am almost done with the first 6 week course and then will be more available...

good news is:
I can now do the following on clients at the school!!!
Facials
Pedicures
Manicures
Haircuts
Hairstyles including up do's
Shaves (although this is not my favorite!!)
Clipper cuts
Perms

and by next week will be able to do:
Colors
waxing
sugaring
make up

whohooooooooo... see all that 6 weeks of cramming is gonna pay off!!!

So if you live near me then call and come in and let me play!

Week one almost done!!!

WOW!!!! how do you say overload.. we have learned so much this week I feel absolutely overwhelmed. I know that it will get easier as I do more hands on and having a blast learning everything.

So far I have done a ton of manicures and today passed them off so that I will be doing them on clients.. so if you are in the area and want a manicure call and schedule with me!!! hehe

I have done my first shampoo and style on a client.. scared me to death but, it turned out cute and was way fun to do.

My doll head has been officially renamed from Debra to Brun Hilda (go me, hehe) and she has undergone the torture of my hands already.. she has had pin curls, finger waves, her first style.. oh my don't ask!!! shampoo and today was set in my first roller curl. I keep forgetting to charge my camera and take it with me but have it on the list tomorrow and a girl there has been taking a few pictures that hopefully I can get copies of as well.. I can't wait to scrap it all!!!!!!

Everyone there is so friendly and helpful and the instructors are all so patient and willing to go step by step with this unexperienced GRANDMA!!! I am really having fun getting to know everyone and really looking forward to the weekend to let it all soak in and relax.

My biggest issue is missing the kids and Jeff.. I have never not been here when they are here and doing things and think about them all day. Kassi has been so sweet to get up every morning and wish me good luck and even drew me a picture to take the first day. Jeff sent me flowers to the school first day and made everyone super jealous and came and brought the kids and took us out to lunch yesterday ... It was yummy, we had Thai food. Savana keeps me informed on her through calls each day and comes in to see me whenever she is in Logan and that is awesome. I miss Kacee.. she is the one that I don't get to see hardly at all as she works swing shift and is gone when I get home and still sleeping when I leave. She texts me though all day and gave me the sad news that she has to work again this weekend so I don't get to see her then either.. But, it is only a short time.

Kassi is doing so good with her surgery now over, she only took pain meds on the first day of surgery and now is running around like nothing happened. I am so happy, as she has found a playmate that is so good for her and social needs. Her name is Ireland and they have become playmates almost every day!

Bug is a lifesaver, he has taken over all the chores, laundry and running little kids around. It is so great having him here as I know they are doing well.. He even cooks dinner every night~~

Josh is bored with summer already, but, he loves having Bug home and is spending some good quality time with him. He registers for football this weekend and has been doing some weight training with Bug a little each week (they are trying to get 6 packs!!)

Jeff is still working 12 hour days M-F and 10 hours on Saturday every day. He did get a day off this week, thank heavens. I so hope they get another pharmacist in soon as he can't keep up this many hours each week for too much longer..

Okay that is the catch up so far, whohooooo.. thanks for stopping and supporting me everyone!
lol
T

First week of School

I just finished my second day of school.. I have only burned my thumb a little bit, honest!!!! I learned how to use those funky curling irons today and do my first hairstyle and manicure.. Everyone is super nice and it seems like a really fun place to be and learn.

Jeff sent me flowers on my first day to the school and everyone was way jealous and can't wait to meet him.. He is coming to have lunch with me tomorrow.. whohoooohoooo..

Savana got her 3D ultrasound yesterday too and came to the school to show me pictures of our little T.J. Yup he is all boy and I am soooo excited to have this experience. Daddy (Trevor) went straight to cabella's and bought him a camoflauge onesie and p.j.s and of course a bottle and binky to match.. hehe..
I found some cute little converse shoes with puppy dogs on them too.. oh my the kid is going to be spoiled!!!!
Welcome to the family Travis Earl John. We love you so much all ready..

School, It's My Turn!!!!!

So it is official.. I am headed back to school!!!!! I was going to start in September but, today I was contacted and asked to start on June 15th with one other gal. I will be getting more one on one attention with this starting date and soooo excited, nervous, and anxious!!!

I will be going to Cosmetology school and the kids will be taking over the store while I am going. I will continue to have it online as well and with a few adjustments in times open to walk in customers not much will change in that area.

I am excited and so lucky to have a supportive group of family and friends with me. Finally it is my turn~~~ whohohoooooo!!!!!!

Home.. a good place to be!

We are finally home from our trip and we had sooo much fun. I loved the sun and soaked it in all week long. Some of us ended up with some wicked sunburns but all of them say it was worth it!!! I think Bug ended up the worst. I have to get the pics off of my dad's camera and then will share the swollen sleeping man!!

Doing lots of catch up work and trying to get myself more organized and ready for the summer. Always so many things to catch up with and deal with when you come home from a trip isn't there.. sometimes I wonder if it was worth going especially during the stresses of catching up.. but.. onward onward.. here we go!!!

Have a great rest of the week everyone!

Headed on a Cruise

whohooooo I am so ready for a fun trip with my family.. we are excited to spend some time without stress and enjoy the moment for a week.

sooo,... have fun without me everyone and remember to check out OSS while I am gone!!!

here is a little happening there:


HAPPY EARLY NSD EVERYONE,
One Single Seed PAPER STORE will be having an online only NSD sale for the
weekend. Sale will start on Friday May 1st and go through Sunday May 3rd.
Everything in the store will be marked down to 50% off retail. What a great
deal!!!!!
All supplies are limited to those in stock and if ordered and out of stock
will be reimbursed out of stock items through paypal.

THERE IS A CATCH THOUGH.. I WILL BE LEAVING TOWN FOR THE WEEK AND WE WILL
NOT BE SHIPPING ANY ITEMS UNTIL THE WEEK OF MAY 11TH. I WILL NOT HAVE
INTERNET ACCESS AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RESPOND TO HELP TICKETS OR EMAILS
UNTIL THE WEEK OF MAY 11TH EITHER.

Don’t forget to check out the forums for challenges and contests, chats and
games provided to you by the awesome Creative Team here at One Single Seed.
Lots of prizes and fun will be had!!!!

Have a great week everyone
lol
T
PS this is an online sale only, the store will be closed May 1st through the 11th for walkin customers

Ammonia Scare.. 4/23

So Monday night I decided to take the kids on a walk about 8:00.. all went fine.. no biggie, I thought.. ugh.. Got almost home and started to have this burning and itching sensation all over my arms and back.. so as soon as I got home I hopped in the shower but, then I started to break out in hives by now I was really hurting and not too happy.. couldn't figure out what the heck was going on. I had a really strong taste in my mouth and burning in my nose as well. I took a valium that I had left over from one of my surgeries because I couldn't find any dang benedryl.. About 9:20 Jeff came home and I was not in good shape at all, he found the benedryl which of course was right under my nose and I took 2 of those. I then decided to try to sleep and lie down and took the rest of my nightly meds.. one just happens to be ambien.. right as I swallow it Jeff says.. ummm don't take your ambien.. oops.. soooo... Yes I slept very well and into the next mid morning actually... Tuesday I was still burning and itching and then we figured out what it was.. There is a farmer here by us that has one of the ammonia tanks for his fields he uses. I must have had a reaction to it (I have had them before) and not realized.. ugh... not a fun couple of days!!!

Soo.. today I had to go to the dentist.. as many of you know this is one of my greatest fears.. I despise going and am well known to pull my own tooth out instead of going.. but, I did it.. got a crown on and scheduled for my next set of work. I also have to go back to the specialist today for repairs on my bone graph that was done last year.. the dentist walked me over to the specialist office and said.. get her in today so she can't get out of it.. haha

At least it can't be worse right!!!!

ok.. I am off my complaining box and ready to hear something good.. so let me at it!!

Coolest EVER web man!!!!

Yes, I am the luckiest site owner in the whole wide digi world... I have the most awesome webman, Mitch and he has done it again!!!!

Go to my OSS store and click on one of the kits. We now feature a slide show of layouts added to our gallery using these awesome kits right there on the page you are at in the digi store!!!! This is such an awesome addition to the site, as are all the others he is doing.. but this one just caught me by surprise and I soooo love it!!!!

Special thanks to that awesome code monkey we have!!!! you rawk!

OSS STORE

CAFEPRESS shop for OSS!!

whohoooo Mitch made us a shop for our website.. I am soooo loving this one:


You can find the shoppe here:

OSS CAFEPRESS

ARE YOU NUTS PAPER SALE

April Fools ARE YOU NUTS Paper Sale

Yup… I have gone NUTS again…
You have one day to shop.. that is it.. 70% off everything in the store.. paper that is…

use this code to get the discount.. it is only good for April 1, 2009

code: areyounuts

***not included with any other coupons or discounts*** no free shipping is allowed either…

*items will be substituted if they are out of stock** sometimes walk in customers and online customers are buying at the same time. We do our best to fill orders as they come but, with these kinds of sales sometimes inventory might be slightly off.

Wow what an Honor!!!

Soooo.... this has NEVER happened to me before...
I was just given the honor of being recognized by my Awesome Friend Dawn (Snowsmoon Designs) on her blog and get the opportunity to pass it on... soooo here it goes..

Here are the rules too:
OK here is the rules:
1 - Pass it on to 10 other deserving bloggers.
2 - Link back to the blogger who gave you the award.
3 - Link to the bloggers you passed it on to, and leave them a message on their blog.

#1 is:
Nancy... YOU are da BOMB when it comes to blogging... I am inspired each and every time that I go to your blog and you are soooooo talented.. you are one of my bestest friends EVER and I am sooo grateful to be able to laugh, love and live through our friendship.. You RAWK!!!

#2 is:
Robin... now this gal she is such an awesome designer and friend.. I have been blessed with the friendship you give gal and I love your gutz!!!! You are rawking the bloggin... keep it up sweetie..

#3 is:
Sarah... your blog is full of information and amazing to scroll through. I love the details that you share and am so lucky to now be able to be apart of it. Thank you so much for all you are doing for me and OSS.

#4 is:
Suzanne.. I love your blog.. always fun and always inspiration to be found. You are an amazing and talented person and I am soo lucky to have you at OSS!! Thanks for all you do gal!

#5 is:
Margie.. gal there is never a day go by that I don't check on you. I know that you are one busy woman, but, I love to stalk your little blog out!!! Keep up the inspiring gal!!!!!

#6 is:
Di.. gal.. though we don't get to chat as much as we used to, you are still always on my mind and totally full of inspiration.. Your sketches are one of my favorites and it is so good to see you so successful!!!! Luv your gutz!

#7 is:
Linda... Ok.. there is just NO WAY on earth to not mention you and your amazing blog!!!! Each and every single day I have to sneak a peek at your blog and listen to my favorite tunes while catching up in the blogging world. Not only are you one of the most special people in my life you are a gift to all of us that know you!!! NO STRESS gal!!!

#8 is:
Traci...I have always loved and been inspired by your work and though I am always so busy, I do take the time to check out what you are up to and of course still STALK your designs!~!! Keep it up girl!!

#9 and 10:
Just cus I can't fit you all on here.. it is a shout out to all the gals at OSS that blog and keep me informed and updated.. You gals RAWK outloud!!!!! keep it up!!!

MIRACLE

There is nothing that can be more of a MIRACLE than this!!!
How do you ever explain a feeling of watching your Daughter see her baby for the first time and hear the miracle inside. My heart is overwhelmed..

Credits are found in my gallery here

Grand Opening Happenings

Already we are under way with amazing challenges and contests to get you started off for the week..

Check out the "I Matter" challenge and win a whole year's worth of Kits!

Look at all the OSS team... They Matter to me!!!

Tons of fun games and challenges can be found here in the forums..

Grand Opening is HERE!!!!!

Monday the festivities begin... Come and play with us at One Single Seed

We Are Adding to our Team!

Ad Reads:
Are you looking for a growing site to place your roots at? Then join us as we build our colorful garden.

Requirements:
Create 1 layout per kit
3 kits per month
Post at 3 galleries
Last... be ACTIVE on site

Send Email with brief bio, link to gallery, links to 2 fav los, and list of (if any) CT commitments.

Send to: Crazyt@onesingleseed.com
Put CT CALL in subject

Call ends March 6th!!

Announcement... Baby!!!!!!!!

Most of you know my Daughter Savana and her hubby Trevor. They have been through quite an experience in their short marriage and we are sooo grateful for the blessings of Trevor's transplant and new life. They have been married almost 3 years now and were told that they most likely would not be able to have children.

Well today I got a phone call at 6:00 am.. Savana was crying on the other end and immediately I thought the worst and thought that Trevor had a rejection to one of the new organs... Nope...

She got a positive pee test!!!!!!!!! after a busy morning and quite emotional one at that we are confirmed...

Savana and Trevor are having a BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a gift!!!

YES I did take pictures of the 2nd positive test and kept the receipts and YES we are already planning the page to announce the news!!!!

I am gonna be a GRANDMA!!!!!!!!!!

One Single Seed is soooo awesome!!!!

I absolutely couldn't be more thrilled with the new site.. It is sooo amazing and soooo exciting to have this.. I LOVE IT!!!!!! I would reccomend Kathy Moore to anyone.. she is literaly FABULOUS!!!!! so so FABULOUS!!!!!

We have a few minor details to work out on the site but, they are just exciting and fun. I loved working with her so much that I have got on her list to have her do my personal blog as well.. I am excited.. and yup.. going to use the same colors as the site and alot of the same things that we used for OSS..

Kathy is having a really awesome fundraiser for the special olymics in her home town going on in her blog..
Make sure that you check it out, Kathy really is amazing and you wouldn't be disappointed.

March is just around the corner and with it will be the Grand Opening of OSS. I am really excited to get it all under way and of course will be all stressed out until it is done fully and ready to go. But, I am in good hands and it will all be worth it.

Stop on by and say HI!!!!

Thanks to everyone for helping it all come together.. You all RAWK!

Happy Happy Birthday!!!

It is Kassi's bday today... What a fun filled day we had too.. Bug came home for the weekend and Kacee was able to get the day off today so we went to celebrate.
Kassi got her nintendo ds that she has been itching for the last year.. she got to go get a couple of games and a new areopostal jacket.. We also went out to Rodizzio Grill for her bday dinner.. oh yummmy!!!!

I can't believe how big the kids are getting and how much I really love having them around..

I am truly blessed!!!!

Happy Happy Birthday Pooka... and a special Happy Birthday to my mum too.. I always miss her and am so thankful to her for all that she gave me but, especially on this day as she shares a special day with the granddaughter she kept in heaven with her a few extra years!!!
Love you Mum.. miss you always..

TWEENS!!!

Short and Sweet today.. but, I had to share the conversation that Kassi and I had on Monday..

Kassi: Mommy guess what?

Mom: What, Pooka?

Kassi: 6 more days and I am a TWEEN!!!!!!


Oh my Oh my... in 4 more days I no longer have kids at home.. I just have 2 TWEENS!!!!!

Secret Has Been Revealed about TTS!!!

I have toyed with many thoughts and things that I would like to see in the site.. I have looked into what would happen if..... lots of ways, of areas....
This obviously started as a great and exciting adventure to me... It was a dream that I have had for many many years and because of some dear friends it was made possible.

Life is all about change and sometimes if handled correctly then change can be good... Sometimes change can cause hardships and we all know about that. This site has gone through some major ups and downs and has come close to having to close its doors.

I had some heart to heart discussions with a couple of very very close friends and then with my husband.
Now you can tell friends somethings.. but husbands.. anyway mine.. I can really share all my gut with.. he can help me sort through things and help me with perspectives and ideas on how to reach goals etc. He is obviously my biggest support and a wonderful man that has bailed me out not only financially with my business but emotionally as well.

After talking with my hubby, I have realized a few things.. I know who my firends are and what they do for me.. they are an inspiration that other than my family is most important to me in my life. Most of those friendships have come from this site and this community. I am honored to call you all my family.. I don't want to loose this dream.. I want to fight until the very end to make it successful and am determined that is what I will do. We will succeed...

Some of the changes that are going to happen are big changes.. the site overhaul is a big overhaul.. the design work will be different.. we will have more advanced features and a very competive opportunity to work with. This has come to be more of a reality than ever this week as I have worked with the new webdesigner in planning and seeing the first mock up of the site..

I have decided that with the change it is like starting over.. a fresh chance for us to really make it what I dreamed it would be from the start. It is in our reach now and with that I have decided that the time to make the change should go all the way... A fresh new start...

So... with that I have decided that I want to also Start over with a new name to the site.. There are many many treasured memories with TTS the name, and they were shared and grew to a wonderful community. I have thought and thought and talked and talked about it for so long it is time to make it all changed, now is the best time to do that with the site upgrade to a dedicated server, new design and hopefully new dreams that will cooincide with the ones I had with TTS.

My dream is not to be a huge site that is impersonal.. but, one that is healthy, loving and most importantly finacially stable enough to not have to rely on my poor hubby to bail me out each month!!!
My biggest and everyone else's love of this community is us.. the people in it .. and those people are the ones we want to bring to the community.. and we can do it!!!
So... with all that... thank you all so much for all your support... and here is the name of our new site and new start...

One Single Seed . com


Welcome to my dream!!!!! and thanks for sharing it with me...

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