So Karen Motivated Me...

OK... today was Card Club and I usually come home and put my cards in the craft closet and forget I have them and don't use them (I know... weird...). But Karen told me she was going to go home and organize hers, so I thought I would do the same...

My Results... much better. Now I can actually see what I got!!!

THANKS KAREN!!!

My First Blog Contest!!!

OK, here are the details...

Click on the link to kraftykaralyn and leave your name and a comment. You can get entered more than once if you refer other people over to that blog as well (leave a post on your blog if you wish to...). Have them leave their name and your name (the one who referred them) and you will be entered for each referral you have! WOW... OK... so the prize is the wood sign on that blog (shown below) that says "LIVE GOOD." The contest goes through Monday Sept 8th. I will do a random drawing that day, so please come check back and see if you are a winner. I will comment on your blog if you are the winner so you will be sure to come and check it out and I'll get your info from you then! So, start letting people know about my contest! I appreciate all your friendships!

The Tooth Fairy visited our house!!!

Maddy lost a tooth (top right, second one in) at church yesterday (during Primary) and so I folded it up in some paper and wrote her name and the date on it. When we got home we put it in a bag for her and put it on the white board in the kitchen to keep it safe until bedtime. Maddy wouldn't leave the bag alone! She was even ready to go to bed at 6pm, just so she could put the tooth under her pillow! Finally we told her she could go to bed, so off she went. And at 230 this morning I heard the TV on. I went to investigate... sure enough, Maddy was awake and I told her she needed to get back in bed because it was the middle of the night. She was excited that the Tooth Fairy visited her... she showed me her money and then went back to bed! What a CRAZY girl! I can't believe she is growing up so fast! She's going to be 7 in a couple weeks! YIKES!!! Where does time go???

New Blog...

I started a new blog here so check it out. It's my weight loss journey page. I needed something to give me motivation daily, so this will hopefully keep me going and keep me accountable. So come join me. If you are in the midst of a weight loss program, come share your story with us. I will take all the motivation I can get! We all need a little push and a friend along the way (I know I sure do!). Also on the side of that blog are some helpful websites I like. Thanks for all your support all you guys who have been there for me in the past. I appreciate everything everyone has done for me!

Trying to understand her language!

OK, so last night Tyler had a birthday party to go to, so we decided to go get food somewhere. Chuck wanted wings and Maddy wanted to try Panda Express. So Chuck ordered wings from Wing Stop (over in the Riverview shopping area) and Pandas was right there as well (gotta love the drive-thru). So we get our food and we start driving away and Macee is getting mad at us. She is saying something I can't figure out. Finally Maddy says she wants Panda Express. I told her we already got it... well she was still getting mad and said she wanted to go ON it... only then did we realize she thought Panda Express was the Polar Express! She thought we were going to ride on a train! Funny girl. So we had to explain that it wasn't a train and some other time we would go on a train!

HELP... I need...

The links to any craft blogs you guys know of. I really want to get my name out and see if I can bring in some extra cash doing my blocks and assorted wood signs. If you know of any, please comment (even if you don't know me... I won't expect you to comment again) with the link. I remember seeing a link on someone's blog to someone's craft blog... if any of you know about this, please send that one as well. I have been searching everybody's past posts and can't seem to find it. It was probably on one I just happened across one day. OK... thanks in advance for your help!

Word Blocks...

I just finished these word blocks last night at our "come finish your project night" for Enrichment, at my house. I'm looking at selling them. Tell me what you think... a good price, whatever you want to comment would be FABULOUS!!! Just give me some direction with this. There are 15 blocks (all 15 are being used in the picture) and you can do so many sayings. There is a paper that tells you how to set them up for different sayings or you can make them up as you go (Chuck is in charge or our blocks and he always comes up with great things!) So, PLEASE leave a comment and tell me what you think! The materials are about $20 and it took me 5-6 hours to make (not including the time Chuck took to cut and sand all the blocks!)

YEA... I've been tagged again!

Rules: Each player answers the question themselves. At the end of the post the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment letting them know that they've been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person that tagged you know when you've answered the questions on your blog.

The Five...

10 years ago I:
1. Was about 2 months pregnant with Tyler... my first baby!
2. Had been married for 9 months
3. Enrolled in the Fall Semester of college w/ Chuck taking CIS105 (computer class)
4. Worked at United Blood Services as a "Vampire"!!!
5. Chopped off my long curly hair for a new style.

5 things on today's "to do" list:
1. Recoup from "come finish your project" night last night at my house (I didn't got to sleep until 3am).
2. Go get "hi-cream" (fro yo) w/ Macee... we ran out of time yesterday to do so!
3. Maybe do a couple loads of laundry to get back to my normal routine.
4. Pick up kids from school (it's my week!).
5. Oh crap... I have to go to the store... no bread, milk... got 2 b-day parties this weekend... you know!

5 snacks I enjoy:
1. FRO YO (Golden Spoon!!! YUM!!!)
2. Cheetos
3. Saltine Crackers
4. Dr. Pepper (yes, I consider it a snack!)
5. Bowl of Froot Loops

5 things I would do if I were a millionaire:
1. Pay off all debts (I think this is a permanent answer on everybody's!)
2. Go to Walt Disney World
3. Add on to my house
4. Help others in need
5. INVEST!!! (So I can do more for everybody!)

5 places I have lived:
1. Mesa, AZ
2. Mesa, AZ
3. Mesa, AZ
4. ...
5. ...
(I never moved as a kid... the first time I moved was when I got married... we lived in an apartment for 4 1/2 yrs and then moved into our house... and we aren't planning on moving anytime soon!)

Now I tag Kathryn, Amanda, Kari, Jayne, & Hannah (Hannah... make sure you tag the other girls so I can see their responses!) Have fun with this girls!!!

A Bitter-Sweet Moment...

So we have had our 1995 Chevy Cavalier (AKA... The Princess) now for 11 yrs (Aug 11th was her birthday into our family) and we just sold her for a mere $500. I know that sounds like nothing, but she needs ALOT of work and we didn't want to invest anymore money into her (and our other option was a scrapyard where they would only give us $100-$300). So she just found a new family and I hope they can fix her up and make her work for what they need. She went on many trips with our family, took us to work, ran errands and much more... she even got to accompany Chuck & I on our honeymoon (lucky her...)! May she be good to her new owners and may they be able to give her the TLC she REALLY needs!

Here she is... I will miss her (but not too much!). Maybe I will say that I will always remember her!

What my Name Means...

KaraLyn Melser

What your first name means: Scandinavian, Female, Abbreviation of Katherine. Pure.

Your number is: 1

The characteristics of #1 are: Initiating action, pioneering, leading, independent, attaining, individual.

The expression or destiny for #1: A number 1 Expression denotes the skilled executive with keen administrative capabilities. You must develop the capacity to be a fine leader, sales executive, or promoter. You have the tools to become an original person with a creative approach to problem solving, and a penchant for initiating action. Someone may have to follow behind you to handle the details, but you know how to get things going and make things happen. You have a good mind and the ability to use it for your advancement. Because of these factors, you have much potential for achievement and financial rewards. Frequently, this expression belongs to one running a business or striving to achieve a level of accomplishment on ones talents and efforts. You have little need for much supervision, preferring to act on your own with little restraint. You are both ambitious and determined. Self-confident and self-reliant must be yours, as you develop a strong unyielding will and the courage of your convictions.

Although you fear loneliness, you want to be left alone. You fear routine and being in a rut. You often jump the gun because you are afraid of being left behind.

The negative attributes of the 1 Expression are egotism and a self-centered approach to life. This is an aggressive number and if it is over-emphasized it is very hard to live with. You do not have to be overly aggressive to fulfill your destiny. The 1 has a natural instinct to dominate and to be the boss; adhering to the concept of being number One. Again, you do not have to dominate and destroy in order to lead and manage.

Your Soul Urge number is: 3

A Soul Urge number of 3 means: With the Soul Urge number 3 your desire in life is personal expression, and generally enjoying life to its fullest. You want to participate in an active social life and enjoy a large circle of friends. You want to be in the limelight, expressing your artistic or intellectual talents. Word skills may be your thing; speaking, writing, acting, singing. In a positive sense, the 3 energy is friendly, outgoing and always very social.

You have a decidedly upbeat attitude that is rarely discouraged; a good mental and emotional balance.

The 3 Soul Urge gives intuitive insight, thus, very high creative and inspirational tendencies. The truly outstanding trait shown by the 3 Soul Urge is that of self-expression, regardless of the field of endeavor.

On the negative side, you may at times become too easygoing and too optimistic, tending to scatter forces and accomplish very little. Often, the excessive 3 energy produces non-stop talkers. Everyone has faults, but the 3 soul urge doesn't appreciate having these pointed out.

Your Inner Dream number is: 7

An Inner Dream number of 7 means: You dream of having the opportunity to read, study, and shut yourself off from worldly distractions. You can see yourself as a teacher, mystic, or ecclesiastic, spending your life in the pursuit of knowledge and learning.

Now you try it here

A First Time for Everything...

So, I was in my kitchen getting things ready for Bunco tonight and I look out my window and see Fawn pull up, but not all the way to my driveway. So I peek out to see what she's doing and I see someone walk up to her window and talk to her. I couldn't see who it was, so I thought I might recognize the car if I got a better look. So I look out my other window and see a white car w/ flashing lights! Heehee!!! I was laughing so hard. I called for Kirsi to come and see and we were both laughing (sorry Fawn, but it was funny!!!). I went out into Chuck's office and he came and got a look as well. Thanks for the laugh Fawn... and good try trying to get out of the ticket... darn women cops!!! After the cop left, she pulled into my driveway and we had a good laugh. This was her first ticket ever... so I wanted to help her remember it. (And she told us that Devon got one yesterday... maybe it's contagious, I better stay away! That's one "illness" I haven't been infested with yet!)

This is the best picture I could take without actually going outside and snapping a picture in front of the cop... yea, that wouldn't have helped her any!!!

Need a Sub for BUNCO!!!

Just thought I would throw this out... I am looking for a sub for Bunco tonight. It starts at 7pm, we have dinner and then play BUNCO. Everyone brings a $15 prize and then everyone goes home with a $15 prize. If you are interested in subbing, please let me know. We can also add you onto our sub list to call if we need subs.

Maddy is a Genius!!!

Well... in her mind she is. I walked back into her room to see this on the floor... plugged in and all! (Mind you for the sake of safety I removed it and took a picture of it in the kitchen.)

I removed the key, that's why it's sitting there next to it! CRAZY!!! I asked her what she was thinking. She told me she was trying to get the glow stick to glow again. Smart, but NOT!!! I have to keep on my toes with this cute girl!

List of scrapbook items for sale...

Big Sizzix Machine w/ 2 brand-new still in package cutting pads

small dies- Bitty Body (shown), Bitty PJ’s & Bear (shown)

Also have: Leaf #2, Heart-double, Flag

md dies- Primitive Stars (shown)

Medium Swirls, Watermelon, Primitive Stars, Primitive Hearts, Confetti, Gifts, Splats, Medium Balloons, Car

lg dies- Square Set (shown)

Large Daisies, Tag-Super Traditional, Heart Set, Doll Winter Clothes, Tag Set, Circle Set, Square Set

Ellison design Sassy Serif Alphabet Set

Ellison design Tootsie Alphabet Set

(both the above can be used with the Sizzix Sidekick)

Sizzix Fun Serif Lowercase Alphabet (in box but used)

Scrapbook Items for Sell...

I have a bunch of scrapbook things (mostly die cuts) I'm, looking at selling. If anyone is interested in seeing what I have, please leave a comment and I will fill you in. I'm going to try and ebay this stuff, but I thought I would ask any of you out there if you want 1st pick for a great deal! Just let me know ASAP!!! Thanks!

From Cluttered to Cleaned!!!

So... now that schools back in (and Chuck is away at the "big office" today) I decided to clean his office. It's the catch all room. Food storage, files, and STUFF. So I got busy with it as soon as I got home from dropping kids off at school.

It went from this...

to this...

I think Chuck will be so happy to work in a clutter-free area!

Blessed Day...

School is back in session and I'm so excited. My kids will go and stretch their minds and do something besides play the DS, watch TV and wrestle (so I'm not a fabulous mom and my kids probably watch too much TV, but oh- well... it allows me to get things done).

So I got up this morning and got the kids ready, we took our usual pictures by the tree in the front yard and walked to school. Macee has to be included in these pictures. But she still has a couple years home with me!

We were early (like 10 minutes early... it won't happen again this year, I promise) so Macee and I waited by Maddy's class while Tyler and Maddy ran to the playground and played for 10 minutes with their friends.

Then we took pictures with their teachers.

Maddy is in 1st grade.

Tyler is in 4th grade.

We are so excited for this year. I think Tyler was the one who was most excited to go back to school. And I know what Maddy will say the minute she walks in the door, "What's for a snack?"

Stroller Brigade... You can usually find me walking with the Laytons... unless I'm lazy and tired!

Macee is back to being an "only-child" during the days, which I think she will enjoy once more.

Something Fun!

Saw this on a friend's blog and thought I would do it!

Crazy! Have you ever...(if it is bold I have)
1. Touched an iceberg
2. Slept under the stars
3. Been a part of a hockey fight
4. Changed a baby's diaper
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given to a charity
7. Swam with wild dolphins
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a tarantula
10. Said "I love you" and meant it
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Stayed up all night long and watched the sun rise
15. Seen the Northern Lights
16. Gone to a huge sports game
17. Walked the stairs to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
19. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
20. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Bet on a winning horse
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Held a lamb
25. Gone skinny dipping
26. Taken an ice cold bath
27. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar
28. Seen a total eclipse
29. Ridden a roller coaster
30. Hit a home run
31. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
32. Adopted an accent for fun
33. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
34. Felt very happy about your life, even for just a moment
35. Loved your job 90% of the time
36. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
37. Watched wild whales
38. Gone rock climbing
39. Gone on a walk on the beach
40. Gone sky diving
41. Ever bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
42. Bench-pressed your own weight
43. Milked a cow
44. Alphabetized your personal files
45. Worn a superhero costume
46. Sung karaoke
47. Lounged around in bed all day
48. Gone scuba diving
49. Kissed in the rain
50. Played in the mud
51. Gone to a drive-in theater
52. Done something you should regret
53. Visited the Great Wall of China
54. Started a business
55. Been in a movie
56. Gone without food for 3 days
57. Made cookies from scratch
58. Won first prize in a costume contest
59. Got flowers for no reason
60. Spoken more than one language fluently
61. Gotten into a fight while attempting to defend someone
62. Bounced a check
63. Read and understood your credit report
64. Found out something significant that your ancestors did
65. Called or written your Congress person
66. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
67. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
68. Helped an animal give birth
69. Been fired or laid off from a job
70. Won money
71. Broken a bone
72. Ridden a motorcycle
73. Driven any land vehicle at a speed of greater than 100 mph
74. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
75. Slept through an entire flight: takeoff, flight, and landing
77. Had your picture in the newspaper
78. Read the Bible cover to cover
79. Changed some one's mind about something you care deeply about
80. Gone back to school
81. Changed your name
82. Eaten fried green tomatoes
83. Read The Iliad
84. Taught yourself an art from scratch
85. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
86. Apologized to someone years after inflicting the hurt
87. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
88. Been elected to public office
89. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
90. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
91. Dyed your hair
92. Rocked a baby to sleep
93. Ever dropped a cat from a high place to see if it really lands on all four
94. Raked your carpet
95. Worn a mood ring
96. Ridden a horse
97. Carved an animal from a piece of wood or bar of soap
98. Cooked a dish where four people asked for the recipe
99. Buried a child
100. Gone to a Broadway play
101. Been inside the pyramids
102. Shot a basketball into a basket
103. Danced at a disco
104. Played in a band
105. Shot a bird
106. Gone to an arboretum
107. Tutored someone
108. Ridden a train
109. Brought an old fad back into style
110. Eaten caviar
111. Let a salesman talk you into something you didn’t need
112. Ridden a giraffe or elephant
113. Published a book
114. Pieced a quilt
115. Lived in a historic place
116. Acted in a play or performed on a stage
117. Asked for a raise
118. Made a hole-in-one mini golfing
119. Gone deep sea fishing
120. Gone roller skating
121. Run a marathon
122. Learned to surf
123. Invented something
124. Flown first class
125. Spent the night in a 5-star luxury hotel
126. Sang a solo
127. Gone spelunking
128. Learned how to take a compliment
129. Written a love-story
130. Seen Michelangelo’s David
131. Had your portrait painted
132. Written a fan letter
133. Spent the night in something haunted
134. Ran away
135. Learned to juggle
136. Been a boss
137. Sat on a jury
138. Lied about your weight
139. Gone on a diet
140. Found an arrowhead or a gold nugget
141. Written a poem
142. Carried your lunch in a lunchbox
143. Gotten food poisoning
144. Gone on a service, humanitarian or religious mission
145. Sat on a park bench and fed the ducks
146. Gone to the opera
147. Gotten a letter from someone famous
148. Worn knickers
149. Ridden in a limousine
150. Attended the Olympics
151. Can hula or waltz
152. Read a half dozen Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys books
153. Been stuck in an elevator
154. Had a revelatory dream
155. Thought you might crash in an airplane
156. Had a song dedicated to you on the radio or at a concert
157. Saved someone’s life
158. Eaten raw whale
159. Know how to tat, smock or do needlepoint
160. Laughed till your side hurt
161. Straddled the equator
162. Taken a photograph of something other than people that is worth framing
163. Gone to a Shakespeare Festival
164. Sent a message in a bottle
165. Spent the night in a hostel
166. Been a cashier
167. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
168. Joined a union
169. Donated blood
170. Built a campfire
171. Kept a blog
172. Had hives
173. Worn custom made shoes or boots
174. Made a PowerPoint Presentation
175. Taken a Hunter’s Safety Course
176. Served at a soup kitchen
177. Conquered the Rubik’s cube
178. Known CPR
179. Gone fishing
180. Found a long lost friend
181. Voted for a contestant on American Idol or So You Think You Can Dance
182. Successfully convinced someone you were of a different nationality
183. Received a promotion
184. Movie-hopped (Gone to two movies in a theater and only paying for the first movie)
185. Planned a surprise party for someone
186. Beaten all levels of a video game
187. Driven more than 2,500 miles on a cross-country trip
188. Cried yourself to sleep
189. Stayed awake for more than 24 hours
190. Crossed a national border by car
191. Been to an island
192. Been completely out of debt (student loans, house, and all)
193. Read a book from the Twilight series
194. Traveled to Italy
195. Given birth
196. Found a bra that fits perfectly
197. Learned to meditate
198. Owned your dream car
199. Learned to love eating raw vegetables
200. Seen all 50 state

Fun... so tag to all who want to do it!

Piano Lessons...

I have room for about 2-3 more students to fill my schedule for piano. If you are interested, please leave a comment with your e-mail and I will contact you with more info. If you know of anybody who is looking for a piano teacher, please send them my way.

I'm Selling My Truck!!!

Since our car died this past weekend, we have decided to sell our truck and get a family vehicle and a smaller car. If you, or you know of anyone interested in our truck, please have them contact me. Here are the specifics...

2003 Chevy Silverado 1500 extended cab with 2 hidden doors. V6 4.3L, automatic, air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, cruise control, towing package, keyless entry, CD/AM-FM Radio, LOW MILES 66, 000. We are the original owners (non-smokers) and the truck has been kept is excellent condition. $9,500 or best offer.

Contact me at karalynmelser@yahoo.com

Recap Before My Nose Gets Stuck in a Book...

OK... so I'm in the middle of the 3rd Fablehaven book (by Brandon Mull) AND Breaking Dawn just came out and I bought it last night (at midnight...) so soon I will forget the world and get my nose stuck in the books, so here is what I did this weekend!

Friday I signed up for an All-Nighter at Scrapbooks-Etc. with Fawn & Karen. I got all my stuff loaded in the car (she's almost 11 years old to us... Aug 11th is her "birthday" into our family) and headed out to get Fawn and then get Karen and then head to Walmart for a few last minute things and then to Golden Spoon for our FREE frozen yogurt (Thanks Steve!!!). Well... Chuck told me the car had no "get up and go"... so I took it easy. Boy was he right, the car acted like it didn't want to move... well, it started going and I thought, good... wake-up and let's go! Then all of a sudden she was having a hard time again... and then, as I turned the corner onto Olive (mind you I only got down my street), lights started flashing at me from the dash and she DIED... right there and then! YIKES!!! I thought... great, now what... so I called Fawn and asked her if she didn't mind driving, caz my car DIED!!! So she came and picked me up, we loaded my stuff into her Suburban, left my poor dead car in front of our friends house... right where it died... and we were off (she had me drive caz she was eating her dinner!) We got Karen, ran our quick errands and got to the scrapbook store and enjoyed an evening of creativity! It was very enjoyable... led by one of my favorite people at Scrapbooks-Etc... Sandee Traasdahl! Then Fawn & I left our stuff there, because we were returning the next morning for the Scrapfest... scrapbooking from 1030am-1030pm!!! It was so much fun... oops... let's go back to the end of the late-nighter... after that (it was 1130pm) we decided to go to Walmart to get Breaking Dawn. There weren't that many people in line for it, PLUS it only cost 13.68 (plus tax)... BARGAIN!!! For a hardback, that's AWESOME!!! So I brought it home and gave it to Chuck (who is currently reading it! That's OK, I still have to finish the 3rd Fablehaven book...). And then I went to bed so I could get up the next morning and go SCRAP AGAIN!!! So... seeing we only have 1 vehicle now... Fawn drove us to the Scrapfest and we scrapped all day long! I got 13 layouts completed, plus all the paper picked out for my last 3 sets of cards for Card Club for the year (with my school starting soon, I want all other stresses off me so I can focus on spreading out my time wisely). I felt accomplished after today. I know I need to keep up with my scrapbooking, but one thing at a time... right? So anyways... I posted a few pics below of the fun from the Scrapfest, oh and one of my poor car sitting all alone on the street! Hope you enjoy! Oh- and I'll post again after I'm done reading!!! (Unless something else fun comes up that I HAVE to post!)

My YUMMY Peanut Butter Cookie from the Bread Basket (next door to Scrapbooks, Etc.) It was PERFECTION... big, thick, soft and perfectly cooked through... WOW... is all I have to say about it!

Our work space at the Scrapfest... notice my YUMMY cookie???

Me and Fawn!!! I love to take pictures of me and people by myself... I'm becoming quite good at getting us both in the picture!

The Scrapfest room... there are table space enough for 36 people now! CRAZY!!!

My poor broken down car... Oh-well... sometimes you've gotta roll with the punches. This is a BIG one, but we always make it through! What a positive note to end on... now time to start READING!!!

Sleepover

So we did a cousin exchange between my siblings kids this past Thursday night. Tyler went to Dallin's house (Billy & Karen's), Maddy went to Emily's house (Nichelle & Jeremy's) w/Karynn as well, and Reagan (Billy & Karen's daughter) came to my house. (Porter & Garrett just stayed at their own homes.) I think I had the funnest 2 at my house. They are both so funny!!! They both like it done their way, neither is a follower! We started out just playing quietly, then Chuck decided he wanted to take them to McDonalds and let them run around and play for awhile. They got Happy Meals (which neither of them really ate) which had a Polly Pocket (or as the girls called them... a Holly). They had a great time playing and getting tired. Then we went home and painted fingers and toes. Macee had to have red with glitter and Reagan had to have purple with glitter.

Then it was time to get dressed for bed and watch a movie (Aladdin was the choice). They got comfy in their chairs and got a bowl of popcorn. Then Reagan informed me that I needed to take a picture of the two of them... so I did! They are so cute together!

What sweet cousins. They adore each other. It's fun to watch them play together... and to get into "discussions" with each other. My favorite are the ones where they both think they are right and they get into each others faces and "discuss" it! So cute! Even though there is about a year and a half separating the 2 girls, they are true friends! I hope it will always be that way!