My house has thrown up

Most days I am mildly aware that I have 7 children. But today there was no escaping that fact. I swear everytime I turned around I was re-picking something up. Re-picking... "didn't i just throw that away? Wasn't that just in the toy box? Why is there a pencil in the fridge?" Okay don't get me wrong I am really not complaining just more observing that there are a lot of kids running around here.

Not too long ago a friend of mine told me that she envisioned me waking up each morning with a song, sweetly arousing the children as I make them a homemade breakfast and send them off to school with smiles on their faces and tummy's full of whole some goodness. I told her she was absolutely right if our morning song is "They're coming to take me away", and arousing them sweetly consist of me repeating over and over that "you have five minute if I come back in there you won't have to worry about going to school" , and homemade breakfast consists of what ever cereal has the least amount of sugar in it, or what ever in the fridge doesn't have mold on it!

Okay I am just kidding, I think!? I do love my family and all the roller coaster hills it come with. I honestly couldn't imagine my life any other way. I just had an unexpected visitor and my living room looked as if every article of clothing in the house was some how all over the couches. As soon as I answered the door all of a sudden I became the most popular person in the house and you would have thought they were going to hit the jack pot for seeing who could say my name the most in a ten minute span. Sometimes I have to imagine that Our Lord is having the time of his life watching us all down here, " Oh look, I thought for sure she was about to send that one back up here for a minute ". But I promise I am not complaining. Now excuse me while I explain to the boys once again why it isn't fun to Mommy to make the 2 year old scream at the top of her lungs. Oh the joys of motherhood!

Am I a mommy blogger?

I have to be honest I first started my blog so that I could have another way to advertise my business, but the longer that I have had it, it has become scrapbook of sorts.
I have some of my favorite things, proud mommy moments, silly kid pics, and my own accomplishments. Even a story, poem, or two. But I never had a title for myself until tonight. But I do not think that I quite fit the bill. I mean I am a mom, this much is obvious right, but I do not feel the urge yet to spill all my personal adventures on to the world wide web... yet... anyways. So I guess I answered my own question really. Although I do love to write I am definitely more of a reader, and I tend to write the way that I talk ( and think) which is not always English, that's for sure. So I guess we will see.... mommy blogger in the making perhaps?

Who knows, I am just proud of myself for even remembering that I have this thing!

Completely Addicted

So I have finally discovered that the best thing about tv is the commercials... and the fact that you can get them on you tube is the best! Woo Hoo... here's another!

Toot toot...

Okay so normally I am a little annoyed with adults that do the whole "look at me" ,"look what I did" thing. But lately I have been working my butt off and I think that my creative style is improving... so... look at me (lol) I just recently added some cards and things to my online shop and after posting them I was quite impressed with myself. So here is me tooting my own horn:
This is (obviously) an close up of my gift tag and card set, I love this picture, I do not consider my self to be a photographer of any kind but I really like the way this came out. Here is a couple of pictures of the complete set:

I do wish I was some sort of photographer because then I think I would better be able to show all the little details I put into these cards. But enough of that... visit my shop (toot toot)
and then take a look around Etsy you will be amazed! Thanks for looking!

http://kieshaskrafts.etsy.com

Bet you haven't seen these!

TLC has done it again!

Retail Price: $7.60

Look at these exciting new kits that TLC is offering just in time for the holidays! What a fun craft to make with the kids, give to a teacher, or even offer as a hostess gift for the wonderful person doing the cooking this year!

Retail Price: $4.95

Each of these kits are available only threw a TopLine Creations Consultant (which would be me!) And they are only available for a limited time, so don't delay, because when they are gone, they are GONE!Retail price:$7.60

Contact me today at info@kieshaskrafts.com for more information! Please note that these kits are not yet available on my website they can only be purchase directly from me, so don't hesitate there's no telling how long they will be around!

Email me at info@kieshaskrafts.com today!



Another little side note, now is also the time to sign up as a TLC Consultant... these kits and many more are available at rock bottom price to consultants only until Monday October 29th, 2007! This is an awesome opportunity, please visit my website for more information:


http://www.kieshaskrafts.com





Be one of the first 3 people to sign up this weekend and receive a free kit from me! I would love to have you on my team!

Yes another commercial...

There is a goose under my hood...

Okay, so when it comes to cars I am really clueless. I know how to check the oil, tire pressure, and fill the washer fluid but that is really about it. But my husband is always telling me that I need to listen to our van. Listen for any funny sounds that it might be making. Things of that nature, so when the car is actually quiet enough I do in fact try to do that.

So today I had a moment, I had just taken the littlest two to McDonald's for our Friday afternoon lunch, and while they were quietly munching in the back seat I thought I should enjoy this moment and turn the radio down. So I am driving along and I hear this faint honking noise. I can not even begin to fully describe it, and I think "oh my gosh is that my brakes!? You have got to be kidding me, I have never heard them make this kind of noise before." But as soon as I complete the thought the noise stops. Okay, further down the road now and we are not stopping and here again is that faint honk, now I really must be losing it. What on earth could be doing that...I slow down a little to try and really focus on what direction it might be coming from so I can give as many specifics as possible to the husband later. Then once again it stops.

At this point I fully convinced that I need to either 1. Pull over and listen intently or 2. Go home immediately before the van blows up or 3. I really need a nap. We decide that we are going to go with option 1, so I pull into the nearest parking lot, put the van in park ( can you believe me children are still quiet threw out all of this?) and listen. I mean that eyes darting back and forth, head cocked like a curious puppy listening. And here comes the honk...honk... honk...and I turn around to realize that my 2 year is having the time of her life pulling her straw in and out of her cup...honk... honk... honk! At least my husband will be proud that I finally took his advice and listened to our van.

Okay back to my fav vidoes!

The Middle Show: Soulja Boy


Add to My Profile More Videos

How can you not love this! Just great!

Get Your Business All Wrapped Up!

Cello In A Box products showcase your products beautifully and can help you to sell more as we come into the holiday season! Come over to our site and be inspired:

Here's a sampling of what we offer:

~For your business: plain/decorative ziplock sample bags, door hanger bags.

~Gift basket supplies.

~Plain and decorative cello bags, great for hostess gift bags, party favors and personal gifts.

~Craft supplies.

~Enclosure cards, ribbons, bows, stickers, cone bags, boxes, jewelry pouches, shrink wrap and lots more.

~Educational books and pamphlets.

~We have monthly specials and ongoing big sales.

~New items are added frequently. If you need something and can't see it, we may be able to find it for you. Just ask!

~Lots of seasonal goodies just added and more coming.

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Just Click the Above Link to Visit Website of Cello In A Box!

I did it! OMG!

Okay I am not one to toot my own horn, but I had my first sale in my online shop! I could not believe it! Now you have to understand that I have sold things before, but this was different because this was something I made with my own hands! I am currently a rep for TopLine Creations and Cello In A Box, and anytime I have had sales with them it is exciting also. But this was different. I have been going back and forth with the idea of doing greeting cards for a couple of years now and so I finally took a leap and set up shop. I have not been able to devote as much time to it as much as I would like, but I have to say that I am quite proud of the items I have listed. But I really wasn't expecting much, most people have never even heard of etsy! So to see that I actually had a sale was probably the most exciting experience I have had in a long time. Something that I made with my own hands some one thought was good to spend there money on.

But this got me thinking...

I wondered how many company's still get excited over their sales? I mean almost each and every sale... do they still take the time to personally thank each customer for their business? I hope that I never become so big that I forget this feeling, one of complete gratitude. So to my first customer , thank you.

Here is a picture of the card that was bought! I have to say it was one of my favorites. When I put the package in the mail, it was a weird feeling, like I was mailing a little part of myself away.

Oh well I guess that is something I will get used to. If you have some spare time take a look around Etsy... http://www.etsy.com and make sure to visit my shop http://www.kieshaskrafts.etsy.com . I am sure that you will find something that you will like ( well almost sure) :)

I'm a Fiskateer! Check it out!

A fiska- what? That's what I said! But it is this wonderful online scrapbooking community, that is made up of these creative inspiring women. It helps feed my online addiction that's for sure! But check it out, guarantee you will love what you see!

Love this Video...

Digital Scrapper

So I think that I may have been bitten by a new bug... digi scrapbooking! For a long time I really thought I was a paper only scrapbooker. There is something about the feel of paper that I just love, however TLC has a wonderful program called Lifetimez that is very addicting.

With this program I can do about 5 layouts in the amount of time it takes me to do 1 with paper! It is amazing! Although I know that I will never completely turn over, (I do really love paper)the thought of being a digi scrapper doesn't turn me off any more. The other thing about Lifetimez that is so great is something they call Quikpagez! I have always wanted to be able to give scrapbooks as away as a gift and I have only done so once ( because it was a 4x4 album, lol). But Quikpagez takes all the hard work of doing a page out for you, while still leaving you plenty of creative room!

I would love to tell you more about this program shoot me an email at info@kieshaskrafts.com or if you would like visit my online shop at www.kieshaskrafts.com and click the Lifetimez link and watch a little tutorial! The possibilities are endless with this program! Drop me line and I will be glad to give you more details!

~Krafty Kiesha~

Both of these are simple enough but are two of my favorites, nothing to flim flam :)

So I got to thinking today, and I realized that I am an overdoer. (If that's even a word) As I was surfing the net tonight looking for wonderful things to "scraplift" I realized that all of the layouts that I like and/or cards that I like are very simple, clean layouts. And when I went back over my own work I realized again that the cards of my own that are my favorite are the ones that required the least amount of work... or at least look like they did. But I ALWAYS forget that when I sit down to my craft table and get started!

I think I have to make these elaborate cards with all this bling and flim flam... (again is that a word)But I don't, I make cards for me, and I scrapbook for me. So my goal for today is not only to update my websites (all of them) , but to stop overdoing it! Wish me luck!

Is Direct Sales Difficult

IS DIRECT SALES DIFFICULT? Author Unknown
It is difficult when you must produce a report on a Sunday afternoon and cannot attend your son's football game.
It is difficult hearing the mobile phone ring on Christmas morning and you cannot see the excitement on your daughter's face as she feverishly tears into another box.
It is difficult knowing the rust bucket you call a car is eating you alive in maintenance but you cannot afford a new one.
It is difficult to go to your annual performance review, and even though you have worked hard for another year, you come away empty handed.
It is difficult knowing that you shop by sticker rather than whether the garment looks good on you.
It is difficult knowing that the house you are in is because prices just went up and your budget is to the bare bones.
It is difficult knowing that you married a wonderful person, and promised them the world, and for the next 30 years you look at balancing the budget and figuring out what sacrifices must be made.
It is difficult reciting "If we get this we cannot have that".
It is difficult always lowering your dreams to meet your means.
It is difficult knowing that you have spent 40 years of your life working for someone else only to realize that you will be retiring on 1/3 of what you cannot live on today.
It is difficult when your children move out and you cannot visit them because traveling costs too much.
It is difficult knowing that the fish are biting this week and you cannot drop what you are doing and take your Dad fishing.
It is difficult watching the spark in your partner's eyes fade because both of you realize the house you have been wanting is just a dream because someone else is controlling your finances.
It is difficult waking up one morning and realizing that your children, the most precious things imaginable, no longer need bottles, diapers, have tea parties, eat things found under the sofa, are shorter than the baseball bat they are trying to swing, but instead are grown and starting their own families and you missed all of that because you agreed to be locked in an office for twenty years by a boss who watched his children grow up.
It is difficult dropping your one year old at the nursery because you have to be at work by 9am to stand by the Xerox machine or handle irate phone calls and realize someone else is going to watch your daughter take her first step or have your son say "dada" to the playground teacher.
It is difficult knowing that you have diligently worked only to be given an early retirement.



I will tell you what is difficult. It is real difficult realizing it is too late and that time flittered away can never be retrieved. It slips through our fingers one second at a time.
What are we doing with it? We have nasty habits about rationalizing, procrastinating and skirting important things rather than facing the issues. Too often we allow others who do not pay our bills, who do not share our dreams, to direct our future.
We have absolutely no freedom as a child.
We rebel in our teen years and scream for freedom.
We die for the right to be free.
We fight vicious wars to have the seemingly innocent ability to choose.
We reach adulthood and we relinquish freedom because we think it is too difficult.
We do not want to take responsibility.
We do not want to make a wrong decision so we obligingly give that awesome power to someone else.
We feel it will take too much time. Then, we have the audacity to complain when the decisions made were not what we wanted.
We wake up too late. Phrases like "I wished I had only", "If I could only have that time back" etc.
I believe the majority of people want to sing, but die with the music still inside. Face the music and shoulder some responsibility. You cannot have that time back. You have chosen your direction. If you have not spent your time wisely, too bad.
You have no one but yourself to blame. You had the chance. Perhaps the opportunity was presented many times and each time you elevated the trivial to a higher priority than yourself.
Is Direct Sales really difficult? Is it so traumatic to show someone an exciting product or idea? Is it so difficult to understand that if you work this marketing idea for several years you might not have to confront some nasty options?
Would you work real hard for 3 - 5 years so you could put your family in the home of their dreams? Would you work real hard for 3 - 5 years so you could send your children to college chosen by excellence rather than one chosen by price, the same criteria you used for clothes shopping?Would you turn off the idiot box, the soaps, the talk shows, sporting events or X Files for a year so you could take dream vacations several times a year?Would you apply yourself for 3 - 5 years so you would have the freedom of being able to roll over, yank the covers over your head and wake at the crack of noon because you wanted to?Would you work really hard for 5 years to mold a lifestyle of your choosing so your family could live a lifestyle of their dreams, rather than trying to live how someone else thinks you should live?
We really think we are important in our "jobs." The company we work for cannot survive without us. Everything would grind to a halt without our presence.
Think again. Corporations are not structured like that.
A corporation does not rely on people to remain viable. A corporation needs many properly arranged little squares, functioning in a preset order to survive. After many years as a manager in the corporate environment, here is an excellent visualization of your importance. Find a bucket and fill it about 3/4 full of warm water. Make a fist and push your left arm in the bucket up to your elbow. Now, quickly remove your arm. The resulting hole is your impact. Sobering, isn't it?
Can you identify the words" next time?? How many ?next times? will you have?
What will it take to get you off dead center?
Will it be knowing that people are mentally and physically deteriorating when you have a product that will help them but are afraid of someone thinking you are taking advantage of that person and are just out for the money?
Gosh, I hope not.
Will it be knowing that people are agonizing through bankruptcy, realizing they only needed a couple hundred more dollars per month, not $50,000 per month, but you procrastinated once again?
I hope not.
Realize the awesome power you have in your hands with Direct Sales. The business you have chosen has the ability to change lives.
IT cannot do anything. But YOU can change lives with IT.
You are the one with the life changing ability. What are you waiting for?
What will it take?
You will pay a price for your actions. Which one do you choose to pay?
There is pain in success and there is pain in failure! Pain in $uccess will last a short period of time....Pain in Failure lasts a LIFETIME! Which one is really more painful? You will decide....either way!

Inspired by a Con

A friend of mine once said
That he lives not by religion but by a standard instead
And it made me sit back and take a look at me
Take a look at my life where I am and where I thought I’d be
I do not consider myself at all to be religious person
However I do know the holy one and we’re here for a reason
But what is the difference between religion and spirituality
What is difference between the old and the saved me
Are my thought patterns changed , are my behaviors the same
Do I carry myself different since I have called on the Saviors’ name
I would like to believe that I am but I really don’t know
Cause when no one is looking how far would I go
God knows I been tempted, and some test I have failed
But because I know the Lord loves me the Christ in me will prevail
I mean isn’t that the point of this life that we live
To spend our time here on earth knowing we are His
I know people who would chose to argue with me
“We will all get to heaven if we are just as good we can possibly be”
Well I am here to tell you that I know that is not true
And if you don’t believe me have I got a story for you
I know you’ve heard it before about this man that came here to die
They cursed him, mocked him, nailed his hands, feet and pierced his side
However do you know the promise of his life and the purpose of his death
The freedom there is in knowing that you can choose to be different than the rest
I can already see you rolling your eyes saying here we go again
But know that this is different this is where a true freedom begins
The difference between having a religion and a relationship
Is knowing that you can face all things fully and adequately equipped
I know you are thinking yeah okay this sounds exactly the same
But you have no idea where I was when I heard my Saviors name
Pain and agony tormented me, a step away from suicide
On the outside I looked okay but inwardly I already died
I had this gaping hole that I constantly tried to make full
From drugs to sex to anything, to make the pain dull
I even tried religion, went to church every Sunday or two
I mean that is what I was taught what else was I supposed to do
But I knew church people, religious people and I wanted no part of that
I knew how they dressed up on Sundays, best clothes and their special hats
Is this all there was, it couldn’t be, I needed something more
I even tried to read the bible but didn’t know what I was looking for
I can almost remember as if it was yesterday
The pain was so overwhelming , so I began to pray
And I don’t mean a pretty prayer full of language I don’t understand
I prayed a prayer of pain and need like I was speaking to any woman or man
I had no hope I had no plans I had no one to turn to
I has fallen deeper than I ever had, am I making any sense to you?
I cried until I couldn’t anymore, until my well was completely dry
Then I heard a voice say to me “Now you know why I sent him to die”
The voice I heard was the voice of God, it was as clear as you reading this
I understood his pain as he watched his son die so that I may eternally live
It was for me he hung on that cross that he suffered every stripe
He took every curse and every pain so that I could tell you about his life
So what the difference you say, do you still not know
When you hit the point of no return , you have no where else to go
He is waiting for you standing with his arms open wide
The same God that has forgiven me pushes all your sins aside
The bible says that we are sinners we all fall short of his glory
That means me too and every one that will come after and before me
Nothing that you have said and nothing that you can do
Can take you away from his love and he is just waiting to show you
Don’t get me wrong I still mess up almost on a daily basis
But I have a promise of eternal life in the heavenly oasis
The freedom comes in knowing that no matter what has been done
I no longer have to run and hide I just call on the name of his son
So I think I have chosen to live my life by a standard as my friend has said
Not with religion no not at all, but with a relationship with Christ instead
If something that I have said today has touched you anywhere in your soul
Then now’s the time my friend don’t be afraid it’s time to let it go
Repeat after me open your heart to let him in and pray
And I promise you with my everything you will never be the same
Say Father forgive me I know now what I have done
I understand now with my heart and soul that I truly need your Son
Right now at this moment I give to you my all
I will try with my everything to run to you if I fall
I ask right now Father God that you forgive me of all my sins
That you give me the life you promised me, that I can start again
Thank God for giving me you Son so graciously
For loving me giving me your grace, and life eternally
Now if you said these words I want to tell you congratulations and welcome
You now have the promise of eternal life and hearing our Lord say well done
If from this point on you find yourself in trouble or in pain
Our Lord will welcome you back as long as you repent time and time again
So I guess I owe my friend a thank you for making me take this self examination
And a thank you God for blessing me and honoring with me with not a religion but a relation

To My Husband

So many times I have prayed and cried
That you could see yourself threw my eyes
It hurts me so deep inside to know
That I am the only person intent on helping you grow
All the crap that you have been handed isn't you
All the crap that you have been told it isn't true
You are a gift to me given straight from above
And I am doing all that I can to give you nothing but love
There was a time just not too long ago
When I wasn't sure where this was going to go
I spent nights crying tossing and turning
Praying to the Lord that this was just another lesson we were learning
Please God I screamed bring him back to me
I will do what ever it takes just to make him happy
I screamed at Him "you made me a promise, we had a deal"
Little did I know what was happening was the real
The real part of life not just the crap that people pretend
The kind of stuff that will make or break you in the end
I am proud, not just proud but honored to say
That I have a real man and you showed me yourself that day
Things that I prayed for in my quiet place
Were brought to light right in front of my face
Sometimes I know you wish that you could do more
Understand though that is what I was given to you for
You are more than enough for me just continue to grow
Seek God in prayer and everything you need He'll show
I know that times are hard and it get's a little tough
But with God's love and hard work we will have more than enough
Even when you can't believe in your self just know that I do
And with God on our side we'll always be able to get threw
Thank you for loving me even with all of my mess
Thank you for fighting for me when our love was put to the test
I know there are times when it would be easier to walk away
I know that there were times when I wasn't sure if you'd stay
So many people said it was over before it began
But I knew that there was nothing coming between me and my man
There will be times of pain and sadness, times of anger bordering rage
Times when I will have to remind you to grow up and to act your age
Times when you will wonder if this is it, is it really all worth it
Times when you will love me unconditional even when I don't deserve it
I know that you are my hearts every desire, my dream come true
And I pray with my everything that I am all of that for you
I know that God put me on this earth to be for you to be your wife
And that I will do with my all for the rest of my life!

What is the world coming to?

I was walking around in a store. I saw a cashier hand this little boy his money back saying"I'm sorry, but you don't have enough money to buy this doll."Then the little boy turned to the old woman next to him: ''Granny, are you sure I don't have enough money?''The old lady replied: ''You know that you don't have enough money to buy this doll, my dear.''Then she asked him to stay there for 5minutes while she went to look around. She left quickly.The little boy was still holding the doll in his hand.Finally, I walked toward him and I asked him who he wished to give this doll to."It's the doll that my sister loved most and wanted so much for this Christmas.She was so sure that Santa Claus would bring it to her."I replied to him that maybe Santa Claus will bring it to her after all, and not to worry.But he replied to me sadly. "No, Santa Claus can't bring it to her where she is now. I have to give the doll to my mommy so that she can give it to my sister when she goes there."His eyes were so sad while saying this. "My sister has gone to be with God. Daddy says that Mommy is going to see God very soon too, so I thought that she could take the doll with her to give it to my sister.''My heart nearly stopped.The little boy looked up at me and said: "I told daddy to tell mommy not to go yet. I need her to wait until I come back from the mall."Then he showed me a very nice photo of him where he was laughing. He then told me"I want mommy to take my picture with her so she won't forget me.""I love my mommy and I wish she doesn't have to leave me, but daddy says that she has to go to be with my little sister."Then he looked again at the doll with sad eyes, very quietly.I quickly reached for my wallet and said to the boy. "What if we checked again, just in case you do have enough money?''"OK" he said "I hope that I have enough." I added some of my money to his without him seeing and we started to count it. There was enough for the doll and even some spare money.The little boy said: "Thank you God forgiving me enough money!"Then he looked at me and added "I asked yesterday before I slept for God to make sure I have enough money to buy this doll so that mommy can give it to my sister. He heard me!''"I also wanted to have enough money to buy a white rose for my mommy, but I didn't dare to ask God for too much. But He gave me enough to buy the doll and a white rose.''"My mommy loves white roses."A few minutes later, the old lady came again and I left with my basket.I finished my shopping in a totally different state from when I started. I couldn't get the little boy out of my mind.Then I remembered a local newspaper article2 days ago, which mentioned of a drunk man in a truck, who hit a car, where there was one young lady and a little girl.The little girl died right away, and the mother was left in a critical state. The family had to decide whether to pull the plug on the life-assisting machine, because the young lady would not be able to recover from the coma.Was this the family of the little boy?Two days after this encounter with the little boy, I read in the newspaper that the young lady had passed away.I couldn't stop myself as I bought a bunch of white roses and I went to the funeral home where the body of the young woman was exposed for people to see and make last wishes before burial.She was there, in her coffin, holding a beautiful white rose in her hand with the photo of the little boy and the doll placed over her chest.I left the place, teary-eyed, feeling that my life had been changed forever. The love that this little boy had for his mother and his sister is still, to this day, hard to imagine. And in a fraction of a second,a drunk driver had taken all this away from him.


I got this story off of myspace, it was too good not to share here, if people every where would just take minute to think, to share, to love what kind of world would we live in? If this story left you untouched then I am sorry for you, but if it did touch you even a little then do something about it.... choose to be different, you can change the world even if it is only a little bit at a time.

What Now?

How do you keep the faith when you feel like your whole world is crashing down?

What do you do when you feel like someones only intent has ever been to break what you have worked so hard to build?

How do you pray when you have run out of words?

How do you cry when you run out of tears?

How are you supposed to feel when you wake up and realize that all of this crap has been just that... crap?

How do you protect you heart with out becoming bitter?

At what level are you supposed to get passed all the bull and get down to the real?

Why is this so hard?

How could you tell me that I am your everything and then treat me like I am less than garbage?

Should I keep smiling when inside I feel like I am dying?

What kind of person does it make me to still feel bad for you even though you did this to me?

The angry woman in me wants to hate you...

The wife in me wants to love you still...

The survivor in me knows that I will be okay...

Crushed but not broken, battered but not abused, all in all I am still standing and stand I will with you either by my side or watching me walk away...

I created this for myspace but I thought I would try it here too! Good Luck!
Create your own Friend Test here

First time crab cooking

Okay one last video... I am addicted to You Tube!

Hallmark MC Hammer card

This is my new favorite commercial!

A weatherman scared of roach - CAUGHT ON TV

This is one of the funniest things I have seen in a while!

So I'm no photographer...

I know that from a photographer's view point these aren't the best pictures,

...but look at these faces!

They are my vanilla parts of our sundae... and I just adore them. God has truly blessed me with the wonderful gift of being part of their lives. Some times my heart aches for all that they have been through. However, I know that God is building their testimony, and if we had no challenges in our lives we would have no reasons to believe!

If there is anything thing that I could give them, it would be the gift of faith. Believe with your all that through God all things are possible! I would have never thought it was possible to love 2 people so much that didn't come direct from my body, but I guess I learned a lesson too.

So what if the pictures aren't the greatest, the kids in them are!

Another Proud Mommy Moment

My oldest chocolate child is on her way! These pictures are from her Leaders In Training Graduation. Her 8th grade graduation is next week and just the thought of it makes me all weepy.

This picture is probably my favorite out of all of them, Mr. M. was a driving force in helping her succeed. I am not sure if he really knows how much he means to her. Last summer he picked her up and dropped her off every day for a summer program that she helped with. And at the end of the summer he and another counselor took her shopping as a reward for her hard work. He is such a gentlemen, and once we got over him calling me Mrs., and 'Mam we were okay! :) And his Mom, Mrs A. is a godsend! This woman is absolutely amazing, she inspires me to be a better person. Her true gift of compassion and love shines through her own children, and also the children that she has touched through this program! I will forever be grateful to them both for showing my girl just how great she can be. (Thank you!)

I had a really good time at the dinner with her and her crazy friends, however the best was seeing her through the eyes of other adults. She is really amazing!

Her crazy friend E. had me laughing all night, during the most inappropriate times of course! She has made good choices in friends, they are all good kids.

Me and my "baby"! I help back the flood gates of tears until I got outside, believe me I would not have been me if I had not cried... oh graduation is going to be soooo much worse!

Online Shop

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I am a Independent Advisor for TopLine Creations, but I have also been dabbling with hand made greeting cards. When I think back I have always loved all kinds of paper crafts, so I guess that it was just natural for me to gravitate toward something like this.

Take a moment and browse my online shop: http://kieshaskrafts.etsy.com ! I plan on adding more items soon... well as soon as I come up with some more orignal ideas that is!

I have to say that I had a hard time setting up my shop, not because the programming was difficult but because of the pricing! I didn't want to charge anything outrageous but I didn't want to rip myself off either. Most of the shops that are geared toward greeting cards prices average between $2 - $5, but there are some people on there that I think are ripping themselves off! I have to honestly say that I feel honored to even be able to try and do this and some of the workmanship is amazing! I would easily pay alot more that what they are selling the stuff for! So I am hoping that is what people will think when they see my cards also!

So take a look tell me what you think, and if you see something you like BUY IT!

This is just an example of my work, this card actually was for personal use! I didn't even list it in the shop. In my opinion what I do have listed is better!

Outdoor Fun!

It's sometimes hard to believe that we get -10 degree weather here. It was so sticky hot here the other day, so my friend and I decided to fill up the kiddie pools and let the little ones go for a dip!

They had so much fun! Amazing all you need is a couple of cups, some water, and some imagination! Little D. from upstairs is such a sweet boy, he made sure each time not to splash the middle swirlie in the face so he wouldn't cry.

It didn't matter how many times I told her to let the pool fill up, she just had to mess with the hose, I guess it just looked too inviting!

Funny little one, she wouldn't wear them in the water, but ran around for almost the rest of the afternoon with them on!

Remember Me

Thank you to all of our troops! Thank you for fighting to keep me and my family free! You are not forgotten!

What Kind of Scrapbooker are You?

What kind of scrapper are you?

You're a Scrapping Queen! You're a Scrapping Queen! You know and love every embellishment, color of paper, album size, technique and tool there is! And you should because you wouldn't be able to run your very successful online scrapbook shop without that vital knowledge. Scrapping's not just a hobby to you, it's a lifestyle! Your license plate says LUV2SCRP, your kids call you by your screen name scraplady rather than mom. Your scrap area is organized, categorized and alphabetized, but it's never completely clean cause your always working on a new layout. Your husband has had to put a padlock on his workshop to keep you from rooting around in there for new scrapping embellishments. Needless to say, scrapping has taking over your life! But when all is said and done, you know it's worth it because you'll have beautifully perserved memories to hand down from generation to generation (even if it means dressing the kids up in their Halloween costumes in August so you can use that new ghost stamp you bought.)
Take this quiz!

Quizilla Join Make A Quiz More Quizzes Grab Code

I took this quiz on quizilla, but I am not computer savy enough to figure out how to get it to look on here like it did on the website :) Oh well!

A must have for the summer!

I took the littlest swirls for a walk yesterday in the sunny 85 degree weather. We had a pit stop at the dollar store and my little man just had to have these! He was so funny, he did not understand how dark they really made everything. When we walked in the house he kept asking me to turn on the lights! I have to remind myself that although he is getting bigger he is only 2 year old!

Speaking of getting bigger, I was really taken by surprise when I took this picture. He is going threw a growth spurt right now. The littlest ones are only a year apart but in this picture it doesn't seem that way. Can you believe that people ask me if they are twins?!?!

Understand that she was leaning over, but only a tiny bit, he really is that tall! I really am thankful to God everyday that I have the opportunity to be home with them. No job could ever pay me enough to make me miss these times with them.

Why do I do this, why am I a scrapbook consultant?

Why do you do this? When you spend an entire evening making telephone calls and inviting customers to an upcoming workshop, and end the night with two "maybe"s and lots of excuses, and you ask yourself "Why do I do this?"... When you drive your husband and children absolutely crazy in a house cleaning frenzy to prepare for a class, send them anywhere for the evening and threaten them with death if they come home early, then wait anxiously for your 8 scheduled students to arrive, only to have 2 actually show, and you ask yourself "Why do I do this?"... When you're driving home at 11:15 p.m. from a class where the coordinator told everyone that most of the stuff you were selling was at the craft stores (and then had the nerve to wonder how come she didn't earn anything for free for a class of 3), and you ask yourself "Why do I do this?"... When in the middle of your demonstration you overhear if she weren't my friend I would not be here you'll ask yourself "Why do I do this?"... When the downline for whom you had the greatest hopes calls you and tells you she's deactivating because she hasn't touched her own albums in the past year, and you ask yourself "Why do I do this?"... ...Let me give you a few things to remember. When you receive a note in the mail from an appreciative student, telling you how much she enjoyed her class and that her family loved the page she completed, you'll say to yourself "This is why we do this." When you spend an evening laughing and talking with a group of customers and feel their appreciation for your ideas and assistance, you'll say to yourself "This is why we do this." When you receive that first commission check in the mail, and you treat the whole family to a dinner at a restaurant, you'll say to yourself "This is NOT why we do this...but it's getting better." When you realize that you have the potential to make unlimited income and get to watch your children grow up you'll say to yourself "This is why we do this." When you stay up half the night with fellow consultants at a convention, laughing over your experiences and sharing details of your family life that would make your husband blush, and come home feeling refreshed and excited about your business, you'll say to yourself "This is why we do this." When you spend a quiet evening at home with your children, looking at your own photo albums and laughing your way through the memories, you'll say to yourself "This is why we do this." When a customer pulls you aside and, with tears in her eyes, tells you how her elderly mother reacted to receiving the carefully prepared album of her childhood pictures, you'll say to yourself, "This is why we do this." But most of all... When you think of the hundreds of photos, the thousands of memories, the hugs and the laughter, the births and the weddings, the vacations and the first days of school, the ugly years and the blossoming beauties, the old boyfriends and the new hair styles, and the countless moments in time that have been lovingly preserved for the future because YOU cared enough to take the time to share, you'll know This is why we do this, This is why I do this!


Originally Posted on Heaven Sent Blog... rewrote and rearranged by Krafty Kiesha!

Proud Mommy Moment

So today my oldest chocolate child was inducted in the National Junior Honor Society. I am so proud of her. She has really worked hard to achieve this and everything that she has accomplished in her little lifetime. I told her that she is setting the bar very high for her younger siblings and to keep it up.

All that and she still isn't too big to take a picture with Mommy! :)

On a side note she is still very much a teenager; about an hour before I was due to show up at the school she calls me because she needs to change her shoes..." I wore my sneakers today and I look like a complete dork!" So of course I got there early so that she sould change into her less dorky boots (which happened to be mine)! Girls will be girls I guess, and if this is the only problem that I will have with her for a while I will consider myself blessed!

So I had a blog once...

So about 3 years ago I had a blog that was horrible, so I decided to try again. I am still not sure about the whole idea of putting my life on here for all to see but I figured that I could post things that matter to me, if nothing else, right? But who cares this is for me and those who know me I guess. So here's my attempt again.

As for the title... I am black hence the chocolate, my husband have you guessed it... is white hence the vanilla, and the rest I assume is self explanatory.But for those of you who might not get it, 2 children are chocolate, 2 children are vanilla, and the last 3 finish our sundae with the swirls!

When I find myself up past midnight I am usually reading a really awesome book, or I am scrapbooking. This is by far my all time favorite hobby, right next to eating :). I also teach others the importance of preserving their legacy. Shoot me an email if you would like to learn more about this, info@kieshaskrafts.com . Until then I hope to keep this up and running! Wish me luck!