I've been published....

I am soooo excited to announce that I have finally been published....

After years of submitting work to Scrapbooking Memories, it was only by chance that I sent this layout through.
With $$ being tight, I did not have enough money to purchase the current magazine, so I thought I would get my mag fix via the Internet. While browsing the web site I thought hmmm I wonder what submission themes they are asking for?? As luck would have it, I had a layout that fitted one of the themes so I thought why not....
After thinking nothing more about it, it wasn't until I got an email back asking for the layout to be sent to Sydney for further consideration.
With the layout carefully package, I sent it off and waited, and waited, and waited!! After about 6 weeks the layout was returned to me and again...nothing!!
So I thought oh well, maybe one day I would make the mag....but then that exciting email reached me saying....We are pleased to inform you that your layout will be published (insert happy dance here).

So here is the front cover of the issue that my layout is in....whats even better is that the current issue is the Scrapbooking for a Cause issue (breast cancer). Its on sale for 3 months, so make sure you grab a copy as 10c from every copy sold is being donated to this wonderful cause.

Here is my layout with my name....(I am sooo excited they spelt it right)

Caitlan was soooo excited to see her picture in the mag, she is even taking the original layout to school with the mag for show and tell.
I have to admit that being published is one of my proudest scrapping moments!!!

Onto a couple of layouts that I wish to share. Firstly I managed to scrap those gorgeous pics I had of Caitlan and Grace. The journaling was sooo hard. I have attached a journal card to the back of the layout as it turned out to be more of a letter to Grace than it being what the photos were about.

Through the eyes of a child with Autism.

This next layout is another one that I managed to pull together over the weekend for a challenge at Home & Scrapped. I love these pics of my gorgeous girls and just had to play with them in lightroom....then scrap them!!

Girls I love u both!!

Anyhow that's all for now, kids need some dinner.
until next time take care of you and happy scrapping.
Mwah Karen xox

My week of madness.....

What a week.....

From the 5th -12th October it was total madness. So much went on in this time that I think this will be the biggest blog share of pics ever....hence why I am only updating now....its taken another week to get over it all!!!

Starting off with my beautiful niece Grace....
Another round of surgery for her neck was needed to help release the pressure of the original graft. She is such a brave girl and I am proud to say that the surgery went really well, but its now a waiting game to see how things have gone. She is in hospital today to see the surgeons and get the results. Praying that all is OK for this gorgeous girl!!!

Grace - Photo taken a week before her surgery!!

Matilda finally managed to loose her 2 front teeth!! Through all the madness the tooth fairy still delivered the $$ and I could stop stressing as to thinking that they were never going to fall out. Although she did have a little help with the removal of one of the teeth....her cousin Mitchell decided that a cuddle was in order for her, but managed to punch her in the mouth when wrapping his arms around her.....bye, bye front tooth, hello no Dentist bill ROFL!!!

Matilda and her glam toothless smile!!!

Close up....adult teeth just visible!!

Michael and I shared our 5th Wedding Anniversary on October 9th, and what a way to celebrate!! MEGADETH & SLAYER concert......yes I can all see you going OMG, but the tickets were a lovely gesture from our very dear friend Barry Spam-Burger (aka Bernie). Michael has been a HUGE fan of MEGADETH & SLAYER for years, but I have to admit, SLAYER really did my head in!! It was a fab night out....no children to look after and we even managed to have a romantic dinner at McDonalds ROFL!!!

Michael & I at MEGADETH & SLAYER.

MEGADETH in concert!!

After our night out to see MEGADETH, Mick woke to celebrate his 35th Birthday. He had the best sleep in, as no children were here to jump all over him, but in saying that it wasn't the same as past years where little excited faces are beaming at you and screaming HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
We did however manage to get all the kids home so that cake and candles could be shared.

Mick blowing out his birthday candles.

Mick with the 4 ferrals after cake and presents!!

The night of Micks birthday was another concert. I managed to purchase 2 tickets to go and see MARILYN MANSON....OMG what a freak he is!!!
His concert was fantastic, and he is such a crowd pleaser. Mick and I had a fantastic time, but I have to admit, that I was beginning to feel the effects from the concert the night before.

Mick and I at MARILYN MANSON

MARILYN MANSON in concert.

And to finish off Miss Ellie has finally had her 1st lot of surgery on her ears. However since the surgery, she has already had a nasty infection in her right ear, and has proved to be the most stubborn child when it comes to taking antibiotics. Its starting to clear up now, but a trip back to the specialist this week will prove weather the grommet is still in place or if we have to go back in and have it done all over again.

I have noticed some small changes since the surgery, but I did learn that she hates the wind with a passion. So a new head band and beanie with some cotton wool seems to do the trick, but the head band is the best thing ever. It allows you to shower/bath her and not have the worry that water is going to get into her ears. Its also a must now when going out....she stops at the door and will ask for it to be put on.
So fingers crossed that from now on its all positive and good news!!

Miss Ellie and her spunky head band!!

Well that's all from me for this post. I have some exciting news to share later today and a couple of layouts. But its almost time to do the kinder run for Kai, so I best be off.

Until next time, take care of you and happy scrapping.

Mwah Karen xox

Precious Moment.....

I just wanted to share these stunning pictures......they tell such an amazing story!!

My beautiful niece Grace who most of you may know is Autistic, allowed this precious moment to be captured and recorded as such a "HUGE" break through in her communication.

As seen, Grace allowed Caitlan into her world and was sooooo wired to her. Caitlan who is such a gorgeous soul, talks to and respects Grace as a normal child....she is her cousin, so why should she treat her differently??

After these pictures were taken Grace has taken to saying Yove Cate (which in turn means Love Cate). For Grace & Cate, this is such a big milestone in both their worlds, I just hope that many more of these precious moments can be caught and shared with us all.

So to you our gorgeous Grace....Kazz is sooo proud of the amazing milestone that you allowed myself and Cate to be part of.
Continue to grow and show all out there in this big wide world that you are one amazing and special girl.

Until next time take care of you and happy scrapping.

Mwah Karen M xox

The Reveal.....

The time has come to reveal my new venture....

After becoming a DT member for Totally Addicted to Sketch, the very talented and amazing Shell announced that she would be closing the site down if unable to hand over ownership.

With careful consideration, I offered to take over the site and keep it up and running.
The amount of hard work and endless hours that Shell poured into getting it up and running, was something that I could not bare the thought of. It could all have been gone with the push of a button!!

So to all you scrapping people out there that take the time to read my personal blog, please take the time to check out Totally Addicted to Sketch. Its going to remain a fun filled blog with monthly sketches and blog candy.

With an amazing Design Team, I'm sure they will bring endless inspiration, and a style that is unique to themselves. Michell LaPoint Rydell and Melinda Spinks have offered to stay on board as DT and I will also have great pleasure in announcing that Mistra Hoolahan and Selena Pullar are the latest new recruits.

So let the good times roll and here's to hoping that I see you check out my new site.

Until next time, take care of you and happy scrapping.

Mwah Karen M xox