5 for Friday: Fall Favorites

What are you fall favorites?
Have a great Friday! ~MK

This one time...Post 501 with the 411 & a Giveaway

Hey! So remember a few weeks ago I told y'all i would fill ya in on what's been going on right? I didn't forget it's just hard and a bit emotional to type it all out but here goes....

**WARNING this is going to be a long post get a cuppa something to enjoy**

In late April my Gma was hospitalized with congestive heart failure and we were told she would die. It was so hard watching such a strong woman that I love and admire greatly be in a hospital bed in pain and fighting to breath. But she fought and was released. She is doing well now thank goodness and is determined to prove the doctors wrong and out live everyone.

Then on Saturday May 4th my family's world was turned upside down when we got the call nobody should ever have to hear...She's been in a bad car accident and it does't look good.

My 19yr old  little sister Jessie is the sole survivor of a terrible car crash that took the lives of 3 other young people.(don't shake your head some might be thinking I've said I'm an only child which is true. Jessie is biologically my cousin but was raised as my sister). Jess was in a coma for almost a month. She was broken and bruised and she fought with all her might. She wanted to live and she did. She had multiple surgeries. She almost lost her arm, her back was broke, she had head trauma with scary brain swelling, her right eye got a nasty infection and she is legally blind. When I saw her hooked up to all those machines, tubes coming from here and there, beeps, noises, i wanted to pick her up cradle her in my arms so I could rock her and sing to her but I couldn't. I couldn't do anything except talk to her, hold her hand, beg her to keep fighting, and ask for a miracle. Then it happened things started looking good, she was doing good, and it was time for her to come back to us. She was slowly brought to. the first thing she mouthed in her groggy state was home! and I love you! After her last surgery it was time to start her on her way to rehab and that was full of ups and downs and lots of tears. She was finally ready for rehab a couple weeks ago and made the transition from ICU to the rehab center. Being at rehab has been a full time job for her and visitation is strict and limited but if it's best for Jess and can get her home faster then that's good with all of us. So fast forward... Jessie is amazing us all and she is truly a miracle! She is walking, talking, and being Jess. She's almost ready to go home and makes sure to remind us of that numerous times each visit which we all smile at because we want her home too. She has a long road ahead of her but she is strong and so very happy to be alive. Right now she doesn't have all her memory back and she doesn't know about the accident only that she's been in an accident. She has made so much progress she is going to be coming home soon but will be told about the accident and her friends before she leaves rehab. I'm scared and worried about that cause she's doing so great now so if you could send good vibes, prayers, well wishes her way it would be greatly appreciated. Like I said she has a long road ahead of her. She will need someone with her around the clock when she comes home for awhile. She will be very limited what she can do.She will continue therapy and treatments for many months. She's alive and happy to be here. There is a reason for her and a higher power has plans for her that is for sure. She's our miracle girl.

Now onto this week... My parents were visiting Jessie on Tuesday night when my mom had a heart attack. Thank goodness she was at the rehab center and it's attached to the main hospital. The staff rushed her over to ER to be treated. On Wednesday we found out she has 2 blockages 1 is 80% the other is 95%. She will be treated with medication and change her lifestyle they couldn't put stints in because it wasn't an option. She is doing well today and should be home tomorrow.
So that's where I've been 3 different hospitals, 3 different cities, 3 ladies I love needing me for the last 3 months. All of this has changed our lives so much and made us stop to think what is truly important in life and that is family,the moments together, the stories, the time shared!  Things have changed. My priorities have changed. I'm no longer working behind the scenes at Cocoa Daisy(i'm still on the DT), I'm enjoying the creating process and telling our stories, I'm spending lots and lots of time with my family, I'm smiling more, I'm here in the now and living for the now because you never know what tomorrow will bring.

I told you this would be a long post are you still here?

I know I probably should have shared some of this before but I still teeter on that line of what to share and how public to go with the personal stuff ya know?  you can see that with this post some is there but not all the deets. Also the emotions were running at an all time high and I cried every time I started to type this up.

Some friends have asked how they can help or is there anything they could do?

We've had bracelets (i'll have to add a pic of the exact bracelets later) made to help raise money for Jessie because this is going to be a long road for her. If you would like more info send an email to mandy_koeppen@hotmail.com  I'm trying to figure out how to set up a button thing on the sidebar for this after Kim shared the idea with me.

Also I thought it would be fun for Jessie to get postcards or cards sent to her from around the world. She will be home bound for awhile and it's not going to be fun, she's going to need the cheering up and support. So if you would like to send a postcard or card email mandy_koeppen@hotmail.com and I will get the info to you.

GIVEAWAY
I said with post  501 I would be doing a giveaway but since 3 is the number right now around here I am going to be giving away 3 postal packages filled with goodies. All you have to do is leave a comment and if you'd like a second entry become a follower of this blog(if you already follow just say hey I already do and you'll have a second entry). You have until next Wednesday July 3rd to enter.

THANK YOU so very much for reading this post! Thank you for your kindness and support!
Hugs~MK

did you see this is being typed at 3 am seriously 3 is the number right now.

Cocoa Daisy Candy Shoppe Layouts

This month with everything going on(i know i still owe y'all a post on that) I decided to just work with the main kit. So here is what I created with the June Candy Shoppe Kit by Cocoa Daisy.

Candy Shoppe

Enjoy the Everyday: 

Fun photo I found on the computer of the pup blurred and Teagan giggling like crazy in the background. Loved it! I did add the tags(it's a Mandy thing). I also used the Vintage Pink Chalk Ink Edger. 

 31

 I did add the tag , gold glitter, and vellum. I swirled glue around cardstock then glittered(Danee, you read that correct glitter) and topped with vellum for the background. I also used the Faber Castell blue marker on the thickers to make them blue.The journaling is about the first month and a half of being 31 and how life hasn't went as planned but hopefully the rest of the year turns out better. 

 D&Q

My puppergirls.
I cut the top portion of the Elle's Studio Paper with my craft knife so I could slide the photo underneath a little. I also used the Cocoa Daisy Ink pad to make the thickers black because the white didn't look right. The date stamp is the Dear LIzzy roller from the December kit. 

Sketchbook Reveal

So let me start this post by saying this was an awesome kit and so easy to create with! As I was working on the March photo board I knew it would be cool because of the fun stuff we saw at CHA but then i started pulling photos of the products online and OMG i was so giddy. I emailed CD to tell her how awesome I thought everything looked together and I couldn't wait to get it ALL! Yes. ALL!! I had to have all the kits this month even add-on pattern paper which lately i haven't been going for but I had to have it this month. I know I say that the Cocoa Daisy kits are awesome and blah blah blah month after month but seriously it just seems like the kits get better and better every time. Christine has an amazing eye and talent for putting kits together!I feel so honored to get to work with the kits and this awesome company every month! It all just fits like a puzzle for me! So let me introduce you to March 2013 Sketchbook and the Add-on Kits by Cocoa Daisy.

Sketchbook

Renderings

Freehand

 

and the Stamps

 

and here is what I created

As you can see this month it was all about Mav. I'm not sure why but the photos and the products just worked together and seriously all these layouts came together in less than an hour each. I even learned how to crop my layouts that have the overhang which I was so proud of even if they aren't perfect I still learned something new woohoo!

By the way there are a few Sketchbook, Renderings, Freehand, and Stamps left so go get yours because the CD ladies have some fun things we've created for this month that haven't been shown yet and I think you'll be wanting this kit for sure!

As always thanks for stopping by!!~MK

this one time... the Saturday 7

Since I'm a day late and a dollar short for Friday we shall now have the Saturday 7! Who's with me?  On with the show....

1. I LOVE this CD it plays over and over either in the car or on my ipod.

2. I have been having a lot of fun with Skype lately. If you don't have it Dude get out the dark ages(i just turned my rock over lol). I love that I can chat with and see my friends here in the states and my favorite people all the way across the world. Mr.K thinks I'm crazy when I yell "hey, come here so and so want to meet you!"

3. This week we took a trip down memory lane. The girls got all the scrapbooks out on Valentine's day and we sat looking thru them all. It's funny to see how my style has but at the same time hasn't changed much.

4. I absolutely hate when you contact someone on Craigslist and they never respond back! Dude, seriously is it that hard  to remove your damn post or respond to the email? AHH! What am I Craigslist surfing for you ask? A Boxer. Yes, another dog to add to our crazy life. My Dukers is getting old and my Gma suggested it would be a good idea to get another while we have him so that the pup learns from Duke and will be there for me not to replace Duke but to pick up the pieces. Duke is a HUGE part of my everyday he's always at my side, by my feet(as I type this that's where he is), or following me to the next room.

5. I finally took some new head shot photos this week. I needed one otherwise it probably wouldn't have happened. I'm not that fond of photos of myself. I know the rundown about my kids and future generations needing photos of me but I seriously just don't like having my mug show up on camera. but since i told you i have one i might as well share right?

6. I am loving hats and scarves now. I think Christine has inspire this new accessory love. I'm making an effort to be a tad more girly for my girls sake.

7. Last but not least number seven. here at casa K we are movie watchers so let me list 7 movies on DVD and tell you good or don't waste your time.

1. GOOD!

2. Wasted time(Mr.K & I both didn't like it)

3.GOOD! all my kids love this and so do us adults

4. Good. This is a momma bear movie for sure.

5.AWESOME! I love anything with Clint Eastwood tho. 

6. GOOD! Both kids & adults.

7. GOOD! I love anything with Channing Tatum. Mr.K liked it too. 

we've seen others but these were the ones that came to mind tonight.  TED was funny, Cosmo something with Robert Pattinson we turned it off because it was naughty! yes that naughty and we just didn't get into the movie. The Bourne Legacy Mr.K watched and liked.

Have a great weekend!~MK

This one time... my friend Laina Lamb

I was so excited when my friend Laina Lamb emailed me asking if I'd like to create with her new dies and stamps. Laina is so sweet and is like SUPER DUPER talented!We got to chat a bit a CHA and she just radiates awesomeness and inspires you to create!
I was instantly in love with the dies and stamps that she sent!I'm not a die cutter or a stamping guru you all know that but I can tell you that these dies and stamps had me so excited I went out and bought a new machine because my old one didn't work with these wafer thin dies.  ok enough of my rambling on with the cool stuff!
I received the following goodies to create with 

 Dies

Stamps

 

and here is what I created

This layout about My Girl Mandie uses both dies and stamps sets. I love the look of the stacked frames.

 This fun layout from CHA with Denise & Steph again uses both dies and stamp sets.  

 

and a couple of mini cards using the smile stamp

Have a great weekend!~MK

This one time...It was already Saturday where'd my week go?

Yes, I think I shall start all my blog title with the: this one time... it makes me laugh because the first thing that plays in my head is the scene from American Pie where Michele tells Jim "this one time at band camp..." HA!! So immature but oh so funny so laugh!! ok on with the post...

So lets see what did I do this week that's interesting? Well....
 let's start backwards.

FRIDAY: Snowday for the kids. Movies & I created some fun stuff that will be posted so. I also got to Skype with my friend Kim Garner it was fun. I think it's going to be a weekly date.Got to talk with  D for a bit too. Missing her but I'm so glad to hear her voice a couple times a week. I got the Sweetest video text from my super fab friend Mandie Pierce. She's just so awesome in so many ways!!Totally made my day.

THURSDAY: wild goose chase to find this Sizzix Vintaj adapter only to find out no one in the area carries it. talk about pissed so I ended up making something else work. You can see part of what I needed it for in the above photo but that's all I'm sayin for now. While on my wild goose chase I saw this magazine. I still can't believe it when I see my work in print it just doesn't seem possible.Crazy! Started the Paleo diet again.

WEDNESDAY:For some reason I don't remember. I think this was one of my "Bad Days" and I slept a lot. then did the mom stuff after school.

NO PHOTO 

TODAY SORRY

TUESDAY: Doctors appointment oh how I remember this cause she just about sucked all my blood out of me. I was mad! Thank God my Gpa is a match so I know I can get hooked up with more blood if needed.Not so fond of the Doctors currently. But its ok. I rewarded myself with Chipotle for lunch. 

then this Dude and i had a little fun with photo booth apps on the phone to entertain us while we waited for the sisters. Oh and I have to point out tat I felt stylish with my little getup i wore that day. I thought oh Christine and Denise would be so proud.LOL they know their fashion and y'all know I'm totally CLUELESS

and i ended the night skyping with this goofball.LOVE My Sharmaine!

MONDAY: I slept the morning away. woke up did some work. piddled around then the crazy afternoon rush hit. I wore my super Fab boots even rocked them SoCal style with funky socks and leggings. I also too the test that all the other cool peeps on Instagram too so here it is.Think whatever I was just uh ok. 

and now on to today Saturday what will it hold for the family K? Lets hope that Mav and I sleep in as the other are off on an adventure which is all goes as planned Mr.K will have photos for me to share. cross your fingers he is a dude and he will have Miss A tagging along and she'll have a bazillion questions and be bored outta her mind so its quite possible he will forget the picture taking so then I'll have Miss A draw y'all a picture.

HAVE A SUPER DUPER FABULOUS WEEKEND!!IF YOU"RE STILL READING HERE SAY HI! 

thanks`MK

CHA hangover, sickness, a new year....

OK so I haven't been around again that happens alot here doesn't it? In my defense I have been on the interweb(as granny calls it) my fav thing is Instagram and that is where i keep up daily and why I don't blog as much and as I've said before New Year and I plan to blog more but if your not seeing updates but only a few times a month hit me up on Instagram MandyKoeppen.

ok back to the title of this post. I stayed up creating the 48 hours before i left for California and I'm glad i did wink wink Epiphany Crafts.
 I have had the worst CHA hangover. Usually travel always takes me a few days to get back to the norm but  not this time its been what almost 10 days my suitcase is sits in the bedroom still have packed(i did take the dirties out of it. man could you imagine the stank if I didn't?) I haven't gotten all the goodies out yet, I am not caught up on the whole interweb friends thing and its just a funk i guess. I think it was too much fun with those Cocoa Daisy girls :)

I went, I saw, I did, I laughed, I cried, I loved, I smiled, I cursed, i shopped, i rode, I walked, I ate, to put it simply I created some wonderful memories with some very special people.

and Thanks to Brian and Tricia from Epiphany Crafts I can cross another item off the ol bucket list DisneyLand yes I went it was fun! Thanks again EC!

I had so much fun and oh have pictures and stories to tell but guess what I came home to? SICKNESS omg seriously! Avery and Mav were the first to get sick then me and Mr.K. thank goodness Teagan hasn't caught anything I think it's all that chlorine she gets dipped in during swim practice 2x a week. and here we are like I said 10 days and guess who is still sick Mav and Mr.K. I think round 2 started for me yesterday but I'm trudging along.  so you might have to wait for those photos and great stories.

I will have sneaks for the new Cocoa Daisy kit up hopefully this weekend if all goes as planned.

thanks for stopping by! MK