Proof...

Here's the 'Proof'! My "Ohio"/"Wisconsin"/"MidWest" Layout... with pull out

and my Mother/Daughter Trip Layout!

Aaaahhhh.... how sweet it is to be all caught up! tee hee!?

I know, I know... I'm just asking for smack, now!?

(Actually - if I am honest - I have one half of a layout that is STILL on hold waiting for a football embellishment and then there IS my dd's First Day of Middle School... which I did NOT get pictures AT the school because SOME people insisted that those days are OVER with Elementary school!? Anyway - Haven't purchased a new School Album yet...

But... other than those two items - I am truly current!

Scrap On!
~Karri~

Ohio Pictures... DONE!

Hey there Everyone...

Well - yes - I know... this week ya'll out there in the midwest somewhere have felt a bit of my pain... I too have had to learn to live without DarcEE A---... (and you thought I would tell you Na!?) She SHOULD be back by NOW!? I would not put it above her to stop by your houses before going home to see her own family... LOL! I'm just sayin'... I'm sure she missed you all - and Oh you can BET that she will have some stories to share!!! I feel a LATE F-U-N night crop comin' on SOON! (Lucky?!)

So - My Scrap Happy Group went great... only had a total of 6... was expecting more like 9 or 10... but that is okay - 6 was plenty and I know it will grow as word gets out about it! I did manage to get my "Wisconsin" pictures done... and after ALL that WAITING... I made them fit onto one 12x12 (2 page) Spread! (um... LOL... with a pull out?!) But still... that is pretty good for me?! I also scrapped my Mother/Daughter trip with my dd in August... so - now - you can all say it with me - I am ALL CAUGHT UP!!!?

Over the weekend I bought the newer theater version of Pride & Prejudice... so now I own both versions - the A&E 5 hour mini-series version, and the FOCUS film version... my daughter wants me to buy the 'modernized' version too... and while it IS quirky and funny - it is just not the same?!

No worries though ladies, I am taking a day trip to Leavenworth on Thursday and I plan on making a mini-gift album with photo's from that trip for my sister's birthday... so I DO have something to work on... well - I WILL this weekend?! Also - I do have a client that is waiting for me to make a few frameable layouts too... I am praying that my business will pick up as we get closer to Christmas... oh yes - and then there is that other secret project I am working on... if 'people' would just respond to my questions and so I could get started on that, that would be GREAT!?!??! (yeah - Darcie - I am talkin' to YOU!)

So - a busy week... no school on Monday!? Why!? It was a 'teacher training' day - but really it was Snyder's Day at the Fair... which- we didn't go to... we are going tomorrow when the ride lines will be SHORTER!!! So - Monday my daughter was at a friends all day - so I read an entire book... oh yeah - and watched Mr. Darcy... and then today was my prayer meeting in the morning and a home study in the afternoon... tomorrow is a Bible Study at church and then possibly the Fair... Thursday is a Day Trip out of town with my Mom and one sister... and Friday... hmmm... Well - you know - Friday I will be scrapping my pictures from Thursday, I am pretty sure?!

Hope you are all doing well - scrapping happy, and welcoming DarcEE home the way only DarcEE can deserve!!!

Scrap On!
~Karri~

Challenge Samples!!!

Hey there...

Yep - that's right... an update - and there hasn't even been any Smack or anything!?

Well - it's not so much an update as it is a posting... like I said earlier this week - it is a crazy busy week... but I DID finish my Sample Challenge Layouts based on a Quiz/Questionnaire via that AWESOME SS Mag ("scrapbook shortcuts with quizzes and questions") Anyway - it took me SIMPLY FOREVER to complete just 4 layouts... it was that adorable, enchanting, bewitching fiance of Natalie's that slowed me down!? He and all his pride... (Gotta love that Mr. Darcy!!!)

So - here ya go... samples of the Challenge I will present to the new group tonight! I'll update maybe tomorrow or over the weekend...

maybe by then I will have completed my pictures from around the country!

Scrap Happy!
~Karri~

Ah Ha! Here they are!!!

See?! Not bad, huh!? Everyone loved looking through the scrapbooks and seeing examples of other things as well - cards, bags, I pulled out a frame, tags, etc.!

~K~

Scrap Happy Begins this week!

OK... Update... here it is:

Well - Sunday went great... I have about a dozen women signed up to join my new Scrap Happy Scrapbook Group! (That is THIS Thursday for those of you in Ohio that want to drop in!)

I was pleased with my display... amazing what you can do with half a table?! I am sure that my years of helping out my mother-in-law with bazaars came in handy... and the fact that I was able to go UP once I realized I wasn't able to spread OUT... Anyway - here are a few pictures of my Links table: (OK - whatever... I TRIED to upload the photo's of my Table... once again - Blogger will not upload my pictures?!) Just know that it rocked! LOL!

I had fun talking with people and getting to see those who were interested - and those that were interested but too busy?! LOL?! (what is that... aren't we all!?!?) Priorities, people?! LOL!?

So - I helped to set up on Friday... Saturday I took a few pictures for my Challenge Project and went to the Scrap store... yes - Darcie - I DID need glue as a matter of fact!!?!? Plus I got some fun rub on's from Autumn Leaves... match the paper I was planning on using... and Sunday was out big sign up day. The entire day was focused on the importance of Small groups and how vital it is to have relationships and build on them... it was really good - the best part was the clips that they showed that were a Spoof on The Office... the Home Group Leader was Michael-like, and the Assistant (to the) Leader was very much Dwight-ish! It was TOO funny!

So - this week is crazy busy - but I am hoping to pick up my photo's today and scrap those this evening... (while watching Deal or No Deal possibly?!) Tomorrow is Prayer and then volunteering at the Middle School... helping out with school pictures and ASB cards... too fun! Wednesday is my new Ladies Bible Study (Bad Girls of the Bible) and Thursday is Scrap Happy's official first night!!! So - all of that to say - I can not promise an update anytime soon ladies... I can only do what I can do! LOL! I CAN however attempt to upload some pictures of my layouts as soon as they are complete... other than that - just know that I am thinking of you all and hoping you find time this week to ...yep - you guessed it... "Scrap Happy!"

~Karrilee~

Cards Cards Cards

Here are some of the many cards I've been making the past few days!

~K~

Project...Done! Next!!!?

Hey there...

Well - as I have mentioned, I have been busy creating hand made cards yesterday and today... to give for birthday cards - and to give as gifts... I have these Craft-Challenged friends who actually LOVE getting handmade blank cards to give away... I started doing this one year with these few friends because their birthdays all three come nearly in a row and I was sadly broke... I felt a tad bit cheap for doing it - after all most of the supplies were things I had on hand... but - it was from my heart and I knew that they would use them... turns out they LOVED the idea... and then - after making my own cards for nearly a decade, I went card shopping one day!? I thought - Hey - wait a minute - this is not a cheap gift!? LOL!? When did cards go up to price of a Latte?! LOL?! Or a Cardigan!?

Anyway - I get to play with all my papers and stamps and just make a bunch of blank all occasion cards and it's always nice to do a project that you can start and finish within a day or two!? So... I am done with these gifts... and 'next' - well - you know it will be those Ohio pictures! First though - actually - I have to set up a display table to promote my new Scrapbook group... that is tomorrow! ...AND THEN I will scrapbook my own stuff... Oh yes - and I AM still working on a gift Project - but it is that one that forces me to wait on other people to do their part first.... I know the Lord is working Patience in me on this one - but I just wish He would hurry it up already!? I got supplies and plans in mind... just need the WORDS people - and no, they can't be all my own?! Otherwise, you KNOW I would be done by now?!!?!!

So - Hope your week is going great... one more day!!!
Scrap Happy!
~Karri~

OK... a "Real" U[pdate!!!

I figured I had better give a Real Update after my last post (talking smack to Darcie about her lack of a real one)...

So - not much Scrapping news to report...

No - I have NOT yet scrapped those photo's from Ohio!? I know... what Discipline I have?! What restraint!? It is quite amazing, if I DO say so myself!? LOL!

Actually - it is just because life has gotten busy - ahhh, ya gotta love the beginning of a new season! All of our weekly meetings and scheduled events start back up after taking the Summer off - and it takes a few weeks or so until it feels 'normal' again!

Much of last week was really spent focusing on teaching rather than crafty projects - but it was time well spent and I am glad for the opportunity! Today - though - I HAVE to get off this computer and work on some handmade cards... I have several birthdays coming up and I need to make cards to give, and cards to give as gifts... That is my plan for this afternoon!? We shall see?!

After all of Nat's talk of a second wedding - and to Colin Firth, no less?! - I went on eBay and 'won' (my husband hates when I call it 'winning'! LOL! He always, ALWAYS corrects me and says: "It is not Winning - it is Buying!?" LOL?! Same thing?!?!) Anyway - I "Won" the dreamy 5 hour long Colin Firth version of Mr. Darcy (aka Pride and Prejudice!) Oh yes - I did... and I paid only $12, people!!!! So - I have 5 hours to scrapbook or craft coming on VERY soon! (Um - well - ya know - as soon as it arrives in my mailbox!?)

I did go meet a lady yesterday who scrapbooks and houses groups in her home. She is a friend of a friend and heard that I was starting a new Scrap Group. She was hoping I would have it there... we shall see... I am already signed up to have it at the church - so I think I will stay there at least in the beginning... she is great though and we plan on scrapping together in her space soon! She gives workshops and stuff too... and she sells (Gasp... close your eyes, Darcie... skip over this part!) Close to My Heart stuff... I had heard so much about her Scrapbook Space that in my mind I was seeing visions of Becky Higgins' set up - and while it IS very nice... and stalked, which is always fun... Still - Natalie and Corinna both have bigger spaces... Darcie too if you could find your way around down there?! =oP But - she is willing to open up her entire house if I need it!? So - it's a great connection and we will see what God has planned for that!

So - the other great thing that has happened this week is my husband's good report from the doctor! No more cast needed, no surgery, no physical therapy... it is healing on it's own and he guessed that by Christmas he should be able to do everything that he could do before! Praise the Lord!!! That was GREAT news... and right in line with what we were praying for! Of course - we'd like him to be completely well before Christmas - and God can do that... but the good Dr. report was definitely a Praise!

My daughter is still loving Middle School... we have Open House tomorrow night... my husband said, "We have to go again?!" Um - ??? Yes!? I corrected him and said, "You mean, we GET to go again!?" LOL! She loves her teachers and is meeting other kids... hasn't once voiced any regrets in not choosing the other Pack where her friends are... so that is great! She has an assignment in Choir to work on an American Idol Audition duet ...so we will have a friend over today after school and they are hoping to agree on a SuperChick song to sing! Should be fun!

My Scrapbook Group will start NEXT Thursday... (9/21) in case any of you want to 'drop' in... Ohio isn't too far away, really!? "If you think about it... that's all I'm trying to say... if you really think about it... that's all..." (I heard ya'll listened to Brian Regan... isn't he just TOO funny!?)

So - since I am working on cards today... I am guessing I will save those vacation pictures to work on at the first meeting... of course - I am hoping to create some sort of fun little Ice Breaker project too to help the ladies all get to know each other... although - I am pretty sure that a lot of them will already be friends... I am thinking I am probably the newest one to the church?! LOL!? Oh well - it will give ME a chance to get to know all of them?! Any brilliant ideas for that?! I am thinking maybe a quiz or something that they can fill out and we can go over... and then they can work on a layout using it... I may encourage them to do one new project in between meetings each month - so we all have something new to share with a similar theme?! Not sure if they will go for that!? Anyway - I am open to suggestions or ideas?!

Til next time,
Take LUCK!!!
(if you have it... take it & take good care of it...
take care of the Luck you have...
take it... & care for it...)
Scrap Happy!
~Karrilee~

50 Things...a Random List of Things I Love!

Hey there

I stole this idea/post from my friend Darice... who apparently didn't have it in her to give us all a "real" update... LOL!

I made a list like this a few years back and scrapbooked it... still one of my favorite pages - even though it is dated - because it is still so true today!

Anyway - I will made a new one... Here is an updated "Random list of Things I love..."
...50 things that make me happy!

1. Being Dave's Wife
2. Being a Mom
3. Jesus
4. Hydrangeas
5. Walking on the Beach
6. Spring & Fall
7. Butterflies Flying & Birds Singing
8. Goodnight Kisses & Morning Hugs
9. Fresh Flowers
10. Candles, Lotions, & Potions
11. Chatting Online with Far Away Friends
12. A Good Book and a Blankey
13. Driving on a Lush Forest, Windy Road
14. My President!
15. Warm Sunshine and a Cool Breeze
16. Blog Stalking!
17. Having Kayelyn sing to me!
18. A New Magazine & A Quiet Hour to enjoy it!
19. Picnics in the Park
20. James Taylor on a Road Trip
21. A Good Chick Flick!
22. S'mores around a Camp Fire
23. Getting a Great Deal
24. Watching Kayelyn sleep
25. Family Walks and Time on the Porch Swing!
26. Birthdays & Christmas Morning
27. Mint Iced Tea with my sister
28. Scrapbooking or Crafting with Friends
29. Love Notes from Dave
30. Intercessory Prayer on Tuesdays!
31. Tiered Dishes & Silver
32. Hot Bubble bath with Candles and Soft Music
33. Sunday Dinner with the whole family
34. Old Photographs
35. New Shoes
36. Having Jonah (our cat) curl up on my lap!
37. My niece Karianna's Laugh
38. Shopping with a Girlfriend
39. Jazz Music
40. Cheesecake
41. A New Journal!
42. Worshipping with Jack & Dave on guitar
43. Freedom & Liberty - America!!!
44. Sunsets
45. Laughing out Loud - literally!
46. Seeing Kayelyn worship God
47. Warm Soft Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies
48. Silver Jewelry - anything that SPARKLES!!!
49. Leavenworth in October
50. Summer vacation at the Beach!

Basically - My LIFE!

So - what are some things that make you happy!?

Scrap Happy!
~Karri~

We will Always Remember!!!

9/11

Just the power of SEEING that date written out stirs something within each of us...

Sometimes fear, sometimes hope... sometimes vengeance and anger, and sometimes numbness and regret... but always, it seems, it stirs up sadness and a sense of Loss.

I am in my 30's - I have ever lived to hear of older generations talking about where they were when Pearl Harbor was hit or where they were when Kennedy was shot... well - this is my generations Moment in History where things changed in an instant and we were all effected. All of us. We only felt more helpless, removed and at a safer distance if we did not live in New York or Pennsylvania, or D.C. - but we did not feel strong, protected, or safe that day at all.

In one moment, America was changed. However - I must say - that in the end - she was not changed the way the Terrorists intended! We were not crippled in fear and cowering helplessly waiting for yet another attack. We were shaken - but not crumbling down to our foundation.

There are moments from 9/11 and the days that followed that will forever be a part of me. Things that I know now will never be the same.

Where was I when the world stopped turning?

I was getting up out of bed and trying to get my little one ready for school. This new schedule of school in the MORNINGS was not a routine yet (it's still not?!) and so I was trying to wake up my little one yet again when our phone rang. It was one of my husbands high school friends... calling to tell me that it was the end of the world. You have to know that at the time - I hadn't had any news on yet and the things is, Kevin would OFTEN call with questions about the Bible or the end times... and so I was not immediately alarmed. He told me he was serious - that world war 3 may have just started and to turn on the TV. So - I did... I turned it on to see the replay of the first plane hitting the Twin Tower... it seemed it was unreal - surely it was a horrible mistake... and then - moments after falling into a kitchen chair in disbelief, the second plane came in fast approaching - seemingly on purpose and on target... we all know what unfolded next!

I prayed of course - immediately - as did many in this great country! Many who never had cried out to God found themselves crying out on that day... many who had long forgotten the God of their childhood once again found their faith and joined in prayer to cover this nation! I also prayed about what to do with my daughter... how could I possibly send her to school when all of this is going on and when the future - literally the coming minutes and hours - were so uncertain?! I prayed and decided that a sense of normalcy would be best for her and we took her to class and came back home, dazed and planning a day in front of the live streaming news. Little did I know it would be the last day of normalcy for her... a bit of innocence went down with those planes and buildings...

No more will we ever hear a loud jet fly over our home without having our child attached to us at the hip - even now - five years later and her being much taller - she is immediately by my side. We do not live in fear - but that is a sound that the enemy has confiscated to use to torment and terrorize us even further!

The next day - I was shocked to find that I no longer owned an American Flag - so - along with 100s of 1,000s of Americans - I went out and purchased a Flag and proudly displayed it.

I can not tell you how comforted I was by my President... yes - he is MY President. I can not imagine ANY ONE ELSE who was running for office who would have been able to handle the stress and destruction of that day with such a Pastor's heart for the people and a sense of duty to his core!

I can't remember hearing any patriotic song since 9/11 that hasn't brought tears to my eyes!

Then again - it seems like it has been awhile since I have seen so many flags and so much American Pride... we say we won't forget - and we DO need to move forward - to heal and to grow... but our prayer today should be this:

Lord - let us not forget! Let us not forget what that day cost this nation - this people - this freedom! Let us remember to HONOR those who knowingly or unknowingly laid down their lives for us on that day and the days that followed... Let us pray for our leaders and our servicemen and women... let us thank our Firemen and Police Men and Emergency workers for their service - everyday... because one day - we may not get the chance to thank them!

Let us take a moment today - this day - and remember... on purpose...

We pray blessings on those who experience this day so much more personally than the rest of the country - we acknowledge that as public as this tragedy was and is - it is by far more tragic for you...

May God bless us all - and May God bless America!
~K~

Finally... I have Pictures of OHIO!!!!

Hey there...

Yes - it seems we were ALL in some sort of a funk earlier this week?! I hope and pray that you are all doing better... I know I am feeling more like myself! The Sun truly did come out... (thanks for the lyrics!) I am sorry to hear you have Smoke filled skies in - uh - Ohio... but I am happy to say I am enjoying some sunshine and blue skies here today! Much needed for me... although I am sure rain would be good here as well?!

I am happy to let you all know that I FINALLY have ALL of my "necessary" photo's of our trip to 'Ohio'... I COULD Scrap them now... however - I know - (I KNOW?!) - I SHOULD just wait a little while longer so I have SOMETHING to scrapbook on the first night of my new Scrapbook Group?! LOL!? How sad is that?! I know... and I had the boldness to harass you all in getting them... and now that I have them... and I wait... voluntarily!? It's crazy... and well - IN THEORY, I will wait... but my group won't meet until Sept 21st... SURELY I will have SOMETHING ELSE to scrapbook by then!? Probably... I am supposedly working on that 'secret' project - however - as I feared and suspected, I have not had much response to get the answers/photo's I need from people to actually DO much yet?! I need to get that going though... so I guess maybe I CAN possibly Scrapbook those Ohio pix this weekend?! If I do end up scrapping them - I WILL post some layouts... rest assured Corinna... however - I can almost GUARANTEE you I will not have any Die Cuts on any of them?! LOL!? (OK - maybe ONE - just for you!?) But still... I doubt it?! After all - I put MY Layouts in an ALBUM and people can look through them?! LOL!?

So - yes - this week has been tough... I should have seen it coming really - I was asked to lead/teach next week - and so - it's a given that the enemy would decide NOW would be a good time to thrash and pummel me... he's just so obvious - and yet - I am still caught off guard!? Strange!?

Anyway - so my husband and daughter went out to a baseball game on Tuesday night... were gone until 10pm... of course - as you can all guess - I was watching the US Open! Great Tennis... oh MY! Great Matches all week long... even my own husband is a bit dismayed with me during Tennis Tourney's!? LOL!? I am so not that way - but with Tennis - I get it and I so enjoy watching... anyway - the point is - they were out late - and she had to get up EARLY for school - which is an hour earlier this year - so it's already been a bit difficult?!

Wednesday morning actually wasn't TOO bad... but then they both had church on Wed night as well... my husband had choir practice - and daughter had Bible study... another peaceful quiet night of tennis... (Mind you - I had not yet received all of my pictures yet... so I did work on a "Scrap Happy" sign for my promotions of the new Scrapbook Group at church... made each letter into a 12x12 layout... very fun!) So - they didn't get home again until nearly 10...

You guessed it - Thursday was WRETCHED... I kept reminding myself and my hubby that the girl was out late two nights in a row and these early mornings are not yet routine... and still - with all the hormonal shifting and fashion stresses... the hair and eating breakfast, etc. - well - we got her to school - and even with a few minutes to spare... somehow?! Only by the Grace of God... and not one of us actually even cried?! So - in hindsight - it wasn't THAT bad!?

Last night I had Bunko! Again - came home with nothing... I'm not liking that... it's been like three months in a row now?! And SOMEONE decided that when we play - if I roll a Bunko... then my current partner gets credit for that one too... that translates to meaning that I am pretty sure for at least two of the past three months - I SHOULD have won the Most Bunko prize (that BEST one!) except someone else had more Bunko's on paper - so I didn't get anything... which is GREAT if you didn't get all your Bunko's on your own... But I have!? LOL! Oh well... next month it is at my house - and I think I am changing the rules?! We'll see?! Still - I thought I would come home to a quiet house - with a daughter in bed, and I could watch the end of the Federer/Blake match... um - no... everyone was STILL up - and reading... and when I went to watch me some Tennis - it was OVER?! Sadly - Blake lost - I was hoping he would at least make Roger have to go to 5 sets?!

I have been trying to get myself into a better routine of exercise this week as well... so my plan is to hit the gym three times a week and twice a week I walk at a park... made it everyday this week... feeling pretty good about that too... even with the blisters on the bottoms of my feet and the need for a quick ponytail in the mornings minus any makeup before leaving the house...

I need to work on non-scrap stuff this weekend really - need to pray and find out what God wants me to teach on on Tuesday - and prepare that... as usual the Laundry awaits... and I should really consider dusting and vacuuming the entire house again... I am sure it's been over a week or so...

Next week - nearly all of my weekly meetings/schedule will be in place...
Mondays - Exercise/Bible study in my home/Groceries, errands, etc
Tuesday - Exercise/Prayer Group/Study time/SCRAP!?
Wednesdays - Exercise/(in two weeks - Bible study at church)/ SCRAP?!
Thursdays - Exercise/FREE TIME?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! SSSShhhhhhhh
Fridays - Exercise/FREE TIME!?!?!??!?!??! It can't be true?!

I am sure - on one of those 'free' days I will end up cleaning the house and all of that fun stuff... but I keep thinking if I wait to do that on the weekend - I can employ my daughter and dh to pitch in a bit?! We'll see?! At least while she is not doing any sports or anything extra... I am a firm believer in the whole house working together...

So - today?! Well - it's Friday - and I already exercised... need to do some dishes, laundry, etc. I am going out to lunch with my sister and a friend - New Thai - YUMMY!!! AND - it's Friday... so that means dinner out too... I do not cook on Fridays!!! Of course - this weekend we have the finals in the US Open... we have our all church BBQ after church - which is a bit touchy here in this house as it is happening DURING the Seahawks Season Opener... we'll tape it - and not ask our "Precious daughter" to be in charge of that one... plus - of course - Sunday night will be the US Open finals...

I do need to scrap those Ohio pix - and work more on that secret project as well... (Hint, hint DarcEE... Hello!?) I also need to make up some cards as I have SEVERAL Birthdays coming up this month... not to mention making some mini albums for gifts for those said birthdays?! LOL!? Or maybe I will make some card sets... those are easier and these people will actually USE cards - and yet - I doubt they will add photo's to a pre-made album!? Sad... I know!?

Anyway - I am off to get ready for a relaxing yummy lunch! Have a blessed weekend, Ladies!
Scrap Happy!
~Karri~

Finally... I have Pictures of OHIO!!!!

Hey there...

Yes - it seems we were ALL in some sort of a funk earlier this week?! I hope and pray that you are all doing better... I know I am feeling more like myself! The Sun truly did come out... sorry to hear you have Smoke filled skies in - uh - Ohio... but I am happy to say I am enjoying some blue skies here today!

I am happy to let you all know that I FINALLY have ALL my necessary photo's of our trip to 'Ohio'... theoretically - I COULD Scrap them now... however - I know - (I KNOW?!) - I SHOULD just wait a little while longer so I have SOMETHING to scrapbook on the first night of my new Scrapbook Group?! LOL!? How sad is that?! I know... and I had the boldness to harass you all in getting them... and now that I have them... and I wait... voluntarily!? It's crazy... and well - as I said IN THEORY I will wait... but my group won't meet until Sept 21st... SURELY I will have SOMETHING ELSE to scrapbook by then!? Probably... I am supposedly working on that 'secret' project - however - as I feared and suspected, I have not had much response to get the answers/photo's I need from people to actual DO much yet?! I need to get that going though... so I guess maybe I CAN Scrapbook those Ohio pix this weekend?! If I do end up scrapping them - I WILL post some layouts... rest assured Corinna... however - I can almost GUARANTEE you I will not have any Die Cuts on any of them?! LOL!? (OK - maybe ONE - just for you!?) But still... I doubt it?! After all - I put MY Layouts in an ALBUM and people can look through them?! LOL!?

So - yes - this week has been tough... I should have seen it coming really - I was asked to lead/teach next week - and so - it's a given that the enemy would decide NOW would be a good time to pummel me... he's just so obvious - and yet - I am still caught off guard!? Strange!?

Anyway - so my husband and daughter went out to a baseball game on Tuesday night... were gone until 10pm... of course - as you can all guess - I was watching the US Open! Great Tennis... oh MY! Great Matches all week long... even my own husband is a bit dismayed with me during Tennis Tourney's!? LOL!? I am so not that way - but with Tennis - I get it and I so enjoy watching... anyway - the point is - they were out late - and she had to get up EARLY for school - which is an hour earlier this year - so it's already been a bit difficult?!

Wednesday morning actually wasn't TOO bad... but then they both had church on Wed night as well... my husband had choir practice - and daughter had Bible study... another peaceful quiet night of tennis... (Mind you - I had not yet received all of my pictures yet... so I did work on a "Scrap Happy" sign for my promotions of the new Scrapbook Group at church... made each letter into a 12x12 layout... very fun!) So - they didn't get home again until nearly 10...

You guessed it - Thursday was WRETCHED... I kept reminding myself and my hubby that the girl was out late two nights in a row and this early mornings are not yet routine... and still - with all the hormonal shifting and fashion stresses... the hair and eating breakfast, etc. - well - we got her to school - and even with a few minutes to spare... somehow?! But by the Grace of God...

I have been trying to get myself into a better routine of exercise this week as well... so my plan is to hit the gym three times a week and twice a week I walk at a park... made it everyday this week... feeling pretty good about that too... even with the blisters on the bottoms of my feet and the need for a quick ponytail in the mornings minus any makeup before leaving the house...

I need to work on non-scrap stuff this weekend really - need to pray and find out what God wants me to teach on on Tuesday - and prepare that... as usual the Laundry awaits... and I should really consider dusting and vacuuming the entire house again... I am sure it's been over a week or so...

Next week - nearly all of my weekly meetings/schedule will be in place...
Mondays - Exercise/Bible study in my home/Groceries, errands, etc
Tuesday - Exercise/Prayer Group/Study time/SCRAP!?
Wednesdays - Exercise/(in two weeks - Bible study at church)/ SCRAP?!
Thursdays - Exercise/FREE TIME?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! SSSShhhhhhhh
Fridays - Exercise/FREE TIME!?!?!??!?!??! It can't be true?!

I am sure - on one of those 'free' days I will end up cleaning the house and all of that fun stuff... but I keep thinking if I wait to do that on the weekend - I can employ my daughter and dh to pitch in a bit?! We'll see?! At least while she is not doing any sports or anything extra... I am a firm believer in the whole house working together...

So - today?! Well - it's Friday - and I already exercised... need to do some dishes, laundry, etc. I am going out to lunch with my sister and a friend - New Thai - YUMMY!!! AND - it's Friday... so that means dinner out too... I do not cook on Fridays!!! Of course - this weekend we have the finals in the US Open... we have our all church BBQ after church - which is a bit touchy here in this house as it is happening DURING the Seahawks Season Opener... we'll tape it - and not ask our "Precious daughter" to be in charge of that one... plus - of course - Sunday night will be the US Open finals...

I do need to scrap those Ohio pix - and work more on that secret project as well... (Hint, hint DarcEE... Hello!?) I also need to make up some cards as I have SEVERAL Birthdays coming up this month... not to mention making some mini albums for gifts for those said birthdays?! LOL!? Or maybe I will make some card sets... those are easier and these people will actually USE cards - and yet - I doubt they will add photo's to a pre-made album!? Sad... I know!?

Anyway - I am off to get ready for a relaxing yummy lunch! Have a blessed weekend, Ladies!
Scrap Happy!
~Karri~

In Mourning...

Hey there...

OK - fine!!! Enough with the "Where's the Update?!" "Can't you Type!?" "It's TUESDAY already!?" complaining...

You know - it's not all about you... oh - you know who you are! LOL! I have been busy... I have been in Mourning!?

First... my Andre played incredibly to make it to his Saturday match... that was postponed due to Rain Delay... (Damn that Ernesto!!!!?!) So - that brings us to Sunday... of course- his match is when we have church... not gonna work?! So - I have my precious little one grab a tape and start to record... we leave for church... knowing that win or lose - we would miss it?! Church was great... honestly - just one of those services that your spirit is just screaming "Yes! And Amen!!!" We grabbed some lunch and came home to enjoy our taped Tennis match. Now - I am realistic... so I sort of prepared myself to see the whole Andre loses and gives a farewell speech deal... however - not only did that happen - but to make things worse... um... I MISSED IT?! Yeah - that's right... didn't tape... nada... nothing... zip... apparently my 'precious little one' forgot to REWIND the TAPE!??!?!? Ugh?! So - surely I can see the speech online, right?! Wrong... can't find it... didn't see it on the news... it's just OVER?! I did get to READ what he said - but still... I wanted to SEE it?! I wanted to feel the energy in the crowd and see his reaction and watch the lovefest officially come to an end... it was a sad day - and I missed it?!

AND THEN... well - THEN my friend (yeah - minus 'best' - whatever?!) Darcie (aka Phat Stacked Whitie) finally... I mean FINALLY People!? (Can I get an Amen!?) she FINALLY uploaded her pictures from our trip to Boise... oops - I mean - our trip to Ohio... NOW yes - Natalie... I DO have my own pictures... many are similar or the same... but I knew that there were a few that I wanted... so I HAVE my own pictures - which is why it is killing me to NOT scrap them yet... oh - and when she says that she SENT them to me... um - no - she did NOT... she UPLOADED them - so I still had to ORDER prints online from York or Shutterfly or whatever - not somewhere local, mind you... and so now - I wait... still... for them to process & show up!? So - if that was all there was... fine... I'll wait and scrap and we can all move along now... however - (I know?! Serves me right?!) Uh - there were a few good ones...however - there were about three or four HORRID shots... a couple of those candid non-posed shots and a few posed ones too... I mean... that shot you took of me falling asleep at the beach house could not have been much worse?!... Oh MY?! Have you ever gotten a glimpse of a picture of you or of your reflection in the mirror and you think, "Holy Crap!? That's not what I really look like is it?!" So... crap!... apparently, it is?! So - yes - forget Andre... (What happened to Andre!?) now it's all about me... and again - I am in mourning...

I wasted over half of my life thinking I was fat... even when I was modeling and skinny... when I was a size 3 and thought my fatness was just a creatively disguised secret... and even up through my wedding and marriage and new-motherhood... I slowly put hte weight on... it was like Self-fulfilled prophecy... terrible!? Crippling, really!? But I must say - that in the past few years, I know that God has been at work on me and has been delivering me from myself - and from my own insecurities and my own pride... I guess I had been so delivered of the negative train of thought that maybe I numbed myself to reality a tad... now, I am fast approaching 40 ("Someday" ~ When Harry Met Sally) and yet I have 'successfully' maintained this weight since the birth of my child... yes - that's right - I have been this size for 11 years now... doesn't seem to matter if I work out or don't... diet or don't... eat or don't... LOL!? I think I killed my Metabolism with my Teenage Eating Disorder and well - I am now praying for Resurrection power over my metabolism?! Yikes?! So - that was all on Sunday and Monday morning...

Monday afternoon we had coffee with friends and then had a family BBQ... then we came home and I was feeling 'Mourning' creeping in again... a nap seemed to be calling me - but I couldn't quite justify it... You know how when you are in a mood and you KNOW that it is not real... it is the enemy of your soul just TRYING to stir things up... well - my daughter and I went round and round... and the enemy began to whisper, "You're a terrible Mother... just not good enough... you're never going to make a difference with that one... not the way you mother!"... Hmmm!? OK... whatever?! Next...

You guessed it... my husband decided to help me out and began to clean the kitchen... only it goes beyond dishes and countertops... and he begins to pull out stacks of papers (I said PAPERS Corinna, not LAYOUTS! LOL!) and he was trying to make stacks of throw away stuff and things I would need to go through later... he never once complained about it... but the enemy whispered: "See?! You are not even a good wife... you stay home, for crying out loud - and you can't even keep the house clean... he's not happy with you... he's not satisfied..." Of course - that was an easy segway to torment me about how I 'really' look and my weight issues once again?! Ugh?! I knew from the beginning that it wasn't even real... it was merely an attack in the spiritual realm and I would not give in to it and give myself over to my emotions... I would not fight... and I would not cry... I would not invite this depression in to get comfy with me and set up camp! It took me a bit... but I shook it off and worked it out... but it was exhausting and time consuming, too!

So - whew?! So much for a nice long joyful holiday three day weekend?! I was so happy to get back to a schedule this morning! I was able to get my precious little one (yes - she is back to "Precious!") to school a bit early and go for a walk in the park... come home to change and go on to my Prayer meeting and get some groceries bought and put away... have healthier things chopped up and stored for snacking... bought nothing boxed, or processed... Anyway - I am happy to say that my Mourning period is over... I am moving on! I scrapped a sign for my new Scrapbook Link last night... well - I started it anyway?! I will finish it this week... and by then - my York photo's should arrive and I will have something to Scrapbook! (Finally!) Oh yeah - and you can BET that I will be SERIOUSLY Cropping!!! LOL! So... where's the pictures you ask!? Yeah - right?! Not gonna upload ANY today! Not gonna happen!?

Scrap Happy!
~Karrilee~

Secret Passion

OK... so - here is something that most people do not know about me...

I LOVE Tennis...

I mean - like today - when the entire day of US Open matches were postponed due to heavy rains in New York - well - now what am I going to do?! Oh - I am watching... they are having an Andre Agassi day... playing classic matches and reflecting on his tennis career... It's been great! His match in '95 with Sampras - amazing... even better - the match last year against Blake... priceless - who do you root for?! I would go back and forth all night long! Incredible match... and this week - TWO amazing exciting tie-breaking matches that brought wins for Andre - and has moved him on in this - his last tournament before officially retiring! Who doesn't love this man?! How much he has accomplished - all that he gives back - his love for the game... to end his career in New York - at the US Open... Not to mention the other incredible players... but this year - well - it truly is all about Andre!

So - I turned on the tv this morning to watch and I am thinking "What happened to Andre? Where's Andre?" (think Tim Gunn of Project Runway! LOL!) Then I found out it was raining... of course it's raining - Hurricane Ernesto is hitting the East Coast... so - I watch old matches that I already know who wins... I know?! I KNOW?! You would have NEVER guessed, huh!?

Yes - this is why I have not updated... I've been busy - there is TENNIS on people... not just tennis - but GREAT Tennis!!! Not to mention having to go through - literally page by page - three text books that we 'get' to keep at home all year long from Middle School... however if there is any marks at the END of the year - well - if we didn't mention them first then we 'get' to pay for it at the end of the year... like $75 each!? So - I went through the books page by page - while watching Andre win a couple of nights ago!!! Made it more enjoyable... I have been up late each night engrossed in the US Open... even my dh and dd enjoy tennis - but they come and go while a match is being played... they can't sit still for an entire game... they'd rather be PLAYING tennis than watching... but I do not have great hand/eye coordination and playing - while I would love to learn to be better - is not as enjoyable as watching!

I was going to post some photo's here... but once again Blogger is not letting me upload somehow?! Maybe if I try my limited html knowledge...



Hey... what do ya know?! I liked Andre with the hair... short or long...



and without the hair... but I like him mostly because he seems like a genuine person - humble, thankful, respectful, although it wasn't always that way I know... I also like him because he is as 'old' as me... gotta love to see the old guy win a top seeded punk kid... especially when he WAS a top seeded punk kid at one time!

But - it's not what you think... it's not an obsession or crush... it's a love for Tennis... I just think Agassi embodies the sport in grace... I also love to watch Federer, Nadal, Baghdatis, Roddick and Blake... and the women of tennis right now: Maria, Elena, Justine, Lindsay, and Martina...

So - the matches for today have been postponed... tomorrow Tennis will start early and I will have to pull myself away for church... and maybe for a family get together in the afternoon. I will try to not seem so geeky or obsessed in front of my sister!? LOL! I was not raised in a sporty family - but married into it... although my love of tennis started long ago... in the mid-80's...

So - I admit it... a Surprise to most... but it is true - I am a Tennis fan!!!

Well, my Scrap Table is still a mess... I have created NOTHING new in weeks now... and I finally gave up on Darcie and just ordered my own pictures from Boise... so - when those come in a few days... well - you can bet I will be Scrapping and watching the US Open in the days to come!!!

Scrap On!
~Karrilee~