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~

Part TWO... yeah - that's right... I said it!

OK... as a Tribute of Sorts to my friend Natalie... I would like to present to you PART TWO...

Well - maybe it is more like Post Two... but still... it counts, yes?!

So - here is my Fall/Autumn Layout from last year... I love the Photo's and the journaling rings true for me every September!!! Well - Blogger ONCE AGAIN will not let me upload my pictures - maybe later... that seems to be the case... I usually can do it when I go in to Edit?! Anyone else have this problem!? LOL!? I'm not asking YOU Darcie... so just shut it! If I can, I will add those later... but for now - I will just have my journaling here...

Aahhhhh… Autumn!!!
(An Aggett Welcome to Fall!)

On October 4, 2005 I finally wrote to Creating Keepsakes Scrapbook Magazine
when the Editor in Chief, Tracy White asked subscribers to write in and tell her
if they find they have more or less time to scrap in the fall and what they think
of the Autumn season …this is what I wrote:

Tracy,
Hello there from a long time fellow Scrapper - & a long time CK Subscriber! I have actually never submitted work or sent off any e-mails to CK... but, your writing on Fall stirred something in me! I too adore this season... I am blessed to live in a gorgeous area of the universe where I can thoroughly enjoy all four seasons…& Autumn is my favorite!

I love Fall because it just screams Warmth... the colors even seem to glow in warmer tones & richer textures! Fall brings for me more of a routine - all that Summer 'free' time is gone & we are all back to school, regular work weeks, & weekly meetings. I host several prayer or Bible study meetings in my home & I love to pull out all those Fall decorations & light those scented candles that stir up a sense of Home, Warmth, & Love... While Fall stirs my senses up with Turning Leaves, Crisp Morning Walks, & Pumpkin Spices, my heart is stirred to slow down in the midst of returning to busy schedules & stop to appreciate all that life has brought me so far! So often, we go from Halloween straight to Christmas - but my favorite Holiday is tucked in between! By October I am searching my heart & making a list... checking it twice... It's not my Christmas Wish list... although - if I thought you folks there at CK would indulge me... No, it's not a Christmas list - it's my list of things I am grateful for. Each year at Thanksgiving time, our family has a tradition that we enjoy. We have what we call a Blessing Box. (Idea taken from the book "The Blessing Box" by Debbie Boone) I pull it out along with all of our Fall decor. We love to go through the years & read things we were thankful for in the past...as well as begin to focus in on what we are grateful for today. If my little one has had a bad day, we break open that Blessing Box & read through enough papers to remind her (& me) that there is plenty to be happy about when we just remember how blessed we really are! I have scrapped several of these boxes, & included a poem that I wrote, & given them out as gifts... I think the Paint cans would work great for that - or the SEI Lunchbox Albums... hmmm... my Scrapbook table is calling my name!

I am a Scrapper for Hire & have just finished a Baby Boy 1st Year Paper Bag Album, a 12x12 Wedding Album, & am currently working on a Mini Beach Album & a new Wedding Album... not to mention my own family album! I find that I have more time to Scrap in the Fall. My daughter is in school, the husband is working a full work week again, & I can enjoy those precious quiet afternoon hours planning, cropping & scrapping with my current copy of CK, Becky Higgins new Sketches book, & a Pumpkin Spice Latte... Ahhhh… Fall! What's not to love!?
Blessings,
~Karrilee Aggett~


My Weekly Fall Schedule:
Mondays = Morning Walk & Prayer & Book Study
Tuesdays = Morning Walk & Cleaning (& Scrapping!)
Wednesdays = Morning Walk & Errands (& Scrapping!)
Thursdays = Morning Walk & Prayer & Book Study
Fridays = MIT Mtg., & Errands (& Scrapping!)
Saturdays = Family Time!!! (& Scrapping!)
Sundays = Church & Family Time!!!

Flip Flops, Shorts, & Cool Tops are traded for
Clogs, Jeans, & Cozy Sweaters…
Iced Tea & Frappucinnos are traded for
Hot Chai Tea & Pumpkin Spice Lattes…

______________________________

Anyway - I thought it was great... but I never did hear anything back from CK or from Tracy?! I suppose I should try to submit again some day... this mornings ramblings about Fall made me think of this layout/journaling though...

So - until next time - which will SURELY not be until at least tomorrow People?! (Man, are you all demanding?!)

Scrap Happy!
~Karrilee~

Oh... well - this one is just for you Darc':

Our Last Summer
by the Lostprophets

The Friday sun bears down again
As we drive without friends
And on these longest days we spend
All the time trying to pretend
That our stories could be true
Our chance to be cool
The setting sunset says the day is through
If only we knew...
And we all sit around here in our home town
Listen to the waves as they all crash down
And watch the fire as it slowly burns away
Glowing embers fly across the sky

Here by my side, in my summer, our last summer
The world passes by in my summer, our last summer
The light makes shadows fall, surrounded by each other
Alive to watch it all, the view from our last summer
The view from our last summer...

We trace the sun across the sky
And we laugh till we cry
Always so hard to say goodbye (good bye)
And we all sit round here in our home town
It's so good like this, these are times we'll miss
The memories, I hope they'll never fade
Glowing embers lie across the sky

Here by my side, in my summer, our last summer
The world passes by in my summer, our last summer
The light makes shadows fall, surrounded by each other
Alive to watch it all, the view through our last summer
The view from our last summer...

I would stop time to stay with you
I would stop time so we don't move
I would stop time I would stop time
I would stop time to keep you

Here by my side, in my summer, our last summer
The world passes by in my summer, our last summer
The light makes shadows fall, surrounded by each other
Alive to watch it all, the view from our last summer

Sorry - someone NEEDED some lyrics today... I could just FEEL it! ~K~

Fall is in the Air... What makes a Good Day?

So... what makes a Good Day for you!?

It is Fall... Back to School Days... Back to Routines and Back to Schedules...

No more Lazy Mornings... Pajama Days... or Endless Coffee Dates with friends... Well - at least not as often as over the Summer months!

This morning... I was awake at 6a.m. and actually out of bed and dressed by 6:20a.m. ...and it was actually chilly!? I pulled on my sweat capri's and a long sleeve T... then realized I needed my cozy Sweatshirt too... slipped on my Flip Flops and took my Middle Schooler to school (after about 5 outfits and 2 near fights... I should never have let that one watch What Not To Wear?! She is 11... and she was having a traumatic dilemma because her jeans have a super cool gold silk screened Guitar and Angel Wings on them... and "Rock 'n Roll" on them... and she was not so sure that her top 'matched' her jeans - because her Top had words too... OK - fine - good insight... probably not the best match... but it looks fine... it was not a huge clash or mismatched patterned deal... and Besides, this is DAY THREE ladies... Day 3?! and already she is acting like she has nothing to wear?!?!?!)

I came back home and reluctantly gave up my Flip Flops for my Sketchers... grabbed my Mom - and we headed to the Park to go for a walk! It is a gorgeous day here (in the unknown 'Pacific Northwest') - blue skies and sunshine... warm autumn breeze - leaves just beginning to think of changing colors... we walked and visited and enjoyed actually being up and out so early in the day! We stopped off for a coffee... (I know - sort of makes the whole exercise/walk idea null and void!) I planned on something low-fat and all that... but I saw that they are already promoting their Pumpkin Spice LatteT... Oh MY!? My favorite Fall drink... and then comes Egg Nog Latte's in the Winter! MMmmmmm... Yummy! So - I indulged in a Grande Pumpkin Spice Latte and did a little grocery shopping on the way home! Oh yes - the Pineapple... what is better than FRESH Pineapple?!? Grow me some of THAT Natalie - and I WILL come over there (where ever THERE is) and scrap those boxes of pictures for you! LOL! And no... I do NOT have pictures yet?!

Now... after I put a load of clothes in the laundry and maybe dust something... I plan on catching up on my Bible study (Captivating by Stasi Eldridge) and then maybe a bit of Porch Swing time with a new book by Natalie Goldberg on writing... I thought maybe since I am at a block... I would READ about writing for a little bit?! Of course - my Jack Johnson CD is never far away and it is a great day to listen to some Happy Music while I swing out back and enjoy some quiet!

Aaaah - Fall! I simply LOVE it!!! Cooler mornings... warm days... scarves, sweaters, boots, Reminds me of a layout I did last year about Fall... I will maybe post that here if I can find an image of it... I will make it a different post... sort of like another Update... or a Part Two or something?! That way I get 'credit' for two posts in one day!!! LOL!

Anyway - Fall... Routine returns and summer slips away... But it's all good today! It's all good!

So - what about you all!? What little things in life are making you happy lately!? What makes a Good Day for you!?

~Karrilee~

First Day of School Part 2...

First Day of School... Part Two...

(Isn't she just so cute?!) OK... well - I cheated... the middle picture here is from the First Day... and the other one is from this morning... um - I tried to take a pix of my daughter walking into school - but out of nowhere some kid came in and blocked my shot?! I don't know WHO that kid is or WHERE he came from - but in the picture, my kid is BEHIND him - walking into school this morning!? Anyway... she was pretty stylin' today - a casual hip look... camo cargo pants, black T with a bronze slouchy belt and a short shrug over that... flip flops... confidence in her step, and a little taller walk!

Her first day was GREAT! She didn't get lost at all (the biggest worry!) and she wasn't late for any classes either! She loves her teachers and is really happy with her schedule! She forgot that she had a cold lunch - so she bought hot lunch - although there was no money in her account yet.... luckily they were kind and let her go through the line anyway?! So - one check was written out last night for lunch money... another check was written out for her P.E. Top... I know we'll have School pictures and ASB cards to pay for soon as well... I think I will buy her a second pair of tennis shoes to keep in her PE locker so she won't have to worry about always bringing her shoes... plus I think it would just be better!? Although - you have never gone shoe shopping with my kid?! It's not as easy as you would think?! She also STILL needs to have some gym shorts?! What normal 11 year old girl has no gym shorts?! She is a Tennis Player - so she has skooters or tennis skirts - but no actual shorts... and no one - I mean NO ONE - has any in stock or on clearance in this town?! I will have to go to a few second hand stores and hope to find at least one pair?! Yeesh?! Anyway - I know we have gotten off pretty cheap so far... but I feel the 'money suck' just hasn't officially begun yet?! LOL!?

So - her day at school - pretty much ALL FUN... no work.. no homework... so - of course - it was a great day!? Then, I picked her up and took her out to DQ for an Oreo Blizzard and to chat about her day... she actually had a lot of words to share... I get her right away after school - before any friends have called or anything - so I get all her stored up stories and thoughts... and by the time my dh gets home - well - she is done with all of that! I feel a tiny bit bad for him - but I am so blessed to be able to be the one she talks to first! I do fill him in - but it's just better coming from her! I also rented the movie she wanted... so after we talked a bit - we sat down to watch "Just My Luck"... ok - so much for the Good Mom award... I didn't even think to look... and we found out that it is rated PG 13?! I should have known better... but I figured she had seen it advertised on Disney and it was a Freaky Friday type of movie, and it had Lindsay Lohan in it... (Oh - I know... I know!??!?!?)... anyway - I held the remote and we watched it anyway... a few bad words and a couple of kissing scenes... nothing horrid - and yet - we do not let her watch PG 13 yet... at least it added to her whole feeling grown up theme for the day?!

So - theoretically - she should have been exhausted because I made her get up on Monday - and then Tuesday was the first day - so she didn't sleep well Monday night... and was up early Tuesday and in school all day as well... so she was actually reading, in bed, by 8:30... bedtime is now set at 9pm. Well - she was asleep a little past 9pm - however she was still sleepy this morning and hadn't decided on her outfit the night before... always a cause for great concern for me... because the girl is not even a Teen yet - and she can try on SEVERAL outfits before she comes out of her room!? Once again - we skipped the curling her hair deal... I think she has decided to just let it be natural - which means wavy... it's gorgeous - but she usually wants me to straighten it or flip it... at least for the first few weeks... seems we have skipped that ritual completely... it may be that school starts so much earlier?! Either way - we skipped it DID manage to get to school on time though... praise God! Today - after school - Shopping! (Well - secondhand shopping - need to get those shorts!?) I think this weekend I will get the tennis shoes... I am sure by then - we will learn of a few more things that she 'needs' as well?!

So - today - well - I am still in sweats... need to clean up and am watching a chick flick today with our roomie... it's my first day with nothing really planned and I am thoroughly enjoying it!!! I am STILL WAITING for Boise pictures... need to order my Mother/Daughter Trip photo's too... but I have started a church Scrapbook group - and we don't meet until September 21!?!? I don't think I can wait that long though... It's been over a week since I have scrapped anything... a card... a gift... a mini... nothing?! So - this afternoon I hope to clean off my scrap table again and order my pictures today or tomorrow... so - well - during my Scrap Group (called "Scrap Happy!"), I may end up just working on my Christmas Cards instead!?

Scrap On!
~Karrilee~

This can't be Right?! I'm not old enough to have a MIDDLE SCHOOLER?!?!?!?

Aaah - yes - that is the thought that came to me this morning... at 6:15 a.m.!?

This can't be right?! I am not old enough to have a teenager... OK - I know - she is not a teenager yet... but she seems awfully close and I am simply not ready to admit that I have a child that is almost as tall as me... it can't be?!

Here's the thing - I have always felt older than my years... I have always hung out with older friends and been the 'mature' one even from childhood... so it's not that I am feeling 'old' old... it's just that I like to think of myself as - well - not old?!

...And here's another thing... I am not ashamed to admit it... I actually miss my kid!? She is awesome - super funny and so sweet and just a ton of fun to talk with and goof off around... she is reaching that age where it is sometimes hard for me to remember that we can't REALLY be friends just yet... she still needs parenting and a Mom... but I can tell that when she is a 'growed up' - we will be the best of friends! I just adore being with her... So - well - I haven't had the actual empty house yet... I dropped her off at school and then went right to a meeting... ran a few errands... and just ate lunch - at my computer - and all the while - our roommate has been in the kitchen baking... now - I am not complaining - oh believe me! - but I am just saying - I haven't had that quiet still house yet... I know I will love it... and maybe THEN I will do that Back To School Happy Dance... but it usually takes me a few days to adjust... then I enjoy some quiet time... and within a couple of weeks - I am once again booked solid and have little actual time at home... so much for a STAY at home Mom!?

So - I will update 'Part Two' when my 'little one' returns and I have something to say! LOL! (Shut up, Darcie! This wasn't THAT many words?!)

Scrap On!
~Karrilee~

Why oh WHY won't Blogger let me upload my pictures?! LOL!? You'll just have to trust me... she looked adorable - and so very Middle School-ish!?

Happiness

Happiness Is......A Big (Som'n Som'n) Bargain DEAL!!!!

Yes - People - I got this skirt yesterday - Originally a $48 Skirt...

New With Tags (those are Good Words) for $4.00!!!

I know... Great deal! I LOVE it...

It just makes me happy...

and sort of makes me want to Scrapbook TOO...

I feel a background being inspired here!?

Happiness is also visiting with my sister and my whole family all weekend long...

my sister and her hubby and their daughter all came to town this weekend to visit.

Since I live exactly & literally right next door to my parents,

we sort of tend to migrate from one house to the other... all weekend long!

It's been Great... (Happiness will also be the Nap that I feel comin' on soon!)

I had planned on taking my daughter to the Mall yesterday...

I had a great coupon that I had to use or just 'waste' $15...

and she is still in need of Gym shorts or sweats...

and maybe in "need" of a cute denim skirt...

she also decided that she wants her ears pierced.

Her father decided no... still thinks she is too young...

hard to get him to realize that most girls actually do get them pierced way younger than this... anyway - we discussed it and he decided if she really wanted her ears pierced,

and was willing to pay for half of the cost... then she could do it!

So - I went next door to tell her the good news...

shopping AND getting her ears pierced "before school starts" like she wanted!?

Only - the thing is - after two late nights/slumber party type events with her cousins...

she was a bit tired, and cranky...

and instead of reacting like how I wanted her to,

she said she didn't really want to go shopping

- and she would rather wait and do her ears another day?!

Well - that took me by surprise...

sort of took all the Air out of my Super Mom balloon too...

oh well... I went without her...

can't let a free $15 go to waste...

So - I found this skirt... it is now my favorite thing!

So - mean un-Super Mom is making her wake up tomorrow

for a - as Natalie would say - "Dry Run"...

we're doing it all... the right time and doing the hair and the whole thing...

and since my Gym is close to her school - we will even leave the house

and go workout (which I have HARDLY done all summer

and am looking forward to getting back at it?!

Well - when I say 'looking forward to'...

well - you know - it will be good... I'm sure... in the long run!?)

Anyway - our plan is to be up, ready, and on the road by 7:30a.m.

Her school starts at 7:50 but they will let the kids in their homerooms at 7:30...

Mind you, this is my daughter who could not make it

to school in time last year when it started at 8:50...

so - we NEED a Dry Run!

After we workout - we need to return our Boat Load of books to the Library,

go to Shopko and PRAY they have some sweats or shorts that will "WORK" for Gym...

and we're meeting a friend and her daughter at 10a.m. for Starbuck's.

THAT date right there is what will get me through

the earlier portion of the morning!!!

After our Coffee Date,

I think we will rent a movie and relax...

on the last official day of Summer!?

We also have a Dr. Appt for my hubby at 2:45p.m.

We are praying for a better report than last time!

So - I am hoping that will also mean that my kid

will be at least SORT OF ready for bed on time on Monday

so Tuesday will not be so so hard!!!

Happiness is... Tuesday - 7:50 - 2:35 = EMPTY HOUSE!!!

Aaaaahhhhhhh!!!!

I think that means some Porch Swing time...

reading... maybe a movie ...

I'd Scrap - but - as you all know

- I am STILL waiting for my (Som'n Som'n) PICTURES!

What is making YOU Happy today?!

Oh - I have officially signed up to have a Scrapbooking Link through our church...

once a month to start - it's a big church - so we shall see how it goes?!

After Scrapping with you all,

it made me realize I may get a lot more DONE on my own,

but it is a LOT more fun scrapping with friends!!!

I'll be praying for all of you and your kids this week...

Scrap Happy!
~Karrilee~

This Little Piggy had a Melt-Down, and this Little Piggy went to Middle School, and this Little Piggy cried all the way home...

OK... so... Yes - that was a LONG (some'in some'in) Title... but it is ALL true?! LOL?!

So - last night - I mentioned in passing to my daughter that her Aunt and Uncle just bought a little Piggy... OK - now - let me just say that I KNEW she would not be HAPPY about their plans for it... but I thought she would just be a bit bewildered... maybe even disgusted - and leave it at that?! I know?! What was I THINKING?! The girl has read Charlotte's Web and all that... she even - as she so hysterically reminded me - bought a new adorable Beanie Baby Piggy while on vacation this summer... however, what I did NOT expect was my "little piggy" having a total and complete meltdown!? No joke... I am talking lying on the floor in a fetal position, hysterically crying?! You think I am exaggerating - oh - but I am not!?!?!? Sure... I like Pigs as much as the next guy... I mean - they are cute and I know SOME people have them for pets... I'm not a huge Pork lover... and I can say that I would not really want to 'own' a pig only to slaughter it in the winter... but?! I did not foresee this reaction!? Not in the least!? The poor thing cried inconsolably for nearly an HOUR?! AN HOUR, Ladies?! Her poor Father was beside himself in confusion... Sigh...?! Yes - I know - I figured out later that it was not just all about the Pig... it was also hormonal... and nerves due to school starting soon and Orientation today... still... ?! Oh my?! I won't even TELL her that they plan on butchering it themselves?! Yuck!? She is now on a "Hoot" Crusade to SAVE THE PIGGY!!! (Good luck with that?!)

So - that brings us to "Piggy # 2"... same child... going to Middle School?! So I said here a few days ago that I gave her the choice of having Mom come along to Orientation or not... at the time she said she didn't really care either way... So - I was sort of planning on going... just thought it would help me to know where she is and what she'll be doing... and it would give me a chance to meet her teachers and all that... but - then again - I remembered back to when I was entering what was then called "Junior High" in 7th grade rather than 6th... Anyway - I digress... I was thinking of when I was starting a new school and how nervous I was... but I would have DIED if my MOM wanted to come to school WITH me... I mean - that is just a really good threat for when they are misbehaving... not just because I want to go along... So - I thought I had better SAVE that threat for later use - if necessary! LOL! I had talked with her again last night and said I wasn't sure - if it looked like other Mom's were going to - I would kinda like to go... but if not - I understood and would just drop her off! Well - this morning - while I was getting ready - she casually asked where I was going and what I would be doing when she was at school!? Hmmm!? OK!? I guess she has changed her mind from 'not caring' to not wanting Mom alongside her... I'll give her that... I helped her to CURL her new Layers and she stressed over what to wear... and yes - that IS a bottle of Tums in her hands... Finally - with minutes to spare (tee hee!) ...we are in the car and on our way to Middle School! I told her then that I would not get my feelings hurt if she would rather not have me there... that I would have not liked having my Mom come with me... but then again - my Mom wasn't NEARLY as cool as I am! LOL! (Smart girlie... she DIDN'T laugh at that one!) So - we pull up and I see all kinds of Mom's walking in with their kids - but MY kid said, "You can just drop me off up there..." Sigh?!

(Yep... here comes "Piggy #3") Well - I DID give her the option... and I have to respect her courage and boldness. My little timid, shy girl is growing up and so I dropped her off at an unknown school - where I know none of the staff or where anything is... I can't check up on her or back her up... I won't know exactly who is in her pack or who her new friends are... or what her teachers are like from that first impression BEFORE they know who my kid is... I pulled out of the crazy-(some'in some'in)-Mr. Mom-"Enter from the NORTH/Exit from the South, you moron!"-Parking lot and headed home... surprised to find myself a wee bit forlorn and teary eyed?! Hey!? What happened to that "Woo-HOO!!! BACK TO SCHOOL!!!" Chant?! I guess it just officially brings an end to her Elementary school years... and officially dawns the new days of Teen Drama, Hysterical Outbursts of Emotion, and yes - Independence!?!?! Hmmm.. maybe I SHOULD have had another kid?! (Just kidding... but I do see now why people have more than one?! LOL!)

So - now - I have just returned from picking her up... we have a friend here and they are watching a movie... and Oh MY - you should have SEEN the way they walked those halls like they owned them ALREADY?! ...OK - put to rest my fears... my Little Piggy is going to be JUST FINE!!!

Scrap On!
~Karri~