Now What?!

Hey there...

So - after checking obsessively on everyone's blog I finally decided to give in and 'update' my own!? Not as much fun as reading about everyone else's day or week - but... ?! Maybe if I update... then YOU all will update?! Maybe...?!

I finished three Mini Albums in three days... Yep - one a night! They were really small - and I was using stuff I already had - so I didn't have a whole lot of matching embellishments to add or anything... you may notice that one is an actual mini Album... by K&Co... LOVE it!!! I am keeping that one for myself?! LOL!? I know - I know?! But - here's the deal!? As much as I adore my family - they are not so much 'treasure keepers' and they don't so much appreciate memorabilia like I do!? Selfish!? Yeah - probably... and yet - I am still keepin' it!?

...and yes - this means that I am once again, sadly - all caught up!? I will have those Lake Trip photo's developed over the weekend and so I will have something to work on during my Scrap Happy group... plus I will probably try to work on the "Secret Project"... here's the deal... the project is a Lunch Box Album and so I would LOVE some samples of any you all have done?! I have my paper picked out... which I still cannot buy locally somehow?! So - hopefully I will NOT run out of it?! Anyway... this is my problem: I have not been able to get a hold of several people and I am needing to rely on others to fill out some paperwork and send me a small wallet-size picture... (not so sure this is going to happen as easily as I thought it would?!) Maybe - obsessively sending out the info so early so I could get it back in time was a mistake... who can know?! I have the highest hopes that it will all come together in the end?!

My hubby is busy making homemade salsa and my little one is away at GC (Youth Group)... I lit my favorite candles tonight while I read a bit of one of my books... (left the Air Freshener alone this time... no worries?!) Tomorrow I get to watch my nephews for a bit in the morning... they are GREAT... who knew boys could be so much fun!? (Sorry - I didn't have any brothers and only have a daughter... honestly - I didn't know?!) I adore them! It helps that they are little mini-men - so smart and articulate for their age! In the afternoon, I will be working on an article about Scrapbook Design (For Hire) Businesses... ahhh - an assignment! Praise God!

So - there ya go... an update... I am planning on going to see One Night with the King tomorrow night with my Honey and my daughter... I will let ya'll know how great it is!!!

Until then, Scrap Happy!
~Karri~

5 Weird Things

OK... not to feel left out like Kori... Na finally tagged me on the Weirdo List... I mean - the list of 5 weird things... (Kori - don't feel bad... at least you live in town and CAN be invited to all the fun reindeer games... I am sure them NOT calling you at 7am was a GOOD Decision... can you even IMAGINE talking to any of those gals that early in the morning?! LOL!?)

Anyway - thanks for including me Natalie... I will play along but must admit beforehand... and am - at least compared to all of you trailer trash - rather 'normal' I am pretty sure?! Still... just for F-U-N... here is my random list:

1. EVERY Morning when I get out of bed, and EVERY night at bedtime, I pause at my bedroom window and look outside... at my garden... at the neighbors yard... just checking it out... is that weird?! (I am talking EVERY SINGLE day - TWICE!?)

2. I HATE to talk on the phone... like I am talkin' LOATHE!!!!? I don't mind chatting online... or via e-mail, or preferably - in person over coffee (and bagels... but whatever?!)... but the phone is TORTUROUS?! I guess maybe because most of my jobs have involved answering phones maybe?! I guess I can't feel 'real' on the phone... it feels too business-like... and I even use my 'phone voice' sometimes on accident?! Anyone else?! .... (insert cricket sounds here...) Anyone?!

3. My house - at least the main floor - HAS to be picked up at all times... not necessarily CLEANED - but picked up and presentable. Do we often get company unannounced?! No... pretty much never... but still - it COULD happen... and I would want my home to be warm and welcoming and not have to stress about the dishes being in the sink or the stack of papers on the living room floor... now - rest assured - I am not obsessive... people HAVE seen my house a mess... but just in general - overall - I attempt to have everything in it's place at all times?! (The basement/scrapbook area - however - is a COMPLETELY different story - unfortunately!? I am convinced it is simply because I do not have enough ROOM for everything... which sadly - my husband agrees - so I have really little to no incentive to pick it up more consistently!?)

4. I LOVE to read... all sorts of things... and a lot of them at the same time?! I find it hard to read just one book at a time... well - for one reason - it just doesn't LAST as LONG that way... but I love to have several different story lines going at once... I love to read a few chapters in one book... (use my Air Freshener) and pick up an entirely different book and keep reading?! (OK - maybe that new Air Freshener thing is weird too!? Maybe... but I don't know... you will have to smell it first!? Oh - and what exactly is huffing?! I mean - can I do it on accident?! Darcie - shut up - Miss EAST Valley - you don't qualify to answer that one!)

and 5. God speaks to me and I see things... not so much Dead People... (thank God!) but I do see things... much like Corinna FEELS things... (I feel things too) but I often see stuff... call them visions or day dreams or whatever... but they are real and often sometimes prophetic in nature... sometimes when I have shared them with others it has confirmed things to them that they were asking God about... sometimes I have just prayed about what I have seen and God moves... I've seen angels and demons and I have talked and danced face to face with Jesus... often in prayer He will give me pictures or I will 'see' written out a Scripture reference and I will go look it up and it will be an answer to prayer or something... But - I must say - that I don't think that this should be as Weird as it probably is!? I mean - I think God desires to speak with His people and show us things all the time... I don't think He intended for it to be weird or rare or whatever... and I think there are a lot of people who see or feel things that just blow it off or dismiss it as coincidence or something...

Now - here is 5 Weird things about me from my 11 year old daughters perspective:

1. Likes to read a lot
2. Have Painted every room on the Main Floor (of our APARTMENT?!)
3. Likes to watch Horses run
4. Make the cat run COMPLETELY out of food before you will feed him!
5. Pushes the family cat off your lap when you are wearing black

When I told her that those aren't 'super weird' - she replied - "Well - what do you want from me?! You're not THAT weird?!" Ah Yeah! Priceless! You KNOW I will be quoting her on THAT one soon enough!

I will tag no one... the weirdness must come to an end sometime soon - so ya'll will post something meaty to share?!?!?!?! Oh - I made TWO mini-albums last night - one for my sister and one for my Mom of our Leavenworth trip... (I am making one for me tonight!?) So ... once again?! I will be all caught up!? Of course - I didn't print out those McDaniel Lake pictures... so I may print those out because my Scrap Happy group meets next Thursday and I have NOTHING to Scrap again?!!??!?!? Unless I work on that dreaded secret project?! We'll see?!

Anyway...
Scrap On, (Weirdos!!!)
~Karri~

Favorite Scents

Mmmmmm... Some of my (current) Favorite Scents...

I have a LOT of "Favorites" in the Fall... There are way more yummy smells than this... I have a great new Orange Spice candle, and some 'champagne' incense, lots of lotions and potions too... but right now... this day... these are my favorites!


My lovely Hazelnut Latte Candle
Doesn't this smell just scream Fall to you!?
It does to me! (and we all know how I love Fall!)

"Karmala" Candle and Perfume by Mark
Rich Musky, Woodsy, Floral Scents that scream
Warmth and Passion! (Yeah - that's right... I said it!)

Shea Butter & Rice Flower Body Spray from Bath & Bodyworks
This will be one of the smells in Heaven in my house...
(I am pretty sure...)

"Dune" Perfume by Christian Dior
My Wedding Perfume... aahhhhh.... need I say more?! (Do you all have a 'Wedding Perfume"!? This was a new scent from Dior when I was planning my Wedding and so I bought it specifically to wear on my special day... now whenever I put it on - I remember that day... it triggers that feeling of nostalgia for me and my Honey! I highly recommend this - even if it is not 'normal'?!)

Self Sanctuary Lemon Sugar Body Butter
MMmmmm.... SO yummy!!! It is so moisturizing and it lasts all day... if you love lemon desserts... well - you will LOVE this!!!

...and lastly, my New Air Freshener by Glade...
(Yep - that's right... I am a Stay at Home Mom, how'd ya guess?!) It is the new Air Infusions - CLEAN LINEN. Yeah... it not only WORKS (rather than masks) but it lasts for hours and makes the whole house smell - well - Clean!!! Who knew I would one day get excited about a new Air Freshener!? I know - it is a little sad... maybe even pathetic... but hey?! I work hard to create an atmosphere in my home - whether it is just me here or we have guests... and so - ya know - air freshener is sometimes necessary!? Sometimes people play 'toilet paper' games and you need to keep that secret! LOL!

I relate a lot of smells to memories... maybe it is because I was born "blind" and so some of my senses are used to being more in tune than others... Do you ever go somewhere and the smell alone can make you miss your Grandma's house or make you want to bake cookies or make stew!?... someone passes by in the Mall and all of the sudden you remember a school dance or an old boyfriend?! That type of thing happens to me all the time! When my hubby has to leave for work early or is going golfing or fishing on the weekends... I always grab his pillow when he gets up... it's warm and I can cuddle with it and it smells like him... (which is a good thing... ya know - normally... except when I need that Clean Linen Spray...) I remember seeing Matthew McConaughey on Oprah and he was saying that he doesn't wear cologne or use scented soap or deodorant... he just has his own smell... Oprah was impressed - apparently his 'own smell' was rather quite nice... if you can imagine?!

So... what about you guys?! What smells bring back memories or make you reminisce?! What Fall or Autumn scents stir you up and calm you down?! Do share...

~Karri~

One Night with the King

OK... not so much an update as a Tip...

This movie is going to be AWESOME!!! It opens on Friday, Oct 13th... and I HIGHLY recommend seeing it - even on opening night if possible... (since the new Friday the 13th will open the same night I think - and well - ya know - it would be nice to have something GOOD compete with something so bad?!)

This movie is based on Esther... also on "Hadassah - One Night with the King" by Tommy Tenney... check out the site and watch the Trailer...

One Night with the King Movie...
http://www.8x.com/onenight/

This is a GREAT Date movie... or Family movie... Chick Flick/Girlfriend Movie... I am sure I will see it several times... (and not even in the Cheap Seats, Corinna!?) There are not that many movies that come out that we can support and encourage... but I believe that this will be one of them! I encourage you all to make plans to see it! (and please do let me know what you think of it as well!)

~Karri~

Update in Pictures...

An Update in Pictures...

Well... mostly!? (You know me... I love WORDS, too!?) Here are some pictures of my new bathroom/paint and those infamous Bunko Prizes...

I can't even remember what all I did on Friday - other than recuperate and pout from Bunko! I also had to put my house/furniture back in order... we did go out to dinner with some good friends... we went to El Porton - a great Mexican restaurant that is ALWAYS packed and always worth the wait too!

Saturday I read off & on... worked on some Bible Studies a bit...

Here are the books I am currently reading:

Bad Girls of the Bible (Liz Curtis Higgs) is really fun... a great mix of fiction and Scripture... of course I also have the Workbook that goes with it and that really brings in even more Scripture and study time! I am liking it... even more than I thought I would!

Captivating (Stasi Eldridge) is a great study as well - all about how God created us Female on purpose and just really so insightful and uplifting... and sure, challenging too! This is the second time I have gone through this study. The first time was in a large group - and this time is one on one with another friend... (it's great - but I am ready to move on!) Next we are going to go through "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" by Joanne Weaver... GREAT READ... I highly recommend it!

For fun... I am reading "The UnUsual Suspect" - a new book/biography by Stephen Baldwin. So - as you can imagine - it is a fun read!? LOL!? The guy is crazy - and highly entertaining! You have to sort of get over how he has not yet gotten over himself... he thinks pretty highly of himself at times... but God is doing an amazing work on and in and even through him... it's an enjoyable read!

I am also re-reading a book my hubby bought me a few years ago titled "The Secret Place"... by Dr. Dale Fife. The back reads: "You hunger to live in the presence of God. You yearn to know the Father's heart in an intimate way. You desire revelation and passionate encounters with the Almighty. you long to spend time in the Secret Place, getting to know the Father in a deeper way. This book will lead you into that place of revelation, the place that will satisfy your hunger for more of God." Yeah... who doesn't want THAT?! I vaguely remember reading this book when I first got it... but I think (shocker?!) that I must have been reading about 6 books at the time - so I can't recall specific things about the book... and I know there are specific things in there the God wants me to remember!

Anyway - Saturday afternoon we decided to go for a drive... get out of town... see the Fall Colors!

You all know how I LOVE that!!! So - we headed up Chinook Pass and drove to McDaniel Lake...which is more of a Pond this time of year - but the trees were gorgeous and we had fun!

Sunday our church went back to their normal 2 services... which meant that my husband had to get up earlier and head out for Choir sooner... which in turn, meant that the house was quiet longer and my daughter and I had an extra hour to get ready before heading out the door! The Service was good... went out to lunch with friends afterwards which is always a great way to wrap up church! It got really cold in the afternoon... I am talking take-a-nap, wrap-up-in-a-blanket, where-are-my-slippers, cold... it was NICE!!! Dave went to watch his Soccer Team play one of their last games and Kaye and I played a round (or three) of Scattegories... (Yes - Darice, I know... JELLY CABINET... I was with ya on that one!)

One thing that was different about this weekend was our precious pre-teen was grounded from TV all weekend long... yep - we are getting Attitude and waaaaayyyyy too many excuses, exaggerations, etc!? Oh My!? ...add to all of that HORMONES and well... we'll just start the mantra now... "Poor Dave!" whew?! However, we survived with little trouble... she read a lot more and spent some time in her room... she chatted on the phone and also did some computer stuff... not to mention play some family games and get in some one on one talking time with both parents!? Hmmm!? Pretty impressive considering she actually doesn't watch that much TV in the first place?! I'm talking maybe 1-1/2 hours after homework is done?! Amazing how much she can get done in that time?! The hardest part was she often goes next door to Grandma's for a snack, a visit, and a little Cable TV! LOL! That is usually happening on Saturday afternoon... which is one of the reasons we headed out for a drive... to keep her mind busy so she would not remember her normal routine!?

This week... well - I am going to HAVE to work on that "Secret Project"... hey?! Have any of you done any Lunch Box Albums!? I would love to see some examples!? I have yet to glue ANYTHING... LOL! I am busy gathering information and inputting Journaling!? Oh - and I did order my pictures from Leavenworth too... so I WILL have something to work on of my own soon too! Maybe this week!? (Of course.. that will mean I will have to find my Scrap Table again!? ...how does it always disappear like that?! I think I need a Natalie?!... or maybe a BIGGER SPACE?! LOL?!)

Scrap Happy!
~Karri~

No... I didn't WIN!?!!!

Yes... Last night I hosted my Bunko Group to a night of dice rolling, eating, laughing, and winning... whatever?!??

I, once again, did NOT win ANYTHING at Bunko last night?! I think that is 4 or 5 months in a row now... and I am pretty much done with that!? I mean - come ON already?! I guess, in the end, I DID get my bathroom painted... so that is good!? (Enough smack about that Darcie... you wouldn't want me to bring up your KITCHEN and Cabinets back in the day, would you?! At least I got mine DONE... all within two days?! LOL!)

I have to say, my house looked Smashing! All my Fall decor out and candles lit... fit all three tables in the Living Room so the Losers Table actually got to enjoy our View... it was a fun time... I did change the rules since it was at my house... and yes - thank you very much - that Backfired on me?! For the past three months, I have rolled 5 or 6 Bunko's each time... but they had changed the rules so that your partner got credit for your Bunko's... which in turn meant a lot of people had credit for more Bunko's... but I had actually rolled all of my own!? So - I decided I had been cheated out of the Most Bunko's Prize for months... LOL!? So - I changed the rule... and ya know what!? I got one, count it: ONE, Bunko all night!? And the gal that got Most Bunko's ....yep - she got TWO!??!?! Yeah - real funny!?

My Menu got raves and my hubby was sad to come home to a messy but empty kitchen?! LOL!? Everything disappeared... except a couple of the Oreo Truffles that I made... (and hid!) LOL! I did make an extra cake for a dinner party we are going to tonight... but he was sad that (so male!?) all the meat was gone?! LOL!? I served:

Ham & Broccoli Pinwheels
Creamy Chicken Packets
Veggie Tray w/Ranch Dip
Crackers and Chips w/ Southwestern Dip
Spiced Apple Cream Cheese Cake
Oreo Truffles
Various Drinks
(and Honey Cashews, Roasted Peanuts, and M&Ms on each table for snacking!)


Anyway - again - I tried to just upload a picture of all the gorgeous Bunko Prizes that I did NOT win... Hmm!?!? Blogger is free but it often does suck?! Maybe Natalie is right?!

Happy Weekend! I am sure you all will be scrapping together somewhere in the Midwest! Lucky?! I'll be thinking of you... and planning out what I will do with my pictures when I finally get them developed - as I am ALL CAUGHT UP and have nothing to do yet?! tee hee?! (I know, I know?!)

Scrap Happy!
~Karri~

Lyrics?! Did someone want Lyrics!?

Alright Already... ya'll act like you have nothing to do this week!? I know that is not true... because you all have PLENTY of pictures to scrap, kids to care for, houses to attend, S&B sessions to get all wriled up for, hmmm... and?! Am I missing something?! Oh yeah - I am pretty sure you all have husbands too!? LOL!?

Me?! Yes - I am Bunco driven this week... haven't made any phone calls regarding the 'secret project' (I had to call Bunco people... isn't that enough for one week!? I mean - I had to call and TALK TO 11 people?!) Oh yeah - in case you don't know... I HATE the phone?! So - anyway - I have been Grocery Shopping for Bunco, Prize Shopping for Bunco, Cleaning and Decorating for Bunco, (Painting for Bunco)... man?! Dave is just happy it only happens once a year?!

So - I state all of that to say... I would LOVE to write a witty entertaining long drawn out blog entry for you all to enjoy... however - I just can't spare the Bunco obsessed driven time frame this week... at least not until AFTER Bunco... I will say - I had BETTER win something this month... it's been like 3 months and I must say that the prizes ROCK... I may have to cheat like DarcEE if it is not lookin' good by halfway through?! LOL?!

So - thanks for the Lyrical SMACK everyone... nice! And it got me to thinkin' like our comedic pal, Brian Regan... Back of the Bus... Bus... bus... Wheels... Wheels on the Bus... Wheels spinning... spinning on the Bus... Bus... Bus... spinning... Bus... BUSY... Business... Busy Business...

(Here ya go:)
"You get up every morning
From your 'larm clock's warning
Take the 8:15 into the city
There's a whistle up above
And people pushin', people shovin'
And the girls who try to look pretty
And if your train's on time
You can get to work by nine
And start your slaving job to get your pay
If you ever get annoyed
Look at me I'm self-employed
I love to work at nothing all day

And I'll beTaking care of business (every day)
Taking care of business (every way)
I've been taking care of business (it's all mine)
Taking care of business and working overtime
Work out

If it were easy as fishin'
You could be a musician
If you could make sounds loud or mellow
Get a second-hand guita
rChances are you'll go far
If you get in with the right bunch of fellows
People see you having fun
Just a-lying in the sun
Tell them that you like it this way
It's the work that we avoid
And we're all self-employed
We love to work at nothing all day

And we be
Taking care of business (every day)
Taking care of business (every way)
We be been taking care of business (it's all mine)
Taking care of business and working overtime
Mercy
Whooooo
All right
[Instrumental Interlude]

Take good care of my business
When I'm away, every day
Whoooo
Takin' care of business, whoo
Takin' care of business
Takin' care of business
Takin' care of business
Takin' care of business (every day)
Takin' care of business (every way)
Takin' care of business (it's all mine)
Takin' care of business
And working overtime
Whoooo
Takin' care of business
Takin' care of business
Takin' care of business
We be Takin' care of business
We be Takin' care of business
Takin' care of business
Takin' care of business
[Fades Out]


Peace OUT!
~K~

OK... fine... ONCE AGAIN I DID try to upload a picture of the way cool Bunco Prizes (if I DO say so myself!) and Blogger sucks?! sigh?! So... no photo for you... NEXT!

Enough "Cake" already... here's an Update!

Yes... it is true - I HAVE been super busy this past week... but none of it was Scrapbook related?! I know?! How can that be?!?!!? Ooooohh..... that's right... I AM ALL CAUGHT UP!?!??! tee hee!?

So... last week was a FULL week of activities for me... more so than usual even!? (Somehow?!)

Monday was a "Teacher Training" day for our school district... (so I feel your pain this Friday, girls!) so that pushed my normal Monday errands to Tuesday... my daughter had spent the night at her best friends' house on Sunday and so I actually read an entire book on Monday... plus I did a little bit around the house too... but not much! Mostly I revelled in the quiet and empty house! Ahhhh... sweet!

Tuesday was my Prayer meeting in the morning and then my Monday study in the afternoon!?

Wednesday was my Bible Study, and then it was Fair Day! Yes... we took our daughter and her friend to the Fair ...let 'em cut school and everything! We had fun... and they had even MORE fun... went on ALL the rides several times... even those scary ones that it seems, as a good Mom, you shouldn't maybe LET your kids go on upside down and all... I always joke with my daughter that she causes me to pray in tongues when she rides those rides... which is not completely a joke... and then she came off of the Ring Of Fire and said she was praying in tongues TOO! LOL! So - I guess when you are 11 - that is a GOOD ride!? We let the girls skip their Wed night church group and we stayed at the Fair until maybe 8 or 9... (It WAS still a school night?!)

Thursday I took my Mom and sister away for a day! Now - you have to know, my family - well - they pretty much do NOTHING... like - that IS their hobby - doing nothing?! LOL! My Mom is retired and she pretty much likes to watch the news 24/7 and maybe Lifetime TV... she rarely goes OUT anymore... and my sister is a self-supported Artist... so she works from home 24/7 and rarely goes OUT anymore either?! I stole them for a day trip to Leavenworth... a gorgeous little town somewhere in the PNW (it's in Idaho, I think!?) with a German/Scandinavian feel... it was the unofficial beginning of Oktoberfest and the colors are all just starting to change... it's a great little Touristy town and we had a blast! Well - I had a blast... I am pretty sure that they enjoyed it too!? I am used to traveling and shopping and just being OUT... while they are not... so they tired quickly and didn't seem to appreciate the scenery as much as I would have liked... but we still had fun shopping and dining and driving... it was a nice change of pace... and so nice to remember that this little treasure of a town is a few hours away!? I got home in the early evening and we went to pick up my daughter from her first GC Home Group! (GC = Generation Church - which is our churches' Youth Group!) I am not ready for her to go to a "Youth Group" per say - but this is a home meeting/small group of Middle School & Jr High girls... and I love the couple who are hosting it... my dd LOVED this group! She was so excited... My husband and I are pretty much wired that one small home group way... when we became Christians - we got involved in a small group right away and it is there that we made many lasting friendships and really grew in our love and understanding of God... anyway - she was thrilled to have a group of her own and she even met a few 'upperclassmen' - so - that will help in the future I am sure?!

Friday I somehow volunteered to help decorate our Sanctuary! We had a special service on Sunday that was focused on worship and the Worship and Arts Pastor wanted to create a more intimate atmosphere... hmmm... ok - I can do that... however - our Sanctuary is HUGE... hard to create intimate with that much space?! I don't know what I was thinking - but I figured about two hours... well - it took most of Friday... but it did turn out great... I had just enough time to go buy Paint for my bathroom and then it was time to go Chaperon the School Social... my daughter was not allowed to go to the dance part... in the gym with the live DJ... (I just think she is way too young for THAT!??!?!) but she did hang out with her friends in the Common area... with all the snacks and Fear Factor challenges and games and Karaoke... she had fun and with the exception of two songs on the Karaoke machine that I thought were inappropriate... it was a fun, harmless time... I think the real trouble happens in the Gym!? LOL!? We all went out for dinner at Taco Del Mar (YUM!) and then we rented RV... funnier than I was expecting... I was pleasantly surprised!

So - Saturday - well - that was Paint day! I managed to get it all done in one day... not that my bathroom is BIG or anything... but I had to really clean the walls and ceiling first and then tape and all of that... today I will do all the rest of the edging and touch up's and it will be done! (In time for Bunko on Thursday... which was what possessed me to do it in the first place?!) LOL!

Sunday - well - it was church and then relaxing with the fam' and then my in-laws for a birthday dinner and a football game... a sad, sad, sad football game!? Anyway - so - that is why I have not updated... I didn't really even have much time to leave you all any smack on your blogs?!

I am hoping to get to work on that secret project this week though... DarcEE - c'mon already!? I need your ANSWERS girl!? I will have to actually CALL people on the PHONE this week...?!!? you know how I HATE that!?

Anyway - that is my update... nothing too special... just lots of little things that took up my time last week... I DO have pictures to order now from Leavenworth... and I am planning on making a Mini of our trip for my sister's birthday... but that won't take but a few hours... that's right Darcie - I said it... a few HOURS!!?!? Not like Mexico!!

Until next time,
Scrap On!
~Karri~

P.S. YES - you KNOW I have pictures for you - - - but you know me and my problems with Blooger?! I will try to add them later... again?!

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~