Featured Layout Today at Memory Makers

A recent layout I did, 'Most of All Laughter', is the featured layout of the day at Memory Makers Magazine. Check it out. It won't be there tomorrow Mom :)

https://www.memorymakersmagazine.com/page_ideas.aspx

Here are some more recent layouts.

I cut up the pajama's Scout is wearing in the photo and used them as embellishments. Adds alot of texture.

March of Dimes WalkForBabies

Just a quick post from the March of Dimes Walk in St. Paul last weekend. The weather was pretty chilly- but we survived. At least the sun was shining. I won't be winning any 'Mother of the Year' awards though since I didn't bother to check the weather before we left. It snowed Friday night and was in the 30-40's on Sat. Oops! It is almost May right?


I love Nick's catalog look. The sweater with a windbreaker and a vest. Sometimes you just have to make it work :)

Work those strollers! 3 miles was good exercise.

Thanks again to everyone who donated. Our team raised close to $1000 which I think is outstanding!

Yeah Spring!

It was a long, snowy winter this year. Spring has finally arrived so we're spending as much time at the park as possible. We love that it's such a short walk away.

What a difference a year makes. Bennet still LOVES the swings. I admit she's too big for the kiddie swing but that's what she wants to use.

2007 2008

Chipboard, stickers & eyelets- OH MY!

The next Feeling Scrappy class starts in a little over a week. During our Embellish It! class we will be spending an entire week showing you all sorts of things you can to with your embellishments including creative ways to bring them up to speed!

Embellish It! runs May 6th to June 3rd.

This four week technique based course is designed to teach and challenge you to use all sorts of embellishments on your layouts! If you are looking to add that extra punch to your layouts then Embellish It! is the class that will get you there. Great for those just moving into the "lumpy-bumpy" world and for those that are already there!

We will be working with all kinds of common and not so common embellishments giving them all a twist to help you create one of a kind scrapbook pages!

Sample class agenda:
Week one: Stickers (new modern looking ways to use up that old stash)
Week two: brads, eyelets and flowers
Week three: chipboard
Week four: Surprises (Lots of fun things you can make yourself! You are gonna love it!)

We start in a week! The cost for this class is $25.00. For more information or to register visit: www.feelingscrappy.com

Hope to see some familiar faces!!

Adults Only

Thanks to our amazing niece Taylor, Nick and I had a night out without the girls last weekend. Just the two of us. It was long overdue.

We tried to go to 'The Bar' in Mosinee to see the Dueling Pianos. The place was packed! After two trips around the parking lot without a place to park we left. I told Nick that A. I'm a bit of a snob and B. My days of standing around for hours in a bar are over. (My nights at the Pioneer and Brothers back at UWEC did me in!) I can still SIT for hours in a bar though :) Ugh- I'm old.

We went to the City Grille downtown and had appetizers that could feed the Partridge family and the Brady Bunch combined. But so tasty. This locale was more up our alley. Had a nice glass of wine and relaxed.

The old Rogers cinema (now called the Filmore) downtown was recently revamped and was having a grand opening. Even the mayor was there. We decided to check it out. I guess I'm not that old since the name of the band cracked me up. Maybe just immature. We were inside a total of 5 minutes before we left with a contact high. The paint and shellac was still so fresh that it was hard to breathe. Goodbye Spanking Monkeys :)

Our last stop of the night was at Malarkey's. The most un-Irish pub imaginable. There was a Southern Rock band playing for cryin' out loud. No night out would be complete with out a self portrait. We held out the camera and CLICK. We looked at it and laughed so hard at the faces we chose to make.

Even though we were only out for 3 hours is was just what we needed.

Scrap With Us

Tomorrow we will be having a Scrap with Us on the Message Board at Feeling Scrappy . We have some challenges planned along with alot of chatting and hanging out. I hope you'll join us! If you've never been over to FS now is the time! Last month was so much fun we decided to do it again!! Some of the challenges will run longer than just tomorrow so check them out when you can.

I'm hosting a little challenge and this is the prize. Pretty cool beans. Scenic Route Roxbury Chipboard for all those holiday pages!

Craftiness

Here are some of my latest layouts. I'm working on samples for the embellishment class at Feeling Scrappy so I can't reveal them yet. It's going to be a killer class! In the meantime . . .

By the way- the deadline for our Guest CT member has been extended until Sunday. Get all the details here. There is still time to apply!

When the Kat's away

Let me first start out by saying how lucky I am to have Nick as a husband. For so many reasons. He makes me laugh out loud every day with out fail. And he cleans the bathrooms. And cooks, does laundry, puts Bennet's hair in pigtails, lets me steal the covers. I could go on but that will give him a big(ger) head. :)

Now that would be enough to keep me happy right there. But on top of that he owns a graphic design/web design company Big Fat Designs, is co-owner in Local Lending , LLC and watches Bennet and Scout during the day when I'm at work. Talk about being a multitasker. I honestly don't know how he does it. I'm always telling him how lucky our girls are to be able to spend so much time with their Dad. Not every kid is that lucky.

Monday when I got home from work I almost had to wonder if it was TOO much time :) Monday was a Monday. You know how that is. But when I walked in the door I heard roaring laughter down the hall.


Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

So that is what happens at home when I'm at work? They jump around in Scout's crib and video tape the insanity. Whatever keeps them off the street I guess :)

Grandma T says she's missing them- so here's a little love just for you!

March of Dimes March for Babies

I figured Tax Day was a good day to ask for your money. I ain't too proud to beg.

On April 27th, we participating in the March of Dimes March for Babies. Every year, half a million babies in the U.S. are born prematurely. Premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death and many life long disabilities. The funds we raise in March for Babies support research that saves babies' lives. The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.

I started participating in the Walk back in college when I was part of Alpha Phi Omega. My sister Katie and brother-in-law Matt continued after graduation. This is their 10th year!! Last year we joined their team and plan on making it an annual tradition. This year Scout will join us in person vs. in utero :). The walk is Sunday, April 27th in St. Paul. Join us if you're in the area.

2007 Walk

We would truly appreciate your support. Please consider donating. Even $5 will make a huge difference. Last year we raised over $300! We'd love to beat that this time around. The March of Dimes makes it very easy to donate and it is tax deductible.

Please click on the link below right now and find out how easy it can be for you to help me help the March of Dimes with the incredible work they do.

Donate to March of Dimes- Sweeney

Thank you so much!

-Nick, Kari, Bennet and Scout

Traveling Gray Hoodie Mini-Album

I keep reading in the Scrapbook magazines about how quick and easy mini-albums are to complete with regular old 4 x 6 photos. You know what? If you keep it simple it does go pretty quick.

Here is a MiniAlbum for Scout and my trip to KY back in Feb.

I carry a RealSimple brand small notebook in my purse for my 'To-Do' list. I used the note cards for the journaling. Then I added photos on the other side. The cards worked out perfectly and they had teal and green which matched well.

(Sorry the photos aren't the best quality)

Shake Your Booty!

We won 'Alvin and the Chipmunks' on DVD and BluRay from our wonderful friends at Fox55. I remember loving the Chipmunks when I was a kid. We had the red album (Like an actual record!) of their Christmas songs that ended up scratched from so much use.

I was Simon by default since I had glasses. Megan was Theodore. I can't remember if it was because she liked green or b/c she had round cheeks. Katie was Alvin because he was the sporty, fun one. That's what I remember anyways.

I have to admit. I really like the movie. And good thing since we've watched it at least 20 times since Saturday.

Here is Bennet shakin' her groove thang to 'Witch Doctor'


Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

Check out the Challenges @ Feeling Scrappy!

Feeling Scrappy is hosting some fabulous challenges this month. I know there are alot of scrapbookers out there. Sign up and join us. It's a whole lotta fun. Get caught up (ha! right) on layouts and meet some great people. And did I mention there are prizes?

I host two challenges. An Ad Challenge and a Photography Challenge. The Photography Challenge this month revolves around the Signs of Spring. But since we had snow on the ground this morning I am not taking photos yet. I know- bad hostess.

Ad Challenge. I find alot of inspiration from print advertisements. Be it the design, color, feel. You'll just have to come to the website to see the ad that inspired this layout. I did alot of handstitching on this one.

Rachel hosts the Book of Me Challenge. This month's focus is purses. Rachel also hosts a Word Challenge. This month it's TIME. I didn't spend a lot of TIME on this one. Kept it simple and to the point :) Our fearless leader Jayne hosts a Sketch Challenge. Here is my take:

Mother's Day is coming sooner than you think. Stacey provides us with great card sketches each month. Here is my card for April, The card is split down the middle and orange scallops and circle with 'Thank you' open:

There are even more challenges at Feeling Scrappy! Check it out!

Scout is Seven Months

You hear me say it every month- but I just can't believe how fast time is flying. Scout turned seven months old on Saturday. Makes me a little sad to think she's closer to turning 1 than being a baby.

In the last month she has really started to move. She can roll from one corner of the room to the other without missing a beat. She tries so hard to crawl but hasn't quite figured it out yet. We're totally ok with that ;) Nick and I are constantly making sure all the chokable items are out of arms reach. That can feel like a full time job.

She also started to sit up on her own. (Finally- now I can get some professional photos taken) Although she still prefers to roll around. Or stand. I attached a video and you'll see what I mean.

She's eating cereal, fruits and veggies now too. She can't get enough. She'll grunt and go 'Mmmm' for more. I will never eat a hot meal again.

The weather Saturday was gorgeous!

By this time with Bennet she started to prefer Dad over me. I am happy to say that Scout is an equal opportunity baby. Dad can make her giggle like no one else, but she still likes her mama! Makes me feel good.

She is really such a happy baby. And she just goes with the flow. Warning- This baby does not sit still. She's always thrashing about. Seriously- she was a gymnast in the womb and hasn't stopped moving since. She's starting to make more babbling/talking type sounds. Too adorable! Watch out- she spits up at the beginning :)



Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

Guest Creative Team Member Call for Feeling Scrappy

Guest Creative Team Member Call for Feeling Scrappy

Feeling Scrappy, an exciting spot on the web that offers on-line classes for every level of scrapper, has an opening for one Guest Designer on our Creative Team! We are seeking a creative, fun, scrapbooker who has the ability to inspire and motivate others with their work to serve a one-month term in May. No previous design team experience is required – we encourage all styles of scrappers to apply!

Here are the details-

1. Join and be an active member of our message board at www.feelingscrappy.com during the call. Being able to interact on the board with our members is very important.

2. Complete a NEW layout (focusing on the creative use of embellishments) using the sketch shown below by Friday, April 18th.

3. Please do not post your layout anywhere else on the web until the winner is announced.

4. Winner will be announced no later than April 21st.

5. If you are chosen to be our first ever Guest CT member, you will be expected to publicize the class and Feeling Scrappy before the class begins and during the class on your blog or any boards you belong to if allowed.

6. Guest CT Member will receive 3 assignments for the Feeling Scrappy May Embellishment Class on April 21st and will have up to two weeks to complete them.

7. As a thank you, Guest CT member will receive the May Embellishment Class for free! ($25 value!), special recognition on the Feeling Scrappy Home Page and a special award blinkie to display anywhere on the web.

Send the following to feelingscrappyguestctcall@yahoo.com

1.) Your basic information: name, e-mail, and username at Feeling Scrappy.

2.)Your layout created using our sketch.

3.)A link to your blog and/or image hosting site (if applicable)

4.)A brief paragraph about yourself that includes the answers to the following questions:How long have you been scrapping?Are you active on any message board and if so which ones?Are you on any design teams? Which ones?Why do you want to be a guest CT member?How would you be able to promote Feeling Scrappy classes?How much time during May can you devote to Feeling Scrappy?What do you feel you could bring to the Creative Team at Feeling Scrappy?

Create your layout based on the following sketch that I created. Remember to add your own style and use embellishments creatively!!

Just let me know if you have any questions and good luck!!

Day 172

I just realized that I never came back to tell my faithful blog readers whether or not I made the Scrap4Life DT. I didn't. But- to be honest I'm really ok with it. It was such a welcoming experience and I was thrilled to have made the final 10. This experience truly made me think outside the box and that alone is worth the price of admission. Maybe I'll try again in 6 months. We'll see.

Here was my last layout. The last couple of weeks I've been in a negative space kind of mood with clean, simple lines. I wanted to incorporate three different patterned papers without it getting overwhelming. This is what I came up with. Primary colors on a classic white background. I used different colored embrodery floss on the buttons. I wanted to try something different for the journaling component. For the journaling I printed it out on notebook paper and then left spaces so that I could handwrite certain words with red ink for pop.

Journaling: I didn't think it was possible. I'd given up hope. Trying to get a photo of the two of you where you were both looking at the camera and smiling was like trying to pry a kid out of a candy store. It took one committed mom (Ok- OBESSED!), two girls, thousands of shutterclicks and 172 days, but here it is. The money shot.

The Traveling Gray Hoodie Strikes Again

I should have known better than to wear my gray hoodie for my business trip to Maine this week. It's just cursed. The last time I wore it traveling I was stuck/delayed all over the place too. Airline travel isn't glam.

Now I know the title of my blog is 'Laugh Every Day' and I honestly try to do that. Attempt to see the silver lining in things and not whine too much. But Monday and Tuesday were honestly the longest days in recent memory. I can't believe I traveled 100 days a year for 5 years.

Here we go. Whinefest 2008- Version 4.0

Monday 3:45 a.m. - Alarm goes off. Beep Beep Beep. Hitting snooze is not an option.

4:40 a.m.- Leave for airport. Coffee in hand.

5:35 a.m. - Security is so darn slow in Wausau that we have to move to the front so we don't miss our flight. People at the front of the line aren't happy with us.

5:40 a.m.- Security runs my pump through 4 times. I was seriously thinking they were going to make me demonstrate with it. Um no.

5:45 a.m. - Damien tries to go through security but forgets his cell phone in his pocket- TWICE. Has to get hand patted.

5:50 a.m.- After I put my 4 buckets through security (Bucket 1- shoes, belt, coat, toiletries. Bucket 2-pump Bucket 3- laptop Bucket 4-laptop bag then my suitcase) I pick up my suitcase to put everything back in and the zipper breaks. I guess after 400 flights it was bound to die sometime. My trusty old Samsonite. I got a little tear in my eye when it went kaput.

6:00 a.m.- I walk to the gate carrying my broken suitcase like a small child. The gate agent hands me a black Hefty bag. Chuck it all in and gate check it to Chicago.

7:00 a.m.- Arrive in Chicago. Deplane in the rain onto the tarmac and grab my wet garbage bag.

7:10 a.m. - Go to Brookstone and drop a benjamin on a lime green suitcase. I know you're jealous!

7:20 a.m.- Try to figure out where to leave an empty suitcase at O'Hare so I won't get pummeled by security. "Unattended bag left by gate F7- GET THE REDHEAD!!' Luckily the nice gentleman at Brookstone took care of it for me.

7:30 a.m.- $10 coffee from Starbucks never tasted so good. Oh yeah- I got the venti.

8:00 a.m. - Delayed in Chicago waiting for a crew change. I can't remember what time we left Chicago.

2:something- Arrive in Portland, Maine. It's rainy and cold. Just like WI. Welcome to the Eastern Time Zone.

3:00 p.m.- Arrive at the hotel.

3:05 p.m.- Change clothes and try to get pretty.

3:30 p.m.- Grab cab to head to downtown Portland for meeting.

4:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.- Meetings and dinner. Ok- Dinner was fantastic. Really the one bright spot of the trip. Fresh scallops. And this dark chocolate, caramel, peanut butter torte with cinnamon ice cream. Whoa! The way to my heart and positive attitude is through food!

9:00 p.m. - Back at the hotel- exhausted. Found myself watching the Bachelor thinking 'What are you doing woman- go to bed!

Tuesday - No April foolin'

6:00 a.m. - Up and ready to go.

8:00-12:30 p.m. - Meetings

1:00 p.m. - Chill at the airport with a local beer. (Hey- it's 5 oclock somewhere)

3:00 p.m. - United calls to tell us that our flight isn't leaving at 5:23 it's leaving at 7:31 meaning we'll miss our connection. I leave my delicious (insert sarcasm) plate of nachos to go check our options. How could I leave them you ask? They look simply gourmet.

3:30 p.m. - Standing in line talking to the agent. A man, we'll call him Chuck, sticks his head out of the door and yells at the agent to come help him. So he leaves in the middle of our transaction. Hello? Are you coming back? You were working on something here. Damn you Chuck!

4:00 p.m.- Decide to take AirTran from Portland to Baltimore then switch to Midwest Express to Milwaukee and then to Central Wisconsin. Good times. Love taking 3 flights. Love it! Either that or stay the night and get home at 4 p.m. Wed.

4:01 p.m. - While at the AirTran counter Damien says 'Hey look- a couple old dinosaurs'. I look expecting to see some geriatric travelers. Nope- real dinosaurs.

4:05 p.m.- Damien tells me that he brought the dinosaurs back to a little boy who was crying. He overheard his mom talking on the phone "Oh he's so sick. He's been throwing up and has horrible diarrhea'. As we went up the escalator Damien recounted this story and said, "And then I smelled it. Kid could care less about the dinosaurs when his drawers are full" See- someone is always worse off than you.

4:10 p.m. - Make it through security again with my 4 buckets. Portland, ME is where all the 9/11 terrorists started their day so they are uber security happy. With good reason.

4:45 p.m. - I'm the last one to get on the plane. The gate agent looks at my boarding pass and tells me I wasn't screened properly. Oh come on!! So back to security I go for the pat down, bag swab, luggage rustling urine sample and blood test.

5:00 p.m. - Depart for Baltimore.

6:00 p.m. - Arrive Baltimore. Have to go outside of security to check into Midwest Express. Thrilled.

6:01 p.m. - Find out Midwest Express's computers are down. Can't check in. It's 2008 people. Do you have a disaster relief plan? You have to have some kind of back up.

7:00 p.m. - Get a handwritten boarding pass from the agent. After standing in line for an hour.

7:05 p.m. - Go back through security with my 4 buckets. I'm so done dressing and undressing!

8something- It's eerily quiet at the airport.

8:15 p.m. - Board the plane for Milwaukee.

9:25 p.m. - Land in Milwaukee. Haul tail to our Wausau flight since it leaves at 9:55.

I don't care anymore time - Land in Wausau.

10:55 p.m. - Jam out to some Taylor Swift in the car.

11:40 p.m.- My head hits the pillow. Home sweet home!