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Last Week

Some random photos from the last week.

This is the famous Stoli kitty. Nick bought it at the hospital the day Bennet was born and she hasn't been without it since. It is her version of the Velveteen Rabbit. Poor little thing has no shape left. When we were getting ready this morning I saw her taking pictures of her kitty. I helped hold the camera but she did most of it. Not too bad. Scout is nearly 15 months old and finally has some teeth. She got her first tooth at 13 1/2 months. She had one on the top and one on the bottom, on the same side for awhile. Now the other two are coming in. Just in time for Christmas :)

Nick's Grandma Gladys (Happy Bottom) turned 85 last Thursday. Here are 7 of the 8 girl greatgrandkids. Only Nicole, Duncan and Matt were unable to be here. Lots of birthday's this month. Nov 20- Gladys Nov 21- Me. Nov 22- Grandpa Mike Bennet is starting to think there is a birthday and cake everyday.

ANNOUCEMENTS

On this fine Monday morning I have some announcements. The Sounds of the Season Cyber Crop at Scrap4Life is coming up fast.

In addition to the FABULOUS prizes that Jodie will be providing I am adding a couple of prizes to the pot. I will be giving out 2 prizes packages as shown. I'll probably add a couple more goodies to it as well.

Prize Package One: For every challenge you are able to complete I will put your name in for a random drawing.

Prize Package Two: I'd love to see some NEW faces participate in the Cyber Crop. So the 2nd prize package will go to one of the NEWBIES!!!

What else? Oh. There is still time to apply for the Guest Designer spot at Scrap4Life. Deadline is Nov. 30th. The winner will get the Jan. Kit to work with. Trust me- the Scrap4Life kits are amazing. And what better way to start 2009?

More Layouts!!

I told you I've been a scrappin' FOO this month. Having the sketches really helped me work through my 'To-Do' pile in record time. Plus- I'm using alot of supplies that I've had in my stash for 2-3 years. I love that! All sketches the glas at Feeling Scrappy- Jayne, Stacey & Amy

(Jess & Amy- look. More circles :) )

I did stamping on this layout. SHOCKER!! I almost never use stamps. I won these awesome Close to my Heart stamps from my friend Pam and they were perfect here.

Happy Birthday to ME!

Didn't I just have a birthday? I feel like the older I get the faster time goes by. This coming May will mark 10 years of my college graduation. Bennet turns 3 next month. We've lived in Wausau for over 5 years and I am turning 33.

(On a side note I just realized that I am really starting to look like my mom. This is a good thing. Well- an ok thing since I think she's pretty hip all things considered)

Here are the A,B,C's of me at 33

A: Anniversary- Celebrated 5 years of wedded bliss in September. I would do it all again.

B: Bennet. She is growing up so fast and becoming such a fun little person. Her latest phrase is "Oh brother" and "Couty NO!"

C: Coffee. 2 cups of 1/2 caff with flavored cream- daily.

D: Dark Knight- One of the best films of the year and yes, it is Oscar worthy.

E: Eagerly waiting for Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince NEXT summer (too long) It was SUPPOSED to come out TODAY. Damn Twilight.

F: Facebook & french fry junkie

G: General Hospital watcher. I'm a bit embarrassed to admit I DVR it daily.

H: Hopes my next year is as wonderful and blessed as this one has been.

I: Idiot Box- I really like TV. Grey's, Office, HIMYM, Pushing Daisies, The Unit, ANTM.

J: Just thinks Neil Patrick Harris is too darn cool. Goodbye Doogie, Hello Barney/DrHorrible!

K: Kentucky- Scout and I took a trip to KY to visit online-turned-3D friends Carrie and Carla.

L: Laughter on a daily basis. It keeps me balanced. And I need balance.

M: Mr Darcy. Oh my goodness I still get weak in the knees over Colin Firth (and my camera of the same name)

N: Nick groupie. I really think he's a pretty amazing guy. Love love love. :)

O: Oldies- I really dig old music. Well- like 70's-80's old. I'm talking Hall and Oates, Lionel Ritchie, Earth,Wind & Fire, Journey, Doobie Brothers.

P: Published. I had 2 layouts picked up for publication in 2008. The issues come out in Dec.

Q: Queen. I am the queen of blog hopping. I subscribe to 120+ (eek!!) I don't read them all everyday, don't worry.

R: Red. I adore the color red. Red walls, shoes, purses, clocks, clothes.

S: Scout - She is such a happy child. She gets so excited when she see me come home from work it makes my day.

T: Totally Terrific. On the whole I feel like I have a pretty darn good thing going. Wonderful husband, healthy kids, a steady job, fabulous friends (both 3D and online), irreplaceable family and a hobby that keeps me sane!

U: United Airlines-In Feb. Scout and I took a trip to KY to visit Carrie and Carla. So much fun.

V: Vacation. I wish I had more vacation time. I'd love to get back to NYC soon for an adult weekend.

W: WDEZ- Country Music radio station. I have a little hick in me.

X: Xtra- I'm such a pop culture fiend. If only I could make money with my trivia vault of useless information.

Y: Yearns for nails that don't break all the time.

Z: Zzzzz- Once a napper always a napper. I try to sneak one on the weekend when the girls snooze.

Princess Pennies

Bennet is just such a fun girl. I know that every child who is 2 going on 3 is full of funny phrases and thought processes but she just makes us laugh with the things that she comes up with.

Yesterday when I dropped Bennet off at daycare she heard change in my coat pocket. Of course she wanted it to put in her piggy bank. Well- since her piggy bank was at home and not at Amy's house we suggested she put it in her pocket. The nickel stayed safe in sound in her Levi's all day.

Later that evening she was going through a Hasbro toy catalog with Nick. We were hoping that she would give us some indication of what toys would make her Christmas magical this year. She was unimpressed with the Playdoh maker but really liked Darth Vader (go figure). She showed interest in a little kitchen and an automated horse. Well the horse was $300. No way! I said, "That's kind of expensive honey"

She continued to flip through the pages and ooh and ah. Then she saw the Princess page. She immediately did a little twist and swirl like she did when she was a flower girl for Matt & Megan's wedding. I said,

Mom- "Do you like the princess Bennet?"

B- "Dyah"

Mom- "Well- maybe you can get it for your birthday or Christmas"

B- "Oh oh oh"

Then she proceeds to dig her little fingers into her pocket to get the nickel. She holds it up and says, "Princess mama. Piggy bank Princess"

Come on- isn't that sweet? Wanting to use her money to help buy the princess.

She earned a penny today for staying dry in her big girl underwear. As soon as I got home she was quick to tell me that the penny was for her Princess.

Oh Santa. . .

I'm a Sketch Scrappin' Fool

I am enrolled as a student in Feeling Scrappy's Sketchapoolza class and am loving every minute. They revamped the forum format and it's unbelievable. I'm honestly loving it. We are beginning the last week so I thought I'd share some layouts.
JOURNALING: I love how you scrunch your nose when you think some thing is funny. I love your 'who me' look. I love that sparkle in your eye when you look at me. I love your easy going gummy grin. I love the look of genuine contentment in you. I love all your looks because they are

Journaling: She’s been here since the beginning. We were in our 1st apartment together less than a week before Nick had to go find the perfect kitty. As soon as we saw her we knew. And then there were 3. Our sweet tuxedo kitty with a red collar and bell. She has brought so much warmth to our lives. She loves to sit in yout lap and get attention. When she first meets someone she needs to go nose to nose with them. People are always saying what a beautiful cat she is. We agree. Nick often says that Stoli came into his life at a time when he most needed her. I couldn’t agree more. At 6 years old she still runs up and down the hallway like she did as a kitten. It’s true what people say about pets being part of the family. We can’t imagine our lives without her. We may have other cats throughout our lives but none will compare to her. The original. -Journaling October 2008
Journaling: Stand often in the company of dreamers. They believe you can achieve impossible things. ~m.a. radmacher

Fresh Fun

I created this layout last month at the Tall Oaks Retreat weekend. I used a sketch from Got Sketch.

JOURNALING: On a sweet summer Saturday we walked down to the Farmer's market. We stopped at Cafe Le Grand for coffee on the way. Bennet made a bee line for the cinnamon rolls & dug in. We bought some bread & then walked to The Mint Cafe for breakfast. By the time we walked home Scout was out!

Have a Happy Friday!!

Randomness

Here is 10 bits of randomness for today.


1.Walkers Shortbread Pure Butter cookies are so delicious.


2. The new Taylor Swift album is FABOO!!

3. I think I'm coming down with the annual 'Change of Season' cold.

4. We have a new comforter on the bed. It's fuzzy brown and it looks like a bear. I joke that it's straight out of Legends of the Fall. Brad Pitt was so dreamy in that film before he went cuckoo for cocoa puffs.

5. The display on my car is broken. It says it's Aug 24th and 30 degrees out. Makes me giggle.

6. Nick and I are going to a black tie party in a couple weeks and I actually found a dress I love.

7. It's cloudy and rainy which make me pine for #4 on the list.

8. Our friend Nate introduced us to this Simply Red tune and it's at the top of my list right now. A little Hall & Oates action. I love me some H&O. (Caution- bikinis in the video. Cover the little peeps peepers)


9. I am excited for Thursday night TV.

10. I wish this creepy woman at The Daily Grind in Marshfield would stop gawking at me. I know I look like someone you know- but you don't :)

Thank you to the Veterans

Thank you to all the Veterans, living and not, that fought the noble battles to make and to keep the peace and freedoms that I enjoy. Those freedoms that I hope my children come to truly understand and cherish as I do. It is easy to get caught up in the business of day-to-day life without taking the time to appreciate what we have. Today I'm taking a minute to reflect on all that is good and thank those people who helped ensure that.

My grandfather, Franklin 'Bud' Kline served in World War II as a SeaBee. He will be 93 this December. Each May he participates in the Memorial Day service. 2008 marked 62 consecutive years.

My Dad, Mike Trunnell served in the Army during the Vietnam War at the tender age of 22. I love this photo of him. Standing in a typical pose with a full head of hair. On the back of the photo he wrote "Me on a big ass rock". That is so classic Dad!

My father-in-law, Roger Sweeney, is a proud member of the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1964. Here he is aboard the USS Tecumseh. I hope I'm not breaking any trade secrets or impairing National Security with this photo. :)

Thanks again to all the veterans!

Oh Harry!!

I love Harry Potter. I think I need to pick up and re-read the last 2 in the series. We've been catching HP and The Order of the Phoenix on tv lately. It makes me a little sad that there are no more books. But. . . there is something to look forward to next July.




I clearly remember seeing Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone at Point Cinema in Madison with Nick, Katie and Matt on opening night. That was November 2001. Really? 7 years ago? Anyways- Matt & I were super fans and Nick & Katie were along for the ride. When that first shot of Hogwart's came on the big screen Matt & I looked at each other and totally geeked out. I can honestly say that my heart skipped a beat a little. It was just as I'd imagined it in my head.

Bowlin' at the Bowladome

Last weekend Nick bought a cheap little bowling game for the PS3. Since then we've all had bowling on the brain. We spent the afternoon at the local lanes- Day's Bowladome.

They even had shoes that fit Bennet. She was so excited.

Bennet's first attempt she ran up, threw it, and had it make it about 1/4 of the way down the lane and stopped moving. Just sat there in it's neon yellow glory. The alley monitor had to come help us. I kept thinking of that scene in Uncle Buck "Maisy, if the object of the game were to get the ball as close to the pins without knocking any of them over, you would be champion of the world."

Of course Scout wanted in the action so Frame 10 of Game 1 I took her with me.

Here we go.
I guess she did something for my balance because we got a STRIKE!! Go team!

This was a classic pose. We would help her push the ball down the lane and then she'd sit on the floor and watch it roll on down.

Nick won both games but I lost Game 2 by 1 point. I was robbed.

Creating Keepsakes

Every now and then I submit a layout to Creating Keepsakes. I highly doubt I'll ever get published there, but I submit from time to time none the less. It's just one of those magazines that I see as really tough to get into.

Every month when my magazine comes the first place I go to is the "10 Standout Readers" section in the hopes of seeing my name. The editiors list 10 layouts that were submitted that stood out to them. Well- the December issue came yesterday. And like I do every month I skip right to that page. And there- on Page 102 is MY name. Kari Ann Sweeney.

I was so excited. I actually jumped up and down and did a little spin. I shouted 'Hooray' to which Bennet and Scout shouted 'Hooray' and clapped their hands and danced with me. We did a little celebration boogie up and down the hall, into Nick's office and back out again.

They didn't publish a layout of mine but I'm still over the moon that they recognized me.

Thankful Cyber Crop at Scrap4Life

Totally Jammin'

I used a Valerie Salmon (http://gotsketch.blogspot.com/) for this one. So much fun!

JOURNALING: This photo reminds me of your Aunt Katie. She used to do the same thing when she was your age.

Thanks to my wonderfully scrappy friend Char for the big green bloom!

ScrapStreet Magazine

Last Christmas I made a wreath for my mother-in-law. Now she's obligated to put it up every year or she'll hurt my feelings. (Joking joking!!!)

It is featured on Page 2 of the November issue of ScrapStreet magazine. Pretty cool.

Happy 30th Birthday Matt!

Wishing our awesome brother-in-law Matt a very Happy 30th Birthday! Welcome to the other side.

Scrap4Life November Challenges

It's a new month which means new challenges at Scrap4Life. The new Design Team has some great challenges up their sleeve.

I am hosting a Book of Me challenge. If you're like me you've thought about doing a Book of Me but always put it off to layouts about your friends/family. Well- it's time to make time for yourself. Your family will want to know about YOU. Not just photos of you, but also the things that make you who you are. For a tear-jerking blog post about why I'm so passionate about this topic go here. (You've been warned.)

But we'll start out lighthearted and simple. Your first challenge is this- go to Scrap4Life to find out. Here's a big hint.

Tagged

The Rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you- Jayne
2. Post the rules on your blog (this is what you are now reading).
3. List 6 random things about yourself.
4. Tag 6 people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up!

Here are six random things about me:

1.) When I was 5 years old I ran through a plate glass door with my arm and needed 70+ stitches. I still have the scar. In MN on May Day we would deliver May baskets, ring the doorbell and run. The recipient was supposed to chase you and try to kiss you. Well- I was at Stacy Dargis's house and I ran through the breezeway and pushed to door open with my hands. Grandma's door swung open when you did that- Stacy's did not :)

2.) I have an interest (Nick calls it creepy) in conjoined twins. If there is a documentary or special about it I am sucked in. I once sat behing the Schappell twins on a flight to Philly. Thinking about it now it was kind of creepy. http://www.phreeque.com/schappell_sisters.html

3.) I've met some fun celebrities. I sat next to Cheech Marin on a flight from Minneapolis. Ran into Tony Danza at a casino in Connecticut. Got an autograph from Dave Matthews at a hotel in Columbus. Had my photo taken with Boyd Tinsley and Aaron Gibson. Who else? Um. . . I saw Minnie Driver and Jamie Bell in London when we were on our honeymoon. Rode in an elevator with Tyler Christopher.

4.) Speaking of Dave Matthews. I've seen him in concert 18 times. But the last time was in 2002. I need to get back to a show.

5.) I love beer. If I had the means (and the liver) I would try a new beer every day of the year. 365 deliciously unique beers. Oh man- doesn't that sound awesome?

6.) I once came in second place for the Minnesota State Fire Prevention poster contest. I think I was in 3rd or 4th grade. My slogan was '911- The Hottest Number in Town' Pretty catchy huh? My dad, who has been a firefighter for 20+ years, helped me come up with that. I think I won $50 and had my picture with the Fire Chief in the local paper.

I am tagging the following people because I want to know more about you and I think your responses will be fun! I won't be hurt if you don't participate. MaryW, Kitty, Jen, Melissa, Matt, Charity