Happy 6th Birthday Bennet!

Dear B-


How can you be 6 years old already? I feel we were just talking about needing to use your whole hand when someone asked how old you were and now we need to add the thumb of the other hand!
It seems that in the last 6 months you've grown up so much quicker than before. You have a whole new sense of adventure. Wanting to try everything, join every club.  Your legs are longer, your vocabulary is funnier, your personality is bursting at the seams. And as the pictures show this was the year of the "funny" face.

It's odd, but some of my favorite memories of you this past year is the time we spend together in the car when it's just the two of us. You asking me all sorts of questions like "What's a Tween?" and "This doesn't make sense, Don't Stop Machining?" to which I reply, "It's Don't Stop Believing honey- it's just a song"  (Unfortunately she's inherited my ability to get song lyrics totally messed up)

I love that you are sensitive and thoughtful. I love that you want to do art projects from sun up to sun down. I love that you want to scrapbook a page for everyone you know. I love how you tell me "I love you Mama" at the moments I need to hear it most. I love that you snuggle with me on the couch. I love that you like princesses and make up just as much as zombies and legos. I love that you are such a good big sister. Always willing to plat  make believe with Scout and helping Ellie join in the adventure.

Happy Birthday Bennet! Enjoy your year!


Happy Birthday to my Grandpa Bud too! He's 96. Happy Birthday to my cousin Tiffany too! She's 25! (My Grandpa has a granddaughter and greatgranddaughter who share his birthday. Very cool!)

10 Things on Friday

1.  Last Saturday night Nick and I went to the Bachelors & Benedicts black tie party at the Grand Theatre. We had so much fun!

2. Last night was Scout's holiday concert. She had been practicing for weeks! She was the loudest singer on the stage and downright adorable.

3. I made her skirt and shirt. I found the shirt tutorial here.
4. One of her songs is about Santa with a long white beard, Nick- "Who else has a long white beard?" Scout- "Gandolf the White?" Nick- "I was thinking Dumbledore, but yes, you're right" Our kid.

5. My current book. Absolutely what I need right now- humor!

6. Tonight we're braving the elements for the Wausau Holiday Parade. Perhaps hot toddies for the adults?
7. Tomorrow we're cutting down our tree and writing letters to Santa.
8. I am truly enjoying the holidays and all the magic that surrounds them with my kids this year. They are at such a fun, excitable age.
9. Christmas cards are ready to mail!
10.  Secretly wishing we had more snow.

You are the Pick of the Patch

I think I created a monster. Bennet wants to scrapbook all day long :) It's so fun watching her create. Asking me for the "paper piercer" or a brad. While she was making pages I made this layout using the most recent Sketchy Thursday sketch.

Scout at the Pumpkin Patch for her 4K field trip.

Stacked

This girl is home sick today and probably wishing she had the energy to rip the couch apart and play.

Design lifted from the October Afternoon blog.

10 Things on Tuesday

1. We spent the majority of last weekend catching up around the house. Cleaning, laundry, projects. And today it looks like we didn't clean at all.
2. Bennet is going to her first "friend" sleepover tonight at her best friend Kalli's house. To say she is excited is a major understatement.
3. Our Saab 93, that Nick has had since 2001, bit the dust. Instead of sinking more $$ into it we leased something new. Lots of memories in that car.
4. Leasing a Kia Optima. It's the bomb! The kids call is Black Cherry after it's color.
5. I read this book this week. The story line reminded me ALOT of Jodi Picoult's Sing You Home. I liked the book and probably would have liked it more if I hadn't liked Sing You Home so much.  

6. My current book

7. Scout had her Harvest Feast at school last week. Grandma Sweeney was able to come eat with her. Both of them said everything was delicious.
8. Robin and Barney are killing me on HIMYM. Not good at suspense with affairs of the heart.
9. Heading to MN for Thanksgiving. I am very excited to see my family. I haven't seen some of them since July and I'm having withdrawls.
10. Nick and I have our annual black tie party on Saturday. I look forward to it every year. Time to find some new shoes!

Moments from my 35th Year

Today is my 36th birthday. Today I move closer to 40 than 30.  As my Dad says, "Better a year older than dead". Today I feel blessed to have a husband who loves me, kids that think I'm pretty neat, family that accepts me and friends that choose to spend time with me.

1. Formal night out at 20 Friends Party.
2. My wonderful scrappy friends Kim, Casie & Jess.
3. Celebrating Christmas in Elk River.
4. My 1st YWCA Men Who Cook event.
5. Eleanor’s 1st birthday.
6. Surviving the winter snow.
7. 3 nights in the hospital with Ellie and RSV.
8. We have a walker.
9. Date night at the Wausau Country Club.
10. St. Patty’s Day at the YWCA Child Development Center.
11. Lots of meals (and desserts) at the Mint Café.
12. Easter in Wausau. My 3 girls under the arbor where Nick and I exchanged our vows.
13. Bennet’s head stuck in the fence. Typical.
14. Visit to see Great Grandpa Bud.
15. I’m a Godmother! Welcome Morgan Mary!
16. Chaperoning Bennet’s field trip to the CVA .
17. Time spent at Bent’s Camp with a perfect Bloody Mary.
18. Cabin weekends!!
19. Feeding the bear at Wildwood Wildlife Park in Minocqua.
20. 4th of July at my parent’s cabin in Wahkon, MN.
21. My very own Mr. Darcy.
22. Concerts on the 400 Block.
23. Friday 1/2 days spent at Kaiser Pool.
24. Annual trip to Bay Beach Amusement Park in Green Bay.
25. The passing of my Grandma Marvel Trunnell.
26. Scout’s 4th Despicible Me themed birthday party.
27. Night out in Eau Claire with irreplaceable college friends.
28. First time published in Creating Keepsakes.
29. Fall trip to the cabin and Bond Falls.
30. Checking out the leaves at Rib Mountain State Park.
31. Chaperoning Scout’s 4K trip to the pumpkin patch.
32. Mini-vacation to Grand Lodge at Cedar Creek.
33. Opening my Etsy shop. www.kariann96.com
34. A zombie Halloween.
35.

Giddy & Proud

Last spring my friend Monica hosted a challenge to create a layout using UGLY papers. It was a really fun challenge. She recently revamped the challenge at ScrapFreak with the twist that we use papers that we LOVED or inspired us.

I sent off  6 different 6x6 papers and received some in return. I used 4 of the papers for my layout. I was inspired by the patchwork look of Scout's skirt and mixed a bunch of patterns together.

I usually don't use alot of embellishments much less make them but I was inspired. I wanted to use burlap and mesh to create something that resembeled a bird's nest. I painted the bird and added some glitter.

Once again I participated in the Sketchy Thursday sketch. I only used one photo and replaced another photo with my title and journaling.

Laugh as Much as You Breathe

This past weekend I hit me how quickly my girls are growing up. I know that every parent says it. I know that it's cliche. I know that I can't do anything but embrace it, but WOW- my heart skips a beat sometimes when I look at them. 

Bennet is almost 6. I can remember bringing her home from the hospital on Christmas Eve. Now she's almost too big for me to carry with her long, gangly legs. I try my best to be present in our day-to-day craziness. It isn't easy, but I try. Today is her snack day at school. She wanted Ants on a Log. I woke her up early this morning to help spread peanut butter and place the ants. I shut my brain off long enough to enjoy the solitude of just her and me in the kitchen. She may not remember- but I will.

TITLE: Laugh as Much as you Breathe

Journaling: I love that you can take a day full of sun & make it even brighter with the sound of your laugh. Summer 2011

Thank you 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 96 this December. Each May he participated in the Memorial Day service. 2010 marked 65 consecutive years. Due to his health he wasn't able to participate in 2011.
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! When I showed this picture to Bennet she said, "Hey Mama- PawPaw Mike has hair here. That's cool! "

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. :)
I have to thank my Mom as well. Each year she helps organize a phenomenal Veterans Day program at Twin Lakes Elementary School where she is a Special Ed Teacher. They really include the community as well as students and families. They have a flag raising ceremony followed by a program that introduces veteran guests, and families from their school who have a loved one actively serving. Thanks Mom for volunteering your time to put together such an important program!

Thanks to all veterans!

10 Things on Thursday

1. I have been sick most of the week. A double ear infection and either pink eye or some other nasty eye infection. Blech!
2. Nick mopped all the floors this week. I love that man.
3. Our first snow fall of the season was yesterday. It was beautiful!
4. Speaking of snow- I ordered our Christmas cards this week. GO ME!
5. I read this book this week. It was exquisitely written, but not exactly my speed.

6. My current book

7. Scout has been doing this thing lately where out of the blue she'll say "I love you Mama". Just like that. For no reason. Wish I could bottle those moments.

8. I am still continually riveted by the Walking Dead on AMC. Such a fabulously written and directed show. The actors are phenomenal!
9. My 36th birthday is in less than 2 weeks. And for the first time I'm beginning to feel my age a little bit.
10.  If you are looking for snuggle-yourself-happy flannel sheets, check out Lands End. I swear- they are heavenly!

She Calls Me Mama

A couple of months ago my Mom said, "Scout calls you Mama. I don't remember B doing that." Shortly after that someone else commented on the same thing. It was something that I hadn't realized until it was pointed out to me. I'm glad it was. I wanted to capture that on a layout along with some of the other things I love about Scoutie at this moment in time. Even the fact that she gets excited for baked beans :) 

I was inspired by this layout that I pinned on Pinterest.

Soak & Scrub

When I saw the circles on this week's Sketchy Thursday sketch I immediately thought of bubbles. As in bubble bath!

I wanted to try misting blue bubbles so I borrowed my friend Kim's mist. I had never misted before and now that I have- I kind of like it! It even has a hint of sparkly glitter in it. I kept the circle theme and handstitched some smaller circles, punched some various sized holes and put my title in a bubble as well.

10 Things on Thursday

1. I have been busy making ereader sleeves for my Etsy shop. http://www.kariann96.com/ I LOVE putting together custom color/pattern combinations so don't hesitate to ask. I usually put together a small contact sheet with 9 pattern/color options.

2. My business cards came in so now I feel even more official. Next on the list is mastering QuickBooks.
3. The girls had alot of fun trick-or treating. Here is our Zombie School Girl. She LOVED it. And I have to admit- it turned out pretty great. Kudos to Nick on the makeup!

4. Scout continued her love of all things Spiderman with her costume. I love what my friend Jess said, "Is this what happens when you marry Spiderman?"

5. And our littlest apple of the family tree was Ellie from the movie Up! She was pretty adorable. Saying thank you and holding her bucket with a killer death grip.

6. Is it just me or is this year flying by? It's November. When did THAT happen?
7. I am enjoying some Kari time this weekend at Creative Escape. 12 hours of dedicated scrapping time!
8. I am going to check out all the Scrapbook Nook's Design Team Blog posts for their blog hop. So many great projects.

9. I suppose I should use my Mani/Pedi gift certificate from last Christmas soon.
10. I am between books right now. Would love suggestions!

There You Go

Monday night after Trick-or-Treating I spent some time scrapping to unwind. I think I was as hopped up on sugar as the girls were. I played along with Sketchy Thursday again this week.

I usually have a tough time with banners unless they go with the theme of the layout. This worked perfect since my layout theme was an amusement park/carousel. I made the banner out of burlap which reminded me of the big burlap sacks we used to ride the giant slide. I also took some left over tickets and made them into flags as well.  Scout saw the layout this morning and zeroed in on the tickets AND burlap right away. Observant kid!

Title: There you Go

Journaling: At Bay Beach this yr. you liked the giant slide but you loved the carousel- asking to go on it again and again. Aug. 2011

Ridiculously Infectious Laugh

Ellie has the most ridiculously infectious laugh. Sometimes she does this throaty cackling thing that just has us rolling. It's so deep that it sounds almost old-manish. We are trying desperately to get video of it. This photo was taken last summer at the cabin while she was in the middle of one of her typical giggle sessions.

I lifted myself for this layout. A couple of years ago I made this layout of Bennet (Photo July 2008 Layout Feb. 2009). The technique is called stripping (hee hee).

And my updated 2011 version for Ellie.  I love those little Lily Bee Designs alphas!

10 Things on Thursday

1. I finally made Butternut Apple Soup last weekend and it was DELICIOUS!

2. What I'm reading:

3.Our schools are closed today and tomorrow for Fall Break,
4. I took vacation time. Tonight we are going to the Grand Lodge at Cedar Creek for the night. Our first time. Bennet has wanted to go for over a year. We haven't told her yet. I can't wait to see their reaction.
5. The fun doesn't stop there- we're heading to the cabin too! I'm looking forward to getting a fire going in the fireplace and snuggling up for the weekend.
6. Last Friday I volunteered in Bennet's class for Game Day. I love putting faces with names and stories I've heard about them.
7. Speaking of Bennet- here is her Kindergarten school picture. She's growing up so fast!

8. I recently noticed that Ellie chipped her front tooth. No idea how or when- but she did. Mother of the Year.
9. Watched 'Captain America- First Avenger' this week. It was really good. And Chris Evans is easy on the eyes.

10. Have a great rest of the week and weekend. I plan to!

Good Time

My friend Alecia snapped this photo with her iphone at our friends Brett & Caitlyn's wedding in July 2010. She just came across it a couple of weeks ago when she was cleaning up her phone and sent it my way. I'm so glad she did because I love it! The look on Nick's face is classic.

I used this week's Sketchy Thursday sketch. I have a certified addiction to alphabet stickers. LOVE them. And I love journaling- I do. I did a bunch of handwriten journaling with Lily Bee Designs and Echo Park stickers interspersed.

Summer Smile

At the last Creative Escape (a couple spots for Nov. 5th still available) I won a Bella Blvd. prize pack. I love the bright summery colors. It was perfect for this layout of Ellie at the pool last summer.

Title: Summer Smiles

Journaling: Splashing, sun & smiles this summer at Kaiser Pool. Aug. 2011

10 Things on Thursday

1. The Walking Dead is back on AMC. Love that show. Love Zombies.
2. Watched a bunch of movies last weekend. The Green Lantern (Ryan Reynold's is just rrrrrarrrrrrr!), Hall Pass and Just Go With It last weekend. We enjoyed all of them!
3. Nick is hard at work on his children's book. It's about our 3 girls fighting zombies in the neighborhood. I know you think Zombies are the last thing you'd see in a Children's Book- but it totally works!  It is really coming together. Even after all this time I am still blown away by his illustration talent. I make a killer stick person though.

4. I love food and clean clothes but really could do without grocery shopping and laundry.
5. I sold a Green Bay Packers Nook sleeve to someone in North Carolina this week. Packer fans really are everywhere!
6. Last Friday I chaperoned Scout's field trip to the Pumpkin Patch. It was REALLY cold, but she still found the perfect pumpkin. (She's wearing the Halloween skirt I made for her)

7. Speaking of skirts- I made Bennet's Zombie Schoolgirl pleated skirt this week. My mother-in-law recently picked up a box of fabric at an auction and it had the perfect wool plaid. I won't feel so bad getting it nice and Zombified now
8. We are getting a new roof next week. I love being a home owner but I could do without the big expensive projects.
9. I am really enjoying this book. Sad and happy and different.

10. My mom and brother are coming to visit this weekend. I think I am more excited that the kids.

Hold

My Grandma (my Dad's Mom) passed away suddenly this past August. Because of that I started thinking about my grandparents even more than usual. I snapped this photo of my Grandma (Mom's mom) and Grandpa a couple of years ago. I have scrapped the photo before but I really didn't document my feelings related to it. Once I saw this weeks Sketchy Thursday sketch I knew it was the chance to reflect about this moment more. I wanted to keep the layout simple to truly focus on the journaling and photo without too much else added.

Fall for You

You know how life can just kind of get a little out of control? That was my life the last couple of weeks. I think I had let my to-do list get out of control. Well- not out of control, but out of priority. I spent last weekend reworking the list from the "want to do" to the "have to do" and am feeling much better. Our laundry is caught up, house tidy and food in the fridge. I slowed down and actually sat on the couch with Nick Saturday night and watched not one, but TWO movies! Did a little sewing for kariann96 designs and some scrapping. Nothing feels quite like regaining some balance. 

I lifted this layout from October Afternoon blog. Photo of Ellie at the cabin earlier this month.

Off the Hook

Bennet LOVES to fish. Whenever we are at the cabin it is the first thing she asks to do. She doesn't care if it's 50 degrees and raining- all she wants to do is catch fish. I love the fact that she gets right in there and does all the work herself.

For the fish I created a template out of chipboard and then adhered yellow fabric to it. The pole is actually an old watercolor paint brush of the kids that I cut to size.

Design inspired by this layout by my friend Pam Brown.

TITLE: Off the Hook

10 Things on Thursday

1. I have lost all faith in Bennet's bangs and their ability to grow. We've been growing them out since April and they are still at the length where they are perpetually in her eyes. It drives me bonkers.
2. Finished reading Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. It was just the right level of creepy for Halloween month.

3. Speaking of Halloween, costumes are in progress. Bennet wants to be a Zombie Schoolgirl, Scout is Spidergirl and Ellie is going as Ellie/Mr. Gunderson from UP.

4. And in keeping with the Halloween theme- we happened to watch American Horror Story on FX last week. I laughed at it (as I tend to do with horror) and Nick was creeped out and sucked in at the same time.

5. Bennet decided to try out her first organized sport/club. Walking Club after school on Thursdays. She is soooo excited.

6. She wanted to wear her new Halloween spider skirt for the occasion. She wanted it longer so that's how I made it :)

7.  My 'Go Spidey Go' layout from yesterday is a Pick of the Week at Sketchy Thursday.
8. Still haven't made Squash Soup. And I really want some.

9. Picked up my next book for my Nook for $2.99. Can't beat that!

10. My house has turned into a random pile of whatever here and a random pile of that there. I plan on fixing that this weekend!

Go Spidey Go!

After my scrap break I needed a quick boost of inspiration. I made this layout using this week's Sketchy Thursday sketch.

I wanted to create a classic Superhero feel with the word bubbles. I cut them out from Bella Blvd. paper.

Scout is still loving everything Spiderman. In fact- she wants to wear the superhero skirt I made her again tomorrow.