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!