INSPIRED

I was a little depressed, but a lot inspired by this blog post:
http://ordinarycourage.squarespace.com/my-blog/

Thought I would share, have a good one!

winner winner chicken dinner!!

So, I get a call this morning from Amy W. telling me I won the customer appreciation drawing from the LSS of a $50 gift certificate!! WHOOOO HOOOOO!! I had to stop in and pick up some cardstock for the christmas projects I have been working on saturday, didn't even realize it was "Customer Appreciation Day" how lucky is that??
Crazy here at work (as usual) just wanted to stop in and say "HI"
hope everyone is having a great day!!

Very excited to announce that my friend Stacy in Texas gave birth to a second baby boy this afternoon. Colton Dwain Forrest, 8.5 lbs and 20 inches long. As far as I know, mother and baby are doing well!!!

Been the first of what I suspect will be many very difficult weeks at work. I will try to post as often as I can, forgive me for any long absences. Looking forward to Chase's band concert tonight, really looking forward to the weekend. Hopefully will be able to get some christmas presents completed, I am out of a certain color cardstock that I need to finish 2 gifts-that can only mean one thing: a trip to scrapfunattic!! (I guess it could mean a road trip to ARCHIVERS in KC....) Probably not a good idea ;)

Anywho, hope you all have a great day. Be sure to remember to put rocks in your pockets, I hear it is going to be a windy one out there.

Morning all! The above pics are the Sassy Affair swap project I made for Jodie. Really happy about the way it turned out, really happy with what she made for me too! I will post a slide show here after a bit with those pictures. Been a pretty low key week, still adjusting to it being dark on the drive home, not really liking that too much. (what can you do?) Haven't had any time to work on my project this week, haven't really even had time to give it any thought. Maybe I can put something together this weekend. Got a little package last night from Emma's Paperie, some Melissa Francis cardstock stickers for christmas projects. Have you ordered anything from them before? I was very impressed, when I opened the box, the stickers were wrapped up in tissue paper with string tied around and the most beautiful thank you tag with some candy attached! Definately won't be my last order from them, and how have I not obsessed before about Melissa Francis???? She is the bomb, can't get enough of her right now. So I guess as usual back to work, don't blow away out there today.
OK so I didn't reduce the size on the individual photo's (maybe someday I will figure out how to do this stuff right, LOL) So the project I made and the project I recieved are both in the slideshow) TFL!!!

Well, I had my memory card here yesterday and completely forgot to post pictures of the item I made for the Sassy Affair swap. Maybe I can remember to bring them tomorrow ;D Going to be a rough few months ahead. Lots of changes at work, downsizing departments, you know the drill. Managers getting nervous about the lack of work coming in the door. I am just afraid they may be going a little overboard, limiting the amount of work that just a couple of people are going to be capable of doing, you know? Oh well, I just do the best I can do. Hopefully it will all work out in the end, right? I have so enjoyed all the beautiful weather that we have been having, dreading the drastic change that is supposed to start tonight. Not a cold weather girl. Well better get back to work. Have a great day!

Happy Halloween!

& happy Food Day!!! Can I just tell you how excited food day at work makes me?? I get to make and eat all the fun stuff that Rich wouldn't touch with a 10 ft pole! Today we are having the chili that was recently featured on Cathy Zieleski's blog, it has chicken and black beans, and corn, and lime and a bunch of other yumminess!!! my mouth is watering just thinking about it. And since I am not smart enough to post pictures on the message board I have been hanging out on for Halloween inspiration, I will just post them here. These are the Halloween cards that I mailed to a few friends and family this year:

No big plans for tonight, Chase is going to hand out candy to the little critters that come by, then go to his dad's for the weekend. I (unfortunately) get to work tomorrow, yippee. One thing about tomorrow that I am excited about is that my Sassy Affair gift exchange receipiant is going to meet me so that can exchange prizes!!! I have not met her before so it will be pretty cool. I hope that she likes what I made for her. I will post pictures tomorrow as not to ruin the suprise. Well, gotta go, end of month. Have a great halloween!!!

Ok just a short little post today, I got to work and started checking e-mails this morning and this is what I found:

Is that not the cutest thing you have EVER SEEN??? I so miss the days of halloween costumes and halloween parades at school :( I guess I will just have to live vicariously through my sister now, LOL. So hope you all have a great day, talk at ya tomorrow!!

Humpday!!

Morning all.
Fighting a bit of a headache this morning, but since Summer referred all the girls to my blog for inspiration feel like I should probably try to stay a little more on top of it, LOL! (unfortunaly I have no scrap inspiration today-maybe tomorrow) Been a crazy week so far, haven't even started on my Sassy Affair project this week, haven't started on my bonus project for last week. Whew feeling behind the wheel! Not sure I am going to get anything done to submit at all this week. I have a hair appt after work tonight, won the lottery to work this saturday-yippee!! Can't wait for that, let me tell you! Halloween is almost upon us, which means christmas is just that much closer. Got some ideas brewing for christmas gifts, but nothing solid yet, feeling pretty nervous about that. I always get this way this time of year, feeling rushed because I don't have definate things planned-got to try and work on that better for next year. Chase has not given me too many ideas for christmas yet-other than a new trumpet. What 13 year old asks for a new trumpet for christmas? He is an unusual child, we've known that for quite some time, but a great kid none the less!! It's month end here at work, so trying to keep up with the stress of all that. Be kind of glad when the week is over even though that means Daylight savings and the beginning of NOVEMBER....du du DUUUUUUUU!!!! Well, better get to work, hope everyone has the best of days, it is supposed to be just beautiful outside so get out there and ENJOY IT!!!!

Monday

Morning all!!
Had a really relaxing, productive weekend. (for once) Chase had a soccer game saturday morning, end score: zero/zero. They were really pumped that they didn't let the other team score. Got some housework done, finishing my halloween cards, made copies of school pic's to get ready to mail out. Bought and addressed the envelopes to send the photos, addressed the halloween card envelopes, finished the Sassy Affair project...uhm, I think thats all. Watched "Semi-Pro" with Chase last night, had some good laughs.
Things are going pretty well with my physical therapy, slow but good.
Things are still pretty rough at work, not going to get any better, anytime soon-if ever.
Wish I could afford to just walk away, but it's just not possible right now. Just have to make the best of it, try not to take things too personal. Keep in mind that maybe some day I can do something for a living that I really really enjoy.
Hope you all have a wonderful week, even though it will be raining.

drama drama drama

out of my mind, hopefully be back soon....I promise.

somewhat normal...

Whew, things are finally starting to get back to "somewhat normal" here. Sunday morning I got up and started my normal routine. Cooking breakfast, reading the paper, started some laundry, ect. After 2 loads of laundry and eating breakfast of course, I was going to start doing the dishes. Turned on the faucet in the kitchen....no water. Checked the bathroom, no water there either. Got the phone book out, called the after hours number for the water dept...BUSY. Well, at least we aren't the only ones, right? So, I retired to my scrap room to work on some projects, checked back later, still no H20. Painted my toes and fingers, checked again....no go. So, we switch to the local city channel, only to find out the water main busted. NICE. Forcasting the return of water around 7 p.m. Seven comes and goes, still no water. Talked to Amy W. she says that we won't have water at all that night. So, you know Rich, he ain't hanging around without the full amenaties, pack your bags-we're going to a motel. After a night of hardly any sleep at the Andover Inn, went to work Monday checking in several times with people that live in Augusta-still no water, supposed to be on by 12:00. (Do you know where this is going yet???)12:00 comes and goes, still NO WATER. Finally, shortly before I leave work at 6:00, got the news. Water is back on, but we have to boil for a couple of days. Sounds like a good excuse not to cook for a couple days to me, LOL! So in the mean time I have a huge pile of dishes awaiting me, not to mention we have decided to take a road trip this coming weekend to visit family in Springfield, lord knows I need to get my butt into gear and get ready for that. I guess it's always something as they say, right! So my physical therapy is going well, still nothing strenuous-thank the lord. Therapist feels like we are coming right along, feels like I am doing great. Hopefully 8-10 hours in the car this weekend won't cause any back tracking. Rich is really looking forward to eating at Lamberts; home of the throwed rolls. And I am looking forward to visiting with my grandparents, great aunt & uncle, as well as my parents and older sister and her husband and kids. Seems the last few years we just don't get the opportunity to see each other like we used to. In anticipation I have started a mini book for the road trip (think Ali Edwards and her working mini book that she takes on trips) I picked up the most adorable making memories PP at the Attic this weekend. It is the Passport line and if you haven't seen it you can check it out here: http://www.makingmemories.com/Products/collections/Passport. Fell in love as soon as I laid eyes on it, and conveniently enough we were already planning this trip, so I think it was fate, don't you? We'll see how it goes, scrapping as we travel. I have never quite done it that way, so I will let you know how it goes. Well, gotta go, work is calling me:( Hope you all have a good day!!!

L/O'S FROM THIS WEEKEND

So suprised this morning when I found my name on this award for me on Summer's blog!!

I really *HEART* your blog too Summer!

Here are the rules:

1. The winner can put the logo on their blog

2. Link the person you received your award from

3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs

4. Put links of those blogs on yours.

5. Leave a message on the blogs of people you've nominated.

So, here's the list of blogs that I am nominating: http://aptimes3.blogspot.com/, http://www.beckyhiggins.com/blog/,

http://www.dooce.com/,

http://www.abeautifulmess.typepad.com/,

http://elizabethkartchner.blogspot.com/

,http://www.valallen.typepad.com/

http://shut-up-its-true.blogspot.com/

So, I am obviously not as computer savvy as most and don't know how to link those by names like Summer did, but I think that will work. I will try to post more later, fun stuff from the weekend. Hope you all have a great Tuesday/Monday!

Check out what I scored this weekend at the Pink Boa with my birthday gift certificate!!

I think I am in LOVE!!!!

I'm BAAAACK!
Injections in the hip...not the most fun I have ever had, but definately not fun. Spent the second half of tuesday numb from the top of the right hip down to about mid-thigh. Yesterday just the top of the hip down to about mid-cheek. Today, not really numb at all, halleluia! This afternoon I start physical therapy, not thrilled about excersize, but I know it will be good for me...and my sciatic nerve.
Can't believe the beautiful weather we are having, driving home in the light rain yesterday my car showed it was 70 degrees outside, if you had told me that in the middle of August we would be having such mild tempuratures and precipitation I would have laughed at you. Not complaining though, lovin it! Chase is loving it too, normally soccer practice would be cut short due to the heat, but it is so not the case. Monday they actually practiced for a little more than the usual hour. So glad that he is involved and really enjoying something that he does OUTSIDE!!! Well I suppose that is about it for now. Will try and update again before the week is over, provided that the upcoming excersize doesn't do me in, LOL!

Good morning all!
Back to the ol grind after a nice relaxing weekend. Chase had his first soccer game of the season on saturday, and even though they lost by 1 point he had a great time. The coach kept him in for the entire game and even had him play goalie for one quarter-he was pumped! Tired, but pumped. Chase and Rich went to see Batman at the Warren Friday night, I opted to stay home so that I could put the finishing touches on my sister Lenyse's birthday present. Her birthday was the 8th but it was too big to ship to her so I got started on it, but didn't finish until this weekend, she and my brother in law were in town for a wedding reception and wanted to meet for lunch on Sunday so that we could catch up. I neglected to get a picture of the gift before I wrapped it up to give to her, but she promises to e-mail me a photo when she gets home and gets it up on the wall. So tomorrow is a big day for me. Big scary day. I finally got in to see the back surgeon last week, only a month and a half after the weekend that I couldn't hardly move from the pain. He felt like I might have some disc degeneration but that the main thing causing me so much grief right now is a pinched sciatic nerve. He suggested that I have a block done and then start physical therapy. If I am still having problems when I see him for follow-up in 6 weeks then we will try something else. Soooo, tomorrow I go for and injection in the back and thursday I start p/t. Wish me luck, lord knows I am gonna need it. Well thats about it for now, looking forward to seeing what Summer & Amy have in store for us on "A Sassy Affair" blog project. After visiting Michaels briefly last week I am pumped to get started on Halloween projects!!!!
Well I should be back to work on wednesday and will post an update then!

Monday...again

Well, here it is monday-again. Had a busy weekend filled with school supply shopping, a movie, and a baby shower. Spent most of the day saturday getting school supplies, then Rich & Chase& I went to see Hellboy II. It was definately a "sequel" if you know what I mean. In my opinion, the first one was pretty good, should have just left it at that. (maybe it's because I am a girl?) But the boys had a great time, and when we sat down for dinner at Cheddars as our waitress approached to take our drink order she introduced herself as: (your not going to believe this...) OLIVIA. Yes, the girl that Chase has been teased and berated about as his "girlfriend" by Rich for too many years for me to remember. Poor kid. And those of you who know my husband, know that he would not let it go...all through dinner. And then when our dinner arrived, the cheesburger that Chase ordered mysteriously had bacon on it. We chalked it up to fate, she already knew that he loved bacon, after all her name was OLIVIA, lol! I suppose it is a good thing for Chase that Amy picked him up for church because you know that Rich would have continued to remind him all day. Didn't do much yesterday morning, breakfast and layed around until it was time to get ready for the shower. Stacy got lots of nice things for her upcoming arrival of ANOTHER baby boy. This time she is doing a cowboy/western theme for the nursery and I am sure it will be just adorable! Lots of denim and wood, and just a little metal. I am excited to see it all put together. Well, better get back to work!!

OH how time flies!
School starts in less that a week and I have yet to take Chase shopping for school supplies. (what a bad mommy I am) I can't believe the summer is already nearing an end, and yet it seems we haven't even really done anything! Well, I take that back-Chase has been doing things, swimming, family reunions, and lots of Wii playing. I, on the other hand seem to just barely maintain what needs to be done. I did have a big decision to make this weekend, my beloved Santa Fe (Hi Ho Silver) was starting to accumulate quite a few miles on her (don't know how?) so I traded the 'ol girl in on an '08 Hyundai Sonata aka: not so High Silver. Still adjusting to not having the presence on the road of driving a sport utility, but loving the improved fuel mileage. And poor Chase now has to deal with me channelling Rich being OCD about keeping the car clean. "No, take your soccer cleats off outside of the car, don't put your foot on the sill plate-your going to scratch it" ect ect ect. Poor kid!
So I am looking forward to getting some projects done this weekend, and my friend Stacy is having a baby shower on sunday. I was going to make her a gift but she still hasn't decided on the baby's name yet. I told her that I would just have to give her a rain check for the gift.
It is looking like it will be a busy month, hopefully I can keep up with everything going on! Well, hope you all have a great weekend-see you next week!!

Thank you cards

Morning all!
Had a very busy weekend, so tired yesterday I barely made it through the day. Rich invited some friends over to celebrate my birthday on saturday, wasn't that sweet? I only had to clean house, shop for food, and prepare the food. Oh and get ready so I didn't look like I cleaned and shopped, and cooked. Guys, I know you mean well, but really...think about it. I love my sweet husband and all turned out fine. We had a nice dinner with friends and Sunday I got to relax at the pool with Chase and read my book. I got some really lovely gifts, Chase actually cross stitched a bookmark for me with my name and cherries on it-love that! Rich got me a gift certificate to my scrapbook store as well as one to the Pink Boa, going to have to spend some time deciding what is worthy of buying if you know what I mean, LOL!!
So Chase is going to spend the rest of the week with my family up in KC, he does this every summer for quite a while now. They all have a really great time and he looks forward to it every year. I miss the boy but I have very fond memories of doing the exact same thing with my grandparents...so cool.
Well, just wanted to touch base since I was at work early today and had a few minutes, hope everyone is having a good week and staying in out of the heat.
More soon, oh I will post birthday pictures when Chase gets back into town-he took his camera with memory card with him.

You know, I really LOVE the idea of having a blog, but I have such a hard time finding the time and energy to post. Especially since my goal is to post about positive happy things, LOL! Not that I don't have a ton of positive happy things to post about, they just tend to overshadow the constant negativity of my workday. Not asking for sympathy here folks, just wanting you to know where I am at. So I had a really great ME weekend, I got a haircut and I got my first pedicure in like 12 mos, seriously.

I really love that instead of just one little flower, she actually put two on my toe!! ( Hope that doesn't gross anyone out, sorry)

After that I made a stop at the Best of Times, an adorable little gift shop over at Central & Woodlawn, where I picked up a a pair of "Switchflops" (I should have taken a picture) they are really cool flip flops that have a grosgrain ribbon with velcro on the back that goes across the top of the flip flop so you can switch it out with different colors and patterns-LOVE THEM!

THEN, I stopped at the Pink Boa in Andover, an even CUTER gift store (if that is possible) they were having a sidewalk sale this weekend. They had a few of the store fixtures, as well as a whole bunch of other stuff on clearance. So I scored this beauty for my scrapbook room:

I haven't decided on a name for her yet, I am open to any ideas. Her tutu, that you can see in the back came with a denim waistband which does not thrill me-not sure if it will get covered up, or just go away. She did come with arms made of white painted wood like her base, soon to be painted black. Thinking I might hang my excessive collection of ribbon from them when it is all said and done.

So I have been working on this entry off and on for about 1 1/2 hours now, so I guess I should get back to work.

On a parting note today, just want to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers for my Aunt Martha, she came through surgery and will be starting chemo treatments in the near future.
Hope everyone has a great night!

Hope everyone has a great holiday, Be careful and enjoy yourselves!!!!!

June 27, 2008

Happy Friday people!
(unfortunately, I have to work tomorrow )
Well I got the call back from my Dr yesterday afternoon. I have an annular tear in my lower back between the L4 & L5 nerves. I don't completely understand all the medical jargon yet, but Dr. Shuck is wanting me to see a back surgeon to get his opinion on whether I need physical therapy, chiropractic care, or worst case surgery. I am currently waiting to get an appointment with the surgeon to determine what we will do next.
This is what I found on Google about annular tears:

"When healthy, the discs separating the vertebrae in your spine have soft, gel-like centers surrounded by layers of fibrous tissues. This outer layer is called an annulus.
Due to injury or just aging, small tears can form in the annulus. When the gel-like center of the disc pushes through an annular tear, this is called a disc herniation."

It also lists treatment options of: chiropractic medicine, physical rehabilitation, Dr's treatment and MCU therapy.

So, at this point we know why my back hurts, we just don't know what we are going to do to fix it yet. As always your thoughts and prayers are always appreciated, I am just doing my best not to over react and freak out at this point. (obviously that helps nothing, LOL)

I would also like to request your prayers for my Aunt Martha who lives in OKC. She recently found out she has cancer and will be undergoing a historectomy early next month. My mom will be travelling down to stay with her through the surgery.

Hope everyone has a great weekend, maybe it will stay a little drier?!?!
See y'all next week!!

So little to say...so much time...
STOP
REVERSE THAT
Whew, what a week. Always tough catching up even if you are only gone a few days.
We had such a wonderful visit with family in KC this weekend, the only tough part was my lower back was a little sore before Chase and I left the house on friday, I took some advil and hopped in the car. By the time we got to KC and I tried to get out of the car...well let's just say it wasn't pretty. So I made a few phone calls and had my flexoril called into the pharmacy up there thinking that after an hour or so of the first dose I would be feeling much better.
Not so much, I might as well have been taking sugar pills as effective as they were. So monday I called the Dr's office to ask what I should do, they set me an open MRI for wednesday morning. Unfortunately, an MRI isn't really a solution to back pain, LOL! Supposedly, the radiologist will read the MRI, then get with my DR, my DR will then get with the nurse, who in turn, when she gets a chance, will call me. (maybe)
The good news is, each day I am feeling better, less and less pain anyway. It's one of those things where, sometimes when you stand up you are ok, other times not.
The other downer we got this week, when we came home and Chase tried to play Wii, the console would not power up. Went through all the trouble shooting, still no Wii. Had to call the customer service people for Nintendo, suprisingly very nice and very helpful.
They sent me a link to print a pre-paid FedEx shipping label, all I had to do was box the thing up and drop it off at Fed Ex. Hell of a deal if you ask me. In the meantime, poor Chase is bored off his little patootie. Imagine how tough it must be with no video games to play!
Hopefully the turnaround will be pretty quick and by the time he comes back to our house we will have it back.
Well thats all for now folks!

PS: Snozzberry-whats a SNOZZBERRY?

Well, we made it to KC ok, and have met and cuddled with Aidan! What a content baby!!!

And let me just tell you, when Chase grows up, he will be the best daddy. Chase and Aidan were both very quiet and content on the couch together. Of course he has helped raise a few babies between his little brother and sister, and the babies at daycare through the years. Well I just wanted to check in real quick and post these, hope everyone has a great weekend!!

IT'S A BABY!!!

I would like to introduce you to...Aidan Dean Pennington!!

My baby nephew arrived tuesday morning at 11:17 a.m. He weighed 7 lbs 10.5 oz and is 21" long. His head measures 13 3/4 and is covered in red hair-go figure! From what I hear he is eating well and is healthy-as is momma. My dad e-mailed that he has long fingers for playing piano, and a size 7 shoe already. (always the kidder my dad!) Amy and Aaron are beside themselves with pride and joy, and I just can't wait to cuddle with the little guy.

Well, I gotta get back to work, just wanted to update with the happy news!!

Happy Dad's Day!!

Just want to wish my sweet Daddy a Happy Fathers Day!!

Unfortunately, I didn't get to see my dad on fathers day but I did talk to him on the phone. Chase and I will be going up this going weekend to see everyone, including my new baby neice or nephew!!! Very Very exciting!

We had a pretty low key weekend, dog sat Dodger for Pat and Cherri. Rich is so in love with that dog, I tell you. It is almost comical, seriously. I did get to see my friend Stacy and her son Cayden, she is in town for Cayden's first birthday and will be here for a while working over the summer. Can't believe that boy is one already, time sure flies.

So I am just beside myself with anticipation for the "nugget" to arrive, Amy has an appointment to be induced tomorrow morning. I sooooo wish I could be there but it just won't work in the beginning of the week, so I will just have to settle to see the little bugger this weekend. Well, I guess it is "time to make the doughnuts" so to speak, so I better get to work. Have a great monday everyone, talk to you soon!!

June 3, 2008

So very much has been going on, good, bad, ugly, all of the above. Lots of changes here at work, hopefully for the better. (only time will tell you know) Had a pretty low key weekend, fighting a headache friday and saturday. Finally headache free when I woke up sunday, thank goodness! My friend Angie and I saw "Sex and the City" sunday at the Warren, in the balcony so we were able to have a Cosmopolitan while we enjoyed the show. And what a show it was! Loved it, laughed, cried, laughed, and cried again.

I have exciting news....I am mama to two baby tomatoes!!! (not what you were thinking, LOL)

Not too shabby for someone with a black thumb I say!!! I have a jalapeno plant going to but no fruit yet on it. I am looking for cilantro to plant also but have not found any that is not from seed. If you are thinking sounds like salsa you are correct. My summer mainstay, and its only really REALLY good with homegrown tomatoes. I am beginning to wonder if one plant will be enough...I didn't want to go overboard, especially since I am probably the only person in the house that will be eating them, I guess we will see. No big plans for the week, just work as usual.

Well, back to work, have a great week, enjoy the sunshine!!

Back SOON, I promise.
Been one hell of a wacky week, with bombshells around every corner...

Thank you card

Just wanted to share real quick, I got the most beautiful thank you card from my ADORABLE sister in the mail yesterday:

And they way it opens to reveal the message behind the circle is so very cool! Ofcourse it is much better in person but you get the idea. Just wanted everyone to share the creativity!!!

Have a great day!!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO ALL!!

(one day late)

I unfortunately I did not actually get to see my mom yesterday, but I did talk to her on the phone.

Holidays always make me miss living close to my family.

So we had a very very busy weekend, friday evening we got a call from Rich's grandma that his Aunt, Uncle, Cousin & her husband and girls were going to be in town on saturday, visiting from Texas. Saturday, about 3:30 Rich called to inform me that we were meeting the Dorsett's for lunch on Sunday at 12:00 at the park in Augusta. So, before we could go out to grandma's house I made the second trip to the grocery to get stuff to take for dessert on sunday, then we went to grandma's house for a few hours to visit with Rich's family. Sunday I got up and made breakfast, baked a gluten free cake for Kris (she is allergic) and started getting things together to go, and Rich asks me if we have paper plates and silverware! Of course we don't... he told me that we were bringing dessert & drinks. So I make my 3rd trip to the grocery store in two days. When I get home I toss the peach crisp in the oven, it is about 11:15 now and Rich asks me how long it takes to bake. I tell him about 45 minutes and he about has a cow. Then he tells me that we have to be at the park at 11:30! I calmly inform him that he told me on saturday that we would be meeting everyone at the park at 12:00, this is where he interjects and lets me know that WE are supposed to get there early to save a spot. I again inform him (after taking a rawther large breath and letting it out slowly) that if he needs to be there early to save the spot & since he neglected to tell me that until 15 minutes before hand, that he could go and save the spot and that I would be happy to meet him there at 12:00. And then the strangest thing happened. He loaded everything into the truck, came back into the house and sat down. Didn't say a word. And at 12:00 we all drove to the park together, had a lovely afternoon watching the boys play football and soccer. The end.

I do wish I would have had a little more down time for mothers day, but the most important thing is that I got to spend time with family. I hope that you all got to relax and enjoy your weekend!!

May 5, 2005

My boy is home!!!! I swear he grew an inch or two since I have seen him. Had a great weekend, chopped lots and lots of hair off and I am well on my way to being blonde again. Cleaned house and went to the grocery on saturday, then sunday the girls came over and scrapbooked. My friend Jill whom I have not seen in way too long brought along her angel baby girl!! Can I just tell you how much I love love love babies? I just can't wait until my new niece or nephew arrives. There is just something magical and innocent about babies that I just cannot resist, seriously-ever since I was a little kid I have always been drawn to babies. So, I got a little scrappin done and a whole lotta cuddling in. And I still can't get over how much Chase's voice is changing, he is such a man now. (makes me feel OLD!) He had such a wonderful time on vacation, told me that he personally took about 600 pictures, if thats not a child of mine I don't know what is. I am looking forward to seeing what and who he took pictures of. I told him that he might have even taken more pictures at Disney than his Aunt Neyse, and that just might be a record. Thank goodness for digital cameras! Rich and his "man-date" friend Bill went and saw Iron Man, he said it was pretty good. He was still pretty whiny about having to leave and not being able to take a nap on the couch all day long, but he will get over it. More amunition to have a basement in the next house, LOL! Well gotta go-hope everyone enjoys the beautiful weather today!!

April 30, 2008

I just cannot believe it is the last day of April, I have NO idea where this year has gone. Been a crazy week, I am getting over a nasty sinus infection, trying my best to remember to take the antibiotic until it is ALL GONE. Missing my boy tremendously, although I know he must be having a blast in Florida. He called me saturday afternoon when they arrived at the condo and was filling me in on all the details. The place they are staying has 13 swimming pools, 7 lakes, bowling, movies, mini golf, regular golf, paddle boats, and I am sure much much more. Needless to say he was VERY excited. He did very well on the plane, said he didn't feel sick one bit thank goodness. (I have to admit I was a little worried about that one) He also said that his dad was going to let him sit by the window on the plane ride home! I can't wait for when he gets back so that he can tell me about everything he did. I had a wonderful time inKC for my sisters shower, so exciting to see her-she got so very many nice things. I was talking to my friend Stacy this last saturday, her husband is out of town for work and while we were chatting her son took his first steps! Lots and lots of excitement right now. I am so happy that it is finally getting warmer outside, now if we could just get the wind to die down a little, so that we could enjoy it. No huge plans for me this weekend, I am having a couple of girls over to crop for a couple of hours sunday (much to my husbands chagrin, LOL!) It has been way to long since we did that, I just wish I had more square footage in my scrapbook room so that we could do it more often! Well got to go, got to finish out my month.

tagged...again

That Amy Wolff, always tagging me, LOL! Ok so here is the lowdown:

1) Do you like bleu cheese? gross! no.
2) Have you ever smoked herion? Are you kidding my dad would kill me
3) Do you own a gun? personally-no, but there is more than one in my house
4) what flavor do you add in your drink at Sonic? Vodka
5) Do you get nervous before Dr appts? Not usually
6) What do you think of hotdogs? going to have to agree with Summer-I don't think of hotdogs
7) Favorite Christmas song? Santa Baby-the original
8) What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Coffee with cream and sugar
9) Can you do push-ups? I prefer not to even try
10) Can you do a chin up? see answer for question 9
11) What is your favorite peice of jewelry? My grandfather recently gave my sisters and one of
my cousins his rings that he wore through the years and I got his wedding ring.
12) Favorite hobby? Scrapbooking, altering, & shopping for scrapbooking
13) Ever been in a car wreck? several
14) Do you have ADD? Not that I know of....OCD now thats another story
15) What is one trait you love about yourself? Loyalty
16) Middle Name? LeAnne
17) Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? My stomach is growling, what am I wearing to
Amy's shower this weekend, I need to make a list so I don't forget anything this weekend
18) Name three things you bought yesterday? Gift bag for shower gift, tissue paper for gift bag,
greeting card for shower
19) Name three drinks you regularly drink? Corona, Dr. Pepper, Coffee
20) Current worry? I will be so behind on housework next week
21) Current hate right now? mean & selfish people suck
22) How did you bring in the New Year? this year we just stayed at home-I think ;)
23) Where would you like to go? Greece...or someplace really warm and sunny
24) Name three people that will complete this? there is only 1 left from the blogs I read-Amy P
25) Do you own slippers? does furry insulated croc's count?
26) What shirt are you wearing? red, black, and white print kimono type blouse
27) do you like sleeping on satin sheets? not particularly, but I do like sleeping
28) Can you whistle? not very well
29) Would you be a pirate? only if they had indoor plumbing and a/c
30) What songs do you sing in the shower? mmmmmm-none
31) Favorite girls name? Avery
32) Favorite boys name? Chase, Cooper
33) What is in your pocket? nothing
34) Last thing that made you laugh? TV @ lunch
35) Best bed sheets as a child? too far back to remember, LOL
36) Worst injury you've ever had? probably have to be breaking my tailbone-twice & there isn't
a darn thing they can do for you.
37) Do you love where you live? Eh it's ok.
38) How many TV's do you have in your home? 2
39) Who is your loudest friend? hmmm, I don't really have any loud friends...
40) How many dogs do you have? we are dogsitting this week, does that count?
41) Does someone have a crush on you? EVERYONE has a crush on me!!! (just kidding)
42) What is your favorite book? I really enjoyed all the Harry Potter books
43) What is your favorite candy? I love love love anything with dark chocolate, but I have to
have Twizzlers when I travel
44) What dong do you want played at your funeral? I don't even want to think about it, kinda like
hot dogs.
45) What is your favorite sports team? Uhm, I don't have one?
46) What were you doing at 12:00 a.m. this morning? probably snoring
47) What was the first thing you thought when you woke up? do I have to get out of bed???
48) What do you sleep in? usually shorts and a T-shirt
49) What is your favorite all time movie? Princess Bride, Say Anything, Better off Dead
50) If you could do one thing over in your life what would it be? I would try to work less and
enjoy life more, but as a rule I try not to have any regrets.

There you are, so I only know one other person with a blog that hasn't been tagged yet, and that would be my amazing and beautiful sister Amy P.

So, I am feeling pretty good today, I got several projects completed yesterday. Most of them I cannot share until after the baby shower next weekend, but believe me-they are going to be worth the wait. (seriously I can't hardly stand not sharing RIGHT NOW!!!) but I can share the adorable clip board that I made for Pat and Cherri, we are dog sitting Dodger again for them. He is the sweetest dog ever, so well behaved-other than the fact that they let him jump up (front paws) on the kitchen counters. I can't deal with that, where I come from animals arent' even allowed in the kitchen when you are cooking or eating. None the less, very sweet puppy likes to be where you are at all times. We had a pretty low key weekend, housework and dogsitting taking up most of the time. Got to get things done before next weekend, I have to work saturday morning, then leave for KC-Amy's shower is sunday afternoon, geez time is just flying by I can't believe she is already 7 months along. Well gotta get back to work, have a great week!!

Deep Thoughts.....

This was handed to me today and I thought I would share.

Law Of the Garbage Truck

One day I hopped in a taxi and took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and swerved, missing the other other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy....I mean he was really friendly.
So I asked, "why did you just to that? The guy almost ruined your car and sent both of us to the hospital!"
He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up they need a place to dump it, and sometimes they dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it on to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.
The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so.....Love the people that treat you right, pray for the ones who don't.

Peace out.

ROCK CHALK TUESDAY

What an exciting evening! Even though I am not a sports fan as a rule, I really enjoyed watching the game last night (even if it did keep me from going to bed at my normal bedtime) And I can seriously understand the dedication of the fans. I have even learned a little about the game and the players this year-suprise suprise suprise! Of course, you know that staying up past 9:30 practically two days in a row I will be suffering seriously this week. Probably be down right grumpy, not to mention the fact that Rich seems to be getting the crud again (still) so I am sure that won't help my temperment. But the Jayhawks won the tournament, so I will be as happy as I can be just knowing that. Got an e-mail from Amy W. yesterday, Chase will be starting soccer practice next weekend, I am very excited for him to be outside and active as well as being a part of something again. I really enjoy watching him out there, tongue sticking out and all!! They won't actually be playing like they do in the fall but they have a series of scrimages and work on skills that they need for the fall season. It's shaping up to be a busy month, Chase has a dentist appt on thursday, and we are dog sitting Dodger again for the weekend-I am sure Chase will be elated!! (hopefully the weather will be nice) Been pretty slow at work, guess since it is so close to the tax deadline? Well, I better get to looking busy, hope everyone has a great night!

Monday April 7, 2008

I just can't tell you how much I dislike mondays, especially cold rainy mondays.
Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I have to drag myself out of bed to come to work?
Oh well. Had a really nice weekend. Saturday morning I worked to get caught up on house cleaning and laundry (yuck) Then we met Rich's sister Tracey and her son Marcus for dinner at Felipe's (I know, I know, big suprise) We are sooooo predictable aren't we? And then we all went back to our house where Rich's friend Bill joined us to watch the game. You might ask yourself at this point (because I did) Why didn't Jennifer invite anybody over to watch the game? Well, I didn't know we were going to dinner with Tracey and Marcus or that they would be coming over to watch the game. And believe me, I gave Rich a hard time about it. No worries though, I really don't have any friends who would be more interested in watching the game then scrapbooking, so I guess in the end it was for the best, LOL!
Sunday, I rolled out of bed around 9:00, and yes, I know that is REALLY late for me, but I figured well I WAS up until 11:30 the night before. So I start my usual sunday routine, make coffee and start cooking breakfast. I run outside to get the paper and as I am looking through the ads, what do my eyes come upon??

CRICUT CARTRIDGES FOR $39.99 AT MICHAELS THIS WEEK

Now, to some of you I might as well be speaking a different language, but there are a select few out there that share my excitement. So the wheels start spinning, it is 9:30 by this point and I am thinking to myself "I wonder what time Michaels opens on Sunday..." So I call my good friend Angie (because she has the answer to everything) unfortunately she was up late the night before also at a retirement party for her husbands work and was still asleep. (my deepest apologies again ang) But now that I have woken her she researches and calls me back to tell me that they open at 10:00. So, my heart is racing, I need to get dressed!! I need to leave immediatly so that I get there when they open, I can't risk all the good fonts getting snatched up before I get there....and I glance over to the clock on the stove...8:30. 8:30??? I look at the clock on the microwave...8:30. Yeah, yesterday was the old daylight savings time; before they changed it? Yeah, both Rich's and my alarm clocks change automatically for daylight savings time but we bought them BEFORE they decided to change the date. Sooo, the good thing was I had plenty of time to finish making breakfast, much to Rich's relief. Bad thing was I woke up my poor sleepy friend. It all worked out, as I was driving into town, I called everyone I know that has a cricut to get the word out, and I got to Michaels just as they opened and bought two of the fonts that were on my wish list (Opposites Attract, and Teardrop) and I was able to pick up two fonts that Amy W. wanted while I was there since she was on her way to church and might not make it before they sold out. After picking up my scrap stuff that was at Angie's house I headed home, finished up my sisters birthday present (yeah, the one that was in march) As I was working on her gift I was also piddling around the house, you know, the glitter has to dry so you take out the trash and start another load of laundry. I noticed that it is absolutely GORGEOUS outside, so instead of starting the next project on my long list, I decide that I shouldn't let the beautiful weather go to waste. I found the book that I was reading early last fall, sprayed on some sunscreen, grabbed my sunglasses and my lawnchair, and settled down on the porch for a couple of relaxing hours in the sunshine. Let me tell you, I could certainly get used to having weather like that year round without a problem. And I think psychologically it really did me some good. Unfortunately, the sun and the 70 degree temps are gone....back to reality. Hope everyone has a great week, and I hope those of you that got to Michaels found the fonts that you were looking for.

April 1, 2008 Happy April Fools!!!

Good morning!
so, Amy W. tagged me, good as an excuse as ever to get me back to blogging I guess, LOL! So, here are my 10 Random things:

1) I miss not living close to my family

2) I have a love/hate relationship with my job

3) I can be very OCD regarding my surroundings

4) I tend to see things very black & white

5) I love saurkraut & vinegar (not necessarily together, LOL)

6) I need 7-8 hours of sleep per night to function

7) I think that my boy is growing up WAAAAAY to fast

8) I wish that I had more time & energy to be creative

9) I miss taking road trip family vacations like we did when I was a kid

10) I wish that more people had common sense- it would truly make life easier


So, more about life later-trying to pace myself...HA!
hope everyone has a great day.
Oh and now I am tagging Amy P.

I'm still here, just been busy, (sorry) I will post longer hopefully this afternoon, Amy W. tagged me too.

Wednesday March 5, 2008

Well it's hump day folks. Half way through the week. Can I just tell you how much I am loving the sunshine we have had so far this week? And the fact that it is staying light longer? Seems to boost my energy a little, lord knows I need all the help I can get in the energy dept. LOL! Not much going on here this week, I haven't scrapbooked at all. Feeling some withdrawel there, but not to worry, the weekend is coming and I have volunteered to help Angie with a project she is working on as well as some gift projects that I seriously need to get busy on. I started the day with a bit of a headache, but thanks to the miracle of Midrin it is starting to ease off. Our house seemed to be really popular last night, Todd Tihart (sp) called, and then someone called wanting money for cancer research. Funny thing is, they always call for Mrs. Wolff and I cannot lie-I tell them they have the wrong number. Isn't that hilarious? Unfortunately they try to give me the spiel anyway, even though I am not who they called for. Then Rich's cell rang, something about Grandma Wisner being sick (of course being a man he got no details) it was one of his aunt's wanting to know if he had talked to Grandma about who was going to take care of his mother. And so the drama will begin. Maybe it is cold of me, but I kinda feel like since they had his mother in assisted living, and his grandma decided that she should take care of his mother...it is not really up to him who is going to take care of his mother. I know that in reality it will fall to him, but it really doesn't seem fair. Maybe today he will find out what is wrong with Grandma? From what he told me, his aunt said that she was resting at home with her feet up, and that she was to see her Dr. today, so I guess we shall see. Thats about it for me today, hope everyone has a great day!

Monday March 3, 2008

Good morning all!
Sorry to have been such a bad bad blogger last week. I had a wonderful weekend, got to spend time with three of my favorite people in the whole wide world. (Chase, Amy, & Aaron) We started the weekend off with dinner at the Poplar resteraunt in Andover, we had not eaten there before and I definately recommend it. Chase said his pizza was really good. (he's a pizza connesour you know, LOL) Saturday we got up and started the housework as usual-yuck. Then we met Amy & Aaron at Felipes (after her visit to Amber) for dinner. We got our favorite waitress-always a plus, and those pockets sent from heaven also known as Sopapilla's. Sunday we got up and I made peanut butter chip pancakes with bacon and sausage. Amy & I watched Chase teach Aaron the finer points of playing Wii-he had not played before. I am pretty sure he is hooked and had Amy not insisted that it was time to go home, they might still be here playing. Amy and I did leave for just a short time so that I could take her to the Antique store just outside of Augusta that was supposed to have some items that she might be interested in for the nursery. After that we had to wave goodbye :( and send them on their way, I am sure A. Helen (the cat) was probably worried that they had been gone so long. So, I sat down for a moment, only to realize that the rest of my day could involve watching "the races" and decided that Chase and I should go see a movie. And even though Rich was extremely torn as to whether or not he should stay and watch "the races" or go to the Warren and watch The Spiderwick Cronicles" with us, he finally decided to stay home. The movie was pretty good, I always enjoy spending time with Chase, just he and I. We ate popcorn with our favorite toppings on it, and talked and laughed and just had a generally fun time together. When we walked outside from the movie we found that the weather had taken a turn for the worse. We made a mad dash to the car, stopping only once to chase my baseball cap that blew off my head. Since it was already almost 6:00, we decided to stop and get dinner at 2 Brothers instead of trying to cook when we got home. When we left the bbq place it was raining even harder and the wind was blowing like crazy!! I turned the radio to KFDI, but once we started driving on Kellogg, it was raining SO hard I could not even hear the radio. Normally weather doesn't really freak me out too bad, but I have to be honest-driving home last night Chase in the car with me, I was seriously worried. All I could think about was those poor people a few years ago that were washed off the road just outside of Emporia. I was praying the whole time I was driving, Lord please let us make it home OK. Had Chase not been in the car with me, I probably would not have been nearly as nervous. But he answered my prayers and we made it home safe and sound. Wrapped up a wonderful weekend, only to start another week again.

February 18, 2008

Happy Monday everybody!

First and formost, I am proud to say that my niece that lives in Arkansas is donating 12 inches of her hair today to Locks of Love. There is evidentally and lady that she knows that has lost her hair due to cancer treatment and Emily felt that she should donate her hair so this friend would have some. Very touching and so awesome that she "gets it". You go girl!! Had a pretty good weekend, got caught up on the mountain of laundry that has been piling up. Even got some scrapping done although I forgot my memory card here at work so I didn't get any pictures yet. Worked a lot on the recent QVC today's special value from Cosmo Cricket. WOW, thats all I can say-that kit is da bomb!! 9000 peices of Cosmo, how can you NOT love that!! I made mothers day and fathers day cards, a birthday card, the list is endless-SERIOUSLY. Last night we watched the final episode of American Gladiators together, and then I convinced Rich to watch Knight Rider. It was one of my favorites growing up, I was in love with the 'Hoff. Well, hopefully I will get some pic's taken soon of all the projects I got done this weekend to share, in the meantime hope everyone has a great week!

Happy Valentines Day Everybody!!!!!

Sorry for the absence, been trying to get caught up from the big weekend! I had a great time at Crop-A-Ganza this weekend. Met a lot of new people and got a whole lot done. Bonus, I didn't spend a whole lot (which is unusual for me, LOL) Guess it paid off to bring almost everything I own up there, huh? And, so far so good, I am not sick. There were a lot of girls when they were drawing for prizes that had gone home sick, and Amy and Summer both seem to be down with flu-ish type stuff too. I had friday completely off from work so that I could take Chase to the Dr for his eczema, convenieniently enough it was also Monterray Day at the church-let me tell you that kid does not miss a single time of working with his grandparents at monterray!! So I was able to see him in action AND eat a monterray, how cool is that? So, now I am just trying to get back in the swing of things, as well as get caught up on sleep. So far it has been a pretty good week-other than the fact that it has been so flippin cold. I am looking forward to the warmer temps the weatherman promised me for this afternoon! On todays agenda, I have to get Rich a V-card AND gift. (Iknow, running a little behind on that one) And hopefully this weekend, I will continue the creative flow of juices by doing one or two more layouts. I don't know about everyone else, but when I get in a funk and haven't scrapped for a while, it is really hard for me to get back into the groove of doing it. I WANT to do it, but there are so many other things pulling me in other directions, housework, grocery shopping, just sitting in the chair staring into space..... So, my goal is not try to not get in that rut this year. After this weekend, regardless of the lack of sleep, I feel kind of rejuvinated-creatively anyway. It is a bit foreign for me to do something I really really enjoy for that amount of time consecutively, you know? So, here's to all you part time scrappers out there, make the time to do what makes YOU happy every once in a while-I promise everyone else will benefit almost as much as you do.

AAAAAH Friday!!

As usual, I am terribly glad it is friday. I am not terribly glad that it is sooooooo flippin cold outside. I suppose since I have always lived here I should probably be used to it, right? NOT. No big plans for the weekend here. I need to finish up my valentine cards, and the cutest little valentine gift I am making for Angie. Poor girl, struggling to learn a new job with the only person that is able to train her isn't doing the job any more because she wasn't doing it right to begin with. (how screwed up is THAT?) Hopefully we will have some nicer temps this weekend, I know Chase has been dying to spend some of his christmas money on additional controllers for his Wii. Rich and I watched My Big Redneck Wedding on CMT last night, have you seen this show??? I haven't laughed so hard in a very long time. The first couple had a camouflage theme (yep, you heard me) Everyone AT the wedding and IN the wedding was wearing camo, the bride, the groom, wedding party, all of them. And get this, the grooms gift to the bride, a PINK rifle. Unbelievable. So if you can't find anything on TV to watch and you need a good laugh-be sure to check it out. Here's wishing everyone a great weekend, see ya next week!

OK, so, maybe I was still asleep whenI watched the news at 5:00 a.m. this morning, but I seriously don't remember them forcasting a flippin BLIZZARD today! And I have heard from others since then that it is supposed to flurry for a while and then stop with no accumulation, but I am looking outside RIGHT NOW and it looks to be accumulating TO ME!! Maybe the weather guys think that since the wind is blowing 150 mph that it will all blow away, but it certainly doesn't look that way to me. I was just talking to my sister on the phone this morning, they were leaving the Dr's office and baby and mom are doing well. STILL NOT FINDING OUT.
I signed up to do a ribbon swap with Summer, very excited about that. Crazy how the smallest things like ribbon make me so happy, LOL. (like I don't already have miles of ribbon too!) So I will go before I bore you to death with my babbling, stay warm!

one of THOSE weeks

Did you ever have one of those days where nothing seems to go quite right? I seem to be having one of those weeks. Maybe it is the full moon? All I can say is that I am more thankful that usual that it is friday. Unfortunately, friday means that Chase goes back to his dads house. I sure miss that kid when he is gone. (I know that they feel the same way) He is growing up so fast, seems like the week he is gone he has grown a year, LOL! I seriously just want to freeze him sometimes so that I will have more time to spend with him before he gets old enough to be too cool to hang with me. I can't believe it is almost february already, seems like just yesterday it was still 2007, my folks weren't kidding when they told me that time speeds up the older you get. Wonder why that is? Remember when summer vacation seemed to last forever? Long days of playing outside for hours and hours in the neighborhood, til your parents called you home-not a care in the world? OK, enough of that sappy stuff. No big plans for me this weekend. As usual trying to get some housework done, my friend Stacy from TX is in town, so I will probably try to see her for a bit. Maybe I will get some layouts done? (although that might be a stretch...) Thank goodness the darn car auction won't be on this weekend, but I am sure there will be reruns. Maybe I will make valentine cards. Well I can see I am getting really random, so I guess I will get back to work. Happy Friday to everyone, hope your day goes better than mine!!

It is Monday again. I just can't get away from the darn things. I had a pretty quiet yet productive weekend. Probably had something to do with the fact that the Barrett-Jackson auction was on ALL flippin weekend. I am slowly recovering my photo boxes so that they all match. I finished the 2nd one out of 4. I also made a canvas for my friend Angie to hang in her new office here at work. She was just commenting that she needed some color in there.
She has also been having to put up with a whollatta drama over there, so I wanted to try to keep her in the right mind frame.

And I want her to remember to try and have fun. What good is living if you can't have fun right? The concept is a total lift of one of the canvas's in Ali Edwards newest book, but I love it. No shame in scraplifting I always say. The second big project I worked on this weekend was my mission statement that I was supposed to be putting on a 4X6 index card to display in my scrapbooking area. I am usually a total rule following, those of you who know me know this is soooooo true. But considering that I don't have a lot of extra space on my desk, I decided to make a rawther large canvas for my mission statement also. It will hang on the wall above my desk, and considering the color of paint that I chose, it will be hard to ignore, LOL!

I have also been talking about some of the newer storage bins I have been using for my foam stamps, when I was creating canvas's yesterday I pulled the bin out and rifled through it for the stamps I needed, it was kinda fun actually.

Or at least that is what I am telling myself right now!
So I need to get back to work, the natives (customers) are getting restless. Have a great week, hopefully I will be keeping up more on a daily basis this week.