Me & The Scrappers 3

Fall!

2011-09-26T21:52:00.000-05:00

Too much to update. . .

Scott has been working for Fox Valley Technical College since Spring.
I graduated with my MSN!!! So good to be done with school (for now).
The boys played soccer this summer & it was a blast watching them. 3 teams = 4 nights of soccer.
Football season is here! Spencer & Parker are playing Pop Warner Football on the same team ~ tackling ~ very exciting to watch.
Carter started flag football with Scott as his coach! It's so fun to see him having fun. . . and Carter likes it too :)
Almost forgot - all 3 of my boys are in school all day this year. They are getting used to the schedule.
I am teaching for Fox Valley Technical College's nursing program as adjunct faculty. Learning a new system has been interesting & challenging. I am enjoying the opportunity.
I am also still teaching with Northeast Wisconsin Technical College this semester.
I am in search of my "big girl job." Now that I'm done with school, I really want a place to call my home. While I enjoy the diversity of teaching for multiple places, I know that I can make a bigger impact within a nursing program if I am able to be part of the team. Praying for good news in that area. God has a plan.

There is SO much more to share. . .but I am ready for bed. I've been neglecting the blog. . . but now that facebook has messed with the format again, I might be back here more often.

Jennifer B

2011 So Far

2011-03-20T21:44:00.004-05:00

I have been neglecting the blog. . . .obviously.
We're over 2 months into finding our new normal with Scott being home. We are certain this change in employment status is part of God's plan for us. We share the office now, which is strange. I am a bit territorial. I am also easily distracted. This combo does not work so well - but we're making a go of it.
I love teaching in the classroom! My practicum this semester includes teaching OB at Bellin College. It has been amazing thus far. It's good to know that I LOVE what I do!

This year's birthday brought me into the later 30's bracket. That is okay. . . really, it is.

Along with the birthday, I realized that I added 14 pounds to my small frame since Thanksgiving. That is not a good thing. When scrubs start being too tight, it is time to take action.

Jillian Michaels is now in charge of kicking my butt into shape. And let me tell you, it's working! OUCH! But the added energy has been welcomed graciously.

I signed up for a course to become a Certified Nutrition Specialist. Excited for this!

Starting to plan the veggetable garden for this year. Big plans . ..

All 3 boys are registered for soccer this summer. Pretty exciting stuff! 4 nights a week of crazy coming right up!

Spencer & Parker will be playing Pop Warner Football this fall. Not sure we're ready for this tackle football stuff - but it can't be any worse than what they already do in the yard without pads, right?

Heading to Washington state in July for my graduate school residency. Hopefully the weather will cooperate while we're there.

All done with grad school come August! The light at the end of the tunnel is approaching. . . until I decide to pile it higher & deeper.

Guess who learned how to ride his bicycle without training wheels? And guess who taught him? These proud little guys were SO excited! And so were we:)

We no longer have any babies in our house. Awww!

Jennifer B

W here Did Summer Go?

2010-09-16T11:28:00.002-05:00

Yes, MIA is what I have been in Bloggy World this summer. . . sorry. Much has been going on in Borleyville. Here's the run down:

Disney World in June - wow! HOT! Fun! Went too fast but was happy to get home. Discovered that the big amusement parks are probably better suited for older kids. Ours would have preferred to stay at the condo & swim in the pool. Totally awesome condo!
Grad school is full speed ahead! I started a summer session while we were in Florida. . . so that was a bit taxing. . . but I made it through that class, had a couple weeks off & now am busting my butt with 8 credits this semester. That is BUSY in grad school terms. I will survive (right?).
Spencer & Parker played soccer this summer. They were on the same team (yay!) so that made it a little less hectic. They had a blast! It is so fun to see them working as a team.
Carter broke his left arm this summer. He fell from the top of a slide while on a fieldtrip for daycare. He recovered very well. Nothing slows him down. . . .seriously, nothing. . .
I am a Godmother again! My younger brother, Rob, and his wife, Lindsay, had little Eli Thomas baptized this summer. He is so stinkin' cute. My boys cannot wait for Eli to be big enough to rough house with. (Paybacks Rob - that is all I have to say!)
My boys started school on September 1st. ALL 3 OF THEM! My baby got on the school bus for the first time - he is in 4K half days. I teared up quite a bit. . . yeah, okay, I bawled like a baby as I followed the bus to school. Hey, the other boys didn't start school until kindergarten! This was a big event. He did very well. Spencer is in 4th grade already. Parker is in 3rd. I just can't believe how quickly they are growing up (tear, tear).
I GOT MY BRACES OFF!!! Break out the corn on the cob, taffy, caramel, nuts & everything else you are not supposed to eat while wearing braces!!! Just kidding - well, kind of. Right after the bus following mentioned above, I drove to the orthodontist & endured the wrenching & prying involved in the removal process. Then I went to the chiropractor:) It feels great to not be ripping my mouth to shreds.
I got another job. . . note "another." I still work casual as a labor & delivery nurse (by casual, I mean that I try to squeeze a short shift in here & there. . .sometimes praying I do get low censused so I can sleep or eat). I still pick up nursing clinical through NWTC - next one begins in a couple of weeks. My newest job is teaching online for Rasmussen College. I am scheduled to teach Medical Law & Ethics this fall term. This should be interesting. I'm looking forward to it.

That is the quick update. I hope to get some pics posted eventually. . . I'm on Facebook - so you can check them out there too:)

God Bless!

Jennifer

Welcome Summer 2010

2010-05-31T21:55:00.002-05:00

Time flies when you're living. . . not all is fun all of the time. Here is a glimpse of my life over the past few months:

Taught clinical all semester long for LPN students on a cardiac/med-surg unit. Interesting stuff. I learned a lot as did the students.

Decided that I would transfer back to Gonzaga University to finish my Masters degree. The focused educator track at Gonzaga vs the general MSN offered by Benedictine University fits me so much better. So I'm waiting to find out what course I can take at GU starting on June 14th.

After 86 years on this good earth, Grandpa Eckes passed away last Wednesday. He was ill and suffering so it was a blessing that he did not linger. It is never easy to let someone go though. We hold onto this life so much - but we know we have something far better with Christ.

My garden is planted. Lesson learned this year: wear sunscreen on my lower back or get a 2nd degree sunburn when my shirt rides up while bending over. Yup, not pleasant. Day 9 & still peeling & uncomfortable. Nice. . . (discovered aloe with lidocaine)

Landscaping underway - this is a work in process. We'll see how it all works out. I love sharing perennials!!! Great way to build a diverse environment.

We are psyched for our trip to DisneyWorld! Will share pics once we're back. Can't wait. Will be the first time flying for the boys.

New nephew, Eli Thomas Vander Heiden, was born on May 14th. He IS a CUTIE! I got to be part of the birth. How cool is that? So excited for my younger brother, Rob, and his wife, Lindsay. Congrats you guys! He is a keeper!

Started painting Spencer's room. . . one coat of light blue paint applied. . .then we got a little busy. . .so now we need to go get the paint super shaken again (is that what you call it?). Maybe we will get that done before our trip??? Hmmm, we will see.

Spencer & Parker started soccer for the summer. Their first game is this week. Carter gets to be a watcher again this year. Next year we will get him started in organized sports. Is it terrible that we didn't get him into some this summer? I guess this is a situation where we are trying to maintain some sanity. . . next year we will don the taxi driver hats & invest in some roller blades so we can keep up with the boys' schedules. Gotta love it!

I am sure I am missing something. . . but that is what I can think of right now. Evidently, my computer, or one that hooked up to my network, sent out some spam emails. We got a nasty gram from Time Warner Road Runner. . . so now I need to go run a bunch of malware remover applications. Oh the joys! I bet it was from turning on the PC the other day. My laptop would never do such a thing. . . right? Nothing is showing up as of yet. . .guess I will have to turn the dinosaur on again to run some checks on that beast. So, if you get anything strange from me, it probably wasn't really me. . . just saying:)

Jennifer B

LOVE this Duet!

2010-05-15T20:15:00.001-05:00

Lee Crystal 4 @ Yahoo! Video

Sanctus Real

2010-04-15T19:46:00.001-05:00

Air 1 - Sanctus Real "Lead Me" LIVE from Air 1 Radio on Vimeo.

Really cute giveaway!!! What talent!!!

2010-01-12T20:45:00.002-06:00

Rachel is SO VERY talented! And I am going to win what she is giving away. . . seriously. . . I am:) So don't even think about checking it out. . . don't even go there. . . I am going to win it anyway. Just saying. . .

Jennifer B

MckMamma is at it again - Giveaway Alert!

2009-12-18T10:37:00.001-06:00

You just can't blink & there are more fabulous giveaways going on. . . check this one out!

Changes

2009-12-18T10:25:00.002-06:00

I announced a while back that big changes were coming. I am ready to spill the beans, so to speak. It is probably not as exciting as the anticipation has made it out to be . . . but for me, it is, well, pretty exciting.

o WORK - some may already know this part . . . I cut back to a casual position at Aurora Baycare Medical Center. This was an incredibly difficult decision for me to make as I LOVE my job helping families welcome new babies. My coworkers are top notch! At first, I believed simply pulling back from the prenatal classes & hospital orientation classes would be enough. After further evaluation, Scott & I discovered that the 12 hour shifts proved very challenging given my grad school commitments & my family obligations. I contemplated this move way too long. I was worried that I’d be letting people down. By being so afraid of letting others down, I was basically letting down the little ones who mean WAY more to me than anyone else of this world. {sorry fellow coworkers – but I grew these little guys!}

o SCHOOL – I am transferring from Gonzaga University to Benedictine University. I will remain in the Masters of Science of Nursing program in the educator track & will graduate in the same time frame. It is entirely online with no residency requirement. This decision is mostly financial. It will allow me to make the work change described above. Most of my completed courses will transfer.

o FAMILY – No, we are not expanding our family by any way! Let us just squash that rumor before it gets started! The changes in my work commitments will allow us to have more quality time together as a family. Taking classes online does allow me to be physically present at home, but I’ve been absent in every other way. It is over due time for me to be truly present for my family. I am starting NOW by taking 2 weeks OFF of work (okay, actually starting after teaching on Saturday, but you get the point). Christmas is stressful enough with get togethers & what not.

o HEALTH – Another area of speculation lately. While it is true that I became fairly ill with a probable case of influenza in October, I have recovered completely from that. Other interesting issues emerged around that same time, coincidental or otherwise. It seems I may have a latex allergy. My lovely bands for my braces {the ones I had been wearing for 3 MONTHS!} may have been the culprit to my swollen, itchy, scaly eyelids & wheezing. I finally figured it out & most of the issues have subsided. I am attempting to reclaim a healthy balance, but this has proven very difficult with the work/school/family schedule conflicts. Sleep had gone by the wayside. Stress took over. Running on reserve is no path to wellness. I consulted with my chiropractor & my naturopath. I am on a supplement regimen to fight adrenal fatigue. Some inflammatory processes have been sprouting up here & there. Again, I believe these are symptoms of severe stress & fatigue. I just need a real break.

That is pretty much it! Of course there are many things I plan to do with my family & my interests. We enjoy our church home, St. Mark, in De Pere. God is the center of our lives. We would love to get involved with a Bible study again. I am very passionate about natural health & wellness. I plan to continue studying this alongside my graduate schooling. I hope to fit a little crafting in with my boys. I will also squeeze some clinical teaching in here & there. So, as you can see, I have plenty to keep me occupied. I am so blessed to have these opportunities.

Jennifer B

Izzy & Ivy giveaway!!!!!

2009-12-13T19:41:00.001-06:00

Izzy & Ivy totally ROCKS! The patterns are so cool & the BAG they are giving away made by LOLA!!!! Awesomeness!!! Like I need another bag, right? YUP, I DO!!!

Jennifer B

Touch Smart Giveaway!!!!

2009-12-09T17:05:00.001-06:00

Oh MY! MckMamma is at it again!!! You can enter for your chance to win!!!!

Jennifer B

Social Darling Frock GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-12-03T16:44:00.000-06:00

Social Darling Frock GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

I could use a dress for the holidays!

Jennifer B

Time for Change

2009-11-18T08:59:00.003-06:00

It's been SO BUSY! Sometimes I want to scream, "STOP THE INSANITY!!!" Don't worry, you won't find me curled up in the fetal position or anything like that. Not yet. I've realized the error of my way & am going to stop & smell the proverbial roses. But how does one take a step back? How can I slow down without letting others down? That's not the right question to ask. . . I needed to ask myself this: How can I go on potentially letting those who are MOST IMPORTANT in my life down?

The light blinked for a while before I caught on to that one! Suddenly, TA DA! The light bulb is staying lit! I need to rearrange my commitments so I can spend more precious time with my little guys before they're not little anymore! Why didn't I see this sooner?

But what do I give up? Well, changes are underway & there are more to come. What? Yup, changes are coming. I need to finalize some things yet & won't reveal them quite yet. . .but we're excited! How can I not be? God has blessed me with SO MUCH! Look at these guys. . . gotta love 'em!

Jennifer B

Layla Grayce Blanket Set GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-11-10T12:34:00.000-06:00

Layla Grayce Blanket Set GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!
Hmm. . .wonder who I'd give this to. . . . . . . .

My April Snow GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-10-01T18:58:00.000-05:00

Check out Grosgrain's My April Snow GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

These are beautiful earrings. . . I think they'd look pretty spiffy on me:)

~Jennifer

The Pleated Poppy GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-09-23T11:42:00.000-05:00

The Pleated Poppy GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

So much cute stuff. .. . you just have to check it out!

Lisa Leonard Designs Jewelry GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-09-22T19:32:00.000-05:00

Lisa Leonard Designs Jewelry GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Now this kind of laundry I wouldn't mind!

Check out the cute giveaway!!!

2009-09-16T09:04:00.001-05:00

I LOVE these hats! Rachel rocks. . . go check it out!

I Can Can!!!

2009-09-06T14:22:00.004-05:00

Yup - it's happened! I'm domesticated! I now can sew & I can can! Here's the proof of the latter: a little before & after. . .

And the picture of me with my boys is taken at Fonferek Glenn. . . a local waterfall (without so much water this summer) that we hiked around the week before last. I have to admit that my heart skipped a few beats with the boys running around there. There is such an abrupt drop off that I don't trust my spirited brood to be careful enough. . . but we all survived. . .

I hope to have more to add in the near future. . .maybe in Peekyboos though. . I want to sew!

~Jennifer B

I'm still alive

2009-08-24T22:00:00.002-05:00

I'm the worst updater there is in blog land. I've been busy with all that life throws at me. . .and have pictures of things. . .but just have not made the time to update this thing. I don't have the pics on my laptop yet, but here's a list of what I've been doing:

finished my advanced pathophysiology class (and passed! Yay!)
teaching breastfeeding basics class
updated Preparing for Labor, Birth & Beyond class & teaching it
trying to enjoy what is left of summer with my boys
gardening
making pepper jelly
planning to make salsa & spaghetti sauce & then canning!!!
getting ready for school to start for the boys & for me again next week. . .UGH!
thinking of all of the sewing projects I'd love to get going. . .
trying to organize all that is disorganized (which is a LOT!) before school begins

Yup, that is just skimming the surface. . . so we've been busy. Oh, let's not forget working. . . and rocking these braces with newly added big old rubber bands to make me miserable. Hopefully I'll get pictures up on here to show you the fruits of my garden! Loving that! Just wish those tomatoes woudl all be ready so I could develop my spaghetti sauce & can it before next week. . .oh well! When life throws you tomatoes. . . yeah, never mind. .

I'll motivate soon!
Jen

PRAY for Stellan ~ Pray first, pray hard, pray often!

2009-07-27T20:28:00.002-05:00

This little guy & his family have been through A LOT over the past year. Stellan is quite the little fighter. His family is QUITE amazing as well. Why? You may ask. .. ??? In my opinion, they have the faith that moves mountains. Many people in this situation would throw up their arms in despair and shout to God, "WHY ME???!!!" Not this family! (Kind of a Not Me, Monday theme here maybe?) Nope, not this family. . . they continue to PRAISE God instead of blame Him. They continue to HOLD STRONG in their hour of despair. I'm humbled by their strength.

Let's all PRAISE GOD! We don't know what He has planned, but He hears all prayers from those who believe. Pray first, pray hard & pray often!

Please pray for Stellan!

Jennifer B

Country USA has begun!

2009-06-25T08:34:00.004-05:00

Clearly, I am getting too old for this kind of behavior. . . but I keep doing it anyway. . . I know, I'm a rebel. I'm also a procrastinator as I have a midterm due tomorrow & I need to get it whipped out today even though I only had a few hours of sleep & probably a bit too much non H2O type beverages last night. Just saying. . dehydration is a nasty thing!

Here goes. . .hope I got some good pics. . . not bad. . . I'll work on getting better ones tonight:)

Jennifer B

Twenty minute Simple Skirt Tutorial AND GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-06-17T08:28:00.000-05:00

Twenty minute Simple Skirt Tutorial AND GIVEAWAY!!!!

Gotta try this. . . and gift ideas abound for little girls for this one too. . . how cool would it be to make little girl & matching doll skirts using this pattern?

Jennifer

Marseilles Dress SHABBY APPLE GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-06-05T10:28:00.000-05:00

Marseilles Dress SHABBY APPLE GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

I need a little more "girl" in my life. . . what better way than with a dress!

Jennifer B

Finally Spring, Keith Urban & other tidbits. . .

2009-05-21T08:05:00.006-05:00

Wisconsin has finally decided that it will let Spring in. . . and Spring has quite literally blown in.. no kidding. I saw a bird flying backwards the other day & Dorothy & Toto whizzed by chased by the Wicked Witch of the West!
I have hopes of getting my garden planted today with my dear Mother as well as get the mountain of laundry conquered. I'll be happy with one or the other.
Scott & I went to the Keith Urban concert last Saturday night & it was FANTASTIC!!!! We were in the 4th ROW!!! How cool is that? Here are some snapshots of the boy taken with my Dad's camera - which is only 3 or 4x optical zoom. Next time I will bite the bullet & take my Kodak EasyShare with 12x optical zoom. I mean I was close enough & everything. . .but I'm used to my own camera. Plus, I have bruises from a couple of young pups pushing their way past me to the stage. I'm getting too old for this! Sheesh!

Picnic Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-04-27T09:46:00.000-05:00

Picnic Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!
might look cute on me, right?

No more Whistling

2009-04-24T21:48:00.003-05:00

I like to whistle. . .I do it often. Whistle while you work. . I do that. . . wait, no I did that. Now I can't whistle! You see, I had this idea that maybe, after being on this awesome Earth for 34 years, I'd try to have straighter teeth. . . so that maybe I wouldn't bite my tongue or the sides of my mouth anymore. So today I got BRACES! Yup, feeling a little regretful right now due to the discomfort caused by alien metal brackets scratching at the insides of my mouth. Hey, better yet, yesterday I got one of my very adult front lower teeth PULLED out! All of this in the name of a more perfect smile. And tonight, while trying to call the dog inside, I attempted to whistle & I COULDN'T!!!! Aww MAN!
Well, I guess I have to look at the bright side. . . I'll definately lose some weight not being able to eat much for the next few days. Eating is just not so enjoyable due to the fact that my teeth are quite sensitive & there is still a gaping hole in the front of my mouth. Oh, and the 15 to 20 minutes it takes me to clean food out of my beautiful brackets is just so lovely. I think I'll be using my juicer even more now. Why eat when you can drink? (OH, could that have so many other meanings!)
I'm going to bed. I'm sure I'll wake up tomorrow wondering what I was thinking yet again. . . but with each passing day I'm sure it will improve. . . . right?

Jennifer B

Oops - posted a giveaway to my other Blog by accident. ..

2009-04-14T15:07:00.002-05:00

Not sure how that happened. . .but you have to see this giveaway from Grosgrain. Now I will have to see what I can do with a big old shirt!

Jennifer B

Cleansing!!!!

2009-03-31T13:48:00.003-05:00

I know - it's been far too long yet again.
I'm currently on Day 4 of a 21 day Cleanse. Why? You may ask. . . Well, the system was starting to feel sluggish & the waistline & butt were expanding... need I say more? For those of you wondering which one???? I am doing the Standard Process cleanse. I do not work for or with this company in any way, shape or form. (that's my disclaimer) So far I'm doing pretty well.

Here's the rundown:
Day 1
on empty stomach I had to consume 10 pills (7 cleanse & 3 fiber) plus a shake made with the SP complete protein powder. I made my shake with freshly juiced fruit & a carrot. I made too much & therefore had to drink it all. Note to self: don't make it a big serving of juice & don't add ice cubes. . . brain freeze! Not much, if any, room left in the tummy after that!

We went on an outing to a local waterfowl preserve & saw how maple syrup is made. The boys had ice cream with fresh maple syrup over the top. . .looked super yummy. . . can't cheat already! I drank water.
Lunch: bowl of homemade veggie soup, banana, shake made with apple juice, strawberries, blueberries & just a couple ice cubes. . . . again, too much! DUH! Skip the ice!
had a headache - hmmm. . no caffeine will do that to you. . . had to have some Green Tea. . .headache resolved!
1 1/2 hrs after lunch: 10 pills as described above with water
Supper: Artichoke with garlic, olive oil & a bit of flax oil . . . artichokes are a lot of work for a little bit of food. I probably worked off a few pounds just preparing to eat it!
Raw carrot & some lentils (hmmm, lentils. . .new food for me. not too bad)

later: only 1 scoop SP complete (usually 2 scoops per shake) with beet, ginger, carrot, apple juice. . . note to self: not good combo. smelled like dirt. . .tasted like dirt. . . yuck. guess my poop will be red later! (sorry for the graphic detail there!)

Bedtime: pills with lots of water!!!

done with DAY 1!!!! Yay! Only slight headache. . . relieved by tea.

Day 2
Pills & shake - made with 1 orange, 1 carrot juiced. . .MUCH BETTER! water
more water - green tea - 1/4 banana as a snack
Pills & shake - with OJ/carrot juice , water
Lentils - cold with a little sea salt. . .tasty little buggers!
Salad: mixed greens, broccoli, green onion, red onion - lightly sprinkled with organic asian dressing
Supper: homemade veggie soup with some organic spaghetti sauce - a little cheat there - but it wasn't very good. . . water
handful of popcorn - yup - I gave in just slightly - so what???
tea
bedtime: shake & pills - not messing with the juice - same as above
water, 1/8 banana (what one of the boys didn't finish)

Day 3
pills & shake - same juice, water
green tea
NOON: pills & shake
then I got fancy: stir fry - used cocount oil, garlic, peppercorn, broccoli, carrots, zucchini, green onions & lentils served over fresh baby greens - very good but I was FULL!!!

handful of popcorn - yes, I have no will power - ok, very low will power, water
carrots
small serving spicy veg soup with lentils, water
weighed myself at Mom & Dad's = 128.5!!!!! WOOOO HOOOO! Less than 2 weeks ago I weighed myself there & was 134. . . so I guess I've lost some weight already:)
Pills & shake - same juice, water
handful of popcorn - I know, I must be crazy. . . but we're talking handful only, water

so that brings us to today. .
Day 4
I was TIRED this morning!!!
Pills & shake - good old carrot OJ again, water
late AM: carrots, lentils, celery & green tea
late lunch: pills & shake - no more oranges - used fresh juiced apples instead - not bad
water
That is it so far. I'm going to throw the popcorn away. . . but man, it seems fairly innocent compared to the tortilla chips & Girl Scout Cookies. I'm a little nauseated today while I drink the shakes. . .or is it the pills? Not sure. I do feel a bit more energetic after the early morning slacking. I really cannot wait until Sunday when I can prepare a nice piece of chicken or fish. Funny how much I want that right now. I can do this!!!

Baggu Grosgrain Guest GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-03-09T13:03:00.000-05:00

Baggu Grosgrain Guest GIVEAWAY!!!!

Reuse, reduce, Recycle!!!!

Cinnamon Sticks GUEST GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-03-08T22:59:00.000-05:00

Cinnamon Sticks GUEST GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

I think I would like S, P, C for my letters. . .

Giveaways - Check them out!!!

2009-02-22T15:10:00.002-06:00

Have you heard of Jeanne Winters? I have seen her somewhere. . .but until now, I didn't connect the dots. . . Hallmark stores carry her cool stuff. And you can WIN some of her things by following this link. You just know you want to see what you can win. . . go now. . .

Jennifer

The Conservatory Overcoat GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-02-15T21:44:00.000-06:00

The Conservatory Overcoat GIVEAWAY!!!!

WOW!!!! LOVE this overcoat!! And you should try to win it too. . .that way you can give it to me:)

Free Photobooks - Follow this link

2009-02-08T15:35:00.002-06:00

I LOVE FREE stuff & I really love creating photo books to share with family & friends. Artscow is a site where you can create just that. . .

Referral Link : http://www.artscow.com/?Ref=546877 Join by using this link & I will get some credit too! Better yet. . . you join through my link & then you can get your own link to share & get credit for yours! How cool is that?

I'm thinking I will be creating some gifties from these! Plus! there are more codes for free books. . . AND more:
FREE10BKS: 10 FREE 8x8 Photo Books (20 pages)MPD588 Custom Mousepad, $5.88/each, free shippingWTH688 Custom Watch, $6.88/each, free shippingE12X18s, $24.99 for 10 12"x18" prints, free shippingPPC888, $8.88 for a deck of photo playing cards, free shippingTO REDEEM THE COUPONS:Log into Artscow.com, go to MEMBERS AREA, click on CREDIT & DISCOUNT, enter the code and click VALIDATE

Thanks to Never Pay Retail Again Blog for this link:) You can link to her through my blog list on the right. She is amazing at getting the word out on cool money saving bargains. I check her blog daily. ..

How DO I do it?

2009-02-04T08:00:00.002-06:00

I get this question quite often lately. It usually goes something like this, "Wow! How do you find time to (fill in sew, read for pleasure, exercise) with 3 boys, work, grad school. . . .???"
HA! I usually respond with some smarty pants remark like, "I just don't sleep."

And let me tell you, sometimes that is the truth. . .however, I do have some secrets that don't require a big, red cape or an "S" inscribed in my chest. Also, you'll soon discover that there really isn't a Big Secret. Here's how:

I DON'T CLEAN my own house - we discovered that every 2 weeks is about the timeframe it takes for things to get beyond what even we can tolerate (hello, I have 3 boys - 4 if you count the 35 year old - & that means bathrooms get WAY nasty) - and I have a HUGE phobia of toilets in the first place (no, I don't crouch outside to do my business - but we're talking cleaning closeness here people). Not cleaning my house shaves off 4-5 hours of time at least - and yes, someone else cleans it for us.
USE DAYCARE I work 2 twelve hour day shifts a week & my youngest still goes to "school" 3 days a week. This 3rd day is my school day. Of course, sometimes this gets all messed up when I have a 3rd day of training - but I digress. . . there is a fair amount of punting that goes on.
SIMPLIFY MEALS - lately we've had our fair share of frozen pizza, subs & the like for quick meals. However, crock pots come in handy. A husband who is great at preparing food in the morning is also a wonderful asset. I try not to compromise health for the sake of convenience, however, as this leads to many other issues I won't get into right now.
PLAN & put on the SCHEDULE: FAMILY time, DATE night, out of the ordinary work & life comittments. This is so important. If something isn't on my calendar - it just isn't happening.
COMMUNICATION!!!!! with your spouse or support person. This is vital. Too many times my plan has gone down the crapper due to incommunicado. . (not sure if that word is appropriate there. ..but it sounds cool). I'm guilty for this as well. . . . I have a thought about how I think things should work out but fail to communicate that to my dear husband & as things would have it, he has other thoughts & then we end up butting heads & nothing actually gets done. Not good. I don't advise this. TALK, E-MAIL, WRITE NOTES (I like having proof of said communication so the written form is nice)
FLEXIBILITY. Not talking about not sticking with the plan here people. . .there are limits to how flexible you should allow everything to be - if you're TOO flexible, simple things can get in the way of your plan & throw the entire thing out of whack. That can lead to pure whackiness & that's no good. Be flexible but - and here is another one:
LEARN TO SAY "NO" - simple fact is that we can't do it all. We cannot be all things to all people at all times. At first, this felt uncomfortable. CAN I do something? Maybe. But by doing that something will I be putting other important plans in jeopardy? Even if it's sanity that you're putting in jeopardy - rethink it. We don't need to be at everyone's beck & call. There is someone else that can plan the PTO fundraiser, the neighborhood bash, the Bible study group. Take a step back to prioritize. If you must, help out with simple tasks but don't volunteer for bigger ones. Remember, things will get done without you & all will be happy. . . .and you might get some sleep!
Tune out the DISTRACTIONS. This one is my challenge. The phone rings - try not to answer it. Caller ID, answering machines, voicemail. . . that's what they're there for people! Facebook, email, etc. . ..electronic distractions are big ones too. . . . don't look at them. Set times to return calls, check & respond to email, linger on facebook. I know, I'm still struggling with this one. . .
Have a STRESS OUTLET!!!! Need I say more? Arguing with your loved one is not a good way to deal with stress. In fact, it can ADD to stress. . EXERCISE, PRAY, MEDITATE, do what you must to have a regular outlet for your stress. I'm going to do the exercise & pray thing. . trust me, exercise will require praying. Remember to SCHEDULE THIS!

Some of these things will require resources. If you don't have the resources to hire a cleaning lady or use extra daycare - come up with a bartering plan. Can you reduce the time you spend cleaning by having others help? Can you "lend" your children to a neighbor, friend or family member so they can help entertain their children? Be resourceful. People are generally able & willing to help you once they know what your goal is. Be ready for paybacks.

So, do you have something you WANT to take on? Wondering how you will fit it into your already very busy life? The key here is WANT. If you don't really want something - it just isn't going to happen. Make a plan. Surround yourself with people who can help you achieve your plan & share it with them. Then DO IT! This isn't a dress rehearsal people. . .it's life! You have one go around. If you're not doing something you have always wanted to do. . . figure out if you really want to do it. . . then plan & DO IT!!! (disclaimer: don't be reckless or stupid with that advice. I take no responsibility for anyone leaving their family & joining a traveling circus - unless that has always been your dream. . .just saying - no blaming me.)

That said - I need to fluff my cape - I'm off to work my plan!

Clearly Slacking in Blogland

2009-01-31T11:33:00.002-06:00

Yup, slacking here on the Bloggyland duties. sorry about that. . . and of course, I have excuses. .but I'll spare you the details & the whining that accompanies.

My life is so full & I thank God for that. My family, my work, my neighbors, my schooling & my newly renewed FAITH fill me up & make me strive to be the best I can be. I am learning to appreciate ALL things - even those in my life that are challenges. I'm trying my best to embrace any obstacles & rethink them into stepping stones. I'm appreciating LIFE more.

Of course, right now, at this very minute, I'm PROCRASTINATING again. I should be writing my paper that is due tonight at midnight (Pacific time - so that's 2 MORE hours that I have - tee hee) I'm such a great procrastinator! This is my writing warm up session. . . yeah, that's right. See, there is a reason for my ramblings:)

Embrace Everything!
Jen

Fabric giveaway!!!

2009-01-14T12:16:00.003-06:00

There is such awesome fabric being given away by an awesome blogger. . . So even if you don't really want it. . .go enter - if you win. . . I'll let you send it to me:) I know, I'm a very giving person:)
Here's the link in case you need to copy & paste: http://laniejane.typepad.com/see_jane_run_go_jane_go/

Now I must stop procrastinating & get my school work done. . .

By the way ~ It's COLD here. . . . and only getting COLDER here. . . send WARM> > >

Jennifer B

I'M IN!!!!

2009-01-06T09:11:00.002-06:00

Got the call yesterday. . . and, yes, I'm officially IN grad school for my MSN through Gonzaga University. Of course, I still have to get my MAT score submitted & that very well may mean taking it AGAIN. {Thank you UPS for losing my test!!!} I'm staying positive & am very excited {aka nervous as all get out} to begin this journey. It's an online program {not moving to Washington} - so I'll have to be dedicated.

I'm on call today. . .yet again. Tuesdays are notorious for having TOO MANY nurses on the schedule where I work. FIFTEEN scheduled???? Are you kidding me? anyway. . .again, maybe this is a good thing. . . free day {kind of} to get some unexpected things done.

Of course, I waste no time {wasting time that is} & have discovered another really cool blog. . . go here to see what I'm talking about. Sweet Pea Totes is really inspiring. I may have to add it to my growing list on the right side over there. . . . >

I'm here - figuring out what to do with my Free Day. Drop me a line. . .

Jennifer B

Happy New Year & Here is What I want to do

2009-01-03T16:53:00.004-06:00

My To DO List just keep piling up thanks to all of you Talented Bloggy People {TBP} out there. Thanks to you, I should start to get some sleep sometime around the year 2259. Oh well!

I started reading the Twilight Saga!!!! I received Twilight from Scott's Grandparents the Sunday before Christmas & began to read it sometime last week. I'm already through it & started on New Moon. . which was a to me from me. I want to get Eclipse - but I'm going to have to have to bite the bullet (no pun intended) & purchase the hard copy. I already have Breaking Dawn from my dear Godmother. I'm entranced!

I really want to refashion some clothing. . .but we'll see how that works out for me. I'll keep you updated.

Still no word on the MAT. . .I will most likely have to retake it & I am not happy about that. But I fully intend to not think about that much right now because it's irritating. I'm trying to be positive in all circumstances for 2009 so maybe I will ace it when I retake it??? I can begin grad school classes without being accepted into the program. . . I should hear something more about that this coming week.

My house smells really good! I owe that to Young Living Essential Oils. They rock! I already need to order more Thieves & I'm thinking we'll try some Myrrh for some family skin conditions.

I want to make these knitted slippers. . . I haven't had the knitting needles out in QUITE some time. . .well, maybe for getting corners to lay flat when I turned something. . .but not for knitting. I subscribe to Craftsylish so I happened upon this "easy" tutorial there. We'll see how that works out. I'll post pics on PeekyBoos when I get them started/done. . . I have a TON of yarn.

I would also like to attempt some more doll clothes for my nieces. Hmmm. . .I may even think about starting on Christmas gifts for NEXT YEAR!! We'll see. I get a little ambitious sometimes with what I think I might be able to accomplish. . .but in the real world. . .I do need to sleep!

Happy New Year!
Jennifer B

FREE Diamond Stud Earrings Anyone???

2008-12-23T09:16:00.002-06:00

I spend WAY too much time bloghopping. . . but sometimes it pays off! Check out THIS GIVEAWAY & you could win free diamond stud earrings!!! Or you could win them & give them to me! Just in case you're reading this thru the note on Facebook. . .it's www.aordinarylife.com for the blog. . .you might have to scroll down. . .

Jennifer B

Checklist

2008-12-22T18:08:00.002-06:00

This will be random ~ so you've been forewarned. . .

HOLY Motherload of Tutorials! Go here! No kidding. . . Lots of links. Again, why sleep when you can blog hop & get lots of ideas floating thru your mind???
I have some finished projects that I plan to snap a pic of tonight & post to Peeky Boos. . . so be sure to check back later. {At this point - kids are fed & not causing bodily harm to one another yet. . . but Scott is out of commission with the pukey sickies so I'm on my own}
Still have to shop for My Mom & Dad ~ What the heck to get for people who basically go out & buy whatever they want or need for themselves right away? I'm going to have to get creative here. . . I have ideas. .
Some shopping to do for the meal ~ which I'm hosting ~ yeah - me. . . 'nuf said!
Cleaning lady comes tomorrow. . . so I have to clean for her tonight. . crazy how that works!
HAVE to finish teachers' gifts tonight. . . daycare gifts will wait until next week. . . that's OK, right?
I'm totally sold on Young Living Essential Oils! Love them! My house smells so nice.
Time to go finish stuff. . .remember - check Peeky Boos later. . .

Jennifer B

One with the Music

2008-12-10T09:24:00.002-06:00

Have you ever heard a song & then couldn't get enough of it? That's how I am. . . I take a song in & kind of become one with it. . . can't get enough of it. That's how the song "Come on Get Higher" by Matt Nathanson is for me right now. . . He performs it & Sugarland also has recorded their version on their Deluxe Fan Edition of their new album. LOVE this song! It's mesmerizing to me. Another song that has done this for me in the past. . . Nickelback's Far Away. You can listen to these songs on Playlist.com . . . here's my playlist: http://view.playlist.com/11061444107/standalone I think you can access it from here . .

Go now ~ Be One with the Music!

Jennifer B

2008-12-06T15:04:00.002-06:00

Yup, no title. . . couldn't remember how to make one up. Oh, could that be because I have SO MUCH to do that I'm doing NOTHING???? Yup, could be. I'm a great ProCrastinaTor!!! Thank you very much. . . .

I would love to tell you that my Christmas shopping is done, that my decorations are up, that my tree is even purchased. . .let alone up, that my baking is at least planned & that my meal is delagated for Christmas brunch. . . but I can't lie. . . none of it is done. And what am I doing? Blog surfing.
Hey, I AM done applying to Grad School. It is up to the Admissions Committee at Gonzaga (think Basketball) University as to whether I will begin my Masters in Nursing this January. Actually, they are still probably waiting to hear what miserable score I got on my MAT. (BTW, that test is just downright silly. How does that test help to determine how well I will do teaching prospective nursing students? It's the 21st Century, people!)
I have a date tonight! We go out together monthly, time permitting. Tonight is the night. We have a gift card to Gratzies ~ and I've never been there. We usually go out & come home after the babysitter has gotten the boys to bed. Hey, if we're going to pay a sitter. . .they may as well do the big bedtime task, right?
Scott is going to the Packer game tomorrow. Maybe I'll get some of my crafy Christmas gifts at least worked on then??? Yeah, probably not. . . Don't know what the weather holds. . .but it's bound to be FRIGID which means the boys will be inside & seeking entertainment. I can attempt some craftiness. .. but it will more than likely be interrupted. That's OK. We do love watching the game together.

So, I hope to get a few crafted/sewn items completed for gifts. I love the crowns, capes & super hero ideas for my youngest & my nephew. My niece needs a new dolly blanket. My MIL might get a quilt IF I can get it done by then. . .otherwise, she might end up getting that for Mother's Day. Which reminds me, MY OWN MOTHER should probably get one for then too. I would also LOVE to get a quilt done for each of my boys during the next year. Do you think I can pull that off? Hmmm. . . we'll see. I really like the idea of having them help in some way. Oh, did I mention that I'd like to paint the boys' rooms sometime too? They have just beige walls & it's so boring. Maybe I'll call on the Manic mood. . . (no, I'm not bipolor) so I can get things done. I have high hopes. . .but not a very good plan. I need to plan for all of this. Then I'll get it done. . .right?. . .right....
I'm going to make a list right now. . . if only I could find my desk. . . .

Everything Your Mama Made Blog

2008-12-06T13:11:00.002-06:00

I found this blog today while procrastinating ~ (lots of laundry to fold & put away) ~ and it has a TON of links for things that I will probably have to check out & maybe try. This isn't going to help my desire to get adequate sleep. . .but oh well! Check it out if you have time ~ or if you just want to procrastinate from your Mt. Laundry:)

Jennifer B

SALE & giveaways!

2008-12-05T15:51:00.002-06:00

>

This is a cool new little shop & it has LOADS of awesome fabric & patterns & fabric & patterns. . . sorry, I'm still drooling because I just did a little "Santa" shopping for myself:) Gotta love that! Go check it out. 25% off is a great bargain!!!

Jennifer B

If I see one more word verification.. .

2008-12-04T08:52:00.002-06:00

it will be ONE too many! I spent a good part of last night checking out all of the awesome giveaways offered by Sew, Mama, Sew blog. HOLY CRAP People!!! This was FUN but also a LOT of work to click here & there & everywhere. All I can say is HOLY CRAP the talent that exists is INCREDIBLE! I've been inspired! Now I need to go back to a few of the blogs for more inspiration & ideas. We are truly blessed to have so much information at our fingertips.

I have TONS of laundry to do. Note to self: buy better night time diapers for the potty trainer! I feel like I've been washing bedding all week! Oh, that's right! I HAVE been! For the LOVE!!!

To all of you who hit every link in the giveaway, foregoing sleep - I'm with ya! Tired & reaching for the extra coffee servings today. Now I must go find my son. . . . he is somewhere amidst the laundry that needs to be folded & put away.

Have a GREAT ONE!!!

Jennifer B

Keen Footwear Giveaway!

2008-11-23T15:54:00.004-06:00

I have a pair of Keen sandals & let me tell you. . .the ROCK for comfort. Well worth the investment! Go Here to enter a giveaway to win a free pair of Keen footwear.

Jennifer

Running Naked

2008-11-20T08:32:00.002-06:00

Got your attention! No, not me running naked. . . the 3 year old. . . better? OK now. . . Has it been an entire WEEK already? Holy cow. . .after the Chinese Food mishap last Thursday many of you may have wondered about my safety. .or sanity for that matter. I'm here. I'm fine. Blog hopping & entering giveaways like crazy. I've been staying up WAY past bedtime working on various projects & surfing the Internet. . . blog hopping really. Oh, & cramming for my MAT - which is later today.

So MUCH happens in a day, let alone an entire WEEK! Let me give you the run down:

worked full shift last Friday
Saturday - Event FILLED day. . . friend's baby shower - showed up & found out she (Melanie) already HAD the baby early Tuesday morning - 6 weeks early! Plus, her mother is not well - please pray for JUDY & her family. Time is precious - don't take it for granted.
Card making Saturday evening - WHAT a GREAT creative release! Of course, I was addicted to being creative & dreamed of possibilities. . .sleep was not easy.
Sunday - attended new Church we're considering switching to. I won't go into detail here. . .but we think we've found a new HOME for Celebration.
Watched Packer game from home while creating MORE CARDS!!! See, once I begin there is NO STOPPING me!
Been playing a lot of the Mexican Train Game with the boys. . . this is an EXCELLENT game with Dominoes. . .yes. . . DOMINOES!!! Very fun & family friendly.
Monday - worked on a quilting project. . .not too many details here. . .it's a gift as long as I get it done before Christmas!!!
Tuesday - called OFF of work - On CALL 12 hours. . .which bites the big one as FIRST callback.
Wednesday - purchased Spencer's birthday present - his family party is this Saturday.
Scott worked late so I was the single parent last night. . .
Stayed up WAY too late again. . . so I'm tired today. . . & that's not good because the house is trashed & the MAT is this afternoon. . .not to mention Parent/Teacher conferences tonight. Downing COFFEE as we speak!

Wish me LUCK!

Jennifer B Y

What was I thinking?????

2008-11-13T13:28:00.002-06:00

I must have been having a case of the "Nobody wants to go to lunch with me" blues. . . (My big sister had lunch plans with her DH & my DH was already having his lunch. . .OK, so 2 people isn't' everyone. .. .I digress) I veered off the highway & stopped at a Chinese food place. . .not to be named to protect the seemingly innocent. . . Crab Rangoon call my name. . .I can't help it, they just do. And I COULD have just ordered those & been done with it. . .but NO, I have to order one of the "Lunch Specials." I order the Chicken with Mixed Vegetables -white rice instead of the pork fried rice. I then proceed to play catch with the owner's 5 year old son who told me I was "cute." (What a sweetie. I didn't even pay him for that unsolicited compliment:) Did I ask if they made their food with NO MSG??? NO, of course not. That would have been too easy! I guess I just hoped they did. . .

After playing catch with the boy for less than 10 minutes my food was ready & I was on my way. Got to the van & tore open the bag to get those crab Rangoon out pronto. Of course, they were piping hot & I burned the roof of my mouth on one. My bad. . .duh, fresh from the fryer!!! But does that stop me from eating them ALL before getting home? Nope.

Get home & think to myself, "Self, you're already full. Do you really need to open the entree?" I must be ignoring my body as I didn't even wait for a response. . .I just opened the container & took a couple of fork fulls. . . OK, the sauce on this stuff was pretty dark looking. . . PLUS, it was saturated in it. I should have trusted my first instinct to NOT eat it. But, again, must be having a brain malfunction today. . .I ate some anyway. I walked away for a few minutes to respond to some email. You know, let the food settle so I could shovel more in??? Well, not even 10 minutes after the few bites I took. . . . .I'm feeling queasy. For those of you that had morning sickness with pregnancy. . it's kind of like that. . . you think to yourself, "Man, I could vomit. I don't especially want to. . .but if I bent over the porcelain throne right now I most definitely would." Sorry for the details there. . .

And I feel kind of like I could fall over in a heap & sleep. Seriously, my arms are weak & my eyelids are heavy. My mouth feels funny. . .is that just the numbness from burning my mouth? Crap! Am I having an allergic reaction? Nah! I'm just anxious about it now. . . great! All I need now is a panic attack. I can hear it already, "Woman calls 911 after freaking out over eating Chinese food." But I do suppose I could be experiencing some food sensitivity issues. I am VERY sensitive to MSG. That's why the "I'm a dingbat" sign should be emblazoned onto my chest right now. Well, if I survive. .. I'll let you know later. . .

Self Examination

2008-11-12T09:14:00.002-06:00

Have you ever looked inside yourself trying to figure out what you want to do with your life? I'm guessing most of us have. Looking back at all of the "things" I have already done. . . I can't help but remember back to kindergarten when we were asked to dress up as what we wanted to be when we grew up. There was nothing in the world that I wanted to be more than a MOMMY! No kidding. And look! I've done that. And I continue to do that. And that, in & of itself, is the best & most fulfilling job in the world. . . . still, I wonder what I will be when I grow up. . . IF I grow up.

One of the wonderful things about motherhood is that it does allow for you to take on "side careers." Of course, if we were monetarily compensated for all that a mother does we wouldn't need these "side careers." But I digress.

I am exploring adding grad school to my life so that I may someday teach people to become nurses. I LOVE BEING A NURSE. Why would I want to do something else? Well, Lori J, a very intelligent nursing instructor that I know & work with, stated it best: "As a staff/floor nurse I can only affect the lives of the few patients I take care of on any given day. As a teacher I can teach many to affect the lives of so many more patients." that may not be an exact quote. . .but I loved it. I had these thoughts before & just didn't articulate them. As a nurse, I want to fix the world! I want every patient to be taken care of as well as I take care of them. Unfortunately, that cannot always happen. I would like to believe that all nurses take excellent care of their patients at all times. But I live in reality. And I also know that just because I do things one way & another nurse does it another way. . .that they can both be good ways. With that said, some nurses do things not taking into consideration the WHOLE PERSON. In my opinion, if you don't consider the whole person (body, soul, spirit) then you are not doing as good of a job. I want to teach THAT to nursing students. THAT is my secondary passion!

So, now that you know what I want to be secondary to Mommy. . . . what do YOU want to be? I'd love to hear about it. . .

Red Barn Quilt Giveaway!!!

2008-11-11T20:39:00.003-06:00

Check this out! Quilt Giveaway!!! You just HAVE to go here. Enter this giveaway:) Then give me the quilt when you win:)

Camille is having a Giveaway!!!!

2008-11-10T21:53:00.003-06:00

OMG! YOU do NOT want to miss this giveaway!!!!! Camille Roskelly, creator of Thimble Blossoms & designer of Cotton Blossoms(PDF file), is giving away one of her FANTASTIC quilts!!!! Of course, I NEED to win. . .so go ahead & enter & then just gift it to me :) By the way, Camille is the designer of the BLOOM quilt pattern that I have posted over at Peekyboos. Isn't she fantastic? And her fabric. . . . I had to wipe the drool from my face. .. time for me to go have my bedtime snack!

FREE 8 X 10 AT walgreens.com

2008-11-08T12:12:00.003-06:00

Check it out! A FREE 8 X 10??? Yes, it's true! Go to Walgreens.com & in the coupon code area type in FREEPIC & there you have it! A free 8 x 10! Happy Holidays!

Here's the picture I am getting. . .what a cutie!

****FORGOT TO MENTION. . .THIS IS ONLY GOOD THROUGH TODAY!!! THE 8TH!!!! SO HURRY UP WITH IT ANYWAY!!!

SIMPLE MOM EPSON PRINTER GIVEAWAY!!!

2008-11-06T11:56:00.001-06:00

A day of giveaways in so many places!!! SIMPLE MOM IS GIVING AWAY A WAY COOL EPSON PRINTER!!! So go here now. . .

Tropical Tree Frog Costume GIVEAWAY!!!!

2008-11-06T08:15:00.000-06:00

Tropical Tree Frog Costume GIVEAWAY!!!! I'M SO EXCITED!!!!! This is a gender neutral costume & it's absolutely adorable! Go there. . . enter - and then when you win, gift it to me:) Gotta try. .. .

Class Reunion Picture

2008-11-05T08:10:00.004-06:00

Thank you, Tonya, for reminding me that I haven't posted a picture of my Class reunion. . . and I can hardly believe it myself, but I only took ONE PICTURE!! I got too busy talking - again, I know, hard to believe! So here is the lone picture. And I will say right away, I'm not pleased with the angle I'm positioned. My loving husband isn't so spectacular at composing pictures. . .so I'll forgive him. I need to teach him to help make me look better than the other people in the picture! Tee hee. On this picture is Me, Patty C., Megan N., Kurt R., & Tom H. I wish I had taken more pictures. It was great to see everyone. I think there were a little over 30 classmates in all that attended. Which is pretty darn good considering the total class was under 80 students.

Much to do today. I didn't even turn my computer on here since Sunday! My house is very messy. Laundry. . . I'm very afraid! And my grad school application is sitting in cyber space awaiting my attention. I need more coffee. . . .

Become a Friend of George

2008-10-29T21:47:00.001-05:00

Just go Here, read about George & purchase a nifty downloadable cookbook for just $1.00. This story touched my heart. Let's all hope & pray for a big change in our nation's "sick care" system.

In need of some MOTIVATION, please. . .

2008-10-27T15:28:00.003-05:00

I beg you. . . if you have any to spare, could you please, pretty please with sugar on top, ship some motivation on over to me? I had today pretty much free to get some stuff done. . .well, what you can get done with a 3 year old Power Ranger/Ninja/Spiderman along for the ride. Oh, and maybe I should mention that our well pump decided to kick the bucket after my shower this morning. . . (Thank goodness I got that shower in!) So I guess I should go a little easy on myself considering I had to deal with the well guy coming over a couple of times to get it all taken care of. . . BUT I didn't even get the laundry that was dried already folded & put away. I also didn't bother to even attempt to organize all of the accumulated junk in my office. . . or the fabric & clothing in need of makeovers that are in here. The dishwasher??? Yup, still full of CLEAN dishes. So is the dish rack next to the sink. . .just sitting there all clean & dry & ready to be put away.

It did SNOW today here in De Pere, WI. YUP, you read that correctly. No accumulation of course. . .but it snowed. Is that my excuse? NOPE!

I did schedule to take my MAT so I can apply for grad school. Now I'm thinking I should move that date up a bit as I will be cutting it close.

OH, and did I mention that I had a puking 8 year old this morning? SURE! THAT'S my excuse! Yeah, right. . .he made a quick recovery & Scott dropped him off at school by noon. But that could have set my day off a little drained. Not to mention the 3 year old was in my bed WAY prior to sunrise this morning & we all know how well that goes over. . .

So I decided to brew some more coffee. HOLY CRUD! IT'S SNOWING AGAIN!! SIDEWAYs. . . so I guess those bulbs that I wanted to finish planting won't get in the ground anymore this season. . . There is hope for later this week if our temperatures rise I guess. Does anyone know???? If the sun is shining when it snows is there still a rainbow?

Off to get some of that coffee. .. and procrastinate some more. . .

First Friend Birthday Party a Success!

2008-10-26T22:44:00.005-05:00

I'm a cool Mom!!! Spencer told me on Friday night that I'm the best Mom in the world. Oh, and that he was going to remember it. . . love that! The reason behind this was due to these little guys. I made bean bags for his party.

After all of the Plan B preparations due to a forecast of rain & downright dismal weather. . . we didn't truly need the bean bags. But they were fun anyway. Spencer had a fantastic time. He's the 2nd from the right. Carter is in the red Power Ranger costume & Parker decided not to pose for this picture. He was busy playing bean bags in the garage.

GROSGRAIN MINI STORE OPENING NOVEMBER 6!!!!! AND BIG PREVIEW GIVEAWAY!!!!

2008-10-25T20:59:00.000-05:00

GROSGRAIN MINI STORE OPENING NOVEMBER 6!!!!! AND BIG PREVIEW GIVEAWAY!!!!
Any of you with little girl people that you know or know of. . . should enter this giveaway. How cool is this??? Check it out. . .don't wait. . .just go there now!

Class Reunion

2008-10-18T08:17:00.002-05:00

Tonight is my 15 year High School Class Reunion. I'm excited & nervous & all that jazz. I don't know what to wear. . .how to do my hair. . . all of that silly high school crap that I have no desire to return to. But somehow I am so curious about what everyone else will look like & be up to that I so totally want to go. And I AM going. . . but why do we worry so much about appearances??? I guess it's human nature.

I do miss some of my pals from "back then." I know. . .it's not THAT far in the past. . .but far enough. I attended the 10 year reunion. . .but I've grown a whole new person since then. . . (meaning my 3 year old). The past 5 years have been a whirlwind of changes for me. So really, this is all about ME! I'm not used to things being about me. And I'm sure when I get there it will be about so many other people as well. (which reminds me. . .I'd better charge my camera battery & maybe get some pics of my kiddos printed out to show off!)

I also need to get my hair washed so that I can do it later. Oh, & the clothes issue. . . I'd better make sure I have clean ones to wear. . . . there's that shirt that needs mending or altering. . . oh crap! I should just go shopping for something new. . . but I must try to conserve my money. . . & the environment. I will wear something I own already. Enough of my ramblings. . . . I need to get this show on the road. I think I'll go walk on the treadmill first. (I've been doing this for a couple of weeks now. . . I've gained a couple pounds but hey. . . it's all muscle, right?) Catch ya later!

Bloom Quilt finally finished!!!

2008-10-15T09:13:00.002-05:00

I am FINALLY finished with my first quilt! Thanks to Camille Roskelley and her most fabulous bloom quilt pattern. This was so much fun to put together. Please go check out Peeky Boos, my other blog. . . Tell me what you think:)

QUILT GIVEAWAY!!!

2008-10-14T12:11:00.003-05:00

THIS QUILT is Fabulous & it could be yours!!! You need to go HERE & leave a comment to win it.

I will be done with my first quilt very soon & will post it to Peeky Boos. I know, it's taken me forever. . .but I've been a busy girl. . .

Nap or Blog. . .???? I choose. .. Both!

2008-10-03T14:48:00.003-05:00

I NEED a nap. . .but I probably should update on my happenings as well. So this should be brief. .

Only ONE more week of clinical left! I'm surviving. . . that which doesn't kill us. . .

This week I taught Prep for Labor to expectant parents on Monday evening. . .
Worked 12+ hour days Tuesday & Thursday. . . I know, cry me a river. . .
Taught clinicals Thursday & Today.

I'm a bit exhausted to say the least. So I think I will go chill out for a bit. I'm miffed about WLUK/Fox pulling out of Time Warner Cable (my provider) which means I won't be able to watch the Packers from home on Sunday or any of my other Fox TV shows. . .well, I could attempt the rabbit ears but I'm doubting that will work. . . .

Time to nap!!!

The Secret is in the Sauce: October Giveaway: Photoshop Elements!

2008-10-02T21:13:00.000-05:00

The Secret is in the Sauce: October Giveaway: Photoshop Elements!

I Totally WANT this so badly!!! Of course. .. if YOU win you can give it to ME!!!

HOLY CRAP - I'm still alive. . .barely

2008-09-20T22:06:00.003-05:00

Yup, I know. . .it's been almost an entire week without a blog entry from me. I've been MIA & nearly KIA. To put it lightly. . .this week has kicked my @$$. But I'm alive. I don't know how. . .but I am. Let me just give you an abbreviated rundown of this week's happenings:

1st Cub Scout Pack meeting Monday evening - solo as Scott worked late - score one for Mom as got babysitter for youngest. Split time between 2 dens - score another for Mom!
Stayed up late working on Quilt for cousin's baby shower this coming weekend.
Worked 12 + hours Tuesday & 12 hours Wednesday.
Last minute prep for clinical teaching Wednesday night after working all day:(
All 3 boys to daycare Thursday AM as Scott had to leave early - clinical started later as was Day 1 - orientation.
Donned the cape & painted an "S" on chest to get home prior to boy 1 & 2 getting off bus - score bonus point for picking up boy 3 from daycare & still making it home in time.
Cleaned up the messes made by aforementioned boys & their father from Tues & Wed while I worked later, did 2 loads of laundry, prepared supper, helped with homework, bathed boys & picked my Mom up to stay overnight all before 8 PM!
Stayed up pretty darn late getting work done for clinicals Friday.
Up at 5 AM to get ready for clinicals. Yay for having Grandma here to get boys off to bus & daycare.
Home, with boys, by 3PM. Homework conquered prior to Dad getting home around 4 PM.
Crashed by 7:30 PM. . . . slept like a ROCK!!!!
Made taco dip for best friend's baby shower today - & got there a few minutes late. . . but hey, I got there. Girl time watching friend open all those cute gifts.
Home with family this evening. .. working on final stitching of binding for quilt that needs to be finished tomorrow!!!
Now I'm blogging. . . & you know why I haven't had a chance to this week. ...
Making taco dip in the AM tomorrow for cousin's baby shower. . .hopefully will have quilt finished!!!!

I omitted many details. . . . I know. . . how is that even possible?? I need to go iron my red cape & get my red "S" paint ready for tomorrow. I should go to bed before I fall over. . .

Blog Mommas Digital Scrapbook Giveaway!!!

2008-09-14T09:54:00.003-05:00

Holy Moses! I am totally enthralled with all of these giveaways I'm linking to lately. This one is super awesome as well. . . go check it out HERE. You could be the proud winner of super cool kiddo scrapbooking supplies. . .including the camera for little ones.

I really need to learn how to create my own little signature. . . they're so cute;)

Cute Necklace Giveaway

2008-09-13T19:00:00.002-05:00

She just keeps this going & going. . .Head over to MommyMandy for her fabulous Little Windows Giveaway. You just HAVE to see these awesome necklaces that enclose pics of your choosing. Heck, if you don't want them. . .enter anyway & give them to me when you win! So do as I say, go there now. ... . go ahead. . . right now. . .

FREE Photo Printer!

2008-09-12T09:18:00.002-05:00

Go here for your chance to win a FREE Photo Printer. It's pretty cool. But you know what is even cooler still??? The support fellow bloggers give. Don't just follow this link to win the printer. . .but read a little about the people as you follow the directions. There's a lot of love out there!!! Let's keep the world full of hope & peace.

The Secret is in the Sauce: September is SAUCY- Cricut Expressions!

2008-09-11T08:15:00.000-05:00

The Secret is in the Sauce: September is SAUCY- Cricut Expressions!

Go get saucy!!!

Make Believe Frock GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

2008-09-10T20:11:00.000-05:00

Make Believe Frock GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

Pro Choice

2008-09-09T09:56:00.002-05:00

I know. . .. this isn't really my political forum. BUT, this IS a big deal to me. I am VERY PASSIONATE about my stance on women's rights. When asked if I'm pro choice I reply. . .YES! I believe that every woman has the right to make a choice when it comes to whether she takes her pants off or not. Once you cross that line, you must accept whatever consequence ensues. SO THERE! Come on, People! Let's get real here! When we take on the responsibility of having intercourse we know full well that conception could take place. I know. . .there are circumstances where this choice was not made by the woman. . . and in the grand scheme of things conception does not occur for most of these cases. BUT for the percentage of those unfortunate circumstances would it make you feel better if you added another wrongdoing to the mix? Is it that little fetus's fault? Could that little life bring something wonderful to someone else's life? I think so.

I've assisted in the delivery of many babies. . .some that were under 20 weeks gestation. Obviously, those did not survive. . .but I've seen a preterm delivery of 23 1/2 weeks & a baby survived! He is still alive. I've witnessed a live birth of a under 20 weeker. . .who didn't survive. . .but it had a heartbeat at birth! That has to count for something. . . it got acknowledged with a birth & death certificate. I've seen deliveries of babies that prenatal tests showed severe handicap. . . possible poor quality of life. . . once born there was NOTHING WRONG!

So I think the Choice is clearly one that should be made BEFORE conception has the chance to take place. If I've offended anyone. . . so be it. These aren't stray animals we're talking about. . .it's human life.

Mandy's birthday GiveAWAYS!!!!

2008-09-07T17:16:00.000-05:00

FREE FABRIC GIVEAWAY!!!!

2008-09-03T06:57:00.005-05:00

Go here: Sugar Shop NOW! This is a FANTASTIC giveaway of $75 Worth of FREE FABRIC SHOPPING!!! Don't wait. . . just go there. I can't wait to see what she's been up to. . . Oh my. . .for some reason the pic doesn't show up. . .unless you click on the empty box you see below. . .so go ahead. ..click on it or just use the link above:)

Go To Peeky Boos. . . .

2008-09-02T20:38:00.002-05:00

It's right over there. . . .to the right. . . . see the link? It's my new blog for my creations. So go check it out or I'll feel bad & I might cry.

There is so much to blog about. . .but I'm tired. I have a sassy bug bite on my ankle that looks kind of not good. You know. . . like it might have developed a mind of its own & decided to become infected. NICE. I needed that.

Boys started school today. I got all teary eyed when they got on the bus. You'd think I'd be OK with all that by now. They were both in school last year already. But that's OK. . . a few tears are a good thing for us girls. Then I dropped boy #3 off at Daycare & he was super clingy & cried. . . so I felt guilty for bringing him when I was going to be home. He really does wonderfully when he goes 3 days a week though. . .so we need to get him back into that swing. It's preschool too so I shouldn't feel too guilty, right?

I worked on a sewing/quilting project today again. My Mom helped me with cutting applique pieces out. I'm such a newbie at this. I can't wait to finish. I hope it turns out!

OK, so go to Peeky Boos & tell me what you think so far ------------------>

More than I can chew. . .

2008-08-31T12:29:00.002-05:00

I did it again. . .or almost did it again. . .bitten off more than I can chew that is. I think I get a little manic at a certain part in my cycle or something when I believe I can take on the world. I could not fall asleep last night. . . seriously. . .I saw 4:20 AM without even dozing off slightly. . . and I was VERY irritated. Of course, this only makes things worse. I had grandiose plans to get things done today as I taught the Prep for Labor class all day yesterday. We did enjoy some campfire time last night as a family. That is good. I'm of low to no productivity today. Of course, there is always COFFEE! I've already consumed a cup & a half. . .

And then I decided to work on some finger knitting. See Peeky Boos for that accomplishment.

I think my insomnia from last night is due to my growing anxiety about starting so many new things this fall. School for the boys starts Tuesday. Flag football begins end of Sept. I start teaching a nursing clinical 3rd week of Sept so that means working my two twelves plus teaching 2 eights & then grading papers & what not. New role for me. . . nervous & excited & scared. I am working on my first ever quilt & really want to have it completed for a baby shower gift. The shower is the 3rd weekend in September. (See a pattern to my anxiety here yet???) Wait, there's more! I considered beginning my Master's program October 27th. . .which would mean taking the MAT now & getting my admissions material in before September 12th. As if that's not enough. . . . I have one set of Grandparents left & we just found out that my Grandpa has cancer. . . . we'll see what the prognosis is this week. That, along with my Uncle's passing in July, my Great Aunt passing shortly before that. . . . & life in general. . . . I think I've taken on a bit TOO MUCH!

So today I made the decision to go with my original plan to begin my Master's in January. I know, this is still a lot to take on. But does life ever really slow down?? Probably not. I will just have a better grip on things by then. . .at least I had BETTER! It will be a wild ride:) I look forward to the challenge!

Check out MommyMandy

2008-08-30T23:17:00.001-05:00

You'll want to make sure you visit this site next week. I know I will be. . .

Time to Light a Fire under my ARSE!

2008-08-25T15:21:00.009-05:00

Sorry for being so terse (like that word? Me too.) But I really DO need to light that proverbial fire. I HAVE to get stuff done. So I must make a TO DO List & start crossing off!!!
In no particular order (because that would require more time):
1. Clear out top 2 shelves of hall closet to make room for my scrappy stuff that needs to get out of my office. Done! but I could use the whole closet!
2. Move Scrappy Stuff as mentioned above (no kidding, this needs it's own spot on the list.) started! I'm running out of space!!!
3. Organize bills. Pay bills:(
4. Clear off desk in office.
5. Clear floor in office - see #2 above for part of this. again, started. . .
6. Organize sewing stuff - see #5 for part of this as well as consider moving this entirely to basement work area. . . which require yet another. . .
7. Make a spot in basement for sewing. . . maybe.
8. Make trip to the Restore to scope out possible cabinets/islands for #7.
9. Work on & finish quilt I started for gift.
10. If #9 works out well - do another one for another gift.
11. Get application materials in for Grad school.
12. Go through boys' closets/drawers to determine clothing needs for school year.
13. Make sure all school supplies are ready.
14. Daycare schedule to daycare. woo hoo! done! Check!
15. Buy nice & comfortable shoes for teaching clinicals.
16. Check my wardrobe for potential needs.
17. Freeze more zucchini - why did I plant 6 SEEDS??? They all grew. . .
18. Get pics printed from day on the pontoon boat with Scott's parents.
19. Fix boy #1's favorite blanket.
20. Contact insurance company re: uncovered crap.
21. Buy toothpaste. . . I keep forgetting to get MY kind. (yes, still brushing with other stuff)
22. Laundry, Laundry, Laundry why is this even ON a list? It's never completely done!
23. Dishes, Dishes, Dishes done for today - yay!
24. Hire someone to do my laundry & my dishes. Yeah, right!
25. Prepare for teaching clinicals.
26. Study for BLS recert.
27. Purchase boy #3's birthday present & plan his party.
28. Enjoy the last week of summer vacation with my boys! Most Important!!!

Finger Knitting???

2008-08-24T14:20:00.002-05:00

OMG!! I used to do this when I was Much Much Younger. Have you ever finger knitted? I never realized that it could be THIS advanced! OK, so I was only a one row finger knitter. You have to go check out the link to see what I'm talking about. Hmmm. . . like I NEED another item to add to my "I want to try this" list!!! Hey, I could use this to keep my little boys busy:)

Register for THIS Giveaway for sure!

2008-08-23T20:32:00.002-05:00

Simple Mom has done it again! You NEED to go HERE and register for this giveaway. It's a basket FULL of wonderful things. Go there. . . now! Just do it.

Apple Orchard Overalls GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

2008-08-22T22:24:00.000-05:00

Apple Orchard Overalls GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

Do I need these? Of COURSE I do! Not for MY offspring. . .but I have a lot of friends & family having new little ones soon. How cute are these???

ALWAYS question closed bedroom doors with a quiet child. . .

2008-08-20T14:05:00.009-05:00

Need I say more? Anyone have a Magic Eraser??? Maybe this one will be the artistic home decorator type??? (By the way, it's my OLDEST who is 7 1/2 years old who did this.) I thought it was strange that he went up to "lay down" this morning. This is light blue highlighter with a small tracing of pink highlighter. Interesting. . .

This & That & Everything Else

2008-08-17T18:05:00.006-05:00

OK, so there are TOO many things to mention in one title today.
First of all - go HERE for a giveaway from The Village Shop. She is giving away a couple really cute quilt patterns.

Second - our Anniversary Date was fantastic. We went to Big Tomatoes in Downtown Green Bay. We had never been there. It is a really cute old building & the food was pretty good. . .but the fantastic part was my "little" surprise from Scott. He gave me an anniversary band!! It's pretty amazing & totally unexpected. Oh, I did have our babysitter snap a picture of us before we went out. . . so there that is. . . I still haven't scanned a wedding picture of us to upload. After dinner we walked along the river in Green Bay & then stopped by Jimmy Seas along the river to listen to the live entertainment. We didn't stay out late.
FRIDAY!!! Wow! We went to the Brown County Fair for a short time with the kiddos in the afternoon. . .then picked up the sitter & brought them home so we could go back for the Rodney Atkins concert. Our seats were FANTASTIC!! Here's a shot of the hunky man.
We had a BLAST after the concert too. There was a local band called Grand Union. They are Fabulous! Their website doesn't really do them justice for their vocals. And the fun??? I felt like a youngster again. A little sore yesterday from dancing. . . . I'm getting too old for this. But I'll keep on trying!!!

Saturday evening we went to see my little brother's new house. They should be moving in within a few weeks. It's a VERY nice house! They are building near Lake Winnebago. . . & the bay flies get a little freaky when you light a bonfire. .. but other than that. . . it's a great spot.

We're heavy into potty training this weekend. I know, this doesn't flow well with the aforementioned topics. . . but it had to be said. This is not easy.

On a better note. . .my garden is totally rocking! Can you say ZUCCHINI??? Holy cow! I have been freezing it, cooking it & giving it away. And there's more to come! Love it! I've even harvested a few tomatoes already. Pumpkins are growing. We have so much fun checking the vines to see what's sprouted out from day to day. I even have CANTALOUPE growing!!! Corn is coming along nicely. Peppers are slowly getting there. . . I hope. I already know that next year's garden needs to be bigger. Scott is not to pleased that I want to take up more real estate with my gardening adventures. I have big plans.

I'm going to have my own clinical group this fall. This is exciting & nerve racking all at the same time. I subbed last semester but this will be my own little group. Whoa! I'll be shaping minds of hopeful nurses to be. Scary thought, huh? So that also means that I will be working my usual two twelve hour shifts a week plus the 2 clinical days. And the clinical is on the floor I work on.

My siblings & I gave our Aunt Kay a Memorial Bench last weekend. Here it is:

It's really hard to believe that Rich has been gone for almost a month already. I think it will become MORE real when the holidays come up. Actually, it will be before that even. . . when the first football game for Ashwaubenon is played. . . I think we're all going to go & wear matching shirts in memory of him. It's still surreal for us. We don't have to come home to him being gone every day like my Aunt Kay does. I don't know how I would be able to do that. But I guess nobody really does know.

I need to get a move on sewing projects for baby gifts. Holy cow! I don't have a ton of time left for some of these people. I'm going to have Scott try to make me an island type table for downstairs. I used our kitchen for cutting my latest project out - with a cutting mat covering the island of course. But I really do think we need to have something similar for downstairs. I think we also need to start to finish the basement off. . .but we'll take this one step at a time. I'm thinking we should frame up the walls for the all purpose room, drywall, plaster & paint. . . put some Pergo flooring in & ta da! Oh, that's right. . .there are other step involved in that. Not to mention the money. . . I guess we'll put that on hold for now:)

10 YEARS! Wedded Bliss. . .

2008-08-14T09:42:00.002-05:00

It's hard to believe that 10 years ago TODAY at this time I was getting my hair & make up done for one of the biggest days of my life. I have pictures to prove it. . .but they're not of the digital era yet. .. so I'll try to track down a picture of me & my honey from now. .. which is not likely because one of us is usually taking the pictures. . .

Anyway. . . Here's our story:
Scott & I were set up on a blind date by a mutual friend. I had just sworn off men for the 50th time (which isn't all THAT impressive except for the fact that I was 21 years old). I was going to just date, just play the field so to speak. Like my Mother said, "You're not married. Why date just one person???" (Shocking, I know!) So Scott shows up to pick me up for our first date. He's nice looking - not as tall as my usual dates - but dark hair, nice deep brown eyes & a small to medium build. As we're walking out the front door to his car he says, & I quote, "Just so you know, I'm not one of those 'big truck' kind of guys." Where did this come from??? I wondered. He opens the door to his red Ford Taurus for me - score one point for the boy!

We went out to the Olive Garden. Conversation was easy. We joked around. He used a coupon! How funny is THAT? We were both in college so hey, a frugal guy. . . not a bad thing. (Funny how he doesn't bother with coupons now which would be totally impressive.) He goes to the bathroom a couple of times. . . I'm thinking, Hmmm. . .is he going to abandon me here??? I've never dated a guy who uses the bathroom more than I do. After dinner we go to a park to walk around. This is nice. I'm thinking, "Wow! He isn't looking to shut me up. He's looking to actually talk more." We hold hands a little bit. . .this is nice. He tells me jokes, we swing on the swings, walk near the river (he didn't push me in. . . good sign). Of course, he'd tell you he told me dirty jokes. . .but I don't think they were dirty. Funny. . . but not dirty.

He brings me back to my duplex & we talk for a while & then he leaves. . . . but he doesn't even TRY to KISS me! This is weird. I had this rule that I don't kiss on the first date. . . but he didn't even TRY!!! What's up with that??? I'm thinking, "CRAP! He doesn't like me. I must not be attractive to him. Man! I really like this guy. . . what did I do wrong?" You know, all the usual crap that floats through a girl's brain after a really awesome date. But then I remember, "Oh, that's right! I have a date with so in so tomorrow night anyway. . . what do I care?" But I cared. . . because so in so was a sleeze ball.

Well, sleeze ball boy stood me up the next night. Figures! So I figure, hmmm. . . why don't I give Scott a call to see what he's up to??? Is that too forward? Is he going to think I'm desperate? Oh, yeah, that's right. . .what do I care??? He's just a guy, right? So I call & he's not home. But he gets the message that I called & he calls me back! YAY! He's out & about with his friend. . . . but he comes over later & we talk for hours. . . . & then, here's the good part, when I go to walk him out. . . . after what seems like hours of 'good-bye, see you again' - he kind of almost asks for permission to give me a kiss! AND WOW! So maybe this playing the field thing isn't going to last long. . . this guy is really nice, really great looking & kisses so sweetly. Plus, he has manners. .. . .oh, and by the way, my friend who set us up. . .she told him about my no kissing on the first date rule. . . . but that's OK. He still didn't try so he gets a point for respecting me.

That's how it all began. Within a year we were engaged & we were married the year after that. Scott is the LOVE of my LIFE! He's my best friend. He's the one who can get under my skin the most. But he is the only one that I want to spend the rest of my life with. I know, mushy gushy. . .but it's true. He's stuck with me!

I guess I'll have to take a picture of a picture for our wedding shot & I'll have someone take a picture of us tonight. . . . we're going to dinner.

Forming New Habits

2008-08-03T14:28:00.002-05:00

I've been inspired by Simple Mom blog - more specifically about forming new habits. I have been doing quite a bit of looking inside myself lately & this has forced me to look outside myself as well. (Did that make sense?)

Just a couple of days ago we instituted the clean up as you go rule found here. I'm tellin' ya. . . this Simple Mom site totally rocks! Go there! Go there now! Read it. It could be life changing. For instance. . . Friday evening after supper everyone helped clean up. We cleaned up everything. . .including the floor. No dishes were left unwashed. (OK, so we did leave the hand washed dishes to air dry. This we won't change.) And guess what? Instead of Mom having to stay inside while the 3 boys & Dad went outside for fun. . .MOM GOT TO JOIN THE FUN! How cool is that? And you know what else? No? Well, I'll tell ya. . . having all of that done before bed & waking up the next morning to no dirty dishes & a CLEAN KITCHEN was FANTASTIC! Saturday was another story during the day. . .but we're a work in progress. So far today we're doing splendidly. (don't you just love the word "splendid?")

We had some dear friends over last night - after the trip to the Urgent Care for Carter's nice little bullseye rash around a bug bite - NICE! (He got his blood drawn to check for lovely Lyme's disease) They so kindly informed me, as I boasted about my awesome garden, that I've been picking my sugarsnap peas a little too early. OOPS! (And thanks to those of you who maybe were thinking the same thing when I posted the pic of them. . .but didn't want to hurt my feelings.) So my skinny, underdeveloped peas that I was so proud of, just need a little time to mature before I snap them off the vines. OK, I get it. . .I just need to be patient! Lessons learned. We had a little chuckle from that. But they were fully impressed that I planted the garden in the first place. They have a wonderful garden that is probably triple the size of mine. They're experienced so I love their tidbits of knowledge.

We put up retractable clothes lines last week. I'm very pleased with this. Ever since I read Lola's blog & saw her mission, I've been inspired. She's also freakin' hilarious & talented. . .so I recommend reading her blog too. You don't really need to sleep, do you? Just blog hop. . . that's what I do. Seriously though, another one of my goals is to try to haul my hiney out of bed a bit earlier everyday (yes, even those non working for money type days) which will, in turn, make me go to bed a bit earlier every night. Either that or I'll end up growing horns out of my head or flying on a broom - which could be interesting. I need to restructure my days to get more done. I've read in the blog listed way up there that getting up earlier is good for your productivity. Now, I imagine that's assuming your children stay asleep until a reasonable hour?? Kid free = more productivity??? We'll see how this shakes out with my sun is barely peeking up & I'm awake type kids.

Going to Packer Family Fun Night at Lambeau Field tonight. I'm excited. We're bringing kid 1 & kid 2 but kid 3 is going to have some fun with some neighbors. He would probably not truly enjoy the Lambeau Field experience. Right now I'm debating on whether or not to bring my camera. I think I will. Much of my family will be there & I need more pictures of us together.

OKEY DOKEY then. . .time to get ready. . .

Give Away

2008-07-30T20:08:00.002-05:00

This is a super cool site that I blog hopped to tonight. There is a giveaway going on too so I strongly suggest you check it out & enter it. The Giveaway: Three readers will win a brand new copy of The Creative Family by Amanda Soule. Now I just need to figure out how to edit my blog better. . . I want to start adding buttons. . . I need help!

oooo, did I do it??? Now if I could only add it to my actual template. . . hmmm. . .

Fruits of My Labor

2008-07-28T16:00:00.006-05:00

Some of you may have been expecting to see my 3 boys in this post. . . While they ARE fruits of my labor (heck, Spencer was 15 HOURS of labor!). . . I'm referring to these beauties. . . I GREW THESE! I'm just so excited that veggies are growing in MY Garden!!! I planted late. We have mostly clay. We've had LOTS of rain, wind & hail. And now we're kind of DRY. Woo HOOOOO! The sugarsnap peas are tasty. Hopefully the beets will be too. I'll have to rely on my boys' opinions for those as I'm not a big fan. I'll have to take a shot of the whole garden again. It's getting quite big. I have (or will have) sweet corn, pumpkins, cantaloupe, green peppers, zucchini, green onions & tomatoes in addition to the peas & beets. Not bad for a first time gardener!

In other news. .. I'm putting together the fabric selections for my first quilting project(s). I can't post WHAT I'm doing yet. .just in case the recipients read my blog. But I'll post the finished products later:)

Life Going On

2008-07-26T22:52:00.002-05:00

How is it even possible that life doesn't stand still when someone you love passes on? I mean, really, how dare the ordinary everyday things continue to happen?? Does this make sense? And I don't even have to live right there, seeing reminders of my late Uncle Rich (why do we say "late" anyway?) everytime I turn around. Although, I will say that seeing sunglasses, pink flamingoes, anything football or racecars reminds me of him.

My Aunt Kay - what an amazingly strong woman! I know her heart is still breaking as she realizes Rich will not be coming back. It's only been one week. What she wouldn't give to turn the hands of time back. . . what many of us wouldn't give. Reminds me of the song "One More Day" by Diamond Rio. . . "One more day, one more time. One more sunset maybe I'd be satisfied. But then again, I know what it would do. Leave me wishin' still for one more day with you."

So get off your computers right now. Go grab your loved one & hold them close. We don't know when our time will come. We don't know when their time will come. The only thing for certain is that it WILL come. And most likely, whether it's today, tomorrow or 1700 tomorrows from now. . . it won't be enough time. We won't get to say everything we want to say or do everything we want to do. I'm going to go cuddle with my best friend right now. . .because I still can.

Rich Bessert 1951-2008

2008-07-20T22:53:00.002-05:00

My Uncle Rich died unexpectedly last Friday morning. He was only 57 years old & we just weren't ready to say good-bye just yet. We're still not totally believing what has happened. Services begin tomorrow.

Clifford “Rich” Bessert, 57, a longtime Green Bay resident, died at a local hospital Friday, July 18, 2008, of a heart related illness. He was born March 23, 1951, in Green Bay to Clifford R. and June M. (Butterfield) Bessert. Rich graduated from Ashwaubenon High School with the Class of 1969 and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Technical Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. On July 28, 1978, he married Kay Vander Heiden at St. Agnes Catholic Church. For many years Rich was active in teaching, coaching and mentoring to numerous young adults throughout the area. First and foremost in Rich’s life was his wonderful family. He received distinction in the classroom and on the playing field, but what he really treasured in his career were the relationships that he built with many young men and women whom he had taught and coached. Rich was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather-to-be and a loving brother. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
Survivors include his wife, Kay, Green Bay; two children, Andrea Bessert, Oshkosh; Steve Bessert, Green Bay; his sister, brother and their spouses, Cindy and Bob Kardoskee, Ashwaubenon; Dale and Valerie Bessert, New Franken; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Carlene Bessert, Tom and Nan Vander Heiden, Dave Vander Heiden, Dan and Terry Vander Heiden; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Brian and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bob and Jean Vander Heiden.
Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1484 Ninth Street. Visitation will continue from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church. A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church with Rev. Richard Getchel presiding. Blaney Funeral Home is assisting the family. To send on-line condolences, please visit http://www.blaneyfuneralhome.com/.
A memorial fund has been established in Rich’s name.
The Bessert family extends a special thank you to all of his friends who helped him achieve his dreams.
“Rich was one of the most upstanding men I have ever met. He had a way of stripping off the veneer to get to the truth of the situation. Using the fewest words possible, Rich got to the heart of the matter. He loved his Bride and his two children fiercely. After family and friends, Rich loved football in its purest most honorable form. He recently considered the hundreds of lives he touched through teaching and coaching and told me how lucky he was to have influenced so many. He went on to say that he prayed that he was always a positive role model in everything he did. I can testify there has never been a better role model.” -- Nancy Schultz and her son, Charlie

Where in the World ARE YOU?

2008-07-17T10:00:00.002-05:00

Bring on the comments here people! I want to know where you live. . . you don't have to post your exact address - just your spot on the map. I am in De Pere, WI - very close to Green Bay - home of the Packers. We have 4 seasons: Fall, Winter, Spring & Construction, er, I mean Summer. Over the past few years we have been seeing much more overlap among the seasons. For instance, we had snow in May, 70's in March (for those of you in the Southern part of the US - this is NOT normal for WI). Yesterday there was hale as big as tennis balls in some parts of WI (Thank God it didn't make it here.)
So give me a shout out in the comments section. . .even you lurkers out there. I posted 2 days in a row! That should count for something:) I'm still trying to think up some sort of prizey give away sort of thing I can do. . . I will be purging my scrappy supplies sometime soon (keep in mind soon to me can be anytime in the next 6 months. . . tee hee. . .I'm the queen of putting things off!)

I NEED to work!

2008-07-16T10:56:00.002-05:00

I am ending my sabatical from blogging. . . thanks to Lola (http://lolaagain.blogspot.com/) who commented on my lovely firemen first:) I know it's been quite a while since then. I did have a few weeks off of work thanks to my very interesting work schedule of 2 days a week (12 hour shifts), a week of vacation & then a week of low census in Labor & Delivery. Then I ended up teaching last Tues & Wed, worked the floor Thurs & Friday (people were getting very cozy 9 months ago!) & then I taught again on Saturday. I then had Sunday off only to jump right into another population explosion Monday & Tuesday. Today I am home with my rugrats. I did miss them. . .
Now that you know what I have been up to. . . there are SO MANY topics to discuss: Brett Favre. . . no comment. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle & since I don't have a whole lot of control over what happens (even though I'm a Brown County tax payer & help support the Packers), I choose to try to take it all in & watch what unfolds. He IS the best quarterback to ever walk the Frozen Tundra. Enough said.
Babysitters. . . boy, I hope none of mine read my blog. . . Do you remember when WE babysat? It's a new day, I know that. I just can't quite get how I got paid $2/hr to watch 3 kids under 3 years of age, got them fed, often bathed, put to bed on time, house cleaned up & extra housecleaning done & then finished my homework when I babysat. Maybe it's the letter "S" stamped onto my chest or the cape that I manage to wear. . .but man, I did a lot. I'm not asking that much from my babysitters. . . .all I'm asking is that the kids are taken care of - you know, played with/entertained without too much rough & tumble, Carter's diaper to be changed & the kids to be put to bed by about 8:30 or so - in their beds or somewhere close to their beds before watching TV. Oh, and I pay more than $2/hr - obviously inflation should count for something I guess. Oh, and rules??? We don't eat anywhere but in the kitchen. It's a fairly new house - I'd like to keep the place looking fairly good for a while. (I also hate scrubbing carpet & upholstery.) But lately there are remnants of supper & snacks throughout the great room & the hallway. . . when I ask the boys what the deal is with that. . .they tell me, of course, that it wasn't them. . .but it was the babysitter. And then Spencer, my oldest, pipes up - we told him there's not supposed to be eating in the living room but he said he is older so it's OK. NICE! Now, do I totally believe my kid? WHY WOULD MY KID LIE? HA! Well, I'm not THAT naive. . . I'm sure my kids have something to do with it. Obviously, I need to reinforce the rules a bit more. Just venting here. It's not just this particular sitter either. Before we moved we had sitter issues. In fact, there were times we'd come home & ALL of the leftovers from supper were still on the table - now wasted because they were not properly refrigerated. NICE.
SOLUTION??? I think I should start an Exceptional Babysitter Class. I could train young people the fine art of being excellent care providers as well as space management. . . really, most are making more than minimum wage, tax free I might add, and once they get the kiddos in bed they're sitting watching TV & eating snacks. This would improve customer service & maybe get them a raise. Call it job training:) I'll file that idea away. . .

Speaking of those little people I call my children. . . I need to go entertain them now. I do miss them. . . even their incessant fighting. . .

Oh, & this is my 100th post! Holy snikeys! I have to think of something fun. . . . . .well, maybe for the 101st!

Jen

What I've been up to. . .

2008-07-01T11:37:00.008-05:00

COUNTRY USA 2008

Sharing MY firemen. . . look at these hotties! Oh, & the boys are not bad either! Tee hee! They were in the entrance area collecting cash for muscular dystrophy. Of course, my sis & I HAD to do our part to help. Poor guy's knee from me sitting there! I NEED a tan!

Sugarland on Wed night was FANTASTIC! I want to be like Jennifer Nettles & her extremely thin body & awesome attitude:)

And I also made my debut as a country singer. . . .

I am getting TOO old for this though. I'm still tired. I need a vacation from my vacation! The weekend before last was a NASCAR race in Milwaukee. . I had last week off of my real job helping babies be born. I feel like I worked harder taking care of the babies I grew. They are so funny. . but oh so busy! With Country USA thrown in there I am so spent. And I think I added poundage to my already expanded hips/hind end area. What is UP with that? Why can't it just migrate to the boob area?
We went to Bay Beach & then the Wildlife Sanctuary yesterday. I need to get those pics loaded to my failing PC yet. This poor computer. . it has Alzheimer's already. My new Kodak EasyShare has most likely done it in. Time for some therapy. Of course, the camera battery died prior to many pics being taken. Oh well, I guess I could focus on making the memories instead of documenting them:)

New Concoctions

2008-06-20T14:19:00.002-05:00

My neighbors think I'm off my rocker. . .but I've made some very interesting food discoveries in the past week. It's amazing what you can do with limited ingredients.
Discovery #1 - impromtu chip dip: I had potato chips & once in a while I like to dip them in ketchup. . .don't knock it. . .have you ever had really crispy french fries? This is like the same thing. But this isn't the discovery. I decided to combine the ketchup (organic of course) with some organic raspberry preserves. This was INCREDIBLE! Remember a while back when Tastefully Simple had the Raspberry Chipotle sauce? This is better because there was something in the TS stuff that inevitably sent me running to the bathroom. . .sorry for the explanation there.

Discovery #2 - made at lunch today as a matter of fact. . . have you been to PB Loco yet? This idea was inspired by that place. The boys had quesadillas. . but I ran out of cheese. . .so I had to punt for my own lunch. We have Peanut butter. . . we have cream cheese. And we have raspberry preserves. . why not combine these??? Oh, & let's not forget the green onions! So I took a flour tortilla, slapped some cream cheese, peanut butter & rasp on it. . .& then cut up the green onions. . .wrapped that baby up & then heated it in a pan for a few minutes to meld the flavors a bit. Voila! This was absolutely YUM! I think PB Loco has a version like this only they add lettuce & shredded carrots. . .& maybe some other stuff. Very filling!

Off to the races tomorrow. . . no pun on that one. I'll have pics to share I'm sure:)

Getting in the Game

2008-06-19T18:08:00.002-05:00

I have rolled out of bed at 5:55 AM the last 2 days to walk with my dear neighbor, Kim. We walked for about 30 minutes yesterday & maybe 40 today - subtracting the time it took to coerce a small dog named Cheese back to his yard. It feels GREAT to get moving. It is exhausting come this time of the evening. My body says, "TIME FOR SIESTA!" My kids say, "TIME FOR FIESTA!" No, they don't really speak Spanish. But you get my point. Of course, come bedtime tonight. . .my brain will kick into its 2nd wind & tell my body it can't quite sleep yet.

I have some cool pics that I need to share with you. I just need to get my computer to clear up some space. I need more RAM. I'll work on it. This weekend should supply me with even more adventures as we're going to the NASCAR race at the Milwaukee Mile. Cooler yet. . .we have VIP Pit/Garage passes!!! I'm not a NASCAR junkie. . .but this is going to be cool. Young guys working on cars. . . hmmm. . . need I say more? Of course, I'll be with my loving, adorable husband.

Time for soccer. I'm going stag - well - that is, I'm going with my 3 little men. Daddy is still at work with Jerrick Johnson. . the NASCAR driver who came to visit Rasmussen College today. I'll share pics later:)

Come together

2008-06-11T22:26:00.002-05:00

I've been blog surfing & commenting. Figured I'd better update mine now. We have SO MUCH going on here. And as soon as I figure out what the heck is going on with my Kodak EasyShare software I'll get some pictures posted. Baseball has come to an end & Soccer has revved up. We think Summer is actually going to stick around now too, but one never can be too sure. We are in WI after all.

I planted my first ever veggie/fruit garden. HOLY Shnikees, Batman! Why didn't someone warn me it would be THAT much freakin' work? Of course, I have clay. . not exactly the medium of choice for a garden. And we had someone come with a tractor to break up the sod & work the dirt. But then I waited a bit before getting out there so I needed to till it quite a bit. Of course, this required a tiller. We didn't have a tiller. . .so I went & bought one that attaches to a weed whacker. I am woman. HEAR ME ROAR!!! I bought a manly tool. . .OK, it's a womanly man tool. . .but a man tool just the same. And it worked for the most part. Let's not kid anyone, clay was meant to be molded, not planted. Maybe it will loosen up & be better next year. Maybe I'll shoot monkeys out of my butt. . . sorry, had to.

My boys have discovered many living creatures in the back pond (storm retention pond that is). The little stream that flows from it is in our backyard so the boys have a blast finding frogs, toads, turtles, tadpoles, etc & they like to take said creepy, crawly critters in a pale or whatever they may find to contain them, up to the house. We have a tote container full of polywogs & frogs out front right now. I'm sure some animal of prey is having a great buffet this evening. Nice. And this evening the 2 older boys, along with neighbor boys, decided to have a mud fight. Double NICE. Have you ever smelled swamp mud? Not exactly rosey. Kind of reminds me of smelly, stinky, moldy sock smell. Ewww! And clay. . . so nice when it stains! Hey, maybe I can just rub THAT on my skin instead of spray on tanner! (Thanks to my gardening experience, I am red right now.)

Summer vacation has begun. Who's vacation is that?

My Parker turns 6 on Friday. . . yup, 6 on Friday the 13th. . . creepy combo. We're having his party on Saturday. . . hoping for sunshine! The garage still has my garage sale stuff in it. . .slowly getting rid of that.

Time for night night.

Nippals & Pwivates

2008-05-31T09:46:00.002-05:00

Caught your attention with that one I bet! Had to share the latest Carterism. I was changing Carter, er, Spiderman just a moment ago & he looks down at his chest, points to his nipple & asks, "What's this?" I reply promptly, "That's a nipple." He exclaims, "Nippal!?" I say, "Yes." Then he inquires, "You have nippals?" as he inquisitively looks at my chest. I reply, "Yes, Momma has 'em." He then says as he attempts to lift my shirt, "Me see!" Of course I don't want to terrify the poor child with my National Geographic porn star version of nipples. . .so I say, "No, Momma's nipples are private." He stares at me sweetly & says, "Pwivate? Why they pwivate?" I simply reply, "All girls' nipples are private." I know, so simple. I'm hoping he doesn't go nipple hunting anytime soon. Social services will be knocking on my door. . .

Saving the Earth

2008-05-28T22:47:00.001-05:00

10 Green Things You Can Do This Week Check this out! I've been blog surfing again. . .but this is SO COOL! I just may be linking her blog up to the right folks! Gotta Save the EARTH!

YADDA YADDA YADDA

2008-05-28T21:37:00.002-05:00

Don't know exactly why I titled this the way I did. . .but I did. . . so there! Probably because it's going to be a cluster of topics so I will begin:

Garage sales - not selling the garage - but it's not really a yard sale because I do plan to use the garage & the driveway. . .so why don't we call them Driveway sales?? But then again, driveways could technically be part of the yard. . . so we're back to yard sale. I digress. We're doing a neighborhood sale June 6th & 7th. (so does that mean we're selling the neighborhood? Tee hee, couldn't pass that one up.) Am I ready? Of course not. Why would I be ready already? It's over a week away, right? Yeah. Ok. We'll see how that goes. I am getting rid of a lot of stuff. Let me reword that. . . I'm planning to get rid of a lot. AND, whatever does not sell I will donate. It's part of my 12 step program for being a packrat.

What the heck is up with me update - I'm in limbo on the MS front. So far we have this: MRI of brain has changed since 2004. 2 new areas/lesions. NOT tumors - but demyelination I guess. C spine & thoracic spine have nothing abnormal. Visual evoked responses - normal. Sensorymotor Evoked Potentials - slightly delayed but still within normal limits. Physical exam - normal. Symptoms - improving - still some pain issues with my low back & legs but only when I'm inactive. Seems that being physically active really helps decrease my discomfort.
What's the Plan? I'm taking 1000 mg of Fish Oil 3 times daily, 1000 to 2000 mg vitamin D daily, 250 mg Alpha Lipoic Acid daily as well as decreasing my grain intake. I will be having a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) probably tomorrow. I'm having an anesthesiologist do it. If that is clear - then I remain in limbo & deal with symptoms. OR, I get another expensive genetic test for a rare disorder that isn't very likely. . . AND, I have a repeat MRI of my brain in November. I don't mind having a non diagnosis. The alternative kind of sucks. Then again, knowing what is wrong might be a relief & prove that I truly am not crazy. (well, that could still be debated I suppose) I'm going to remain positive either way. Why not?

Sewing - I've begun to cut out a new purse. I will post it when it's complete. I still have tons of ideas that I hope to be able to put to use one of these days. While attacking the pile of laundry this past weekend I had the TV on & saw some cool things to do to repurpose jeans: making cute skirts by using the waist & hip portions & then cutting panels to attach - I don't explain this well. . .go here:
Nancy's Notions Denim Redesign It's the skirt on the left bottom. Isn't that cool? I really liked the kid version - but I don't have girl people other than myself in this house. You do realize this could cause my clutter problem to become worse, don't you? I mean, those pants that I don't unload at the sale could suddenly find themselves back in my grasps. What cool projects could erupt from already owned items???? It would be a shame or even a SIN to GIVE those away!!!!! (Somebody, quick! Save me!)

Why did I drink coffee at 7 PM? WHAT WAS I THINKING??? Duh! Body is tired. . .mind is not! Or is it the other way around? Or maybe both are tired but restless??? YIKES!

Shout out for Positve JU JU!

2008-05-17T21:24:00.003-05:00

It's been a while since I posted. I have reasons. . . of course, doesn't everyone? This is a shout out for positive thoughts & prayers & overall good "ju ju." (What is "ju ju" exactly? Hmmm. . .) Anyway, I'm being evaluated yet again for MS. This will be the 3rd time in the past 10 year going through some tests. I have symptoms & the MRI of my brain is abnormal, however, my physical exam is normal. So there's nothing for sure but I thought a little shout out for the positive would be a good thing.

I'm not a very private person. . .obviously. And maybe this will be another wait & see kind of situation. . . & I'm OK with that. Really, I am. I hope that I am able to get active again & stay active with the boys & with work. Don't get me wrong, I'm not unable to do things. . .just slightly impaired - sometimes more than others. No crazy, white female thing going on either. . . as I saw the new lesions in my brain. Now to check the spine & some other neurological tests. Then maybe onto the dreaded lumbar puncture. . . yeah, not looking forward to that.
Wish me luck!

Got My Book!

2008-05-03T13:16:00.001-05:00

When I got home from work last night it was here! I ordered this book: http://www.peterwalshdesign.com/3books/3_2book/3_2book.html It's All Too Much by Peter Walsh. . .he was featured on Oprah & I knew I needed the book (funny, I need MORE stuff to fix my problem of TOO MUCH STUFF!). So now I am going to go multi task while reading it. . .