Need homes

These kitties need new homes!!!! Any one want to adopt them??? They are 10 weeks old and are litter trained and eating solid food... FREE!!!!

Let me know if you are ready for a fur-ever family member....

I know it's been forever since I posted but honestly nothing in my life is exciting enough to post about.... I work and come home. I did plant all my flowers today. 30 planters done and the last 10 were done in the dark with the tiki torches lit for some light. I can't wait to see what they look like in the morning. Mark thought I should get them done before I leave on Tuesday. I will be heading to warmer weather (and tornatic weather, I'm afraid) but to Texas for almost 2 weeks. It's my first real vacation (paid) since I started. I have taken vacation days but never two weeks worth. Mark isn't going because he is starting a new job and he is responsible for not killing my plants and taking care of the cats. I will get to see my mom and sister too. Actually, I am staying with my mom and Steve at their home outside of Huntsville. They will be golfing and I will be enjoying the sun and the peace and quiet. So, when I return, I will have something worth blogging about and pictures too. I will take some photos of the flowers too and try to get them on here before I leave....

Holiday fun!!

Well, Mark and I made a very quick trip to Texas for Christmas. We enjoyed the time with my mom and Steve and my sister, Megan and her boyfriend, Michael. She also brought her dog, Skylar. She took a liking to Mark! We drove down in one day and I hope that I don't have to do that again. It was a LONG day/night! We ate great food and saw the movie "The Little Fockers". We enjoyed a country church Christmas Eve service! We were one of 26 total people at the service. Mark said it was like you see in the movies. It was a wonderful Christmas! I hope that all of yours was just as special!

So, it's almost Thanksgiving and thinking over the last year, I have a lot to be thankful for. I have a husband I love, a job I still love, great co-workers, cats with a great sense of humor, family who love me and I am healthy. My friends have had a wonderful year too...new babies, great new jobs, new hobbies that have turned into possible new careers, moves, new vehicles, etc....

I am thankful for all the many blessings I have received this year... may your holidays be stress free and joyful and may the next year be even better.

Welcome to the world Blaze, Eliza, Christopher and CJ!! Can't wait to watch you all grow up!!!!

Well, I guess it's been long enough... I haven't had a lot to talk about. I have been to Chicago for work...the clients' vacation and I worked 5 days straight 24 hours a day! We had a really good time but like with all vacations, we had some rough spots. Some major ones but no one got hurt. This is me out on the ledge of the Sears Tower... it's a glass box that juts out from the edge of the building. I am afraid of heights and was not going out there at all. But we did it together and survived! And we surprised ourselves! I made a mini album but don't have any photos of it since I just finished it this week. I had my mom and step dad visiting from Texas. We had a family reunion at my brother's in October and I did a mini album for my mom and did the pages in the reunion album.

We haven't seen the kids or grandsons since July so I don't have anything to report about them. Our annual pumpkin patch trip didn't happen this year. The schedules didn't work out so our tradition is now broken. I think this is the first year that I haven't been to Vala's Pumpkin Patch in over 10 years. Seems very sad but what can you do...

So, I hope you are all well! I promise that I won't wait so long between posts!

Scrapping again

So, I have been wanting to scrapbook for the last few months but couldn't find the motivation to actually scrapbook. Yesterday, I decided I was going to scrap and went downstairs to get a few items. I didn't know that Mark had brought up the laundry basket until I went to scrap at the table and this is what I found....

I got a little distracted by these two and the tongue shot is my favorite!!!! After the impromptu photo shoot, I actually scrapped. I worked on three different projects all in different stages of development. One was a Teresa Collins kit...Welcome Home. Love that one! It's all about your home...just needs photos. Another one was a Bo Bunny mini album using the Jazmyne collection which is purple, green, and a little yellow. I am going to give it to my sister for Christmas. The last one was a brightly colored paper bag album in hot pink and lime green. I will get the photos up soon. So, I'm off to check out some new purchases I made tonight. I needed a few finishing touches for the projects and then the photos will be posted.

Take care!!!!

Just wanted to let you know that I am still here...but I don't have anything to blog about... I did get to meet that beautiful baby boy, Christopher Daniel. What a gorgeous baby! How sweet! Got to visit with his mom a little bit too. She was trying to work from home and visit... So, other than that... not much else is going on. I have been working and trying to stay busy. Not much scrapbooking getting done either.

So, I am still here...

So, I have been missing in action for a while... I haven't had much to blog about. We went to Okoboji and saw the grandsons a few weeks ago... that's where the photos are from. I guess we did have some remodeling go on. Our bathroom got remodeled. It was to be a 24 hour remodel that lasted 10 days and still isn't quite finished. We have a new bathtub and new walls and flooring. We also put in new carpet in the living room and painted. I don't like the color. It's called Wild Asparagus (light green) I wanted more of a sage green but I got talked out of it. We are living with it. The bathroom is painted Mocha Creme (milk chocolate) and white. Still haven't decided what other accent color yet... Any ideas????

The photos are Blaze (4 months); Griffin (2 1/2) and Brody (5). In order... I will get to see them hopefully in two weeks.

So take care and I will do better about blogging!!!

Ok, it's been way too long since I have been on here. I keep waiting for something to blog about. Last week, I caught up with some really good ladies I haven't seen in almost a year...at our favorite hang out....HuHot!!! It was so good to see them and the boys! I enjoyed some shopping before and after...it was a great day! I also delivered my scrapbook pages for a swap since I can't be there for the crop they are going to next week. I will be at work.

Mark and I went to Okoboji this weekend for Blaze's baptism. It was a nice service and we stayed over at one of the resorts. It was a great chance for us to get away for a change. On our way home, we stopped and purchased some items for our backyard. Mark and I had a good laugh at Menard's and we laughed all the way home. It felt good to have time together.

I have come to the realization that you are given only a certain number of days here and I think we get so caught up in things that we forget to enjoy the little things in life...the laughs, the time in the car, the talks, the Sunday afternoon drives in the country, the photos, the children's laughter and my kitties purring. I think everyone would be so much happier if they could concentrate on the positives and try to overlook the negatives.... I know what you are thinking, she has lost it and maybe I have but I know that I am happier and probably healthier and life is so much calmer... Just a thought!!!

I promise I will have something better in the next post... with photos

Blaze Benjamin

So he is finally here. I have yet to meet him though. Maybe this week. He has had an interesting start to his life already. He was born with very little amniotic fluid (dry birth) which I am sure that was not a pleasant experience for either of them. Then he is sent to the NICU in Sioux Falls, South Dakota where he goes through all sorts of tests. He seems to be fine and should be home by now. Mark and I went up on Saturday morning but didn't see him. I will be heading to Okoboji tomorrow afternoon (I think) to take care of Brody and Griffin. I then leave next Tuesday to go to Texas for a wedding so I will be ready to come home in March, hoping to feel refreshed, or exhausted. We'll see.

ICE....What a nasty word

Ok, so I like winter but this is getting a little ridiculous!! We went without power for 9 1/2 hours today. I'm not complaining that much because we have a roof over our heads and had a warm meal courtesy of the grill but I was getting a little bored and cold. The house temp dropped to 50 degrees and I had on 5 layers and a blanket, scarf and mittens but it was getting a little difficult to move. Even the cats started to get chilly because they crawled up in my lap. I did a book of word searches and beat my husband in 2 games of 500 Rummy and took a nap (early morning right after the power went out). We ended up going to Atlantic to get warm and pick up some batteries and Subway. It is rather pretty with all the ice on the trees but not really helpful to have the branches on the power lines though. I have to work tomorrow night and the house I work in didn't have power back on yet. In fact only one of our houses has power and not sure what tomorrow will bring. No school around here again and they'll be lucky if they go on Friday. Some people up north of us were told not to expect power until next week, so I guess we are lucky and I have nothing to complain about. Now that I got it off my chest, I can beat my husband in another game of 500 Rummy!!!!

Winter Wonderland

So here it is January 16th and it hasn't snowed in over a week!!! Yea for us!!! But our backyard looks like a Christmas card and I personally think it is beautiful!! I do have to admit that these photos came at a price. Luckily, no one witnessed my debacle but it was hilarious just the same! As I was tromping through the snow to get to the far end of our backyard, I fell flat on my face in the snow. Did I mention that I was holding onto my camera and it nose-dived with me into the snow? Panic set it immediately! Is the snow going to break my camera? Did I scratch the lens? It must be my lucky day because my camera works just fine and I didn't break my arm or my nose so life is good. I did see a doe crossing the creek behind my house but I needed the bigger lens to get a closer view of it and after my tromp through the snow, I wasn't going back to the house for it. It was gorgeous and showed up against the white snowy background. I guess you will just have to take my word for it!

My grandson should be making his appearance in the next three weeks. I have his baby scrapbook all done and ready for pictures. I still don't know what his name will be so I will have to add that after he's born or we find out, whichever comes first. I am also making another baby scrapbook for a co-worker who is due in May. I am one of the few who knows what she is having and can't tell. She is telling at next week's Wednesday meeting so I was hoping to have it mostly done by then. I have it all planned out and have started it so we will see.

The girls are trying to get used to me not being here two nights a week and frankly so am I. The air mattress takes a little getting used to as does the sounds of the house. It took me months to get used to the other house I worked in so it will just take time.

Well, I rambled on long enough... take care and enjoy the sights that God has given us...

Well, I started the full time job officially on January 2 but I did work on Friday night at my old house... so in all over the weekend I worked 53.75 hours. Happy New Year!!! We are expecting more snow this week. I guess someone thinks we don't have enough. Mark thinks there is at least 2 feet of snow in our yard in the low spots. I guess it's supposed to start tomorrow and when it's all done we will have 4-7 inches by Friday...and then the blowing begins. Is spring coming soon? I like snow but this is a little ridiculous.

Guess what tonight is?! It's Biggest Loser night!! It has started again. This shows inspires me but not to exercise...just the think about it. It's also the big Iowa game!! I am also watching Grey's Anatomy on Lifetime!!! I get to watch 3 episodes a night!! I have seen all of them at least 4 times but watch then any way. I know I watch too much tv.

So what is everyone up to? I hope everyone is staying warm and I hope that 2010 brings all of you everything your heart desires!! Drop me a comment and let me know how you all are doing... It's been a while since I have talked to all of you....

Take care!!

Discipline problems

So here are the "girls" in their "Time Out Sweaters". This is what happens when these two climb the Christmas tree. The water bottle didn't do much but slow them down a little so I put on their sweaters. It wasn't for discipline but it worked out that way. It was chilly and they were laying by the registers and didn't seem to be to warm so I thought this would be a solution. It ended up being what stopped them from climbing the Christmas tree. You know how when you take the dog to the vet for a haircut and they come home all embarrassed? That was the same effect the sweaters had. It kind of depressed them a little so they didn't stay on for days, just hours and I had peace and the ornaments and the tree thanked me. I finally took the tree down on Saturday and took away the temptation. Hooray!! Maybe the sweaters will be put away for awhile, that is until some other naughty behavior begins.

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas to all of you!! I hope that this holiday finds you all happy and healthy. Mark and I are staying home because of the weather. We were heading to Port Byron, Illinios for Christmas with my dad and Sally and my brother and his family. Mark asked me if I wanted Christmas steaks for dinner but I told him that we should have a real meal...turkey and all the fixings. So, I will be making turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cheesecake for dessert. We are having my friend Sheila down for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. She can't make it home until the weekend so we are going to gorge ourselves and then watch movies all day. I am looking forward to it!!

I got an early Christmas present this year...a fulltime job!! I will be doing what I have been doing but now just fulltime. What that means is I work two nights (3pm-9am) and a Wednesday morning meeting and that is my week. I was offered a different job working days but I really like the overnights. It gives me more time to scrapbook and spend time with Mark. It is such a relief for me...

Well, I hope you all get to spend time with those you love this holiday season!!! Make it memorable!

The "Tree" Girls

Well, it's only a week until Christmas and are you ready? I was actually thinking about taking my tree down. The cats are constantly trying to climb it and are knocking the ornaments off and squirting them with a water bottle only phases them for a few seconds. We have found that putting them in their holiday sweaters makes them docile. More like a timeout for them because they don't like them. You know when you take the dog to be clipped and they hide when you bring them home because they are embarrassed, that's how they act. They walk around and try to walk out of the sleeves...it's hilarious. If I had a video, I could make money. Gracie was down right embarrassed and Izzy got one arm out but after not being able to get the other one out, she put her paw back in the sleeve. She knows who's boss!!

Well, I'm off .... next time I will have some more to post.

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas!!

Well, snow in December makes a white Christmas seem more like a reality than a dream, at least in Iowa. We have 8 inches already and are expecting "thunder snow" in a couple of hours, so they say. I know that I don't have to work tomorrow but an expected to go on Thursday overnight. I hope the wind that is coming tomorrow doesn't do what they think its going to do. Blizzard warning in effect until Wednesday afternoon. I would like to just enjoy the week at home, but we'll see.
So, presents are wrapped but not under the tree. Gracie and Izzy enjoy climbing the tree much to my disapproval. They don't like the spray bottle but it hasn't deterred the cats from climbing and batting the glass balls on the tree. They are cute doing it though but I'm not too crazy about the ornaments all over the floor in the mornings. I like it so much better that they like to nap on the tree skirt under the tree which is why there are no presents under there.
I need to get the Christmas cards ready to send out. I picked up the pictures yesterday and now need to get them finished and addressed. Maybe tonight or tomorrow since the snow will prevent anyone from going anywhere.
Enjoy your time with your family and be careful if you are traveling.

So as you can tell, my tree is up. Mark had a game in Okoboji and Robyn decided not to go or take the boys so I stayed home. Mark has been hinting about putting up the tree and even cleared a spot in the living room. So while he was gone, I put up the tree and even decorated it. This will be new since we didn't put one up last year so Gracie nor Izzy have been exposed to a Christmas tree. They both were sniffing around the tree and batting at the ornaments but both have been content in sleeping on the tree skirt under the tree. Now I just have to wrap presents to put them under the tree, or maybe not since the kitties have adopted that as their new getaway spot. We'll have to wait and see.

We are going to go to Okoboji for Thanksgiving. We are just heading up for the day so it will be fun to see the boys. They are having Griffin's 2nd Birthday party on Sunday and Mark and I won't be able to make it. Good thing I got his present...I just hope I remember to take it with on Thursday.

Anyone braving the crowds and hitting the Black Friday sales? I have never done it and have always wanted to. Those Cricut cartridges at Walmart for $30 might make me try it. I don't think there will be a big run at our Walmart in Atlantic so maybe I can go down at 8am. Wait and see, I guess.

Well, Happy Thanksgiving and I am thankful for all of you. You make my life meaningful!!! Thank you all!!!

Well, I still don't have any photos up...for some reason it says my files are too big. I will have to switch to my little camera and of course the battery is dead. I am so not prepared... Today was my last day at the house I have been in for 9 months. Not my choice but I am required to go where they tell me so instead of the young guys house I will be headed to the older guys house. It is the only house in the company that I haven't worked in. Originally it was the house I wanted to be in when I first started but I have build such a strong bond with my young guys I am sad to leave. My first shift at the new house will be next Saturday. I am sure it will be fine..I keep telling myself at least.
So what else has been going on in my life....I have been enjoying myself in the scrapbook studio. I made an ABC book for Griffin for Christmas and some calendars, mini paper bag albums, mini chipboard albums, Christmas cards, etc... I love this hobby!!!! I have so missed that creative outlet and am so glad that I jumped back in again.
So what is on your Christmas list? I had two items, and already bought my new winter coat. It is light blue and so pretty. I had looked at some and the ones I liked were $229. Unbelievable! Mine was a great deal!!! The other thing I want is a cricut cartridge, From the Kitchen. Pretty simple shopping for me.
Mark and I are heading to Okoboji on Tuesday for a basketball game and then again on Thursday for Thanksgiving. Work on Wednesday and Saturday and who knows what will be going on Black Friday! Maybe some deals out there???? Anyone know of any??? Let me know!!!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!!!!

Family photo shoot

So here they are...my adorable little ones. They are growing up too fast and to think in late January or early February there will be another little boy to add to the mix. How did we get so lucky? This was taken before they left on Sunday morning. We did the pumpkin patch on Saturday and it was perfect. We had a great time and according to Mark it was the best trip out there yet. I will blog more and post some of the photos later. I do have 3 mini albums of the trip to the pumpkin patch done already. I get to keep 2 and one is for those guys. I will post some photos of the albums too. They are really cute. So I wanted to make sure that you didn't think I had fallen off the face of the earth so I will blog later.. Take care everyone!!