tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680270197637199472023-11-16T05:56:03.828-06:00My Inky WorldRamblings about my life, the world, and of course my favorite passtime - stamping!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03029624768609810864noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168027019763719947.post-54842398213104028862009-06-24T10:02:00.002-05:002009-06-24T10:09:51.173-05:00StationerySo, it's only been 3 months. Whatever. Don't judge me. :)<br /><div><div>I've been extremely busy with the wedding whoo-ha, which sounds dirty, but it isn't. We've also had family obligations up the wazoo.</div><div> </div><div>But, I had some pictures I'd taken of stationery that I made for a customer to give as a birthday gift, and I'm an attention whore, so I'm pretty proud. The first picture is everything laid out. The second is with it all contained in it's little box. I'm not in love with it - it still has some kinks to work out. But it will get there as I make more, and I'm sure it will be adorable at my next show in July, even if it doesn't sell well. Sorry, as always, for the craptacular photography. </div></div><br /><p> </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2_sGmfxa-_Marx-AVjjo7sLfvI6nQsXmAVt5dSOiPvUto3ysik5i4WeBj5dF6aAErfz9ZsHQzEcK3D0FSH5ZW6ragG39S31BV9eIRAWoim8muNTe1OJJ-wFpgOYf_yHNDfGprQ2BhFtC/s1600-h/June.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350911021391974706" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 254px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2_sGmfxa-_Marx-AVjjo7sLfvI6nQsXmAVt5dSOiPvUto3ysik5i4WeBj5dF6aAErfz9ZsHQzEcK3D0FSH5ZW6ragG39S31BV9eIRAWoim8muNTe1OJJ-wFpgOYf_yHNDfGprQ2BhFtC/s320/June.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTY7nB91PW3gthQnFn1Upzy2eCapmUEBZHTD4gvOdMDnFYZcVItq8FinGjfxnwP6EsCc0tLGaMdkdZ-lq_QVQHMjZd8MYvAkdnrBwkU3KWyw-AKADpkBlWTXFGNGE-6NiZxhhfrZUHge8/s1600-h/June+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350911029405642674" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 265px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTY7nB91PW3gthQnFn1Upzy2eCapmUEBZHTD4gvOdMDnFYZcVItq8FinGjfxnwP6EsCc0tLGaMdkdZ-lq_QVQHMjZd8MYvAkdnrBwkU3KWyw-AKADpkBlWTXFGNGE-6NiZxhhfrZUHge8/s320/June+003.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03029624768609810864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168027019763719947.post-34008792527232671672009-03-26T13:12:00.004-05:002009-03-26T13:27:56.190-05:00My BabiesI warn you, this story WILL make you cry, so read it with caution (and not at work, like me).<br /><br /><a title="blocked::http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=" href="http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/090122">http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/090122</a><br /><br />Of course, as I'm reading this, I'm thinking of my Molly (or Karma, or Snickers & Penny). If you know me, you know that I love dogs. I'm a hopeless sucker for all things dog, especially puppies and squishy, squeeky toys and soft ears and yippy barks and cuddles! We were definitely a dog family growing up, and Mike and I are definitely a dog family.<br /><br />Thankful thing #39. Molly and Karma. I'll start with Molly because she's my little pumpkin of a dog, and she's the one living with me now. I KNOW she will be like the dog in the story (although I hope we have MUCH more time together). This dog is always up for a good run. She loves her cows and thinks she is one of them. She loves snuggling people (she can't lay on a couch without one of us). She's full of personality, and the big sad eyes, and the squishy little body and the curly tail...ugh, she just melts my heart. She is one of my best friends and I love coming home and getting cuddles from her. I love uncurling her tail. I love kissing the soft part of her head. I love when she comes running to get me at the door. I love laying in bed with her. I love that she's a little hot box and warms me up every time we cuddle. She is the best little dog, and even though she's a Monster, we couldn't live without her. She truly has become our child.<br /><br />Then there's Karma. Karmie is special on a whole other level. She was a rescue dog...dropped at my best friend's vet clinic as a baby with a deformed front paw. They called my mom to see if she still wanted a dog and mom of course said yes. Who could say no to a little puppy in a cast?? So, we named her Karma. That's what we got - she was an evil little dog to begin with. Mom and I finally got her calmed down, and right after that, Mom passed away. One of the saddest moments of my life was coming home to Karma without Mom after she passed away. I sat down with her and cuddled her and explained what happened, and I pray that she understood that Mom would never leave her willingly. Something about her changed after that - she clung to my side and slept a lot. I remember doing the same with her - we slept in the same bed, watched tv together, cuddled...neither of us were very social that year.<br /><br />Long story short, when I moved out of the house into my apartment, Dad took Karma for me so she could have the yard to run in and other dogs to play with. Fast forward almost 2 years later, and Karma will finally be coming back to live with me (and Mike and Molly) on the farm. I think she will absolutely love running around with Molly and the cows. I know she will miss her Penny & Snickers (my dad's dogs) and his house - that's become her home too. But the cool thing about her is that she absolutely remembers everyone and has the biggest family of any doggie I know. Everyone loves her to pieces, and I'm thankful she's coming back to live with me. She'll bring a piece of Mom back into my everyday life, and be there for all sorts of happy times, I'm sure. This poor dog has had too much trauma in her short little life, and I want the rest of her days to be very very happy.<br /><br />So, now that I'm sobbing again, I'll stop talking about my babies. I'm so thankful to be an animal person - they offer a whole different kind of love you can't get from people, that I don't believe I could live without.<br /><br />All is well on the farm front. Funny story about the wedding flower shopping that I'll have to tell another time as this post is getting long enough! Have a great Thursday!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03029624768609810864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168027019763719947.post-87311449161888635862009-03-10T11:02:00.002-05:002009-03-10T11:11:01.870-05:00Broken PromisesNo, it's not really that serious of a post. It's just that I obviously haven't blogged in awhile, so that daily thing is out the window, I do believe. My friend Kristen asked me yesterday if blogged...I think my response was something like, "Well, sorta..."<br /><br />Things have been exceptionally busy since the last time I blogged. Mike and I have been so busy preparing for the wedding as much as we can right now. He has also gotten our herd up to 18 calves, which is keeping him very busy and me entertained. Molly loves to go out and play with her cows...it's really getting pathetic. We think she thinks she's a little cow. I really wish I could figure out what she's thinking sometimes. :)<br /><br />Wedding plans are coming right along. I can't believe it's <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>7 months today until the BIG DAY</strong></span>. (Big scary music here. No, not because I'm scared to marrry Mike, but because I'm scared of deadlines!!)<br /><br />The house is lovely. Coming right along on decorating/unpacking. I've made a fair dent in my scrapping/stamping studio to the point where I can see the floor again. <span style="color:#ff6666;">PROGRESS!!</span> I can't wait to get it done so I can just enjoy it and use it (and share pictures!) I'm so proud of the way it's turning out. I already love spending time there, and can't wait until I can do so without worrying about where everything is going to fit. Who knew I had so much STUFF??<br /><br />Big things are coming our way in the next few weeks! Mike and I are going to see Avenue Q at the end of March. Whitney's wedding is April 4 - so excited for her and Shaun. Patty and I are going to see <span style="color:#33cc00;">Wicked</span> on May 15. CANNOT WAIT! I was on the phone for 2 hours trying to get tickets the day they went on sale.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6666;">#38 thankful thing</span> (I believe that's where I left off): all the experiences I have had, or the opportunities I will have. Considering I live in the middle of the country, I've gotten to visit some very fun places and experience many things. I hope Mike and I are equally lucky to have these new experiences in the future.<br /><br />That's all. Happy Tuesday!!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03029624768609810864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168027019763719947.post-16393174056540584992009-02-06T10:26:00.002-06:002009-02-06T10:29:39.704-06:00Realizing My Weaknesses#37 sort of plays on what I was talking about yesterday, realizing my weaknesses.<br /><br />I'm thankful that Mike is a good compliment to my weaknesses, and thankful that I realize what they are so I'm not overly sensitive.<br /><br />What brings this to mind is an issue dealing with money. I detest money, debt, budgeting...all things financially related. Up until we bought the house, I was pretty financially secure for my age, and very rarely did I worry about money. My bills were paid on time, I could buy whatever I wanted within reason, and I didn't have to worry. Well...that's not the case now. House are expensive, in case you didn't know :)<br /><br />Anyway, I'm very thankful that Mike is exceptionally responsible with money.<br /><br />Boring thankful thing, I know, but it really is something I'm very thankful for.<br /><br />Big plans for the weekend: enjoying the warm weather, Patty's birthday party, Nichole's bridal shower, and cleaning in preparation for the next few weeks!<br /><br />Weight loss update: 9 pounds over 32 days. Not terrible :)<br /><br />Happy weekend!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03029624768609810864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168027019763719947.post-6149950560890102792009-02-05T08:46:00.002-06:002009-02-05T09:36:28.530-06:00Outside the Box#36 leads right in to what I'm thankful for, so I will tell you about my realization yesterday first.<br /><br />I am an idea person. I think that's where my true creativity lies, in my ideas. It's not actually in scrapbooking/card making like I would hope, but more in the ideas, especially thinking outside the box. In my professional life, I can probably count the number of times on one hand that I have been reluctant to change or try new things. I really enjoy trying to think outside the box and come up with new/different ideas that could solve problems.<br /><br />Now, here's the downfall - as good as I am at coming up with these things, I'm equally bad at following through. That's one of my goals for this year is to improve my follow-through on commitments.<br /><br />Anyway, #36 is that I'm thankful I'm able to be creative in my ideas. I'm not a fan of sitting still, waiting for something to fall apart while an idea doesn't work. I'm not a fan of not thinking ahead so problems won't be anticipated. I'm not a fan of being stuck inside a little box of thoughts that doesn't allow for creative problem solving. I'm also thankful that I recognize my weakness in the follow-through, so I can work to correct it, but that's a whole other post.<br /><br />One day til the weekend; happy dance!!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03029624768609810864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168027019763719947.post-40596879519763423312009-02-04T11:23:00.003-06:002009-02-04T11:32:38.397-06:00Hump Day!I laugh any time anyone calls it that. Hee hee.<br /><br />I'm sort of out of my mood. Well, back in it, but it's at least separated itself to only at work.<br /><br />After work last night, I walked a mile and then went shopping. I stopped by Michael's to see if I could find any apothocary jars - which I did, but didn't buy them. I've been on a quest for these jars for months, and I finally found some I love. So, you may be asking yourself, why didn't I buy them??<br /><br />I FOUND OUR WEDDING INVITATIONS!<br /><br />I love them. LOVE them. Yes, I wanted to make my own, but at 200+, I knew that wasn't realistic. Next best thing, I wanted to design them myself. That wasn't happening either, really. Well, it would have been if I had any design skills whatsoever, but, it didn't. So...next best thing was I found these awesome kits that were on sale even!! Yay. Not sharing pictures, because I want everyone to be surprised. (Oh, yeah, Mike likes them too. Maybe not quite the excitement I have for them, but who in their right mind really jumps up and down about paper??)<br /><br />After that, we met Danny and Melissa at Fridays for dinner and drinks. Yummo. I've come to the realization that I need to take my camera with me when I go places. The issue I have with that is that it's pretty large for a digital camera. Don't get me wrong, I love my camera. I love it a lot. But it's big and bulky, and I'm not sure that bulk does much good. I may ask Mike for a new (slimmer) digi cam for my birthday. We'll see.<br /><br />On to thankful thing for the day: #35 (I think my numbering is off...) A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP. I haven't had one in awhile. Not because our new bed isn't comfy (I love it, it's heaven to me), just because there aren't enough hours in the night. When we go out in town (Omaha or Lincoln), we generally don't get home til after 9 or 10. Considering the time I get up, that's pretty late. So, I haven't been getting as much sleep as I need. I have, however, been more dedicated to some exercising. I've walked at least a mile every night this week and plan to do the same tonight and tomorrow for sure.<br /><br />That's all. Happy Humpin', folks. Giggle.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03029624768609810864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168027019763719947.post-70816305090099300292009-02-03T11:06:00.003-06:002009-02-04T11:34:03.217-06:00Still in a MoodHopefully this post will knock me out of it.<br /><br />#34 (ETA: I have issues counting. Anything over 20 makes me stumble): Mike (I told you he would pop up a bunch of times)<br /><br />Yesterday was the anniversary of our first date. I'm thankful for the last year with him. For him helping me to understand that a good relationship is hard work, but it doesn't have to be stressful and seemingly impossible. It doesn't have to be a constant struggle or feel like I'm sacrificing. Thankful to him for showing me an entirely new life that I didn't even know I wanted until I had it. I'm thankful that he is the most kind, generous, sweet, loving man I've ever known. I'm thankful that I get to spend the rest of my life with him.<br /><br />Okay, you can stop gagging now. I'm a little cheerier.<br /><br />I have a feeling this week will be infinitely busy. I'm still yet to work on my studio, which means I really can't stand stamping right now in all that clutter. Hopefully I will be able to get in there tonight or tomorrow night and start organizing.<br /><br />3 more days til the weekend :)Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03029624768609810864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168027019763719947.post-79285140309268137002009-02-02T10:01:00.002-06:002009-02-02T10:03:35.420-06:00In a MoodRight now, probably not the best time to blog, so this will be short and sweet (and hopefully cheer me up).<br /><br />#31: Thankful for the people in my life who make me loosen up. I needed to do that to de-stress, and I did just that on Saturday night for Nichole's bachelorette party.<br />#32: Thankful for lazy days in my jammies, even if I do feel guilty afterwards. I needed that too.<br />#33: Thankful for my life. Icy roads + stupid drivers = really scary start to my Monday morning.<br /><br />Happy Monday.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03029624768609810864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168027019763719947.post-73279745374119093092009-01-30T08:40:00.003-06:002009-01-30T08:48:06.018-06:00Ugh.Alright, postive (thankful) spin on this morning's events:<br /><br />#30: I'm thankful I'm competitive.<br /><br />We're doing biggest loser at work, so everyone's really obsessed with weight and what they're eating. Overall, I am a firm believer that this is not healthy behavior, so I try not to engage in it as much as possible. That doesn't mean I'm not concerned, and I do appreciate the support. However, I've changed many of my eating habits and I've been exercising regularly on the Wii Fit. Anyway...I'm thankful that my competitive nature has been the motivating factor in me finally taking the steps to become healthier.<br /><br />I am not thankful that I am affected <em>this</em> much when I don't do as well as I would have liked. Weight count: lost 6 pounds in 25 days. Not terrible. Not where I'd like to be.<br /><br />I worked out like crazy last night, worked on a little project, and then enjoyed some rest before bed, watching Ace of Cakes. I love that show. I wish I could find a picture of what I'm looking for, but they had a cake on last night that they called the "monster cake" because it was so tall. Easily 8 layers, probably more. It was gorgeous! No, I don't want a cake that's 8 layers, but I do love what they did with it, and may use the idea for our wedding cake. No hints, you'll just have to show up to the wedding. :)<br /><br />That's all. Have a goodie.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03029624768609810864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168027019763719947.post-84634702942877369072009-01-29T09:43:00.003-06:002009-01-29T10:46:44.603-06:00I Had A ThoughtI know, they're rare :)<br /><br />At the beginning of the year, Ali challenged her blog readers to come up with a word for the year. A word they want to focus on for the net year, incoporate into their life, strive to acheive, etc. I LOVE this idea, and although I'm a little behind the times, I'm going to go ahead and pick one:<br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ff6666;">THANKFUL</span></strong></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">Sometimes I have issues seeing the blessings in my life for all the bumps in the road. But it's been hitting me more and more the last few weeks how lucky I am, and I want to be aware of that every day and focus on everything that makes my life so awesome.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">So here's my thought: each day on my blog, I'm going to post what I'm thankful for that day. Now, I know myself, and it may not be every day, but before December 31, 2009, I will have listed 365 things I'm thankful for. Plus - wouldn't that be a great mini album?? I can insert pictures/stories where I have them, list the rest, and forever have an album of all the great things in my life! </div><div align="left"><br />So, I'm 29 days behind, which means you get a list of 29 before I start with my one-a-day. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">1. Above all else, my faith in God. Enough said.</div><div align="left">2. Mike. I'm sure Mike will show up on my list, time and time again, in different ways. There are so many things about him that I am thankful for, but what immediately came to mind to encompass it all was that he loves me. In his love, I get his friendship, his laughter, his sweetness and caring, his goofiness, his honeriness (is that a word??), and I get unconditional acceptance of all the crazy/goofy/ridiculous things I do in my life.</div><div align="left">3. Our home. I'm sure many people know that I've moved around a lot since I left for college in 2000. In the last 9 years, I've moved 18 times. I am so exceptionally thankful to be in a place that is HOME and where I will not have to pack/move/unpack again forever!</div><div align="left">4. Molly. I love that pooch. She brings so much laughter into our lives (along with many frustrations). It's impossible to be mad at her for long though, with the flat little face and the curly tail...even when she did somehow manange to get on the kitchen counter. </div><div align="left">5. My friends. I really do have an amazing bunch of friends, some closer than others, but all very supportive of me and the things I do. And very tolerant of my goofiness :)</div><div align="left">6. My family. I love them. Can't get enough. (For the most part!)</div><div align="left">7. Memories. Without them, I'd be without my mommy. </div><div align="left">8. New challenges. Last year, at the this time, I had NO IDEA I would be where I am today. Mike and I hadn't even started dating yet (our "anniversary" is Monday), so how the heck would I know that I'd be a (future) farmer's wife, doing chores with calves, chasing my puppy around the farm, driving 130+ miles to work round-trip each day, and so on. I also didn't know I would be a part of an amazing new family, make many new friends, and so on. Each day is a challenge, in a very good way.</div><div align="left">9. My stamping/scrapbooking obsession. My grandma (dad's mom) is very crafty. My great grandma (mom's grandma) was an amazing painter. Mom was very crafty. I also wanted to be and never found anything I was really good at. Until now. I love stamping and scrapbooking - it's an amazing creative outlet, it makes me feel closer to my mom and grandmas (even though they didn't scrapbook or stamp), it helps me de-stress, and I think I'm okay at it :)</div><div align="left">10. Cupcakes. Yup, I love 'em. And all things cupcake. </div><div align="left">11. My nephew Michael John. That kid is awesome. He's smart, always happy, adorable. He has been such a good person to have around in the hard times - it doesn't matter how upset we all are, we look at him and feel this sense of calm and hope and happiness. </div><div align="left">12. Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer. </div><div align="left">13. The Internet. I know that sounds superficial, but it's really not - it has kept me in touch with so many friends, allowed me to meet so many people I wouldn't normally, it inspires me, connects me, educates me, amuses me. Love it. </div><div align="left">14. Laughter. I love laughing. I love making people laugh. </div><div align="left">15. Being in love. It's such an awesome feeling :)</div><div align="left">16. The smell of hay after a long day. I had no idea that I one day would equate that smell with home</div><div align="left">17. TV shows that I love. I know it's not very deep or meaningful, but watching something as simple as a reality show or Grey's Anatomy takes a lot of stresses away.</div><div align="left">18. Naps. LOVE naps.</div><div align="left">19. My education. I've been very lucky to learn so many things in so many different capacities. There are many times I miss being in college at ISU and knowing my focus was on learning. I think that's why I try to take in so much now on things I love.</div><div align="left">20. The traveling I've been able to do. I was just talking with Mike last night about some of the things we've done and I realized how very fortunate I have been to see our country. </div><div align="left">21. My love of reading. Thank you Book-It program!! </div><div align="left">22. Radio. It gets me through the day at work. Love songs that evoke memories, make me giggle, make me chair dance, whatever!</div><div align="left">23. Bright colors and awesome textures. Great inspiration!</div><div align="left">24. School/office supplies. There's something so exciting about a new pen or post-it notes (I sound like Tom Hanks in You've Got Mail). I've always loved office supplies though.</div><div align="left">25. Fall weather. I maintain that one of the happiest days in my life (of just being, not because of anything else that was happening that day) was when we first moved into the house, I took Molly down in the yard and watched her run while enjoying the awesome weather and watching the sunset. </div><div align="left">26. Common sense. A comment in my work email just made me very thankful that I was blessed with common sense.</div><div align="left">27. The color pink. It makes me happy. :)</div><div align="left">28. My camera. Ties back into the memories thing. But I love taking pictures and sharing them with people.</div><div align="left">29. Being done with this list? Just kidding. Sarcasm? Yeah, let's go with sarcasm. It's a great release for me, and I generally get some giggles.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">That's really difficult to do. I will not be letting the list get this behind again!! </div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03029624768609810864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168027019763719947.post-42797164501407245992009-01-28T08:23:00.002-06:002009-01-28T08:35:32.601-06:00A New Blog to StalkThose of you who are aware of my creative obsessiveness know that I stalk several blogs daily. These are women who inspire me with their creativity, and more often than not, leave me in awe of their amazing talents. On my most recent blog stalk, the very talented <a href="http://aliedwards.typepad.com/_a_/">Ali Edwards </a>recommended the blog of a jewelry designer Andrea Scher (Superhero Designs). So, I ventured over to <a href="http://www.superherodesigns.com/journal/">her blog</a> and found these lovely words:<br /><em></em><br /><em>It's true that I have been thinking about this a lot as I watch Obama tirelessly give speeches, attend parties, and grin for the camera. Just looking at the magazine rack these days will make your head spin, seeing his face on so many covers. That man must be so tired! But someone told me once that we are every character in our dreams... and I see that it holds true in this case as well. Some part of me was whispering, "Let go... It's okay to preserve your energy. People will still love you."<br />I offer this up because I suspect that there more of you out there. We give sometimes because we are afraid... afraid people will not like us if we don't, that we won't be generous if we don't, that we will be forgotten. Sometimes we don't have it in us, but we are afraid to let go, to trust that just being who and how we actually are is enough. This little dream for me was a gentle whisper and call to authenticity... an invitation to relax in knowing that I am loved and held unconditionally, that I can put down the striving, at least for a moment.</em><br /><br />Can I have these printed on a tshirt?? First, how awesome to see someone who is obviously so talented and therefore busy as can be write these words. I have this issue more often than I care to admit, generally finding myself completely stretched thin on most days. I try to remind myself that doing it all means all my commitments won't get ALL of me, but that little voice in my head is often overshadowed by my desire to please everyone. Yes, I have lofty ambitions, but I am not a superhero. I do not have extra hours in the day to draw upon for all the things I commit myself to doing.<br /><br />Does that mean I can stop, just like that? No, probably not. I don't want to let down the people I've already made commitments to. But, I will think before I agree to something again, and I will try to be careful volunteering my time (that I don't really have!) Our wedding, our home, our families, and our time together are so important and I need to realize that they are top priorities!<br /><br />Speaking of family, my little Monster was spayed on Monday. She made it through everything just fine (even had a couple of teeth pulled) and is back to her wild little self! We can tell she's tired, but she's a trooper around everyone else, running and jumping and playing like normal. While she was gone, Mike and I were worried sick, and I realized a little how scary it is going to be to be a parent. I guess we'll keep preparing and cross that bridge when we come to it.<br /><br />I haven't stamped in many many weeks. My room is a complete disaster and I generally cry just walking in to it. I know organizing things will take time, and we don't have much of it, but it's exceptionally frustrating not to be able to do what I love without having to crawl through piles of stuff.<br /><br />In wedding news: we have a lead on a caterer, and I've figured out what I'm doing for pew decorations, so I've been busily making them. Tedious, repetitive, (seemingly) never-ending...but I love the result!!<br /><br />Have a fantastic day!!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03029624768609810864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168027019763719947.post-4804446199425441272009-01-08T08:51:00.000-06:002009-01-08T08:52:15.638-06:00Sick :(Well, I've managed to change the look of my blog, sorta. That's about it. I was blessed with a cold this weekend (sarcasm) that won't go away, it seems. That's all I've managed to do, in fact.<br /><br />Here's hoping this thing clears up soon!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03029624768609810864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168027019763719947.post-31684757485928823312009-01-02T11:30:00.002-06:002009-01-02T11:37:50.646-06:00Happy New Year!!A post on goals (we'll call them goals rather than resolutions)<br /><br />1. Lose weight!! Hello. Who doesn't have that goal? But, with the wedding, and impending family plans after the wedding, I'd like to be more in shape and happier with the way I look. We're doing Biggest Loser here at work, so that will be my immediate motivation. And I got the Wii Fit, so I'm super excited to start using that as well :)<br /><br />2. Organize my space. I am so fortunate to have this space for crafting/stamping/scrapbooking. I absolutely MUST get it in order, ASAP and use it to it's full potential. End of story.<br /><br />3. Relax!! I'm always stressed. ALWAYS. There IS NOT that much in life to be stressed about, I'm sure of it. I'm so fortunate to live the life I do, I'm going to calm down this year and be thankful. And enjoy.<br /><br />I think those three are the key. I have some small goals about my creating that have been and will always be there, and I'll keep working on them.<br /><br />Good luck with your goals as you set them!!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03029624768609810864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168027019763719947.post-61594472094301195282008-12-31T12:38:00.003-06:002009-01-02T10:33:23.340-06:00Yup, it's been awhile"these are our homes, our private worlds; let them welcome us and make us happy. let them grow and not stagnate. let them be mirrors of our personality and not the reflections of others; let them be splendid achievements of self-expression." eleanor mcmillen brown<br /><br />I found this quote on a blog I read daily (if at all possible)...if you haven't been to <a href="http://beckynovacek.typepad.com/live_and_learn/">Becky's </a>blog yet, I highly recommend it, for her creativity, inspiration, thoughts, talent...I could go on and on. I'm a huge fan, to say the least.<br /><br />Anyway, the reason I posed this quote is both to remind me of a goal I set, and to share with you that the goal hasn't gotten far from my mind. It's been awhile since I've posted because life has been more than hectic the last month +. The holidays are always like that for me, and this is no different, but we've added some family sadness into the mix. For those who don't know, my grandfather's health has taken a steep decline in the last month, and he was admitted to a care facility the day before Thanksgiving. He's strong, of course, and stubborn like most Meadows men (and a few of the women), and we pray for his peace and comfort daily.<br /><br />Back to my goal. Making our house a home. It will happen, in time, because our relationship took time to build, our personailities, our individual talents, interests, and concerns...all that didn't happen overnight either. I'm really pleased with the way our home is turning out. I think it's warm, and comforting, and peaceful to me. I'm at ease when I get home at night. I need that - I think we all do.<br /><br />Not that I have many readers, but for those of you who do, I hope you had a blessed Christmas, and a very safe, happy, and healthy New Year!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03029624768609810864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168027019763719947.post-60682671309304875292008-11-12T08:44:00.003-06:002008-11-12T09:31:12.676-06:00RealizationHey, guess what? They close the courthouses on national holidays too!!! Now, yes, I knew this, but it didn't even cross my mind yesterday when I sped down to Nebraska City, flew up to the courthouse 5 minutes before they were supposed to close (I don't fly anywhere), and then completely deflated when I read the sign that they were closed. Yeah. I'm an airhead.<br /><br />So, I titled this post, "Realization" because I came to a realization. Clever, huh? I actually have been coming to this realization for awhile now but it hit me this morning that it's not going away. I love to craft...whatever it is, I love doing it. I really love scrapbooking, but have no time. I love taking pictures, I love making cards, I even consider cooking/baking crafting. Almost all day, that's what my mind is on...what projects I can create, what things I'd like to do for whatever holiday is coming up, whatever. And then I get home with all these great ideas and good intentions...and do nothing. It's not because I don't want to. It's because I get home and I'm so utterly exhausted that I can't really muster any creative energy. So...my realization is this: I need to do this full time, somehow. Whether it's actually profitable, or if it's in my spare time while staying at home, whatever. Then I could get my things done and actually live my life. I hope.<br /><br />Not sure how all of this will happen, but that's my dream.<br /><br />Back to the grind... :)Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03029624768609810864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168027019763719947.post-63085448226362709442008-11-11T11:25:00.002-06:002008-11-11T11:34:03.471-06:00Ideas Floating AroundIn my head. Making me very excited to work on some projects. And do I have time to go shopping tonight for the supplies?? NOPE. I'm going to Nebraska City to get my Nebraska driver's license, finally, so I can get my car plated in our new county tomorrow. Lovely.<br /><br />So...in an attempt to hold myself accountable for these projects (and take pictures to share them when they're completed), I'm starting "The List". I'll probably add things to the list in future blogs, I'll title that section "The List." Perhaps I'll even figure out how to cross things off The List when I've completed them!<br /><br />The List:<br />Advent calendars for Michael and Quintin & Audrianna (Thanksgiving gift)<br />Altered canvases for the stairwell/studio (and wherever else I can find to hang them)<br />Family wall hangings for around the house (and possibly Christmas gifts)<br />Paper Christmas trees for the next craft show/our house at Christmas<br /><br />That's all for now. I can probably start on the wall hangings tonight, but I really want to get the advent calendar done first since it's the first occassion I have coming up.<br /><br />Exciting livestock news: Mike's dad FINALLY found our calves. Take a guess at where they were....I'm waiting. Seriously, they were in Greenwood. Which is like...8 miles from our rented pasture. Are you kidding me?? Calves are fat and lazy. I wouldn't walk 8 miles just for the fun of it, why on earth would they???? I'm glad they're found though, and I think Mike will probably go move them on Wednesday to our house so we can actually say we live on a farm. :)<br /><br />I think that's about it. Have a great day!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03029624768609810864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168027019763719947.post-66469283095726397082008-11-06T09:31:00.005-06:002008-11-06T10:42:46.798-06:00Simple Joys<div>Silly me, I didn't have the forethought to take pictures of what I made last night for my craft show on Saturday. They're these cute gift tags (two sets, one wintery and one Christmasy), packaged in a tin hinged box with some coordinating ribbon. I like them :)</div><br /><div>I'm super excited because Mike's mom had some broken tiles in her store and fished through them to give me the ones that were still whole. Mike will cut them tonight to make me raw 4x4 coasters that I can stamp on for the craft show. I wish I was this ambitious in making things BEFORE the week of the show :)</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1mSuygYscxDbjDxPBAI5fkz6snn9ZSNWfZESoCGGagn6-qevNlU_wnVXp_V7EyP7GKF-emIq1BXwcxAr8I1cWO8hBYlky0hDj5zjmeeLivRATN4OT1ZdqCkgqdRjGfNzKeZWoSnUutns/s1600-h/July.October+369.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265570242273335810" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 211px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1mSuygYscxDbjDxPBAI5fkz6snn9ZSNWfZESoCGGagn6-qevNlU_wnVXp_V7EyP7GKF-emIq1BXwcxAr8I1cWO8hBYlky0hDj5zjmeeLivRATN4OT1ZdqCkgqdRjGfNzKeZWoSnUutns/s320/July.October+369.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Since I don't have a card, I thought I'd share this picture of Michael, taken at the zoo when he was playing in some water. I love the look on his face! There's something so amazing about seeing a child just enjoy their surroundings. It's been an awfully long time since I was that happy about something so simple. So, I thought I'd reflect on simple things that make me that happy, as an adult. </div><div>1. Fall colors, especially leaves on trees. There is NOTHING that makes me happier, nature-wise. I can go from the worst to best mood in a heartbeat (and that actually happened last Friday). I walked in the house with the biggest smile on my face after seeing gorgeous fall trees. I'm hoping I can get back out to that spot this weekend to take pictures, before they freeze and fall off :(</div><div>2. Reading a crappy book. Sometimes I read some incredibly intelligent things. Most of the time, I read things about creativity that are really well written as well. But there is the occassional book that is just silly. It's a cheesy romance or whatever, but honestly, it's written like I would tell a story to one of my friends. And for me, it's okay to read a book like that, because it's more like a real part of my life than most of the intellectual stuff I read!</div><div>3. Seeing a great photograph of someone I love. I was in such a fantastic mood after seeing my cousin's wedding pictures. It makes me exceptionally happy to see professional pictures of Michael. I can't wait to see our wedding pictures. </div><div>4. Getting mail. Not bills or junk mail, but actual mail that was thought out and specifically sent to me. It's so nice that someone will take the time to hand-write on something, pay to attach a stamp, and put it in the mail, rather than just hurrying up and sending me an email. </div><div></div><div>Those are my four for now. I have no idea if anyone actually reads this, so if you do, leave me a comment with some of yours.</div><div></div><div>Have a great day!<br /><br /></div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNBA45eI3f1kd675OY2KE0jAIxXeJvnLKQUrnwkfa3-m9oUqSVgEEt-V6pvgpYARxQhp9ffOHjTb8R6uA8Y0UFDcgpg_727ozWaOTokHE1-kGgJr3-kizZNmQWE7xqHvL9sF3RGypjN6C/s1600-h/bw1.jpg"></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNBA45eI3f1kd675OY2KE0jAIxXeJvnLKQUrnwkfa3-m9oUqSVgEEt-V6pvgpYARxQhp9ffOHjTb8R6uA8Y0UFDcgpg_727ozWaOTokHE1-kGgJr3-kizZNmQWE7xqHvL9sF3RGypjN6C/s1600-h/bw1.jpg"></a></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03029624768609810864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168027019763719947.post-91491115338644995882008-11-05T08:24:00.006-06:002008-11-05T09:04:52.860-06:00Relief<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nnD8Ga4jNI5tMjrZtCA5FNtssjeOTjUsf8zTZoTFd_wbi7Hhgq-6cKzwVnteEgh0VuNZKB9UHTArcTBcvko7aJjDmOuNTwMotgnV7ypnIbIA1-3dJZmwabaXDrs1Iot73J8V_QmzwAMa/s1600-h/RRR+ThankYou.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265189185588770946" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nnD8Ga4jNI5tMjrZtCA5FNtssjeOTjUsf8zTZoTFd_wbi7Hhgq-6cKzwVnteEgh0VuNZKB9UHTArcTBcvko7aJjDmOuNTwMotgnV7ypnIbIA1-3dJZmwabaXDrs1Iot73J8V_QmzwAMa/s320/RRR+ThankYou.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div>I cannot tell you how happy I am that Obama won. This country is so ready for a change - I am so ready for a change. Granted, either candidate would have provided that, and I actually think McCain is a great man. I admired him quite a bit when I lived in AZ. I thought he did great things for the state and I know he would have been a strong leader. I just think our country is ready to go in a new direction, instead of down a parallel path. Okay, politics over :)<br /></div><div>I wanted to quickly post a thank you card I sent off yesterday. This is one of my favorite cards, for some reason. I love the color combo (Riding Hood Red, Old Olive, Ruby Red, and Whisper White), love the Pretty Peonies set, love the other set with the sentiment (and I just spent the last 30 minutes looking for the name - I have no idea what it's called all of a sudden). </div><br /><div>I'm pretty proud of myself, actually posting things and sending them out. I'm one of those people who has good intentions and never quite follows through on card sending. I have a huge stash (partially for craft shows), but there's no way I can justify all that ti<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6cr5umKizcSH2DiCy1E2lPbyKnqRbmd6LfCYifTXGr8EOA69zIwuIaR1sF3mPmTEFXIihwQ8nn_r6slGEwqy1zW6YsxfyEPch6IGDZQ6zyDUaK8B4IawSxLmsqox0Oy6uh0ClaAdxmsE/s1600-h/July.October+297.jpg"></a>me spent and money spent without actually sending them (not that the sentiment isn't there, regardless of sending a card.)</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265188987706736946" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZuhf3gO_ewr3iUq6J_B3i0t35Csrl84rKB1SXIXcdTX7x7BTP84C-Pcp_hEdb62C3dRlEVgh49OAqfbgAlO5t7a2mMBfj7aS-2XDV8LcY6gRNnLn-Ji-ANdTPbRyObwoNV12UJqLwVyw/s320/July.October+298.jpg" border="0" />Also wanted to post another picture. Molly, growing up :) She's going to be 6 months soon, I can't believe it. And, the famous big girl collar is on. She looks so grumpy in this picture for some reason, but she was really having a blast running around the yard with me while I took pictures. And she's getting much better about taking pictures. I tell her "Smile pretty!" and she sits or looks at me for a few seconds so if I'm on the ball, I can take her picture. Love that pooch. </div></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03029624768609810864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168027019763719947.post-77342768282071912032008-11-04T09:06:00.003-06:002008-11-04T09:21:30.326-06:00My First Stamping Post<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRKsK5EJBMymPZOUiedCgqHLy7DkezBzCxZD7Er0wH_7QlRDPvUHLV_IkAZI4REX4AdfgaMmBUtIWWgvxwUNOiUO8H4KczYVnDAeiQ9K3mwPviBTGabX0QM5MqZYJYCw2X47s7j7VXzA5/s1600-h/SS+Amazing.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264822458151162834" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 252px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRKsK5EJBMymPZOUiedCgqHLy7DkezBzCxZD7Er0wH_7QlRDPvUHLV_IkAZI4REX4AdfgaMmBUtIWWgvxwUNOiUO8H4KczYVnDAeiQ9K3mwPviBTGabX0QM5MqZYJYCw2X47s7j7VXzA5/s320/SS+Amazing.jpg" border="0" /></a>Maybe? I can't remember. Anywho... <div><br /><div>Here it is. I wish I could give the deets, but this is the problem with blogging away from my studio. I CANNOT wait until it's all set up.</div><br /><div></div><div>I know the base is a piece of 8.5"x5.5" Summer Sun (SU!) cardstock. The stamps for both the sentiment and the flower stem are from the SU! set Pretty Amazing (I think it's either retired or dormant). The flowers are from the Noteworthy line. The first layer is Taken with Teal, second is Old Olive, and both are dotted with black marker. I sponged Summer Sun ink around the Whisper White layer. I love how the flowers are from a different line but still match the SU! cardstock pretty well. I'm one of the obsessives who loves things to match.</div><br /><div></div><div>Wish I could give better details/instructions, but I suppose this is better than nothing. :) I sent this card to Megan, our very talented engagement/wedding photographer, thanking her for taking our engagement pics and doing such a fantastic job. Mike and I really did have fun with the shoot (depsite us both hating having our picture taken) and we were very impressed with how the pictures turned out. Plus, she is so sweet, and we had a chance to meet her husband and talk with him as well. Great couple, can't wait to work with them! </div><br /><div></div><div>Last night was a blur. I came home from work and let Molly out to play and promptly fell asleep. I was completely exhausted and knew I wouldn't make it. Driving home feeling like that wasn't good either. So...got up, made some dinner, and lounged on the couch with Mike. I had all these ambitions to unpack more or work on cards for my upcoming craft show, but sometimes I just need to rest. I really hope I'll be able to stick to my schedule this week for unpacking/crafting. So much to do for this weekend, so little time.</div><div> </div><div>Go vote!! Have a great day :)</div><div> </div></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03029624768609810864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168027019763719947.post-18772473406205396222008-11-03T14:38:00.013-06:002008-11-03T15:13:07.070-06:00I should have made this a goal....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbilsAUIVjtDjtIrXCKLL291DdrPBEpyMyBCAtwMLFrBER7rafVLCOF6vYjCJQ_lAIo-hHtD9vGEPvtAR18qvC3jJTZOy8r4SQjZQe7Mlu2aNYeAS94VeqCAVQGgdnJ2DfhnOdMKwzWdb0/s1600-h/goals.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264540696016665890" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 230px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbilsAUIVjtDjtIrXCKLL291DdrPBEpyMyBCAtwMLFrBER7rafVLCOF6vYjCJQ_lAIo-hHtD9vGEPvtAR18qvC3jJTZOy8r4SQjZQe7Mlu2aNYeAS94VeqCAVQGgdnJ2DfhnOdMKwzWdb0/s320/goals.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>To blog on a more regular basis. It's funny...I read certain people's blogs everyday, and yet don't even think about updating mine. Granted, they have hundreds of people reading theirs and I'm pretty sure I'm the only person who reads mine, but whatever :)<br /><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div>So, I'm big into goals. They usually don't happen, but I always set them. And being that I live about 2 months ahead of real time because I'm always thinking about what I have coming up...Christmas, wedding, etc..., I'm sort of in the New Year goal setting mode. So...here's my scratchy paper of goals. Not sure you can read them, and not really the point, but I thought if I publically posted my scratchings, maybe it would hold me more accountable. SO...if you talk with me, push me on these things, they really are important to me. </div><br /><br /><div>Last week we saw our engagement pictures and I love them! Meg is an awesome photographer. Mike and I had a really good time shooting them at the pumpkin patch and seeing them made this whole wedding gig A LOT more real. There's a couple I just love to pieces and can't wait to get my hands on them so I can show everyone. I think they're really Mike and me, if that makes sense. A little goofy, a little cheesy, but definitely fun. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>And after seeing them, I was totally inspired to look at some of my own pictures. I also found this amazing blog of a local photographer on a national site, and I can't believe I'd never heard of her before now. I'm sure she's a bit spendy, but someday, I would LOVE to have her take pictures of our family. Anyway, I was out playing with Molly last week and had my camera because I wanted to take pictures of her big girl collar, when I looked up and saw our amazing sunset. I'd seen it before, but it never stops being gorgeous. I spent more time snapping pictures of the sunset than I did of Molly - although I managed to get a couple good ones of her too :) </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264541065908428738" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3JdAnfIZTaBww0_OYIx5varSKUoFpFlnfsCt-BvUpegdCZP4fKIrG620cVI7U_1wh5ssTCaNmn95dQBsOFro3-YuXGPNVSnKHBvUyHYd8ttw6DUQ229hwTWsqL8_xST2MjgvHDMfoQ4q/s320/July.October+002.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>So, I'll just upload a bunch of photos that I found when I was looking through my camera. Seeing my life through my lens makes me realize even more how blessed I am.</div><br /><div>This is Mike and Michael, pointing at a monkey at the zoo. We took all 3 kids this summer, and it was so cool to see those two together. I know Mike is great with his niece and nephew, but it was awesome to see him bond with my nephew too. </div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9OqvL9yLuf9Smob1YIS48iJg2p6JVlew7unbIhyphenhyphen5yVZ31pQHektc5hsVOFb0BQuLs-GcmpZ3wPTtwwYNft3PH_4eeXdj5s9uXw_a9g45leLIGXvUSDMk6rhQIzK2V4yaJhI6YN_ZexU8/s1600-h/July.October+015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264536033656024594" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9OqvL9yLuf9Smob1YIS48iJg2p6JVlew7unbIhyphenhyphen5yVZ31pQHektc5hsVOFb0BQuLs-GcmpZ3wPTtwwYNft3PH_4eeXdj5s9uXw_a9g45leLIGXvUSDMk6rhQIzK2V4yaJhI6YN_ZexU8/s320/July.October+015.jpg" border="0" /></a>To the left is the three kids looking at something behind the glass. I love the lighting of this picture though, and their three little heads. Especially Quintin and Michael, looking up, hands pressed on the glass. SO cute!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsNyFS6Eud0Rg1VgzCQWeJ3t28zJ1Y4tnRKuXNLzJF-s_xMVMSrS3OTauOAuak1MRv37Hk9xsrLhwf4kR0U7QFEc6JAtuHR6Wnm31NNwsyTAuy_l2bTR_5Ic-D4b2sqFOPv5x5emI8Frm/s1600-h/July.October+291.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264536747965847650" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 190px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 272px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsNyFS6Eud0Rg1VgzCQWeJ3t28zJ1Y4tnRKuXNLzJF-s_xMVMSrS3OTauOAuak1MRv37Hk9xsrLhwf4kR0U7QFEc6JAtuHR6Wnm31NNwsyTAuy_l2bTR_5Ic-D4b2sqFOPv5x5emI8Frm/s320/July.October+291.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>And my beloved sunset photos. These are from all over the property. I'm standing there, snapping pictures, thinking how lucky we are to have a house and land, and then it hits me like a ton of bricks - THIS is God. This is tangible (well, sorta) proof that He exists. Not that I doubted, but if someone were to aks me how I know, I can point at these pictures and say this is how. How can anyone wonder after seeing something like this?</div><br /><br /><br /><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFdTAbbeYdYrYvBE4GpWZ6iBmMmMDXdopVoOP_0meIPjJHyf6ssZ6bZ2npTsk3aqLz8IPvBCvRlJgZHdr-gZC3k1TsAd6QD0P6vpXar6EfAIsKNkX3TpVw4hP2iOv90xI8jO2NtlVqWgT/s1600-h/July.October+311.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264537481518976850" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 215px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 296px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFdTAbbeYdYrYvBE4GpWZ6iBmMmMDXdopVoOP_0meIPjJHyf6ssZ6bZ2npTsk3aqLz8IPvBCvRlJgZHdr-gZC3k1TsAd6QD0P6vpXar6EfAIsKNkX3TpVw4hP2iOv90xI8jO2NtlVqWgT/s320/July.October+311.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQe9O1d8Cj6tj4QcMnlTgWvG73jvkxzY4XzR8m3LpqGVKLHj3FLbKkPgGEYyZGRAKp-xAzPSCNhtPFKrrHNLZ31MM9Qw9I3ayP55ziFVJpzKuJ8g5CcbSvw55lVQZenTBsoVKebbUVofod/s1600-h/July.October+316.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264539373557607746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 207px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQe9O1d8Cj6tj4QcMnlTgWvG73jvkxzY4XzR8m3LpqGVKLHj3FLbKkPgGEYyZGRAKp-xAzPSCNhtPFKrrHNLZ31MM9Qw9I3ayP55ziFVJpzKuJ8g5CcbSvw55lVQZenTBsoVKebbUVofod/s320/July.October+316.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFdTAbbeYdYrYvBE4GpWZ6iBmMmMDXdopVoOP_0meIPjJHyf6ssZ6bZ2npTsk3aqLz8IPvBCvRlJgZHdr-gZC3k1TsAd6QD0P6vpXar6EfAIsKNkX3TpVw4hP2iOv90xI8jO2NtlVqWgT/s1600-h/July.October+311.jpg"></a></p><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>So, that's the news, I guess. Craft show this weekend at Bellevue East. Come visit! Other than that, lots of unpacking to look forward to this week. Hopefully all will be in order at least on the main level in time for a family dinner on Saturday night. </div><br /><br /><p align="left">Have an fantabulous fall week!!</p></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03029624768609810864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168027019763719947.post-80894024094334605212008-10-20T08:55:00.002-05:002008-10-20T09:13:35.339-05:00Cheese and Rice!It's been 2 months (almost) since I wrote anything! Cheese and rice!! (say it out loud - it's something Mike says when he's flabberghasted, generally in my direction.) I quite possibly haven't written because not that much out of the ordinary has gone on (at least not in my head) or because I've been so exceptionally busy. I'll just start with this last weekend and work my way backwards.<br /><br />I had my second craft show on Saturday, which went pretty well. I'm pleased with how much I sold, but not with WHAT I sold. Here I spent all this time making like 200 cards to sell, plus some sets of cards...and at the last minute, decide to make some halloween treats - and those completely sell out and I take an order for 45 more!! Now granted, I'm happy to have sold all that and taken the order, but come on people!! Sunday, we went to Mike's family's church and saw his nephew get his Bible...it was really cute. They called all the kids to the front of the church and did the childrens' sermon and the whole time, Quintin wasn't paying a bit of attention because he was busy looking through his new Bible. It was awesome to see him excited about reading it!<br /><br />On the church note, this is the same church where Mike and I will be married. It's really pretty. I'm a little concerned with the size - not sure it will be able to hold everyone if they actually make it to the ceremony, but we'll squeeze in. And I know Mike and I will have plenty of room :)<br /><br />The weekend (and week) before, we were in Virginia for my very favorite cousin's wedding. It was awesome - we had such a good time with everyone and the wedding was beautiful and I'm so happy to see my cousin that happy. Her new husband is a great guy and I'm glad he's part of our family! I (yes, the one who has a camera permanently attached to her hand) didn't take all that many pictures, so I'll have to wait for the professional ones or until people send them around to share.<br /><br />House news - we STILL haven't closed. Rumor has it we will on Wednesday evening, but I highly doubt it will happen. We've set up 4 or 5 closings so far only to have it delayed. Loving this mortgage crisis right now :P<br /><br />Molly Monster finally grew into a big girl collar. No, that's not really dire news, but her daddy and I were pretty proud. It's red with white paws on it - I miss the pink one, but she does look awfully cute. Plus, she's Husker colors now :)<br /><br />I think that's about it, honestly. We haven't packed a thing yet and are supposedly moving this weekend. I haven't really done anything for halloween that I need to do (want to do). Basically, work and crafts and that's about it. Cannot wait for a weekend where I can just relax!! Cross your fingers that we close this week!!!!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03029624768609810864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168027019763719947.post-7436219816664554642008-08-29T15:19:00.008-05:002008-08-29T15:27:20.890-05:00Feelin' Woody<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXEVMCowyTJytk2PA9N0nN97l2gnwGV7vJjNsv6LfGdLNVuFwVa2oErFfp-ULIsg1jB2jTJs9jeUhMjOWGOvH2kEiw__xKSpwsr1A96r2OurS_A30XZ6ZbZ9M_eZbvivJIoE2erW_GwsX/s1600-h/House+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240037761356300802" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXEVMCowyTJytk2PA9N0nN97l2gnwGV7vJjNsv6LfGdLNVuFwVa2oErFfp-ULIsg1jB2jTJs9jeUhMjOWGOvH2kEiw__xKSpwsr1A96r2OurS_A30XZ6ZbZ9M_eZbvivJIoE2erW_GwsX/s320/House+001.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1r0atqw1bK2OqZ5w5Rc-PUZBq2w-u-sLnr4n43uL7QPidvPULN0Cjgf6odWN3fsONbAmuYmlZhjDQbYgL-uCFfz-O4bb3kh9zWU2SmyCMIjruM4dCmJsfG8nk0cc_lOp1fP3Eu9MLcOPc/s1600-h/House+014.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240037498028975874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1r0atqw1bK2OqZ5w5Rc-PUZBq2w-u-sLnr4n43uL7QPidvPULN0Cjgf6odWN3fsONbAmuYmlZhjDQbYgL-uCFfz-O4bb3kh9zWU2SmyCMIjruM4dCmJsfG8nk0cc_lOp1fP3Eu9MLcOPc/s320/House+014.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div> Alright - any of you who saw my apartment knew that I'm a fan of wood and metal in my decorating...don't need colors so much (though I love bright ones), but I definitely enjoy having wooden furniture and metal accents. Therefore...this is my arty take on our house and all the wood and metal that made me fall in love. Sure, there's great rooms, lots of very pretty land, even the decorating and room colors are nice - but I walked in, saw all the ORIGINAL wood and hardware and it was over. </div><div><br /> </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik85Qwyodpnut6osAcjiHfJ1oZawS6mCf2zaqfgsNO8qD018yhjG7ilzxVZoEHM08fbEPAKnjxAxFAnfEZNpr0Y4gAJnaxXJSCVjY58erHbE666Xkp6jBjyE0SsotykWxohJjWyiRa0qfp/s1600-h/House+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240037370450230994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik85Qwyodpnut6osAcjiHfJ1oZawS6mCf2zaqfgsNO8qD018yhjG7ilzxVZoEHM08fbEPAKnjxAxFAnfEZNpr0Y4gAJnaxXJSCVjY58erHbE666Xkp6jBjyE0SsotykWxohJjWyiRa0qfp/s320/House+002.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4UDqCWeXJu9MKqKqFdw-G8Ue_yQAVde4D-UrYaJnFxvYmPwnhgPtSXe9Yglv4W66xubicfjJN9-Tu20RKovjXfDa8SUJ3glW4ksfIXafoIHr2tPWQM9nLAbTF57puBvvQMhSFAKJZeFp/s1600-h/House+018.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240037600972863922" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4UDqCWeXJu9MKqKqFdw-G8Ue_yQAVde4D-UrYaJnFxvYmPwnhgPtSXe9Yglv4W66xubicfjJN9-Tu20RKovjXfDa8SUJ3glW4ksfIXafoIHr2tPWQM9nLAbTF57puBvvQMhSFAKJZeFp/s320/House+018.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The top left picture is one of the built-in wardrobes in the hallways - there's one on the main floor and one on the second floor. LOVE this feature. The top right is the pantry area - if the cabinets aren't original in here, they've fooled me because they look exactly like the ones in the kitchen. The bottom left picture is of the butcherblock island - built to look original but isn't. Bottom right is the "mudroom" bannister and back door...original fixtures, gorgeous woodwork on the bannister. I can't believe how well this place was kept up. </div><div> </div><div>I'm getting more excited by the day, in case you couldn't tell. I've been planning my studio area lately since I can't wait to disappear there whenever I want to create. My latest business endeavor (other than the wedding invitations) has been creating greeting cards to sell at craft fairs. Our first one is September 27 so not much time after we move in, but I can't wait to begin creating there!</div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03029624768609810864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168027019763719947.post-1787686182916570202008-08-27T09:57:00.010-05:002008-08-29T15:19:12.523-05:00Wow!Holy Hanna, it's been awhile. As promised to Maria last weekend, I will happily update my blog. Honestly, it's been so crazy I haven't even had time to think about anything but staying awake. So...I'll give you the rundown :)<br /><br /><div><div><div><div>First, and foremost, we're buying a house!! Finally, I know. And it's finally for sure. Honestly, this whole process has reinforced my faith in things happening for a reason. I kept telling Mike as our bids on houses would get rejected over and over again that I felt like I was in a dysfunctional relationship and I couldn't stand one more breakup! Fortunately, we stumbled onto a house and it was love at first sight. That happened on Tuesday of last week, we made an offer on Wednesday, had a gut-wrenching evening and morning to follow, and heard we were becoming home-owners on Thursday afternoon! It was such an amazing feeling, and almost a week later, Mike and I still get big grins on our faces and act like little children on Christmas morning at the thought of this being OUR house. So, here's a few pictures from the listing and I'll give details below. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239214359036644290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFqnnPTeIqDpn1MySqGZve9ZK9XOMOssPLI4w1I2cnKIf6Cky6fkkntwZCGgwwQXSiRAQW3ECO7Nz0GSfVs1Nvm9D8t-Yg3njYBqF3Hl8Ha4Sim_R4gTnR7j-SmMDJObf1vgSXpX9MtwM/s320/51038.jpg" border="0" /><br />Obviously, this is the front of the house. To be honest, if it weren't for this picture, I wouldn't have a clue what the front of the house looks like. It has a circle driveway that starts before the house, completely wraps around the back, and comes out on the other side of the house. We've driven by the house twice, but otherwise, no clue what it looks like from the road. I'm pathetic. :)</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239215071052725378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AcGzm60U9ZZDWb5Z0WHnoB1muC6OlqcG_6HrpOJHEB2iAFjZwHzZTxMkdGiK04v9UcbkG_oChTbxlyy4Y3J1Kqc4zD-gI_6VoIwV_CsKEzw1nM9gpOjsskhc4u9UudeO-l7cRvoqDL_2/s320/51039.jpg" border="0" /><br />This is the back of the house. The door to the left is the walk-out basement door, and the door to the right is to the mudroom area...it's not really a mudroom so much as a hallway, but that's what I'm calling it. You can see the little deck off to the right. Mike and I plan to expand that so we can have big dinners outside - we're deck people for sure and can't wait to have people over for some sort of charred animal. You can also see the old-fashioned well pump in the bottom right corner of the picture - it works! We have rural water, but the well actually pumps water. Maybe that's how I'll build up those biceps. Ha. </div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239215764575280834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_hyphenhyphen_qsRvtEB4oJR6_6KFxYeh103oRWrSKc2R8bD9F8dsgIpCau7oVePLlL7_lrLd-jsL4R0Ne3IdpL8K7-aMwpmZxzRG76yOEpi0KA4PnBsH_6-obqky8yb3AiXD6YVNPR3lPxf5eiJG/s320/51041.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>The BARN. Mike's pride and joy. It really is an awesome barn, with electrical ran to it, plenty of room for storage, animals, whatever. And it's red like I've always wanted (and made Mike promise to paint whatever barn we ended up with - looks like he got out of that one!) There's also another building that will be great for his bucket calves, a place for my chicken coop, another building that will probably just be storage, the garage, a potting shed, and the machine shed, which is huge and will probably turn into our party barn. </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sUlhdytm6CnG0D6OJcf-rF2xUZlwYT3H4K5zwxUOCVseNgLUtGNT4qr0kV5rjtJ4Xs1a6w83ivDNpDI53F8XzhGz6Uzwsgt3eW8r1LkJXYu8oMGrtHnAWT3gHuZ1RAq5MVGddpTjfJvp/s1600-h/51043.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239216582595544834" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sUlhdytm6CnG0D6OJcf-rF2xUZlwYT3H4K5zwxUOCVseNgLUtGNT4qr0kV5rjtJ4Xs1a6w83ivDNpDI53F8XzhGz6Uzwsgt3eW8r1LkJXYu8oMGrtHnAWT3gHuZ1RAq5MVGddpTjfJvp/s320/51043.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9eQnrjrm7vAxoBfHwGz0rF6sR5NhRCM0efA4dJQ0KgqejsDYU1_pb02LkEBfac6BtJDF9FzHGYBjbhPuniiplkeNOOCi2edDOar7mLKGPa17OzeqyILMhSxSC93qYIB1xvF5uA1sUcR-/s1600-h/51044.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239216664648890818" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9eQnrjrm7vAxoBfHwGz0rF6sR5NhRCM0efA4dJQ0KgqejsDYU1_pb02LkEBfac6BtJDF9FzHGYBjbhPuniiplkeNOOCi2edDOar7mLKGPa17OzeqyILMhSxSC93qYIB1xvF5uA1sUcR-/s320/51044.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div>And last, but certainly not least is MY pride and joy - the kitchen!! The first picture is a view from the dining room of the whole kitchen. The cabinets are original and in amazing shape. I wish I had a close-up picture of the hardware. I'm completely in love with it. I promise to update so you can see what I'm raving about cabinet hardware. New countertops, my farmhouse sink!, the bar for casual eating, a butcher block island, great light fixtures...I can't say enough great things. BUT - the best is in the picture to the right - you can see it toward the back of the picture on the left...it's my PANTRY. I have walk-in pantry. Can you believe it?? There is so much storage back there, not to mention great counters and electrical - I could have a whole baking center back there! I'm just excited beyond words to have the whole set-up, and I don't have to change a thing! I can just move in and start using...that's such a great feeling. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>More boring details about the house - it's in Unadilla, NE, which is in the middle of nowhere and has very few people - maybe population 100 in town and farms surrounding. (For those of you in the area, it's off of Highway 2, which runs on the south side of Lincoln, and is about 20 miles east of Lincoln. It's about 15 minutes from Elmwood where we are now.) It's 10 acres of land, about 7 of pasture for Mike's calves. There are fruit trees next to the pasture and plenty of room for my eventual garden next spring. The house is 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. It's also got plenty of built-in storage and huge closets. There is the living room, formal dining room, master bedroom, kitchen and bathroom on the first floor, two bedrooms and a HUGE hallway on the second floor (where Mike's office will eventually be built), and the basement is almost completely finished with the 2nd bathroom, laundry room, built-in bar area, and an open room that will eventually be my studio. I can't believe I get my own studio!!</div><div><br /></div><div>We are planning to close on September 17 which is like...3 weeks from today! I can't believe it. Big big big party at our place on October 25 - sort of a housewarming/Halloween costume party combo :) </div><div><br /></div><div>The other big news is the new addition to our family - our adorable pug Molly. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnFfJMtodLnAU2Ox7asvzy1AkML-4E8Zp1ouvUMBvx6xMOMqMdBBsRmwuGmmQlfY6k5c3uJY3g6DryP9jatyOam2JweA1aAZGQDgn9B0LAqG8pbbqCxe2_NwrNhQUNesyzvzEZh-i-nlw/s1600-h/Picture+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239219445630633746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnFfJMtodLnAU2Ox7asvzy1AkML-4E8Zp1ouvUMBvx6xMOMqMdBBsRmwuGmmQlfY6k5c3uJY3g6DryP9jatyOam2JweA1aAZGQDgn9B0LAqG8pbbqCxe2_NwrNhQUNesyzvzEZh-i-nlw/s320/Picture+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_w_BMgVj_dVm6TW_CG07MPzwQoPkY0VXWjOH0CXzOe0oehJb7YBKh79lB3jKMtFoPq9_xoYdO6iH55by4Oj4dKtPDAudfE7Ar1HLdArGEeorR-Nk9tAeMoEoA7vke-EaJMdSf0rjFsYeJ/s1600-h/Picture+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239219558353582818" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_w_BMgVj_dVm6TW_CG07MPzwQoPkY0VXWjOH0CXzOe0oehJb7YBKh79lB3jKMtFoPq9_xoYdO6iH55by4Oj4dKtPDAudfE7Ar1HLdArGEeorR-Nk9tAeMoEoA7vke-EaJMdSf0rjFsYeJ/s320/Picture+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div>Here she is! Full name: Molly Monster Vogt. The middle name says it all - she is pure evil most of the time. We love her to pieces but oh my gosh, can she get on our last nerve. She's a little over 3 months now and stubborn as all get out. She is my baby though, so she loves all things pink and shoes :) I can't wait to get her on the farm so she can run some of that energy out - barking at calves and chasing chickens. </div><div></div><div>That's all the updates I have right now so I can get back to work, but I promise more pictures when I have them!! </div></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03029624768609810864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168027019763719947.post-9726228165272603132008-06-12T08:19:00.006-05:002008-12-09T19:02:45.304-06:00Maybe This TimeOkay, now maybe it's time for updates galore! <div><div><br />Thursday of last week (the 5th), we celebrated my birthday at The Q with Amanda and some of her friends. It was an absolute blast - of course, I don't remember most of it, but I know we had a good time.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVcpVhRxzRGWUN2L-2HVOfG5QdO3ZSoF4bzglMpZ0o35VbzNSfsFTsM4Y4iOc2tlU501PtZpocZygSwXY79ue-YYKmYbquwuwAqN4FQsLyxHnIn8QcY87eMy3JrDnLy1k1tbTeAeMv9yi/s1600-h/of=50,590,442.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210985091388510610" style="CURSOR: hand" height="220" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVcpVhRxzRGWUN2L-2HVOfG5QdO3ZSoF4bzglMpZ0o35VbzNSfsFTsM4Y4iOc2tlU501PtZpocZygSwXY79ue-YYKmYbquwuwAqN4FQsLyxHnIn8QcY87eMy3JrDnLy1k1tbTeAeMv9yi/s320/of=50,590,442.jpg" width="249" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgn_LCE3jQksKOEJ-Gou3vVsCBtWD2qxp-r-4Ea3Kq4nQMVtJrVzqZO1-g_keC4Vb7lSUWEIC8LEH70B1u1vkMJHZ7H-NtEZYK8PDRWJj3WyH01m7HdDSRsqprUl9XD5RdO6nZoGwABtk/s1600-h/Sign.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210985075038521778" style="CURSOR: hand" height="220" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgn_LCE3jQksKOEJ-Gou3vVsCBtWD2qxp-r-4Ea3Kq4nQMVtJrVzqZO1-g_keC4Vb7lSUWEIC8LEH70B1u1vkMJHZ7H-NtEZYK8PDRWJj3WyH01m7HdDSRsqprUl9XD5RdO6nZoGwABtk/s320/Sign.jpg" width="259" border="0" /></a></div><div><br />Friday morning, I GOT ENGAGED!!! It was crazy and such a surprise!! And of course, I said yes. I am so exceptionally lucky to be marrying such a wonderful man. He is everything I could have ever hoped for and more, and I had no idea it was possible to love someone so much! We're planning on October 10, 2009 for our wedding date, in Nebraska, so mark your calendars :) Here's a smallish picture of the ring that doesn't begin to do it justice:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUryGn1GMcVfvQyC7ewwrxpDzMN-7GGACkKqLAfSTM_0ClRNmOT1wX3rMao2iz4G3Z9SzOzjolncL2Zn7WiF_5e39lEArPkhtEmPa2bcZ7cAj8y_ESLVVEIDlTrvaKkqqTQNwEa9wjbSVa/s1600-h/ring.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210986419809673474" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUryGn1GMcVfvQyC7ewwrxpDzMN-7GGACkKqLAfSTM_0ClRNmOT1wX3rMao2iz4G3Z9SzOzjolncL2Zn7WiF_5e39lEArPkhtEmPa2bcZ7cAj8y_ESLVVEIDlTrvaKkqqTQNwEa9wjbSVa/s320/ring.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><br />Also Friday morning, we put an offer in on the house we love. As of today, we've received a counter offer and sent one back to them, so who knows what will happen, but we're keeping our fingers crossed.</div><div><br />Saturday morning, I graduated with a BS in Management of Human Resources. It was really an accomplishment for me, but still hasn't hit me yet. We celebrated that evening with the big graduation party, which was the best! </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYRNsfTE6fQ1NwWXsL0M9kRaEEW3DzmWBP4JelWPVF74hFA5Cr1ffi3kGpTg4s41jkyeAqsweUgfio4b3RQ3LPEPHA5k831-CxN4ftvWoI0XGB7FGdbUIc9OhUjllrymr0RHDBQkUIYvw/s1600-h/grad.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210987006164296562" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYRNsfTE6fQ1NwWXsL0M9kRaEEW3DzmWBP4JelWPVF74hFA5Cr1ffi3kGpTg4s41jkyeAqsweUgfio4b3RQ3LPEPHA5k831-CxN4ftvWoI0XGB7FGdbUIc9OhUjllrymr0RHDBQkUIYvw/s320/grad.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>(Left to right: my adorable cousin Amanda, me, and Nichole)</div><div></div><div></div><div>Sunday, I hosted Amanda's wedding shower. I think she had a good time - I know the food and champagne was good :) Thanks to everyone who came and helped me out with that!</div><div></div><div>I think that's about it, for the time being. We haven't been washed away in the storms yet, thank goodness. Praying for everyone who has been injured or had property damage, and for the safety of everyone as we continue on through the storm season. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03029624768609810864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168027019763719947.post-18983103322219741122008-05-30T11:00:00.002-05:002008-05-30T11:05:04.340-05:00Updates GaloreWell...<br /><br />It's been awhile, and I apologize (though I doubt I have a loyal band of readers) :) Anyway, it has been a BUSY week for me. Wednesday and Thursday evenings marked my last college classes EVER! It hasn't really hit me yet that I'm done with class, and I'm hoping it will at graduation. Right now, it just feels like any other day, but there is some relief in knowing I don't have to do homework at the start of next week.<br /><br />Mike and I went to look at that house last Friday and I am in love (so is he!). We're working on the loan stuff right now and hope to make an offer this weekend. It would be such a perfect house for us and what we want in life (kids, cows, good times, etc.). I know if we don't get it, then something better will come along, but I really hope this is it for us :)<br /><br />I've had zero time to stamp this week...actually haven't touched ink since last weekend when I was working on some things for graduation. Anyway...Mike and I are going to a wedding this weekend and I'd like to make a card this evening. I'd also like to get a couple thank you cards done and work on my cousin's gift for her shower next weekend!!<br /><br />I MAY have been exaggerating when I said there were updates GALORE. Or even a bit hasty when I said there were updates, because there's not really much news here. I'll try to pull some pictures off my camera soon and post with them.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03029624768609810864noreply@blogger.com1