LOAD 12, 13, 14, 15.

I'm very surprised I'm still in the running to make it a month of at least a layout a day. Here are the past four days.

LOAD days 8,9,10,and 11!

Catching up on posting layouts. I sure hope I can complete this month long challenge!

LOAD days 5, 6 and 7.

LOAD Day 4.

Ah. Coffee, dear coffee. Where would we be without you? Honestly, life with coffee has changed dramatically since Chloe and Connor entered our lives! Not only is this layout part of my LOAD challenge, it's also for a challenge on the American Crafts blog. It was fun to use some of my stash of coffee and American Crafts goodies!

Supplies:
patterned paper: American Crafts, Club Scrap, Flair Designs, Creative Imaginations.
cardstock: Club Scrap.
letter stickers: American Crafts.
stickers: PSX, EK Success, Heidi Grace.
rub-ons: American Crafts.
ribbon: American Crafts.
emphera: Starbucks :-)
loosely inspired by a pagemaps sketch.

LOAD Day 3.

I'm enjoying the process of completing a layout a day. I'm not scrapping as fast and I normally would, but I'm fully enjoying it. So far I'm not stressed! It's my wind down time after C&C go to bed, too!

LOAD

LOAD? Of What?
I joined a LayOut A Day challenge online. The goal is to make and upload one layout each day during the month of October. Day 2, three layouts have been completed! The joy of having twins (and there are many) is that when I scrap, I can knock out layouts pretty quick. Once the first set of photos is scrapped, I pretty much copy the second layout set for the second album! I'll try to keep up on here...but may play catch up every once in a while.

Fiskateer fun.

Are you a Fiskateer? If you are, share what you love about being a Fiskateer. If you are not, follow the link, click the "how to join" spot, contact one of the five fabulous Fiskateer lead and tell them Jennie #414 sent you.

This weekend Angela, one of the leads, is hosting an online crop. I'm hoping it will help me get some projects completed. Tonight I'm planning to watch some football with my hubby and check off my crop to do list!

recent layouts.

I escaped for some mom time Sunday and attended a crop at Archiver's. I was able to finish 11 pages, all but one for C&C's albums. Now, I need to start volume three of their personal albums!



Miss Chloe and her 1, 2, 3 or four bunnies. So glad Connor is not a fan of the bunnies, or he'd be s.o.l!




These two were made using Stampin' Up scrap kits. Love how easy these pages came together. The journal spot is Making Memories. Two sets of twins in this photo, so I thought the quote was perfect!


I realize I scrap non traditional events....just every day stuff. Not sure if I'll regret it or appreciate it. I take too many photos, so this is how I deal with it! Used a different Stampin Up scrap kit for these layouts.


First day I put pony tails in Miss C's hair. They look bad! But I had to take a picture of it. All supplies are Cloud 9.

These two layouts of of a visit with my mom to her mom. She was not having a good day, so the photos are not the best...but they are memories none the less.


Another pair of layouts documenting silly kids. Connor was walking one of Chad's shoes around one day, with his sidekick close behind!


A layout of my first weekend away from the kids. I survived, they survived.

June completed layouts.

The moms club I'm a member of rented a space for a 12 hour crop. I'm getting slower, but my layouts are getting more detailed. Even though I have tons of photos to scrap, I'm enjoying the process!

Want to win goodies from Mosh Posh?

Mosh Posh is celebrating our 4th Anniversary and we want to celebrate with YOU! This is going to be so much fun and we really hope that you will be able to play along!

For the next two weeks, May 18 - May 29 Mosh Posh will be posting daily challenges, giving away prizes and posting lots of projects from our Design Team and our members. (Hint, Hint, upload to the Mosh Posh gallery!!) It is going to be awesome.

Please mention that {jenniekader} sent you. Maybe we will both win goodies!

Mosh Posh blog with prizes!

recent layouts.

I attended a national scrapbook day crop with Fiskateer friends this past weekend. Here are the layouts I completed! double layouts for some, as C&C each have a layout for their own album.

altered clocks.

I have been very slowly adding items to C&C's bedroom walls. I found two clocks on clearance and had them in my to-do project box. Well, I finally got around to working on them and they are even up on their bedroom walls. Chloe's is the pinky-red one, Connor's is the brown/blue one.

recent layouts.

New layouts. Completed at the 2 peas birthday crop

New layouts.

First time swinging!

First Easter, watching egg decorating.

First Easter, hiding in the bunnies!

First Easter Egg Hunt.

Meeting the scary Easter Bunny.

First Easter basket (and trying on the new sunglasses and swim gear!

First time trick or treating (if you want to call visiting daddy at work trick or treating!).

I had the joy of going to two crops within a week. The last Saturday of January, I joined some fellow Fiskateers for the first annual Illinois area crop. I think I finished seven layouts during the six hour crop, along with one altered project, meeting other ladies, eating, and other fun stuff. The following Friday, I headed to a local scrapbook store for there four hour crop. I'm not quite sure how I accomplished it, but I finished 14 layouts. My layouts are not fancy, time consuming (obviously) or publication worthy. But, they document points in our lives worthy of sharing with future generations. I try to include my handwriting in each layout. And, today I actually put a ton of layouts into Chloe and Connor's scrapbooks. It feels good to have them in there and ready to enjoy!

Items for sale.

Photobucket Album

Recent crop report.

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Want to win some goodies?

Check out my new friend and Fellow Fiskateer's giveaway on her blog. She was the lucky recipient of some wonderful Making Memories goodies and is sharing her winnings.
Visit Carolyn and find out how you can enter to win some great goodies!
Jennie

Recent layouts.

First mother's day

First Father's Day

New Year 2008

First St Patrick's Day

Baptism.

I went to a crop last night and actually finished a bunch of pages. I started on C&C's own albums. I finished 14 layouts (two each of the same layout, with similar papers). I do need to order a couple more pictures, as I did not print enough for all the albums. I'm waiting on a big photo order and hope to continue scrapping as C&C allow me!

Layout of the week.

I'm hoping to be able to complete {at least} one layout a week. I was playing with my new to me Cricut and had fun creating the title, even though I did take more time on this layout that I wanted to. But, it's another layout complete!

Hugs and Kisses frame

I quickly crafted this frame for Nancy, my mother's helper and sanity keeper. She loved it. Now I need to make more for the grandparents!

Mini album for my Valentine.

Actually, Connor asked to be my Valentine and Chloe asked to be Chad's Valentine.....but I think there is enough love to go around! I decided to make a mini album for Chad from C&C. I originally planned to fit the album inside a metal CD case, but the idea in my head evolved and this is what I ended up with. I used {invisible} vellum adhesive for the verses, but as you can see it's not to invisible.....it actually looks better in person that how it shows up on photos. I plan to get some chocolate covered espresso beans for US (Chad and myself) and I found a Wisconsin Badger flag on clearance at Kohl's. I'm guessing someone received it for a gift and returned it to the local store. I hope Chad enjoys the album as much as I enjoyed making it!

Baby announcements and thank you cards.

Sharing an example of my baby announcement and thank you card. I used up lots of scraps on these cards! The only new items were the white cards and envelopes that I needed. I thought that would be easier than cutting and scoring cards and envelopes for 120 announcements plus 40 thank you cards!

Supplies used on announcement:
Stamps: Stampin' Up (I'm here, true love..., small heart), Hero Arts (large heart), CTMH (letter stamps), Fiskars (foot prints).

Supplies used on thank you:
Stamps (Fiskars), Ink (Stampin' Up)

fiska-what?

confession time....I've not had much time to craft lately. Can you believe that? Two babies in the house, and I've not had time to craft. Actually, I need to finish up a gift recipe album for a shower/wedding gift. The wedding is tomorrow, so I best finish up tonight!
How to I feed my desire to craft? I hang out at the Fiskateers site. Here, I get the scoop on new Fiskars products, including the great Heidi Grace and Cloud 9 products, and add products to my wish list...it's getting long.
Do you want to become a Fiskateer? Follow this link and go to the join here button on the site.
I'll share craft project soon.....but until then, I'll just continue to live vicariously through other crafty Fiskateers!
later,
Jennie

gift album pictures.

I made an album for friends who are pregnant with their first child. The new mom is not a scrapper, so I wanted to make an easy album for her to complete. There is a layout for each month, newborn to 2 years, along with the title page which will have birth info along with "watch me as I grow" as the title. I need to get the front page finished up and wash the fleece blanket I made for them and ask Chad to mail the package......



Forgive the sheets in the background of the pictures...but now you know that's I was in bed while taking the pictures and following my bed rest rule!

Altered tin.

I altered this tin on Friday with my monthly Stampin' Up group. It was so fun and quick to do! The paper and ribbon are all Stampin' Up. I LOVE the brown......but had to jazz it up with some sage green. This will eventually go in the nursery, but until then it will hold baby thank you cards and announcements until they are ready to be mailed out.

1st things 1st baby album.

My sister, Margaret, had a baby a few short weeks ago. I crafted up this album to document Delana's firsts. A few pages are holiday specific, some of generic for her to add milestones as they occur! Hopefully she will enjoy documenting these events and remember to take photos!

Getting Scrappy.

I finally had a chance to get out and be creative! I took a great chipboard purse class on Saturday to celebrate National Scrapbok Day. Can you believe they have a holiday celebrating the hobby? Not sure how I'll use the purse/album, but it sure looks cute on the table in the entry way!

blog break.

Obviously....if you follow this exciting blog, you would have realized I've been absent.......
Life has taken a different turn. My husband and I are expecting , TWINS, of all things! By September, our lives will be turned upside down and full of joy!
Later, Jennie

Total Chaos!

The frenzy at the dome is being compared to the time the Billy Graham Crusade was in town.

It's 9 degrees, with a wind chill of -4 degrees.

Thousands of people are waiting inside the RCA dome.

Hundreds are waiting outside on the parade route downtown.

The players and staff are currently at the training facility, showering and preparing for the welcome home parade.

I'm actually wearing blue. Not Colts blue, but the color blue at least.

It's probably the first and last time I will live in the town of the Super Bowl Champions.

Do you suffer from Monday Morning Blue Flu?

Wonder how long the frenzy will continue?

Super Sunday?

Are you watching the Super Bowl? Or at least the commercials?

This may be the one and only time we live in a city where one of the teams is from. It's exciting, but also frustrating when the entire 30 minutes of news is devoted to football news, rather than other issues. Though, it is a nice relief from crime, war and famine.

It seems the Colts are taking the lead....will it last? If it does, it will be an interesting day in Indy. Schools are already delayed two hours due to fridgid weather, some are even cancelled due to the Colts playing in the big game.

I'm off work tomorrow. Should I head downtown to welcome the team back to Indy?

I think not. I'd rather run errands and finish laundry.

Later,
Jennie

First big snow.

We received our first ground covering snow last night. I woke to the sound of the snow trucks doing their job. I'm not a big fan of snow and cold, but it sure is pretty when it's fresh and clean.


What's the best way to deal with the colder weather? Of course it is to snuggle up on your favorite fleece blanket and sleep away the day...........

What a life, huh?

I'm returning to work tomorrow! My stitches were removed Friday. I need to do had exercises to keep the tendon sheath moving. After two weeks, I can go without the hand brace. It's amazing to go from hand numbness 24 hours a day to no numbness at all.......
I'll be on light duty/no heavy lifting.......wish me luck!

Later, Jennie

stress relief

have you ever chopped veggies with you non-dominant hand? it's great strees relief chopping with extra force and energy. luckily i did not chop off any fingers!

i hope i get the all clear to start using my right hand during my appt on friday.......

on another note, things are looking good for the closing of our house in arkansas. the close date will be february 5th or sooner!

gimp

forgive my typin g. it's not so easy using only my left hand. pain is tolerable. only using tylenol for pain. hopefully can return to work monday, but needs to be lite duty without use of my right hand....not real feasible for a nurse in the or, huh.
catching up on reading, but need to get out of house!
i'm able to take off the big bandage sunday.
later, gimpy

Getting to know Dewey.

I'm trying to get things done before surgery tomorrow. That means I should post then shut down the computer so it doesn't suck me in!

I'm amazed how different states are in filing taxes, homestead, personal property taxes, county taxes. Where we now live, we have county taxes removed from our check. Previously, we paid personal property taxes on our vehicles. I think the realtor should hand out a "Living in {fill in blank with location} for Dummies". It would make knowing the ins and outs of the new community even easier! But, I'm sure we are in the minority, moving every few years to a different state. It's as close to nomads as the modern man can get, short of living in a tent or RV. I'm pretty sure that would land one of us in jail.......not sure I could live in either for very long!
I attempted to apply for a state license plate for Chad today. Wouldn't you know that the office is closed on Monday? I guess we will have to stop by tomorrow after my surgery.

I stopped by the local library today to obtain a library card and check out a few books. I love books and enjoy reading. I plan to read for pleasure while recovering for the next week. I picked up a small stack of books, and hopefully it is enough to keep me busy! Now, I just need to remember those darn numbers for the dewey decimal system! I did have fun browsing through the stacks and look forward to returning to pick up more books once I'm done reading these!

The papers are signed and faxed back to our realtor! We will be closing no later than February 7th on our house. The buyers want to close sooner if their financing is ready to go! The sooner the better!

Ok, off to clean!

Later,
Jennie

Sold!

And it's been a long time coming! We narrowed down the offers yesterday. Yes, I said offers! We had two offers, and a third party interested in the house, also. How can it go from no interest to purchase, to two offers with a potential for three offers??? I'm not complaining by any means, but it makes no sense to me! We are planning to close in early February. The sooner the better!

Tuesday I'm going under the knife and will be a gimp for some time. I will be having right carpal tunnel surgery. It's been bothering me for quite some time. A brace worn at night and during the day while not at work has not improved the pain and numbness. It should be a quick and uneventful procedure. I'm hoping to be back to light duty work a week later....let's hope I heal quickly.

It's beginning to look like a great 2007 for us!

Jennie

Happy New Year!

It's hard to believe that 2007 is here. 2006 has been a time of highs, lows and in-betweens. Chad and I are planning for a great 2007 and send Happy New Year wishes your way.

We returned home from visiting our family for Christmas 2am Sunday morning. 1600 miles driven, we were able to sleep in our own bed with the company of one fat and fuzzy cat who missed us terribly. It was great to see family and friends along our journey. We were even able to arrange for two nights in Door County between our family celebrations.

May your 2007 be happy, healthy and prosperous!

later, Jennie

Baking spree.

I love this time of year. Not so much for the decorating, but for the baking! I started making goodies last week and spent most of my spare time this weekend working in the kitchen. As a request from an online friend, I even took a picture of myself wearing a holiday apron. The head covering is for no other reason that to keep my hair out of the way! I know it looks bad....but it beats hair in the treats! You can even see my shopping and to do list by clicking on the photos. And if interested, you'll see a recipe for Creamy Kahlua Fudge. I made both Kahlua and Dooley's (toffee) flavored fudge this year!














I made reservations at a hotel while we are visiting family this year. We are going to spend a few nights in Door County. The room rates are great this time of year. I'm trying to arrange for massages for Chad and myself....wish me luck!
Ok, need to shape the Bon-bons and hopefully start dipping later today. Other than purchasing some caramel corn to make chocolate dipped caramel corn, I'm done short of dipping and packing! If we see your over the holidays, you can expect to receive some goodies!
Jennie

holiday cheer.

This morning I headed out to a Wrap Party. I met at a fellow stampers house and eight of us wrapped our Christmas gifts. It was surprisingly more fun that I thought it would be! I have over half of my gifts wrapped, still more at home to wrap, plus more to buy.....need to finish soon. I am off work on Monday, so will head out to pick up more gifts then.
I'm making my Christmas goodies. I started on Wednesday by making a couple batches of caramel. I'm going to mix up a batch of peanut butter cookies soon......so much to do, but plan to start dipping candies tomorrow or Monday!
Chad and I are both off the week between Christmas and New Year's. So glad we can make it home to see both of our families! Ok, off to mix up some cookies!
Jennie

the keeper of light, noise and all things shiny.

Happy Holidays! I cannot believe that December is right around the corner.

Thanksgiving was fantastic. My parents arrived on Wednesday. I cooked the entire meal (except for Chad's crab pasta salad) Thursday where we enjoyed a great Thanksgiving meal. The menu included turkey breast, loaded mashed potatoes, meatballs with gravy, egg dumplings, snap peas, whole wheat buns, crab pasta salad, and chocolate mint pie for dessert. It was a fabulous meal, if I don't say so myself. I love organizing big meals like that and can't wait to do it again.

My mother and I searched the sale ads and planned our shopping excursion for Friday morning. We went so far as to make our wish list and plan our route, starting out at the store furthest away, then returning closer to home. We headed out early Friday morning, hitting the road by 4:30am. First on our list was JC Penney's, followed by Bath and Body Works, Staples (where the line was too long and moved on), then Joann's, Target, Barnes and Noble, then a stop for breakfast and back home! We both made a good dent in our gifts. My father and Chad tried to go to Menard's later in the morning and turned right around after seeing the long lines......I think it will be the first and last time my father tries Black Friday shopping.

Friday afternoon Chad's nephew and his wife arrived. The evening consisted in Chinese take-out, beer, wine, soda and a Sequence tournament. If you've not played Sequence, you should check it out. It's a fun game of strategy, heckling and sometimes sore losers.......

My parents headed out on Saturday, wanting to avoid any potential winter weather. Chad's nephew and his wife headed out Sunday morning, leaving us to relax and chill out after entertaining the long weekend. If you are ever in the area, let us know. We'd love to entertain you and I'll be sure to cook up a great meal for you, too!

I'm off work today......lots of errands on my to do list. Laundry is running right now. The boxes of Christmas decorations are waiting in the entry way to set up. I'm taking a scrapbook class tonight on using the QuicKutz tool. I purchased one a few months ago and am hoping to learn a few new things tonight!

I purchased some more items to make my Christmas candy. I need to start making it, along with making Christmas gifts......Christmas will be here before we know it!

And, in case you are wondering.......Julio is the keeper of light, noise and all things shiny. He's taken to attacking light from passing cars early in the morning as the lights flash across the wall behind my nightstand.....I've been trained to slip my glasses in the drawer, as he's already knocked them off the night stand twice, forcing me to search for my glasses while half asleep. Darn cat!

Ok, i'll try to post more often.......
Later,
Jennie

Chocolate Bliss.

Happiness is finding your favorite dipping chocolate at a local grocery store!This yummy goodness makes my homemade Christmas candy so much better! I'm a chocolate snob when it comes to dipping chocolate for my Christmas candies. I've been using the Ambrosia brand of milk and white chocolate for many years. The first year living in western Illinois was difficult...I searched the internet for an online store to purchase it without success. Finally found a 15 pound bulk package at a wholesale food store of all places! Luckily, I was able to use the leftover chocolate the following year when we lived in Arkansas. I didn't even try finding it there! It's made in Wisconsin, and seems to be easier to find in the Midwest. Funny fact, my father told me he used to live down the street from the Ambrosia chocolate factory when he lived in Milwaukee many years ago. I wonder if the factory smells as good as this chocolate tastes?
Here's my to list for Christmas candy and cookies this year:
caramel
turtles
bon-bons
chocolate dipped caramel
peanut butter treasure cookies (peanut butter cookies, baked in a mini muffin tin, topped with a Reese's peanut butter mini cup. Yummy!
creamy kahlua fudge
oatmeal scotchies (not sure of the spelling....oatmeal cookies with butterscotch chips)
peanut butter and chocolate fudge (great layered fudge)
Not sure what else I'll add, if anything. I have been making candy either on my own or with my family for as long as I can remember. I've even had candy and cookie events with friends where we would get together for a day of baking and candy making. I purchased a bunch of holiday tins and gift bags after Christmas last year to package up this year's goodies! I send tins of yummies to friends, family, and bring to holiday parties and family events!
I can't wait to start making this year's batch of happiness!

Later, Jennie

still around...

busy with work, life, getting settled in the new house and job. Chad and I returned to check on the old house....cleaned it up and signed with a new realtor. Hopefully it will sell, soon......I know the market is slow, but having a crappy realtor does nothing to help the situation.
We've been thinking about our Thanksgiving menu. My parents, along with Chad's nephew, Tony, and his wife, Tracy, will join us for the Thanksgiving holiday. Usually it's just Chad and I, so it will be nice to entertain!
Will post again soon, promise!
later, Jennie

James Blunt, live.

We had an awesome time last night. We had great seats, we were left of the state, a little higher than stage level. Opening act was Starsailer. Great British band who recently started touring with James Blunt. Followed by over an hour of James Blunt and band. He played a few new songs, along with favorites from his current album, and one Supertramp song! That was a great touch. Here are some pictures of the event. Forgive the quality, it's hard to get pictures in a dark concert hall. Two pictures of James, one picture of his crowned monkey, and the group picture of Starsailer in action.
Have a great night,
Later, Jennie

Me, Chad and James.....

We have a date coming up. James Blunt, in concert, singing to Chad and my and who knows how many others. It's been many years since I've been to a concert. I hate to say it, but Eddie Rabbit may have been the last. And he's been dead for at least ten years. My first concert was a heavy metal concert, crammed in the front row, next to the stage. Returning home with bruises from being squished in the crowd. This time, it will be an adult concert, no rushing the stage for me. Chad is hoping it's not a bunch of young kids at this concert. I will be sure to report back after the concert.

Why is it that you don't fully realize how out of shape you are until you start working out? Believe me, I know I'm out of shape....that's a big, red flashing light. I worked out on the treadmill after work yesterday. 30 minutes of one of the "trainer" programs. I'll return, but taking a break for today.

Julio is stealing my warmth at night....sleeping right next to me. Colder weather is on the way, that's for sure.

later, Jennie

Fall is in the air.

I love fall! The cooler weather, changing leaves, bundling up, and soup weather. I would love to have fall all year round. It's my idea of perfect weather. I'd give up hot summer and cold winter days in a second if I were guaranteed perfect fall weather all the time.

Are you a lucky person? I tend to be. I received notice that I WON a $300 prize package from a scrapbook message board I recently found. How cool is that? And the prize is newly released items from Memory Trends! Even better, huh? I can't wait to receive the prize package, either!

I had to wipe my hard drive clean earlier this week. I downloaded now virus software, which I wasn't entirely sure how to use. So as a result, I disabled a whole jumble of things on my computer......major pain in the butt. I was smart enough to save photos onto a CD, but forgot to save my internet bookmarks, documents and other stuff....oh well. I guess I'll learn for the next time. Pictures are much more important that bookmarks anyday.

Work is going ok. I'm not sure this is the perfect fit for me.....some days are better than others.

We purchased a treadmill yesterday. It is used, but barely. We got it for almost half of the new price. Now we just need to use it! I plan to get on it later today. I've been eating salads for lunch most days of the week, so in addition to losing a few pounds from better eating, exercise is sure to make a difference. Even more with the fabulous food holidays coming up. I'd rather enjoy the food and maintain my weight with exercise than deprive myself. I have no will power, either!

Later, Jennie

valium salt lick, anyone?

Have you ever worked with a person who has a very high energy level around them? Imagine working with four others who have a high energy level.....it's a very anxiety promoting feeling. I was circulating a room with another nurse, along with the surgeon, his private scrub, the anesthesiologist, and two scrubs. Four of these people needed to cut back on the caffeine and chill out. Not sure how I can feel more comfortable in this setting. I'm circulating in this same OR tomorrow. Knowing the routine and expectations will help me out some....maybe some lavender oil placed in areas around the room will decrease the energy!
Chad and I are heading out for dinner tonight. We are planning to eat at the Mexican restaurant in a strip mall just down the road. We've eaten there before and were happy with the food. I even enjoyed the salsa. I do not like hot/spicy food, and was able to tolerate this salsa.
We had our first house guests last week. My friend, Jen, and her mom stopped by Friday night on their way home. It was great to see them and even better, it was the kick in the butt Chad and I needed to get the house guest ready! Somehow it was easy to wait to finish the house...not sure what we were waiting for, though!
Julio is loving the house. He enjoys sitting by the patio door, watching bugs, plants and chilling out. His favorite piece of furniture is the new chair in our living room. He likes to sit in the chair, all by himself. Sometimes he even sits on the back of the headrest, just relaxing. Ah, the life of a cat.
A major medicine error occurred at the hospital I work at two weeks ago. It has been national news. Unfortunately, it resulted in deaths of three NICU patients. I've been much more aware of checking my medications more carefully before drawing them up to pass to the surgical field. I hope and pray I am never involved in a similar situation. Luckily, the hospital administration is fully supporting the staff and is making thorough system changes to ensure this does not repeat in the future. Medication label changes will hopefully be changed from the manufacturing end. Even though I am not employed in the department the errors occurred, all staff of the hospital network have been frequently updated, sharing information regarding investigations, policy changes, and surveys from the health department, state prosecutors, JCAHO, ect. This morning, during our weekly Wednesday morning meetings, the OR director covered all activities related to this incident and allowed questions after her discussion. It's nice to know exactly what is occurring, both inside the facility and nation wide to decrease the chance of this occurring in the future.
Waiting for Chad to come home....off to freshen up for my date.
Later, Jennie

Tagged by Diana.

I've been tagged by my friend Diana .

List seven songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether or not they have words, or even if they’re not any good, but they must be songs you’re really enjoying now.

My 7 songs:

Nickleback-Far away.
Jamie Cullum-All at sea.
Hinder-Lips of an angel.
Justin Timberlake-Sexyback.
Tim McGraw-Live like you were dying.
James Blunt-Beautiful.
Pachebel's Canon in D Major

Now, you are tagged!

Game on.

Today is the day for my work outing. We will be playing in a golf scramble at a local golf course. Most of my coworkers do not play the frustrating game of golf. While I play, I find it frustrating myself! Chad will probably carry me on most of the holes.
Thanks to the many sales reps the day is free for us....should be a great day. Just hope I don't drink too much. I've heard jello shots are plentiful......I'll report back with our stats later.
We moved the bar into the living room area. Once we purchase a different TV stand and move the coffee table out, the room will be set. Chad even got the wine rack up on the wall. The wine rack was my birthday gift 5 years ago. It's been in three different houses, and it's one of the best gifts I've ever received. Even though I bought it myself.....
We are adding plants to the house. We bought two ferns at Lowe's last weekend. They are huge! I cut one plant in half and potted it in tow different containers. It's thriving so far. Julio loves green stuff...so it's been a challenge keeping him away from them. Darn cat!

It's supposed to rain today, but hopefully it will hold off until we are done playing.
Have a great weekend!
Jennie

A few steps closer....

To making our house a home. Chad and I put pictures and other stuff on the walls Saturday. We have things to add to the walls, but aren't sure where things will end up yet. We were trying to find a good spot for the bar. Since Chad made it, I want to have it out, rather than stored like Chad suggested. I think it will be moved to the corner of the TV room. We do need to get a shorter TV stand. It's too high for the large TV we have....we haven't had luck finding a decent TV stand yet, but I will look more this week.
I started to organize my scrap room yesterday. I have too much stuff.....but have plans to scrapbook more often once the room is ready. I found a shelving unit and added that to the room...but there is still plenty to do. I will share pictures of our home soon....
Work is going well. I am feeling comfortable circulating in the OR. Not sure if/when I will start scrubbing, but would like to.
Chad's home from work...so am going to get supper started.
Later, Jennie

Flight delays, scrapping and family time.

I attended my first scrap event this past weekend. My sister, Laura, and I planned to meet at the Mall of America for Scrapfest. We had a great time scrapping, shopping and catching up with each other. I even finished some Christmas pages from a few years ago! It's about time I scrapped! I can't wait to get my scrap room ready to use in the new house. It's pretty sad looking right now.

Laura planned a "surprise" Saturday night...my mom, dad, sisters, nieces, nephews and brother in law showed up at the hotel for a pizza party. After my parents and sister, Kathy, and her kids Tori and Gage returned home, we headed down to the scrap room in the hotel. It was a great time, I learned some neat new techniques and we have plans to return next year.

Chad and I made a run to Sam's Club tonight. It was our first stop there since we've moved. It will be nice to have more food choices in our pantry and freezer. I need to start planning meals the night before so we don't rush to figure out supper at the last minute. I think I will find the crock pot recipe book and mark some new recipes.

All the moving boxes are ready to be picked up from the movers. We now have a BIG entry way, now that the boxes are out of it! It will be even nicer to have our garage back once the boxes are out of there!

My goal is to organize the house more this weekend. Wish me luck!

Later,
Jennie

Less than two days.....

That's how long it takes telemarketers to start calling you after a new number is issued. Isn't that ridiculous? So I know for a fact that the phone company is who shared our number, since they are, besides me, the only one's who knew our phone number. But, telling the said telemarketers you are on the do not call list shuts them up faster than ever.
Work is going well. I start my shift at 6:30am. I'm not a morning person, but will learn to be one. I wake at 5am, and think I can wake later. I just don't know exactly how much time I will need to get ready in the morning and drive to work.
Chad and I are picking up furniture we purchased on Saturday. We had planned/paid for it to be delivered....and we were promised by two employees of the furniture store that we could arrange for delivery after 4pm. Low and behold when I get the call to arrange for deliver between 9am and noon.....hello. We both work....and can't leave work at the drop of a hat. We were ready to cancel the order.....It amazes me how many businesses do not accomodate working people.....
Ok, will check in later.
Jennie

MIA no more.....

It's been a busy, busy, busy life since I've last posted. We are in our new home, unpacking slow and sure and both have started our new jobs. I completed my one week of mandatory orientation. It's such an exciting week of torture. I concluded that the week is so painful so you never even dare to think about leaving for fear of repeating the week long enjoyment of repeating the mandatory learning sessions about things we could repeat in our sleep we've heard them so many times. Now, don't think I'm not grateful for this job! I can't wait to get into the OR and getting my mask and increased CO2 legs on again......
Once our house is in order, I'll update more often. Yep, more exciting info from our house to yours! Aren't you lucky???
later, Jennie

The home of choice........

Is this one. We crunched numbers, looked at the three homes in depth, and decided how much space we really need. This is the winner. The home inspection is tomorrow afternoon. Our realtor thinks we could move in before closing, rent free. That would get us out of the hotel! I'm surprised Chad and I haven't been crabby with each other. We've spent almost every moment, waking and asleep, the past 10 days! Wednesday he went into work for a strategic planning meeting. Today I headed out for some shopping time alone. I found a pair of dress pants for $10.40, used up a bunch of coupons at Kroger's triple coupon sale, and stopped by a local scrapbook store. I will definately be back to that scrap store for shopping and a crop or two. It isn't too far from our new home, either.
Chad starts work tomorrow. I start the following week. Tomorrow I have my pre-employment physical and drug test.
Ok, I'm going to look into cable, telephone and internet providers. I'm hoping to find a company that provides all three for a flat fee.
Until later,
Jennie

pictures.

I'm posting pictures today. One is of the bargain purse I posted last week. Followed by pictures of our new potential home....we need to do some narrowing down and we both feel we need to walk through each house again. Luckily we narrowed it down to a neighborhood.







I need to schedule my work physical and drug test. Hopefully I can do that this week. I will start my new job on August 21st.

later, Jennie

$248 purse.

I’ve been wanting a new purse. When I check out the purses at TJ Maxx, I’m always drawn to the purses that are still over $100. Never fails. Problem is, I feel you should not own a purse that costs more than the amount of cash inside. So I hold off. I find purses on clearance or purchase gently used purses from e-bay. Well, yesterday I was browsing my local Stein mart store. Low and behold I found a great “wheatly” colored leather purse from Michael Kors. Retail price equals $248. Stein Mart Price = $148 dollars. Jennie’s price, after 75 percent off equals $37 dollars with tax! You can’t beat that.

Just had our first house showing! I spot cleaned quickly, as the showing was in 30 minutes. Then Julio the Cat and I headed for a little car ride. Now, cats aren’t real fond of car rides, if you can imagine. The journey started out with him doing his angry/scared growl meow. He settled down after a little drive. 15 minutes later, the realtor and prospective buyers drive out of the subdivision, and Julio and I take the drive back home. We have another showing tomorrow from 12:30 to 1:30, so it will be another drive for Julio and me. Luckily, once we returned home, I drove my car into the garage, closed the door, got out and opened the back car door for Julio. He went right to the door into the house. No questions asked! What a cat.

Later, Jennie

Last day of work.

I finished my last day of work this morning. I'm sad to leave this group of coworkers. It's been a great working experience and coworkers who will not be forgotten. But part of me is glad to not have the reminder of failures and the ability to move on and start with a clean slate. I'm very happy for my coworkers who are planning to attend anesthesia school, but sad for my circumstances. It's getting easier, day by day, but there are still difficult days.

Our house in on the market. We are ready for a fast sale. Anyone? Anyone? Here's a link:
http://www.realtor.com/Prop/1065263532
Take a look. It's a great, one level house in a golf course setting.

Later,
Jennie

And the winner is........

I applied to many jobs in our new location last week. I set up six interviews for this past Thursday and Friday. I received three job offers by Friday afternoon. Two offers were received before I left the interview. I will start my new job August 21st. I will be working in the cardiovascular OR. I can't wait to return to the Or. I've missed the atmosphere. I will have the opportunity to circulate and scrub cases, which I'm excited for. Call isn't terribly bad, one holiday a year and one weekend a month. I was expecting more, but am happy it isn't more.

We are hoping to find a home to purchase next week. There are potentials, on paper at least. Sometimes it's a whole new story once you are inside the house looking around!

I'll try to keep posting about our move. We seem to be getting pretty comfortable with the whole listing, moving, buying a new home, ect. It would be nice to stay put for awhile, though!

later, Jennie

Need a house?

We signed papers and placed the house on the market this afternoon. We are keeping our fingers crossed it will sell in a reasonable amount of time.

I have 6 job interviews arranged. I will have a busy two days finding out who my new employer will be. I hope I can keep all the facilities separate!

later,
Jennie

Interviews, realtors and boxes.

Well...out of the guesses as to where we are moving, one was right on. We are moving to Indiana. Closer to home and hopefully winter will not be as cold as we were used to growing up. Exciting time for us and we are excited for the move. Sad to be leaving friends we've made here, though.

I have interviews in the works while we visit the area to search for temporary housing and search for a home to purchase. I hope we sell our house fairly quick, but if not, we need someplace to stay until we sell our house. If anyone wants a great house on a golf course, let me know!

Three more shifts at work. Can't believe how fast time is flying. We will be moved and starting our jobs before we know it!

Later, Jennie

Two weeks notice.

Chad gave his notice Monday. I gave my notice this morning. I will be done with work two weeks from today. We are heading north. Chad was offered a great position, and it's hard to turn it down. The job search to job offer time was much shorter than the last time we looked. I guess the MBA is paying off. Time for me to apply for a new state RN license and find a job. From what I've looked at, there are PLENTY of jobs to apply for. I would like to return to the OR or work PACU. Not sure which one yet, guess I need to see where I am offered an interview.

With the relocation package, we can use their realtor services. We will have two realty companies look at our house and suggest a selling price. Hopefully the house will be on the market by Thursday.


Exciting time for Chad, Julio the Cat and me. Any guesses at to where we will be heading? No cheating for those who already know....

Later, Jennie

Tagged

Tagged

Ok I've been tagged by Diana to answer questions so here goes:

7 people that I admire
Chad
My mom
My dad
Jen B.
Laura J.
Dawn H.
Oprah

7 things I say often
You think?
Buford (Chad's southern name)
Redneck
swirling the drain
iced skim coconut mocha
And various words spoken while driving......

7 things I cannot do
A cartwheel
A handstand
Sing
juggle
keep a clean house
eat stinky fish (salmon, tuna)
Give up sarcasm.

7 things you might not know about me
I was voted Miss Congeniality 1992 for my town pagent.
I was honorable mention for the state park admission sticker contest in high school.
Before I met Chad, I feared I would not meet my soul mate.
I am ready to have children (but no bun in the oven right now)
Brown is my favorite color.
I dislike the color orange.
I have never gotten a ticket.

7 movies I enjoy
Neopoleon Dynamite.
Sixteen Candles.
Breakfast Club.
Bridget Jones Diary.
Caddyshack.
Love, Actually.
This is my Father.

7 things I wish I could change in my life
My exercise habits.
My housekeeping skills.
My weight.
My C in A&P two.
My shopping habit (not really, but I should).
My clutter-bug tendencies.
My eyesight (I'm blind, blind, blind without my glasses.

7 books I have read and would read again
Jane Eyre
The proper care and feeding of husbands. (great read, even if you have a great marriage, like I do)
Any cookbook.
What not to Wear
Suze Orman's financial book for Young, Fabulous and Broke.
Any of my scrapbook albums.
An atlas (love maps....I know, I'm a dork.)

7 people who should do this!
Laura
Cricket
Kathy
Ali
Cathy
Ramie
YOU!

Leaving you with a picture of Chad and me.

Later, Jennie

The cat is almost out of the bag.....

things are moving along in the household.....exciting stuff happening for Chad, Julio the Cat, and me. Keep posted....

Off work until next week. I'm going to enjoy the long weekend! We have a wedding to go to this weekend, other than that, it's more work on the house. Decluttering, cleaning, organizing. Fun stuff, this home ownership.

There is a heat advisory today....100+ with heat index. It's couples golf scramble tonight...but I'm a fair weather golfer. I think we will pass, unless it somehow cools down.

Meeting Chad for lunch today. Need to get ready.

Jennie