crap crap crap

Ya I'm still alive. Barely haning on but I'm still here. My life has gone from whoa to crazy to bad to horrible to downright painful. Alot has happnened in the last month and none of it is really good. I suposse that Sophie turning one was wonderful. She's walkin like crazy and her favorite thing to say is Hi? She always asks it like a question, it's pretty funny. She's ridiculously adorable and a total spoiled princess. But I couldn't imagine loving a little girl more. James is gettin smarter than ever! I can't believe the things he picks up on. I am at a loss for words right now so I'm gonna stop writing for now. I'll eventually come back and give you a real update. Oh the only other thing is that I'm down 69 pounds! Ya thats a pretty dang good feeling. Oh ya I chopped off my hair too......I'll leave you with a picture. Bare with me it's from my phone, and not great quality. However you can see my new big "sexy" hair...thats what Ginnie.....aka greatest hair stylist eva, calls it!

~xo

jenn

sigh

it's been a crazy long time since i posted last, i know. one day my life will settle down. so first things first, my rak is way late. at least the winner will still get chocolate!! and you'll have a box for next year!!! lol!

My son picked a name from the hat.......winner is.......................PAM! Email me your addy girl and I'll get the goodies sent out to you!

Life has been hectic with moving and finding a house, a job. etc etc etc. so bare with me during my silence.

arrrgh! pirate booty!

I'm such a dork! I tell people to watch my blog for RAK and what do I do? Never post the pictures! Seriously I'm a moron sometimes......ok well most of the time. Anyways, here is the RAK that I'll be sending to a lucky blog reader. It's filled with golden treasures! If you are on the weight conscious side I can put little 100 cal candy bars in there instead (just let me know that if you win!) Ok so here's how you play to win, simple really......post on your blog about this post. If I get more than 25 comments (all from diff people!) I'll throw in some scrappy goodies too! If you're a digi scrapper I'll give you some money to spend at Peppermint Creative! So what are you waiting for?! GO GO GO! lol!

Oh and this box was created using the October kit at Addicted Scrappers. The only thing not part of the kit/add-on is the box. I got the box at Joann's yesterday for fifty cents!

xo
jenn

want a free purse?

check out http://www.handbagplanet.com/ They are giving away 24 handbags in 24 hours. They have some super cute bags that they are giving away. So go check it out and enter!

gone baby gone

eesh! i swear we don't have a home anymore! we've been gone for 2.5 weeks now! But we are having a great time. Right now we're at Sus' house and James is having a blast! He loves it here. I can't complain either. My wallet and my husband can complain but it's not too bad! It's hard being here in the presence of the store! My compulsive shopperness wants to come out and play!!! We'll be going home on wednesday sometime though. James starts back to school next week, and that'll be nice. We've found a few houses that we like, but we need to figure out what we're going to do with our lives before we decide on buying one. Sean has to figure out if he's going to re-enlist, and I need to decide if I wanna be a hairstylist, dental hygienist or a web developer. Honestly, I'm leaning towards the web developer. Thats something thats just right up my alley! Oh and speaking of being gone, next week we are going camping with my friend Ginnie and her family next week. Thats gonna be fun! I haven't been camping since before having James, so it's gonna be weird! I gotta find a stinkin pack n play though. boo! But it's gonna be tons of fun! I can't wait. But man this has been a very very busy month already!

I need to post some scrappy goodness but the internet here is wanky so I'm gonna have to do it when I get home. Oh and did you see a new Twilight preview is coming out? Can't wait!

oh one last thing. went to my doc and i'm down 45 pounds. I officially am back to what I weighed when sean and I got married! thats dang exciting!!!

xo
jenn

this little thing called life....

Sometimes it just sneaks up on ya, know what I mean? Today I had an ah-ha moment. Sean and I were talking about death (i know morbid right?) a few days ago. It always saddens me to think about it, so I don't! But a woman in the scrap world was killed on her way to work by a red light running teenager, and it actually made me cry. Why? Not sure. Mostly I think it was because she had 2 kids, the same age as mine and that hit close to home. So Sean was at work while we were talking and he sent me this text:

"I was gonna say life your life the way you want to. When your tiem is up have no regrets. Love those closest to you. This life is just a a test, remember that. There is much much more once this life is over. Also, I will be with you through all eternity. And that was a choice that we made together."

Ok so I got that and I was speechless (ok technically I was text-less, but you get it) So that's what I've decided. I can't keep going through life and saying oh man I am so sorry I did that. Duh Jenn, wake up! Stop doing things that you know you aren't going to be happy about! Uh hello?! So there ya have it. My new life motto is to live with no regrets. I also decided that I should take my church beliefs a bit further. I've never been a great Mormon, no not because I'm a horrible sinner, but because I've never really paid attention to my feelings and never really voiced how I felt about our church.

Sean and I have never really talked much about that either. But after his text I couldn't not talk to him about our eternal marriage. I can not express enough how grateful I am for the church. For the decision that we made to get married in the temple. I still feel like I was totally undeserving of such an amazing honor. Can you believe that it's been almost 5 years since that wonderful day? Ya me either!

I truly am a blessed woman....eek when did I become one of those? lol! I still don't let people call me ma'am cuz I am so not that kinda woman. I still consider myself a young woman though! ;) I have a fantastic husband, great kids, and a family that supports me no matter what. There is no aspect in my life right now that I don't love. Even the bad stuff is a gift for me because it will help me become a better person. I.E. Sean goin overseas without us for an insanely long time. Yeah thats not gonna be fun, but I think that it will make our relationship that much stronger.

Alright this is way way way too much seriousness for me! So I'm gonna go play with the rugrats now! Have a great weekend! I may update with my 4th digi scrap page that I made, it's super cute!

xo
jenn

whew........

First off....not pregnant! Geez what a mess that would have been! I'd have dealt with it but man it would have been crazy! Sean said he'd have to try harder next time he's here, I have half a mind to smack him!

Second Sean finally got "hard copy" orders. He's definetley going to Bahrain. We have no idea for how long though. Thats not clear in his orders so he has to wait til he gets back to MD on friday to talk to the detailer. Ugh! I really hate having to wait! Seriously when it comes to patience I have very little! However in talking with other Navy wive's I've found out that its typically a year that they go, sometimes a year and a half but usually a year.

Now onto the good news. Sean finally agreed with me that we could find a new place for us to live. I'm goin crazy livin with his mom. I love her to pieces but we need our own space. It's hard to try and run my family when there are 3 other people tellin my kids what to do. For that matter I'd like to have my own room again! All 3 of us in one normal sized bedroom is just plain a pain. Plus I really like to cook and use my stuff but I think they don't really enjoy my cooking. I dunno though. So now I get to really start looking! I'm so happy about that!

Ok thats my news for now. Sophie needs lunch. I've got more to talk about but for now thats all ya get!

xo
jenn

My baby is 10 months old.....sigh

How did she get that old already? Geez times goin by fast! However I'm not sad! I don't miss those days really. I did love the bonding time while I was breastfeeding, but I don't miss having to feed her every 3 hours! I can't say I don't miss the sleepless nights cuz she still doesnt sleep through the night. UGH! James was sleeping through the night before he was a month old! Oh well. I know that I'm going to miss these days one day......actually no I won't but I sure will have a good laugh when she calls me and complains about her baby not sleepin! lol!!! So I'm going to grace you with some photos of my precious baby. Thanks Jenney for this idea! I'm finally getting around to using it! I know I'm a total slacker, no one needs to remind me! Ok ok enough yapping.

her birthday

1 month and lookin like an angel!

2 months and showin us her popeye muscles!!

3 months- look at that grin!

4 months-ok yes you caught me, I took valentines day pictures the month after, but only because I totally forgot! oops!

5 months and mama loves this bow!

6 months and as pretty as can be! Her eye lashes are stunning here, right?!

7 months and pouting like any girl that doesn't get her way should do!

8 months-my horrible 4th of July pictures. Not sure what I did wrong but they all look like this. I need to take a photography class so I know what I'm doin! But she sure does make a cute all American baby!

9 months-we have her in training to devour her birthday cake! lol! ok well seriously we were just messin around and Sean thought it'd be great fun, and it was. She did manage to steal a piece of chocolate!


10 months and already tryin to climb to the top!

I can't believe in about 2 months she'll be a year old! She's almost walking. Has said her first "real" word, which is Up! But she also says mama, dada and buba (which is James). She's eating food like the rest of us. She hates baby food! She wishes that she could run and play with James, to a point of screaming til he gives her what she wants, and boy he's in for a world of trouble if he keeps that up! But I have to be grateful because he's really a great boy. He's sweet and sometimes he even shares his toys with her! I love 'em both and couldn't imagine life without them! Oh yeah btw I think I'm pregnant. I honestly don't want to be. However, I would enjoy every minute of it if I was. My mom said that I should know what causes these things by now, but I guess I haven't learned my lesson! I was due to have a vistor a week ago and she hasn't made an appearance yet. I'm not totally concerened because I've never had a regular schedule. heck I've gone a whole year and she only visited me once that whole time, yeah thats an overweith thing....or so they tell me. But now since I've had Sophie and lost over 40 pounds, it must be trying to get regular? I dunno. I know this is all TMI though. But this time next week if she has not reared her ugly self then I'm gonna have to worry. Blah! Don't really wanna think about it, kwim?! Sean just keeps saying if thats what Heavenly Father has planned for us, then so be it. I reply with, "thats fine and dandy but it's not my idea of fun to have 3 kids whilst you're deployed for a year." yes I really say whilst, mostly because it's funny to say and Sean gives me a funny look when I say it!

I have alot of scrappy goodness to show off, but with all the pictures I've posted I better wait for another post to do that one. Thanks for reading this far!

xo

jenn

*please take note*

This is for all my friends who are LDS. Yes I am LDS and I uphold standards as much as I can, I do not claim to be perfect in any way. I have a potty mouth sometimes, and I say mean things sometimes, mostly because I don't think before I speak. I don't typically mean to hurt peoples feelings or mean it when I say I can't stand someone! So please note that while reading my blog, esp if you go way way back to the beggining of my blog. I was in a bad place, and I mean a bad place. I don't want to go back and delete my posts because I think it's going to prove to be helpful someday.

I am glad however that I have more people coming to my blog now! So if you're reading this thanks for stopping in!

Now I'm gonna go do a real post.


over and out

xo
jenn

ok be prepared.......

this is gonna be long. I'm sure longer than I intend, but thats the way it goes sometimes.

So Sean came, and went. He was here for 2 VERY short weeks. We had a great time. but my gosh we were busy! The first day he got here we went over to the TCC (convention center) because a local car dealership was having a big sale. I needed a new car in the worst way. Mine was awful and a total heap of junk. So we went and we weren't gonna buy a car that day. HA! We did. We got a Chrysler Pacifica and I love it. It's got 2 more seats so now I can have 6 in the car, it's just alot nicer and a ton more room!

For his birthday we left the kiddos with his mom for the night, went to see Death Race, then to the Melting Pot, and then to a hotel. It was so nice to not have to wake up in the middle of the night to feed Sophie! The movie was pretty good too. I'm not a huge fan of action movies, but it was not bad. The Melting Pot was fab as always! I love that place. It's such a nice treat to go there too. I have pictures but Sean has them, so when he send them I'll show ya.

Then we were pretty much out and about every single day. It was nuts. The day after he got here I got a book shipment with the books written by Charlaine Harris. They are the Sookie Stackhouse novels, and about vampires. HBO is actually starting a series based on them, which begins this sunday. Can't tell ya how darn excited I am for that! You may have seen previews and it looks really good. Not sure how much they'll take from the books, but I hope they stay pretty true because the books were great. I still have one left to read, but it's on it's way and I should be able to get to it next week. The best thing is that she's still writing more of them, with no plans to end it any time soon, and that makes me happy!! lol!

So since he's left I've been keeping myself busy because if I don't then I'm gonna get depressed again. I don't want that cuz I was an awful person to be around! So I'm staying positive staying focused, all that good stuff. I feel weird cuz we didn't make it to church either sunday he was here, we were visiting family and friends and it just never happened. So now I've missed 2 weeks and it's bazar. I feel out of touch. So alas tomorrow we'll be headed to church. I think that James needs it as much as I do!

Speakin of James, he's doin good with school. He's actually learning stuff and its so fun to sit and listen to him sing songs! It cracks me up. He's still as ornery as ever, but thats the way it goes right?

Sophie is doing good. She's starting to stand on her own, and that freaks me out! But this was right about the time that James started walking. I hope for Sean's sake that she'll wait til November which is when he SHOULD be able to come home again. She's waving now too. I can't believe that she's almost 10 months. I'm gonna have to do a dedicated post for her, with 10 months of pictures. It makes me sad to think that she'll be one soon. How does it seem like time goes by so fast?

Speakin of the princess she's awake so I'll have to feed her. I know I've got lots more updating to do, so I'll get on that this weekend.

BTW one of you friends thats good at makin headers, how do I do it? Mine is just so not cool! Help me out....ahem Brandi.....;)

wow almost a month since an update...yeah i know i suck

ok so I was on google reader and reading Brandi's blog, and she tagged me. So I'm gonna play along as an excuse to update. Yes I'll update again with pictures, but for now I don't feel like doin that!

so here's the tag:

1. When did you meet the 1st person on your list? My list is kinda scrambled, it's in no particular order, so I'm gonna pick from it people I actually have talked with. So I'm goin with Luv 2 Scrapp's blog, who is Jackie. I met her on the Paper Popsicles message board. She's such an awesome woman, and oober thoughtful. She sent me the most beautiful card! Thanks Jackie!

2. What do you like about the 3rd and 4th people on your list? The actual 3rd person is Linda, and again I met her on the PP message boards. She too is awesome. She also sent me a card and an adorable birdy stamp! She has got to be one of the greatest of my internet friends! the 4th person is Jennifer, whom I met at A Million Memories. She is one of the strongest women I have ever spoken too. To be able to go through what she has been through and still smile makes me kick myself for all the times I've cried and complained about life.

3.What do you like best about the 5th and 6th people on your list? Amooretto, aka Christa, is one of the most amazing women I know. She and I have been friends for quite some time now! Weird to think back about how long ago we started chatting!! She is such a sweetie and so kind and really friggin organized! The 6th person is Brandi. Like she said on her blog I met her sometime before Tim and her got married, but I can't recall exactly when so I'm goin with her on this one and saying 1993, I can't believe that was 15 years ago! I feel really old now, cuz I remember there wedding very clearly. It's weird the things that you remember huh? I think the thing I like about her best is that we really do have alot of things in common. I guess you never think about your uncle's wife being a friend, but if we lived any closer I am sure that I'd hang out with her all the time. Plus she's just as obsessed with Twilight as I am, so you can't go wrong with that!

4. How long have you known the 9th person on your list? again going with people that I've actually talked with here.....so Learn to swerve...aka Ruth. I haven't actually met her, but she inspires me beyond belief. She's is so friggin strong and she's gorgeous to boot. She's a great mom and a military wife, and thats not something that any woman can do easily. Her hubby's been deployed and her mama died, and somehow she's surviving. I couldn't do it. I'd curl up in a corner and shut myself off from the world. Kudos to her!

5. What impresses you about the 12th and 13th people on your list? The 12th and 13th are sisters and are my cousins. Kelly is awesome and her and I were buddies growin up. We are the same age, however she seems to be a much better mom than I! Plus her hubby is super sweet, even though I have yet to meet him, the way she talks about him is wonderful. Shannon is a bit older than I am, but still an awesome cousin. I remember all the times growing up that we all hung out together. We had alot of fun times. I haven't seen either of these girls in a really LONG time, I wished they lived closer so we could see each other more often.

6. What is a memory of the 16th person on your list? oh man I am so not cool enough to have 16 people on my list!

7. Something nice about the last person on your list. The last person is Shannon. She is an awesome mom. She's gonna be the mom on the block that all the kids love. The one that all the other moms envy!! She's just cool like that. She knows all the fun things to do!

Now I tag Jackie, Christa, and Kelly.

calm yourself woman........

ok so it's been an interesting week. I've been dealing with all this emotional bs right? Well on monday I found out that my SIL bought Twilight. I asked her if she was gonna read it or if I could start it. She said ya but that she wanted to start it this weekend, I said thats fine I should be done middle of the week no problem. HA! Never did I know that I'd finish it in 5 hours. Ya 5 hours!! The book is so well written, so intriguing. It makes me want to know more, and I couldn't put it down! So I finished it before I even went to bed and I was left thinking what was going to become of my beloved Edward and Bella. So I decided that after I dropped James off at joy school on Tuesday morning I'd head to Target with Sophie and get the next book. Well I was there, they had the remaining 3, and I couldn't resist. Yes I bought all 3 of them, which I am so happy I did.....will explain later. So I get number 2, and I couldn't wait to start reading so I went to the parking lot, turned on the car got the air started and drove closer to where I'd have to pick up James from school, and started reading. I hated having to stop! It's been a long time since my brain and eyes, have gotten such a good workout! So I continued to read and had them all finished by Thursday morning. Yes, I read very fast, a curse and a blessing. I'm not sure I could have stood it if I didn't find out everything so quickly! Bad part is now I am fantasizing about a vampire and a girl! Well fantasizing might be the wrong word, but I constantly think about them. I hear songs and I think...ooh that be good at this part of this book. I'm really super stoked for the movie. So tonight I was visiting www.stepheniemeyer.com and playing around. Found out that she's going to be writing a new book called "Midnight Sun", which will basically be Twilight again but written from Edwards point of view instead of from Bella's. Can I tell ya how excited I am for that?! I truly hope that she continues on and writes more to this series, eventhough she said that "Breaking Dawn" was the conclusion. But I want to know more! I want to know what happens with Jacob and a certain someone (don't wanna ruin it for those who haven't read BD!!) I want to hear more about Edward and Bella's love story. It's so great, so pure, so beautiful! Ah well I can only hope right? lol! So that's been the excitement of the week...........until today.

Sean's coming home on the 20th for a visit!!!! I'm so beyond excited!! Not even funny how much I can't wait to see him! He'll only be here for 2 weeks, but I am truly grateful for his command changing schedules around so that he could come and see us! He'll be here for his birthday so now I have to plan some super fun stuff! Ideas???

i wish

I could see him. face to face. touch him. smell him. breathe him. I long to see him smile at me with those warm sparkling inviting eyes. I hate being so far for so long. I hate having to fake a smile and tell people that I'm doing fine, when I'm not. I hate when I hear that tone in his voice, the one that makes him so vulnerable. I hate hearing him cry because I tell him that we miss him. When I tell him that James keeps asking me when will daddy be here. When I see him standing at a window looking out and I ask what he's doing and he says waiting for daddy. I hate having seperate lives, but having to still try and maintain our marriage. Why us? Why did we have to move to Maryland, why did he have to get stationed at THAT base? Sometimes I question why heavenly father put us through everything we've gone through. I am sure that it will be all beneficial in the end. Everyone says if you CAN make it through this you'll be able to make it through anything. But what happens if we don't? I refuse to quit. I can't give up. I'm in this for eternity and I want to be. But I want to be there living life as a family. It's been 9 months since we saw him last and I can't even remember what it feels like to have him hold my hand, or feel him sneak up behind me when he gets home. I can't remember his smell, although while out and about I always smell thing that remind me of him. I hate having to tolerate the pain of crying every night. Having to be a "single" mother. I'm not that kinda woman. I need my husband. I want him. I can not imagine my life without him. That'd be the worst thing I'd ever have to deal with. I try to stay positive about his impending deployment but it's impossible not to have that fear in the back of my mind. I just want all of this to be over. But I obviously don't get what I want!

Sorry this is such a blah post again. But at least I'm posting right?! lol!

btw read Twilight today, you should too. It was awesome. It however reminded me of Sean, and made me miss him that much more. But it's a great read.

xo
jenn

when do you give up?????

When do you stop fighting a 3 year old on taking a nap. James fell asleep on the way home from church, about 5 mins he was asleep. It's been over an hour and he's still not asleep. I've tried reading, singing, and spanking. Yes I spanked him {gasp} Don't call CPS cuz I didn't beat him, I spanked his butt cuz he came out yelled at me said "you're not my friend ANYMORE" hit me and walked away. I kindly tried talking to him, and for me thats hard to do, as I don't have a good amount of patience. He looked at me and spit. That was it. I couldn't take it anymore. I spanked him and put him back in his bed and closed the door. He's still screaming, kicking the door, fighting me to no avail. I just don't know when I should say whatever I give up. I can't fight anymore. Although I know if I give in and let him stay up then that's what he'll do, and in technicality he'll win the fight. I don't like losing! lol.

~~~~It's been 15 mins since I started typing and I finally hear silence, not sure how long it's gonna last though. Keep your fingers crossed!!!

BTW thank you all for your kind words and love. I truly appreciate it. Life is hard. I'm not one of those women who can function without her husband. God forbid anything horrible happen to him, I'd be a ridiculous mess. I just want him home. I want to go out with the other mommies I know and just have my husband keep the kids. I want to have a home of OUR own. I'm tired of living with people, tired of having to share my space, tired of dealing with attitude from a 12 year old that has NO respect for her elders, not even her parents. That makes me nuts! Sometimes I wanna wash her mouth out with soap!

But I will survive. Sean always makes me feel better. Always comes up with the right words to say. A few days ago, when I was having an esp bad day and he was at work he sent me this text:
"Hi baby. I just wanted to tell ou that I love you and miss you. And thank you for all the things you do for our family. and thank you for loving me back and making me the happiest man ever." How can I not smile after that? Thanks babe. Love ya!

I'll be back later after I do some picture editing. I read Jenney's blog and I'm totally gonna steal her idea. Thanks again for reading. I love you girls!!

xo
jenn

sorry

Ok so it's been awhile since I've updated, I know I'm slacker!! Things have been crazy busy. Kids are sick today, and I got zero sleep last night. I'm exhausted. But things have been goin. I've been losing more weight, happy about that. Although been feeling a might bit depressed lately, and not completing assignments on time, etc etc. It sucks. I miss Sean something fierce and it's starting to get to me. The Navy keeps jerkin him around on orders and its pissin me off. I just wish they'd hurry up and give him "hard copy" so we know when and where he's going. I've been trying to scrap but I just can't find much time. I did get a few things done with GCD products for S4L but I didn't get everything done, or I don't think I did. Sorry girls! I promise next month will be better. I'm determined to set time aside for me. I don't need to take the kids to every possible playdate and I don't have to keep the house spotless. Don't even get me started on my MIL, she's about ready to make me nuts. Not sure what I've done to make her mad, but it must have been something good. She's had attitude towards me and the kids since she got home from Oregon over a week ago, and I just don't get it. Pray for my sanity please! Ok so short and sweet today. I'm tired but wanted to let anyone who reads this thing know I am still alive!

xo
jenn

Whoo's the OLD-er guy?

Haha! I made this card for my dad, his birthday is this weekend. I used the sketch from 2Sketches4You that Laura created. I also use GCD studios papers that you can buy for 10% off at Scrap4Life this month. I admit when I got my package I was a bit nervous, but I had a lot of fun makin this card!! The owl stamp is from Sheila at Thats Jazzy Stamp Dreams, it was part of last months mini kit from Paper Popsicles, and I LOVE it! Ok so here's the card


Isn't it cute?! I wanted to make it kinda manly so thats why there are so many staples! but they are color patterns.....thats my ocd comin out!

So I also made other cards, for the DT call that they are having. I love using their sketches so I figured hey why not?! So I can't show those just yet, but once the call is over then I can post them. Keep your fingers crossed that I make it! lol!

It's a busy thursday and James already has attitude. GRR! We need pre-school!!!!!

xo
jenn

Dear Ginnie,

I have found a new friend. She's so awesome, and it feels like we've known eachother for years. We have clicked like I've never clicked with a friend before. I'm so happy! We both have kids about the same age. James and Luke are buddies and they have fun together! Lukie-as James calls him, has taught James things already....ahem how to pee standing up outside! lol! James thinks its the most fun ever!!! We went to the circus with Ginnie and her family and it was fun! James got tired after awhile and Sophie did not want to go to sleep but we managed!! The past few weeks we've hung out alot and it's been really great! I love to have one really good friend that you can call and talk to about whatever, and have fun together. So this is for Ginnie, who reads my blog and asks me why I don't update! lol! Here ya go girl!! PS-her mama is in the hospital right now, so if all my readers can keep her in your prayers that'd be loverly!

Ok so scrappy stuff- I haven't done alot. Done a page or two. I'm too lazy to get them posted for you, so check back tomorrow and I'll get them up. Addicted is getting prep'd for a cyber crop. It's gonna be next weekend, come and play!! There are alot of challenges goin on this month too. Tons of fun to be had! I'm preparing the details for our September guest designer call, keep your eyes out for that. I'll be giving hints in the next few weeks for what you need to do!!

This month at S4L the manufacturer of the month is GCD studios. I am im-patiently awaiting for my goodie box to arrive! I really HATE waiting!! lol! I'll be sure to do more updating once I have goodies in my hand!

On the ME front, I'm doing well. The last 2 days I've gotten the kiddos in the jogger and went walking. I've been going for 45mins-60mins. I keep cramping on my side, but today found that if I drink more water I feel a bit better. I haven't weighed myself recently so I have no clue how much more, if any, I have lost. Today was an emotional day with my in-laws. It's hard to go out with them cuz they don't remember what it's like to have 2 little babies. I cried. Talked to Sean, told him there is absolutley NO way I can stay here until 2010. So I started looking at houses today. Found a bunch I like, all in a good area....lol it's actually pretty close to Ginnie's house! That just happened by coincidence...seriously! So we'll see how it goes. It sucks because we need to buy a new car before mine with it's 136k miles on it dies, but there is no way that we can buy a new car, and get a house on what we're makin. I'm thinkin I'll have to get a job. The good news is, the CDC (child development center) on base pays like $11 bucks an hour. I'm gonna look into getting a job there. Then I'd be able to have the kiddos right there with me, kwim? I don't wanna work, not at all, but if thats what I have to do, then I'll do it.

So this has ended up WAY longer than expected! My bad! lol! If you've made it all the way through, bravo!! Check back soon. I promise to not take so long to update again!!

Oh and cuz I can't leave without a picture of my babies, here they are.

xo

jenn

WebMD is my friend

James has been puking for about 3 hours now and there's no end in sight. Poor kid. He's really only throwing up water, but anything I've tried to give him he can't keep down. I went to WebMD and read up and found out some good stuff. Sophie's been puky too but I thought that was because of a formula change, maybe not though. But she did keep some food down today so I dunno. I hate not being able to help him. It's awful. really really awful. I'm even starting to feel sick. This blows. I wish Sean were here right now. I'm exhausted and so is James and Sophie's gonna wake up soon. Life is no bueno right now. =(

as promised

here is another card that I did today using the Addicted kit. This is based on sketch #5 from Creatively yours. First time playing with one of her sketches, but check it out because she has tons of great ones! Have I mentioned that I've fallen back in love with sketches! I love using them but interpreting them in my own way! Fun fun fun!! Notice the wave in the sentiment? yeah that was a happy accident! lol!



I did a card also for 2sketches4you but forgot to upload it before today, I keep doin that! UgH! oh well, my friend Lynda is part of the Fab 5 this week! Congrats girl!! So I'll be back later, again, to post more stuff. I have to take care of the kids before they destroy my house! Did I mention that Sophie is crawling? I forgot to post the video, so I'll do that later too!

until then

xo
jenn

Goin digital

Ok so not totally but it's fun to do while I'm sittin in the room with the kids. They don't like to stay down in my scrap space and play so I go out to the living room. So yesterday I was on google reader and Chris at Sketch me if you can announced that she had some new stuff in her store, plus a coupon. So I went over and checked it out and got some great kits and embellies! I LOVE the glitter accents that she made! They are just way too cool! She's the only person I've used a digi kit from, except the free one like 2 years ago from CK made by Jessica Sprauge. I wonder how to make a kit though?? I'm interested in learning how to do it, but thats a venture for another day!! So here is a lo that I made last night using the Spring in my step kit that kit is only $2 bucks! How can you go wrong with that!!! So here is the page I made and I used her latest sketch too!!

Check out her blog for some freebies right now too. She really has some awesome stuff and it's tons of fun to play with! I got 4 other things all for $6 bucks! So great!! So I'm gonna try printing some stuff off to see if I can make some hybrid stuff! Oh and this page is gonna be printed off 8x8 and go into a book for Sean to take with him when he deploys! He didn't want any pages with actual embellies on them because he's afraid they won't last! So I'm doin a digi book for him!!

On another note we didn't make it to church today. Sophie started puking this morning and hasn't stopped. It's yucky and I feel horrible because there is nothing I can do for her. I'm not sure whats goin on with her but hopefully when she wakes up she'll be feelin better. I have to go give James some lunch. I'll be back later to post some more stuff I've made using the AS "Sunshine & Popsicles" kit! I've loved working with the Cosmo Cricket pp's! It's such great fun!!

happy sunday!

xo
jenn

geez i'm a postin fool today!

Ok so I did another project using the Addicted Scrappers kit. It's a sweet little card! I used sketch #55 from Sketch this Such fun to make a card from a lo sketch! Thats not something I've ever done before!!! Wahoo!! lol! Ok so it's 11:10 and I'm goin to bed! I know thats amazing but I'm exhausted. Sophie's still not sleeping through the night and 3 am is gonna roll around way too fast! Oh geez I almost forgot I need to post the picture! lol! so here it is and I'll be back soon with more creations!

xo

jenn

July at Addicted Scrappers

Oh my there is such yumminess and fun happening over there! I'm stoked that I get to work with the "Sunshine and Popsicles" kit (isn't that a cute name!) Here is a look at both kits for July, if you want one snag it quick I know they'll go quick this month!

"Sunshine and Popsicles"

July "Grafton" kit. This kit is so yummo too. I had a hard time choosing which one I wanted to play with. Poor James doesn't get many pages made about him anymore and this kit would be great! Although I'm sure that Susannah will show us a wonderful way to use it for girls, as she always does!

So those are the kits. Go check them out. She has subscriptions too, and she works with you if you have some sort of special request! Can't go wrong with that!!

Also check out the forum this month. We are going to have a crop, contests, and tons of challenges! We want to make the next 3 months as jam packed full of fun as we possibly can! Our new DT is sure to surprise with all the goodness coming your way! I'd love to have you come on over and check it out! Plus we'll be doing a Guest DT call for September soon, so watch out for that!

OH DUH!! I almost totally forgot that I already did a LO with the kit! lol!! Here is the page, details to follow.......

Ok so everything except, the white and black scallop pieces are in the kit, or kit add-on. Is this not so much fun? I love Cosmo Cricket! They always have such awesome stuff!! Now I'm not in love with the picture of me but Sean asked me to do a page with it because he really likes it. Said he loves how my lips look :blush: lol! It's amazing what you can do with a little lip gloss! So this page was made using a sketch from Sketches-r-us which is one of my very favorite sketch sites! But this is the very first time I have used one of the sketches! I have like a bagillion printed off I just can't ever seem to get to use them!

Alright I have to stop blogging for now. Ok one more thing. I've lost another 5 pounds this week. I need to go update my little ticker thingy over there! But yeah I'm pretty stoked! Alright done for real. Thanks again for stopping by!

xo

jenn

Piggy Tales

This card I used a "barn door" and it opens up to show this, this card is CPS #66. Paper Popsicles used it for their sketch of the month for June.
it's hard to tell but I put a "pig tail" under the train to make it pop. This card was made using an awesome sketch from Kazan.

Used another barn door and I hung the train from gross grain ribbon. This is also sketch #2 by Laura from 2 sketches 4 you

This month at Scrap4Life we had the pleasure of working with Piggy Tales products. Last night Brandon, from Pt, was there chatting with us. I totally missed it because James was being a terror and I'm totally bummed. But I still got to work with their stuff and it was great! I've only ever played with it once before and that was with the NSD kit. Before that I'd never used any of their products! I must say that I love their stuff! The papers this year are eco friendly and thats just cool!! So here is what I created with my pack using the Steadfast Tin Soldier collection (which was a perfect choice for me, James LOVES trains!!)

Thanks for stopping by!

xo

jenn

aaah peace for a while

The kids are both in bed. I dunno what to do with myself! lol! I know that I need to update my blog with some stuff I've been workin on though!!

First I want to congratulate Dawn, and Gina for making the cut for Addicted Scrappers dt. We had TONS of awesome talent apply and really had a hard time narrowing it down. In sisterly fashion we went back and forth but in the end agreed that these girls would do the job! We'll be doing the call again in 3 months, so if you're interested join the site! One of our biggest things is being active on the boards. I feel bad cuz the last few weeks I haven't been around a bunch but I've had a good excuse! So congrats girls!!

So what have I been workin on??? CARDS! I have been in love with makin them lately. I can't show you a bunch yet cuz I'm waitin on a DT reveal to be released, but I do have a few I can show ya! Oh and some LO's that I made using Piggy Tales, who is the Manuf. of the Month at S4L. Ok let the pictures begin!

this is of my sweet boy, who will be 3 next month! I can't believe that. He's such a cute booger!


This one we had to make a layout about Dad. Since I didn't have any recent pics with Sean and the kids, so I made this. I love the simplicity of it!



This card was made for a new challenge site that I found through another blog. But I can't for the life of me remember what it is. I bookmarked it last night, but its not on my links. =( So this week's challenge is a sketch, it's a stamping challenge blog, so if you know what it is PLEASE tell me! Anyways here's the card made using Piggy Tales stuff from the NSD kit at S4L. I LOVE that kit!




so enjoy this for now, i'll be back to post the rest of my cards soon I hope!

xo
jenn

I'm home!

Ok so here I am! I actually came home yesterday. I feel really good! I seriously was expecting to be worse off but I'm not so wahoo!! I've not totally figured out how to work this handy little tool, but I'll figure it out! Today I got to start the "full liquids" stage and I'm lovin it! It's easier than I thought it would be! Campbells selects makes this yummy portobello mushroom cream soup that is totally delicious! I have to drink protein drinks, and that doesn't make me happy. They are so nasty! I hate drinking them, but it's a neccesary evil, at least until I figure out what other people are doing to get protein in. I'm gonna post some links for pics of my incisions tomorrow cuz right now I need to hop in bed. But just so you know it's nothin pretty to look at, so don't look unless you wanna see how minimal it is. Thank you to all of you who have sent me love and well wishes, you are all awesome! I can't wait to start tracking this journey on my loverly little blog for you all to see! Mostly I can't wait to see the new me! I'm very excited and so happy with the choice I have made! Please excuse the goofy expression on my face, I was trying to take this picture and James was bein a booger! But I like it! lol!

xo

jenn

UGH.....

I went in for my pre-op testing. I didn't expect this to happen. I was told I have to stop breastfeeding Sophie. After about 30 mins chatting with the La Leche chick and crying and crying, I decided it'd be ok. I'd be alright. I wanted to make it to 9 months but made it to 7. I suposse I could have postponed the surgery but I'd rather give up the nursing than the surgery date. So it sucks but I'll survive. I am super excited. I've been reading posts, blogs and tons of stuff from lapband talk, I've been enjoying what I'm reading. There are some people that are REALLY inspiring! I can't wait to start my journey. I think I am most excited to play with the kids and not have to worry about people judging me and my "jello" body. I know that alot of people look at me totally normal, but I feel like they are undressing me with their eyes and going EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!! I was pretty embarassed to tell anyone about the surgery because I thought that people would judge me, and yes some have. Alot of people tell me I am taking the easy way out and to those people I say bite me! Its not easy at all. All that Lapband is, is a tool for helping me to drop weight. I have to totally adjust my eating habits, what I eat, and my exercise. It's not going to be easy at all. So please if you have something negative to say keep it to yourself. Remember if you don't have somethin nice to say don't say nuthin at all! So I am counting down until monday. then i'll be counting down until Sean gets home and goes HOLY mother! lol! I can't wait to see the look on his face! I'm super excited! Have I said that already??! I'll update when I get home and let ya'll know how it goes!

xo
jenn

2 sketches 4 you

Ok so my friend and ooober talented chick, Kazan and her friend Laura, have created a new sketch blog. I am in LOVE with it! I have created 3 cards, only have one to show you right now, but you def. need to check out the site. The link is in my sidebar, but here it is just in case youre too lazy to go click it! lol! http://2sketches4you.blogspot.com/ This weeks sketch is drawn by Kazan, who seriously draws some friggin awesome stuff! Plus to boot her pages and cards rock! Love ya girl! ;) So without further ado here is my card created with sketch 3. I made this for a friend from S4L that just had a baby boy, who is totally adorable btw! Ok ok here is the card




I LOVE this SEI paper that I got from S4L. It's so much fun! I had a good time making this card. First time I did the whole "stitching" with ribbon and I love how it turned out!!

And for my last comment for now. I want to say a HUGE thank you for all of my friends who are posting comments, sending emails, sending cards, and I even got one phone call!! You girls sure have made me happy and made my day better. Thank you for thinking of me. I'll sort through all this mess and be on track to happiness again soon! Seriously you have touched me. So thank you again! Come back soon as I'll be uploading all that scrappy goodness I told ya about a few days ago!!




xo
jenn

alrighty then......

ok so finally i'll update. i found out what was going on and all is well. i feel better now! this has been a whirlwind of a week and it seems to have gone by WAY to fast! I can't believe that it's monday! So I decided it was time to pull my head outta my butt and try to get back to life. I have a ton of RAK's and prizes that need to be mailed out, so if you are waiting for that from me I am sorry! I SUCK at going to the po!! In my defense it is a bit hard with 2 kids and ZERO help! I have been ridiculously cranky and irritable and busy. James has been nothing but a giant PITA today and my head is throbbing. Sorry if this has zero structure and seems like word vomit but I am just puttin things down as they come out! It's the final week for the DT call at Addicted Scrappers and I can't wait to see what the girls do this week! I really can't wait to pick the team! It's gonna be hard because there is a TON of talent that is applying! Its fun though because this call is a 3 month term so we'll have new peeps again in 3 months! SO much fun! I think the next one will be a traditional call though, just seems easier. But I dunno we'll see how that goes!! Sean still has no clue when he'll be home, hopefully he'll find out this week though. But my surgery is in one week and I am so damn excited I can't even explain. Yes I am a bit nervous, and scared but mostly excited!! It's gonna suck for sure afterwards, but I am really up for the challenge! I didn't make the DT at Paper Popsicles but I am totally ok with that. I love the site and the team they chose is great! I can't wait to see what they do! Congrats girls! Esp to Jackie G. Whom I think is my new bestest friend. She sent me the most lovely card with a letter and I cried because it was just that great. It truly made my day girly! Thank you a million times! I have it sitting right on my desk just so I can remember that there really are nice people out there that care! Ok enough rambling. I need to sleep and I'll make a real post tomorrow to show ya'll some stuff I have been making, there is some OOOBER cute goodness coming your way!! ;_)

ugh

there's something wrong with one of my sisters and my family seems to think it necessary to keep me out of the loop. it's almost 1am I can't sleep, I've been sick to my stomach all night and it's killing me. I wish that someone would just let me know if she's ok. Because it hurts thinking that your family is keeping secrets. So while trying to deal with all my own issues I'm worried sick about her. Someone just needs to talk to me.

so sketchy

I've been playing with cards today using a bunch of different sketches. The first one is from http://sosketchy.blogspot.com/ Ally runs the blog and the sketches rawk! This card is for the May 1st card sketch. I did a lo based off of this card sketch too. Here that is. I am seriously in LOVE with this page!

I have more cards to upload but I need to feed Sophie real quick. I'll update this post later tonight with the great cards I made using the May Addict Card Kit "Totally Amp'd" its seriously awesome!

xo

jenn

50 posts and your questions answered

This is my 50th post! How cool is that! Today has been a pretty darn good day! I got our room almost totally cleaned....I'm posting pics when I'm done cuz a few people don't believe me when I say we are all squished into one room!

I was working on the info for the DT call at Addicted Scrappers today and it's gonna be tons of fun! Keep you eyes peeled for that info! Scrap 4 Life.....Jodie is givin the DT awesomeness this month! we are getting 40% off PLUS $10 bucks to spen! How awesome is that! My wishlist should be getting smaller but everytime I buy stuff it gets big again! lol!

I've been playing with my guest designer stuff for paper popsicles and I'm having fun. I altered 2 journals, one gift card box, and have done one...almost 3 pages so far! Thanks Melissa! Speaking of Paper Popsicles check out the clearance section.....its on SALE! How awesome is that!!! Check it out at www.paperpopsicles.com Check out the half sheets section too! and my personal fave....the Stamps and Theme kits! You really can't go wrong in this store!

Ok so now to answer the big kahuna. I have gotten a ton of emails........I SERIOUSLY didn't realize anyone read my blog! lol! But people wanna know whats wrong, why am I depressed. So to answer it....It's really quite simple but I have to tell the story for you to understand. So here goes!

Last year in August my dad flew up to MD and got James and I and drove us back to Tucson. Sean had been working long horrible hours and was gone 16-18 hours a day. Going back and forth on missions and what not. So I found out I was pregnant with Sophie and the ish hit the fan! I was freaking out wondering how I was going to take care of both of them, essentially alone. Hence the reason my dad came. We were having a bit of a marital crisis at the time so that didn't help matter at all. In September Sean and I had a REAL conversation for what seemed like the first time in years. We decided that it was important to both of us to work out our issues and live a long and happy life together. So he came home in November for Sophie's birth and stayed for a month and it was wonderful. We knew that everything would be ok because we would be moving back in together in November when he changed duty stations. Well we found out last month that he wouldn't be coming home. He was told that he'd be getting deployed for 6 months. Well last week we found out that he'd be gone for a whole freaking year. Let me tell you that could send any sane woman into depression. It sucks and it's hard to deal with the fact that we will only spend about 2 months together over the span of 2 years. It kills me. Breaks my heart because I will miss him. Breaks my heart because James will miss him. But I think the biggest reason is because Sophie will be almost 2 before he gets back. Everytime I think about that I breakdown and cry and cry. I will do everything in my power to make sure she knows who he is but I am so afraid that she is going to miss out on creating that father/daughter bond. Everyone tells me that she'll be fine and she'll adjust when he gets home and she won't remember it at all. But I am so scared. Terrified really.

So thats the story. Really nothing exciting but thats whats goin on in my world. Thanks for all the emails and for the happy thoughts. Here are a few pictures to make you smile!

i only

have one thing to say today.


Depression sucks. but not knowing how to figure a way out sucks even more.

I saw a quote today that said

"I like to walk in the rain because no one can see me crying"

yup that pretty much sums it up!

xo
jenn

CHCHCHCH CHANGES!!!

LOL! Everytime I hear the word changes I think of that silly song and it makes me wanna dance! But I promise I'll spare you having to imagine that! So this is gonna be a quick post cuz it's 1 and I'm beat. But I wanted to pop in and say hey! This weekend was a super busy NSD for me. I shopped and shopped and shopped! lol! I even won for shopping! I won a $50 gc at S4L and I couldn't wait to spend it all! The box that Jodie sends me this week is gonna weigh at least 20 pounds! I'm so excited! I seriously can't wait!!! So I did the little shaped card challenge for Kandis' blog and today I got the stamps. I used them on this gift set I made, and they worked perfectly!!! I also used Sheila's build a paisley stamp. This is seriously by far the best set I've ever had!! She also sent me bling which is always welcome! Thanks KANDIS!! YOU ARE THE BEST!

Ahem I'm falling asleep while typing so I just had a really big row of wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww lol! I'm goin to bed people. I'm posting the sweet little gift set!

Caardvarks card

I did this sweet little card for 3 diff purposes, Caardvarks blog, paper popsicles challenge and it was all based on a sketch made by Kazan for Scrap4Life! I love bein able to multi-use! lol! so here's the card, check back later for an nsd challenge!

bad blogger bad!

Yeah it's been awhile since I've posted, I know! I keep meaning to do it and then get side tracked (this happens EASILY!) So what have I been up to? The normal stuff.....chasing kids, baking, and scrappin. Mostly baking and scrapping though! lol! James and I made snickerdoodles a few days ago and man they were great! I have a picture to share of them....they were totally perfect! This was the first time I've ever made them so I was dang proud of myself!

Scrappin-I have been playing with the NSD kit for Scrap4Life and OMG! This kit is awesome and I seriously think I'm gonna have to buy one to play with! It is rockin!! The papers are so fun and the embellies, as always are great! Sean let me go pick up a printer yesterday because the one that my mother in law has prints really crappy pictures and I'm a bit ocd about pics looking good! I also just placed an order at S4L to get this croppers companinon thingy, basically it's a scoring tool and like an envelope maker thingy. Mostly I didn't really read about it I just bought it because I need something for scoring and this seemed cool! lol!

My big news is that I tried out for the Guest Designer position for June at Paper Popsicles and won! I am so darn excited! The challenge was to make at least 4 coordinating cards and I actually won!! I've always been card challenged but I seem to be breaking them out like a rockstar lately! I'll have to wait to show you the cards til the NSD kit is posted though!!

Well James is trying to suffocate Sophie under the sheets so I've gotta run. But I'll be back tomorrow sometime to share pics!

xo
jenn

The Anthem.......I've been tagged!

Haha Brandi is the first person to ever tag me! lol! This otta be fun!

1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, Real Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. You must write that song name down, no matter what.
4. Title this post the answer to your last question.
5. Tag some friends. Good luck and have fun!

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY? Luv me Luv me (Shaggy)
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF? Whatever it takes (Lifehouse)
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY? Superman (Five for Fighting)
HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY? With you (Chris Brown)
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE? It's my life (No doubt)
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU? Take me home tonight (Eddie Money)
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU? Learning how to bend (Gary Allen)
WHAT DO YOU OFTEN THINK ABOUT? The pleasure principal (Janet Jackson) HAHA!
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE? Take me in your arms (Doobie Bro's)
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY? Friday I'm in love (the cure)
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP? Teardrops on my guitar (Taylor Swift)
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE? Suddenly I see (KT Tunstall)
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING? If I had eyes (Jack Johnson)
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL? No air (Jordin Sparks ft. Chris Brown)
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR? Mysterious ways (U2)
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET? Free your mind (En Vogue)
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS? Firecracker (Josh Turner)
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO NAME THIS? The Anthem (good charlotte)

Ok so I dunno who I'm tagging......cuz there's not like a huge group of people that read my blog! And well 2 of the like 4 have either been tagged or done the tagging........i'll need to consult my google reader and get back to ya on who I'm tagging!

xo
jenn

I am a cupcake DIVA!!

Ok so I have no clue what's gotten into me. I've made cupcakes 2 days this week. I dunno if it hormones or what! lol! However these things are being devoured! First I made red velvet jumbo cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. Now I used to be an outta the box kinda girl.....I know holy crap....nightmare! LOL! But I have started making everything from scratch and wow! Things taste so much better! I have total control over what the flavors are and what frosting I wanna use, its so much fun and doesn't take much longer!!!! I'm having a blast. So much so that I think that I'm going to start taking orders from people. Ya know MIL and I do the farmers market on the weekends but we haven't really talked about taking orders for parties and since I am a SAHM and all I figured why not?! Oh yeah and today I made a butter vanilla with a sweet cream frosting, and I must say they are heavenly and totally adorable!!!! So here are pictures of them. I have to go feed Sophie....but I'll post again cuz I got more to talk about!! =)

how cute is this????

ah its a new week

hooray for the new week!!! I'm excited that the weekend is over. It was a long one. I was not especially fond of it! I got hurt in a car accident but I'm doing ok. Shaken up but totally ok. Luckily there were no kiddos with me but it still sucked!

I scrapped today and got a few things made. I got another lo done with the Glitz papers that are being featured this month at Scrap4Life and they are also on sale!! Check them out here I also made a card for Kandis.....the oober talented card makers blog......Shoot I forgot to link that to her blog......must do that now!!!! Ok so thats gonna be my post for the night! Be back tomorrow with some great pics that I got!!