Crazy Busy Life

I can’t believe how time has flown by!  We’ve been in Iowa for 41 days now.  We’ve owned our home for one, (we finally closed yesterday!!).   And we’re looking forward to measuring time in years instead of days. :)

I had been working full time in WI, but I got done with my day at 2:30pm.  Now I am working until 4pm with a 1/2hour commute.  So I feel like I have no time in the evenings to be blogging or crafting!  The simple solution would be to get up in the morning.  But I somehow seem to take every single minute of the morning to get ready, whether it is 2 hours or 40 minutes.

So instead I have neglected my two favorite hobbies.  But I am working on new hobbies, including gardening.  Look at this lovely:

While I may not have chosen peach roses if given the option, I certainly can’t complain about rosebushes that grow despite three years of neglect!

We’re off tomorrow for a long 4th of July weekend at my parents’ house in MN.  And I’ll sneak in trips to Ikea, Crate&Barrel, Paper Source and Archiver’s!  Iowa is many things, but a bustling shopping destination it is NOT. 

Saturday will be delegated for nothing but this:

I love my parents’ house on the 4th of July.  “Musts” include:  sitting in the pool all day, Tracy’s taco dip, the Tessiers, and fireworks at Ojibway Park.  We’ve been doing it the same way for years.  

There will also be visits with my girlfriend since birth, Elisa, my aunt and uncle who live in Africa and my sister’s boyfriend from California.  I’m glad to finally get to meet him!

One last bit before I head up to bed…

Do you know what one of my new assignments is at work?  Developing my pastor’s blog!  So the past few weeks I’ve been researching and thus reading lots of blogs.  And now as we move forward I’m going to get to learn HTML and CSS so that I can completely customize his blog.  I am just tickled pink about this part of my job, (the rest is great too!).  Whoever thought that all of my blogging skills/knowledge would transfer to work?  Some may say it’s a small world.  I like to say, it’s a big world, but there is a great planner.

Okay, goodnight all and hope to be back more frequently!

~ Patti

Thursday Already??

  Man this week flew by! 

I got my box from PTI this week and was just overwhelmed with crafty ideas!  Below are just sneaks of two new items I added to my Etsy Shop.  Check it out!

Since I haven't posted in awhile here are a few pics from last weekend.

These are my fabulous Red Velvet cupcakes that I made for my family's visit over Valentine's Day.  They are just crazy red.  Love it.  Yes, I did add frosting, but you can't see the color when it's covered up with frosting, so I posted this pic.  (oh, and maybe I forgot to take a pic of the frosting too!)  They taste not bad, the frosting is yummy, but I'd make them again just to see that red!  Got this recipe from Pinch My Salt. 

Below is a pic that some of you in older generations will get a laugh out of.  This is my sister and I last Saturday "bonding."  Okay, so I don't really claim that, but she did let me say hi to her friend she was chatting with on the web cam and watch the YouTube videos with her.  It's amazing how amusing the sock-puppet version of Indian Jones is!

 

Oh, and there was another lady on the chair with us.  She doesn't need much space!

Maybe I'll have something interesting to share later this weekend, maybe not.  Life has become fairly boring and routine, but that's okay.  We've been out of town almost half of the weekends between June and January.  So it's nice to just be home. 

Have a great weekend!

**Sigh** :)

**Warning:  Mushy/Sad/Mushy Stuff to follow!

Well, it's now 2:30am and I haven't been to bed yet.  Just busy crafting and watching sappy movies on Lifetime.  Just thinking about how much I really love my husband.  Like REALLY.  I know that I've loved him since the day we met in the River Falls High School gym almost 6 years ago.  He is my best friend, the person with whom I can share everything about myself.

The whole "leave and cleave" part of marriage I think tends to get all messed up.  What does it mean to become "one" with your spouse?  I don't really know, but I feel like after last spring, Adam and I jumped ahead decades. 

There was one night during my weeks in the hospital that was really BAD.  It was the night after we buried our son.  Beyond emotional pain, I knew that something wasn't right in my abdomen.  After two weeks already in the hospital, I had thought that I was on the mend.  Not so.  That night I had a tube re-inserted through my nose into my stomach, which made me vomit profusely, and was given awful medicine that made awful things happen.  I can't remember a time when I have felt worse. 

But I didn't want my mom or dad.  All I wanted, needed, was Adam.  He is the part of me that makes me whole, because we have been made one.  All through my ordeal we had amazing support from family, friends, nurses and strangers.  But Adam is part of me.     We have left the security and shelter of our parents and created a new #1.  Now, I love my parents (really do Mom and Dad!!) but they are no longer my #1.   Adam, God and Me make up my #1.  Three joined as one.

Now, this does not mean that we don't fight or get annoyed with each other.  Like tonight!  We were in Menards and Adam made some dumb comment.  I snapped at him and walked away.  Later he found me and just kinda talked like things were okay.  After much talking, come to find out that he didn't even know I was mad at him!  Really??  I dunno, I figured I was pretty obvious, but then I am woman and he is a man.  But I love him. 

So I'm not really sure what the point of this post it, but we'll just say that my blog was hijacked by journal tonight.  And I can put whatever I want into my journal!

P.S.  My family is pretty stellar.  My little/only sister had her senior prom while I was in the hospital.  She brought her whole group to the hospital so that I could see her all dressed up.  Kristi's the one in the cute green dress.

Care Packages

Well, I sent these out a couple weeks ago, but then I was waiting for them to arrive and then I was feeling sick-ish.  So here they are...

My little sister started college this year, WOW!  So I decided to send her a "Welcome to School" package.  Snail mail becomes much more exciting when you move into a little shoebox  called a "dorm room."  Thought that since I am baking, might as well bake more and send out a few more packages.  One girl has been friends with Kristi since kindergarten, and her family has been friends with ours since then too.  She's been my redheaded buddy.  The two aren't real close anymore, but time to let go of old grudges, right?  Then I sent one to a guy friend of her's from sixth grade.  I met him when I helped with Kristi's reading class that year, then through church activities.  This kid is WAY motivated.  Not only is he a college freshman, but he's the director of an indoor park/activities venue and runs his own DJ company.  I don't think the term "slacker" applies here.  The last is another guy that Kristi has known since jr high.  He was in band with her, though I can't for the life of me remember what he played!  Drums??  I think that's right.  Anywho, I got to know him because he worked at the same child care center that Kristi and I did.  Nice kid.  He actually sent me a HANDWRITTEN thank you note for the care package.  He's going to school for something very complicated and brainy. 

Now for the package.

You may remember these chocolate chip and chocolate chip/caramel cookies and s'mores bars that I made for youth group.  Well, when I bake, I BAKE.  So the kids got these too.  Thank goodness because the brown sugar oatmeal cookies I had started with were WAY smaller than I was expecting and really not that good!                                         

  Then I made these milk cartons that I found from the 3D Design Challenge blog. (I have gotten a few good ideas from this new challenge site.)  Milk and Cookies, get it???  Yeah, so I didn't plan that, but don't tell anyone. ;) 

 

Inside, I added Hershey's Nuggets that I wrapped with these awesome labels.  I used those inkjet address label and the Holiday Treats clear stamp set from Papertrey Ink, they are made to just fit these labels and chocolates.  I LOVE these labels and want to get another set.                    

Here is what it looked like in the Tupperware (before the GOOD cookies and bars):                                                                                                  

Then the cards, which unfortunately turned out a little to "Christmas-y."  I was going for the green-red-apple-school thing, but with no apple well, you can see:

These little glass beads I found at a local scrapbook store and have yet to find enough uses for them, but they're cute!

Well, I was on a crafty roll with these packages, so why not design my own shipping labels?! lol  I used a free digital kit from Shabby Princess and a digital template from Glitz that I won (!!) from Noel Culbertson via her blog.                       

The lady at the post office told me  that in order to send cookies, I need to bring some in so that the staff can make sure they are "safe."  Lol, I love post offices.  Well, not Woodbury, they are cranky.

So those are my care packages.  It was a feat but I loved it.  There was something very satisfying about looking at this stack of finished boxes.  Anyone need me to make some care packages?  Oh, just wait until my next post, I'm going to show you my new crafty love.....!!!!!

Off Again

Yes, I know I have not even posted about our last trip yet, but I've been "busy" finishing other projects.  Next week I'll do a few longer posts.

This weekend it is Tiff's wedding/vow renewal.  They got married last March, but that was just a small ceremony.  This is the big party now that Luke is back home.  They have the same DJ company that we did so the dance should be pretty fun.

Friday morning and all day Saturday I plan to spend in the pool.  So the sun and temp had better cooperate.  Then Sunday is the big moving day.  I really hope she's no higher than 2nd floor.  And that the temp cooperates opposite of Saturday.

Youth Group leader meeting was tonight.  Seems like it'll be a good time.  The youth pastor is really on the ball and has his heart focused.  Looking forward to working with a small group and meeting some new people.

Very crafty day for me.  Finished Kristi's and Grandma and Grandpa Strong's September calendar pages.  (Their Christmas gifts last year were empty calendars.  Each month I send them a new page.  For the most part.  When I was sick I got a little behind, then worked way far ahead.)  This month their pages ended up being the same.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then I finished up another wedding card pack, but won't post that yet.  Just in case the bride does happen to read this.

Going to bed now.  I have strict orders to be completely ready to walk out the door when Adam gets home tomorrow.  And lets face it.  I have a lot to do.  Oh crap!  One more crafty thing to finish.  Goodnight!

Home again, home again...

Home sweet home. It's 11:12pm and QUIET. Adam and Mel are sleeping, the tv and radio are off. The traffic is as quiet as can be. And I just got off of an extremely creative high. Good feelings.

Got home midday, just enough time to pick up a little, then Adam's Iowa grandparents and uncle stopped by for a few hours. (We're on the way to Sheboygan where Adam's aunts live.) We got some Black Angus hamburger, arm roast and stir-fry meat, plus fresh-frozen sweet corn and just-picked green beans. YUM! Need to call Dad for his green-bean recipe.

Adam had a headache all night so he just slept and vegged. I took advantage of that time by starting to make something for someone. I must be sneaky because someone connected to the recipient reads this blog. So no pics or explanations,

just know that I am in LOVE with Photoshop elements right now. And fonts.

Like this one I used tonight.

I used this one too.

Tomorrow I get my TB test for work; then off to the Y to meet up with Stephanie. She's going to take me to the elementary school where my YCare site is and then back to the Y to meet some of the kids. Tomorrow night we go to dinner with the Youth Pastor from church, excited to see what he's got in mind. Then a couple more days and we're off again! This time back to MN for a wedding and Kristi's big move! I wonder if Mom has started crying. Odds are pretty good.

Anywho, off to bed, but will share more about our trip and add some pictures later. Goodnight!

Some catch-up time

Well, I get behind in blogging, then I get even farther behind because I just have too much since I haven't blogged, so I don't blog. Bad cycle.

Job Update:

Did not get the library job. Disappointing, but I will still enjoy working at the Y Daycare. For sure, I'll be 7:30am-12pm as an assistant teacher in the 4K program. Which is kinda nice. Hopefully there will be an opening in their Y-Care (school age before school) program. Then I would go there at 6:30am and miss some of the prep time in the 4K, but still be there until noon. Thursday I have my orientation for a few hours and then maybe some subbing hours the next week. Both of the programs that I'll work in will follow the school calendar. Which could be very nice around the holidays! Pay is not as good as the library, but better than it could have been.

With my new job I do get a free Y membership. So if I stick to it, I could really get some of my muscle strength back. And hopefully, finally, start losing some weight. I'll already BE at the gym. Hard to make excuses not to go!

Last weekend my parents and Kristi came out for a visit. When Kristi wasn't sitting on the computer or sleeping, she was kinda fun. They got here Thursday night and we had a really good pork roast, watched some Olympics and celebrated Dad's birthday. I made him this peach cobbler. Homemade crust, thank you very much!

Friday Mom, Dad and I (Adam was at work and Kristi was sleeping) toured the area. Ended up going to dinner at Walker's where Dad, Kristi and I all got the burger baskets which come with fries and a milkshake. Yum! I'll admit, when we first moved here, I thought this place looked kinda nasty from the outside. Need some updates there. But inside it's a nice place, good dinner atmosphere and good food.

Saturday was a trip to Horicon Marsh. Mom got introduced to the many, many frogs that get disturbed during their sunbathing. Kristi counted 161 frogs on a 2.3 mi trail, but I think she missed just as many. Mel jumped off the boardwalk to catch a frog. Don't think she minded, but it was pretty deep and she was on a leash!

Kristi says there are five frogs in this picture. I only see four. Anyone else see five?

After a good BLT and corn on the cob lunch (and a nap!) we went to the Dodge County fair. A little too drinky for us, but then my husband tells us that is just kinda small town WI. We stayed for the Craig Morgan concert, which was really good. Wasn't sure what Mom and Dad would think, they're not really concert people, but I know Adam really likes Craig Morgan. Ended up that everyone had a good time.

And today I had to go to Oshkosh. To get new glasses. Because my old ones got eaten. By Mel. Grrrrr. The glasses fell off my nightstand and I was half asleep so I didn't pick them up. Dozens of other nights this has happened and my glasses survived. Guess she wasn't tired. So $300+ later, I'll be able to see again on Friday (without contacts).

Been working on more of my card packs. This is the one that I need to get in the mail this week. No, I am not worried that the recipients will see them or know what they are getting, because I don't really think that many people read this. Barb, Wava, Mom and a few random others. But if you do read this, leave me a post so I know who's reading my blog! Maybe I'm more popular than I think. Ha, not likely.

Front of box w/ gift card enclosure:
Other side of box, showing off one of the cards:

Lastly, we're hopefully going to start getting more connected at church. We're having dinner with the Youth Pastor next Monday to talk about middle and high school ministry on Wednesdays and hopefully nursery or children's ministry on Sundays. It'll be good to meet some new people.

Okay, FINALLY done with this post. Blogger is only user friendly to a point. Then in just plain old stinks. I think the pictures will be kept to a minimum from now on!

I love weddings!

Really, weddings are wonderful. We had a couple years where we had LOTS, then last year was a big dry spell. I guess we're making up for it this fall. Some college friends are getting married in three weeks. Then, one of my best friends, Tiffany, is having her big wedding/vow renewal the following week. They had a very small ceremony when her hubby found out he was going to Iraq for a year. Well, he's back now and time to celebrate big! Later in September some family friends are tying the knot. October is a friend from high school and the old neighborhood. Anyone else want to invite us to their wedding? :) I am making a (in my opinion) really neat gift to go with the real gift. I bought these clear card boxes and am making a set of 10 cards for each couple. Just a nice set of everyday notes to use for whatever.

Heard back from the YMCA on Thursday. I had been stressing because I knew I'd have to give them an answer before my interview at the library. Well, the lady at the Y said we could meet on Friday, otherwise not until the 11th of August! Well, being dumb, I said Friday because I wanted to sound interested. Realizing my stupidity, I called her back and rescheduled for the later date. So, hopefully I get a good feel next Wednesday at my library interview.

I go back and forth about which job I really want. Like today I thought if I work at the Y, I'll always have my nights and weekends off. If I work at the library, I might have to work Saturdays and later at night. But then there's the whole baby thing too. Watched Cheaper by the Dozen 2 today and started just bawling when Nora had her baby at the end. Started out as normal girl/chick flick tears and then I realized that I was really crying. Hmm...

Adam's still working really hard. At least until 6pm everyday. This weekend he's in each day until 5pm. He says there's no shade and little wind so he's pretty hot all day, sweat dripping from his hat! Had a guy get upset yesterday about something and then tell a bunch of other guys, so business was slower in the afternoon. Just too bad. Another guy, who is normally grouchy, said that he really liked Adam and would be back. Wish he would go call a bunch of his friends.

The other night I got some mojo and tackled the back room. But only could do so much since Adam was sleeping. Now it's hot out here and since the AC doesn't really get back there, I've had to halt the project. Which meas our place has boxes everywhere again. It's supposed to cool down next week, maybe it'll cool off one night here too.

Grandpa had his appointment this week. The doctor said it most likely is cancer, but he needs another test next week to see if it has spread and then determine if they can operate. Mom said that he's decided he doesn't want radiation or chemotherapy, said he knew people who had it and it didn't help. Well, both of my grandma's sisters died from lung caner, so I guess he's seen what can happen, but I just...I dunno. Just keep praying.

"Wonder what the world would be like if we let Jesus live through you and me ... What if you could feel inside you the power of the hand that made the universe?" ~Big Daddy Weave
Just listening to the radio. That song always stops me and breathes in me.

Well, still not much happening around here. I did FINALLY, call my girlfriends. Out of 6, only one answered the phone, and she had to go right away. Pooh, serves me right for waiting so long. If any of you are reading this, I MISS YOU!

Okay, off to maybe do some work. If you know me well, you are probably laughing now. :)

Lots to Ponder

Well, just finished a card for my grandparents. I'm pretty proud of it. Wish I could post a picture to show off, but I don't have my camera! Never have I wanted to use it as much as when it's not here. But of course if it was here, I would forget about it. Grrr.

Here's Grandpa.


Sending a card to my grandparents because my Grandpa is pretty sick. He went to the doctor last week and while it's not pneumonia, they did find a lump. My grandma tried to get them an appointment with the specialist and surgeon this week, but of course they can't get in until next Wednesday! So more waiting...

The in-laws came over tonight. Dale and Wava had the day off of work and decided to go golfing out here and then take us to dinner. We went to Park Plaza Pizza. After getting sent a pizza with green OLIVES instead of green PEPPERS, we waited awhile. But mmmm, really worth the wait. The thickest pepperoni I've ever seen!

Hmm...pondering lots tonight. For my ears only. Going to go continue pondering...Going to stop writing "pondering" because it's starting to look misspelled.