been awhile

I know it's been quite some time since I've been on here, but nothing has really gone on, so I didn't know what to say! No drama lately, which I guess really is a good thing.

Halloween is coming up. I like Halloween, but not nearly as much as my husband or my employees. It's ok, actually I only like the candy. Ha ha ha! But I do participate because they like it. At work we dress up every year as a group and try to win the contest. We've won all three places in the past. I hope we win this year too, but this is going to be a little harder. There are only three of us this time, so we decided to be Three's Company. I'm Janet, James is Jack and Michelle is Crissy. We each bought wigs that match them almost perfectly, and we're on the hunt for clothing. My Mom let Michelle and I borrow some of hers. She had a storage container of some of her favorites from the 70's that fit us perfectly. We still need shoes though, and James still needs clothes. I think he may try Good Will today and see if he can find anything. I think it will work really well when we are all together, but if you see us separately throughout the day you may not have any idea who we are.

Then Saturday there is a party at a friend's house that Steve and I go to every year. Dress-up is mandatory, and we won last year. The first year we were Neo and Trinity from The Matrix, and last year we were Pirates from The Pirates of the Caribbean. We love movies. This year Steve thought it would be fun to be Jack and Sally from A Nightmare Before Christmas. I actually have never seen that movie, but know who the characters are, and the costumes are great! I'll post pictures next week of both. Should be fun.

Little Charlie has a costume this year even though he's only 7 months old. Amy hasn't decided if she's going to take him out or not though, he's so little. But she wanted him to have a costume so she could get a picture in it! Unfortunately, she bought it a month ago, and the little monkey is growing like a weed and his legs are too long for it now! If she takes him out she is going to cut the feet off of it. He's going to be a pumpkin. Very cute. Little hat with the stem at the top and everything. Don't think he likes it, he'd rather be naked, but he's cute anyway.

Well, think that may be it for now, hope everyone has a good time and be safe.
talk soon

christmas for the soldiers

My friend at "Mementos of a Military Mom" posted this picture so I have to too!!

She and "Her Soldier's" fiance have a "Christmas Presence" campaign going, please check out her blog about it, and I decided that my company needed to get involved. I love that soldier, he is a great guy, and there are approx. 40 men and women in his unit in Iraq.

Well, long story short, my company is wonderful. I have recieved SO MANY goodies to send over there, along with 12 baseballs, 6 mitts and a bat from the President of our company!! Lots of boxes! It is very touching how many people really care and will all come together to do something special to show their thanks.

The photo is of a desk in our office full of all the goodies, and there are more that haven't made it to the desk yet!! So exciting!!

Nice weekend

Ok, so it took me a few days to get on here again! :)

Steve and I had a great weekend. He went hunting Saturday morning (at like 4am, first day of Bow Hunting season) and (after I got out of bed) I went grocery shopping for our trip.

We left around noon or so, about a three hour drive, not bad at all. The cabin was very cute. The one we stayed in about 2 years ago was one big room, bedroom, living room and kitchen in one room like a studio apartment, but this one was like a little house. All separate. Very cute. Full kitchen, love seat, recliner and wood-burning fireplace, all that good stuff. It was decorated very cute too.

The bathroom was a little gross, but I am also very anal about a clean bathroom. I just didn't feel like I wanted barefeet in the shower, I hate that. and the bed!! That was hilarious! barely moving on the bed made the entire thing squeak and shake. so we didn't sleep well, every time either of us just barely moved the other woke up. we got smart the second night and just put the mattress on the floor. that did help.

Hot tub though, I love it!! I know I am anal about clean bathroom stuff, and this is a hot tub outside on the deck, but you can tell it is super full of chemicals to kill anything, strong chlorine smell, which was fine with me. It was blue marble inside and just wonderful! super hot and very bubbly. I loved it. It was a little warm to get in during mid-day, but we were in it in the mornings and evenings. so relaxing.

Sunday, on our anniversary, we did go on some of the trails and go hiking. Ash Cave is my all-time favorite there. It is truly amazing and beautiful. Pictures don't even do justice to the impressive size of this cave, I just really love it. I brought a backpack and made sandwiches and brought pop and we could picnic out.
Once we got back we had dessert. We had attacked the top of our wedding cake the day after the wedding on the couch with two forks. and with everything that has been going on I forgot to order a small cake like I planned on. So, I found a small little two-person cake at Wal-mart before we left. White cake (Steve's favorite, I always go for chocolate) with the piped frosting all around it and little sprinkles. I brought our cake topper with us, and so when we got back I surprised him with it. I'm a dork, I know this, but those little things are important to me! He laughed at me but he loved it too.

We really needed this trip, and I'm so glad we had the chance to go.

Since then, I've been spending time with "my little monkey" who is just the cutest thing of course!! still trying to get him to crawl, he's so close!! it's almost like he'd rather be in his walker running around though. Amy needs to still send me the link to his 6 month pictures and then i'll post some, or I need to scan the ones I have, they are cute. My favorite is him in his little Cleveland Browns outfit looking at a football, which looks giant next to him!

Well that's it for now, hope everyone is wonderful!!
I'll write more soon.

out of town, and my little monkey

Hi all,
I wanted to get a post out there before I leave. I'm heading to Michigan for work for a few days, then when I get back Steve and I are going to Hocking Hills to stay in a cabin for a few days for our 1st anniversary! I can't believe it's been one year already!! Times goes so fast!

My little Monkey. That's what I call little Charlie now. He's so darn cute. Went for his 6 month doctor's appointment yesterday. Couple more shots, poor little guy. He's not quite crawling yet, but he tries. He can sit by himself unattended, and when he's laying on his stomach, he can get his knees up under him, or push his arms up, but he can't figure out how to do both at the same time. If you lift up his chest, he puts himself in the crawling position, but he just rocks back and forth, he can't quite figure out how to move yet. So cute. He is now 16 lbs, 10 oz, and 29 inches long!! long skinny baby for sure. His halloween costume is 12-18 months, but it just fits his length right now, so my sister is talking about cutting the feet out of it.

that's it for now, have a great week!

some more random happenings

i haven't written anything in awhile, so i'm trying to think back to what's been going on, just to fill everyone in....

this weekend was fun. Saturday we ran to Fin, Feather and Fin in Ashland so that Steve could use his "early birthday gift card" that I got him. His birthday isn't until mid-October, but hunting season starts at the end of the month so I got him a card so he could buy all the stuff he needed. It was a fun ride down there because I hadn't seen him all week, gabbed the whole trip.

Saturday night we went over to my photographer friend's house to play poker. There are 10-12 of us that try to all get together every two months or so to play. It's usually only $5-$10 to play, and we play all evening. I'm not very good, but it's fun anyway. Steve won! That was fun, it's always a different winner each time, so he was excited. We went to Michelle's house because she and her husband just bought a new house and we all wanted to see it. It was so funny because our friends Angie and Jim live just down the road from their new house and they came over ringing the bell and dressed like they were The Cleavers from Leave it to Beaver. So funny, they went to the thrift shop and got old outfits and brought a pie over "welcoming them to the neighborhood" they are so funny. and they love dressing up. They have a costume halloween party ever year that we go to. (but that's a whole different story)

So yesterday, Steve took me out to Lonestar Steakhouse for lunch with his winnings. Then I took him to Cold Stone afterwards for dessert! It was great to see him for two full days!

Then, of course, I had to watch the Browns game. and it was great!!!! I thought my team would get clobbered playing the Bengals, but man they pulled it off and it was a fantastic exciting game.

What a great weekend! Tonight I'm going to visit little Charlie. I should have more photos of him in the next few weeks. He's about to hit 6 months and Amy will get more photos taken. Such a cutie!!! Can't believe he's almost 6 months old already! I love him!

Well, there's a ton more I could probably start in about, but I'll leave it at this for now. I hope everyone is doing well!

misc stuff

Hope everyone had a great labor day weekend. We seemed like we were running all over, but it was fun.

Saturday we actually didn't do much, decided to have one day of nothing, nice.

Sunday we went to a 3D archery shoot in Canton. Just Steve and I, that was nice. We don't spend much time together, so it was nice to get too.

Monday we went to another shoot in Ashland, good times. I was much more tired this time. 3D shoots are fun. You walk through the woods and shoot at 30 different targets of rubber animals. Everything from traditional deer and turkeys (for the hunters out there) to dinosaurs and aliens. It's a lot of fun. But it's hot and you're walking through the woods uphill, downhill etc. You go up to the stake you are supposed to stand at and then you decide how far away the target is that you are shooting (in yards) anywhere from about 15 yards to 35 yards. It's hard, I'm terrible at that part. Then you shoot your bow at it and see how you score. Each target has a bullseye on it and points range from 5 (if you miss the bullseye altogether but do hit the target) to 11 (center of the bullseye) and of course you get a "0" if you miss it. which I tend to be good at sometimes.

Then you add all your points at the end and turn them in to see where you placed. It's fun.

By Monday though, being out of shape, I was already beat! We did well though.

Got to see little Charlie, he's such a little cutie. Now he gives "kisses". I was walking him around the front yard at my mom's and kept saying "Charlie give Aunt Jennie kisses" and he would open his mouth and lean into my cheek. and drool. so darn cute! I just love that little boy!

Went to my friend's baby's baptism on sunday too. She is 5 weeks old, Maia, and she's cute. She slept through the entire thing. I went as the videographer and Steve was the photographer. She has another little boy, 2 years old named Jack, and he was running around telling everyone about Mr. Noodle from Elmo's world on Sesame Street. He is so cute and such a smart little boy.

Hope everyone is doing well! I'll write more this weekend.

not much

I haven't written in a few days because I really don't have anything to say! I guess it's good when there is nothing different because at least everyone is happy and healthy! Just nothing very exciting!

Labor Day weekend coming up. Three day weekend, always nice! Steve may or may not work Friday night, I don't know yet. Saturday we don't have any plans yet, probably will end up going to his Mom's or my sister's. Sunday we're talking about a 3D archery shoot in Canton, and one in Ashland on Monday. That's always fun. Running around the woods shooting a bow at rubber targets. Something different to do. Sunday afternoon we are going to my friend's baby's Baptism. I am the Photographer for her and Steve is the Videographer. It'll be fun. Her babies are such cuties. One month old, Maia, and two year old, Jack. Such a great family.

That's about it, hopefully I'll think of more to say later. In the meantime, I hope everyone is doing very well. Take care.

so fun!

Ok, so I don't usually like being "tagged" for games and emails and such, but my friend at "mementos of a military mom" (which is a really great blog by the way) tagged me for the Middle Name Game. Although I had a difficult time with it (and I only have 4 letters unlike the girls that I tagged) it was really fun! I liked checking out everyone else and what they put down.

Thanks to all for playing, thanks for tagging me, you all are really special people!

The Middle Name Game

Here are the rules: You have to post these rules before you give the facts. Players, you must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your middle name. If you don’t have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had. When you are tagged you need to write your own blog post containing your own middle name game facts. At the end of your blog post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.



My middle name is Lynn.



L- Loving, I try to love everyone around me.

Y- Yuck, I have a huge gag reflex and friends think it's funny that they can gross me out.

N- New Creativity, as a graphic designer, I love all new, creative ideas that people come up with, as well as the new things I come up with on my own!

N- Never turn down oppurtunities for new things.

OK, so I didn't do this quite like I was supposed to, but I had a hard time with my letters!!

I am tagging Elaine at Artful Spirit, and Amy at Today is a New Day

freelance

Freelance is an interesting business as a graphic designer. I love picking up outside jobs to do for people. You never know in the beginning what you are getting yourself into, but it's something different to work on with each project that comes along.

Sometimes you get customers that know exactly what they are looking for, but don't want to do it themselves, or don't know how to. Those tend to be the people that I have trouble with just because I have to remind myself that I am working for them, and even if I don't like the finished project it's what they want and that's my job. But those are also usually quick projects. I just did business cards for about a dozen people at this company. They told me what they wanted and the info that needed to be on there, and we were done. Simple.

Sometimes you get customers that have an idea of what they are looking for, or don't at all, and just want you to come up with something. These projects take a little more time, but end up very interesting in the end. It's a lot of trial and error. You never get it 100% right off the bat, but you start with an idea and work from there. Trial and error. That's really the fun part for me. It's interesting to see the different ideas I can come up with.

With that, I have been working on a 50th high school reunion booklet this summer. My wedding photographer's cousin contacted me with the project. It's had its ups and downs. At first I thought how fun!! there were so many possibilities! they had their yearbook from 1957 with all the class photos in it, plus photos of everyone now, and bios of most of the class. i wanted to go all out with it. Didn't work that way.

I was not understanding what they were looking for, and once I did, I really wasn't interested in the project at all. I had agreed to do it, and that's why I was doing it. Plus, I really couldn't seem to get on the same page, or have anything in common with any of these people. 10 people on the reunion committee, 68-69 years old.

But now, I'm having a great time with it and I can't wait to see how it turns out when it gets printed. I meet with all of them tonight with my "almost final" version, and it goes to print next week. There is a main couple that I've been working with, and I really like them! We're very different, but I enjoy meeting with them, and I hope they like meeting with me. I think it took both sides a little time to understand our positions and respect each other.

Just goes to show that you shouldn't make rash decisions about a project or a person right away, because over time, whether you end up liking what you are doing or not, you can learn a lot and end up having a great time.

crazy tornados!

what a crazy day yesterday was! ok, just about one hour of yesterday. my Mother-in-law comes in my office freaking out completely. A tornado touch down in New London and Ashland (where my neices and Father-in-Law live) and she can't get any of them to pick up the phone. (because they were probably in the basement and didn't want to go up and pick up the phone)

Then the came over the intercom at work and said a tornado touched down in Lodi (about 10 minutes from us) and the storm is heading our way. if we would like to leave we could. who wants to leave when a massive storm is coming within a few minutes??? the building is safer than the car!

Then the power went out. So we were lighting all the candles we could find, we need back-up flashlights!!!, and all had to head to what we use as a "tornado shelter" which i've never had to do in the 6 years I've been here. Scary. Only thing I didn't like was 100 people in this little area, in the pitch black, only some of us with candles. Claustrophobia. Nuts. My group and I decided we were going back to our room. Our office is in the middle of the building, they call it the "dungeon" because it used to be Nabisco's freezer (when they owned the building) so it is all concrete blocks, no windows or contact to the outside world. We were safe there.

It finally passed, but then was heading towards my area of OH. I tried my husband and he didn't pick up (we are in an upstairs apartment) so I stayed here for awhile and then went home. Steve said it was craziness. He looked out the window and saw two ladies on the hill with their cell phones taking pictures of the sky so he ran outside to see what was going on. He watched a funnel cloud cross the sky above the apartments in front of us. He's never seen anything like it. Once he saw it though he came in and sat in the laundry room!

Crazy excitement for an hour or two! I'm glad no one was hurt though, and most have power back or will today. storms are so powerful and totally amazing.

My husband

I love my husband. I feel the need to say that today, no reason why. Just the need to get that out. I miss him too. I won't see him until tomorrow, and although we are used to this work schedule and it hasn't changed and it won't change, sometimes I am overwhelmed with the feelings of missing him and loving him.

He is a great guy. We have our differences, everyone does, that is why we are two individual people. But we "fit" well. Know what I mean? We see things differently, but that helps each of us see things in a different way. I don't know.

I love him very much, and I know he loves me too.
Sorry for a strange post, it just came over me and I felt the need to say it. I'll let him know tomorrow.

blogger is strange sometimes

I just wrote this long post, it told me it was published successfully, and it didn't show up???? I'll re-do later.

Oh! and thank you Amy for giving me info on how to set up Neo-counter! I appreciate it! I need to try it from home tonight. It keeps erroring at work.

ready for the weekend!

things are getting better. this has been a stressful week. Yesterday we all went back to the hospital with Dad. He woke up and his legs were cramping and swollen. Amy was afraid he might have gotten blood clots in his legs and got him to call the doctor. The doctor sent him to the hospital for an ultrasound on his legs. We were there for a few hours and luckily he was sent home free and clear. He must have slept wierd I guess. Thank goodness everything was ok!

Our air conditioning at the apartment went out yesterday, so right now it is 82 degrees in there. Not that that's really a big deal, but just annoying. I've gotten spoiled in the last two years with ac, and don't like living without it! especially when it's 90 outside all week!!

Tonight Mom is teaching me how to make her famous zucchini (sp?) bread. It is soooo goooood!!
This weekend so far is going to be slow. just laying low and not doing much is the plan. I'm looking forward to it! I know my sister is too! she's so funny, she called me last night to let me know that she's tired of us all! :) She hasn't gotten much sleep, none after working all night actually, and she's a little cranky. So funny, don't blame her, she'll be better after a weekend of lounging.

That's all I've got for now. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

trying times and such a slacker!

what a crazy week!
My Dad went in for surgery on Monday. He was having three disks in his neck/back fused together. He did well, had some trouble breathing, they think he might have sleep apnia (spelling?) so they put him on oxygen and he did better. His throat is a little sore now, but it'll get better. They went in through the front of his neck, that's to be expected.

Since he was in all that, Steve and I took Charlie for the night. He's such a cute 4 month old, but geez! We aren't cut out for parenthood! He did great in the evening, lots of fun. He got a little fussy close to bedtime, so I took him outside (he loves outside) and showed him the neighbor's flowers and stuff and he fell asleep. We thought, great! this is easy! He usually gets up once in the night for a bottle and then sleeps until 6ish. Not that night.

He woke up at 12:30am, wide awake and wanting to play!! we played for awhile, but I think the strange house didn't help him. Around 1 he started wailing!!! really loud wailing!!! Couldn't do anything to help him!! He finally calmed down and went to sleep around 2:30, but was up for good at 4:30, wailing. Our neighbors hate us!!! It was such a terrible night! I felt so bad for him! and at 2 or 4 in the morning you aren't thinking straight. i started thinking something was wrong with him, but I took his temp and he was fine. I think it was just a strange house and he knows us but isn't used to us in the middle of the night.

Needless to say, his mommy didn't get any sleep the next day. she took him from us at 9 instead of sleeping a few hours first. I felt so bad, but I don't think I knew my own name at that point!!

Dad was released on Tuesday so I spent the afternoon over there. He's doing ok, just not sleeping well with a neck brace on. He said he feels like he can't breath like that. He was having a recliner delivered today though, that should help a little. prop him up at least. Again though, I am the terrible daughter. I was so tired yesterday it didn't even occur to me that we have a recliner and he should have stayed with us or we should have brought it over for him. I apologized this morning. I feel terrible!!

Steve and I went to bed at 7 last night, feel better today. I don't know how Amy does it!!

In the meantime, I'm sorry to everyone I meant to email in the last few days! I haven't been with it! I'll catch up tonight!

Harry Potter

Ok, I'm stuck on that boy! but, so is my Husband!!
we didn't move all weekend! for those of you that have no idea, the last installment of the Harry Potter series came out this weekend. It was laying on our doorstep when I got up on Saturday.

I waited a few hours for Steve to get up, did some freelance work, and then we got to reading, oh, and we got two copies so we didn't fight!

we're so pathetic, but it was really good! Finished it last night!

Patsy Cline

I just got back from the Carousel Dinner Theatre. I went with Mom and Dad for Dad's birthday. We took him to see "Love Always, Patsy Cline". I loved it!!! I honestly didn't think I would like it. I love country music, but Patsy Cline, I just didn't know.

For those of you that don't know that theater, it's great. You get there around 7:00, for dinner. Your advanced tickets include dinner, and there is a menu to pick from. The food is great and the choices are different every time. I had chicken parmesan, Dad had a sirlion and Mom had beef tips and noodles. We got appetizers and salads as well. So much food! They serve dinner, then clear the plates before the show. It's a big theater all decked out. Really fun. The actors are unbelieveable! The show starts about 8:30 with an intermission in the middle for dessert. They switch the shows out every two months or so. Mom took me for my birthday a few months back and we saw "West Side Story"...so good!

It was really fun, and it was nice to hang out with my parents for an evening. I'm such a Daddy's girl!

ready for the weekend!

I've been in Atlanta for work for the last while. what a crazy place that is!!! I may have written about this in the past, I was there in January, but I still can't relate how crazy it is.

went for the americasmart trade show. first of all, it is three building, all at least 15 floors if not more. we are in building two, and i know there are 18 floors there. thousands and thousands of people, and this was slower than the january show!

the show runs 8a to 8p friday and saturday and 8a to 6p the rest of the week. so tiring. granted, i like going because it's different that what i normally do, and change is good. but once i get home i remember why i like my job!! being a salesman is hard work, being on your feet for 12+ hours is hard work, staying in a crappy hotel is hard work....i'm a complainer today, sorry!

I had a great time to tell you the truth. but man.
I don't want to end up offending anyone that might love that city or the hotel that i was in, so i won't go into detail. i'm happy to be home.

on another note, my dad is getting ready to go into surgury here in another week. he's having some disks in his neck/back fused together. that's not going to be a lot of fun. i'm such a daddy's girl and i'm a little nervous. i'm sure it'll go fine though. mom and amy and i are going to be at the hospital, and steve is going to watch charlie. then steve and i are going to keep charlie while amy's at work because mom needs to be able to help dad out. should be interesting! it'll be fun.

what else. my friend is going in next friday to have her second baby, a little girl. i'm so excited!! can't wait to see that little one!

that's about it. steve and i are harry potter fans, and the last book is getting delivered tomorrow, so i'm guessing our weekend is going to be filled with relaxing and reading that. i'm so excited to lounge around, it seems like it's been a long time!!

everyone have a good one!

what's been going on...

nothing super crazy, just normal life.

Babysat my nephew last week while Amy and Scott went to a wedding (it's the year of weddings and babies, I have another wedding this weekend) it went OK. I was more panicky then I expected to be, but we survived. I just love him!

Amy went back to work this week. She's very sad about that, feels like she is always leaving him. Mom (grandma) is the babysitter. Amy works three nights a week, Mom by herself for one, with Scott for the second (so Scott doesn't have to get up during the night since he has to work the next day) and Scott by himself the third (which I think is good because then Charlie can hang out with Daddy a night) Seems to be going OK, although my Mom is exhausted. She's not used to this, hasn't had to do it in awhile. I think Uncle Steve might try to step in a little during the day so Amy and Mom can take some naps!! Everyone will get the hang of it eventually though.

Steve and I bought bikes! we decided that we needed some fun form of exercise, I get bored easily. So we went to Walmart and bought just cheap-o bikes. He had to teach me to ride though, which was interesting. I had a bike when I was little, but I was never aloud to leave the driveway, so I didn't really learn what I was doing. It went well though, and it's a lot of fun! we figured if we keep it up maybe we'll by nicer ones next summer. I am very out of shape though!! Flat ground and down hill is simple, but going up any little hill is rough!! It'll get better though.

I think that might be the excitement for now, if I think of anything else I'll fill ya in!

the wedding of the century...

Some of my work friends and I attended the biggest, most expensive wedding I've ever been to. It was really beautiful! not something I would want really, very formal, I like more relaxed atmosphere, but it was really fun to go to and see.

It was downtown Cleveland at the Renaissance Hotel, but Jacob's Field and the Q, and it was impressive. We had "cocktail hour" where we all stood and socialized in this gorgeous room while servers carried around Tiffany Blue Martinis and hor'deurves, then went into the formal dinner room.

Dinner was an appetizer crab cake, an iceberg wedge salad with tomatoes, bacon and blue cheese dressing, and then dinner was a filet mignon (the best one I've ever tasted!), garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus. Dessert was Creme brule and wedding cake. it was really nice.

We totally don't do that kind of thing normally though, the place settings had all the crazy utensils (work from the outside in!) and both a white and red wine glass. There was an actual live band performing and the centerpieces were gorgeous giant vases full of flowers.

I have only a few photos to show of us on this computer. the first one is the Bride and Groom with two of their friends, and the second is my work group. My friend James came with me because Steve had to work. :( He's sad he missed out.

still so cute, plus hot weather!

Well, it's been a long time. for everyone too! all of my blogger friends have disappeared! i hope everyone out there is doing well!

it's finally warm outside! took a little while, but yesterday and today have been mid-80's, which is actually a little high for this time of year, but i'll take it!

Little Charlie is still cuter than ever. the photos below are of him at one month, he just turned 2 months, but i don't have those yet. so, they are old and he looks different now, but still cute.

he was baptised last Saturday, it was really nice. I'm his Godmother and Scott's brother is his Godfather. Scott wanted one from each side of the family, so Amy told Steve that he would be Godfather the next time. Anyway, it was fun.

next weekend going to a HUGE wedding. can't wait. it's downtown Cleveland in a giant hotel there. very elaborate, $220/person for the reception and very formal. can't wait to see it. i'm very happy for the bride and groom, i just wouldn't spend that kind of money. i'll post pictures of that afterwards.

anyway, think that's it for now! hope everyone is good!

April weather

It's still cold!!!

I'm so tired of multiple clothing layers, winter coats, gloves, scarfs, hats etc...I need 80 degrees!! I'd even be happy with 60 right now. Someone told me once that if you go on vacation yearly, February and March were really the best months to go because you are starting to get fed up with the weather and need to see some sunshine. Sunshine makes you feel better.

I think April would be a great month to go! Especially when you live in Ohio and it's still snowing! Ok, right now it's just windy, but it's supposed to snow tomorrow night again. I guess a giant storm is coming across the Northeast. They even moved the Cleveland Indians game from 7pm tomorrow night to 1pm in the afternoon to try and actually get a home game or two in!

Where's the sun!!!!!

Little Charlie

Here are some updated pictures of my little nephew Charlie. I've been in "charlie land" lately, sorry for not posting more. he's so darn cute!!

I have a Nephew!!!!

His name is Charlie (Charles Scott) and he is SOOOOOO cute!!! I'm including photos, there are from about 10 minutes after he was born, I'll post newer ones later.

Amy actually had him on her due date!! (it's been a crazy week) Her water broke on Tuesday night and she had him Wednesday morning about 7:30. I got to be in the delivery room, and she was a trooper! She did great!

Mommy and baby (and Daddy) are happy and healthy. Mommy was born at 7lbs, and Daddy around 6lbs, but little Charlie was 8lbs, 9oz and 23" long!!! Very long and thin, just like Daddy. He looks like Amy though for sure.

He's getting his picture taken today and yesterday he went to his first Doctor apt and they said he is 100% healthy. He's just great.

Steve and I went over on Saturday so he could meet his new nephew, and he did great with him. He didn't get a chance to be there when he was born because he couldn't get out of work.

Anyway, all is good, and I'm so excited! they like an hour away unfortunately, so I think I'm going to visit Friday night...I'll fill in more about this little cutey later!

due date

well, Amy's due date is tomorrow! She goes to the doctor in the morning for another ultrasound to see how big the little guy is getting. I guess if he's getting really big, which he won't be because Scott was born a little over 6lbs and Amy was a little over 7lbs, then they'll decide what to do at this point.
If he's little, they are going to keep waiting it out. The doctor said he won't let her go over the 1st. She's excited but extremely uncomfortable. She has a rash that has been all over her belly for a few months now, but said now it's spreading over her arms and legs. she's constantly trying not to itch! The doctor said about 3% of woman get this. That's our family!!
I always get the small % reactions from medication and stuff.....

Can't wait to see him!!!

too many projects, still no baby

I've been so busy, but I love being busy. I work approx. 50 hours per week, and then I picked up way too much freelance work. This printer I know decided to start his own company and wanted to be able to offer graphic design work as well as printing, so he asked me if i'd jump on board for some extra money. it's fun to do work other than "country giftware" which I do my 50 hours per week. He's had me make brochures for mortgage companies and verizon as well as business cards and logos for a motorcycle company and his printing company. I like the wide range of projects.
but I'm so busy!!! I can only work on that stuff after I leave work, which is anywhere from 5-6:30 or so. plus I'm trying to do it all when Steve isn't home, which is Wednesday through Saturday, so sleep isn't happening much! but hey, I'm busy and it's fun.

No baby yet. Amy goes to the doctor every Thursday and then calls and updates me. she gained 5 lbs. this week and in the last 2 days is really holding water. her socks are leaving marks on her ankles and she can't put her rings on, she's not real happy. but she isn't dialated any yet either, so I think we have some time still. She's not really due for another 1-1/2 weeks or so, and the doctor said he wouldn't let her go past the 1st without inducing her, so within 3 weeks we should have a baby in the family!! She bought him a little Easter outfit to wear over to mom's this year, and mom thinks she needs to get him an Easter basket, even though he'll only be days to weeks old, but hey, whatever, we're all excited!

that's it for now! hope all is well in blog-land!

New Blog

Oh also...I finally switch over to the New version of Blogger....yep, joined the rest of the world! but I haven't had time to figure out what's different. Can anyone help me? I don't really understand this stuff. I just create new posts and that's about it...

thanks!

quiet weekend

what a quiet weekend, which is good of course. Steve had to work all weekend, so I had it to myself. I must say, I didn't do much! at least anything interesting!

Saturday I came to work for a few hours. Figured I might as well try to catch up on a few things. Plus I had a freelance job to do, this guy wanted a new business card, not too difficult. Then in the evening, since it was STILL snowing, I decided laundry, changing sheets and cleaning the bathroom would be fun! what good times! :)

Sunday was a long day of the same. More laundry, a little grocery shopping and more snow. Steve had a hard time sleeping during the day yesterday because he said since I changed the sheets his pillows were too "poofy" so I told him I would never change his pillowcases again, but they'd get quite nasty! :)

Glad it was quiet, didn't really want to go out in the snow so I can't complain, doesn't happen very often. If fact, I'd really like to do it again today! but I'm at work....

have a great week everyone!

scary night

My sister (and the whole family) sure had a scary night! Amy was going into work (Cleveland Clinic RN) Thursday night and fell on the ice. She is front heavy of course, so she started falling forward. She caught herself with her hands, but then her hands slid and she went sliding across the floor on her belly!

Not the best thing in the world when you are over 8 months pregnant!
She called both Mom and I in tears and said they were taking her to the hospital (Cleveland Clinic doesn't have labor and delivery) for the night for observation. Steve drove me over there and we met Dad and Mom.

She's ok. and so is the baby. Thank God!! They monitored her all night, monitor on her belly for the baby's heartbeat. She finally kicked us out and made us leave after a few hours because we couldn't help it, but all we were doing was watching the screen and his little heartbeat! it was nerve wracking! But their both good.

it was scary! she's got 5 weeks to go and we need that little fella, as well as her around!

That's my excitement for now, now we all just need to catch up on sleep! :)

Atlanta, Babies and lots of snow!

Atlanta went well. I can't believe it's been so long since my last post. I need to be like my new blogger friend and make it a resolution to post something everyday! I love that!

As I said, Atlanta went well. It's a crazy show. Three buildings, all over 18 stories, thousands of people. what an experience! rough days! twelve hours on your feet, which is a lot for a baby like me that sits at a desk all day! but being a salesman for a few days was fun. talking to people and just seeing the entire thing....

Amy's got 5 weeks to go! she's so cute! we went and got pedicures last night (a birthday present for Mom) so that she could have "cute toes" when she went to the hospital!

We've gotten dumped on as far as snow goes today! so much! granted, not as much as NY, 12 feet! we're only supposed to get 12 inches by morning, but I bet we have 6 already! we're used to snow, but not this much at one time! Not very excited to drive home from work today! Makes me nervous, but it'll be ok.

gotta run, but I'm going to try to do better! hope everyone out there in blogger-land is doing well!

misc stuff going on...

Poor OSU fans. Ohio State had a rough night last night! I am not a college football fan, but I am an NFL fan (and yes, I know the Browns are even worse!) but I met with some friends last night to watch part of the game. (They actually took today off of work, so I left mid-second quarter) I really only went because I have a friend that is a traveling nurse and she was in town this week. She has a great deal, if you want to travel constantly and don't have a family or anything! Every three months she gets offers from a few cities and picks which hospital to go to. They pay travel expense, housing and utilities and she just pays cable and phone. She's been all over. She keeps saying "just one more trip" but she said the money is so good she just can't quit! She's paid off all her school loans and her car and is saving for a house. Anyway, she just left San Diego and is heading to Philadelphia, but had a little time off.
It was fun to get together with her, she's always full of energy. Needless to say, OSU wasn't!

I'm heading to Atlanta for a trade show on Thursday. It'll be ok, I've never been there but it's only for five days and being a sales person for a few days will be something different. I usually go to Portland, OR, but they didn't need extra people this time (I have to go to a show once a year). Kind of disappointed about that, only because I've gotten to know that city and it's beautiful. Plus I just had a friend from Pittsburgh move there. But Atlanta will be fine. There's a lot of us going and my Photographer is going to be my roommate which is great.

My sister's husband bought her a 3D ultrasound from her doctor for Christmas! She wanted to do that but didn't really want to pay the money. It was the coolest thing I've ever seen! She brought over a 25 min. DVD of it for us to watch. That little baby boy is so cute! (I'm his Aunt and all, but he is!) :) He blinks and opens his mouth and moves around, so cute! I'm amazed at how much of a baby he looks like with her at 7 months, chubby cheeks and all! It was really amazing!

Ok, that's it for now, I'll get back here when I get home!

New Years

Well our New Years Eve celebration was great! Steve asked me in the morning what I wanted to do for the day, and I actually decided on nothing. It was perfect. There are very very few days that we actually get the entire day together, just the two of us, and that's what I wanted. So, we ran to Walmart, bought some stuff to make for dinner, rented some movies and went back home. Sat around in pj's all day. It was great. Turned on Dick Clark's Rockin' Eve around 11:45 (I never miss that!) and then I was asleep by 12:15.

Perfect day.

As a resolution, we both said we would find some ways to spend more time together. With our crazy jobs and different shift schedules, we really don't see each other much, and never every day which is just sad. We need to work on this. This it is a little bit out of our control since it involves work, it could take some juggling, but we'll make it happen...

My sister is at around 30 weeks now, and she's getting scared. It's very strange to see her like this, because she is usually the tough one, but not right now. Don't get me wrong, very excited, but still nervous. Any suggestions, tips, words of wisdom for the expectant mother?

I have a few friends that have told her some things, or funny things that happened to them, or things she doesn't need to worry about, and it seems to be helping her a little. The rest of us are very very excited though! I can't wait to see the little guy!

random thoughts, but Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

What a crazy/fun time of year!!

We spend Christmas with so many people, it's almost New Year's and we still have more Christmas to do! How fun! It is so great to see so many people, I wish we could get together more often!

I think we're going to have a quiet New Years, just the two of us. Everything has been so busy lately, it'll be nice to sit and do nothing together!

Went to Buca Di Beppo's for dinner with my cousins, throwing this in here because it was soooo gooood!! if anyone has one nearby, or on vacation or something, definitely go. Family style Italian food. giant bowls full, meatballs the size of softballs! no exaggeration!!

My sister is at 29 weeks, due very soon! she is soo cute too! Mom and I are planning her shower, it's so fun! She may have gestational diabetes, but she is going to get tested again. her first test was the day after Christmas, and we all ate more sugar than you could ever imagine that day, so it should be better this next time. She said she goes again on the 5th, so she's being really good until then!

Did I ever say she and Scott are having a boy? They are decorating his room in airplanes, it's so cute! Steve and I have bought so much stuff, baby clothes and stuffed animals are very hard to pass up. but hey, it's my sister, i'm aloud to spoil!

Saw Grandma at Christmas Eve. She is having a lot of mini strokes, but other than that, she really looked great. She is easier to understand now too, very quiet and short sentences, but makes more sense.

think that's it for now!
I'll try to get better at these updates! Going to Atlanta for work in January, so I'll be gone just a little while....everyone take care! Happy New Year!

took awhile...but here are some wedding photos...

Entire Wedding Party

Steve and I and all our parents

Steve and I under arch

This is my favorite!

My Family, aren't we cute! :)

Me and my Dad

things to do

I saw this list on someone else's blog (Crazy Talk) and thought I would do the same. This is a list of things to do in your life, the items in bold are things I have done. Some good, some bad, some very adventurous, but it was fun to see what I had done on this giant list...

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said “I love you” and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had/Have amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your cds
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the snake river
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert”
83. Gotten flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in a Rocky Horror Picture Show
96. Raised children
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Passed out cold
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a TV game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read “The Iliad”
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone’s life

Maui

I forgot before I finished my wedding post!
Maui is gorgeous!!!!! If you haven't been there you have to go, expensive food-wise, but definitely worth it! We're ready to go again!!

What we didn't know was that some of the activities need to be reserved in advance. so, a lot of things we weren't able to do, all the more reason to go back some day!

The view is amazing. We took a few day tours, toured pineapple/fruit plantations, went to the top of Haleakala Crater (looks like you're on the moon!) toured the Road to Hana, saw all those beautiful sites. Went in a cavern/cave with flashlights, and even parasailed! That had to be the most exciting thing that I have ever done. 800 feet of rope, up in the air, and Steve and I were able to go up together. it was so wonderful. The last night we saw a theater production about the history of the island that was really impressive and we hiked through a redwood forest.

It amazed me that one place could have so many different climates and views. Ocean (clear blue), mountains, rain forests, redwood forests, craters. I'll share pictures soon, like I said earlier, I don't have any at work! what was I thinking!!

Oh, and we got back about 6 days before the earthquake. God was watching out for us through this entire last month! I was glad to hear that no one was hurt though.

what an incredible time...

It's been a while since I've been on here! Life got so crazy after Steve and I got home!

The wedding was wonderful!! I can't stress that enough. It ended up pouring most of the morning, but about 1/2 hour before the ceremony the rained just stopped. The ceremony was at 2:30 under an arch of mums on the lake and pictures were there afterwards. The girls were a little cold, but it was all beautiful. I'm so proud for all the wonderful people that came. plus those that were at the lake but didn't walk up! the rain started again about 3:15 or so, just enough time to get pictures done. I tell ya, we were being looked after, no doubt in my mind!

The limo guys were so fun, and although the photographer was a bit wierd, he was very thorough. The hall was just beautiful! Linda really really came through. I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful reception. We got the DJ that we requested, who is a lot of fun, the food was unreal! everyone commented on how bad some wedding food could be, but ours definitely won. we ate it the next day too, and Dad froze some as well!

we danced all night, had a great time. I can't even explain everything!
I'll add just one photo for right now, it's the only one that I have on my computer at work! it's of all of my employees and myself, doesn't even have Steve in it! Don't worry though! I have sooooo many photos, I just need to get home and post them!!

four days to go!

wow!! four days!!

yesterday, the guy from the park system called to let me know that the Vietnam Veterans Traveling Tribute Wall will be at the gazebo where we are supposed to get married! He said we could still use the gazebo if we wanted, but the road would be blocked off and a lot of people will be around! good timing!

Now, don't get me wrong, i think that wall is a very special thing, and I would actually like to see it, BUT, why couldn't he tell me earlier!!! He did offer for us to get married at the Mum festival that's on the other side of the lake. there is a huge arch of mums there, and he would clear the area for us. it'll be pretty but last minute stuff is driving me crazy!!!

other than that, I think Steve is going to take tonight off to help me with all the last minute stuff, and we're about done. as long as nothing else goes wrong!!!

I'm still very excited though! but very tired!!

shower, bachlorette party and strep throat...

My sister held a "friends shower" on Saturday for me. We separated that from the family shower because the family shower had so many people. Amy did an amazing job. I kind of felt bad because I didn't do nearly as much for her as she did for me on Saturday. She thinks of everything and is so creative! The favors were jelly jars containing all the ingredients for making Reese's Pieces cookies!

The shower went really good. 17 people including Steve and I and both our Moms. We got so much stuff again!!!

The bach party was immediately following. Yes, it was a very long day, but it was so hard to find even one day that my three bridesmaids could do, I couldn't even imagine finding 2! Amy set up Pure Romance party, which I've been to before and it is totally hilarious! A room full of girls talking about sex and spa products, so funny! Then a few of us went out to the Galaxy which is a really nice place that has banquet halls, dining rooms, wine bars and a sports bar. We really didn't stay all that long, because we were beat!! Amy made me a veil to wear out though, and Steve's Mom bought me a white t-shirt that had "bride" written in little jewels. It was cute.

So, all in all a really fun day. The only problem through the whole thing was that I came down with Strep Throat on Thursday!! I went to the Dr. on Friday and he gave me an antibiotic and told me to take double each day to knock it out fast. That way by Saturday afternoon he said I was no longer contagious. So, I felt better, just stuffy and tired. but a fun day.

This weekend, Steve and his groomsmen are going to PA to a cabin to cook out and fish. He'll have a great time.

Then, in 11 days!!! Holy cow! this year has gone so fast!!! I'm so excited!

Grandma Barnes is still doing so-so. She had some tests done yesterday because she gained 12 lbs. of water weight in her legs! They thought she was getting blood clots, but luckily that was incorrect. They aren't sure what is going on, but she's back at the rehab center again. She really likes it there. She has a schedule for lunch and dinner with some other residents, and different shows she watches on TV. She won't talk on the phone during these events at all and since she can't speak well yet, when you call all she says is "eating" or "tv" and she hangs up on you!! :) it's a riot!! and she won't call back! you have to guess when she's finished to talk to her or you'll get hung up on again! She seems in good spirits though for so much going on. We just continue to pray...

That's some of my life for now. more later. Blogging is such a great thing to have even if it is only to get everything out on paper- so to speak. I no longer have the desire to write, typing is easier! it's just great to put some thoughts down...

cake!

We ordered our cake yesterday! it was fun!

We went a little overboard, but we've been very conservative with our other plans, so I wanted a big cake! It has three tiers, with a fountain underneath them, deep dark chocolate in flavor and the icing roses on the cake light up! The roses are yellow, red and orange (all deep colored) and the yellow roses light up. dark green leaves, and three separate small cakes around the outside. yellow and marble flavored. very fun. I can't wait to see it finished!!

One thing that has gone very well. thank goodness!

when it rains it pours!

Ok,
so it's probably not all that bad, but I'm stressed out so it seems like it!

Just little problems. The limo company that was providing 2 6-passenger limos called to tell me that he only had one. he left that on my voicemail at night. I freaked out. in the morning I called and he started laughing and said that he has one 6 passenger and one 10 passenger and would that work? no extra money. of course that would work! why couldn't he have left that message! he said he works with brides all the time and freaking them out is a little fun. jerk. :)

My photographer unexpectedly had to go in this past monday for reconstructive knee surgury and is out of commission until Dec. what luck! he's hooking us up with another photographer that he knows though, that also knows our DJ, so all should be fine. I'm just disappointed because my original photographer won't be there. I had really gotten to know him and his wife over the last year, done some graphic design work for his company and he's a lot of fun.

tried to order a cake last saturday. the bakery is open from 10a-4p, we were there about 1:30 or so. lady came out asked if we needed help. I told her we needed to order our cake and she said "oh, we don't take orders on Saturdays. We're making cakes for this evening. You wouldn't want us taking orders on your big day" Big Deal! why do I care if she takes orders or not! how long could taking an order possibly take!! and why are they open then at all!!! I was super ticked off!

Steve ushered me out before I had the opportunity to flip out on the woman and we are going to try and go tonight. problem is, they are only open until 6p on weekdays, and I work until 5. oh well.

On a good wedding note though, all the bridal party flowers are finished, all we need is reception flowers. and Linda also sent out the invites and info about the rehearsal dinner. a little late, but they are out and that is all that matters. the flowers are beautiful, she did a nice job.

Grandma Barnes' condition hasn't really changed. I wish I had great news to tell, but at least I don't have bad news either.

Wedding is Sept. 30, 16 days! I'm really very excited!! I just decided though, that I'm not going to verify anymore plans with service providers, that's when things go wrong!

this ridiculous week...

What a terrible week! I am totally a bride! :)

The family shower was this past weekend. It actually went really well, so I thought. I got to talk to all my family and friends, had a great time, got lots of really cool gifts, all is happy in the world. Then I find out that my crazy great Aunt Clara actually spent the shower telling Steve's family what terrible ungreatful people my family were. I should have seen it coming. To make a long story short, she raised my mom. Mom is wonderful, Aunt Clara thinks we don't honor her enough for raising my mom, so we're all ungreatful, terrible people. This is not a new story to me. Since I was 10 years old she's been telling me how awful my mom is and how fat she is and etc... finally I couldn't hold it in any longer. I told mom.

I probably should have kept my mouth shut, (like I've done for the last 20 years) but no part of me was able to do that. So after a long Monday and a lot of conversations, we un-invited her. What a mess.

Then, Tuesday and Wednesday, I was late for work. Wednesday I didn't even set my alarm!! I've NEVER done that!! It was terrible. I've also been just a crying, weeping mess this week. This is so unlike me! All I can figure out is that it is the stress of work and the stress of the wedding...

Update on Grandma Barnes...things don't seem to be going that well. She was able to come to the shower which was sooo fun! it was great to see her and she was soo excited to be there. but after that she seemed to go backwards. She's still at the clinic and all that, but she's been falling a lot and not making it to the bathroom in time. She had another MRI and they want to wait about 6-8 weeks before surgery on the other side. I'm not sure what is really going on, no one is. We're just a little nervous.

That's my venting for now. More later.

misc...

one year ago today Steve proposed! Time goes so fast! I'm so excited with everything that is happening in our lives, and also for what is to come.

Grandma Barnes is doing ok. She is at the rehabilitation center now, and is pretty happy there. lots of people to talk to and things to do. she is working with a speak therapist right now. she had no physical damage from the stroke, but is having trouble saying nouns, and expressing herself. Feeling much better though! No word yet when the second surgery will be.

Wedding plans are good. we are just about set. waiting for all the replies to come back, then have to make seating plans, but other than that good to go. no flowers yet, but whatever!

family shower is this weekend, it's all starting now! I'm excited!

My cousin is moving back to Cleveland! he and i were pretty close, but he moved out of town and getting together just got hard. hopefully now we'll get to see each other again. he's a lab tech and got a new job, wanted to move closer to home.

My sister is doing as good as expected. she super excited and still super sick. but she's very positive about it which is good. her next doctor apt. is in about 2 weeks or so.

Dad and I went to a baseball game on Saturday. We had a great time. It was nice to get him out having fun and forgetting all the work stress. He's like a little kid at those things! we had a blast, I hope we can do it again soon!

that's about it for my update, almost time to get home!

more updates

Well, Grandma Barnes went into a rehabilitation clinic on Saturday afternoon. They still aren't able to get her blood pressure down, but they need to get her better in order to do surgury on the other artery in her neck. I don't know much about it, but she is supposed to be there for 2 weeks at least. We talked to her Saturday morning and she says that she feels a little better. She's still a little confused and sounds terrible, but she seemed happy to talk to Steve.

Amy is super sick. She found out at the doctor last week that she is 8-1/2 weeks pregnant with a expected due date of March 21, and she can't keep anything down. She's still excited though, and she calls me a few times a day to ask me to drink a Diet Coke for her and to eat a hot dog! (or whatever she's hungry for at the time) She's told me a list of everything that she's gotten sick on and will never touch again! I feel so bad for her, she sounds horrible, but I can't wait to see my little niece or nephew! Plus, I have been trying to get her to give me some jobs to do for the shower. She's holding a bridal shower for me, and I think she needs some help, but she won't give in!

Steve and I had a great day on Saturday, it was his night off work so we had all day together, by ourselves. That doesn't happen often so we took full advantage! We went miniture golfing and played in the arcade and drove go-carts. It was so fun! Steve and I and a bunch of little kids! I won mini golf and air hockey, and he won everything else. Then we went to Cold Stone Creamery for some ice cream, and rented a few movies and went home. It was great to spend time with just him. I just love him so much!

Well, that's it for now, everyone have a great Monday!

cute website

This is a really cute website that I found about stories we used to believe as children...check it out if you get a chance.

http://www.iusedtobelieve.com/

Grandma update

Thank you for all your prayers!
So far, not much news. Grandma Barnes is still in intensive care, they thought that she could be out by now, but no such luck.
She is still doing ok, her only problem is that they are unable to get her blood pressure down. Once that happens, she could be released. Still no decision on whether to have surgury on the other side or not.

I was told that she is hooked up to 5 different IVs and meds, but she's still tough! She's a little confused about what time of year it is, but she's aware of what's going on and she's insisting that she's coming to Steve and my wedding! We just love her!

I'll update more when I get more news.

Grandma Barnes

To anyone out there, I am asking for your prayers for my future Mother-in-law's Mom. She has suffered a stroke after our crazy hot OH weather the last few days, and is in need of some prayers. She has one artery completely blocked and one 70% blocked and we are waiting to see if she is going to be a good candidate for surgery.

God decides when your time to join him has come, but she is a very special lady and she is in my thoughts.

thank you!

update:
Grandma Barnes did have surgery on one side. She is currently in intensive care, but seems to be doing ok right now. Her blood pressure spiked this morning, but hopefully they can get that under control. If all goes well, she could get released tomorrow or Thursday. Then they may decide to do the other side in about a month or so, if needed. Because of her age, they may not do it if everything else seems ok. Thanks for the prayers!

She did say that she was lucky because her husband was with her through the whole surgery (he passed away about 2 years ago.) So she was happy.

survey

I saw this survey somewhere, and it's kind of interesting. Feel free to steal it!

GRUB-OLOGY
What is your salad dressing of choice? Ranch, the fatter the better!
What is your favorite fast food restaurant? Taco Bell
What is your favorite sit down restaurant? Olive Garden
On average, what size tip do you leave at a restaurant? 20% unless something is really terrible. I was a waitress for years, they don’t make much money.
What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? pasta
Name three foods you detest above all others. Raw tomatos, seafood, other than that, I'm not sure!
What is your favorite dish to order in a Chinese restaurant? Egg rolls!
What are your pizza toppings of choice? Mushroom, or deluxe
What do you like to put on your toast? Peanut butter and jelly or honey
What is your favorite type of gum? Orbit

TECH-OLOGY
Number of contacts in your cell phone? Close to 40 maybe??
Number of contacts in your email address book? 20-30
What is your wallpaper on your computer? Beach scene
What is your screensaver on your computer? Blank screen
Are there naked pictures saved on your computer? Not that I know of!
How many land line phones do you have in your house? None, just cell phones
How many televisions are in your house? 3
What kitchen appliance do you use the least? Stove because I don’t cook, dishwasher, steve cooks, I wash dishes.
What is the format of the radio station you listen to the most? country
How many sex toys do you own that require batteries? I had some, but I’m out at this moment

BI-OLOGY
What do you consider to be your best physical attribute? My eyes maybe?
Are you right handed or left handed? left
Do you like your smile? Not really, but at least my teeth are straight!
Have you ever had anything removed from your body? nope
Would you like to? A lot of fat, but as you can see from the food section above, that is my problem!
Do you prefer to read when you go to the bathroom? Nope. I get in and get out.
Which of your five senses do you think is keenest? Smell
When was the last time you had a cavity? About 2 years ago
What is the heaviest item you lift regularly? Case of catalogs, 37lbs.
Have you ever been knocked unconscious? I don’t think so

MISC-OLOGY
If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? As controlling as I am, I think that even some things should remain a mystery
If you could change your first name, what would you change it to? Something not as common!How do you express your artistic side? I’m a graphic designer, it’s my job!
What color do you think you look best in? black, it’s slimming!
How long do you think you could last in a medium security prison? I honestly have no idea. Not long.
Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake? Probably!
If we weren't bound by society's conventions, do you have a relative you would make a pass at? I love my cousins, but that’s gross.
How often do you go to church? I don’t, but I should.
Have you ever saved someone's life? Not that I know of.
Has someone ever saved yours? All my friends and family keep me living!

DARE-OLOGY
For this last section, if you would do it for less or more money, indicate how much.

Would you walk naked for a half mile down a public street for $100,000? I’d need more than that, that’s not something you’d want to see. (million maybe?)
Would you kiss a member of the same sex for $100? More please! 100,000 and I’d give a peck.
Would you have sex with a member of the same sex for $10,000? No, no money for that one.
Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for $200,000? I like my fingers!
Would you never blog again for $50,000? Sure, that’s fine.
Would you pose naked in a magazine for $250,000? Lots of millions. I’m not very daring.
Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000? 25,000 – my stomach needs that much!
Would you, without fear of punishment, take a human life for $1,000,000? I couldn’t do that, I can’t even hit an animal with my car without tearing up.
Would you shave your head and get your entire body waxed for $5,000? I would love to get my entire body waxed, permanantly! But the head part would cost more.
Would you give up watching television for a year for $25,000? Lots more money please!

I'm going to be an Aunt!

My sister is pregnant!! At least we hope! I'm getting a little ahead of myself. My sister and her husband have been kind of trying for a few months now. She called me a few days ago to tell me that she's "peed on two sticks and got two lines on each!" which I guess means she's pregnant. She called the doctor and they told her that they've never had someone come in with those positive results and have had it wrong...we're so excited!! Hopefully this will get Dad out of his funk now. I'm so happy for both of them, and Steve is probably so dreading this! I'll be talking non-stop about my wonderful neice or nephew. At the same time, I hope it is just like her! :)

Congrats Amy and Scott!

hot pockets

Krista and I went to the printer the other day to pick up proofs of our newest catalog. the intent was to drive there and drive back. Karen was just back from vacation, super busy, and I didn't want to take up too much of her time.
It never happens the way that I plan!
We walked in and Don (our sales rep) was in the lobby. So he took us back to Karen's desk and we all stood around and talked too long! Joe (the pre-press guy) came over too. So, Joe decided Krista needed a tour of the plant because she'd never had one before. A nickel tour is what he called it, so that it didn't take much of our time. That never happens either! but it was really nice of them to do it. So we all go for a tour.
This is where I get into the picture I posted. Joe was showing us some "direct-to-plate" presses, which were actually pretty interesting. He said that they go up to 520 degrees! so one night, a long time ago, he was working night shift and decided to test that 520 degrees, with a hot pocket! We were laughing at him so hard! he said he'd never told anyone that before!

updated and boring stuff

I am never on here anymore. I need to come up with exciting things to talk about. (I think that I have said this many many times in the past!) My life seems boring, although it really shouldn't be, but I guess I don't feel that I have exciting enough stuff to talk about that other people would listen too or care about!

We are getting married in about 3 months. I'm just amazed at how fast the year has gone. I am very excited about getting married, yet at the same time, I can't wait for it to be over! This wedding planning thing is ridiculous! so many little things to think about and so many people that you try to please. Now I know, it is our wedding so it should be what we want, but it is just not entirely that way. Everyone throws ideas at me, and I try to please everyone, and that just doesn't work. But anyway, we've registered now, so we're just at the last stuff- making favors, mailing invites, paying everyone lots of money....

Work is ok. Nothing new. We've gotten easy approvals of catalogs lately, which is scary! That's a good thing, but at the same time part of you waits for the big disaster. I think I've gotten too negative, I need to be more positive in my life...what's wrong with me!

I am really worried about my dad. He has severe depression I think, he hates his job, his children have all grown up and moved out, and he's miserable. He is mad at Mom all the time saying she doesn't understand him etc. and he really needs to retire. But he's scared. I understand that. But he really worries me, I wish that he would go to a doctor and get an annual physical (regularly) and talk to someone about what is going on.

On a happy note, we went out on Tuesday and shot photos for our early spring catalog at this woman's house that has a barn and a lot of gardens. She has a bunch of crazy animals that walk around, and it was hot but productive and a lot of fun. Check out the picture of the crazy peacock that scared us with his hollers all day long....

long time

well, it's been a long time since i've been on here...i don't know that I can fill in everything that has been going on...

the anniversary party was a success. linda, ashley and amy joined steve and i to set things up. it was a long stressful day, but in the end, everyone had a great time including my parents...

we have a lot of wedding plans set. invitations ordered, my whole outfit complete, waiting on earrings for the girls, honeymoon set (maui here I come!) working on showers, favors, deciding on programs. we still need to register, that's the biggest thing really...

steve is wonderful, got me great stuff for my birthday, and spent the entire weekend with me!! it was great!

mom is trying to get grips on the internet, which is not quite as much of a disaster as it was in the beginning...getting better.

my photographer quit!! that sucks bad! his last day is next week. and we are beyond swamped right now. I really need everyone working...getting stressed again...

that's a short update for now

Right Now!

I am one of those people that when there is something to plan, I want to do it RIGHT NOW! I am very impatient. I like doing things myself. I am trying very hard these days to learn patience, learn that not everyone is like me, and learn to work with others. I do fine at work with this concept, but other things are different.

I am planning a 30th Anniversary party with my sister for mom and dad. Nothing too elaborate or anything, just informal dinner and socializing. We are also going to go and get our picture taken for them, we haven't done that since sometime in high school. long time ago.

It's hard to do things with her, don't get me wrong, I'm glad she's helping, but her schedule is so different than mine, and she's much more relaxed on the whole thing. I want every answer for everything right now, and that's just not how it works. It'll turn out great though...hopefully.

I'm also starting to stress about wedding flowers. I know there is like 7 months left, but I would love to get them done, stored away, and not worry about them anymore. That's not how Linda works though. She's a last minute person. I appreciate that she is going to do them, but I KNOW we'll be putting flowers together the day before the wedding, and I am going to flip out!!

That's it for now, I'm trying to learn patience...wish me luck!

Valentine's Day

Happy V-day! I've never really been big into this holiday. I'm not sure why. I think it's really because what in the world do you get a guy? i look at all the websites that have suggestions and think to myself Steve would never want any of the generic "guy" stuff. it's really hard! and i don't want to just buy presents like at Christmas or birthdays, because that's not "romantic" at all. It's really frustrating to me!

This year I ordered him glass beer stines (even though he doesn't drink) that have deer and pine trees etched into them. they are really cool! i don't know if he would ever use them, but I saw this woman in Portland that is amazing at this and had to get them. still not very romantic, but he LOVES deer, so I thought it may be a good idea. we'll see i guess.

You can definitely tell it is V-day at work though, everyone getting flowers delivered, bringing around candy and just being generally happy today. Too bad it's not like this everyday, make the place much more enjoyable!!!!

Let the year begin!

Well,
I'm back in the swing of things. Normal schedule again. I like it. I was on vacation time for a lot of December, then went to Portland OR for work the beginning of January. Don't get my wrong, it's nice to have everything mix up, but it was long enough.

Full wedding planning now. A little frustrating because my mother is trying to move too fast with plans and Steve's mom is moving way too slow for my taste. it'll all get figured out somehow I guess...

Trying a new workout plan that works for Steve. Drinking a gallon of water a day (yes I said a gallon!) and working out on his bowflex three times a week. Plus trying to fit in Curves, my glider and Juliana and I going to Pilates. Oh, along with my normal weekly weight watchers. gotta be thin for my wedding! only nine months away! We'll see how it goes, i'm hopeful right now though.

Nothing really exciting. Work's the same, people are the same. but at least it's predictable.

Talk soon!

Baby Scherler

Tara brought baby Sidney in today for all of us to see. She is 10 days old and SO cute!

Now, I don't want to offend anyone, but newborn babies look like little monkies, they aren't cute. But Sidney was adorable! Her daddy is so proud too, he was holding her when they walked in our room and he's all smiles.

She's very dark complected, and has perfect little ears and lips. Very long feet and hands, tara says she has "rockette" legs! Very cute. And lots of dark hair. Blue eyes, but that could change.

I'm really happy for them!

christmas time is coming!

I'm so excited! i love christmas time! i love giving people gifts, i don't really care if i get them myself or not. I didn't go quite as overboard as i usually do this year with everyone though, i think i chose well, but my prices didn't get out of control. I think because usually i start buying gifts at the end of the summer and then even if i'm done i keep buying up to christmas as i see stuff. this year i started later. it drove me a little crazy, but i saved some money.

what else, i have to go to portland this year for work. i'm not excited. i had a good time and learned a lot last year, but i don't really want to go. i'm sure i'll be fine once i get there, it's just the initial trip...

steve got a piece of metal in his eye at work this week. that really has to suck bad. we went to the emergency room on wednesday, and then he went to the doctor today to get the rust ring cut out. i had to go to work after we got home, so i hope he's doing ok!!

the crazy christmas plans start this weekend. we're so busy from now until like the 29th or something. it'll be fun, but at the same time, i really like the idea of sitting at home and doing nothing!! i'm so lazy sometimes, i work too much to keep running and running.

that's about it. i have learned as i've been writing in this blog, that i have a pretty boring life!

bits and pieces

some bits and pieces of the last few weeks...

Thanksgiving went well. I love thanksgiving food! love it. It was fun to go to A. Betty's and see everyone, I wish we could get together more often than we do. Kelly and Joey are great.

Went to Cory's for thanksgiving on Saturday too. Totally a Martha Stewart house and dinner! it was great! It felt like I walked right into a giant Christmas shop...

Steve and I shopped on Black Friday!! Neither one of us had ever done that before, but the paper had such great deals! We got a 6.5' pre-lit tree for $25! how can you beat that!! then we came home and decorated for Christmas and wrapped some presents. It was a really fun day.

Friends and Family is today at work. It's always a crazy day. We are so busy right now though, that I would rather my people didn't go over until after work or at lunch, but there's no guantees that I can really keep them in here. which sucks, because that makes me a shitty boss!

christmas is right around the corner! I'm so excited this year! we are going to be so busy though, between everyone we have to see. My group is coming over our place to celebrate on a friday night, then Linda's on christmas eve, then my mom in the morning and his dad in the afternoon. then A. Cindy's the wednesday after. what a crazy time! then just when it settles down, I have to go to Portland for work!

here we go!!!

Oh, some exciting news...Matthew's about to be a dad!!!! yeah!!

Aaaaaaaaaaauuuuuuuggggggggggggghhhhhhhh!

It's snowing! What a horrible thought! I hate it!
Now it's time to start wishing for May. I went outside yesterday after work, it actually reached 70 yesterday. It was wonderful, you could almost smell spring (ok, so I was dreaming). I stood outside before I got in my car and just breathed it all in. I knew it was supposed to get really cold today and we were supposed to witness some of that white stuff, so I had to enjoy the last day.

I actually am a little sad that I didn't get to enjoy fall. I LOVE BONFIRES! Bonfires, smores, hot dogs, all that good stuff. Oh well, maybe next year...

At least, to look at the bright side, in the winter, nasty, cold weather, I can cuddle up to Steve! He probably hates that thought, but he's my body heat! :)

christmas

it's coming! faster than i had hoped for really. as far as gifts and everything are concerned. I can't believe that this year is almost over! it went so fast!

my mom said that i totally threw a wrench in her christmas shopping this year, because our wedding is all that she can think about. it through a wrench in my shopping too! i'm not usually as far ahead as she is, but i'm usually farther than i am now, which is nowhere!! i'm still excited though.

i have three bridesmaids now. tricia was so excited, which is great, because i was so nervous that she would say no! i feel bad about the other people that i didn't pick, they are great friends, but i know that i made the right decision and i hope that others don't get pissed off.

today is voting day. i really didn't even think about it to be honest. i usually only vote during presidential election years. that is horrible i know, but it's the subject that i usually know the most about. i really couldn't tell you who anyone is in Norton running for anything and i don't think it's right to go vote without all the information. i should have looked into it more, i think the norton school system needs some help! next time i'll make it. plus, i don't think i'm registed in norton yet because of moving...

boring

well, i've decided that my blog is boring! i have nothing of interest to anyone else but myself~i can talk wedding plans forever, but i'm really the only one that cares....

saw steve's grandma today. she is the cutest thing. 81 years old and full of spunk. she said "so you're going to be my future granddaugter!" and i showed her my ring. i said i don't have any grandmas and she said she would try to be a great grandma for me. she's so cute!

it's friday, 3:30ish, and the week is almost over! steve dad is coming over sometime tomorrow, although i don't know when. he's not a big planner like i am. i like to know where i have to be and when, and he doesn't. which is fine, to each there own.

again, nothing of interest to anyone else! So.... i'll talk wedding!

meeting with a minister next week, and a photographer after that. if all goes well, those can be done. 19th going to a cake tasting with mom. i don't know if steve wants to go to that or not. then we can pick out of 3 bakeries and have that set. then i think the major things that need the date held can be done. then on to the fun stuff!

i'm going to ask tricia to be my 3rd bridesmaid on monday. i'm really nervous about that! i don't know why that is such a hard question to ask, but it is! what if she says no!!

Anyway, since i'm boring i'll go back to work.

secret "cleaning" agents...

Halloween at OWI

The catalog team was dressed this year as "Secret Cleaning Agents" and it was pretty cool. We took the idea of secret fbi agents, all dressed in black and added cleaning supplies.
Matthew's idea. I think James came up with the wearing black thing. Anyway, we won third place, although
I think we should have gotten 2nd, we were pretty good.

The photo you see is our "serious" pose. I actually look thinner in this photo, I like it!

Jeff and Ricki were rednecks. Perfect rednecks. Beer cans of bad beer and all. It was really impressive!

we have a hall!!!

We have a hall! i'm very excited!!! it's hard to plan these things when you can only talk to your fiance a few days a week!!
Now, we still need to find a place to get married at. I would love to get married outside, but you can't trust September weather can you? I'm not sure what to do. If we don't do that, then we need to find a non-denominational church (small) to get married at.....that's a tough one.
We also need a DJ and a Photographer. I've sent some emails out to people, so we'll see what happens with that.
After those things, I think we're in the clear until after the holidays. Those are the big things.

I love this! there's so much to it though!!

we're working on it!

Well, I think that it's time to get this wedding moving! We talked this weekend about what we'd like to do and now I'm really getting excited.
We're shooting for Sept. 30 or Oct. 7th, whichever ends up working out as far as places are concerned.
We are going to do just a small wedding, immediate family only, and a huge reception. I think the immediate family only is already going to cause problems with his mom because she wants her sister there. If my father can't have his, I don't think she should have hers, but I'll leave that up to Steve to decide. I guess if I am going to have Juliana and Lane that wouldn't matter.
We also would rather have a party room rather than a formal hall. Much cheaper! We could decorate a party center to look beautiful I think, although I don't think that my father thinks so.
Mom is going to be great, she's so excited already!

Anyway, all I have to say for now is ~ I'm the bride!

It's Friday!!

I can't say enough how happy I am about that! I hope this is a good weekend.

Mom, Steve and I are going to Ashland University tonight to see the "Who's Line is it Anyway" guys at AU's homecoming. Then tomorrow I need to run a few errands and then Steve and I are going to finish setting up our apartment. Sunday he goes back to night shift, so I think Sunday is going to be a relaxing day. Watch football, lay around, all that good stuff.

We're moved in, our apartment feels like a hotel to me. I love it, but I need more storage in my bathroom I think. Steve started me on his Bowflex, and I hope it goes good for me. All I know right now is that I'm sore!!

I need to sleep in, but Thank God it's Friday!