Stampin' in the midwest

Smile.ly—Be Heard. Be Happy.

2010-01-06T20:49:00.000-05:00

Your Text

2008-01-29T07:27:00.000-05:00

Wow nice crooked picture there I see. This is actually a card I sent in with my application for a design team, but once again I didn't get accepted. That's ok........I'm use to it. I have the new attitude of what's suppose to happen, happens! That attitude goes towards everything in my life right now. I know that you are in control of your destiny, but for the moment, I'm just sort of going along with the flow. I haven't had anytime to go downstairs and stamp........how sad! I have to tell you being on my feet on the go all the time at work is just kickin' my butt. It's not like I didn't work before my job at Starbucks, and it was a physical job, so either I'm gettin' old or I'm just lazy........LOL I don't really care for either one.
I have to call the dreaded dentist today I have a tooth that is killing me, Oh how I hate the dentist, I'm thinking I need to find a new one and hopefully they will be a little gentler. I'm afraid they are going to say that I need a root canal........grrrrrr those suckers hurt! No time for that sort of thing let me tell you. Oh well it has to be better then me actually having to take a vicoden last night to sleep.........I'm just hoping I can get it done with my work schedule. We'll see. Well I hope you all have a great day, and if you get a chance could you stamp some for me, pretty please........LOL At least I'll know someone is stamping!

Whats my name mean??

2008-01-14T22:10:00.000-05:00

This is actually pretty accurate I was rather surprised. I wanted to post here so I would be able to come back to it at a later time. I promise I will be back with some stamping things shortly......It's been a rough couple of days, I have to work the rest of the week and John will be moving out Saturday, so things are a bit shaky around here with the kids...........be back soon.

What Jennifer Means

You are fair, honest, and logical. You are a natural leader, and people respect you.
You never give up, and you will succeed... even if it takes you a hundred tries.
You are rational enough to see every part of a problem. You are great at giving other people advice.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.
You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.
At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.
You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.
You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.
You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.
You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

You are loving, compassionate, and ruled by your feelings.
You are able to be a foundation for other people... but you still know how to have fun.
Sometimes your emotions weigh you down, but you generally feel free from them.

You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something.
You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense.
You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Word of the Year

2008-01-06T09:42:00.000-05:00

Well I suppose this card would have been appropriate for New Year's but I just didn't get it up here..........Oh well! LOL I love the Bella's but I have had to totally stay away from the site, because I have seen so many new ones since I was last there on everyone else's blogs. You know blurfing (blog surfing) really is rough on the ol' wallett. If only I could stop! I have tried but it really is an addiction. Sorry I haven't been around lately, Starbucks is kickin' my butt, actually not my butt really, more like my brain. LOL I need some more memory skills. There is so much to remember, I'm off today and who would have thought between cleaning house, and stamping I would be saying I'm going to be studying for my Starbucks job............:) Oh well the most important thing is I love it, and I think my management is happy with me!! Yippeee

Now on to something I saw on a couple of blogs I have already been to today!

What's your Word??
This is something I remember seeing on Ali Edwards blog last year and she's doing it again this year!
You choose a word to represent the New year for yourself. I think I have come up with the perfect word for me and my KIDS!
JOURNEY

Now this word has many meanings, and I'm not going to list them all, I'm only going to list the most important one that pertains to myself and the kids, and it's the definition that is on the stamp from Define your Life (Stampin' UP!)

{Jur-nee} n. An experience or process that leaves you changed, trail of experience. From here to there.

Now if any of you have read my blog you no that the kids and I are on a major journey of sorts through this next year. The divorce, my new job, a whole new living experience, and everything that goes along with a divorce. All the good and the bad. Am I prepared, yes I believe so. But then again never having gone through this before I'm not sure of what might come my way. Am I strong enough to handle everything, YES I believe so. I have become a more confident, stronger and capable person in the last 6 months. Most of all I feel I have become a more Emotionally stronger person. Is this all my doing? No it definitely isn't but it is partly my doing. Is it partly due to my soon to be ex? Yes in a big way, but yet it is also due to myself, and the few friends and family that no me the best (you all know exactly who you are!) One person has shown me and given me my self esteem back, and taught me that I am a good and beautiful person on the inside which is where it counts the most, but also on the outside. Another person has taught me that Yes I can stand up for myself, and stay true to my feelings, and that they aren't wrong. I could go on forever about all of this but just know if I can do it, anyone can do it! My journey will definitely leave myself and the kids changed, hopefully all for the good, but I am prepared for whatever comes my way. I am confident that WE will all be better people in the end for having gone through this JOURNEY!
Thanks for reading through this whole Philosophical moment with me if you have read this far, and I hope that you take a minute of your time to ponder this thought, and one of my goals is to make a frame or something similar to hang in my living room somewhere, where I will see my word everyday, and be reminded that no matter how hard it gets this journey will be not only a year long process but a life long process also, and that we can do it!

2008-01-01T10:49:00.000-05:00

Such nice shadows in this picture, I'm not quite sure what happened, and of course looking at it, I didn't get up close enough so you could see any detail. Oh well such is my luck, I'm not even sure when I took the picture. I just realized that I hadn't posted it yet. The image is actually a sticker, I only watercolored in the box around the flower. I needed a quick card for a friend, so this is what I came up with. I can't believe I'm a stamper and here I was making a card with a sticker. What's up with that?
I wanted to take a quick minute and let anyone who read's my blog that I got my job at starbucks and I start training on Wed. I'm excited, I think I will be able to move up in the company fairly quick. So with that said hopefully the kids and I will be able to live on my little income alone for a bit. I still have to figure a way to get soon to be x-hubby out of the house, or find him someplace to live rather that he can affford to pay his rent and my child support. It would make my life so much easier I swear, and the kids I think, because then we could get on a schecule that works for us, and everyone will know what is expected of each of them. With me working now, unfortunately the boys are going to have to be a bit more responsible, they are going to be 11 in Feb. so I don't think I will be asking too much of them. What do you all think is acceptable to ask of 11 and 14 year old children, the 11 yr olds being boys and the 14 yr old is my daughter? Just looking for ideas. I'm going to try my best to make sure that Payton is left with the boys too much, because that is NOT her responsibility. It was mine when I was younger and I hated that so much, so I will do my best not to do that to her.
Well hopefully today at sometime I get my rear end down stairs and whip up some spectacular card designs to submit to a design team call, I had a card all figured out in my head but then of course we all know how that goes sometimes, it just never works out on paper..........LOL Hope you all have a wonderful 2008!

2007-12-30T19:25:00.000-05:00

Well this is a version of the item that has been accepted for publication. I made it for my very best girlfriend back home for Christmas. I hope she really liked it. I know she said she did but ya just never know. I thought I would post a quick update, it's been pretty tense around the house with the holidays and what not, but I'm managing. I haven't felt like doing much lately, I can tell you that for sure! But then again that isn't anything new really........LOL I do have to tell everyone that I did get a job, I just don't know if I'm going to be able to make it only making $7.00 and hour, without a set schedule. It will have to do for now, but it's still really scary. It's with Starbucks and the manager hired me over the phone, from that very first interview that I had, so I'm hoping she has good things in mind for me. I'm praying really hard. I am going to go down to Fed-ex tomorrow and see if they have anything posted, they pay over $11 an hour and they even have tuition reimbursement. That would work really well, plus they have a set schedule. Days or nights. Hoping for something during the day though. I also wanted to take a minute and wish everyone a Happy New Year, I wish for each and everyone of your dreams and desires to come true. I'm really hoping that 2008 will prove to be the beginning of a new road to travel for myself and my family. Be safe, and have a great night.

2007-12-23T18:00:00.000-05:00

I don't think I have posted this card yet, but I was getting tired of the Christmas cards.........so I thought I would look and see what I had on the computer all ready. I'm feeling in the mood to go stamp, but the problem is my basement is a total disaster!!! I probably have a 4x4 spot on my table to create on.........LOL Then of course I still need to clean house and bake. Just not in the mood for the cleaning......but then again who is.
I was sitting here and I realized that after almost 11 years of being a Stampin' UP! demonstrator I will have to give up being a demo. I can't make my minimum for this quarter, and so that means in January I would need to place a $600 order.........Not happening. It's like a part of my body is being ripped off.........LOL I just can't imagine not getting everything in the mail, all the sneak peeks, and the discount.........I'm going to be lost. I have a huge downline, all 3rd level and below, my 2nd level downline is an amazing woman. I just could never find another recruit. Stampin' UP! has been a part of my life for so long, and I guess with the divorce going on and having to give up SU! it just seems like 2 major life changes for me, and let me tell you it's depressing! Even though I knew John and I needed to go our own ways, and be friends, it's much harder emotionally then I thought it ever would be. I think if he wasn't in the house with me it might be easier on me, but with me not having a job at the moment it's pretty hard to have 2 rent payments on 1 income. I'm still really struggling with the whole job situation. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the Starbucks thing still. I'm calling another manager at the mall Starbucks on Wed. or Thur. if I don't hear from the new location, because she said that she would really like to get me in with the company. Praying praying praying. Speaking of that, we couldn't go to church this morning because my hair dryer went on the fritz.........what's up with that? And let me tell you hair dryers aren't very cheap anymore, I couldn't find one for less then 20 bucks, but hey I can't go without a hair dryer, it's scary scary sight. LOL
Well that's enough rambling, I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and enjoy your families.
I'm going to really try to get the basement cleaned up, I have a design team that I'm going to apply for so keeping my fingers crossed for that too!!!

Non Christmas

2007-12-20T20:20:00.000-05:00

Top is the outside and the bottom pic is the inside

I really like how this card turned out, it's nice to have a few cards for those guys in your life, already done up. I know for me it's too much pressure to try and come up with a manly card on the spot. What about you guys??? I had this card saved so I thought I would put it up, since I hadn't put much up lately. I just got a bunch of new spring/Valentine's Day stamps, and I ordered a couple other winter sets, I think I'm still going to be making some snowy cards. Thats pretty much what the weather around here puts me in the mood for.
It seems like most of the other bloggers kids are already out for Christmas break, but mine have 1 last day to go. Don't ask me what on earth I'm going to do with all 3 of them home for 17 days.....Ugggg, John will be home for 4 of those days, but geez that's a long time. I don't really have a clue what I should do with them, what on earth do 10 yr. old boys like to do anymore these days? They can't just sit in front of the TV the whole time, as much as they would love it?? Any suggestions???
Hope your close to having all your Holiday tasks accomplished.................Hmmmm Let me think, do I? I'm sure I'll think of something I have forgotten to do. Cya

WOW what a great day!

2007-12-18T18:22:00.000-05:00

First off the day didn't start out looking too bright for me........but I tried to keep my head above water............I managed. I had an interview with Starbucks and I think it went really really well, especially since the girl that interviewed me told me that if I didn't hear back from 1 of the 2 locations they were currently hiring for in about 2 weeks to contact her because she would love to hire me for her location!!! WoooHooo I'm so excited about that! Then I was at the PO and found out they are planning to hire 3 new people for the office in a couple of months, so I will definitely be putting in my app for that job.................But I honestly think the best part of the whole day was the e-mail that I got when I got home..............It was from Paper Crafts magazine, and a submission that I made for the 1st time way back in May under the general submissions got accepted for publishing..............I'm totally floored, I thought for sure since it had been so long it was a no go, in fact I forgot that I even submitted it really. I am just jumping up and down. I can't believe it. Talk about a serious EGO boost. I definitely feel like stamping now..................Anyone know of any companies looking for participants in their design team?? I'm feelin' pretty confident right about now!!! LOL
Thanks for sharing in all my excitement. Have a great night.

Wow a Christmas Card

2007-12-18T09:17:00.000-05:00

Well I figured I better hurry up and get the last few pictures of my Christmas cards posted before the holiday passes by. This card actually came together rather nice. I'm very happy with it. You can't really tell but the Holly Berries on the wreath have red stickles on it. I still haven't even mailed out my cards yet. I am so horrible, who in their right mind makes their Christmas cards and never gets them sent out. I did that last year, so I'm really going to make myself go finish stuffing the envy's. I even have the postage stamps.
I could make many excuses, but really who am I fooling, I'm not even working right now. Too much time makes for too much thinking I think.....LOL

Wow I made myself make the phone call that's been needing to be made, WOOHOOO for me. I get a gold star. Sorry about the sarcasm, I guess that seems to be about the only way I can get through everything.
I think part of my problem with my creative mojo is that even though I'm trying to be busy when I go to the basement to stamp, my mind tends to wonder. Just can't seem to keep focused, and let me tell you it sucks!

I hope you all are ready for Christmas, of course I'm not, especially since when my dad was here visiting, he took each of the kids Christmas shopping, and Josh ended up buying 3 of the same things that we had bought him. Ugggg so that means returns to Toys R Us, and I thought I was so done with that crazy place. And of course I have no clue what else to buy him. Any suggestions for a 10 almost 11 year old boy?? Help.

Have a great day, and hoping that everyone is ahead of the Christmas rush, and your able to enjoy the last week before Christmas.

Saturday

2007-12-15T12:06:00.000-05:00

It feels like it's going to be a long day today. It's snowing, and yes it's pretty but it's cold, and if it snows too much I won't be able to go to church, and I really think I need to go. It' s been a long week. Stressful, emptying, confusing, oh I'm sure there are so many more adjectives I could use, it just doesn't seem like I have the strength. We all had dinner with my dad last night before we went to the movies, and it was so hard to say goodbye. I guess I don't ever really think about my dad that much, when he isn't here, because he's not always been a big part of my life. But when I see him it brings back so many different memories, especially about my step mom, I think it makes it even rougher.

Payton and I stopped at the Christian book store today, and I got a new bible, and a cheater book to help me while I'm reading. A new online friend of mine told me that the book of John was a good book to start with so Payton and I are reading it and then were going to discuss it together. I think doing something like this with Payton will be something special that her and I can continue on for a long time, and keep us close, besides I'm probably going to need her help anyways......LOL Payton actually snickered at me when I looked a the big print bibles, but I ended up with a regular print. Little booger :) I did get tabs so that I could find the books a bit easier.

When I was bluffering the internet today, Kitchen sink was offering blog candy and all you had to do was leave a comment saying what your favorite treat for Christmas was.........Divinity immediately came to my mind. I haven't had that for so long, my grandma use to make it, I can't even tell you how long it's been, my Grandma has been gone for 14 yrs, and after posting that comment it dawned on me that Monday would have been her birthday, she would have been 75. It seems like she's been gone forever some days and then other's it seems like she was just sitting beside me talking to me. Happy Birthday Grandma I love you!

Ok I promise tomorrow I will try and post a card or at least something, I still have to get my BFF Christmas box done and ready to mail by Monday.......especially since it has stuff from Halloween in it too. Can you tell I'm not real good at getting my act together! Have a great night, and stay warm, keep your fingers crossed that we don't get the predicted 10 in. of snow.

Time on my hands

2007-12-13T10:49:00.000-05:00

I guess posting is what happens when you have so much time on your hands, but like I just told a new friend of mine this morning--some days I don't even know where the time has gone. It's like I get up in the morning, and before I know it the kids are all home from school. Other's it seems like the day goes on forever. The weather here is ugly and gray and rainy. I don't think that really helps my mood. The holidays are always hard because my extended family and friends are all so far away. Usually my mom comes for Christmas, but we decided this year might not be such a great idea, with everything that's going on. Now I suppose I regret that, I could really use my mom right now. It just sort of seems like I'm floating along. I try really hard to not let the kids see any of it, but sometimes it's just really difficult to hide.

Who would have thought getting a divorce could be so emotional, especially when it's me that wants it. I guess maybe the fact that John and I are being really nice to each other, and trying to not step on each other's toes since he's still at the house makes it even more difficult. Hmmm that use to be the way it was with us, we could really talk, and be friends, but that had all disappeared, but suddenly it's back again. I don't really understand it all.

I just keep praying for direction in all of this. I started reading a book that a friend sent me a long time ago, and of course then it was of no interest, but now that's a different story. It's called "A little pot of oil" It's about how when you feel like your running on empty, your suppose to ask God to fill you up and help you out. I feel strange asking God to help me, when there are so many other people that need help and prayers more then me. It's strange how my thinking has changed in some ways, and then others I wonder why I think the way I do. So many questions, and no answers.

Unfortunately I don't even feel like stamping, and I really hate that feeling. It's like my head is saying go stamp it will make you feel better, but then I get down there and can't seem to accomplish anything. Oh how that bothers me!!! Grrrrr

I'm pretty sure there's laundry calling my name, so at least I can say I accomplished something! LOL

Wow 2 posts in a row, in 2 days.........

2007-12-12T08:54:00.000-05:00

Hot dog I'm on it.........LOL Nothing like bragging about your self, now is there. Lets see first the card-----Gotta love those Verve visiual sets, Especially now that they will be clear, and there is not cutting. Juliee is the greatest, I just love those stamps. Very simple easy card to make. Those scallop punches, can't live without them, but those nestabilitties sure would be great too..........In my wildest dreams unless I hit the jackpot.........or lottery, and that's going to be pretty darn difficult I think since I don't play. Oh well. I really appreciate the comments on my post yesterday. All of them were so sweet, I really wish those of you that comment though, would leave an e-mail of some sort so that I can respond back to you, I would love to be able to tell you how much your comments mean to me, unless of course you'd prefer not to have this half psycho blogger contacting you.........LOL

I do have a favor to ask any of you that are willing to pray for me, I have a friend who's son was mysteriously passing out, he would get up in the middle of the night and his wife would find him passed out in the bathroom and stuff...........can you say scary???? I know I would. He went to the dr. Monday, and found out that something is wrong with his heart, evidentally he was born with a heart defect of some sort, and the Parents were told he would outgrow it, now they aren't so sure. So they put Josh on an EKG machine before he left the office, so now on Thursday he starts seeing a cardiologist for a serious of like 6 tests, every other day, so it's going to be a long week or so for my friend. I know as many prayers as we can get would be so appreciated, I mean really come on you all know I'm new at this whole prayer thing...........LOL I'm trying my best though.

Well Hubby and I went to see the attorney yesterday and we have a list of things that we need to get together, including discussing the idea of filing bankruptcy due to all the medical bills that we have, and other debt. UGGGGGG I really hate the thought of that, but it is probably the best thing for ME, especially since I am having the hardest time finding a job. Anyone know of any at home work besides being a demo for a company that is legit?? That way I could still follow my heart and go to school, especially since I know in my heart that now is the right time. It's so strange having a feeling that is so strong, and it's the guiding force behind you practically screaming at you telling you that this is what you have to do. These new feelings that I'm experiencing are so strange to me. All I know though is that I have to have an open heart and I will hear or feel what it is I'm suppose to do. Thank you all for your support. Have a great day.

Hmmm What's up with me??????

2007-12-11T05:22:00.000-05:00

Wow.......lets see I don't have a card to post right at the moment, but I have some blabbing to do. I really don't think anyone else reads my blog but a couple of wonderful women, who I love dearly. I hope you know who you are, or if not, you best figure it out.

Here goes.............still no job, signed up for school, have a financial aide meeting Thursday I think, but if no job in 2 weeks school will be a no go for me. I need a job seriously bad..........no education, and not much job experience except with special needs kiddos, doesn't make for a good outlook. Grrrrrr. Hubby can't move out until I have my part of the money situation under control.........:( It's getting harder and harder on the kids, they think because were still in the same house, that this might just all go away. Hmmmmm trying having that conversation over and over........LOL

Next revelation. Kids had their Christmas play on Sat. I bawled by the end..........it was all about forgetting what Christmas is like, and what it truly means. I lost sight of that a long time ago, I don't know when, I guess maybe when the kids got old enough to start asking for the really expensive stuff and the stress just piled on. For the last couple of weeks, I have been having this tugging feeling in my heart, and yes it took me a while to figure out what it was. It was this small little part of my heart, looking for guidance, and direction. Hmmmmmm What on earth is going on??? Well a bit of history about me: I don't know if I ever really understood church/God, I have lost so many people through death, and no one ever really took the time to talk to me about it. From the time I was 8 it seemed like I lost everyone. Then one day when I was about 13, I got a phone call from my mom, telling me that my cousin had been killed, 7 or yrs old, out riding his bike, got run over by a garbage truck. How on earth.........was I suppose to understand that. To me I just didn't get how God could let all these deaths happen, didn't think he was the greatest man ever let me tell you. At 21 after a few more deaths, I lost the one person that I could never have imagined loosing............my grandma. I was pregnant with my 1st child, and I prayed like never before........God I know I've done so many things wrong, but please just this one time listen to my prayers............at least let my grandma live to see the birth of her first Great Grand-daughter. No such luck.......she was an ultrasound, but that was it. I was crushed. Didn't want to go on any more. Just didn't understand. Fast forward about oh lets see........7 yrs........hubby is diagnosed with Melanoma........Oh hell I can't deal with this anymore. People said pray.........LOL who me yeah right. I felt like I was destined to have everyone leave me. Well Luckily someone, a whole lot of someone's prayed because John is still here today after almost 9 long years. A miracle some might say for me, but No not the way I saw it......Now forward to the divorce.........back to that tugging feeling.............Ah hah I went to church on Sunday, and for the first time in my life I think I finally felt something, I listened and I learned........I felt incredible after church. I learned which go ahead and laugh if you want.........that when you spell Christmas with the x (x-mas) your crossing God out of your life........That the word Joy stands for Jesus, others and yourself. Jesus 1st in your life, yourself last and other's in between. Hmmmm still a bit confused after reading a few things, So can anyone tell me why one book says it's ok to ask for God to bless you to ask for what you need, because God has all the answers that your truly looking for if that's what you want or want to hear?? This is all so new to me.........I plan to continue, and am planning on taking the kids with me to the new church that I went to on Sunday. They are all very excited. Now if I can just find my way, and learn to live my life to the fullest with God helping me I will be set. Right?? LOL
I know that this is what has been missing, just as the man at Adult Sunday school said "Everyone is born with a place in their heart for God, but people keep trying to fill up that space with everything else, a boat, a new car, or whatever, but it never feels complete because what your truly missing is the gift of God" Now don't get me wrong I'm not going to become one of those hollier then though type people, but I am going to say this, I truly feel like I have found what has been missing in my life, along with all the other changes that have happened in my life this last couple of months.

I have one thing to ask, please don't comment to me with anything cruel or hurtful, if you have kind words of encouragement, or direction for me, I will gladly accept it, and feel blessed that you took the time to talk to me, but please don't ruin this for me. If it's not for you, just move on. This is my blog, and I can write/say or do whatever it is I may choose, and you can not take that away, I just ask that you be considerate please. Thank you

Christmas and some personal stuff

2007-11-30T11:39:00.000-05:00

Well I was in a serious card making mood and have busted out several Christmas cards, and of course none of them are the same........LOL Well maybe a few of them are. I'm not really looking forward to Christmas this year, but yet I am. I haven't had a job since the end of Oct. so Christmas for the kids is going to be practically nothing, which for them that really sucks, but there really isn't much I can do. Luckily last year was the last year the boys believed in Santa, (it still makes me sad, but I'm thinking I knew before I was 11) So I had to sit all 3 kids down and explain that there wasn't going to be anything expensive for this christmas, and probably only maybe 2 presents. The boys took it the hardest, my 14 yr. old daughter was really sweet about it, she said she understood, and that there really wasn't much she needed as long as I loved her. Sort of an emotional moment for me. She's growing up so fast. I'm afraid she's going to grow up even fast after the Holiday's because her Dad and I are splitting up after 15 years. The good thing is that both of us want what's best for the kids, and they are our #1 priority. Both John and I want to just get it over with, no fighting or anything, no sense in it. I truly believe that. No, I'm not really upset, it took me a long time to come to this decision, and I know that's what's best for me, and the kids, and even hubby. He isn't happy, and I can't seem to find what makes him happy, and I haven't been happy for a long time. Our divorce will be uncontested, because we really only have to deal with the custody of the kids, and hubby knows they belong with me. He will live close enough so that the kids can go see him whenever they want, and even spend the night with him and still go to school. I think after it's all said and done Hubby and I will be better friends then anything. He wants me to be happy, and vice versa. Hubby pretty much watched me grow up, we got married when I had just turned 20 and then I was pregnant while I was turning 21. I think me being so young had a lot to do with things, I had so much to learn and to grow, that I did that while we were married, through all the serious health issues that hubby went through (cancer), through moving clear across the country away from all of my family. I have become a stronger person because of all of it, and I have finally grown up, I even know what I want to do, you know they say you need to know what you want to do when you went to college, well I never knew, and dropped out. So here I am 35 and going to go back to school to become a Physical Therapist assistant. I'm truly excited, and I have faith that everything is going to be a better brighter life. I know many divorcee's are thinking I'm just in a dream world, but hubby is a great guy, just not the guy for me, but he will take care of his children and that's what is important. The kids need their dad, and that's why I have no intention of moving back home, I moved here because I believed that the kids needed, and deserved to have their dad, and I still believe that. Hubby and I will both be better people and parents after all is said and done, and we will be able to focus on helping the kids through this. A little more then you bargained for I'm sure when you came to see what I was up too..............LOL Sorry about that. Thanks to all of you who have been here for me.

Bohemian

2007-11-13T14:55:00.000-05:00

Here's the first card I made after I got use to not working and being home. I think it looks a lot better in person, I'm still working on that photo taking thing. It took forever for me to finish this card, walking away several times, for hours at a time, even a day.......LOL I'm not quite sure what my problem was, but I do really like how it turned out. It was at least a starting point, because I have been doing just some all occassion cards, plus some Christmas cards............That just shocks me, but really I can't believe how fast it seems that 2007 has flown by, in just 6 1/2 weeks 2008 will be here. I remember when I was in Jr. High and High school even, it just seemed like the year 2000 was a million years away, and here it will be 2008. It just seems so bizarre. Not only that, a girlfriend and I were talking about our kids the other day and some how or another we got on the subject about them turning 18, I can't believe that I only have 7 more years before all my babies are 18..................what???? That just doesn't seem right. I'll be 42 and hopefully all 3 of my kiddos will be in college. Geez, I won't know what to do with myself, half the time I don't even know what to do with myself having the house empty during the day while they are all at school. I can honestly say I don't think my house has ever been cleaner since I had my daughter, and boy the laundry is caught up daily..............Amazing! LOL

A picture of my beautiful 14 yr. old

2007-11-13T14:33:00.000-05:00

Last weekend John and the boys went to John's college for a rival football game that is tradition, and it just happened to be the same day as the Archiver's make and take. So I decided that Payton and I would spend a day together. She wanted to do one of the projects at Archiver's, and she even used her own money. When she was all done she gave it to me, saying she was making for me all along. But before we headed to the LSS, we stopped off at a local spot that has some wonderful trees, turning all their fall covers, and I wanted to get some pictures. I had intended to take the boys on Sunday but just my luck it was pouring down rain. Hopefully I'll be able to find another spot with some leaves left, especially since it's been in the upper 60's the last couple of days. I just can't believe that Payton is 14, it seems like it was just yesterday that she was in elementary school, and now we're almost half way through 8th grade, and she'll be a freshman. The good thing for me is that at least I don't feel old. LOL Payton did take the camera for a few, and she actually got a few good shots of me, which I was surprised since I never seem to take good pictures, but of course you won't be seeing any of those one here. Lots has changed since I posted last, I lost my job the day before Halloween, I won't go into what happend because it just makes me cry everytime I think or talk about it still. I will admit though that it has been nice being home with an empty house, so much less stress. It's definitely been good for me, I think my job had a lot to do with my stress, and anxiety I had going on, but I still loved loved loved my job. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for my unemployment, because at least if I get that, I can stay home until after the holidays. Oh what a joy that would be for me. Also since I've been home, I have been dieting, which is usually the total opposite of what I would be doing (Usually I'd be eating like crazy) but instead I have managed to loose 15lbs, so far, so I'm shooting for about 20 more. I try to get on the treadmill every other day, and do at least 50 crunches. I ran 1/2 mile today and walked 3/4 of a mile on an incline, so I was pretty impressed with myself...........LOL Well that's the Hensley house update..........on to another post with an actual card in it! Amazing I know~

Changed the look

2007-10-16T11:46:00.000-04:00

Now if I could figure out how to do my own blog header I would be in even better shape. I would love to figure out how to be able to change the header with the seasons especially since I so love fall...................Se La Vi I suppose, it gets really expensive having to pay someone for it, I really wish I was computer literate enough to figure out how to do it on my own. Anyone feeling sorry for me yet?? LOL Have a great day.

Well it's only been what a month or so since I posted

2007-10-16T11:43:00.000-04:00

I posted anything..........what the heck, no big deal right? I hate it when school starts because then that means everything in regards to me gets pushed to the back burner. UGGGGG I really need to learn how to prioritize. The only thing is my job this year really kicks my butt, so by the time dinner is done, kids are all in bed, I'm ready for bed. I really need some help! LOL I'm home today, because I had a horrendous migraine that I just couldn't get rid of, it is a little better now, but I can't really go downstairs to stamp, because I have flurescent lights, and those don't do to well for me when I have had a headache. Hopefully maybe later today, when I no the headache is completely gone. Keep your fingers crossed for me. Football season is over, Booster basketball has started for Payton, but luckily for me John has decided to help coach so I don't have to worry about getting Payton to practices. WooHoo! This weekend I'm throwing a surprise birthday party for my hubby, he turns 40 on the 23rd, so hoping people show up! I dread doing things like this, because I feel like such a flop if things don't work out! Payton will be 14 on the 26th, I swear she's stretching her birthday out as far as she can, I believe we have 2 weekends full of birthday celebrations just for her.........LOL
Fall has finally set in here I think, and I'm so excited, we have fall break starting on Thursday, so a 4 day weekend, and John decided to take Friday off so we could go down to a small town, "Brown County" and look at all the wonderful leaves changing color and what not, I'm hoping to get some spectacular pictures. I absolutely love the fall season here in Indiana, it is actually probably the only season that I love..........LOL I think we might also stop by the covered bridge festival too, talk about beautiful! Well I need to go, take some more excedrin, take it easy and hope that I can get downstairs at some point in the day.

Long time no see!!

2007-09-24T17:33:00.000-04:00

Picture Removed for Publication!

Well according to my Big Sis over at SCS, I haven't been taking anytime for myself, because I haven't posted anything on here in forever!! LOL I actually entered this coaster type frame for publication, but obviously they didn't pick it up. Amazingly enough it really didn't bother me. I have been working on some Halloween stuff, but I just have to take pictures of it, so I can post it. I promise I will try to get that done. I have really been stamping, it helps now that my daughter likes to go down stairs with me and stamp. She's made 3 birthday ensembles for the parties coming up that she has to go to. I think all 3 of them included a clipboard, a composition book, a few little goodies, and a pen, along with a matching card. She's very proud of herself. Well it's time for football so I will talk to you all later!

2007-08-27T17:24:00.000-04:00

This card really is a cute card. I used the cuttlebug Birthday embossing folder on the background, and I can't remember which stamps I used, but the flowers not only have the bling in the middle, but they have matching fun flock on them too. I used the glue pen, that is like an actual pen, and just traced them. The stitching around the center panel is faux stitched, since I can't sew to save my life. I'm not really sure what's been up with my photo's lately. I really do take good pictures. Hope you all have a great night.

I love this card

2007-08-25T14:31:00.000-04:00

This card for whatever reason is one of my favs. It's simple yet is seems so elegant to me. I love the paper, I believe it is from the stella ruby 6x6 pad. The flower is up on dimensionals. I used Prisma colored pencils to color it, and went over it in layers. The color from the pencils lay down so easily and blend beautifully. I hope you enjoy it.

Already made up

2007-08-24T07:18:00.000-04:00

Good thing I had some cards stashed because this is new job is whooping my butt! I'm hoping after I clean tonight that I might have the energy to get downstairs over the weekend. We'll see. After next week I get a 3 day weekend so that will help hopefully! I really miss my stamping, and my time to go to Archiever's! LOL Have a great weekend!

Monday.............................

2007-08-20T21:01:00.000-04:00

Good thing I made plenty of cards while my mom was here, or I wouldn't have anything to post. I swore I really had every intention of getting into my stamp room this weekend but it just never happened. I had a wonderful opportunity when hubby took all 3 of the kids to the last WNBA game on Sunday, but instead I sat and watched a movie and folded some laundry...........what's up with that? I can definitely tell you that this new job is kickin' my butt. I was really tired today when I finally got home, and by finally I mean after the serious down pour we had, I swear leaving school I thought it was going to turn into a tornado, and of course my new building is out in the middle of no where with a corn field right next to it. It rained so hard today that I had to pull over on the side of the road until it slowed a bit, but it really didn't get much better until I got all the way home. You know how when your driving and the weather is bad, how your body tenses all up and you hold on to the steering wheel with a death grip...........or at least I do. By the time I got home I was so exhausted, and I think it was just from that drive home.........LOL Ok hopefully as the week goes on it will get better. I'm off to bed..............and yes Mom if your reading this it is only 9:00 p.m.

First day of school

2007-08-18T12:23:00.000-04:00

Jake 10 - 5th Payton 13 - 8th Josh 10 - 5th

It's been a crazy week, but believe it or not I have managed for the most part to keep up on everything, the only thing I have left to do today is clean the bathroom, and then I will mop the kitchen on Sunday I think. Of course laundry is ongoing so that doesn't count. Monday was the first day back to school for the kids, so hubby took pictures, because I have to leave before them now. Which let me tell you is a struggle. My first day with kids was Tuesday, and boy let me tell you it is crazy. But I have to admit Friday was the worst day, there are only 2 IA's in my room, me and my girlfriend and we just can't keep up with it all, another IA will be in on Monday but we're still going to need a 4th, and I'm trying to get my other girlfriend hired. Too many medically fragile kiddos, g-tubes, meds, getting them in and out of equipment, it's just way to much for just 2 of us. We have 5 kiddos in wheelchairs which we have to put in various equipment. I cried in the hallway yesterday but that is partly because I had such a rough night Thursday night.
Well I'm hoping to go downstairs and get some stamping done, I hope the motivation is there. Keep your fingers crossed for me, and I will be back later and post a card. Have a great Saturday!

Guess What!!!!!!

2007-08-15T19:52:00.000-04:00

Today while I was doing my daily blog surfing courtesy of Google's reader, on Lauren's site I came across 2 new cool badges for bloggers. Lauren had a hard time deciding who she was going to send the badges onto so she decided to just tag her readers. So I tagged myself this morning. So now I'm challenging you my readers to do the same, and pass this around. It is cool to know that people really do read our blogs, and this is just one more way to show people that they really do matter. On a previous post on Lauren's blog make sure and read this post
Everything that Lauren says I totally believe is true. I know for some of us we try so hard to get published, get accepted on design teams, and always seem to fall just a little short, but I believe that someday, all the publishing that we as bloggers have done on our own will pay off! So keep blogging, keep your chins up and know that one day your dream will come true, you just have to keep plugging along.
I'm going to keep this post at the top for a bit, because I think it is really important for people to understand this!

2007-08-12T17:33:00.000-04:00

Hmmm flowers

2007-08-12T17:22:00.000-04:00

All of a sudden I feel like I should be making Fall cards, and it's still hovering around 100 here, Uggg! Tomorrow is back to school for the kids and myself, I can't believe that summer is done, and on top of that it is so darn hot. I hope the air is working in all the kids school, I know it's working in my school because it is a brand spankin' new building. It's beautiful! I actually don't have kids tomorrow, so my best friend and I will just be working on getting the room all done and set up for Tuesday. I'm so excited to meet the kids. I know 2 of them, but the other 5 I have never met. And get this all the kids are girls. I'm so not use to that. In preschool most of the kids were boys, but that isn't unusal, Autism runs higher in boys then in girls as far as the statistics go. The girls in our class have all sorts of disabilities. I just hope that I can keep up with them all! Guess I'll see soon enough! For whatever reason Blogger won't let me post my card in this post, so I'll post my card in the next post. It's pink and flowery (is that a word) LOL It took me a while to get this card done, I just don't think that I care for it. Oh well, my mojo is just coming and going........so only time will tell when I can make a card that I really like!! Have a great evening and remember to enjoy your family!

Hmmm does this sound like me??

2007-08-11T09:59:00.001-04:00

I took this fun little test to see what type of personality I have, and I think it rings fairly true. What do you guys think?

You Have A Type A- Personality

You are one of the most balanced people around
Motivated and focused, you are good at getting what you want
You rule at success, but success doesn't rule you.

When it's playtime, you really know how to kick back
Whether it's hanging out with friends or doing something you love!
You live life to the fullest - encorporating the best of both worlds

Do You Have a Type A Personality?

I'm hoping to work some more on another design team submission today or at least tonight. So hopefully I'll have a few things to post later. Have a great weekend, and if this is your last weekend before going back to school/work like me, live it up!! LOL

2007-08-09T11:52:00.000-04:00

Ok obvioiusly the overhead flurescent light in my basement(craft room) is playing havoc on my pictures. This is actually carabbiean cool paper on Pink Passion. The flowers match perfect. I actually cased this card from someone's blog, and I apologize I don't remember who's. It was simple, and it is so cute. I'm hoping to be able to get downstairs and at least get my order put away and start trimming, so I can get a few things done before work starts............Then I will really struggle with getting some stamping time in. School/work comes first and then of course getting all the kids on a schedule. Talk about difficult........especially with Payton cheering, Jake's football practice in full swing and games starting in 2 week...........Oh how I dread the thought. Happy stamping everyone I hope you stamp 'til your hearts content.

2007-08-08T18:58:00.000-04:00

Good evening..............I don't usually post in the evening, but I'm going to have to start. I went to work for a bit today, to help get the classroom set up, and I am beat. It wasn't even a full day, and no kids..........but I'm still ready for bed!! That's terrible. I don't even have enough energy to dig through my first BIG catalog order that got here today from SU! Now that is SAD! :( I actually think I like my card today. Simple yet it has that bling on it. I don't know what the deal is with my pictures lately, I set up a piece of posterboard with my Ott light, and a light with an all natural lightbulb, and it just isn't doing the trick. I'll have to keep trying. I hope you all stayed cool again today, it was a scorcher here again today. Happy stamping!

Hmmmm................interesting

2007-08-07T17:27:00.000-04:00

I found this on Allison's blog while I was surfing, and thought I would try it out, especially since it's been a pretty rough day. All I have wanted to do is crawl back into my bed and pull the covers over my head. A terribly cry day...........LOL

You Are 4: The Individualist

You are sensitive and intuitive, with others and yourself.
You are creative and dreamy... plus dramatic and unpredictable.

You're emotionally honest, real, and easily hurt.
Totally expressive, others always know exactly how you feel.

At Your Best: You are inspired, artistic, and introspective. You know what you're thinking, and you can communicate it well.

At Your Worst: You are melancholy, alienated, and withdrawn.

Your Fixation: Envy

Your Primary Fear: To have no identity

Your Primary Desire: To find yourself

Other Number 4's: Alanis Morisette, Johnny Depp, J.D. Salinger, Jim Morrison, and Anne Rice.

What Number Are You?

2007-08-07T14:27:00.000-04:00

Well I was just playing around the other day, and end up using some of my new brilliance pads that I bougth. Dug out some of my newer clear stamps and this is what I came up with. Definitely not my style, but it will work for some of the people that I know. The picture makes the CS look sort of yellow and I'm not quite sure why..........it is actually one of the confetti's from SU. I'm working on a few things to submit for a design team............why I'm doing this I'm not quite sure, I think I just like the rejection........LOL Oh well. So after I submit my entries and I hear back or more Like I don't hear back, I will post all the items I was working on. Have a great day and if your weather is anything like ours, I certainly hope your inside staying cool.............Heat index of 109, YUCKY!

2007-08-06T12:26:00.000-04:00

Ok Ladies I have looked and looked around and do you know that almost every blog that I read has been hit with this awesome badge......................We are all fantabulous Bloggers!! WoooHooo Thats great. While I browse more today as I always do, If I come across a blog that hasn't received this badge I will be sure to pass it along, and add their blogs to this post!

Wedding season is almost over

2007-08-06T12:23:00.000-04:00

I'm so glad that the wedding season is almost over. I got 7 wedding invites this year alone. This card for the wedding that I went to on Saturday ended up being the perfect colors. The Bride is really down to earth and not into the really froofy stuff. This card even had the colors of her flowers, so I know she'll appreciate it. The wedding was really nice, and the one thing that I thought was really neat was that instead of the bride and groom having their backs to us when they took their vows, the Priest stood down on the floor while they stood atop the steps and faces us. It was very cool. After all the weddings that I have atteneded this year, all I can say is, as hubby and I are approaching our 15 year anniversary this Wednesday, items for weddings have certainly come along way, but the only 2 things I would change about my wedding is I think I might have chossen lighter colors, and I definitely wouldn't have had my hubbie's uncle pass out during the ceremony. LOL Have a great day, I'm hoping to make the most of this next week, as the kids go back to school on Monday and I go back to work. Happy Stamping!

2007-08-03T12:12:00.000-04:00

Well here's a card.............I had a post written up.............and now who knows where it's at.................Oh well the way I've been feeling I really really don't care right about now..............I'm going to get the blogger award stuff lined up..............and sent out too. Hopefully today, maybe I'll go downstairs while I'm dong the boys laundry, who the heck knows if I will get anything stamped or not. School starts in a week in 1/2, so that means work will start again............YEEHAW, can you tell how excited I am. LOL I'm pretty sure I've lost my most of my readers, so if you can past my blog around to any of your friends, I would really appreciate it, that is if you feel that it is worthy. Thanks so much.

Hugs
Jen

2007-07-25T14:43:00.000-04:00

Well mom is gone..............and so is the sun. It went really well this morning with the exception of the fact that all 3 of the kids were up at 5:30 in the morning. So all 4 of us headed to the airport. For the most part there were only a few tears........which is amazing. Usually we are all bawling and it ends up being a very exhausting day. I know my tears will come later tonight, when it's all dark and I'll be feeling so alone, even though John is laying next to me. I know my mom was ready to come home, and I know my family in it's own way was ready for her to go home, but it still doesn't make me miss her any less. I think she has come to realize that we're meant to be here until we get a promotion to somewhere else. I'm so thankful for that, because it use to be so hard hearing her practically begging me to move home. I am so thankful to have my mom still living, because I know some day she won't always be just a phone call away. Julia over at Belle Papier just recently lost her mom, and she posted on her blog today about her, and I was bawling. I can't imagine not being able to just call up my mom anytime of the day. My heart goes out to everyone who has lost their mother, because I know a bond between a Mother and daughter is to be cherished forever.

So unfortunately with the sun being gone today, that means no photos of my cards, unless of course I can get my table cleaned up since I recently got an ott light and a special daylight light bulb for a lamp downstairs.........I might have to try that later today, after I'm feeling a bit better. Thanks for listening to me babble!! Hugs everyone.

2007-07-24T13:51:00.000-04:00

Wow, I couldn't believe it! As I was going through my google reader and checking out all the updated blogs, I came across Chris' site, and she nominated me as a Rockin' Girl Blogger. I about fell off my chair. I have to nominate 5 other bloggers, but I swear almost every blog I go to has been tagged, so I will think about it tonight and send out the badge some other bloggers. I have one for sure that I know of, and I'm sure I can come up with a few more! It only gets better from here though, in my e-mail this morning, I had an e-mail that said "your a winner", now I almost sent this to the junk file, thinking it might just be a virus of some sort, but alas, it wasn't..............I won some blog candy! It's from Is it Tuesday yet ma.

I can't wait to get this Yummo candy. Make sure you go and check out Denise's blog too, she does wonderful work. Thanks Denise! My mom is leaving tomorrow, the mood around the house today is pretty somber, I have to say. We have to leave the house tomorrow by 5:30 am to get her to the airport on time. Tears well up in my eyes just thinking about it. I hate this part. I am so ready to be closer to home. It will be a rough day tomorrow, we're hoping the kids won't wake up in the morning, because that always makes it harder for all of us...........Please don't take offense to this but I'm thinking I might have to make a few of my signature drinks "Scooby Snacks" back tomorrow afternoon, to help me get through the day, until John gets home.......LOL I have the Brickyard 400 to look forward too on Sunday, my girlfriend got me 2 of the most awesome tickets (FREE) a parking pass, a coupon for a free hat........I'm so excited, I didn't go last year and keeping my fingers crossed this might be the last year to go to the Brickyard, because we might not be here next year. GO KASEY KAHNE! # 9!

Yesterday I got to go and visit the new school that I will be working in, it's a brand new building and it is so nice. I think this year will be such a better year for me, I can tell just from the meeting yesterday that I'm going to get along with the teacher, and another bonus is that my girlfriend Deana, who've I worked with off and on all 4 1/2 years I've been working will be working in the same room again this year!

Well that's more then enough babbling for today, I plan on taking pictures of all the wonderful cards that I have made with my mom the last month or so.........I must have at least 30 or so, so keep your fingers crossed that the weather will be nice for some great pictures. I'll also put up the info on who made my gorgeous new blog banner, I just love it!

2007-07-10T10:11:00.000-04:00

Well I have been stamping I promise, but it's just been in the evening with my mom. I have actually stamped quite a few cards and I promise I will get them posted. But time is running out on my visit with my mom, and I want to spend every minute I can with her. I don't know if we'll be able to see each other for christmas this year or not, and the thought of that brings tears to my eyes, even though she is still here now. Hubby put in an application for a job in Utah, which would only put us about 12 hours away from home in stead of 3-4 days away from home. I think my dad is more excited right now, probably because he's not here with the kids. He asks my mom every night if we've heard anything. LOL John did get a confirmation call that Utah received his application and what not, that's more then he got from Colorado when he put in a couple of applications. I think he said the job opening is posted until at least the end of July, but we're keeping our fingers crossed that they might close it early.

Cards coming soon, I promise.

What a wonderful Tribute

2007-07-03T11:55:00.000-04:00

I got this from my husband at work, and definitely thought it was worthwhile to pass on!

Here SHE is, the USS New York, made from the World Trade Center!

USS New York

It was built with 24 tons of scrap steel from the World Trade Center.

It is the fifth in a new class of warship - designed for missions that include special operations against terrorists. It will carry a crew of 360 sailors and 700 combat-ready Marines to be delivered ashore by helicopters and assault craft.

Steel from the World Trade Center was melted down in a foundry in Amite, LA to cast the ship's bow section. When it was poured into the molds on Sept. 9, 2003, "those big rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence," recalled Navy Capt. Kevin Wensing, who was there. "It was a spiritual moment for everybody there."

Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, said that when the trade center steel first arrived, he touched it with his hand and the "hair on my neck stood up." "It had a big meaning to it for all of us," he said. "They knocked us down. They can't keep us down. We're going to be back."

The ship's motto? "Never Forget"

I'm back

2007-06-20T07:42:00.001-04:00

Well I'm back........survived my surgery, and made it to my brother's wedding too boot. I'm feeling pretty good, but overdid it a bit yesterday. We were getting ready for new furniture and so I spot cleaned a few spots, and then mom and I went out and did a few stops at some stores. But I'm better today. I'm hopping to get down to the craft room soon, mom and I bought some stuff at archiver's yesterday................well she bought some stuff, I bought a few sheets of paper LOL. I have my first check up appt this morning, and then mom and I off to Joann's and Michael's to see if they have anything good. The card I posted today is the wedding card I made for my brother and SIL. Oh how I wish I was in Cabo Mexico with them right now......LOL

2007-06-08T22:12:00.001-04:00

Sorry this picture turned out a bit blurry, I seem to have a hard time taking pictures of any of the cards that are mostly white. At least you can see all the places that I used the Sakura Glitter pen (one of my must have tools) This card is for Hubby and I's physical therapist, she got engaged not too long ago, so I thought it would be nice to make her a cute little card. The card is one of the notecards that SU use to carry, I don't know if they are still in the catalog or not, but I love them for cards just like this. The center has a raised panel, and certain stamps just fit perfectly into the panel, like this retired one from SU. I don't remember the set off the top of my head. Well I'm off to bed, I've really been dragging lately, and getting super anxious about my surgery on Wed. I know deep calming breaths............and of course I think I might have to take a sleeping pill tonight, at least half, since I have to be up and ready to be at the ball diamonds by 9 am.............oh the life of a sports mom. Talk to you all later.

Check out this awesome blog candy

2007-06-07T09:11:00.000-04:00

I was just visiting a blog, and came across this great blog candy. Go check it out, and if you mention that you saw the info over on my blog I will get a couple extra entries. Miss Trish has some great stuff to browse over too I might add!! Here's the link : Miss Trish
Have a great day and I will try to come back and post a card later today.

New Rubber in the house!!!

2007-06-06T14:20:00.001-04:00

I got some new rubber, paper and ink in the house today, and I absolutely love it all!! After I stamped some more of the wedding programs that I'm trying to get done for my future SIL, I decided I deserved to play a bit......................and I absolutely love this card, and too boot it follows the sketch challenge today over on SCS, and that is a first for me!! So here it is!

2007-06-05T20:30:00.001-04:00

Ok I'm not really liking this card either, but I did it a while back, my first try at a scene sort of card In case you can't read the words on the side it says relax. Now I made another scene card last night that I think turned out much better, but with the weather being all nasty and what not, it wasn't a good day to take pictures. I will try tomorrow. Now on too next week, I know my blog doesn't have that many visitors but after my surgery I don't know how long it will be before I can get anything posted, and I don't want to loose any of my precious visitors. So when I come back I'm going to be offering up some Ju Ju goodies (my cousin use to call me Ju Ju when he was young, couldn't say Jennifer) I recommend subscribing to my blog so that way you'll know when I update it, I have a subscribe button somewhere on the left side. Also while your on the left side, check out that new animated picture I have up, I loved making that today it was so fun, and since it is Nascar season, I just had to have that background!!! Hugs

Hmmmmmm...........where oh where has my stamping mojo gone???

2007-06-03T19:07:00.001-04:00

Another archived card of mine...............Ugggg has anyone seen my mojo as of late, because I know I certainly haven't! I've put a serious dent in my wallet, which isn't the greatest thing either, in hopes of coming across my mojo, but no such luck. I don't know what my problem is, I have surfed the blogs, I have been through the galleries at SCS a dozen times, and still nothing. I favorite a lot of cards, but just don't feel that umphf to go downstairs. I'm sensing a the depression rolling in................I really need to remember to take my meds. I'm sure that would help. Tomorrow I will get back on track. Anywho.......I sent this card out to a new friend that I have met through my blog........... (Chris Mott) The card has stickles on some of the dots for some extra bling, and I don't think you can tell but after I stamped the shoe I went over it with the Sakura Glazed Black gel pen, to sort of give it a patten leather look. Hopefully maybe tomorrow I will wake up with my mojo in tact-----what do ya all think?? LOL

2007-05-29T09:02:00.000-04:00

Here's a card I stamped a while back and had in holding just for instances like this one today............................I got to do absolutely no stamping this weekend what so ever. I was so sad. You see we got an unexpected phone call Friday night, asking us if Jake would like to play in a memorial day baseball game...........I sort of snickered because the coach, which is Jake's regular season coach, put this team together and it was made up of some of the best boys. I knew he had to be desperate for a player, but he assured me he wanted to give Jake some play time and extra practice. Boy oh boy was he ever right. Jake totally got his game together over this long weekend. He plays Right field, which he's not use to quite yet, he use to always play infield, but he has such an arm he really is a great asset for the outfield (now granted he doesn't quite get that yet LOL) He got out of his batting slump and smacked the ball a couple of times, caught some great pop flies, and even perfected his bunting a bit more. He's a good bunter, and he is fast so generally it pays off if he can lay down a good bump. We played a total of 6 games over 3 days, now don't get me wrong it was great to see Jake's confidence soar, but come on really...........no stamping over a 3 day weekend + absolutely no cleaning done by hubby Grrrrrrr! 15 days until my surgery, and my family gets here. That isn't that long to get this disaterous of a house cleaned up, especially since I'm still not suppose to be doing anything. Now if you've read this far I suppose I should give you a bit of info on the card LOL. The bird is one of those $1.99 stamps from Archiver's, the ribbon is a cheapy spool I got at michael's, the swirls are from 1 of the Rhonna acrylic sets that I have purchased in the past. The bird also has a bit of bling for it's eye! Hope you all had a wonderful long weekend. Hugs

2007-05-25T09:23:00.000-04:00

Here's a card that I stamped not too long ago....................I just love the ric rac with the little prima and bling. This is one of the new acrylic stamp set that I have been acquiring lately. I seem to be drawn to alot of them these days. On another note: I got my sugery date for my hysterectomy, and needless to say I'm so upset, I have family coming in on June 13th (mom, dad, sister, and grandma) they are coming for my brother's wedding on the 16th, which I'm making the programs for (haven't started yet BAD!!!) My whole family excluding me is in the wedding, my boys are ring bearer's and Payton is a junior bridesmaid, along with John standing up with my brother. So you guessed it, my surgery is scheduled for the 13th of June, abdominal hysterectomy................if I didn't take that date, I couldn't get it done until the last week of July, which will conflict with my hopes of getting this job that I have a lead on, since my preschool room is closing at the end of this year. There just isn't enough time to recover for school to start, we start August 14th, and I have to have a job...............or boy oh boy, we'll be starving! I so hate this situation, the stress from the problems that I'm already having, the surgery, now the date of the surgery, and the probability of the fact that I might not even be able to go to see the wedding at least long enough to see all my kids, plus the added stress that this will put on my mom is killing me, I don't even think that there is enough ice cream or chocolate in this world to help!!! So my friends please hang around even if I'm not posting as much, as I'm sure it will get worse in the near future, but I do so love all of you! Hopefully with my mom staying after the rest of my family leaves on the 18th I can recooperate a little faster and her and I can get down into the stamp room, and I can show ya some creations. Have a great day!

Another card today

2007-05-22T14:10:00.001-04:00

Well I got downstairs, and managed to make 2 cards...............didn't take too long, I was pretty impressed with myself. I don't know that I particularly care for this one, I think I'm going to add crystal effects to the apple, to make it shiney. I know that less is more sometimes, but the white card base, I just don't know Tell me what you all think, and please be honest. That's what I need!! Thanks, hope your all having a great day!

2007-05-22T09:58:00.001-04:00

This is a similar version of a card I stamped for my lil' sis over on SCS. It's completely all paper except for the simple greeting in the lower left hand corner, it's difficult to see in the picture, it says giggle, it's from SU! The paper is from a 6x6 paper pad from paper salon. I really like their papers, I seem to be drawn to them when I step into Archievers. Speaking of Archievers I went yesterday and picked up some new stamps.........I worked with a few of them yesterday but tired, so I don't really think I like the cards but I'll check them out again when I go back downstairs today. Although I definitely see a nap in the day! I'm not sure I'm feeling more tired today then I have been in the last week since my surgery. So we'll see how much I get accomplished today.............along with trying to stay away from the food except for the 3 basic meals + 2 snacks. I've got to get my weight back down, I hate it that since the middle of March I have been so stressed from all the health issues that all I seem to do is eat!! I use to have that stress eating thing down..........but geez not now! LOL

2007-05-20T15:05:00.000-04:00

Obviously as you can tell this card was made for someone specifically............My BFF Bev, nothing fancy just simple! Bev and I have been friends for probably almost 8 years?? (is that right Bev) We met through Stampin' UP! and the Puyallup Rubberstamp convention and since then we've been the closest of friends. Even though I'm almost 4000 miles away now there isn't a day that goes by that we don't talk on the phone. I love ya GF!! And one day I promise I'll be closer to home!

Ok on another non gushy note: I submitted something that I made to papercrafts, I don't know what my deal is, I think it must have been the drugs that I was taking!! LOL :) I seriously doubt it will get published, actually I know it won't but it was at least a step forward, more like a huge leap, so maybe just maybe I might get the bug again and submit something else. Hmmmmm something more to ponder!! Hope you all are having a beautiful Sunday, it's gorgeous here, but alas I'm stuck inside because I overdid it a bit yesterday!! (What on earth was I thinking??? Obviously once again I wasn't!!)

Dr. Called

2007-05-18T13:45:00.001-04:00

Yipeeeee!!! The biopsy came back and it was all clean. I'm so relieved, excited, elated, any other adjective you can think of! LOL I called the Gyn. and am waiting to hear back from them with a surgery date, so we'll see where that falls...............Still no stamping today, yet............Hubby and I did a few errands and I had to take a nap.............I just don't get how I can get so tired just from a few short errands. Tonight is movie night with the kiddos, we're watching Charlotte's Web, the newer one, I bought kettle Korn popcorn and fudgebars, so all should be good on the home front........LOL

2007-05-18T09:25:00.000-04:00

The Part of You That No One Sees

You are compassionate, caring, and soothing.
You like other people to depend on you...
In fact, you don't feel right unless you are helping someone out.

Underneath it all, you feel the burden of everyone's problems.
Without your guidance, you fear that many people's worlds would fall apart.
You like to feel in charge, even if it brings you a lot of stress.

What's the Part of You That No One Sees?

Fundraising

2007-05-18T09:15:00.000-04:00

I doubt any of you know this, but I am the PTA president of my boys school. I am by far not a solicitor in any way shape or form, but when it comes to something like the auction that we have coming up at our school, I will do my best. I have sent out a few letters to some stamp companies, and I will post my letter further down in my post. My letter explains pretty much everything, but I wanted to just take a minute to personally thank Stampin' UP!, and GinaK stamps because both of those companies have answered my letters and offered to send me a donation for this auction. If anyone knows of any other stamp companies that might be willing to donate to make a wonderful basket for the this great cause I would really appreciate it if you could point me in the right direction. Here is the letter: At the top of the letter is suppose to be our school mascot which is a Hornet, but for some reason he doesn't want to make an appearance here today! LOL Watch later, I'm going to try and post a new card! Keep your fingers crossed I find some stamping inspiration!

Beech Grove City Schools

5334 Hornet Avenue
Beech Grove, IN 46107

To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to you in regards to a PTA auction that our school is having. I am currently the PTA president, and in charge of coordinating items for our auction. We are currently raising money for a young man that is suffering leukemia, his family unfortunately doesn’t have health insurance, and the medical bills are mounting. I am writing to you in hopes that you would be willing to donate to this wonderful cause that we have set out to do and help me share my love of rubberstamping and crafting. I have many friends that enjoy crafting just as much as I do and I know they would be thrilled to see a basket of items geared just towards them, and their passion. I love each and every one of your products and I know that your items would bring in a nice variety to our auction table. If this is not an option I totally understand, but I wanted to contact each of you in hopes that I might be able to count on you for your support. Any small donation would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much

Sincerely

Jennifer Hensley

Jen41472@comcast.net

http://jen-stampinthemidwest.blogspot.com

2007-05-17T16:08:00.000-04:00

Well I'm running out of cards that I have made, so I suppose that means that I better get downstairs real soon. Hopefully I feel up to it tomorrow. I seem to get tired towards the later part of the afternoon, and in the mornings I still feel sort of tired...............still not sleeping real comfortable. I'm still waiting to hear from the Dr. with the results, keeping my fingers crossed.
This card is the Real red and Cool Carriabean color combo, and I love it. I really like this stamp set too, though I can't tell you the name of it. The background is using the new glue pad, with dazzling diamonds, I like that pad, but it seems to me that you almost have to put some sort of sealer over the top so that the glitter real stays put, anyone else find this? I also did some paper piecing on this card, the center of the red flower is paper pieced, and the bigger flower is also paper pieced. I hope your all having a great day.

I'm here

2007-05-16T14:56:00.000-04:00

Yippeeee I'm up alive and moving around. I don't feel the bestest (lol) but I don't feel horrible. I haven't taken any pain meds since bedtime last night. I took a shower today, and I can honestly say it's a good thing John was home, because I had to have him help me wrap the ace bandages back up! Needless to say it was a really long day yesterday, I started to get really nervous around 2 or so yesterday so they gave me something in my IV and I took a little nap...............but then I got the great news that they were running about an hour behind schedule, so I got to sit around the surgery room for 4 1/2 hours...............The incision is about 3" long vertically, it will be a pretty little scar! Now I'm just waiting for the biopsy results and I'll be on the phone to the gyn. to schedule that hysterectomy. Hey might as well get it done while I'm on a roll..........LOL Thanks for everyones thoughts and prayers I really appreciate them, and I'm hoping that maybe tomorrow I might get to stamp a bit, but my right arm is pretty sore, so we'll see!

2007-05-13T16:40:00.000-04:00

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!! I hope your all enjoying a wonderful mother's day. It's been pretty low key around here. I did get a nap in, have done a few loads of laundry and a girlfriend of mine took all 3 of the kids with here to go see SpiderMan 3 at the IMAX. I just can't do those IMAX movies. They make me so sick and give me a horrendous headache. I miss my mom and to top it all off, I am so mad I spent an arm and a leg to get her box to her yesterday, but of course it didn't show up, so no goodies for my mom today. All I have to say is that it better get there tomorow or I'm going to strangle to Post office people. This card that I posted today is one of 4 I think that I made using this color scheme, and I have to tell you, I really really like it. I just got tired of it doing that many cards in the same day. I think it will definitely be a color scheme I fall back on. I used my prismacolor pencils on this one, and boy do I love how those things lay down the color!!! For whatever reason today I just don't feel like stamping today, what's up with that...............empty house, now granted the house is a disaster and needs a good cleaning, but who feels like doing that..........LOL Well we see what happens later tonight. Talk to you tomorrow.

Address'

2007-05-12T13:34:00.000-04:00

I just got done addressing a couple of RAK's to send out, and got to thinking, if any of my readers out there would like a card that I have made or one that I will make, because I have really been on a card making kick, just leave me your address or e-mail it to me, and I would be more then happy to send out some cards. I can't promise you that it will be tomorrow, but I promise I will send one your way!!! Thanks for checking out my blog and if you really like it, it would be greatly appreciated if you could pass my link along to some of your other crafting friends. Thanks so much!

2007-05-12T13:20:00.000-04:00

Well I think I can officially say that Summer is on it's way in. Hubby loves to BBQ, so when I saw this little BBQ stamp by Amuse, I snatched it right up. Sometimes I find it really hard to work with little stamps. I'm not very good at making a scene style card, guess that's something I should work on. I think this stamp would look cute stamped and grounded with an oval stamp with a sun and some birds up in the sky..............now if I could just find the sun and the birds. LOL Hope everyone is having a great Sat. I think we're going to BBQ tonight with some friends so go out and doing something FUN!

2007-05-10T21:14:00.000-04:00

Well here is the $1 spot Rhonna Fharra (sp) stamp from Joann's. I really like this stamp, but I just can't seem to color it to my liking. I don't know where to stop for the tail feathers. this card just sort of abrubtly stops, my other one that I did I colored further out, but not sure I like that one either. I also am not sure about the circle punch with the HI behind it, with the bird and scallop being punched out in an oval. I do like the colors. I will definitely have to use it again. I'm off work again tomorrow, I have an appt. to sign whatever papers are neccessary for my surgery on Tuesday. I talked with a nurse from the surgery center, and got all registered with them, and now I'm starting to get a bit nervous. Luckily I can take all my meds in the morning, including my anti-anxiety med. The nurse also told me that they can give me something through my IV if I get really nervous. Good thing, because from all this stress I've been having heartburn already........LOL Won't have to worry about that since I can't eat after midnight Monday night...........it really sucks though because my surgery isn't until 3:30 in the afternoon. What's up with that. They said the surgery is an hour long, and to expect a 2 hour recovery since I've never had any surgeries of any type. Good thing John took Wed. off too, because I can't be left alone for 24 hours. Hmmmm maybe he'll feel sorry for me and do the laundry while he sits home Wed. LOL Have a great night.

2007-05-09T07:53:00.000-04:00

This card went out as a Bloogers Rak also. When I first started I wasn't sure which direction I was heading. It turned out pretty simple. I really like this card, but I think for some reason the scallop piece might need something, or that it's too big. Oh well it's up posted and mailed not much I can do about it now. LOL I'm currently hosting a bella image swap over on my bellaholics group on yahoo, so I can't wait until those all start to roll in. I missed out on the first swap so I'm really excited to be doing this one. So many bellas to color I just can't wait, especially since coloring is my fav. thing to do!! Have a great Wed. talk to you all soon!

Another Blogger's rak

2007-05-07T16:35:00.000-04:00

This is another blog rak that I sent out. I was pretty impressed with myself, because I used a sheet of 12x12 DS paper that I have stacked to the ceiling........ok so not really to the ceiling but pretty close. I actually sat myself down and said I'm going to use this whole sheet of paper even if it kills me. This usually doesn't work well for me, it seems as of late I have been only making 1 of each design that I have been coming up with, I think it's the feeling of freedom, no swaps and all the new stamp items I have been picking up. I'm just too anxious to use everything I have. I've come to the conclusion that I think I might like 8x8 paper better, that way there is less to try and use up.............LOL Well we have baseball tonight, and tomorrow, and unless the coach throws in a practice that will be it for the week, but I doubt we will get that lucky. Oh I also got some news regarding my MRI, they didn't find anything that weren't expecting, which is really good. I have a lumpectomy scheduled for 15th, and then once the biopsy comes back they'll schedule my hysterectomy. Most likely I will be done with work after the 1st surgery since I can't lift anything over 10lbs...........and last time I checked not a single one of those preschoolers weighs less then that...........LOL I'm just thankful that I finally have a date for at least 1 surgery. I really want to be up and feeling better by my brother's wedding, June 16th because my mom will be here in town and she is planning on staying for a month. Have a great night.

2007-05-06T14:36:00.000-04:00

Here is one of the cards that I recently sent out for some bloggers RAK's. I have gotten so many wonderful RAKS from some of these ladies. Every single card I have received has given me inspiration in one way or another. If you aren't already a part of this wonderful group you can find the link on the right hand side of my blog. I finally had my MRI done on Friday evening. I'm hoping to hear from the Dr. on Monday. I'm calling in the a.m. to make sure they have my cell phone # so I will get the call right away, and hopefully a date for at least 1 of my surgeries. I hope your all having a great Sunday. We have Baseball Monday and Tuesday, then the rest of the week we are off until Sat. Hopefully I'll be able to get some stamping done. Have a great week!

2007-05-04T06:58:00.000-04:00

Well lets see, yesterday was a crappy day. No MRI, the machine broke. They aren't sure when I'll be able to get the test done. I felt like I was going to have a nervous break down yesterday. I had such a migraine, and I went to be with it, so now I feel even worse this morning. I don't know how some people are able to deal with the stress, I'm loosing my mind. I did go downstairs and make 2 cards, I want to go down over the weekend and duplicate a few. I really like how they turned out this time. They were both very simple and quick. I think I'm really starting to like those types of cards. I didn't get a chance to take a pic of them but I will post a picture of a card I did the other day. It's a shaker card that I used the scallop punch with, it took a bit of fussing but i do like how it turned out. Hope you enjoy it. Have a great Friday!

2007-05-03T03:44:00.000-04:00

Ok now this card was totally meant for Easter but once again I made cards and they never made it out. I get so frustrated with myself. Why on earth am I like that, and it's not like I didn't like the card. I totally loved how this turned out. I guess bottom line is I'm just pure lazy. Or maybe just maybe, have too much going on and not enough time in the day to get everything done. Oh how I like that explanation so much better. LOL Well hubby has a dr. appt this morning and I'm hoping to get some stamping done but with having to pick up a baby shower cake, and go to said baby shower by around 2:30 I'm not sure that will happen. Tonight is out since I have to have that stupid MRI done at 7 pm, whoever heard of having a test like that done so late at night? I suppose I'm rambling since it's almost 4 in the morning and I'm up because I can't fall back to sleep..........Grrrr how I hate nights like this. Hope you all have a great day.

That time again!! Baseball

2007-04-29T18:05:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to take a minute to brag!!! This is Josh's big pitching debut, he was so excited he could hardly stand it, he didn't do too bad either. Threw some strikes (struck out 2) only gave up 1 run, threw some balls, but best of all he didn't hit anyone. This is one proud momma!!!
The second picture is of Jake playing center field up with the big boys, even though he is only 10 he got drafted up to play on the major team with the big boys, he was pretty nervous, but he made it through, and he'll just get better with time. They both will!

My style???

2007-04-29T12:17:00.000-04:00

Ok lets see maybe the 3rd times the charm. I have tried to post this card 3 times now and the post just seems to disappear.

My last couple of posts have got me thinking. Do I really have a style, or is it just a way of stamping that is more comfortable to me. Do you ever stamp outside of your comfort zone. Do you have to really force yourself to do it. I think I have to force myself too, especially when I buy Designer paper from all of those lovely different companies that I love. I'm drawn to so many styles of paper, but my stamping doesn't really reflect that............hence the stamping that isn't really my style. I buy designer paper, 1. because it's beautiful and 2. because I intend to use it, but sometimes I get it home and can't come up with anything and end up with something that i'm not so sure of. I suppose being a Stampin' UP! demo for so long has something to do with that, it's been almost 10 years, boy that's a long time.

I have to admit that just now lately have I started to really stray from SU! There are just way too many other wonderful products out there, and just not enough money to go around. I think after the new catalog comes out and I order what I want from it, I will drop my demo-ship, now I have to tell you I have said this several times in the past, and just can't seem to do it. I so love my discount and the great previews. I'm not sure if I could do it, my palms get all sweaty at just the thought of it........I suppose we'll see what happens when that day comes.

Well I'm hopping to get some stamping in, in between the laundry that hubby didn't get done on Friday, and the aches and pains I'm feeling. Now granted it's hard to say if those aches and pains are just from me being lazy lately, and having to stand up at the ball diamonds all day yesterday for opening day of the boys baseball seasons, or if I'm actually getting sick. I wouldn't doubt that I'm getting sick with not sleeping well the last couple of weeks and what not, but regardless of what it is, I have an 8:30 appt with the breast specialist tomorrow morning and I'm so hoping that by the end of the day I can have a date for both my surgeries, I really need to get this day scheduled before I drive myself crazy. Hopefully I'll be back tomorrow with some more great cards. Have a great Sunday!

Another not really my style

2007-04-26T19:48:00.000-04:00

Well this card really isn't my style either but I do think I like it..........LOL What do you guys think? Honestly. I really can't seem to find my stamping mojo. The other day I was on a roll, and it all started with a color combo that I really liked. It was Real Red, and Caribbean, with some black thrown in. Now if only I could find another really hot color combo that got me stampin. Oh well we'll see what happens this weekend after all the big hoopla for opening day baseball. Enjoy!

2007-04-25T19:42:00.000-04:00

Well this is definitely not my style of card, but I can honestly say I don't absolutely dislike it. I got my 4 different 6x6 basic grey pads and really wanted to use them, so this is what I came up with first. I'm still really really working on the photography of my cards too, I just can't seem to get the right sunlight action. Well Baseball season officially opens this Saturday, the boys are both very excited. I on the other hand can't really say one way or the other, usually I'm really excited for it to start but I think with everything else going on in my life I just don't have the usual umphf (not really a word I know......LOL) My dr. appt with the breast specialist is coming up, Monday morning, and I would really like to get it over with and get everything scheduled, I think all this waiting is what is really dragging me down. I can say though that I have a very dear girlfriend that has and is doing her best to keep my spirits up, she has sent me a card everyday for the last oh at least 7 days I think!! And I love every single one of them. I will take a pic of them all as soon as I get a chance. Thanks Bev!!

The new glue pad

2007-04-22T12:23:00.000-04:00

Wow, I just got done making a card for a friend, I was inspired by a color combo I saw on someone's blog. So in the process of making it, I pulled out my new Tsunieko glue pad, and let me tell you friends that pad is incredible. It may very well be my new favorite tool. I'm waiting to see how long it takes the glue to actually dry, but really it can't be that long if you don't use a ton of it. I can definitely see a re-fill purchase in my future. I used it with glitter, but I can think of a million other things it will be good for............chalk, all those sparkly powders......(hmmm the name eludes me right at this moment.) I was just so excited I just had to share with everyone real quick. Go to your nearest craft store and pick yourself up one ASAP!!! I will post the card later after my girlfriend gets her card, don't want to ruin the surprise for her!!! :)

2007-04-21T19:28:00.000-04:00

One more birthday card, and an Easter card from my very bestest girlfriend!!!!

2007-04-21T19:27:00.000-04:00

More wonderful birthday cards!!!

Some very be-lated birthday cards

2007-04-21T19:24:00.000-04:00

I really have to apologize to all the wonderful ladies who sent me all of these wonderful birthday wishes. It has just been so crazy around my house, emotionally, physically, and mentally that I have not had any time for anything! I will post the other pictures of all the wonderful cards after this post so that I get everyone's works of art up. Thanks again for thinking of me!! It really made for a wonderful birthday.

Long time no update

2007-04-11T21:28:00.000-04:00

I'm sorry that it has been so long since I have posted anything, it's been a rough last week or so. This post will go the personal direction so if you aren't interested, you no longer need to read..............It won't hurt my feelings I promise.
I have had a battery of testing done over the last week or so. A little background first. I have 3 kids, 13, and 10 yr. old twin boys. Life is crazy as any working parent would know. No time for Dr. visits etc.

Well it was time for my yearly exam. Pap came back fine, Dr. recommended I get a baseline mammogram, especially with family history, also have a vaginal ultrasound done because I have been having so many problems with my menstrual cycle for so long. No biggie. Things get put off again, so that I can support hubby through his Gastric Bypass surgery.

So spring break comes I schedule all said appts. I get a call back on my mammogram..........go take more pictures, they tell me something looks suspicious......ok a little worried, but can still handle it.........after many more pictures, I take a trek down to said office, Dr. tells me he wants a biopsy done........Ok really getting stressed (breast cancer runs rampid on my paternal side.) Got the call today that some of the lump is clean but some of it is pre-cancerous..............Oh how those words just sit in the pit of your stomach.

Now this is all after I went to see a gynecologist because the ultrasound came back with some questionable lumps and bumps. Gynecologist fears that one said tumor is probably precancerous also. OK well were just off and running. I ask if it is just possible to biopsy said tumor.........well evidently it is pushed through my uterus...too far up in my stomach area......if biopsied, they would have to go in through my stomach, so once again with said history (mother had cancer and had hysterectomy the same age I am now.) Dr. suggests hysterectomy.........because why cut through my stomach and then have to go back in when biopsy comes back. I will have to have an abdominal hysterectomy, because my uterus is double if not almost triple the size of a normal one and very bulky. So this all being said, mind you I have never had a single surgery done in my life..........delivered all 3 kiddos natural and vaginally. I will have to be cut open from hip bone to hip bone for this surgery, and also hoping to have the lump removed from my breast during the same surgery.

I will be out of work for at least 6 weeks which takes me through the end of the school year, (I work as a teacher's aide in a special needs preschool. So there goes my job for the rest of the year......................I'm so sorry I'm rambling, I'm just a bit terrified to say the least. My whole family and Best friend lives in WA state, and it's not an option for them to come out because my mom works in a school and they are coming in June for my brothers wedding already. My Best bud works for a school also, and just bought their house ( Congrats by the way!!!) So I'm feeling rather alone and really dumped on.

My life hasn't been a walk in the park but then again who's has been really.............I have taken care of hubby for the last 9 years of our marriage because he has melanoma, and it's stage 4 (but his last treatment put him into remission, thank goodness). Then throw in my one son who was diagnosed as Bipolar during the last 6 months..........I have a teenage daughter, need I say more? LOL

Oh how I wonder whatever on earth I have done to deserve all of this, some days I feel like just screaming at the top of my lungs. I try to sit and stamp, but it just seems too quiet and my mind wonders to all the what if's etc. I just can't seem to focus on any one thing and take my mind off all of these health problems.

So in a nutshell (A big nutshell I might add! LOL) that is where my life stands. I don't have a date for the surgery because I'm waiting to hear back from the Dr. with an appt. with a breast Specialist and then they will schedule the appt for both of the surgeries.

I have a few things that I really need to take care of before I do the surgeries, I have a special friend box that needs to get out (from a swap I joined over at SCS), I have to make sure that my kids will have transportation to all of their events, cheer-leading, baseball, etc, while I'm down, and I'm sure there are a few other things I'm forgetting. So for now.......I'm off my excedrin PM is calling my name in hopes that I will maybe get a few moments of shut eye, very very much needed I might add!

What does Jennifer mean

2007-04-03T12:37:00.000-04:00

Hmm I came across this on another blog and thought I would check it out, in my opinion the meanings are pretty correct, although I don't know if all my friends would agree??? Any comments friends?

What Jennifer Means

J is for Joyful

E is for Enlightened

N is for Nice

N is for Nice

I is for Ideal

F is for Flirty

E is for Emotional

R is for Remarkable

What Does Your Name Mean?

2007-04-02T22:20:00.000-04:00

Well here is another Easter card that I did a couple of days ago. I have a few others that I need to take pictures of to get posted. I suppose that I should put a few of these out in the mail before it gets too late. Plus I need to get my mom's package for her Birthday, which is also on Easter. I cleaned the house today, and plan on getting some stamping done tomorrow (hopefully the mojo will stick around.) But first it is up bright and early tomorrow for an Ortho appt. for Payton, her knee is really bothering her, and then on to the joys of womanhood for me. I have to have an ultrasound done in hopes of finding out why my cycle is all screwy, and then a mamagram, which I might add I'm not looking forward too, this will be the first one. That will pretty much sum up the morning. Yippeee! Have a great evening! Hugs

A little blog candy on another blog

2007-03-28T16:16:00.000-04:00

Well I was surfing around some blogs that I frequent, and I came across this awesome blog candy, so I thought I would share with you. The site is http://inkventiveexpressions.blogspot.com/index.html
and it's Cori Bravo's site. Now here's the catch if you stop on over there, please let her no that I sent you. I would really appreciate it, and good luck!

A card for my mom

2007-03-27T20:29:00.000-04:00

Well no bright cheery colors today, instead it's a card I made my mom not too long ago, I specifically bought this set to use for my mom. You see my mom, and I's taste differ drastically. I love the bold brights colors, bold images, and anything cute. My mom on the other hand likes the vintage look, frech flair, antiqued look. Not to mention that my mom just started paper crafting/stamping. I've been doing it for over 10 years, move away from home almost 6 years ago, and she finally decides to get into the groove!!! But I still love her like no other!

2007-03-26T07:32:00.000-04:00

Here is the birthday card I made for the little neighbor girl, she is 1 now. I can't believe a year has gone by. It just really seems like this year has flown by too. We'll be out of school in 2 months. WooHoo, I'm so excited, can you tell. Summer Vacation!! I busted out the cuddlebug for this card, and actually heard my b plate crack so a trip to Micahel's will be in order, especially since my nice paper boy gave me 2 Michael's ads yesterday. Hmmm what else do I need to buy? Any suggestions? Have a great day! I'll see you all later.

Bella's in the House!! My house

2007-03-25T20:52:00.000-04:00

It's amazing two posts in one day, I'm so proud of myself.........Can you tell I'm really in to the self patting on the back..........No really I'm not, but I'm pretty excited.
Woooo Hoo, someone very special sent me some stamped Bella images.............Thank you Thank you Thank you! I am so excited with how this card turned out. Not only do I like the color combo, but I love the fact that I used more Designer paper........(Lilly Kate, from Basic Grey) I even used embellisments, which I have a hard time using too! Now granted no problem buying, just using! LOL I really feel like I'm back into the groove. I'm so excited, I truly missed stamping!

2007-03-25T20:15:00.000-04:00

Ok so I didn't quite make it back last night...................after a day shopping with a 13 year old, I forgot how worn out you can get. Oh to be 13 again, perky, skinny, and cute! LOL OMG, hopefully we won't have to do that for a while.
Here is a coaster that I worked on not too long ago and thought it turned out pretty darn cute.
I have actually been trying not to hoard my Desinger paper anymore, I have so much I'm running out of room. The only problem I have is either trying to use it all after I cut into it, or remembering that I have it filed away. Oh well such issues I have.
Have a great night, more to come I promise! Hugs

Stay tuned for an important news bulletin!! LOL

2007-03-24T08:52:00.000-04:00

Actually I'm really teasing.............I do plan on posting some things later today. My boys both have Baseball practice at 10 this morning, but after that we don't have to do anything...........Keeping my fingers crossed that Payton doesn't come home wanting to go shopping, geez that girl thinks she needs some new clothes............I mean really, it's only spring! LOL
Stay tuned..........................cards coming later.

WOOOOHOOOO

2007-03-22T06:10:00.000-04:00

I won some blog candy, I'm so excited, here's the post from Paper Pleasing Ideas.

I'm Payin It To...

#30 - Jennifer Hensley said...

Our family loves to play poker, a loud, rowdy and cut-throat game of poker...........We even play for cash, and no matter what season it is that is what you'll find us all doing!! LOL

Email me your snail mail addy Jennifer, and tell me which DP you want for your coasters!!

Thanks for all your posts and I hope you had a fun remembering the GOOD TIMES, I certainly had fun reading them!

Please take a minute to check out Julies wonderful blog http://paperpleasing.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Thank you so much Julie!! I can't wait for my goodies!

2007-03-21T14:56:00.000-04:00

Well here it is, my first card on my new blog. I'm actually pretty impressed with how this card turned out. It's been a bit since I actually made it, along with some others. I'm going to wait and post the other pics though just in case I don't have something to post.
Hope you enjoy the card!