2009 recap...

Since it seems to be the thing to do, I thought I would reflect on the highlights of 2009. 

Last January, Jon ran a marathon!

February, we opened our shop and found a heart shaped strawberry!

The freakish strawberries carried into March...

I won my first giveaway from here!

created our silhouette chalkboards..find them here,

In April, we celebrated 2 years of marriage...

and finally sold our house!!

In May I started my wishlist, MOVED, and won another giveaway! {from here}

In June, I made some crazy art...

made our house smell good and ate at a chinese buffet...

 In July, I ran my first 5k with my sister,

enjoyed our new neighborhood, and left on the best  road trip ever with my fam...

In August I reflected on said road trip,

fell in love with cruisers,

welcomed my bff's new baby boy, made some deeeelicous salsa,

and lost an hour of our lives.

In September, I wore a scarf, came home to a surprise,

did a show,

and celebrated 100 posts with a giveaway!

Oh, and we also made some huuuge stuffed mushrooms.

October was full of birthdays, pumpkin patches,

visits to the cheese man, new adventures, and rainy days on the farm.

I won yet another givaway in November {from here}.

And, we played in a photo booth.

In December, we celebrated and I kind of went off the grid.  Time got away from me, what can I say? 

My camera is full of pictures and my mind full of stories to share.  I must add them to the blog before the excape me.  We had a lovely, white, white christmas and plan on ringing in the new year with some new friends! 

In 2010, I promise to update more often!  I'm so glad I have this little blog to capture our lives on.  Doing this recap makes me want to capture even more!  It's the little things that I would probably forget otherwise.

Happy New Year to you all! {well, those of you who actually made it through that very. long. recap.}

Wishing you health, happiness and all the little things in 2010!

Cheers!

Congrats Jon!

{ This is the chalkboard we made from an old platter.  I've started leaving messages for Jon on it everday.  It hangs by the door to our garage, and makes me happy.} 

Six years ago today, we got the results of Jon's last bone marrow biopsy....REMISSION!  {I'm tearing up just typing that} We were told a couple months before that the doctors thought he was probably in remission, but the final word was oh-so-good to hear!  I'll never forget how happy we were, and what a blessing it was to recieve such good news right before Christmas, and to be able to celebrate with our family.

Today, six years later, it still chokes me up.  {see above} 

Jon, I cannot tell you enough how proud of you I am.  I'm sorry that sometimes I still take you for granted, but  days like today remind me just how blessed we are.  I love you so much.  Thanks for fighting.  I don't know what I'd do without you.  ~jen

I plan on surprising Jon with a bottle of champagne when I get home.  Although, I'm not sure it will be a surprise.  I'm pretty sure I do that every year! 

I hope you're all having a lovely week, and if I'm not on here again before then, have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!  I still have lots of baking to do, a couple of small things to grab at the store, and a house to clean!  Are you all ready for Christmas?

Oh, and I have so much to share with you all!  I'm hoping to catch up next week while I'm on vacation!  Ahh!

I'm still here, and friday to-do's!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/changoblanco/2635648806/

Hi all!

Just wanted to pop in and let you all know that I'm still around! Since Thanksgiving it seems that time has flown by and I've forgotten to touch base on here! It has been a whirlwind of decorating, shopping, etsy and show sales, dinner with friends and family.....and it's about to get crazier! I feel like one of those scary little elves!
I promise not to leave you for so long again...I've missed you!

This weekend's to-do's:
1) Finish Christmas shopping! (almost there!)
2) Clean house
3) Bake Goodies!
4) Try to find the blown bulb on my lit garland & replace! (it went out as soon as I put it up...boo!)

I think that's it! Have a great weekend everyone, and hope you are all well! It feels good to be back!

;)

Let the holiday madness begin!

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Dancing with the Stars...

We are big fans of DWTS.  Now, Jon might not admit that, but let me tell you, he reminds me that it's on!

I'm so excited for the finale tonight!  I'm rooting for Donny.  I really want him to win!  Let's just say Kelly is darling, but just not the best dancer, and Mya bugs the crap out of me.  Don't get me wrong, she is by far the best dancer in the competition, but she just seems so arrogant to me.  She tries to act humble, but it's obvious that it's just that, an act.  I would rather she just be excited.  Instead she gives these grand gestures, all hand on her heart and gaping mouth.  Seriously?  Donny just seems genuine to me, therefore my votes went to him.  {That's right, I actually voted last night, as did Jon.  We filled out the form online.  You know, the free votes.  Like we'd pay to vote!}

Do any of you watch DWTS?  Boy, I hope so, or this was a pretty boring post for you!  ha ha!

Who are you rooting for?

get down...

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

TGIF...

In many ways I cannot believe it is already Friday, and in many other ways I cannot believe how long this week has been!  I am soooooo ready for Thanksgiving weekend.  Four days off.  Good food and family.  Christmas decorations!  Can't wait!  However, I'll take a regular weekend to get ready.  TGIF!

This weeks to-do's include:

1. Baking sugar cookies for a care package.

2. Shipping said care package.

3. Wrangling all three cats to the vet to get their shots.  (Eek!  wish me luck!)

4. Make sure house is super clean so that Christmas decorating can begin on Friday!

5. Work on shop .

6. Make sure I have all ingredients for my pumpkin cakes!  I'll do a post on these this week...mmmmmm.

7. Make Christmas gift list. (for others)

I think I'll stop at that.  I've been feeling a tad overwhelmed lately, so I think I'll keep this weekend simple.

Happy Friday my loves!  Have a great weekend!

photo booth love...

On Saturday we went to the wedding of one of Jon's high school friends.  It was a great night of friends, food and wine.  Delightful. 

The best part was that they had a photo booth!  I'm sure you've all seen this all around the blogosphere, but it was the first event I've attended that had one.  It was absolutely so fun!  The booth printed two sets of pictures.  One went in the couple's guest book where you could write a message to them next to your picture, and the other copy you got to keep as a favor!  Isn't that the best thing ever!?  I would highly recommend it for any party...very fun for everyone!  It made me wish I had a photobooth in my living room.  Really. 

That got me wondering...If Jon and I wanted to take more photo booth shots where-oh-where could we go?  You can find photo booths near you here.  Apparently the only one in KC is in an alley next to a lingerie store downtown.  Sounds a little sketch, but I might just demand we make a special trip sometime! 

What a week & friday to-do...

image from here .  get your own print in any color you could want here .

This week has been absolutely insane.  Car troubles with two of our cars, church meeting drama, and yesterday I found out that my insurance at work is changing and that starting in January, I won't be able to visit any of my current doctors!  Eek!  Needless to say, this week has been stress city.  I haven't worked out once and haven't been the best wife I can be either.  I'm hoping to renew my spirit this weekend.

My to-do's:
1. Help fix the cars any way I can...
2. Clean the rest of the house that didn't get cleaned last week, and straighten the clean part.
3. Finalize our Christmas cards.
4. Get recommendations for new doctors.
5. Fix my dang internet connection on my computer!
6. List some items in the shop.
7. Love my husband and make him feel as special as he is.
8. Get in one workout.
9. Pre-make a meal for next week {this worked out splendidly this week!}
10. Figure out what we're doing for Thanksgiving.
11. Relax.  Take a deep breath.

I hope you all have a great Friday, and a lovely weekend!

flip & tumble...

I am loving this line by flip & tumble.  These bags make saying goodbye to plastic so much easier! 

I have something similar, and I cannot tell you how handy they are on those spontaneous shopping trips, or when you just run in for a couple of things and don't have all your grocery bags with you.

And, I love how they roll up into these brightly colored balls! 

Can you say stocking stuffer!? 

I would also love to get my hands on some of these produce bags.  I've mastered the re-usable grocery bags, but have yet to take my own produce bags.  These could change that!

Do you all use re-usable bags when you shop?

all image via flip & tumble's website

Christmas Registry!? Don't mind if I do!

I've always said that people need registries for more than just weddings and babies.  Finally, there's a place that welcomes registries of all kinds!  You can create a registry that is all ecompassing, any store on line or on the street!  Check it out!  I think "start christmas registry" will be the first item on my friday to-do this week!

girls night!

Friday we had my little sisters over for a girl's night.  {well, a girl's night + Jon}  We made individual pizzas and watched a movie...or started to watch one.  About an hour into it I looked over and this is what I saw.

They were both passed out!

{I can't really say anything, as I can count the movies I've made it through in one sitting over the last 10 years on one hand!  Ha!}

Luckily, Vader had come over too!  Vader is one of my mom's dogs.  He's pretty much the coolest dog ever.  {remember, this is coming from a cat lady!} I actually don't even believe he's a dog.  I think he's some kind of monkey.  Those eyes!  I mean, the way he looks at you just melts your heart!  And, he has a condition where the hair on his body doesn't grow.  {actually it's gotten a whole lot better since they adopted him.  He actually has some hair now!} So he wears jackets.  {He gets embarrassed if he's naked.}  He does have thick black hair on his head though, hence the name Vader...as in Darth...hilarious! 

Anyway, since the girls were asleep, Vader and I had some bonding time.  Isn't he darling!? 

Girls night was fun!  We'll have to do it again. 

{Maybe earlier in the evening so we can all be consious!}

lookie what was in my mailbox!

Remember that givaway I told you about here?  Well, it was waiting for me when I got home from work today!  It's always so fun to get a package in the mail, but especially awesome when it's so pretty!  

Jealous?

I won these totally awesome Pumpkin Spice Hand Warmers by JayKayKnits on Bright Bold and Beautiful last week.  Aren't they fabulous!?  Perfect for fall.

Thanks Jennifer and Laura!

Did everyone have a good weekend?

Mine consisted of a girls night on Friday with the little sisters, cleaning on saturday, and the most productive Sunday I've had in quite some time!  I got all but two of the things from my list done!  Huzzah!

{I have lots of cool stuff to share with you...coming soon, I promise!}

Happy Monday!

weekend to-do's:

This week has been crazy!  Work is out of control busy, and with the time change, I've been finding it difficult to accomplish much of anything.  I've been trying to catch up on my favorite blogs, but am still running about 3 days behind.  I hate it when I'm behind, cause I feel like I'm commenting on things so late and I've missed entering so many great givaways!  {Although, I did win something fabulous this week--more on that later!} 

My darling husband is off playing golf this morning, and I'd love to accomplish some things while he's out so that I can justify relaxing with him later. 

This weekend I'd like to {in no particular order}:

1. clean the house {I know, this is always on the list, but I'd really like to get the house in tip-top shape so we can just maintain through the holidays}
2. design christmas cards.  {I haven't sent out cards for a few years, but realized I never did moving cards, so I'm thinking I could do some sort of combo!}
3. pre-make at least one meal for during the week.  {got the idea from this lovely lady.}
4. order this book for a friend battling cancer.
5. look into fixing my ethernet connection on my mac.  {I've been using my dad's laptop for way to long.  He'd probably like it back!  Sorry Dad!}
6. respond to some emails.
7. brush the cats.  {if you have pets, you need this}
8. run.
9. list some items in the shop.
10.  order supplies for a new adventure.
11.  make a wedding gift.  {or write a check!}

I'm sure I won't get everything done, but you gotta have goals, right!?

Have a great weekend everyone!

Roller Girl!

Hope you all had a spooktacular Halloween!  I know it was days ago, but I have been absolutely swamped at work, and have got a little behind with blogging!  I may be a little scarce around here for a while, but I'll do my best to keep you in the loop. 

Before it is totally old news, I wanted to share my costume.  I'm so lucky to work in an art studio where dressing up is not only allowed, it's encouraged!  This year I couldn't resist the temptation to roller skate around the office, so I was an 80's roller girl.  It was so fun!  {and it gave me an excuse to buy some leg warmers!}  I didn't even fall once!  {don't get me wrong, I came dangerously close to falling many, many times, but I kept it together!}

On Saturday, we stayed in and passed out candy to trick-or-treaters.  It was insane!  Being our first Halloween in the new house, we expected alot of trick-or-treaters, but oh my gosh there were a lot of trick-or-treaters!!!  Our neighbor across the street counted 143!  Isn't that crazy!?

It was such a lovely night out, so we sat on the porch for a while.  Our neighbor from down the street was driving around on his harley with a skeleton mask on...hilarious!  Jon literally jumped up and down and clapped his hands when he saw it.  Priceless!
We had to ration the candy at one per customer, because I could tell early on that I hadn't bought enough.  Next year we'll know!  All the cute little kids in costume made us excited to be parents someday.  We're so glad to live in a neighborhood like this.  We are so blessed.
Hope you're all having a fabulous week! 

Rainy day on the farm...

Sunday was my father-in-law's birthday.  {Yes, there's a theme here lately, and it's not over folks!}  To celebrate we went out to the farm to visit.  A storm rolled in on our way, and set a cozy backdrop to our afternoon.  As he always does, George promptly made rum gimlets for Cindy and me and a white russian for Jon.  Oh my gimlets are delicious!  That man sure knows how to shake a martini!

We feasted on snacks and Cindy's wonderful chili and talked politics all afternoon in front of the fire.  Oh, and there was also ice cream cake!  We couldn't believe how long it's been since I've been out there...since Christmas!?  Can that be!?  No wonder I was so excited! 

{it's hard to see in the pic, but George had on the most hilarious visor with hair to cover his head! 

Let's just say Jon get's his hair from his dad!} 

To finish off the day, we went out to visit the animals in the barn.  They have two horses of their own, 3 boarders, a donkey, a black sheep, two goats, two dogs, and a group of cats.  The barn has changed so much since we had our reception there!

It was such a lovely day spent with family.  We really must do it again soon. 

Happy Birthday Nate!

My brother-in-law turned 40 last week.  {His birthday is the day before Jon's.}  My sister threw him a big party at the lake on Saturday. 

My dad delivered the group gift {a trailer} complete with decorations, and my grandpa's musical horn playing happy birthday.  It brought back some memories to hear that old thing!

It was so nice to spend some time with the family, and the weather was actually pretty nice as long as you stayed in the sun!  Happy Birthday Nate!

Say Cheese, Cheese Man!

Friday night after enjoying a delicious steak dinner for Jon's birthday, we stopped in at Dean & Deluca to visit Jon's dad, George.  For the last couple of years, since he retired, he's been working there as the "Cheese Man".  I had never been in the store, so it was quite amazing to see all the delicious {and expensive} things they had to offer.  {good thing I was stuffed, or I might have bought something!}

I couldn't help myself, I had to take his picture.  I said, "Hold that wheel of cheese!" 

Isn't he the cutest with his little hat!?

Somebody's having a birthday...

And that someone is my sweet husband!

Happy Birthday Honey!

Thanks for being so wonderful, for loving me so well, for cooking me dinner, and for being my biggest support and best friend.  I love you more and more every year.

xoxo jen

I Love You Man

Jon and I watched this movie Saturday night.  It was by far the funniest film I've seen in quite some time. We were laughing non-stop, and I even stayed awake for the whole thing!  I'm sure most everyone has seen it by now, but if not...go get it now! 

Weekend To-do's

Hooray, it's Friday!  Where does the time go? 

On my to-do list for this weekend:

1)  Clean up our closet.  I have started throwing things in the bottom of it, and I must stop the monster while it's small!

2)  Stock up on canned pumpkin.  I know they say they'll be stocked by Thanksgiving, but I'm not willing to miss out on my yummy pumkin cake, so just in case I'll get a few cans.  Don't know what I'm rambling about?  Look here.

3)  Pay my taxes...boo.

4)  Work on some projects that I've started, and start some more!

5)  Run.

What's on your list this weekend?  Anything fun?

Happy Friday everybody!  And don't forget to wish your boss a happy boss' day today!

p.s. I'm wearing my brooch like this today.  {only mine has an orange button center} Yay fall!

Ladder love.

I'm officially hunting for a ladder to turn into a fabulous shelf.  The ever inspiring Design Sponge recently showed this before and after.  {aren't their before and afters so inspiring?}  Now I feel like I need a ladder to display things on.  I'm not sure what, but I'm certain I could find something.

photo via Design Sponge.

I'm in love...

with the amazing work of Jane Schouten of All The Luck In The World.  I was introduced to her by the lovely Sabine of La Marquise des Anges.  I love the bright colors and whimsical feel of the designs.  

these hearts kind of remind me of the Te Amo heart!

Come check out...

a new adventure, and see what I have to say about these:

found here.

We'd love it if you cheered us on!

Pumpkin Patch!!!

In case you didn't know, I LOVE going to the pumpkin patch!  Every year, my mom and sisters and I venture out to the Powell Pumpkin Patch near Louisburg, Kansas.  On the way we stop at the Louisburg Cider Mill for cider donuts.  Oh, they are sooooo good!  Weekend before last, we took advantage of a beautiful Sunday afternoon to go pumpkin hunting!  It's always funny, because there are all kinds of families with little kids picking out pumpkins, but I don't think anyone gets as excited as the four of us! 

Each of the girls picked out a pumpkin to carve, so that accounted for two pumpkins.  We brought home 15 plus some goards!  We love seeking out the unusual ones.  As Lydia put it, you just know when you've found the "one".  The light shines on it just right and its like it's just you and the pumpkin in the field....or in mom and my case, you and your many perfect pumpkins! 

The variety of pumpkins that they planted this year had rediculous stems on them.  I guess they must have got tired of people breaking the stems off! 

Things to remember next year:

Bring a knife to cut pumpkins from the vine.

Stay calm and walk to the back of the patch and work your way to the front.  {this would certainly save us from lugging all those pumkins further than neccessary}

Bring water.