Nothing new here

Sorry, nothing exciting to talk about, no photos, no layouts, nothing. However.....I finally cleaned my office up. It has been a absolute complete disaster for about 3 months....seriously. It could be quite possible that I might start scrapbooking again now that I can walk through the room without stepping on something. I even printed some pictures out. We'll see what happens. So that is all for tonight, I must go watch my DVR'd Grey's Anatomy...very, very, important...trumps blogging anytime. Oh, I thought of something....might go to CA in March to hangout with my dear friend Dr. Marvasti...isn't she lovely? Actually, she might be taking a board review course and I'm going to mooch off of her hotel room and enjoy the beach if it is warm enough. I miss her =). Now off to watch Grey's.

Last MMM layout

Here is the last layout from the MMM contest. I liked it, thought it told a cute story. So my entire entry is from this one down to my grandma laughing.

I tried something new tonight...cut the girls hair. Used scrapbook scissors. Even tried to layer it. I thought it didn't look like brain surgery, they are a good age to experiment and I could save some money...so I went for it. We'll see how it looks when it dries. They seemd to be pleased with the results =). Hope everyone is having a good night.

Photos from yesterday

Took these pictures yesterday. The girls insisted that we put up the Christmas stuff. So we did. They both picked out ornaments at Target. Bella a hot pink feathery bird. Emma, when I wasn't looking, had put about $50 worth of Christmas decorations in the cart...but she finally settled on the hot pink bells when I told her she couldn't have everything she picked out. They both seemed very pleased with their choices. The first picture shows them looking at their handiwork.

Thankful

Wasn't feeling very thankful this Thanksgiving. Having a hard time dealing with lifes circumstances. Anyway, got this out....I made this early this summer for the MMM contest. It was my celebrate life layout (which by the way I had to send it to them as part of the entry and I will never get it back....don't think I will be doing that again). Good to remind yourself of the so many reasons you have to be thankful, even when life doesn't go your way.

Hope everyone had a good thanksgiving.

another layout

Here is another layout from my defunct MMM entry. This was my favorite layout out of my entry. It is hard to appreciate the details, but in person it is pretty cool.

Anyway, that is all for now. Have a good night.

Awesome concert

Had a wonderful time in KC at the concert. The concert was great....loved it! I absolutely love his (Jeremy Camp) music...own every bit of it (I think about 5 CDs). Here are some photos from the event...not the greatest pics as it was dark, but you get the picture.

Bella in her new t-shirt...she is very proud of it. jUst waiting for the concert to begin.


Pictures of the concert.




On the way home, took this picture and promptly missed the exit =). Shouldn't drive and take pictures at the same time.

Entering the lovely state of Iowa.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Long Post

I was pretty busy at work today, but not busy enough to neglect my internet surfing....here is my find from today. I always like it when someone tells me I'm cool, even if it is a stupid internet quiz =).

You should have grown up during the twenties You are cool, sophisticated and hip – even by today’s standards. You like things before they are considered cool, and you like them long afterwards. Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com

Here is my photo from today. Sorry it is not very exciting. This is where Bella and I are heading off to tomorrow afternoon. Very excited to go to this concert. I haven't been to a concert in years. I believe I last went during college...saw The spin doctors and ?gin blossoms?.






Here is my promised layout. Kind of a more personal one. Was a bit hesitant to post this as I am in a swimsuit....but that was 12.5 years ago and I'm not even the same person anymore...so I don't even really see it as me. That's kind of what this layout is about. It is a picture of me on my honeymoon and how completely innocent I was and how much I have changed since this picture was taken. Especially the last few years as I have started realizing that I deserve better in life.

I have been through a lot over the past year. I realize how much stronger of a person I am and am becoming because of it. But I wouldn't be functioning as well as I am if it weren't for those that have been there for me, especially over the past 6 months. So a public thank-you to those who have been especially helpful....thanks=)




My girls....where would I be without them. Bella making me cards telling me how cool I am, hugs, I love yous. Emma with her ability to make me laugh with her goofiness, her funny statements and her ability to get rid of telemarketers effectively =).





My mom and dad who listen to me, give me advice and have been 100% supportive of me. Couldn't ask for better parents.






Dan, who is an inspiration for how to take the higher road in times of adversity, lets me vent and makes me smile more than I have in a long time.



Angela...who has endured countless, long, ranting emails.


My personal trainer Doug, who I consider a friend despite the fact that I have to give him very large sums of money for him to talk to me, he has always listened, given advice and has whipped me into kick butt shape. I always leave our sessions feeling better than when I came (by the way, that is not a picture of him...but thought I should put a muscle guy in there as he does work at the gym)





That is all for now. Hope everyone has a good weekend!

Photos of the day

I've been meaning to do a photo of the day thing for awhile...take a picture of something everyday for a month. A good way to document everyday life. I always mean to start at the beginning of the month, but seem to always forget to do it...so I decided to start yesterday. Had a bit of a photo shoot yesterday evening, taking 122 pictures. I actually hardly took any of them yesterday...everyone else was in the photo taking mood. The picture here from yesterday was one of my favorites...I obviously didn't take it, but it is of me and I actually look happy. I think I need to be happy more often...a good reminder =).

Today's photo is of Miss Emma looking all cute an innocent.

Well, that is all the excitement I can muster today. Will try to post a layout tomorrow.

As promised

As I promised this morning, a layout. Made this one this summer for my MMM entry. It is my grandma. She has such a great laugh! Hope everyone is having a good day!

I suck

Sorry...hadn't realized that it had been so long. Been hard for me to keep up lately. Anyway, promise to add something new shortly. Think I have a layout or 2 that I have never posted. Will try to do that later today. Have a good one.

MIss photogenic

Gorgeous day here today. 75 and sunny. Took these pictures of the girls today. Also my bodyfat % was 20.7 today, even after all that halloween candy...lowest so far. 10% less than a year ago. Makes me happy =). Enjoy the pictures.

A little bit of everything

Finally some pictures! I've been in a bit of a blogging funk, sorry. Trying my best, that is all I can say =). I did blog twice today...that should count for something, huh? First of all, a layout. This is from the November Scrappy Giraffe kit.

Yesterday was a beautiful day here. Here is a picture of Bella playing outside.

Emma also joined in the fun. Here she is dancing away. She is such a goof.




Here is a picture of my living room. I did some painting. It is hard to appreciate the true color here on the computer. It does add warmth to the room. Not sure if I totally love it. Going to give it a bit of time and then decide.

That is all for now, have a lovely day.

Happy Monday

Halloween is evil. I say that for only one reason....the candy, and I being a bad mom, seem to have no issues stealing my children's halloween candy. I can't seem to control myself around it. Chocolate is so good =).

Got this in an email from Jenny who is a friend from Idaho. Instead of sending it by email as the instructions state, I thought I would just do it on my blog instead.

1. What time did you get up this morning? 8 AM
2. Diamonds or Pearls? Diamonds
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Can't remember the title...a football film about juveniles living in prison...form a football team, get their lives together, based on a true story...has "the Rock" in it.
4. What is your favorite TV show? Grey's Anatomy =).
5. What did you have for breakfast? Chocolate Brownie Clif Bar
6. What is your middle name? The ever popular Lynne
7. What is your favorite cuisine? That is a hard one, I like them all....Italian, mexican
8. What foods do you dislike? Big chunks of beef
9. Your favorite potato chip? Jalopeno chips....they come in a green bag...Maybe have a auntie or grannie title in front of them
10. What is your favorite CD at the moment? I've been listening a lot to Jeremy Camps new CD, Beyond Measure
11. What kind of car do you drive? Nissan Murano
12. Favorite Sandwich? There is a sandwich at the New Pioneer Co-op in IC that I just love, but haven't had for years. Just like to dream about it.
13. What characteristics do you despise? Being irresponsible, dishonesty...hmmmm, who does that sound like?
14. What are your favorite clothes? Jeans and tshirts....wish I could wear them everyday =(.
15. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would it
be? Hawaii, the beach
16. What color are your eyes? Brown
17. Favorite brand of clothing? I don't really look at brands, but if I have to say I own more Ann Taylor Loft stuff than other brands...or maybe the Target brands
18. Where would you want to retire? Haven't given it much thought
19. Favorite time of day? Late night usually
20. Where were you born? Iowa City, Iowa
21. What is your favorite sport to watch? Basketball
22. Who do you think will not send this back? Doing it by blog...not sending to anyone
23. Person you expect to send it back first? see above
24. Pepsi or Coke? Neither...don't like brown pop
25. Cats or Dogs? cat maybe? I've had some bad luck with my last 2 cats though...Henry (may he RIP) and Betty the crazy Idaho cat
26. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Night owl
27. Pedicure or manicure? ?don't know?
28. Do you prefer funny or mushy cards? guess it would depend on who it is from
29. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with everyone? Not at this moment, maybe someday =)
30. What did you want to be when you were little? earliest memory was of wanting to be a doctor....but have no clue about when I was very little.
31. What do you have in your trunk right now? Blanket and camping chairs from soccer
32. What is your best childhood memory? I seem to have blocked out my childhood =). Remember playing outside a lot when we bought the neighbors old house/outbuildings/etc. It was a huge mess and very fun to play in.
33. What are the different jobs you have had in your life? Cleaning hotel rooms, front desk clerk, Certified nursing assistant at nursing home, resident counselor for mentally handicapped people, calligrapher, lab technician, pediatrician, supermom
34. Favorite Holiday? I like them all...but kind of like halloween and 4th of July
35. What is your favorite dessert? chocolate stuff
36. Favorite Summer getaway? what's that?
37. Ever been to Africa ? no
38. Glasses or Contacts? just got contacts and I love them
39. Ever been toilet papering? yes, but not recently
40. Been in a car accident? No, unless you count running into the garage during high school, oh and I backed into a clown (literally)who was parked outside my house in IC
41. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
42. Favorite restaurant? z'maricks
43. Favorite flower? I like them all
44. Favorite movies? I tend not to watch movies over again...I'm not too picky, although I often don't feel like watching serious intellectual movies as it takes too much effort and I watch movies to relax
45. Favorite Pastime? don't know anymore
46. Favorite ice cream? mint chocolate chip
47. Favorite fast food restaurant? Subway, Taco Bell
48. How many times did you fail your drivers test? zero....even took it again in Idaho and only missed one...I think it was about a cow in the road...seriously.
49. From whom did you get your last email? I get tons of junk mail...from a real person...probably my mom
50. Sandals or tennis shoes? sandals
51. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Ann Taylor Loft (but I wouldn't do that...that's irresponsible...see question 13.
52. If the speed limit is 60 what is the fastest you will drive? 65+
53. Bedtime? Midnight-1 am usually
54. Who are you most curious about their responses to this? don't know
55. Last person you went to dinner with? My girls
56. What are you listening to right now? nothing
57. What is your favorite color? Green
58. How may tattoos do you have? zero
59. How many people are you sending this Email to? no one, but all my blogger friends should consider themselved tagged
60. What time did you finish this email? 10:07 am

Have a wonderful day!

At work, no pictures

So usually over my lunch hour I go to the gym and work out....Today I attempted that, but got in the locker room and realized that I had no shoes. Not a terribly unusual occurence sad to say. Anyway, didn't have time to go and get them so here I am feeling like an exercise loser sitting at my desk at work. Combine that with all the Halloween candy I have been stealing from my children and I have not had a very good nutrition/exercise week. Also made a terrible for you dish last night that was pretty tasty...a mashed potato/cheese/sausage concoction, homemade brownies, etc.

Anyway, here is something that came to my email inbox a few days ago. Comes from a site called dailyom.com Thought it was a good thing:

November 1, 2006
Spreading Your Light
How You Affect Others Daily
As the pace and fullness of modern life serve to isolate us from one another, the contact we do share becomes vastly more significant. We unconsciously absorb each other's energy, adopting the temperament of those with whom we share close quarters, and find ourselves changed after the briefest encounters. Everything we do or say has the potential to affect not only the individuals we live, work, and play with but also those we've just met. Though we may never know the impact we have had or the scope of our influence, accepting and understanding that our attitudes and choices will affect others can help us remember to conduct ourselves with grace at all times. When we seek always to be friendly, helpful, and responsive, we effortlessly create an atmosphere around ourselves that is both uplifting and inspiring.

Most people rarely give thought to the effect they have had or will have on others. When we take a few moments to contemplate how our individual modes of being affect the people we spend time with each day, we come one step closer to seeing ourselves through the eyes of others. By asking ourselves whether those we encounter walk away feeling appreciated, respected, and liked, we can heighten our awareness of the effect we ultimately have. Something as simple as a smile given freely can temporarily brighten a person's entire world. Our value-driven conduct may inspire others to consider whether their own lives are reflective of their values. A word of advice can help others see life in an entirely new fashion. And small gestures of kindness can even prove to those embittered by the world that goodness still exists. By simply being ourselves, we influence other's lives in both subtle and life-altering ways.

To ensure that the effect we have is positive, we must strive to stay true to ourselves while realizing that it is the demeanor we project and not the quality of our wondrous inner landscapes that people see. Thus, as we interact with others, how we behave can be as important as who we are. If we project our passion for life, our warmth, and our tolerance in our facial features, voice, and choice of words, every person who enters our circle of influence will leave our presence feeling at peace with themselves and with us. You never know whose life you are affecting, big or small. Try to remember this as you go out into the world each day.

That's all for now, have a good day! =).