She's beautiful and talented and...

You can enter to win a spot in her online sewing class by stopping over at her blog! My friend, Jo-Anne, has such a gift with fabric and beautiful trims and colorful patterns- not to mention her own charm. She scrapped all the pages you see posted here today (you can check out her whole gallery here) and she is so good at putting her heart and soul into the words and pictures. I just can't say enough good things about her and hope that one of you wins the spot in her class!

Even if you don't win the spot, you can take the class by clicking this link. I am certain you will not only learn some wonderful techniqes and make some unique projects, but you will have a great time too!

My biggest complaint with Jo-Anne is that she lives too far away. She's in Holland and I'm in America. The ocean is so vast, but thankfully we both have internet and so many similar interests and passions that sometimes it seems that the ocean isn't even there. That only proves how great a friend she truly is...love you Jo!

Just as one would expect...

I am so predictable, right? I leave this blog for more than a week and the first thing I post is a picture of carrot cake cupcakes- just as one would expect. =)

The cupcakes were delicious- compliments of Ashley Wren's husband, Sean. One has to love a guy who not only lets his wife go away and leave him with 3 kids all weekend, but sends a couple of dozen cupcakes along with her for her friends on top of it. {Thanks, Sean!}

Guess what happens when you bring a baby to Nashville?! Yep. He finds a way to get a guitar into his little hands. The cabin we stayed at just happened to have a little guitar telephone,which just happened to be the perfect size for Crew to hold. He was happy to pose with not only the guitar, but also his new fox t-shirt {Thanks, Corrine!} and knitted cap too {Thanks, Diane!}. I regret not taking more photos of some of the fun and getting pictures of me and all my friends {miss you all already!}, but part of that just couldn't be helped. We all just wanted to catch up and laugh and relax without having to capture it all on camera. Then, when we had a bit more time to relax, the lighting inside was so dark the pictures came out terrible anyway. So, these are just a few of the ones I could salvage. I'm hoping some of my camera-expert friends did a better job at capturing the weekend so I can relive the memories through their photos. None-the-less, there was a lot of laughter and fun to be had- regardless of photos for proof.

Crew and I arrived back home yesterday at 1 am. It felt so good to be home and I think Crew knew right away that he was back where he belongs. =) He slept well the rest of the night and was all smiles for the kids when they hugged him and welcomed him home in the morning. I'm not sure if they missed me or him more. We both got hundreds of hugs and kisses to make up for our absence. Like I said, it felt good to be home.

The day went on to include a nap for Crew while our nation made history as the inauguration of Barack Obama took place at the Capitol. What a day, huh?! I loved that it was a time to put away "sides" and just come together and look forward to the future. With hope. I am already praying for President Obama as he faces all sorts of choices and major decisions and trust that he will be a man of character and good judgement. Forget about the left or the right, I just pray that he can help bring much needed change and inspire people at home and abroad to make the most of their own lives/circumstances in order that we might all be better as a result.

I snapped a picture of Chip playing Monopoly with the kids yesterday as proof that they all survived and in fact, thrived, while I was away from home. I was without internet connection and even had sparse cellphone service for much of my trip, but I managed to get by as well. It's amazing how quickly we can adapt to our environments when we're forced to do so. I even debated blogging again as it didn't seem to affect my life that I didn't blog for so long.

But here I am. I'm back and getting into the swing of 'normal life' again. It feels good. Just as I'd expect it to. I hope you all didn't miss me too much {Mom!}. =)

Head's up!

My sister called me from Las Vegas today (hi, Jacque and kiddos...it was fun to talk with you!) to tell me about Oprah's Holiday mix available for download- but only for a short time. {Click here for O's holiday mix.}I just finished saving all the tunes to my laptop and am now burning a cd. I thought I'd pass on the link to anyone who wants it and gets it in time. I LOVE Christmas music...and I love free finds too. The rest of Oprah's holiday favorites are supposed to focus on how to have a thrifty holiday. I'm hoping to get a few ideas and looking forward to a more laid-back holiday this year. Enjoy the free sounds of the season!

Computers & creativity~

I would never have guessed that I would grow up and spend as much time on a computer as I do. I always liked video games but never touched a computer really until I was in college. Now I find I can browse craft/creative websites, shop homemade gifts on Etsy.com (that cute wellies stationary is available at Little Brown Pen, in case you're wondering and it's on my birthday/Christmas list too. {wink}) and even scrap a photo while feeding a baby or browning meat for dinner.

I was able to work on our Christmas cards by using the Scrapblog site ( www.scrapblog.com ) and I would recommend it to any of you who are into designing your own cards too. Their site is free and they have some great templates to save you time, or a wide variety of backgrounds and embellishments if you'd rather create your own look. I now feel like I have a headstart on the holiday season this year. Next up... create my Christmas playlist and get my blog in the mood too. =)

It must be fall...

We received some wonderful goodies from the floral shop this week from Chip's parents...big baskets of candy, chips, mixed nuts, apples, oranges, sausage and cheese...thank YOU! As Grandma Karen can see from these pictures, the kids were more than excited to have "Halloween come early". Although Crew just slept through all the excitement. I guess he doesn't have a sweet tooth yet. =)

That little owl on top of the snacks came from a friend along with some other cute things for Crew. We have been so blessed by the outpouring of support and love and care from so many friends and family. Thank you to each and everyone of you! The baby announcements are being made and heopfully will be in the mail sometime this next week.

A little note about the card design... the black & white image of Crew was edited and emailed to me by my fashionista friend, Corinne. I love that photo of him...thanks, Corinne! Next, I found the circus image here at flickr.com. It was just the type of picture I was looking for and I was so happy to get approval to use the image from the designer, Jon Turner. I emailed him earlier this week and told him how much I liked his illustration and he was more than willing to let me use it for Crew's cards. So thank you, Mr. Turner! Yet another reason for me to love the internet. =)

One of the things I remember so clearly about my first pregnancy with Teagan was the night my parents came over and Chip and I had a spread of cards sitting on our coffee table. We were working together on making Teagan's birth announcements and my mom commented on how it was so wonderful to do such a thing but that "you'll never do this for any of your other kids". She also mentioned how my older brother had the most baby pictures taken and memories captured in his baby book and for each sibling thereafter, the photos and baby books were more and more sparse. I remember telling my mom that wasn't going to happen... but I secretly believed she was right.

Well, as it turns out, I not only take more photos than ever (especially since we've gone digital as well as the tragedy of Teagan making me even more of a 'photo-freak'), but our mailing list of friends and family has grown over the years too, so I make even more cards for each baby we've added to our family! I did opt to go simple in my card design this time around. So at least I'm learning a few things along the way.

Lastly...can anyone guess where Chip and Brock are headed right now as I post this blog? Look closely in their photo. Notice the Notre Dame hats. Yep. They're going toSouth Bend, Indiana to watch some football... [Notre Dame vs. Stanford] and take in some of the sights around the campus- including Touchdown Jesus. I don't know who was more excited as the left home this morning- Chip or Brock. I do know that they were happy to be spending the day together. What a great way to kick off the fall! Happy October to everyone reading this today...enjoy the colors, flavors and fun that this season brings.

I have the best husband ever.

Have I mentioned my husband, Chip and how great he is?! I'm blogging from my hospital room- which wouldn't normally get wireless internet, except that Chip went out and got a mobile adapter- just so I can be online while I'm here.
I hate to disappoint some of you- but at this point there's no baby to announce. I am on a day of bedrest and observation, after coming to the hospital with some early morning concerns. I have been here since 6:15 am. and as the day went on, including an ultrasound and some routine tests, the baby's heartrate was staying a bit low. So I was admitted just to be cautious and to make sure if there is something going on that I am in a good place to receive care quickly.
I am finding out quickly that I am not the kind of person who is good at 'doing nothing'. =) This long day has confirmed to me just how much I appreciate my crazy, busy lifestyle and I'm sure it will even get me a renewed passion for doing my laundry when I get home again. I'm saying that truthfully and drug-free too. =)
I just wanted to say thanks to Chip for always going the extra mile to make me happy and comfortable. I was already praising him last night {as he watched the Republican National Convention speeches} for bringing home a few groceries for me and making my life easier so much of the time. We may not have luxuries or vacations or any possessions to brag about and bring us happiness in our life and marriage, but I have to admit...sometimes I still think I'm the luckiest woman in the world. Knowing that we will give more to each other in the way of kindness, forgiveness and love means the world to me, and no amount of money can buy that. I have to say, for as lousy as I feel on bedrest today, parts of me are still so grateful and definitely feeling loved. It's like my hospital room is really "Cloud 9". =)
I love you, Chip.
I love you baby, that's causing me to reflect...
I love you, kiddos at home...and I even love your dirty laundry that's piling up for me too.
xoxo

I blog too much. This is post 599.

I really don't think I have that many important things to say. But I have to say it is fun for me to document the everyday stuff and to be able to look back and see themes and good times and bad times and how it all ties together to create my story.
I'm still trying to figure out why several of you stop by here each week. I have gained some friendships from blogging and have had some unique opportunities come my way. But still, I know there are people who just read and never comment...many who probably don't understand or share much in common with me at all. Yet you come back time after time. I find it interesting...and honestly I have prayed for some of you. Because I believe that stuff happens for a reason. I believe in coincidence too, but sometimes I like to think that there is more of a purpose for people's lives crossing paths than we sometimes give credit for. And so I am letting the people who read this and really aren't sure why they do, know that I am glad you find something worthwhile to come back for...and I am happy that some of you come out and leave me comments or email me and share your own stories. It really affirms to me that blogging can have meaning and purpose beyond just recording details of our lives. It really can change them along the way too.
On that note I am leaving you with a poem I read in my quiet time this morning. There is pressure being a parent and a lot of you know that. It is one of the questions I asked myself before taking on the job teaching high school yearbook. I really don't feel I am qualified to do some of the things I am asked or 'required of' in my life from day to day. This poem just spoke volumes to me. It ties in so neatly with what's been on my heart and mind- on and off my blog.

The Teacher
Lord, who am I to teach the way
To little children day by day,
So prone myself to go astray?

I teach them knowledge, but I know
How faint they flicker, and how low
The candles of my knowledge glow.

I teach them power to will and do,
But only now to learn anew
My own great weakness through and through.

I teach them love for all humankind
And all God's creatures, but I find
My love comes lagging far behind.

Lord, if their guide I still must be,
O let the little children see
The teacher leaning hard on Thee.
~By Leslie Pinckney Hill

Be thankful to someone...

I am sitting outside as I write this. The sun is shining, the breeze is warm, my girls are dressed with ribbons in their hair, and we just enjoyed their preschool program to wrap up their school year. {Poor Brock is the one home today not feeling well...but even with an upset stomach he's still in a fairly good mood.} At the program (I will post pics later...Chip has the camera right now) Wyndham stood up with her class and was a little bit shy with the surroundings and all the parents and cameras, but she stayed in her spot and even smiled a couple of times and did a few hand actions to the songs they sang. She even had the right hand over her heart while they did the pledge of allegiance to the flag. Bella had hers mixed up, but she did get all the words right. =) They were so cute up there... smiling and waving to Chip, Ava and me; Bella even blew us kisses.
The teachers hand out 'character awards' to each of the children in the class...to highlight what they consider to be each child's strength.
Chip and I were anxious to see what they picked for our two girls. He joked that Bella's would be 'stubborness'...or the ability to hold her ground. Do you know what she got? She got the award for love. Her teachers said that almost everday of preschool she told them how much she loved them (again...Chip is thinking she's brown-nosing early on, I on the otherhand see how much she really IS learning from me! {wink}) and she would give kisses to them and her friends on occasion too.
Wyndham, last year, received the award for joyfulness. They said she never had a 'down day'...always happy to do whatever it was that the class was doing. They nearly gave her that same award this year...but then realized she'd already gotten that one. So, second on her list was the award for persistence! How timely is that on the heels of my earlier post this week! I'm telling you, I am surrounded by my kids who teach me lessons within the walls of my very own home every single day. I am blessed indeed. Wyndham's character award just warmed my heart. To see that I'm not just saying that she's persistent and an inspiration to me...but that others can see it in her too. That is a beautiful thing.
I hope that all my kids keep working and growing toward realizing their full potential and that their characters just blossom in all they do. Even in the tough stuff of life. ESPECIALLY in the challenges of life. That's where character is best rooted, I believe.
So, as I sit in the warmth of the sun and enjoy open-air spring blogging {have I mentioned how much I LOVE wireless internet...I do!!} and reflect on the gifts that God has given to me, in the form of my kids and the people they are becoming, my heart is full and once again, I find myself unworthy of such blessing. Totally undeserved. Absolutely humbling. And really, it just makes me want to give back to the world somehow.
Today is Friday- garbage day on my block. I have some freshly made Rice Krispy Treats plated up with a little note attached to them which reads, "We appreciate what you do~ Thanks!". I plan to give them to the garbage man in just a few moments when he makes his stop at my house. It's a small gesture. But it's a little something I can do in this moment, home with my kids, with a heart that wants to give more.
I know that many of you live blessed lives too. Out of the overflow of that, I encourage you to be thankful; act on that and be thankful to someone, and spread a little bit of love wherever you are at this very moment in time.

How does this happen?

These look delicious. I found them here, after clicking links from one blog to another. Have I mentioned how much I love the internet and especially with wireless connection?! I look forward to making and eating these cupcakes at somepoint in my life. What's not to love in these little beauties? =)
We had a relaxing, spring-like weekend at my house. Enjoyed the sunshine, eating out on our deck for the first time this year, in addition, Chip and I had been asked to speak in a local church, and it seemed to go really well. It was neat to talk to some of the congregation afterwards, and to hear how they were touched by different aspects of the way God has worked in our lives the past several years. It is amazing to me too, how Teagan's life still impacts people even though she's not physically here with us. And likely, her life is touching more people in her death, than she might have ever touched in her lifetime. I don't know for sure, but it does bring a bit more healing to our lives each time we share our story.
These cupcakes and our testimony of God in our life makes me pause and wonder, "How did this happen?" Not in the sense that I'm questioning how tragedy happened, but the thing that happens when you stare at yourself in the mirror for a minute too long and suddenly the reflection you see doesn't seem like you at all. Does that ever happen to you?! That's what I'm talking about- it's the feeling and thoughts that rush through you when you 'step back' on occasion and look at your life from a different perspective.
I've been doing that a bit...realizing how different my life is than the one I dreamed for myself when I was 5. And 12. And 17. And 22. Those dreams that I held and the way I though things were going to be are so far from the way things really are. Yet I love my life and am overwhelmed with the guilt that I am living a really great, a really undeserved life much of the time.
I never want to live such an 'easy life' that I don't need God in it every single day. And I never want to get to the point in my life where I forget to thank Him for all that I have. I am blessed, in spite of hardship, and sometimes I am realizing, that I am blessed because of hardship. It's a crazy concept...that I can be thankful for the trials that have come my way. Had I not lived it and experienced it, I wouldn't believe it. But it's a reality in my life, that I recognize as something that can only come from God.
So, today, I am thankful and grateful, that my life has twists and turns and sometimes goes absolutely contrary to the way I would choose for it to go. But, there are gifts and blessings each step of the way.
I never thought I'd be happy to bake chicken and make cupcakes for my family, and give baths and do laundry, and not go to work from 9 to 5 earning a nice salary and hang out in an office with educated, interesting coworkers. Seems my 'dreams' have changed. I can only imagine how the dreams I have at this time will look different in the next 5 years. I hope that they still include yummy cupcakes from time to time. =)

All over the place...

I plan to do some scrappin' today. Just thought I'd share that...because that way I am more likely to actually DO it. =) Funny how blogging something makes me feel more accountable. I could have written a paper on that had I been a blogger back in my college days.
On another note. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE that we finally got wireless interenet?! I know. It was about 2 months ago...but I still appreciate it in my life every single day! And now I should probably mention that I LOVE my husband too, just because it seems a little out of balance to profess my love for something like the internet, and then not speak of my love and devotion to the one who really deserves some of mine. I know he's been in my life for a lot longer than we've had wireless...but I still appreciate him in my life every single day!
{Well except for the day where they have a marathon of 'Bowl games', because on that day he's more of an inconvenience. }But on all the other days, seriously, I don't say it enough or show it to him like I should. I'm working on that!
One other note. I love it when something I see or read or do makes me stop and think. About anything really. Which is one of the reasons I dislike most television programs these days...they make you feel like you are a mindless being. But that's another day and topic if I get into that. I clicked the link to my pastor's blog and he's posing a good question there. Even if you don't go to my church, or even if you don't go to church at all...I think it's a good question to think about. Leave a comment on his blog if you stop by, just because I think he'd appreciate your thoughts.
Now I'm off to get my coffee and some scrapping done. If I can ever pull myself away from the internet!

Another fun thing to do...

Found this make-your-own index card like the vintage library cards I used to love thumbing through as a kid. Sometimes I miss things like the Dewey Decimal System now that we live in such an automated hi-speed world. {Although I love my wireless internet connection everyday!} There was something really fun about going to the drawers of cards and locating just the book I was looking for. I loved books about horses when I was young- 1st, 2nd, 3rd grade. I couldn't get enough about Man 'o War and other great throughbreds. I loved other books too... how to doodle and draw. Or "Where the Red Fern Grows" and later on every Calvin and Hobbes book I could get my hands on. Not the most challenging, I know, but still, very much a part of why I am the way I am today.

If you loved library index cards as much as me, you can go and make one for yourself. It's so Nitty.Gritty., you know? Fun, free, evokes fond memories, and involves more than one typestyle. Go. Have fun. Create some joy.

Simple pleasures...

I am making spaghetti pie and blogging at the SAME time. Really. I don't know why we waited so long to get wireless internet in our home. That's all I have to say about that.

Chip finally talked me into it...

Life just got 'kicked up a notch' in our home. Chip wanted me to make sure that he got the credit for this one...we're fast and free! From wires, that is.
Hooray for being able to have the phone ring while surfing the net at the same time! I laughed at Chip as we were getting ready for bed. He had spent much of the evening watching the Minnesota High School Hockey Tournament, while I was catching up on some blogs and emails that I haven't gotten to in a long time. When he looked at me with that "what's so funny?" expression I said, "I think we've already gotten our money's worth in just the first night of wireless".
And of course we're thinking it but haven't said it..."we should have done this months ago!". Live and learn. And then get wireless. Makes one appreciate it all the more. =)

Comments=Too much Nitty.Gritty. Drama...for now.

We arrived home late last night. Safe and sound. We're all a little bit worn out from 12+ hours of driving and sitting, and now the facing the fun of unpacking 6 people's stuff and getting back to our routine of life.
Back to school.
Back to sleeping in our own beds.
Back to eating balanced meals.
Back to dial-up.
I guess back to reality! =)
By the way...had some 'comment drama' here a few posts ago. I do not need more "drama" in my life, so as of today, this will be my final post in which I will allow comments. If you have something you are dying to tell me, please do so now. I have decided that since the comments waste my time and use up energy that I could put into something else...like scrapping pages or cleaning my closets or making buttercream icing...and they are always left 'Anonymously', then it's just not worth my time having any comments for now.
If there are thoughts or ideas or other things that pop up that you feel are worth my time and energy, then you can always email me. {nitty.grittyjody@yahoo.com} You know I love mail anytime. That way any 'Anonymous' comment-type people will have to be a little more brazen...and I will get a chance to email them back...or post their email address so that all of us can write them back at any time. Seems fair to me.
SO, that's my Nitty.Gritty. decision for now. I have been very fair and open, but as I've said before, this blog is mostly about me wanting to just share myself with myself, my family, and others who happen to find my link. I have enjoyed the two-way dialogue and have made a lot of new "friends" along the way. I will keep blogging for now. And I look forward to getting more email.
Off to do some unpacking. Thanks for all the great comments up 'til now. Leave your last one here today...if you want...and if you have wireless internet, I'd love to know who you get it through and how much you pay for this service. Just doing some Nitty.Gritty. price-comparisons. =)

Mud Pie.

I could get used to wireless internet! In fact, it could be dangerous for a blog-obsessive person like me...multiple posts every single day. Yikes!
I just had to post dessert. I told you I loved our lunch at Panino's today. Such great memories and good food....but mostly, it's about the Mud Pie in the end. My kids all loved it...Oreo crust, mocha icecream, fudge, whipped cream and drizzled caramel and chocolate. They are smart kids in life already! =)

We made it!

Happy Valentine's Day wishes coming at you live and 'wireless!!' from the Twin Cities, Minnesota! It's COLD here! But, I was born and raised this way, so I shouldn't be surprised. Anyway, just had to drop in on my blog and make sure that it works out-of-state...and to say that I will be updating as our week goes along. How could I pass up the opportunity when I've got high-speed for 6 glorious days?! =)
You can expect to see pictures- of all sorts of things...possibly of exciting things like the "vintage Hi-Ho Cherri-o game" that my kids have already found in Grandma's cupboard of goodies, and maybe even some pictures of us having fun around town. I was thinking I could pull an NBC Today Show type of gig- you know how they do that "Where in the World is Matt Lauer" thing- and do a "Where in Minnesota is Nitty.Gritty. type thing..."we'll see. Too bad the MN State Fair isn't in full swing...I could have some fun taking that place for a day! Me and anything-on-a-stick...funny.
Okay. This is what you get after 12 hours of driving, part of that drive through near-blizzard conditions through Gary, Indiana, Chicago and a bit beyond...and now having gotten only 3 combined hours of sleep. Oh yeah...and a one hour time change difference. I suppose this is as close to real Nitty.Gritty. as I get.
Off to get a hot shower and hopefully some fun pictures to kick off this week. Happy, happy Valentine's to anyone who stops by here today...but especially to my Aunt Betty (because I finally got a comment from you and Evan- thanks!), to Jacque...because I miss you- especially when I'm "home" and you're not...and to some of my other big fans, including, but not limited to: Laura Schipola, Christal, Heidi S. in Gaylord, Andy W. in NY, and my other male reader, Tom K.- you've got some Nitty.Gritty. fans i see!... all the Scrap Etc Girls, Rachael...you knew I'd wish you a Happy Valentine's from here!, Aunt Dori...because I know you're out there, and I missed you as we drove through Chicago...to Baby Jaymun and family- because I'm hoping you're still home and getting 'better' everyday!...to Chef Jenny- because I miss your delectable Buttercream and eating at your swanky place and just plain miss you too...to all my 'regulars' here, thanks for reading and making me read your comments too. It's all about love and happy today.
And if you're new here and don't get what I'm blogging about, just stick around. Soon enough you'll feel the love too. At least I hope you will!