Northwest Rocks

Okay, so my final pumpkin is complete. Personally, I think it's a little masterpiece. Okay... maybe not a "masterpiece" per se (as I am still a sucky artist) but I do dig it. Unfortunately we didn't have enough room to put the Bearcat paw print that we had drawn up. I was really disappointed about it. Even if we had added it, it would have been hard to see.

Sorry the photo is kind of blurry but nevertheless, here she is:

For those of you who will be out and about tomorrow, whether you're trick-or-treating or just plain going out on the town, be careful and have fun!

The House

Hey, all!

Okay, some of you had been asking about the house we bought in March '07 because not everyone has had a chance to stop by. I figured the easiest way would be to post the pictures.

Front of the house (my car in front - as we were using my side of the garage to move stuff in):

Us with Tim and Grace (thanks for helping us move):

And us with Debbie & Wally:

My family also helped us move, but I don't have any pictures of that... sorry. We don't really have many pictures of the inside of the house (and don't expect too many until we get the horrible carpet redone).

We did get the downstairs living room repainted after we got the new furniture, but the formal living room is still pretty white. I must admit that I've been thinking about the new colors to do the rooms, but I'm still hesitating until we decide on carpet and the tiles for the bathrooms upstairs (we don't like the one we have in the main bathroom).

Anyway... I'm sure that will all be a ways down the road. We have so many plans in our head (to expand the shower in the bathroom and expand the kitchen - which would mean we'd have to expand the outdoor wall). I know Jus is a very handy dude, but we're still a little leary to start on any of that yet. We often try to bite off a bit more than we can chew, so we'll take that one step at a time. :)

Pumpkin Carving Complete (almost)

Hey, all!

Justin went and got four pumpkins yesterday for us to carve on Saturday. Unfortunate incident #1 - the designs that came with the carving kit are a bit scary for my taste. I tend to go with cutesy Halloween decorations instead of the scarier ones, so we decided to do our own.

Hey, if little ones are coming to our house to get candy and/or non-candy treats (which we get in case any little diabetics come to visit who are restricted on sugar intake - that's just unfair for them) I am certainly not going to intimidate any wee ones with scary decorations. I was 15 when I was diagnosed (right before Halloween) and I remember how nervous I was about the whole "extra shots for any candy and balancing out the extra sugar with protein."

Unfortunate incident #2 - the tools are about worthless. They are itty bitty and made of cheap plastic. Needless to say, each pumpkin took forever and carving isn't exactly my thing. I'd just rather pay someone to do it for me. :)

Justin's tribute to his favorite beer (yeah... his is better):

And I bet you can't guess who made this one up (ha ha). Hey, cut me some slack... I really can't draw too much of anything aside from pretty pathetic pig:

I'm not sure what we will "create" with the next two, but I have decided that I'm not even attempting it tonight. I could be wrong... but I'm guessing the next one will be a NWMSU one (of mine, that is). I'm not really "artsy-fartsy" or "talented" with this, but at least Justin's will look nice. Mine will just be all about Northwest (yeah, baby!)

I think I've "officially" decided on my costume. I'm just gonna stuff a pillowcase and write "oats" on it. Then, when I sling it over my shoulder, I'll be "haulin' oats." Bah-duh-duh!

Okay... those of you that know me, know I only do really stupid costumes. A couple of years ago, I did this little number where I wore my boots and hat (and mushroom earrings) and went as a western omelette. Me and some buddies from work also went to IHOP for lunch (and you know what I had to order):

Well, I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and are getting their costumes in order.

Smooches!

Whoo-hoo Branson!

So we're back from Branson... ate ourselves beyond stupid. We actually went to Marvel Cave (me and Jus) in Silver Dollar City. I am so afraid of heights that I could only look when we were on an even level, but I am assured that the experience was awesome.

We went to a few different places and had a pretty good time. Personally, I appreciate the plethora of food, so a lot of the "shows" I couldn't give a darned about. I wanna eat! ;) I just enjoy an excuse to gain weight.

The fam got to see a few neat places. We went to see Quigley's Castle (a part of Eureka Springs, AR - http://www.quigleyscastle.com/). The castle took a lot of time - and is more impressive in person - and is amazing, in terms of the amount of work that went into it.

We also went to the fish hatchery that is located near Branson. We got to feed the fish and (surprisingly) it was more fun than I had imagined. I loved it when I was a kid, but I thought I had matured since then. Guess not. :D

We got a toy for the girls (one of those raccoon tail thingees that's attached to a ball) and they really aren't too hot about it. However, they are really interested in the new laser light deal that Jus got from Mama. Poco and Bella have been chasing it all over the house since we got back.

I have to admit that I missed Poco and Bella (and their annoying habit of waking us up at 3 a.m.). What can I say... I'm kinda fond of 'em. I was so happy to see their goofy faces when I got home.

Well, I hope everyone had a good time while we were gone.

Back from Keokuk

Hello, everyone!

We just got back from visiting Justin's family in Keokuk and had quite a bit of fun. His Grandpa Glenn is doing well and seems to be his usual, ornery self. Grandma Bertie is just as spitfire as ever. We went back to check up on Grandpa Glenn and to say happy birthday to his other Grandpa Winkler. He turns a fantastic 94 years old today, so happy birthday to him.

Justin and his dad also played 18 holes of golf yesterday, so I think they were tickled to do that. He was a smidgeon worn out when he got back, though. :)

On Saturday morning, before we left for Keokuk, we stopped by the Pumpkin Run/Walk (http://www.pumpkinrunwalk.org/), which is a memorial for Jared and Jayne Coones. The proceeds from this walk are donated to (I believe) seven separate organizations and charities. You should really check out their site.

Anyway, they allowed (bless their hearts) for some of Elli's wristbands that her parents had made, as well as information about CDH to be passed out. It was so wonderful that they would give others an opportunity to spread the word. I would like to thank them for their thoughtfulness and generosity.

And this Wednesday morning, Justin, myself and my folks will be headed off to Branson. I am looking forward to it! So if I don't get a chance to post for a while, I apologize. I'll let you know about our trip when we get back (I'm sure everyone can't wait for that - ha ha).

Anway, I hope everyone has a great week!

Yeah, They Won!

Boo-yah! My boys won 35-10! I was so excited to see them take the game. Pitt State is ranked #6 and NWMSU is ranked #7.

Who's laughing now?

Oh, yeah... that would be Bobby Bearcat laughing!

Anywhoo... hope all things are going well for everyone!

Smooches,
-Jenny

It's Fantabulous

So we got the elliptical, but we're missing a few parts. We contacted the seller and the nuts and bolts that we need will be sent shortly. The machine is very, very quiet so it will be very exciting to work out and actually hear "Friends." (Don't laugh... since it's so hard to hear the t.v. when you're running on the 'mill, I have to watch a show that I "know" and don't have to listen to) I have pretty much every "Friends" episode memorized. I realize that sounds really sad.

And guess what's going on this weekend? Yeah... you bet your tail it's the Northwest vs. Pitt State game. Who's gonna get whooped? Oh yeah... NW is gonna kick the Gorilla's hind end. We're gonna sweep 'em, we're gonna sweep 'em (insert cutesy theme song here). I didn't get to see the game last year (first one I've missed in many, many years) but I am TOTALLY gonna be all over this one. I am so stoked. GO NORTHWEST!!!

In a couple of weeks, Justin and I will be headed for Branson (yeah, I told Debbie the wrong date). I have to admit, I am a total nerd for Branson and I absolutely love the stinkin' town. Everyone makes fun of it and I can't get enough of it. Who's gonna lie? I love the food there and I eat myself stupid. That's my favorite part.

Well, hope everything is going well for everyone!