Jobs, scrapbooking, and insulation

What do all these things have in common? They all have happened in the last week and a half! While the recession was only officially declared as of December 2007, it has been a recession in our house for well over a year. But now, our prospects are on the mend and my hubby has a job in his chosen field. Mind you, it is a lab tech job and we hope for him to move up but it is awesome for him to be working in chemistry again with all the chemicals and things. You know...

Last weekend I went to a "Stamp Camp" with my mom and one of my co-workers. I didn't really want to get into another hobby, but it sounded like fun. It only cost $20, all the materials for 10 cards were provided, and it would be good bonding time. I mean really, where can you get a nice card for $2 anymore? I had a really great time! I'm not going to rush out to buy stuff because I can't think of more uses for a heart shaped hole punch but I ended up with some really fabulous cards that I will enjoy giving to family and friends. Mom kept mentioning how glad she was I brought her so I think we will definitely go to the one in March. Here's a snapshot of just a few of my favorites that I created:

Also today while I was at work, Josh ventured into the realm of insulation. We got some of the polyester insulation from Lowe's. Same R-19 value as fiberglass, none of the nasty getting in eyes and on skin. I think he did a pretty fine job of it and the crawlspace under our bathroom already feels noticeably warmer. Before if we took the board away, the cold air would pour into the basement. Now it feels about the same. I'm hoping it makes the bathroom warm because getting up at night to pee when the toilet seat is freezing is no pleasant experience let me tell you. The black foam on the pipes was another home improvement project of ours.

I think that what the Middle East peace talks are missing are the following: frigid temperatures, blankies, and cuddles. If you know our dogs, you will know that the following graphic image is nothing short of a miracle.