Mamaliscious

Broken

2011-11-25T19:21:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6cdPeYJh0s&ob=av2e

I'm not sure why, but this song is how I'm feeling today. Must be all the snow...wetness, slushy, dark. I drove back from a quick jaunt into town feeling sad and heavy hearted. I'm missing my dad. I feel like my life is going by so quick in front of my eyes and I can't say that I'm loving every minute of it. Maybe it's that I turned 40 and I'm having a mid life crisis. I don't know. I know there are many positive aspects of my life, but I miss our family and close friends. I'm sure if the sun starts to shine tomorrow I'll be proclaiming how fantastic my life is. Please bear with me and my rollercoaster of emotions!
In other news, my van wouldn't start this morning. Probably for the fact that it had a soaking wet battery from my swamp driving and I haven't started it in a couple of days. Shay and I went to use our handy dandy battery starter, but lo and behold, it wasn't charged. I am ashamed to say I said words that are not too fitting for a lady. I did manage to jump start the van using the truck and it seems to be running like a hot damn. Somewhere along the way I've lost the second set of truck keys, so that will be causing my hubby to share some very unladylike words with me.
It is my middle son's 12th birthday today. I was coming off of night shifts so I couldn't do too much celebrating, but I did make him a special breakfast of pancakes. Tonight he requested McYucky's for his birthday supper, so I obliged and am having the after effects of a gut bomb. Shite...clean eating wasn't happening today...more like on the dirty side of the plate.
I have 4 glorious days off and am loving them. I have so much housework to do around here. I swear we were on the verge of being nominated for the hoarder's show...thankfully, I will try and put a stop to this impending ballot.
Christmas is only 30 days away and I haven't bought one present! Holy Muther Effer...but...I don't feel too stressed. I have an idea of a few things to get the kids, but they have everything. I'm just looking forward to spending some quality time with the family.
Tonight I have some floors to wash and wine to drink. Hehe..who says alcohol and cleaning doesn't mix! I'm a true multi tasker. I am on night shift mode, so I am setting up a couple of playlists and will clean to the music.
I've been on the hunt for some new music these days. Feel free to leave a comment with any suggestions of some good music choices.
Have a fantastic evening... I leave you with this clip that seems to bring a smile even to the most sullenest of moods...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tA0iLtT46fY
Stay warm!
~Jenny

Blizzardy Day

2011-11-24T01:00:00.000-08:00

Well life as I once knew it has changed dramatically in the past few months. I have gone from a stay at home mom with oodles of time and energy on my hands to a working mom with little or no energy. I am not complaining. Well, not at this moment.
My boys have had an adjustment period as well. I think my youngest especially. He's not used to not having his mom always at home for him,but we've made it work. My husband has had an adjustment period as well...for the exact same reasons as my youngest son. Some days I find myself infuriated with him, as he can come home from work at the same time as me, yet I am the one rushing around feeding the family and doing the errands...grrr...Oh well, I promised I wouldn't complain.(I'll save that for another post)
The weather outside is frightful today. On the way into work I started weaving through the road, and I'm sure I resembled Cruella Deville as I tried to miss sideswiping the vehicle in the lane next to me. That gave me the biggest adrenaline rush. To make matters worse I drove through the biggest puddle(lake) and by the time I got into the parking lot my van died. Of course I was stressed out. I said a little "911 prayer" and came back out to the van 10 minutes later and it started up with no issues. Thank you lord!
I have been busy in my free time doing the Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels work out dvds. These dvds are amazing. I'm hoping I stay focused so that come spring I will be ready to hit the pavement for some walk to run program. I'd like to try a spin class as well. I think that will keep me going for the winter. I have been trying to do the Eat Clean diet, but do find myself sometimes "cheating". My sugar intake has been minimal, which I am glad. I've done good with the carbs as well on the whole.
So where have I been? Between work, family, home..and facebook...I haven't been up to much else. I can kind of feel the winter blues coming up strong, so I need to make sure I do what I can to try and fight them off.
I hope everyone that reads this finds themselves well!!
Stay warm!
~Jenny

Walking for Facebook

2011-07-01T01:05:00.000-07:00

Well here I am sitting in a deep pit of despair...or most likely feeling the hangover of the msg that I piggishly consumed 5 hours earlier. A proper nursing diagnosis might read: potential risk of abdominal dehiscence as evidenced by bloating due to the increased uptake of msg. Potential side effects may include: edema to the feet, hands(also called "snausages"), the Elvis'ism of the cheeks and necks, and dry mouth. So dry in fact that your tongue has made its home outside of your mouth in hopes of a droplet of anything moist!

I had myself one big old pity party tonight. First off I made the mistake of going down memory lane. Not just going down memory lane, but opening every door of memory I had of my dad and my last words I shared with them. I felt regret, guilt...you name it. The should haves, could haves and would haves were coming out of my mouth. If onlies were next..."if only I could just say goodbye..." Do I feel better now?? Not really. I just feel sad. I do know that life is what it is. There will be no more second chances, no more hugs or fond farewells, and I am okay with that, but the simple truth of this all is that I miss my dad and life sucks (big ol' donkey balls )sometimes. Plain and simple.

So after wallowing in my sadness I began to feel pretty pissed off with myself. I work my butt off at work...I don't saunter down the halls or down the stairs. I work hard. I go, go go. But...when I'm at home...I am slothlike in all of its glory. Normally comfortably fitting shirts have become Richard Simmons-like on me. I'm rocking out the look of the half shirts my friends. At first I was convinced that my dryer was shrinking my clothes but a closer look in the mirror (which was followed by a "holy muther effer who the hell is that" kind of shriek!) I realized that it was just my gutt growing..ughh... Seriously...I swear I'm the laziest person known to mankind right now. Tonight, instead of going to the basement to call my kids to bed, I sent my oldest a facebook message telling him to send him and his brothers upstairs so I could say goodnight. Frig...what have I become??(and did I really admit this to everyone??)

I lack motivation. If I could get an exercise bike that could power the computer..man I'd be in shape. I know that I NEED to start moving. I need to start eating better at home. I see some of the patients that come into the hospital and I don't want to become that person. I know that there are many people in this world that would love the gift of mobility. I am mobile, and don't treat it like it's a blessing. Things need to change.

So in my post msg hangover state that I'm in, I'm challenging myself to"Walking for Facebook". Every minute I walk will be a minute I can spend on the computer. This sounds quite difficult, drastic some may say,perhaps even impossible but I am doing this. (or will try doing this). I know my extra chins and gluteus gradiose will thank me in the long run.

Will anyone join me in this challenge?(and if you don't hear from me for a few days, you know things aren't going quite as I planned...)

~jenny

Seven

2011-04-25T19:14:00.000-07:00

Seven more Days!!! Woo-hoo!!

I hope everyone had a fantastic Easter weekend! I had to work Saturday and Sunday, but had a great day today with my family. It's special days like this that makes one grateful for what they have. We are so blessed. Our children are fantastic, my husband is the best man I've met. Not only is he friggen hot(because that does matter...lol)he is funny, loving, loyal and my best friend. He stands beside me through all the crap I have to deal with at times and he gets me through those times. I'm a lucky girl. I also have a fantastic family that loves me for who I am. I don't have to put up with any unnecessary bullshit from people. I swear some people like to try and drum up trouble and issues. This shows their own insecurities. We quite enjoy not having to deal with the crap.

For Mother's Day my hubby made me the most beautiful book full of all of photos of me growing up. He painstakingly used his editing software to fix the photos. It is beautiful. I'll share the link in the next few days. It's nice that I have a special book to house all of the special photos...photos of my dad. I sure miss my dad. He also found some video of him and it brought some tears to our eyes. What a great man he was. I know that he's proud of me and our family. I thought about him this weekend and wondered how he felt when he met Jesus. Did he cry? Did he try to voice an opinion about the inadequacies of Heaven?? lol Whatever his reaction was I know that he is in good hands.

This week is going to be a busy week for me. I have 1 day off before going to Vancouver, then Vegas....eeeek. I have a lot to do. When we get back we are in semi-reno mode. I'll share some paint swatch colours in the next couple of weeks. Woo-hoo....I love painting and decorating. We have started weeding our garden, got all the leaves burned and are getting our deck/yard ready for summer. The thing that sucks about having an acre of land is the work that goes along with it. Oh well...I should not complain. We are very fortunate to have the house and property we do. (and it is only an acre...cannot imagine the work involved with lots of land)

Blog wise, I think it's time for a change. I'm going to try Wordpress. I have all of my old bloggy contacts, so when I switch over I'll contact everyone with my new address. Change is always good!

Hope everyone is fantastic. Remember to love the life you are living....we only get one shot at it on Earth...make the moments matter!

-Jenny

The Final Countdown...

2011-04-19T21:27:00.000-07:00

....so excited!!!

Life is Beautiful

2011-04-16T00:04:00.000-07:00

I am so happy....I got a job at the hospital!! Yee-haw!! So I am now employed at two different facilities! This means I am going to be super busy the next few months, but I couldn't be more thrilled. My hubby thinks I am nuts that I am thrilled that I will be working my arse off,but it's a job I love! I am also doing a Mental Health College course that starts in May, so time is going to be very valuable for us. Plans have begun for our Disneyland vacation...and the countdown has begun for Vegas Baby!! The boys are doing amazing these days! Seamus and his two companions won first place in the Northwest Pacific Music festival for Woodwind trio. They did a minuet(not sure of the spelling) and it was beautiful. Not sure where he gets his talent from but we are so proud. Next month he leaves on a band trip to Richmond for the Nationals. He is so excited...I know they will kick some band ass! I have my official cap and gown ceremony at the end of May. I'm not sure who in my class is walking up, or if I'll be the only one, but I looking forward to it. The Damstrom cup has begun in our household. I'm not sure if I have explained it before, so excuse me if you have heard this before. Scott made a tin foil Stanley cup-like thingy....we put toonies and loonies in it for a few weeks. Near the end we add a few bills. Last year, we also threw in street hockey gear...goalie pads and a helmet. The goal is who chooses the winning Stanley Cup team. So...like I said, betting has begun. I'm not sure who is in the lead, but I will keep everyone informed. The boys are getting excited about the upcoming soccer season. Thankfully, Scott has amazing hours at his job...he works 3 days one week and 4 days the next, with every weekend off. So it looks like he will become the soccer parent this season. We are also looking forward to our Staycation here in Terrace for July. I will take a couple of weeks off and we will be doing camping, hiking and fishing. Not much is newsworthy. My life is where it should be. I am loving the life I am living. I am blessed beyond measure with a gorgeous man who loves me, and 3 healthy, happy and loving boys. I have family that love and respect me, who I treasure very much. What more could a girl want? Hope everyone is loving the life they are living.... :) ~Jenny

Vegas Baby

2011-04-02T13:51:00.001-07:00

Well it's been a looonnnnng time since I have updated. Life is going fantastically!! I passed my national exams, I have a job that I love and my family is doing great these days. My boys are growing up so quickly. I can't believe that my oldest will be turning 14 tomorrow. Scott just had a hernia repair, which is healing nicely. Other than his constant moanings (which earned him the nickname Moaning Mertle) he has been doing fine. We are heading to Vegas the beginning of May and are so excited!! I can't wait. We get to go with awesome company. My sisters from other misters and my brother in laws, plus Scott's cousin and her husband. It.is.gonna.rock!!! Vegas look out!! The countdown has officially begun. In November we are taking our family to Disneyland! I am so excited for this. We haven't told the kids and are trying to keep it as a surprise. Scott and I have already begun talking about our next travels, just him and I and it is going to be somewhere tropical. Especially after this winter. It was brutal. So next winter we are going to do a cheap 1 week getaway, just the two of us. Like I said Life is good. The weather has been fantastic. It's days like this that makes me grateful for living in beautiful BC. Hope all is well..... ~Jenny

Nurse Jenny

2010-12-16T23:21:00.000-08:00

...has a nice ring, if I don't say so myself!

I have wanted to be a nurse for so many years and I no longer am the student nurse. I still have one more national test to do,but technically speaking, I could practise under an interim license.

Today was a melancholy day for me. I'm not sure why. I spent this past year not having much time to do anything for myself and always planning for the next day. Those days are gone. Alot of my thoughts revolved around the realization that I did, in fact, go for my dream. This makes me kind of teary eyed. Not that I went for my dream but the fact that my dad dying was the real kick in my ass that I needed to go and get to my goal. After his death I realized I couldn't wait for tomorrows, because as the ol' Garth Brooke song goes, "if tomorrow never comes...".

I did tell Scott that I was slightly disappointed(and only slightly..hehe) that there were no trumpets blaring or champagne popping, but he reminded me that the night of January 12th will be of the full fanfare(when me and my fellow gals have finished writing the nationals!). Tomorrow night we are having a quiet celebration, Scott, my mom, the boys and a couple of bottles of our favourite wine(not sure what they are having...haha)...okay maybe not so quiet!!!

So on to my next goal. It's a doozey folks. I know that I can accomplish most anything that I put my mind to and this next one is going to take some extreme effort.

After a year of the widening of the hips and girth of the gut, I am going to do the "Fit by 40". This time I am making it work. Why is it different this time?? Because I believe in myself and know that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to.

This past year was not only about finishing school. It was learning about myself. It was finding out what an amazing group of people I have supporting me. I am blessed with a husband that is loyal, loving, devoted and just plain amazing.(today he is...tomorrow I might be having a major hate on for him...hehe) My children are very adaptable to change. My mom, mother in law and inlaws all went out of there way to help our family out. My friends are fantastic. Not only are they understanding that I basically have had little or nothing to do with them for a year, but they have still encouraged me and listened to me over they phone when I needed to vent or cry. My friend Tanya and I learned so much about each other over this past year. We reconnected and regained a strong and true friendship that will continue to grow and flourish( that might have something to do with giggle fits and incessant chatter over shit, body parts and perhaps the odd dementia patient.) I learned that I am worthy. There were many tears shed, many power prayer sessions that I held in the shower(and truly every time I shower I do say "Thank You Jesus for this hot water and begin my ramble)and many moments of frustration. But with these moments came moments of accomplishment, not only for me but for my family. For example, watching my children became quite eager to make lunches, sweep the floor and make sure the kitchen was tidy, so mommy didn't have to worry about that. Tonight I cried when Gavin came to me and said, "Mommy...so it's true right?? You are a nurse?? Wow...I guess I really feel safe knowing that I have a nurse as a mom to look over me when I am sick!"

But really all I wanted to say was

HELL YEAH I'M a NURSE!!

Remember people..."to infinity and beyond reach for the stars!"

G'night

~Jenny

Cheater Cheater Pumpkin Eater

2010-11-25T19:32:00.000-08:00

So Gavin pipes up in the van that his teacher," let them do something cool"...

"What did she let you guys do?" I asked.

"We got to mark our own math test!" He exclaimed.

"Really? That's great."I responded.

"And the great thing is mom....I really,REALLY, really wanted to cheat, but I decided that wasn't the best thing to do! Isn't that cool?" he smiled.

"It sure is" I answered laughing.

So I'm proud to say my boy has a conscience!!

Later on, on the way back from hockey we had the following conversation.

"Gavin, what do you want Santa to bring you this year? I asked.

"Umm...not sure....I have a few things on the list, I'm trying to narrow it down."he replied.

"Well...what's the top things on your list?" I asked.

"Hmm.....a cellphone." he responded nonchalantly.

"A cellphone. Umm...Santa is not going to bring a seven year old a cell phone!" I stammered. (long gone are the days of trucks and games)

"Why not?" he asked.

"Well it's just not the type of thing Santa or mommy would like you to have!" I answered.

"Besides mom, sooner or later the big guy is gonna have to start keeping up with the times!" he smiled.

"And where did you hear such a phrase as that?I asked trying not to laugh.

"I heard it on family channel!" he smirked.

And just for the record Santa will not be bringing this seven year old a cellphone.

Oy!!

Hope everyone is warm and happy tonight!

~Jenny

Where to begin??

2010-11-25T00:27:00.000-08:00

My oldest son and I...(no he doesn't normally dress up like a waiter in a fine dining establishment...his band class was performing a concert)

The 3 amigos

I love this pic of my boys!!

hehehe...and this one of us!

This is not the most flattering pic,but it is what it is...lol

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I've come to this blog many times in the past few months, but couldn't find words or the energy to try and find the words to fill the page. So here I sit...I'm not sure how I can summarize a few months into a few lines. I think one of the reasons I never kept up with this blog is that in some strange way it reminds me of my dad: times when I needed to pull out a post and he'd do something foolish and I could just tell the story here.

Currently I am in my preceptorship at the hospital. I can't go into details about specifics, as per hospital policy but I am very lucky to have a wonderful preceptor. I will be officially done December 15th, and am licensed to work December 24th. It was quite the year, but I managed to pull through. I do have the best family ever. They are so adjustable and my hubby did step up to the plate to help me get through this grueling course. I have one more test to write in January...the biggy. Nationals! I wish I could tell everyone that I am busily preparing myself for this test, but....well...I'm not. I'm savouring the moments when I don't have to worry about doing much but go to work. It's a much needed break.

And now the question I get from most everyone: Do you like nursing?? Honestly...when I first started the program and was doing Long Term I didn't like it. There was a week where I questioned whether this was what I had thought it was going to be. But....as soon as I started doing the role of an LPN...there was no looking back. I'm extremely happy that I made this career choice. There are so many dynamics to this job. I have different directions I could go to in regards to my career path. I love the people. It is the most rewarding career and I'm so grateful that I have been able to get here.

My family is doing great. The boys are growing like weeds. My oldest is officially taller than me. They spent the summer with their grandparents and aunts and uncles in the East Kootenays and they still talk about that experience. School is going great for everyone. I'm so proud of them. Gavin is still loving playing hockey. And Scott...well...he is still his gorgeous, sometimes anal retentive, but loving self.

In other words...my life is great. Tonight it is snowing. I don't like winter, but the snow always makes me smile. It reminds me of going tobaganning, skiing, having snowball fights and laying on the ground and catching snowflakes with my tongue. Winter bliss!

Christmas is just around the corner and I'm not the least big organized. I'm not worried. This Christmas I don't want to buy into the rat race. I want to drink hot chocolate, eat cookies, build snowmen, drink too much wine, and sing cheesey Christmas song with my kids. That's the spirit of the holidays!

I promise I will not be a stranger. Gavinisms will be back and I leave you with one tonight:

"Mom I have to tell you something INCREDIBLE......Shay is growing hair outta his arm pits!"and he said this big wide eyes and in pure amazement!

I still think of him saying this and I start to giggle!!

Ciao folks!

~Jenny

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T00:21:00.000-07:00

The sky has become your deep blue sea,

The clouds have become your shore.

And there, for all eternity,

You sit with friends galore.

Each angel was a fisherman

Who has traded in his pole,

For golden wings and a game plan,

At Heaven's Fishing Hole.

Is There Anyone Out There???

2010-04-26T21:21:00.000-07:00

My 13 year old!

Seamus as a baby...

It took me 4 attempts to log in....oy...you know it's been far too long!!

Life is going good for me. I have a few extra moments tonight so I thought I'd give the two people that still read this a quick update!

I am currently in the second semester of the LPN program....Hell Yeah!! The first semester was brutal and very time consuming, but I got through...and with flying colours. I was very impressed with my grades. At the end I did the practicum and was equally impressed by my evaluation that my instructor had for me!! Sometimes it seems surreal...that I'm actually doing this. There were times in the first practicum that I was questioning why I was doing this...and I can't go into details except they involved poop and gross smells! Alas, I managed to find some vicks that does wonders when placed in the nostrils...goodbye smells!! Hallelujah!!

We've only completed our first week of semester 2,but I'm loving it. I can't wait to learn our injections, wound care and I'm really enjoying Pharmacology!

The kids are doing awesome these days. All seem to be chugging along. Seamus is officially a teenager...can't believe that. Time flies by way too quickly. We've been spending a lot of time going for walks, and biking. It's been fun. I think the boys will be going to the East Koots for the summer...I still don't know how I'm going to handle this. I know it will be better for them to actually have a fun summer, rather than stay at home while I'm in school every day. This will be tough to have them away for so long!!

Scott has managed to dig up the gardens so we need to pick up some good plants/flowers for this year. I love spring/summer!!! I went for my first run the other day...and just about died. Oh well, I need to get back in shape. Otherwise this nursing job will be way too tough on the body!!

I don't have too much to report. My life revolves around school, kids and my darling husband. He is pretty special. He's taken over so much the past 3 months just to ensure my school life runs smoothly. He's the best!

Anyhow...pretty boring update!! Hope everyone is doing fine these days!!

Jenny

What the Heck is my Password?

2010-02-20T11:04:00.000-08:00

It's been so long I could barely remember how to sign in.

All is well in my life. Busy, but well. I'm loving the nursing program. Some courses I love, and do better than the others. My first two anatomy quizzes I bombed (69%, and 68%)so I was pretty disheartened. I was wondering what kind of nurse I'd be if I didn't know the anatomy of a body. However, I changed some of my studying techniques(ie...escaping to the library to study....a quiet environment) and on my quiz yesterday I got 86%! Hell yeah. It felt good. I needed this to bring my grade up and my morale. All of the other classes I'm doing great in. We have started every Monday going to TerraceView Lodge for a clinical practise. I'm extremely nervous for this Monday as I'll be taking care of my client on my own....oy...

The family is doing well. They seem to be adjusting to this crazy schedule of mine. Scott is extremely helpful. I have gone apeshit on him for no apparent reason on a couple of occasions as well as giving him the ol' ugly cry. He's been awesome at doing most of the things around the house. He still leaves the toilets for me...nice guy that he is!!LOL

The boys are doing great! Seamus is super tall. He'll be turning 13 in April! He had to do a project for school on his life and it was emotional to travel down memory lane with him. Life goes by so quick!! One minute you're holding a baby in your arm and the next they are starting the van for you!! He's busy with school and Scouts. Last weekend he went to an outdoor campout and spent the night in a quinzhee. They built the quinzhees themselves and he said it was fun, "exept whenever he rolled over the snow from the roof would fall on him!"...So he came home wet and tired. Last night he went to a youth group function called a "lock in"....the kids stayed up from 8pm-7am. So needless to say, he's still sleeping!LOL

Jonas is up to his sarcastic little self. He always makes me laugh. I had to take him to the doctor a couple of weeks ago. He was the last patient in and we waited....FOREVER to see the doctor. We were finally moved to a room where we still continued to wait. I made up a song for us about a doctor named "yertle the turtle" and how slow he was. Finally the doctor came in the room(and he honestly looked like:

Both Jonas and I were trying not to laugh and the doctor said, "I was going as fast as I could, "and then had to leave the room and Jonas quipped, "I'd hate to see if he was going slow". We both started laughing and couldn't stop.

He's keeping himself busy with cubs and school. He got a new skateboard for Christmas from his Auntie so he's itching to go out on that.

Gavin is busy with hockey and skating. We are having to monitor how much wii time he does, because he'd spend the whole day on the wii if we let him! He's doing awesome in school,but told me yesterday that he misses me being home when they get home. That makes me feel sad. I forget sometimes how little he is and I feel guilty that in grade one his brothers had me home when they got home and now he doesn't. He asked when school was done if I'd be home then and I said I was going to be working sometimes and he got a funny look on his face. Lots of changes for this family, but I'll have to see how much of me working this family can take.

I haven't been exercising much. I'm going to try and start that sometime...LOL...I have lost 11 pounds,but it's because I have been eating relatively healthy when I'm at school. There's a lot of time on the ass (or rather gluteus maximus) so there's a huge potential for future expansion there, so I must be cautious!

This weekend I'm studying for a healing midterm, doing my nursing care plan for my patient on Monday, researching articles for a research topic, and starting 2 more projects. No time for rest...and on that note, I bid you a happy weekend!!!

Hope everyone is well!

Jenny

2010-01-07T07:25:00.000-08:00

Update to follow this weekend.....busy busy and loving it...:)
Happy 2010 to all of you...
~Jenny

Gavin-Isms

2009-12-10T08:13:00.000-08:00

Gavin's comment when he saw the counterful of cookies first thing in the morning:

"Mom, I just died and went to cookie heaven."

I guess it was a productive cookie making night!

~Jenny

Honesty Schmonesty

2009-12-10T00:24:00.000-08:00

Today we registered for our courses and got our time table. There are 7 courses..in the first semester. I've been plugging along with one measley Biology course for the past 7 months. I began to have a semi-private panic attack.
"What if I don't do well?"...."What if I can't manage?" "I don't want major changes!"
I was slightly bothered. I am slightly bothered and scared.
I was just sitting at the computer waiting for my cookies to bake and then it came to me, "What if they don't need me?"
I think this is the big ticket here.
I've been a SAHM for my kids whole life. I know that I'm the center of this household. I go above and beyond for my kids and my husband, not because I have to, but because I want to. I like our special moments as a family. I love that I make everyone's lunches and write them happy faces on their oranges.
But...what if they don't need me?
At the end of next year, maybe I won't be that important to them? Maybe they won't need me.
I know it sounds silly. I know it's mommy guilt. I just want to be needed by my boys and my husband because they complete me.
I'm sure someone will send me a message about me having to complete myself, but truly, I like that we are all pieces to this family puzzle that connects and fits together perfectly.
I just don't want to break any pieces of this puzzle.
~Jenny

Happy Christmas

2009-12-05T16:17:00.001-08:00

My dad would dedicate this song at every CAW Christmas dance. So this year I dedicate this to all of you!

Top Ten Reasons You Know You Need More Sleep...

2009-12-05T14:20:00.001-08:00

10. You went to bed the same time your hubby was getting up for work.

9. Your contacts were bothering you, giving you blurred vision and you tried for 12 minutes to take them out. The only problem was you weren't wearing contact lenses.

8. You had a 2 minute snooze on the toilet and even produced a quick dream sequence.

7. You caught a reflection of yourself in the mirror and gasped in shock at the picture of death staring back at you.

6. You put the milk away in the pantry and the box of shreddies in the fridge.

5. You tried not once, not twice, but three times to put a pair of your 10 year old boots on this morning.

4. You are capable of zoning out 8 screaming, rambunctious 10 year old boys.

3. The alarm blared for 1 hour before it woke you up.

2. You started a conversation with a Save on More employee and was slightly annoyed that he wasn't responding, when you realized you were talking to a cardboard cutout.

And the number one reason you know you need more sleep....

10. You were driving down Lakelse ave and saw an erratic idiot driver driving down the same side of the road as you. You were about to give the finger and then realized you were the erratic, idiot driver driving down the wrong side of the road.

It's going to be a long day!

~Jenny

Do Your Ears Hang Low?

2009-12-05T01:04:00.000-08:00

Do they wobble to and fro,
Can you tie them in a knot,
Can you tie them in a bow,
Can you throw them over your shoulder
Like a continental soldier
Do your ears hang low??

Just wanted to throw out that song so it will be stuck with you for the rest of the day.
Aren't I nice?
Can you tell that this post will have no rhyme, shape or reason. I'm waiting for a cake to cool. Note the time. 1 am and I'm going to decorate a birthday cake. The problem is I napped this afternoon for 3.5 hours and now I find myself unable to sleep. This, I'm sure, will pose a problem at 7:45am tomorrow. Thankfully, Gavin's hockey has been rescheduled for 10:30 so I have a little bit of lying in bed and complaining time.
My life is super busy these days. I could complain about it,but I won't. I'll spare you my pity party. Today on my way to Kitimat I had some much needed time for reflection. You know the kind of time where a song comes on the cd player and you break out into an ugly cry that turns into a good cry....yeah, that kind of reflection.
All is good. I'm thankful I'm busy. I'm grateful that by being busy means I'll working towards a goal. In 30 days I will be starting the LPN course and I'm sure busy will bring on a new meaning. I'm still struggling with some mommy guilt. I hope that our household doesn't fall into complete chaos with me being so busy. I love doing the extra stuff I do for my family. I don't want to let any of that go,but I know things will have to be rearranged.
And now a quick update:
Seamus is getting so tall it's scary. He doesn't look like any kid of mine...tall and lean..not at all heffalumpish like his momma. He's into all the things I'm not...LOL. He loves current events, social studies, geography, and history...He was talking about some Abdullah Abdullah guy yesterday and I thought, "shit, this kid knows more about what's going on than I do..."...and my intellectual remark to my son on this guy was, "what the heck...he's got the same first and last name. We should have called you Damstrom Damstrom"
I guess it doesn't help that I don't watch the news...or read the news, unless it's our local news. (and honestly it's just flipping throught the newspaper to see if I recognize anyone in the pictures!).
Josey is busy being a little card. He has such a quick wit about him. He is having his birthday party tomorrow. This just warms the cockle of my heart...well...not at all. I'm an awful mother. I despise birthday parties. But you gotta do what you gotta do!
Gavin is amazing me with how much he is learning. He is reading all sorts of books. I asked what he wants for Christmas and he wants some books. He is still loving hockey. He's got big goals. He wants to be a Riverking when he grows up.(Scott said, "riverking(our local hockey team)? You think he'd wanna be a Canucks player!)
All boys are excited for Christmas. I'm not so much. I haven't even bought any Christmas presents yet! I'm so far behind it's not even funny. I can't wait until this friggen biology is over and done with. It seems like the course that keeps on going..on...and on...and on....
But pretty soon it will be done,and shortly after there will be a whole bunch of new courses that I'm sure will cause me to complain! Such a viscious cycle!
Anyhow...better go and ice this cake. My hubby will be waking up soon to get ready for work and won't be happy that his wife hasn't made it to sleep yet.
Ciao
Jenny

Gavin-isms

2009-11-14T23:28:00.001-08:00

Overheard today at the hockey rink.
"My dad has a twin brother."explained Gavin to his friend.
"Does that mean they look the same?"asked his friend.
"Well...a little,"and he stopped to think, "except my dad is a bit fatter and my uncle has way less hair than my dad."
"so that's good you can tell them apart."remarked his friend.
"Yeah, I guess you could say that my Uncle is a skinnier, balder look alike of my dad."Gavin remarked.
I bet Uncle Shaun would love to hear that...hehe
~~~
For those of my facebook friends you probably heard the announcement that Gavin can now fart with his armpit. And, yes, he is extremely proud of this feat. So much that you speak to him and he tries to "fart" out the words...
I agree with Scott when he said, "this is growing old fast."
I asked him tonight, "you don't do that at school do you?"(like any concerned mother would ask) and he responded, "I haven't yet...I just learned how!"
So then we explained that a teacher would find it very rude and not to resort to that sort of behavior at school. And he replied, "I'll be incognito."...
Oh Lord, help us....

~Jennu

keep on the sunny side of life

2009-11-13T17:45:00.001-08:00

I've been singing this song all day...gotta love it...
:)

You Make Me Smile

2009-11-02T19:26:00.001-08:00

To the Man who's better than the best,
I'm lucky just to linger in your light....

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

2009-11-01T14:42:00.001-08:00

Weiners and Canes

2009-10-30T23:33:00.001-07:00

The day before the Hockeyville game the boys, my mom and I were cruising around town. I had heard that the NY Islanders were in town. While crossing over the overpass we passed a big charter bus. We could see it was jammed packed.
"It's them...the NY Islanders!" I said with excitement.
I knew that they'd probably be staying at the Best Western. The only problem is I was heading in the opposite direction. I decided we needed to drive back through Keith past Denny's and we'd head up to the hotel.
"I see the hockey sticks!!" Jonas yelled. We were brimming with excitement. My heart started to pound in exhileration.
So off we went on a quick detour to find the hockey team. It only took us a couple of minutes and we were driving past Copperside. The bus was parked in front of Denny's.
"Oh...I guess they're staying at this hotel." I said.
"I see the hockey sticks!" The boys yelled in unison. We drove up to the bus and it started to unload. Instead of hockey players it was a busload of senior citizens and the hockey sticks we saw were canes. We couldn't stop laughing!
Gavin reminded me of this story today. He was sharing with his friend this story about following the bus.
"and we THOUGHT they were holding hockey sticks...but they were holding canes. Isn't that funny?"he asked.
The boy looked at him and said, "no. It's not. It would have been funny if they were holding their weiners."he replied. (at this point I almost drove off the rode.)
"If they came off the bus eating hot dogs it wouldn't be funny...just means we followed them at lunch time."Gavin replied.
I gave a deep sigh of relief that my son didn't have a clue what this 6 year old was talking about and I quickly changed the topic.
Oy....

~Jenny

Meme from Ruth

2009-10-30T20:17:00.000-07:00

I'm bored tonight. There is so much I could be doing,but when in doubt do a meme...

Here I go:
20 years ago:
~I was 18 years old. I had just graduated from high school in July and was looking forward to the future. I moved from Kitimat to Whistler, BC where my life would completely change in a year.
~I was so excited but scared of moving so far away from home. I did a telephone interview and landed a job at the Chateau Whistler. I was baffled that one of the questions they asked was if I used a lot of soap when I washed.
~I left home with a small suitcase.
~My best friend was(and still is) Shari. She was living in Rogers Pass. Originally I had moved to Rogers Pass with her. I was hired and fired the same day.
~I loved Paula Abdul, U2, Richard Marx, Roxette, the B52's, Guns 'n Roses and Poison.

10 years ago
~I was pregnant with Josey and had less than a month to go.
~We were adjusting to life in Kitimat.
~I was stressed out: we were broke and trying to make ends meet.
~Shay was a year and half.
~I went to my grad 10 year reunion.

5 years ago
~Our family was complete. We had a 7 year old, 5 year old and 1 year old.
~We had a dog named Gypsy, and a cat named Mozart. None of which are with us anymore.
~I was wearing braces.
~We were thinking that Terrace would be our permanent home. We were still renting at the time.

3 years ago
~We were planning trip to Vegas. Sadly this trip never came to light....I guess we're still planning.
~My dad was living and giving me lots of blogging material.
~Steve Irwin had passed away in September.
~we were living in our new house for one year.

1 year ago

~I was in the pits of sadness and grief, still reeling from the death of my dad.
~I went to the Madonna concert in Vancouver.
~I had all 3 boys in school for the first time.

This year
~I've begun my upgrading (for the second time) and applied and was accepted into the LPN course.
~We experienced some more sadness with the death of my sis in law's brother. We made an unplanned trip to Jaffray to offer our support.
~I took my first aid course.
~Discovered I was driving for 2 years without a valid driver's license.
~Went on and off and on and off my "way of living" bandwagon.

Today
~I baked for my son's Halloween party.
~I drove for my other son's field trip to the bowling alley.
~stressed out over the H1N1 vaccination.
~said a few prayers
~listened to my hubby painfully explain picture stuff to me.
~talked with my Aunt and Uncle

Yesterday
~I bawled my eyes out rewatching the dvd Scott made of my dad's pictures.
~was a taxi driver for most of the day
~was happy my blood pressure had gone down a little.
~spent a mini fortune on studded winter tires.
~stressed out over the H1N1 vaccinations.

Tomorrow
~hockey bright and early for Gavin
~studying
~dropping one boy at a friends' house for a sleepover and getting 4 more for the night.
~will be trick and treating with our crew. Good times!!

~Jenny

Of Which I've Been Breaking the Law for 2 Years.

2009-10-29T23:28:00.001-07:00

I have been so busy this past week...well actually, more like the past couple of months. I'm not sure how a full course load is going to affect this family. I might hire an organizer. I wonder if she does house calls??
Yesterday I had a bazillion things to do...and truly, it was a bazillion. One of which was getting my driver's abstract for the school, so I can be a good mom and in my spare time drive for field trips. I realized it NEEDED to be done yesterday as I am scheduled to drive for a bowling trip tomorrow afternoon.
Off I headed to the Government agent's office. I was running a little behind of the time schedule I had alloted myself. The line up was grievously long. Why is that? Whenever you have a time constraint, you encounter lineups, slow people, pedestrians that take forever and a day to cross the street?
Anyhow..(phewf...I was beginning to start a rant). I waited 10 minutes in the line and quickly ran to the counter when it was my turn. I handed the lady my driver's license and asked for 2 driver abstracts to be done.
"We could do a driver's abstract....if you had a valid driver's license!" she said.
"Valid?" I was stunned. Did I pay that speeding ticket from 2006 off?? I began to ask myself."Yes valid." she said and then paused. We exchanged a couple of uncomfortable glances back and forth. Finally after what seemed like 198 minutes, I broke the silence with, "what do you mean by valid?"
"Your license expired October 18th, 2007"she answered.
"Ohhhh.."was all I could muster up.I began to think of how on earth a person of sound mind could forget to renew their license for 2 whole years.
And then it came to me.
"2007 was a bad year for me, my dad died..."I began....but then stopped myself. "Actually he died in 2008...2007 was actually pretty stress free. I have no reasonable explanation."I admitted.
Then she asked me the silliest question, "do you want to renew your license?"
"Umm...well considering I'm driving a vehicle unlawfully the answer would be YES!"I said.
The lady laughed and then told me that she's seen people come in after 8 or 9 years wondering if they need to renew their licenses. That made me feel really good. Still hope for me!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It's been super busy around here. I'll update in point form, as I need to get to bed.
~I'm so sad about Eurocan(pulp and paper mill that employed 535 people)shutting down. I think of all the families and our northwest that will be affected. Specifically I am thinking of Shari and Doug. I pray that they won't suffer too much hardship. I hope that they can use this as a way to pursue other dreams. Selfishly I don't want them to move. Shari is my best friend. We don't see each other often,but we talk daily. She has comforted me, laughed with me, cried with me and listened to me. I know that distance wouldn't change that,but I'm still a little sad.
~I'm still trodding along slowly with the biology. I'm ready to take a test but am having a hard time in getting the time to do so. I was going to do it tomorrow,but I need to bake for Josey's party and then drive for a school trip. I think I might need to hire a mom for a few hours a week. Anyhow...Monday is the day. So help me God.
~I'm conflicted in whether to vaccinate my children. I know the pros and cons. We were not going to do it and I had the worse knot in my tummy. Scott told me tonight before he went to work that he was second guessing our decision and I felt relieved he felt that way. Now we're thinking of doing it.
~I'm having issues with my blood pressue. It's been really high,but the good news is it has come down a smidgeon in the past 4 days. I have been stressed out so I know that's a factor. I have 5 more weeks to see if it goes down, otherwise, I'll be diagnosed as having high blood pressure.
~Which brings me to my usual bone of contention. Prior to this past Friday I was eating horrible and not working out. Since last week we've been eating amazing. Lots of vegetables, fruit, vitamins, almond milk protein shakes. I am having issues with my knee,but since I have started to walk daily it is feeling wonderful. I get an xray done tomorrow(in my spare time) and will know if there is any damage.
~We are so excited to begin the countdown for our Christmas holiday. We are going home to Jaffray for Christmas. Everyone is excited. Christmas is always so much fun. Especially surrounded by lots of family. I think we'll be there a couple of weeks and we are even spending New Years with them. I even have a fantabulous outfit to wear. I can't wait.
~My schooling starts January 4th...I'm a little nervous, excited. I have some mixed emotions. I think I have a bit of mommy guilt happening. Lately I've been wondering how I'm going to manage to do what I do plus take on a full course load. I know I have to give up some things, but I do feel kind of sad that I won't be able to do the salad bar anymore, or volunteer at the school. Will my family feel neglected? Will Scott learn to scrub a toilet...cook a meal?
~We bought our first set of winter tires today. Notice how I said first. Next week we are buying the truck's set. Holy friggen expensive batman!! I know that it's a small price to pay for safety. I was talking to the tire guy today(not sure what a tire guy is called...???)and he told me that all the deaths that were on the highway last year were due to poor tires. Isn't that awful? A few hundred dollars could have saved some lives.
~I probably have tons of more updates, but will save it for another time. My comfy bed is calling out to me.
BTW:
Answers to a couple of questions:

1) Rox asked: "Which do you think will be the grossest part of nursing?"
Oh this is easy, hairy shitty balls!"(I don't think I need to explain this do I?)
2)Tanya asked: "What kind of medication do you think we will have access so we can stick it to the ones we love?"
I wish we could have access to a truth serum. I'd have fun with that. Lately I never know what's the truth or what isn't from some people.
3) Gwen asked, "Which movies, which books, which people would you bring to a deserted Island?"
~Moulin Rouge, Grease, Legends of the Fall, and Possession.
~Away, The Bible, Alias Grace, The Bridge Across Forever
~My husband and Children.
~a laptop, tweezers, tampons, maxipads, mascara, Gosh lip gloss in nude, mirror, funky eyeliner...
You asked...hehe

Miss you all!!
:)
Jenny

2009-10-29T23:23:00.001-07:00

Waylon Jennings - Turn back the years

2009-10-27T23:28:00.001-07:00

We thought we lost a dvd that Scott made of my dad, and found it about half an hour ago. This is one of the song's playing...I love it. Makes me cry every time.

Rox Rocks

2009-10-15T22:25:00.000-07:00

"There's nothing like a mama-hug". ~Adabella Radici

Here's a big huge bear hug for a wonderful, fun loving gal who always can bring a smile to my face.

Big hugs....and remember "friends are the family we choose for ourselves."~Edna Buchanan

~jenny

Ask Jenny

2009-10-15T22:19:00.001-07:00

Okay, I'm alive and well. I am balls deep into my biology and am feeling a little bit stressed out. I'm counting the days til we leave for our Christmas Holiday down to the East Koots. We're so excited. After the holidays I will be an official nursing student. This means I get to buy some scrubs and quite possibly my very own stethoscope!! Yee haw!!!
I love our family and miss them so much. I'm missing my sister in law Krista lots these days. She's just the kind of person who can bring a smile to your face and is probably the most loyal person I have ever met. She rocks the kazbah in the most serious way.
Anyhow....I'm dry for blogging material....so....it's up to you, my faithful 3 readers.
Ask me anything....I'll respond, maybe with some witty answer.

So fire away....

~Jenny

2009-09-12T00:40:00.000-07:00

Love

2009-09-12T00:29:00.000-07:00

Are You There God...It's Me Jenny

2009-09-11T13:15:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I last posted. Crap...I don't even know what to update.
Since the anniversary of my dad's death came and went I was feeling in a big blue funk. My running, which I had learned to love, was thrown to the wayside 2 weeks before the first of July.
I'm a sabotager. Obviously this is something I don't realize I do,but it's after the fact that I tend to realize that when I'm feeling emotional I sabotage good things in my life. I tend to eat too much, stop the exercising, hibernate in my house....(I'm sure you get the picture).
We did get to enjoy a little bit of some of our summer. Scott had 3 weeks off in Aug/Sept. that we were going to spend camping and puttering around the house. Unfortunately, my sister in law's brother was killed in a helicopter crash and we decided that we were needed down in the Kootenays.
So we spent longer than we anticipated in the Koots,but it was needed. During that time an old friend from highschool's son died unexpectedly. He had some metabolical challenges through life,but had surpassed many with his capabilities. I had just talked to her at our reunion about how inspirational her son and her and her hubby were to me. His death broke my heart(as it did the whole community of K*itimat.)
My mother in law and our amazing nephew came for a week long visit with us. We had an awesome time with the two of them. Shortly after they returned back to J*affray we got news that my sis in law's best friend's son was killed in a hit and run. The same sis in law who only weeks earlier had lost her brother.
The death of this little 8 year old boy has thrown the community(and obviously without saying the family)into some deep sadness. It really makes you get a sense of how fragile life really is. My dad's death was extremely sad;however, it gives me comfort to know we got to know our dad. He got to see his grandchildren.
This little 8 year old boy's life was cut short before it should have. I know and truly believe that God has a plan with everything,but I do wonder sometimes what can be the plan with a little boy dying so young. No parents should ever have to bury their child. It's so heartbreaking....
So that brings me to today. My boys are healthy, funny, loving, and I was emotional when I sent them off to school. Not that they were going to school,but that for whatever reason they are still here with us.
Life can change at any moment.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Below is a random list of some updates:
~I'm off of sugar, white flour...eating clean. Since Monday I've lost 2 pounds.
~got accepted into the LPN program. Scared, nervous and excited.
~My sister gets married in less than a month. The spanx is ordered so I'm ready to go.
~Gavin won a ticket to the hockeyville game. He also won a spot to practise with some NHL alumni.
~I have to finish my Biology course before December....I have to find some motivation to do so.
~I have officially started my Christmas shopping. I have bought one present so far.
~We just celebrated our 11th year of wedded amazingness...and almost 19 years of sweet love...
~Life is good. My family is healthy, we are loving the life we are living.
:)

~Jenny

The Notebook - Remember When (ALAN JACKSON)

2009-08-09T22:00:00.001-07:00

Feeling nostalgic.....

Not a suitable adjective

2009-08-03T20:00:00.000-07:00

My hubby leaned over to me tonight and with a look of love in his eyes he whispered, "babe, you actually look really pretty tonight."
"Actually??!!!" I sputtered. "You mean I don't normally?" I asked.
"Shit....not actually...not sure why that word came out."he answered sincerely.
"It was actually a proverbial slip I bet." I shot back at him.
"Huh?" he answered.
"Actually never mind." I responded.

~Jenny

tags: dumb things men say

Menu Plan Monday

2009-08-02T23:34:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd participate once again in this week's Menu Plan Monday. Click on the above banner to be directed to this week's participants. (hosted by someone other than Laura)
In no particular order here are 7 meals for the next week:

~Turkey sandwiches with Turkey noodle soup.(somebody...cough cough...Shay...left one of our freezers open and I had to cook a turkey the other day)

~bbq hamburgers and pasta salad.

~Chicken Delish Salad

~bbq pork and beef kabobs served with corn on the cob and greek salad.

~Chicken fajitas(both chicken and peppers were on sale this week....score!!)

~tacos

~bbq steak with roasted potatoes/carrots and green salad.

What's on your menu??

Good Old Fashioned Chick Flick

2009-07-20T00:15:00.000-07:00

"to all the ships at sea and all the ports of call... to my family and to all friends and strangers - this is a message and a prayer. the message is that my travels taught me a great truth. i already had what everyone is searching for and few ever find. the person in the world who i was born to love forever. a person like me, of the outer banks and the blue atlantic mystery. a person rich in simple treasures, self-made, self-taught, a harbor where i am forever home. and no wind or trouble or even a little death can knock down this kind of love and be healed by it. if my prayer is heard, then there will be an erasing of all guilt and all regret, and an end to all anger. please, god. amen."

Let's Do Our Part!!

2009-07-14T17:15:00.000-07:00

Please click here to read of a wonderful friend of mine's current problem with an adoption agency. I was brought to tears this afternoon as I heard of what is going on. This is a complete travesty and we should all band together and try to make our voices heard. I will be printing off the article and going to our MP's office tomorrow to see what he can do.
Please pray for beautiful Gwen and her family. There are strength in numbers and I know that our prayers, and voices can be heard.
~Jenny

Chicken Delish Salad

2009-07-08T21:33:00.000-07:00

One of my family's favourite summer meals is a hot chicken salad.
There's really no directions per se....it's whatever you want to add to your salad will work.
Tonight's salad includes:
2 chicken breasts(the boys had already eaten so I only needed 2 pieces of chicken)
sliced mushrooms
red and yellow peppers
bacon strips(I usually cut them up,but didn't this time)
butter lettuce
cucumbers
tomatoes
kosher salt
ground pepper
2 cloves of garlic
and the secret ingredient....(read along and you'll find out what it is...)

In a frying pan with some olive oil start to cook your chicken. Cover the chicken
with the secret ingredient.
Grate the garlic cloves over the chicken and sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper.
Cook for a few minutes before adding the vegetables.

One of my favourite "secrets" is to use salad dressings as
marinades or quick sauces. Western family has a sweet onion
sauce that is spectacular to use with chicken as is their house
dressing(which is beautiful when used over salmon and then
baked).
So...the secret ingredient is....Kraft Pesto Parmesan Olive
Oil....

Add the red peppers, yellow peppers, bacon, mushrooms(and
whatever else you may have)....
Stir frequently and sautee the vegetables and chicken until each
are thoroughly cooked.

Meanwhile in a salad bowl add butter lettuce(or whatever
lettuce you have on hand) tomatoes and cucumbers.

Add a couple tbsp of the Pesto Parmesan to the salad. Add
some pepper and a sprinkle of kosher salt. At this point
other members of your family will begin to congregate
in the kitchen and ask you what glorious food you are
cooking....

When the chicken and vegetables are cooked, serve over the
salad. Top with some grated cheese(if you so desire)...serve
with a glass of merlot(or in our case a Bud Lime) and you
have a fantastic, easy and succulent Hot chicken salad.

What is some of your favourite summer dishes?

~Jenny

Gavin-isms

2009-06-30T18:07:00.000-07:00

My boys continue to amaze me.
Gavin just asked how Jesus died. I replied he died on the cross for man's sins and he said,"How did he get on the cross?"
I responded, "He was nailed to the cross."
"Oh I bet that hurt." he said solemnly.
"I wonder why they didn't call an ambulance and take him to the hospital?"he asked.

The minds of little ones.

1 year lotsa tears and smiles.....

2009-06-30T14:31:00.000-07:00

Honestly, I don't know whether time has gone by fast or slow. At times it seems like it's been a lifetime ago and other times like only yesterday.

As I've mentioned numerous times during this past year the grieving process sucks. This winter was awful for me. I felt like a big ol' mama bear who wanted to hibernate away from the world. I had no motivation, or energy and felt really sad.

Thankfully the new year came along and brought me some new sense of spirit.

I've been dreaming lots of my dad these days. Just wonderful little dreams where he comes to say hi and then tells me he must go. Scott has had a couple of these as well. I love these dreams as I feel like I am still connected to him.

The boys have handled the year as well as to be expected. Seamus gets emotional every now and then. Gavin has been more inquisitive than ever.ie: details of cremation, if Grandpa wears clothes in Heaven, does Grandpa look like Grandpa in heaven. Jonas doesn't voice his opinions like his brothers,but you can tell he is deep in thought.

My mom has proven herself to be a strong and capable woman. Not that I ever thought otherwise, but I'm astounded at her strength during this year. We have grown closer. Actually much closer than I ever would have imagined. I'm blessed by the closeness that came out of my dad dying.

I have learned alot this past year. Try to live for today and not for tomorrow. Money is not the answer to life's problems. Tell those you love how much they mean to you on a regular basis. Love the life you live.

I am thankful for the beautiful family and friends I have. My husband has not only demonstrated his compassion and patience this past year,but has been my warrior in this battle. Nothing is more beautiful than sharing the raw emotions with your spouse...revealing it all, the good, bad and the ugly.

I believe we managed to get through this year as well as we did because of those around us. Those that lifted us in prayer, that cried with us, that talked us through the sadness. A special thanks to my inlaws who went above and beyond the call of duty with their help. My mother inlaw helped in so many ways that I could never write everything she did. All I can offer is a simple thank you. We love you. Words could never touch on how important these actions were for our family.

I cherish the memories that my dad and I had. We had a close relationship. One that will always remain.

His grandsons were the light of his eyes and I am honored knowing that my boys gave my dad lots of joy.

I think of all the little things a person can take for granted. Often, I would get so easily annoyed at my dad's bellowing voice and boisterous personality. Oh how I would love to be annoyed by him once again!!

Today we are honouring my dad. We survived a year without his earthly presence. We are going to the riverbank and each casting a line into where his ashes were put. I know he will be watching down on us with a heartful of love and a smile as wide as a rainbow.

"We only part to meet again."

~Jenny

61 Years Ago

2009-06-26T14:09:00.001-07:00

He would have been 61.

Happy thoughts of my dad today.

Embarassing Moment

2009-06-24T09:47:00.000-07:00

The other day Gavin and I had to run to the grocery store. I wasn't wearing a jacket(you'll realize the importance of this in a couple of minutes.) I quickly went and got my few goods, and went through the checkout.
At the van I was buckling Gavin up in his booster seat and he said, "mom, it looks like you are starting to grow a third boob."
"What?!"I asked.
"Yep...it's beginning to bud." he said in a matter of fact tone.
I looked down and sure enough there was a protrusion.
"What the?"I said.
I quickly shut the door of the van and went into my seat and began to investigate.
It certainly looked like I was sprouting a new nipple...quite evidently.
I felt around and there was something there.
I dug deep and pulled out an almond! Holy crap. No new nip, just a nut.
"Good thing it's just an almond!" Gavin said triumphantly.
My boobs are the biggest food collector out there.(remember the cheerio story...and I don't eat cheerios??LOL)
How embarassing though. I wonder if there was mentioning of the 3 nippled woman as I left the store??
I think an urban legend has been started in this great town of the North.
~Jenny

Oldies but Goodies

2009-06-24T01:23:00.000-07:00

Here's some doozies of me....geekness factor:100%!!

My brother and I...I remember this picture being taken.

I hated that I had to wear that dress!LOL

My sister and I....when I wasn't trying to hide her

or booby trap her crib....yah I had some issues!

I think my mom must have ironed my hair,because

it looks awfully straight.

Another dress I didn't want to wear....

But...I remember being able to pick out the outfit

for this pic and this is what I WANTED to wear....

The shirt said "Disco is King"...teeth and glasses...

ughhh...

Bad hair....big teeth!LOL

Grade 7 grad...and yes, I picked out my own

dress for the occasion....

I loved this blue shirt and black necklace...

gotta love the '80's.

My grad photo from 20 years ago...

~Jenny

L.O.V.E

2009-06-24T01:11:00.001-07:00

(not sure why there's a green patch...scanned from the photo

and it's not green??)

Father's Day

2009-06-21T11:55:00.001-07:00

On this Father's Day I choose not to feel upset.

Instead I am counting my blessings.

My dad was an unconventional father. During my youth he wasn't around a lot. He was actively involved in the union movement and it did take a toll on our family life. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't resented him. It took many years for this resentment to go away.

A few years ago, while enjoying a late night on our deck my dad turned to me and said, "I wish I would have been a better dad." And with tears in his eyes he said, "I'm sorry." He then told Scott and I that his grandsons were his way of reconciling the past. After that moment I never looked back.

The other day I was thinking about the sacrifices he made for his family. I am proud of them. I wouldn't be the person I was, nor the parent I was if he hadn't done so.

Thank you Dad.

He was the best grandfather any child could have. The day before he left for Vancouver he told Scott and I that he "just needed enough time to see his boys graduate". I know that he's not here physically with us, but I know without a doubt he'll see his boys graduate.

We were blessed to have him in our lives as long as he was. "It's not the years in your life that count, it's the life in those years."

~~~~~~

I cannot even describe how blessed I am to have the husband I do.

To say he's an amazing father is an understatement. He is selfless and always puts our needs ahead of his own. I'm not so good at this I have to admit. On his days off he always makes sure there is time alloted for the boys. This is something I'm not so good at either. (if I had a day off I'm running for the hills....alone!!!) A couple of months ago when I was complaining about not having enough time to myself he said, "babe, just think, in a few years you're going to want these days back. We'll have many years of time to ourselves." He always knows how to put things in perspective.

He teaches the boys right from wrong. (Even those unintentional lessons...the right way to curse). He's not afraid to show emotion. He tells them constantly how much he loves them and says everynight before they go to bed, "someday you're not going to want me to hug and kiss you...until then...this is what you're getting."Jonas summed it up today when I asked him why he loved his dad so much, "mom, he's everything you'd expect a dad to be and more."

Happy Father's day to my gorgeous,selfless quick witted, loving, funny, athletic, charming, kind husband.

Now that's a sentence that is over filled with adjectives. I could have written many more.

But simply put, we love you.

Happy Father's Day!

~Jenny

Life

2009-06-15T23:40:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful camping getaway. We are so blessed to live minutes away from the rugged beautiful wilderness. God is always so apparent when you look out on the lake and see the shorelines with the reflections of the mountains shining through. The beauty of life is indescribeable...fragile-like, awe inspiring.
We took our canoe and paddled and spent alot of time on the water. Pure serenity. It was amazing. During the afternoons we'd explore the hiking trails. (The only downfall was our inadequate supply of bug repellant. We all got butchered with bites!)At night we'd sit around the fire telling tales, singing songs and listening to the "night creatures".
It was so nice to get away. Reflect. Count our blessings....(and we have many.)
I came home feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. Tomorrow it will be a year from when my dad first went into the hospital in Kitimat. His anniversary of his death is slowly approaching and I feel like I'm going to come undone.
My wonderful friend Cheryl wrote this tonight on her blog, and it made me cry:
"Life is too short to worry about having to be someone you aren't when you are around people that don't bring out the best in you. Friends, good friends, should see you for who you are and always want the best for you - and help you find that for yourself. My friends - I love you lots."
This is the truth. For my friends that believe in me, love me, and stand by me, thank you.
I hope you all can stand on nature's shoreline and take in this majestic beauty of life.

~Jenny

Gavin-Isms

2009-06-10T18:47:00.000-07:00

"Mommy...is ass a bad word?"my six year old asked me this afternoon.
"It certainly is!" I said.
"hmm..."he said with a serious look on his face."How 'bout cocksucker?"
"Ahhh..."I was speechless for a moment. "Yes!!! That is not a good word at all!! Please don't say any of those words!"
"I thought they weren't good. I heard daddy saying a few bad words in the shop yesterday but all I could make out was those 2 words."
"You promise me you won't say any of those words right?" I asked.
"Yeah I know. There's now a few of them I know that I'm not allowed to say. Maybe you should tell Daddy he isn't allowed to say them!"he said nonchalantly.
The kids on to something there!!
~~~~
So I did tell my hubby about the conversation and he said, "I didn't think he could hear me. I think I banged my foot and spewed out a few 'not so good'words. I'll have to remember to shout quieter next time!"

Like an Addict

2009-06-08T09:37:00.001-07:00

My name is Jenny. It's been 4 days now and I'm addicted to sugar and caffeine. Specifically those disgustingly sweet tasting cold coffee creations from Tim Hortons.
It started off innocently enough. 4 days ago in the heat of the afternoon my hubby asked if I wouldn't mind picking him up one of "those ice coffee things" on my way home.
I've been off coffee for almost 2 years now. I've been off refined sugar 7 weeks now(give or take a day or 2...possibly 3).
Being such a dutiful wife, I was happy to oblige. However; the temptation was too much for me,that blissful hot sunny afternoon. I heard the car ahead of me bellow into the microphone..."2 iced caps..."
and, without thought or hesitation, I, too, followed suit.
Bravely I went home with both in hand. Along the way I took a deep breath and took my first sip. "Oh for the love of God...this is goooood."
Scott shook his head(and possibly his finger at me...and not..."the finger"...but a finger). "tsk tsk tsk...this isn't going to be good."he said disapprovingly.(while taking a few sips of his own)
Afterwards we both commented that while it is good to treat oneself once in awhile, it's good to set your limits and boundaries...
Hahahahahahaha!!
The next day...around the same time....a craving soon formed. Immediately I found myself taking the same drive...ordering the same concoction and enjoying the immediate satisfaction of coffee and pure sugar.
"It hardly has any grams of fat."I told Scott.
"Yeah that's what we're telling ourselves."Mr. Levelheadness replied. "This could become a problem for you Jen. No more ice caps for ice for a month or so."he stated."They sure do taste good."he added.
Which brings me to yesterday. Day 3. At exactly 3:25 pm I found myself out the door on the way to Tim Horton's. I was waivering. Surely I could just buy my hubby one, and forgo this temptation.
Sadly that wasn't the case. I bought 2. On the ride home I began to panic(while taking a few sips along the way)
"Scott is gonna nag me like there's no tomorrow on this one."I said to myself. "Whatever. I can handle it. I am a grown up. I can make my own choices. I'm gonna march right in there and drink it right in front of him" I said reassuringly as I drove into the drive way.
I opened the door and neatly tucked my ice cap on the window ledge and brought my hubby his in the living room.
Then I did what any smart minded, liberating woman would do. I grabbed my ice cap and stealthily made my way into the computer room.
Scott made some chit chat. I was too busy having some almost orgasmic pleasure from the pure sugar that I was barely responding to him.
"You don't feel like talking?"he asked, "that's not like you."
"Ahem..."I sighed.
And then the inevitable happened......
I slurped.
Quicker than a hounddog on a bloody cougar my husband jumped from his seat and ran to the computer room and caught me red handed in mid suck."
"I knew it.... I knew something was up!"he said.
I tried to reason,but couldn't.
So we're off of the ice caps. It'll be a tough one to break. Especially on those festering hot days when you notice everyone and their dog sipping up the sweet goodness.
I'll let you know how I fare.

~Jenny

A Little Johnny for Roxy

2009-06-03T18:22:00.001-07:00

It was a Wonderful Day

2009-05-29T23:18:00.000-07:00

Click here to read the article on the bench that was dedicated in my dad's honour.
:)
Jenny

He didn't....

2009-05-28T08:16:00.000-07:00

I couldn't believe this when I read it this morning...

The Big 10

2009-05-25T12:47:00.001-07:00

I guess hard work pays off!! I'm starting week 6 of my walk/run program and it's going good. (Other than the complaining I do as I head out the door, or feeling like my body's been run over by a steamroller daily.) Besides that....it's ducky poo!!

Life is good these days. We are very busy,but that's good.

I'll try and update more with some pics later on tonight.

Hope everyone is great!

Jenny

Blogarama

2009-05-04T22:38:00.000-07:00

I'm actually feeling the urge to update. Wow. I'm almost speechless.
There are so many updates I should share. Instead of long drawn-out, run on sentences, I'll keep my updates short and to the point.
1. I'm taking my biology 12 again. I started this course 3 years ago,but never finished. At the time, it was too much for me to manage school, 3 way littler boys, and moving into a new house. So the good news is I'm at it again. The bad news is I have to be on a very regimented schedule. I could be overwhelmed by this(and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't)but I'm just going to tog along and do it one unit at a time. I kick myself for not finishing the course...ughhhh
2. I applied for the LPN course. Originally I was going to do the RN program. I was hesitant as it is a 4 year program and I just don't think it would be condusive for our family. That's a lot of school. So I was mulling over the past few months whether or not I should take the LPN and Scott and I made the decision that a one year program was the best for our family. A friend of mine will be in the course with me,so that will be an added bonus. I have my fingers crossed, and hands in prayer that I get accepted.
3. I started the walk to run program. Scott is doing it with me and I am on week 3. Currently I am walk 2.5, run 2.5 minutes x 9. (Tomorrow is x 7 and Thursday is x 8). I bought new beautiful Asics, and put in some fabulouso insoles and it's been great. I did have a bit of a shin splint yesterday,but I find Advil is great for taking the edge off. It has been awesome having Scott as my coach. He knows how to motivate me. He pushes me to my extreme and knows what I can do. We also have 45 minutes just to ourselves. No other distraction. No kids...telephones, computers. It's been awesome!(I'm saying that now as it is not a running day. Last night I told him to take the timer and shove it up his a$$) I thought we were just going to do the 8 week program but apparently Mr. Makehersweattillshedies, said we will be running 3 times a week until......it snows. I can't even think about this,because I get overwhelmed.
I do recommend those that want to run to try the program. It's amazing.
4. I've been mostly off of white sugar. I say mostly,because I allow myself one treat meal a week. Well, Saturday's one treat meal, actually turned into a full out feast.
5. All of this running has made me lose..............................2 pounds. Seriously that number is depressing. Oh well...
6. We got our firepit built. I love it. It's simple,but will do the job. We went to the river the other night to pick up our river rock for it. Now I just have to have a good ol' fashioned bonfire.
7. My life is great. We're healthy, happy, busy and I am so excited at what our future holds for us. Bring it on!!

~jenny

Dedication

2009-05-04T22:09:00.000-07:00

Today I got a phonecall from the union. In conjuction with the Health and Safety Board at R*io T*into A*lcan they will be setting up a memorial bench for my dad. Our friend went over some of the details and wanted to make sure the date was a go ahead for us. The plan is that our family, along with the some of the union members will go to Radley Park and Dedicate the bench in my dad's name.

In an odd way I have excitement for this day. I wish I could erect a huge monument in honour of my dad and his greatness,but I know that this bench will be a gentle reminder of the wonderful man he was.

I'm still astounded at the love and respect the union continues to give us. My dad will be looking down at us and his brothers and sisters that day with pride.

~Jenny

These are a few of my Happy things....

2009-05-04T15:29:00.000-07:00

I stole this meme from Inspired Room.
Below is a top 20 list of things that make me Happy:)

1. The colour blue.
2. Kisses from my hunky hubby.
3. Kisses/love from my boys.
4. a good deal when buying something/anything.
5. a sense of accomplishing something
6. listening to good music.
7. laughing with friends.
8. a clean bathroom.
9. hiking in the woods.
10. a good book.
11. baking.
12. a clean kitchen.
13. dreams for the future.
14. memories from the past.
15. a good cup of tea.
16. running with my husband.
17. the sounds of happy, healthy, active children.
18. perfume.
19.makeup.
20. tweezers.

What makes you happy?

~Jenny

Picturelisciousness....

2009-05-03T15:14:00.000-07:00

Hope you enjoyed these!

Jenny

Philips Carousel Commercial - Adam Berg

2009-04-19T12:14:00.001-07:00

Deep Thoughts with Jenny

2009-04-12T19:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday after 5 minutes of batting my eyelashes purposefully at my husband I looked over and seductively said, "babe, do you notice anything different about me?"
He nonchalantly answered in a monotone response, "your eyelashes look LONG and LUSH!"
I almost choked...he noticed....it worked. I found my dream mascara. I felt like I was living my covergirl commercial....and then...
"You know Jen"Scott said while interrupting my fantasy, "I do read Facebook."
(and for those not on my facebook...well let's just say I was quite delighted to find a perfect mascara)
Today my hubby was feeling rather stressed. I was trying out a new eye moisturizer and was commenting on whether or not my eyes were beginning to look a little wrinkle pruned. "If someone just pulled a little here, this line would go away."I stated.
"Uh-huh."he replied.
"And do you like the colour of my hair?" I asked(my mom had just dyed my hair) as I did a big Tyra Banks-ish shake of my mane.
"Jen"he said with a stern look on his face, "I'm a little stressed out....can't quite think about mascaras and hair dyes."
There was a moment of silence and then the unthinkable happened. I was just about to bring out my one finger...not "the finger",but the pointer finger and go "all apeshit" on him. Instead we looked at each other and started to laugh.
It was quite a funny moment actually and I'm glad my narcissistic behaviour could give him some comic relief.
But he didn't answer my question....grrrr!
~~~~~
I'm having some serious self induced sickness as we speak. It started in the morning as I decided to eat the ass out of the chocolate Easter bunny. It gave me a rush...a high...I felt like I was on top of the world. So feeling rather daring and a little foolish, I decided I'd finish the poor guy off and ate through his ears. From ass to ears....and I feel like I could go have a serious nap. Nothing like a hangover from cheap chocolate....Was it worth it? No. Will I do it again? Probably yeah.
Today was a low key Easter celebration for us. Scott is on night shift, so my mom stayed overnight and we had Easter brunch together. Tonight I am going to watch "The Passion"and spend some much needed time alone giving thanks and praise for all He sacrificed.
Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!!
~Jenny

Pics

2009-04-11T17:14:00.000-07:00

Below are some travelling pics. The majority are from Scott and Shaun's trip to India. There are a couple that were taken on my travel(Budapest and Prague)....

Budapest

Prague

~Jenny

Scanner-time

2009-04-09T23:15:00.000-07:00

So we finally broke down and bought a scanner. We have a bazillion pics and this week I'm going to try and share some of them. I can't wait to show the travelling pics...pre-kids. I'm not even going to organize these....enjoy...

Jonas

Seamus

My dad and Seamus...love this pic

Sleeping Seamus

Our first hike with Seamus

Jonas, a big rotund baby!!

Seamus and I.

Shay

Jonas

Seamus and I

Shay

Seamus,a few hours old(he looks so much like my dad!!)

Gavin

Scott and Gavin

Jonas

My hippy love in Budapest

Fish lips Josey

JOnas

Jonas(note the left paralyzed arm...)

Seamus

Seamus the day we took him home. Scott's granny had

bought him the sweater and we both made our fair share

of comments when we put it on him!!(the things we do to

please our grandmothers!!)

Seamus' first photo shoot with daddy

Me as a baby

Jonas

Seamus and the big spruce

Shaun and I watching boaters in Sweden.

Us and some of our favourite people!

Jonas

Prayer flags in Nepal

~Jenny

Barbie at 50: Cougar Barbie

2009-04-07T23:44:00.001-07:00

The WTF Blanket (Snuggie Parody)

2009-04-06T18:30:00.001-07:00

love this!!LOL

What Will They Come Up With Next

2009-04-06T16:27:00.000-07:00

I saw this on one of my fellow twitterers status and thought it deserved a post of its own. Click on the following link....I think this product deserves its own WTF Are They Thinking Title.
Do you agree??
~Jenny

A week of Firsts

2009-04-05T22:13:00.000-07:00

As per the title, this week has been a week of firsts for our family.
~My oldest son turned 12. This amazing, beautiful, smart boy is growing up. I'm going to bring some pics over to my mom's house this week(unless Scott goes down to Staples and buys us a scanner) and scan some of his baby/toddler photos. Stay tuned...
~Shay had his first band performance in the REM theater. It was amazing. I couldn't believe these grade 6's actually could perform the way they did. I did recognize a couple of squeaks from the clarinet section and could almost guarantee the came from his!
~I didn't cry when watching the performance. That was a first.
~Jonas had his first shower tonight instead of a bath. He informed the other day he "was ready" to shower by himself,because the tub was getting a little crowded with him and his little brother!(I should state that he is a petite 9 year old!!LOL)
~Gavin had his first sleepover all by HIMSELF at his Grandma's. (with 3 boys there's generally a sibling that goes with) He was beyond thrilled. She told him he could pick out whatever he wanted for supper and for breakfast. He phoned us a few bazillion times, one of which to tell us he was having hotdogs for supper and pancakes with REAL maple syrup..."the good kind mom...Grandma says it costs 10 bucks!"
~Tonight was the first night in a long time that I didn't eat a single morsel past 7 pm!! Hallelujah for me!!
~I didn't swear today...holy shit!!(oops)
**Edit
~Scott cooked two dinners this weekend.
~I bought my first ever iron
Anyhow can't remember all of my firsts. Hope everyone had a fantabulous day!!
:)
Jenny

I'm Alive....

2009-04-01T15:56:00.000-07:00

Well my blogtivity has left the building....like a looong time ago. I find myself starting posts, then rereading, then deleting, then contemplating...oy...so here I am trying to find something to write about.
I guess I could just update a bit with things going on around here. The b's are working. I can tell when I am not taking them. My exercise has been horrible the past few weeks, but once again I am on the wagon...(or is that off the wagon???) Last week I walked a couple of days and did a couple of days of elliptical workouts. Last night I headed to the gym, and felt like I was going to die. Scott has started running and I have agreed to him verbally that I will begin my walk/run program this Saturday.(Oh Lord, what have I gotten myself into??) I'll take pics of that day!
My mood has been all over the place. I really am tired of this weather. I NEED Spring...sunshine, birds chirping, millenium trail walks and bike rides. This morning we woke up to snow. Man, that Jesus sure does know how to pull an April Fools Day Prank.
Today marks the nine month anniversary since my dad died. It's weird I can feel it, without being fully aware of the day. Last night Scott and I had a little cry. He managed to make us laugh before it turned into a full blown ugly cry. Thankfully!!
My brother in law and family were here visiting us last week. It was an amazing visit. It was sad to see them go. I wish we didn't live so far away. During their visit we skated, bowled, went swimming in K*itimat at the new pool(can anyone say amazing!!)walked, tried to have weenie roast...and just hung out.
Scott and I during their trip got devirginized by visiting our local s*ex shop. I had never been into a s*ex shop before with my husband(and had only been once before in Victoria). It was an experience. We couldn't believe what sorts of things were available. I couldn't even figure most of the stuff out. There was one thing that was as long as a baseball bat. I thought maybe it was used to hit your hunny over the head and drag them into the bedroom,but was shocked when I was told what it was used for...and where?? I have to say I did feel slightly prudish,and had to remind myself that "each to their own...different strokes for different folks!!" I'm glad that my husband doesn't have a need for "s*ex on the go"cups...(all in different'flavours"....butts, vaginas....) or the blow up dolls. We both did a quick peruse made a few uncomfortable jokes and beelined quick for the door. It was quite the experience!
Seamus is growing like a bad weed. I can't believe how big he is getting. He will be turning 12 on Friday!! Holy crap..12 years!! Time is going by so fast I can't believe it!!
Last night Scott was complaining about me not washing my skillet(to brown my meat) and Gavin said to him, "well I guess dad you should start thinking about taking over the cooking if you're going to complain!" Man that boy is tuned! Scott said he did have to laugh over his comment.
We are going to be tackling painting our workout room in the next few weeks. I'll take a pic and upload it. I'm not sure what colour to paint it. I heart paint colours. I'm looking forward to go and pick out some swatches.
Anyhow...this post was effing dry....oy. Coming soon...pictures....loads of pics.
Hope all is well!!
:)

Crystal Shawanda - You Can Let Go

2009-03-29T19:18:00.001-07:00

A tear jerker

6 years

2009-03-28T22:41:00.001-07:00

I can't believe that our baby boy is officially 6 years old!! (I am so blessed to have 3 beautiful and healthy boys.)
So Happy Birthday to our boy who always brings a smile to our face. We wish you a year of all of your favourite things: hockey, sonic wii video games, scootering, soccer, cheesestrings, and much much more....
We love you....

Murder Day 2....

2009-03-13T12:43:00.000-07:00

Remember yesterday how I wondered how long I'd enjoy my husband being at home with us for 2 weeks...hmmm...yeah.

Well hubby decided to tackle the pantry. He's amazing at tackling jobs that I keep putting off. So I gave him some instructions on where I wanted certain things moved...etc.

Pay close attention to this next sentence. I gave him the cloths to use to do the cleaning as he's using some cleaner with bleach in it.

I just went into the kitchen to grab my water and Mr. Loveofmylife is cleaning and scrubbing under the sink with my APRIL CORNELL napkin!! I kind of hyperventilated and he said, "well I never see you use them...they kind of look too girly for my liking!!"

"ARRRRRGHHHHHH". I guess I should be grateful he does things like this for me,but oy...that line was discontinued!!!

The last time he was on a cleaning binge he decided to clean out the fishtank and used my CRYSTAL martini pitcher to take the water out and shattered it!! His response was about the same, "you don't make martinis too much!!"

Anyhow...I'm off muttering all sorts of unmentionables..........and God for the next few minutes...please close your ears!

~Jenny

Menopausal Post

2009-03-12T21:29:00.000-07:00

Well after having my hubby stay for 5 days a week in Kitimat for the past 2 weeks, he's home and on holidays for 2 weeks. I haven't decided yet, if that's a good thing or a bad thing. Give me a couple of days.
The boys all got excellent report cards. I'm so proud of their successes and I'm so lucky that I have these 3 amazing children! Seamus is growing like a weed and will shortly be looking down at his dad and I. It's so amazing how fast kids grow. He's going to be 12 in 2.5 weeks...amazing. I still remember when I gave birth to him.
We are looking forward to a visit from Scott's twin bro and his wife and family. We are excited to show them the sights of our town. I can't wait for their visit.
(btw...Scott is teasing me as I write this..."what are you blogging about?"..."an update"I reply...."update?...Jenny got groceries today...Scott played video games.....not much to update babe!".....oy)
Have I mentioned I'm on the b's....vitamin b's baby and they kick some serious ass. Scott is convinced they are all a placebo and I'm just imagining the effects...whatever the case, they seem to be working for me.
I thought spring was in the air, but today it snowed. I almost cried. Now am I imagining that this is a longer winter than usual?? Anyone???
Our town was officially crowned "Hockeyville 2009". Such exciting news for our community. I am convinced that there is going be alot of hoophra concerning tickets(to the NHL hockey game) and such. I've heard some buzz in the air about who's wanting what...oy. I think we should enjoy our victory,and in the end tickets should go to the kids. Sounds simple....I'm sure it won't be.
My family is seriously addicted to Joni's oatmeal cake...it's superbly delicious! Maybe she'll post her recipe and everyone can try it out. Amazing cake.
Scott is so right....I'm grasping at straws here for an update.....
On that note...I bid you a wonderful evening. I'm off to watch ER...
~Jenny

Great Post

2009-03-12T12:07:00.000-07:00

I read this post and thought it was worth sharing. I've struggled with not fitting into the so called parameters of Christianity. I'm bothered by some Christians who look down on me,because I may swear, but in the same instance these people are gossiping, judging or being mean spirited towards others. Is this Christian-like behaviour?? I may say fuck or shit, but my love for Jesus is still unwavering. It does boil down to "judge not lest thee be judged."
We all sin, fall from Grace and falter, let's try just to love one another and accept each other for who we are.
:)
~Jenny

The Good Old Hockey Game

2009-03-07T21:36:00.001-08:00

Terrace is Hockeyville!!!

Can Somebody Say Giveaway???

2009-03-04T22:59:00.001-08:00

My dear friend Cheryl has one of the best blogs around. Daily she shares what she is making for dinner along with little anecdotes of the day. It's fresh, fun and I leave the blog wanting more!!
She's doing a giveaway. Click here to read the details of the wonderful goodies she's giving away. The only catch...you have to either email her your favourite recipe, or post it in the comments section.
So what are you waiting for...I'm looking up a family favourite.
Good luck to you all!
:)
Jenny

Wall Art

2009-03-04T16:05:00.001-08:00

I just ordered this lovely, yet affordable wall decal for somewhere in my house. I wanted the blossoms to be white,so hopefully that got sent with the order. I'm sure Scott will hate it,but I think it will be lovely for our bedroom.
Click on the picture to go to the artist's shop...wonderful murals for really good prices.
:)

I love the above fairy decal...sigh...if I had a girl I'd put it somewhere in the bedroom on the bottom corner of the wall....how awesome is that!! But...Scott wouldn't let me do a fairy decal....no way jose!!LOL

Julian Perretta Wonder Why SONG HQ WITH LYRICS

2009-03-03T23:55:00.001-08:00

jai ho full video

2009-02-24T15:12:00.001-08:00

Love it!!!! I've been trying the dance moves!!

The Ting Tings -

2009-02-23T16:53:00.001-08:00

Not exactly a deep song, but one that I have been humming lately. I sing it to my son...
"They call me Say
they call me Shay Shay
they call me seemus
that's not my name...."
Apparently I do have too much time on my hands!

Asses

2009-02-22T16:06:00.001-08:00

I've had my run in this week with my fair share of asses...

~Jenny

What Not to Say to Your Wife....

2009-02-21T12:31:00.000-08:00

"Scott do you think it would be okay to bring a small pillow to sit on if I went to a spin class?I asked.
"A pillow to spin class?"my hubby asked bewildered.
"Sure...I don't want major pain and discomfort happening in the butt!"I answered.
"Ahh don't worry about that babe...your bum is big, soft and squishy...it's your own homemade pillow"He answered.
I shot him the "better stop speaking buddy"look....
"Uh-oh..."Scott sighed.

~Jenny

Sigh of Relief...

2009-02-21T11:43:00.001-08:00

Remember the last post??
I'm feeling good. Not so stressed, relaxed, smiling, happy,but most importantly...loved. Talking over your feelings with your hubby does wonders for your mood, as does big hugs, kisses, more hugs, and a night alone(date night!!) with your love.
I'm feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
p.s I swear I suffer from Post-Menstrual Syndrome. Anyone else get this???
Hope everyone has a happy Saturday!
~Jenny

Resurrection - Nicol Sponberg

2009-02-18T22:06:00.001-08:00

Can Somebody Say Beyotch???

2009-02-18T20:21:00.000-08:00

Before reading I should give everyone fair warning. If you're looking for happy, you've come to the wrong place.
Lately my mood has been vile. I'm angry. I'm pissed off. I'm a bitch with a capital B!! Everything and everyone is annoying me. I've been trying to pinpoint what is causing the mood. I'm wondering if my hormones are so out of the whack that it's causing moodiness. My hubby's playful comments and loving teases are driving me over the edge. The other night I felt like my head was going to pop out of my head. My kids were supposed to clean the basement and it was the.most.disgusting.vile.filthy.raunchy.sick.mess....
I'm eating properly and continuing with the hard workouts. My mom went through early menopause(started at 38 and then was put on hormone medication) and I'm hoping I'm not going to follow in her footsteps. I hate not feeling happy. I don't know if the last few months have caught up with me and this bitchiness is just a part of the grief.
What if it's not?? What if I stay a bitter beyotch for the rest of my life???
Does anyone know of a healthy supplement...a non bitchy pill???
Holy crap, venting has helped...I think I just clued into what my problem may be...can't go into details. Those that know me well, will probably figure it out...
Anyhow...grrrrrrr........off to clean my house...
~Ciao folks!
Jenny

All-In-One

2009-02-17T22:53:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Nin, I'm swiping this questionaire. Answer the question, using only one word...

1.Your Cell phone? Ruined.
2. Your significant other?Love
3. Your hair? Boring
4. Your mother? Brave
5. Your father? Dead
6. Your favorite thing? Walking
7. Your dream last night? Forgot
8. Your favorite drink?Tea
9. Your dream/goal? Weightloss
10. What room you are in? Kitchen
11. Your hobby? Exercise
12. Your fear? Death
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years?Living
14. Where were you last night? gym
15. Your heart? Loving
16. Muffins?Blueberry
17. Wish list item? Lottery
18. Where you grew up? Kitimat
19. Last thing you did? peed
20. What are you wearing? pj's
21. Your TV?Off
22. Your pets? Oreo
23. Friends? Blessed
24. Your life? Contentment
25. Your mood? Rocky
26. Missing someone? Yes
27. Car? minivan
28. Something you're not wearing? sexy
29. Your favorite store? Sephoras
30. Your favorite color? Blue.
31. Your motto? Love
32. Something you say all the time?Shit
33. When is the last time you laughed? tonight
34. Last time you cried? weekend
35. Who will resend this? nobody
36. One place that I go to over and over? Timmies
37. One person who emails me regularly? facebook
38. Favorite place to eat? mom's
39. Why you participated in this survey? boredom
40. What are you doing tonight? nothing

~Jenny

Menu Plan Monday

2009-02-15T21:39:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd take part of Laura's Menu Plan Mondays again. Click on the above banners to see all of the participants in Menu Plan Mondays.
Here's the list of the seven meals I have planned in no particular order.

~Baked Salmon, vegetable medley(zucchini, peppers and eggplant) and rice.
~Chicken Fajitas
~Tacos(I'll have something different...tuna on a whole wheat pita)
~Halibut, Sweet Potato Fries, and Spinach Salad.
~Chicken Stir Fry
~Roast Beef, Mashed Cauliflower, and Mixed Salad.
~Beef Dip(I won't have the bun...beef and salad.)

What's on your menu?
~Jenny

What I've Learned...

2009-02-15T19:32:00.000-08:00

1. I love to bake. I've only started baking the past couple of years. I used to be envious of those that would bake fresh goodies for their family and one day thought that I'd give it a try. I love it. I know I'm a bit old school with this next statement, but there's nothing better than your kids coming home from school and grabbing a home made goodie and sitting at the kitchen table. Ahhh...bliss...

2. It's okay to have a different opinion than others. My dad used to say to me, "you got a voice...make sure you use it!" Don't be afraid to be real and express yourself.

3. I strongly dislike back fat. Sometimes I think I should invent a bra that covers not only the boobies but the back boobies...d'ya think I'm on to something??

4. Nothing is greater than when your child says that they love you...nothing.... (and if they're saying it while sitting at the kichen table and eating a freshly baked cookie...well...hallelujah!)

5. "no pain no gain" is a good motto...until you are dealing with it...then...it's a whole 'nother story!!

6. Toe hair is so not sexy.

7. I can't resist chocolate. If there is one piece in my house I'll have to eat it. Probably why my belly has been renamed "mr. potato belly"....(can make a happy and sad face in no time flat!)

8. You can never make enough money. The more money you make, the more money you want to spend.

9. I am worthy. I am beautiful. I will succeed.

10. Keep tweezers in your vehicle!! This is the BEST place to find any unwanted chin hair!! Seriously!!

:)

~Jenny

Interviewed by Mrs. Dubaya....

2009-02-15T16:18:00.000-08:00

Jen, over at Mrs. Wilson, interviewed me via email. Here's my responses. Leave a message in the comment section if you want me to interview you....

1. What are your top five favorite songs?
"The Lady of Shalott"by Loreena McKennit, "China Roses"Enya, "Cymbeline"Loreena McKennit, "Harvest Moon"Neil Young, "Nothing Compares 2U"Sinead O'Connor.

2. Do you love living in Terrace, or is there somewhere else you'd rather live?
I love living in Terrace, because my hubby has an awesome job and we have made it our home. I love that the outdoors is at our fingertips...we are minutes away from fishing, skiing, hiking, camping, boating....all the good things. However; if Scott didn't have a job here we would have no problem leaving. Ideally I'd love to live in a little ski town(Fernie, Kimberly, Rossland) in a timber framed house!LOL...but that isn't happening!

3. If you could go on an all-expenses-paid vacation to anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Only one place???LOL...I'd love to travel to Egypt and Jerusaleum.

4. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Old???Yikes....God willing, still happily married and a mother to my 3 gorgeous boys. At that point I'm hoping we can afford for Scott to take his sabbatical(year paid leave) so we can do a once in a lifetime vacation. I'm hoping we are healthy and active, and still loving the life we are living.

5. Why do you blog and what got you started?
Originally I started blogging because I read an article that Rosie O had started one. It looked fun and different and thought it would be a fun way to communicate with our extended family.
Here's my first post...I've been at it for 4 years!

Now it's your turn....
:)
Jenny

How Do I Love Thee....

2009-02-14T15:20:00.000-08:00

This morning after my hubby gave me a sweet gentle kiss followed by a quick "Happy Valentines Day" I wandered downstairs to start my day. Sitting beside my laptop was a piece of paper with his writing on it.

"Man I love this man!" I thought to myself excited to see what he had written me.I opened the piece of paper and neatly written was:

"Come with me to the bedroom tonight

and I will give you a big delight."

Immediately I started laughing. I love this man. We both share the same sense of humour and he always knows how to 'get me'. He also left a lovely note on my facebook wall that made me smile.

He's working nights so we'll do our romantic evening either Monday night or Tuesday night. We danced to "let's get it on" yesterday afternoon. Gavin ended up joining us and then Scott explained, "when you really love your wife, you have to dance even if it's not when you want to be doing so..."(I had interrupted him during a video game requesting a dance)

I could write a million reasons why I love this man. Simply put, he loves me. He loves me Unconditionally...he's loved me through the good times and through the bad times. He's my biggest supporter. He puts our family's needs ahead of his own. He believes in me. He believes in us.

This is our 19th Valentines Day together, and it never grows old!!

"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return...."~Moulin Rouge

Happy Valentines Day!!

Jenny

Elephant Love Medley

2009-02-14T15:14:00.001-08:00

Ahhh.....love....

All is Quiet on the Western Front

2009-02-09T22:26:00.000-08:00

I keep meaning to blog,but then I get to the computer and have zilch, nothing, nada....
I just weighed myself tonight(which I usually do Monday mornings) and I've lost 13 pounds!! I'm happy about my weight loss,but after watching Biggest Loser sometimes I feel a little discouraged. Scott's friend's wife is a personal trainer and I think I am going to hire her so that once a month she can show me new exercises to challenge me. The other day at the gym I did intervals of running one minute/walking one minute for 25 minutes. It was an awesome workout. Friday night I went for a run/walk. It was a little hard on the legs and I didn't do as well as I would have liked but it is a start. I'm officially starting the run/walk program at the end of February. My knee is feeling way better so I'm ready to kick it up a notch. My eating the past 2 days wasn't exactly body for life worthy,but I didn't completely overindulge. (that's what I'm trying to tell myself!!)
This week has been a week of infections. I had a zit on my nose that looked like it was a big friggen cold sore...maybe it was?? Gavin had an infection and Jonas had pink eye! Oy...thankfully the antibiotics have kicked in for both boys and they are on the mend. And yes, I'm happy to report that my zitacular eyesore has imploded...it's almost gone!(Thank you Lord...and yes, is it bad that I did pray for my Father to rid me of this zit???)
I'm certainly hoping that spring is in the air. Somedays it feels like it and the next it is snowing! I told Scott the other day that we should just sell everything and then move to Spain. We could set up a little hacienda and then just be travelling Spanish-wannabe gypsies. Hubby dearest just laughed at me...little did he know that I wasn't exactly kidding!
Does everyone have wonderful Valentines Day plans?? Oh how I love Valentines Day!!! Scott asked me what I wanted and I told him a lovely poem written from his heart, and a dance...nice slow dance...his response..."yah I know about the dance, you make me do that every year,but I can't remember how to write a poem!"He better be joking...(he has written me lovely heart felt poems that I keep in a cardboard box that says, "love letters"....I know that someday my boys will find them and read through them and giggle and wonder, "dad wrote these???")He works on Valentines Day so I think we will go out the night before. I wish Terrace had more selection. I also wish we had a lounge or a piano bar. When we lived in Whistler(100 million moons ago)we used to visit the piano bar often. It was so romantic...
My 20 year grad reunion is coming up this July. I'm looking forward to seeing some old friends. Being as vain as I am, I'm certainly hoping my gut and ass starts to shrink down. I can't use the pregnant card this time. At my ten year I was six months pregant and my friends said, "you look so good for being 6 months pregnant, "and then I'd whisper to Scott, "yeah...little do they know I look like THIS when I'm not pregnant!" It should be fun though. The last month or so I might have to resort to the Body Wrap. To save money I could just buy some bulk saran wrap and start wrapping....they say it works?!! Truthfully, I'll be okay with where I'm at in July.
I've been a bit of a recluse these days. It seems like all I do is workout, sometimes clean, go on facebook, read blogs, sometimes parent, drive my kids to their activities, cook, cook, sometimes bake...I think I need to have a girls night so I can catch up with everyone. A "spring ahead" party....
We spent the weekend with my mom and it's nice to just go and laze away at her house. We all had fun playing video games. Scott was in his glory because my mom has the old arcade game for her ps2. Gavin loved the singsong and it was cute hearing him sing along to the songs. He'd sing and then say, "I suck"...sing and then say..."aww I suck" and so on and so on.(and yes I did reassure my 5 year old that he "most certainly did not" suck!!)
~~~~~~~
I went for a visit to my mom's last week and on the way there(it was just me and Gav)Gavin said, "mommy I sure do miss Grampa."
"I miss him too Gavin."I said smiling.
He was silent for a couple of minutes and then he said, "mommy clouds sure make some weird shapes."
"I know they do. I love staring up at the clouds."I replied.
"Mommy, that cloud is shaped like a hand...it's waving at me!! I think Grampa just heard I missed him and he's waving at me from heaven!"he said with pure excitement.
"He sure is!!"I said choking back the tears.
He spent the rest of the drive to K*itimat looking up at the clouds, trying to see one more wave from heaven. He shared that story a few times this weekend. Each time with such excitement and pure exhileration.
My sweet boy.
~~~~~~
When Gavin's timbits team played at the 1st intermission at the Riverkings game Scott, my mom and I all commented how much my dad would have loved to be there. I told my mom that he'd show us somehow that he was "there" with us. One of the first songs they played during the game was the Rolling Stones, "Start me Up". My mom looked over at me and we both shed a couple of tears. He was the biggest Rolling Stones fan...
~~~~~~
Anyhow that's all I have. I hope everyone has a wonderful Valentines Day. Take the time to write down in a card or on a piece of paper, what your significant other means to you. That is the best gift you can give. Remember that we aren't guaranteed a tomorrow, so make sure that on this day they truly know.(and this shouldn't just happen on Valentines Day!!! It should be mentioned daily or even weekly).
I'm off to bed...
:)
~Jenny

Hockey Night in Canada...Live from Terrace BC!!!

2009-01-29T23:43:00.000-08:00

As most know Terrace made the top 5 for Hockeyville 2009 bid!! CBC is coming into town tomorrow and one of the events they will be filming will be at Gavin's Timbits game. The riverkings are coming out to play with them so the kids are super stoked. If you live in Terrace please come out to support these little guys. Ice time is 5:45pm in the new arena!!
Saturday night the timbits are playing during the first intermission at the Riverkings vs. Hazelton playoff game. Tickets are selling super fast so if you want to come and see an amazing game and feel the true atmosphere of hockey spirit grab your tickets. Gavin is super stoked. For those coming to the game look out for him at the first intermission, he's number 10.
Today I had a small cry as I was thinking about my son's love for the game of hockey. My dad LOVED hockey. He watched every game, and listened to sports talk every night before he went to bed. I know that he'd be in his GLORY knowing that Terrace was going for Hockeyville 2009, and that the CBC crew was filming his Grandson's team and team mates! I'm sure we'll feel his smiles and joy tomorrow afternoon!!
Hope everyone is doing great. Remember to tune in to Hockey Night in Canada Saturday and see the clips of what our amazing town has to offer!!
Terrace is Hockeyville!!!
:)
Jenny

Gavin-isms....

2009-01-28T14:12:00.000-08:00

Today I picked Gavin up from kindergarten and he came running up to greet me. In his hand he had made a new art project that I knew he'd tell me about.
"Mommy!"he exclaimed, "see what I made?" He asked.
"I sure do! It's awesome!"I answered.
"It's a jellyfish!"he smiled."and see those long pieces that are hanging down?"he asked.
"Yes they are pretty!"I responded admiring the long dangling pieces of coloured tissue paper.
"Those are its testicles!"He answered.
"I think you mean tentacles sweetie!"I said holding back the laughter.
At home when his dad woke up he showed him his prized art.
"And look dad...it has lots of testicles!"he boasted.

:)
~Jenny

Terrace is Hockeyville!!

2009-01-25T20:58:00.000-08:00

Terrace made it to the top 5 for Hockeyville 2009!!! Read here for further information.

Can everybody give a Holler!!!

We just won $25,000 for arena upgrades, and next stop is being crowned Hockeyville 2009!!

~Jenny

9 Pounds....

2009-01-25T14:12:00.000-08:00

All these images below represent the amount of weight I've lost these past 3 weeks!!

9 Pounds baby!!

9 pounds of Shea butter:

A nine pound turtle:

A nine pound box of oatmeal:

A nine pound puppy:

A nine pound mask of some sort??:

(the below image is driftwood)

I'm hoping this week is another good week for me.
(I lost 2.5 pounds this past week. Was hoping for more!)

Have a great day! I'm off to the gym!
:)
Jenny

Mamaliscious-House of Baking

2009-01-24T19:13:00.000-08:00

Today was a busy Saturday. Gavin had a hockey game and I decided to tackle some much needed baking.cooking. I made home made chicken noodle soup, raisin scones, chocolate chip cookies, butter tarts, and oatmeal berry muffins. Phewf...The sad part is that in 3 days I'll be needing to bake again.
Luckily I took today as my free day. I find that when I bake I tend to sample a bite here and there.
Tomorrow I'm back at my program. I'm loving the body for life program. I can feel myself getting stronger and my cardio is building up in no time. My goal is to start my running program at the end of February. My knee is doing awesome and I want to slowly build up the running. I've been using the ball for my ab workouts and am feeling it!
I weigh myself tomorrow so I'll let everyone know what the results were.
Hope everyone had a Happy Saturday!
:)
Jenny

Yertle the Turtle

2009-01-24T18:59:00.000-08:00

Last night I was exhausted. I decided to have myself a hot, bubble bath and relax in the tub while listening to some tunes on the mp3 player....one of my fave past times. So I drew the tub, lit the candles and added the scented bubbles. I set my glass full of lemon water within arms reach and slowly sank into the tub, knowing that this would be a perfect escape for me.
As I sat in the tub I immediately knew there was a problem. I felt a quick, painful surge in my derriere. I kind of wriggled around and the pain was starting to throb.
Immediately I jumped up and felt and pulled the head of a plastic turtle out of my butt.
"Holy Shit!!"I screamed.(no pun intended!!)
"What's wrong??!"my hubby yelled.
"I just got sodomized by Gav's toy turtle!"I yelled.
"You what??"he asked hesitantly.
"I just pulled the head of Gavin's turtle out of my ASS!"I shrieked.
"You had a turtle in your ass??"he questioned."What are you talking about?"
"I sat on Gavin's toy turtle!"I explained.
"Only you!!"he said, holding back some laughter.
"And it hurt!!"I yelled.
"I'm sure it did!!"he laughed.
So I went back into the tub and realized I was lucky that it was only Yertle that I sat on. Also in the tub was a huge crab, tentacles and all, and I'm sure that would have caused some serious discomfort and possibly a trip to emergency.
Next bathtime I'm making sure all the toys are taken out of the tub!!

~Jenny

The Fray - You Found Me

2009-01-23T12:48:00.001-08:00

Love this song!!

BOB MARLEY - THREE LITTLE BIRDS

2009-01-22T16:25:00.001-08:00

For Gwen...
:)

Is it Just me???

2009-01-18T23:30:00.000-08:00

Okay sometimes I find the oddest similarities between people but I swear anytime I see Michelle Obama, I immediately think of Amy Roloff?! My rational mind can't see what's the similarity but don't you think something about them looks alike??

It's okay if it's just me...

Jenny

Essentials

2009-01-18T12:51:00.000-08:00

Here's a list of some of my favourite things:

I couldn't live without floss...I floss daily!

I splurged and bought this mascara and it's pricey but sure does live up to its name..."wow".

I love the mineral makeup. I have the blush, concealer and the foundation. Definate thumbs up!

Here is my all time favourite bronzer....the Quo mosaic shimmering bronzer. I've had it for months and its like I haven't used any at all!

I wouldn't be able to do my workouts without old faithful. I think this year I'm going to join the ranks of the majority of people and get myself an ipod. For now, this does the trick!

My all time favourite brand of shoe. I have tried others,but nothing fits like a good pair of Asics.(which I desperately need!)

I love this Shampoo/conditioner. Works wonders for my hair. Nothing like good shampoo.

I love body butter of any kind, but Scott got me this in my stocking and it's become my new favourite.(the grapefruit is also amazing) The best part about this body butter is that it's half the cost of the Body Shop's Butter and smells EXACTLY the same and in the same packaging. (found in Walmart)

I've been drinking 2-3 protein shakes and these are the ones I prefer. I really like the strawberry or the chocolate.

And I've been making them in our handy dandy Magic bullet. Awesome for protein shakes, because you make the shakes in the same container you drink from!

My favourite winter scent. Once a year Lise Watier brings out Neiges and it's such a pretty soft scent. One of my faves for sure!!

My dear friend Joni got me this book for Christmas and I've been absorbing it...not just reading it,but taking it all in. Love it!! A must read for those seeking spiritual answers.

My friend had a spa party a couple of months ago and I bought this facial cleanser from Usanana. It's been amazing and I will continue to use it. Your face glows and glistens after using it!!

I've been using this moisturizer and it keeps my face dewy and fresh all day!!(it's supposed to be used for those in their golden years,but I like it just fine!!)

Here's my favourite eye cream. I use twice a day.

Scott got me this eyeglasses cleaner for Christmas and it works amazing...no smudges, no streaks!!

I've been reading for the past few months and find it very helpful and informative.

Couldn't live without my lip medex!

or my tweezers!!!!(especially in such a fun colour!)

I always keep tea tree oil close at hand. It is awesome for cold sores.

This silicea gel has been a hair saver for me!! I won't ever not take it!!

And last but not least, my beloved laptop. I love it. I do think that the next one we buy will be a Mac...I keep hearing such awesome reviews about them.

What are some of your essentials??

~Jenny

Hiding Under a Rock

2009-01-17T22:05:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!! I've been unofficially MIA the past little while. I keep thinking of blog posts, while either on the elliptical or ready to fall asleep,but haven't had the gumption to go ahead and post. I can't say anything out of the extraordinary(I love the word extraordinary...when I say it in my head to spell I always say "extra" and then pause, "ordinary"....odd..yes, I'm well aware of it!)just busy being super busy. I thought I'd divide this post into 3 sections:

The good, the bad and the ugly(very cliche-ish I know, but I'm struggling for material folks. I have barely left my house in a week!)

The Good:

~Terrace made it as a top ten finalist for Hockeyville 2009. Click here to vote for us!!(you have one more day!)
~My workouts have been awesome these days. I've been following the Body For Life schedule and it has been going great. Tomorrow is my free day so I am happy.
~My eating has been going good as well.(all hell will break loose tomorrow as it is my free day! Cheeeeeese!! I'm going to have toast and cheese!)I've been scheduling my meals the night before using the BFL excel spreadsheet and it's going awesome. I'm enjoying the protein shakes. Scott got a Magic Bullet for Christmas and it's been the Cat's Ass. I just love it! So that's a good as well.
~I've been having issues with my hair the past year or so. Basically my hubby has started to call me Kojak and it was becoming quite the issue. I researched online and found that silicea gel is supposed to work wonders for hair loss and any other skin issues. Well...it has!!! My hair is looking full and no longer is my hubby calling me Kojak!!
~I'm almost finished reading "The Shack" which has been an awesome read. I highly recommend it and it's helped me in alot of ways deal with the loss of my dad.
~I've lost 6.5 pounds in two weeks!! Very good indeed!!
~I started getting a cold sore and did a couple of squirts of colloidal silver followed by a qtip dipped in tea tree oil and that sucker never blossomed. Amen to that!!

The Bad:

~I've only lost 6.5 pounds. Ughh...I can't think of how much weight I want to lose otherwise I get discouraged...LIKE.REALLY.DISCOURAGED
~I had a sinus cold this week. It sucked. I had to miss out on my shifts at the salad bar and then a girls night.
~I was peeved at my hubby the other day.(I've already shared with him this story). Sometimes he's just too "perfect". He's the whole package(and I'm complaining??)...good looking, great personality, nice body...yada yada... And then there's me. Sometimes I feel we are like Mutt and Jeff. ie; He's clean, I'm messy. He's quiet, I'm often too loud and generally will say something not too appropriate. What peeved me is the fact he looked out the window and said, "I think I'm going to go for a run." He put on his running shoes and did 5k in like "2 shakes of a dead lamb's tail(or however that saying goes)and was back slightly out of breath. He hadn't ran in years! Why does that irritate me? Probably because it takes me 2.5 months to work myself up to going for a run, it doesn't come easy for me. Just slight envy...I'm warped. Bad to think that of my hubby.(and I do know that we are a perfect match for each other!)
~I think I might have given him "the Ross"(aka the finger) as he ran out the door...oops!!

The Ugly
~The mess that came out of my bedroom the other day. There was a dust bunny that I swept up that looked like a rat. I walked by (and I have been known to do this on a prior occasion)to go downstairs and thought it was a rat, and shrieked. Then I realized it was an imposter. However; it took me 1 day to sweep it up. Pure Laziness!!
~My toenail is turning white?? It's friggen ugly. So I just started spraying it with colloidal silver and hopefully that will help. Anyone ever have a toenail turn white?
~My "before shot" for this Body for Life program. Need I say more?!!

Hope all is well with everyone!
I'm off to have a soak in the tub!

Ciao!

~Jenny