Princess and a Cowboy

Transparent or Taboo

2011-08-23T08:29:00.000-07:00

First lets update....

As you can see I am no longer pregnant! Joseph Tripp Forman is 6 1/2 months old! Gee, these months have just flown by! And I am afraid too much has happened since, that I can not go back and catch up on all the details of my postpartum and crazy times. So I will just start fresh with the here and now of the my crazy times..

I will say that I have the most wonderful husband in the whole wide world! He has been rock through all of my madness. Smile one minute, cry the next. Well not just cry, sobbing! But God has seen us both through it with the help of our wonderful friend Mary Alice...If you ever need some counseling, we recommend her! There's part of my transparency! I/WE don't have it all together. We are more in love than ever! But through bringing another life into the mix of the Forman household we discovered that we wanted to make our marriage even better! And with the help Mary Alice, it is ROCKING!! We of course knew that God put us together, but we just felt like there was so much room for improvement in our marriage. We wanted to have a marriage that wasn't just ok, or even good, but we wanted it to be WOW, AWESOME, and to be able to communicate like never before.

Facebook sometimes really erks me! Everyone seems to have it all together with their perfect lives, children, husbands, clean homes, fancy homes, nice cars and an endless supply of money! So here comes the other part of my transparency, or is this a taboo subject? I am what I am. JJ and I strive to provide a very balanced home for our children. We try to live within our means and not keep up with the "Jones". My family is not above wearing "twice as nice" clothing. We live in a doublewide and I am happy. We have used cars. I buy mostly store brand groceries. JJ and I still some have clothes from highschool. We live on a budget and we each have a weekly allowance. We rarely eat out. So how is this for transparent. Although this seems very terrible to some, we also have 0, ZERO, debt! Praise the Lord!! We do have toys, like a boat, a fourwheeler and others things for our children. So we aren't boring! And we don't live like hermits or anything, just frugal. We simply have goals! We want to retire one day, send our children to college, have a farm, travel, etc. We just don't want to be in debt up to our eye balls when do all of it. I guess people don't share these things because we want others to think that we have it all together, that we don't struggle, that we have nice things. And I do sometimes wonder what will people think of me when they find out I live in a mobile home?? But I am reminded that God said in Matthew "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy....., but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, ..........for where your treasure is there your heart will be also. "

So in a nut shell, I have my family and my God, what else does a girl need?

Home Body

2010-09-02T11:55:00.000-07:00

I am not sure if it is my hormones or just a phase in life....But here lately I am so unmotivated by work. Well my paying work that is. Almost 5 months pregnant with Forman baby #2 and I am not sure if the nesting hasn't already kicked in.

I am just loving my home right now, my family, craftiness, ALL things FALL (see post about Fall), being an attentive momma and wifey, WELL pretty much anything that doesn't relate to my 8-5 duties.

Don't get me wrong, I am truly blessed and LOVE my job....but maybe the AUTUMN bug has bitten me too early and all I wanna do is have some fun!

So in celebration of my current frame of mind, I figured I might as well enjoy my creative or uncreative thinking and list some random things about myself! Enjoy!

1. I have had a piece of pencil lead in my thumb since kindergarten. This is the second piece that has been in there. The first piece my mom operated in her bedroom and removed it. then I was stuck again....No operating the second go around, it was stuck for life.

2. I LOVE FALL, SPRING, SUMMER and WINTER --- In that order. I love to decorate for each Holiday or season. I even have an Easter and a Valentines tree that I decorate. Maybe next year I will have a patriotic tree.

3. I have ran two half marathons and after this baby, I want to run a full marathon and maybe a mini triathlon...We will see.

4. I hate warts. I have always thought they were gross and they freak me out. After I had Josie, its seems that I had developed one on my left pointer finger!! It frustrates me to no end!

5. I have never been completely satisfied with my body. My hair is soo fine and has no body. I have a hump in my nose, My legs will ALWAYS be short and stalky, I HATE my boobs! But I do like my eye color, my feet, my hands ( they look like my momma's), and my muscles (well pre pregnancy).

6. I have wanted to venture out and dress like those people who wear colored tights, headbands, big flowery necklaces, and broaches. You know that eccentric, vintage, imaginative style.

7. I do not have a favorite food. I just couldn't eat the same thing all time, no matter how much I love it. I did go a few stages where turnip greens, ice cream and popcorn were my favorites. Now I just like them.

8. I have always wanted to live on a farm and raise animals, grow a garden and plow hay. I just loooove the country. I have a very strong dislike for the city. Although I have wanted to visit several of the big cities in the US. And sometimes I just love to imagine what it would be like to live in NY. Guess I am a little indecisive.

9. I wanted to be a teacher when I was little. I didn't play baby dolls, I played house and school. I just always wanted to be a grown up. I wanted to teach high school English. I actually always wanted to be around adults. When I was elem. school I knew who all the popular high school kids were. They didn't know me....but I just looked up to them..Ya know, they were cool! Big hair, makeup and stone wash jeans!

10. I pride my self in thinking I am the person who likes to stay in contact with every friend I ever make. I just don't like to loose contact with people. I just don't like losing friends.

11. I HATE phones! I do not like to talk on the phone at all!!! Unless it is majorly important. Just email me! Or send me a text. I also don't like to leave voice messages and rarely do. I don't like to check voice messages either.

12. I really really like calendars! I have three at the moment to keep up with. I just like being organized and knowing whats going on.

13. When I was younger I really liked reading the phone book and the dictionary. What do you think that means?

14. School supplies, office supplies and anything organizational....Gee I could really spend some money on these.

15. I have a low tolerance for stupid or weird people. If I am turned off by someone the first time I meet them, then I probably won't ever like them. There have been exceptions, rarely. I know this is very mean and judgemental.

16. I am an over thinker, over analyzer and too worried about what people think. I am also a people pleaser, sometimes to a fault. PEACE PEACE PEACE....No confrontation please....

17. I love the name Sarah, but we will never name a child that.....JJ had an aunt Sarah and an exgirlfriend named Sarah. Anyway it doesn't go with our "J" theme.

18. JJ and I are very different, but very much the same. We are both very strong willed and hard headed. Never a dull moment.

19. I can't wait to be an old lady who cooks for her kids and grandkids...I picture JJ and I on a lot of land with a garden (that's were I get the food to cook for them) and just having a great time with him. He will take the grandkids hunting or fishing and maybe I will sew for them.

20. I love to hum. JJ says that I sound like an old lady. I think I have always been a lot older in my mind...

21. Josie looks a lot like me, but she also looks a lot (mostly) like her daddy. I love that we have a child together. I can't wait to have our family of four complete. When we got married, neither of us wanted children. We would have a quiver full if we had plenty of resources and felt like that is what were called to do. I am certain though we will have only two kids.

22. I HATE to be pestered. Did you hear me?? HATE IT!!!! Goes back to childhood...I didn't realize this about myself until I married someone who likes to "pick"...UUUHHHH!

23. Please be sure your eyebrows are not messed up. They grown a certain way and I can't stand it if they are messed up.

24. I am a neat freak...Enough said. JJ is not so much....enough said...

25. I really wish that I would have known JJ's mom.

26. I always said that when I got married, that I would not marry anyone who drank or smoked. I am very thankful that I got what I wanted.

27. My Mammaw is one of the most interesting people I know. I have always felt that I am kinda like her. We both like sentimental and historic things. And we are very social. I don't necessarily like to go to places where I don't know anyone, but once I get to know you then I am a pretty social person. I also love to talk. I guess that is why I have this blog.

28. I love that I have four earrings. I will never take my second one out!

29. I like to read biographies or historic books. I guess because I am a bit nosey.

30. I used to eat whole onions as a toddler.

31. I lived in the house that dad grew up in when I was little.

32. I think that my sister and I had a wonderful childhood. We were not a wealthy family, but you don't need riches to make great memories. My parents were always sure that we had what we needed.

33. My sister and I sound exactly alike on the telephone. I played a trick on her husband one time while they were dating. We have family members that sometimes can't even tell us apart. My daddy being one of them.

34. We have four brother in laws names Jason. Well one is an ex. and one is my sisters.

35. I love gospel, bluegrass and old hymnes. When I was little my family used to have bluegrass festivals in our pasture.

36. I named my sister. Amanda Leigh - I was very proud when she was born.

37. My middle name is Elaine. After my mom. I have always loved it.

38. I am very weird about smells. I am paranoid about my house smelling funky.

39. I am not a risk taker. I don't like roller coasters, haunted houses or trying new things in front of people. Like when you were a kid at a pool party and they were doing all that cool stuff off the diving board. Not me!

40. I don't like tea, mayo or sour cream.

41. I love the fact that I am left handed!

42. I really am an old soul....Gardening, flowers, recipes, old music, historical landmarks....

43. I was raised of course with southern manners, although I wish sometimes I was a little more proper and "finished" I think my Mammaw is. I did check out the Emily Post etiquette book at the library about a year ago.

44. I used to love to sing....choirs, praise teams, etc. Now just in the car.

45. Daisies are my favorite!!

Happy Birthday to my JJ

2010-09-02T07:38:00.001-07:00

Well, this is it.....his last year in his twenties.....Then he can join me in the thirties. Yes, I am older, a year and eight months to be exact.

I love Birthdays! Josie told him the night before he was going to have a pirate birthday. But Walmart didn't have any pirate plates, so we settled for Toy Story instead.

SHUTTERFLY WINNER!!!

2010-08-16T12:45:00.000-07:00

Drum Roll please.......and the winner is.........

http://gimmegodiva.blogspot.com/!!!

Congratulations!

Send me your email address and I will send you the code information.

jeiforman@gmail.com

Fall is NOT in the air!

2010-08-13T09:25:00.000-07:00

Really, could it be any hotter outside? I am normally a summertime girl......I love to be outside doing anything: working in the yard, playing with the little girl, soaking up some sun, or whatever else there is to do. But not this summer. In addition to suffocating when you walk out in the 100+ degree humidity, I am also pregnant. It just makes everything hotter.

So enough complaing.....

I am so ready for fall...cool crisp mornings, autumn hues, bluegrass music, new crafts, festivals, pumpkins, blue jeans (maternity) and long sleeve tshirts (maybe my husbands). I just love the calmness in the air and a slower pace. So really deep down I am a fall/or spring girl....

I have already starting buying up more fall decor for my home and I CANNOT wait to put it all out.

A Shutterfly Giveaway

2010-08-09T06:30:00.000-07:00

I am super excited to be a part of Shutterfly's summer Blogger promotion. You know why?

I HAVE A GIVEAWAY!!!

I love Shutterfly photos, and cards, and photobooks....and well, need I say more?! I love Shutterfly, and every little fun thing on their website!

So, I am so excited about this giveaway!

When my little princess was born, I wanted to start scrapbooking, but I knew I would NOT have the time to do as much as I wanted, so I decided to take some of the pressure off of myself and let Shutterfly do the work for me!

Have you seen their Holiday Cards!!! Oh be still my heart!

And, now with little Forman #2 on the way, I can't wait to make some cute Baby Announcements!

Oh just look at all of the choices! The party invitations.......ahhhhhh......

But...wait! Here's the best part!!! I have some to give away!!!

One of my loyal blog readers will get some Shutterfly Love of your very own!!!

How to enter:

Just leave a comment here and tell me how you have used Shutterfly?! Do you love it as much as I do?! You can enter up to 5 times per person...just tell me something unique about Shutterfly in each comment!

I will draw a winner next week...August 16th! Get to commenting!

Not so good feeling....

2010-06-24T07:50:00.001-07:00

Well now that I am 7 weeks and a few days preggo, I still have that not so good feeling. I thought maybe it would go away soon, but I was wrong. My nurse called me in some phenegren to help with the nausea. Well it hasn't worked as of yet. Yesterday was by far the worst day I have had yet.

I had this strange kinda headache and was seeing little blind spots. I thought maybe it will just go away as I headed off to my lunch meeting. Got there still feeling yuck, and thought maybe i should eat and that would make me feel all better. Well, if you don't know me that well I boycotted Chinese food about a year ago and behold we are meeting a Chinese Buffett! Oh the smell! Well I ventured on thought I could just eat some rice and egg drop soup, which I do like. I took a few bites and apologized, but i was just not going to make it thru the meeting. I left and called a few friends who live close to see if I could borrow their couch for a while until time to get Josie from school. I called friend #1, who is also pregnant and has not been feeling good, but unfortunately their air was out! So I called and called and texted friend #2. After a short stop on the side of the road, I was almost to her couch! So I slept for a few hours and woke up to wheat thins and a coffee cake (which I took home).

Thank God for friends that live close and who don't mind you crashing in on them while sick.

I really hope that my entire pregnancy will NOT be like this. I want to enjoy being pregnant and eating what ever I want. I want to be able to play with my Josie girl while she is still the only one. I want to be nice to my husband, even when he doesn't understand how I feel. I want to play outside and continue to run or walk. I just don't have any of that in me at this point!

It's in the Water...

2010-06-22T13:52:00.001-07:00

So the ole sayning "its in the water" has a little bit of truth after all. Mr. JJ and I will have Forman baby #2 in February! Josie keeps sayin' she's gonna be a big sister and that she has a baby in her tummy. How do you explain to a 2 year old that SHE DOES NOT have a baby in her tummy?? But I suppose that we will have to teach that lesson on down the road.

Any who, the little addition happened a little sooner than we expected, but God knows best! And we are thankful and grateful!

This pregnancy is so totally different than my first. I have already started filling out my clothes at 6 weeks. And I am so very "yuck" all day everyday. Hopefully the nausea will subside soon.

xoxo, jennifer

Because of You....

2010-05-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

Little Miss....Because of you, I laugh , I scream, I make crazy faces, I play barbies, I swing you in a towel, I snuggle, I skip around the house, I have a big fat belly, I watch Sponge Bob, i Carly, Mickey Mouse, Tinker Bell, (and the list goes on), I buy milk, I kiss your stinky feet, I have "decorative art" on my desk at work, I spend too much money, I sometimes need my own time out, I can't wait to leave work everyday, I have sidewalk chalk and bubbles in my kitchen cabinets, I have crayon marks on my walls, I will never have a clean vehicle, I have toys in my shower, I use your little pony tail holders for my hair when I can't find one, I have a nasty couch, I have little hand prints on the TV, I get to dance with you on Monday nights during DWTS, I find little toys in my purse, I get to fly you like an airplane, I get to eat your pretend snacks, and ALL because of you made ,I get to be your Mommia! I love you Josie Ellen-Marie Forman and that HUGE personality that God blessed you with!

This is What I Do...

2010-05-11T10:02:00.000-07:00

I wear holes in my shoes! It is also know as gopher toe! Isn't that a lovely and endearing term for such sweet feet! Haha! Well Happy Anniversary Jenn, you get a new pair of shoes! No more holes!!! YAY!!! Now I am runnin' on a cloud! Thanks to the JJ! I love him!

Let the Sunshine In

2010-03-30T12:35:00.000-07:00

Expo TV - get paid to do reviews

2010-03-25T06:30:00.000-07:00

My Friend B just showed me this this great rewards program!

It is a video review site. Two reasons I love it:

1. I love to see the reviews of other people BEFORE I buy something!
2. I love to do reviews and get "paid" for doing them!

Easy! Pick a product, review it, earn points, spend points on cool things like Starbucks Gift Cards. I have earned more than $100 in gift cards...and they add up fast! I am waiting on 2 to come in as we speak!

So, here's a link to join ..give it a shot! And, you can be my friend on Expo!!

Just not sure...

2010-03-21T13:38:00.000-07:00

Well, this post really has no meaning. Just really to something post. But I will say I am thankful for the things in my life that are uncertain. Cause sometimes in life we are jsut not sure what to do or what to say. When I am down and out I know I have a strong base of friends that will be there for me. Even though they may not know what to do or say to me. So this may not make a whole lot of sense, but just knowing that if I am not being myself they won't throw me away.

Love you all and you know who you are!

As Big as the Sky....

2010-02-25T12:40:00.000-08:00

I love this picture!

Have I ever mentioned that he is awesome at what ever he does! One of the reasons I adore him sooo much...

You are my world JJ Forman!!

You are MY Sunshine!

2010-02-08T12:12:00.001-08:00

Yipee, B gave me a Sunshine Award!!! Could always use a little SUNSHINE!!

So, I am passing this award on!!!!

Gotta follow some rules and have some linky fun! Here they are:
1. Put the logo (above here!) on your post~

2. Pass the award onto 6 fellow bloggers
3. Link the nominees within your post
4. Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog
5. Share the love and link to the person whom you received this award from

So, here's a little sunshine for:
1. Jade
2. Meg
3. Christy
4. Tracey-Southern Clay
5. Brandy
6. Gretchen

Tink~

2009-11-05T12:49:00.000-08:00

Just a few Halloween Memories......

Trunk or Treat at our church!

Fall Festival at school....A few of Josie's friends.....

We went to Brookwood Mall to get Josie a ticket to Disney on Ice . WDJC was giving away tickets to kids who dressed as Disney characters!

Tinkerbell just got home from trick or treating!!

Carousel and Cotton Candy

2009-10-29T12:34:00.000-07:00

It was a super cold day!!! Josie rode the brown horse and then the black one. But the main focus of the day was to get her some COTTON CANDY!!!

GOAL ACCOMPLISHED!!!! Then she was wired!

Just Keep it Simple...

2009-10-07T10:36:00.000-07:00

Well life is anything but simple! I think we can all agree on that. God tells us in Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Why can't we conprehend that?

We just have to complicate things! Ourselves get in the way. So when life and junk gets in the way, I have to get away sometimes - get away from the noise of everyday stuff - Do you follow? Step back from it all, revaluate the things that are most important to me and why God has me here. Reprioritze in other words. And when I have come back to life, our husbands have stood beside us, our true friends are still with us and all the important things still matter and all the junk is gone!

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Thank you Jesus for my family and a healthy child! Thank that you are always with us and that you give us grace a mercy each morning.

Cool and Crisp!

2009-09-28T13:43:00.000-07:00

Look at those cute cousins!! Josie and Chloe had a blast at the Leeds park. Audra and I took those sweet girls to play and they could have played all day!

I just love fall! Mums, hay, pumpkins...going to the pumpkin patch, playing outside in long sleeves and jeans, football, the smell of apple cider and the cool crisp nights! gosh what is there not to love?!!?

I went to my very first AU game this past weekend. I had so much fun, inspite of the rain. WAR EAGLE!!!

Life is of course busy. But I would rather be busy than sitting at home with nothing to do! Thank you Lord for work to do! And for blessing me with such a great family.

Oh and if you haven't heard....I am going to be an Aunt! My sister will be having a little bundle of joy in May! I am so excited and thankful to God!

Bigger Everyday..

2009-08-11T08:55:00.000-07:00

I know that it is not that big a deal to most, but it is a huge deal in my world...Josie started her TWO year old class yesterday. Ok so it's not 5k or highschool, but it is still a milestone in her little life. It is a big kid class room...Not a baby room :(

I just love to watch her little personality flourish everyday. Her spunk and zest keep me young! I love to hold her hand at night to say the blessing or night time prayers and then she interupts us half way through because she can't wait to say "amen" and then we have to get a kiss after we pray. She loves to be chased around the house because she thinks we will steal her marshmellows from her. She marches into to school and says " i walk" and then kisses me bye. But when the day is over she runs up to me like it has been 10 years and she is so glad to see me!! YAY!!! for MOMMY!!

A week to remember..

2009-07-21T18:14:00.000-07:00

Blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes with Madelynn and Claire! The best spend the night company!

Friday afternoon started with a little paint for Josie and I....I got to make several little crafts and Josie got to paint as well.....

The Fairy Princess and her Castle!!

Tired baby after all that fun....even Tinker Belle was worn out!

Hi~

2009-06-30T14:09:00.000-07:00

Summer has been great so far~ playing outside, the beach, church, work, Springvalley Beach, berry pickin, running, and just having an all around good time. Josie is about to turn TWO!!!

Gosh where has the time gone. I could just lay down and cry! Really, I could!

Busy time~

2009-05-29T11:22:00.001-07:00

So many things going on ~ so let's begin......

**Rain - we just can't say it enough, we love it and we are tired of it and then we love it!

** Running still -- I ran with B in the Run for the Son in Anniston and won 1st place in my age group! YEAH ME!!!! Great day! Then we tried to brave the mass crowd at Old Navy for the $1 flip flops and just wimped out. Who has that kind of stamina for $1? Craziness I tell ya!

**I finally got my house a little bit cleaned up - That in itself is enough to blog about! Praise God!

**JJ taugh Sunday School a few weeks ago and did an awesome job. Who knew he would do so well? I was very proud of him and I really think he has a God given talent!

**One of my dearest friends (well she is more like a sister actually), her little girl was in the hospital this week with Bronchialitis and breathing problems so I would ask that you remember Preston Mashburn in your prayers. She and Josie almost share the same birthday, except they are 1 year apart. Oh, and of course remember her parents as well, Joseph and Emily. We love you so much!!

**Remember Molly and Gage Craven in your prayers as well. They are newly expecting and so of course all of the new gitters have found them!! We are excited for your guys!! Maybe we will get to spend New Years Eve in hopsital with them and the new baby!

**Ok so last but not least, I had a break down earlier this week.....Josie moved to a new class and that of course means that she cannot stay a baby forever! So I cried and boohooed at they daycare. She is so amazing and I just could not even imagine my life without her!

**Well I guess there a few more things. We go to the beach in one week!! YES!!! the beach!

**I still hate my haircut and I need some miracle grow!

**Dad got a new job - Praise God!

Well I love all of you out there!

Jesus loves ME!

2009-04-29T12:58:00.000-07:00

I certainly haven't been the outstanding Christian that my heart desires to be...and inspite of my daily faults and sins (sometimes they come by the minute), His love is just so present today. This morning He reminded that even though I don't talk to Him as often as I need to or should, He is there and loves ME!

Just a few days left.....

2009-04-21T12:11:00.000-07:00

Well, it is almost here....Nashville here I come!!! I am sooo excited!! I have never ever been to Music City and so of course I am little star stuck by even going there! So I wonder what country music star I will be running next to?? Haha...After all they have to stay in shape somehow! And what a great cause!

I am just a little nervous about my legs, body, mind, heart, and everything else lasting 13.1 miles!! Oh well, I am going to rock on every mile of the way!!! They have stages and bands playing every mile to keep everyone pumped up!!

I wish I were leaving today!!

Oh and even better it is mine and JJ's anniversary weekend!! It will be 7 years on Monday!! I am so thankful and blessed!! God is great!

Out takes and such......

2009-04-16T08:33:00.000-07:00

NEVER a dull moment!!!!

The Crazies

Word to Yo Momma

My New Shish (fish)

The Summer fun begins!

2009-04-14T09:22:00.000-07:00

So much has happened and I don't really know where to begin.....

So let's just start with the zoo! Josie's first ever trip to the zoo~ Wow what fun! The lion was my favorite...He was so beautiful! What an amazing creature! I just stood there amazed like a kid!

Yard Sale

2009-04-01T13:17:00.000-07:00

I am having a YARD SALE this Saturday behind Odenville First Baptist Church at JJ's Grandmother's.......

Of course I have a ton a girl baby clothes that are in great condition!! I am also selling a weight bench, several Christmas trees and a ton of other things. So come and check it out!! My mom and sister will have items to sell as well.

Hope to see you on Saturday! Happy Yard Selling!

A Touch of Spring....

2009-03-10T12:34:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about this weather and I can't hardly stand myself! Just beautiful....so I took advantage of it this weekend. Friday afternoon we took a trip to the park~Josie acted as if she owned that playground! Running from one bouncy thing to another and then sliding and climbing on everything. She is a busy girl..too busy to stop and play with the other kids, she was on a mission. I believe the baby could stay outside from dusk till dawn and would be a happy as a lark! Such joy she brings~

My baby is big!

2009-03-04T13:19:00.000-08:00

Just a few pictures over the last few days.... Bitter sweet moments! I could just eat her up! How could a mother not be affectionate toward her child? Or a father! What a huge blessing! I think I will go and get her now from school! Some days I just can't stand it...I miss her so much!

Much to Say About Nothing

2009-02-18T08:43:00.000-08:00

So really I have nothing much to say. This is really for me just to empty my thoughts out~

Our weekend was a good one. Even though Josie has been coughing and had a green nose just like the rest of the kids around, we are standing tall. The doc. called in some meds for her and of course they kinda make her cranky. We vegged out all weekend, therefore putting me in a cranky mood....

Friday I got off early, so I ran before I picked Josie up from school. We played outside till JJ got home and decided not to go out to eat but order pizza instead. Bad decision! Neither of our stomachs can handle that kind of grease. JJ fished on Saturday to prepare for our Sunday School fish fry this coming week. Josie and I stayed in our pjs all day till we were forced to leave the house so we could pick up her RX. JJ came home and cleaned the fish. Josie was a little bit more brave this time wanted to touch them. I made heart shaped pancakes for supper to celebrate to special day. I of course had to, just had to, put chocolate chips in mine.

Church on Sunday was great as always! Bro. Jacky has been teaching on the Bride of Christ. Mom kept Josie after church so JJ and I could get some things around the house done. Well, he worked on his car all day and I cleaned and piddled around some. I actually got to paint a picture.

Monday I was off for President's day --- Josie and I just hung out and played at home. Didn't really do much. Went and bought groceries, took a nap, cleaned up some.... I will be so glad when it warms up so we can at least go outside and play.

I AM RUUUNNNIIINNNGGG!!!!

2009-02-12T11:25:00.000-08:00

My sweet husband is taking me on a selfless trip for Valentines Day and our Anniversary.....all for me!!! I can not wait! A trip all about Jennifer????? What?? I have never had one of these! How awesome is this! How awesome is he for doing this! Ok, so we are going to Nashville, TN in April for the Country Music Marathon! He is going to wait on me for two hours while I run!

I have kinda made a commitment to myself to only run races that I feel support things that are close to my heart or things that I believe in....Not just raising money for silly stuff.

While dabbling around online one day I came across this race. It is raises money for the lymphoma and lukemia society. I was actually trying to find the color for the support of lymphoma. JJ's mom passed away when he was 16 years old due to a four year battle with lymphoma and lukemia. And since everyone in the world knows that pink is breast cancer awareness, I just really wanted my own color to support. ALSO, JJ's mom was an avid runner and a very athletic woman. Since I never actually met her, this is the one thing my mother-in-law and I can share and the thing that I can do in honor of her. This makes the race even that more special to me.

So here comes the training part. I have about 11 1/2 weeks to train for a 1/2 marathon. Thatis

13 miles. I am so ready! Some days are hard though. Especially when I want to eat junk!! Like last weekend~ I had two bday parties - And of course I had to eat the birthday cake at both of them! But my desire for coke is slowing fading away... that is totally God, because I love coke! HERE I COME!!!! RUN FORREST RUN!

Finishing up my Birthday...

2009-01-20T13:23:00.000-08:00

So JJ has been telling me for years that my bithday only lasts for one day, but in my mind in goes on for days! Party on! I told you I love birthdays!! I just get so excited.....just a kid at heart.

So I got my gift from him last night when he got home from work! Drum roll please~~~~~~~

I got a treadmill!!!! Now it is time to run, run, run! I love it...... I ran a mile last night without stopping and I am very proud of myself considering I have only ran once since I had Josie. I used to could run for days when JJ and I where dating.....But then we got married and I got lazy. So now my new challenge to myself, in front of God and everyone,is to start running 5ks and such! My first run is on January 31st and a group of us are running for Mrs. Denise at the Conquer Cancer Run. I am so pumped. I hope and pray that I stick to my new hobby!

The Best!

2009-01-19T06:32:00.000-08:00

So yesterday was my 29th birthday. But let me backup to Friday. Josie's daycare called me before I even got to work. The dreaded phone call. So I had to go and pick her up and tempted to take her to work with me for a few hours to try and get a few things accomplished. But I don't think my co-workers/friends appreciated the screaming baby, so we left. We went and played with Josie's best friend Haize, because at this time I really didn't think she was sick. I just thought it was her teeth dealing her fits. We threw a little get together that night for some our greatest friends who just completed a 26 mile marathon. But then she got sick again! What is the deal! So all day Saturday she just laid around and my sister and brother-in-law were coming to celebrate my bday and his. My mom was cooking a great feast that Jason and I had requested! That is always the plan. Mom always cooks whatever you want for your birthday. So in our case we had roast, turnip greens and turnips, fried squash, corn bread, and pound cake...YUM!

On to the big day!!!!! We slept in and did not go to church because Josie had been sick. Which was kinda sad b/c we were planning on going out to eat after church with friends from Sunday School. But it ended up being a way better day. JJ and Josie made one of their famous home made birthday cards! They are great! Then JJ made waffles and we laid on the couch till about 3pm. In the mean time, ALL of the best people in the whole world called or sent a text! I have the greatest friends in the world. I love you all! I had two visitors~bringing gifts of love/food! I forgot to mention that JJ's aunt had sent me a gift in the mail, which it is always fun to get a present in the mail!

So here are a few of my presents that I received for my big day! I love birthdays by the way! I think they should be celebrated in a very big way!

Sewing basket from my sister and a dress pattern

Old radio and $$$ from mom and dad ~~ i have loved this radio since I was little

Tee made me a cake ~ YUM!!

Painting canvas and sugar babies from Brittney + she and Scott called and sang their rendition of Happy Birthday!

Winn Dixie Cake and Flags from Maggie Leigh! Note that the cake is almost gone...
Did I mention that I have awesome family and friends!?!

OK, so at this point Josie is still kinda sick and JJ has not given me his gift yet, but it has still been the best birthday ever! My mom has agreed to keep Josie so JJ and I can go out to eat. Yay! We had a great great great time, just me and him. It has been along time since we have been on a date. But this one was different...since it has been so chaotic at home with a sick little girl, it was nice just to sit there in the peace and quiet. I even drank two cups of coffee with my dinner which I new would not effect me. What a nice evening! So about my gift. I am not getting it until Monday afternoon! Bummer!

All in all, I love you friends and family for making this 29th Birthday the best ever!

To my friends.....I love you !

2009-01-08T11:50:00.000-08:00

Check out this video.

FUN QUIZ

2009-01-08T07:49:00.000-08:00

Thanks to B for the tag! I can only answer each question with one word. Here goes:

1. Where is your cell phone? purse
2. Where is your significant other? work
3. Your hair color? yuck
4. Your mother? hilarious
5. Your father? meek
6. Your favorite thing? family
7. Your dream last night? huh
8. Your dream/goal? many
9. The room you're in? office
10. Your hobby? outside
11. Your fear? disruption
12. Where do you want to be in six years? content
13. Where were you last night? church
14. What you're not? bold
15. One of your wish list items? Paris
16. Where you grew up? odenville
17. The last thing you did? reservations
18. What are you wearing? dress
19. Your TV? annoying
20. Your pet? Charlie
21. Your computer? black
22. Your mood? content
23. Missing someone? always
24. Your car? truck
25. Something you're not wearing? necklace
26. Favorite store? many
27. Your Summer? awesome
28. Love someone? deeply
29. Your favorite color? green
30. When is the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? past

He Restores My Soul

2009-01-07T14:15:00.000-08:00

So as I have thought alot here recently about the last year, what I have accomplished, what I didn't accomplish, what was meaningful, what changes were made in my life (either bad or good), and how I want 2009 to be soooo different ----God has really gotten my attention---and it has really gone even deeper than the last year. On January 18th I will be turning 29...therefore making this my last year in my twenties, I know, tear, such a sad time. Ok ok, so moving on and back to my point I have started thinking about all the things I have accomplished, or not, in my twenties. AND I only have one more year to go out with a BANG! I am going to say that this past year has not been the best one of my life spirtually--WOW, ok i said it! There have been times in my life that I have definetely been alot closer to God and appreciated him and our relationship more. This year together has not been good, therefore making me a nut case!

My daughter will be 18mo. on Saturday and I have wasted so much time not being the mother I thought I always would be. JJ and I will be married 7 years in April, and this past year, behind MY rose colored glasses, has been the absolute pits for me. I have made MYSELF miserable and everyone around me. I think I stole my own joy. So many times in life we tend to blame satan, but the problem is actually just us being selfish. I guess as I look back I should have prayed with Josie more and maybe treated JJ with the respect that he deserves.

Our Life Discovery class went to see Fire Proof one Sunday after church and of course I cried my eyes out. It takes alot to make me cry these days. I have let my heart get rather hard in the last few years. I guess after being told not to be a doormat for so long, you tend to become callused and start losing emotion. GOD WILL TAKE AWAY YOUR TEARS!!! Oh how I pray that they will come back. Back to the movie, after going to the movie, our church decided that we would start the Love Dare book on Sunday nights. YAY!!! Something that will make my husband change his ways and see how wonderful I am! Study me, study me!

XXXX wrong! I was way off base, did God ever jerk a knot in me!!!! This is the hardest book ever! The very first dare in the book is patience. Well if you know anything about me, I am the one who stands at the microwave and cuts it off with 5 seconds left to go. NOT patient. I could barely move past the first dare because every day, and still learning today, to shut my smart mouth and be kind. Maybe JJ was not as selfish as I thought. Maybe all of this time that I thought he was the problem and and after all of the bitterness I was building up inside was because of me reacting in an unGoldy manner. Oh did I mention, I hold on to things, begrudgingly, and don't talk about them.

So with all of that said, I am sure I left out something or said too much, I love my husband so much, he is the absolute perfect man for me and the one God wanted me to be with! I am so thankful to him for all that he does.

I am so amazed by our beautiful daughter! Sometimes I think about how awesome she is! I mean truly awesome. She is such a funny little person and cracks me up constantly. She can put a smile on my face, when I am in the worst mood. She has made me a better person already, but now I will strive even harder to be the example I need to be, not only for her, but for my sanity and those around me.

To go back to my title, I was reading a devotional last night about restoration because I am need of true restoration. I want my joy returned. But God is also going to nourish my soul back to health! Life gets so fast paced and we get so lazy. We quit making time for God like we should. That is were it begins. Just reading a verse or two a night just doens't cut it. You have to really dig deep and spend time with God if you want Him to show up in your life.

2009 Goals

2009-01-06T08:15:00.001-08:00

Since my post yesterday....and all of the talk of new years resolutions lately, I have a few goals myself. I have never really made many resolutions or goals until this year, but now that I am getting older in my age I can see room for improvement with myself. So here is my list:

1. Start getting up when JJ leaves for work at 5:30 am - I have got to quit being late to work.

2. Get mine and Josies clothes ironed and ready the night before work and school

3. Make a constant effort to be forgiving and not bitter - don't take things so personal

4. I have started making a list of things I want to do before I die

5. And, I will start making a list of things that I want my children to accomplish before they graduate from high school

2009-01-05T13:59:00.000-08:00

100 things.......
So, I got this from B's blog, and I have put the things I have accomplished in bold print! I hope you will play along on your blog! Leave me a comment if you do! I want to see.......
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland - Does Disney World Count?
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis - no interest!
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondol a in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing (does that fake wall count?)
40. Seen Michelangelos David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone ----does cracking one count?
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous - my sunday school teacher is famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

My little artist....

2008-10-09T12:35:00.000-07:00

So as I was ironing my clothes for work this morning and about to leave for the day.......I just so happened to look down and find Josie in a huge puddle of black paint! Can you even imagine the panic that came over me?!? She was already dressed for school and was playing with some paint cans that she occasionally plays with while I iron in the laundry room. I have just been lazy enough not to take them to the garage in 2 months. I know that with a 1 year old this is a huge no no, but i don't exactly live by the "first time mom" rules anyway. She somehow managed to get that lid off and dumped that quart of black paint everywhere....I mean everywhere. It is now on the door frame, the side of my washing machine, my broom, and she is covered from head to toe. I threw her in the bathtub and wondered around for a seconded trying to figure out what to do. Anyway, as I somewhat cleaned both of us up and she splashed our in the black water, we were clean again and dressed for work and school. I still have a huge mess to clean up when I get home. Or at least what Josie looked like. I guess she decided she wanted to be something black for Halloween. Her belly was still black when I dropped her off at school. I looked like I had been working on a car and I had polka dots on my feet. All in all this is a pretty funny story....a great one for the baby book!

Overwhelmed...

2008-09-04T09:27:00.000-07:00

I am still trying to figure the blogging thing out...And as I think of all the many things I start and never finish like this, I only hope that I can keep this up to date. I hope that one day I can finish Josie's "First Year" scrap book. When do we have time as moms? There are some many things that I want to with and for her......I just wonder when I am going to accomplish them all. By the way Meg, you are doing a fabulous job with Cole. You have already taken him to the zoo and to many other places that are on my list.

Busy Bee.....

2008-09-03T12:54:00.000-07:00

Is life too busy, or do we choose to make it too busy??? I know I should really slow down sometimes, but do I have that choice? Or do I make myself to busy? Why does JJ always look so calm and relaxed.....? And I am always running around trying to get everyting done and he just kinda floats around on a cloud.