tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59258198374675915542024-03-05T13:08:26.564-08:00Jenn and the BlogA little bit of me on the world wide web...Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07454291311314053305noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5925819837467591554.post-41765614071330586722012-05-24T21:22:00.001-07:002012-05-24T21:22:17.892-07:00(tap, tap) Is This Thing On?Hello? Is anyone still out there? Anyone?<br />
<br />
OK - I know it's been a while.<br />
<br />
Well...maybe more than a little while.<br />
<br />
But I think I may be ready to blog again. Who's excited?! :)<br />
<br />
Since I've been totally MIA for pretty much this entire past semester (see that my previous post was January 8!), I'll do a little recap of what I've been up to.<br />
<br />
1. STATISTICS! Holy moly, good golly Miss Mollie, and oh my heck - this was quite a semester. I realized that if I was ever going to apply to graduate school, I was going to need to take a stats class. So I bucked up and registered for basic statistics at the junior college. (Well, first I convinced the counseling office that I should qualify for the class because even though I hadn't actually taken a math class since my junior year of high school I do have a college degree which certainly proves that I have math competency, right? They went for it.) All in all, I have to say that the class wasn't horrific. I really enjoyed using my brain in a new way, and I had an excellent teacher. That being said, I am SO glad to no longer be in class from 7-9 pm every Monday and Wednesday night.<br />
<br />
2. And the class paid off - I got into grad school. Cool, huh? Starting this fall I'm going to be a University of the Pacific tiger. I'm entering the Speech Language Pathology program, and I'm really excited! Some of you may know that I'm a bit of a worry-wart when it comes to making gigantic life decisions, but I feel really good about this one. It's taken me a while, but I'm excited for this education/career move.<br />
<br />
3. Have I done anything besides school, work, life decisions, and sleeping?<br />
<br />
4. Took a trip to Oregon and Washington (post to come).<br />
<br />
5. Took a trip to a mid-singles conference in Southern CA (oh yeah, a post to come).<br />
<br />
6. I bought my first (and second) maxi-dress. LOVE! They're super cute, and it's like wearing pajamas. But pajamas that I can wear to work. (I know - this is the life-changing stuff right here.)<br />
<br />
7. I went with my parents and sister to an amazing concert - Straight No Chaser. They're a male a cappella group, and we just kept turning to each other and saying things like, "Did you hear that? That was incredible!" Go see them. Seriously.<br />
<br />
8. I'm trying to come up with a nice round number of 10 things to write here, but I'm kind of struggling. Did I mention that I took a class this semester and made huge life changing decisions? I did, huh? Did I mention that part of my life changing decisions include that I'm moving back in with my parents while I go to school? I didn't? They have graciously offered me a room, which I have accepted. And to think that they thought their adult kids would leave someday... :)<br />
<br />
9. I'm going to be an aunt again!<br />
<br />
10. My next post will not ramble so much. Well...I guess I can't make that guarantee. But i'll pick an actual topic and go with it. And maybe add pictures. Get excited.<br />
<br />
It's good to be back.Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07454291311314053305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5925819837467591554.post-18618344867792085262012-01-08T19:30:00.000-08:002012-01-08T20:26:33.365-08:00Post #101I totally forgot to celebrate my 100th post! But that's ok, because everyone always celebrates the 100th whatever. Poor, sad 101st always gets left out. So today we will celebrate the 101. Someday maybe we'll choose to celebrate 253. I'm pretty sure that one <i>always</i> gets forgotten.<br />
<br />
Christmas Eve.<br />
<br />
I know. I'm so far behind chronologically.<br />
<br />
I'm not even in the right year.<br />
<br />
Stay with me. We're almost current. :)<br />
<br />
Somehow I've convinced my family that fun runs are fun and that we are a family of runners.<br />
<br />
Is this true? the jury's still out on that one.<br />
<br />
But in the meantime, we organized what we called, "Running in a Winter Wonderland."<br />
<br />
T-shirts were made.<br />
<br />
With a big snowflake on them.<br />
<br />
Which is ironic because despite the fact that it was stinking cold when we actually did the run, it was clear as a bell, and later that day we had to turn the heater off and open windows because it was too warm in the house.<br />
<br />
Maybe there should have been an asterisk next to the title with a note down at the bottom saying, "traditionally thought-of winter weather not included or guaranteed."<br />
<br />
Nonetheless...<br />
<br />
We braved the bitter California Christmas Eve morning cold to run about a mile and a half (with a rest stop halfway). And we looked good doing it, as evidenced below.<br />
<br />
I have a fun family*.<br />
<br />
The before.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPEsMyhY6mUrzVUNQhyphenhyphenxMCIFCtDad_4lI98mAamofDRFLEx4xqgVHzTDnaDeFl8mwfY7YlK8DAqnz3BaY9V6XPZrVgMgRvqRJyw-0Lo9Fs29z4f8ul8tkIOq4vh657KBbylWjDfJ5OK8/s1600/DSCN1959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPEsMyhY6mUrzVUNQhyphenhyphenxMCIFCtDad_4lI98mAamofDRFLEx4xqgVHzTDnaDeFl8mwfY7YlK8DAqnz3BaY9V6XPZrVgMgRvqRJyw-0Lo9Fs29z4f8ul8tkIOq4vh657KBbylWjDfJ5OK8/s400/DSCN1959.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Danny and Dylan. Already feeling victorious for simply managing to get David out of bed and on the family run.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1OLxw-EAJ0-rNfKORTRvq6UL_L0W_9pDalgB54b7Dp_FXkcAlRqTImC7PoU-Q9QXLva1gBKM1tybxroggUyUPRRC1_AvYyCOaB-87swHnJHi-yNL3z37MArf0qG3-bKC8QoMXqbgREZM/s1600/DSCN1963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1OLxw-EAJ0-rNfKORTRvq6UL_L0W_9pDalgB54b7Dp_FXkcAlRqTImC7PoU-Q9QXLva1gBKM1tybxroggUyUPRRC1_AvYyCOaB-87swHnJHi-yNL3z37MArf0qG3-bKC8QoMXqbgREZM/s400/DSCN1963.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kari might have been cold.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1_Mi29trtRCY0clJeMVJqHMG2hJamQEYynxjTO5lnxds1eX9EMafkPqzaVohOe4cAUQOpF5UdL72_etMx-6D0PR0307PUsWeJi4UR2tugaeEpWb9VkRd3Dcd4YPHk1H7vqWBnixzzwU/s1600/DSCN1966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1_Mi29trtRCY0clJeMVJqHMG2hJamQEYynxjTO5lnxds1eX9EMafkPqzaVohOe4cAUQOpF5UdL72_etMx-6D0PR0307PUsWeJi4UR2tugaeEpWb9VkRd3Dcd4YPHk1H7vqWBnixzzwU/s400/DSCN1966.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mom, The Moll, and Claire all looking good!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCkr7St_6DfzPnVxrrhKaMriXYpGXaAFmrVGzcb6Tzej6i4B3IcBI87aFmmv9wtwctj6MNz_Owcsu_cFUK0vnzl87pbpRamGvJ3tJ3-MnSPWxqnCYXuYC5VWQ3RUeM8LSX4TYYOGKZyI/s1600/DSCN1967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCkr7St_6DfzPnVxrrhKaMriXYpGXaAFmrVGzcb6Tzej6i4B3IcBI87aFmmv9wtwctj6MNz_Owcsu_cFUK0vnzl87pbpRamGvJ3tJ3-MnSPWxqnCYXuYC5VWQ3RUeM8LSX4TYYOGKZyI/s400/DSCN1967.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Action shots are always best. Right Dad?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_0n141bpH3HGBR0BlW6vDNeMpDDhot1QXcAuHMAUAiIbRkprjy9sEAEuR-uV_L-h3D-usNGyljNyTaNipleZ7fl62gPE9YJE_ycB0y2GXxOHbn3iEEPp3NjibYwCSpK-TUSSB-Tsamc/s1600/DSCN1968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_0n141bpH3HGBR0BlW6vDNeMpDDhot1QXcAuHMAUAiIbRkprjy9sEAEuR-uV_L-h3D-usNGyljNyTaNipleZ7fl62gPE9YJE_ycB0y2GXxOHbn3iEEPp3NjibYwCSpK-TUSSB-Tsamc/s400/DSCN1968.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Claire in her sweet ride wearing Auntie Kari's hat.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfTUCLj9RyCzuVGqQns23AcyI3t8ENdNKwgwQJ7BsCDT-JwZ_Nnp7GzJeP_16jslNoOv3m6ATHcpWsqFSvZRsiyyVaHfv4aN116kAgA8zWCeLOSagJO-e0Nsbm3y-USGgk77jsXoJac4/s1600/DSCN1971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfTUCLj9RyCzuVGqQns23AcyI3t8ENdNKwgwQJ7BsCDT-JwZ_Nnp7GzJeP_16jslNoOv3m6ATHcpWsqFSvZRsiyyVaHfv4aN116kAgA8zWCeLOSagJO-e0Nsbm3y-USGgk77jsXoJac4/s400/DSCN1971.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kallie always managed to come in first. I wonder why? :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6LV8jhDAR9Bgqcwt3iLClhtRpj339c86ywmS9Pv7CnAJuu0jt8kvwCAsae-g085RW9Ic38EMrs0SE8E7dqH-F_COG3h53Rm3VDvz_z5akcWyuJgQ-r-6KDcurNd5DFX-rxibz4A1sPQ/s1600/DSCN1973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6LV8jhDAR9Bgqcwt3iLClhtRpj339c86ywmS9Pv7CnAJuu0jt8kvwCAsae-g085RW9Ic38EMrs0SE8E7dqH-F_COG3h53Rm3VDvz_z5akcWyuJgQ-r-6KDcurNd5DFX-rxibz4A1sPQ/s400/DSCN1973.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Pulled a hammie?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DWnFoSO4h7_0dvi6-1WyLTExyuChrKyJFGsKvD0VD7K9BVYv9fXHlzqetjoHx90eOi1DnTfkifJu-qhyv_fzvnQAsAb4yI8F1nOCSzNA64tP53rhSC5V64CzwVYqb2EXnnDVAQF0nrk/s1600/DSCN1974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DWnFoSO4h7_0dvi6-1WyLTExyuChrKyJFGsKvD0VD7K9BVYv9fXHlzqetjoHx90eOi1DnTfkifJu-qhyv_fzvnQAsAb4yI8F1nOCSzNA64tP53rhSC5V64CzwVYqb2EXnnDVAQF0nrk/s400/DSCN1974.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Chad likes to chicken dance when he's on the home stretch.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7a1FZITsH0leUWtNPQg6V-sD2HRAJeEay5oLSRrLNdL8wnR1WMXykB03dkCQEJGioAhnsdJDbHk__DJDNuKbjzzIaYFiMMjYzIxP92o8JxtnSWWlDsv__JGzakdg4xQJcBRylDsPAHs/s1600/DSCN1975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7a1FZITsH0leUWtNPQg6V-sD2HRAJeEay5oLSRrLNdL8wnR1WMXykB03dkCQEJGioAhnsdJDbHk__DJDNuKbjzzIaYFiMMjYzIxP92o8JxtnSWWlDsv__JGzakdg4xQJcBRylDsPAHs/s400/DSCN1975.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Brad is looking very determined here.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4d-p6NiB2onR8dJFXrmOmFi2FfSb8KdHe13ia7hKW9iExaBnFCV8rgQQgtnUOx807Vs0j4H-XJ__5htkeIfTW-G5KyAIAw4UOgenT34JNQoieW-DAqDr5g4KJTemmlbwzp9DMco_Vh4/s1600/DSCN1976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4d-p6NiB2onR8dJFXrmOmFi2FfSb8KdHe13ia7hKW9iExaBnFCV8rgQQgtnUOx807Vs0j4H-XJ__5htkeIfTW-G5KyAIAw4UOgenT34JNQoieW-DAqDr5g4KJTemmlbwzp9DMco_Vh4/s400/DSCN1976.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Harlows are #1!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mrvh1zy9_d8leBxMcji7dVRa3PGcimh7QAFfXKGkvy76Ar1hqHB5JyAWOZuN1_IUkgoT1TWMoFatOJsif0x9utOxP4KCcXaabgopmLhrRzCWHmlg5fakBS_x52TBypB2DbMx28HR6U0/s1600/DSCN1977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mrvh1zy9_d8leBxMcji7dVRa3PGcimh7QAFfXKGkvy76Ar1hqHB5JyAWOZuN1_IUkgoT1TWMoFatOJsif0x9utOxP4KCcXaabgopmLhrRzCWHmlg5fakBS_x52TBypB2DbMx28HR6U0/s400/DSCN1977.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The aftermath.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_sLR5vHF5AU-JfMCggTdWkVUfy_A5PWjExoiN8mc-puNf6deqNyRnXMrBU6tOewWuIwK4R1nby6ezJBmvqzQGvlj_pE23ipC89HJCzwThX1Y1XtFJ6dmQTkU_7GU3L547wjMOj9VlsM/s1600/DSCN1978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_sLR5vHF5AU-JfMCggTdWkVUfy_A5PWjExoiN8mc-puNf6deqNyRnXMrBU6tOewWuIwK4R1nby6ezJBmvqzQGvlj_pE23ipC89HJCzwThX1Y1XtFJ6dmQTkU_7GU3L547wjMOj9VlsM/s400/DSCN1978.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
*This asterisk is not a note on how fun my family is. It's to apologize for knowingly creating such a long post. But if you made it this far, you know the post was long. And, of course, thoroughly enjoyable. :)<br />
<span id="goog_1496857"></span><span id="goog_1496858"></span>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07454291311314053305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5925819837467591554.post-73018189560353533442012-01-04T21:00:00.000-08:002012-01-04T21:00:00.274-08:00Ice Skating<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I finished work on December 23rd at 11:30am, and vacation began immediately! I didn't have to go back to work until the next Wednesday, and I hadn't had that many days off in a row since June. So not only was all of my family in town, but I was on vacation. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To kick things off, my mom drove up to my neck of the woods with Kallie and her adopted grandchildren (with makes my sister-in-law so jealous!) Allie, Jaden, and Bella. We had a quick lunch at McDonald's (so gourmet, I know), and then we headed to the outdoor ice skating rink that they built in my neighborhood this winter. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Though skating was difficult for some, we all had a great time! It was a beautiful day and not too crowded. I was amazed at how quickly the younger girls picked it up - even though they wouldn't really let us lace their skates properly. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Allie and Kallie warming up. The rink had buckets to let the kids stake with as they got used to it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdaTZtVU-QBmijUroJhi6giNUqU0dWmCioaOshyphenhyphenR2eCUjpmO_PyiYtOanClye42eYmNNZkcwYa6J_Gs0WBnudlMXUf4MC9cdFZnTZqR-vwKSLmMIcWkCctnIXCkEBiUMX7bS8Afxk0HM/s1600/DSCN1939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdaTZtVU-QBmijUroJhi6giNUqU0dWmCioaOshyphenhyphenR2eCUjpmO_PyiYtOanClye42eYmNNZkcwYa6J_Gs0WBnudlMXUf4MC9cdFZnTZqR-vwKSLmMIcWkCctnIXCkEBiUMX7bS8Afxk0HM/s400/DSCN1939.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
My mom helping Bella. Umm...you may want to go the other way. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPc2cISf4lbujnOH2ah_iBOuuRzcrz_3QjuaaTg1M7G1Q6TTX69A1nUvO0lrD2yPXaYHR7ViN8scZ9nQJXh0rFpUvFpuugzkjp_tgWD-KYbOxFr9WGsZOA-w9gaWy8oPw8ppv56VF_cU/s1600/DSCN1941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPc2cISf4lbujnOH2ah_iBOuuRzcrz_3QjuaaTg1M7G1Q6TTX69A1nUvO0lrD2yPXaYHR7ViN8scZ9nQJXh0rFpUvFpuugzkjp_tgWD-KYbOxFr9WGsZOA-w9gaWy8oPw8ppv56VF_cU/s400/DSCN1941.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kallie using the bucket.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95hMYghrWhkLSmWe9X0sdG633GQaVJ1FYB7S789TG3RumJUsBTazfWqfZs8ACnRtjPZha517TnAf4VtUBTFn7dzCImjchQRF7x3pR2SJm2AbwXQ__dMXd1xqTWxNwJvmPLHyAV2SmnRg/s1600/DSCN1942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95hMYghrWhkLSmWe9X0sdG633GQaVJ1FYB7S789TG3RumJUsBTazfWqfZs8ACnRtjPZha517TnAf4VtUBTFn7dzCImjchQRF7x3pR2SJm2AbwXQ__dMXd1xqTWxNwJvmPLHyAV2SmnRg/s400/DSCN1942.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Time to pose! Can you tell by the squinting that it was a little bright?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnt1Ip0tmGMAKx8yutcPofsQPebGidu53rde64KTvQ6H-QVkLKmG2psK7AA8IvDW2kmfYbePTJridq_vkVioOQXiVb0Ky91lvWaWZxqucJSYemjQJ9woCw34stMLh3lq-spQk0UAhOZI/s1600/DSCN1943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnt1Ip0tmGMAKx8yutcPofsQPebGidu53rde64KTvQ6H-QVkLKmG2psK7AA8IvDW2kmfYbePTJridq_vkVioOQXiVb0Ky91lvWaWZxqucJSYemjQJ9woCw34stMLh3lq-spQk0UAhOZI/s400/DSCN1943.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Allie and Bella - so cute! Somehow I never got a picture of Jaden. Oops!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonl1fcCki49xqYOfGSuLSLNlYstdK3M33bUvqu8ydkgiBayuu9R6WWzLsYGsfOED_3SELatzKuB5AB067BRk4yKMAWhsm6LffTH3N7S-F65PFPSmO-ekihDPkcwWoheQMeucYqZGrMRg/s1600/DSCN1944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonl1fcCki49xqYOfGSuLSLNlYstdK3M33bUvqu8ydkgiBayuu9R6WWzLsYGsfOED_3SELatzKuB5AB067BRk4yKMAWhsm6LffTH3N7S-F65PFPSmO-ekihDPkcwWoheQMeucYqZGrMRg/s400/DSCN1944.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Cute Bella...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFRtR-7YRiEh5mNExZAKwAm2mm5g1ur7ugQ0kMyS2ItxcaLlPxWliKSy-ED3OxTlR26DwjjaqY3l284O69-H-qX7SP7iMPes3GaERI7O_JqGIykwJTfSX50YLJsEQVzf67eZgn_cdys8/s1600/DSCN1945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFRtR-7YRiEh5mNExZAKwAm2mm5g1ur7ugQ0kMyS2ItxcaLlPxWliKSy-ED3OxTlR26DwjjaqY3l284O69-H-qX7SP7iMPes3GaERI7O_JqGIykwJTfSX50YLJsEQVzf67eZgn_cdys8/s400/DSCN1945.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Then Kallie, Allie, Jaden and I went on the Ferris Wheel. These are some of the better pictures. To my mom's credit, it is very hard to catch people when they're in a moving object. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi510VZbIMylGUp1KkfaCLqgTv54QW8Lvf6yZQFOT6Gr8ZD4iINXbw5nuosbWBy8xRTxBl_FNNGU36IGvmygChyXi194BTu0_7GCUhikJbYOZHECYxZPgqaRKY6Qmhc7vtiVqKw8wS-DX0/s1600/DSCN1947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi510VZbIMylGUp1KkfaCLqgTv54QW8Lvf6yZQFOT6Gr8ZD4iINXbw5nuosbWBy8xRTxBl_FNNGU36IGvmygChyXi194BTu0_7GCUhikJbYOZHECYxZPgqaRKY6Qmhc7vtiVqKw8wS-DX0/s400/DSCN1947.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Hey - there's a face or two! :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8sIO1ZfoBRA94lPI5R3UKWIRgbvjppDx6uuhOw5JbNwyCM6gwbcDFLHtek_BhlB7fTvy_PSfJh_kP3VmkWI86fkOyOTjfSl2tQkIkdGsk2tCtZLkRy7LlevnadPnGeD7k8E61jWphEY/s1600/DSCN1948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8sIO1ZfoBRA94lPI5R3UKWIRgbvjppDx6uuhOw5JbNwyCM6gwbcDFLHtek_BhlB7fTvy_PSfJh_kP3VmkWI86fkOyOTjfSl2tQkIkdGsk2tCtZLkRy7LlevnadPnGeD7k8E61jWphEY/s400/DSCN1948.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A quick snack and everyone was back on the road, and the family Christmas vacation time started for me!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07454291311314053305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5925819837467591554.post-74690015885512432102012-01-02T20:10:00.000-08:002012-01-02T20:10:40.612-08:00My Christmas DreamingChristmas was dreamy.<br />
<br />
I'm pretty positive that what made it so wonderful was not the presents or the music or the food (SO much food!) - even though all of that was exceptional. I'm pretty sure it was the time that I was able to spend with my favorite people in the world.<br />
<br />
So here's a quick snapshot of just a few moments from Christmas. (Please remember that I'm not a great photographer and I have a slow camera. So most of these images are more beautiful in my mind. :) )<br />
<br />
Kallie on our ice skating adventure (before she lost her tooth!).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdf6S8yiqrpt0IIsI91DbBFZ1k2q7Gp2dcQGtZz67uEZ5mMwBWIP2ljZfwzWUwDqr30Zere2WNIUglOX6G8-Ngn57IvlxrRvoPrgCxNHa1iGSGECqtq4pRAxJMiB8l3c2v14oP9sl64o/s1600/DSCN1940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdf6S8yiqrpt0IIsI91DbBFZ1k2q7Gp2dcQGtZz67uEZ5mMwBWIP2ljZfwzWUwDqr30Zere2WNIUglOX6G8-Ngn57IvlxrRvoPrgCxNHa1iGSGECqtq4pRAxJMiB8l3c2v14oP9sl64o/s400/DSCN1940.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Claire on the slide. Literally hours of entertainment for her on this thing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsmlSErNJn1_2WZ7_8tqL3gbJkHTQ2jt3q8dJMihpB4x2EsTYOJverOkTt1-6iGDQKx8emg-rX8uFSSxawasZ7y73zjDqV7H_BcxeMBogWDfBhXJxQ9lQcKdwz3QK4xSI51yRafDO-e4/s1600/DSCN1953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsmlSErNJn1_2WZ7_8tqL3gbJkHTQ2jt3q8dJMihpB4x2EsTYOJverOkTt1-6iGDQKx8emg-rX8uFSSxawasZ7y73zjDqV7H_BcxeMBogWDfBhXJxQ9lQcKdwz3QK4xSI51yRafDO-e4/s400/DSCN1953.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Dylan all bundled up for our Christmas Eve Fun Run.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9vST91_1kenS-QY-RSeVkFFf3fWxR2HrEG6EzkIYr6RNb7HpXslMXQj3imj6G4xlZynCRPeVwaxEmIrQvxqgiMEFaXB20Hn0VJqx0-CBVgTRNXfumkSWl6NrRjT4qiFA0tLXqQ1B074/s1600/DSCN1972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9vST91_1kenS-QY-RSeVkFFf3fWxR2HrEG6EzkIYr6RNb7HpXslMXQj3imj6G4xlZynCRPeVwaxEmIrQvxqgiMEFaXB20Hn0VJqx0-CBVgTRNXfumkSWl6NrRjT4qiFA0tLXqQ1B074/s400/DSCN1972.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I'll give more details and updates, but I just wanted to throw my three favorite faces out on to the internet. I hope that everyone had a safe and wonderful Christmas! Happy New Year!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07454291311314053305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5925819837467591554.post-45131443378500371882011-12-12T21:54:00.000-08:002011-12-12T21:54:17.155-08:00I At Least Thought About Blogging Today...And I have a lot to say.<br />
<br />
But that's as far as I got.<br />
<br />
Yep.<br />
<br />
Can I fall into bed now?Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07454291311314053305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5925819837467591554.post-88424853069400092102011-12-07T21:32:00.001-08:002011-12-07T21:42:36.663-08:00It's Almost Christmas!I can't tell you how excited I am to be with my family this Christmas. It's been several years since we've all been together on Christmas, and this is the first time that I will celebrate with the twins. I just love my family so much, and we have a stinkin' good time together!<br />
<br />
I know I mentioned it before, but <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGzPQQSeLfM">this</a> has been my favorite Christmas CD this year - Glad Christmas Tidings. I just listen to it over and over again. And then it plays in my head all day at work.<br />
<br />
And one of the things for which I'm most grateful is that I haven't heard my least favorite Christmas songs at all this year. That's right - I've pretty much only listened to my music (not the radio because the one in my car is stuck on AM and really only gets KNBR), so I haven't had to listen to the ones I don't like. AND, when a friend asked what my least favorite Christmas song is I, of course, said The Little Drummer Boy, but then I couldn't even think of the other one I dislike so much! If it wasn't so annoying that I couldn't recall that information, I'd be 100% happy that it's so far distant from my thoughts. Instead I'll be 99.99% happy. OK - I'll go a full 100%. What the heck?!<br />
<br />
I feel like I''m rambling. Am I rambling?<br />
<br />
I'll just say one more time...I'm excited for Christmas!<br />
<br />
Also - our house is just magical right now. The lights on the outside, the decorations on the inside. Just magical.<br />
<br />
Can you tell I'm exhausted?Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07454291311314053305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5925819837467591554.post-89627706426054594002011-12-04T19:01:00.001-08:002011-12-06T21:28:29.871-08:00I Love Winning!I am not the <i>most</i> competitive person in the entire world.<br />
<br />
However...<br />
<br />
When I go to bridal or baby showers and have to play the games, I want to win them.<br />
<br />
Not like I'm going to gauge someone's eyes to make sure that I get the prize, but I definitely put on my game face and get serious. Especially if the prizes are good.<br />
<br />
I went to a shower on Saturday, and here are my spoils:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaK8SSdgeEYtyBRQ5KE8txQcs-lfJGCxmYiPOTwCaAWfnCA5Kc9KfUfOrhk7NYUW5YWp9cYRhmlVOB-j2TLKizk5y4nZeA_H28FJQlVlnpeLxKPDF8b5cN1e-QASb6jNa2izo9hJpVGsM/s1600/DSCN1932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaK8SSdgeEYtyBRQ5KE8txQcs-lfJGCxmYiPOTwCaAWfnCA5Kc9KfUfOrhk7NYUW5YWp9cYRhmlVOB-j2TLKizk5y4nZeA_H28FJQlVlnpeLxKPDF8b5cN1e-QASb6jNa2izo9hJpVGsM/s400/DSCN1932.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I also scored a butterfinger, but Ari used it for a dessert for the party, so I didn't get it in the shot. But that's a really nice candle! And I totally earned it. I mean, not to brag, but I totally killed it. Basically I brought my A-game and was totally AWE-some. It was a hard game.<br />
<br />
Oh...and it was nice to celebrate the impending birth of the child of my friends too. :)Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07454291311314053305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5925819837467591554.post-22950108527606953382011-12-04T18:39:00.001-08:002011-12-05T19:21:09.909-08:00Fancy, Part IIThe most important part of any gathering is the people that you get to share it with. I was not very diligent about taking pictures at our party, but our friend David snapped a few.<br />
<br />
Here's our fancy music. Nicole brought her flute and Chandra brought her violin. Julie made our horrible piano sound melodic, and Jacosa graciously sang for us. It was all beautiful! This made it feel like Christmas to me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyB_6uToPv9XjTVBSnYXEFbv1w8DGl-noQ43gmsTsdDQ8I4wXN4Dap3j8hm71WGGVqLZCdNZdoPdSI40htwzAtTN5i_bOwz28NTNIW3GU5G1yu7nNTU5ipJIcXtFh2MeBbVVj5I4PN8BY/s1600/DSC07000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyB_6uToPv9XjTVBSnYXEFbv1w8DGl-noQ43gmsTsdDQ8I4wXN4Dap3j8hm71WGGVqLZCdNZdoPdSI40htwzAtTN5i_bOwz28NTNIW3GU5G1yu7nNTU5ipJIcXtFh2MeBbVVj5I4PN8BY/s400/DSC07000.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Why don't we do this more often? In the olden days people would sing and play instruments for entertainment after dinner. I wish we would do this more often.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXgqN_s_EZW6jRinRkDxaM0lTbPJD4zKmJR_XkCubnKNGB9qw1HN9MClMpT348SahN6HNDxv2eIskUoFSbT8JkGYJnXD6G8HV4VB-rYVaFEcmsHXXMrHWI03m4qEYO3RRj4LOuKRGauQ/s1600/DSC07003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXgqN_s_EZW6jRinRkDxaM0lTbPJD4zKmJR_XkCubnKNGB9qw1HN9MClMpT348SahN6HNDxv2eIskUoFSbT8JkGYJnXD6G8HV4VB-rYVaFEcmsHXXMrHWI03m4qEYO3RRj4LOuKRGauQ/s400/DSC07003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's a group shot. We didn't get a picture with everyone because not everyone was here at the same time, but this is the after-music crowd. What a good-looking group!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0M6JqG50GAMywQ6tQ8UcUEn5RSj6M_zZfFGY1mvs5ErsBtXw24v6aAZf6qWR1twoNLgqg4gFaw-P94F203RvoqLkgivPP9Tu2y6UhvXmZ6zaOdIaRipje_HSispSb6bQJk_DGcotdXc/s1600/DSC07016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0M6JqG50GAMywQ6tQ8UcUEn5RSj6M_zZfFGY1mvs5ErsBtXw24v6aAZf6qWR1twoNLgqg4gFaw-P94F203RvoqLkgivPP9Tu2y6UhvXmZ6zaOdIaRipje_HSispSb6bQJk_DGcotdXc/s400/DSC07016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This was our silly picture. Did I need to explain that?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhuL0VH5FCOfVSW_M-HLBwE6Kh-tlcXvf_iiZ-BqOlsV3l9Lz4nqzmJpHLszX1I6Nj6kOPmAwi-UYPFfaogUM0VKV3-5fRKlXRpCoenGUuopAg3omCaUUW916MfjfZDLu7HqfaGOBaP8/s1600/DSC07022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhuL0VH5FCOfVSW_M-HLBwE6Kh-tlcXvf_iiZ-BqOlsV3l9Lz4nqzmJpHLszX1I6Nj6kOPmAwi-UYPFfaogUM0VKV3-5fRKlXRpCoenGUuopAg3omCaUUW916MfjfZDLu7HqfaGOBaP8/s400/DSC07022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Heidi, Nicole, Christina, and David.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfjClpd85nJS_8Oznm2jRfz8kbkVZNrLDPaQJ_uCmAVTZ1PdlI8Gr_YZsb5h0iWGbS12ZdbJ-UqATTYFG-99tYlUCaa9xEQDTzUHi8qSBKTrHA8SKSqmIdpsTqKYwX93ZU9d6rMnb738/s1600/DSC07034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfjClpd85nJS_8Oznm2jRfz8kbkVZNrLDPaQJ_uCmAVTZ1PdlI8Gr_YZsb5h0iWGbS12ZdbJ-UqATTYFG-99tYlUCaa9xEQDTzUHi8qSBKTrHA8SKSqmIdpsTqKYwX93ZU9d6rMnb738/s400/DSC07034.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I didn't actually get a picture of myself or with my roommates. I knew I was forgetting something... :)<br />
<br />
Thanks everyone for such a fun, fancy evening!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07454291311314053305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5925819837467591554.post-64448122650606278622011-12-04T18:15:00.001-08:002011-12-04T18:38:19.102-08:00Oh, the Fanciness!I love having and/or attending fancy Christmas parties.<br />
<br />
There's something so wonderful and kind of grown-up-feeling about making yourself up a little bit nicer and slipping into a fabulous dress and heels and then spending the evening munching on yummy food that's elegantly presented, sipping sparkling cider, and chatting with friends. Add Christmas lights, decorations, and super-classy live music and it becomes an "occasion."<br />
<br />
Of course, I'm writing this while sitting on my couch in my sweats.<br />
<br />
But last night, there was fancy. I was fancy. And it was fun.<br />
<br />
My roommates and I decked out the house (inside and out - I even helped with lights!), whipped up some of our favorite food and invited friends to come fill our home for a fancy Christmas party. It was so fun!<br />
<br />
Here are a few shots of some of the fancy food:<br />
<br />
Charity's white chocolate craisin cookies.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwnkHCgxHgE-fQHS41OXrpFtyKVErohwHNsbzfog49iTNMvlvQcCTpg7goXl6OrdmPf1a-qJoBUT5MMEePLFVwFbw5yvfTxTSVufdHhCDpaHSAQEtfM1QNjIjfmpBcUGBmZWeniwVydM/s1600/DSCN1931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwnkHCgxHgE-fQHS41OXrpFtyKVErohwHNsbzfog49iTNMvlvQcCTpg7goXl6OrdmPf1a-qJoBUT5MMEePLFVwFbw5yvfTxTSVufdHhCDpaHSAQEtfM1QNjIjfmpBcUGBmZWeniwVydM/s400/DSCN1931.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I made mini chocolate peppermint cupcakes. I should have taken a picture of them on the red plate. It looked better.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxEXwv11X2oVu-mgCIA0gZDu44fhl1s6FgjE98GIwh72stpYwf48VRa79kmf5Qoxw8i7ffO8ULeDWFL_Hd3IwYGgpYl61eEebvWfvEaQfs3y92Sp_keKsAc8_1g0DYXXR3SQiWg8Ed6w/s1600/DSCN1934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxEXwv11X2oVu-mgCIA0gZDu44fhl1s6FgjE98GIwh72stpYwf48VRa79kmf5Qoxw8i7ffO8ULeDWFL_Hd3IwYGgpYl61eEebvWfvEaQfs3y92Sp_keKsAc8_1g0DYXXR3SQiWg8Ed6w/s400/DSCN1934.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Up close. Yum!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWGfF8e9UateelZS9U_1Jfhe0B97aIxHqqghzCDr90ENpiYb53IinRbUdoUhMy-PTnZIooVYTzCAHX8JL-10oQGp5lngK7G3cpYyDqDAjcqsWFwj74DKQQR3UNMic7fhGX4eaddmNwCc/s1600/DSCN1935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWGfF8e9UateelZS9U_1Jfhe0B97aIxHqqghzCDr90ENpiYb53IinRbUdoUhMy-PTnZIooVYTzCAHX8JL-10oQGp5lngK7G3cpYyDqDAjcqsWFwj74DKQQR3UNMic7fhGX4eaddmNwCc/s400/DSCN1935.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This is something that I think I want to do with my niece this Christmas. Ariane made these hot chocolate dippers. It's a marshmallow on a stick that you dip in chocolate and then decorate. These are reindeer and snowmen, but she also did some plain ones. Super cute and fun for a hot chocolate lover like myself.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsvEYXAhvhHIcqOC_TRGUZftwtGf1vtZ1UHW97bMC291r8c9AXwLQ3oLPQIgW9x1Q2W5ttlkk5lFGlqNDRA6g8181PSe82TI0VUBsq2lKdTLIpzkZcOlLkQ0E1_FHd338JYMxG3f6Pkc/s1600/DSCN1938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsvEYXAhvhHIcqOC_TRGUZftwtGf1vtZ1UHW97bMC291r8c9AXwLQ3oLPQIgW9x1Q2W5ttlkk5lFGlqNDRA6g8181PSe82TI0VUBsq2lKdTLIpzkZcOlLkQ0E1_FHd338JYMxG3f6Pkc/s400/DSCN1938.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We had other food, and it wasn't all sweet. I just forgot to take pictures of the other stuff. Sadly, my lemon bars didn't cook all the way through. I don't know what I did wrong. I took them out when they were golden brown on the top, but when I cut into them they were liquidy. Needless to say, they did not make it to the table.<br />
<br />
I'll save the rest of the pics for tomorrow so that the fancy can live on a little bit longer. :)<br />
<br />
Also, my favorite Christmas CD this year is the concert from last year by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir with David Archuleta. It's so good! My favorite new song that I had never heard is "The Cat and Mouse Carol." I just love the worshipfulness of the music. And David Archuleta is better than I thought he'd be. I've never listened to much of his music, but he's really quite talented. I highly recommend the CD. I got mine at Target. :)Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07454291311314053305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5925819837467591554.post-23759947711831442962011-11-28T21:41:00.001-08:002011-11-28T21:52:27.717-08:00Ten Thoughts In My Head Today1. Man, 5:30 is early!<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2. This tree sure drinks a lot of water. I really hope it lives through Christmas. Or at least through Saturday.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3. Why did I only bring healthy snacks to work with me?!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
4. Ooh! I love getting my hair cut! And I'm glad we went with just the blonde this time.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
5. Wow - you can definitely tell that I haven't been to the gym in a couple of weeks.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
6. Would it kill them to put some fans in this gym?! I'm sweating like a pig! But I'm running surprising well for my recent lack of gym time. Well...running and walking. It's all cardio.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
7. How are people buying tickets for Wicked already?! They weren't supposed to go on sale until Saturday! Drat those online codes!!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
8. If I eat a very healthy lunch then I don't have to feel bad when I just eat cereal or toast for dinner, right? Right.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
9. Oh man! Has my slip really been showing like that all day? How embarrassing!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
10. I love the little outdoor ice skating rink by my house. It's not New York City, but I still think it would be a fun little winter date to go there.</div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07454291311314053305noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5925819837467591554.post-68792510680317643932011-11-27T18:39:00.001-08:002011-11-27T19:58:35.843-08:00It's Christmas!I love Thanksgiving!<br />
<br />
And ours was wonderful this year. Food, family, and friends all rolled into one great weekend. We played new games, I laughed until I cried, and my mom and I even made our own cinnamon rolls.<br />
<br />
One of the fun parts of Thanksgiving weekend is that we then get to prep for Christmas! Hooray!<br />
<br />
Two of my roommates have fake trees, but we heard that WiseBuys had trees for $10, so Ariane and I decided that we should go check them out and maybe get a real one for the house this year. We looked at about two trees before we decided on one. It's a beauty! It's about 9 feet tall and it smells like delightful evergreen. I think this is the tallest tree I've ever had in my life. OK - maybe one of the Boston Christmas trees was taller, but probably not by much. This one just seems so huge!<br />
<br />
However...somehow I always manage to get myself into projects that require putting large things on top of cars. There was the gigantic dry erase board in 2004, and yesterday there was the tree. We did pay the extra $2 to have it netted, which was very helpful. But this was a 9 foot pine tree! And Ari and I had to hoist it up on top of her car and then make sure that it didn't fall off on the drive home. And we're GIRLS!<br />
<br />
This was no simple feat, but we did manage. I guess that's the thing about buying a tree at WiseBuys. They'll net it for you, but they can't take it any farther than their little lot. So we lugged it to the car and then got it on the roof and tied down. I got pine needles everywhere. My hair, my shirt - I even found one later that day that had gone down my pants. How does that even happen?! Also...this may not be a good omen for our $10 tree. Should it really be losing that many needles? Let's hope that it lasts at least a week. :)<br />
<br />
We got it home, in the stand, in the house, standing up relatively straightly, and decorated. Here are a couple of shots.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCeI_20ZdR3cBIRU_7fJTB-yLBOXRvRb0DMKq1YEthDGJJYIg93XjbzT9RJQpmZtz8MnsqyGO9ofP2mjbhlj_F6EfQfsTdTbpgzDNu2n6MDiJGRG6coNCaMmD-6AYpKYpigI4jJRQb8k/s1600/DSCN1925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCeI_20ZdR3cBIRU_7fJTB-yLBOXRvRb0DMKq1YEthDGJJYIg93XjbzT9RJQpmZtz8MnsqyGO9ofP2mjbhlj_F6EfQfsTdTbpgzDNu2n6MDiJGRG6coNCaMmD-6AYpKYpigI4jJRQb8k/s400/DSCN1925.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVMvvnJGLo3AgflBN4QcUIkZ0h4-alV-etX8OZHK3DbjnUvOQWCFOG87WUfyywp-kCCPMkIIzJErgBTdQMEvtLHAam6Phkdxz4_KFBztlusEJ8b8peSKutydIpuROx1aPv6ROiCkKYlw/s1600/DSCN1927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVMvvnJGLo3AgflBN4QcUIkZ0h4-alV-etX8OZHK3DbjnUvOQWCFOG87WUfyywp-kCCPMkIIzJErgBTdQMEvtLHAam6Phkdxz4_KFBztlusEJ8b8peSKutydIpuROx1aPv6ROiCkKYlw/s400/DSCN1927.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Not bad, huh?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm now sitting snugly on the couch, wrapped up in my blanket looking at the tree with its beautiful lights, and White Christmas is playing on the television. White Christmas is one of my absolute favorite Christmas movies. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ahh...Christmas contentment.</div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07454291311314053305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5925819837467591554.post-84384256991373543572011-11-20T19:30:00.001-08:002011-11-20T19:55:05.697-08:00My Not-So-Hidden TalentIt's time for me to admit one of my talents.<br />
<br />
I feel that I should no longer hide my candle under a bushel.<br />
<br />
Perhaps I can help someone somewhere because of the natural gift that I have been given.<br />
<br />
So here goes.<br />
<br />
I am amazing at watching television.<br />
<br />
Scoff if you will, but I believe that this takes stamina, discernment, a sharp eye, and impeccable taste. I can whip through the guide and know what's worth wasting my time on and what's not. I can learn, laugh, cry, travel, and cook all from my couch. I can get sucked in for hours. That sounds sad. But it's not because I do leave my couch and live life too. And that's happy.<br />
<br />
Being sick this week allowed me the opportunity to put my skill to great use. Because...realistically, most days are so busy that I don't have a ton of time to devote to developing under-valued talent.<br />
<br />
Yesterday was kind of a marathon event for me, so let's see if I can give an accurate recap. I woke up WAY too early, but then I compensated by going back to sleep from 10:30am to 1:40pm. I guess that's what happens when your body is recovering?<br />
<br />
Here's what I watched in no particular order: The Muppets Take Manhattan (got that for $5 at Wal-mart), part of The Next Iron Chef, two episodes of International House Hunters (they were in Holland!), Survivor, two and a half episodes of Psych, two and a half episodes of Designing Women (what a find on a Saturday!), the end of the USC/Oregon football game, some of the Cal/Stanford game, the finale of Top Chef Just Desserts, Gilmore Girls, Keeping Up Appearances, the end of last week's The Sing-Off, and I think something else that I'm forgetting right now. But even if I'm not forgetting anything, that's kind of a lot of TV.<br />
<br />
Really...days like this are only justified when I'm not feeling well. Which is probably why they're fun. They only happen every once in a while. But when they do happen, I know that I am letting my little light shine. :)<br />
<br />
On another note, I only have to work three days this week!!! What a fun thought!!!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07454291311314053305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5925819837467591554.post-83494271759476594912011-11-17T18:46:00.001-08:002011-11-17T19:24:01.942-08:00Thursday Thoughts1. I have the sniffles. So I am resting in the hopes that they do not turn into a full blown cold. Of course, I also made a deal with my immune system that if it could keep me going just long enough to get through the work week that it could let me be sick all weekend. So far so good. We'll see what happens on Saturday.<br />
<br />
2. I would much rather have the sniffles than a sore throat. That's how this started. Just a little scratchy throat on Tuesday morning, but by noon it was on fire. At several points I wondered if it would just be easier to rip my throat out of my body. Don't worry. Instead I went to CVS after work and bought soup, Gatorade, Airborn, and lozenges. And then I went to the youth Etiquette Dinner and prepped, plated, and served food to the unsuspecting masses. Let's hope I didn't pass anything along. :)<br />
<br />
3. Do you ever miss a place? This fall I've been missing BYU. Maybe it's because it's the time of year when school begins and football games are being played, and there's a part of me that still longs to be in school. But today I wasn't wanting to be in Provo. I missed Europe today. I know that's very general, and I've only been to three European countries, but I just wanted to be there. And because I've lived there, I feel like I'm allowed to want to be there in a way that is different than just wanting to visit a place you've seen in the movies, you know? Like...I want to visit the Nora Ephron-created, romanticized New York City in You've Got Mail, but I can't really miss that or know what it's really like on West 89th Street, because I've never been there. But I can still see parts of Europe in my mind's eye and I can still feel parts of it in my soul. And today I wanted to be transported there. I wanted to speak Dutch and have someone understand me. I wanted to get on a train. I wanted to ride a bike and visit a museum, and be there again. And then I woke up from that daydream and I was still going through attorney's mail. Someday Europe. I'll be back.<br />
<br />
4. Why do I love and hate Costco so much at the same time? They have so much good stuff, which makes me want to buy it all, but then I would be out of money in no time. They have the softest blankets, and fun movies, and great books - all topped off with delicious free food samples. Aaacckkkk!!!! It's a dilemma every time I walk in the door. And they've got us all paranoid that if we don't buy what we think we want the moment we see it, it'll be gone. Because everyone knows that if you wait on something that you see at Costco (especially non-everyday items), you might as well give up on ever seeing it again. Heck - you can't even second-guess yourself during your own shopping trip. You may decide that you want to walk around the store while you think about whether or not to get that Nordic-ware bake set. By the time you get back around...gone. I'll have you know that there were only four - yes four - copies of the Doris Day movie collection on the shelf tonight. Do you think they'll be there the next time I go back? NO! I hesitated and therefore I am lost. I'm sorry Doris. Next time I'll know better.<br />
<br />
OK - I'm now going to watch an episode of Gilmore Girls (I'm in season 3 right now), take a bath, and go to bed. I was watching GG yesterday while resting, and Kirk had a great line. Rory and Lorelai each made a funny comment and he said something like, "I'm sorry. I'm a little fuzzy right now which is why I missed your comedic hyperbole." I just love a show that can use the phrase "comedic hyperbole." But my point in using this quote beyond illustrating the writing genius of Amy Sherman-Palladino is that I'm a little fuzzy tonight, and I may be missing more than comedic hyperbole. I just realized that I wrote some LONG paragraphs. The great part is that you can stop reading any time. When people talk to me they can't get me to be quiet, but when I blog people can take me in whatever dose they choose. Anyone still with me? Yep...time for Gilmore Girls. :)Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07454291311314053305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5925819837467591554.post-24168261112474679892011-11-14T21:18:00.001-08:002011-11-14T21:36:28.890-08:00Just Call Me SchnookumsOK - I haven't really been inspired AT ALL to blog lately.<br />
<br />
But at the urging of my sister and Corrie and because I just laughed out loud with no one else around, I will post this.<br />
<br />
My friend, <a href="http://enpeters.blogspot.com/">Erin</a>, writes one of the wittiest blogs I have ever read. AND she wrote a book, which I think is amazing and I want to be just like her someday. (Buy her <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Memoirs-Gaijin-Humorous-Foreigner-Countryside/dp/142419749X/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251472156&sr=8-3">book</a>!)<br />
<br />
Anyway, she has started adding advertisements to her blog. Just by clicking on them I am pretty much sending her money. Not bad, huh?<br />
<br />
So I clicked on one this evening. It was to see if I would qualify for a grant to go back to school. But I didn't stop there. I actually went through all the questions. However, at the end they want all of your contact information, which I'm not too keen on giving out. (Besides...I apparently only qualified for one program - an online Master's of Education through Grand Canyon University (who?) with no financial aid. Totally bogus!)<br />
<br />
So I just created myself a new internet identity. It's Schnookums McGee. I live at 501 Pleasant Way, in case you wanted to know.<br />
<br />
The best part was at the very end when I submitted all of my information. The advertisement at the bottom said something like, "If you liked this, Schnookums, you might also like..." My computer called me Schnookums! HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!<br />
<br />
This kind of sounds like the dumbest thing as I'm writing it, but I just found it hilarious.<br />
<br />
Also - conundrum of the day: why do stores that sell skin care and make-up products have the worst lighting of all time? How do I know if that tinted moisturizer actually IS the right one? I walked around Sephora today looking in about a half-dozen different mirrors. All with very different yet equally horrible lighting. Baffling. The staff kept asking me if I needed help. I wanted to shout at them and say, "YES! Please help by creating a not lame environment for me to test your products, stupid!" So I didn't buy either moisturizer. I asked for samples of both and I'll test them in my own light. For cryin' out loud.<br />
<br />
Today I'm thankful for a gift card that I found that I'd forgotten about and scripture study and my toothbrush.Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07454291311314053305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5925819837467591554.post-28609158936807110032011-11-01T21:57:00.000-07:002011-11-01T21:57:07.224-07:00Let's Be ThankfulMany moons ago (I'm going to say November 2004), my good friend (and then roommate) AmyAnn, taped several pieces of construction paper to the closet door in the entryway of our apartment. Next to these she fastened a string with a pen attached to it. On the paper in big, bold letters she wrote, "I'm Thankful For..."<br />
<br />
Throughout the month of November (and beyond), we (and most people who came to visit) would write what we were thankful for that day. Whenever we felt happy - and especially when we felt unhappy, frustrated, or grumpy - we were reminded to go to the Thankful Board and find something for which we were grateful.<br />
<br />
I learned a very important lesson from this Thankful Board. Gratitude has an amazing power to change our hearts and lift our souls! And I have so much for which to be thankful!<br />
<br />
So as we approach Thanksgiving (one of my favorite holidays!), I'm going to make an effort to be more thankful. Starting right now.<br />
<br />
I am thankful to work with the Young Women of my ward. Tonight was their annual Night of Excellence, and I can truly say that they are EXCELLENT! They amaze me, and I am grateful that for a few hours each week I get to bask in their stellar-ness.<br />
<br />
I'm also grateful that I get to serve with such superior women. They teach me a lot. And put up with a lot from me. So I am thankful to know them and associate with them.<br />
<br />
This isn't all of us. We were a few short tonight. But here's us tonight.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91iJha6W1IWnhWuYkQIfrCMEDsTCbj_5Jbmx0JCjoiXPwxaTav5Vc7MS5FewAq3NwEYJ1CxM-CU4pgxZ2SjzRaZOgRRVy2w3qB8M1_xxNB7r0pu05poYdWJ9H1ZcaJWpXhXPEgXH0nOQ/s1600/DSCN1921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91iJha6W1IWnhWuYkQIfrCMEDsTCbj_5Jbmx0JCjoiXPwxaTav5Vc7MS5FewAq3NwEYJ1CxM-CU4pgxZ2SjzRaZOgRRVy2w3qB8M1_xxNB7r0pu05poYdWJ9H1ZcaJWpXhXPEgXH0nOQ/s400/DSCN1921.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Let's all be grateful!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07454291311314053305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5925819837467591554.post-86779697624485897862011-11-01T21:45:00.000-07:002011-11-01T21:45:48.777-07:00HalloweenThis year, I decided to make my costume for Halloween. Ok - I decided to ask my incredibly talented grandma to teach me how to sew by making a costume for me for Halloween. :)<br />
<br />
We had a great time! It is always fun to spend time with my grandparents, but it's also really fun to have a project. Here are a few of my pictures from the weekend.<br />
<br />
Here's me in my Alice in Wonderland costume. I LOVE it!!! I really felt like Alice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58HAZYV46_a7eJ7VQMWiGJiCocHR7fPnqyWue290O8YXxQR3tU87biY-Y5dKHs9yvRtqhHlICAdVdR7uwFV4TUOEtBqtipXNI7NumysRoCss6rMUNeZKISv6kRBHjr5C-RIwe7oZoq4g/s1600/DSCN1913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58HAZYV46_a7eJ7VQMWiGJiCocHR7fPnqyWue290O8YXxQR3tU87biY-Y5dKHs9yvRtqhHlICAdVdR7uwFV4TUOEtBqtipXNI7NumysRoCss6rMUNeZKISv6kRBHjr5C-RIwe7oZoq4g/s400/DSCN1913.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Koreen, Nicole, Christina, and I ventured to Berkeley for a Halloween party on Friday. After I finished changing into my costume in the car (quite an adventure in itself!), we enjoyed the festivities for a bit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9E3EwLBnIb3HabnM0YACclz_cvR2Enc_K0BjL4pO9cHWbf08AIzwYTdZGHxbd0R8UgwwMpTVSoLZ-xEy-3K-MFysTjW6alWOxLgBBrLR4o_kQHrmCePuLeg9zPEj5pj-989lKdKo_qtA/s1600/310576_2462300031148_1061614183_2770207_1345835623_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9E3EwLBnIb3HabnM0YACclz_cvR2Enc_K0BjL4pO9cHWbf08AIzwYTdZGHxbd0R8UgwwMpTVSoLZ-xEy-3K-MFysTjW6alWOxLgBBrLR4o_kQHrmCePuLeg9zPEj5pj-989lKdKo_qtA/s400/310576_2462300031148_1061614183_2770207_1345835623_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
There was another Alice there...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaaZp5qaCIpHbj83fGOQx4EVLLFesYZIIEEeCBYaeSTz3KMmXc2CU9lR0wg5R3186hzoIXOtNYz1RVXJiLe7FQvQg5KGDxj8yx9WbeCGCcm04UKKrYvx4m2nCGzs_pmMmafXdKUqaR3g/s1600/315749_2462312831468_1061614183_2770217_914312443_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaaZp5qaCIpHbj83fGOQx4EVLLFesYZIIEEeCBYaeSTz3KMmXc2CU9lR0wg5R3186hzoIXOtNYz1RVXJiLe7FQvQg5KGDxj8yx9WbeCGCcm04UKKrYvx4m2nCGzs_pmMmafXdKUqaR3g/s400/315749_2462312831468_1061614183_2770217_914312443_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The Berkeley Institute building used to be a mansion, so we climbed up to the attic to look around. Guess what we found? A tiny door! Of course, Alice had to check it out. That's what she does!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqh0j4KuK226LeCWHQSv554DtPdtewsoYP2leQxWp_q9tpbfCvMgxTsXQlv4IV-5112M7m7yR83VQIcY3W5B075_EGolGt1gtwY4hRAg5PEOFHMFhPQLQb2TMQxsXKExnuz0jrjLFCKIg/s1600/375834_2462313831493_1061614183_2770223_895478117_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqh0j4KuK226LeCWHQSv554DtPdtewsoYP2leQxWp_q9tpbfCvMgxTsXQlv4IV-5112M7m7yR83VQIcY3W5B075_EGolGt1gtwY4hRAg5PEOFHMFhPQLQb2TMQxsXKExnuz0jrjLFCKIg/s400/375834_2462313831493_1061614183_2770223_895478117_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Then we found an even smaller door! So...I popped through to say hello.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgJtFPK6UewCq8d9-StY-mdmX5ZsibXMfQb0CX5fA2StGMnT8OspLGS9VbJIpD-BDqmS-DDhyphenhyphen9CKNx-sDr18Y5dR52pO78FsLeTaZWqQTZ6o2mJe-JLW_4PL0D6sErJ0CGB71MNUpuXk/s1600/317350_2462316151551_1061614183_2770236_1667148221_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgJtFPK6UewCq8d9-StY-mdmX5ZsibXMfQb0CX5fA2StGMnT8OspLGS9VbJIpD-BDqmS-DDhyphenhyphen9CKNx-sDr18Y5dR52pO78FsLeTaZWqQTZ6o2mJe-JLW_4PL0D6sErJ0CGB71MNUpuXk/s400/317350_2462316151551_1061614183_2770236_1667148221_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And then I needed to climb through a window...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0-7CVhcHrF1kr-BNlqjeOQNRKbH8pGi7nyrjk-SaEmy0uUEudHIaElUkBVnqnv6eRnbm8FzjigsxRLEVacBu8fGcLx1FykDETX__rco7fUl1B5elj5DQSQREXqhKtVJyTO0gC7yZoT0/s1600/312068_2462319951646_1061614183_2770247_851111352_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0-7CVhcHrF1kr-BNlqjeOQNRKbH8pGi7nyrjk-SaEmy0uUEudHIaElUkBVnqnv6eRnbm8FzjigsxRLEVacBu8fGcLx1FykDETX__rco7fUl1B5elj5DQSQREXqhKtVJyTO0gC7yZoT0/s400/312068_2462319951646_1061614183_2770247_851111352_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
...and out onto the roof. (Sorry that the pictures are sideways).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifAtYT5LObF5MersD7loxpBNzVYDPhe37Y0nlWt0H74-ctBLKPQenro-BEutZNizgOk71OEcYtYSz3eJCmZ_BLT7QOOfIBae5c6JQtjsMhSbEJByL8P9WPP22afYfIPx01SAuew1f684c/s1600/393625_2462319231628_1061614183_2770243_1815340934_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifAtYT5LObF5MersD7loxpBNzVYDPhe37Y0nlWt0H74-ctBLKPQenro-BEutZNizgOk71OEcYtYSz3eJCmZ_BLT7QOOfIBae5c6JQtjsMhSbEJByL8P9WPP22afYfIPx01SAuew1f684c/s400/393625_2462319231628_1061614183_2770243_1815340934_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And, I couldn't end my Halloween post without a tribute to Grandma and Grandpa. Here they are at their friends' Halloween party. Don't they look fantastic?! Hmm...I wonder where I get my excitement for dressing up? :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZXTAOk3jv1fEkg1nYWqYdewQXE0oVNHo3JWi6n-_05NhZeI_4JLdaVnu6ECbIiQLBfs6RPTm6nYptBBWVR3vfft2uBd_6CHT7t-3_lc9_xv5VG7-YK1ZaXN8tPFefVTkbtnNfu1oycI/s1600/78EA940E8F9848238D089ED0A4716700.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZXTAOk3jv1fEkg1nYWqYdewQXE0oVNHo3JWi6n-_05NhZeI_4JLdaVnu6ECbIiQLBfs6RPTm6nYptBBWVR3vfft2uBd_6CHT7t-3_lc9_xv5VG7-YK1ZaXN8tPFefVTkbtnNfu1oycI/s400/78EA940E8F9848238D089ED0A4716700.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07454291311314053305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5925819837467591554.post-9517506710727872572011-10-17T22:10:00.000-07:002011-10-17T22:10:55.507-07:00Monday, MondaySo...<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SH3glrodmtY">this</a> may have been my sister's anthem for the day, but <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyTjrFF_wbc&feature=related">this</a></i> totally made my night! I was listening to the english version in the car on the way home tonight. So much fun to find it in Dutch!!!<br />
<br />
Other random thoughts of the day:<br />
<br />
* I have found the piece of clothing that I think I could live in for the rest of my life. It's called sweatpants. I have been longing for a new pair for at least six months, and Saturday that dream came true. They are the most comfortable thing on the planet, and I wish that societal norms allowed me to wear them everywhere!<br />
<br />
* I have got to find a way to not be gone for ALL DAY every day. I get up at 5:30, am at work at 7:30, and tonight I didn't arrive home till almost 9:00. That's p.m. Tomorrow's not looking any better. I like all of my extra curricular activities. Maybe I can cut out work? Probably not.<br />
<br />
* At least my gym bag made it into the car today. I didn't actually make it to the gym, but I was prepared. Maybe tomorrow...<br />
<br />
* My Halloween costume's almost done. And it's AWESOME!!! I'm so glad that I have a patient grandma who likes to teach me to sew. Now it's just the dang zipper. She asked tonight, "Are you sure you don't just want to use velcro?"<br />
<br />
* I packed my lunch and ate outside today. I love those lunch breaks. They feel longer, and I get to read my book. And it's the good autumnal warm outside.<br />
<br />
* A boy told me that he loves me tonight. Granted, it was Ariane's almost-five-year-old nephew, Allan. But it was so cute! I love you too, Al. :)<br />
<br />
*Did you know that the study of unidentified flying objects is called ufology? Pronounced you-fall-uh-gee. Isn't that so funny? I love podcasts. I highly recommend "Stuff You Should Know."<br />
<br />
Slaap lekker hoor!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07454291311314053305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5925819837467591554.post-9810130078232298962011-10-16T21:49:00.000-07:002011-10-16T21:49:51.377-07:00Family History, I Am Doing It!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This has been a very cool weekend for me with regard to my family and family history. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yesterday, my mom and I were able to go to the Sacramento <a href="http://lds.org/church/temples?lang=eng">Temple</a> to do the endowment work for two of my great-grandmothers. What a wonderful morning it was! I'm so grateful for temples and that they not only allow us to make sacred covenants, but that they bind families together forever. And I love being there with my family members. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After the temple (and a quick trip up to the outlets), we went to the Rhoads Family Cousins' Luncheon at Davis Ranch. This is a yearly luncheon that has been put on for the past 30 years by this woman, Ellen Rosa. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_yywZrnrZO_WR1gUU8y8reTmSgFt2iYZpPg-AMxTcYzQcca0xBwVgoTcH0w8N4sT-SEaIBoi1u3Bw4KkDHDLVqPWFYo2f4XOxTKLiC2UmjmOY78v3-LCzUWbwPFHa-8Sw0d3aerGyj8/s1600/DSCN1911.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_yywZrnrZO_WR1gUU8y8reTmSgFt2iYZpPg-AMxTcYzQcca0xBwVgoTcH0w8N4sT-SEaIBoi1u3Bw4KkDHDLVqPWFYo2f4XOxTKLiC2UmjmOY78v3-LCzUWbwPFHa-8Sw0d3aerGyj8/s320/DSCN1911.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm sorry that this isn't a great picture of her, but she's 86 and she LOVES family history! And each year we have the opportunity to gather and learn more about our family and meet distant cousins. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
See...I'm a sixth generation Californian on my mom's side. We came over just before the Donner party. And then we went back and rescued them. And then some went back to Utah, and some (like my family) stayed in California and settled all the land just east of where I live now.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is the second time that I've gotten to go to the luncheon, and I hope I get to continue to go. It's wonderful to hear the stories and recognize that we are where they were. It helps me to feel more connected to them. And it inspires me to do more family history so that I can spend more time linking us together in the temple.</div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07454291311314053305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5925819837467591554.post-59131014669879755462011-10-13T22:27:00.000-07:002011-10-13T22:27:47.538-07:00Happiness is Little Pizzas and Venn DiagramsThank you for all of the concerned comments, calls, and texts regarding my last post. Perhaps I was slightly more verbose about my bad day than I usually am, but I didn't mean to make everyone worry.<br />
<br />
Let me clear things up.<br />
<br />
I may not love my job, and it may be causing me some stress right now, but I'm totally OK. Life is still good.<br />
<br />
In fact, tonight when I got to my grandparents' house, grandpa had made little pizzas for an appetizer.<br />
<br />
Is there anything that could make a person happier than having a grandpa who makes you little pizzas?<br />
<br />
You may be thinking, "yes."<br />
<br />
If so, then you've never had my family's little pizzas. :)<br />
<br />
And the other good thing about not loving work is that it's causing me to really look at life and what I want my career choices to be. Sometimes you need to know that you're in a situation that you don't want to be in forever to cause you to take some action to create a new situation. Right?<br />
<br />
I've also realized that many of my jobs have come as kind-of knee-jerk reactions to needing a job and not really knowing what it is that I want.<br />
<br />
The phrase from the scriptures that keeps coming to mind lately is that I now want "to act and not be acted upon." It's time to buckle down and make big-girl choices about where my life is heading.<br />
<br />
So...I'm using one of the things I learned at the conference last weekend to help. It's a Venn Diagram.<br />
<br />
You all remember what those are, right?<br />
<br />
I think they're great.<br />
<br />
But I'm also a little nerdy and like things like Venn Diagrams.<br />
<br />
They look like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZYHSALUTQ6CVahqGKbv5TF3xIZOcfUxgI150XbqRZl2yXI-cXd1hmXgSwzuLCVqPDmXrrfpsbur1a4irtb5gNSKdItDuOabEwmV-eJlYnMWJiwn72480QHhc3KB9KSTHEJ1sUdF2BAI/s1600/venn3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZYHSALUTQ6CVahqGKbv5TF3xIZOcfUxgI150XbqRZl2yXI-cXd1hmXgSwzuLCVqPDmXrrfpsbur1a4irtb5gNSKdItDuOabEwmV-eJlYnMWJiwn72480QHhc3KB9KSTHEJ1sUdF2BAI/s320/venn3.gif" width="313" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Each circle represents something different, and then your middle ground of your three variables is the answer for which you're looking.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The talk I heard related that in order to be in a VERY HAPPY place in your career, you need to put the following three things in the diagram:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. What you love to do.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2. What you're good at doing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3. What the world values (i.e. will pay you to do)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you can find a career that incorporates these three factors, the likelihood of career satisfaction is very high. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, I'm using this as a model and making lists. I'll keep you updated. Comments about any of the three factors in relation to me are welcomed. There are no bad ideas in brainstorming. However, I reserve the right to veto your ideas later on. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
OK - this post is too long, but I'm not editing. I'll sleep instead. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And, yes, I did more than just <i>learn</i> at the conference. I met many wonderful people (<i>read</i> "great guys"), some of whom I'm hoping to keep in touch with (<i>read</i>, "Hey tall, dark, and handsome - call me!). None of this is making any sense anymore is it? I'm so glad tomorrow's Friday!!!</div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07454291311314053305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5925819837467591554.post-38417711604068016012011-10-11T22:18:00.000-07:002011-10-11T22:18:44.896-07:00Hmm...Can you be grateful and antsy at the same time?<br />
<br />
I'm so grateful to have a job in a market where jobs are scarce. I am able to meet my needs and live comfortably. Heck - I drive a mile and a half to get to work! That's fantastic! I work with nice people who are kind to me. I have benefits.<br />
<br />
But I'm antsy.<br />
<br />
And since my job description got turned upside down a week and a half ago, I'm starting to loathe going to work. I mean really loathe. Perhaps despise, detest, and abhor. Well - that seems strong, but those were all words that crossed my mind today while I was trying not to cry.<br />
<br />
And that makes me sad.<br />
<br />
Because a couple of weeks ago I knew I was antsy because there's just more for me to be doing in life.<br />
<br />
Now it's because I have a job that I didn't think I was going to have and don't know how to do and that might very well give me ulcers someday. Or at least a lot of anxiety breathing.<br />
<br />
And yet, I am reminded how grateful I am that I have a job. I'm not desperately looking for a job so that I can pay my rent and eat. My life is richly blessed.<br />
<br />
There is opposition in all things?<br />
<br />
This too shall pass?<br />
<br />
Every rose has its thorns?<br />
<br />
I will try to be more cheery tomorrow, but tonight I'm going to fall asleep thinking about the Venn Diagram of Career Happiness that I learned about at the conference, not General, this past weekend.<br />
<br />
Oh, yeah, the conference. I'll post about that tomorrow too. :) What a teaser, huh?Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07454291311314053305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5925819837467591554.post-32388353415895043022011-10-10T20:31:00.000-07:002011-10-10T20:31:01.553-07:00Boise Pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are several thousand words worth of pictures from my recent trip to Idaho. Holy moly I miss that family so much!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dylan woke up on Saturday morning and all he wanted to do was help me put together his new high chair. And sit in it at the same time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_EyThAWgx1_1xI-nkGOUhEOv5CoPwJO95x2FJiShph0xD0eQ9LGZujkvISGnF_ZOBV2iiuiLC3TyjixrlrJGjX2IPFCCLgYAtP528p7SWEav4wnVvf2bbPDk7wJK7VuyA29zl0W035w/s1600/DSCN1892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_EyThAWgx1_1xI-nkGOUhEOv5CoPwJO95x2FJiShph0xD0eQ9LGZujkvISGnF_ZOBV2iiuiLC3TyjixrlrJGjX2IPFCCLgYAtP528p7SWEav4wnVvf2bbPDk7wJK7VuyA29zl0W035w/s400/DSCN1892.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We like to call her hello-I-just-woke-up-and-have-crazy-hair-Claire. Not really. That's kind of a long nickname. But her hair was beautifully out of control.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eXW7y4xwuAdHX87wKBfuxJdlNkDjVdbjmgSU4WJT2m8Or-A2IwyLJBwIVBzWNMZ_F84uB481mDhPMhdMGS5Dp1BXClBIFoyo7EcDmKyoKwLG8FuorpYRmMK4otOJejJSAe92gXVqeA0/s1600/DSCN1894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eXW7y4xwuAdHX87wKBfuxJdlNkDjVdbjmgSU4WJT2m8Or-A2IwyLJBwIVBzWNMZ_F84uB481mDhPMhdMGS5Dp1BXClBIFoyo7EcDmKyoKwLG8FuorpYRmMK4otOJejJSAe92gXVqeA0/s400/DSCN1894.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Their real nicknames are Diz (or Dizzy) and Rita (or Frita or Frita-lay). And they WILL grow up to be Boise State fans. It's forced from an early age. This was right after Dylan pretty much took over Claire's toy. Oh well. Move on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHbQ9_Q7NQQfcyl6bmk4206-LoWVgV9OLO7Ssawsrb6OdcO76CRYSIoLiF2kduzcHHKw9G1f2gKW3pErdpC_0t1pcPATf5GzKx_NWp0GuwQAKRT_xpUlPG7Bwns-gHTOQnk8ffHw4KqU/s1600/DSCN1896.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHbQ9_Q7NQQfcyl6bmk4206-LoWVgV9OLO7Ssawsrb6OdcO76CRYSIoLiF2kduzcHHKw9G1f2gKW3pErdpC_0t1pcPATf5GzKx_NWp0GuwQAKRT_xpUlPG7Bwns-gHTOQnk8ffHw4KqU/s320/DSCN1896.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Dad started rapping to Claire and she was completely entranced. So much so that she forgot that she hates wearing hats. Dad's command of "the flow" is mesmerizing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlSc4Pt34HO6OP6Qlc-dlhgMBcWTYHjoWsObxnzHzCdYuEKyO0QDFjeRRgmdimEh2YDdy5hR08gBV706gejEIa4fxzY86cfy4DJXbQCKVf4SmU0MB7KRQiF13jqVhrZXdam-EhIdHOh0/s1600/DSCN1897.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlSc4Pt34HO6OP6Qlc-dlhgMBcWTYHjoWsObxnzHzCdYuEKyO0QDFjeRRgmdimEh2YDdy5hR08gBV706gejEIa4fxzY86cfy4DJXbQCKVf4SmU0MB7KRQiF13jqVhrZXdam-EhIdHOh0/s320/DSCN1897.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Danny and Dylan. Go Broncos!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKrGez1J9PHQYWUmhJo670HiT5uD4XGLmqkAMCU92zQCNaui_Aom0ljNuSw7PJW47vTazQTGAroXT5U7X3oZRuFb_EcHSdVivCwSfVNR4y7i2Lr0Lvc8O43wSRPCLjUjkLs5MCX37Vk8/s1600/DSCN1898.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKrGez1J9PHQYWUmhJo670HiT5uD4XGLmqkAMCU92zQCNaui_Aom0ljNuSw7PJW47vTazQTGAroXT5U7X3oZRuFb_EcHSdVivCwSfVNR4y7i2Lr0Lvc8O43wSRPCLjUjkLs5MCX37Vk8/s320/DSCN1898.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I may have mentioned it before, but this girl just makes me melt!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKTvQn-M3uIhkSl_DNXboVmpAxATKqu19ysuwqvPHXwkrLN0Y91BGOOSu-HV2-pK0VAJccLoe037JuP9WxYvjbV4Cj6s_5ZEN6j5XiS1GXVBHr0o1qDx-EpFVx5-telGs00ddJbwpp04/s1600/DSCN1900.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKTvQn-M3uIhkSl_DNXboVmpAxATKqu19ysuwqvPHXwkrLN0Y91BGOOSu-HV2-pK0VAJccLoe037JuP9WxYvjbV4Cj6s_5ZEN6j5XiS1GXVBHr0o1qDx-EpFVx5-telGs00ddJbwpp04/s320/DSCN1900.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Powdered donut?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwH1lVwQ9grSAtHbqKFqdyUrerugig0PKQP0Af8bhpeDvSRN3qVVIIpXuNdNUj1byH84UDHVjJhkcuppy-z9w3-INHJKuwKjzIdqhy5FvjEkA5CuJb_Bsr6SNGsGFvvNzCN_OFbepdzRM/s1600/DSCN1902.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwH1lVwQ9grSAtHbqKFqdyUrerugig0PKQP0Af8bhpeDvSRN3qVVIIpXuNdNUj1byH84UDHVjJhkcuppy-z9w3-INHJKuwKjzIdqhy5FvjEkA5CuJb_Bsr6SNGsGFvvNzCN_OFbepdzRM/s320/DSCN1902.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Yes, please!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOSSytGxJ7e6DhiZ_hd79wuvxDYLIzGPC4yKcU0fGhTDtbrVkvliUvOKj3JZeOEPaoCPoCNPFjDzXxZ4CimgkyaXdI_8wStnjHyh_tbouA-DqAb4hpx1grJ2VjCyhoqVpoZqDiK16-AQ/s1600/DSCN1903.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOSSytGxJ7e6DhiZ_hd79wuvxDYLIzGPC4yKcU0fGhTDtbrVkvliUvOKj3JZeOEPaoCPoCNPFjDzXxZ4CimgkyaXdI_8wStnjHyh_tbouA-DqAb4hpx1grJ2VjCyhoqVpoZqDiK16-AQ/s320/DSCN1903.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Our amazing gymnast! I got to go to her class, and she did such a good job!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OcAZ83KdXi6hivY-kedeOi5tJiyxCkJdU6BiDhozg6uwdJ8vFit6PQIBaJ5cKfu8dIPkd6QEw6laRiZqib5effJonotIw0_QqPK0zHRsO0VgrjFxCv_vIq9bEy_iSQiHi0Xj-wskx2I/s1600/DSCN1906.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OcAZ83KdXi6hivY-kedeOi5tJiyxCkJdU6BiDhozg6uwdJ8vFit6PQIBaJ5cKfu8dIPkd6QEw6laRiZqib5effJonotIw0_QqPK0zHRsO0VgrjFxCv_vIq9bEy_iSQiHi0Xj-wskx2I/s320/DSCN1906.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Sisters, sisters! There were never such devoted sisters! So cute and cuddly. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Lkipg32l1qQMOlsy3GgcttNe1IpvPedVe-CCAR4W6xOYYY5B9I0xkdMvcMv1XckMkitoEo9VNhI5R-L3fDVgKrcJuAH2OK__se3mMuDbJNPI6zQmmTxNAFip0gVUgLQaojhOqxSkICE/s1600/DSCN1908.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Lkipg32l1qQMOlsy3GgcttNe1IpvPedVe-CCAR4W6xOYYY5B9I0xkdMvcMv1XckMkitoEo9VNhI5R-L3fDVgKrcJuAH2OK__se3mMuDbJNPI6zQmmTxNAFip0gVUgLQaojhOqxSkICE/s320/DSCN1908.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I can't wait until Christmas when we're all together again!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07454291311314053305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5925819837467591554.post-10319146785035157832011-10-07T15:07:00.000-07:002011-10-07T15:07:13.209-07:00Conference Time...But Not General<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I'm going to <a href="http://siliconvalleyeducationconference.org/">this</a> today.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I'm looking forward to it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
And not at the same time. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I have a love/hate relationship with being single. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
And I think that these events accentuate all aspects of that. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But I'm going with a good attitude and great friends, so that should be a winning combo.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
And, don't worry - I know not to surround myself with a lot of friends the whole time. I will leave myself open to meet lots of new people. Even my grandpa made sure to remind me that no guy has enough courage or ego to come up to a large group of girls and ask to talk to one of them in particular.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Yes, I recently had a dating conversation with my grandpa. And grandma and aunt and uncle, actually. :)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
So...off to a new adventure! </div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07454291311314053305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5925819837467591554.post-78566256707666382152011-10-06T22:11:00.000-07:002011-10-06T22:11:38.161-07:00Seven Quarters from KallieOne more cute Idaho story:<br />
<br />
On Saturday (after the ice cream that the twins devoured), the men took the babies home to go to bed, and the girls - me, Mom, Mollie, and Kallie - got ready to go hit one of Mollie's new favorite stores.<br />
<br />
As we stood in the restaurant getting ready to go, our conversation went something like this:<br />
<br />
Mom: I don't have my purse. Do you?<br />
<br />
Mollie: No.<br />
<br />
Jenn: No.<br />
<br />
Mom: So that means that none of has a driver's license with us. Jenn - you drive.<br />
<br />
Jenn: It also means that we don't have any money.<br />
<br />
[We all look at each other realizing that the shopping trip might now be less fun when Kallie looks up with all the worry of a six-year-old.]<br />
<br />
Kallie: And <i>I</i> only have <i>seven</i> quarters!<br />
<br />
Ok - maybe it wasn't as cute when I wrote it down as it was when it actually happened, but I just love that girl! She's just as sweet as can be!<br />
<br />
And, luckily, we didn't need to use her seven quarters. :)Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07454291311314053305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5925819837467591554.post-8432077691417566712011-10-05T21:10:00.000-07:002011-10-05T21:10:32.147-07:00It's Hot Chocolate WeatherWell...for today it is, and I love it! Rain showers, a few bolts of lightning, and cuddling up with a big mug of hot chocolate and fresh peanut butter cookies. A little slice of heaven.<br />
<br />
I know this is fake Fall, but I won't complain. That's the beauty of California. We'll get a couple of days of rain and then by the weekend it'll be 75 and sunny. Perfect combo. And then by Halloween it'll be real Fall, and I'll be ready for it.<br />
<br />
Speaking of a slice of heaven...I got a triple helping this past weekend! How did I get so lucky to have such a wonderful family?! I just wish that Boise was about seven or eight hours closer to Sacramento. Who can fix that for me?<br />
<br />
I accidently left my camera in Idaho and won't get it back until Sunday, so instead I'll fill you in on some of the memorable moments of the trip.<br />
<br />
1. We hit a coyote. And I'm pretty sure that we not only hit it but that we smashed it to pieces. It ran out of nowhere on a dark Idaho highway and Dad was going somewhere in the neighborhood of 80. Who wins? Not the coyote. It did some damage to the car, but luckily no one was hurt. In fact, we didn't even stop to check on the coyote.<br />
<br />
2. It was so fun to have Kallie read a Pinkalicious book to me! Usually I do the reading, but she's getting so grown up, and she totally read it to me. And...her handstands and cartwheels rock. Mine and Mollie's aren't too shabby either.<br />
<br />
3. I love being the grown-up who gets to go in and get a baby out of the crib. Claire took a few minutes to warm up to me the first time, but then it was all hugs from both twins. There's something wonderful about a 15 month old being SO HAPPY to see you come into their room. Arms outstretched, laughing, cuddling terrific-ness. I loved it so much that I even broke down and changed a poopy diaper. That's big for me.<br />
<br />
4. We had dinner at Fuddruckers on Saturday evening, and the twins were really tired and unhappy. So Mollie bought them each an ice cream cone. Say what you will about the nutritional value, but those things were golden. Plus, they were hilarious with them. Neither wasted any time diving right in.<br />
<br />
About half way through their cones, we looked over and Claire had eaten part of her cone, but it was taking too long to get to the ice cream. So she held the cone in one hand and used two fingers from the other like a shovel - scooping the ice cream from the cone and depositing it into her mouth.<br />
<br />
Dylan, on the other hand, turned his cone upside down and smooshed it onto the (plastic, thankfully) tablecloth. He then set his cone to the side, ran his hands through the ice cream on the table, sucked it all off of his fingers, and then laughed at himself.<br />
<br />
Two very different, but equally effective and humorous methods. And, let me tell you, they didn't waste any of that treat. :)<br />
<br />
5. I got to skype with Kari - TWICE! I haven't gotten to talk to her since she left and it was so good to hear her voice. In fact, we had her on skype on Sunday evening when we called my grandpa for his birthday. We put the phone on speaker and grandma and grandpa got to talk to Kari through a phone via computer. Technology is so cool that it might have made several of us cry.<br />
<br />
More vacation stories tomorrow, but I'll end with my sister's super easy and delectable peanut butter cookie recipe that I whipped up tonight. Enjoy fake Fall!<br />
<br />
1 cup peanut butter<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
1 egg<br />
1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
<br />
Mix ingredients and roll into 1 inch balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Use a fork to make the cool criss-cross design. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Don't overbake! Let them cool for a few minutes or they'll crumble. For best results, enjoy with a glass of cold milk or a mug of hot chocolate.Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07454291311314053305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5925819837467591554.post-33777853125522626382011-09-29T23:02:00.000-07:002011-09-29T23:02:05.948-07:00Pretty Soon...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
...I get to see this face!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEign-gWgFD5gvl_pl36b62hyIHQo40rfez25A6R7x66LkTkbKQ-s7V0Vk5HXhLKgEkbBHF2UDGdzTK-NNKqFQ6OQox1lsMLcIF2zJ1x5YjspVrrWPTChavW2BYhBrr50_HBVyp058Js1Ow/s1600/DSCN1589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEign-gWgFD5gvl_pl36b62hyIHQo40rfez25A6R7x66LkTkbKQ-s7V0Vk5HXhLKgEkbBHF2UDGdzTK-NNKqFQ6OQox1lsMLcIF2zJ1x5YjspVrrWPTChavW2BYhBrr50_HBVyp058Js1Ow/s400/DSCN1589.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And these two faces! (Pay no attention to the spit-up on D'd face.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OGPGDqe88q9BwFyWgFZeBtZjn2gH6aJvk9Gr6rr02NsKv0HFokE5wWlIpQM94MjVB69hivT5VQa27jwc9u6EMT6DnR2XRqtFjpe5bleae1ktxuFQIEJ3m62z_-sA95rwDK3PefwK428/s1600/DSCN1669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OGPGDqe88q9BwFyWgFZeBtZjn2gH6aJvk9Gr6rr02NsKv0HFokE5wWlIpQM94MjVB69hivT5VQa27jwc9u6EMT6DnR2XRqtFjpe5bleae1ktxuFQIEJ3m62z_-sA95rwDK3PefwK428/s400/DSCN1669.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Ok- they're all way more grown up now, which is another reason why I need to go visit. I'm so excited to head to Idaho tomorrow for a quick trip!<br />
<br />
If my blog posts get a little sporadic the next few days, please know that it's because I'm traveling or playing with the cutest kids on the planet. (Don't argue with me about this. It's my blog and I get to decide who the cutest are. Done.)<br />
<br />
I'm not <i>really</i> looking forward to the drive, but Mom and Dad and I will have fun. Hopefully I won't drive them crazy. At least there's a very low possibility of snow this time.<br />
<br />
And now I have to pack. I'm going to be so tired tomorrow. But I couldn't pass up the delightful evening I had tonight. I got to visit with my grandparents and my aunt and uncle from San Diego. It was even fun talking about dating. :) Don't worry Kari - they're coming for Christmas. They wanted to see the whole fam.<br />
<br />
Did I mention that it's almost Conference weekend? Wohoo!!!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07454291311314053305noreply@blogger.com0