The Best of Days

Creative.  Obedient.  Open minded.  Positive.  Energetic.  A Reader.

These are the words little guy used to describe himself at Take your Kids to Work Day.  He stood in front of the rest of the group, around 18 or so plus adults, and spoke out loud.

Something he wouldn't have done last year.  At least not comfortably.

As a parent starting out, I had a few objectives and very little understanding of the true meaning of the words "flexibility and patience".  I honestly thought that once that precious little baby began to grow older you could mold them into exactly what you wanted them to be... much like my dolls that I had as a kid.  Dress them this way, stand them this way and tell them to act a certain way.  It's that easy, right?

I had no idea they were their own little people, independent of what they were told to be, say or do.  I often battled with my older son, trying to push and prod him into what I thought he "should do, say or be".  I didn't know.  I really didn't know.  But I do now.

Little guy has been given a gift.  With such a significant age difference between the boys I was also given a gift.  The ability to step back, reassess, adjust accordingly and proceed.  Something most parents aren't given as much a chance to do.  Most moms are way more comfortable with the second child simply by experience but I had a great 12 years of learning to get a head start on #2.

What a difference it has made.  I feel in some ways I am a completely different mother to the little guy.  And I'm still constantly learning from Bubba how to transition into a successful adult parental relationship, something that has been incredibly easy for the two of us.  I never take that for granted either - my father and had a very rough transition.  He had a very difficult time seeing his baby (and the last kid) move into adulthood.  Granted it wasn't nearly as graceful as he might have liked but I still grew up nonetheless.

I'm amazed at how much I still learn as a parent.  Bubba teaches me to respect the decisions and man he has become even though I didn't have any influence in them.  He helps me understand fair and healthy boundaries are part of any adult relationship but still comes to me occasionally for advice.  And he gave me the best gifts of all - his own family that I am invited to love and cherish right alongside him.

Little guy?  He teaches me true diversity every single day.  Last night we sat in a packed high school gymnasium (while it was 77 degrees and beautiful outside) and listened to the entire district 5th graders play 3 songs in a band recital.  Yep, 3.  The whole concert was over in an hour but the hour for me was profound.  As I sat in the bleachers listening to the music, I couldn't help but reflect on the young man he is becoming.  Pride swelled in me as I recalled a comment given to me just that morning from a co-worker.  Your son is an exceptional young man.  Wow.  Such a giant compliment.  I was absolutely speechless.

He plays the baritone.  He sings in the choir.  He loves to read and spell.  He loves math and science.  He plays basketball, baseball and football.  He is a willing helper to a good friend in school with special needs.   He loves being an uncle.  He befriends all the kids in the 'hood that are younger and actively engages with them.  He snuggles on the couch with me.  He still wrestles with Hubs and Bubba.  He tells everyone he has a sister, with a giant smile on his face.  He is kind to his grandparents and loves them wholly and completely.

He doesn't try to look cool.  He doesn't care if his clothes match.  He doesn't care where we live as long as we are always together.  He strives for perfection in all things that he attempts, accepts his failures as learning tools and doesn't seem to mind if someone doesn't like him for who he is.

He has a fantastic grasp on the real.

I'm a proud mom.  I make a million mistakes a day and I am real.  I ask for forgiveness and always forgive my kids when they make mistakes, too.  I allow them to be who they are, respect them for that and focus entirely on the best in them.  I allow myself latitude to grow as a mother and improve as I go.

It's truly the most rewarding responsibility I will ever experience.

I'll leave you with one of my fave new songs... I seriously can't get enough of this album.  I listen to the entire thing on repeat every single day.  Although a little bit sad and lonely (like John), the fact that life continues to move onward without our consent always gets me to thinking.  Click below for some melodies :).

Born and Raised (Reprise)

Enjoy and have a good day, friends.

Jen

Once a Warrior, always a Warrior

In the debate of 40 being the new 30, I'm totally conflicted.

On one hand, my age has never really bothered me.  Okay, I'm lying a bit.  But in terms of my position in life, I haven't minded really getting older.

On the other hand - I despise it.  I absolutely HATE it.  Not because I'm vain, although I would probably give my left arm to have my 20 year old body back.  I love the wisdom I have gained through the years but just wish it would slow the hell down.

And if one more kid calls me "ma'am" I think I might stab them in the eye.  

I've been a bit MIA from my blog lately, mostly due to crazy scheduling.  Work is BUSY, home is BUSY and the little man is keeping us running around like crazy.  But it's all good - that's life.

Hubs and I worked so hard last week that by 9:00 Friday night, kidless, we fell asleep on the couch watching a movie.  At 9:00 pm.  Lame.  We were watching the 40 movie (I'm 40, It's 40? I can't remember... because I'm over 40).  I laughed a several scenes but honestly so much of it was too real for me to be funny.  But I will say that one of the lines in the movie I doubt I will ever forget was "The best years of your life are between 40 - 60".  I totally believe that (only because I'm there, I'm sure).

To prove I'm not old and I'm still a bad ass, Hubs and I signed up and ran the Warrior Dash this weekend.  Yes, we are crazy... thanks for noticing.  At 4:45 am Saturday morning, we both looked at each other secretly hoping one of us would admit we didn't want to go.  No such luck, thank goodness.  We trudged out of bed, threw on clothes, packed our bags and headed north to the obstacle course.

By the time we arrived the adrenaline was pumping and we were totally excited.  Just took a bit of nudging to get outta the house, that's all.  

Obviously pre-mud

We lined up and cheered as we went through the starting gate.  Our first mile was fantastic - we both felt great and energized.  The first obstacle was in sight.  OH MY GOD.  Let the nerves begin!

As I approached the Mud Mounds I seriously doubted myself instantly.  How in the hell am I going to do this?  Run, climb up a mudslide (basically) grabbing a rope to help pull you up then slide down the other side into a pool of muddy, freezing water.... four times.  Pulling your own body weight with no traction at the foot.  Yikes.  Somehow by the grace of God I made it over... by going around the small side of the mounds.  Hey, I got over!

Once sufficiently muddy, next up were the Barricade Barriers.  Think hopping chain link fences as a kid (throw your leg to the side and swing over).  Yep.  And in between?  Barbed wire you have to go UNDER. So under / overs, basically.  Totally doable.

The next couple of obstacles were new but provided us an opportunity to wash off a bit.  Walking planks with water raining down on you (cold, in case you wondered) across pools of more cold water.  Quite scary for me actually - became a test of balance.  The following one was an up and over... climb up 2x4 stairs and back down the other side, with water pouring on you.  Sounds lame but trust me, it wasn't totally easy.

And then the mother of all, for me anyway.  Vicious Valley.  Now remember friends... I'm wet.  I'm muddy.  My shoes weight a hundred pounds.  And I gotta do this:

Oh... and I'm afraid of heights and this is HIGH.  Climb up cargo nets (on the right), swing leg over, come back down with tiny little studs to put your feet on.  YEAH....

We did it.  We did all of it.  We high fived each other at the bottom of every obstacle, feeling totally invincible just like we did in our 20's.

We did about 6 more obstacles, finishing of course in the mud.  

As I lost my balance sliding under a barbed wire, I instinctively reached out to Hubs for support.  Little did I know I pushed him straight down into the mud face first.

Yeah, I'm a good wife like that.

We held hands high as we crossed the finish feeling victorious.  

Sunday morning, I rolled to my side and looked at Hubs.  I hadn't even moved two inches and I could already tell.  My biceps were on fire.  My traps were burning.  My thighs were trembling.  Yeah... I was gonna pay for this.

So I did the best thing ever. I got up, threw on my shoes and went for a 3 mile run with a girlfriend.  Why not heap a little more crazy onto crazy?

In all, I learned how much I miss my 20 year old body.  Truth be told... my 20 year old self wouldn't have run Warrior Dash.  She was shy and afraid of new things.  She was not very athletic although in really great shape.  And she didn't have near the courage my 40 something self has today.

I guess it's not all bad to get older.  I wonder how crazy I'll be at 50?  Who knows... by then I may be swinging from trees.

A girl can dream.

Have a great Monday friends!

Jen

And then there were SEVEN...

The time has come for our big family announcement:  we're having a GIRL!

No friends, not me... my Sassy!

Once again our family is being blessed with a little one, shortly after Nugget turns the big 3.  Hubs and I are ecstatic!  And of course, she is completely beautiful and perfect... just like her momma.  I'm a Nana once again!

My little lentil.  I cannot wait to meet her and smell her sweet, precious baby smell.  I'm in love already.

Obviously my kids are not so close in age.  It took Hubs and I a VERY long eight years to get our little guy.  Due to our not so small age span between the boys, we decided to find out what we were having so we could properly plan.  I was 30... and terrified, quite frankly.  It had been a long time since I had been preggers and Bubba's delivery was not the most fun thing I'd ever experienced.

So the ultrasound was ordered.  We took Bubba out of school to come along with us.  He had everything crossed on his body (fingers, toes, arms, legs) praying for a little brother.  He had three sisters on his dad's side and was dying to having a brother.  Hubs of course wanted a boy as well - he loves all that "boy stuff".  

Me?  Well... I wanted a girl.  My mom and I had such a close relationship by this time of my life and I knew I wanted that as well.  I mean really... what woman talks to her mom almost every day when they are 30?  Not many that I know.

When the tech announced It's a Boy! my boys were so excited.  Bubba was jumping up and down waving his arms.  Hubs had a giant grin on his face.  I buried my disappointment, but felt it nonetheless.

Who is going to love me?  I mean REALLY love me, like I love my mother?  Sure, the boys love me.  But I mean "got your back no matter what" kind of love.  I honestly was devastated for a long time.. I'm not gonna sugar coat it.  I was so terrified I would never experience that kind of relationship.  My boys would grow up, leave me and go about their lives and that would be it.

And then my son met Sassy.  It didn't happen overnight, but slowly our relationship grew.  And now I know - she's totally got my back.  She loves me.  I got my daughter, just differently than I expected.

As I revel in the fact that a beautiful new baby is coming to our family, deep down I am just so excited for my daughter in law.  She has a girl, someone that she will no doubt raise to be just like her.  Another strong, independent, sassy girl.  Plus she's the baby of the fam (for now, anyway), so no doubt she will be spirited (which everyone knows I adore!).

I can't wait.  A new countdown clock in on my blog to watch the months click away although it's almost half way through already!  The time will fly and soon we welcome her.  I can't buy enough pink... I'm not sure there is enough in the world to suffice.

Our family grows once again.  Seven of us.  We are so lucky and blessed.

Have a great Sunday, friends!

Jen

FRIDAY FAVES!!

What a crazy week this has been!  I don't know about you but I'm not so sad to see it come to an end.  I have a great weekend ahead of me and don't want to look back!

Below are some of my faves from the interweb this week.  Enjoy!

FAVE JAMS

I love me some comfy, fun jammies.  These have to be at the top of my list!  Of course I need to send the Batman's to my Sassy... she's the masked crime fighter in our family.  Gotta have these!

FAVE SPACE SAVER

This is simply BRILLIANT if you ask me.  In both of my homes I have these weird wall fronts that I really don't like.  You can't really hang anything there unless it's super skinny and even then it might look like you tried to hard.  Yes, I love interior decorating... can't you tell?  So this is a perfect solution for that weird wall space.  Who doesn't want a place for their wine?!

FAVE SHOWER

Yes please.  If I lived somewhere a little warmer I would take a shower outside every single day.  I love that freedom!

FAVE MORNING TREAT

Oh man... I would have to run a zillion miles in a morning of this indulgence!  Click here for the recipe for this fantastic breakfast!  Banana Bread French Toast

FAVE FLOOR

I so want to do this in a basement!  This is such an awesome look - so warm and inviting.  I LOVE it!  This one is called the paper bag design... seems easy enough, right?

FAVE CLEAN UP

I love mud rooms.  I don't currently have one in my house but I would make one out of the next one if possible.  So awesome to have a place to stash crap when you walk in the door.  So why not throw in the laundry... and a dog bath?  What a fantastic idea!

FAVE REVEAL

It's about time they came back in style.  For us WOMEN that can't let everything hang out, some simple class that is sexy!  LOVE IT!

FAVE DESTINATION

Love, love, love Italy.  Portofino is so beautiful.  Some day.  Some day.

FAVE SPACE

I found this posted as a weekend getaway spot, but quite frankly I think I could live here (as long as there is a bathroom, inside or out...)  LOVE this space!

FAVE QUOTE

Oh man, I wish I could send this out to a few specific people that I know.  Actions say it all... the words that come out of your mouth mean nothing if they aren't followed through by the promised action.  Something a lot of parents have to work very hard at!

FAVE TRIP

I traveled a few times to Boston and each time I visited, I fell in love.  It's such an incredible city (if you can get past / around all the construction!)  It's so rich with our history, the food is incredible and the people are amazing.  I'd love to take my family there to experience all that it is.

I hope you have a fantastic Friday, friends!
Jen

Dancing Queens

Ever feel like a 20 year old trapped in a (ahem) 40 year old body?  Man, do I ever... most days, actually.

Never have?  I've got an idea... head out with a group of 21-25 year olds for a bachelorette party.  That'll do it.

Sitting at my computer a month ago, an evite crossed my email.  I clicked it and sat carefully reading the words.

You are Invited

Bachelorette Party

Jessica Taylor (my niece)

Power and Light District

I almost spit my water onto the screen.  Me?  Did she really just invite me or is this some sort of address snafu?

I wasn't sure about it.  Hey - this girl knows how to dance, drink and have fun.  But surely a young lady wouldn't want her OLD Aunt to come along on those festivities?

I stood at her bridal shower awaiting the discussion to begin.  My sister in law asked me if I was able to come along.

"She really wants me to come?" 

I wasn't being humble or modest - I was dead ass serious.

Alas, she did.  She invited all of her aunts, her mom, her cousins.  Once I realized I wouldn't be the only old mom there, I jumped at the chance.

Best decision ever.

She looked absolutely stunning.  Her girlfriends were beautiful as well.  They were dressed to kill and ready for girls night out!

The Bachelorette Party (well, some of them...)

I changed my clothes four times.  I wore giant heels (which I quickly regretted and shrug for my flip flop wedges before the dance clubs). 

The night was a blast.  I wanted to take a zillion pics but I refrained and only snapped a few.  I stood back quite a bit and just watched the girls have fun.  I made new friends.  I got home after 2:00 am (which NEVER happens).  And contrary to what I originally thought, I didn't feel too old.

Lisa, Jessica and Val

Big shout out to Christy Bell, the BEST Maid of Honor EVER.  Between her and my sister in law they made Jess' night one she'll always remember.

Audrey (new BFF), Jessica and my sis Lisa

I know I'll never forget!

Jen

Saying I Do.... or Don't.

Divorce is a funny thing.  It's a funny, awful, scary but sometimes necessary thing.  It isn't easy on the two parties, for certain.  But what is often overlooked is the long term ripple effect it has throughout the extended family.

I grew up in the 70's and 80's living with my biological parents and siblings.  I had one friend in elementary school, one or two friends in middle school and several friends in high school that were of divorced parents.  Honestly... I was jealous of them.  How cool it must be to get to "go to your Dad's house".  Extra presents everywhere, right?  Especially when the manipulation emotion was used correctly.

I knew all about that.  I could get my mom to give me what I wanted.  I used my dad against her.
I wasn't a very good daughter back then.

My junior year of high school my parents divorced after 34 years of marriage.  It wasn't as cool as I thought it would be.  I never saw my dad.  Sure, I was "invited" anytime I wanted to go to his house but we didn't have set visitation and I wasn't sure how to act around my dad without my mom.  It was awkward, uncomfortable and unsettling.  So I just didn't go.

It didn't help to watch my mom cry herself to sleep at night.  I grew up pretty damn fast after that.

Right after my first view of marriage dissolution I experienced the second - one of my siblings divorced.  He had a beautiful baby girl at the time.  It was devastating.

I was fairly lucky in that since I was still home, I got to see my niece quite a bit.  He and his wife shared custody and when his daughter came to visit him he brought her to my mom's house.  I loved those years with her.  As she continued to grow, I too became a mother and the kids had a chance to play together and be true cousins (not just the kind on the branch of the family tree).

This weekend I sat in my sister in law's house watching my niece open her bridal shower gifts.  I was in awe of her beauty and grace, her unbridled excitement.  Even a tad overwhelmed, she handled all of us guests with ease and comfort.  I sat with my second sister in law (of the same brother) and hugged on her granddaughter.

I took stock in the moment.

The divorces of my family has had many long term ramifications.  Wives (and husbands) have come and gone, new children have come (and gone).  I love my brothers, both of them.  But it gets tricky.

Case in point, my own failed first marriage.  I married a man with a family.  I had a son with him.  His family became my own... called me their sister, their daughter, their friend.  Then we divorced.

His family wanted to see my son.  Bigger life events started to come along (celebrations, sports, graduations, a wedding, a birth) and they wanted to be involved.  Not because of me, but because of my son.  So they were invited.  I hugged them and thanked them for loving my son, for being in his life. 

It didn't go over well with the ex.  Especially his next wives... they hated it.  To this day my ex's 4th wife thinks she "owns" his family and that they shouldn't even look my direction.  She's bright like that.

Truth be told, none of us want to co parent with an ex or god forbid an ex's new spouse.  It's uncomfortable and nerve racking.  It's not easy.  But if we TRULY cared enough about our children to give them the best possible upbringing, we would love them unselfishly.  We would allow others to love our children and care for them as well.  And we'd somehow learn to all get along.

I've never asked my brother if it bothers him that I love my sisters in law.  It's never struck me that I should ask him.  They are the mothers of my nieces, whom I adore.  They are a piece of my history.  He loved them at one point and invited me to love them as well.  I can't turn that off simply because they divorced one another.  And I wouldn't expect him to either (although it would probably be a cold day before he would speak to my ex).   

The best part?  My sisters in law really don't need to love me.  They don't really even have to like me.  They don't have to have anything to do with me.

Yet they do.  All of the above.  They care about me like true sisters... and I them.

We all win.

My beautiful niece is getting married this summer.  She has a date, a dress, a ring and a groom.  She's set.  I am one lucky Aunt to be a part of her celebration.

Her maid of honor asked us to write down a piece of advice for her as she embarks on her marital journey.  I had to think a LONG time.  I even asked my sister in law if we were qualified to offer advice.  We both giggled at that thought and began to write.

I dug deep.  Hubs and I have been married almost 20 years yet we still ask each other at least once a year for an annulment.  Truthfully, we are still trying to figure it all out most days.

And then it dawned on me.

"Be passionate.  Love passionately and fight passionately.  (Essentially - believe in yourselves and each other.)  As long as you have passion, you will have a long, loving marriage."

If there is one thing I know, it's passion.  I have it in spades - when I'm angry, when I'm happy, when I'm determined...  all of my emotions are fueled by my passion.

Oh- and don't go to bed mad, apparently.  That was a worn piece of advice given a lot. I'm pretty sure in 20 years I have failed that one many, many times.

Cheers to my beauty Jessica (Jess, Jecca, Jecca Bear, Jessie, Jessie Rie) Marie Taylor (soon to be Anderson).  I couldn't be more proud of the woman you have become and feel fortunate every single day of my life that I'm a part of yours.  I can't wait for your big day!

Lisa (my sister), Jessica (my niece) and Presley (my niece Kortni's daughter) and AWESOME Emily in the background!

All my love,
Aunt Jenny

(yes friends - my parents and sibs called me Jenny growing up so by extension all of my nieces and sisters in law do as well.  I wouldn't change it for the world (although I might cut anyone else that tries to call me that!)

15 Already?

Fifteen years.  15.  WOWZERS.

Fifteen years ago, I witnessed my one of only two births on this planet.  Nope, that doesn't count my own.  I don't consider myself a true witness to my own as I can't remember much about either of those days (sorry, boys).  Must have been the pain.

I was given the opportunity to be with my bestie when both of her children were brought into this world.  It was truly one of the most fascinating experiences I have ever had... not to mention extremely bonding.  Memories I swear I will never, ever forget.

So today, we celebrate the oldest of my two girls:  Zoe Harper.  Beautiful.  Brilliant.  Sassy.  And shortly... driver eligible.

Lord help us.

It has always been a struggle for me to see the girls get older.  For some reason, I stick them in my brain at 4 and 1 and never seem to let them grow any older.

Until I get on twitter.  Or Instagram.  Then I'm reminded quickly that they aren't 4 and 1 any longer.

Little Kelsey just turned 12 but most days reminds me of a much older, more soulful 20 year old.  And Ms. Zoe?  Well, one look at her and I'm reminded of the woman she is becoming each and every day.  Just like her beautiful momma.

Happy birthday, girlie!  Sparkle on!

Love,
Aunt Jen

Brew to Brew 2013

On this eighth day of illness, I am proud to say that I know in my heart I am totally going to beat it.  Honestly, I wasn't so certain 5 days ago.  It's amazing to me how sick we can become with everyday type illnesses.  Obviously with big diagnosis come an assumption of bed rest, pain meds and long recoveries.  One doesn't assume this when talking about a bacterial infection.

Reminds me of a friend that went in to the hospital with what he thought was the flu and came out a year later after multiple major organ failures.

Needless to say, this bout took me DOWN.  Seriously down in the bed.... for days.  SO not my cup of tea.  I was angry about it.  I cried about it.  I was extremely unhappy about feeling the way I did.

As I sip on my coffee slowly this morning I am reminded it's not totally gone.  My lungs still remain heavy even after strong antibiotics.  My ribs ache from the hours of hard coughing.  And yet, I'm thankful.

Yesterday was the annual Brew to Brew run, a 44 mile relay from Kansas City, Missouri to Lawrence, Kansas.  Although I had registered a team of 10 runners a few months ago, as I awoke yesterday my team was whittled to a mere 5.  The 6th runner would have been Hubs, but thanks to me the contagion had spread to his lungs and he was ensconced safely in our bed for the weekend.

Luckily, the run commissioner sees this happen A LOT.  People are so freaking RUDE and back out of their commitments all the time.  To help us out, he moved us to a 6 leg special team, in essence cutting our run in about half.  Thank God!  I met my friends early and we head off for the Brewery.  Nothing like some cold unfiltered wheat to wake up the senses.

We dropped our first buddy off at the start and took out for the next stop.  She was such a trooper - it had been awhile since she had run and she was visible concerned about it.  No troubles though... she totally rocked it as I knew she would.  Woo hoo!

The weather could not have been more perfect for a run.  I ran in the middle of the day, hoping that my medicine could keep my lungs in check long enough for me to get through it.  As I took out, I was immediately humbled.  It felt so good to stretch, to blow out the cobwebs in my head from days of medication.  As I came to the steps of mile 2, my lungs reminded me that things weren't exactly as they should be inside my body.  They were tight, working hard to push out the air I was rapidly pulling in.

As I called to check in with my friends, I was happily greeted by them at a pull off just ahead.  I welcomed the early pick up.  Although I would have pushed, I'm pretty sure my lungs were singing with happiness in seeing those 4 smiling faces.

I jumped in the van happily and we sped off to the next step.  Almost made it to 4 miles.  I'm satisfied with the effort and in knowing that although I felt my body had betrayed me for days, it really was working hard to kill whatever tried to take me down as fast as it could.

We finished the run in a small town in Kansas, best knows for Flo's Hideout.  Yep, really.  Biker bar in the middle of a small town.  With a brass pole in the establishment.

Things are always a bit shady in those small towns.... gotta watch out.

Big shout out to Carmie, Jay, Mel and Mimi for reminding me that even when life throws curves at us, we can always, ALWAYS find fun!!

Have a great Monday, friends!

Jen

FRIDAY FAVES!!

This week has definitely been one of the tougher ones I have survived.  Not only did the kiddos leave and head back to Cali, but my body failed me miserably contracting whatever form of germs it decided would be necessary to drop me on my ass.  Needless to say I have been completely down since Tuesday morning.  This most definitely does NOT make me happy.  I've slept more in the past four days than ever, my body constantly fighting to kill off whatever it is that has consumed me.  Drugs are only providing small feats for short hours leaving me feeling spacey, disoriented and even further fatigued.

Move along, illness.  I've got life to live!

Below are some of my faves from around the interweb.  Enjoy!

FAVE FUNNY

Yep, I hold grudges.  I'm not proud of them, it's just who I am.

FAVE DRINKY HOLDER

With baseball season quickly approaching, who wouldn't want a great beverage holder?  I wonder if I could pull this off on the fields?

FAVE BEACH FASHION

Love, love, love this.  Now I just need to get to the beach!

FAVE SNACK

Love me some edamame.  Yummo!  How easy is this?  Crispy Edamame -- frozen edamame, olive oil, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper...baked at 400 for 15 mins.

FAVE HANGOUT

A girlfren from the South always posts pictures on facebook from this Porches across America group, which I love.  I am addicted to porch sitting and would do it way more often if I liked my own porch more.  I need to fix it up!  I would sit in a porch swing every single day if I had one.

 

 

 

 



FAVE DECO

Okay, I love the outdoors (obviously).  My house is decorated with signs of it everywhere, from pinecones to bears carved from wood.

So why wouldn't I have a wreath like this?  LOVE IT!

FAVE REMINDER

Man, I need to send this to a few people that are STUB- BORN!  Although my eternity will NOT be spent in a box... Davis is scattering me away from all this mess!

FAVE DESTINATION

I seriously need some sun, isolation and quiet.  Send me here, TD... STAT!  Please?!

Suluban Beach, Bali, Indonesia

 

FAVE NAILS

In honor of the Royals home opener on Monday, I found these.  SUPER cute!

 

 

 

FAVE FASHION

 

Once again, love denim.  Always have, always will!

 

 

Have a fabulous weekend, friends!

 

Jen

 

Happy In Love

Today is an AWESOME day.  Four years ago today, Bubba and Sassy said I DO.  FOUR YEARS!  It was one of the best days ever for our family.

In honor of the kids, I'm sharing today my fave pics from the big event.  Pictures usually tell the story better than words.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY the cutest couple EVER!  Here's to many more to follow!

Love ya,

Momma

Moment of Truth

I've had the best 6 days EVER.  My west coast kids were home, I've run two races, the weather was perfect and I am in bliss.

Except for my stupid allergies.  Those can just go to hell.

The kids did a beautiful job in navigating the visit.  I don't envy them... it's not an easy task to do.  All of their family loves them so much and wants to spend time with them, so dividing up the short time they had home was a bit challenging.

I have to admit it was hard for me as well.  Of course my selfish side wants all of their time and attention.  It's  only human nature.  I would have preferred to lock them in my house the whole visit and not let them out.

But of course that didn't happen.  I shared just like I learned in elementary school, much to my chagrin.  I am the spoiled baby of the family used to getting my way though.  Bubba, being the responsible first born, navigated it all very well.  And of course he married a first born, equally responsible.  Well... maybe a smidge more than Bubba....

It has been a humbling experience sharing my son with others, although you would think I would be used to it by now since his father and I divorced when he was 3.  I just always try to keep in mind that sharing is good because he is so loved and supported by others.

But I'm only human.  Seriously.... who could resist this face?

I'm so grateful for every moment we had together.  We laughed, had great talks and loved all over each other.  This visit most definitely has made the separation much more bearable.

Of course, ask me that tomorrow.  Oh, and little guy cried when he left for school today.  It's hard being away from someone you love so much.

By the way - isn't this exactly the way you should eat apple sauce?

I hope everyone had a great Easter weekend filled with love, family and friends.  We definitely did!

Jen