JESS y JAMES

Lovely Janen Tuesdays!!!

2012-01-24T09:21:00.001-07:00

I've decided to dedicate Tuesday's to catching up on Janen and the fun/cute things she says and does. This girl makes me chuckle quite frequently these days. Sometimes due to her funny comments and sometimes just due to the fact that she's growing up and I can't believe some of the things that come out of her mouth! It won't always be this long, but I had a few things I didn't want to forget that have happened recently. Also, we're looking into a better camera so we can start taking pictures! Yay!

Janen while praying with mommy helping

Me: Thank you for....

Janen: Mommy

Me: and...

Janen: Mommy

Me: and...

Janen: Emily

Me: and...

Janen: Logan

Me: and...

The whole time I'm trying to get her to say she's grateful for her daddy. She usually does, but for some reason this time she wasn't saying his name. I think she went through all of Emily's family and Grandma & Grandpa and her baby doll Kerry before I said..

Me: What about Daddy?

Janen: Yeah! Daddddddyyy!!!!!!

Janen is an avid watcher of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Every morning I pour her a bowl of cereal or oatmeal and applesauce and we watch an episode. Well one day, I was lounging on the couch because of my lovely morning sickness and started to doze off. I knew she was in the hallway looking at her books on the shelf, but then she ran up to me saying, "mystery mousetatool!" and had a monopoly chance card in her hand. You know, the one with the question mark. For those of you unfamiliar with the parameters of the show there is always a task that needs to be completed and toodles helps out by providing special tools. But there is always a mystery tool represented by a question mark and when it's time to ask for it everyone has to say, "mystery mouse-ka-tool!" What a little smartie!

And this evening as Janen was having her nightly cup of milk and getting ready for bed, she ran out of her room and came up to me and said, "I gotta get hugs and kisses!!" She put her arms around my neck and said, "squeeeeeze" and gave me a kiss.

I love her. I love her, I love her, I love her. Made all that morning sickness worth it and now I get another cute little bundle of joy in less than 5 1/2 months. Whoo hoo!

That Pesky List of Goals

2012-01-19T15:40:00.002-07:00

A couple of months ago I made a list of 100 things I wanted to try and accomplish before summer. Seeing as my Morning sickness hindered me from doing some of those things and we moved after I created it thus making several things on the list obsolete, I've decided to slash it down to 50 and to try and do everything on the list before the birth of baby #2. So here's the list.

~~100~~ 50 Things to do before ~~Summer begins~~ Baby #2 Arrives

November 14, 2011 – July ?, 2012

Personal/Spiritual

1. ~~Cancel Netflix & Hulu (too addicting)~~

2. ~~Share good news with someone~~ I think announcing our pregnancy will suffice!

3. Read and study the October Ensign front to back before ~~January~~ April

4. Personal scripture study and prayer every day for 21 days 0/21

5. Go to bed by 10:30 PM every night for a week 0/7

6. Subscribe to Sunday Papers and learn how to coupon like Emily, my sister in law

7. Take a shower right when I get up in the morning to help me get a better jump start on my day for a week 0/7

8. Make one new friend every month.

9. Read Sunday School and RS lessons ahead of time for one month 0/4

10. Bear my testimony in Fast & Testimony meeting or Relief Society at least 3 times 0/3

11. Read President Monson’s Biography (near completion)

12. Listen to only Sacred Music everyday for 2 weeks (not around Christmas time—too easy). 0/14

13. Finish Ordinances for the names I’ve printed off.

14. Paint a picture (don’t expect anything spectacular).

15. Follow through on a prompting to call or visit someone right when I receive it.

16. No tv for one whole week. None. Nada. zip (this includes online streaming). 0/7

17. No internet for 3 days. 0/3

18. Update blog at least once a week for two months 0/8

Janen

19. ~~Have the patience to put Janen’s hair in pigtails.~~

20. Get a Herriman Library card to take Janen to the library for new books to read.

21. Schedule 2 play dates a week for Janen for a month. 0/16

22. Start the process of Potty Training Janen again (after the holidays-and if she has been making better progress with bladder control

James

23. Wake up at 7 AM every day to read scriptures and pray with James before he goes to work for 3 weeks. 0/21

24. Surprise my husband with something special once a week for a month. 0/4

25. Have an overnight date with James (much needed)

26. Spoil James for a whole day.

Family

27. ~~Send out Christmas Cards (by December 1^st)~~

28. Pay off debt (other than long term loans) by July 2012

29. Get pre-approved for a loan to buy a house (so we know what our options are).

30. Meet with a realtor to discuss our options

31. Send a birthday card to all Family and Super close friends whom birthdays I am aware of during 2012.

32. ~~Get a more comfortable couch for a decent price.~~

33. Build a snowman with my family (might not happen with the lack of snow. Although I’m not complaining)

34. Go a whole month on one tank of gas (for the mazda)

35. Skype with Family at least once a month

36. Take a road Trip

Organization/Cleaning

37. ~~Organize closets and Pantries better~~

38. ~~Clean my car inside and out~~ Thanks to James!

39. Make the bed every morning for a week 0/7

40. Organize makeup with magnet

41. Make a bunch of Birthday cards

42. Put new family pictures up.

43. ~~Get rid of anything we have not used in a year or more. (excluding our 3 boxes of childhood memories)~~

Service

44. Write a Thank-you note to at least two people per month that have influenced my life for good. 0/16

Health/Fitness

45. Stretch/Yoga everyday for 3 weeks 0/21

46. Exercise 3 times a week for a month 0/12

Food/Emergency Preparedness

47. ~~Make 2 weeks worth of freezer meals.~~

48. Build up a 6 month food storage before summer.

49. Make a successful batch of Carmel Apples (obviously not during my sugar fast)

50. Learn how to make Pumpkin Sage Soup (so delicious, but looks like lots of work)

9 down, 41 to go with 4 in progress! I can do this!

Pregnacy #1 vs Pregnancy #2

2012-01-13T14:25:00.000-07:00

I am in my 14 week of pregnancy with this little buggar and I seriously hate being pregnant. I never thought I would hate it more. With Janen i was miserably hugging the toilet puking up everything that entered my body for several painful weeks. No really, EVERYTHING! From week 10 to week 12, I lost 5 pounds. When my doctor noticed the weight loss she asked me how my morning sickness was. I told her I was throwing up anywhere from 4 to 12 times a day. She said that was not normal and asked if I wanted anti-nausea medicine. YES! YES I DO!!! The prescription was immediately filled and relief came within a week. I say a week because although my nausea was pretty much gone with the help of this magic pill, I suffered from an awful headache for the first week as my body was adjusting to it. But once that was all done, I felt sooooo much better. I could enjoy life again! I could stand up for more than a few minutes without having to rush to the toilet. I could take showers again without violently dry-heaving even when I tried to shower in luke-warm water. I even got bored being at home and got a part-time job when I was 16 weeks pregnant. I was so grateful that the "hardest part" of pregnancy was over.

So I pledged to myself that when/if I ever got pregnant again. I would visit the doctor right away and beg for a prescription right off the bat in case I was to suffer the same fate with the first. At 5 weeks pregnant I had my first visit and since the doctor was aware of my history, she gladly prescribed the medicine for me. Over 2 weeks went by and except for a cold, I was feeling pretty good. I was so hopeful. But then started the awful all day puking at 7 weeks. joy. So we filled the prescription and I immediately started taking them hoping for semi-instant relief like I experienced the first time around. Not the case, but then again, I didn't start taking the zofran with janen until i was over 12 weeks. I thought, "oh maybe this is how it would've been if i took it earlier with my first pregnancy. I mean I was pretty sick in the beginning." So I anxiously waited for 12 weeks to hit with this pregnancy hoping that it would somewhat the same.

Granted, I am still grateful for the Zofran, but it barely curbs the vomiting. I feel sick to my stomach the majority of the time. I dry-heave profusely and my mouth waters often as if I was about to vomit (know what I'm talking about). So although the throwing up is limited to just a couple of times a week, it doesn't mean that I feel better than when i was pregnant with Janen. The fact that it is lingering way longer really irks me. I am over 14 weeks and still feel awful even with the medicine. What the heck?! And the hardest part is having a toddler to look after. I feel extremely guilty every single moment that our days only consist of lounging around, Kid-Friendly movies and shows, books and drawing in the bathtub with markers when I can stand being upright for more than 20 minutes. Not to mention that my house is seriously out of control. About once every week, I have a no sick day. Hallelujah for those! That day is spent all day doing laundry and cleaning everything from top to bottom only for my house to look like a complete disaster again not even two days later. How depressing right?

But let's look on the bright side. I am able to take part in a beautiful process that quite frankly just blows my mind. I know that this is a gift to be able to bear a child and I don't want to ever forget that. I have been able to feel the baby move a few times in the quiet moments of the night and it helps remind me that this is truly all worth it. I am grateful to have had those moments. And sometimes when I don't feel sick, I worry that something is wrong with the baby so somewhere in the back of my twisted mind, I ask God for a sign that the baby is alright only to start feeling really sick in an hour. Sometimes you get what you ask for.

It also helps when I think about the beautiful baby I will get to hold and kiss. I've been going back and watching videos of Janen when she was a tiny infant and it helps me stay on the positive side. Once again I will get to hold a beautiful being who isn't trying to leap out my arms. That is truly something to look forward to!

Christmas!!

2012-01-08T15:22:00.000-07:00

I am a little behind on posting. I haven't been in the mood to do much (being pregnant at all) so the more I put off something the harder it is to go back and do it. Am I alone in this feeling? But I don't want Janen to look back on this blog one day and say, "mom, what did we do for my second Christmas?"

So here we go! This year we spent Christmas at home. We were invited to go to California to Join my brother and sister in law and their adorable boys, but didn't really feel like we could afford it this year with the whole 6 month unemployment thing. I will admit, it was really hard for me to get in the Christmas spirit this year. It wasn't until the last week that I really felt like it was Christmas. I had no desire to decorate the house and the majority of the things I planned on us doing for the 12 Days of Christmas went out the window. It's hard to get excited about anything when you feel sick all the time. These days my excitement comes when a random good day hits me and I use that energy to clean my disastrous house and feel somewhat good about myself cause I'm being productive. But there are a few things that we did this year that I would like to take note of.

First of all, we finally did get the tree up a couple of weeks before Christmas and Janen did a great job staying out of it and letting the ornaments sit nicely on the tree. She didn't even really mess with the presents under it either. It may not seem like much, but that was a small blessing for me to not have to constantly fight her on that. Our favorite pastime to do as a family this year, was to watch Christmas movies. I finally got around to watching It's a Wonderful Life. This movie will forever be a favorite Christmas movie of mine.

Like I mentioned earlier, we didn't do my original plan of the 12 Days of Christmas list I made. But we did do a couple of things on them. One was baking, building and decorating a gingerbread house as a family. Janen decorated a ginger bread man and had lots of fun helping us. James' sister Emily and her two kids joined us.This is a tradition we kept up from last year. We really enjoy doing this as a family and hope that Janen and our other baby will too.

Another activity we did this year (sorry no pictures--we have the world's lamest camera) was the Hogle Zoo lights. I agreed to do one activity outside and to brace the cold. Let's just say morning sickness and shivering don't combine. So I bundled up extra good, had hot cocoa and took a zofran so that I could enjoy this outing with my family. Even though the majority of the animals were asleep (except the monkys they were too busy monkying around) it was fun to see them. Janen had a great time. She was such a trooper through all the cold, it wasn't until we exited the zoo and headed to our car that she started crying because of how cold it was. I am excited to take her back to the zoo one day when it is much warmer outside.

This year we decided we wanted to start our own tradition as a family. Although we love the cinnamon-pull-aparts and the the breakfast casserole, I wanted to do something that would involve my young children more. So when I saw a picture on Pininterest of a pancake decorate like Santa, i knew I wanted that to be our tradition.

We had fun making these and Janen loved eating them as did we.

This year, Santa brought Janen a kitchen. we only got a couple of photos before our Camera died (this thing literally has an addiction to batteries because it sucks them up very fast).

I can say with all confidence that Janen loved this gift! She didn't care to open up any other presents. We had to tell her it was a gift that went with her kitchen until she finally consented to move away from the kitchen to open another gift. She was happy if it was a "kitchen" item, but didn't care much for the cute dresses I got her. LOL! It's so fun to watch her play pretend with the kitchen and to see her do things in her kitchen and with her new baby doll that are similar to the things I do/say to her.

It's true what they say, Christmas Morning is just so much more enjoyable when you have little ones. I would be fine getting nothing just to watch the joy on my children's face. To think that next Christmas we will have two little ones to enjoy the holidays with!

Janen's News

2011-12-17T08:45:00.000-07:00

Did you get that? Janen's going to be a big sister! We are just a little over 10 weeks and had a great visit to the doctor's today. We were able to hear the heartbeat, which means there is less than a 1% chance of miscarriage, so I feel good about sharing our news. So far this pregnancy is very similar to when I was pregnant with Janen. Which means, yes, a lot of morning sickness. However, having been through it so badly with Janen, I wasn't sure I could survive another round, so I went in to the doctor right when we found out and got a prescription for zofran. I was hopeful there for a couple of weeks that I wouldn't have to take it because I was feeling pretty good (other than a nasty cold), but 7 weeks came and I started to feel a little gross and the next day the unpleasant (frequent) trips to the bathroom started. So James (being the awesome husband that he is) got off work a couple hours early to fill my prescription and take care of Janen. With the medicine I am able to keep most of the food down, but I feel nauseous all the time, except when I am sleeping which makes sleeping very very appealing these days.

Some of you may be wondering, "was this planned?" and yes, it was. I know I have said in the past that I didn't want to have another child until Janen was 3 or 4 because I wanted to finish school, but Heavenly Father just had different plans for us. During our trial of unemployment, it was even harder to be open to the idea of having another child, but I know that for me personally during that trial, I needed to learn to have faith in the Lord and be open to whatever He desired of me. Not easy letting go of the control you THINK you have. But long story short, after months of trying to be in control, I stopped fighting so hard and let go of a lot of fear and worry. James and I started to pray about when another baby should join our family about a week before this past general conference. And then that following Saturday Elder Andersen gave a beautiful talk about children that we know was an answer to our prayer. After his talk we both looked at each other and said something along the lines of, "well, if that wasn't the clear answer we're looking for, i don't know what is!"

So there you have it! We're having a baby!!

My list of Recent Goals

2011-12-01T23:40:00.000-07:00

Before I typed up my recent list of Goals, I had no idea that I would be really sick for two weeks or that we would decide to move last minute because of it. Although, I have sincerely been trying my best to complete some of the tasks I set out for myself, I haven't been able to do all that I want to. Today is December 1st and I was supposed to have all of my cards addressed and stamped. While 90% of the cards are done, they are still not stamped. So my new goal is to have them sent out by December 5th. After the move. Don't be surprised if I go through the list and adjust a few more things.

On semi-related note: when did I get to be so old? (yes, I know I am not THAT old) but I really feel it! I don't have the energy and stamina that I once had ever since I became a mother. How do I get that back? It's taking me forever to figure out how to stay fit while going to school and having a little one at home and a home to take care of. How do you women do it?! I never thought I would be THAT woman either. I've always been fit/in-shape with a good amount of energy. I want to take dance classes, I really do! But they are never at a convenient time. and I don't want to leave my daughter with a sitter at two separate times in one day. That's just too much on both of us. eh, maybe some day something will work out. Until then, send me your secrets!

a few things on my mind

2011-11-30T18:05:00.001-07:00

-I don't like when something shows up in my facebook feed about mormonism. Because when the word mormonism is used, 99% of the time, it's a non-member who has something to say about it. The biggest thing that irks me about it is their claim that Latter Day Saints don't believe in Jesus Christ. HELLO...the name of the church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! They are convinced that the Jesus Christ LDS members believe in is not the same being. Really? Where do people come up with this?
-I don't know if I will ever be in to extreme couponing. I seriously have no desire. How will my kids ever live without a year supply of toilet paper and junk food?! (I'm a horrible person)
-I am so so happy to move out of Provo. I am so done with this place. Onto something bigger, better, newer, nicer and most importantly closer to family. Now maybe Utah will truly feel like home. But I still feel in my bones that this state is not our permanent place, we are meant to be somewhere else.
-Despite all of our trials, we have been immensely blessed. I gave a talk on gratitude and I am ashamed for myself for not being in better spirits through the tough times. Humility has worked it's way into my stubborn heart and I hope Heavenly Father knows how much I appreciate his love and many blessings.
-I hate moving...especially when I have been fighting sickness since September. Stupid mold!
-But I love vaulted ceilings and our new place has them! BOOYA!
-CHRISTMAS!!!! nuff said. :)

Why Colds Are NO FUN

2011-11-21T21:00:00.002-07:00

After formulating my list of goals a week or so ago, I was in high spirits and ready to tackle each thing one by one. Even 5 by 5, but a cold had to come and sneak it's way into our household. Usually a cold is just a little annoyance that is completely gone by day three. It has been 7 days since Janen showed signs of sickness, 5 days since my cold manifested and 3 days for James. This is seriously one of the worst colds I have had in a super long time. But you know that wouldn't be so bad if this weren't the sixth time I've gotten sick since september of this year! 3 colds, 2 stomach flu's and a sinus infection. This is not normal right? James hasn't gotten sick as many times as me and I was stuck wondering why. My educated guess (and from reading health articles) that it could be due to the insane amount of mold our building has. This is something I am allergic to year round, no matter where I am. If you're wondering "why does jessica always have the sniffles?" this is why my friend. Mold gets the best of me and apparently it's weakening my immune system too. I mean other than one day of eating more candy than I should've (the day after Halloween) I've been pretty good at watching what I eat, going on walks with Janen, jogging with a friend, playing kinect, etc. So I'm not a fat lazy slob eating junk all day. Oh and I take a multivitamin. The mold seems to be the likely culprit. So why hasn't James gotten as sick as Janen and I? I think it's because he's 1) not allergic to it like I am and 2) he's out of the home for 10 hours a day.

So what do we do? We just moved, but mold is seriously everywhere on the outside of the building? They have been trying to cover it up, but it's there and it's making me mad that we didn't notice just how bad it was. I mean lots of places we've lived have some sort of mold, but not this bad. Also, James' commute up to North Salt Lake is no fun either and takes 2 to 3 hours out of his day (depending on the traffic).

We hear that now is a good time to buy in Utah with the Utah Home Buyers program. Basically you can qualify for no money down and a 3.99 percent fixed rate for 30 years if your credit score is above 700. We've been perusing houses on the market and can find nicer homes/townhomes that are bigger, newer, and most importantly closer to work and family AND pay less a month on mortgage than we would on rent. However, it is a big purchase and a scary/new thing for us. So what advice do you homeowners have out there for us? Do you think we could get out of our lease because of the over exposure to mold? probably not huh? I once got robbed at gunpoint in the parking lot of my apartment, where the loser had my wallet with my address, but I still couldn't get out of the lease. Some people.

Anyway, the reason for my rant started because I had lots of plans to get things done on my list, but they were put on the backburner, but I am writing this to reinforce my list to myself I guess. I WILL CONQUER THAT LIST!

*edit* I forgot to mention that we did take into consideration taxes, HOA fees, and homeowners insurance and it would come out to about the same or less depending on the price of the home we decide to purchase.

100 Things to do before Summer

2011-11-14T23:19:00.002-07:00

Saw a friend's blog with a lovely list of goals she had for herself and family. It inspired me to also make a list as well. I feel like when I have made a list of general things in the past (especially personal/spiritual ones) they tend to fall short within a matter of days. So I decided to make a more short term list of goals that will help me develop good habits and get some things done that have been sitting on the back burner. Somehow making a list makes it all seem more doable for me. I WILL CONQUER THIS LIST! Check back often for my progress. *also we are doing fun activities for Christmas that we would love to have friends join us for so if you see one that interests you, let me know. We would love to have you join us!

100 Things to do before Summer begins

November 14, 2011 – June 20, 2012 (219 days)

Personal/Spiritual

1. ~~Cancel Netflix & Hulu (too addicting)~~

2. Make phone dates with close friends & family not living close by once a month.

3. Share good news with someone

4. Read the October Ensign front to back before January

5. Personal scripture study and prayer every day for 21 days 2/21

6. Go to bed by 10:30 PM every night for a week 0/7

7. Subscribe to Sunday Papers and learn how to coupon like Emily, my sister in law

8. Take a shower right when I get up in the morning to help me get a better jump start on my day for a week 0/7

9. Make one new friend every month.

10. Read Sunday School and RS lessons ahead of time for one month 0/4

11. Bear my testimony in Fast & Testimony meeting or Relief Society at least 3 times 0/3

12. Read President Monson’s Biography

13. Listen to only Sacred Music everyday for 2 weeks (not around Christmas time—too easy). 0/14

14. Finish Ordinances for the names I’ve printed off.

15. Paint a picture (don’t expect anything spectacular).

16. Follow through on a prompting to call or visit someone right when I receive it.

17. No tv for 30 days (this includes online streaming). 0/30

18. Only get on Facebook once every 3 days for 30 days. 0/30

19. Only check email twice a day (morning and evening) for one week 0/7

20. Update blog at least once a week for two months 2/8

21. Study Math for 2 hours a day 5 days a week for two weeks 0/14

Janen

22. Make a quiet activity book for a Christmas gift. (in progress)

23. Plan Janen’s 2^nd Birthday party. I’m thinking either a Minnie Mouse themed party or Strawberry Shortcake themed party. Leaning towards the latter.

24. Sew a dress for Janen for next spring/summer

25. ~~Have the patience to put Janen’s hair in pigtails.~~

26. Make an ABC church book .

27. Take Janen to the library every week for new books to read

28. Sign Janen up for a whole semester of Little Gym

29. Teach Janen a small 30 minute lesson every weekday about a letter and number of the day with a fun activity to reinforce the lesson for two weeks. 0/14

30. Schedule 2 play dates a week for Janen for a month. 0/16

31. Start the process of Potty Training Janen again (after the holidays-and if she has been making better progress with bladder control

32. Take Janen to the potty every hour (except sleeping) for 3 days to get her used to going again. 0/3

James

33. Wake up at 630 AM every day to read scriptures and pray with James before he goes to work for 3 weeks. 7/21

34. Surprise my husband with something special once a week. 1/32

35. Go to the temple with James once a month. 0/8

36. Have an overnight date with James (much needed)

37. Have the house clean and dinner ready when James comes home at least once a week.(I cook more than that, but the house is usually still a mess).

38. Spoil James for a whole day.

39. Date night with James every week

Family

40. Send out Christmas Cards (by December 1^st)

41. Pay off debt (other than long term loans) by July 2012

42. Get pre-approved for a loan to buy a house (so we know what our options are).

43. Meet with a realtor to discuss our options

44. Hold Family Home Evening every Monday night with a different family each time for two months straight until we are in a consistent habit. 0/8

45. Send a birthday card to all Family and Super close friends whom birthdays I am aware of during 2012.

46. ~~Get a more comfortable couch for a decent price.~~

47. Build a snowman with my family

48. Finish reading the Book of Mormon as a family before the end of the year

49. Go a whole month on one tank of gas (for the mazda)

50. Skype with Family at least once a month

51. Take a road Trip

Organization/Cleaning

52. Organize closets and Pantries better

53. Get rid of the “junk” drawer and have a better system for miscellaneous things. Because the junk drawer just looks like a pile of mess.

54. Clean my car inside and out

55. Deep clean fridge and freezer

56. Make the bed every morning for a week 0/7

57. Keep a small notebook of expenditures so that we are more aware of where our money is going.

58. Organize makeup with magnets

59. Put away any clothes/shoes/accessories every night for 3 weeks before going to bed. 0/21

Projects

60. Finish shampooing the carpet

61. Finish painting the baseboards in our room

62. Finish repainting and reupholstering two chairs I bought back in August

63. Finish up the final touches on a refinished dresser and sell

64. Turn Janen’s Crib into a fun table/activity center for Christmas

65. Make hygiene kits for the homeless to pass out by Christmas

66. Make a bunch of Birthday cards

67. Decorate our Bedroom on a budget of under $200

68. Put new family pictures up.

69. Sew curtains for the living room and Janen’s room

70. ~~Get rid of anything we have not used in a year or more. (excluding our 3 boxes of childhood memories)~~

71. Organize third bedroom to look like it has more purpose than a storage room.

72. Refinish Janen’s furniture to give it more life

73. Knit a scarf

74. Make a blanket to give as a baby shower gift

Service

75. Visit the sick/old

76. Write a Thank-you note to at least two people per month that have influenced my life for good. 0/16

77. Surprise Visit a friend with flowers and lunch when they are having a bad day.

Health/Fitness

78. Stay away from white sugar and high-fructose corn syrup for 30 days. 0/30

79. Get rid of all junkfood in the house (give away or have a party) to help with 30 days of no sugar.

80. Stretch/Yoga everyday for 3 weeks 0/21

81. Exercise 3 times a week for a month 0/12

Food/Emergency Preparedness

82. Make 2 weeks worth of freezer meals.

83. Build up a 6 month food storage before summer.

84. Learn how to change a tire (James will love teaching me this-haha)

85. Make a successful batch of Carmel Apples (obviously not during my sugar fast)

86. Learn how to make Pumpkin Sage Soup (so delicious, but looks like lots of work)

Holiday Celebrations

87. 12 Days before Christmas Activity View the Festival of Lights(Dec 13th)

88. 11 Days before Christmas Activity Service (Dec 14th)

89. 10 Days before Christmas Activity Treat someone to dinner (Dec 15^th)

90. 9 Days before Christmas Activity White Elephant Party (Dec 16^th)

91. 8 Days before Christmas Activity Ward Christmas Party (Dec 17^th)

92. 7 Days before Christmas Activity Potluck Dinner of fav xmas dishes (Dec 18th)

93. 6 Days before Christmas Activity FHE Make cookies and doorbell ditch (Dec 19^th)

94. 5 Days before Christmas Activity Christmas Movie Marathon (Dec 20^th)

95. 4 Days before Christmas Activity Caroling with a hot chocolate party after (Dec 21^st)

96. 3 Days before Christmas Activity Ginger Bread Houses (Dec 22^nd)

97. 2 Days before Christmas Activity Temple Square lights (Dec 23rd)

98. 1 Day before Christmas Activity read the Christmas Story (Dec 24^th)

99. Create a Christmas Family Tradition

100. Keep a visible check list of these goals and update the blog on my progress at least twice a week.

Halloween

2011-11-06T14:22:00.000-07:00

Here we are a happy little mouse family. Janen was Minnie Mouse (the pink and white polka dot version) and we were Mr. and Mrs. Mouse, her parents of course. This costume cost us $3. Everything else we had in our closet or lying around.

Silly Hats and songs

2011-11-04T13:17:00.000-06:00

First of all, I must apologize for the quality of our camera. We bought a cheap digital camera until we can afford a nicer one and I am still learning how to use it. So for a couple of months, the pictures I post will probably be real awful, but you will still be able to make out Janen's cute face.

Don't worry, that's a fresh new pull-up on her head. She grabbed one out of the diaper bag and put it on her head. LOL!

Using a coloring book as a hat.

The first video below is Janen in the bathroom (the camera doesn't like the lighting) but there is a song I made up for her that she was trying to sing. I love it!

The second video is her in jcpenny's singing the abc's.

James Got a Job!

2011-10-23T19:07:00.000-06:00

Ok, I am a little behind on this, but I know I should post about it for our family to look back on.

Back in March of this year, James applied for a job with Schiff Nutrition. He was selected to fill out a questionnaire and if he passed that pre-screening, he would have a phone interview. A week later he received a call from Schiff, they wanted to set up a time that Kenny, the Director of Product Development, could interview James over the phone. Phone interview day came and James said it all went really well and that Kenny would call him soon to set up a time to interview on site. I believe about a week went by and Kenny called James back. Only it wasn't to ask him to come up to Salt Lake for an interview, but rather to let him know that the new CEO and VP's didn't want to keep the position open for the time being and ceased hiring. Kenny apologized to James for wasting his time and told him to check back with them later.

So James continued to search for jobs, had a few on-site interviews that didn't pan-out and lots of frustration (on both our parts). I ended up working with Vivint in mid august doing inside sales because James wasn't even being given the time of day for simple lab or even receiving and shipping jobs. Both of which he was qualified for. But I applied for 3 jobs and got offered two of them. I guess having a degree helps sometimes in this economy, but not having one can help even more. I was able to get James a job at Vivint in september because my trainer respected me and work ethic and gave James a job without even meeting him. This was a huge blessing to get us through and I don't regret the decision at all.

Right around that time, James received an email from Kenny letting him know that a job opened up with Schiff and if he would be interested in being considered for it. Of course James was and that got the ball rolling. After a phone interview and 2 onsite interviews in which he interviewed with 13 people, including a lunch with Kenny, he received a call on Monday the tenth with a job offer. Finally!! And the offer was even 5k more than was originally discussed which was another small blessing.

James just completed his first week at Schiff and he really likes it. Already his supervisors have recognized his great characteristics and his willingness to get in there and learn. He's already earning their respect. We hope that James will be able to move up quickly with Schiff and eventually become a senior scientist.

The Lord is good to us and although the trial was not fun. there are so many things we are able to look back on now and see some of it's purpose.

Personal Dilemma

2011-10-05T23:49:00.000-06:00

A couple of weeks ago, I sat at my work desk and stared at a picture of Janen that I tacked to my cubicle while waiting for the dialer to pull up another cold-call "lead" of someone that would potentially cuss at me. I sat and stared at those beautiful eyes and thought about how much I missed her. How guilty I felt for leaving her for several hours a day. And I am embarrassed to mention, how resentful I felt that we were in a situation where I had to go back to work because nobody wants to hire my husband who holds a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering. So I turned to my neighbor/friend and said, "I'm doing it, I'm quitting right now." (By the way, at this point James had been hired on at the same company as well so I felt that my duty to work outside of the home was no longer needed).

I sent an email to my supervisor, because he wasn't there that day, and let him know that I was quitting because I felt I needed to be at home with my daughter. He was very understanding and I honestly felt liberated. I went home happy and hugged and kissed on my sweet little girl. I wanted to believe that James could be successful as a salesman and make the money we needed to pay off debt that we've occurred over the past 6 months because of his unemployment. Vivint (his job) made it sound like he could earn a good and steady paycheck that would be a great help to us until he could find something in his career, but so far that hasn't been the case. A lot of it is silly politics which isn't really the point of my post, but all in all it had me worrying again. Basically, we still don't know what he's getting in commission and some unfair things have happened to him.

The person who trained me for outbound sales, promised he would switch me over to inbound. Well a week, two weeks, then three went by and nothing was being done. So I just figured it was never going to happen so when I quit I didn't think twice about it. But then the trainer found out I quit through James and said that he needed me to come work inbound and be on his team. After playing phone tag for several days, we finally met and he said he would like me to start on the tenth of October. At first I was kind of relieved because we need the extra money (ten dollars an hour doesn't cut it, unless we want to live in a studio apartment and take the bus) but with each passing day, I have felt more and more anxious about it.

More than anything, I want to stay at home with my daughter. My life was seriously so good being a full-time mommy and full-time student. I was only away from her at the most 5 hours a week at school. Being at work helped me to realize how much I really cherish motherhood. BUT, I also don't like being in the financial strain we've been in and to go back and work would mean more money in our bank account, less stress and no more asking for loans! But I don't feel 100 percent right about going back to work. The only thing I am certain about is how much joy being with Janen gives me.

The biggest dilemma is that it's so hard for me to let go and trust that everything will work itself out. I want to fix it and I want to fix it now, but I also know that I can't neglect my roll as a mother. We've been waiting to hear back about a job for James in his field and he heard back today that they want him to come in for one more final interview. I was hoping he would know whether or not he got the job by Friday so that it would be easier to make my decision to return back to work, but perhaps I am to make the choice to stay home regardless and just make do. Sell all of our stuff, donate a kidney (jk)

I know that things could be so much worse, I really do! I've lived through worse growing up and I don't want to go through that again or especially have my children go through that. All I am asking is for stability. For my husband to be rewarded for his hard work and the good man that he is.

A friend suggested a blessing. Yes, I think I will get one. I know what I must do, but I just need to feel peace and be able to let go.

and for James to get a good-paying job...is that so much to ask?

Janen at 18 and 19 Months

2011-09-13T23:07:00.001-06:00

I say 18 and 19 because her check up was literally 2 days before her 19th month. Here is where Janen is measuring out today.

Weight: 25 pounds and 4 oz ----60th percentile
Height: 34 1/4 inches -----97th percentile (still my tall girl)
Head: 18 1/2 inches ----60th percentile

Some of you may remember a previous post where I mentioned that Janen had a heart murmur. At first the doctor said it was too slight to even be a concern and could possibly be due to her anemia and that he would just keep an eye on it. Well it pains me to say that even though she is anemia free, her heart murmur has become more prevalent. Doctor Andersen told us that it isn't common for someone her age to get them and referred us to a cardiologist. The earliest we could get in is the 26th of this month. I've tried not to think about it too much, but it's hard not to. Even if it was something that could easily be fixed by surgery, I just can't imagine my sweet little girl going under the knife for open heart surgery. It scares the crap out of me. With that said, please keep Janen in your prayers. We will keep you updated as soon as we know more.

But for now here's some of the new things that Janen has been learning over the past month or two

-can count to ten forwards, and is starting to learn how to do it backwards. She is also learning to count to twenty, but usually skips a lot of numbers. "eveven, twelve, thirteen, eighteen, nineteen, TWENTY!"
-She can sing the alphabet, but sometimes gets stuck on her favorite part and will do a loop of about 6 letters a few times and then move on.
-We stared potty training a couple of weeks ago. I don't know maybe we're nuts. She is still learning a lot about that and goes pee anywhere from once to four times a day and she went number two the other day for the first time. It's amazing how poo-poo on the potty was such an accomplishment. I think it will be a few months before she starts telling us that she needs to go.
-Started actually singing, rather than just reciting words from songs. This is seriously one of my favorite things right now. I love to hear her sing.
-Puts together 3-4 word sentences. My favorite is when she comes in our room in the morning and says, "Good Morning Mommy. Good Morning Daddy." or "I want my mommy. I want my daddy."
-This girl is a huge fan of Sesasme Street. She would watch it all day if I let her.
-She can swing on the big kid swing all by herself.
-She can hang on the monkey bar and pull her knees up.
-She can go down the slide by herself and then turn back around and climb up it.
-Just recently learned how to jump with two feet off the ground. "jumpa, jumpa, jumpa"
-We like to call her "Janen-Bobanen" and so she'll randomly start saying the alphabet and stop a few letters in and say "Janen-Bobanen" and then crack up. She has a great sense of humor.
-And my all time favorite. No matter who's tootin or burpin she always has to blame it on daddy. "daddy, toot-toot, gross."

Keep on being the awesome, smart and funny girl you are Janen. Life is seriously so much better now that you are in it.

Changes

2011-08-16T23:44:00.000-06:00

I suppose I should update this blogarooni and mention some things that have been going on in our lives. First of all, because of James' unemployment, we decided it would be best if I looked for a job as well. It has been a grueling process for James and he still remains without a job, but super easy for me. I literally applied to 4, maybe 5 jobs and got offered two of them. While James has probably applied to over 200 jobs and is still searching. It makes absolutely no sense to me. He's the smarter one, he has a bachelors degree and I don't, but yet so many employers aren't giving him the time of day. We just don't get it, but I have to believe that it's because the right things hasn't come along. Whatever that right thing may be.

I started out working for a marketing company, before I got offered a job with Vivint and didn't really like it too much. So when I got the call to interview for Vivint, I jumped on it because we have some friends in our ward that work there and have said nothing but good things about it. I wanted to work somewhere that had a good rapport. Then when I heard how much money you could make, I was definitely in. Luckily, I was offered the job on the spot and quit the marketing company. It actually all ended up being good timing because after a few weeks of searching and debating, we finally found an apartment to move to so I needed the extra time until training started at Vivint to do that, while finishing up summer semester.

We had decided a long time ago that we would move out of our place come August, but went back and forth about where we would move, what we wanted to spend, how big it would be, etc. It's really hard to make a decision about those types of things before one of us was employed. But as soon as I got offered the job at Vivint, it was easier to narrow down our searching parameters and find a place we could grow into over the next 2 or 3 years. The place we ended up getting is just a few blocks south and a couple blocks to the east of our last place, but it is soooo much bigger. I believe our last place was a little under 700 sqft and we were seriously busting at the seams and because Janen is getting older, more independent and brave (along with clumsy) I wanted to live somewhere with a little bit more of an open floor plan. Now granted, the new place isn't as open as I would like, the size is ideal for a great price. It's just a little under 1400 sqft. It's a big apartment and I love it.

The management company gave us permission to paint it. They would pay for the paint if we painted it. So we spent several days painting. The livingroom is a beautiful color called silverlight. It's a blueish color with a silver undertone. I LOVE it! The rest of the house is just a beige color. The catch was that if we painted the walls a color that a new tenant didn't like after that, we would have to reinburse them for the paint. So we decided to stick to a more neutral color everywhere else if for some reason someone didn't like the blue. But how could you not?

Anyway, we felt fortunate to find this place. It's 3 bed 2 full baths with a laundry room. We were able to get a great deal on a washer (or rather my sister in law Emily did). A brand new washer for $180 that was normally around $400 and a free dryer that was found on the side of the road that Emily and Shawn let us have. Really, we've been blessed so much despite James' job search being so unsuccessful. We are hoping this is a place we can grow into over the next 2 or 3 years and (gasp) quite possibly have another baby while living here. There is definitely room for another little human being now.

On a completely different note: Janen has graduated to a toddler bed. She is doing good for the most part, but the last few days in her new bed has confirmed to me that she is a sleep walker. I always find her in different parts of the room when I come to get her in the morning. I slept walk to as a child and apparently it can get passed down to your children. Janen is also speaking in sentences and learning how to sing long and short sounds. She can count to ten in english and we are working on counting to ten in french. Her favorite number in french is quatre (four). Janen has sort of lost an interest in books (although she will let us read her a story for bedtime) but she loves to be told animated stories. So I've recently started retelling her classics while laying in our bed and she always asks for more. She is a great audience and laughs and squeals at all the right parts. I seriously love her guts!

All in all, we are doing good. I have high hopes for my new job and hope that we will be able to build some savings back up, start paying off student loans and be able to have all of our needs met. I hope that James gets a job or internship soon. We have been praying and fasting (with family and friends help) that James be blessed with a job, but particularly an internship opportunity that opened up in Salt Lake. The application deadline isn't for another week and half so we are hoping to hear something by the end of the month. It's hard for James not to get discouraged even though I have a job and we will be OK, but really I think he just needs to be out of the house doing his own thing. We don't care if we never have a big home or new cars, we just want to have our needs met, to make sure our children are taken care of, and to stay busy.

Well, I think that's about all for updating. This is what happens when life gets crazy, there is just too much to catch up on. Hopefully, next month, I can get a new camera and start taking regular videos and pictures of Janen again. Cause really she just says and does the cutest things.

Until then...

Sneaky girl

2011-07-23T12:25:00.000-06:00

When we go shopping, Janen likes to help us pick some things out and then she likes to hold some of her favorite things or keep them next to her in the cart. While we were all shopping, i looked down at Janen and saw that she had opened the cereal and was helping herself to a snack.

Tell me she's not just the cutest thing. I love her and fall more in love with her cute little face and blooming personality every day. She is starting to get a great sense of humor and I love it!

Fun in the Sun!

2011-07-23T12:20:00.000-06:00

Riverwoods opened up a splash pad this summer and we have been a few times and Janen loves it. Great way to get out of the house, but be entertained and stay cool for free!

We found a nice blow up pool for $8 and decided to get it for Janen. She asks to go "outside, pool?" pretty much everyday! But we only do it about 3 times a week.

Isn't summer just so much fun? I am grateful that the summers here aren't deathly hot like back home, but I love that they are hot enough to splash around in the water.

Fourth of July

2011-07-13T00:15:00.000-06:00

We had a super fun fourth of July around here. We got to see fireworks for several days and Janen is a huge fan. She kept asking for fireworks all day for several days. "sireworks, cool!" or "sireworks, outside?" She can't quite say her 'f's' yet.

The friday before we walked around at the freedom festival. Bought some yummy food and listen to some live music. They had a large area just for kids. Including a bounce house and a big truck full of sand and toys. Janen didn't like the bounce house because there were a couple of 4 year old boys that were just a little to rambunctious. But she had a blast in the sand!

The next day, we camped out at the Hinckely building to watch the Stadium of Fireworks. This year, they were AWESOME! They seemed twice as long and twice as big. It was worth the wait, sitting in the sun to save our spots, but we had fun playing cards, chatting, and eating strawberry shortcake with our friends.

With Daddy watching the fireworks.

On the actual day of Fourth of July we walked down the street and claimed a spot on center street to watch the parade. Janen's favorite float was the Little Mermaid float. It shot out bubbles. She wanted to run into the street and pop them.

Isn't she so cute with her sun glasses?

The Johnson's came and joined us. Warren and Janen are pals and like to feed each other snacks. We love Warren, he's such a loving kid and he loves Janen.

We had a fabulous fourth this year with wonderful friends. We are so excited for Janen to be old enough to play with sparklers, but for now we'll just watch the "sireworks" from a distance.

Nakie Gymnastics

2011-06-14T23:30:00.000-06:00

Janen has been benefiting so much from Little Gym. This past class, she was already trying to do somersaults all by herself. This may be too soon to say, but we think she is a natural. And the teacher comments on how fast she picks up on everything. So far her favorite things to do are climbing up on the cheese mats and walking on the balance beam.

Doing a somersault on the balance beam. She seriously loves this!

Back handspring in action! (hence the blurriness)

Here are some fun videos of Janen in action. P.S. Sorry about the poor sound, I don't know why it's doing that, but you'll get over it cause Janen is so cute.

And this next one is the inspiration for the title of this post. We were undressing Janen to change her (and her diaper obviously) and she was trying out her new skills on her own!

I Did it Hooray!

2011-06-13T23:00:00.000-06:00

Now I am by means no expert when it comes to redoing furniture, but I just couldn't stand looking at this ugly beast anymore!

My husband and I hated the handles on these things. We bough this dresser on Craigslist for I believe $20. What a steal right? Sure there was one broken drawer and a couple of the pulls were missing from the hardware, but we were ecstatic to find such a huge dresser for so cheap! With James at home now (while job searching) I was able to slip outside for a couple hours at a time while he tended to Janen and work on refinishing this dresser. I decided to distress it before really knowing how that all goes, but we decided we liked the white primer showing through. It could be lots better, but I think it looks better than it did and it adds a nice touch to our tiny bedroom.

The Talent of Friendship

2011-06-12T20:26:00.001-06:00

Today in the third hour of church (during Relief Society), we discussed talents. Some people automatically think of the visible talents such as dancing, singing, drawing when the word talent is uttered, but I was so proud to sit among women that shared some of their desires to build up their spiritual talents. A few sisters mentioned attributes that make for a wonderful friend. Such as, the ability to see a need in those around them, the ability to listen and validate, and the ability to serve.

I have been struggling with not resenting some people that I feel aren't doing a good job at reciprocating friendship to me. It is hard for me not to get my feelings hurt when I see or hear about certain people getting together without a single invite to me or my family when I have reached out to be their friend countless times. How have some of you dealt with that? Or maybe you're a person with whom everyone reciprocates friendship with.

As I have been struggling with these feelings, I decided to read some articles regarding friendship. Here are a few excerpts that stood out to me.

"I feel that friendship is a fundamental need of our world. I think in all of us there is a profound longing for friendship, a deep yearning for the satisfaction and security that close and lasting relationships can give. Perhaps one reason the scriptures make little specific mention of the principle of friendship is because it should be manifest quite naturally as we live the gospel." - Friendship a Gospel Principle by Marlin K Jensen

I love this quote because I know that the more I have grown spiritually the more I notice a need in others and have learned to come out of my shell and reach out to those around me.

"God knows the needs of His children, and He often works through us, prompting us to help one another. When we act on such promptings, we tread on holy ground, for we are allowed the opportunity to serve as an agent of God in answering a prayer." - What Greater Goodness Can We Know: Christlike Friends by Kathleen H. Hughes

I love that she says, "we tread on holy ground" if only we all had that same perspective. I think we would be more inclined to act on promptings. I know that I never regret it when I follow through on a feeling to call someone or pay them a visit. I have had some feelings to write notes to some people to thank them for their friendship, but felt they would think it was cheesy, but I know that I appreciate it when some pays me a kind word so why wouldn't they?

'If you are watching, you will see someone carrying a heavy burden. It may be a burden of sorrow or loneliness or resentment. It may be visible to you only if you have prayed for the Spirit to give you eyes to see into hearts and have promised to lift up the hands that hang down." - Faithful Friends by President Henry B. Eyring

I really want to be better at this last thing. I have seen some friends who have this special talent and I know it comes from sincere prayers. I have prayed for this in the past, but not as consistently as I should. I am turning over a new leaf.

One of the things we talked about in our Relief Society Lesson today was that developing talents takes time and effort. I consider a great friend to be a talent. So I have decided that I have a talent that I want to develop further. Even though my feelings have been hurt from some people that shall remain nameless, I know that Heavenly Father would not want me to shun those individuals, but stay true to the covenants I made at baptism. This is something I know I will need lots of help in because I am not perfect in the least bit, but I know that through prayer I can receive the help I need to be a better friend.

Check out this giveaway!

2011-06-07T22:06:00.001-06:00

My dear friend Julia is doing an awesome giveaway of $25 in cash to promote her newly started furniture business. Even though she is new to the furniture business, she is no dummy at what she does. I love her work and wanted to share how talented and dedicated she is at her craft.

She took some cheap and simple Ikea dressers and turned them into a work of art. Don't you love the gold stenciling?

Seriously the prettiest chairs ever right? I am a sucker for purple!

Simple, yet beautiful!

So what are you waiting for? Enter her giveaway and tell your friends. I promise she's legit. :)

I am one lucky girl!

2011-05-23T16:19:00.001-06:00

So lately I have been the lucky winner of a few contests and because I am so grateful, I wanted to share their blogs with anyone that might be interested. I don't know why I have been so fortunate, but I know that we are being taken care of despite our current unemployment. So here it is without further ado.

The first prize I won was a couple months ago from a gal that makes really cute bows.

She was kind enough to send two bows to add to Janen's collection. Bowdacious Babes.

The second one was with a local photographer. that was giving away a free photoshoot! She has great rates too, so even if I didn't win, I would definitely use her!Check out her skills. Bluebird Pictures.

The third was from a friend that used to be in our student ward. She has an awesome blog about eating right/healthy and exercising. She is seriously a stud! She did a fun giveaway of a bunch of healthy foods and I won that too! We were so grateful for the healthy snacks! Check her out. Lunges and Lashes.

And I just found out that I won a childrens book for Janen called Monday is One Day from a fun and informative blog called Crash Test Mommy.

I am seriously amazed at how much luck I've had recently. Now if only we could win some money....;)

Bummed

2011-05-21T21:29:00.000-06:00

I know I mentioned this before, but my camera is kaput. Janen has been super cute lately and learning soo much and I'm missing out on recording it. Sure you're thinking, so what if there are a few months where you don't have pictures or video. But I totally care! And we can't/aren't getting a new one, until James gets a job. That's right, we're still looking...

My favorite new thing about Janen is how she tries to mimic some of the things I do. Like for example, she was playing in the kitchen a couple of days ago while I did dishes. She pulled out her high-chair tray from the the pantry, grabbed a hand towel off the oven door and started to clean it and said, "cleeeaaan!" She is also doing great at remembering parts of her favorite stories and saying them with me or doing the hand motions I made up to them.

Today we went on a bike ride with Janen for the first time. We lassoed her up on my back with my moby-wrap and headed around town. It was so much fun. Janen didn't like being tethered to my back at first, but once we started going, she would say, "weeee!" every time we went down-hill. Love that girl!

Janen's 15 Month Check-Up

2011-05-16T11:36:00.001-06:00

Just a quick update on Janen's growth progress at 15 months and 6 days.

Weight: 23 p 4 oz --- 76th percentile

Height: 32 1/4 inch --- 93rd percentile

Head: 18 inch --- 50th percentile

We still have one very tall girl. Which still makes it hard to find pants that fit her waist, but that are long enough. Here are a few things Janen has been up to. She's saying words more clearly now. Instead of "wa-wa" she says water clearly. She also has learned how to put endings on some words. So instead of "wa" or "ra" for walk and rock respectively, she says them perfectly. I think her favorite word is "no" right now and she says it so cute so I really can't get mad. She's just flexing her ability to choose and I think that's great. She is still anemic despite another 6 week treatment of iron and eating iron fortified foods, but luckily it's not any worse. She loooves to be outside and will run and run if I let her, but it's so tiring! When we let her play out in the front yard she runs to a pile that has a bunch of rocks and says, "rock" and always picks up two. One for each hand of course. Whenever music is on she dances with this cute little bounce and run in place move. Janen loves to snuggle and says, "snul" when she gives us big hugs. She is very affectionate and I love that! The biggest thing I noticed about Janen over the past couple months is her ability to understand and follow directions. I can tell her to get her shoes and bring them to me and she will. I can ask her to get a specific book (one of her favorites, not just any) and she'll find it and bring it to me. She can point out certain things in books like a dog, or a teddy bear and when she see's tears she says, "cry."

I am just amazed at how absorbent Janen is. I bought alphabet letters and numbers for the bathtub and started working on a letter and number of the week. I am trying to work on having her recognize the letters and numbers. Sometimes she notices an A is and A and other times she says G for some reason, but I know she will learn them eventually.

I wish I had a recent picture to post of her today, but our camera is no longer in working order as of last week. However, I do have several pictures before it died.

Janen in her Easter dress from Grandma Havican

And this was the easter dress we picked out for her a long time ago. I just couldn't pass it up. And I just realized that it will go nicely for a minnie mouse dress for halloween. I hope she still fits in it then!

First time down the slide by herself!

She loves to hold on to the swing and put her head back.

Don't you just love this face!

My pretty girl!

She loves to play with her ball outside, but for some reason she wanted to have both her sippy cup and her ball in her hands that day.

Mama's Got a Brand New Do'

2011-05-05T22:42:00.000-06:00

After 2 years of growing out my hair I decided I was sick of it and chopped it off. I was sick of the color (even though I like having highlights, it's too much high maintenance for me) so i dyed it back brown. I also realized how much work my hair takes the longer it is and since it was time consuming, a lot of the times my hair looked disheveled with it's awkward waves or pulled back in a pony tail or bun. Now I may be somewhat low maintenance, but not enough to let nature take it's course. I like to have hair that is done and styled even if it's just blow dried and straightened. I'm not the curl your hair everyday (or every other day) type because I just don't have the patience to deal with all of my hair (really, I have a lot of it and it's thick). It took 4 hours to cut and color my hair by a professional and she even cut off 3 inches before coloring it to save on time! Even though I love the way long hair looks on me, I also love easy care maintenance while still looking polished. Make sense? So I found a picture of Anne Hathaway with shoulder length hair and decided to give it a try. So what do you think? And sorry about the bad quality. Our camera is on the fritz so i took the picture with my web cam.

Kiddos

2011-04-29T10:24:00.000-06:00

Here are some of our cute nieces and nephews. It's hard to get all kiddos looking and smiling at the same time. I thought this was the best one. My daughter refused to smile, but at least she's not crying right? Either way, I still think she's beautiful. And we have good looking kiddos in our family. This picture doesn't do them justice. :)

Graduation!!

2011-04-29T10:17:00.000-06:00

No, not my graduation, but even better, James graduated! On April 22nd, James made the happy walk across the stage to redeem his diploma holder (the real one comes in the mail). It was a great day and we were happy to have so much family in town for the happy occasion. We went to Sakura (japanese tepanyaki) and enjoyed having the whole restaurant to ourselves! We got their right when it opened. We had an early dinner or late lunch, however you want to see it. The kiddos enjoyed the fire on the grill. Nathan our nephew even said, "This is the best day!" I thought it was so cute and fun to see him enjoy dinner so much. It was also conveniently Easter in the same weekend so we of course had to have a Hunter Easter party, but I only got one picture of that cause my camera wasn't charged. :( But just know we had a lot of fun!

Here are some pictures of James' special day!

We are so happy to move on with this part of our lives. James is applying to job after job. He's already had one with L3 Communications in Salt Lake and he has another one with Atotech in South Carolina next week. Please oh please let us get a job before May ends. The sooner the better!

It's Crunch Time

2011-04-11T22:05:00.000-06:00

No, not this Crunch

This crunch...

Unfortunately, I am having a hard time staying motivated. Especially since I started the Hunger Game series. Probably should'nt have done that....

Explosion of Words!

2011-04-10T14:22:00.000-06:00

Janen's speech is growing at a rapid rate! It has been so fun to talk with her and see her little lips form around new words. Last night, I wrote a list of all the things she can say and counted over 60 words! 60! I was not expecting that at all, but we are having so much fun teaching her new words and love that she is having an easier time telling us what she wants.

Here is a list of all the words/phrases she says almost perfectly.

Mama
Mom
Da-Da
Dad
Daddy
Hi
Hi there
Hey
Whoa
Wow
Uh-oh
Bumbo
Good
Girl
Good Girl
No
Down
Night-night
Ball
Car
Cookie
Shoe (she says it just like the magic eraser commercial "Shoue"
Purple
diaper
doctor
sit
coat
that
hand
pa-pa (for grandpa, although she has said ga-pa before)
bubble
cold
Bye-Bye
down

Here's a list of words she says, but can't pronounce perfectly, but knows what the word is associated with.

eat "eah"
hug "huuh"
baby "buh-by"
doggy "dawee"
nose "no"
water "wa-wa"
thank you "tha-oo"
outside "side"
snacks "snaa"
milk "ma-uh"
mickey mouse "ma-mou"
walk "wa-uh"
bunny "buh-ee"
bug "bow"
dance "dah"
home "hom"
tickle "ckle" (literally she says the last part of the word)
pants "pant"
bear "bow-uh"
bath "bat"
duckie "duh-ee
ravioli "rah-rah"
up "uh"
silly "sy-uh"
pray "prah"
amen "men"
hot "hoh"
banana "na-na"

I always knew Janen was a little smartie, but she also just loves to talk. I've also noticed this past month how much of a little girl she really is. She loves shoes and jewelry and gets concerned when she sees someone crying or upset. She is polite and waits for someone to share a toy with her rather then snatching it out of their hands. She is learning to run and loves to go up and down the stairs when we hold her hand. She learned a couple weeks ago how to go down the one step off the front porch, but recently fell and is now afraid to do it on her own so she always looks for our hand. She loves to be read to and sometimes out of nowhere she'll just crawl onto the couch and snuggle into the side of us and lay down. I love it. Her favorite place to be is outside so we've been going out 2 or 3 times a day when the weather is nice. I must admit, I've enjoyed it to. I am ready for some more sun. Janen loves her daddy and gets so excited when he's home. Whenever we say family prayer she switches back and forth between us and also does this when we snuggle in bed with her. It's like she doesn't want either of us to feel un-loved so she tries to give us equal attention. She does this with her stuffed animals too, it's so sweet. I love my little girl and I am so excited for her to speak in complete sentences some day and to learn how to read. Being a mom is such a beautiful thing!

Daddy Hugs 123

2011-04-05T09:50:00.000-06:00

This is Janen's favorite book. She asks to have it read to her at least 10 times a day. When it's time for a story before bed she'll go to her book shelf and look for the book while saying, "daddy?" It's stinking cute! We have to hide it from her because the one we have is a paperback and she's already ripped pages and separated the book from the cover. We've had to do some doctoring. She has memorized parts of the book and gives the same reaction when we read her favorites. I think it's time to invest in a hard back cover. Here is a video of James reading the book to her. She loves her daddy and will randomly knock on the front door and say, "Daddy, home." She misses him a lot when he's gone and so do I.

Janen's Out Patient Surgery

2011-03-17T19:43:00.000-06:00

When Janen was about a week old, we noticed that she had some bumps on her chin. We thought at first maybe they were baby acne and would clear up on their own, but they never did. At her 9 month appointment, we asked the doctor what they were and they weren't sure so we were recommended to a dermatologist. It took almost 3 months out until we got an appointment, but we got one. The Dermatologist originally thought it was calcium deposits, but today we fond out they were actually cysts. Three separate cysts clustered on the left side of her chin which makes sense because they've slowly been getting bigger over the last year. So she went to have them removed and got put under in order to do it. I think that part made me the most nervous for her. One because she couldn't eat for several hours and her surgery wasn't first thing in the morning and two because I didn't want her to come out of it throwing up. I hate seeing my baby sick. But she was extremely patient while she waited for them to take her in. I was amazed at that! I was expecting a very un-happy and cranky girl, but she was the exact opposite. She was a little cranky coming out of the surgery, but that was just because she was confused, disoriented and hungry. She chugged down her soy milk and snacks, took a nice nap and ate a lot at dinner. I mean A LOT! Here are some pictures we took to document the day.

Here she is before going into surgery. She was ready for a nap and kept saying, "nigh, night"

Post surgery. I love these series of pictures. Feel free to make up your own captions for them. This is the exact order they were taken in.

Isn't she so cute?

My Little Baby Einstein

2011-03-12T15:43:00.002-07:00

It has been so much fun around here with Janen learning new words and signs. This week, she is on a roll for one new word or sign (sometimes both) a day! Here are two videos of just some of the words she can say. The first one is words she's learned and the second is some of the signs she knows.

Laundry

2011-03-10T11:55:00.000-07:00

On laundry days, I sort about 5 baskets of laundry and James drives down the street and does the laundry while I tend to Janen. He returns and we hang up clothes and fold everything. We HATE laundry day and can't wait when we are in a place that has a washer and dryer again. I haven't been without a washer and dryer for ages and even then it was only about 7 months. That is going to be one of our biggest purchases after James gets a job. Janen likes to help out with laundry by un-sorting clothes, pushing the baskets around or climbing into them. She climbed in one of the baskets and we decided to take her for a ride. She loved it and it kept her out of our hair while we tried to finish sorting. Take a look at the fun!

Discovery Gateway Park

2011-03-07T17:08:00.000-07:00

Janen got to spend several days with her Grandpa and she loved it so much. She even said, "Ga-pa" which we all thought was so adorable. We were happy to have Art come stay with us and get to see his grandkids that live in Utah. A couple of saturdays ago, we went to the Discovery Gateway Park. The kids had so much fun and James and I had fun watching Janen explore and being with family.

Riding in the fire truck. she didn't know how to put her legs down and walk with it though, so this didn't last long.

Pumping some water...if I would've let her, she would've put her hands right in and gotten wet, but she was too short and I didn't feel like holding her while she hovered over it.

Playing Plinko with Daddy. ;)

She loved the Melissa and Doug puzzles. Perhaps it's time for me to consider investing in some.

A natural musician. she knew that when she didn't bang on the surfboard looking things it didn't make noise.

Going shopping! This part of the exhibit was probably the cutest. It was a grocery story that was kid sized. Our niece loved it too and played the role of the sandwich maker at the deli. It was a hoot.

Shopping for some milk

And trying to climb into the refrigerated section.

And finally...

Janen's first pony ride.

Next time, we want to go to the Aquarium. Anyone want to join us?

See you in Two Years Elder Havican

2011-03-07T16:54:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, Matthew entered the MTC to prepare for his mission in Roseville, CA. But before he did that, he stopped by to spend some time with us. And Janen was happy to have him around.

Have a great two years Elder Havican!

Blog Challenge - No Challenge

2011-03-06T14:52:00.002-07:00

I've decided I'm sick of doing this Blog Challenge and that most of the questions are super lame. I feel like you can get to know me better by my spontaneous desires to want to post then a poorly constructed list of questions. Although, some Q and A is pretty cool. One time, a few friends and I had a conversation about how dumb all the surveys/quizzes were that were going around so we decided to create our own, thought provoking survey. Such as, "Would you say you live by feeling or logic?"

Isn't that a much better question than "what's in your purse?"

Seriously.

Janen's 12 Month check up

2011-03-04T12:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Janen had her 12 month check up. She unfortunately had to get lots of shots, but she was trooper. She had to get her toe pricked as well to test her hemoglobin levels and she didn't cry at all for that or the first and second shot. It was the last 2 that hurt her. Poor baby. Her hemoglobin levels are still at a 32 which means she is still not getting the iron her body needs, even with the drops. So we are going to continue the drops and hope that it clears up in 6 weeks. She still has a slight heart murmur, but the doctor says it's not bad enough to be a cause for concern because it could be related to the anemia.

Other than that, here's where Janen is measuring these days.

Janen at 12 months and 21 days
Weight: 22 p 1 oz --- 68th percentile
Height: 30 1/4 in --- 93 percentile
Head: 17.75 in --- 51 percentile

And here's proof that she is walking now.

Doesn't she looks like she's getting read to sumo someone? LOL!

Tell me, who hasn't seen James make this face?

Day Sixteen- My Dreams

2011-02-28T22:41:00.000-07:00

Do we mean the dreams I have when I go to bed at night, or "dreams" that I hope/wish to achieve someday? I have always been a vivid dreamer except for as of late. I used to be able to remember most of my dreams, but for some reason I haven't over the past couple of weeks. Dreams can have such a direct impact on my mornings and leave me feeling weird, or scared or even happy.

As far as some of my "dreams", I don't know if I like that term anymore. Dreams seem so unattainable. I have goals not a wish list of achievements. A few of them are to graduate college with a bachelors and possibly continuing schooling at a later date and getting my Masters. I would love to write a book, a finished book. I would love to have a big home on a good size chunk of land. My version of big may be different than another person's version of big. I grew up in a 1000 sqft home so 3000 is big to me. I want to either start up a charter school or run one.

Hmmm....that's about it for now.

Day Fifteen- My first kiss

2011-02-27T10:09:00.000-07:00

Are we counting our first kiss when a boy runs up to you, taps you on the back, you turn around and he plants one on you while waiting in the lunch line as a 5 year old? If so, then there you go.

Day Fourteen- What I Wore Today

2011-02-27T10:07:00.000-07:00

Not another one of these?! I wore a blue shabby apple dress that I purchased not too long ago, fishnet stockings, a long necklace with white and silver "pearls" and black heels.

woot.

Day Thirteen - This Week

2011-02-22T14:38:00.000-07:00

I don't really know what it means by this week. Do I talk about what is going to happen during this week, or what just occurred last week? Seeing as my memory has sorely failed me recently (trying to cram too many things into it at once) I will talk about this week instead of trying to recall the week before.

Well I suppose there will be a little recalling seeing as weeks start over on Sunday's.

Sunday - Said goodbye to Kristen, Cody, and their cute little boy Luke as they headed back home to Fresno after a very brief stay. James woke up sick so I went to church without him and taught Sunday School by myself. Which is really no big deal because I'm going to school to be a teacher and I've got to get used to that sort of thing. Came back home, got dinner ready for friends Becky and Steven to come over, eat, and play Kinect with us. And unfortunately had to do Math homework because I was behind. (blah).

Monday - President's Day. Which meant James was home! He worked on the car and made some minor repairs to help it run more efficiently. (He's really been into fixing our car and has been waiting for the time to do it.) Did lots and lots of math homework. (double blah) Luckily, I finished just minutes before the deadline and got a B- on my test. Not the best, but pretty good for only cramming half of the chapter in two days. That's 4 sections. Made Creamy chicken enchiladas and had the Millers (along with Sis Holbein) over for dinner and played some more Kinect. Kinect is really such a fun toy to bring people together!

Tuesday - The most low key day I've had in weeks. I haven't done a drop of homework (although I should), played Dance central on Kinect as a work out this morning. Played a lot with Janen, watched tv and took the best nap! I will probably do some homework at some point, but I'm in no rush. My brain needs a rest!

Wednesday - Most likely homework and then class. James' brother Matthew is reporting to the MTC tomorrow so dear old Father in Law is in town and will be staying with us until Saturday. Possibly a Kinect date with Julia Miller?

Thursday - Observation day. I get to go watch Janae Browning in action and take note on her teaching and class and hopefully help out! I love doing this! It helps motivate me to finish school. And of course homework.

Friday- More homework. And hopefully some fun with James!

Saturday - Most likely laundry will need to get done. I cannot wait until we have a place with a washer and dryer again. I have never liked laundry, but now I like it even less! And more homework..

And throughout every day....cleaning, cleaning, cleaning and taking care of Janen. Speaking of Janen, she's up from her nap. Toodles!

Day Twelve- What's in Your Bag

2011-02-20T21:08:00.000-07:00

Seeing how my bag is really Janen's diaper bag, there is 90% Janen's stuff and 10% mine. If I am by myself, I use my coat to carry what I need. I used to love carrying a purse, but now that I carry a big bag and Janen around all the time, I love the liberating feeling of having nothing in my hands. It's wonderful. Now I'm going to go clean the crumbs and dirty wipes out of Janen's diaper bag...

Day Eleven - My Siblings

2011-02-20T21:03:00.000-07:00

I have 3 siblings that I claim. I say claim because my father had a daughter before he met my mom, but I never knew her. I have 3 brothers.

Jason - 29 years old
Willie - 28 years old (we share the same exact birthday)
Ronnie- 23 years old

It makes me really sad to say that I am only in contact with one brother, Willie. To explain why this is so, would take far too long and too much spilling of my guts for one post. So sorry again, for another lame post.

Day Ten - What I wore today

2011-02-19T21:34:00.000-07:00

Grubby clothes. Details? Black exercise pants, black shirt. Changed pants to jeans and threw on a scarf and jacket when I left the house for a couple of hours to take a test. Took an afternoon shower and put on a black, white, and gray striped shirt from Old Navy. Back in my black exercise pants. What a thrilling choice of outfits huh? Aren't you glad you wasted your time reading this?

Day Nine - My Beliefs

2011-02-15T20:09:00.000-07:00

My beliefs are the very core of who I am. I know who I am, where I came from and where I am going after this life. I am very confident in my beliefs and testify that living the principles found in the LDS faith have brought my life the greatest peace and happiness that I wouldn't know without it. I believe God the father and his son Jesus Christ (my savior) exist and want what's best for all of their children. To find out more about what I believe in, visit www.lds.org or www.mormon.org.

Day Eight -A Moment

2011-02-12T21:48:00.002-07:00

This is just way too open ended for me. What moment? And if I pick one that's like saying that was my absolute favorite moment of all time. But... one of the most precious moments I can ever recall is holding Janen after she was born. I did love holding her right after, but for some reason it was hard for me to enjoy it the way I wanted to because of all the people in the room. It wasn't until that night, when the visitors had gone, and James was trying to catch up on some sleep, that I held my daughter and looked at her beautiful sleeping face and felt such an overwhelming responsibility to raise her in righteousness. To be the best mom in the world to her. I loved that moment because it was finally just me and her without anyone else. It was pure joy. I will never forget that feeling.

My little Janen Bobanen just a couple days old.

Day Seven - Your Best Friend

2011-02-11T19:03:00.000-07:00

Here he is, my best friend. He is a true best friend because he puts up with so many of my faults and still compliments me when I'm being a meanie head. Being married forces one to take off rose-colored glasses and see someone for who they really are. Some don't like what they see, but James is still the great man (and an even better husband and father) that I always knew he was and is. Sometimes I take life too seriously and James helps me to realize that I need to relax and enjoy the ride. I still have a thing or two to learn from him and I'm getting impatient with myself that it's taking me longer to learn than I would like.

Day Six - My Day

2011-02-11T16:21:00.000-07:00

I should probably call these blog challenge posts a different name, (post 1,2,3,etc.) cause I just don't have the time every day to post.

I was supposed to post this on Wednesday so here's how my day went then. Janen woke up super early (545) to eat and didn't go back to sleep like she usually does. Stinker! James stayed up with her for a bit while I slept another 30 minutes, but then I just got up because James had to get ready for school. I hosted mother's group that day so I made salt dough hearts for the ladies to paint and glue magnets on and prepared the cheezy oozy guacamole dip. (so good by the way). The gals and their adorable babies came over around noon and we hung out making our magnets and writing love notes to our husbands for a few hours. Janen is teething and must've got the brute of it that day because she was very clingy and would not let me put her down without freaking out. That made my day a lot more hectic than usual because I didn't have one moment to myself. After the last of the gals left, I quickly got Janen ready to go over to our friend Ila's to play (with Warren) while I went to school. I realized in the car that I forgot to fill out an evaluation sheet for my class and quickly filled it out in the parking lot and was 5 minutes late. (oops) Even though I love my Early Literacy and Language Development class, I was having a hard time paying attention for the 3 hours. Finally, class was over, I headed home and gobbled down dinner and made Janen's birthday cake, decorated with balloons and streamers and did some homework. And then bed and boy was it welcomed!

Janen is ONE YEAR Old Today!!

2011-02-10T21:38:00.001-07:00

It just blows my mind that it's been an entire year since Janen came into this world all chunky and cute. She is the most amazing little girl and it's so much fun to see her grow, develop, and become her own little person full of personality. Janen we love you! Let's take a look at how much you've grown.

Enjoying a piece of birthday cake.

And here are a few more pictures to illustrate Janen's ever growing personality.

Doesn't she make the best silly faces?

Janen's favorite place to be is outside, but she doesn't get to go out too often because it's just too cold!

She was getting a kick out of her shadow.

One of Janen's Birthday toys to help her develop her fine motor skills.

And another birthday gift, a pillow pet. She LOVES this thing and has lots of fun wrestling it to death with hugs and kisses. It's hilarious!

Recently she made the connection that keys open doors, so when she gets a hold of my keys, she crawls to the door and tries to use the keys to open it. This girl loves to be outside of the house. I don't blame her!

Some moral support for Daddy while he was playing HALO

Janen has become such a cuddle bug lately. We love it! (most of the time) and she loves to dance. This was her dancing with her daddy. We'll put on music or sing to her while we dance and she'll say "Da" for Dance.

One day I opened up the ottoman chest to let her grab some toys and books out of it, turned around for a minute and then turned back around and she was inside the box. I don't know how she did it, but I was super impressed. She can't even walk more than a few steps at a time.

Books. Janen loves them and I'm glad. Cause I love books too!

Janen has not quite gotten the hang of walking and doesn't like to be pushed. If we try to get her to walk, she doesn't do very well, but if we leave her alone to play she will randomly just get up and walk 5 or 6 steps on her own. This is a girl that definitely wants to go at her own pace and not be pushed. Her biggest problem is that she loves to go on her tiptoes all the time and loses her balance. I want to believe that because of that, she has an innate desire to be a dancer. Maybe? She is picking up on sign language better now and uses it more often, which is nice. She loves to discover whatever she can get her hands on and we try to help her explore as often as possible. There was a stage where she wanted to play independently, but she has been more needy lately which I love at times and hate at others because of how much I have to get done. But there are two new teeth coming in so that explains it. All in all, it's hard for me to believe that Janen is entering the toddler stage and will be learning a ton of words over the next year. If she hears a familiar word (one that we use often with her) that starts with a B, D, M, or S, she will sound out the phonemes of those letters. When we say, "tickle, tickle" she can sound out the "ka" sound. I am so excited to one day have conversations with her. Being a mom rocks!

Day Five- My Definition of Love

2011-02-09T21:42:00.000-07:00

L is for the way you look at me
O is for the only one I see
V is very very extra-ordinary now
E is even more than anyone you adore can

Ok, just kidding!!

Love has so many faces and I've learned a lot about love from my husband. He accepts me, encourages me, and serves me in a way that other "loves" never did. Love is self-less and kind and goes out of their way to make sure you're happy despite your faults. Most of all, love is forgiving on even my worst days. Love is the greatest attribute a friend can have.

Day Four - What I Ate Today

2011-02-07T21:33:00.001-07:00

Sharing about what I ate today seems kind of silly, but for the sake of the challenge. I'll do it.

Breafast - Oatmeal
Lunch-crackers, cheese, and pepperoni slices and yummy edamame
Dinner - Baked pasta with french bread.

And there may have been a handful of chocolate chips in there somewhere...maybe..

Day Three - My Parents

2011-02-06T14:52:00.001-07:00

I can't believe I forgot to post yesterday! Whoops! So you get two in one day.

Day 3- My parents

Sorry if this is going to sound depressing, but I am just being honest....

I honestly don't like talking about my parents because there aren't a lot of positive things for me to say about them. I was raised by a single (hearing-impaired) mother who struggled with inactivity all my life and well, really all of her life too. She struggled (and probably still does) with several vices/addictions/and emotional health problems. I didn't really learn much about the gospel from her example, at least consistently, but I am grateful that she chose to get baptized so that I can enjoy the blessings of the gospel. Even though, my mother has her many faults, I know that she loves me, but just doesn't always know how to express it or communicate that too me. As far as my "father" is concerned, he was never around very much. I am actually not sad about that because of the type of person he is. He is very much against the church and I don't think I could handle that much opposition in my life.

Fortunately, I have had different people throughout my life that have been very motherly and fatherly to me. For the past ten years, I have had the love and support of two wonderful people. Kerry and Jeannie Dehmel. They have been there for me when it truly mattered and have been a great example to me of parent's that I hope to learn from now that I am a parent.

I also love that I married a husband with two wonderful parents too and I am grateful to Art and Deeann for there continued love and support. They are also great examples to me in various ways and I am grateful for them.

Day Two - My First True Love

2011-02-06T14:39:00.001-07:00

My first true love was Miguel Duran. I thought I knew what love was before that, but realized it was just silly puppy love. I dated Miguel off and on for about 2 years. It was a crazy relationship and we were crazy in love, but we both had a lot to learn before we would be ready to make such a sacred commitment so we broke up and tried to heal from our mistakes with each other. I learned so much from him and I learned what I didn't want in a man from him.

Day One - Introduce Myself

2011-02-04T15:11:00.001-07:00

I would think most of you who read my blog know me. My names Jessica. I don't like being called Jessie, so don't do it. I will involuntarily scowl at you if you do. You can call me Jessica, Jess, Jessa, Hot-Mama, Beautiful, etc...I have been married for almost two years this April. I have a beautiful baby girl named Janen and I thought I made up her name, but it turns out there's a few dozen people with her name in the states. Not sure if they are all pronounced the same though. It's Jan-en not Jane-n. I am currently going to school full-time, pursuing an Elementary Education degree. I have big dreams and I am just starting to realize my potential. Heaven help the person that stands in my way. I love to get to know people and I am a people watcher. I kind of over-analyze things and wish that I could turn my brain off. All in all, I just want everyone to be happy and try my hardest to live my life in accordance to the gospel. And I am a pretty open book. You ask, I usually tell.

Ok, now you! ;)

Blog Challenge

2011-02-04T15:06:00.000-07:00

Day 01 - Introduce Yourself
Day 02 - Your First Love
Day 03 - Your Parents
Day 04 - What You Ate Today
Day 05 - Your Definition Of Love
Day 06 - Your Day
Day 07 - Your Best Friend
Day 08 - A Moment
Day 09 - Your Beliefs
Day 10 - What You Wore Today
Day 11 - Your Siblings
Day 12 - What's In Your Bag
Day 13 - This Week
Day 14 - What You Wore Today
Day 15 - Your First Kiss
Day 16 - Your Dreams
Day 17 - Your Favorite Birthday
Day 18 - Your Favorite Memory
Day 19 - Something You Regret
Day 20 - This Month
Day 21 - Another Moment
Day 22 - Something That Upsets You
Day 23 - Something That Makes You Feel Better
Day 24 - Something That Makes You Cry
Day 25 - A First
Day 26 - Your Fears
Day 27 - Your Favorite Place
Day 28 - Something That You Miss
Day 29 - Your Aspirations
Day 30 - One Last Moment

I challenge anyone who sees this to join me. It will be fun to get to know each other better!

A Date That's Worthy of Noting

2011-01-30T14:30:00.000-07:00

I say worthy of noting because of the creativity that went into it. It's not a surprise to all married couples that are parents, with one or both in school, that finding time for meaningful dates is slim to none. Call me crazy, but I'm a girl that likes quality time and with it, quality conversation. I like to be courted and to be made to feel special and unfortunately this was something that was lacking for a while and I was not a happy girl. Well, James and I discussed that we needed to have regular dates and to communicate about when and how often because we were just letting each other assume things and hoping the other person understood without actually saying anything! How foolish of us!

Last Wednesday, I watched BBC's version of Hamlet with James because he needed to watch it for a class. I didn't know it then, but this inspired James to write some "Shakespearan Sonnets" of his own. The first one he gave me upon returning home from school with a daisy in hand.

Hereto forthwith, tonight!
Thou wilt be my date, delight!
Promptly, immediately listed be,
Places of food and eatery:
The Olive Garden, or dare I say Wendy's?
The Mongolian Grill or e'en Applebees;
or any other that....you....please;
With care and thought thouest must choose;
the one that we shall persue.

Cans't thou not wait, to meet tonight's fate?
For unto us be, a Shakespearean Date!
Important it be
That we speak like he,
Be our step elegant flutter.
Pray people don't think we're nutters!
But if they must
We don't do this for lust,
Rather, it is love that keeps us together.

I was shocked that James would think to write his own sonnet. I was all giggly and loved that he put more than the usual thought into our date. I chose Olive Garden by the way and we struggled to to talk like one of Shakespeare's characters the car ride over. James was better at it then me, but in my defense, he had more time to formulate sentences then I did because he planned for it.

After we ate dinner, James gave me a second paper with this written on it.

Thus we have eaten a grand dinner feast.
Stuffed is my belly, to say the least.
Onward we shall go without care
For we are on a quest for true Shakespeare

Let us no to the circular form;
Where people are rolling as if it were norm.
Can you guess where it be?
You have until three.
One...Two...the roller rinkee.
Yipee!!

Isn't he hilarious! Unfortunately, we didn't go to the roller rink because we realized that it was time to get Janen in bed and she was being kind of ridiculous for the past few days we didn't want to put that burden on our babysitter, but we decided to do a rain check. So then James handed me one more slip of paper.

Now that we had had our fill,
of the circular trill;
One last thing I must do,
To help with your woo;
A meaningful Shakespearean Sonnet of Marriage
from me to thou...I mean you.

And he proceeded to read Shakespeare's 116th sonnet and then asked me if in honor of Shakespeare if we wanted to get "Shakes" or "Beer of the Root" I chose root beer because I was all dairyed out at that point.

It's funny how even though all we did was go to dinner, I enjoyed myself better than other times when we just went to dinner because of the effort James put into making it special. It reminded me of when we dated. He used to try harder to impress me and that sort of stopped for a long while. I didn't like that. I still want to be woo'd, pursued...whatever you want to call it. Well done James! I am excited for our next date. :)

Nostaliga Lane

2011-01-27T15:17:00.001-07:00

Does anyone remember the game Mixed Up Mother Goose from the 80's?

This was the first computer game I can ever remember playing at the age of 6. We went over why nursery rhymes are effective and important to teach to preschoolers in my Early Literature & Literacy class yesterday and I couldn't get this game out of my head. I didn't remember what it was called, but luckily, there are other people who had a nostalgic moment too on the world wide web. Sometimes I miss being a kid. :)

Tell me someone remembers this...

Happy Day!

2011-01-21T18:27:00.000-07:00

It is so hard to find cheap, modest dresses these days and when I say cheap I mean under $40. I just ordered two new dresses at Shabby Apple and I am counting down the days until they arrive. I am so excited! Of course they were not under $40, but I did get them for 20% off. I have been in desperate need of new dresses. Can't go on wearing my maternity dresses forever now...

Feel free to check back often and covet these dresses during your spare time. :)

If James would've allowed me, I would've ordered 5 dresses today off their website, but that would've been about $450!!! Yikes! Thank goodness for tax returns that allows us to spoil ourselves once a year. Yay!

Janen is Eleven Months Old today!

2011-01-10T20:26:00.001-07:00

Don't you just love that smile? It brightens every day for me.

Here's a little of what my little Janen-Bobanen has been up to this past month.

First snow experience. She honestly loved it! I took her out a second time and she just wanted to crawl and roll around in the snow and got mad when I picked her up. There was even a point when her bare ankle was exposed and she didn't even complain. What a trooper! I also had her lay down and make a snow angel and she thought it was hilarious, but didn't have my camera with me. I'll have to remember to do that again cause it was so cute.

Janen's love for playing with and in boxes has grown a lot. Especially since we had a few in our house around the holidays.

We upgraded to a front facing seat. We just couldn't wait until she was a year old. She was so excited too and smiled for the first 5 minutes down the street.

Janen's first plane ride. She loved to look out the window at the beginning. We'll talk more about her love for windows later...

Waiting during our lay-over in Denver.

Here it is: Janen's window obsession. Even if she is tired, she always has to look out the window for a few minutes and bang on it. She loooves to look outside. If it wasn't so cold and the sidewalks weren't so icy, I would take her out more, but I don't necessarily have a jogger stroller that will make it easier to navigate over mounds of snow and ice. Poor girl. I guess the window will just have to suffice.

Janen's first convertible ride. Katelyn and Logan got this cool electric car for Christmas and Katelyn took Janen for a ride in it. It was so cute!

I got this coat on sale at Nordstrom rack. It was $19 and originally $50, I couldn't pass it up! Isn't it so beautiful and posh?

A few more things new about Janen this past month...

She has finally started reaching for us and crawls to the front door when one of us comes home after being gone for awhile.

She can crawl up stairs and sorta crawl down them with help.

She can clap and peek-a-boo with her hands if you place her hands by her face, but she can't do it completely on her own yet.

She dances regularly to music now.

She is starting to take a couple faltering steps here and there. Who knows...maybe by her first birthday she'll walk.

She is more playful than ever. She loves to play cat and mouse and either chase one of us or be chased.

She recognizes more words and can sound out the first letter of some of them. I love when she does "s".

She can say "amen" in sign-language and always recognizes when we pray over dinner and does amen in sign-language when we are done.

She is becoming more sensitive and bashful around people she doesn't know very well. This may sound crazy, but I think she knows when people talk about her cause she'll start crying if they make a comment or tell her not to get into something. I was a sensitive child so I think she might be the same.

This video sums up how much fun we've been having with Janen. We're so excited for her to learn how to walk. Who knows? Maybe this is the month she'll learn. She's already on her way.

2010 in Review

2011-01-09T21:01:00.000-07:00

January: My last couple of weeks at Kid to Kid, getting ready for Janen to make her appearance in February and braving a plane ride to California at 37 weeks for my dear friend, Krissy's wedding.

February: Anxiously waiting for the arrival of Janen. Going to the hospital a couple of times because I was afraid something was wrong and ended up being induced. My beautiful baby girl arrived on February 10th at a whopping 9 and a half pounds and 22 inches long. Life will never be the same.

March: Serious lack of sleep and depression. Some say you won't remember the first few months for long, but I still do. I was a mess. But my sweet Janen was blessed by her daddy and lots of family was in town for it. It was great.

April: The month James and I made our first Turkey. I thought we did a great job. It was moisty deliciousness!! Janen also said her first word at 2 1/2 months. Don't believe me? Click on First Word. She says it clear as a bell at 52 seconds. It is still one of my favorite videos of her to this day. I can't believe how small she used to be.

May: I explored around with Vegetarian and Vegan meals and convinced James to go Vegetarian for the summer with occasional meat. I started a blog of my journies in the kitchen, but have seriously neglected it since I started school. Moved out of Bavarian to the place we are in now. Cheaper place, better ward altogether (of course there were a few people that I like from our previous ward)

June: Janen learns to roll over one way before she is four months old and during her fourth month learned how to hold her bottle. As for me, my life mainly consisted of staying home with Janen and struggling with loneliness. But I was happy to go to California and see the friends I've missed dearly and to visit my in-laws Jared and Lindsey and Landon just a month after they moved there.

July: Sunshine and warmer weather. YES! Utah does not get what I call swim worthy weather until end of June/July. 80 degrees is not warm enough to go swimming for me. I love to go swimming when it is scorching hot outside. 92 or higher. The hotter the better! Janen had a grand old time swimming and we loved taking her whenever we could. At the end of the month I decided to go back to school after much debate and prayer. I am so glad I did. Janen learns how to jump in her Johnny Jumper and falls asleep in it. Also on of my favorite videos of the year.

August: Finishing out the summer and going back to school full-time

September: A blur

October: Kind of a blur... family pictures, Halloween stuff...

November: My 25th birthday, Thanksgiving at our place with friends from the ward and desserts at Emily's.

December: My first semester ends and I got straight A's. Christmas in Minnesota.

Can you tell I got tired of doing this by August. Yeah... But it's better than nothing right?

Janen's Fun Toy!

2011-01-09T12:06:00.001-07:00

My dear friend Laura Grace is such a good Auntie to Janen. She loves to spoil her and we are so grateful for her gifts. When we came home from Minnesota there was a huge box waiting for us. I could tell Janen was eager to open it. So we did and found a fun toy inside. A push walker with an electronic activity board on the front. Janen was instantly excited and couldn't wait for us to get it out of the box and put it together. Once it was all set to go we set her up behind it and showed her how to grab the handle. I thought it would take a few tries to learn how to walk with it, but she just took off like a natural! This was a great idea for Janen. I think it's just the umph she needs to help her learn how to walk. Out of all of her toys, she plays with it the most.

Thanks Laura Grace! We love you and are grateful to have such a thoughtful friend.

Sorry it's sideways, but I'm too impatient to wait for James to come home to flip it around on some program he has. But you get the idea anyway.

Christmas in Minnesota

2011-01-09T11:56:00.000-07:00

Boy am I late on the get go with this entry. Just so much to get done around the house and just in general as James and I were getting ready to start another semester. But better late than never right? Right.

This past Christmas we were able to go to Minnesota and be with James' Parents for Christmas. Traveling was not very fun (losing our luggage, delayed flights, telling us our car-seat and stroller would be at baggage claim when they just unloaded it at the gate and yes, we asked three different people before we boarded the plane and they all said baggage claim) but once we got to Minnesota we were happy to just relax and visit with family. I was especially happy to have Janen spend some time with her Grandparents.

We had a delicious Christmas Eve dinner and James' sister Rachel, her husband Lance and their two boys, Nathan and Sam, joined us. Then some presents were opened (pajamas) and Janen was quickly warming up to everyone.

Nathan was so excited and willing to pass out gifts to everyone and even offered to help some open their gifts. Silly kid. :)

Christmas jammies!

Not easy to try and get three small children to look at the Camera and smile. Nathan tried to hold Sam's head in place, but it looked like he was head locking him. HAHA!

Janen was so happy to see her cousins. Nathan was having fun getting her to laugh while he tickled her with this Giant Stuffed Monkey Sam got for Christmas.

Christmas came and we all got some great stuff. Janen got lots of cute clothes from Grandma & Grandpa Havican, including a beautiful lavender dress that G-Ma made that I still need to get pictures of. However, I think it is safe to say that Janen's favorite gift was her stuffed Reindeer that plays "Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer" whenever you press the ear. She would just crawl to it and smother it with hugs and kisses. She loves stuffed animals so much.

We got to go on a few outings that were fun. One night we went to the Science Museum and watched a documentary film about the Hubble Telescope in the Imax Theater.Now that was some theater! The screen was huge! We originally planned to go ice-skating after but then nixed that idea because it was hard to find parking and I didn't dress Janen as warmly as I should've. So we ice-skated the last night we were there and it was free. Pretty cool huh?

Janen with Grandma & Uncle Matthew

Since I started up Yoga, I am taller than James. I am trying to convince James that he should do Yoga too, but he hasn't jumped on the band wagon yet.

One afternoon, James and I went out on our own while those back at home watched Janen for us. We went Cross-Country Skiing (my first time). We had traditional skiis and I can't say that I am a fan. I decided that I will try Cross-Country skiing one more time with skate-skiis and then formulate an opinion on whether I like it or not. There were parts that I enjoyed, like when I didn't fall on my butt, but it was too much work and was hard to just go forward without turning out my feet. If that makes sense. But nevertheless, here are some pictures we took to capture the memory.

We also went to the Mall of America and did some shopping where James got those Snowboard pants and I couldn't help but buy more cute clothes for Janen including the cutest pink coat you ever did see on a baby. (pictures of that to come later). It was fun to be in Minnesota to see family, but we were happy to come home and be in our own beds. Especially Janen. Apparently, she doesn't do well in rooms not her own. We are happy to have her sleeping better at night, but will miss seeing family.

And just cause these pictures are stinking cute, here are a couple we took at the Hunter Christmas Party that was lots of fun too!

Now on to some more posts!

Just so I Can Always Remember This...

2010-12-22T11:17:00.000-07:00

Today I went on my UVLink to check my grades. I wasn't sure if any of my teachers were doing curves so I just assumed I had 3 A's and 2 B + 's. But when I clicked on my grades for the semester, I saw instead 3 A's and 2 A-'s. STRAIGHT A'S!! This hasn't happened to me for years and I hope this isn't the last time. I have really loved school this semester. Loved school more than I've ever loved it before and I am so happy to feel the motivation to do really well, not just average like I did through high school and my first attempt at college 6 years ago. It's amazing how I needed to have a child to gain the focus, desire and especially determination to obtain a college degree. I am so grateful that I am able to attend school. This has definitely brightened my spirits today to see that I am fully capable of being a full time mom and a full time student. I know it wouldn't have been possible without the support of my loving husband and the strength to do it all from a loving Father in Heaven.

LIFE ROCKS RIGHT NOW!!!

Ginger Bread Houses

2010-12-18T15:58:00.002-07:00

This past Tuesday, we invited a few friends over from the ward to decorate Ginger Bread houses. James and I made the Ginger Bread houses from scratch and cut out all of the pieces for the house. It was a lot of work, but the end result was worth it. We hope to keep the tradition of building Ginger Bread Houses a tradition in our family. Here are some fun pictures of all of the creative minds at work.

The Brownings and James hard at work building their houses.

Tij and Camille Von Neida had a system down and were done before most of us were half way through.

Jake Miller making sure his roof is secure.

Tij and Camile, putting on their final touches.

I promise James didn't do all the work. I was just the one that wanted to whip out the camera more. :)

Kyle and Janae's unfinished project.

And their finished project. Notice the "smoke" from the chimney. That was one of my favorite parts.

And the kissing bears at the front door. Good job Brownings!

Here is our finished house. (the back)

The side

The other side.

James had the idea of making the gummy bear looking like it was skiing off of the roof.

Tij and Camille's finished house. I loved that there's was so uniform and that they used marshmallows on the sides to create a snow affect.

The only picture I got of Jake & Julia's before the roof of their house fell in. :( I would've never thought to use sprinkles, but I kind of wish we would've done that too.

Fun times & great memories shared with great friends from a great ward! Thank you Brownings, Millers and Von Neida's for being part of our Christmas fun!

Janen is Ten Months Old Today!

2010-12-10T22:08:00.001-07:00

Janen is getting herself into a lot of trouble these days. The scratches on her face in this picture are proof.

Janen loves to pull this travel swing out all the time. She doesn't seem to understand that she is too big for it these days, but that doesn't stop her from flexing her muscles.

We are trying to work with Janen to get her to stand on her own. She gets so excited that she bounces a lot so it throws off her balance. The picture on the left was James trying to lure her to stand up. And the one on the right was her standing up for me.

Spending time with Daddy. She loves when Daddy lets her sit in his lap and play with his computer. And of course a cute silly face.

Janen just can't keep her cute little fingers off the Christmas tree. She loves it!

So we set up a barrier so she wouldn't crawl under the tree and get stuck.

We ordered a front facing car seat for Janen but held onto this box for a few days because she had so much fun crawling in and out of it.

I seriously love to watch my baby girl sleep (whenever I get the chance).

Janen has her four front teeth coming in right now and loves to learn how to put them to good use.

She loves to look outside any chance she can.

Isn't she so pretty? I think so.

Just a few things about Janen from this past month...

She can cruise back and forth from furniture, but still no walking.
She is starting to laugh when we tickle her which is so much fun for me!
She is understanding more words and is pretty good at listening to us when we say "no" for the most part.
She can sign bye, milk/ba-ba, and recently eat.
She loves to drink out of a straw now. She has been doing good on the sippy cup for a few months now.
She loves to be around babies her age or size and gets so excited around them.
She finally has a normal bed time and goes down pretty easily. Finally!
She has 6 teeth now (or almost the top four started to descend a couple of weeks ago so they aren't fully down yet, but I can't wait until they are because it's so cute to see her smile with them).

Here are a couple of videos.

We were in the store one day and James put Janen on his shoulder and she started vocalizing. It sounded a lot like squeaky brakes. It was even higher than this.

I can't believe there are only 2 more months until her first birthday. This past month went by super fast. I am grateful for technology that allows me to keep a good record of my daughters growth and development because she is going to be in Kindergarten, getting her license and first kiss before I know it. James and I looked back on pictures and videos of Janen when she was only a month or two old and we've already forgotten how small she used to be. Thanks goodness for cameras!

Me a Scheduler?

2010-12-07T22:02:00.000-07:00

I never wanted to be an over obsessive scheduler. I like being flexible and not having set plans all the time. If I say maybe, that really means maybe. If I say no, that really means no. And if I say Yes, most of the time that means yes unless some other thing comes up that has to be dealt with. That is why this Body for Life thing is such a challenge for me. I have to set a work out schedule for when I can go to the gym. That means James has to be home with Janen. So I either work out early in the morning (yeah, right) or in the evening two hours after dinner. So usually 8 or 9 PM. The kind of work out required (weight training and aerobics done at interval training) means that I have to actually go to the gym, not just work out at home because we don't have a home gym at our disposal. Also, how does one not be rude when someone invites you over to do something that same day at the time you normally work out? Kind of messes with things for me because I have such a small window of when I can actually do it. One, I don't want to be rude and two, I want to make friends so I am not discouraging any invites of any kind. What I am really saying is, this kind of lifestyle is honestly not for me at this time. I was so hoping that it would be. James doesn't get invited anywhere (like girl's nights) like I do so this hasn't been too much of a problem for him. Maybe next semester when our schedules change a little I will be able to try again and work out on UVU campus after or before class. It's all about scheduling when you can do it and with a baby at home there isn't a lot of opportunity to go so when you miss the boat, you miss the boat.

Sometimes those days come where going to the gym is really not an option. I would like to be able to do something at home (push-ups, sit-ups, yoga, pilates, etc) and have it count towards this program, but it doesn't really. There are specific guidelines to achieving the results promised. But I am proud of James for sticking with it. Our challenges are just different. It seems to me that he has none!

Quick Update on Janen

2010-12-01T12:57:00.000-07:00

Janen's pediatrician looked at her file and he believes the anemia and heart murmur may be related. So she has been put on iron supplements and will go back in 6 weeks to check her hemoglobin levels. If her heart murmur persists and is still present at her 12 month check up, then we will go see a cardiologist. But we are really hoping that the iron supplements and adding another serving of vegetables will do the trick. Thank you all for your love and support! We will continue to keep you all updated. She is still happy and mobile so we are taking that as a good sign.

Janen's Nine Month Checkup (at 9 1/2 months)

2010-11-29T12:21:00.000-07:00

Weight: 20 pounds 7 ounces - 71 percentile
Height: 30 inches - 98 percentile (Janen is one tall girl)
Head: 17.25 in - 38 percentile

Janen had her hemoglobin test today that showed she is border line low on her levels. Which may mean she's not getting enough iron. Which amazes me because Janen is a good eater. But we are going to increase her solids to 3 times a day and start feeding her some table foods and hope after a few weeks her levels stabilize.

But something else that concerns me more is that the Nurse Practitioner found a heart murmur and another doctor came in to check in and confirmed that Janen has a heart murmur. They say it is not common for a baby her age to have one so it calls for some concern. Janen may have to see a cardiologist to see what's going on in that little heart of hers. I asked if the anemia and heart murmur had anything to do with each other and she said it was more common in adults, but less common in infants which is why we are being referred to a cardiologist. We really hope it is just the anemia and that within 6 weeks with getting more iron in her body, it will go away. I would hate to find out that my baby has a heart defect or some kind of heart disease so your prayers would be appreciated.

On a more positive note. Janen is getting her top two teeth and she is taking it like a champ! She is cruising all over the place on furniture and is starting to stand on her own for a few seconds at a time. I think by ten months she will be able to stand really well on her own and then we'll start practicing her first steps! I can't believe she is going to be walking in just a couple of months! Baby proofing has become a process around here. Just when we think we don't need to baby proof anymore, she surprises us and starts climbing on the shelves! Both of her feet some how made it to the second level of the shelf. I was amazed! But also annoyed because we had to move the shelf to a place where she couldn't climb on it. I wasn't expecting this until she started walking, but there you have it.

Here's a quick look at how sweet Janen can be. she loves to give kisses to her stuffed animals and even started making the "mwah" sound a few days ago. she gives me one kiss in the morning and that's it, but she'll kiss the face off her animals. Kind of like how I like to kiss her face off! ;)

thoughts that have occurred recently...

2010-11-21T15:25:00.002-07:00

When a child misses the gap for a nap you might as well kiss it good bye because they will end up taking one in between their two normal nap times and only give you one one hour nap that day. Lesson learned.

Sometimes I feel like people only talk to me so they can hold my baby and that's all they ever ask me about.

I don't mind that they want to hold my baby, but I would like to be acknowledged too.

Even though I tell myself I'm not going to leave my house messy to do homework, I just can't for very long.

I am very grateful to those who have reached out to be my friend and not just once, but multiple times. It's so refreshing to see someone reciprocate friendship. Thanks friends!

If we end up staying here in Utah for awhile because James gets a job here, then I think i will transfer to BYU. I feel like the lifestyle would be a lot more accommodating to someone with a child.

I am seriously considering doing the Body for Life 12 week challenge and would love it if someone wants to do it with me so we can keep each other on track! I have the book too! Come on, who's with me?

I seriously need to trim my bangs. for reals!

Patience is a virtue I lack at times. Like when my child won't nap...

I wish I could still dance, but I haven't been able to get into any dance classes this semester and next. There are either at a time I can't do it or already full. :(

I am determined to get straight A's this semester. It will be the first time since Elementary school, but I know it can be done. I may have to do a couple of extra credit assignments to be there, but I'm going to give it my all!

I wish I had more time to read for pleasure these days.

My favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, is fast approaching. Bring on the good food and company!

Happy to be 25 now because we can rent a car and not have to pay an underage fee. Yay!!

Life as college student while being a mom

2010-11-16T12:49:00.000-07:00

School!!! School. Oh, school...

Five Reasons Why I Love School

1. Fulfilling a dream of mine to have a college degree and be the first in my family (extended included)

2.I feel like I am accomplishing something good that will benefit my family someday.

3.I love have something else to do instead of just taking care of Janen all day. I love her but I love my sanity too!

4. I have always enjoyed my independence and I get to go out for a few hours a week and be just me.

5. The opportunity to expand my knowledge. I love to learn!

Five Reasons Why I Don't Love School

1. I wish every class I needed to take to get my Associates was online sometimes because I don't like taking classes with 18-19 year olds. We are just on a whole different playing field.

2. I wish I didn't have to have group projects with those same 18-19 year olds because nothing gets done.

3. I would like it if they had some general classes that were for those 25 and up so I didn't have to deal with the immaturity or just lack of discipline from18-19 year olds.

4.And really, there is only one reason why I don't like college right now.

5. Because I am working hard and I'm focused/dedicated to get my degree. I'm not going to let a bunch of just out of high school kids interfere with my chance to get straight A's this semester. However, I don't want to do all the work for them and watch them get the credit.

what's a girl to do?

Janen is Nine Months Old Today!

2010-11-11T11:19:00.001-07:00

It's crazy to believe that this is about how long I was pregnant with Janen. These past nine months were soo much more enjoyable then when I was pregnant. Not a lot has changed from last month to this one. Still not walking yet, but no pressure. She'll walk when she's ready. She is barely starting to cruise on furniture, but is still reluctant at times. However, she lets herself down now from standing up much more gracefully than she did before.

We felt this picture best represented Janen because she's always on the move now.

Always giving us her adorable grins now. I love it!

She loves to play around with her tongue.

I put this Bunny back in her crib a week ago and she just loves it. She gives the bunny hugs and kisses. It's so cute and girlie!

Cute positions I find Janen in. The one in her crib is how I found her asleep!

Janen is usually a happy girl when she wakes up. This was another day greeted with another sweet smiling face.

This is Janen's "whacking stick" or so we like to call it. She loves to hit anything she can with it and hear the sound it makes. Doesn't the picture on the right look like she's playing the flute or piccolo? We may have ourselves a musician.Cause she's a natural at holding it. Still trying to get her to figure out how the recorder makes noise.

See my two teethies!!

And my excited face!

Here's to another month of playing, learning and growing.

Happy Nine Months Janen!

Friendship

2010-10-25T22:27:00.001-06:00

I've been thinking a lot about the word "friend" or "friendship" lately. My friendships with others, friendships extended to me; wondering if I'm pulling my weight as a friend as well as I should. A friend (whom I was once close to) told me that the more friends she gained, the more overwhelmed she felt. She wanted them all to know she loved them and cared for them, but her number in friends was increasing and she felt she couldn't give them all the amount of attention and companionship they craved from her. Some of her friends were bound to feel left out and forgotten from time to time. She is someone that many people love and adore.

I honestly didn't share her same feelings when she told me this four years ago. But then again, I wasn't the Relief Society President at the time so part of those feelings probably stemmed from that calling. However, I recently have felt the weight of friendship in a way I have never felt it before, but feel so inadequate to be the friend that I both want to be and need to be at this time in my life because life is busy.

I feel impressions to be more proactive about my friendships and to try and develop more of them among the women in my ward. This is honestly not an easy thing for me. I still hold onto friendships I had back in California, comparing the friendships I had with them to the ones I am trying to develop with those living in Utah. It's hard because my California friends were so unique and awesome and I felt like I fit right in. I could be myself and I was loved for it and when I say 'myself' I mean full-out, no-holds barr on feelings, tears, spill your guts and show your quirky side myself. I feel that occasionally with the friends I have made here, but I don't get together with them nearly enough.

The big reason for that is because, of course, I'm married and have a baby. That I totally understand and I don't expect to hang out with friends every day because we all have a ton of responsibilities at home that need to be a priority, I get that! But sometimes, I think those of us in our situation forget how important female companionship is (and male companionship for the husbands of course) and don't make as much of an effort any more. I know I don't. or didn't, but still don't....well, I'm working on it.

So all of this thinking kind of segued it self into another area of my life that I would like to greatly improve and that is TIME MANAGEMENT. Oh my word, if only I was an expert at this, so much would get done. James and I both agreed that we really need to manage our time better. Because although our time isn't completely wasted day to day, there are better things we can be doing and let's be honest, sometimes we let time slip away before we even realize it's already left us and it's midnight and we need to get to bed! I have decided to buy a big white board for the kitchen and we are going to schedule our lives a little better. Don't worry, I'm not going to be an overscheduler or anything, I really don't think it is in my nature to do that! But this way I will be reminded to make the best use of my time.

This goal of time management, I believe, will also push me in the right direction towards strengthening friendships I have here, in california, everywhere! How you ask? Because I am going to make an effort to schedule time with friends either to visit, chat on the phone or online, I need to be a more consistent friend. I feel that if I am consistent, then others will reciprocate. Or at least I hope they do, because I am looking for a friendship and last time I checked friendship is based on equal give and take.

I will be honest, I don't feel like I am the best at making friends and maintaining them sometimes because I am a little (a lot) insecure about myself. *gasp* me? Insecure?? No! Well, believe it, I am. But it doesn't mean that I'm not going to try. So answer the phone when I call you ok? :-)

Janen is Eight Months Old Today

2010-10-10T21:43:00.003-06:00

About half way into this past month she decided she wanted to start pulling herself to stand. She's had lots of trial and error, but she's learning very fast. I honestly wasn't expecting her to do this yet, the thought didn't even cross my mind, but it makes her so happy and I love to see that!

At first it started out when she would push herself up on her knees against furniture "her size"

Then her death grip (we like to call it) assisted her until she was finally able to pull herself up to standing. Now she is in the beginning stages of cruising. I can't believe it! She may be walking in the next couple of months. Apparently, James started walking full-on when he was 9 months old; I was 11 months old so it may just be in her genes to start walking before her first birthday. But only time will tell!

She also decided she was finally going to try and crawl on all fours. However, she still prefers the army crawl and after traveling a few feet on all fours, she'll plop down to do the army crawl. I think she feels she can get to her destination faster that way.

She has become a very difficult one to change this past month. She's always trying to roll over either to her side or completely to her tummy. It is frustrating because it just prolongs the process and she gets upset when we try to interfere with her exploration. So we try to distract her for a couple of minutes with anything we can, but it doesn't work for very long.

Janen loves to spend time with her daddy. When he comes home she crawls to him to greet him. I think it's soo cute! Of course Janen loves to spend time with her mommy too, but we're working on getting James to pull out the camera and take pictures without me having to ask him. ;-)

Janen in her Sunday Best!

Janen is such a hoot and she keeps us smiling all the time. Her biggest motivation for crawling was if she could get her hands on our electronics.

Here she is as part of James' halloween costume (he's a basket of laundry, but it was'nt done at this point) and one of her playing in the basket before we cut the hole out of the bottom. She loved being in there and got mad at me when I took her out.

A video of her playing with her shadow and another video of Janen saying, "Hi" and "DaDa" This is one of my favorite videos of her so far. It cracks me up!

And another pic from her photoshoot yesterday. We love being parents to such a beautiful and innocent baby.

Cutest Pictures of Janen!!!

2010-10-09T21:32:00.002-06:00

We have been wanting to have some pictures done and after going back and forth we finally decided to get them! I thought it was a pretty good deal, only $80 which included a cd (fully released copyright). I loved that they captured my daughter so well, but we didn't love our family photo like we wanted to. We like it, we don't love it, but it seemed like they were more experienced with shooting babies and kids anyway and I guess that's really why we wanted pictures. But here are some of our faves for your viewing pleasure.

I love this pic (above) because it shows a little part of her personality. Janen loves texture and so she started rubbing the chair when they put her down on it.

Second Child

2010-10-01T13:41:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago, James and I did a lot of talking and I even did some praying about when our second child would join our family. For those of you who don't know, I am back in school going for my bachelors in Elementary Education. Usually, the last 2 years (when you are in the program) requires a lot of field study. I am almost positive that I can get my degree in 3 1/2 years if I keep going at the pace I'm going. Someone even told me they did it in 3. So James and I went back and forth on when it would be a good time to have baby number 2 join our family. Before I went to school, we originally said that we would try again when Janen was 18 months old. But now that I am in school, that throws a wrench in the mix. I was afraid to suggest to James that we wait until I am done to have another child, but when he brought it up first I was so relieved.

Most likely baby number 2 will be here when Janen is about 4 years old. I share this with my readers because I don't understand how a little craving or a declaration of hunger can turn into assumptions that I am pregnant. I AM NOT PREGNANT! And I won't be for a few years. I mean, I may not have completely lost my baby fat in the belly region, but that doesn't mean that I'm carrying a baby. It just means that I"m fat there. Unless, by some crazy miracle I can get pregnant with the type of birth control I am on and will be on very soon. If so, then that was God's will, but I feel peace that waiting for a few years is what is right for us.

Oh to be young again!

2010-09-24T12:14:00.003-06:00

And to have my old body back! (hopefully soon!) I miss these more care free days! And how skinny and awesome I looked! A brief trip down memory lane...

Love these girls! Seriously!

What silly fun we used to have. We would joke that if we were ever an all girl band, this would be one of our covers! HAHA!

This was over 4 years ago! I can't believe that much time has gone by!!

It has been hard for me to lose close bonds to the women that made such a wonderful impact on my life. It's hard that we are all living in different places with different responsibilities, but I sincerely hope that every now and then we will be able to get together, reminisce and then make new memories. I have not had a group of close friends since these girls (minus a few from the picture directly above because I wasn't super close to a few of them!) It has been over two years since we've all been in the same room, let alone the same city together. I hope to be able to make more memorable friendships with those in my current city and ward and look back on these times with fond memories of girl bonds as well!