My
heart is so broken for my sweet friend who lost her husband yesterday in
a car accident. I cannot even begin to imagine her heartache and
sadness. They have young kids too....it's all just so sad. It has made
me realize that life is so fragile (and unpredictable). None of us are
promised tomorrow. I want to start living in the moment and cherish
every day...every hour. I want to love more,
worry less, complain never. Life is hard and at times can seem so
unfair. Lets all be there for each other and accept and love one
another always...no matter what!
Love you and thinking of you Stacia Linton.
Praying for peace and comfort for you and your family. My heart
breaks for you, but please know I'm here for you if you need anything!
Gary was one of the first people we met in Thermopolis. I will always
remember him as the caring, funny, good-natured guy that he is!!
Showing posts with label on my mind. Show all posts
Showing posts with label on my mind. Show all posts
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Monday, May 12, 2014
>>PWS AWARENESS MONTH - QUESTIONS
Today's question (from sweet Heather) is, "What benefits have you seen from switching to paleo...do you notice a difference?"
There are many different approaches families take when it comes to feeding their PWS child. In the beginning, I assumed it was all just about the calories....and that Clover would be restricted to 600-700 calories per day for the rest of her life. The thought of that devastated me.
Then as I got more involved in the PWS community, I started learning more about what others were doing and what they have found to work for their kids. I have learned that individuals with PWS typically do not do well with carbs and sugar....their bodies are not able to use them appropriately. Instead of using them for energy, their body just stores them as fat. I had heard from other parents about how well their kids were doing on low carb diets and I knew that's what I wanted to do with Clover. Also, if their carbs are restricted, they can often eat more calories....that was a big selling point for me too.
So to answer the question, yes, I have noticed a difference. When Clover eats too many carbs (which happens when I am too lazy or don't plan ahead enough and she ends up getting a sandwich for lunch or pizza or spaghetti, etc), she is more cranky, irritable and tired. This also happens if she gets too much sugar. She also seems to demand more food throughout the day.
When she is eating low carb, grain free type foods, she seems to be more alert and more like her happy, chipper self. I should also point out that while I typically call our diet "paleo" I still include dairy such as milk, cheese and yogurt. I still have a long ways to go when it comes to feeding her better. I stress over it daily....with every meal and snack. It is something that definitely does not come naturally to me as I have always been a picky, not-eat-your-veggies type of girl. I am a horrible cook (seriously, I pretty much mess up every recipe I try) and I love bread and all things carbs....so that has been tricky. However, I notice a difference in my own overall health when I try to eat like Clover. I feel better and more alert too!
As a side note, there have actually been some parents report that even though their kids are in the "hunger" phase of PWS, they seem to feel more satisfied and have less food-seeking behaviors when they stick to a very low carb, grain free, low sugar diet. Of course, every child and every situation is different, but that was very encouraging for me!
>>Please don't take any part of this post as professional or medical advice. Every child is different and any change in your child's diet should first be discussed with your child's doctor.
There are many different approaches families take when it comes to feeding their PWS child. In the beginning, I assumed it was all just about the calories....and that Clover would be restricted to 600-700 calories per day for the rest of her life. The thought of that devastated me.
Then as I got more involved in the PWS community, I started learning more about what others were doing and what they have found to work for their kids. I have learned that individuals with PWS typically do not do well with carbs and sugar....their bodies are not able to use them appropriately. Instead of using them for energy, their body just stores them as fat. I had heard from other parents about how well their kids were doing on low carb diets and I knew that's what I wanted to do with Clover. Also, if their carbs are restricted, they can often eat more calories....that was a big selling point for me too.
So to answer the question, yes, I have noticed a difference. When Clover eats too many carbs (which happens when I am too lazy or don't plan ahead enough and she ends up getting a sandwich for lunch or pizza or spaghetti, etc), she is more cranky, irritable and tired. This also happens if she gets too much sugar. She also seems to demand more food throughout the day.
When she is eating low carb, grain free type foods, she seems to be more alert and more like her happy, chipper self. I should also point out that while I typically call our diet "paleo" I still include dairy such as milk, cheese and yogurt. I still have a long ways to go when it comes to feeding her better. I stress over it daily....with every meal and snack. It is something that definitely does not come naturally to me as I have always been a picky, not-eat-your-veggies type of girl. I am a horrible cook (seriously, I pretty much mess up every recipe I try) and I love bread and all things carbs....so that has been tricky. However, I notice a difference in my own overall health when I try to eat like Clover. I feel better and more alert too!
As a side note, there have actually been some parents report that even though their kids are in the "hunger" phase of PWS, they seem to feel more satisfied and have less food-seeking behaviors when they stick to a very low carb, grain free, low sugar diet. Of course, every child and every situation is different, but that was very encouraging for me!
>>Please don't take any part of this post as professional or medical advice. Every child is different and any change in your child's diet should first be discussed with your child's doctor.
Saturday, May 10, 2014
>>BIRTH MOMS
Thinking of Clover's birth mom tonight....as I
often do. She is a very special part of our lives, and will be
forever. She is the strongest, most selfless, loving person I know. I
will never be able to put into words how thankful I am for
her and just how much I truly love her. She gave me the greatest gift
in the world and made me a mom. I am so thankful for the relationship
we have with her (and Clover's entire birth family!). Clover is a lucky,
lucky girl to have so many people who love and adore her so much!
Happy Mother's Day to the most amazing person I know....and to all birth
mothers everywhere!
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
>>A POEM THAT TOUCHES MY HEART
This is a beautiful poem written by a mother with a child with special needs....
Welcome to Holland
Written by Emily Perl Kingsley (in 1987)
------------------
I used to work closely with families who had young children with hearing loss. We would give the families a copy of this poem to help them cope with the news of their child's diagnosis.
I never thought I would be reading this poem for myself.
But I have to say, I LOVE Holland. I have already learned more about true love, compassion and hard work in Holland than I ever could have in Italy. Holland is truly a place where miracles happen every day
This girl has completely captured my heart. I am so in love with her. If being in Holland means I get to be with Clover, then I would chose Holland over Italy any day.
Welcome to Holland
I
am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with
disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique
experience to imagine how it would feel.
It is like this...
When you're going to have a baby, it is like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guidebooks and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The Gondolas of Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It is all very exciting.
After months of anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bag and off you go. Several hours later the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, 'Welcome to Holland'. 'Holland? ' you say. 'What do you mean Holland? I signed up for Italy! ! ! I am supposed to be in Italy. All my life I have dreamed of going to Italy! '.
But there has been a change in flight plan, they have landed in Holland and there you must stay. The important thing is that they have not taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It is just a different place.
So you must go out and buy new guidebooks. And you must learn a new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met before. It is just a different place. It's slower paced than Italy. It's less flashy than Italy. But after you have been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills, Holland has tulips, and Holland even has Rembrandts.
But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy and they are all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life you will say, 'Yes, that is where I was supposed to go, That's where I had planned'.
And the pain of that will never, ever go away, because the loss of that dream is a very significant loss, but if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't go to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things about Holland.
It is like this...
When you're going to have a baby, it is like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guidebooks and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The Gondolas of Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It is all very exciting.
After months of anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bag and off you go. Several hours later the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, 'Welcome to Holland'. 'Holland? ' you say. 'What do you mean Holland? I signed up for Italy! ! ! I am supposed to be in Italy. All my life I have dreamed of going to Italy! '.
But there has been a change in flight plan, they have landed in Holland and there you must stay. The important thing is that they have not taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It is just a different place.
So you must go out and buy new guidebooks. And you must learn a new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met before. It is just a different place. It's slower paced than Italy. It's less flashy than Italy. But after you have been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills, Holland has tulips, and Holland even has Rembrandts.
But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy and they are all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life you will say, 'Yes, that is where I was supposed to go, That's where I had planned'.
And the pain of that will never, ever go away, because the loss of that dream is a very significant loss, but if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't go to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things about Holland.
Written by Emily Perl Kingsley (in 1987)
------------------
I used to work closely with families who had young children with hearing loss. We would give the families a copy of this poem to help them cope with the news of their child's diagnosis.
I never thought I would be reading this poem for myself.
But I have to say, I LOVE Holland. I have already learned more about true love, compassion and hard work in Holland than I ever could have in Italy. Holland is truly a place where miracles happen every day
This girl has completely captured my heart. I am so in love with her. If being in Holland means I get to be with Clover, then I would chose Holland over Italy any day.
Friday, May 3, 2013
>>PWS AWARENESS MONTH
May is Prader Willi Syndrome Awareness Month!
As you know, our sweet daughter Clover was diagnosed with Prader Willi Syndrome shortly after she was born. At that time, we experienced a lot of different emotions...devastation, fear, frustration, anger, sadness, and the list goes on. We felt alone. We felt like there was no way anyone could understand what we were going through....what Clover was going through. We worried about her future and all the things she may never be able to do.
Things are so very different now.
Clover is 8 months old and amazes us every single day. She brings so much joy into our lives. She is learning new things every day, she loves her brother, she is happy, she is silly and always has us laughing, she is smart, she is strong and she inspires me everyday to be a better person.
We have met other PWS families who have become such a wonderful support system for us. I can't help but feel instantly connected with these families. We have a bond that is very special and I am so very thankful for these people in my life.
Since becoming a mother, my life has a new purpose...and that is to do all I can to help Clover and Henry's lives be the best they can be. Raising awareness for Prader Willi Syndrome is just one thing I can do to make a difference for Clover, our family and others with PWS.
As you know, our sweet daughter Clover was diagnosed with Prader Willi Syndrome shortly after she was born. At that time, we experienced a lot of different emotions...devastation, fear, frustration, anger, sadness, and the list goes on. We felt alone. We felt like there was no way anyone could understand what we were going through....what Clover was going through. We worried about her future and all the things she may never be able to do.
Things are so very different now.
Clover is 8 months old and amazes us every single day. She brings so much joy into our lives. She is learning new things every day, she loves her brother, she is happy, she is silly and always has us laughing, she is smart, she is strong and she inspires me everyday to be a better person.
We have met other PWS families who have become such a wonderful support system for us. I can't help but feel instantly connected with these families. We have a bond that is very special and I am so very thankful for these people in my life.
Since becoming a mother, my life has a new purpose...and that is to do all I can to help Clover and Henry's lives be the best they can be. Raising awareness for Prader Willi Syndrome is just one thing I can do to make a difference for Clover, our family and others with PWS.
Friday, March 9, 2012
>>SOME THOUGHTS HERE AND THERE
I decided it was time to dust off the ol' blog and get er' up and going again...
I rather enjoy blogging, so I'm not sure what all the slacking has been about. Oh well, here we go...
The weather outside has been absolutely wonderful. I've actually been able to step outside without my winter coat and snow boots on and it has been oh so lovely. It makes me long for a nice warm spring.
Note to self: Next time, don't get a puppy in the middle of winter. It makes for a very difficult time in house training. Millie hates the cold and would rather stay inside....as would any reasonable person/animal. This warm weather has helped tremendously.
Last weekend we took Millie to play with some other animals at my friend's house...and by other animals I mean other puppies, big dogs, some goats, a couple cats and some chickens. She liked everything but the chickens.
The other day I brought Millie to work with me to meet some cute 4-H kids. One of the kids was trying to tell Millie to "sit" and "shake" and she accidentally told the puppy to "shit." It was pretty funny and we all had a good laugh. Why is it funny when kids swear? Luckily Millie did not obey this time.
Yesterday was the day that I turned a year older. I feel like life keeps passing me by at record speed. It scares me. I don't want to end up 40 with still no kids.
Is anyone else excited to see The Hunger Games? I'msoexcitedIcan'twait! I doubt it will come to Thermopolis (at least not opening night), so a road trip may be in order.
When reading through my past posts about Millie, it sorta sounds like having a puppy has been the easiest thing ever and that Millie is perfect. No, no, no....tis not so. I've failed to mention all the pee/poo incidents that have occurred inside, the biting, the stubbornness, the licks, the getting into everything, the selective hearing, and her dreadful gas that has almost caused me to pass out a couple of times. She's cute and she cuddly, but oh she can be naughty too. Don't let those puppy dog eyes fool ya.
I am thoroughly enjoying my 366 Photos Project. It is one goal that I have actually followed through with. If you want to check out my daily pics, you can find them HERE.
I am so happy it is Friday! The warm weekend weather forecast has got me all sorts of excited!!
Happy Weekend Everyone!
I rather enjoy blogging, so I'm not sure what all the slacking has been about. Oh well, here we go...
The weather outside has been absolutely wonderful. I've actually been able to step outside without my winter coat and snow boots on and it has been oh so lovely. It makes me long for a nice warm spring.
Note to self: Next time, don't get a puppy in the middle of winter. It makes for a very difficult time in house training. Millie hates the cold and would rather stay inside....as would any reasonable person/animal. This warm weather has helped tremendously.
Last weekend we took Millie to play with some other animals at my friend's house...and by other animals I mean other puppies, big dogs, some goats, a couple cats and some chickens. She liked everything but the chickens.
The other day I brought Millie to work with me to meet some cute 4-H kids. One of the kids was trying to tell Millie to "sit" and "shake" and she accidentally told the puppy to "shit." It was pretty funny and we all had a good laugh. Why is it funny when kids swear? Luckily Millie did not obey this time.
Yesterday was the day that I turned a year older. I feel like life keeps passing me by at record speed. It scares me. I don't want to end up 40 with still no kids.
Is anyone else excited to see The Hunger Games? I'msoexcitedIcan'twait! I doubt it will come to Thermopolis (at least not opening night), so a road trip may be in order.
When reading through my past posts about Millie, it sorta sounds like having a puppy has been the easiest thing ever and that Millie is perfect. No, no, no....tis not so. I've failed to mention all the pee/poo incidents that have occurred inside, the biting, the stubbornness, the licks, the getting into everything, the selective hearing, and her dreadful gas that has almost caused me to pass out a couple of times. She's cute and she cuddly, but oh she can be naughty too. Don't let those puppy dog eyes fool ya.
I am thoroughly enjoying my 366 Photos Project. It is one goal that I have actually followed through with. If you want to check out my daily pics, you can find them HERE.
I am so happy it is Friday! The warm weekend weather forecast has got me all sorts of excited!!
Happy Weekend Everyone!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
>>INFERTILITY WOES
I remember my thoughts so clearly as I pulled into the driveway of our Kaysville home one afternoon. I thought to myself, "I would die if I found out I was pregnant." At that time, we had only been married a couple of years...but we married young and were by no means ready to be parents. Just the thought of getting pregnant sent me into a panic.
My thoughts are definitely different these days. We now have 9 years of marriage under our belt and would love nothing more than to have a baby.
It was March of 2007 when both Curtis and I said, "it's time!" So...we ditched the protection and began our quest to making a baby....a task we didn't think would be so difficult.
4 years and 8 months later...still no baby. Not even a pregnancy.
It's tough. It's hard to describe the feelings that come with infertility. Maybe because the emotions that come with it are all over the place.
One moment I am optimistic. Then the next moment I am in a tizzy upon learning that the closest infertility specialist is 3-1/2 hours away (one way...darn you small town Wyoming). Sometimes I think, "it's okay, it will happen....eventually." Other times all I can think about is how much I want a baby NOW. There are feelings of anger, jealousy, frustration, confusion, etc. But there are also feelings of peace and contentment. I love my husband and I love the uninterrupted time that we have had together. I love the bond we've created and the experiences we've shared.
Sometimes I just have to laugh and say to Curtis, "can you believe we don't have kids?" "Isn't that crazy!?!" It's usually followed by, "can you believe we live in Thermopolis....isn't that crazy!?!"
Life is what it is and I guess we just have to learn to roll with the punches. And to enjoy all the good, happy things.
Last week Curtis said to me....
"You know what I'm going to miss when we have kids?
. . .Walking around the house naked."
So...by golly, I will continue to enjoy that too!!
My thoughts are definitely different these days. We now have 9 years of marriage under our belt and would love nothing more than to have a baby.
It was March of 2007 when both Curtis and I said, "it's time!" So...we ditched the protection and began our quest to making a baby....a task we didn't think would be so difficult.
4 years and 8 months later...still no baby. Not even a pregnancy.
It's tough. It's hard to describe the feelings that come with infertility. Maybe because the emotions that come with it are all over the place.
One moment I am optimistic. Then the next moment I am in a tizzy upon learning that the closest infertility specialist is 3-1/2 hours away (one way...darn you small town Wyoming). Sometimes I think, "it's okay, it will happen....eventually." Other times all I can think about is how much I want a baby NOW. There are feelings of anger, jealousy, frustration, confusion, etc. But there are also feelings of peace and contentment. I love my husband and I love the uninterrupted time that we have had together. I love the bond we've created and the experiences we've shared.
Sometimes I just have to laugh and say to Curtis, "can you believe we don't have kids?" "Isn't that crazy!?!" It's usually followed by, "can you believe we live in Thermopolis....isn't that crazy!?!"
Life is what it is and I guess we just have to learn to roll with the punches. And to enjoy all the good, happy things.
Last week Curtis said to me....
"You know what I'm going to miss when we have kids?
. . .Walking around the house naked."
So...by golly, I will continue to enjoy that too!!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
>>CONFESSIONS
This was my backyard before spending the last 3 Saturdays pulling weeds. No joke.
I am in love with Emma Stone.
Oh how I long for the day when we add a little Cheney babe to the mix.
I would like to flip houses for a living.
I went to see this movie last week with the expectation that it was some cute comedy, similar to 17 Again. Wrong! It was totally raunchy and totally R rated. I seriously had no idea. It was still pretty funny though....in a raunchy, R rated sort of way.
I watched every episode of Bachelor Pad and actually really liked Michelle.
Just when I think I am getting past my fear of driving I have a nightmare of someone crashing into me. Awesome!
I'm considering signing up for Showtime just so I can watch the new season of Dexter. Love that show!
I bought this gem at a garage sale for a whopping 5 bucks. Isn't it darling? I love it.
I think I am going to start using the phrase "bat shit crazy" more often. It's simply too good a phrase not to use.
Our fence is totally falling over into our neighbor's yard and I think they might hate us because of it. That and our yard.....which I totally don't blame them for.
I think I would like to skinny dip sometime before I die. Doesn't it just seem liberating?
I am so loving this song lately. Driving around with the hubs, windows down, this song blasting from the radio....it's a little piece of heaven. And honestly, up until a couple of months ago, I thought he was singing, "after the poison, summer is gone."
Happy Wednesday!
I am in love with Emma Stone.
Oh how I long for the day when we add a little Cheney babe to the mix.
I would like to flip houses for a living.
I went to see this movie last week with the expectation that it was some cute comedy, similar to 17 Again. Wrong! It was totally raunchy and totally R rated. I seriously had no idea. It was still pretty funny though....in a raunchy, R rated sort of way.
I watched every episode of Bachelor Pad and actually really liked Michelle.
Just when I think I am getting past my fear of driving I have a nightmare of someone crashing into me. Awesome!
I'm considering signing up for Showtime just so I can watch the new season of Dexter. Love that show!
I bought this gem at a garage sale for a whopping 5 bucks. Isn't it darling? I love it.
I think I am going to start using the phrase "bat shit crazy" more often. It's simply too good a phrase not to use.
Our fence is totally falling over into our neighbor's yard and I think they might hate us because of it. That and our yard.....which I totally don't blame them for.
I think I would like to skinny dip sometime before I die. Doesn't it just seem liberating?
I am so loving this song lately. Driving around with the hubs, windows down, this song blasting from the radio....it's a little piece of heaven. And honestly, up until a couple of months ago, I thought he was singing, "after the poison, summer is gone."
Happy Wednesday!
Friday, September 9, 2011
>>SEPT. 11
There are those events in our lives that we remember so clearly....like we know exactly what we were doing that very day. September 11, 2001 is like that for me.
I woke up and was getting for school, as usual. Except that instead of watching the news like I did every single morning while getting ready, I decided to listen to a CD. Then on my drive to school (about a 45 minute commute to Salt Lake Community College), I listened to my CD instead of listening to the radio like I usually did.
I arrived early to school so I headed to the "commons." The common area was packed with students...usually that early in the morning there would only be a handful of people in there... so I knew something was going on. Everyone was jumbled together in front of the big screen TV. I pushed through the crowd and tried to make my way to the TV. Right then the second plane hit the tower.
I was so confused, but quickly learned what was going on. I just felt numb inside.
All of my classes were canceled. On my way to my car, I ran into a friend who had recently served in the army. I remember him being so upset. I was still trying to wrap my head around everything that was going on, but visiting with him made it all a little more real.
I was glued to the TV for days. I wanted to know everything that was happening...who was behind the attacks, how many survivors were being pulled from the rubble, what was next??
I had never before loved this country so much.
I also felt such a great love for the heroes of that day....the firefighters, policemen, medical personnel and all the ordinary people who did extraordinary things to help others....including all those on flight 93.
My heart was heavy and went out to everyone who lost loved ones and who was affected by that terrible attack.
I can't imagine how frightening in must have been for those close to the crash....those in the towers...those in the planes....those on the phones with their loved ones before the crash. I was frightened and sad and shaken up and I was thousands of miles away.
10 years have since passed. I still love this country and my heart still goes out to the victims of that day.
The past few days I have been watching footage of that day, listening to audio, and watching documentaries. Every time my throat gets tight, my chest gets heavy and my eyes get teary. It was definitely a day I will always remember.
I am so thankful for the servicemen who serve and protect our country. I am thankful for our freedoms and I truly am proud to be an American.
I woke up and was getting for school, as usual. Except that instead of watching the news like I did every single morning while getting ready, I decided to listen to a CD. Then on my drive to school (about a 45 minute commute to Salt Lake Community College), I listened to my CD instead of listening to the radio like I usually did.
I arrived early to school so I headed to the "commons." The common area was packed with students...usually that early in the morning there would only be a handful of people in there... so I knew something was going on. Everyone was jumbled together in front of the big screen TV. I pushed through the crowd and tried to make my way to the TV. Right then the second plane hit the tower.
I was so confused, but quickly learned what was going on. I just felt numb inside.
All of my classes were canceled. On my way to my car, I ran into a friend who had recently served in the army. I remember him being so upset. I was still trying to wrap my head around everything that was going on, but visiting with him made it all a little more real.
I was glued to the TV for days. I wanted to know everything that was happening...who was behind the attacks, how many survivors were being pulled from the rubble, what was next??
I had never before loved this country so much.
I also felt such a great love for the heroes of that day....the firefighters, policemen, medical personnel and all the ordinary people who did extraordinary things to help others....including all those on flight 93.
My heart was heavy and went out to everyone who lost loved ones and who was affected by that terrible attack.
I can't imagine how frightening in must have been for those close to the crash....those in the towers...those in the planes....those on the phones with their loved ones before the crash. I was frightened and sad and shaken up and I was thousands of miles away.
10 years have since passed. I still love this country and my heart still goes out to the victims of that day.
The past few days I have been watching footage of that day, listening to audio, and watching documentaries. Every time my throat gets tight, my chest gets heavy and my eyes get teary. It was definitely a day I will always remember.
I am so thankful for the servicemen who serve and protect our country. I am thankful for our freedoms and I truly am proud to be an American.
Friday, April 15, 2011
>>RANDOM POST FRIDAY
Today is Friday and that makes me happy. I have been waiting for today all week. I love weekends because I can leave my work at the office and spend a couple of joyous days with the husband.
In January I was hired to be the 4-H Educator in Thermopolis. 4-H is awesome! If your kids are not already in 4-H, then by golly sign them up! What is 4-H, you ask? It's only the largest out-of-school educational program for kids. It teaches kids all sorts of cool things that will help them throughout their lives. So, go sign them up...and while you're at it, sign yourself up to be a 4-H volunteer!
We are headed to Montana tomorrow to see our friend get married. I love seeing or hearing about people getting married. Such an exciting time in life.
My blog header has changed for the 4th time this week. Every once in awhile I get a hankering for a change, but then never really like it and revert back to the trusty ol' scooter girl header.
Since canceling our cable, we have watched about a million-and-one movies. I asked Curtis if I could post a list of all the movies we have watched in the last week and he said, "no, that's embarrassing." Not because the movies themselves were embarrassing (at least not all of them), but rather the sheer volume of movies being watched is embarrassing.
A couple weekends ago we drove all the way to Sidney, Nebraska to pick up a scooter. It's an awesome orange vintage vespa. Since we have been married, we have probably made over a hundred trips to either sell or buy a scooter. My husband is awesome.
Many of my friends are pregnant right now, leaving me feeling totally excited for them (truly) but also totally jealous. Infertility just plain sucks. Oh well, such is life.
After having our main bathroom torn apart for six months, it is finally finished and just needing a fresh coat of paint. Finally I don't have to venture down the stairs in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. By the time I turned on the hall light, then the stairs light, then the family room light, then the laundry room light and finally the bathroom light, I was wide awake and struggled to fall back to sleep.
In case you were wondering (and I'm sure you are), the book I chose for bookclub is Naked by David Sedaris. So far I love it and have had several laugh-out-loud moments.
I had a dream last night that the girls in my bookclub told me they hated the book I chose and wanted me to pick a different one. Wouldn't it be funny if they really do hate it?
Ihave to get to go to 4-H camp this summer. The camp-ground is right in the middle of bear country...like bears wandering around the middle of camp. I now have recurring nightmares about getting attacked by a grizzly bear.
Lastly, check out this video to see just how totally cool Curtis was in high school....(video posted by Justin, who is also very cool, as evidenced by this video).
Have a great weekend friends!!
In January I was hired to be the 4-H Educator in Thermopolis. 4-H is awesome! If your kids are not already in 4-H, then by golly sign them up! What is 4-H, you ask? It's only the largest out-of-school educational program for kids. It teaches kids all sorts of cool things that will help them throughout their lives. So, go sign them up...and while you're at it, sign yourself up to be a 4-H volunteer!
We are headed to Montana tomorrow to see our friend get married. I love seeing or hearing about people getting married. Such an exciting time in life.
My blog header has changed for the 4th time this week. Every once in awhile I get a hankering for a change, but then never really like it and revert back to the trusty ol' scooter girl header.
Since canceling our cable, we have watched about a million-and-one movies. I asked Curtis if I could post a list of all the movies we have watched in the last week and he said, "no, that's embarrassing." Not because the movies themselves were embarrassing (at least not all of them), but rather the sheer volume of movies being watched is embarrassing.
A couple weekends ago we drove all the way to Sidney, Nebraska to pick up a scooter. It's an awesome orange vintage vespa. Since we have been married, we have probably made over a hundred trips to either sell or buy a scooter. My husband is awesome.
Many of my friends are pregnant right now, leaving me feeling totally excited for them (truly) but also totally jealous. Infertility just plain sucks. Oh well, such is life.
After having our main bathroom torn apart for six months, it is finally finished and just needing a fresh coat of paint. Finally I don't have to venture down the stairs in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. By the time I turned on the hall light, then the stairs light, then the family room light, then the laundry room light and finally the bathroom light, I was wide awake and struggled to fall back to sleep.
In case you were wondering (and I'm sure you are), the book I chose for bookclub is Naked by David Sedaris. So far I love it and have had several laugh-out-loud moments.
I had a dream last night that the girls in my bookclub told me they hated the book I chose and wanted me to pick a different one. Wouldn't it be funny if they really do hate it?
I
Lastly, check out this video to see just how totally cool Curtis was in high school....(video posted by Justin, who is also very cool, as evidenced by this video).
Have a great weekend friends!!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
>>TWO THINGS
#1. We canceled our cable. *gasp!!* You know how much I love TV, right? Like, I love it a lot. A lot. But I actually find myself excited about getting rid of it. I do not need to let TV control my life. This does not mean that I won't be taking full advantage of Hulu and Netflix...nosireebob.
#2. It is my turn to pick the book for book club. Any suggestions? Any must reads?
I've read the following books these past few months...
Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
The New York Regional Mormon Singles Halloween Dance by Elna Baker
Gap Creek by Robert Morgan
Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
Freakonomics (half way through) by Steven Levitt & Stephen Dubner
I thoroughly enjoyed each of these books, however, I want to pick something new for bookclub...so...let me hear it...what are your suggestions?
#2. It is my turn to pick the book for book club. Any suggestions? Any must reads?
I've read the following books these past few months...
Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
The New York Regional Mormon Singles Halloween Dance by Elna Baker
Gap Creek by Robert Morgan
Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
Freakonomics (half way through) by Steven Levitt & Stephen Dubner
I thoroughly enjoyed each of these books, however, I want to pick something new for bookclub...so...let me hear it...what are your suggestions?
Thursday, March 24, 2011
>>PHOTOSHOP FUN
So...I'm in a photoshop class here in town. In true Jen fashion, I haven't made any friends in the class. So each week I go, I sit by myself, during breaks I sit there alone or casually walk out and wander the halls, then at 9:00 sharp, I head to my car solo and drive home.
I think the people in my class think I'm weird. And snobbish. I will admit, weird, yes, very much so. But snobbish...no. I can be awfully quiet and shy and I guess it can come off as being a snob.
Oh well. What's a girl to do?
So....for my class we have to do homework assignments and post them to a facebook group. Then we have to comment on each other's photos. Each week I try to do something fun and creative, but I never get a reaction out of anyone in my class. Often times during class, the teacher or other students will talk about the photos posted on facebook that they liked most. None of my pictures have ever come up in conversation.
So, this week I really put myself out there and posted this picture:
And guess what?
I got nothin'.
Am I the only one who thinks this picture is funny? I guess it wouldn't be the first time that I was the only person laughing at my own joke.
I think the people in my class think I'm weird. And snobbish. I will admit, weird, yes, very much so. But snobbish...no. I can be awfully quiet and shy and I guess it can come off as being a snob.
Oh well. What's a girl to do?
So....for my class we have to do homework assignments and post them to a facebook group. Then we have to comment on each other's photos. Each week I try to do something fun and creative, but I never get a reaction out of anyone in my class. Often times during class, the teacher or other students will talk about the photos posted on facebook that they liked most. None of my pictures have ever come up in conversation.
So, this week I really put myself out there and posted this picture:
And guess what?
I got nothin'.
Am I the only one who thinks this picture is funny? I guess it wouldn't be the first time that I was the only person laughing at my own joke.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
>>I HEAR THE TICKING OF THE CLOCK
In a moment of weakness, I purchased Glee: The Music Volume 1 from iTunes. I may or may not have also purchased Volume 2.
Don't judge.
Anyway, this is one of my faves! I've always been a Heart fan, so this song really hit the spot. And that Kristin Chenoweth...love her!
.
Don't judge.
Anyway, this is one of my faves! I've always been a Heart fan, so this song really hit the spot. And that Kristin Chenoweth...love her!
.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
>>JUST WONDERING
Who of you thought it was called bolley-ball when you were younger....as opposed to volleyball?
I did. I remember learning the correct name of the sport and thinking it was the dumbest name ever. It made absolutely no sense to me.
I also remember learning that Meryl Street was indeed Meryl Streep. Streep? Really? That was weird too.
I did. I remember learning the correct name of the sport and thinking it was the dumbest name ever. It made absolutely no sense to me.
I also remember learning that Meryl Street was indeed Meryl Streep. Streep? Really? That was weird too.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
thinking back . . .
Four years ago today Curtis and I were in a terrible car accident.
You've heard the details before, I know. But I can't help but reflect back on that day.
A car came into our lane and we collided head on at about 60mph.
I had never experienced such pain in all my life (and hope I never do again). I felt like I was dropped from a tall building with only cement to break my fall. I was in pain from my head to my toes.
We spent a week in the hospital with injuries that included broken ribs, a broken collarbone, a collapsed lung, bleeding kidneys, cracked vertebraes, broken tailbones, and swollen, black and blue feet....and not to mention poor Curtis had a head full of gouges and glass from hitting the windshield.
That first night in the hospital, I couldn't sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw a car crashing into me.
I had stressful dreams from there-on-out. For about 3 years.
When looking back at our accident, a lot of memories flood my mind. Memories of the ambulance ride to the hospital, memories of the emergency room...doctors coming in and out...nurses never leaving my side...worrying about Curtis...getting a CT scan, the daily chest x-rays...the liquid diet...using the nurse call button, etc. There was so much going on.
The one thing that stands out to me though was the love and support that was shown to us during this time. It was overwhelming. It began immediately following the collision. Passersby came to our aid right away. They called 911. They put blankets on us. Sat with us. Comforted us. Told us we were going to be okay. One guy who was on scene even contacted us weeks later to see how we were doing.
We had just moved to a new state only six months prior....so...we didn't know very many people from our new town...but we never once felt alone. So many people reached out. People from our community who we hardly knew called us at the hospital to check in on us and to let us know they were praying for us. People came to visit us (even though the hospital was an hour and a half from town). People sent emails daily. Our friends from Utah called and sent messages of love and support.
When we got home, the love and support didn't stop. People brought us food. People came and sat by my bedside and cared for me while Curtis was at school. People sent us money to help with the bills. My boss donated her own 2 weeks worth of paid vacation time to me. People sent letters, people prayed for us, our families braved the Wyoming cold weather to come and care for us.
I will never ever forget the kindness people showed to us. It changed my life.
I think about our car accident a lot.
I have my daily reminders with my constant back pain, my two bulging ribs and my bouts of anxiety when driving. But, I also have a greater appreciation for life and what is really important.
Today I am thankful to be alive. I am thankful my sweetie pie is alive with me. I am thankful for the wonderful people who continue to touch my life everyday with their kindness.
This world is full of really good people...and for that, I am grateful.
You've heard the details before, I know. But I can't help but reflect back on that day.
A car came into our lane and we collided head on at about 60mph.
I had never experienced such pain in all my life (and hope I never do again). I felt like I was dropped from a tall building with only cement to break my fall. I was in pain from my head to my toes.
We spent a week in the hospital with injuries that included broken ribs, a broken collarbone, a collapsed lung, bleeding kidneys, cracked vertebraes, broken tailbones, and swollen, black and blue feet....and not to mention poor Curtis had a head full of gouges and glass from hitting the windshield.
That first night in the hospital, I couldn't sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw a car crashing into me.
I had stressful dreams from there-on-out. For about 3 years.
When looking back at our accident, a lot of memories flood my mind. Memories of the ambulance ride to the hospital, memories of the emergency room...doctors coming in and out...nurses never leaving my side...worrying about Curtis...getting a CT scan, the daily chest x-rays...the liquid diet...using the nurse call button, etc. There was so much going on.
The one thing that stands out to me though was the love and support that was shown to us during this time. It was overwhelming. It began immediately following the collision. Passersby came to our aid right away. They called 911. They put blankets on us. Sat with us. Comforted us. Told us we were going to be okay. One guy who was on scene even contacted us weeks later to see how we were doing.
We had just moved to a new state only six months prior....so...we didn't know very many people from our new town...but we never once felt alone. So many people reached out. People from our community who we hardly knew called us at the hospital to check in on us and to let us know they were praying for us. People came to visit us (even though the hospital was an hour and a half from town). People sent emails daily. Our friends from Utah called and sent messages of love and support.
When we got home, the love and support didn't stop. People brought us food. People came and sat by my bedside and cared for me while Curtis was at school. People sent us money to help with the bills. My boss donated her own 2 weeks worth of paid vacation time to me. People sent letters, people prayed for us, our families braved the Wyoming cold weather to come and care for us.
I will never ever forget the kindness people showed to us. It changed my life.
I think about our car accident a lot.
I have my daily reminders with my constant back pain, my two bulging ribs and my bouts of anxiety when driving. But, I also have a greater appreciation for life and what is really important.
Today I am thankful to be alive. I am thankful my sweetie pie is alive with me. I am thankful for the wonderful people who continue to touch my life everyday with their kindness.
This world is full of really good people...and for that, I am grateful.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
honestly . . .
The book To Kill a Mockingbird changed my life. I'm going to read it every year.
I am lost on Sunday evenings without Dexter.
Country music rocks my world.
I find it amusing when women post pictures of themselves in their bikinis on their blog. It's sorta like, "hey everyone, look how hot I look in this bikini."
You will never see a picture of me wearing a bikini on this blog...or anywhere else for that matter. So...rest assured.
When I was young, I was bullied at school. One day during recess I was kicked in the face and broke my nose.
As much as I want to have kids, I am terrified about it too.
I'm sucked into yet another season of The Bachelor
I'm feeling like I don't fit in with anyone here in this town. And it sucks.
I don't like edited movies.
I love olives on my pizza.
I find this video clip so darn funny....lets face it...we all have our secrets, don't we.
And I agree, nature can be cruel.
I am lost on Sunday evenings without Dexter.
Country music rocks my world.
I find it amusing when women post pictures of themselves in their bikinis on their blog. It's sorta like, "hey everyone, look how hot I look in this bikini."
You will never see a picture of me wearing a bikini on this blog...or anywhere else for that matter. So...rest assured.
When I was young, I was bullied at school. One day during recess I was kicked in the face and broke my nose.
As much as I want to have kids, I am terrified about it too.
I'm sucked into yet another season of The Bachelor
I'm feeling like I don't fit in with anyone here in this town. And it sucks.
I don't like edited movies.
I love olives on my pizza.
I find this video clip so darn funny....lets face it...we all have our secrets, don't we.
And I agree, nature can be cruel.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
headline reads: Thermopolis girl's nightmare comes true
Today I had a job interview.
I've been worrying about this interview for 3 months now. That is a long time. My nerves slowly built and built and built and today they exploded. It was quite embarrassing. There I sat in a room full of people...my mind went blank resulting in rambling nonsense flowing out my mouth. To be honest, I'm not even sure what I said. I doubt much of it made sense anyway.
Last night I had a recurring dream. Want to hear about it? It's a real doozie.
In my dream, I was using the bathroom at my grandparent's house. But their bathroom happened to be in the front yard. And it didn't have any walls. Actually, all it had was a toilet. So, there I sat on the toilet. The bad thing about it was that the neighbors were having a party. A party in their front yard. So, there I sat totally embarrassed trying to figure out how I was going to get out the situation I found myself in. I was getting ready to, um, finish, and right at that moment, a big Anastasia parade float parked right in front of my grandparent's house...attracting all the neighbors. It was awful. Then I woke up.
I get this dream when I am dreading something that is about to take place. I have been so incredibly worried about making a fool out of myself in my interview.
Well...at least I succeeded at something.
What a day.
I've been worrying about this interview for 3 months now. That is a long time. My nerves slowly built and built and built and today they exploded. It was quite embarrassing. There I sat in a room full of people...my mind went blank resulting in rambling nonsense flowing out my mouth. To be honest, I'm not even sure what I said. I doubt much of it made sense anyway.
Last night I had a recurring dream. Want to hear about it? It's a real doozie.
In my dream, I was using the bathroom at my grandparent's house. But their bathroom happened to be in the front yard. And it didn't have any walls. Actually, all it had was a toilet. So, there I sat on the toilet. The bad thing about it was that the neighbors were having a party. A party in their front yard. So, there I sat totally embarrassed trying to figure out how I was going to get out the situation I found myself in. I was getting ready to, um, finish, and right at that moment, a big Anastasia parade float parked right in front of my grandparent's house...attracting all the neighbors. It was awful. Then I woke up.
I get this dream when I am dreading something that is about to take place. I have been so incredibly worried about making a fool out of myself in my interview.
Well...at least I succeeded at something.
What a day.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
pondering the things I am most thankful for . . .
my dear husband - I am so thankful everyday that he is in my life.
my family - as I get older, I realize just how important family is. We all have our battles and our differences, but where would we be without each other? I love the family I was born into and I love the family I married into. I'm a lucky girl to be surrounded by so much love.
good friends - as I get older, I also realize how important it is to have good friends in life. With us moving so much the last few years, it's definitely been an adjustment keeping in touch with old friends and trying our darndest to make new ones. If anything, it has only helped me love my dear friends all the more.
food to eat - I am so so thankful that I never have to go hungry.
a warm place to live - I am so so thankful that I have a warm house to live in and a soft bed to sleep in each night.
our jobs - this past year has been a whirlwind for us as far as our jobs go...but oh what a blessing it is to be employed.
music - I am so thankful for good music. Music helps me get through the day...it makes me think, it makes me dance, it makes me sing, and most of all, it makes me happy.
I am thankful that in just a couple of days I will be sitting around a dinner table with those I love most. 'Tis the season, and I tell ya what...I can't wait!!
my family - as I get older, I realize just how important family is. We all have our battles and our differences, but where would we be without each other? I love the family I was born into and I love the family I married into. I'm a lucky girl to be surrounded by so much love.
good friends - as I get older, I also realize how important it is to have good friends in life. With us moving so much the last few years, it's definitely been an adjustment keeping in touch with old friends and trying our darndest to make new ones. If anything, it has only helped me love my dear friends all the more.
food to eat - I am so so thankful that I never have to go hungry.
a warm place to live - I am so so thankful that I have a warm house to live in and a soft bed to sleep in each night.
our jobs - this past year has been a whirlwind for us as far as our jobs go...but oh what a blessing it is to be employed.
music - I am so thankful for good music. Music helps me get through the day...it makes me think, it makes me dance, it makes me sing, and most of all, it makes me happy.
I am thankful that in just a couple of days I will be sitting around a dinner table with those I love most. 'Tis the season, and I tell ya what...I can't wait!!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
extra bedroom
I need your help.
We have an extra bedroom on our main floor that I am not sure how to use. When I was working from home, it made a great office. Our computer desk is still in the room and so is our bookcase, so, we still refer to that room as "the office," but we never ever use it. It's sort of becoming a storage room now where we put all of our junk. I don't want it to become that. We already have a storage/junk room in the basement.
So...what should we use the room for?
We don't have kids so we don't need a play room.
Our guest bedroom is in the basement, so we don't need another one of those.
My craft/sewing room is also in the basement.
Perhaps we should ditch our laptops and get a desktop computer, so then we are forced to use that room as an office/computer room?
We could put a futon in there and have it be our relaxation/reading room?
Make it an extra TV room so when Curtis is watching Cops (or Swamp People), I can watch something else upstairs?
Perhaps we could just hurry up this baby making thing and turn it into a nursery? I'm kidding about that one, so don't suggest that. Well...sorta kidding. You know what I mean.
I really just don't know.
Any suggestions?
Surely there are those times when you think, "I wish we had just one more room." What do you want that extra room for?
We have an extra bedroom on our main floor that I am not sure how to use. When I was working from home, it made a great office. Our computer desk is still in the room and so is our bookcase, so, we still refer to that room as "the office," but we never ever use it. It's sort of becoming a storage room now where we put all of our junk. I don't want it to become that. We already have a storage/junk room in the basement.
So...what should we use the room for?
We don't have kids so we don't need a play room.
Our guest bedroom is in the basement, so we don't need another one of those.
My craft/sewing room is also in the basement.
Perhaps we should ditch our laptops and get a desktop computer, so then we are forced to use that room as an office/computer room?
We could put a futon in there and have it be our relaxation/reading room?
Make it an extra TV room so when Curtis is watching Cops (or Swamp People), I can watch something else upstairs?
Perhaps we could just hurry up this baby making thing and turn it into a nursery? I'm kidding about that one, so don't suggest that. Well...sorta kidding. You know what I mean.
I really just don't know.
Any suggestions?
Surely there are those times when you think, "I wish we had just one more room." What do you want that extra room for?
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