Giving Thanks!

It is that time of year again. Thanksgiving, so much to ponder, so much to be thankful for.

I feel I have had a pretty blessed life. I also know, it has had many ups and downs, but I am so thankful for the downs, since they have made me who I am today.

I actually like myself these days, minus my weight, I feel pretty good.

I like that I have friends, and that I have met so many wonderful people, who like me too.

I guess I am a likeable girl, somthing I really didn't believe til recently.

I have a magnificent family. My mother adores me, and so does my brother.

My step dad is a great dad to me, along with a grandfather to my children.

My brother and Cynthia, are making a huge effort to be a part of my children's and my life.

My dad has recently come back into my life. Although we have missed out on 9 years, I am thankful for the future we have.

My step mom and I have developed a beautiful friendship and she is a wonderful doting grandmother to my children.

My inlaws and I have been also developing more deep relationships, and I am thankful for the roles they play so well in my children's lives and in ours.

Old friends and new, reconnecting, and future. I am blessed with my close knit family of friends, who give support and love to me, even during my bad moments!

I am thankful for extended family , and for finally getting to know them and their families. I have missed out on so much! So have they.

I have recently gone back to work, and I am so thankful for the self confidence it has given me, along with the ability to meet and help new people.

I have led a life that hasn't always been the best, I have done some things I am ashamed of, hurt people who didn't deserve it, and through it all, I am thankful for the compassion and forgiveness of others.

All of that has lead me to my most prized possessions, the true loves of my life, my husband and my two beautiful, healthy children.

Without our "team" I don't know who, or where I would be.

I have a prince charming, who looks past all of my faults and kisses my forehead every morning as he has for the past 12 years, only 4 mornings, he hasn't.

I have my other prince charming, who holds me, when mommy isn't having a good day, who asks me if I still love him, although he had an accident in his pants.

Of course I do, although I don't love the act.

I have a daughter, who in her eyes, I can again see the innocence of a child. The wonder she has, as she views something new.

I am very thankful that I have become a less judging person, although I still have my moments.

I hope to love everyone for who they are, not dislike for what they do.

I am thankful that we are all different in so many ways.

We are black or white, straight or gay, American, or Hispanic, a mom or not.

We are all different, which adds so much more excitement to this world.

Some of us brilliant with numbers, some of us not.

We help and teach eachother, most of all , we love.

I am thankful that I love so deeply. That I put my all in relationships.

I love the way I love the people in my life. I celebrate that.

I am blessed to be able to have the ability to speak my mind. To see things the way I do, yet be open to others.

I have my own choices, and I make them on my own.

I am thankful for that first beer, from that I learned , but it took a long time. How about that first boyfriend? Who taught me about letting go.

My critters who have stayed with me through thick and thick, oh and thin!

Even though the door is open to leave, they all come back to me!

Most of all, I am thankful that you are around to read this.

You are there for me, and there for my family.

I hope you continue your unconditional love and support for me and my beautiful little family, during my good times and bad, my ups and downs, and always be by my side, even if you aren't on my side.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Much love,

Jen

The Gang's all here!

FiNaLlY- We made some time to do our family pictures, they are about 5 mos. over due!

Naomi was nice enough to meet us out at Gardner Village, and we did some trade work.

I did their photos, they did ours.

We went out to Garnder Village,( sunday's are empty there) and strolled around and took a few shots.

The elves were out and about also! It was fun, getting out, and seeing all of the decor out there.

I hear that there is a place online that we can print a sheet for an elf hunt. Sounds like I will be googleing that one soon!

Anyway, enjoy these new photos! We sure do!

Thanks Nay!!!!

New Bedding, finally!

So Joe and I have not bought new bedding in over 6 yrs.

It is sad, I know, and what we do have is getting disgusting.

Stains, tears, you name it!

The other night, I was laying in bed, and I went to pull the comforter and sheets up to my chest, and riiiip, my fingers tore through.

We are so ghetto!

We have a king size bed, and for bedding it is over $150 for a bed set.

WELLLLLLL, not this time!

Are you sitting down? I managed to get TWO, yes TWO cute bed sets for under $225.

Bad part, no bed skirt, nice part, something no one else around has!

I can't wait to get these sets in and mix and match them.

I guess Joe isn't going to be to happy with the pink, but he will get over it soon.

You know, if your room is beautiful, you might attempt to spend more time in it, ESPECIALLY, your bed.

So my new project, when I make time between kids, work, work, work, and more work, is to REDO my bedroom. Any ideas? Any help?

Halloween is over....

How sad, to see another holiday pass.

Halloween was great this year, especially the warm weather.

I don't recall this kind of weather for halloween.

I remember as a child, in my plastic bag costume of Princess Leia, and my plastic Leia mask, with the string to hold onto my head, I ALWAYS had a winter coat on underneath.

I don't remember being able to stay out late, as my face was frozen and my snot starting to flake on my face.

The kids had a great Halloween. Braxton as the Green Power Ranger, and Binny as Tinker Bell.

Uncle Marc flew in, to take Braxton trick or treating, and boy, did those two get a lot of candy.

They were even nice enough, or was it greedy enough, to take out Brynlee's trick or treat bag to get filled also. Cynthia bought the kids some trick or treat bags, that made noises. They were cute, and full!

Marc dressed in an old skool Misfits Tee and a white suit, along with matching misfits shoes, he was dressed to impress! Unfortunately, I did not get a picture of him in his costume during all of the chaos.

We started out our day by picking up uncle Marc-y at Little America, downtown.

He had stayed there at the beginning of his visit!

We then headed down to Thanksgiving point for lunch with Joe, then off to Grandma W. for a visit.

While we were there, Jess and Kati were with their kids. They left, then Denis and his crew showed up! WOW! Marc has not seen a lot of these people since my wedding, well, that is the last time.

So after that, off to the grocery store, and home to make some homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, my dip ( courteous of Mary) and wait for Pappers and Grandma to come out for dinner.

The food was delicous, company was great. Aunt Bren, Uncle Marty and Austin showed up in time for some food and trick or treating too!

The kids had so much fun. Especially Brax. First dragging out uncle mookey, then dragging out Austin. Boy , is he spoiled or what?

Anyway, thanks for all who came out to see Marc, and thanks to those who came out for dinner. Our holiday was great. Now on to the next.....

THANKSGIVING?

We may skip a part of that and get decorating for Christmas, since we will be hosting the family party, and with me working weekends, we will have less time to decorate. Oh boy!

Very long time, so much has happened!

Oh my! Yes, I have risen from the dead!
This past few months has been so crazy that it is a blur, and has gone by so fast!
Braxton started another year of preschool!
His new teacher is great, and he is making new friends.
Brynlee is getting so big, and just about to crawl.
She decided she didn't want to learn how to sit up well, instead, she would rather be more mobile.
The stinker can sure get around our house somehow though!!!
Joe has been building away, but the market isn't looking good. It is starting to slow down, and we will have to find some basements to finish, decks to build, or Joe may have to work at the shop!
I have gone back to work, part time-full time!
I have my little blog going for all of the fun stuff !
I make some, and buy the rest!
Right now, I am in the process of making tutus! Oh my, they are so cute, and I am noticing that they are different from everyone elses.
Most people tie their tulle on, not me, I am literally sewing it all together by hand, and my hands are NOT happy!
I am going to attempt to make my costume for Halloween this year, and if you come by the boutique this weekend, or the Moster Block Party on the 25th, you can see it for yourself!

I have also been accepted into the Midvale Quilted Bear! Boy, they seem so hard to get into these days!
I noticed last night that I sold my first item, a hair clippie, on the 8th of October!
YEAH!!!!

My brother is also coming into town, the end of the month, to take Braxton trick or treating.
We have a day planned at Lagoon, if anyone would like to join us!
November 1st, it is a Saturday, and the last day of the season!

Also, if anyone goes to a haunted house, please call me! I want to go soo bad, and Joe won't go with me!

I hope to update again soon!
Much love,
Jen

Seeing the beauty in my Children's eyes...

Being a full time mom is quite the job.

I have my good days, and I have my bad days.

My children have their good days, and they also have their bad days.

Either way, either day, I am massively in love with my children.

I only wish that there were a way that I could see the world through their eyes.

The innocence, the purity, and the unclouded judgement of others.

The way they see a butterfly or a preying mantis for the first time.

Their first coo, words, or explanation of something.

The way they touch things and taste them to get the full effect.

The smile in their face and in their eyes, and the unconditional love in their heart.

The way they look at me, or run to me when they are hurt.

The tears in my son's eyes as I cry, and he holds me.

Finding their feet or hands for the first time, or learning to draw a face with a body.

I only wonder if they know how much they really do mean to me. How much of my life is dedicated to them, and them only.

How much I would love to give them the world and then some.

How I wish I could take away past, present and future pain from them.

How much I look up to them, and how they inspire me in so many ways, one of which, to do good in this life.

The awe I get when a new milestone has come and gone......

The tear in my eye and my heart as I realize they are growing, and soon will become an adult.

The joy I have of imagining their graduations, weddings, and the anticipation of seeing how beautiful my grandchildren will be one day.

If only they could see themselves through my eyes.....

Ladies Night! ( Okay, mid day)

Hi Girls!

Just letting you know about the boutique at my house- this coming Saturday, the 2nd of August.

There will be tonz of stuff for us girls, and our babies and kids. I am hoping to get the guys shirts done, so they aren't left out of the loop!

Here is what we will have:
Jo Mama's Shoes

Gold Canyon Candles

Scentsy

Tinker Bear Gifts ( binkie bling, bracelets, hair clippies, head bands, beanies, baby clothing, toddler shirts, and more)

Heart String Designs Scrapbook items

Tiffany style jewelry

Beaded watches

Baby Kisses Jewelry

Women's Bags, Tee Shirts, Tanks, and hot pants!

We will also have Tamara here, with her latest CD!!!

Address is:
4331 West 8970 South
West Jordan
801-259-2353
(Enter from 4800 W)

10 am -1 pm

More pic's of what I am truly blessed for:

I am truly blessed....

I awoke today, thinking about how blessed I am, how blessed all of us are, to be here, in life, with the people we love, doing things we love, and learning about new things to love.

I met some new people last night, unfortunately, at a viewing, and although they were in despair, they were still so kind, open, and affectionate with me.

Life is short. We need to appreciate the things, and people we do have, not ponder and wish for the things we don't.

We need to show more love to those people in our lives who have made a difference, whether it is a big or small one.

Always tell people that you love them, guys or girls, you never know if it may be the last time, and you don't want to have the regret that you never let them know how special they are to you.

Here are some things that I feel I am truly blessed for:

1. My 4 senses

I can feel the touch of my children's hands, or their kiss on my cheek. Joe's kisses every morning on my forehead or cheek as I lay sleeping...

I can smell the beautiful flowers around me, the smell of a new baby, the smell of Joe's skin. ( don't ask, I can't explain)...

I can hear Braxton singing to me, or telling me how much he loves me and how SEXY I am....

I can see the beauty in the world. I can see the awe in my children's eyes as they see something for the first time. I can see myself in them.

I am able to see how much my husband adores and loves our children and even me....

2. I am so blessed to have the wonderful, loving, forgiving, patient husband that I have. He adores us, his family. He works hard every day to provide a nice home for us. He partakes in all parenting activities, diaper changes, baths, some housework, feedings, etc.

He gives me that unconditional love, and forgiveness he has at times that I don't really deserve it.

3. My children, Braxton and Brynlee. Both deserve a better mother... They are both the true loves of my life. They make me want to be a better person, make better choices, and become stronger within myself.

They bring out the beauty in my life, and the innocence.

4. My other children, Sassy, Smokey,Scooby, Gizmo, Snowball, Molly, Max and Trixie Lou Who....

The pure innocence of an animal is undescribable. Their loyalty to me is so strong. I can look at them with fear, or saddness, and they look back at me with that " you can do it" look.

They have been my constant companions, and will continue to be. I will never be, nor will my children be, without a 4 legged love in their lives.

5. My family, my mom, and brother.

The three of us have stuck through it all. Had our moments with eachother, and are still here for eachother.

My brother adores me, he and Braxton bring me the romance I love. The flowers Marc sends me because I am having a bad day, I can call him and cry about stupid things, and he listens, not laughs. My brother ADORES my children, he ADORES me, and is so THANKFUL for my husband.

Marc is my other "knight in shining armor".

My mom has been my rock through so many obstacles. Talk about unconditional love... She is my mommy, and such a wonderful grandmother.

At 34 she still thinks I am her baby, and tries to play mommy still..

6. My friends.... The real ones.... I don't have alot left, but those I do, I cherish.

Naomi and her family, mom and dad too. I have been "Adopted" into their family and truly feel like a part of them. They treat my children like their own, and also Joe and myself. If I ever need help, a shoulder to cry on, or some positive support, I know who to call.

Nay and I are like sisters, well we are. We can beat eachother's kids, and it is okay, ha ha! In Fact, we both expect it from one another.

We have spent a lot of time lately, sharing our thoughts, hopes, dreams, fears, and helping eachother climb up another step on the ladder. I have a wonderful and unique support system with the Obergs and Neals. If I ever need a good but chewing, boy, they aren't at all hesitant to call.

I think Nay and I talk almost every day, by 9 in the morning, and without either one of us yelling at the other for calling so early.

Thank you Nay, and family for being so good to me, to us.

7. My new found Wilson family... The Wilson's hadn't been in my life much at all. In the recent years, unfortunately, at my beautiful Aunts funeral, we all started having more to do with one another.

Amber, is like my little sis, and has always been around, along with my babe, Lonnie.

My family is now accepting me for the woman I am, and not looking at any faults I may have and passing judgement. Thank you for that. I truly feel like a Wilson now, and I know a lot of my cousins are who I need to thank for that.

I also have "new"cousins, who have added some joy into my life, the in law cousins- Britt. You Britt, are so lucky to have Kati, Jess and Michelle as your sis in laws. They adore you. I know you adore them too.

BTW, I soooo miss my uncle Lonnie, our weekly get togethers and our daily chats. If he weren't my uncle, he and I would have married. We are so close, and both adore eachother. I just love him so much. I miss him so much, and I need him back in my life so much!

There are so many million things I am blessed for, and I could be here all day posting them, but will wait for another time.

Just know that you, I am blessed to have in my life, I am blessed for all who have entered my life, in any way, whether it was positive or negative.

I love you all.

I have been Tagged!

Thanks for tagging me Kati:
Okay here are the rules: You link back to the person who tagged you, Post these rules on your blog, Share six unimportant things about yourself & Tag six random people at the end of your entry. Let the tagged people know by leaving a comment on their blogs. Enjoy the results!

1. I am really shy- UNTIL you get to know me, then I can't SHUT UP!

2. I love going in the tanning beds for some quiet time, heat, and sanity

3. I am not very good about maintaining my hair color and my fake nails!

4. I am a gigantic animal lover and truly wish I could own two of each kind of animal

5. My middle name is Jo, my cat's middle name is Jo, Brynlee's middle name is Jo and I married a Joe!

6. Sometimes I get too consumed by my kids, hubby, friends and family, that I forget who Jen really is!

I tag: Britt, Amber, Naomi, Melissa, Becky, and Cheltsy

Tee Ball Tyke!

WOW! Tee Ball is over! There were only 8 games, but since they started right when Brynlee was being born- things were crazy!

Braxton managed to make it to every game, except the ones that were cancelled.

Joe was the lucky one, and I volunteered him to coach! He wasn't to happy with me in the beginning, but when it was all said and done, I think he actually enjoyed it.

Joe coached 10 other kids, and boy did he have his hands full.

Normally, I would feel bad for him, with all of those loud, crazy kids, but hey! I am home with ours all day, every day, so no sympathy from me!

Braxton had a lot of fun, and made some new friends.

He even won a trophy in the end ( well, all the teams did!)

If you ask him though, HE WON!!!

Can't wait til the fall league........

A day out with the kids????

Okay ladies!

Summer is here and us mom's have got to find some sanity!
We also need to find some fun things for our kids to do this summer.
This will help educate them, and also help with behavior. If we plan some outings, they will be a great reward for good behavior!!!

So, I am going to try and plan an outing or get together of some kind, at the least, twice a month!

I want everyone's opinion, so the majority will rule, on which activity we do. Please pass this on to whomever you would like to! The more , the merrier!!!

1. Which days of the week do you think are best?


2. Which activity do you want to start out with?

So here is a list of some things, and prices: ( if you have an idea, wherever it may be, please send it to me! )

Hogle Zoo (Salt Lake ) www.hoglezoo.org
Adults, $8 Children 3-12 $6 ( children under are free)

http://www.dinosaurpark.org/ Dinosaur Park- Ogden
2-12$4 Adults $6

Living Planet Aquarium http://www.thelivingplanet.com/LPA/home.html Sandy
Adults $8 3-17 $6 under free

Thanksgiving point petting zoo: Lehi http://www.thanksgivingpoint.com/
Adults 3.50 for adult and children 2 and under are free!
Dinosaur museum : $10 for adults $8 for children

Utah Children's Museum http://www.childmuseum.org/planyourvisit.html SLC ( Gateway )
$8.50 for everyone

Red Butte Garden's http://www.redbuttegarden.org/ SLC
$6 for adults $4 for children

Tracy Aviary http://www.tracyaviary.org/ SLC
adults $5 children $3

Bouncing off the Walls http://www.bouncinoffthewalls.com/open.php Sandy
Children $5 parents free

Classic Skate and water park: .classicfuncentehttp://wwwr.com/

Boondocks ( draper ) http://www.boondocksfuncenter.com/

Golf Mulligan's Miniature : http://www.mulligans-south.com/ Sandy

Local Parks for some play !!


Thanks! and let me know ASAP so I can start getting some stuff planned!

Mommy and Me

I can't believe how fast time has flown by.

Brynlee is now a month old, and Teeball is over for Braxton.

Summer is almost here, and today was rainy and cold.

Nay came over today with her trusty camera and shot away.

Here is some of our day with Nay....

If anyone is interested in having Nay do some pic's, let me know! She is awesome, and very particular about them! She even played hair dresser and would fix my hair for each photo, so I didn't look like an idiot!

Thanks so much Nay, your time is so valuable, and your eye is perfection!