Weight Loss Update and A Day at the Fair

Weight Loss Update:
I decided to go ahead and weigh-in today (a day early) while at the gym and I have lost another 3 lbs! Yahoo! I can't believe it. It really feels good. Thanks to you all for your support.


A Day at the Fair:

After a workout at the gym with Renay and Keri, we all went to the Tri-State Fair. We met Melissa, a friend of Keri's, there. I am sure we were quite a sight with a group of 4 adults and 7 kids! Wow! I have never been to the fair. It was quite a lot to take in. I figured out that as far as food goes it has to be one of two things to be considered "Fair" food.... it has to be fried or it has to be on a stick! I saw signs for fried pickles, fried ice cream, and fried s'mores!

Now since I have been so good lately with my diet and work-out regimen, I decided that it was ok to treat myself (which is why I weighed in today and not tomorrow!). So I had a corn dog (regular sized, not the foot-long ones!), we all shared some Texas Tators, and then Caden and I shared a funnel cake. I have to say the corn dog was really good and I should have stopped there. After the funnel cake, I could literally feel my arteries clogging and my stomach didn't feel so well either!

After lunch we walked over to the textiles exhibit and took in all the hand-made goods. We saw some really good-looking pies and baked goods. We also saw some beautiful photography. I think next year I may enter in some things. I think I could enter in a few baked goods and maybe even a photograph or two! :)

Afterwards we were going to watch a gentleman whittle some wood... with a chainsaw... but the winds were so strong today and the exhaust from his chainsaw was a little too much. Caden was also distracted by a mechanical bull behind us, so we soon found ourselves watching Caden ride a bucking bull! Yee-haw, cowboy!

We made our to the petting zoo exhibit and most of the kids really had a good time petting all the animals.

It was really a great day spent with great friends!

Here are some pictures of the afternoon.

~jen

*Caden was so serious at first while on the bull, he kept a close eye on the gentleman working the controls of the bull... but then he finally lightened up. I tried to get a picture of him with one arm up in the air, but whenever I asked him to hold up his hand... he would only do it for literally 2 seconds and then he had it securely fastened to the rope!

*Yuck! Believe me, if I could have covered Caden and I from head to toe with alcohol gel after petting the animals... I would have! We did get our hands cleaned and then went straight home and had a bath!

Everyone Loves a Parade!

Today Caden and I joined a good friend of mine and her 2 kiddos and we all went to the Tri-State Fair Parade. I have never been to watch the parade, so I was really excited to go. Cody was invited by a friend to participate in the parade. Caden and I had a great time. Here are some pictures of the morning.
~jen

*Cade's trying to pop the bubbles that were coming off of a float. (That's a sucker in his mouth.)

*This was one of Caden's favorite cars in the parade. He thought this car was too cool!

*Here's Cody passing out candy to all the kids!

*Apparently Cody's friend's group was supporting 'Frank for Sheriff'. Not sure who Frank is... but Cody had a lot of fun taking part in the parade!

Another Great Work-Out

Ok... I'm not going to blog about every workout. But, today was a great time spent with two good friends... Renay and Keri. It was really a lot of fun. It was such an encouragement to have these 2 right beside me.
Keri, you are a great motivator and I enjoyed visiting with you about Caden and KU (Keri is Cade's teacher at KU.). Every few minutes Keri would say... ok... get to 170 cal burned, or get to 3/4 mile mark. Thanks for pushing us along and for the encouragement!
Renay, I enjoyed spending the time with you. By the way... love the new hairstyle! (Renay and I have this awesome friendship... talk basically every day... but only see each other once every few months!)
We have to do it again soon, girls! It was really a fun time!

~jen

Newspaper Link

Here's a link to Cody's team's highlights from Tuesday.

The touchdown pass that Cody received was 45 yards! Way to go Cody! :)

http://www.amarillo.com/stories/091207/mor_8457835.shtml

~jen

Way to go RENAY!!

My friend Renay calls me last night at 8:45... and says... so, you want to go to the gym tonight?

What??? Are you kidding me? I've just worked a 12 hour shift, walked up and down my assigned hallway 100+ times (which was on the Cardiology floor- it was my time to be "pulled"), tired as can be.... no way do I want to go to the gym! :)

However, I have to say that I am really proud of Renay. I am sure she was up at the crack of dawn yesterday getting her older kids ready for school and then took care of her 1 year old twin girls, helped with homework, cooked supper, helped get the kids ready for bed, AND then drove the 20 mins or so that it probably takes to get to the gym. So, WAY TO GO RENAY! I love your commitment and your enthusiasm! Hope you had a great work-out.

Love you,
~jen

First Football Game Pics

Cody had his first game today. His team played one of their biggest competitors and Crockett WON! The final score was 14-6. Cody had an amazing touchdown on a pass play! It was awesome... and luckily I had moved toward the end zone a few plays earlier so I was right there cheering him on! It was so exciting! Here are some pictures of the game. Thanks to Marcia, Rebecca, Aaron, and Sadie for joining us. I appreciate you coming and supporting Cody!

~jen


*I snapped this pic right before Cody caught the touchdown pass!

Weight Loss Update

Drum roll......

3 lbs lost! I know it is a small amount... but it is a start. Only 27 lbs more to meet goal #1.

I just got back from the gym. It is such a great feeling... it's so energizing. Believe me it was hard to get there. I almost had myself talked out of it. There's housework, cleaning, laundry and dishes to be done.... but it can wait. Working out was more important... so I didn't let my temptation get the best of me and I went to the gym! Yeah!

Now it's time to start on the house! :)

~jen

Fall is in the air....

If you live in Amarillo, open the windows and enjoy the free air conditioning! Our first "cold front" is blowing in right now. It is very cloudy here, and there is a cool breeze in the air. It is wonderful! I saw the temperature was a cool 60 degrees now and falling. By morning we could be down into the 40's-50's. I know I sound like a meteorologist... but I am just so excited for fall to get here! It is one of my favorite times of the year! I spent the day Saturday setting out all of my fall things. I went to Hobby Lobby today and picked up some flowers to make a fall wreath for my front door. I think it turned out really pretty! :)

Hope all is well with each of you. We are doing great. Cody called earlier today to let me know that he will be starting on offense (wide receiver), and he will be on the kick-off and return team for tomorrow's game. Return team doesn't sound right. Is that the right name for it? He will be on the special team that receives a kick-off. Make sense? :)

Cade's doing well. He found his long-lost Cars XBox game (it was under the couch) this weekend, so he is so excited to play it again. He is excited for tomorrow to get here... it's KU day (preschool)! He has really enjoyed school so far! His first soccer games are this weekend. I am excited to watch him play. It should be fun.

Mike and I are doing fine. Nothing really new to report with either of us. NFL football has officially started this past weekend. Say a prayer for me. It's going to be a long season! :)

Hope all is well with each of you!

~jen

Happy Grandparent's Day!

Happy Grandparent's Day!


I have always thought I had the most wonderful sets of grandparents. That hasn't changed. I know that I am blessed to have my Papa, Granny, Grandma, and Pa still living and an active part of my life.

Some of my most favorite memories are these:
-All the trips to Lake Diversion with Grandma and Pa
-The summers I spent on the road with Granny and Papa in a non-air conditioned Studebaker traveling to a Studebaker Convention
-My Grandma's chocolate chip cookies
-Watching my Granny work in her beauty shop
-Pa teaching me how to drive the Suburban
-Papa picking me up in Electra to ride the train
-Riding on the Joy Bus after church
-My Granny's Christmas Day meal

There are so many more that I could list. I will truly cherish each memory. What gives me even more pleasure is knowing that my kids will each have memories of not only their grandparents but their great-grandparents as well!

We are truly blessed.

Grandparent's Poem
~Author Unknown~
There is a special kind of love that grandchildren have for their grandparents.
It's filled with respect for their wisdom and accomplishments
with gratitude for the values they've given us
with delight in the stories of our family that they remember and share.
It's a special kind of love that's built on a lifetime of caring and giving.
It's the kind of love that's felt for you,

Granny and Papa, Grandma and Pa.... today and always.

With much love to Granny, Papa, Grandma, and Pa...
Happy Grandparent's Day!

Love,
~Jennifer

PS... A special thank you to Mom, Dad, Donnie and Marcia for being such great grandparents to Cody and Caden. Mike and I appreciate all that you do for the boys!

Bike Helmet

Here's another Caden story for you all!

Earlier today I drove Cody out to the golf course. Caden knew we were getting ready to leave, so he ran outside ahead of us to get in a quick bicycle ride. He had his helmet on and as we were getting loaded up I asked Caden to take off his helmet while we were in the car. To be quite honest he looked a little silly sitting in his car seat with his bicycle helmet on and I was a little embarrassed.

Well, he said no way, he wanted to wear it. I'm learning to let go of the small stuff and only fight the big battles, so I just said ok.

We had to stop by Mike's office to pick up Cody's golf clubs, and as we were waiting, Mike came out to the car to say hello. Of course Mike's grinning from ear to ear once he sees Caden sitting in the back seat with his bicycle helmet securely fastened to his head. He asks Caden why he has on his bike helmet. Caden replies... just in case mommy crashes... she's a crazy driver.

Thanks, Caden.

~jen

Gold Team

Cody made the Gold team in football! First game is next Tuesday at Mann Middle School at 4:00. You are all welcome to join us!

~jen

Big Boy Bike

Caden decided to spend the last of his birthday money today while we were at Wal-Mart. He found a bike that he liked. Here are a few pictures!

We Both Survived Our 1st Day of Pre-K!

Caden made it through his first day of Pre-K! His Mommy did too!

Caden's first words when I picked him up: "I didn't get in time-out today!". Yeah! I was glad to hear that! :) Then he said he had the nicest teacher and he really likes Ms. Keri. She sat by him at lunch and they talked about soccer. Overall, I think he had a great first day. He really thinks he is such a big boy now and can't wait for Thursday to get here!

As for me.... I did pretty well. I stayed very busy all day. After dropping him off, I came home for a little while then decided to go get a manicure and pedicure. Confession: I have never had a pedicure. I have always wanted one, but never had enough courage. (Somewhere in the back of my mind is the scene from Steel Magnolias when Annelle has to give Ouiser a pedicure.) But I decided to give it a try. The massage chair was probably my favorite part. I didn't really enjoy the pedicure experience. The water was way too hot, the lady nicked one of my cuticles (then the nurse in me thought... wonder what kind of staph infection I could get from that!), I hated when she used the pumice stone on the bottom of my feet...but the best part is that my toenails look so pretty. I chose a pretty shade of pink and she painted some flowers on my big toenails! Too cute! We decided that I didn't really need a full manicure, so she just cleaned up my fingernails and put a clear coat on them.

Over the past few days I have been thinking a lot about a number of things... from Caden starting preschool to Cody being in high school next year... and one of the bigger ones is my weight. I decided over the weekend that it was time to make some changes. So after my spa experience I joined Weight Watchers. It was very depressing to see my weight right there on paper... in black and white. There was no denying it. Time to face reality. Time to make some serious changes. Time to commit. Time to get healthy. Time to lose the weight and keep it off.

My short term goal is at least 30 pounds lost by Christmas. So there it is...I've made it public... it holds me more accountable if everyone knows. I'll post on Tuesdays about the progress I am making.... which will be more for me personally. I can look back and see how I've done and hopefully I will stay on track to make my goal.

~jen

1st Day of Pre-K!!

Today was Caden's first day of Pre-K. I think he was up about 5 times throughout the night...just so excited for it be morning. He and I went and had breakfast at McDonald's (aka Mr. Donald's per Caden). We had a nice time. Of course, the whole time I am fighting back the tears knowing what's ahead.

Once at school, Caden seemed a little shy, but not scared. He gave each of his teachers a bag of goodies, found his spot to hang his back-pack, and then sat in his seat to begin playing with play-dough (one of his favorite activities!). He gave me a great big good-bye hug and kiss and asked what time I would pick him up. That was it. No big deal.

I did well until it was time to leave. I didn't dare let him see the tears even through our good-bye hug. But as I was hugging Keri, one of his teachers, on my way out... they came. So I quickly left. Made it to my car and then sobbed. This is so hard. Caden is my baby. I know he isn't a baby anymore. But starting school is a new chapter for him... and for me. It's the beginning of the last of the "firsts". He is the youngest, so every "first" he has is the last for us to experience.

I know he is going to have a great day. Knowing Keri is there, makes it so much more easier. I know he is going to be safe, loved, nurtured and he is getting a great start to his education.

Hopefully I can make until 2:30. I am so excited to hear all about his day.

Here are some pictures of the morning:

*1st Day of Pre-K picture

*Close up of Caden's new smile

*Sitting in his seat in his classroom

~jen

End of Garage Sale Day #1

I am so tired! There is nothing worse than a garage sale. You spend countless hours getting ready for the sale.... set up tables... put everything out... and then sit for 8 hours trying to sell all of your junk. Don't even get me started on the "customers". I think I was asked 5 times today if a cordless phone I was selling worked. I honestly wanted to say... "no, it doesn't work... I'm just trying to sell it for $5 to see if someone will actually buy it!". And don't even get me started on the people who gather up a good $20 worth of clothes... enough clothes to last a week.... and then ask if you will sell all 40 pieces for $2! I know that I spent well over $200 on those clothes that were worn for 1 season and now I am selling them for 90% off what I paid for them! Give me a break people! I got to the point that whenever someone asked me to go lower, I just said "no". I think I even made one lady mad, but after being haggled all day.... enough is enough!

But it's only half-over... I still have tomorrow to get through!

~jen

Meet-n-Greet and Just my luck!

Meet-n-Greet...
Tonight was Caden's "meet-n-greet" at his new preschool. He was so excited to attend. I was lucky enough to get to leave work early this evening so I could attend with Mike and Caden. We were able to meet Cade's teachers, Ms. Keri and Ms. Teresa. We also got to see Caden's wonderful classroom. Caden will have 13 other classmates. He met a couple of other little boys in his class and hopefully they will be on their way to forming friendships! I am so excited for him (and a little nervous, anxious, worried....what else.... ) but I know he will be fine. :)

Just my luck...
For the past couple of weeks I have been getting ready for a much needed garage sale planned for this weekend. My kitchen is completely full of garage sale goodies, along with a packed garage. So, I am really anxious to get all of this JUNK out of my home! I decided this evening to go ahead and hang my Garage Sale posters around our neighborhood. Before I left I took one last check of the weather radar, just to make sure there weren't any storms rolling our way. (All evening it has looked like it could rain at any point.) Well the radar was clear, so I thought "go ahead, it won't rain". Wouldn't you know it, right after I hung up the last of my 8 signs, it began pouring rain! I can't wait to see what shape these signs are in the morning! Hopefully the sale will be a success.... without any further rain showers!

~jen

Where's the Tooth Fairy?

This will go down in history as one of those tooth fairy bloopers!

Last night Caden lost tooth # 2! He has had a loose tooth for a few weeks, but has been wiggling it with great determination to get it out! Well, last night it was time to pull it. I had the honors of doing it. I guess I did such a great job with the first one, that Caden had complete confidence that I could get the job done! Mike seemed a little disappointed that he did not get to pull it. But when ever he tells horror stories of pliers and strings attached to doorknobs to pull teeth, Caden doesn't want him to come anywhere near his loose tooth! :)

After a couple of tries, the baby tooth popped right out! It was so funny to watch Cade's expression go from "ouch, that hurt" to laughter the very next second! He immediately ran to the bathroom to take a look at his new smile!

He ran into the kitchen, grabbed a baggie, placed his tooth in it, and ran to put it under his pillow.

I worked yesterday, so I decided to go to bed a little early last night, so I reminded Mike to be sure and take care of the tooth fairy duty before he went to bed.

Mistake #1. Mike was watching the golf channel when I told him to take care of the tooth.... I should have repeated myself about 5 times, instead of assuming that he was paying attention to what I had just said.

All was well this morning (at least I assumed) until a little boy made his way into the living room, bottom lip trembling, carrying the baggie with the TOOTH STILL IN IT, and trying to explain to me that the tooth fairy didn't come, all-the-while trying his 5 year old best not to cry.

My heart was broken for this child of mine! I quickly made up (aka LIED) a story that the tooth fairy must have been so busy last night that she (Caden interrupted and said "not she, but "HE", the tooth fairy is a boy") couldn't come by, but he will definitely stop by tonight....maybe even during nap-time today! He said a quiet "ok" and let me rock him for a few minutes. I felt so horrible for him. What a disappointment!

I put on some cartoons, made sure Caden was ok, and quickly made my way to our bedroom where I not-so-nicely woke Mike up to ask him what he FORGOT to do last night! His response... "oh, yeah.... I was supposed to do that.... hum.... sorry".

MEN!

So, I will make sure our "boy" tooth fairy will deliver some extra money during nap-time for this injustice that has occurred!
:)

~jen

1st Day of 8th Grade!!

Well I just got home from taking Cody to school! I cannot believe he is in 8th grade! We are now 1 year away from high school!

He actually woke up on his own this morning....before me! I was quite proud (and happy to avoid the whole wake-up Cody routine!)!

I tried to do my best "mom" speech this morning. I tried to remind him to stay organized, keep on top of his homework, be respectful, be nice to the 6th graders even though he is a "big boy" on campus this year, do his best in each class and athletics, and to have fun. Do you know what Cody's response was.... he mooned me! Not a "full" moon, but a half-moon (all I saw was underwear!). What respect this child of mine has for his mom! :)

I had to threaten him to get this picture. I told him that if he didn't do it, that I would make sure he arrived to school late! It is a tradition... I get a picture on the first day of each school year... it doesn't matter what grade he is in, I'll do this all the way through high school! This one is a great "I can't believe you are making me do this, mom" picture.

I pray that he will always be safe and well-cared for while he is in school. I don't care how old he is, I want him to be in an environment that he feels safe in. I pray that he does well this year in both academics and athletics. I hope he has a ton of fun. I hope he cherishes every moment!

Have a great day everyone!

~jen

Cadenisms

Here are my latest Caden stories and phrases from the past week or so!

- "Mom, how 'bout you call me Cody and call Cody Caden?"

-On our way to soccer practice... "I am going to dominate!"

-"Hey Baby, Baby" and then he does this thing with his eye brows after he says it!

-"I'm ready for Cody to go to school, Mom." (Me, too Caden!)

-"I don't need to drink milk any more, Mom. Milk is for babies."

-"Where do green beans come from? Chicken?" (I have NO idea the rationale behind this one! We definitely need to go to Mamaw's garden and have a little lesson!)

-Before I left for the store the other day Caden says to me all matter-of-fact like... "Mom, I am just going to stay at home by myself while you're at the store. I'll be fine." (Yeah, right! I don't think so! So a very unhappy little boy accompanied me to the store. We had a great time!)

:)

~jen

Latest news....

So sorry it has been so long since my last post. Things have been a little crazy around here lately! Here are a few blurbs from the past week or so!

-Cody is officially registered and ready for school. He has a great schedule, with some of the same teachers that he had last year. He went up to the school early this morning to check out his football gear! Now the excitement has really begun! I just hope I can deal with him complaining next week about all the running that I know he will be doing! Practices are after school this year... it's still pretty hot these days, so I hope he survives!

-Cody and a friend of his had their cell phones broken by a high school kid last weekend while at the town club. The police were called and the boys (and us) filed a police report. We've been told that the chances of anything happening to the boy who broke the phones were slim. He basically had to confess. There was a witness to the high school boy rummaging through Cody and his friend's things, but not to actually breaking the phones. It was really hard to tell Cody that the high school boy may never be punished for his action. It is such a violating feeling. I am proud of Cody for standing up for himself and doing the right thing, though. Hopefully nothing further will happen between him and the high school boy (and/or the high school boy's friends!). Cody received a new cell phone in the mail today, so he is excited to be "whole" again. What in the world did we do before cell phones!

-Caden is also registered for school. We have decided to wait another year before starting Caden in Kindergarten. He will still attend our local elementary school for speech therapy each week. He will have a new speech teacher this year and we are excited to meet her. He will also begin a "pre-school" this fall at Central Church of Christ's Kid University. He will attend "school" 2 days a week on Tuesday and Thursdays. My good friend Renay's sister, Keri, is a teacher there and Caden will be in her class. I am so excited for Caden. I know Keri is going to be a great teacher and it will be very comforting knowing that she will be taking care of him. It really helps to ease my mind some! Maybe I won't worry.... as much! I know this will be a great opportunity for him and will prepare him for Kindergarten next year.

-Caden has started soccer. He has caught on quickly and he tells me all the time that the # 1 rule in soccer is NO HANDS! His coach did a great job getting that rule across to the kids. I was a little nervous about his coach because he is one of the head soccer coaches at a local high school and also coaches an Amarillo soccer team. But, he has been great! We are excited to watch Caden play this fall. I am sure it will be fun to watch!

Hope all is well with each of you.

~jen

Long Lost Friends

In high school I had a large group of friends from church. We did everything together. Over the years, we slowly lost touch with one another. Most of them have moved away, and I am sure have started families of their own. I've often wondered about each of them... what are they doing, are they married, how many kids, where are they working, how their parents are... the list of questions goes on and on.

Well, thanks to my friend Renay, I have gotten in touch with my close friend from high school, Mary Beth. We've emailed each other and are on our way to trying to catch up from the last 15 years! It has given me a new determination to try and contact as many people from my past! Even though it seems like high school was just yesterday...it's hard to realize that 15-16 years have passed. That's a really long time!

So, thanks Renay for getting Mary Beth and I in contact with each other! :)
~jen

We're back.

We made it home Sunday afternoon after a long weekend at my grandparent's house. My parents were there also. We had a nice time. Didn't really do much. The kids, my mom, and I went to the mall in Denton to get the kids some shoes. Thanks, Mom for the shoes. The kids have really loved them. Especially Caden. He knows that they make him jump higher and run faster than ever! :)
Now we are trying to get the house clean, get ready for a much needed garage sale, and get the kids ready for school. The countdown has begun... only 13 more days until school starts for Cody. (Caden will start the day after Labor day.)
I guess this is all for now. There isn't much going on. Just enjoying each day and trying to find a way to stay cool. Boy, has it been hot lately! I am ready for fall to get here!
Take care everyone,
~jen

The Wonder of Space

I have to tell you that I get goosebumps every time I see a space shuttle lift off into space. What a wonder it is. What an extraordinary event to witness. I can only imagine what it would be like to see in person.

What makes today's launch so much more meaningful is that I remember sitting in my 6th grade class room with all of my classmates watching the Challenger launch. It was so exciting because a teacher was going up in space for the first time. We had been studying space in science class. We were all so excited to witness this piece of history. Of course, minutes into the launch, we all witnessed the explosion before our very eyes and another piece of history was made instead. What a tragedy it was. I remember my teacher just broke down and cried. It was such a sad day.

But today was a celebration for all those who have lost their lives attempting to reach a dream.

Caden watched in full amazement as the shuttle Endeavour climbed higher and higher into the vast blue sky. He turned to me in awe and said, "I want to do that when I grow up, Mommy!".
I just thought... dream big, little one... and it can be yours.

~jen

Season's Over

Well, I am sitting at my computer with a smile on my face because this year's golf tournament season is
O-V-E-R! Yeah! Now, don't get me wrong, I absolutely love to watch Cody play. I get just as excited as he does when he hits the ball well or makes an awesome putt. I love to watch him compete and have a wonderful time with all of his new and old golfing buddies. This group of boys will be competing against each other for the next 4-5 years, but hopefully they will all remain such great supportive friends to each other.

Cody lost today's round and was eliminated from the tournament. It was a disappointment to him, but he understands that he was playing against some boys who were physically stronger and more mature than him. I only wish he could have played in his own age bracket. Even though he lost this tournament, he played very close to the level that the boys who were 3-5 years older than him played. He gave them a run over these past 2 days and I am so proud of him for the way he played!

Cody has come a long way this tournament season when compared to last year's. Last year in Cody's age bracket, he tied for 82nd place (out of 105 players). This year, Cody placed 12th (out of 99 players). These players are from the West Texas Region and play/live anywhere from Dalhart, to Amarillo, to Lubbock, and all the way down to Midland and Odessa. I can't tell you how proud Mike and I are of Cody and all that he has accomplished this year. He has improved so much and we have so much to look forward to next year!

Now that golf is over.... get ready for some football! Only 3 more weeks and the football season officially begins! Also, for you soccer fans.... Caden starts soccer in a couple of weeks! So get ready for some great highlights from Caden, too!

The boys and I are leaving tomorrow for a weekend trip to my grandparents. My mom and dad will also be there. We are looking forward to spending some much needed family time with them.

Take care everyone.

~jen

Whew...what a day!

We have been going non-stop since about 8:30 this morning (that doesn't include that fact that I woke up for some unknown reason at 5:30 this morning). Cody had the first part of his last (at least I hope his last) tournament today. Cody is having to play with the 16-18 age group boys during this tournament because Mike and I have a major communication problem! Mike thought that I had signed Cody up for this tournament weeks ago, and I thought he had signed him up (because Mike was the one that even brought up the idea of Cody playing in the tournament!). Well of course on Friday evening we all realized that no one had signed Cody up. And boy, was Cody ever upset. I am sure that if there was a "Worst Mother of the Year" award I would have been nominated! Why the brunt of the disappointment was directed towards me and not equally towards Mike and I, I don't know; but, boy was he upset with me! (Oh the joys of parenting!) Anyway, we got Cody signed up, but the only available slot was in the 16-18 age group.

I am really proud of Cody, though. He played very well today considering he was playing against boys 3-5 years older, stronger, and more mature in the game of golf than him. I got tickled at him because he came up to me and said, "Do you realize that I playing against boys that can drive cars! They drove themselves to this tournament, mom.". I think he thought he was pretty cool playing with the big boys! And I am sure he was a little embarrassed having his mom there!

After a tough day, he lost today's round. But since it is a double elimination, he plays again tomorrow morning. If he wins, then he will play in the finals on Thursday; if he loses, then he is done.

Caden made it through about half of the tournament so he and I decided to take a break. Our dog has been limping for the past couple of days and since it seemed to be getting worse, he and I took our dog to our vet. Caden loves the vet's office. Boomer, on the other hand took a long time to warm up to the place. I had to literally drag him into the office! After an examination and x-ray, it was decided that Boomer has a soft tissue injury to his front paw. No broken bones, thank goodness! He got an injection of a NSAID and some pain pills to take over the next few days. Hopefully he will be back to his playful self again. Even though he has not whimpered once, it is so hard to see him limping!

Of course after that I had to drive back to the golf course and pick up Cody. Then onto home to drop off the kids, and then to what else... the grocery store! I have worked the past 2 days, so the grocery supply at our house was limited! I think after all the trips today, I put close to 75 miles on my car!

Again... Whew, what a day!

As much as I would like to say that I could rest tomorrow... oh, no, we have Day #2 of the tournament to go to!

When does school start? Because I need a break! :)

Hope everyone is well. Love to you all.
~jen

Cade's Newest Phrase

As many of you know, Caden is always coming up with a new phrase!

We've gone through quite a few:
-You are a meat-head (this is still a favorite).
-You old lady (he has not used this one on me...yet).
-Meanie (another favorite)
-Holy cow
-I'm not your friend anymore.

His latest phrase... Aye, Aye Captain!

As in...
Me: Caden, it's time to pick up your toys.
Caden: Aye, Aye Captain!

Me: Caden, go tell Cody supper's ready.
Caden: Aye, Aye Captain!

Me: It's bedtime, Caden.
Caden: Aye, Aye Captain!

I'm not too sure how I feel about being called "Captain". I much as I try to run a "tight ship" around here... it's not happening! I am as far away from the "Captain" status as it gets! Oh well... at least it brings a smile to my face whenever I hear Caden say "Aye, Aye Captain!". :)

~jen

Cell phone(s) found!

Well, a kind person at the golf course returned my lost cell phone Wednesday evening. Mike brought it home that night along with Cody's phone! It seems that not only was Cody's cell phone not working.... it too was lost (a small detail that Cody did not share with us!). Cody's phone is once again working thanks to Mike's discovery that Cody had the phone's SIM card in backwards!
So, now all that remains missing are my car keys! Hopefully they too will turn up... soon!
~jen


PS... Cade is feeling much better these days. His eyes have cleared up. All that remains is a small cough every once in a while.

What else? Part 2

Well, I asked the question "what else?", so let's add pink eye into the list of things going on right now! Caden woke up this morning with the cruddy, red, itchy eyes! This poor little boy! When he gets sick, he gets SICK! Hopefully he will get everything out of his system and be well soon!

Take care,
~jen

What else?

I am afraid to even ask what else....

I had to take Cade to the doctor this afternoon. He has not been feeling well for the past couple of days, so I thought it would be best to have him checked out. Sure enough he has an ear infection, sinus infection, and an upper respiratory infection! I started him on an antibiotic this evening, so hopefully he will be feeling better within the next couple of days.

As if that wasn't enough to deal with, Cody lost my cell phone out on the golf course this afternoon. He had mine because his isn't working right now (I have no idea what's wrong, it just doesn't work). SO... I am without a cell phone until mine turns up (who knows if that will happen, because Cody's not really sure where he lost it) or we are able to purchase a new one!

And then on top of all that my car/house keys are missing. They have been missing for a day now. No one seems to know where they vanished to. Cody has a bad habit of taking them to either get something out of the car, or move the car to play basketball and then not returning my keys to my purse. A few weeks ago I found my keys outside on the window ledge of the house after he had taken them the night before to move the car! Luckily I found my keys and my car the next morning! So who knows where my keys have disappeared to. Maybe they are with my cell phone!

What a day. And what makes today even worse (as if all the above wasn't enough), is that I have been having some lower GI issues all day (I'll spare you the details). It's finally slowed down, just a lot of stomach rumbles right now. I am glad today is over with, because honestly, I need a fresh start tomorrow!

~jen

Some thoughts...

I have so much on my mind this evening. The boys are out at the park with Mike hitting some golf balls. The house is quiet. My mind just races.

For the past couple of weeks I feel as though I have been on a downward spiral. Things at work are at an all-time low. I feel so lost. On one hand I have the perfect job. My director works with my schedule so that I can attend everything that the kids have going on. I only have to work 2 days a week. I earn a very good wage.

On the other hand, I do not enjoy my job at all. It is affecting everything about me. I don't feel that I am the same person I was before. I am more tense, tired, anxious, tearful, depressed, withdrawn.... it seems to be affecting Mike and the kids and my relationship with each of them.

So where is the middle ground, what do I do? Do I continue to work where I am at now just because I can attend every football & basketball game, golf tournament, or special event? Or do I sacrifice that freedom so I can find another nursing position that I may enjoy? And what about Caden.... is it fair for him to have to go to daycare 2-3 days a week and preschool the other 2 days? I don't know what to do. Part of me is fearful of leaving the hospital, because honestly... what if the next job isn't any better?

I've applied for a position with Texas Panhandle Mental Retardation Mental Health. They have a nursing position available working in a home health type setting. The job is Mon-Fri, 8-5. No holidays, no late nights, no weekends. I think I would enjoy working there. I really enjoyed my job working with the special education kids with the Amarillo school district and I loved my mental health rotation in school. So, we'll see what happens. I was told that not many people have applied for the job when I turned in my application.

I don't know if this is the right move for me. I was talking to Mike about the pro's and con's and I think right now what worries me is working more hours, Caden has to go to daycare more, and I am not going to see much of an increase in pay (especially after paying more in daycare). But, then Mike just said... maybe you will love your job, maybe this will be the job that makes you happy.

So, here's the thing. This isn't a "feel sorry for Jennifer" post. This is more for me. This is a little decompression time. This is one of those journal-type posts where 6 months from now I can look back and hopefully see a low point that has turned around and become something better.

I pray for guidance and strength, and that I may not lose hope or sight of why I became a nurse.
~jen

Pictures of the Boys

My cousin, Taylor Howard, took these beautiful pictures of the boys for me while we were in Arkansas last month. Aren't they gorgeous! I know I am bragging... and that I am biased... but I love these beautiful pictures! (Thank you, Taylor. You did a wonderful job!)

~jen

(PS....Family, let me know which pictures you would like for me to order for you!)

2nd place finish

Here are some pictures of Cody from today's golf tournament in Pampa. He placed 2nd with a score of 79, 8 over par. He played really well the whole day. Currently, he is in 8th place within the North Texas PGA Junior Golf Foundation West Texas Boys, ages 12-13 (this does not include today's win; the standings should be updated within a week or so.). He has one last NTPGA tournament at the end of the month at La Paloma. Since this is his "home course", hopefully he will finish strong.

Next week he will play in the La Paloma Junior Club Championship. This tournament is for members only. He is really excited about this tournament. He knows this course front and backwards, and improves every time he plays.

He has a 3 day tournament coming up the first week of August at Ross Rogers for the Amarillo Junior Championship. This will be a l-o-n-g tournament for both of us! Hopefully he will finish the tournament season on a high note! As much as I have enjoyed watching him play, I have to be honest and say that I am ready for the tournament season to end! I am exhausted, and I am not even the one playing!

Cody finished basketball camp yesterday. He learned a ton, said he did about a 1000 push-ups, and overall had a good time. He received a second place ribbon for lay-ups.

Football camp starts next week! BUSY....BUSY....BUSY! :)

~jen

Summer Indulgence

I have to admit that I am a reality TV junkie. Having grown up as a true fan of the first reality TV show...Real World, "This is the true story, of seven strangers, picked to live in a house, work together,and have their lives taped, to find out what happens when people stop being polite, and start getting real. The Real World" ... I continue to love to watch any type of reality show.

So my new summer "reality" indulgence is Big Brother Season 8. Mike laughs at me every time he catches me watching it. He is not a fan of reality TV. He thinks it's all scripted!

If you watch Big Brother, here are my thoughts....
Can I just tell you all how much I dislike Jen?! I know we share the same name.... but I cannot stand her! Even as I write this I think how silly it is that I have such disdain over someone I don't even know! It is amazing how "connected" we think we are with these individuals. I don't have a favorite yet and I couldn't even guess as to who will win at the end; but boy I do love to watch the drama unfold!

~jen

Butterfly Tattoo

So the other day I am talking with my mom and she asks (in a serious tone), "did you read my post to your blog?" (see: Comment). I had already received an email of the post and knew what she was talking about. I broke out laughing trying to explain to my mom that I DID NOT HAVE A TATTOO! I think she finally believed me. I think she must have blocked out everything from #67-#100 from my 100th Post after reading that I had a butterfly tattoo! It was too funny!
I love you, Mom!

~jen

Curfews

Well, I posted something about Caden earlier, now it's Cody's turn.

Curfews. Most of us had them growing up. Mine in high school was midnight. And I remember on more than one occasion calling my dad in the middle of the night (at approx 11:58) and asking for more time. Where do we as kids learn this?

Even Cody has caught on to the curfew bargaining.

Conversation:
Me: Cody, you need to be home at 8:00.
Cody: How about 8:30?
Me: No, I said 8:00.
Cody: Why? How about 8:20?
Me: 8:00 Cody
Cody: Mom, please. Let's negotiate. 8:15?
Me: OK let's negotiate.... be home at 7:45.
Cody: I'll be home at 8:00.

I swear this kid's going to be a lawyer someday!

~jen
(By the way, it's 8:05 and Cody's just walking in the door!)

Meat head

Caden's new word at the moment is "meat head". As in "You're a Meat Head, Mommy!". He especially likes to use this phrase when he is in trouble. Lately, Caden has been regressing back to the terrible two's! It seems to be getting worse than ever lately. I am at my wits end with this little one! I thought we would be well out of the terrible 2's-3's- and 4's phase, I guess there is a new terrible-5 phase awaiting us! Oh, the joys of children! :)

~jen

Nothing new....

Nothing new to share....

The kids are both staying busy playing in the pool or playing golf.

Cody has a golf tourney in Canyon on Thursday, then basketball and football camp for the next 2 weeks. He seems to be enjoying his summer. Only 6 more weeks until school starts (yeah!).

Cade's doing well. Nothing new to report with him.

Hope everyone is finding a way to stay cool! It's been getting pretty hot up here in the panhandle!

Take care,
~jen

100th Post

This is my 100th post, and in true blogger fashion.... here are a few 100 things about me (actually, some of them are just random thoughts!)!

1. I was born in Wichita Falls, TX
2. My middle name is Michelle
3. I have lived in New Mexico, Texas, and a brief stay in Arkansas
4. My Papa nick-named me "Sunshine"
5. My Papa has a nick-name for all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren
6. I recently got my hair cut into a short, semi-shaggy bob...which I love
7. I regret having a tubal after having Caden
8. I really wish we could have another baby
9. If I could have another baby here are my baby names: Caitlyn Grace or Carson Donald
10. My dream job... a Wedding Coordinator or owning my own flower shop
11. I would like for Mike and I to renew our wedding vows next fall...it will be 15 years next September
12. I wish I had listened to my mom and had chosen sunflowers and a fall-theme for my wedding
13. My best friend Renay was my maid of honor
14. Renay has been my closest friend since 10th grade? Renay has this awesome memory, so she probably knows the exact date that we became friends!
15. Renay and I skipped school one day our Senior year. (I hope your mom's not reading this, Renay!)
16. I also spent one day in ISS for skipping school!
17. I really miss my friends from school, I should have been better at keeping in touch
18. Once a Sandie, Always a Sandie!
19. It is hard to think that in a year, Cody will be a Sandie!
20. This is turning out to be harder that I thought! (Only 80 more to go!)
21. I wish Clean Sweep would come to my house
22. I hate cleaning my bathroom
23. Our next house will have a "girls only" bathroom... just for me
24. I really want to move into a larger house sometime soon
25. I found my dream home out at La Paloma. It's (only) in the 7 figure price range. Mike's salesmen just need to sell a few thousand cars a month and then maybe we could afford it!
26. My true dream house would be out in the country, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, basement, and a 3 car garage (Cody will start driving in 2 years, people!)
27. Also, a pool
28. We'll see if 26 and 27 come true!
29. My favorite movie: Steel Magnolias
30. I know just about every line from that movie!
31. "He so confused, he doesn't know whether to scratch his watch or wind his butt!"
32. I sob every time I watch that movie
33. My favorite TV show: Grey's Anatomy
34. My favorite color: Pink
35. My favorite country song right now: Famous in a Small Town, Miranda Lambert
36. My favorite rock song right now: Home, Daughtry
37. My favorite country/rock song right now: (You Want To) Make a Memory, Bon Jovi
38. My favorite restaurant: Hoffbrau Steak House
39. My favorite dessert: Cheesecake
40. My greatest wish right now... a healthier, happier me
41. My biggest regret... becoming pregnant before marriage
42. My proudest accomplishment.. making my marriage work (which is always a work-in-progress)
43. OK, it's getting deep, so let's lighten this up!
44. My most embarrassing moment: I peed my pants in high school (I can't believe I just shared that!)
45. I have a bad habit of opening my mouth before I think.
46. My biggest pet peeve: stupid drivers
47. I have had 3 speeding tickets since 1991.
48. I have been in one car accident (not my fault), it happened in high school
49. I had 2 huge black eyes from that accident
50. My first car was a Ford Thunderbird
51. My dream car... Lexus LX SUV (starting price $67,395)
52. Over half-way done!
53. I wish I had curly hair
54. I am thinking about letting Mike buy me some golf clubs.... as long as they are pink
55. There are 171 days until Christmas
56. I already have a few Christmas gifts bought
57. I bought a gift for someone for less than 3 dollars! (Reg price $54)
58. Will you be the lucky one who receives that gift?
59. I think I get more excited about my kids opening their gifts than they do
60. I love watching everyone open their gift that I bought them. There's nothing better than knowing that the person truly loves their gift!
61. I am ready for fall
62. I am excited that Cody decided to play one more year of football and basketball before focusing on golf
63. I really love watching Cody play basketball
64. My refrigerator needs to be cleaned
65. Have I mentioned how much I hate cleaning?
66. I have a small butterfly tattoo
67. Are we done yet?
68. I would like for us to buy a boat someday
69. Even though Mike hates all bodies of water
70. I wish I was a better cook
71. I think I am a pretty good baker (cookies, cakes)
72. I want to try Super Suppers just once
73. Supper Suppers is a place where you can go and they provide all the ingredients for select meals and you just put it together in a take-out style pan and freeze it once you're home to bake later. (That was one, long run-on sentence!)
74. I never was good in English, see # 73
75. My favorite class in high school: English, Senior year
76. Only reason: Clay Stapp sat in front of me
77. My favorite teacher in high school: Coach Balke
78. I can't tell you how many times he had me place my nose on his filing cabinet drawer latch for talking in class.
79. I see Coach Balke every once in a while at Cody's golf tournaments. Hopefully he doesn't remember me!
80. I wish I had gone to my 10 year high school reunion
81. I wonder if our class will have a 15 year reunion next year
82. Renay, we have to go if there is one.
83. Renay can probably remember every single person from our class!
84. I am struggling here. How many more? Who started this stupid idea of 100 things for your 100th post?
85. Ok, 15 more... I can do this
86. A movie I secretly want to see... Michael Moore's, Sicko
87. Last movie I saw: Ocean's 13. Best of the 3. Really great movie. Entertaining the whole 2 hours.
88. 2 other reasons to see Ocean's 13.... Brad Pitt and George Clooney. Enough said.
89. Last grown up DVD we purchased: Pursuit of Happyness. A beautiful movie, one of my top 10 movies
90. My second favorite movie: Pretty Woman
91. I would like to travel to NYC one Christmas
92. # 91 will probably never happen
93. I want to see the ocean, just once (Gulf of Mexico counts, too)
94. #66 isn't true!
95. I wear Bare Minerals make-up
96. It costs way too much, but I love it
97. I wish I had Julia Robert's smile
98. When I was in high school, working at JC Penney's, 2 guys thought I looked like Tori Spelling
99. I still love watching 90210
100. Last one! I hope you all are enjoying my blog, because I have really enjoyed doing it! :)

~jen

Last Birthday Party...finally

Caden had his "big" family birthday party last night at Thompson Park. We had Subway sandwiches for dinner, followed by cupcakes for dessert. I think the kids had a good time playing on the playground. We had planned on going to Wonderland after Cade's party, but mother nature had different plans.... rain. So instead of the amusement park, we all went bowling. I think we probably had more fun bowling than we would have at Wonderland (at least the adults had more fun!). It was a great time. In fact, it's all the kids have talked about today. They are ready to go again!Birthday spankings from Uncle Russell while swinging!

Look at the mud on my shoes!

My newest favorite picture of Caden! Too sweet!

Yummy cupcakes!

I'm this many!

Let's bowl!

What form, what technique!

~jen

4th of July

We had a great 4th of July at Mike's grandmother's farm in Groom. Most of the Conrad family was there, so I spent the majority of my evening asking my sisters-in-law who everyone was! It is amazing how much the little ones in the family change from year to year! Here is a picture of Caden and his sparkler.

~jen

Article from MSN

See this article from MSN about the flooding in Coffeyville, KS.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19548088/

~jen

Belated Birthday Wish

I let yesterday slip by without wishing my Granny a Happy Birthday. Happy Late Birthday, Granny. I hope you had a wonderful day. I miss you each day. Take care.
Love,
~jen

Prayer Request

A cousin of mine, Clint Howard and his wife Sara live in Coffeyville, KS. This community is in need of prayers. Over the past few days this area has had severe flooding. As of this morning the flood levels were 10 feet above flood stage with water levels currently at 28 feet. According to my cousin's email, over 2000 residents in Coffeyville have been displaced from their homes. What makes this flooding much worse is that crude oil from area refineries is mixing with the flood water. As you can imagine this area is in need of many supplies and monetary donations. If you would like to donate, you can send a donation to:

Clint Howard, Minister
Coffeyville Church of Christ
PO Box 101 Coffeyville, KS 67337

(mark donations: Flood Relief)

Thanks,
~jen


See attached email:
Friends and Family,
Well, at least one quarter of Coffeyville is under water. Several other towns in this area have been flooded as well, including Fredonia, Neotesha, Erie, and Chanute. Over 2,000 people have been displaced from their homes in Coffeyville alone. The situation is further aggravated by oil residue from our local refinery that is mixing with the flood waters. We are currently corresponding with Disaster Relief (a church of Christ relief organization) to provide food, supplies, and recovery for the victims here in town, as well as in other communities. Disaster Relief is sending truckloads of supplies right now, although they have no way in to town right now.
We need your help, and the help of anyone you know. If you live close enough and can make it, we will need workers to help clean up. Otherwise, we need funds. Disaster Relief supplies bedding and appliances for victims that they acquire at factory cost, and are always in need of funds to make sure this work can continue. Funds can be sent to the church here in Coffeyville (address below), and we will see that they received them. Also, they recommended that we raise $10,000 to buy drywall and other supplies to help victims rebuild.
As of right now, money would seem to be more effective than any other type of support you could give. It is easily mailed or transferred, and can be used according to the needs of the people. Please make checks payable to Coffeyville Church of Christ and mark for flood relief.
We do have some members who will have a great deal of damage, and we will, of course, see that they get the help they need. However, we also have a great opportunity to touch this community in a way that they will remember. Please consider helping us in this time of need, and in this wonderful opportunity for evangelism. And, please pass this message along to your congregation, or to anyone else you think might help.

In Christ,

Clint Howard Minister,
Coffeyville Church of Christ
PO Box 101 Coffeyville, KS 67337
clint.howard@coffeyvillecofc.com
620-251-0559
cell – 870-917-7612

Stuggling with....

Today I am struggling with selfishness. Not on my part, but someone else. I am biting my tongue (in some ways, except for this post) but it is so hard to not confront the situation.

~jen