Pictures of Christmas Morning

Patiently waiting his turn...

Two of the "must-haves" that I was able to pick up at Target the day after Thanksgiving!

Realizing that he get an XBOX 360 from Santa!! Total shock on his face? I think so.

Oh boy! A Leapster from Mimi and PawPaw!

A marshmallow shooter from Aunt Janet and Uncle Stacy! Thanks you guys.... I find marshmallows around my house on a daily basis! :)

A Guitar Hero III for a Play Station 3??? Oops... Mike ordered the wrong one!

What? A box of macaroni and cheese? That tricky Mimi....
Here's the "real" gift... money!

The "infamous" coffee mug from Caden!

Merry Christmas

I just want to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year! To family who is reading this from a far... I wish we could all be together for the holidays. Please know that you are thought of not only at Christmas, but each and every day.

With much love,

Mike, Jennifer, Cody and Caden

Random Thoughts

Christmas
Here we are 6 days away from Christmas. I have just about finished up all the shopping. I was at JC Penney's last night until 10:15. I asked the poor sales associate what time they closed and she said midnight. Ouch. I am so glad my retail days are done! All I have left to do is wrap a few gifts. Yea! There is a light at the end of the tunnel!
This is the part of the holiday I don't like. All of the running around, getting frustrated, trying to get everything ready... sometimes I think I lose the true meaning of Christmas in all the hype. I am really hoping that Mike and I (and possibly the boys... I haven't decided on them yet) can get away this Friday evening and spend some quality time together. As much as I would like for it to be a family event... I can't even remember the last time Mike and spent an evening out by ourselves. We'll see what happens...

Reality Time
Well as you may (or may not) have noticed, I haven't posted any weight loss updates over the past couple months. I had hoped to have lost 30 pounds by Christmas and since I am quite sure I won't loose that much between now and next Tuesday... I'm not going to make this goal. There has been so much stress over the past few months... from 2 kidney procedures to changing jobs (Excuses?...probably, valid excuses?... maybe.) that I've lost my focus. My will-power is still there and I am sure it will be greatly renewed as we get closer to the new year and the ever-dreaded New Year Resolutions. So... I'll start over and make another goal and see where I end up!

I hope everyone is well and able to enjoy the holidays with family and friends. Hopefully those who still have shopping to do will finish soon so you can relax a little!
I'll post again soon...
~jen

Full Ride Project

My husband just called me and told me to check out http://www.fullrideproject.com/. I am so proud of Southwest Honda and all of those involved with this wonderful project. It brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful opportunity for one High School senior in our area! Please pass along this website to any seniors you know so they may apply for this awesome scholarship!
~jen

Caden

Christmas Caroling

Today Caden and his pre-K classmates performed a few Christmas songs for the parents. I couldn't be there because of my work schedule. I am so sad that I missed it but Caden kindly obliged my request for a private showing at home! He was so cute! Mike was kind enough to take a couple of pictures for me. Since he hardly ever takes pictures... only one turned out. I'm not complaining though! He did his best!

*Mom... remember this sweatshirt?

This was once Cody's when he was Caden's age! The front reads... Who needs Santa... and the back reads... I've got Mimi and PawPaw!

There is a Traitor Among Us

Caden has crossed over to the dark side. He's now an OU fan. I don't know where Cody and I went wrong. But somehow Caden has turned his back on his beloved Bevo and Longhorns. He still sleeps with his stuffed Bevo, though. So maybe all is not lost! I am sure that if I listen very closely... I'll hear my Papa yell Boomer Sooner once he hears that Caden has become a Sooner's fan!


Imaginary Friends

Caden just announced that he has 6 imaginary friends. 5 boys and 1 girl. What a imagination this little one has!

~jen

Lost

I’ve been thinking about this post for a couple of days now. I haven’t been feeling too well. I’m really tired, the cold weather seems to be affecting me more these days and I guess a little of the “holiday blues” are setting in. (Please… don’t worry… I’m fine… it’s just been a rough few weeks with adjusting to my new job, Dick’s passing, the kidney thing, the stress of all the holiday shopping, missing my family… etc.)

I feel so lost right now. I don’t seem to understand this world we live in. Between the mall shooting last week, the church shootings on Sunday… and I just read about another shooting that happened yesterday in Nevada targeting junior high and high school students while they were coming out of a school bus.

What in the world is wrong with our society? How does someone think that they have the right to go out and shoot and kill innocent people? Why does this continue to happen over and over? Even as I ask the question… what is wrong with our society… I know what’s wrong with our society… it’s the “world” that so many live in. It’s a world without morals, without the Golden Rule, a world where kids as young as Caden are exposed to guns and violence, and it is a world without Christ.

But where are we safe? Is there any place that’s safe anymore? How does one survive this world that we are living in? How do I send my kids off to school this morning and know that they will be safe? How do I know that my next trip to the mall… or the grocery store… or the post office… or church will be uneventful?

I know that faith in Christ is the only answer to these questions. I know that He is the only safe haven in this messed up world we live in. I know this. But why is it so hard at times to have faith? I know that I have failed Christ so many times. I have not been the person that I was raised to be. I have failed my children by not setting the best Christian example for them. I know all this can change. I know that faith can grow. I know that I can turn everything around and try to do what’s right.

I believe that there is power in prayer. I’ve seen it work in my own life. What this world needs is prayer.

Prayers for a better tomorrow… prayers for a better world for our children… prayers for understanding and peace.
~jen

Cadenisms 1 and 2

Cadenism #1

Last week Caden went on a field trip with his pre-school to go Christmas shopping for all of us (Mike, Cody, Boomer, and I). I had been reminding Caden before the shopping trip that he has to keep his gifts a secret. He can't tell us what he got us. Mike said when he picked him up from pre-K last week that Caden started telling him what he got me, Cody, and Boomer. But he didn't tell what he got Mike. Mike said that Caden got really quiet for a few minutes and he asked Mike all serious like... "Dad, do you drink coffee?" Mike asked "why do you want to know?"... and Caden said... "I just want to know if you drink coffee... that's all." Mike said "no" and Caden replied with "oh" and nothing else was said about the coffee issue.

Caden brought home is wrapped gifts today. He was so excited to place them under our tree. He began telling me that he got Boomer a bone. He held up my gift and said "this one is for you" and smiled. He then brought me Mike's gift and asked... "Mom, does Daddy drink coffee?". I told him no, that Daddy doesn't drink coffee. The saddest look came over his face. "But I got Daddy a coffee cup for Christmas." I assured him that Mike could put his pens in it or even some candy in it and keep it on his desk at work. This seemed to make Caden happy. Boy... I swear Mike better make the biggest fuss over that coffee cup on Christmas morning!

Cadenism #2

Mike and I have been "warning" Caden a lot lately that Santa only comes to see good boys and girls. We've even had to take it a bit further because Caden has been going through a very stubborn streak lately and we've had to "warn" Caden that Mommy and Daddy will start taking his gifts away (yes... I know it's horrible... but one can only deal with Caden up to a point before you start using the threats... aka "warnings"!)
Today Caden brought home his gifts for us and placed them under our tree. This afternoon, I overheard Mike getting onto Caden about something he was doing. Of course Caden became upset and replied to Mike... "That's not nice, Daddy." (This is Caden's new response when someone is getting onto him... "you're not nice".) Caden finished the comment with... "If you are not nice to me, I am going to take your gift away!" He was so matter of fact and very serious. I guess what goes around comes around!

Tagged

I've been tagged by Renay. I had to come up with an adjective for each letter of my middle name that describes me. It wasn't easy... but here's what I've come up with!

Mother; I love being a mom to my boys. I am such a cheerleader mom and I love supporting everything that the boys are involved in!

Indecisive; This is probably the one trait that Mike dislikes the most. As hard as I try to be in control of everything, I usually don’t know what I am doing until the very last minute and I’ve usually changed my mind at least 5 times before the final decision.

Caring; I think I am caring. I hope it shows to those who know me (and those who don’t).

Hugger; I am a hugger. You’re getting a hug whether you want one or not! I make sure to give both boys a hug everyday. Cody puts up a fight, but usually I can sneak one in!

Emotional; I tend to be very emotional at times. It usually occurs at a certain time of the month (if you know what I mean); but can occur at anytime, too! I'm one of those that has to have a good cry every few months... just to get it out of my system!

Loved; I know that I am loved by many.

Love to talk; I love to talk. I can talk to Renay 5 times a day, about nothing. I need details, though. Thank goodness I have Renay, because Mike and Cody are not detail-talkers!

Eager; I am so eager for Christmas to get here. I love the holidays. I love making all my favorite snack-foods for our Christmas Eve get-together, decorating cookies with my boys and my nieces and nephews, the laughter of family, the games, the twinkle of Christmas lights, watching Christmas Vacation for the 100th time, and watching everyone open their gifts.

Now, I am supposed to tag someone else... and since the only 2 people I know who have blogs have already been tagged.... I guess the game ends with me! More of you need to start blogging! :)

~jen

A Very Sad Day for the Conrad Family

Yesterday Mike and I learned that his uncle, Dick Conrad, collapsed and was taken to the hospital. He had been ill for some time now. He passed away late this afternoon.

My heart aches for this family… for his wife, for their children, and their spouses and children. I cannot even imagine the hurt they have right now. As sad as I am at this moment, I know it does not even compare to their pain.

When I became a Conrad, I gained another family (a very large family). As the years have passed, the relationships that I have with Mike’s family have grown stronger. I love each of them as much as my own family. To the Conrad’s reading this… I hope you know just how much I care for you and for your family.

Dick will be missed by many. I will miss his smile and his laughter.

Prayers for the entire Conrad family would be appreciated.

~Jennifer

Cadenisms

Earlier today while at the grocery store I promised Caden that if he was good during our shopping trip he could pick out a sucker. Before we checked out, I sent Caden to the sucker stand which was down just a couple of lanes from the one I was in. He came back with 2 suckers. Here's our conversation:
Me: "Caden, you should have just picked out 1 sucker."
Caden: "One's for me and one's for Cody, Mom."
Me: "Oh, that's nice to get Cody a sucker, Caden".
We leave the store and go home. Caden has lunch and then gets his sucker. A little while later he finishes his sucker. A few hours pass and then I see Caden sitting in the recliner watching TV sucking on a sucker. I asked him, "Caden... I thought you were going to give that sucker to Cody?". Caden replies with: "I changed my mind.". He grins with the sucker in his mouth.

What a little stinker!
~jen

Love, Love, Love My Job!

This week I have been teaching the high school lessons all by myself. I have to say that I truly love this job! Monday and Tuesday I went to a local high school located in the north-east part of town. I have to admit that I was very nervous about teaching at this school. After all it has it's own daycare for the students to leave their children while attending school. It's a very poor area of Amarillo where there are a number of issues that these children face day to day. But... it was such a blessing to talk to these kids. Granted probably 75% of them were already sexually active and a number of kids in each class already had a child of their own. Hopefully there was one who listened. Hopefully I made a difference to one child. It was quite an eye-opening experience, especially after touring the daycare facility on the campus.

This morning I traveled to just outside Amarillo to a K-12 school and taught. It was a great day, too. As the days go by, I've gotten more comfortable getting in front of the class and presenting these lessons. The kids are mature (for the most part... so far I've only taught high school kids), respectful, and want to learn.

Today I even had a little thought... I wonder what all would be involved in going back to school to pursue a degree in education? It's just a little thought... pushed way back there... just something to ponder and think about. :)

Hopefully everyone reading this is well, your families are well. We are all doing fine... just living life day-to-day. Both boys are healthy. Cody is staying busy with basketball. This week was a bye-week, his first official game will be next week. Caden's doing wonderful. He's adjusting to attending daycare a little more than he (or I) would like... but he's doing well. Mike's fine. Nothing new with him. And me... I love, love, love my new job! :)

~jen

The Madness that is the Day After Thanksgiving

Well, I did it. I survived my 1st day-after-Thanksgiving shopping experience. I vow to never do it again, though. For years I worked retail and I always dreaded 2 days... the day after Thanksgiving and the day after Christmas. Both days were absolutely horrible to work. Well I've decided that shopping on 1 of these 2 days is just as horrible.

My morning started at 4:30, and I was out the door at 5:15. The day after Thanksgiving novice shopper that I am thought... "oh there will be just a few people out this early". Boy was I in for a surprise as I drove past Home Depot and noticed that the entire parking lot was completely full.... at Home Depot! Heart rate begins to increase... a sickening feeling comes over me. This may be more than I thought it would be. Imagine my surprise as I pull into Target's parking lot! As I am parking my car, I realize that Target doesn't open until 6:00. The line into Target was about 4-5 people wide and beginning to wrap around the store. I decided to leave and run into Kohl's for a few things.

Kohl's parking lot is completely full, too! I decide to give it a try and enter the store. I notice as I am making my way back to the picture frames that there is a line of people that starts in the middle of the store and snakes it's way all the way through the store, to the back of the store and then back up another aisle to the checkout counter. There are people sitting on the floor, and the line never seems to move. I discover that the frames I wanted are already sold out, so I leave. Desperation sets in... what if I don't get anything on my list... what a waste of time this will be!

I make another quick run into Old Navy... same scenario. I leave empty handed. I decide that Target is where I need to be and drive back over to Target. I arrive at 5:40 and discover that the line of waiting customers now travels all the way down the store and wraps along the side towards the back of the store. Of course at this time... a light snow begins to fall. Perfect. I take my place in line next to "Mrs. Chatty Cathy". It is amazing what strangers will decide to share at 5:45 in the morning while waiting to get into Target. A store employee begins screaming where we can locate particular items. "The CD players are in the Women's clothing department... the video rockers are in the Men's clothing department". I begin to wonder if this is some sick game that the employees are trying to play on us!

Finally 6:00 arrives and after being almost molested by the group of people standing in line behind me... it was cold, but people... that doesn't give you the right to rub all up on those innocently waiting to get into Target!

We make our way into the store. I quickly walk to the Men's department to grab 2 video rockers for the boys. Thankfully I had paid attention to the employee who was yelling to us as to where to look for certain must-haves. I attempted to make my way to the toy section (all the while desperately trying to maneuver my basket with 2 very large boxes stacked on top of each other... which of course obscures my view of those in front of me). This proves to be too great of a task! I make my way to the checkout line. After standing in line for about 30 minutes to check out, and having been hit with the basket directly behind me 3 times, I left with 2 of my must-haves and a present for my nephew. So, all was not lost. The adventure proved to be worthy on some level.

Afterwards, I met a friend for coffee at Starbucks and we decided to venture to the mall. It wasn't as bad at the mall and I was able to pick up some great finds. Overall, I did well today. I have a number of gifts marked-off my master gift list. However, I think next year... I will let my trusty Dell do my work for me. I can shop online... in my pj's... coffee in hand... from the comfort of my own home! No getting up at 4:30, no cold, no snow, no weirdos standing in line next to me, no 30 minute-plus wait time to check out, no idiot ramming their basket up the back of my ankles THREE TIMES, and no grouchy store employees to ring up my purchases!

Ahh.. the joys of holiday shopping!

To all those who shop year-after-year on the day after Thanksgiving... wow! you are totally awesome or slightly insane! :)
~jen

With a Thankful Heart

Today I spent a few quiet minutes thinking about all that I have to be thankful for. There are so many to list... too many to list. Which means that I am blessed... blessed beyond measure.

I am thankful for my relationship with Jesus Christ. I am so very thankful for my husband and my 2 beautiful boys. I am thankful for my family and for Mike's family. I am thankful for my wonderful friends, especially my dear friend Renay. I have a roof over my head, a warm heater, food in the refrigerator, and cars in my driveway. We truly have so much to be thankful for.

I came across this Thanksgiving prayer and thought it was perfect...

Thank you, Lord, for the song of birds,

For the smell of roses,

unexpected, kind words.

Thank you, Lord, for a child's smile.

For the laughter of friends,

time savored in the while.

Thank you, Lord, for the little things

that mean so much to me.

For the new hope of mornings,

the softness of the night

and the knowing that I am free.

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving,

~jen

Whew! What a Day!

This has been one of those run... run... run days! My day started with volunteering at Caden's pre-school. This is always an adventure! Today was pajama day, complete with pancakes and a pillow fight! It was crazy (controlled chaos!), complete with a faulty breaker which caused our classroom lights to go out. We spent a good portion of our morning in the hallway trying to make pancakes! Keri (Caden's teacher) did an awesome job and was great under pressure! Way to go Keri! :) Caden had a blast during the pillow fight. In fact I had to remind him a number of times to hit softly, otherwise he could totally take some of the little ones out! He had such a good time. Unfortunately, he missed out on the rest of the planned activities for this afternoon because he and Cody had dentist appointments.

Both boys were free of cavities, thank goodness. Cody had a baby tooth pulled, which was an experience for him. He came out from the procedure looking very pale! He said he was ok, and it didn't hurt. He's done fine this afternoon. Caden has 4 more loose teeth, 2 on the top and 2 on the bottom! I kept asking if this was normal for his age. He's already lost 2 teeth! His hygienist assured me that he is developing just fine, just a little early. He has a 6 yr molar coming in, also! What a busy little boy!

After our dentist appointment, we met Mike for a quick lunch. I decided to go ahead and let Cody's Thanksgiving holiday from school start a little early, and kept him out of school for the rest of the day.

After a quick run home to drop off Cody, I went to my urologist for an appointment. I have decided to go ahead and have the remaining stone taken care of. Thankfully this time I will not have to have a stent placed! Hallelujah! I could have kissed Dr. Pate when he said no stent, just lithotrispy! So, the procedure is planned for Friday, Dec 7. Hopefully this stone will break up as easily as the last 2 and there will not be any complications. (Prayers would be appreciated!)

So, that's all of our news! What a busy day!
:)
~jen

'Tis the Season...

Well it was 82 degrees today and the air conditioner is running, it's only the 19th of November... so why not go ahead and set up the Christmas tree! :)

Caden and I set up our tree this evening. I know it's a little early... but Caden came across my stash of ornaments and decorations for the tree and has been bugging me nonstop ever since to get our Christmas tree up. Well, a sane person can only take so much... so we put up the tree. It wasn't quite the nostalgic moment that I wished it had been. Cody was rolling his eyes, muttering "I can't believe your putting up the tree this early", SpongeBob was playing on the tv in the background, and Caden ended up breaking a couple of glass ornaments.

So now instead of "when can we put up the tree?" over and over.... it's "how many more days until Christmas?" Ugh...

'Tis the Season...
~jen

A new baby to love

Congratulations to my sister-in-law and brother-in-law on the birth of their new baby boy early this morning. The boys and I stopped by the hospital to see our new nephew and cousin this evening. I got to hold him for a while and it was wonderful! It is so hard to even imagine that my boys were once that little.... especially now when they are both yelling and screaming at each other! :)
Congratulations, Angie and Apollo!
~jen

1st Teaching Experience

Well.. I had my first day of teaching today. It was nerve-racking to say the least! But I made my way through it. I taught the High School STD lesson today to both the girls and boys. I have to say I like teaching the boys more than the girls, probably because I have 2 boys and am used to them. It was a great day other than the fact that I had to leave Amarillo at 6:20 to get to Pampa on time. It was a very long day, but it doesn't even come close to comparing it to a 12 hour shift at the hospital! :) I think I am really going to love this job.
~jen

THE A TEAM!!

Cody sent a text message earlier.... he made the A Team in Basketball. If you are interested in watching a game, let me know and I'll email you the schedule!
~jen

Final Cuts Today

Cody should know at 12:00 today if he made the A or B Basketball team. He was told yesterday by one of the coaches that he made the team, he just wasn't told which team. He plans on sending me a text message with the letter "A" or "B" to let me know which team he made (oh the joys of cell phones!). As soon as I know I'll post a message on the blog. Exciting, exciting! I can't wait to watch him play! And luckily... he has a tourney this Sat, so I don't have to wait too long! :)
~jen

First Day and Other Stuff

Well, today was day #1 at Worth the Wait. I only observed today and it was overwhelming to say the least, but I loved it. I went to Amarillo High today... which was so surreal walking through those halls! After a few periods of the same lesson, I really got to looking at the kids in the class and couldn't help but think... this is going to be Cody next year.... sitting in high school.... listening to his mom talk about STD's. No just kidding... I could never do that to him! :)
Seriously, I really think I am going to like this job. I am so excited. I know that once I get the lessons down, and feel comfortable with them, and get in front of my first class... I am going to do fine. If you could only see the smile on my face... you'd know how happy I am about this job!

Other stuff...
I went to the urologist last week for my follow up. Everything remains the same. I still have a stone in the right kidney, about 5 mm in diameter at this time. The left kidney was clear. Dr. Pate said we could just hang out for a while and see what happens with the stone or we could treat it. He ordered some labs and said to come back in 4 months. I am seriously considering having the stone taken care of sometime over the next few weeks. Financially, it makes sense. I've met my deductible, so I might as well get it over this year. I plan on calling Dr. Pate in the next few days and see when he's available.
I had to take Caden to the doctor today. He has an upper respiratory and sinus infection. His throat and ears were clear. Thank goodness. We've started an antibiotic and a cough medicine. He doesn't act like he's sick, just a little run down. Hopefully he (and we) will sleep well tonight.
Guess this is all for now.
Love,
~jen