I weighed in tonight at the town club and realized that scale went the other direction. Instead of a loss there was a gain. I've got to get my stress level under control and stop the emotional splurges or I'll end up weighing more than when we started this contest.
The stress is beginning to affect me physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
I've called on a home health job, waiting to hear back from the director to discuss the hours. We'll see what happens.
~jen
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Prayer Requests
Mike's grandmother has been in CCU for the past few days. While I was working at the hospital Sunday I went to visit her. She looked well, said she felt fine. Hopefully all will return to normal and she will be home soon.
This next one's for me. I am discovering that my new job isn't quite all that I expected, at least not as many hours. It seems that the schedule changes weekly with a number of cancellations or reschedules. Between the added daycare expenses and the added insurance expenses, everything doesn't add up at the end of the month like we expected. I am considering going back to work at the hospital. I pray daily, hoping to decrease the worry and anxiety about everything. I am not sure what to do. Hopefully the answer will come soon.
~jen
This next one's for me. I am discovering that my new job isn't quite all that I expected, at least not as many hours. It seems that the schedule changes weekly with a number of cancellations or reschedules. Between the added daycare expenses and the added insurance expenses, everything doesn't add up at the end of the month like we expected. I am considering going back to work at the hospital. I pray daily, hoping to decrease the worry and anxiety about everything. I am not sure what to do. Hopefully the answer will come soon.
~jen
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Cadenisms
Mike experienced this Cadenism and shared it with me last night.
A few nights ago Caden and Mike were watching an NBA game. I am not exactly sure who was playing... but one of the teams was the Denver Nuggets. (Knowing Mike, I am sure the other team was the Lakers... but again not 100% sure!) Anywho... Caden was asking Mike who was playing and he said the Nuggets and ____ (whoever that team was). They sat there watching the game and Mike said after a few minutes Caden looked up at Mike and said... "I like that Chicken Nugget team, they're good". So now the Denver Nuggets are known as the Chicken Nuggets at our house! :)
~jen
A few nights ago Caden and Mike were watching an NBA game. I am not exactly sure who was playing... but one of the teams was the Denver Nuggets. (Knowing Mike, I am sure the other team was the Lakers... but again not 100% sure!) Anywho... Caden was asking Mike who was playing and he said the Nuggets and ____ (whoever that team was). They sat there watching the game and Mike said after a few minutes Caden looked up at Mike and said... "I like that Chicken Nugget team, they're good". So now the Denver Nuggets are known as the Chicken Nuggets at our house! :)
~jen
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
200th Post
WOW! I just had my 200th post! I cannot believe that I have come up with 200 things to blog about! So... in honor of my 200th post... here are 200 things about me! Just kidding! You can just look over the 100th post 2 times and we'll call it even! :)
Here's to another 200 posts!
~jen
Here's to another 200 posts!
~jen
Umm... this is uncomfortable
Today we taught the 7th graders at Cody's school. The 7th grade lesson covers both male and female reproductive anatomy and an STD lesson. We split all the classes by gender... for a number of reasons... but mainly because they learn better apart. Today I taught the boys classes. Everything was going well... until an old high school teacher of mine (who is now an assistant principal at Cody's school) came walking in to sit in on the period that I was teaching (we have to have a teacher, counselor, or principal in each class). So there I am in the middle of the whole male reproductive anatomy part of the lesson, complete with diagrams of the male anatomy displayed on the screen, as he comes strolling into the class! Man... talk about uncomfortable! It's one thing to do this lesson in front of giggling 7th grade boys... but to have an old male teacher of mine sitting there listening is another thing! Thankfully he had brought his lap-top in and never hardly ever looked up at me! There was uncomfortableness at the end of the class after the students left and it was just the 2 of us in the room. Neither one of us really knew what to say! He just said... very interesting... I learned a few things... and then there was is odd silence. Well then... see you later... yep, you too... bye. Then he was off (rather quickly) to his office! Thankfully I will be teaching the girls for the next 2 days because we are teaching the 8th graders and I refuse to teach Cody's friends! :)
~jen
~jen
Sunday, January 20, 2008
The Biggest Loser... Conrad Family Style
Mike's family came up with an idea to help motivate a number of us to lose weight... a competition similar to The Biggest Loser. We had our weigh-in yesterday. That was almost the one thing that kept me from participating. It took a ton of courage and humility to step on the scale in front of one of Mike's sisters. It was so very hard and I almost backed out at the last minute because I was so embarrassed. But through the tears I was able to let go of that shame and step onto the scale. Hopefully it will be the last time I see that number ever again.
I've added a post to the sidebar of this blog where I've been posting track of my weight loss. It's on the left side of the blog above the site tracker. I've already lost 7 pounds, but will be starting over with yesterday's weigh-in. My goal is still 20 pounds by the end of February. Once I meet that goal, I'll make another one and so on and so on.
See you at the gym!
~jen
I've added a post to the sidebar of this blog where I've been posting track of my weight loss. It's on the left side of the blog above the site tracker. I've already lost 7 pounds, but will be starting over with yesterday's weigh-in. My goal is still 20 pounds by the end of February. Once I meet that goal, I'll make another one and so on and so on.
See you at the gym!
~jen
What's missing...
Can you tell?
Caden lost his first upper tooth this evening while we were eating dinner at Outback. This tooth has been very stubborn and has been hanging on for over a week now. Caden was acting silly while we were waiting for our food and bumped his tooth on the side of the table. His gums started bleeding so Mike took him to the bathroom and when they returned... Caden had a brand new grin for me!
~jen
Friday, January 18, 2008
I guess it's my turn next...
Well... it's Cody's turn to be sick. 1st was Caden and then Mike and now Cody. He has an upper respiratory infection. The strep test came back negative. I was sure he would have had strep since he had the symptoms. But, he didn't. He started an antibiotic this afternoon. Luckily it's just a five day dose of antibiotic, so hopefully he'll be feeling better soon.
Cade's doing much better. Mike's doing better, too. I don't know who's worse to take care of... him or the boys! :)
Caden will start basketball in the morning. He was invited to join a team from Ridgecrest, so he will have his first game at 8:00 in the morning. Yes... I said 8:00 in the morning! Wow... on a Saturday... yikes! I'll be sure and get some pictures and possibly a video. It should be quite interesting!
Cody had a basketball game Thursday night. Crockett won, but just barely. The game was back and forth all night and at one point we were down about 10 points, but the boys came together and pulled out a win. Cody didn't have the best game, spent a good portion of the game on the bench because he had a turnover. I wish Cody had more fun playing basketball than being stressed out about potentially making a mistake.
He and I went to the town club Wednesday night. I love the way the club is laid out because part of the upper floor overlooks the lower floor gym. So after my work-out on the treadmill I walked the track above the gym and could see Cody playing. He looked like he was having such a great time and was nailing shot after shot. He was playing with grown men with wide ranges of skill and was holding his own for most of their game. I wish he had that kind of fun during his school games. He only has a few more games left, so hopefully he will make the best of them, learn to relax some, and most importantly have fun!
Guess this is all for now. Mike just walked in from work. Have a blessed weekend.
~jen
Cade's doing much better. Mike's doing better, too. I don't know who's worse to take care of... him or the boys! :)
Caden will start basketball in the morning. He was invited to join a team from Ridgecrest, so he will have his first game at 8:00 in the morning. Yes... I said 8:00 in the morning! Wow... on a Saturday... yikes! I'll be sure and get some pictures and possibly a video. It should be quite interesting!
Cody had a basketball game Thursday night. Crockett won, but just barely. The game was back and forth all night and at one point we were down about 10 points, but the boys came together and pulled out a win. Cody didn't have the best game, spent a good portion of the game on the bench because he had a turnover. I wish Cody had more fun playing basketball than being stressed out about potentially making a mistake.
He and I went to the town club Wednesday night. I love the way the club is laid out because part of the upper floor overlooks the lower floor gym. So after my work-out on the treadmill I walked the track above the gym and could see Cody playing. He looked like he was having such a great time and was nailing shot after shot. He was playing with grown men with wide ranges of skill and was holding his own for most of their game. I wish he had that kind of fun during his school games. He only has a few more games left, so hopefully he will make the best of them, learn to relax some, and most importantly have fun!
Guess this is all for now. Mike just walked in from work. Have a blessed weekend.
~jen
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Scrapbooking 101
I went to my first scrapbooking class tonight. I was the only one there... so that was a little intimidating. But it was a lot of fun. I started on a little scrapbook for someone... which will have to remain a secret for now. When I finish, I'll take some pictures of what I accomplished.
Scrapbooking can be so overwhelming, so I'll start slowly and see how deep I want to go with it!
~jen
Scrapbooking can be so overwhelming, so I'll start slowly and see how deep I want to go with it!
~jen
Well....
Caden has strep throat. He hasn't been feeling well over the past few days, so I thought since he wasn't getting any better it was time to go to the doctor. Sure enough he has strep. So, we'll start an antibiotic and hopefully he will be feeling better soon!
~jen
~jen
Monday, January 14, 2008
Freshman Parent Orientation Part 2
Well, I survived... without tears. They could have come during a speech by the principal as he was telling us that our kids were going to be ok... that we as their parents were going to be ok, and that we would be able to let go. I ended up biting my lip to keep myself from crying. I got it together and made it through the evening.
Mike and I were able to visit with the head basketball coach and the head golf coach. Both coaches knew Cody and spoke highly of him. We found out that Cody will be able to play both basketball and golf (assuming he makes both teams). Cody will be able to start practicing with the AHS golf team this year as soon as his basketball season is over. The golf coach runs our area's summer NTPGA golf tournaments and he said that Cody will make the golf team if he can shoot an average of less than an 85 per round. He's almost at that level now, so with some more practice and lessons this summer, he'll be ready.
One of Cody's good friend's parents caught up with us and asked how I was handling everything. They are the "seasoned" parents as they have already graduated 2 other children. They've been through all of this before, so I look to them a lot for advice and encouragement. They both laughed when I told them that I spent a good portion of this morning in tears.
I ran into an old friend from when I was attending AHS, so it was nice to catch up with her. Of course I took a minute to look at my graduating class' picture. So surreal.
I know that Cody and I are both going to survive these next few months. I guess I kind-of know how my mom and dad must have felt 19 years ago (it can have been that long ago, can it?) . I seriously don't know how Marcia (Mike's mom) did this 8 times!
Children inevitably grow up. There's nothing I can do to freeze time. So, I've got to make the best of these next few years... and pray.
What's worse is that I still have to go through my "grieving" process of Caden starting Kindergarten! Oh my goodness. Mom and Dad... you'd better plan on coming here during those first few days of school this fall! I am going to need all the support I can get. :)
Now the tears are coming....
Hug your babies, they grow up so very fast.
~jen
Mike and I were able to visit with the head basketball coach and the head golf coach. Both coaches knew Cody and spoke highly of him. We found out that Cody will be able to play both basketball and golf (assuming he makes both teams). Cody will be able to start practicing with the AHS golf team this year as soon as his basketball season is over. The golf coach runs our area's summer NTPGA golf tournaments and he said that Cody will make the golf team if he can shoot an average of less than an 85 per round. He's almost at that level now, so with some more practice and lessons this summer, he'll be ready.
One of Cody's good friend's parents caught up with us and asked how I was handling everything. They are the "seasoned" parents as they have already graduated 2 other children. They've been through all of this before, so I look to them a lot for advice and encouragement. They both laughed when I told them that I spent a good portion of this morning in tears.
I ran into an old friend from when I was attending AHS, so it was nice to catch up with her. Of course I took a minute to look at my graduating class' picture. So surreal.
I know that Cody and I are both going to survive these next few months. I guess I kind-of know how my mom and dad must have felt 19 years ago (it can have been that long ago, can it?) . I seriously don't know how Marcia (Mike's mom) did this 8 times!
Children inevitably grow up. There's nothing I can do to freeze time. So, I've got to make the best of these next few years... and pray.
What's worse is that I still have to go through my "grieving" process of Caden starting Kindergarten! Oh my goodness. Mom and Dad... you'd better plan on coming here during those first few days of school this fall! I am going to need all the support I can get. :)
Now the tears are coming....
Hug your babies, they grow up so very fast.
~jen
Freshman Parent Orientation
I woke up this morning realizing that tonight is Freshman Parent Orientation. I knew it was coming up, but these past few days have been a blur (I worked at the hospital Saturday and Sunday) and I can't seem to keep up with all that is going on.
So as I am sitting here the tears are coming. I can't believe that Cody will be in high school in just a few short months (because I know these next few months will fly past us). I know that this should be a happy time, a proud moment for Mike and I, (especially considering he is still alive to see high school in the near future... 13 is hard for parents!) but I am so very sad. I don't want to let go.
I can't do this now... I need to go have a good cry... get it out of my system or I'll be a basket case tonight. I'll post again later.
~jen
So as I am sitting here the tears are coming. I can't believe that Cody will be in high school in just a few short months (because I know these next few months will fly past us). I know that this should be a happy time, a proud moment for Mike and I, (especially considering he is still alive to see high school in the near future... 13 is hard for parents!) but I am so very sad. I don't want to let go.
I can't do this now... I need to go have a good cry... get it out of my system or I'll be a basket case tonight. I'll post again later.
~jen
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Just the latest...
Cody had a basketball game last night against Houston MS. Crockett lost 33-29. Cody had 2 points and a number of assists. He played well. He's decided he doesn't like any of his teachers this semester. I think "summer-itis" is setting in and he is ready to finish out this school year. Hopefully he'll make it ok. We still have a few more weeks to go! Mike and I will be attending Freshman Parent Orientation next Monday evening at AHS. Seriously... I don't think I am going to be able to handle Cody going to high school in 7 months. That's right people... SEVEN MONTHS! He'll be driving in 16 months! You might as well pre-admit me to the local psychiatric hospital right now because... I am going to be a basket case in about 5 months preparing to have him in high school and Caden in Kindergarten!
Cade's not feeling too well this afternoon. He started running a fever this afternoon and complains of a head ache and sore throat. I'm going to give him a few days and see where it takes us. Hopefully he will feel better soon. He sure said he wasn't sick once he saw Mike getting his golf clubs to go play a quick round of golf! Poor thing. It broke his heart that he couldn't go golfing this afternoon.
Mike's doing fine. Staying busy at work. Funny story... I've noticed over the past couple of days that Mike has been getting a lot of personal mail. I was curious as to why so I asked him why he was getting so much mail from a number of his friends. His reply.... "they're joining my fan club". I wish I could think of come-backs like that so quickly. He just sat there and said it with a complete straight face. It was too funny. (The mail was for fantasy football.)
I'm doing fine. Staying busy with my new job (which I continue to love). I haven't done so well with my trips to the gym this week, but still sticking with my plan. I watched Biggest Loser this week and it was very emotional for me. How I wish I could participate in something like that. I know I couldn't handle being away from the kids that long... but wow... what an experience it would be!
Best close for now. I need to get started on supper. The count down to the all new Grey's has begun... only 2 and 1/2 more hours! Withdrawal symptoms were starting to appear! It's been too long since I last saw a new Grey's! :)
Post again later,
~jen
Cade's not feeling too well this afternoon. He started running a fever this afternoon and complains of a head ache and sore throat. I'm going to give him a few days and see where it takes us. Hopefully he will feel better soon. He sure said he wasn't sick once he saw Mike getting his golf clubs to go play a quick round of golf! Poor thing. It broke his heart that he couldn't go golfing this afternoon.
Mike's doing fine. Staying busy at work. Funny story... I've noticed over the past couple of days that Mike has been getting a lot of personal mail. I was curious as to why so I asked him why he was getting so much mail from a number of his friends. His reply.... "they're joining my fan club". I wish I could think of come-backs like that so quickly. He just sat there and said it with a complete straight face. It was too funny. (The mail was for fantasy football.)
I'm doing fine. Staying busy with my new job (which I continue to love). I haven't done so well with my trips to the gym this week, but still sticking with my plan. I watched Biggest Loser this week and it was very emotional for me. How I wish I could participate in something like that. I know I couldn't handle being away from the kids that long... but wow... what an experience it would be!
Best close for now. I need to get started on supper. The count down to the all new Grey's has begun... only 2 and 1/2 more hours! Withdrawal symptoms were starting to appear! It's been too long since I last saw a new Grey's! :)
Post again later,
~jen
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Good news...
Posted 1-6-07 5:26
I spoke with my grandmother today and my grandfather is doing well. Thanks for you prayers and phone calls.
~jen
My dad called earlier to let me know that my grandfather has been moved out of ICU to a "regular" room within the hospital and will hopefully be released tomorrow. Thank you for your continued prayers.
~jen
I spoke with my grandmother today and my grandfather is doing well. Thanks for you prayers and phone calls.
~jen
My dad called earlier to let me know that my grandfather has been moved out of ICU to a "regular" room within the hospital and will hopefully be released tomorrow. Thank you for your continued prayers.
~jen
Prayer Request
My grandfather (on my dad's side) was admitted to ICU yesterday in a hospital in south Texas. Please remember him and my family in your prayers.
Thanks,
~jen
Thanks,
~jen
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Welcome 2008
(First of all... you're on the right blog... it just has a fresh new look!)
Happy New Year to each of you!
I wish I had some amazing new resolutions for this year, but to be quite honest... last year's resolutions still need to be worked on! So... I'm continuing them for this year!
1. Renewing my spiritual life... a daily resolution
2. Pray. Pray. Pray.
3. Having more patience with Mike, Cody, and Caden. Remembering to let the little things go every once in a while and focus on the big things.
4. Find happiness in everything.
5. Keep a cleaner and neater home. Get organized.
6. Help Caden succeed with his speech and learning disabilities.
7. Spend more one-on-one time with Cody.
8. Financial security. Reduce debt. Save for a new home.
9. Commit to an exercise program and stick with it. Develop healthier eating habits for myself and my family.
10. Worry less. Have more faith.
And... with the new year comes a new commitment to losing weight. So... short-term goal #1 is to lose 20 pounds by the end of February.
So... there they are. My 2008 resolutions. Hopefully I'll do better this year than last! :)
I hope each of you has a blessed 2008 full of good health, happiness, and hope for a better... brighter tomorrow.
Love,
~jen
Happy New Year to each of you!
I wish I had some amazing new resolutions for this year, but to be quite honest... last year's resolutions still need to be worked on! So... I'm continuing them for this year!
1. Renewing my spiritual life... a daily resolution
2. Pray. Pray. Pray.
3. Having more patience with Mike, Cody, and Caden. Remembering to let the little things go every once in a while and focus on the big things.
4. Find happiness in everything.
5. Keep a cleaner and neater home. Get organized.
6. Help Caden succeed with his speech and learning disabilities.
7. Spend more one-on-one time with Cody.
8. Financial security. Reduce debt. Save for a new home.
9. Commit to an exercise program and stick with it. Develop healthier eating habits for myself and my family.
10. Worry less. Have more faith.
And... with the new year comes a new commitment to losing weight. So... short-term goal #1 is to lose 20 pounds by the end of February.
So... there they are. My 2008 resolutions. Hopefully I'll do better this year than last! :)
I hope each of you has a blessed 2008 full of good health, happiness, and hope for a better... brighter tomorrow.
Love,
~jen
Sunday, December 30, 2007
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!
Monday, December 24, 2007
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
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
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
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
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
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
~jen
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