Christmas eve

Well we ate a good breakfast. Opened one present and them played. Then finally opened up the rest of the presents. And the boys are having a blast. Glad they only got three presents Because it's more than enough from mama! Grandpa and grandma and the aunts and uncles they came through and they have enough to keep them busy!

Christmas eve eve dinner!

What a wonderful dinner shared with our very best friends! Annette, Jeff, Sarah, and Ryan all came over and I cooked up one amazing meal!

I sure do love to cook. So I was very happy to share it! Now I am about to get a special visitor! Robert is going to make a spur the moment stop at my home just to have a plate of my wonderful food! 

#happiness

Just a little Christmas cheer!

We headed to our Christmas services tonight at church. We had a wonderful time! I always love the ambience of Christmas and the feelings it brings.

Letters from the north pole

Letters from the north pole have arrived! 

 

Boys were pretty excited! 8 great days for Jacob!!!

First things first with Ms. Becky

Jacob has loved meeting with Miss Becky twice a month. She teaches through play. It has been very helpful for me and him! Today was just one of those many days I enjoyed. Watching him smile, learn and play!!!

Thanksgiving visit.

Robert.... :-)

 So dating....
Yes it proved to be very challenging.  Feeling happy and ready to move on I thought hey lets try this..  Christian Mingle...  For the birds!!!  The dates i went on were horrible!!!  Men in Hawaiian shirts, hi water pants, slamming vodka sodas.  Not pretty.

Match - Meat market.  No need to expand on that.

Then there was E harmony.  I took the dive and decided to try it. 3 months.  Its what I gave it.  I met some nice men.  Charles - wanted to retire in MN.  But after date 1 it was over.  Couldn't take the bad breath and poor manners.  Wasn't gonna work for me!  Lets just say dating has changed big time in 12 years!!!  Ryan - Well he was nice, and we had lots in common.  Dated for like a month.  But he clearly didn't know what he wanted in life.  Then I gave up.  I was done.  Too many bad dates from Feb - Aug.  To me it just didn't seem worth it to keep going.  I woke up on August 31st and bam Eharmony had CHARGED ME!!!!  I was mad!!!

Trying to get my money back I got an email.  From Robert...  Hey Jenny, I haven't been on in a while and would love to chat.  So I figured why not?  Right.  Gave him my email and still hoping Eharmony would give my 29.95 back.  No such luck on that.  But I started emailing with Robert.

I quickly found out that we had lots in common.  However, as a Navy commander in the Reserves he was currently serving in Afghanistan.  But again, I figured why not.  He wasn't scheduled to be home until Jan.  So we had lots of time to email, chat, Skype etc.  After just a few weeks we had HUNDREDS of pages of emails back and forth.  So much in common, lots to talk about.

Then I got the best news a gal could have prayed for.  He was coming home!!!  November 4th (i think) his feet were on US soil!!  I was so excited that he was home, safe and excited we would finely meet.  So November 8th, Robert flew to AZ and I picked him up at the airport.  He blushed when he first saw me. we spent the weekend at my house doing a whole lot of nothing.  Just had fun talking and cooking together.  Did I mention he loves to cook??  He has 2 boys.  9 and 10.  Lives in surprise AZ.  On Veterans Day he headed back to San Diego where he remains on active duty.

He was hurt and has 2 severed tendons and one retracted back in his leg.  He meets with the surgeon on the 16th and will find out if they can "fix" him.  If they can.  Which is what we are praying for.  He will have surgery and remain in San Diego until he is recovered and discharged from active duty.

I was able to see him again when I came home from Thanksgiving.  Met his boys and his brother.  But we talk almost everyday and he is amazing.  He hopes to be here the week of Christmas and spend a few days with me and the boys fixing things around the house.  So my dad doesn't have to do them.  AMAZING RIGHT???

Someone else would have NEVER done that!!!  Did I mention he bought me a block of knives on his visit for my birthday??  AMAZING RIGHT??

School

SO I mentioned that I was looking into getting my masters...  Well after much research I decided that the cost outweighed the benefits.  with no guarantee of a job, it just didn't make sense.  I am almost 40 you know...  who needs that much debt right???

So after lots of research and really feeling that it was time for me to move on from the daycare.  I went to a community college right next to my house.

Central Arizona College.

I applied for financial aid.  And BAM!  I am enrolled!!!  So I start January 21st. I ill be getting my certificate in medical billing and coding.  My hope is that I can get in with a hospital and work my way into an administration position.  Maybe then they will help pay for my masters.

So my last week of full time work at the daycare is this week!!!!  Yeah!!!!

March - December Catch Up

Wow!  Time flys when you are having fun!!!  Well April and May were interesting as I started on the dating scene.  It was a not what I expected it to be.  So needless to day I remained single!!!  Jackson ended school over memorial day and we had a nice long weekend to ourselves.

June = Camping, more camping, and ended with a trip home to MN
July = Started our month still in MN having a BLAST over the fourth of July.  Then headed home and had more camping trips.  The boys and I really embraced that this year. We had a blast exploring and of course eating TONS of marshmallows!!

August = School started :-( Yes I know we start school so early here.  But Jackson was excited to start 2nd grade.  He has done so awesome and has remained on the Principles list all year so far!!!  Jacob at this point was still with me at Watch Me Grow. I started exploring options about going back to school to get my Masters...  Exploring is the key word here...

September = We headed up North for Labor Day weekend and a trip to Dalia's and Larrys Cabin.  We took an awesome jeep ride, the boys helped him fix stuff, get in trouble while Dalia and spent time making items to emblesish our scrapbook pages!!!  Toward the end of the month Jamie and I decided that it would be best for Jacob to get enrolled at Imagine Eat Mesa (IEM) in the preschool program.  This way he could go every week. So we started on this grand adventure....

October = Jacob has shown us that he needs lots of attention.School has proven to be very challenging for him.  So I continue to pray that we make it each day.  But he has been sent home, and struggling with his anger.  I am working hard with the school....Grandma came to visit!!!!  Yeah!!!  We had a blast.  She helped me paint my furniture and reorganize parts of my house. It was awesome!!!

November = More Jacob Struggles...Well I have finely met with the school.  Well let me rephrase this.  I met with the school.  I brought Annette along to be my back up and second set of ears.  It went better than I guess I thought it did.  But the school has proven that they really want to work with me and are pleased with all the things that I am doing.  Jacob in enrolled in a program through first things first of Arizona.  Our friend Becky comes out to our house twice a month.  She teaches through play.  we have seen great strides in Jacob.  He has comes so far academically.

December = So far this month Jacob has done good in school.  we just have to make it 2 more weeks! Then we will be on winter break!!!  Yeah!!!

Happiness

Happiness is being here in San Deigo for my best friends wedding...

Happiness is being introduced as her oldest and dearest friend...

Happiness is holding her 6 month old who is amazing...

Happiness is being apart of the bridal pedi/ mani time....

Smiling just knowing how blessed I am...

Christmas shopping

well it's official. I have officially finished Christmas shopping for my 2 sisters. My friend is having an Oregami owl fundraiser right now for her nephew who has cancer. So I bought some charms for them and BAM I am done!

Home sick....

This stinks....

Well its been a few weeks...  Lots has happened and lots of fun has occurred!!

First I was graced with a wonderful visit from Sara and Fred.  It was nice to have them stay at my home and be able to chat with them.  Its always nice to have close friends come and visits   THANK YOU for letting me know that you were coming!!!

Then the boys and I have a few fun days leading up to Jackson spring break form school.  He went with his dad and brother on a cool trip.  I am thankful they were able to travel to Delaware to see their Grammy, and to Aberdeen SD to see their nanny and Papa.  and of course sissy too.

While they were away I too advantage and did some things for me.  That Saturday I went to Scottsdale and had a girls weekend.  Yes people I got my first Tattoo.  (please note Leiste that is comment worthy).  Funny story behind it, but I now have a small wine glass on my hip that is super cute!  Sunday was a "recovery" day and I hug out with my BFF Kim   We watched some 007 and made some good food.  Not to mention a "stake Out".

Monday I scrapped 77 pages with my friend Dalia and provided dinner for a friend who had just had a baby.  So a very rewarding day! Tuesday I shopped and was so happy with my purchases.  I have officially lost 18lbs and am in a size 10 again.  It was to shop and I got some amazing deals.

Then it was back tot he grind of 3 days of work.  I ended my Friday with dinner and a movie with my close family friends the Castertons.  Then of course, the boys were given back to me on Friday.

Which leads me up to yesterday...  We spent the day relaxing and having fun.  Lots of snuggles and lego building took place.  Today we woke up and found that Lucky the Leprechaun had visited our house and sprinkled confetti all over and left the boys some treats.  We had green pancakes and now I am pretty sure he is going to leave a green drink at our door that will turn my feet green because only kids are suppose to drink it!!!

Looking forward to Easter weekend in San Diego to see my Best friend get married!!  It will be awesome!!!

Until the next time...  Have a great day!!!

Leiste you better comment... L:OL

Busy Busy Busy

Well we have been very busy since last Saturday!  Friday I went for a hike...  It was fun..  Love being outside..  Saturday I took the boys on the same hike.  They did so well.  They really are my little adventurers.  So I thought hey, lets do it again Sunday   So we invited our friends the Doests' and off we went.  Needless to say by Sunday afternoon we were all exhausted and went to bed early.

Been cooking lots...  as always..  I love to cook and thanks to Pinterest I am trying lots of new things. But also trying to cook healthier.  So far between mostly diet and moderate exercise I have lost 18lbs!  as of today I am back in my size 10 pants.  Feels good.  Honestly I don't think I have been a true 10 since... well we won't go there.  But I am excited about it.  Just have about 4 more lbs to shed and then maintain and I will be one happy gal.

I am looking forward to this weekend with the boys.  Hope to hike again and then just build legos, watch some movies and go to church.  It will be our last weekend until after March 17th.  It will be so weird to have them gone for almost 12 days. But I took a few days off and have lots planned to keep me busy.  So that list of 2013 goals will be cut down by a few more items hopefully :-)

 Blurring...But from Kite flying...  All the rest are form our hikes...

wonderful day! Wonderful night!

what a wonderful day. It started out wonderful. I got the boys and then we headed off to the store. I treated the boys to a new Lego which they had earned. Then we came home briefly and started building. Then went to Lowes for build n grow. Then flew home and headed to silly Mountain! We hiked for over an hour and over 2 miles!  the boys did great . And they burned a lot of energy. Not to mention all the extra calories I burned.

then after the hike we came home and relax for a bit. We just hung out at home. I was able to scrapbook 12 pages. And then we got ready and headed off to Mission for church.  church service was absolutely amazing and profound to say the least.

now we are home. And clearly the boys have had a busy day.  I am cooking up some good food for myself.

tomorrow will be another exciting day. We are going to do a hike with some friends as well.

good night all! Enjoy your night

Its a great day to fly a kite!!

What a way to end a wonderful day!  Jackson was outside and came in full of excitement   Mama, its windy lets fly those kites Grandma got us!  Hesitant with lots to do, I changed my mind and we got ready and off we went.  Both boys taking their kites they were so excited.  Its moments like these chasing them around and laughing with them make being a mom so worth while.  To live through their big eyes and dreams is amazing. At the end of the day I was still able to get everything I needed to done.  But the fresh air was so worth it..  Pictures to follow once they get off my camera.  This one is 2013 memory Jar worthy...

Love those boys...To the moon and back..

Dinner with the Doests...

Yummo! Fabulous friends, wonderful food, and my favorite movie! What could be better!!!

last day of vacation!

well my wonderful boss give me the week off. Just for me. And it was exactly what I needed.  I'm going to spend my last day without the boys. Having lunch with a good friend. Scrapbooking. Then having dinner with another set a fabulous friends!  God has blessed me in so many ways. And I just need to be still and shine His light.  and remember that he has a plan for me. Weather I know what it is or not. He will  provide and bring me the fruitful life that I deserve. 

Valentines day

Best day ever!!! Volunteering at jacksons school!

Today...

"peace I leave with you ;my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14: 27

Frustrated....

Why? sometimes I just don't understand. The last 2 to 3 weeks have been very frustrating for me. And very challenging to say the least.  this week I am taking a vacation. actually the vacation is not even my doing. But my boss'. She's a good friend and could see that I needed the time off and needed to take time for myself.  Starting tomorrow. Jamie will take the boys for his 3 days. And I will get some time just for me. I have a massage scheduled. And a few  doctors appointments. Just going to try and get some things done. And take some time for myself.

Hopefully it will help... If I could remember, my Jesus Calling devotional had the greatest verse today from Isaiah... But of course I don't remember it....

lazy Sunday morning!

SATURDAY...
Taxes - done
Playdate - success
Church - AMAZING!

Now for Sunday, let the day begin!  we plan on having a lazy day. Watching Disney Junior. Playing Legos.  I'm going to cook up a mean chicken sandwich.  and just enjoy the day!

what does your sunday hold?

We all DISLIKE Car Insurance at some point

Well in 2012 I didn't have the best of luck with my phone or my car...  I was in 2 accidents..  One was minor, but the other I totaled my car...  Yuck right? Well so much for accident forgiveness with Farmers...  Just got my renewal notice in the mail...  My car insurance is going from $160 a month to $270 a month!!!  Can this single mama catch a break!!!  Geesh...

So this weekend I will be car insurance shopping.  But its one of those things that you have to pay and they got you by the booty..

Anyone have a good company they like?? Or have any advice?  Is so leave a comment..  I know I have a select group since I don't want my family on here..

Anyways, going to spend my Friday doing taxes... another blah....  and then laundry and getting the house in tip top shape for the weekend.  I feel like I haven't had control since my parents were here.  Time to get back into routine for sure!!!  Then the reward will be scrapping if I still have minutes left!  LOL  Then I will be excited for the boys to arrive home Saturday morning for a fun play date with our friends the Spraggs!

Exciting visitor!!!!

My very good my friend Michelle from Sioux Falls South Dakota, will be coming into town spur the moment for a business trip. I'm excited that I get to pick her up from the airport and spend the evening with her! To top it off I even get to stay at the Butes.  yay me! It will be just what I needed. We will be able to laugh and have a great time over a bottle of wine!

Park time!

Night out...

what a wonderful night! It was much needed. My friend Kim and I went out on spur the moment and met up with some other great people.  it was a fun night and I laughed so hard. now I will go to sleep and rest my head and try and get re energized for tomorrow. The boys will arrive home at 7am. Not sure what our day will hold. I'm sure it will be laundry and Legos.