I've moved

My new site is:

www.jennifersthoughtsandstuff.com/blog

Hope to see you there!

The Omnivore's Hundred from "Very Good Taste"
This is a neat little survey I stole from How to Eat a Cupcake, who got it from CookiePie, who got it from Sticky, Gooey, Creamy, Chewy, who found it where it originated at Very Good Taste.
Fom VGT:
Below is a list of 100 things that I think every good omnivore should have tried at least once in their life. The list includes fine food, strange food, everyday food and even some pretty bad food - but a good omnivore should really try it all. Don’t worry if you haven’t, mind you; neither have I, though I’ll be sure to work on it. Don’t worry if you don’t recognise everything in the hundred, either; Wikipedia has the answers.
Instructions
1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.
2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten. (mine are green because bold didn't stand out very well)
3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating. (I couldn't figure this out so I just typed "NO" behind them)
4) Optional extra: Post a comment at http://www.verygoodtaste.co.uk/ linking to your results.

The VGT Omnivore’s Hundred:
1. Venison-I grew up in Wyoming & live in Kansas, so I think this is a given!
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros
4. Steak tartare - I had this growing up. In South Dakota it is called tiger's meat and served with crackers.
5. Crocodile- I think I had alligator, but close enough!
6. Black pudding-NO
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13. PB&J sandwich
14. Aloo gobi -
15. Hot dog from a street cart - In Wichita, a street cart parked outside the court house, so we would occasionally have a yummy hot dog!
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes - I grew a purple variety in my Garden this year!
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie gras
24. Rice and beans
25. Brawn, or head cheese -NO
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters
.29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac with a fat cigar
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects
43. Phaal
44. Goat’s milk - I've had goat cheese which is made from goat's milk... That doesn't count, does it? :)
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more
46. Fugu
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut
50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. Poutine
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores
62. Sweetbreads
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. Haggis
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. Roadkill - NO
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant.
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare
87. Goulash
88. Flowers -
89. Horse -NO
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee
100. Snake

Only 47 out of 100! I need to get out more!

Photo Contest

Vote for us to win a new bedroom set!

http://www.5minutesformom.com/4380/win-a-new-bedroom-set
We would like Summer Breeze if we win!

Happy Blogoversary to Renee Garcia!

Check it out! Today is Renee's Blogoversary for "Life with my special K's". She is having a giveaway to celebrate.

http://www.myspecialks.com/

All you have to do is visit her blog, post a comment, and be entered to win! I have been reading her blog for a couple of months, and I really enjoy it!

Children left alone to die in a hospital!

Jill Stanek's Story

My name is Jill Stanek. In 1999, I discovered that Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois, where I worked as a labor and delivery nurse, was leaving babies who survived induced labor abortions to die in the soiled utility room.
I personally held one of these infants 45 minutes until he gasped his last breath.
When I explained my experience to hospital administrators, they refused to stop their horrific treatment of these infants.
After going public, my story immediately grabbed the attention of legislators and media, which resulted in the introduction of the Illinois Born Alive Infants Protection Act.
Christ Hospital fired me in August 2001 for reasons related to my public statements.
I testified before Barack Obama in the Illinois Senate Judiciary Committee and Health and Human Services Committee as well as the US House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution.
On August 5, 2002, I joined President George W. Bush for his signing of the federal version of the Born Alive Infants Protection Act.

"Christ" hospital has a lot of changes to make before being able to live up to their name. I am appalled that any decent human being could let this happen. I cannot fathom throwing a whole, breathing child into a utility room and left to die. I don't think there is a pro-choice individual out there who can say that this is OK? If you are one of those people, please comment and if you know somebody who can possibly see this from another perspective, send them over! I pray that there are no hospitals out there that are still doing this. If there are, I want to visit that dirty utility room and steal a few babies and give them the treatment necessary to live.

I don't think this kind of thing is still legal, but if it is . . My thoughts for pro-life staff at places like this. TAKE the babies while they are still alive. Rush them to another hospital and get treatment for them. If you aren't comfortable doing this yourself, call a pro-life volunteer and have them do it. If they are charged with kidnapping, the door is opened. NOW, the hospital staff can all be charged with murder.

I've been Tagged!

8 things I am passionate about:

1. My Boys
2. My Great Dane
3. Breastfeeding
4. Journaling (creatively)
5. My family (the 4 of us)
6. My marriage
7. Self-Growth
8. Preserving Life


8 things I often say:

1. "Talk nice to the baby"
2. "NO Bite"--to my Great Dane, pupppy, Autumn
3. "How late are you working" my hubby is planting wheat & harvesting soy beans
4. "Remember to do a good job"-Jaxon
5. "I love you"
6. "This house is a disaster"
7. "NO, J"
8. "beans, milk, eggs, cookies" or whatever I can think of when Jaxon is writing a grocery list


8 things I want to do before I die:

1. Flip a house
2. write a book
3. move to Alaska or Hawaii
4. go back to school
5.do more crafts
6. raise goats & chickens
7. take cooking classes
8. take a cake decorating class

8 things I have learned from my past

1. Do not allow your insecurities to poison relationships with those you love.
2. Never say "never"!
3. Do not give up who you are in the name of love, because that isn't love.
4. No matter how hard I try & how kind I am, my mother-in-law will always use everything I do and don't do as ammunition against me and sticking up for my family and me only causes more drama.
5. Children teach you much more than you can teach them!
6. You don't realize how valuable time is until you are married with children!
7. Education opens the mind in ways you can only see after spending time with groups of people that are not educated. Their viewpoints are narrow, with no ability to see from another's perspective.
8. Life is a journey of personal growth.

8 places I would love to visit:

1. DisneyWorld
2. Alaska
3. Hawaii
4. Branson, Missouri
5. Southeastern United States
6. Russia
7. the Bahamas
8. New York City

8 things I currently need/want:

1. new tennis shoes
2. goats
3. chickens
4. a house
5. "me" time
6. a dishwasher
7. more storage space in my house
8. SLEEP

8 people I tag:
Jill
Tara
Jessica
Dawn
Dena
Carol
Mom
Brady

Get Rid of that Vicious Dog!

My mother-in-law called my husband this afternoon to tell him to "Get rid of that dog". She proceeded to tell him that my sister-in-law had called her to tell her we got a dog that is part rottweiler and that they are all VERY worried about my kids. First of all, we are responsible adults, who put our children's safety first. Second, our vicious dog is 87.5% Great Dane and 12.5% Rottweiler. I did my homework. I did research on the web, and talked to several people who have owned Great Danes and or had family who owned them. I plan on being very diligent about training my dog, and I know that Great Danes are very docile dogs and good with children. The main complaint so far about adult Danes is that they tend to knock children down with their tail when they wag it. As for the 12% rottweiler, I learned that Rotts are also good with children, but shouldn't be left alone outside with small children. Damn, I had planned on leaving my 2 year old and my baby outside with the dog as a babysitter. Right now, I can't leave the children alone with the dog, because I am concerned that they will hurt her.

Welcome to the family, Autumn! So far, their opinion of you rates right up there with their opinion of me. I am a terrible wife, who neglects, abuses and imprisons my husband; neglects my children; I don't work; and I don't do anything around the house. AHHHHHHHHH--I am irritated, but not surprised! They should've expected that I, of all people, would bring a vicious animal into my home.

HOW do I vote in the Election?

Obama-seems to have good plans, but I don't like that he has voted "present" more times than actually voting yes or no.

Biden--Def. don't want Biden for president! And considering that there are a lot of racist psychotics out there that can't handle having a black man as president, that is a possibility.

McCain--not sure of his plans, and def not to happy with the republicans right now!

Palin- amazing, strong woman, but a little too conservative. Who ever heard of making the rape victim pay for their rape kit?!

What a Dad!

Here are some super sweet things that my husband does, that I just love.

1. He loves putting Jaxon to bed, because he enjoys reading him books and says he wouldn't miss out on the snuggle time for anything.

2. When Brady takes Jaxon to bed, he always goes into Bradyn's room and straightens out the blankets and gets his crib ready for B to go to sleep.

3. During wheat, bean & corn harvest Brady takes Jaxon in the combine with him for several hours at a time. Jaxon loves this, but is VERY active & I can imagine that he is a major challenge!

4. When I work, Brady takes the kids to the babysitter!

5. When he dresses the kids, he takes extra care to make sure they are wearing clothes that he thinks match (they aren't the best combos, but he tries)

Insomnia

It is past midnight, and I can't sleep . . . despite the fact that I had to get up at 3:45 this morning (technically yesterday morning). I got a rather disturbing e-mail from my husbands step-father accusing Brady & I of harassing and intimidating his mother and treating her like the "dirt under our feet".

I am shocked, and greatly disturbed. I don't know what to say. As we ride along the path of life, we are handed life lessons and the lessons I learn through the relationship with my mother-in-law are forgiveness and letting things go. I have let so many things go and forgiven so many wrongs against me that I have lost count. I'm not saying I am perfect, because I lose my cool with her on occasion, and get frustrated with her. If you know her, you know what I am talking about. But, intimidate . . . NOT! Harass--no way! I do what I can to keep the peace, because she is my husbands Mother and he loves her. She is the grandmother of my children and they adore her. She has her problems, but I have learned to love her, despite her flaws. This is a relationship that I have struggled with, but have learned a lot about working hard to harmonize because it is the right thing to do. And what do I get for this . . . I am being accused of harassment and intimidation! Signing off . . . deeply disturbed!!!

The Hillary Blues!

I've got a case of the "Hillary Blues"! I am so disappointed that she was not chosen to be Barack's running mate, that I don't even want to think about voting for a presidential candidate! If Hillary can't be involved, I don't want any of them. Yes, I do sound like a child who didn't get her way. I really believe in Hillary Clinton's abilities & desires to do what is best for this country. She would have done an incredible job as either president or vice-president, and we as a country are the ones that came up short. I never imagined that I would be such a strong Hillary supporter, but I am. I am still mad at Oprah for being so vocal about her support for Obama. I do think that she has a right to her own opinion, but she really should have been more aware that her opinion is the gospel for some, and by doing what she did, several hundreds of people decided to blindly support Obama. Not for what he believes in, but because Oprah said! Come on people, don't follow blindly--take a look at the issues, the plans & vote for who you believe will be able to do the best job! I am not able to do that, because frankly, the best Woman for the job is not even in the race!

It turned out pretty good!

Your result for The Harry Potter Husband Test...

Mrs. Weasley Twin

Your perfect HP man is Fred and/or George Weasley.

Laughter is important to you. You want a guy who's never boring, who can always put a smile on your face, and who can pull the best of pranks and never get caught. Or possibly two such guys. Because let's face it, they're pretty much a two-fer. You get one, you get both. Even if one of them's only a friend, he'll still be around so much you'll feel like you're married to him, too. Sure, they may not seem like the most mature guys in the world, in a traditional sense, but just ask them about their business plan. When they drive you nuts by relentlessly testing their latest inventions on you, you can console youself with that huge stack of cash and dragon-leather jacket. Besides, you know you're powerless against those stereo smiles.

Take The Harry Potter Husband Test at HelloQuizzy

100 Book Meme--as seen on Dawn's Blog

According to The Big Read, the average adult has only read 6 of the top 100 books on this list.
1) Look at the list and bold those you have read.
2) Italicize those you intend to read.
3) Underline the books you LOVE.

1. Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
2. The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
3. Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
4. Harry Potter series - JK Rowling (My all time favorite books)
5. To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
6. The Bible
7. Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
8. Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell
9. His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman
10. Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
11. Little Women - Louisa M Alcott
12. Tess of the D'Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
13. Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
14. Complete Works of Shakespeare (have read a lot of them)
15. Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier
16. The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien
17. Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks
18. Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger
19. The Time Traveller's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
20. Middlemarch - George Eliot
21. Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell
22. The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald
23. Bleak House - Charles Dickens
24. War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
25. The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
26. Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh
27. Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28. Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
29. Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
30. The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame
31. Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy (started)
32. David Copperfield - Charles Dickens
33. Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis
34. Emma - Jane Austen
35. Persuasion - Jane Austen
36. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis
37. The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
38. Captain Corelli's Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres
39. Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
40. Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne
41. Animal Farm - George Orwell
42. The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
43. One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
44. A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving
45. The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
46. Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery
47. Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
48. The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood (started)
49. Lord of the Flies - William Golding
50. Atonement - Ian McEwan
51. Life of Pi - Yann Martel
52. Dune - Frank Herbert
53. Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
54. Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen (started)
55. A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
56. The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
57. A Tale Of Two Cities- Charles Dickens
58. Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
59. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon
60. Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
61. Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
62. Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov
63. The Secret History - Donna Tartt
64. The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
65. Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas (started)
66. On The Road - Jack Kerouac
67. Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
68. Bridget Jones' Diary - Helen Fielding
69. Midnight's Children - Salman Rushdie
70. Moby Dick - Herman Melville
71. Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
72. Dracula - Bram Stoker
73. The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett
74. Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
75. Ulysses - James Joyce
76. The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
77. Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
78. Germinal - Emile Zola
79. Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
80. Possession - AS Byatt
81. A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
82. Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
83. The Color Purple - Alice Walker
84. The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
85. Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
86. A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry (awesome book--I mourned with the Characters for a long time)
87. Charlotte's Web - EB White
88. The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom
89. Adventures of Sherlock Holmes* - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
90. The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton
91. Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
92. The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery
93. The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
94. Watership Down - Richard Adams
95. A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
96. A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
97. The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas (started)
98. Hamlet - William Shakespeare
99. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl
100. Les Miserables - Victor Hugo

25--not too bad, but lots of room for improvement! Does it count that I've read all the Harry Potter books at least 3 times, and the Secret Garden about 3 times, as well as twice for Ann of Green Gables and the sequels? LOL
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The Bedrail!

I just got done installing a bedrail on my side of our king size bed. A bedrail? Yes, Brady & I enjoy having our children sleep in our bed with us, but there is one problem. Jaxon is a wild sleeper, and Brady doesn't have the heart to move him over, so he usually moves to another bed halfway through the night! We are both getting sick of that, but don't want to see the kids sleep by themselves, so I came up with a brilliant idea. Jaxon can sleep on the edge of my side, then me, Bradyn and then Brady. That way we can all sleep together, and we are all comfortable and safe! I NEVER thought I'd see the day when I had 2 children sleeping in my bed, but here it is!

I swear, Brady enjoys having the kids in our bed as much as I do. There was a time when he complained, so I started putting the kids in their own beds. After a couple of times of hearing, "Go get them", I don't even waste my time anymore. I know a lot of people would say this is CRAZY and that it gets in the way of intimacy of a man & wife, and it is hard to break . . so on & so forth. I would like to remind those people that 1. There are other places for extra curricular activities other than the bedroom (and we do have more than one bedroom in our house) and 2. Teaching your kids to sleep in their beds by letting them cry for several hours for 2 or 3 nights just reinforces to them that Mommy & Daddy are not always there when they need us. I want my children to know that when they cry out for me, that I will come and that they can always count on me when they are feeling scared or alone. By doing this, I hope to instill self-confidence and security in them. It is proven that children who have their needs met are more confident and successful as adults.

Sick!

I have lost all of Jaxon's 1 year portraits. I can't find the envelope that contains EVERY single copy that we have of them! I didn't just cry when I realized that they are not anywhere in the house. I got the pout face! It also makes me physically ill to realize that the WHOLE packet of pictures is gone. I only got one copy of the picture with him next to the #1, and the place I got them doesn't keep a record of the pictures taken. There are screw-ups in life and then there are SCREW-UPS! This is one of the big ones. I will always wish I had these precious photos! BLAGH--I can't believe I did it! I make such an effort to capture their images so I can always see them as they were at each precious age, and then to go and lose it just really disgusts me. I know there are worse things in life, but this really bothers me!

Blog About Me and blogging

I talk incessantly, but when I start a new entry on my blog, it just doesn't flow. I feel like I need to express myself better on here, and spend less time talking! I jabber about all kinds of thing, but don't ever have anything to blog about.

Topic Number #1 I have recenly lost quite a bit of weight. I went from a 14 to an 8. You would think that would be a good thing, but when I look in the mirror, the belly fat is still there and the thighs are still thick. It is frustrating to know I look better, but to not yet be satisfied. I still need to lose at least 20 more to look good. I hate the belly fat from the babies and my thighs must go away! Having such huge goals are hard, because when you get to the half way point and don't really like where you are, but want to enjoy a little food and treats. Treats & junk food are not going go help me lose that last 20 pounds, so I am stuck and afraid I will go up instead of down, which is where I want to go.

Topic Number #2 I never have adult interactions, because I live in the middle of nowhere, have a husband who works late, and my job is taking care of kids. This is a problem, why? Because when I do get around adults, I tend to TALK nonstop like I used to do as a kid, I realized tonight that I have been doing this all day, and it has to get annoying! For me, I want to be able to fit in all the interaction I can while I am in a position to do so, but I know it gets ridiculous. Maybe tomorrow, I can control myself a little better and STOP the talking! Listening never hurt anybody, and I could learn a lot by listening!! I'm going to have to try it. It doesn't lessen the quality of the time I am spending with my friend, and actually letting her talk a little more and not constantly talking about things that aren't really topics to discuss at length might not be so bad!! I just need to make the effort to keep quiet and listen to her. I need to stop sharing every cute thing Jaxon has done. I am the only one who truly appreciates his every action and change. Well, not the only one-his Daddy loves it too. I need to remember to keep that stuff for Daddy and not bore the rest of the world with every little cute Jaxon story!

Topic #3 I love traveling and doing fun things, but I am really missing home & brady. I am usually the worst home body, so I think that this is a huge leap for me. In all honesty, I get a little nervous before I leave town for the weekend and want to cancel. I am most comfortable when I am at home, and I tend to be a bit reclusive, and stay home with my boys (all 3 of them). After this crazy month of traveling to Wyoming over memorial day, then spending the whole next weekend at Brady's mom's house, and to Wichita this weekend and to Omaha next weekend, I am going to be ready to hide out at home and not see anybody but Brady,Jaxon and Bradyn. I love to spend time at home with just us, and after being gone for so long, I really miss it!! I am going to work really hard to get all my housework done after I get back from Omaha, so that my 4 days off of work the next week will be spend playing with the boys, gardening, and taking afternoon naps together, and hanging out with Brady at night. Those are the days I truly love. Only one more trip, and we can appreciate the monotony of our lives. I guess it takes some travel & homesickness to really appreciate the small stuff!

Loss

I woke up Saturday morning to learn that my miniature mare, Peanut, had given birth to our long awaited foal. She was not alive. I was crushed! I have been so excited about this new addition to our family. I ran outside to look at the beautiful baby, and she was perfect. She was a soft brown color, just like her Mommy, and she was the girl I had hoped for. I did learn that this is very common with miniature horses (the tragic end). It was a learning experience, and I can guarantee that if she conceives again, I will be spending many hours of the night with Peanut to make sure this doesnt' happen again. My poor little Peanut is so distraught. She was so excited about being a Mommy, and I am going to do everything in my power to make that happen for her. She will be a good little Mommy, and we will enjoy having a little foal on the farm.

Reality Check

I was looking forward to this day, because I planned a huge Lia Sophia event. I spent a lot of money & time on this big event, and hoped to sell a lot of jewelry to make money for my family. I advertised in the paper, sent out invitations, booked the senior center, bought refreshments and it was a bust. Only 4 . . .I repeat FOUR people came. I got one order, and one booking. I came home depressed, angry, and disappointed. I couldn't understand why it had to be such a failure. I didn't understand why my prayers weren't answered in regard to this event.

Then came the reality check . . . Yes, it was a disappointment

but . . .

It isn't the end of the world. There are more important things going on. My number one priority is the health & well-being of my children. My children are healthy (except for the typical viruses & stuff). We are happy and we are all together. I was feeling sorry for myself over something that will be forgotten. I need to rejoice in the good things in my life, and work harder to make my business work! Things could be worse and that is what I need to remember!

Diva Dog

Not Kewl!!!

I sat down at the computer and saw something that is totally impossible. Gina B was logged into yahoo messenger. I didn't find this to be at all humorous. I was quite shocked to see that somebody was logged on under Gina's name. I had to show my husband, who had to remind me that it wasn't possible for Gina to be online. For a moment, I hoped it was true. I hate that somebody is logged on under her name. I im'd the person several times, asking them who it was, but never got a response. I love my Gina, and miss her SO much. I want her back with us!! I have so many things I want to say to her. It SUX so much that she is gone!! She was such an important friend to me. Nobody will ever be able to replace her--and I will never try. I lost one of my 3 bestest friends, and life will never be the same!

Vote for Hillary

You can log on to hillary.com and make phone calls to help persuade Texas & ohio voters to vote for Hillary!

Four Things About Me!

Four things about me you may not know:

A) Four places I go over and over: work, home, grocery store, home>

B) Four people who e-mail me: Dawn, Dena, Sara, Carol

C) Four of my favorite foods: Sushi, cheesecake, lobster, pizza

D) Four places I would rather be right now: bed (sleeping), Hawaii, Disney World, Cruise> E) Four people I think will respond: Dawn, Tara, Toni, Jill

F) Four movies I would watch over and over: Save the Last Dance, Tombstone, Must Love Dogs, The Santa Clause

G) Four places I have lived: Newcastle, Wy Wichita, KS Concordia, Ks Abilene, KS- nope, I never did live in Clay Center :o)

H) Four TV Shows I Watch: CSI, All My Children, John & Kate plus 8, Little People Big World

Law of Attraction

I watched the Oprah show the other day, and learned about the "Law of Attraction". It inspired me to start on a journey. I hadn't realized how out of touch I was with "me". I have been so caught up in taking care of my family, that I have somehow lost sight of who I am & what I want. Later that night, I had a heart to heart with my husband, and that reaffirmed my thoughts. He hit it right on the head, when he told me that I changed the day I was fired from my job in Clay Center over two years ago. That was a blow that was crushing to me. Out went my confidence in my job skills, and slowly I gave up on myself and I didn't even realize it until a few days ago. I have finally realized it, and am working hard to get it all back. I am working at becoming reaquainted with who I am, what I want, and am starting to set goals and achieve them. I am ready to start looking at different job options that will fulfill my career goals, as well as my life goals. It is really hard to achieve and improve, if you can't even tell somebody what you want for a gift. lately, I saw that as being content, but it is just the opposite. I was so focused on everybody else, that I didn't realize that the reason I couldn't name things I want was that I was so out of touch with who I am. It is hard, but I can and will get perspective & get back to embracing who I am, and relearning all about me!

How Perfect! I LOVE Gilmore Girls!

Which TV Dog is Your Ideal Pet?

Created by BuddyTV

div align='center'>Who is Your Ideal TV Boyfriend?

Created by BuddyTV

Lia Sophia

I am going to start selling Lia Sophia Jewelry. I am way excited about this! I think that it is going to be a lot of fun, and is a great deal for everybody. I have never wanted to sell stuff before, because I don't like taking advantage of people and don't want to feel like I am ripping people off. With Lia Sophia, it isn't like that. I tried to find my "favorite" stuff in the catalog, but found that I liked 85% of it as my favorites! It is all way kewl! The "hostesses" get an awesome deal, because they get at least 20% of profits, plus half price items & such and if they have 10 orders and 2 booking, they get 40% in free jewelry. The guests all get a good deal, because they get half price items too. Usually it is buy 2 and get 1 for half off, but in Feb. it is one 50% item for every item you buy (as long as you buy at least 2). This will get me out of the house to socialize, and will earn me some extra money!! If you want to hop on board, just let me know!! It is easy & lots of fun. The other good thing about this company is that they don't have strict rules like some of the others. You can do direct sales, do parties, and even serve alcohol if you want. Leave a comment, email me, or call! Oh, and check out this link to see all the benefits, and to peruse a catalog. www.liasophia.com/jessicanielsen

Go K-State!

Brady went to the game, and Jaxon & I watched at home! Jaxon wasn't too sure what to think when I started yelling at the tv, but soon got into it when I started cheering & saying the familiar phrase "Go K-state" He was soon cheering along with me! When he says "go k-state" it is the cutest! What a night! They beat the #2 team in the country & ended the streak! WTG Wildcats!!! WTG Beasley!! WTG Walker!! KMA Bob Huggins--hope we end up ahead of WV--that would serve you right!

Tax Rebates

I am happy to receive the large rebate next July, but am wondering HOW is that going to help the economy NOW when we need it the most?! I am not complaining about the cash and can't wait for my check to come, but just don't understand why they feel that this is going to fix everything? My idea would be to drop all the taxes on fuel and do what they can to LOWER the price on oil. When the price of fuel comes down, surely it would lower the price of everything else and reverse the damage that has been done due to higher oil prices. Isn't that the problem? People can't afford the high utility & gas rates, as well as the higher prices at the grocery store? Why not fix the part that is broke instead of saying we will give you all money in SIX months??? Opinions, please!

One Year Today

I didn't have any idea that it was one year ago today that I had to send Benny to the Rainbow Bridge! I was thinking about him this evening, and decided to check the archives of my blog to find out exactly when we had to put him to sleep. I was shocked to find out that it was today. It is ironic that the first time I checked on the date, it just happened to be the one year anniversary of his death. I miss you Benny & love you tons!
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Benny's Journey
Benny, I can sense that you're weary;
Grown tired of pain and strife.
And I'm certain as stars in the Heavens-
That you've come to the crossroads of life.

Benny, you must know that I love you...
And this moment for me is so hard.
But I swear to let go of you gently;
As I offer this prayer up to God:

Dearest Lord, you will see that he's fragile;
But so charming if given a chance.
He will follow your steps like a shadow-
And he doesn't just walk... he will PRANCE!

He has never been much for playing;
Maybe a game of tag now and then.
Yet he will curl up next to you in a heartbeat-
And beg for table scraps, that’s my Ben-Ben!

This little Dog is as tough as they come;
but I know he is scared & feeling alone.
Please pick him up and hold him tight,And let him know that I’m all right!

Horrific Problem

Sexual abuse of children! I realized the severity of this problem the other night when I saw the headline about Hershel Walker and his new book about having multiple personality disorder. After reading this, I got curious and did some research online, and found the blogsites of several people affected by this disorder. These peoples lives are plagued by depression, flashbacks and paralyzing situations that are caused by having several "people" of different ages living in their heads. The one other thing all these people have in common is that as children they all endured years of horriific, repeated sexual abuse at the hands of relatives or so-called friends. A few of these individuals had their stories online, and stated that they tried to tell different people what was happening to them, but were not believed. One woman was given up for adoption by a loving mother, only to be adopted by sick, individuals who allowed others to rape her throughout her childhood. She has since reunited with her birth family, but the damage is done. Her birth mother thought she was doing a good thing, but unknowingly placed her in the hands of monsters!

It makes me sick inside to think that so many children in our country are being sexually abused to this level. Can you imagine the trauma that a person must have experienced for their brain to be splice the personality into many different individuals. This scares me! I have two little boys, 4 nieces, 2 nephews & know countless other children that could all be at risk of being abused at some point in their life. We, as a society, need to work harder to educate children & parents about sexual abuse & how to prevent it!

Mondays A Bitch

Jamaicin' Me Crazy

1.Would you ever put your hair in dreadlocks? NO--can you picture me in dreadlocks?! lol

2.Got any sun-holidays planned for this winter?I would so love to!!!!!! unfortunately not, unless I win a trip!

3.What's your favourite rum based drink? Pina Coloda

4.Do you like reggae music? yeah

5.What's your opinion on the legalization of marijuana? It would be fun, but NO. That is the only thing that keeps a lot of people from smoking it on a regular basis. I'd have to do it myself. I think that as a country we are lazy enough, without all being dope smokers!

Saturday Special

~Vacation Preferences~

1. Traveling by Air, Sea or Land?: Sea! We are taking a cruise to Alaska this summer

2. Hotel, Camp Grounds or Summer Cottage?:Hotel!

3. Sightseeing, Weather Related Sports or Relaxing?:Relaxing and sightseeing

4. Favorite vacation season?:anytime I can get away is a good time! winter- is nice to leave the cold & travel someplace warm.

Saturday 8

1. who was your first crush? a fellow kindergartener named Cody.

2. do you currently have a crush on someone?No

3. what makes a crush a CRUSH to you? the fact that it's possibly unrequited? or that you can actually get the person at a later date? somebody you really find attractive

4. who are your celebrity crushes?Vince Vaughn, Troy Aikman & Harry Connick, Jr.

5. have you ever crushed on a boss? no did anything come of it? no

6. have you ever crushed on a teacher? describe what made you fawn over them? I had a crush on a 2nd Grade teacher from the time I was in 2nd grade. He was tall & very cute!

7. many people have met a spouse/fiance(e) at work. have you ever crushed on a co-worker, and how did that turn out? I had a crush on a fellow deputy. We had fun, but obviously didn't work out!

8. have you ever crushed on a personal trainer, a work-out buddy, or a member of your sports team? what happened?No

The Friday Five

Summer time...and the living is easy!

Have you ever been to summer camp? Yes, girl scout camp

Have you ever made a s'more? Yes! Smores are one of my fav things!

Have you ever slept under the stars (no tent/tarp)? nope

Have you ever had a member of the opposite sex sleep over at your house? yep

What type of bed do you have (queen, twin, bunk, etc.) ? King size bed . . .just perfect for when both kids want to climb in with us!

Borrowed from Dena

You wanna cup of coffee?
I give you money and send you into the grocery store to pick up 5 items. You can only pick one thing from the following departments … what is it?
1. Produce: Avocado
2. Bakery: Croissant
3. Meat: turkey
4. Frozen: pizza
5. Dry goods: mac & cheese
Let’s say we’re heading out for a weekend getaway. You’re only allowed to bring 3 articles of clothing with you. So, what’s in your bag? I am assuming I have clothes on my back
1. swimsuit
2. pj's
3. clean underwear
If I was to listen in on one of your conversations throughout the day, what 5 phrases or words would I be most likely to hear?
1. whatever
2. Sure!
3. hey
4. Cool
5. shut up
So, what 3 things do you find yourself doing every single day, and if you didn’t get to do, you’d probably be in a pretty irritable/bad mood?
1. play computer
2. drink diet pepsi
3. spend time with my boys
What are 3 things that you have in your room that have been with you for the longest amount of time?
1. Harry Potter books
2. My Jewelry
3. My bible
You’re driving down the road, and suddenly you’re hit with this sense of road rage. What 3 factors probably contributed to it?
1. seeing a car with kids not buckled in
2. somebody driving under the speed limit on a two lane road with lots of no passing zones
3. people who tailgate
You just scored a whole afternoon to yourself. We’re talking a 3 hour block with nobody around. What 5 activities might we find you doing?
1. Go Shopping
2. Go to Movies
3. Play on Internet
4. Take a Nap
5. Read a Book
We’re going to the zoo. But it looks like it could start storming, so it’ll have to be a quick visit. What 3 exhibits do we have to get to?
1. Sharks
2. Alligators
3. Rhinos
You just scored tickets to the taping of any show of your choice. You can pick between 5, so what are you deciding between?
1. Oprah
2. The View
3. Rachel Ray
4. Millionaire
5. Little People, Big World
You’re hungry for ice cream. I’ll give you a triple dipper ice cream cone. What 3 flavours can I pile on for ya?
1. Chocolate Peanut Butter
2. Cinnamon
3. Peach
Somebody stole your purse … in order to get it back, you have to name 5 things you know are inside to claim it. So, what’s in there?
1. Wallet
2. Cellphone
3. Jaxon's truck
4. checkbook
5. pen
You are at a job fair, and asked what areas you are interested in pursuing a career in. Let’s pretend you have every talent and ability to be whatever you wanted, so what 4 careers would be fun for you?
1. Probation Officer
2. School Nurse
3. Drug Rep
4. Chef
If you could go back and talk to the old you, when you were in high school, and inform yourself of 4 things that you should or should not do, what would they be?
1. Settle on one career and get all your education in that field, instead of being so diversified
2. Save more money than you spend
3. Learn to like yourself. I figured it out, but wasted a lot of my youth by not being self-confident.
4. Have fun!

WOW!

That is one word that describes how I feel about life right now! I am a bit overwhelmed with all that is going on. Postpardum hormonal changes, a frustrated Jaxon, a sick baby, financial stress & sleep deprivation have really been challenging!

Evervbody told me how different it is to have 2 chidren, but I didn't get it! Yes, there is twice as much fun, love, and work; but what shocked me are my new worry levels. I am a nervous nelly. and it is worse with 2! I worry about Jaxon, who has been struggling with all the changes. He has had to endure my two hospital stays, as well as the new baby and all of the time I have to take care of him. And of course I worry about Bradyn and his health. My paranoia took me on an e.r run last night. Luckily all was well, but I had to make sure! When Bradyn was hospitalized, the only symptom was nasal congestion, and last night his cough was worse and he was vomiting. I just knew he was developing pneumonia. Scarey!

About the financial stress- there are SO many people that are really struggling with money right now, and I know it has a lot to do with the economy. WHO in their right mind would want another republican in the white house right now. NOT ME! I support Hillary all the way! She has great plans, and she has the power & the intelligence to get it done! Go Hillary!

That's my life. . . . worthy of it's own spot in an amusement park-a wild rollercoaster! Lots of high points, but some lows to make it crazy!