Journey With Jen

Frustrated. That's where I find myself.  I am an opinionated person.  I'll admit that.  However, I usually talk about it with a few people and keep it to myself around others.  I am not good at confronting my source of frustration.  I bury it until I get to this point and I want to explode.  Yes, I do know it's not the healthiest way of dealing with things.  :D Also know that it's not the attitude that I should have.  We are supposed to be like God.  God puts up with a lot from us... from me.  Yet, He loves me through it all.  He doesn't throw up His hands with me and walk away.  "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant  or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;     it does not rejoice at wrongdoing,  but  rejoices with the truth.     Love bears all things, believes  all things, hopes all things,  ...

It's been a while since I've posted.   I was in a bit of a funk for a while.  Felt like I was on the hamster wheel not going anywhere.  It was like I was getting further and further behind and there wasn't anything I could do about it.  For example, two $400 electric bills in August and September.  Our house is not some mansion over the hilltop.  It's a little over 2000 square feet.  And our thermostat was set at 76 in summer.  Electric company wouldn't even send some one out to look and check the meter.  Nothing, no help what's so ever.  Then, we finally get those paid off and we had another $500 unexpected thing pop up.  Plus, making trips for Joey's band trip every month.  Faith has a trip to Disney in January that I was supposed to chaperon.  Life can wear ya down, you know?  Where else could I go but to God?  He knows how stretched we are.  He knows our circumstances before I ask.  So, I gave ...

My babies are so big.  Okay...well, guess I should #1 stop calling them babies.  (even though they can still act like it at times!)  But, every time I do family pictures, I realize it even more! Joey is 16 now, Luke is 14 1/2, and Faith is 11 1/2.  It seems unreal to me in so many ways.  How did all those years go by so fast?  When did they get so old?  Luckily, I don't age as quickly as they do!! ;D I hope that you get pictures of your family this Thanksgiving.  And, I hope that your table if full with family around and abound with delicious food for all. 

Can you believe that it is already this time of year??  I looked at the calendar and it is hard to believe that next week is Thanksgiving.  This Thursday will be my first of the Thanksgiving meals that I'll prepare.  It's turkey and dressing day at school, so I'll have over 400 servings to prepare.  Geez!! Of course in the midst of the holidays, we still must fund-raise!  So, we figured that we could help you out as well.  :)  So, we are once again doing our fall fundraising bake sale.  Joey will be baking once again!! You get to enjoy!  I know that everyone wants something homemade for Thanksgiving, just let Joey do the cooking.   Two Layer Chocolate Cake:  $20 Snickerdoodle Bunt Cake:  $15 Two Layer Red Velvet Cake:  $20 24 Butter Croissants:  $15 Homemade Pumpkin Pie:  $15 Please let me know what we can help you with.  Thank you for supporting our fundraising efforts! 

God has put this one my heart for a while, but I've really, well, put off talking about it.  It seems that lot of people recently have switched over to the home-school idea and don't give our schools the praise they deserve.  Public schools get a bad rap.  So, here are my two cents.  Take it what you will but if you have something negative to say, I'll just remind you that we all have a right to our own opinions and this is just my own.  These are just think from my perspective. When my children were smaller, I was a big reader to them.  As they grew, I taught them A, B,C's and numbers.  I taught them sounds for each letter so we could put together words.  Even beginning addition.  Before kindergarten, Joey knew all of that as well as could write his name and color in the lines beautifully.  Luke did have a few learning issues but I worked even harder with him.  Faith was even reading BEFORE kindergarten.  She was 4 years o...

My little 5 pound baby boy has turned into a 16 year old!  Well, Monday is his birthday.  It is just hard to believe that he is in 10th grade just two years away from graduating!  :(  Can we stop time for a little while and let me just enjoy these days while I can?  Once school starts the busyness increases.  Band practice twice a week after school.  Friday night is high school football with (of course) the band.  I just want to enjoy these years with him.  Not rush through them.  I love this picture of him.  Monsters Inc. was the first movie that I ever took them to in the theater.  I look at this picture of him and Mike and think of the first time he saw it in the theater and was amazed how big the screen was!  I've been teasing him that for his 16th birthday that I would throw him a Quinceañera.  He always tells me that he is not Mexican and it's the wrong birthday.  :D Faith is still fundraising for ...

Back to the busyness of life.  School.  Band practice.  Soccer practice.  Game days/nights.  Meetings with the school for this or that.  Church on Wednesday nights.  AAAhhhhhhh!!!  I love those few and far between nights when there is nothing. Now, those nights are even filled.  We have kicked into fundraiser time.  My oldest son, Joey, is a tuba player in high school.  This coming summer they head to New York City and play at the Statue of Liberty.  How awesome is that???!!!! Parent meeting for that trip is this week.  Then my daughter, Faith, played in some 3 vs 3 tournaments this summer.  They placed high enough to where they are invited to play in Disney World in January.  I know...how awesome, right? Well, both of those trips will have some pretty price tags along with those opportunities.  We've started a few school fundraisers for band already.  I'm sure this week, I'll have to sign up for ...

there will be days like this.... my momma' said.... Remember that song?  Life.  Sometimes life gets in the way of the happy ending. Life.  When your alarm clock goes off, you walk in the dark hallway, and step in a mess your puppy left you.  Those days when you are so tired, you fall asleep at 5 p.m. on the couch, then wake yourself up by snoring too loud.  Of course, that's when you look around and the kids are laughing at you, then make the mistake of asking for supper afterwards.  (that was a fend for yourself night!) Life.  It's not always easy.  Our jobs.  Our kids.  Even their things.  We have so much pulling at us daily.  Those days when I wake up with a headache... I am already taking Tylenol before my day has really begun.  Not a good sign! I watch old shows and wonder what it would be like to just slow down for a while.  The kids weren't in a couple sports plus extra curricular activities like ...

"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.   But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."   1 Peter 4:12-13 God never said that our life would be easy. He warns us that it won't be.  We were at Target and my oldest, Joey, found a t-shirt that he really wanted.  It said, "May your life be as interesting as you pretend it is on Facebook."  When did we start covering everything up?  Glossing over life so that the image looks better? It's not real.   After all of the small talk, then what happens?    I get so tired of fake things. My kids laugh at me because I can just get through growling at them for something and a second later, answer the phone is the most pleasant voice like everything is fine.  (they, of course, do this when my normal mood h...

2007:  Joey, 4th / Luke, 3rd / Faith, K One of the many first days of school.  Of course, in those days, they loved picking out their school supplies.  As you can tell, the boys didn't even mind wearing the same t-shirt.  Lunch boxes were so important.  And, backpacks told your personality.  At that age, my kids were usually getting on each others nerves by the time school starts.  And, I was ready to send them back!!! Fast forward a few years... I have one starting high school, one in junior high, and one in middle school.  This summer they got along better and there was less fighting.  And, I'm not really ready to send them back.  I want a little more time with them.  It is here, ready or not.  Yes, I still made them stop and pose for a first day of school photo shot.  I realize I only have a few more years of these to go.  :( 2013:  Joey, 10th / Luke, 9th / Faith, 6th My kids have grown an...

"For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then,  whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's."  Romans 14:8 Life is precious. Whether it is in the miracle of life.... Or the homecoming of death.   Life is precious. There are times in our lives when God reminds us of this gift.  Reminds us not to take it for granted.  It usually takes something big to get our attention.  The little stuff seems to go unnoticed.  So, God will use something big to turn our eyes and hearts on Him....where it should have been this whole time.  God has been using others to remind my heart of this. One of my own reminders:  My daughter has a friend her own age, Alyssa, who has been through so much.  Her pancreas has never worked right.  This summer, her family went to Minnesota for a huge pancreatectomy surgery.  Alyssa has been there over 20 days now.  She has had a ...

Parenting... It is not an easy job.  There isn't any putting a band-aide on it and dealing with it later.  It is an everyday job.  It is putting your heart out there daily.  Praying each day that your doing what is right for your kids.  Even though sometimes, your just feeling your way through the situation.  As my kids get older, I have had to take a step back and look at them. Not as a parent.  But try to put myself in an outsiders perspective looking at my kids.  How does my kid interact with other kids?  How does he/she interact with other adults?  Would I want to be around them?  Yes, it is hard to look at your kids open and honestly.  But, it is necessary.  We are training our children to go out into this world.  Not, live in our basements and have friends just on Facebook. Take for instance, little "Sally."  She seems like a model child.  Sally is very respectful with adults.  Very much a ...

It is that time again....to write for 5 minutes flat....no editing...writing from the heart and sharing with others.  It is part of Gypsy Momma blog .  Today's topic:  Present .   Starting... Now.... Each day seems to pass quickly.  One right on top of each other.   After all, it is already July!  One trip into Hobby Lobby and you would think December is next month.  In the back of my mind, I know it will be here soon enough.  These months pass all too fast and quickly turn into years. I look at my kids and realize that my time with them is limited.  Soon, I will be another mom with empty nest syndrome.  :(  But, right now, I have to make an effort to be present.  Not just in the same room, but to be involved and in-touch with my children.  So, that even when they venture out and leave, we will have a deep connection.  And wonderful memories to look back upon. I need to lead by example how mu...

Seasoned parents, remember those days when your children were small?  They would look up to you as if you knew everything.  Holding out their hands ready for you to hold.  Wet kisses with slobber left on your cheek.  Smiles that are meant for Mommy and Daddy only.  The giggles and laughter of toddlers filling up your home with love. Those are wonderful memories.  It seems like so long ago.  Well, considering I have one going into high school... maybe it was so long ago!  Through the years, our relationships change with our children.  We are no longer the "all knowing" parents.  We some how become ancient and kinda dumb as our children transform into teenagers.  How many times has my son told us, "that's the way you did back then.  It's not that way now..."  ?? "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him."   Proverbs 22:15 I do try to give my kids som...

"I give you thanks, O Lord , with my whole heart;    before the gods I sing  your praise;    I bow down toward your holy temple  and give thanks to your  name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness..."  Psalm 138:1-2 I have been feeling very thankful lately.  That is not a bad thing.  It is a great mindset that can improve your day instantly.  :)  I have been looking back over the past year and seeing how much God has blessed us and I am humbled.  God is SO good.  We just need to take a moment and acknowledge it.  Sing His praises because He is worthy! I look at my kids and feel so much love and purpose.  Are they perfect?  uhh...no!  But, none of us are.  I feel so blessed that God has given me these children to care for and protect.  What an honor to be a Mother.  So many women long for that, and I have three. I don't take that for granted.  He protected me and...

First of all, the baskets are done!  Filled with Pumpkin scones, Cinnamon Struesel Muffins, Strawberry Bread, Sweet Cinnamon Biscuits, Pumpkin Oat Muffins, Chocolate Scones.  So yummy!!  My kids have enjoyed the left overs! :) There is no fluff in these baskets!  They are filled!! I have also have been painting the living room and putting up new curtains.  I love it!  It feels warm and homey to me!  I can finally put pictures up! This is one by the front door so you can see the pretty color behind it.  It's a terra-cotta color.  ;) We are also working on the master bathroom.  We took down the tile and got the mold out.  Now, we are putting the new up.  Long process but it is looking great!  Once I patch the couple holes and mud all the way around, I can put up some new paint and it will look completely different! I am so thankful for the blessings that God has given us.  Each project is a labor of lov...

Thank you so much for everyone that put their name in for the drawing!  It makes it much more fun when people play!  After all, who doesn't like to win something? ;) The contest winners are: (wait for it....vision streamers starting to fall and confetti blasting up!) (don't forget the music playing in the background either!) Jenny and Louise!   Congratulations Ladies!  Two ladies that have never won one of my drawings.  So, woo-hoo!!  Here is the list randomizer if you are curious how close you were: Thank you all for playing.  I need to have one again soon because everyone deserves a little bit of love baked in the shape of a scone. :)  I'll post pictures of the baskets one I finish them.  Of course, that means I need to start them!!   Have a great weekend everyone!

Summer is her!! Luckily, summer temps have not made it here yet!  I know that most people are ready for summer and enjoy the heat.  I enjoy the time with my kids and the chance to get things done.  The weather is my least favorite of all seasons.  BUT, I do think we should celebrate a bit with a giveaway! One of last yrs basket winners! I am thinking...hummmm...  maybe a breakfast basket.  Like some scones and muffins.   Oh, cannot forget a sweet bread like maybe strawberry or banana bread.  Of course, there are always some cinnamon biscuits or cinnamon rolls too.  I'm making myself hungry this morning!  :) Its been a long time since we've had a drawing. In fact, I just looked and it was last spring.  So sorry about that guys! And because it has been so long, I'll be making up two baskets!  So, two chances to win!! Please remember the rules: 1)  Just hit the comment button and leave your name  2)  Must ...

Last year, I wrote a post about Girls and Attention .   I should have realized then, it is just going to get harder to stay modest as they get older.  Girls my daughters age (11 yrs) wear shorts that are about the size of their panties. (notice these shorts are only about an inch from the inseam area) And, of course, shirts that are on the tight side and some that even show their bellies.  Luckily, my daughter does not want any part of that still.  So,  what is my girl to do?  We found out that just going to pick out some new shorts or a new swimsuit means going five or six stores.  :/ Faith told me after school yesterday that a friend thought she was wearing capri's.  Why you may ask?  Because her shorts went down to her knees.  Faith had on some athletic shorts.  Her friend had on some of the shorty-shorts.  Several inches of material difference! Swimsuit shopping was even worse.  It seems even the once pi...

I can not believe it's been so long since I've posted.  I've been working on my bible study for the pre-teen class so much that after I put that away...I chill for a bit and off to bed.  Yes, I know, it is an exciting life.  :)  But, I love those kids in class so it is totally worth it.  The number of days of school left is in the teens.  I believe each of us are in need of a break.  I have  so many unfinished projects going on at home that I am looking forward to having time to finish them ALL.  That's my goal anyway.  ;)  Who knows how many I will start after I get those done.  Then, I will be in the same predicament I am now!  And, I will continue to drive my husband crazy!! haha!! Speaking of driving my hubby crazy...  My husband growled at me yesterday.  "Growled" is the best way to describe it.  Why you may ask?  Is it because all of my projects waiting to be finished?  Or the laundry or di...

There are times when it's hard to write.  Those moments when there is so much inside and there just doesn't seem to be a beginning point.  Those moments when I know that I really should be snuggled up in my covers sleeping but I have too much running through my head.  I look at the time and realize...yep, tomorrow is going to be a long day.   "For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me"  Psalm 31:3 ******************* God put those words on my heart one late night last week.  I never could finish it so I saved it as a draft.  It was just too much.  There were a few days week when I was not sure if my Grandmother would make it.  Yes, my head knows she is about 95 and has lived a long life.  But, my heart is not ready to let go.  A friend's mother..her cancer has come back.  A friend's father has terminal cancer.  Also, a precious little baby, Lily, has been on my heart c...

It is the Easter season once again.  Hard to believe it is only a couple days away.   Usually I am decorating with spring colors by now.  Thinking of Easter clothes or spring pictures.  Filling colorful eggs with chocolate and gummies.  This year my heart is heavy with the burdens of the world. So many people are struggling with cancer.  Mothers and Fathers will soon be saying their good-byes to their children and grandchildren.  It is so difficult to lose a parent, no matter how old we are.  Kent and I keep thinking about our Grandma as well.  She is in her 90's and fading faster it seems.  Last year, our aunt heard her talking to Jesus in her room.  She told Him that Easter would be a good time because, after all, You died for us.  (gave us the hint who she's talking too!)  Now, with Easter among us, we keep going back to that conversation.  We keep wondering if it will happen soon.  I saw her on my birthda...

It is amazing how God can use you when you let him.  My little blog here isn't anything glamorous.  It's real life.  The good.  The bad.  Even the ugly tears.  I don't pretend here that everything is great when my heart is breaking.  When something is great, I'll share that as well.  It is all here.  It's open for anyone to read.  I don't have anything to hide. Some one asked me why I write this blog.  My answer?  I just want God to use me.  If through this blog, I can help another person going through a struggle, it means something.   My sin and mistakes are spelled out in black and white.  My worries and struggles are there for all to see.  But through all the mud of this life, my hope is found in God alone.  I want that to be light, even if just a small nightlight, for some one struggling. And as amazing as it is to me, not only do I have friends that will read a post here and there and le...