Should Have Known...

I should have known that I wasn't going to be so lucky and have that nasty virus that was making its way around my house hit me.

Well, it did.

I went home early from work on Thursday...

I started to feel like poo and didn't want to spread my germs to everyone in the office...

So I went to the grocery store and picked up the normal foods that someone with the flu or a GI virus would need...

Gatorade.

Crackers.

Bread.

Advil.

You know the things.

I ended up falling asleep on the couch at home (after I picked the kids up from my mom and dad's) around 745pm!!

I'm never asleep that early.

Thankfully the kids were good and just sat on the couch with me and watched movies.

 

The next morning I woke up feeling about the same.

Unsteady.

Queasy.

Icky, basically.

 

Well, I had an 8am appointment to get my hair done and there was no way I was going to miss that.

I had to have my hair touched up... it was starting to fade around the roots and because of my brother's wedding on the 6th (YES! Jan. 6th!!) I just had to go.

I had planned on doing other things afterwards, but that wasn't happening.

 

By the time the gal colored my roots and I sat for a bit, I thought I was going to die.

Stomach cramps.

Back pain.

Ickiness all over.

 

I didn't even  have my hair trimmed - thank goodness I don't do too much to it to give it split ends.  I just had her wash it and I threw it up and left her with her check.

I felt so bad!!

 

I ended up calling my mom on the way home (she was there with me but doing other things after the appointment) and asked her to go and get a few gifts that I knew Derek wouldn't be able to get.

 

Thankfully, I have one of the bestest mommies in the world and she got what I needed.

 

I ended up spending the rest of the day on the couch or in the well, um, bathroom... too not get too graphic.

Thankfully though, it wasn't as bad as Derek's sickness... but it still wasn't fun.

 

I'm feeling much better today though.

Still got that feeling like my body had been through the ringer.

Tired.

Back hurts.

Headache.

 

But I went out and finished my shopping.

I did a super duper fast trip in Target... and when I came out, my face was white as a sheet... yeah, probably did it a little too quickly... lol.

 

Thankfully though, I'm a tough cookie and on my way to being 100% healthy.

Finished my shopping.

Finished my wrapping- except for one present I can't do since my hubby is home...

And tonight, I'm just going to relax at my parents house... visit with my Grandma.

 

Tomorrow I'll worry about getting the house cleaned and making the dishes for the Christmas Eve festivities at my BIL/SIL's house.

 

Merry Christmas Friends...

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Love to All,
Jenn

Well...

... its only 3 days until Christmas and a nasty GI virus has hit our house.

First it was Rowan... no poopies or no throwing up though... just stomach cramps.

Then it was Zachary... all poopies... thank god.  I don't know how he'd handle throwing up.

Now, it's Derek.

Remember how I said he wasn't feeling well last night?

Yah.

He's got it.

He spent a good part of the evening and night with his head in the toilet.

I just hope it is a quick thing.

He is supposed to finish shopping (for me!) tomorrow and has work.

 

And what I am really hoping is that it skips right on over me...

::begging:: Please, Please, nasty GI Bug... Don't come my way!!

 

I'm supposed to go and get my hair done tomorrow morning... then finish up shopping that HAS to be done!!

I don't feel as if I'm getting sick... yet. 

You never know though... really.

I just hope and pray... and hope some more... that it doesn't hit me.

 

I'm off to finish stuff here at work... I'm hoping I can skiddadle a bit early so I can get home to my sick husband... who is now the biggest baby in the world... but boy, do I  love him :)

A Little Late... but Worth the Wait

I mailed my Christmas cards out today.

A little late. 

But at least I did it...

and those who get them will surely say it was worth the wait ;)

 

It has actually been really busy here at the Pickle Jar.

Zachary has been suffering with a stomach bug for a while... since Friday... and then more since Sunday.

Poor boy...

He'll wake up in the middle of the night (early morning) and go "poopies"... icky "poopies" and not even know it.  Thankfully we co-sleep... so, I am able to get him up and clean him up before it gets messy.

I've also been able to get him on the toilet a few times in the middle of the night before it got too bad... easier that way.

Although, he wasn't too keen on waking up for that.

 

Now Derek doesn't feel good.

I swear I am married to a hypocondriact ;)

LMAO

If one person gets sick in this house...

He is next in line.

But I think this time he really isn't feeling well.

He skipped on Carne Asada sandwiches and beer!!

 

I just hope all of our family members are better by Christmas or it is going to be one shitty (literally) weekend!!

 

Well, my boy is tired... he is really worn out from this bug... he is literally laying on the table where I am typing.

It is only 720pm and I think I'll go and put him down soon...  maybe do some reading as well :)

 

Have a great Wednesday night.

 

 

UGH

sometimes, I freakin' hate aol

 

just did an entry and it ate it

 

screw it.

 

have a great night folks... i'm off to have a glass of champagne.

Really??

 

A week from Today and we'll be celebrating Christmas!!

 

Can't stinkin' wait :)

 

Hope everyone is ready!!

 

Have a great Monday...

Highlights

This entry is going to be all highlights... only because I'm completely frustrated with myself.  I had a whole entry almost done, hit the backspace button one too many times and "Poof" it was gone.

*Been dealing with Rowan and an upset belly since early Wednesday morning.

*Don't know if it was a flu virus or something else (constipation) that was bother her, but she seems to be back to her normal self... in more ways than one ;) haha... TMI I know...

*Zachary woke up all croupy this morning.  Has a bit of a fever too.

*Fluids and Triamatic have been helping... will be surely running the humidifier tonight too.

*Went and got my nails done... just a special treat for myself.  Wanted them for the Holidays and for my bro's wedding (the first week of Jan)

*Bought myself two new Nora Roberts books at Target after my nail appt... along with other things.

*"The Calhouns: Suzanna and Megan" and "The Calhouns: Catherine, Amanda and Lilah"... they sounded interesting, so I picked them up.

*Right now, I'm reading "Charmed and Enchanted" a book with the two stories in it from "The Donovan Legacy".

*Can you tell I'm addicted to Nora Roberts lately?

*Still potty training Zachary.  Twice today he has run off to the bathroom saying "eww" - his word for number 2- and gone.  And he has gone multiple times for number 1.  I hope by the time he is 2 in February he'll be pretty close to done... and out of diapers.

*Guess I'll be needing to get more of the Kandoo wipes from Pampers that Ro uses.

*Christmas is only 11 days away... still have a few more things to pick up... but should be able to get it all in one day.

*Did most of the wrapping last night.  Only a few certain gifts are not done... just because they either stay unwrapped or certain people were around and I couldn't wrap them :)

 

Okay, I think that is all I wanted to write about... Obviously it was nicer written all out and not in bulletin form... but hey, I didn't want to rewrite it all... so, this is what I give ya :)

 

Hope you all have a great Thursday night... I am back to work tomorrow morning- been switching my days of every other Friday for every other Thursday... still getting used to it :X

Toodles.

Almost...

... Done.

I have 5 more gifts to get and put together and then I'm done with my Christmas shopping.

2 of those gifts are for couples, so that is easy enough to do. While 2 other gifts are Gift Cards!  Even easier!!

 

The wrapping and putting together is going to be the hard part... lol.

 

I can't wait though.

I can't wait to see the kiddo's faces after Santa has come and gone...

I can't wait to see my husband's face after he opens the gift I got him.  I hope he doesn't figure it out... and he actually likes what I got him. 

 

Only 13 more days and I can't wait!!

~Can You Feel It?~

It's getting closer.

I can't believe that Christmas is only 16 days away.

It doesn't seem right, does it?

I can't believe how quickly this year has flown by.

And how quickly my children are growing up!! 

Next month, Rowan will be 5 years old... and Zachary will turn 2 in February!!

Wow, I guess time really does fly when you are having fun :)

 

So, yesterday was my day off and I did some shopping.

I've always done shopping for Christmas in parts.  You know, not everything at once.  Well, not yesterday.

I went to Target with Zachary after we had dropped Rowan off at school.  I'm glad he is still young enough that I can actually do the Christmas shopping with him and not be worried that he's going to spill the beans or figure out what is for him :)

Let me just say, I'm proud of myself.  I made a HUGE dent in what I needed to get... mostly for my kids and younger niece and nephew.  I even stuck to my list of what I wanted to get them.  Didn't venture off and buy things that Derek and I didn't discuss.

The only thing I didn't really know what I was going to get for them were the stocking stuffers... but I found a few things (like a microphone from Parents for both and flashlights for both of them) so I think those will be okay for them.

I about died though when I checked out.  I can't remember the last time I spent that much money at one time... and all by myself.  Too keep my innocent until proven guilty, I won't say how much I did spend... but I'm REALLY glad I don't have to buy too much more ;)

 

After picking Rowan up from school... and making sure I had hid the presents in my closet... we went and got Dog Food.  Both of our dogs, Lola and Tango (D's dog for work) have to be on special food due to skin allergies.  I swear, is there a real reason why dog food has to be so stinkin' expensive?  I wish we could feed them the inexpensive stuff... but they'd both be chewing themselves alive... and then there would be vet bills... so, I guess it is kinda worth it to pay a bit extra for the food.

I treated Rowan and Zachary to McDonalds for lunch yesterday too.  Along with treating myself and Derek to Chicken and Beef teriakyi from the Sushi restaurant... Yes, I got me some yummy sushi as well :)

Unfortunately, the Beef teriakyi that I bought Derek is still in the fridge.  When I got home, he was already up and having to go to work for a SWAT call out.  So, he didn't have time before or after to eat it.  I hope he'll have it for lunch today... thankfully, if he doesn't, we'll only be out $7 for it.

 

Last night the kids and I went to my parents for dinner and visiting.  We had Chinese food... yummo.  It is funny how different restaurants can make the same stuff, but it tastes different.  I liked the food last night though... will have to go there again.

Today I am supposed to be taking the kids to see "Happy Feet" with my in laws.  Rowan will have a good time, hanging out with her cousins and what not... but I'm not sure how Mr. Z will take his first movie.  Thankfully, I think he is free... so if I have to spend some time out running the halls with him, it won't be too bad :)

 

Okay, I'm going to go and get myself and the kids cleaned up.  I want to try and get them to take a picture in front of our tree... then upload them to Walgreens so I can get my Christmas cards out before the end of the month... lol.

Have a great day, Friends.

~Attention Friends~

Only 19 days until Christmas!

Are you ready?

.

.

.

.

Me either... lol.

 

Come Friday though... watch out shoppers, Jennifer will be out there in full force ;)

~Boy, Was That A Busy Weekend~

What a busy busy weekend I had.

I didn't have my normal day off (Friday) this week... so, I really wasn't used to not having three days off to do what I needed to do.

It started Saturday morning, having to get myself and both kids ready for Rowan's dance recital.

Derek had worked Friday night, so I tried to let him sleep in as long as possible... but boy, was he a tired, tired boy.

Anyways.  Not only did I have to get Rowan ready for her dance recital (pictures to come), I had to get myself ready for the bridal shower that my mom and I were attending for my future SIL...

The bridal shower that happened to be a good 1 1/2 hours away...

Let me tell you, I was surprised to actually get out of the house on time! 

I was super glad that my mom and I were actually able to get to see Rowan dance.  We were worried that we'd have to leave before she got to dance...

But, she danced in the 11th act... so, we had no problem... since the dances are maybe 2-3mins each.  If that.

Rowan looked so cute when she was up there.  I had done her hair curly and put some really pretty makeup on her... nothing dramatic that you see some girls wearing, but just enough to accent her beauty ;)

Here she is... Princess Rowan...

Isn't she such a doll... I mean, yeah, I think that about her because she is my baby... but come on... I know you think it too ;)

Here she is dancing... I'm not sure if she was off at this point... but she knew the dance... even if she was off.

Just another of her...

Don't let that look fool you... Her halo is held up by her horns!

She had a really good time doing her dance.  I was very proud of her.  She seems to enjoy dancing too.  I think when she gets to be 6yrs old, I'll get her into the Hip-Hop class there... I think she'd like that even more than ballet/tap.

So, after Ro's recital my mom and I left for the bay area. 

Derek was such a good daddy that day and took Rowan and Zachary back to her evening dance recital.  I wasn't sure on how he'd deal with that, but he did a good job.

Anyways.

My mom and I headed off to the bridal shower.  It was so lovely.  The theme was a tea party... so there was iced tea (or course) and champage drinks and lots of snacky foods.

We played games!  I even won the Word Scramble game... getting an apron and a thing for making tea.  I think it holds the tea bag in your cup or something.  I'm not sure... lol.

The gifts that we were given for coming were the cutest though.  We got little tea pots... that we could either use for tea or for candles.  I haven't decided what I want to do with it yet... but I'm sure I will soon :)

 

Okay, so after we left the party, my mom drove me all the way back to where the dance recital was.  I was meeting Derek there and my mom was grabbing the kids for us... my parents were watching them for us that evening so Derek and I could go to a White Elephant Party.

Let me tell you.

I had so much fun!

The people hosting the party are friends of ours through the police department.  Everyone there was either a police officer or a fireman, or both... lol.

The hostest had a wine tasting bar for us ladies... while the host had the keg for the boys.

I had never done a wine tasting... it was interesting and I found that I actually enjoyed a merlot and chardonnay.  And I'm not a wine person.  Champagne, maybe... Wine no.

The whole gift exchange to do with the White Elephant Party was hilarious.  Derek said we are keeping our present that we stole for next years gift... keep it going, you know?

lol.

I'm glad we had my parents watch the kiddos though.  We didn't get home until after 130am!  I never ever stay up that late... lol. 

Between the wine/champagne and the lack of sleep, I was really dragging yesterday. 

I stayed in bed until 915am and when Zachary took a nap, I layed down in bed with him and read.  I don't think I had a hangover... but I sure wasn't myself.

At 130pm, my mom came by the house to pick me up so we could go to a high school sober grad night fundraiser.

The fundraiser?

Buncko!!

Boy, was it fun.  I think my SIL (who is on the commity) is going to try and put together a Buncko group since we had so much fun!

 

Okay guys.  Its late and I've rambled on long enough.  I'll leave you with this picture of my "Men". 

Derek took this of him and Zachary at the recital.  Aren't they stinking adorable??

Have a great evening Friends.

~More Pics... Something Different this Time~

After I posted the pictures of the Christmas decorations on here and my Myspace... I got some requests to see the rest of my house.

Well, I did take some pictures tonight... but none of them came out the way that I would like and well, my house is a bit cluttered.

I did happen to take a few good pics of my cairio... where I keep my wedding things...

So, I thought I would finally share pics from my wedding... never have before... so, why not today?

Closed view... can't see much... but you get the idea.

A picture of the shoes that Rowan wore in our wedding... She was 16 months old...

Speaking of Rowan...

My beautiful baby girl.  She walked down the aisle all by herself.  She was such a good girl that afternoon/evening.  And boy, did she look sweet :)

The happy couple.  Derek and Jennifer... May 17, 2003.

 

Okay, there they are.  Just thought I'd share :)

Now, off to post a mirror entry on my Myspace blog...

~Oops~

Oops.

I seemed to have messed up on the previous entry.

It is all fixed now.  So, go by and check it out.

 

Hugs,
Jenn

 

Oh yes.

You can pretty much say there are only 26 days until Christmas now... Since its passed mid-night on the East Coast...

hehehe

~Starting to Look Like Christmas~

Just wanted to share some pictures of what we accomplished last night... We did most of our decorating... I think there are a few things I would like to pick up or put out... but it will have to wait a bit...

So... with out further adue...

PICTURES!!

The Tree... We like to put Stuffed Animals under ours until we get some presents out... Never mind that there isn't a tree skirt... I had to pick up a new one today at Target... thankfully it somewhat matches the stockings we already have...

Miss Rowan had to pose by the tree... She was proud of the fact that she got to help put some ornaments on...

The shelves above our TV.  Its a little messy still... and missing a few extras like candles... but you get the hint!

The ever Cheesy Zachary... I can't believe I actually got a good smile out of him!!

Brother and Sister... aka... The Monsters

And I just had to share these pictures of Zachary from the other day.  He let himself into the den where Derek has all of his video games... and well, he climbed up into the seat and pretended that he was playing.  He was so happy with himself.  Because he seemed to want to play so badly, I'm thinking of buying him the Leapster Grow With Me video games that plug into the TV for him... But who knows...

 

<FONTFACE="COMIC MS? Sans>Okay, that is it... I'm off to read my new book.  The second book in the "In the Garden" trilogy from Nora Roberts... Lisa, you'll have to let me know if you started reading them yet... if not, I'm sure you'd really like them!!

 

Hugs,
Jenn

~Only...~

(just for you, Lisa...)

 

.... 27 days until Christmas.

~Good Morning~

Good Morning Friends.

I can't believe I haven't put an entry in here in so long.

Holy Moly am I a bad journal keeper or what?

Oh well... at least I'm not slacking on the commenting department... or at least I don't think I am... eek.. I better not think about that at the moment or I might get myself into trouble!

 

So...

What have we been up to lately?

Let us see.

Right now, my two beautiful kid are sitting together... nicely!... on the couch watching "Elf".  I know, probably not the best movie for them... but Rowan loves the fact that it has to do with Christmas and Santa... so, hey, its alright in my book.

Derek is off at the grocery store... picking up stuff to make homemade chicken soup (yum!) and artichoke dip.  It is supposed to rain here this evening and tomorrow, so he wanted to have something warm and yummy for dinner.  And there is nothing better then his chicken soup.

I'm supposed to be empting the dish washer, finishing folding laundry, and moving the furniture to prepare for the decorating that we will be doing this evening...

But I wanted to stop by and say Hi.

 

We had a great Thanksgiving here at the Pickle Jar.

Derek was actually able to get the day off.  They had more people then necessary working the streets on one shift, so a guy was nice enough to work Derek's shift so he could be off.

We went to my parents house... where my brother was there, along with my grandma.  Dad had picked her up on Wednesday (she is 89 years old and driving almost 2 hours to our place isn't here thing...), so it was nice to visit with her.

In fact, we had dinner at their house Weds-Sat nights... so we could spend time with her and my parents.  It was nice to visit and not have to cook... But I made sure we told my parents "Thank You" over and over for having us :)

 

Hmm...

The kids are doing really well.

Rowan seems back to her normal self.  Well, a little green-eyed still... but not more Stomach problems.  We are guessing that she did have some virus... but its good to have her feeling better... either way.

 

Mr. Zman is working on potty training.  We only put a diaper on at nap time and bed time... oh yes... and when we go out.  So, basically, he is either running around butt nakey or with some kind of underoo's (Spiderman yesterday!) or just his pj pants on...

He has been doing really well.  He actually has a way of telling us that he has to go... Not too sure how to explain it, but he kinda squirms and pulls at his privates... lol. 

We also take him about every 20-30mins so he can void his bladder... so, that means no accidents.

We are hoping by the time he is 2 (Feb 22 people!!! where did time fly??) he will be fully potty trained... or pretty damned close to it!

 

Rowan is very excited about Christmas coming up.  She tells me every day what she is going to ask Santa for... for herself and Zachary... since he can't talk...

Isn't that sweet?

She is going to ask him for an umbrella, purse and wallet.

And she is going to ask for a Firetruck for Mr. Z.... because he loves them so much!!

 

I'm so excited too... because Derek and I actually ordered some presents for the kiddos on Friday night from Disneyshopping.com.  We got Ro her Umbrella... an Overnight bag instead of a purse, since my SIL got her one... and a Princess Jacket with her name on it...

And we got Zachary a jacket also... a Varsity type jacket with Dash from the "Incredibles" on it... because he reminds us of him when he runs around all speedy like.  His is coming with his name also. Check it out >>> Jacket

The best thing about buying all that stuff on Friday night was that it was all on Sale!!  Actually, they still have their sale going on until tonight... Big Discounts and Free shipping on a orders over at certain amounts!!  I was stoked!!

There are a few more things we want to get them... but for now, that it is about it.  I'll probably be able to finish all my shopping by the 10th... so, I'll be happy about that.

 

Can you believe that there are only 28 days until Christmas!?!?!  HOLY MOLY!!

 

Okay friends... I need to go and finish my chores before my husband returns :) Hope you all have a great rest of the weekend!

Hugs,
Jenn

~Suggestions~

Hi All, again :)

 

My mom and I are trying to find some good songs that she and my brother could dance to as the Mother/Son dance at his wedding in January.

 

I would appreciate some suggestions :)

 

Huggers

~Frustrated~

I'm so completely frustrated right now.

Ever since Rowan got sick last Thursday- throwing up in the parking lot at Target and then the potty thing all day- she has been complaining about her stomach hurting her.

It might be once a day... it might be 10 times in a day.

I seriously don't know if it could be a virus... or something to do with her anxiety from school, life or what ever.

I feel so bad for her...

Yet, I don't know if her stomach is really hurting her... or if its all in her head.

She claims that her stomach has a "birus" (virus) that is "pinching" it. 

Tonight, when we met Derek for dinner... she didn't eat any of her food (probably from eating at earlier)... but she told me she felt like throwing up. 

She was so tired (no nap today) that she literally layed her head down on the table and started to fall asleep.

I got her home...

Gave her some pepto and took her temp.

Its below normal.

 

I think we'll (my mom actually) will be taking her and Zman (for his cold) to the doctors tomorrow to rule anything out...

I just wish I knew what we really going on, you know?

Guess that is why I'm so frustrated...

:(

 

~YUM~

YUM...

 

Pancakes for dinner are the best!!

 

:)

~Ugh~

**I don't know if Alerts are working or not... but I have posted two new entries below this one... check them out**

Ugh.

Both munskins are once again sick.  I hate the fact that Rowan brings stuff home from preschool and then passes it on to my boy.

I've heard that it can take a child up to two years to build up immunity to colds/flu germs.  Rowan has been in preschool for just over a year... so... hopefully by the Spring, she'd have brought home everything and then won't be getting sick anymore!

I guess I could blame it on the weather change too, no?  Today, it was a balmy 78 degrees... tomorrow, it is supposed to be raining!  I wish it would just make up its mind ;)

 

Tonight is "Gilmore Girls"... I hope I'll be able to catch it.  Sometimes, trying to watch the shows with the kids is a hard thing to accomplish.  Thank goodness for DVR, that is all I have to say.

 

I think tonight is "Dancing with the Stars" too.  I might try and catch some of that... its down to three good looking guy dancers, so, you can't complain about watching it... lol. 

Oh! I heard somewhere, on one of the gossip blogs, that Mario Lopez is supposed to play the same character that Patrick Sweaze *sp?* did in a "Dirty Dancing" remake!! 

First of all, why do they have to remake that movie?  They already did the "Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights"... they REALLY don't have to do a remake... The first one was great... a remake could never compare to it!

 

Btw, are the alerts off?

I haven't gotten as many comments as I used to... but maybe that is because I haven't really been doing entries.  Oh well. 

 

Okay. Time to go break up a fight between my monsters... Gotta love that!

Have a Great Evening!

~Seriously Now...~

... who really thought it would last??

 

Britney Files for Divorce...

And Another...

How about One More...

~Okay, SO~

Okay so.

 

It has been an awful while since I've done an actual entry.  In fact, you know I did try three times last night... but what you don't know is, this is my SECOND attempt!!  Oh yes.  So, this time I am typing it in AOL mail and hoping to copy and paste with out any problems.

 

So.  What has been going on in the good ol' Pickle Jar you ask?

 

Well, not much...

 

Okay, I lie.  We have been pretty busy, but it just doesn't seem like its doing anything too important.

 

Between both kids having gymnastics class (on different days) and Rowan's dance class, we are gone two evenings and one morning of the week.  So, I guess we would be kinda busy huh?

 

Rowan is excelling so well in gymnastics lately.  In fact, just tonight, she passed Level 2 of Kindergym!!  She was so proud of herself... especially when she got to ring the bell to announce to everyone in the gym what she had done!

 

Dance is also going well.  Yet, I still think gymnastics is what she likes the best.  Her dance Holiday dance recital is on December 2nd.  Unfortunately, I'm not sure if I'll be making it (more on that later!).

 

I mentioned that Zman is doing gymnastics too.  We (yes he and I) go on Friday mornings at 9am to do a Tots class... or a Mommy and Me.  He doesn't understand the concept just yet... he likes to just run around and do somersaults mostly... but he has a good time and has a chance to interact with other kids around his age (18mons-3yrs).

 

Oh yes.  Zachary has also been off his heart meds for over a month now.  Yeah, can you believe it?  It was an adjustment not giving him his meds 3 times a day, everyday.  He is doing well and so far ::Knock On Wood:: he hasn't had an episode.  And truthfully, if he were to get sick again, I'm not sure if I could stay sane!  Those 12 days in the PICU were some of the hardest days in my life!

 

Okay... anyways.

 

Moving on now...

 

The weather here in the Central Valley has finally changed!!

 

WOO HOO!

 

It's Fall here and I'm so happy.  I love waking up with cool mornings... sitting on the couch in front of a fire with a mug of hot tea!  Also, I love the Misty mornings... no, not the foggy mornings... because I hate the fog... but the mornings that there is a bit of Mist.  Those are great mornings!

 

And with the Fall brings the Holidays.  I can't believe that Thanksgiving is almost here!  Seems like it was just July or something, no?  So, Thanksgiving is coming and we are trying to figure out what day or days we are going to have it.

 

See, Derek works that Thursday... so we were thinking about having it on Friday... but if my brother and his fiancee can't make it there on Friday... we'll have to have Thanksgiving on both days.  Doesn't bother me none... I love me some turkey and mashed potatoes :)

 

But... speaking of my brother!

 

He just started his new job (Finally!!) today.  He is working at an Insurance agency in Sacramento... and he is in his first new place that he is paying for :)  He is really proud of that too... heck, I'm proud of him too!  I guess that 4 1/2 year college education is finally coming into play!

 

He is also getting married to his girlfriend of 4 1/2 years coming in January.  We are super excited about that!  Rowan most of all I think ;)  She is stoked to be a Flower Girl (again!!).  My future SIL picked out the most amazing dress for her too... Ballerina style and what not.  She's going to look too cute if I don't say so myself. Lol.

 

My parents also treated me to the three (3!!) outfits that I'll be wearing to the wedding, rehearsal dinner and the bridal shower.  I didn't have anything and being the wonderful parents they are, they helped me out. 

 

I'll be wearing this baby burnout dress for the wedding... a dress pant and sweater for the rehearsal dinner... and a dress pant and blouse for the bridal shower... which happens to be on December 2nd... the same day as Ro's recital.

 

And because its in the bay area... we aren't sure of the time of the recital... so, I'm not sure if I'll be able to make either of the shows :(  I'm sad, yes.  But I have Derek to take Rowan... Dad to watch Zman... and there will always be more recitals... just not Bridal Showers :)

 

 

Hmm, what else, what else.

 

Derek is planning on working some OT soon.  He wants to get some money together so we aren't breaking ourselves for Christmas.  Good plan on his part... but we always miss him when he works.  I know its good for us, but still...

 

But we did get to go out on a date on Friday night.  We went to pizza and beer with friends from the PD... and then to a movie.  We saw "SAW III".  Yeah, YUCKO!

 

We had a wonderful time... it was nice to have some adult time too :) 

 

My parents were nice enough to watch the kids for the evening too...

 

Which brings us back to Rowan...

 

She and my mom were talking that evening and she came to find out that Rowan has been sucking her thumb when it came time for her to nap at school!!  Rowan has never sucked her thumb!!

 

Okay, a little insight.

 

Rowan went to the dentist last Thursday.  She did extremely well... but the dentist noticed that she had some evidence of her grinding her teeth and some protruding of her teeth... like she sucked her thumb.  So, the dentist asked if there was any new stress in her life and my mom couldn't think of anything...

 

Well, there has been and we hadn't thought of it until now.  Rowan begun all day schooling back in September.  She would go to school from 8am-4pm.... with a nap around noon.

 

Everyday, she would beg us to let her not sleep there... she told us that she didn't like it!  That she didn't want to...we could tell that she didn't like it... but we figured out that she was having a hard time... between the thumb sucking and teeth grinding, it wasn't emotionally good for her.

 

Needless to say, she isn't doing full days of school anymore.  We didn't think it was good for her emotionally. 

 

Okay, I think I've rambled on enough...

 

Gotta get the kids ready for bed!!

 

Hugs,
Jenn

~Entry To Come~

Last night, I sat down to do an entry...

Well, I tried 3, yes 3, different times to put one in... every time it failed.  I must have kept hitting a wrong button on the laptop or something!!

Anyways, I want to update... so, keep an eye out this evening for one, okay?

Much Love to You All!
~Jenn

~Halloween Pics~

Hey Guys.  I just wanted to share a few pictures from last night.

The kids had a blast... but we were super busy.

We hit up a few houses on our court and in the neighborhood...

Then went to my parents house and then to my BIL/SIL house, both that are in a whole other town...

So, needless to say... the candy that I bought to pass out here at our house is still in the big ol' "Stock Pot" that I put it in last night...

Candy anyone??

Miss Rowan and Zachary Justice...

"Tinker Bell" played by Rowan Catherine

"Peter Pan" played by Zachary Justice

~Seriously~

Seriously.

I don't know how the women and men deal when their loved ones are gone over seas for years at a time...

I have a hard time dealing when my husband is gone for a week... only 4 hours away...

Its crazy.

 

:(

~Already Missing Him~

Derek leaves today for school in San Luis Obispo.

He'll be gone until Friday evening.

But the thing is, I haven't even really seen him since Wednesday... and when I did see him on Friday, we had an argument before he went to work. 

He's worked from Thurs and his shift is from 5pm-4am.  So the only time I see him is at 4am (or so) to crawl into bed... and then when I leave I give him a kiss good-bye.

And today, he has all day SWAT training with the other SWAT teams from the county...

After that, they leave... no good-bye kisses.  No hugs.

I hate it when he is gone.

:(

~Oops~

Ooops.

 

I did say that I was going to do an entry yesterday, huh?

 

Oops.

 

I guess making home made pizza's with the kiddies and Derek took over my time...

 

I'll try and make it by here again tonight...

 

Until then, have a great day!

Charter Communication Customer Service....

 

YOU SUCK!!

 

And thats all I have to say tonight.

I'll be back tomorrow for an entry... its due :)

~Kids' Halloween Costumes~

We - okay, my mom- got the kids their Halloween costumes the other day.

 

She ordered them from Disneyshopping.com

(pictures courtesy of Disney)

Check out what my "Monsters" will be for the fun, fun, fun day!!

 

Rowan will be Tinkerbell:

 

and

 

Mr. Zachary will be Peter Pan:

 

Don't you think that they'll be adorable!!??!!

I just had to do costumes that went together this year...

 

Okay, gotta jam... Just wanted to share :)

~The Girl~

The girl was still running a temp this morning, so I made her an appointment with the doctor this afternoon...

Yup, she has a double ear infection...

 

Plus, she still has the playdoh in there :)

 

Uhh... I'm tired of the ear infections... REALLY!

~Happy Birthday Baby~

    

    

      Happy 26th Birthday Baby!!! WE LOVE YOU!!

    

                                           I LOVE YOU!!

~Sunday Ramblings~

Wow, its Sunday already, eh?

What happened to the weekend?

I can't believe its gone already.

 

I wish I had another day or so...

 

So, anyways... I'm going to go on with my ramblings now...

 

*I went out with some friends last night.

*Dinner and then went to a bar downtown.  Now I know why I never did the bar scene... it really isn't for me.

*I did have a good time though.  We played shuffle board and hung out... it was nice to get out for a bit.

 

*I have an awesome husband who stayed home with the babes.

*He's worn out now though... not because of the kids... but because he has been painting our den.  He's crazy... let me tell you  :)

 

*Rowan is still sick

*Running a fever from anywhere of 99.5 to 102.

*It is getting old.

*Derek will be taking her to the doctors tomorrow...

*I wish I could take her... but I have to be at work.

 

*My hubby made chicken soup for dinner tonight...

*It was oh-so-yummy... that and bread with butter, makes the best dinner ever!

 

*It wasa perfect dinner for today too... It actually rained here!!

*I can't wait for it to be like that more often...

*We are looking at weather in the 80's this next week though...

*Big Bummer!

 

*My husband turns 26 on Tuesday...

*I can't wait!!

*We are celebrating on Saturday though... because he has to work.

*Pizza and Beer at a local joint that he loves... should be a blast!

 

Well friends... I'm pretty tired.  Going to bed at 2am isn't something that I'm used to these days... so, I think I'm going to catch up on my journal reading, myspace hopping, and watch Extreme Makeover: Home Edition... then I'm going to hit the hay.

Hope each and every one of you had a great weekend.

~Pickles

~Friday Thoughts~

Some random thoughts on this Friday evening...

*I'm full... I just had a Sushi dinner... Dragon Roll, California Roll and Spicy Tuna Roll.  Can you say, Yummo?

*My kids are sick.... again.

*Rowan has some sort of virus.  Fever of around 102 and she says her head hurts... as well as her ears.  My mom, her Yaya, took her to the Drs yesterday... he said there is no ear infection, but that she still has the blue playdoh in her ear!! lol...

*Zachman has an ear infection... but doing so much better.  Amazing how 2 days of antibiotics can change the way someone feels.

*My hubby is tired... tired... tired...

*He worked last night (7pm-6am) and had dog training this morning... came home for an hour and a half nap... then went to lunch and a movie with some buddies.  I'm surprised he is still some what coherent :)

*I'm tired too... but thankfully a 3 hr nap this afternoon with my babies helped :)

*Tomorrow I'm going out with the girls... can I get a Whoop Whoop??

*I can't believe Sunday is the first day of October...

*Christmas is right around the corner... eek!!

*Did I mention that I'm extremely full?? Yeah, I am.

*Zachary had his cardiologist appointment today...

*He is officially OFF of his heart meds...

*Please think of him... wish him that he has no episodes of SVT...

*I'm scared shitless about it!

*Tomorrow, if Ro is up to it... I think we are going to go look at some trailers...

*I hate it that my babies aren't their normal selves right now.

*I'm happy happy that its Friday... and that my hubby is home.

 

Okay, I think that is it...

Have a great weekend everyone.

~Pickles

 

~Pismo Picture Entry~

Here are the pictures I promised that I'd share with you...

From our fantastic trip to Pismo, Ca :)

Hope You Enjoy...

My Girl... She was too into the movie to look right at the camera... But at least she gave me a smile!

The Boy... He had never worn the ear phones before... he had a hard time with them at first... but in the end, he liked them :)

Me and Mr. Grumpy Pants... He was getting frustrated with the drive-thru at Sonic... lol... And get this, we had only been on the road, 10 minutes... haha

The View from our Condo's Balcony... We were two blocks away from the Beach!

Hello Friend...

Zachary's First Real Time with his Toes in the Sand...

Show me your Smile Zachary...

Ain't he Freakin' Cute??

The Girls... Rowan and Her Cousins

My Boy in the Pismo Beach Sunset...

Zman heading towards the water... He didn't like walking in it... but he liked walking to it...

Baby Toes in the Sand...

Rowan and the Sunset...

Cousins Splishing and Splashing...

Swings...

Derek decided to bury Zman in the sand...

He says, "Help Me Mom!!"

View from the Pier at Pismo Beach...

My Hottie of a Husband pulling the kids in the wagon on the Pier... Grrr, baby, Grr... lol!

Zachary loved checking out the view from the Pier...

Once we got home... Derek wanted to play some video games... Well, Zachary decided he like to join him ;)  Aren't they adorable??

 

Okay, there are the pictures that I wanted to share... Of course there were more... but some had the cousins in them, and well, I didn't feel I should share those...

Hope you enjoyed looking at these :)

Hugs,
Jenn

~Back~

we made it back from Pismo safe and sound yesterday afternoon...

if I missed anyone's journals while doing my rounds, my sincerest apologies.

 

I am going to try my hardest to get some pictures up this evening from our trip... but I'm not sure if I'll be able to.... between unpacking, laundry and Ro's gymnastics class, it will be tight :)

 

keep an eye out, okay?

~Away~

I'm in Pismo on our annual family trip!!

 

I'll be back to journals Sunday evening or Monday night :)

 

Hugs to You all.
~Jenn

 

Thanks for catching my mistakes Nae... that is what happens after 2 shots of tequila and a few beers ;)

~Some More Tid-Bits~

I realized that I really liked doing my last entry as a "tid-bit" entry.

I was able to get a lot of things out of my head... but didn't have to go and figure out a way to write it all out to make sense or to flow.

So, I thought I'd do it again...

*I'm still loving my hair... although, because I have so much and it was so processed (due to the high lights) not all of my hair is the same color :(  I have this 'band' of blonde right at the top of my hair. 

*Yeah, I'll be calling my hair gal tomorrow to see when I can get it fixed.

*Did you happen to see the picture on my side-bar?  Its an original from one of my best Jland friends, Nae :)  Thanks girlie!

*My son thinks that I'm his jungle gym... even as I write this entry.

*I got maybe 4 hours of sleep last night...

*And no, it wasn't because I was having some fun :(

*Miss Rowan has croup... she was up a few times last night.  It got so bad at one point that I thought I'd take her to the ER.  Yet, I just ended up sitting with her in the bathroom with the HOT HOT shower running and a humidifier.

*Yaya (my mom) took Ro to the doctors this morning... yes, she does indeed have croup, as well as a full blown ear infection... ugh.

*My fingers are crossed that none of us at the house get any bit of her illness.

*We are due to be in Pismo for our Family Clan get away this weekend!

*I'm so excited about going.  The weather will be in the high 60's, low 70's... That means I'll get to wear my Uggs!!  WOO HOO!

*Derek's dog, his K-9, is Cat Crazy.

*How crazy you ask?

*Saturday afternoon/late evening, he broke through the screen in our dining room, through the blinds, and chased the cat around the house... set off our alarm... and cornered the cat in Ro's bedroom.

*Yeah, no fun.  Thankfully, the cat isn't hurt that badly (he got his paw bloodied a bit).

*Saturday night Derek and I went out for a date... to a county wide SWAT dinner.

*Fun stuff... and let me just say... I'm not tooting my own horn or anything, but my husband is one hot guy ;)

*I just wished I had got a picture to share with you all...

*I've got a major headache... been having them on and off for the last few days... kinda getting tired of them!  (not going to complain much since I know there are others out there that are in a whole lot more pain then me!)

*Its 740pm and I'm thinking about going to bed.

*Yet, I'm kicked out of my bedroom for a while because Derek and Rowan are spending some time together watching a movie.

*That means it is just me and my boy, Zman, hanging out.

*And I think thats all I've got going on... lol.

 

Hope everyone's Monday was great... Enjoy the rest of your week... See ya!

~New Me~

You wanna check out the new me?

I went and did something a little drastic with my hair today...

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Here you go...

And another view...

And one with my and my Bubba... 'Cause he wanted to take a picture with his Mommy...

I'm loving it!!

Have a great weekend my friends...