Finally!

After lots of research and assistance from Uncle Lowell, I finally gave in & bought a new desktop computer. I settled on an HP Slimline and absolutely love it! Tonight I set it up in my office and now I just need to figure out how to connect it to the internet : ) Uncle Lowell is going to help me setup the wireless router so then I'll be able to use my netbook (and not try to tap into outside networks!) & Kenny will be able to play his Xbox online. I can't wait to have everything all setup! And start regularly blogging...

Merry Christmas!

Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! Santa was good to us all this year and we're currently enjoying a day of rest & relaxation...still in our pj's! Christmas celebrations continue tomorrow, but full recaps will soon follow!

Pardon the lack of updates!

My computer has been going bonkers lately which is in turn preventing me from sanely using it! Therefore I have been unable to navigate the web, upload pictures, edit such pictures, etc. I think you catch my point.

Please bear with me as I think it's time I bite the bullet and get a new one : /

Wish me luck! And keep your fingers crossed I score an awesome holiday deal!

PLEASE, PLEASE come back soon and I promise more frequent updates!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Welcome to December

I can hardly believe it’s already December. A mere 22 days until Christmas! This is my absolute favorite time of the year and we kicked off the holiday season on a good note. It had been since June since I had any time off from work so a vacation was certainly in order! Our annual trip to Dallas took place the weekend before Thanksgiving so I took the opportunity to take an entire week off of work : ) Here’s what we’ve been up to lately:

Saturday – Tuesday: our trip to Dallas {full recap & pictures coming soon}

Wednesday: My entire day was spent baking and running errands with Mom. I volunteered to be in charge of desserts for Thanksgiving dinner so I needed to get some prep work done so I wasn’t left scrambling Thanksgiving morning. On the menu: pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake, carrot cake cupcakes, apple crumble pie, and lastly, birthday cake. Our Thanksgiving spread isn’t complete without birthday cake, especially since cousin Joe was celebrating his 30th birthday ON Thanksgiving this year.

We had a delightful evening over Mom & Dad’s playing LCR : ) Jenn, Ed, Louis, Michele, Craig, Renee, Mom, Dad, Ken & I all gathered around the table for an exciting game of LCR. We of course play for money! It makes it so much more exciting…well, let’s just say luck was on our side that night because of the 11 games we ended up playing…I won four, Mom won four, and Dad won three! WOW! That NEVER happens : ) I doubt we’ll convince the others to play again anytime soon ; )

Thanksgiving: I finished up my baking all while watching the Thanksgiving Day parade and listening to Christmas tune. Hey, I was in the holiday spirit and more than ready for the holiday season : ) We headed to Aunt Deb’s for dinner and it certainly was delicious. Ken & I spent most of the time in front of the tv watching the Cowboys kick butt! While I love watching football on Thanksgiving, I wish the game wasn’t on right during prime dinner time : o) It was delightful spending time with family!

Black Friday: Yes, I was crazy enough to join the hundreds of people lining up at stores long before sunrise in hopes of snagging a good deal! My alarm buzzed me out of my slumber at 4 am and by 4:15 I was in line at Target, already at least 50 people deep. Did I get what I was hoping to snag?! Unfortunately not! But I’m thankful I didn’t brave the cold any earlier because I overheard someone who had been there since 3 am didn’t even get the same thing I was hoping for. Oh well, at least I tried! But I did score some sweet savings at both Joann and Wal-Mart so in all, it was a successful venture! P.S. Dad said it was his first and LAST Black Friday! Hehe. It wasn’t even that bad…I could’ve taken him to Kohl’s : o)

Back to Reality: The rest of the weekend was spent running a few other errands, buying our new electric fireplace (yay!), picking out our tree, celebrating our second Thanksgiving dinner with Ken’s family, and simply relaxing before it was back to the grind!

Now the holiday season is in full swing and I’m ecstatic. We already have a pretty full calendar, but I’m stoked about it. Lots of fun times coming our way : )

Sorry for the lack of pictures, my camera suddenly stopped working : / It’s currently getting repaired at Best Buy…thankfully Ken got me an extended warranty : )

.speaking of dogs.

I couldn't very well post a picture of my new furry little nephew without mentioning the cuteness that instilled on Halloween : )

Yes, that's right...I dressed the dogs up for Halloween this year! ALL three of them...

Since these three are quite the "big" dog that most Americans have and manufacturers can't seem to understand we want to dress them up too...I had to take matters into my own hands (thanks to help & inspiration from Jessica) and put together their costumes myself! I think they turned out quite cute if I do say so myself : )

Tucker aka "Superman"

Amber as a Ballerina

And lastly, the birthday boy as a jailbird

I think their costumes suited their personalities quite well!

Happy Belated Halloween!

Best way to start your day

is with an email like this...

Aunt Jen:

I'm having such a good time playing with The Orange Man this morning! I hope your morning is as good as mine!

Love,
Buddy

Get to know me better...

...just for the heck of it!

***********FOODOLOGY***************

What is your salad dressing of choice?
{creamy french or thousand island}

What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?
{cheesecake factory! yummmm}

What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of?
{pizza}

What are your pizza toppings of choice?
{plain or mushrooms}

What do you like to put on your toast?
{pb & honey or butter & jelly}

***********TECHNOLOGY***************

How many televisions are in your house?
{haha, technically 5 but we use 3?}

What color is your cellphone?
{PINK!}

Do you have an iPod?
{yeppers, and speaking of...I can't find it at the moment}

***************BIOLOGY******************

Are you right-handed or left-handed?
{rightie}

Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
{nope. and I'm hoping like hell I don't need my wisdom tooth removed}

What is the last heavy item you lifted?
{my dog?}

Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
{I've gotten a concussion, but not completely knocked out}

************BULLOLOGY**************

If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
{um, not really. thanks for asking though}

If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
{I think I'm content with Jen...its some much cuter with Jen & Ken : ) and its pretty fun being best friends w/ a Jen(n)}

Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1,000?
{as much as I could use the money, I don't know I'd be able to do it...}

**************FAVORITOLOGY****************

Season?
{fall, hands down!}

Holiday?
{thanksgiving & christmas}

Day of the week?
{saturday...no work and still have sunday!}

Month?
{september/october}

***********CURRENTOLOGY*****************

Missing someone?
{nope, I'm at home with my two loves}

Mood?
{tired, but bored? I can't decide what I feel like doing!}

What are you listening to?
{whatever is on the tv in the other room}

Current worry?
{I'm actually quite content at the moment}

***************RANDOMOLOGY*****************

First place you went this morning
{what do you consider this morning?! I was all over the house all night long just HOPING to get some sleep, but to no avail w/ my pacing dog!!}

What’s the last movie you saw?
{Fighting. <3 Channing Tatum}

Do you always answer your phone?
{usually, but not always. if i don't recognize the number i don't}

It’s four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it?
{it doesn't matter, my phone's on silent!}

If you could change your eye color what would it be?
{wouldn't! i actually love my eye color and get complimented on them quite often! they're a unique mix of blue, green & a hint of yellow}

What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic
{used to be grape, now if I go I just get tea}

Do you own a digital camera?
{yep, I do. kenny bought me a nice one for our anniversary last year!}

Have you ever had a pet fish?
{we have two right now! a bass & a sunny...yes, dad & kenny caught our fish from the pond!}

Favorite Christmas song(s)
{all I want for christmas}

What’s on your wish list for your birthday
{my birthday just passed! but I think I want Rachael Ray pots & pans for christmas!}

Can you do push ups?
{haha, not a chance. sorry Jillian}

Can you do a split?
{oh boy, nope not that either!}

Does the future make you more nervous or excited?
{excited. what's there to be nervous about?!}

Do you have any saved texts?
{a few I think}

Have you ever been in a car accident?
{minor ones. knock on wood}

Do you have an accent?
{I've been told I have a slight Jersey accent. LOL}

What is the last movie to make you cry?
{hmmm, good question! I honestly don't know...}

Plans tonight?
{finishing this then heading up to bed for either a movie or some reading}

Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom?
{sure have, but thankfully it's never really been quite that bad}

Name 3 things you bought yesterday?
{plastic tableclothes for work & I think that's it! amazing}

Have you ever been given roses?
{not in a loooooong time!}

Met someone who changed your life?
{that's a thought provoking question & I don't have the energy to think about it...}

How will you bring in the New Year?
{most likely in DALLAS!}

What song represents you?
{ehhhh, again...not sure!}

Would you go back in time if you were given the chance?
{I don't think so, but maybe to spend more time with certain people}

Do you have any tattoos/piercings?
{one tattoo & one piercing, but it doesn't reaaaaally count b/c its part of my ear}

Does anyone love you?
{you betcha}

Would you be a pirate?
{no way}

What songs do you sing in the shower?’
{haha, I don't!}

Ever had someone sing to you?
{can't say that I have. at least not that I remember}

Do you like to cuddle?
{for a bit, but sometimes I prefer my space!}

Have you held hands with anyone today?
{nope}

Who was the last person you took a picture of?
{amber. she looked so cute cuddled up!}

Are most of the friends in your life new or old?
{a bit of both}

Do you like pulpy orange juice?
{never used to, but I don't mind it now}

What is something your friends make fun of you for?
{the way I say certain things I guess}

Precious

Happy September

I really can’t believe its September already, although I can’t say I’m sad about it. I absolutely LOVE fall and everything about it. I’m truly ready for summer to be over and fall to begin. Life should start to settle down and I’m truly looking forward to the slower pace & cooler weather.

We’re expecting weather in the 70’s all week and I LOVE it! Hopefully the weather will hold our for our picnic (BBQ!) this weekend!

Obviously a lot has happened since I last blogged. I know, I’m a total slacker. It’s with good intentions that I commit myself to things and than I end up completely overwhelmed by life and my poor blog fell by the wayside. But with September comes a fresh start, a change of seasons have you. While its not officially fall yet, to me Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end to summer and I officially start welcoming fall (although I say its here with this weather…even though its inevitable for it to warm up again!).

Let’s recap a few happenings over the past month:
1. Chrissy’s Bachelorette Party

2. Chrissy & Mark get married

3. Skydive #2

4. My birthday!

5. Jenn’s Bridal Shower

Now that we’re all caught up, we’re back to real time updates! Promise.

Video Link

I'm finally able to share my skydiving video with you!! Check it out here & enjoy {I know I did!}.

P.S. I forgot to mention in my skydiving recap how high up you jump from! Your jump altitude is 13,500 feet {2.5 mile!!}

One of those moments…

…that is funny, but quickly forgot over a matter of time. And that’s exactly why I started this blog, so I won’t forget the moments that once brought a smile to my face!

I glanced at my phone the other day to realize I had a text from Chrissy, it read: Kenny took his first steps toward marriage today. Ummm, what? I immediately called her wondering what she knew that I didn’t. LOL.

On Wednesday Chrissy & Mark had to go get their marriage license {they’re getting married in ONE week!} and when they got there they realized they needed a witness. Luckily Kenny didn’t have work and was able to be their witness.

Brief conversation between Chrissy & Kenny:
C: You should be taking notes for when you finally ask Jen to marry you.
K: Who are you kidding, Jen already has these papers ready & waiting at home.

Haha. I’m not THAT bad!

Can't.stop.talking.about.it...

...now it’s finally time to put it in writing! Last Sunday, the 26th – we went skydiving for the first time! Its something I’ve always wanted to do so when Chrissy called & asked me to set it up for Mark’s birthday...I called Dad immediately to see if he wanted to join. Although he was a little hesitant, he ultimately decided to go. I’d be lying if I said he didn’t try to chicken out on me though!

Once our reservation was officially made is when the first wave of nerves washed over me. I couldn’t help but wonder what I was getting myself into. Leading up to the day I had myself so busy planning for first official event {details coming!} that I didn’t have much of a chance to syke myself out, thankfully.

The 26th came {Mark’s birthday!} and we all met at our house to drive down together. We {me, Dad, Mark, Jessica, & Paul} all piled in the car. We laughed & joked the whole ride there. Upon arrival, I could feel a slight knot in the pit of my stomach, but the others kept me well distracted.

Upon arrival, they take your name and shortly after you’re shuffled into the training room where you watch an old school video about your upcoming skydive and the risk it involves. Yeah, I know they need to make sure you’re aware of the potential danger involved with skydiving {seriously, if people don’t realize this they shouldn’t be doing it!}, but seriously?! NOT the best time to be reminded what you’re about to do could potentially result in death! Okay, moving on.

Next step in the process is signing page after page of legal mumbo jumbo ({literally signing your life away} stating you understand the risk associated with skydiving, your family will not sue if something happens, and yada yada yada. You’re asked to bring your paperwork & identification {ha!} to the window where you’re then given the option to have some video your first skydive. {Let me just say – this is an absolute must!}

After signing in you’re basically left to wait until called – there is where the nerves start swirling. Luckily it wasn’t long before we heard our names. Unfortunately they had to split us into two groups – between the 5 of us, 5 instructors, & 5 video people...it was too much for one plane : /

Dad & I were up first! Eeeck. They led us back into a prep area with two other people {I don’t think they spoke much English b/c they just looked at me when I tried to make small talk – unlucky for them}. We were only in the area a short time before a guy came up to me “Jen? Hey I’m Ralph – we’re going to be skydiving together!” Enthusiastic as can be. My first impression? Great, I got the little guy. Seriously, he’s maybe 5’3”?! Okay, whatever – he strapped me in my harness & left me to our “lesson” while he geared himself up. I was always under the impression you had to sit thru a pretty extensive course before you skydive. Boy was I wrong! Our instruction lasted maybe 10 minutes?

*Deep breath*

Just a few minutes later we were led to the loading area where we met up with our camera crew & chatted for a bit. I took this opportunity learn about Ralph just a bit – he’s jumped nearly 1,900 times& his goal is to make it to 2,000 this season! We made small talk while we waited for the plane...here comes this rather small purple plane named the Otter that I was about to jump out of! At this point, you’d think I’d be freaking out – but honestly? I was only slightly nervous, but super excited.

Before long my instructor was leading me to the plane...Dad following. Once you climb into this super small plane crammed with people, the reality starts to sink in at least for Dad it did. Ralph was busy buckling my seatbelt to his {yes, you wear a seatbelt in a plane you’re about to jump out of!} when I happened to know Dad had broken into a sweat and wasn’t looking too hot. I asked him if he was okay and his only response?? NO!! Slight panic sunk it, but before I knew it the camera dudes were distracting him and completely took his mind off things – mine too!

The rest of the experience happened so fast that it’s almost impossible to describe in detail. Without the dvd {that I’ve watched a 1,000 times!}, I wouldn’t be able to fully comprehend what I experienced. Dad was up first! I hardly had a chance to see him jump before Ralph was guiding me to the door – chin up, arms crossed, GO!

Oh.my.god. Words can not even begin to describe the freefall. 130mph for nearly sixty seconds in simply incredible!

You’re given an altimeter to know when you get to 5,000 feet – which is when you’re supposed to pull your rip cord. Ummm, several times I’m seen looking at mine, Ralph shows me his, do I even make an attempt to pull the cord?! Nope – it’s all Ralph!

{see?? And don't knock my face - what to you expect my face to look at traveling 130 mph?!}

Almost immediately you go from 130 mph down to nearly 30 mph. Abrupt? It would seem so, but you hardly feel it. I think you’re just so relieved your shoot opened that you don’t realize what just happened! The next 3-4 minutes is the more serene and peaceful time {although I wish my harness hadn’t been digging into my legs so bad that I was able to better enjoy it}. The view is absolutely breathtaking!

Time for landing! The most important part? Keeping your legs lifted & your toes pointed as to not break an ankle. We landed with ease and I was so thankful to be on the ground. The look on my face makes me wonder what the hell I just did! Jessica’s first reaction “That’s the coolest thing I’m never doing again!” {although I got a text message the very next day saying she’s already dying to go again!} I couldn’t quite process everything I had just done, until I watched my video. Talk about SENSORY OVERLOAD! I’m so thankful for an incredible instructor, an awesome camera dude, and a GREAT experience. It is something I will truly never forget!

Will I ever do it again? YOU BETCHA! In fact, we’re already planning to go again on August 16th!

Video coming soon...

Save a Life

...or three. With every blood donation you have the ability to save THREE lives. Don't be selfish - go donate! I did : )

Whirlwind weekend

WOW - its been way too long since I last posted. I really need to get on the ball with this thing. Its not that I've had a lack of things to blog about - its that I've had so much going on lately that I simply haven't had the time. Well, I'm tired of life flying by and hardly remembering what I did yesterday, let alone last month!

But speaking of yesterday...I don't think I'll ever forget what I did yesterday! What is it that was so wonderful about yesterday you ask?! I WENT SKYDIVING! Yep, that's right - I (or I should say we) jumped out of a perfectly good plane! It was an utterly amazing experience and I have a full recap coming your way...

But for now I shall leave you with this...

I miss this face...

While it's nice to be on vacation, I do miss her kisses : *)

Tomorrow

Tomorrow is my last day of work for 10 whole days! Yes, that's right 10 days! We're off to LBI for a week...plus a few extra days to get things done around the house and settled before going back to the grind. It will be so glorious to have absolutely nothing to do and just RELAX. I'm so looking forward to it!

{source}

Check out our garden!

So many people were talking about the gardens they were planting in the spring that I decided I wanted one too! Of course I had a hard time deciding exactly what I wanted to plant in our garden, but conveniently I'm thinking of tons of things I should have planted. Oh well, we'll see how this year goes before I go too crazy.

One Sunday, when I happened to be sick AND it was raining, Dad decided then was when he was ready to help me plant the garden. Great timing, huh? Thankfully Kenny was sweet enough to trek out in the mud and give him a hand. Aww, they really do love me : )

Anyway, we decided on: eggplant, zucchini, cucumber, and peppers (sweet & hot). Dad planted tomatoes & strawberries so I can't wait for all the fresh goodies!

Check out how well it's doing so far!

AND here is our first veggie!! A pepper!! I'm so excited!!

Stay tuned for more...

Six years

Today, Kenny & I celebrated our six year anniversary! Time sure does fly when you're having fun!

We celebrated by enjoying dinner at The Cheesecake Factory - delicious!

The story of us

{coming soon}