R.I.P Buddy

Rest in Peace my Bud Bud

March 6 2003- December 16 2007

Here is a look at his life

He's up front and center

me and bud bud

He didn't like to sleep alone

His Favorite toy was a plastic bag

He was a very curious kitten

He loved water

He love boxes

He was beautiful

He was a big boy

Buddy got sick fast

look at all the blood

Me finding out my buddy was gone

not the best picture, but I was devastated

Birthday

So my Birthday was awesome! I didn't just have one day of fun I had like 4... But i have bad news :( I either forgot to bring my camera with me or i was having so much that i forgot to take the pictures, i know i know i was heartbroken, your birthday only comes once a year and i wont have any pictures to remember those fun times



On Friday night my old college roommate took me to see Michael McLean's "The Forgotten Carols"... i was a little skeptical when we pulled into a high school parking lot ha ha (and at this point it was still a suprise so i didn't know what we were doing) and i was thinking High School? For my Birthday present you are taking me back to high school? oh i think i'd rather die ha ha... but it was awesome! I laughed so hard and I cried too. If anyone has an opportunity to go see "The Forgotten Carols" then I say drop everything and go! what an awsome night....

Before the Show

After the show... we had gotten 3 inches while we were in the show

While we are waiting to get out of the parking lot... my old roommate from college

on Saturday a bunch of old family friends from cali took me out to dinner and man was it storming. We drove down to meet everyone, and we slid a couple of times on the freeway, but we finally made it. we had like 16 people (some of those were kids) but still they count right. anywho this is one of the times that i forgot to take pictures because i was laughing so hard and having to much fun. I even forgot one of my birthday presents at the resturant, i was so heartbroken and i felt so bad. My real present was having everyone with me for my birthday. What awesome friends and family, to take time out of there lives on a Saturday and drive through bad weather to spend time with me on my Birthday. I love you guys, you all are the best! Well, these people have been in my life forever so they pretty much are family. I had so much fun guys!

We had more snow in our cart ha ha

Well after we finally left the resturant we helped on of my friend/family members move stuff out of there storage... we went shopping in michael's for crafty things, and pushing a cart that was packed with snow! yup thats right, we wanted to see how many funny looks we would get and see if we could make it out of the store before it melts ha ha... We even asked a couple of workers for help in locating somethings and they would help us and bit there lip trying so hard not to laugh. On of the girls (who had already helped us) walked past us while we were stopped looking at what we needed to buy, then she stopped and asked "is that snow? is that real snow?" I bent down poked the snow and said with a shoked look on my face "is it? it is!"... my friend bent down and picked it up and said "jen, this IS real snow!" and through some at me. the girl left and so did we ha ha
I love my life especially when i have such good friends that let me be goofy and crazy and encourage me to do those things. Those are true friends, the ones that you are not afraid to be yourself with because you know that they wont look at you with judgemental eyes. Life is to short not to have fun, laugh and be goofy. :)
So after we unloaded the truck and did a few donuts (for fun :) we said a prayer and headed home.
thanks again for such an awesome night. (i think that the shopping cart was ONE of the best parts of the night ha ha) I love being me :)

On Sunday some of the people in the ward through a birthday party for 2 of us. (we are Birthday buddies, we have the same birthday! how fun :)


it was a fun night filled with twister, mafia, other games. We both blew out the candles on the cake and that must of been to much for it because the cake leaped off the counter and did a nose dive to the floor ha ha... and it looked really moist because absolutly none of the cake stayed in the pan ha ha... i was laughing so hard because those are things that make memorize :)


I have a great ward and it is full of such cool people. it's weird because i am making friends with all of these cool people and i am going to be leaving on my mission soon. :( I don't understand but i know that the Lord has a plan.

on Monday my office decorated my desk and made me a sugar free chocolate pudding pie (it was really yummy, it didn't taste like it was sugar free either. I am going to remember that receipe ha ha) I work with such fun people, i will miss them when i am gone!


Life is good and i am Happy! oh and p.s i meet with the bishop on sunday to work on getting my papers resubmitted (i have done everything and am ready to go again) !

Girls Night

Tonight was a girl’s night; we left the men at home and headed to the Christmas Devotional. Which was amazingly decorated, and then when the first presidency comes in, the feeling of warmth and peace just comes over the whole building. What a great way to feel the spirit and remember the true meaning of CHRISTmas. We had lots of laughs and talked for 2 hours or so after the devotional was over. There is nothing better then spending time with good friends, because you can talk and talk and talk for hours and not even realize it and not to mention all the laughing that happens. I love to laugh it brings happiness to my life and soul. I personally feel that laughing should be required daily, like your vitamins (the world would be a better place don't ya think?) Hopefully we’ll be able to get together and do something for my BIRTHDAY on Saturday, but who knows (I am excited either way)
Life is good!

SNOW!!!

SNOW...SNOW... AND MORE SNOW!!!

Its official it's December soooo....Let the Holiday's begin :)

My December first began when i woke up to a few inches of snow, and it kept snowing all day. We are all covered with a white blanket of beautiful snow. everything looks so beautiful.

my day continued with a trip to the mall for a little Christmas shopping! yay :)

at the mall i got to see Santa and the LINE. The day was filled with merry Christmas shoppers all looking for the perfect presents for loved ones. It finished with lunch which turned into dinner because we were there for so long. Time flies when you are with friends and are talking, laughing and having fun ha ha.

On Friday I was invited to go to the Festival of Tree's, which was really fun. There were so many trees, beautiful ones, fun and silly ones, themed ones, anything you can imagine. There were also amazing ginger bread houses that you wouldn't believe. I can't imagine the time, talent and patience that went into those ginger bread houses. They had beautiful wreaths, dancing performers, gift shops, concession stands, etc... oh and a whole section for kids to play games, make crafts, face paint, a clown etc... I thought that it was going to be just tree's but oh no, it was full of lots of fun Christmas things to do. It was a great way to kick off the holiday season and get into the Christmas spirit. :)

I am so excited about Christmas!

Christmas Lights

I am so excited! I helped my mom put up her Christmas lights; it makes the holiday season feel official. Let the Holidays begin! I never expected to be here for the Holiday season. But you know what they say, "when making plans for life, make sure to plan for surprises".There is something special about Christmas lights, don't you think? They brighten up life and put a smile to my face. I am not sure where I will be for Christmas, but I know that no matter where I will be, I will be driving around that neighborhood looking at the beautiful holiday lights. I love the holidays and doing fun services for people around me.
My life has had a couple more hiccups, but I am still optimistic. Life is still good, and I still have the faith that the Lord is guiding my life and I know that everything happens for a reason.

Happy Thanksgiving

Going Flying...

I am a pretty lucky girl, I got to fly an airplane after a nice thanksgiving dinner. It's always amazing to fly over everything and see it from a different view. We always have a good laugh buzzing by the house and having our family run out and wave.

Thanksgiving was great this year! I was blessed with the opportunity to be with my family. The grandkids always excite things too (gives us adults an excuse to play with toys and watch Disney movies -which I love)

I feel very lucky to be blessed with such a great family!

Life is good!

I did it!

I cut my Hair!

Here are a couple of pictures of my hair (Straight and Curly). I was in need of a change and this was a great change. For those of you who really really know me, are probably not surprised ha ha. When big things happen in my life i usually take it out on my hair ha ha... I guess it's my own way of feeling a little bit in control and a way of starting over and new. That's what is great about being a woman, our hair is our funnest accessory! (and i have been blessed with fast growing hair so these fun hair adventures can come more often then for others)

I was told once by someone who I used to care about and who used to be close to me, that my “silly” need for changing my hair, was something they disapproved of because it made me look like a wild woman and that reflected on “them”. Which I of course in my strong willed spirit informed “you tell me that if I love you, then I will change, but if you want me to change then you don’t really love me” ha ha so I am sure that I was dumb or foolish and my opinionated ways got me into trouble yet again, but I am me fun hair and all. Sorry for the tangent ha ha

My friend Amberly (who is a talented Beautician) put her magic to work and I love it! It's cute, it's lighter (ha ha), it seems healthier and most importantly I feel beautiful. Thanks so much Amberly you did an awesome job!

Question

I have been thinking lately that I need a change and I would like to cut my hair. I am thinking about cutting my hair to my shoulders. What does everyone think? I have been wanting to do one of these polls and I thought now would be a fun time.

Disappointing news

Well I received some disappointing news tonight. I had my Bishop check on the status of my papers and it turns out that a letter was sent to the Stake President of my home ward in Arizona a month ago. I was never contacted so I never knew and was anxiously waiting. Well in the letter where some request that I need to get done before I can resubmit my papers. Because of my colorful medical background, they are asking for letters from Dr’s to explain something’s and they are asking that I loose 12 pounds (that’s never a bad thing ha ha). So until those letters are received and that weight is lost I cannot resubmit my papers. I know, it’s disappointing, and frustrating that the letter was just sitting there for a month, when I could have been working on all this but everything happens for a reason and I know that the Lord is mindful of me. Thank you guys for your excitement and support it has been really encouraging and helpful. I am still going to serve a mission, don’t you worry. This is just a little set back. Life is still good :)

The List

While We Wait :)

ok... since I still have not received my call yet, and because I have had a number of requests to hear/see the list of other people's guess to where they think I’ll be called, I decided to post it.
So...here is the list, some were repeated so that is why it's x2 or x3. If there are anymore guess I would love to hear them (because it's been pretty fun to hear)

Argentina
Chile
Oklahoma
Denmark
South America
Italy
Illinois (x2)
Canada
Southern U.S.A (x 3)
North Easter U.S.A
Somewhere Cold U.S.A
Temple Square Nauvoo
Paris France
Mid East U.S.A
Mexico

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween!!!

I hope that everyone had a fun and safe Halloween... I had fun trick o treating. It’s kind of weird being on the adult side of this holiday.... makes you realize that this really is a strange holiday ha ha. Strangers dressing up to scare each other, begging for candy and going to strangers homes and taking that candy ha ha didn't we learn when we were little not to take candy from strangers, and then on Halloween we encourage it. I love dressing up and seeing everyone in their fun costumes. It's the only time during the year, when it's ok to be fun and silly as adults. (I think that our inner child should be encouraged more often, the world would be a happier place I think)
I hope you all got scared and received lots of candy!! :)

My old house :(

I can't believe that this is only a couple blocks away from my old house... scary.
I've been feeling so bad for everyone out there. It was my home and I still have family and friends out there. I keep you all in my thoughts and prayers, I just wish there was something more that I could do. This is one of those times that I am speechless.

(p.s. I'm still waiting )

did someone say nerd?

I am a nerd and I am not afraid to admit it :) So i was curious to find out which movie nerd I was most like... and I am SpiderMan... and it's pretty right on for me. well atleast I think so. You guys will have to let me know.



You're Peter Parker, the hero with a nerdy heart. Other nerds save fake worlds in video games, but you feel a responsibility to make the real world a better place. Your dedication impresses everyone around you, but your inner nerd has no self-confidence. You forget how to speak when someone hot enters the room, and you're awkward around people you admire. Since you can't flirt to save your life, only evil villains get to hear your clever comebacks.

anything?

So after hearing that someone had received their call and learning where they where going. I was very excited (and nervous) to go to my mailbox today and there was something there, but as I looked at the label it was for someone that had lived in my apartment before me, my heart sank...I guess that I am learning patience... or as my little sister says "they are waiting for inspiration to send you to the perfect place" (waiting for inspiration? does that sound bad to you? ha ha j/k i love ya rach) I know that where ever I am asked to go, it will be where the Lord needs ME, and where I can be the most successful instrument in his hands.

Great Place...

So can anyone guess where this beautiful sunset is?

It's my favorite place.... Idaho :)

Aren't the sunset's beautiful there. I guess I am a country girl at heart (who would have guessed) ha ha ha OK... OK... I know you all did... so for all of you who teased me in High School about COWBOYS and all that jazz you were all right ha ha ha ha ha ha.

But for the moment there is another reason why I love this place and that's because of my great mom. she's been so supportive with everything that i've been through the last few years and now with my new adventure to serve the Lord quickly approaching she is completly on board. I can't forget to mention my dad because he is also a tremdous support to me. I have been blessed with such great parents who love me and who have gotten me through some rough times. they are both very excited about me Serving a Mission. although I have heard some whispers of heartbreak of me making them wait even longer for grandchildren... they are to funny (I do have siblings) ha ha ha ... I don't know maybe I was a good bet... the Lord must be teaching them patience in all things ha ha wellll it is a virtue...ha ha ha... I love it.

yup that's me (this should have been a warning sign) :P

Update...

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am still waiting and haven't received my call yet :( soooo… I am just anxiously waiting. It’s kind of stressful waiting. I LOVE surprises only IF you don’t tell me that there is a surprise. Otherwise if you tell me there is a surprise it will drive me crazy and I will find out what it is. I am sure you can picture me at Christmas time ha ha. I always found out what my presents where before Christmas day, I was a little bugger what can I say. I even remember there was one Christmas that my mom had hidden my presents really really well and I couldn’t find them, so what did I do? I secretly and carefully unwrapped my presents in the middle of the night and put them back with out being caught. Ha ha ha that makes me laugh to think about. Don’t worry it was a one time thing, I felt so bad that I never did it again. I’ve even had people try and through surprise birthday parties for me and I somehow always find out, and sometimes I don’t even try or mean to (I guess my family and friends aren’t the best at keeping secrets… but hey it’s turned into a challenge and game to try and surprise me... which is totally fine by me ha ha ha)
So what was supposed to be a 1 sentence update turned into a rambling… sorry.

Breast Cancer

I woke up this morning early to attend a “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” Event. Those of you that know me know what an advocate I am for this important cause. I’ve always wanted to do one of those 3 day breast cancer walks, but I’ve never been physically able since my accident. Today is the start to that dream though. Since my accident I’ve had to stick to in gym work outs and physical therapy, but today was my first 5k since the accident. Which I LOVED! Man I forgot how much I love these! Being out side on trails and in parks… where ever the course is, is so much better then being inside on a treadmill. And having lots of people around you during the event just pumps you up more and causes you to push yourself harder. Ok I have to admit that I wasn’t able to run this 5k, it was more of a walk-jog, but hey it’s the start to me getting back to that point where I can run them again. Man I don’t know what it is about running outside that feeds your soul, but I am addicted to it and I had forgotten what it was like. So these pictures aren’t the best of me because well it was raining and well who where’s makeup when they are doing stuff like this ha ha ha… nice excuse right ha ha ha.

I Love This!

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves "who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?" Actually, who are you not to be? Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone, and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
-Nelson Mandela-

Where in the WORLD is Jennie going on her mission?

Well the time has come! ha ha I can't believe it, but my papers are in. Soooo . . . after waiting a few years to recover from the horse back riding accident and other health concerns. I am all set to go and serve the Lord. It's one thing to SAY I will go and do what the Lord wants me to. but it's another story to actually DO it. I am the first person in my family to ever serve. sooo... I have no idea what to expect. I am nervous and scared and yet I am soooo EXCITED!!
It's weird to think that I will be serving with kids that I used to baby-sit. I feel as though I am a few years behind schedule. I know that everything happens for a reason. I had that accident and those health problems to learn and grow. I also know that the Lord guides our lives. I also know that I am exactly where I am supposed to be and that is an awesome feeling. I am excited for this new experience and opportunity that I have to serve my Lord. He's saved my life so many times and in so many ways. That serving Him would be a great honor to me. I LOVE the Lord!!

A First For Me

Conference Center

So I was able to go to the Relief Society Broad Cast in the Conference Center. I have never been inside before. Well let me first start off by saying that I was wowed by the inside and how huge it really is. The outside was deceptive, to the magnitude of the inside.
I loved being in the same room with prophet and the apostles, they carry such a strong spirit with them and i have such high respect for them. I was touched by the words of those who spoke and of course cried ha ha... what can I say? I am a sap and my heart was touched. I truly do love the Lord and this Gospel; it brings such love, joy and many great things into my life. I know that if i died today and was not allowed to be in presence of that Great Spirit and have it with me. That would truly be hell. I am so thankful for my life and all the blessings that I am given on a daily basis. =)
Thank you, Crystal for taking me to the Conference Center for my first time.

SNOW!!

It is a good sign for skiing, snow boarding and winter fun!

Forget snow on the mountain tops, it's snowing in the valley! Makes me think of all the things I have to do. ha ha I figured that I had until the end of October, but I guess not.

It reminds me of a saying that I heard once.

"There are lots of things to think about, but nothing to worry about." right on mystery author.

I hope everyone stays warm =)

Can you see the SNOW????

Can you believe it? It's the first snow fall of the season. I guess that means that summer is officially over. That also means that the temperatures are cooler and the leaves on all of the trees are beginning to change and I love that! It’s weird how something that is dieing can be so beautiful. Its fun being in a state that has season, I’ve missed that.
I took this picture with my phone on the way home from work. Can you see the snow? (sorry if it’s blurry)

Some of my art work

Here ya go... I had some people ask me to post these sooo...here are a couple of pictures of people that asked me to draw them. I've done animals and still-life’s too. I really enjoy working with charcoal, so that is what most of my work is in. I've been doing abstracts lately (it's been a nice break from having to get people's faces right, cause people are pretty picky about what they end up looking like ... some want me to make them thinner or their hair longer... ha ha people are funny. I usually just tell them that if they give me a photo then I will do my best to make the adjustments that they want ha ha)

I got to see the movie rush hour 3 and was looking forward to laughs. But this number 3 is no where near as good as 1 or 2. I was sadly disappointed =( I don’t know maybe it was because I had high expectations because of how much I loved 1 and 2. But I think there is an unwritten rule that says the more sequels there are the worse they get? But I had the hope that this one would be an exception to that rule and become apart of those classics that have many sequels and people still enjoy watching them over and over again.
Any who…. That was my disappointment for the weekend other then that, dinner was great (you can never go wrong with Olive Garden) and I had a good time =).

Beautiful Homes

I had the pleasure of going through the parade of homes and driving all around town with my mom and sister (who came to town). It was a lot of fun to see the amazing homes. I can't believe how nice these homes are. Even more so it's crazy to think that there are a bunch of people out there that can afford these homes and afford to decorate and run them every month. What can I say, except that people are blessed in different ways in this life.
I love going through homes and seeing the different ways that they are decorated and the different floor plans. So that was the excitement of my weekend.
I love spending time with any member of my family; there is always some adventure and laughs to be had. =) Life is good and I am going to enjoy every minute of it while I can.
Life is still good and I am still HAPPY!