Massive Monday

It makes me extremely upset with myself how lackadaisical I have gotten with my blogging. Here it is nearly a week and so much has gone on. I hate to leave things out, hence this will have to be a massive catch up post. Last Wednesday Doug and I headed over to the temple for a session. It was a great way to celebrate his home coming. We have gone separately to the temple over the past few months due to scheduling, so it was nice to go as a couple. And even better to the temple we were married in.

Luke the bakers man

I am loving having just Weston in tow when the kids go off to school. He is such an easy going child, it's fun just to be one on one with him. This also allows more time for me to volunteer at the school (which I have never been able to in the past). Last Friday the entire kindergarten had a nursery rhyme parade. The kids were supposed to bring in a prop for a nursery rhyme to dress up. Some of the kids were obvious, Luke wanted to be the bakers man even though he looks more like he belongs flipping burgers!

Weston, Doug, Dad and Mom C.

Doug had last week off so we also had the opportunity to meet up with his parents for lunch. We decided to test the BBQ here (since San Antonio has some of the best). We have been wanting to try Famous Dave's and it didn't disappoint. However, the brisket wasn't as good. No one can really beat Jason Richardson's homemade brisket, with Rudy's coming in at 2nd place. I would have to say the ribs, pork, corn bread and french fries were my favorite. Hello? Can you say OINK?

On our way back home I couldn't resist taking this photo. Have you ever seen a banana stay on the bumper of a car going nearly 60mph? We were both waiting to see how long it would last, but we had to turn off onto another exit. I would hate to have been the car behind it. Ha!

Glenn, Doug, Jared and Aaron
(photo courtesy of blackberry phone)

It isn't any secret that Arizona is known for golfing. We are surrounded by several just in our area. Another added bonus is it is really reasonable to play 18 holes with a cart. Jared has been begging Doug for months to go out and play. He called up his brother Glenn (who lives not even a mile a way) and made it a double date with Aaron. The boys had a blast.

I also feel so lucky to be associated with such a great group of women in the blogging community. It's comforting to know that friends near and far still think of you, especially when you move into a new area. I received this thoughtful note from Claudia. If only I could write like her.

Doug, Jenny, Julie and Eric

We have also met a great family who also happens to be in our new ward. This is the Gustafson crew. They have 4 kids like us and also happen to be all around the same age. Ironically, Doug went to homecoming with Julie back in high school. It's been such a small world living in Arizona. I swear we could do the Kevin Bacon game each time we meet someone new.

Luke, Weston, Magnus, Hayden, Zoie, Taylor, and Ryker (speeding by)

My boys really enjoy going over to their house since they live on 2 acres. They not only have 4 dogs, but goats, hens, a horse, and a mini motorcycle. Needless to say it puts current yard to shame aka Iraq dirt (what I like to call our current yard). They invited us over for Swedish pancakes before church on Sunday. Since we are now supporting 2pm church. (don't even get me started on the time......Yuck!

Doug driving the kids to school

Last, but not least today was Doug's BIG first day as an official physician. How appropriate that his first patient ended up being one of his biggest mentor's (JC Jackson) who talked him into this long journey. All and all we are starting to settle more and more in as time has gone on. We really do love it here!

Golden Opportunity

Weston 2 years

Sunday I took Jared out in front of the house to take some snap shots for his baptismal photo. Normally, I don't like to pose my kids, because let's be real they loathe photos. Much of the time I am bribing for one thing or another. (so opposite than their mother.) You can imagine the surprise when Luke and Weston both proclaimed... "Hey I Want You To Take A Picture Of Me Too!" There was no way I was going to pass that opportunity up. Luckily they still had their church clothes intact because we had tithing settlement later that afternoon. I can only imagine how much better they would have turned out if I had an SLR. (I am hoping by 2008 to have one) They aren't the best, but I can't complain, they were free! Here is what I ended up with:

Luke 4 years

As we finished up and were about to go in, they were screwing around and I was able to capture them tackling and hugging each other on the floor. Something I would have never "posed" them to do, I think that is why I ended up liking them so much.


This facial expression was cracking me up and reminded me of a funny that Weston said yesterday. As I was outside feeding the dog, I noticed a small frog by the hose and scooped it up to show the little boys. He wasn't very lively, and really didn't think anything of it. Weston and Luke automatically said, mom I think he is dead! I said, no he is not I think he is just tired. I placed him on the grass and went about my day. As I was taking in the trashcan with Weston I noticed the same little frog had ants all around him. He was dead. I yelled oooh yuck (inside I was thinking my boys were right) I had forgotten Weston was standing right next to me and he said yuck that is gross, mommy! I about lost it with his last comment. "Mommy how is he going to ribbit?" How cute is that?

I had another golden opportunity today as well. Angie watched Weston while I went to a temple session. I'll admit that I wasn't too excited about going alone. I would much rather go with Doug or a friend. It ended up being a very good session (other than it was freezing inside). There isn't a time where I am not cold in there. It was also cold outside. Hello?! we were wearing shorts yesterday and today full on jackets. My sp with the "golden" Maroni didn't turn out too well, but it was super windy and I wasn't about to stand outside any longer.

good deed: went to the temple

On My Mind

I meant to write this much, much earlier in the day...but with it being a Halloween I am just now sitting down to jot down my thoughts. Doug had made a goal for us as a couple to try and attend the temple once a month since July. I am proud to say we have only missed one month (August). Last week as we were going through our schedules, today was clear so I made the appointment for the 10am session. (Wednesday is the only morning 2 sessions available) After I had our date set, it didn't occur to me it was the 31st (Halloween) until later. Nothing like planning on the 11th hour! The session was full as it always is and gave me a chance to actually clear my thoughts. Normally my mind is racing a thousand times per minute throughout the day. I am constantly worrying about what I should get done next, etc. Today I went in with the intentions specifically thinking about my brother Justin. I haven't gone with a purpose in a while, but was feeling like I should.

Justin and Jenny
November 1980
3 days old

Yesterday was my brother Justin's 27th birthday. We are five years apart. I remember the day he was born like it was yesterday. My parents dropped me off at one of my friend Kim's house and I got to stay there for two full days. Who wouldn't love that in kindergarten? As many of you know my brother has had problems since the day he has been born. Unfortunately, many of these things were not noticed until he was about 17-18 months old.

Dad, Justin and Jenny
February 1982

He had reflux from all of the medications he took as a baby, and really has never been healthy. From ear infections, to colds, you name it Justin has had it. Fast forward to elementary school and Justin would sit literally inches from the t.v. set because he couldn't see the images from afar. My parents then tried magnified glasses and dark glasses (due to his sensitivity to light). Of course he had several tests for various things, along with being in speech therapy, but nothing was clear as to what he had except for Nystagmus (rapid eye movement of the eyes). I am sure this left my parents beyond frustrated as any parent would.

Janet, Jenny and Justin
One of the few photos I have with his eyes opened
What was my mom thinking, look at my hair I am not 3 like my sister!

The learning disabilities of course carried on into middle school and high school. Unfortunately, he was placed in several classes that were for slower children, but this didn't seem to help him much. He not only was slow in several areas, but was hearing and seeing impaired. It seemed it was hard to find a specific placement for him. He did have some eye sight at the end of high school but it was slowly diminishing. Lucky my parents enforced learning braille during that time, because that is how he reads and gets around now.

Jenny, Janet and Justin
Mtn View Graduation 2000

Sadly, he will never live on his own. Which I know would be a dream for him. He so badly wants independence and to feel important. He even has a storage unit full of house things for "someday" Really who wouldn't? He got a small taste of independence in Denver, Colorado last year when he had the opportunity to go to a blind community to learn basic skills. He learned things such as cooking, getting from point A to point B, and the metro system. This was a great opportunity for him, but not so much health wise. Without family around to regulate what Justin was eating, he literally gained about 25-30 lbs just living there for 6 months. This caused stress on his heart (he was already on medication for) and high blood pressure. He has also been hospitalized with ulcers in the past.

Justin and Taylor
1st Birthday 1998

Once he returned home, he immediately got back into a schedule of regularly using the treadmill and strict dieting. He was able to at least get most of his weight off, but is still struggling with his health. He isn't one to complain and has a severe high tolerance for pain. So, when Justin hurts, he really means it. A few weeks ago he had so much pain my dad and Susanne escorted him to the emergency room. They were told by doctors that they would have to remove his gallbladder and went ahead and removed his appendix. This normally is a "no biggie" surgery for most, but when I got wind of it being Justin I couldn't help but worry. With all of his issues and bad cards dealt for him, what's next?

Luke and Justin
They both like to fix things, really two peas in a pod!

Sadly, there was some more disturbing news by the physicians. When they did his surgery they noticed that his liver did not look so well, and saw something on his colon that would need a biopsy to see clearly as to what was going on in his belly. This was a week or so ago and the results came back Monday (the eve of Justie's birthday) They found out he has Cirrhosis of the liver. Most of the time it is known as a disease for alcoholics. Justin hasn't had an ounce of this stuff his entire life. With the liver being a vital organ in your body, it's obviously one you can't live without.


Little does my dad know when he told me this the other day, I lost it completely. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. It's so not fair! Despite all of his illnesses, problems, etc he is the happiest person you will ever meet. Justin always has a smile on his face and it doesn't take too much to please him. The littlest of things give him joy. Just going out of your way to take him somewhere makes him feel important and happy.

Jenny, Justin and Mom
Janet's nursing graduation
Dec. 2004

He definitely is someone I look up to and admire. I know this is a fatal disease. Time will only tell when, hopefully not for a very, long time. Obviously, he will be given medications to prolong the disease. I can't help but feel like I should make the most of this time with him. We take so many things such as health in our lives. My heart aches right now and most of this may not even make sense. I know he can't read this post, but I just wanted to express how much I love my brother and how important he is in my life. I know I haven't been around much over the past 12 years, but at least I can say we are coming home very, very soon. After all of this, I can't help but have him on my mind all the time. It makes me wonder if there wasn't a diagnosis for all of the things he has had his entire life. Are they all linked? It definitely makes you wonder..... We weren't planning on coming home for Thanksgiving due to finances, but I felt very strong today that we needed to be there. This birthday post didn't turn out to be much of one, but I really do want to shout Happy Birthday Justin--We all love you! And lots and lots of prayers are coming your way.


good deed: went to the temple

Just What I Needed

I thought this was a cool SP at the temple

Doug and I went to a 6pm temple session on Friday. It was wonderful. Going to the temple is normally a great thing, but Friday was different. I felt like I needed to be there and actually went on a prompting. I left a blubbery mess, but I walked away feeling grateful for eternal families and having a strong happy marriage.

The boys finally got their names on their jersey's.
So cute!

Saturday without going into a long drama saga was interesting. Jared's team lost for the 5th straight game in a row. They had homecoming, which in my opinion was a bit to over the top for 7 year olds. I left feeling pretty disappointed and angry all at once. My friend was escorted off the premises because she gave her son his inhaler on the field--parents normally aren't allowed (granted other words and such were exchanged) but seriously calling the cops?? Give me a break. I was sensing a bit of racial tension. This isn't the first incident either. No worries we weren't involved, just others we know. Doug and I are very unhappy with how things are going with his league and may not continue due to these circumstances. I left with a bad taste in my mouth for sure.

doggy good mail and audible good mail!

Later on I went to the mailbox to find these two delightful items, that seriously turned my day around. My good friend Lucy and I share a love for "So You Think You Can Dance" and she burned several songs from the show onto a cd. Taylor automatically stole it and has not stopped listening to it. It definitely is getting me excited for November when we actually get to see them perform. Yay! Andrea (the shoe obsessed) sent a sweet package for our newest doggy member. And you can bet I will be using both. Thanks Andrea. Both made my day.

Jen and Ang
Dinner at Tiago's bar

Angie and I went and treated ourselves to pedicures Saturday night, went to eat and headed over to the stake center to watch the broadcast. Unfortunately, the satellite was down and they had the radio setup. It seriously sounded like we were in the stone age with crackling noises in the background. We ended up leaving (I know bad) and hooked up with some friends afterwards to indulge in one of these. So yummy!

The new Huebner building--almost finished

Today was bitter sweet. It was the last day we would be meeting as a ward. Next Sunday evening we will be meeting to find out the boundary changes and ward splits. (I wish they would have done it today instead of conference weekend!) I know for certain we will no longer be attending the stake building because the new one is literally right down the street. I am excited to be in the new building, but nervous and sad to see who we will be loosing. I almost felt like today was a goodbye meeting (which I guess it kinda was) our lesson in Relief Society was so touching. Each member of the presidency got up and shared an experience of how they have been served by others. I was glad I was able to hear because I definitely needed it. Here is one of the quotes that was read:

"We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another, and gain instruction that we may all sit down in heaven together"
(Luch Mack Smith)

good deed: Saturday helped Doug wash his car
good deed: had some friends over for dinner.

Eventful Day 7-07-07

I took this walking in

Doug and I decided to get up and do a 6:30am temple session before all of our festivities for the day. Can I just say I LOVE being able to leave the house and not have to worry about whether or not I am going to get in. We had a pretty full session and for once the men seemed to be outnumbering the women. (in San Antonio, it's never that way). Doug needed all the extra blessings he could get for his boards on Monday.

Aaron and Jared

After the temple, I ran home to finish up some last minute cooking for our family bbq this afternoon. Doug crammed in a few hours of studying and not long after that we were out of the door to my nephews baptism. Aaron was baptized with another little boy, and the program was short and sweet. Doug headed over to his brother's house for a mini reception with the family. He dropped me off at Janet's and I helped her clean and prepare for the big surprise for my mom. I knew my mom was a little bummed that she didn't really do anything for her birthday, but I think this made up for it. Janet and I started planning this party in March. I actually thought about it a year ago and knew we had to do something big for her 50th. I was really worried we wouldn't be able to keep it from my mom, but we managed to pull it off . We made home made pulled pork and chicken sandwiches which turned out pretty good. The three of us went in on a ipod shuffle since she is always borrowing Janet's for her races.

The food on the pool table,
worked out very nicely

Because we planned so far in advance, some of her oldest friends were able to be there. I think she was in a bit of a shock to see everything there. All of her siblings were there as well, except her sister Brenda. I only got a few photos before my camera died. Can you believe that?? I had no camera! But you can see she was crying like a baby and so embarrassed.

Mom wearing her "birthday queen" headband and crying in shock.

It was great to have so many family and friends we haven't seen in years. It's also not too often that the three of us kids are together due to me being out of state and Janet's crazy work schedule. Overall, I think it was a HUGE success. It looks like I am pretty good with these surprises I am 2-2 this year. And wasn't today the coolest date 7-07-07? A date for sure you won't forget!

Jenny, Janet, and Justin

good deed: pulled off mom's 50th surprise party.

Excercise

Every once in a while it's fun to spice things up in my journal rather than writing daily mundane events like, I did such and such today. Don't get me wrong I love documenting things, but sometimes it's fun to go with a theme just for fun. After writing my 3's post, then my SPT challenge I am compelled to do more. It's pretty much inevitable that I physically exercise every day with the exception of Sunday. Some may think that is pretty hard core, but for me it puts a kick start in my day so I can accomplish what it is I need to get done. I asked myself this morning what other things am I doing besides the physical side of excercise? Am I excercising patience as a parent, my mind, or even my spirit? I wanted to focus on exercising my spirit this week. I went visiting teaching on Monday and something was brought to my attention I had not ever noticed.

I knew the theme for the year is"Being an instrument in the Lords hands" but I didn't notice the woman in the above sculpture was actually changing. Looking back at previous Ensigns the base to her head has been developing more and more. Did anyone notice that? I will be interested to see what changes will be made over the next few months. Will she grow into a full woman or just add more details to her face, etc? This reminds me of myself. Since I was baptized 12 years ago I have really grown in the church, not only in knowledge, but more importantly my testimony has been strengthened. One other thing I noticed since I have been more feverent with my prayers this week, is the still small voice of the spirit. Thanks to Jill's just because Wednesday inspiration, I have really tried to send things to individuals that need it most.

Angie and I went to the temple today. I couldn't help but notice while I was there how grateful I am to have the priviledge to attend and the inspiration I get when I am there. I don't necessarily have answers given to me specifically, but thoughts pop into my head that I had either forgotten about or remembered something I needed to remember. I guess the challenge is trying to juggle the rest of the necessary exercise for our mind, body and spirit as well. I found this quote and really liked it. "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." ~Martin Luther King Jr.

**Did you notice the sculpture changing?**
**How do you "excercise" in your life?**

good deed: went to the temple

Gorgeous Da'ling

Man do I wish all my days were like this. Today has been good since the get go. I woke up on time (normally I hit the snooze one too many times). I got the kids dressed and ready and quickly went on my morning stroll. We needed to be back around 8:20am or so in order to get ready for the temple. Angie and I were both on the list for noon, but preferred going to the 10am session due to the timing of school and such. I called a friend to come over and watch Weston and sent Luke off to school. Angie didn't have to worry about Maryn arrangements since her parents took her back to their house for the week. Nice! We left around 9am in hopes that we would get there early enough for a spot. They told me on the phone I would have a 20% chance of getting in. The session was over booked but we took the gamble and went anyway. We were 7th and 8th on the list, and it was looking pretty grim (by the looks of the parking lot) I will say that is the huge downfall having a smaller temple near you. You have to make appointments and there are only certain times of the day you can attend. And with my schedule, I normally can go at the spur of the moment. So, if you have a larger temple near by--take advantage of it. Boy, do I wish I did living in Utah back in the day. Okay...off the tanget.

We were both thrilled that we got called off the list to do a session. It was beyond packed with women. I had to laugh because I think there were about 5 men in the entire session. It was nice to just be able to sit quietly for a few hours. I can't think of a time during the week I EVER do that for myself. After the temple we broke the mold and went here for lunch. We shared a sandwich and had some yummy red beans and sausage soup. We also kept our waiter on his toes with diet coke refills. I am sure he wished he brought out a gallon of it because we seriously guzzled it the minute he walked away and he had to return often with refills. We headed back home to relief my friend Laurel of her duty (she is a college graduate and getting married in July). She refused any payment. She claimed she would feel extremely guilty for taking money. After several attempts of trying to pay her, she left and I was rewarded with a great day at the temple, lunch with Angie and free babysitting. Woo hoo for me! On top of this blissful day--it's beautiful outside. The temperature reads 81 degrees. My kind of day for sure....now if I could just get rid of the white glow on my body!

**Anyone excited for Lost tonight like me?**

good deed: went to the temple and did an endowment session.