A Long Time Ago...

A long time ago, I blogged...seven months ago to be exact!



A lot has happened since then:

• Rod asked me to marry him on Liam's 2nd Birthday...it. was. awesome.
• I received a promotion... it was equally awesome.
• Cierra made Honor Roll...again, awesome.
• Liam managed to go potty a couple of times
   
  ...it was awesome, but still a work in progress!
• Rod and I joined CrossFit Hydro together...I'm sore, it's awesome.

Speaking of CrossFit, I will probably be checking blogger frequently, since that is where workouts are posted, which means I will BLOG MORE!

Aren't you so excited?

Summer so Far...

WHERE has summer gone? 

I've been working less (hours were cut for the summer), but it SURE doesn't feel like it!  These kids (both my own  AND the Summer Work Experience) are keeping me plenty busy!

On a side note:  The Summer Work Experience program is awesome sauce! 

For those of you who shop and/or donate to Goodwill, no matter WHERE you are, THANK YOU! 
You are the ones helping fund wonderful programs that truly impact the lives of people!

I am feeling very grateful for my job and family this evening! 

The kids (I am working with), wanted to do the Harlem Shake.  I told them I would make it happen, ONCE each of them landed an interview.  (at which point, I quickly made sure it was okay with my boss and Goodwill marketing)  :)

THIS was the result!  
*love*gratitude*goodwill*


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-Jen

Blissful Day

 

Blissful.  That is what my Mother's Day was...blissful!

The kids spent the night at my brother and sister-in-laws house, so Rod and I could spend some time together, sleep in and basically get all the things done that we can't with Liam running around!  :)

 

The first was getting the pond up and running: CHECK

 

The second was helping Rod build two raised vegetable beds for our garden. (I use help loosely, since all I did was hold wood)  ha ha

 

 

I have all THESE guys waiting to plant...running out of space in the house.  Maybe there will be a greenhouse in my future for next year (it sure would be helpful).

 

 

We picked the kiddos up on Saturday, enjoyed the beautiful weather and family on Sunday (even though Rod was still finishing up the raised beds. 

I will post more pictures of the raised beds when the second one is complete.  I've since planted in the first one, and made the path between them (thick layer of cardboard, covered with straw and then mulch).  They. Are. A-Mazing!

 

Speaking of A-Mazing:

This was pretty much my Mother's Day.

Feeling loved, blessed and HAPPY!

:)

Be a Part of Something Big!

Be a part of something big!

Run Baby Run

The post title actually sounds great...almost as if I've been consistent with my running. That, however, is not the case. This weather, among other things, has me down! For those of you NOT in Nebraska, it snowed earlier this week and has just been plain COLD!  This weekend is suppose to be better.  Thank Goodness!  We could all use a lil sunshine!


Here are some pictures from the runs I did over the past month!

 

Totally Rad 80's 5K

(which ended up not being a full 5K, race organizer FAIL)

It was LOADS of fun though!

 

Leprechaun Chase 10K  Woo Hoo

(Hilly of road course... it was good in the ouch kind of way)

 

Then and Now...

This was THEN: Prom, May 1997.

and this is NOW :)

Life is Grand

Repeatedly, my shortcomings as a blogger are addressed here.  Alas, I have come to the conclusion that Life is Grand and we are one busy family, so this blog is a bit of an afterthought these days! 

SO many good things are happening.  I am switching roles at work, there is still a lot of uncertainty, as with all grant-funded, non-profit jobs, but I have never been so FULFILLED!  I am confident things will work out.  (I am crossing my fingers that my position will be full-time in the fall)

The kids are GROWING like weeds!  Baby is almost 18 months and will be transitioning from the Infant House to the Montessori Toddler House during the first week of May.
He fell asleep on his Papa's lap and just looked so big and un-babylike to me!

 

 

On the other hand, C has grown a good 3 inches in the past couple of months alone.  I am glad warmer weather is coming, because she is rockin' high waters (thank goodness for Uggz)!  We toured her middle school this month; she is VERY excited!  (In Omaha, middle school is grades 7 & 8 only)

 

 

We've been spending every day (above 45 degrees) in the yard, Nebraska weather is notoriously indecisive!  The tree house took a beating last summer after a couple of storms, but is well on it's way to a renovation!  Here are the girls hanging out!

Rod's been woodworking a lot lately, which I ADORE....we roped off the garden.  He will build the garden enclosures next weekend, to keep those cute but PESKY rabbits out of the garden this year!

More pictures to come!



Running n' Stuff

Running This

and This...

Working 40/ per week and CANNOT wait for the snow to melt so I can run with Liam, jogger n' all.

SHOULD blog more, but it seems with my degree finally finished, I have no reason to sit at the computer when I am at home!  :)

That's right, I graduated!  Master of Science in Management, exactly one year to-the-date that Liam was born! 

I still feel the whole thing is a bit anti-climatic, but things are moving along.

Here are the kids, being Oh-so-Sweet.  I love my kids. That's all!

 

My Great-Grandmothers Lost Potica Recipe

Over the past few days I've scored the inter webs for the correct Eastern European potica/orechovnik or nutroll recipe.  When I was a little girl, my family would drive to my Grandmothers house in Nebraska from Texas every fall and winter. I vividly remember the many hours my Grandmother and mother would spend in the kitchen trying to re-create my Great Grandmothers nutroll recipe.  

We would watch as they baked and would be in absolute Heaven at the finished product, yet my Grandmother and mom would be overly frustrated because 'it just wasn't right'.  I, however thought the endless nutrolls were to die for and quickly accustomed them to the Holidays at MY Grandma's house!  (It's funny how things come full circle isn't it?) 

Needless to say, after three consecutive years of attempting to nail the recipe, they finally gave up.

My Great-Grandmother immigrated to the United States from Czechoslovakia and was said to be an amazing baker!  So much so, that is what she did during the trying years of The Great Depression.  Her breads were sought after, which meant trading breads for ingredients, meat, clothing and potatoes.  At the time of her death, she had only written down a couple of recipes.  These recipes, however were in three different languages and used several different units of measure within one recipe.

So, THIS Holiday season, I will try my hand at the infamous nutroll recipe. I don't care if it's 'not right', because I never had the pleasure of tasting my Great-Grandmothers nutroll. I DID have the pleasure of the memories engraved in my head and heart from my own mom and Grandmother attempting to re-create it. I figure, at the very least... I am making some sort-of memories for my own children! That is 'right' for me...even if the recipe isn't!

 THIS is the recipe I will try this year around (unless my friends Vesna,or extended family, Anela & Nicola have a better suggestion)!???

Wish me luck and memories!

Halloween 2012

Hello All,

Halloween this year was definitely on a tight budget. The costumes turned out really great, even better considering I spent less than $20 on costumes for the entire family! I began picking things up in September as I would come across them. All were purchased at Goodwill's throughout Omaha. The only things I purchased outside of that was black electric tape, and green hair coloring spray!

Liam's costume was toddler t-ball pants with elastic suspenders.  I shoved sponges into the sides of the pants to make them stick out.  He was such a cute Oomp Loompa Liam!

 

All Photos by Jada Scott, Capturing Candids

 

Rod & I were 'stick figures', he forgot his white pants, so we had to improvise for the photo booth pictures and be naughty stick figures, ha ha!  I bought both shirts and pants from Goodwill for a dollar a piece and used black duct tape for the lines!  I The pencils were made using paper plates, toilet paper rolls, newspaper, tin foil and markers!



 

 

Cierra's costume was just a really pretty robe that I purchased from Goodwill for $3.59, we used a black trash bag for the belt.  Cierra's wig was purchased back in September brand new from a Goodwill for a couple of bucks!

My stick figure costume was deconstructed (removed the tape) and made into a work-friendly costume, Flo, the Progressive girl!   The letters were iron-ons purchased from Hobby Lobby when they were half price (keep a look out for ads which change weekly).  I used markers to make the 'I Love Insurance' pin and name tag!  This costume won me 'Most Look-a-like" which meant gift certificates for meeeee!  weeee!

Good Golly

Blog:
First, I MUST apologize for NOT posting in FOR-FRIGGIN-EV-ER!  A lot has been going on in my little Midwest slice of life!

Cierra:
 In August, Cierra started 6th grade, began swimming again, this time for Swim Omaha and had the orthodontist schedule her for braces (middle of this month).  It was at that time, I decided I probably needed to go back to work, because, NEWSFLASH! kids are EXPENSIVE! (cute! but expensive!)

 

Liam:
Speaking of expensive, Liam began Daycare at LePetite Academy Preschool in September!  He is getting big and is walking more and more every day (I will get a video posted next week for you guys)

Me:
That being said, I interviewed for a dream job with a dream company and actually got it!   I began working as a Case Worker and Employability Skills Instructor for the Customer Connect Program at Goodwill Industries a program that works closely with Metropolitan Community College.   I adore my job, beyond measure, it doesn't feel like a 'job' at all!  I am absolutely in love with Goodwill.  I knew they did a lot for the community but had no idea how MUCH, until I began working here!   I will post separately about those things, in an effort to shorten this post!  :)

Rod:
In the beginning of the school year, Rod accepted a position with a wonderful company, headquartered here in Omaha, Lozier.  Lozier, as a company does great things for our community (including being a key supporter for Goodwill Industries).  :)

Photo by: Jada Scott, Capturing Candids



Life's a Beach

When I lived in the UK, nearly 8 years ago, I'll never forget the questions I was most asked, by the British people:
"Have you been to California?"
"Have you been to Florida?"
and
"Have you been to New York City?"

My answer (at the time) to all of the questions, was, "No".  I was a midwestern girl who grew up in Texas.  I was the eldest of four and the vacationing we did do, amounted to a three hour drive to Camp Possom Kingdom every now and then and the twice a year road trip to Nebraska to visit the family.  When I would tell them, I hadn't been these places I would always get a sort-of bewildered look.  They never could understand how I could live in the United States my whole life and not travel within its borders!  I wonder what they thought of people whom have never even left their home state, or been on an airplane as an adult?  We all know there are LOTS of these people hanging around!  I, in fact was one of them for some time.  The only boundary I knew, was the ones we could afford to take as a family.

As an adult I've vowed that my children, will be QUITE a bit more well-traveled than I.  This summer I took Liam (7 months old at the time) on a road trip to Texas.  The 9 hour trip, took me 13!  ha ha   I simply stopped every time baby needed a break from the carseat!  It was a lot less stressful that way!  My dad and stepmom live in a little town called Electra.  It is not the town I grew up in, but is good to visit them every now and then.

After that, I was lucky enough to go spend a week vacationing with my brother's wonderful family in St. Petersburg Florida.  I took baby with me.  It was his first airplane ride, and his first time at a beach.  (My oldest spends every summer with her dad, fabulous step-momma and new brother in North Florida). I can't wait for her to get back, so we can go on our family camping trip.  We'd like to go to the Dakota's or Wyoming in mid-August.  VERY excited!

 Here are some pictures from the lil trips we've taken so far!

Enjoy!

AND.....get out there and go places!  You can always make more money...you can't always make more memories, so make them while you can!  :)

Playing drums with Pipa!

 Taking a break during the roadtrip back from Texas!

Liam and I at Clearwater Beach!

 Liam, sleeping at the pool!  yawn!

 Liam and his prized rock, he literally dug in the sand, started chewing on it...and wouldn't let it go all day!  ha ha

 About to go home from spedning the day at Honeymoon Island

 Honeymoon Island!

A fantastic picture of Cierra on the beach while visitin her dad!  LOVE!

Kiddos

Since I've last blogged, Cierra is now a 6th grader (still elementary school around these parts) :) and baby is almost crawling!

Where to Begin....New House

It has been For-Friggin-Ev-Er since I've blogged!   A lot has happened, the biggest thing... the house!
Rod bought us a house!  :)  It is in an established neighborhood, only a couple of miles from where our townhouse and was built in 1906!  We've always talked about houses and wanting an older one, so we can make it our own! So excited!

We use our back door, as our main entrance.

THIS is what we fell head over heels in love with about this house....... (It is on four lots)  This picture was taken from the front corner.  You can see the shed in the far corner...the house is hidden behind shrubs on the left.

We've done a lot to it thus far, but I have yet to compile all the pictures.  I will posting as I come across them!  We've painted just about every room, changed out just about every light fixture and Rod is still finishing up our Master (attic) bedroom renovation. 

MSPI and Cheesy Pizza Goodness

My baby is Milk, Soy Protien Intolerant (MSPI). I breastfed him, which means I cut all milk, soy and whey proteins from my diet since the end of December.

Let me tell you...it takes label reading to a WHOLE new level!

I've been supplementing formula for some time, since the boob job seriously screwed with my milk supply. Over the past couple of days he has only wanted his bottle. It makes me little sad, so to make myself feel better...I ordered a naughty, cheesy pizza!

School Schmool

I get discouraged when people call me a Professional Student. (Mainly people in my family). I think it's because it's not like I had a choice in the matter. Believe me! If I could've gone to school full-time, I certainly would have!

I finished my Bachelor's degree in 6 years going to school part-time and this Masters degree is taking me just as friggin' long.

I am on the downhill slope, and the finish line is within my reach now. SOOOO exciting! That being said, I still have a lot of research and writing to do.

If you have time, please take this survey for me! (It's for a paper I am writing on time management and critical thinking!

http://kwiksurveys.com?s=LHIHIK_f9fbdfa7

Smiley Babies are Second Only to Sleeping Babies!

Liam and Cierra are getting so big! Here is a short video of us getting him all ready for a bath!

My Boyfriend Knows I Poop....Dun, dun dunnnn

As a fore-runner to this post, you must know that I usually poop when my boyfriend is gone, not that I plan it that way, but I prefer to get my pooping done while he is occupied.

So the other night I pooped.
It. Wouldn't. Flush.

I thought it was pretty funny, so I started laughing.

My daughter called up to me,
"WHAT is so funny mom?"

Me: "I pooped"

Cierra: "What's so funny about that?"

Me: "Turds' stuck!

Cierra "What? eeww (laughing)"


And...that was that. I didn't want to plunge it, because then there would be poop on the plunger, and the thought of cleaning that made me wanna yak. SO I just left it there to...you know...soften up. The baby was fussing, so I just closed the toilet, washed my hands and forgot about it.

A couple of hours went by and I was downstairs cooking dinner, when my boyfriend bolted into the kitchen, saying (very proudly) "You are busted"!

I knew EXACTLY what he was talking about. ha ha

Apparently he had gone upstairs to go to the bathroom as soon as he arrived home from work and asked Cierra who forgot to flush.

Cierra said, "My mom. (shrugs) Wouldn't flush."

SO needless to say the secret is out....even kick ass, slightly vain, girly girls like me, drop a deuce that won't flush every now and then. (and blog about it) Don't hate!

Girlscout Cookies!

This will be the third year-in-a-row that my daughter has sold girl scout cookies.

Cookie sales bring out the crazy sales lady in me. When I was little, I sold girl scout cookies as well! Year after year, I had top cookie sales in my region. I was in Texas, the region was BIG! My motivation when I was young was two consecutive weeks at girl scout camp. I Loved getting away for two weeks. I was the oldest of four kids...what can I say? My parents couldn't afford to send me to camp for two weeks, so I had to sell cookies in order to go!

That being said, Cierra has no desire to go to girl scout camp, but had the top cookie sales out of anyone in her troop last year. The taste of success is addicting, what can I say? This year she has set an even higher goal. With new baby and not working, we shall attempt to meet this goal again! Oh yes! I said , "WE". This year we have cookies in hand, so you no longer have to wait for them. Needless to say, they are taking over my living room (inspiration in and of itself to sell the damn things)!

Justin Bieber's Mom

While doing make-up for a group of teenage girls prior to homecoming, they began whispering amongst each other...as teenage girls do! I enjoy giving them a hard time so I said, 'Secrets don't make friends ladies!" :)

They promptly stated that they all thought I looked like Justin Bieber's mom. Oh GAWD.

I've now graduated to looking like someones mom! For the record... here she is...Justin Bieber's Mom... And...here I am, ha ha