tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82840353718983092302023-11-16T03:06:39.569-08:00Forever & Always No Matter WhatA woman in her late-twenties blogging about marriage, life & her parenthood journey.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547935842573125588noreply@blogger.comBlogger443125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284035371898309230.post-11385373444151414092013-07-06T20:44:00.001-07:002013-07-06T20:44:11.576-07:00My First Childhood FriendI haven't spoken at length here about my childhood, or lack thereof. I likely won't. All you need to know is that it was bad and I was emancipated by the state at 16 years old. I was not a bad kid, I went through bad things.<br />
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I have this childhood friend, my first friend really...we've stayed in touch off and on over the years. Typically we'd loose touch for a few years, reconnect lather, rinse, repeat. This never bothered me, I've come to expect it, we always pick up right where we left off. He understands me on a level no one else can, he knows things about me no one else does (or likely will) and sadly he went through much of the same. Most importantly he does not judge me nor offer advice, we can talk through all the terrible stuff or not. So much of our communication is unspoken, it's like we are twins or something, we just have that connection.<br />
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It's been about 2.5 years since we lost touch the last time <b>but</b> this time I'm friends with his wife on facebook! They lives hundreds of miles and several states away so I've never met her but we share pictures of the kids and talk a little. Once in a while she passes along a message from my friend and we send each other Christmas cards. I'll take it.<br />
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Sadly my friend's father passed away recently. I want not able, nor did I want, to attend the funeral. My friend and his wife did the red-eye flight thing to be there (several hours away in the middle of winter). My friend decided he wanted his kids to experience where we grew up, he wanted his wife to explore this place a little...he wanted them to meet me!<br />
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Liam and I got up around 7am this morning and got ready at a casual pace since we didn't have to leave until around 10:30am, my friend and his family were meeting us half way between where they were staying and where I live....ironically in the town I "grew up" in. (I haven't been back there in over ten years aside from a few years ago for a friend's funeral) After a easy two hour drive, during which Liam napped, we were there! It was like old times right away, he and I briefly spoke of the past (it had been a good 5 years since we'd spoken a word about it) then it was all fun, his wife is adroable as are his twins who happen to be one month younger than Liam! We ate and took the kids to a near by park to play. We didn't get to chat much more since there were three kids and three of us but I would not have traded the short time we had for anything.<br />
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Before I knew it we snapped a quick picture, told each other we were proud of one another with tears in our eyes and it was time to get back on the road for all of us. It was the most difficult parting I've had with him. We've come a long way, it's been probably close to a decade since we've spent time together in person. I hugged my friend and loaded Liam and I back up, after picking up fresh drinks we were on the road home. <br />
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Liam did amazing in the car today, I've never taken him on such a trip alone but I was super proud of him. I really needed to gather my thoughts as we pulled out of town and he was more than happy to just play with his puppy toy while I did so. I can't tell you how refreshing it was to my soul to have someone who really knows the depth of hell I went through as a kid sit across a table from me and beam with pride for the woman (wife, mother) I have become. I think for most people going to college, getting married and having children is a given but it's not when you come from where we did... I really think most people would expect us to ended up as low-lifes but we didn't, we fought hard, we made mistakes then we put ourselves through college, got married, had families....<br />
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What an incredible day.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547935842573125588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284035371898309230.post-5186394819001575482013-06-20T09:14:00.001-07:002013-06-20T09:14:26.500-07:00My First 10k RaceLast night I did my first 10k race, it was very rain but a wonderful time! I wrote up a post on my Health and Fitness Blog at <a href="http://wildflowerfitness.blogspot.com/2013/06/rainy-10k-completed.html">Wildflower Fitness.</a><br />
<br />Much Love,<br />
Jen Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547935842573125588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284035371898309230.post-33002360952875284112013-06-14T13:34:00.000-07:002013-06-14T13:38:57.697-07:00Two YearsLast year on this day I was in full sap mode, I wrote <a href="http://patientnkind.blogspot.com/2012/06/year-ago-today-i-was-in-labor.html">this post</a> about how I could recall what was happening at each hour {on <a href="http://patientnkind.blogspot.com/2011/06/trips-to-labor-and-delivery-2-3-4-and.html">the day Liam was born</a>}.<br />
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This year I'm overjoyed but not as sappy. Honestly things have been so crazy I haven't had time to be sappy. Liam got super sick Tuesday night, like vomiting and stuff, it was scary. He was fine by morning but I took Weds off work to hang out with him. We cuddled all day, guess I'll find out if it was viral. I had planned to take today off and spend it with Liam, take him swimming and the whole nine yards but I just don't have enough paid time off stored up.<br />
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Last night after we put Liam down for the night I ran out and got a big bunch of balloons including Liam's current favorite Thomas the Train. I also picked up muffins and cupcakes for the morning (well cupcakes are for dinner). I had already purchased this adorable little Thomas the Train flashlight thing, I knew he'd be over the moon for it! I got home late but my excitement for Liam kept me going, I knew he wouldn't totally get it but I also knew he'd be super excited.<br />
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Unfortunately Liam coughed all night, his poor nose is just running like mad. I got up at least a half dozen times to sooth him back to sleep (back rubbing, bink, cover with blanket etc). By the time morning rolled around I could barely pull my butt out of bed, I told V not to wake Liam until I was out of the shower. I showered and dressed at light-speed then V and I went in and woke Liam with the "happy birthday" song. Liam proceeded to kick his feet in protest. He did not want to get up, poor little dude! We managed to get him up, changed his diaper and went into the livingroom where he promptly noticed the huge bundle of balloons and got super excited! Success! He ate his chocolate chip muffin while enjoying some Chica Show on Spout while I ran around like a crazy person trying to get ready, wet hair it is.<br />
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Thankfully it's a Grandma's day so I dropped him off there and Grandpa had taken the day off so Liam was ubber happy! I've been at work since and still feel like I'm running around like a crazy person, so many things to get done!<br />
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This past year has been amazing, it's so incredible to see the changes in Liam. He's truly a little boy and not a baby anymore, although he'll always be my baby! He's the happiest person I know. He's sweet and kind but stubborn as his Momma too! It's difficult to put into words how much I love this little boy but I guess that is part of being a mom, it's something you can't explain and don't fully understand until you are here.<br />
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I've loved every moment, even the really frustrating ones, of being Liam's mom. I wouldn't change it for anything in the world.<br />
<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547935842573125588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284035371898309230.post-19215917668465709232013-06-05T13:47:00.001-07:002013-06-05T13:59:33.373-07:00Happy National Running Day!!!!<br />
This could possibly be my favorite holiday ever, ok after Thanksgiving!<br />
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<u>Some background</u> on my life as a runner; In Sept of '11 I was diagnosed with an <a href="http://patientnkind.blogspot.com/2011/09/i-have-no-idea-how-to-title-this-post.html">Autoimmune Disease called ITP</a>. I also had a <a href="http://patientnkind.blogspot.com/2011/06/trips-to-labor-and-delivery-2-3-4-and.html">three month old baby boy</a>, to say I was <b>stressed out</b> would be taking it all very lightly. After not dealing with the stress very well for a few months I started running, slowly (half because I've had Asthma my entire life half because it was Feb. in MT=snowy). Slowly I started to feel some control over my health again, also the last bit of my baby weight came off....plus some. I had more energy and much needed me time, needless to say my husband was a huge supporter! In July of last year I did <a href="http://patientnkind.blogspot.com/2012/07/my-first-half-marathon.html">my first Half Marathon,</a> it was slow going but I did it! <br />
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Today I run as often as possible which adds up to about three times a week. I run races as often as I find an interesting one. :) Running sets me free, whatever stress I have I can think through, pray through or simply listen to music of the pounding of my feet on the ground. It's heaven, it's still my "me-time".<br />
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I already did a lunch time hike with a co-worker and new friend today but I'm planning to get a few miles in tonight once my day at the 'ol 9-5 is over and done (1.5hrs!). I mean I have to celebrate the holiday! Perhaps I'll even attempt a run with Liam in the jogger....ek!<br />
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This is one of my all time favorite paths to run in my fine city, the picture is not mine but off of Google Images.<br />
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<img height="200" id="irc_mi" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/2/7/0/7/ar123232374170728.JPG" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="136" /><br />
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Who else is with me?<br />
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Much Love,<br />
Jen Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547935842573125588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284035371898309230.post-46207599432112948352013-06-01T13:13:00.003-07:002013-06-01T13:13:46.961-07:00I'm on Bloglovin'Though I still haven't figured much of it out....<br />
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<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/5073335/?claim=8qdp2t2jvz7"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>Follow my blog with Bloglovin</b></span></span></a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547935842573125588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284035371898309230.post-44356508537811196702013-05-21T19:54:00.000-07:002013-05-22T10:55:50.679-07:00Mom GuiltI suffer from Mom Guilt...a lot, a lot more than I'd like to admit. It's a challenge being a working mom but it's one I put on myself. Yes I do have to work, especially now that we have a mortgage, but also I want to work. I want it all, a family and a career.<br />
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Maybe I'm not all that different from other moms but I feel like it...a lot. I rarely give up time with Liam. I'm really lucky to have a husband that let's me train basically whenever I want (early mornings before Liam is up or immediately after he's asleep) and a bestie that is the most understand human to ever have walked the face of the earth. I work but I rarely even take a lunch so I get a little extra time with Liam each day. I drop him off at daycare or Grandma's house (depending on the day) rush to work, work and rush to pick him up. I don't workout when he's awake, I don't hang out with friends.... I read to him, play with him, change him, whatever he needs. I try to be just in the moment with him as much as possible.<br />
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I swear I'm not obsessive. I just want to be his mom, I want the time I have with him to be all about him. I want him to know he has all my love for everyday we have. I know a lot of this is because I can't have more children, I value all the time I have with him so much knowing I will not experience these firsts again. Time moves so quickly, I just want to soak in these years.<br />
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Not to say it isn't hard sometimes, I get tired and frustrated. I want just a little time to myself. Who doesn't?<br />
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So once in a great while I take a little "me" time. Usually I'll let Liam sleepover at the Grandparent's house. They love having him, he loves being there. I love getting some extra rest or cleaning done. But even then I feel<u> so</u> guilty. Or on the days I do take a lunch (and go for a run), that extra hour eats at me...even if I run an errand without him on the weekend, it just kills me sometimes.<br />
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But why? I mean really why not take a little break once in a while? How do men do it and feel nothing, they (seemingly) have no guilt at all.<br />
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I push myself so hard, I run myself ragged...the most important thing I can do in this life is a be a good mom to him but I need to take care of myself too.<br />
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There is no right answer, is there?Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547935842573125588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284035371898309230.post-75970060099773249032013-05-18T12:38:00.001-07:002013-05-21T19:54:56.605-07:00CurrentlyI saw this on Julie's blog over at Peanutbutterfingers.com and thought it'd be a fun way to actually get a post done....and I love surveys!<br />
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<b>Current Guilty Pleasure?</b><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Spicy Food! I can't tell you how many spicy dishes I've had this week!!</span><br />
<b>Current Blessing?</b><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Our home, I'm so in love with it! </span><br />
<b>Current Favorite Show?</b><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Newlyweds the First Year on Brovo! I just love the four different couples!</span><br />
<b>Current Excitement?</b><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">I'm back to training for a Half Marathon (in 56 days)</span><b> </b><span style="color: magenta;">I love running, I love having a plan and something to accomplish! Also we are planning a trip possibly with V's parents this summer, looks like; camping, a zoo and a trip to a National Park....all things V and I love and can't wait to expose Liam to!</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: black;">Your turn!</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Current Guilty Pleasure?</b></li>
<li><b>Current Blessing?</b></li>
<li><b>Current Favorite Show?</b></li>
<li><b>Current Excitement?</b></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: black;"> </span> </span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547935842573125588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284035371898309230.post-84991718485451598172013-05-11T20:17:00.002-07:002013-05-11T20:17:25.010-07:0010 days into HomeownershipWhew! Need I say more? Moving is crazy, add in a toddler to that and <i>oh my!</i> Did I ever mention V and I have never moved together before, talk about learning experience! LOL! We are all settling in well now, Liam is fully adjusted to the new house, it's so sweet how happy he is here with all the extra room. <br />
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For the most part we are fully unpacked, aside from odds and ends, the kind of stuff that probably should get donated anyway. I've been putting off getting shades for the house, there is another <i>oh my</i> but a different kind all together, they are so expensive! Luckily V's work started selling them (and area rugs!!!) so we'll take full advantage of his employee discount! Here are a couple rugs I'm considering and the shades I want: ( take it back I couldn't get the website for the rugs we are considering to load, here is a pic of the shades, lame I know but I love that you can pull them down from the top and just let some light in!).<br />
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I have to admit I've been terrible about decorating. I pulled our a few things I was given for my birthday but have yet to hang a single thing... I'm sorta overwhelmed with all the decisions (where to put things, what walls to paint accent colors, colors of rugs/curtains/plates). I just need to start making some decisions and the rest will come. So far the only thing I've decided is the tree I want to plant (we need to let the dirt settle for another few weeks before we can sod and do flowers which is yet another decision). Our tree will be an Autumn Blaze Maple with turns, as the name suggests, a very bright red in the fall. I can not wait!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAjF0250JoRkjlAyaFsup7UiAx3Hvy6xJjn3mo1OdLlR6AvJkfpzFSLfhfasd14pXNsSl5D23Rc3P3i9I5Sw-N3LM5thH1hQMxqJOK5hJVx0qx7T14qLw80gnCMDo84_1OfYABrq5vBk/s1600/AutumnBlazeMaple.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAjF0250JoRkjlAyaFsup7UiAx3Hvy6xJjn3mo1OdLlR6AvJkfpzFSLfhfasd14pXNsSl5D23Rc3P3i9I5Sw-N3LM5thH1hQMxqJOK5hJVx0qx7T14qLw80gnCMDo84_1OfYABrq5vBk/s200/AutumnBlazeMaple.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
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What else could I share? I've got my first few runs in here in the new 'hood. It's not the same as the our old rental, it's one saving grace was that I could step out our front door and run along the river which as you can imagine was beautiful. I could still jump in my car and drive 15 mins (at most) and run along the river but I choose to just run in my new neighborhood, which isn't all that bad....we are out on the edge of town, out here I notice the mountains much more and can appreciate their beauty. <br />
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Ok, it's late and I'm rambling.<br />
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Until next time, much love-<br />
Jen<br />
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547935842573125588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284035371898309230.post-50563626080283270352013-05-07T19:58:00.000-07:002013-05-08T20:22:52.831-07:00We now live in our forever home!Part of the reason for my lack of posting is we <b>finally</b> moved into our forever home! It was a bit crazy there in the very end, everyday was all <i>maybe we can close today, maybe xyz will be done and the bank will call and....</i> and lots of xyz taking three more days than everyone said it would. But in the end? In the end we are still in. We closed a week ago yesterday (Monday afternoon, which btw not ideal at all but do-able).<br />
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I'd been packing slowly but surely every night a box or seven depending on my mood and energy level. I packed a crap ton of small boxes since I'd been saving diaper and wipe boxes for....ever. But that kinda worked out too, it made unpacking (which also has been a little every night) much easier. V and I took last Tuesday off and did a vast majority of the moving our selves while Liam was at daycare. When my in-laws got off work that night they brought the big furniture over in one trip with the use of a giant truck from V's work.<br />
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One thing I didn't fully grasp was how stressful this whole thing would be on Liam. We had visited the house once or twice a week for the last four months, in the last 4-6 weeks he knew where we were going and clapped every time we pulled up. Each time we came into the house he ran around and laughed with amazing joy.... On Tuesday about 3:30pm I hit a wall, I could not move one more box, I went and picked Liam up early and went to the house just he and I. (I had made his room priority #1 that morning so it was completely set up upon his arrival). The moment we walked through the door he was ultra clingy I thought <i>ut oh, this is not typical.</i> Something about seeing all his things in this new place stressed him out. He started to whine and I said something I've said to him countless times (at the old house) <i>show me what you want Liam. </i>And the tears started, he couldn't show me what he wanted, he had no idea where anything was....my heart broke. We spent the next ~2 hours just us walking around, I'd let him explore and point out where things were but he wouldn't let me get too far away from him (which was fine by me). I asked V's mom to watch Liam at our house for the next two days so he could get used to it here, she said he was pretty clingy the first day but each day has gotten better and now you'd have no idea it was stressful at all.<br />
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I'm so in love with our house, I feel like I can breathe here. We have so much storage and space to spread out. One huge thing that we couldn't do at the rental was eat dinner together, just the layout of the kitchen only allowed one of us to sit at the table while Liam ate in his highchair (typically V or I would stand off to the side so we sorta ate together). Now family dinners are a nightly event! It's the simple things in life that really matter!<br />
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Much Love,<br />
Jen<br />
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547935842573125588noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284035371898309230.post-82389955222459362252013-04-18T13:07:00.002-07:002013-04-23T14:41:42.720-07:00So Much ChangeSince I've been a bad blogger I've neglected to share that Nanna, the woman who has watched Liam since he was 7 weeks old, is retiring from being a childcare provider. I cried and then my type-A kicked in and I found a new and formal daycare/pre-school for Liam. He loves it there but the transition was hard. V's mom will be retiring and watching Liam 3 days per week but until that officially happens he goes to daycare Mon-Tues, Nanna's Weds-Thrus and G'ma on Fridays. Thankfully next week will be the last week we have to do this before V's mom has Weds-Fri off to watch Liam. (We intentionally chose to have Liam in a daycare/pre-school two days a week for a lot of reasons I may someday write about)<br />
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Oh yeah and we are about to move so our lives are in boxes. I swear each morning Liam counts his toys!<br />
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And Liam is cutting a molar or molars.<br />
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And Liam and I have been sharing the same cold back and forth for about 5 weeks (but who's counting).<br />
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Poor little Liam just hasn't been himself and understandably so, there has been so much going on in his life, way too much change at once. I just can't wait to close on the house, get in there and all settled in so that his life can return to normal.<br />
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Tick Tock Tick Tock <br />
<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547935842573125588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284035371898309230.post-82503945163319405912013-04-18T13:01:00.001-07:002013-05-09T15:16:30.426-07:00I'm officially 30!Today I entered a whole new decade in my life (and age category in running as my bestie noted). I wasn't weirded out last night nor this morning, although Liam is cutting a back tooth and didn't sleep well so I was a bit too tired to be too concerned with my age.<br />
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V and Liam surprised me with two charms for my Pandora bracelet, Liam was especially excited to present me a gift which was super cute! V has been giving me these charms our entire marriage but since they are a bit pricey the frequency has gone way down with the addition of Mr Liam. I was totally surprised since we had agreed to no gifts with the finish of the house so close! V told me he tried to find a house charm which I thought was super sweet. After some hugs and kisses we all succuried to get ready and out the door.<br />
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At work I received many kind emails, facebook has been a flood of kind words and my bestie surprised me with flowers for my desk! They have found a prime spot to get any possible sunlight! My sweet co-workers took me to lunch at one of my favorite places, we ate and laughed until we thought we'd explode! (Bosslady is traveling so that is a nice little break too.) Tonight Liam gets a sleepover with Grandma & Grandpa while V and I go on a rare date night!<br />
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I have no deep thoughts on turning 30, I'm slightly glad my 20s are behind me but only because of my excitement for the years to come. The <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/boston-marathon">bombings in Boston</a> have taken up a lot of my mental space lately but mostly because of the pride in a community I consider myself part of; the running community has stepped up in big and heartfelt ways...My bestie (and Liam if the weather is good) will do a organized run on Monday night with all the proceeds going to the <a href="http://onefundboston.org/">The One Fund</a> and I can't think of a better thing to do at the start of this decade!<br />
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And if anyone is counting approx. 8 days until we close on our house.....tick tock tick tock!<br />
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Much Love,<br />
JenJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547935842573125588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284035371898309230.post-73054443723618293512013-04-11T13:30:00.001-07:002013-04-11T13:30:46.028-07:00No Rock N Roll Half Marathon for Me*blows dust off little blog*<br />
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This post could easily get long and whiny fast so I'm just going to
spill it...I'm not doing the 2013 Rock and Roll Half Marathon in
Portland as planned, and I'm about as bummed out about it as you can
get. <br />
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My kiddo got this nasty cold that has been going around here and then shared
with Momma, as luck would have it that cold turned into a <u>nasty</u> sinus
infection/chest cold that I am still fighting nearly four weeks later. I
haven't run in a solid month, not once...in fact I did yoga yesterday
and it kicked my butt. No fun. I had worked my way up to 7 miles but
right now that feels impossible...heck 3 miles sounds painful! The RnR
half is little over a month away, I know I could force myself to train
SUPER hard at the cost of free time with my family (and perhaps much of my sanity), I could still take
the time off work and spend all the money to travel there only to be
disappointed with my performance. Not worth it, especially when I'm
still coughing like crazy at night (and thus not sleeping through the
night).<br />
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There is a wonderful Marathon (Half and Full) in our city every July but
unfortunately we will be out of state for a family reunion. So I've
been searching and searching for another race, I flat out lost my
reregistration fee for RnR Portland (which I simultaneously understand
and loth) so part of the search has been that I don't have to travel,
let's try and keep cost down, shall we?<br />
<br />
I have a race or two that I am eye-balling, both are in later fall which
will be beautiful and give me lots and lots of time to train. I'm super tempted to attempt a full since I'll have the entire summer to train but the husband thinks that is a bad idea (he can be the logical one sometimes). <br />
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The part of my life that doesn't revolve around running (you know marriage, kiddo, work and that whole house thing) is good but crazy busy, perhaps why I got so sick? The house is supposedly going to be done by May 1, I'm excited and nervous....I've been using this extra energy to start packing which is surreal.<br />
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Someday I'll write a post about all that, maybe even include pics...someday!<br />
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Much Love,<br />
Jen <br />
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547935842573125588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284035371898309230.post-66769656930968389022013-03-29T13:18:00.001-07:002013-04-11T13:33:01.425-07:00On Turning 30 I've been a horrible blogger lately. Life is so busy these days with working, trying to be super mom and a good wife, training for my race and oh yeah just being Jen. No easy task I tell ya but I wouldn't have it any other way. Life seems to speed by so quickly that I rarely even stop to think if something is blog worthy.<br />
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In about 20 days I'll be 30 years old. Guess What?<b> </b><span style="color: magenta;"><b>I'm PUMPED!</b> </span> No seriously. My life has only gotten better with each passing year and 30 is going to be a fantastic year! Vic and I are [finally] doing well, I have the cutest little boy on the face of the planet and we will finally be in our own home, or at least really close, work is going well and I love running more than ever. <span style="color: magenta;"><b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>30.is.going.to.ROCK! </b></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><b>This is my year I can feel it.</b></span><br />
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I find it odd that people fear aging and seem to especially fear turning 30. Not this lady, no sir. Perhaps it's that I have yet to find a grey hair, not that I go searching for them either though... heaven knows I have my fair share of wrinkles and stretch marks. My body is much different than Honestly I'm just so different than it once was but regardless I'm thankful I get to celebrate another year, I got to spend another year loving my family, really what more could I ask for? None of us know the number of our days, I'm certainly not going to waste time stressing about getting older.<br />
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I'm not counting the days until the end of my twenties but I'm ready for 30, very ready.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifavYGOPnN8yi2TAJ_U948DFvH7o6CJAji0KuDpl-QAd31D-vyvLRKu0Htme_Yc_LqEoFsfrB1NPhoZUB0s5ENRNRrAI17xf4ygYcKTKYb_vVaHPFzS3-vBdSYjadnDomA2Vx_qTIrmwI/s1600/Pink_30__82376_zoom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifavYGOPnN8yi2TAJ_U948DFvH7o6CJAji0KuDpl-QAd31D-vyvLRKu0Htme_Yc_LqEoFsfrB1NPhoZUB0s5ENRNRrAI17xf4ygYcKTKYb_vVaHPFzS3-vBdSYjadnDomA2Vx_qTIrmwI/s320/Pink_30__82376_zoom1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Much Love,<br />
JenJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547935842573125588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284035371898309230.post-45198075183845853402013-02-15T10:31:00.000-08:002013-02-15T10:31:18.211-08:00Bloodwork Results {Good News}On Monday I took a much needed (and deserved) day off to spend with Liam. I intentionally didn't make plans with friends, I just wanted some Liam time and it was wonderful! He slept in so I got an extra hour and half of sleep which was amazing (fellow Mommas, can I get an amen?). Before he rose I popped out of bed and made us some scrambled eggs and cut up fresh fruit. V got Liam up just before he had to head to work.<br />
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Liam and I spent the morning just playing and reading, it was glorious! However, after a weekend spent mostly at home I could tell he wanted to get out of the house. How did I know this you ask, because he wouldn't stop bringing me his coat and shoes! Little stinker! I got the hint, I popped him in his crib with a few toys while I took a very short shower and threw my wet hair in a ponytail. I dressed both of us and off we went! Our mall has a play area for smaller kids (under 5-6) which on the weekends is so over run with older (and unruly) children Liam never wants to go near it. I knew on a quiet Monday morning it would be heaven, with coffee in hand it was confirmed! I should have brought the camera (because I'm too cheap to pay for data I don't own a "smart" phone), the pictures would have been awesome but enjoying the time was amazing! Liam ran around with another little boy his age, up the stairs and down the little slide a million times! We stayed there until Liam was super tired then it was home for lunch and nap!<br />
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<br />V's mom gets off really early on Mondays, she came over after work so I could run off for a bloodwork appointment. I was not excited, I thought up every excuse in the book to not good and secretly hoped MIL would cancel. She did not. I arrived at the lab and after checking in was greeted by a familiar nurse. Who am I kidding they are all familiar at this point! LOL! The whole process was simple and quick but I was nervous enough that I was sweating like mad...gross and annoying but thankfully I don't think it was obvious. I asked her if my dr would have the results today, she replied <i>Oh yeah but you know doctor's you won't hear from them until tomorrow or Weds. </i>I smiled and said <i>Okay</i> but she recalled my story from previous visits and offered to call me with my platelet number later. Let me just say right here I know that technically she should not have done this and it's not in her job to deliver what could have been very bad results BUT she offered so I gladly accepted. <br />
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Three hours later I was home just cleaning up after dinner assuming the nurse had either forgotten or my results weren't good and she decided against it when my phone rang. <i>Hi, Jen? This is Nurse X. Your numbers are low but really good for you, your at 126k! Congrats!</i> I thanked her about 11 times before letting her go, with teary eyes I told V. Hugs all around!<br />
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<u>A little recap:</u> (Normal: 150k+)<br />
<a href="http://patientnkind.blogspot.com/2011/09/i-have-no-idea-how-to-title-this-post.html">Diagnosis</a>: Sept 2011: 10k<br />
Sept/Oct 2011: Treated with Predniose, I responded well but after coming off my #s steadily went down <br />
<a href="http://patientnkind.blogspot.com/2012/04/on-my-auto-immune-diseasean-update.html">April 2012</a>: 90k (per my hematologist < 80k=dangerous/treatment needed) <br />
<a href="http://patientnkind.blogspot.com/2012/08/im-in-remission.html">Remission</a>: Aug 2012: 300k<br />
<a href="http://patientnkind.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-thoughts-in-my-head.html">No Remission for Me</a>: Nov 2012: 115k<br />
This month: Feb 2013: 126k<br />
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<br />
So it appears that I do indeed have <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001562/">a chronic case of ITP</a> which I will have to monitor for the rest of my life, the good news is that my body is currently holding it's on. I'm in a place where my internal medicine dr is fine monitoring me and I can proceed with confidence in <a href="http://patientnkind.blogspot.com/2012/12/rock-roll-half-marathon-series-2013.html">my Half Marathon</a> training! God is so good and faithful when we give things up to him, he has provided for me and I couldn't be more thankful.!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547935842573125588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284035371898309230.post-1738022735988628612013-02-08T10:37:00.001-08:002013-02-08T10:44:28.666-08:00In Other News: Time to Start TrainingThis week I had a horrible nightmare about my upcoming <a href="http://patientnkind.blogspot.com/2012/12/rock-roll-half-marathon-series-2013.html">Half Marathon in Portland on May 19t</a>h. Essentially everything went wrong in the most bazaar ways. I woke up with my heart pounding and feeling as though I had not slept a wink. Maybe my brain knew training way coming?<br />
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This morning I received an email the the course route had been revealed. Not a huge deal since I live out of state, it's not like I can train on the course but it is nice to know. It looks like it will be beautiful! Then I got to thinking, I threw out my old training plan but had written a good guideline in my planner at work,<i> How many weeks do I have before I need to get on it?</i> None, well this week. Training officially, and gradually, starts next week. Holy Moly! Reality set in big time! My boss is doing several races so we chatted about how nervous we are, it's nice to have her to bounce ideas off of.<br />
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The moral of the story; I'm not too worried. I can go out today and do 5 miles with relative ease (my current pace is: 11:36-11:00). I'm about 40% of the way there, not too shabby. Don't get me wrong I will have to work for the other 8.1 miles but I feel like I can do this. I've been cross-training , Hello Bodycombat, which I believe is helping immensely. And having done my first race under a year ago I feel like I have a good grasp on my body (what it needs, what helps etc).<br />
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Who else is doing a race soon? How are you feeling?<br />
-JenJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547935842573125588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284035371898309230.post-82844620789472315272013-02-08T10:15:00.002-08:002013-02-08T10:15:16.687-08:00Happy Things If you've read my blog for a while you know that every so often I write a random little note about things that make me happy, it's silly and just all around fun for me. Read if you'd like, and copy if you so feel inclined...I'd love to see what everyone else finds simple pleasure in.<br />
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In no specific order:<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJO_3ZoQ5AXgRUOla8j5FqwWR2vchNu98O80xg1ARZ4vn9bDbskSesE5BphPaOuOV1rXff1ikIeAWeMhy1BWn-CLHw6nXxIMMcVv9iNpeuIMTl0V55MMrI-dzfi-qrlcQtuC9vGvZ9cu8/s1600/crackers.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJO_3ZoQ5AXgRUOla8j5FqwWR2vchNu98O80xg1ARZ4vn9bDbskSesE5BphPaOuOV1rXff1ikIeAWeMhy1BWn-CLHw6nXxIMMcVv9iNpeuIMTl0V55MMrI-dzfi-qrlcQtuC9vGvZ9cu8/s200/crackers.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks Google Images</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Graham Crackers with Peanut Butter:</b><br />
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Liam was eating this over the weekend and I decided to steal a bite; <i>oh my gosh, YUM!</i> Lately we've been sharing this snack, lol! <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0O2LFwCUoAS8XfOTHHN5QtpPmNc_KNqjzBXla_gG7jXWwXDAoIjLCCqzELgQbZSWZnu-x9J027zMARzaoq6dhJzyuvO7lr6U_SS3uDiQgSOuC08VqoiW2zRaToG8rqUyHx3QUSarXO-A/s1600/heels.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0O2LFwCUoAS8XfOTHHN5QtpPmNc_KNqjzBXla_gG7jXWwXDAoIjLCCqzELgQbZSWZnu-x9J027zMARzaoq6dhJzyuvO7lr6U_SS3uDiQgSOuC08VqoiW2zRaToG8rqUyHx3QUSarXO-A/s200/heels.jpg" width="138" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep that's the shoe but in Mustard Yellow!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>A Bargain:</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0O2LFwCUoAS8XfOTHHN5QtpPmNc_KNqjzBXla_gG7jXWwXDAoIjLCCqzELgQbZSWZnu-x9J027zMARzaoq6dhJzyuvO7lr6U_SS3uDiQgSOuC08VqoiW2zRaToG8rqUyHx3QUSarXO-A/s1600/heels.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <br />
I went wondering the mall with a co-worker last week over lunch and found adorable heels 75% the sale price. <i>Super cute (and comfy) heels for $6.25?! Yes please!</i><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4D78a2YnJa6iL0e9hxtGHjunSMaZ5J6nNFsYRjv3FIj-wcLruAw3E21BQrCGPtrJkGUoGnxBlc7xCk76GRbaZyiQc8j7RccM2J0bonLUWxtKSyv7cC_c31IjUHe3emvWF8tQ5fseuO9U/s1600/MOTHER-clipart.gif" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4D78a2YnJa6iL0e9hxtGHjunSMaZ5J6nNFsYRjv3FIj-wcLruAw3E21BQrCGPtrJkGUoGnxBlc7xCk76GRbaZyiQc8j7RccM2J0bonLUWxtKSyv7cC_c31IjUHe3emvWF8tQ5fseuO9U/s200/MOTHER-clipart.gif" width="123" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Google Images</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Liam's Personality:<br />
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It's been shining through more each day, he's in a really sweet phase where he'll randomly hug me 100 times a day, I happily take each hug! Also he'll press his face to my cheek if I ask for a kiss....I also do this 100 times a day. Lastly over the weekend he started saying "rawr" if we ask him if he's a dinosaur. Cutest. Thing. EVER!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9w9SUQEPNrAPzkN3WQkXEFG8UJE2kwoaRBR6cMwIO_6cqRXOhkK9VUlkaqzfbTfMJ35_ONi3V0NmJNadp58Bhzs3W7VcxfysCJTnqq6V86YQ_xLWvwqAFLsZwrI99LlpbJu3tk85TGbg/s1600/coconut-cream-creamer1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9w9SUQEPNrAPzkN3WQkXEFG8UJE2kwoaRBR6cMwIO_6cqRXOhkK9VUlkaqzfbTfMJ35_ONi3V0NmJNadp58Bhzs3W7VcxfysCJTnqq6V86YQ_xLWvwqAFLsZwrI99LlpbJu3tk85TGbg/s200/coconut-cream-creamer1.jpg" width="106" /></a><br />
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Coconut Coffee Creamer:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9w9SUQEPNrAPzkN3WQkXEFG8UJE2kwoaRBR6cMwIO_6cqRXOhkK9VUlkaqzfbTfMJ35_ONi3V0NmJNadp58Bhzs3W7VcxfysCJTnqq6V86YQ_xLWvwqAFLsZwrI99LlpbJu3tk85TGbg/s1600/coconut-cream-creamer1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <br />
I've always been a full fat creamer kind of girl, even when counting my calories. Two tablespoons of my Coconut flavored creamer is more than enough to sweeten up my two cups of morning Joe and thetotal ~100 calories are well worth it to me!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0O2LFwCUoAS8XfOTHHN5QtpPmNc_KNqjzBXla_gG7jXWwXDAoIjLCCqzELgQbZSWZnu-x9J027zMARzaoq6dhJzyuvO7lr6U_SS3uDiQgSOuC08VqoiW2zRaToG8rqUyHx3QUSarXO-A/s1600/heels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4Q8Xi1mSisgIhmbyK3cbE4MfnaCvr7X8lzDADExJgCkl7CRQGLttLMnduNoMRDwrMQC86MDVKTBKzs3uuM9_q7jWNTooQ4rLCUmiiKi964otF0mrUZHLsVzeDehDjZdq39p0bICuOnw/s1600/images.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4Q8Xi1mSisgIhmbyK3cbE4MfnaCvr7X8lzDADExJgCkl7CRQGLttLMnduNoMRDwrMQC86MDVKTBKzs3uuM9_q7jWNTooQ4rLCUmiiKi964otF0mrUZHLsVzeDehDjZdq39p0bICuOnw/s200/images.jpeg" width="200" /></a>I've always loved music, when I was single or in the pre-Liam days I'd start first thing in the morning I'd turn it on and UP! Our current home (rental) makes a sardine can look roomy so I don't get to listen to music as often as I would like (24/7) without disrupting Liam's sleep (big no-no to this Momma). Thankfully Liam loves music like his Momma so we "sing" in the car going to and from daycare each morning and before Dadda gets home we put the music channel on our TV and dance. (Dadda loves tv so when he's home it's on his <strike>nonsense</strike> shows.) It warms my heat when Liam wants to dance with me! <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllB84yifsNG3q44tq7Vx0_qzgKUsHRV__EwPdHashCQ20Mw67SbZq6438chF7zg7forHLU91tnC1bzvZx_qscGSuynurQ3EdoKRGBGUMTV4jFI9CBFf0hVHA3mRqLrVPkBbbXDNxe3mo/s1600/spring.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllB84yifsNG3q44tq7Vx0_qzgKUsHRV__EwPdHashCQ20Mw67SbZq6438chF7zg7forHLU91tnC1bzvZx_qscGSuynurQ3EdoKRGBGUMTV4jFI9CBFf0hVHA3mRqLrVPkBbbXDNxe3mo/s320/spring.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My home, be jealous ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Spring:<br />
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She is a comin'! The last two Sundays I've been able to get out and run in the great outdoors! I leave out our front door, run down to the trail along the river and back and get a good 5 miles in within 1 hour (while Liam is napping, double score for this Momma!). 40* plus tunes cranked way up in one earphone and getting my run on equals one very happy lady!<br />
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Last but not least a good quote: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMMAdY9jYeYO46rqIW35bIwQBIoRbdhJu9t0h8ZDu7sPW7kvyN1S5oua4g2Xh3SwyZ-hZKnZoztttWgQtuSswryw1LaNt1mmY-XenEKUnFYCNpcyF8IEjBF5r1T381iS3TiAE5sQU-Ak/s1600/Running.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMMAdY9jYeYO46rqIW35bIwQBIoRbdhJu9t0h8ZDu7sPW7kvyN1S5oua4g2Xh3SwyZ-hZKnZoztttWgQtuSswryw1LaNt1mmY-XenEKUnFYCNpcyF8IEjBF5r1T381iS3TiAE5sQU-Ak/s320/Running.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Much Love,<br />
JenJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547935842573125588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284035371898309230.post-83018183666536250372013-02-01T20:41:00.000-08:002013-02-01T20:41:33.596-08:00The Thoughts in My HeadI've writen, edited, deleted and re-writen this post more times than I care to admit. It's time to just give in and publish it.<br />
-Jen<br />
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You know the kind, the ones that only surface when you are tired and don't have the energy to keep them at bay or during your dreams when you're not totally in control. The kind that pop into your head suddenly at 3am and keep you awake when you are desperate for sleep. Yeah those kind.<br />
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I've been avoiding the fact that I had routine blood work done in November, I wanted to establish care with a standard 'ol internal medicine doctor and have my cholesterol checked for good measure. We discussed my interesting health history (including <a href="http://patientnkind.blogspot.com/2011/09/i-have-no-idea-how-to-title-this-post.html" target="_blank">diagnosis</a> and <a href="http://patientnkind.blogspot.com/2012/08/im-in-remission.html" target="_blank">remission</a> of my ITP) and it was decided to check my platelets for good measure. I was told if everything were fine I'd receive a letter in the mail with a breakdown of my blood work. Instead I received a call. <b><span style="color: #444444;">I'm no longer in remission.</span></b> After just three short months my platelets have gone down by more than 50% and are were below normal, but not at a dangerous level. Right now my internal med dr is ok with monitoring me again in a few months, depending on that result I'll have to find a hematologist (I can no longer be treated by Dr T due to my lovely insurance). <strike> I'll be checked again in around 60 days as I'm planning another Half Marathon. </strike>The time has come to have my numbers checked so it will be in the next three weeks as I'm about to start training for my second half marathon.<br />
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This news was a blow, obviously not as bad as last time but a blow none the less. I told only a couple friends and waited to tell V because his uncle was in the hospital, he had a heart and was still being monitored. I needed V's uncle to be a little better before I could burden V with this news. After a few days uncle was released and Thanksgiving had passed so I brought it up to V, he handles things differently than most people (I think), and often times I have to tell him exactly what I need from him because he follows my lead (if I'm freaked out he freaks out, I'm typically his rock). So in this instance where I was sad and a little freaked out, I needed him to be my rock. Initially he got kinda defensive which hurt. I had to explain to him that I'm not <u>as</u> freaked out as last time and that this will <u>not </u>determine how I live my life <b><span style="color: #444444;">but I am sad and I should be allowed that.</span></b> Once he understood where I was coming from he was supportive again. It was strange this time around, I didn't want to hear all the puppies-and-rainbow business, <u>I just wanted to be sad for a moment.</u> I'm really relating to Christina on Parenthood right now though her diagnosis is clearly much worse than mine.<br />
<br />
The holidays were nice, they allowed me to been to push all this to the back of my mind and just sort of be on auto pilot about it all. I reminded myself that <b><span style="color: #444444;"><i>I don't look sick and I don't feel sick, I can still have a relatively normal life and best of all it's not genetic so Liam has no greater chance of having it than I did.</i> </span></b> With "the holidays" long gone it's not been as easy to stay busy and a little fear has crept back into my mind. I've started having nightmares about returning to the Cancer Specialists office for treatments but this time it's the treatments I've feared this whole time. I have dreams that Dr T is disappointed that I'm not well, as if I've done something to make this return. I find myself thinking about the strangest details of it all at the strangest times. I realize this is all just the junk in the back of my mind making it's way forward when I have little control, you know because I'm sleeping (or at least trying to).<br />
<br />
I'm still working out, about to start training plan for <a href="http://patientnkind.blogspot.com/2012/12/rock-roll-half-marathon-series-2013.html" target="_blank">my next half marathon</a>. I'm still doing bodycombat for cross training. <b><span style="color: #444444;"> I'm still being me and being a wife and mom, still enjoying life.</span></b> I refuse to let this define me, I'm just sad that it's even still a part of me, I'm sad I have to accept its back in again. I have to adjust to the fact that I have a chronic disease for the rest of my life...again and that is going to take some work. I feel like I'm sort of back at square one, maybe square three or five but back towards the beginning of this whole thing and that is disappointing.<br />
<br />
<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547935842573125588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284035371898309230.post-82549115471211775722013-01-03T11:31:00.002-08:002013-01-03T11:31:40.229-08:00Setting Goals for 2013I've decided to start setting some specific goals, and posting them here in an effort to be more accountable:<br />
<br />
(In no specific order)<br />
<ul><ul>
<li><u>Financial</u></li>
<ul>
<li>Double our savings by 12/31/13</li>
<li>Finally get V to abide by the budget WE agreed too....one can hope</li>
<li>start 529 for Liam, contribute to it monthly no matter the amount</li>
<li>open savings and contribute to it for Disney World Family Vaca in 2015 or 2016</li>
<li>Find one way/month to save more $$</li>
</ul>
<li><u>Faith</u></li>
<ul>
<li>Jan 3, 2013 begin "bible in a year" plan</li>
<li>finish reading entire bible 12/31/2013 </li>
<li>Attend church no less than 2 times per month</li>
<li>Volunteer in nursery with Liam: June, Sept, Dec '13</li>
</ul>
<li><u>Fitness/Health (This can also be considered "Me")</u></li>
<ul>
<li>Three-Five 5ks</li>
<li>One 10k</li>
<li>One Half Marathon (Rock N Roll 1/2 in Portland May '13)</li>
<li>Winter: One Body Combat/Body Pump Type Class Per Week(total 52 classes)</li>
<li>Winter: One Spinning Classes (or other cardio) Per Week</li>
<li>Spring & Fall: Run two-three (four while training for Half Marathon) </li>
<li>Continue to use My Fitness Pal to maintain weight </li>
<li>Read 10 Books </li>
</ul>
<li><u>Liam</u></li>
<ul>
<li>maintain "Letters to My Liam" blog (post no less than 1/week)</li>
<li><strike>Finish Liam's First Year Scrapbook</strike><span style="color: red;">-done!</span></li>
<li>upload pictures to website month (end result: yearly family photo book)</li>
<li>no less than 2 "mommy and me" outings/month</li>
<li>annual family pictures (professional)</li>
<li>Donate 50% of the clothes Liam has grown out of, consign the other 50% </li>
</ul>
<li><u>Marriage/Home</u></li>
<ul>
<li>No less than one date night/month</li>
<li>Surprise V once a month with something small that will make him smile and feel special </li>
<li>Work to enjoy things my hubby enjoys</li>
<li>B---h less about video games (surprise him with one?) </li>
<li>Find House/Buy/Move In/Decorate </li>
<li>Find/use no less than one new healthy recipe/month</li>
<li>Create Weekly/Monthly Chore list to stay on top of cleaning better& stress less</li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<li><u>Friends</u></li>
<ul>
<li>One-Two playdates/month</li>
<li>Once in new house: host little parties quarterly </li>
<li>No less than one girls night/month sans Liam</li>
<li>Once/month do something special for friend (low cost)</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547935842573125588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284035371898309230.post-34874391456702862492013-01-03T11:27:00.001-08:002013-01-03T11:28:54.351-08:00Resolutions for 2013 I haven't made a resolution in years. At this time last year I had a six month old and was newly diagnosed with an unexplainable autoimmune disease, I figured I didn't need one more thing to work on. I just wanted to focus on the tasks at hand and enjoying the days I was given. And that I did!<br />
<br />
2012 was kind to our family, while yes bad things still happened unfortunately that is just a part of life....life is both the good and the bad. I choose to focus on the good more than the bad as much as humanly possible. We had an incredible year with Liam; he's growing, happy and healthy...what more could I ask for? Not only that but both V and I are in relatively good health and we've been approved to buy our first home (we have opted for the painfully slow process of building instead). I did my first half marathon, there were camping trips and lots of laughs, I'll always look back on 2012 fondly.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn6SNW0ZmeQJbDfPwH2FIWfWoFoWG58HoNV86G9gH9vMUSiTRHWbXZLx4DzAcskayYj-EgsxshJxxKG8VRZiJQ2Nz-qs0biTqpyYh9lsRrPmvemBA0VWy9K8Rf8udr8BQWItCpejBm1r0/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn6SNW0ZmeQJbDfPwH2FIWfWoFoWG58HoNV86G9gH9vMUSiTRHWbXZLx4DzAcskayYj-EgsxshJxxKG8VRZiJQ2Nz-qs0biTqpyYh9lsRrPmvemBA0VWy9K8Rf8udr8BQWItCpejBm1r0/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">thanks again google images</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
2013 has some big shoes to fill and I have a list of goals but only one true resolution....I want to take a closer look at my pet peeves and make sure I'm not those things. I need to really think about them, write them down and begin the true work. I'm certainly not saying I'll be perfect at the end of 2013 but I think there is <u>always</u> room for improvement.<br />
<br />
If you have more specific resolutions I'd love to hear them, I'd happily be your cheerleader!<br />
<br />
Much Love,<br />
Jen Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547935842573125588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284035371898309230.post-64613580510594102392012-12-31T12:31:00.004-08:002012-12-31T12:31:33.443-08:00It's currently 1:18p on the very last day of 2012, the
hubby is out
running errands and kiddo is 1hr into his nap which is typically 3hrs
long. I'm just chillin' here in the sweet silence enjoying all that
this year has been, it's been a little bit of a wild ride but I'm
thankful for it....all those crazy moments (both good and not so good)
contribute to who I am and I'm darn proud of the woman (wife and mother)
I've become. God is so good.<br />
I hope each of you (all
four of you, lol) have a fantastic and safe celebration tonight. As for
us, we'll be safe at home with take out and a movie. Here's to a
wonderful 2013!<br />
<br />
<br />
Much Love,<br />
JenJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547935842573125588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284035371898309230.post-70449622055959165732012-12-29T19:30:00.000-08:002012-12-29T19:30:31.886-08:00Running in the Cold If you knew me in real life you would know I'm not a big fan of winter. I don't snowboard, ski etc because I don't like to be cold and don't warm up quickly. Too bad I've spent almost my entire life in the pacific northwest eh?<br />
<br />
Anyway I wanted to toot my own horn today. I've been working out at the gym for a few months since the cold weather hit our area, even running a few miles a couple times a week on the treadmill (which is similar to Chinese water torture if you ask me!). This morning Liam slept in and I couldn't pry myself out of bed in time to make it to my bodycombat class that I've been loving so much. The three of us just enjoyed a lovely lazy Saturday morning and before we knew it Liam needed a nap, aka workout time for Momma.<br />
<br />
After Liam went down I went back and forth on what to do for my workout, I'd missed all the classes and really only wanted cardio since I can still get strength workouts in later this weekend. I kept checking the weather channel, ugh below 30*. Finally I just got dressed and even posted a facebook status "too bad I'm not hardcore enough to run outside in the cold, off to the gym I go". I went outside to get my car out of the garage...<i>hmmm it's not <b>too</b> bad out here. </i>I got the car our and went back inside to change. V had gotten me a <a href="http://www.eddiebauer.com/catalog/product.jsp?ensembleId=44087&catPath=&viewAll=n&pg=1&cmPathInfo=T347" target="_blank">base layer</a> for Christmas and I already had <a href="http://www.target.com/p/c9-by-champion-women-s-cold-weather-running-tight-assorted-colors/-/A-14153054#prodSlot=large_1_12" target="_blank">warm pants</a>, gloves and a hat...<i>I'll just go a little ways and see how it feels.</i> I got out there and it was awesome. So awesome! I did my 'ol 4.5 mile loop that I love so much and even made really great time!!<br />
<br />
I don't have to start training for a few more weeks, but I'm excited to know that I can still get in a good outside run every now and then!! Yay me!!<br />
<br />
And just for fun, here is a pic I found on the web, this was an actual sign along the half marathon route last year!! Too funny!!!<br />
<br />
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547935842573125588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284035371898309230.post-42930599451532389862012-12-27T09:46:00.000-08:002012-12-28T08:13:11.526-08:00Christ-mas Recap 2012Our little world sure has been busy! Have I ever mentioned that V's family is huge, huge-huge! Thankfully after 6 Christmases I have everyone's name down, such was not always the case, yikes! :)<br />
<br />
This year we started establishing our own traditions and I made sure to inform V's mom, I love her but she would certainly eat up every free second we have if I don't set some boundaries. Christmas Eve we got up early as usual and ate, I had lit a tree scented candle and put on some Christmas music while setting all of our gifts in the center of the living room for Liam to rip into. He had such a blast pulling bows and ribbon off, he even pulled the wrapping paper off (something he's never had much interest in it before). Because V's family is so large we didn't over indulge Liam, we bought him a few outfits, some jammies (tradition starting), a little<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Marshmallow-High-Back-Chair-Theme/dp/B004Z2S2K4/ref=sr_1_24?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1356629099&sr=1-24&keywords=cars+toddler+chair" target="_blank"> toddler chair</a> and a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Travel-Doodler-Pro-Green/dp/B0060JVU72/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1356629059&sr=8-5&keywords=magna+doodle" target="_blank">magna-doddle</a> all of which were a huge hit with him so mission accomplished. V and I did gifts and played with the little guy until nap time.<br />
<br />
While Liam napped I made some<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/ultimate-green-beans/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=green%20beans&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Recipe" target="_blank"> green beans</a> as my contribution to Christmas dinner at V's paternal grandparents house later in the day. (They turned out just a little spicey but everyone seemed to enjoy them as there were no leftovers, also no one noticed I used turkey bacon!) Dinner was fun, then we all went to our respective church services which was a challenge with no childcare, Liam only sat through half of the <hour after="after" all="all" already="already" an="an" and="and" at="at" back="back" be="be" bed="bed" being="being" but="but" chat="chat" church="church" e="e" ended="ended" expected.="expected." for="for" gathered="gathered" gift="gift" grandparents="grandparents" hardly="hardly" he="he" hour="hour" house="house" is="is" it.="it." it="it" learned="learned" lesson="lesson" liam="liam" long="long" nbsp="nbsp" night="night" over="over" p="p" passed="passed" s="s" service="service" showing="showing" sleeping="sleeping" snack="snack" stay="stay" that="that" the="the" time="time" tired="tired" to="to" too="too" up="up" wanted="wanted" was="was" way="way" we="we"><br />
Christmas morning V got up with Liam and let me rest since I hardly slept the night before, after a short nap we all scurried around and got ready (while making a egg side for brunch) to head out to V's parents for the day. Brunch was fun and tasty then we opened gifts. It was nice to have both V's paternal grandparents and maternal grandma there with us again. Although I have to admit I was getting nervous as we were passed Liam's nap time again, it was a recipe for disaster, but he did ok through gifts and loved opening anything anyone would let him. He's such a little ham when surrounded by family, it's obvious that he is so love which just warms my heart to watch! He was spoiled with more toys by each and every person (almost). Thankfully after that he took a nap and so did I!<br />
<br />
The rest of the day we lounged around, more family streamed in and out, lots of snacks were had and white elephant gifts exchanged. V and I went home earlier than planned so Liam could have a relaxing bath before bed and all of us could get much needed rest. Even V turned in early.<br />
<br />
All in all it was super busy but very fun. Next year I really want to focus more on building our traditions and making it less about stuff and running around and more about the true meaning that it should be. I'm hoping since we'll be in our new home that some of the celebration can be had there.<br />
<br />
I hope each of you had a fantastic Christmas!<br />
Much Love,<br />
Jen</hour>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547935842573125588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284035371898309230.post-57660364138118307392012-12-18T14:20:00.000-08:002012-12-18T14:20:15.889-08:00Unimaginable Saddness for Newtown, CTI feel weird even writing about this, I just wish it were all a horrible-horrible dream. The pain of the whole town of <a href="http://news.msn.com/us/remembering-the-victims-of-the-newtown-shooting-limited" target="_blank">Newtown, CT</a> is unimaginable. I've been strategically avoiding the media coverage, it just hits a different place in my heart now that I'm a mom. Unfortunately you can't avoid it forever, I started listening to little bits of President Obama's speech last night while I folded laundry (and Liam unfolded it, lol). I cried hearing him speak the names of the 20 children lost (I changed the channel so I don't know if he spoke the 6 lost adults names). I cried on the way to work as they discussed the funerals of those little children. It all just breaks my heart.<br />
<br />
It's unfortunate that tragic events like this happen, and it seems like this one has shaken us all a little deeper. I refuse to think about it in too much depth....I just can't. Often times, when something like this happens I get a bit consumed and read/watch everything I can get my hands on, like much of America. (Personally I think this is a bit of the problem) Not this time though, I'm acting on gut instinct like on Friday night when I abruptly cancelled Liam's sleepover at G'ma's. I just <u>needed</u> him home, much more than I needed a date night. Instead our evening was full of toddler giggles and random hugs (Liam's new thing) and I wouldn't have it any other way.<br />
<br />
This horrible event has had a seemingly universal effect on all of us, we're all grabbing our loved ones, no matter the age, and pulling them just a little closer for a moment longer. On Saturday afternoon as I was putting Liam down for his nap he rested his head on my shoulder and instantly fell asleep, instead of laying him down I sat in the rocker in his room and just held him, it was so peaceful as he pressed against my chest I could have stayed there for three hours (and I considered it). I slowly lay him down after a good 20 minutes, he peaked open one eye and smiled before falling back to sleep. It was priceless. And instead of scurrying off to the gym while Liam napped I snuggled in V's arms while he watched his man shows.<br />
<br />
We've all been taken back, we're all making vows to be kinder, gentler, more patient and more present....I just wish it didn't have to come as a result of this unspeakable tragedy, and I hope we are all still living by these vows in three months.<br />
<br />
I hope and pray that this madness ends, that our eyes fewer and fewer of this horrible events until there are no such things. I realize full well that the likelihood of all this is essentially nonexistent but I a<strike> girl</strike> mom can hope and dream.<br />
<br />
Much Love,<br />
JenJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547935842573125588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284035371898309230.post-51682639666023074712012-12-13T11:35:00.000-08:002012-12-13T11:35:00.567-08:00I Can't _____, But I Can ____Today I was just sitting at my desk, enjoying a much needed silent little break. I was think about a couple friends who are pregnant and the fact that, <i>yes, I'm jealous</i>. Not big angry/bitter jealous just silent, slightly sad jealous. Then another friend messaged me (I had replied to her status about how she enjoyed her birthday)...she went on to tell me that it had been six years since she enjoyed a birthday because six years two weeks before her birthday she went into premature labor and gave birth to her son at only 16 weeks gestation and he died. For the last six years she hated, dreaded and sometimes couldn't bear her birthday. Understandably so.<br />
<br />
I was sitting in the silence of my office just reflecting on that. I obviously can't (and won't try) to explain why God allowed her to go into labor so early and why her son couldn't have lived. I'm not going to say "everything happens for a reason" because I'd punch someone straight in the face who said that to me. Instead I'm choosing to be thankful that she has two beautiful healthy daughters (19 & 8).<br />
<br />
I remember so well when V and I were <a href="http://patientnkind.blogspot.com/2010/11/our-story-from-begining.html" target="_blank">trying for a baby</a>, month after month I hoped and prayed to be pregnant. But I also secretly prayed that I would rather never get pregnant if God planned on taking my baby from me. I feared miscarriage with every inch of my soul (as most mothers do). I am so thankful that I got to have just one pregnancy that resulted in my beautiful, healthy, funny, sweet little boy. Unfortunately I only get that one pregnancy, we won't even try (and are actively preventing) future pregnancies because it's what's safest. I have one wonderful miracle baby and I'm so thankful to have him.<br />
<br />
Which brings me to my title. This whole thought process got me thinking, I registered for my <a href="http://patientnkind.blogspot.com/2012/12/rock-roll-half-marathon-series-2013.html" target="_blank">2nd Half Marathon</a> this yesterday (Yikes!)....I can't have more babies BUT I can run races.....and I love running (or as real runners would call it jogging). I'm choosing to be thankful for the blessing of Liam and the blessing of a supportive husband who will go all the way to Portland to watch me run. I have so much to be thankful for....today I feel just crazy blessed. I can't give Liam more biological siblings BUT I can (and hopefully will) foster a child that needs our love desperately and though this Liam can be a big brother. I can't do a lot of things BUT I can be the best mom ever to Liam and any child(ren) that we are blessed with through fostering.<br />
<br />
Much Love & Thanks,<br />
Jen <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547935842573125588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284035371898309230.post-82669136944178044892012-12-12T09:07:00.003-08:002012-12-12T09:08:07.498-08:00Rock & Roll {Half} Marathon Series 2013Today (on 12/12/12) you can save yourself $20 off the registration cost of Rock & Roll Series Races. Today I bit the bullet and registered for my 2nd Half Marathon...<a href="http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/portland" target="_blank">Portland Rock and Roll Half Marathon.</a> Yikes! Looks like I'm actually doing this!<br />
<br />
I actually told V that I wanted my registration fee for the race to be at least part of my Christmas present since I thought it would be over $80 (I paid $66.50 with today's discount). I'm blessed to have his total support and the support of my amazing friends.<br />
<br />
I have at most 6 weeks before I start training and cleaning up my eating! I'll post my training plan soon! This will also be part of my 2013 Goal List I'm working on (and also promise to post soon).<br />
<br />
Yikes, lots happening soon quickly! I also need to post about the flooring I picked out (I pick out other finishes tomorrow! Lots of posts coming soon, promise!<br />
<br />
Much Love,<br />
Jen Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547935842573125588noreply@blogger.com0