Jenny Beth Lesley

My name is Jenny and...

2011-11-20T16:25:00.000-08:00

... I'm addicted to Pinterest. THERE, I said it. :)

Who isn't? and if you raised your hand then you aren't a creature that relies on visual stimuli to process life....and that's ok. Ha ha! I seem to often find myself starting to explain something to someone and either I can't remember the details of it or I just feel that I can't communicate the extent of the issue without a picture. Therefore, I am ALWAYS looking something up to either read to someone or showing them a picture to convey my point. This leads me to my passion for photography. LOVE. IT.

As is common in my life, I don't have time for words today so here are some recent photos I've snapped lately to let you know what has been going on. :) Enjoy!

Tim's b-day! I organized a mini surprise party (with the help of my mom who came in for his suprise party)and made his favorite thing... pumpkin pie, as his birthday cake! Homemade pizza for dinner and decorations everywhere..as you can see. Even made homemade breakfast pizza the following morning! He is loved!

At the Mississippi State/Arkansas game :)

And a photo of my furry little boy. Love him bunches!

Family photo! 2011 (don't mind the fact that Cyrus didn't get a bath beforehand :)

and.....WHOOOO PIG SOOOIEE! Hoping for an LSU beat-down this Friday!

and finally... a little momento from the Fall Festival that some of us students put on for a community retirement home recently. Before cleaning up we grabbed some props and snapped a priceless memory. Love these girls!

God Bless!

What IS IT LIKE...to become a mother for the first time?

2011-10-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

That is the question....

For those of you who do not know, I'm writing a thesis and doing research on this very question. To give you a background of what, why, etc...

In Occupational Therapy school we are always thinking of things in terms of a human's function, life roles, responsibilities, and most of all what someone needs to do in order to live a meaningful and satisfying life. That is, after all, what life is about for the majority of people...serving your purpose. So, in short...my thought was "typically for women, no experience is more life changing and significant than becoming a mother/giving birth and assuming the new role of motherhood." This alters one's other roles and creates a dynamic change in priorities. These are my conclusions from research that has already been done. My next thought was..."Why is Occupational Therapy not involved with assisting this population in adapting and transitioning to this new phase of life? We help stroke clients regain skills and adapt to their new circumstances and others with physical, mental and otherwise life altering situations!"

What is important about this is that when change comes about in our lives, we must adapt and there must be a strategy to adapt. What I ultimately want to know is HOW women adapt, what their challenges are, what supports this transition, and what advice they would give to other first-time mothers in order to help them better PREPARE for the discontinuity associated with the transition to motherhood.

I personally have my own assumptions about what takes place, what challenges or supports exist and what could be done about it but in order for myself or someone else to address these issues, research must be done to gather information from those adapting to and experiencing this transition. That is what makes research VALID. For now, my thoughts, inclinations, and assumptions will remain unspoken. So, all that said....for my research I am conducting a simple pilot study and I will be interviewing 3 women to gather the "stories" that they have about what things were like before pregnancy and how they are now that the baby has arrived. The goal is to record information about their experiences and perceptions having to do with their way of adapting. SEE BELOW for the criteria that these first-time mothers must meet. It should be known that ALL information will be confidential and names will not be associated with data collected in this study.

Research Inclusion Criteria for First-time Mothers:

Inclusion requirements:
-Female gender
-Between the ages of 21 and 30
-In good overall physical and mental health whom gave birth for the first time
-Gave birth to an infant that is between eight weeks and twelve months old
-The participant must speak English
-Be caring for a currently healthy infant, and willing to consent to participation

***Exclusion status may be deemed for anyone referred after the first three participants have been confirmed, not meeting the above requirements, having been personally diagnosed with any type of psychological or physical illness, or whose child has experienced on-going health related complications prior to, during or after birth.

***All that is required of participants is filling out a survey and allowing me to conduct an informal interview in order to gather information about the mother's experiences and perceptions. One follow-up call will be made to summarize my conclusions and thats IT!

Additionally, I cannot be more than an acquaintance of any of the three women in this study therefore, I'm relying on YOU... friends to put me in touch with women whom would like to be apart of creating a better experience for future first-time mothers! :) Please spread the word ASAP, not only is this important for the sake of this population but my progress in this study is on a timeline and time is fleeting!

Thank you for all of your help everyone!
-Jenny Beth

(Photos from: http://duckduckgoosesale.blogspot.com/)

Just around the corner...

2011-10-19T18:37:00.000-07:00

So, this is me getting ahead of myself and peeking around the corner. Like...around the corner to next year! Unfortunately however, I can't see ANYTHING! :( Hmmph! That figures. I'm peeking because believe it or not, I'm almost done with this ole thing I call "class!" December is going to be a big deal in my house! First and foremost, my hubby is graduating with his Bachelor of Science in Psychology! I'm SO proud of him! Most people might think, "ehh, it's just a bachelor degree" but for someone who dislikes school with a passion like T, this is monumental!!! Most of all, he not only completed all of his course work....but, did so working full time (40+ hrs) for the majority, if not all of it. He's such a hard worker and that is one of the qualities that I love most about him!

In addition to this, I will be completing my four-hundred and fifty-second (maybe this is an exaggeration) AND FINAL (until I go back for my PhD in about 5-8 years) semester of college!!! I won't actually graduate until August of 2012 due the fact that I still have to complete 6 months of clinical rotations (i.e. working for free in the real world). But, as I've been told...this is when I have the abiltiy to ask questions and make mistakes in order to prepare for actually being an OT and having to make all the decisions and being responsible Occupational Therapy Assistants.

Let me back up though because I'm still getting ahead of myself...before any of this takes place, I still have to finish my thesis! Eeeek!

"Keep Calm and Just DO IT!" -Jenny Beth Lesley

:) Ok, I have many more unproductive things to do so, I'm out!

-"Be the change that you wish to see in the world." -Ghandi

Rolling out the stylish paper-wares!!!

2011-07-08T12:09:00.000-07:00

This post is dedicated to my Sister :)

She is gorgeous, SO smart, fun-loving, funny, kind, talented in the ways of crafting, creating, and design of any kind; she's also optimistic, the most thoughtful person I know, a faithful wife and a great Momma to her three little blessings. In other words, she is and always has been my role model. I love her more than she'll ever know and I'm soooo thankful for her! Not to mention, I'm so PROUD of her. She stepped foot into the scrapbooking/design industry several years back and made a name for herself. She designed layouts for some big magazines, designed products too! Heck, she's SO talented she even creates beautiful KIDS! ;) You still don't have to look hard to find her name in a "Scrapbooks etc." put out by Better Homes and Gardens...and there might be a page with pics of her beautiful kids (or even me). So... She's talented yes, but she also took a leap of faith and decided to go back and finish her education and pursue the bachelor's degree she's always wanted in Graphic Design....and she's rocking it! To shorten my story here, I said all that to say this...it is summer and she's getting crafty, so watch out!!!

You can find some of her latest things at her newly updated etsy site or contact her directly through her blog HERE. She is doing invitations, note cards, contact/business cards, calendars and other fun personalize-able (think i made that one up) things! So take a browse...

(and no, I'm not really expecting...just wishful, fun thinking :)

So...cute or what!!!? Now go put your order in :) Or just keep an eye out for what's going to be cropping up in her etsy store.

Well, I'm off to try to be productive today...working on a handmade pet bed and getting my new herbs settled in my new planter...pics to come later! God Bless...
JB

Wave of Relief...

2011-07-06T19:13:00.000-07:00

My Thought Process about my thesis proposal defense...which was today at 4pm :)I wonder how long I can put off preparing???

I've still got time :/ It's getting closer!!!

CAN'T put it off anymore .... Hope I'm ready!

IT IS FINALLY OVER!!! What a relief!

Did you get all that? Ha ha! I can't express what a relief it is to have this silly thing over with. I feel like yes, a weigh has been lifted and although I loved getting feedback about possible ways to tweak, improve, or clarify my proposal, it has been a long time coming. Thanking the GOOD LORD that I'm past that and now I can revise one final time and send my proposal on to the IRB.

On another note, my bday was yesterday. I was overwhelmed by the warm and kind birthday wishes that I received from countless people! Facebook really knows how to get the word out :) It was nice though and I sincerely appreciate every birthday wish! As usual, T got up and jetted out the door to do his birthday shopping before I woke. By the time he got back I was up and already sitting in my chair drinking my coffee so, he rang the door bell and had a "special delivery" of a fresh chicken biscuit meal from Chickfila (my absolute fav), a sweet bday card, and a bouquet of GORGEOUS pink roses! It was the first time he's ever gotten me roses; before he's always gotten me some other type of tiger lily or chrysanthamum mixed bouquet. They are fabulous though, see for yourself!

So, most of the day I was busy preparing for my presentation so I didn't leave the house except to run to Starbucks :) for a "light tall white mocha frap" and 2 birthday cake pops (for the birthday girl)!

The cake pops served as my birthday cake and they were heavenly, let me tell you! I still can't believe I'm 27, that is just wild! Really it seems like just yesterday I was 21 or 22, I still feel 21 except for the:

knee trouble I've been having since my DR trip
the muscle I pulled in my back a few weeks ago
the weird pulling feeling in my achilles tendon after I sit for a while and then get up
the fact that I can't hold my.....wait wait wait....

...Ok, so maybe I AM 27 and I CAN believe it ;) LOL! But seriously, I'm gonna chalk all that stuff up to the running that i've been doing lately. Believe it or not, I've been running my tail off lately and pretty much loving it :) Below is my running log for June and July. I'm no marathoner YET, but I'm getting there. I've also been eating more healthy lately since I've had more time to cook and be creative in the kitchen....and I'm loving that! Made some cakes the other day, light lasagna... The best part is I've even lost about 4 lbs, not too shabby! Regardless of anything else, I'm really enjoying the running just because it is a challenge and something I thought was so hard! Something I once thought I couldn't do and didn't want to. It is funny how life changes. Last week when I ran over 5 miles, I couldn't believe it myself, wow, that's almost a 10k right there! Don't get me wrong, I'm no speedster and I'm sure not going to be winning any races soon but with my slow and steady pace and a 30 second walk break on occasion, I'm thinking I could possibly finish my half-marathon goal in October. :) Anyway, It looks like i've got another 5 miler coming up this Saturday so we'll see how this one goes.

God Bless,
JB

News Flash...

2011-06-23T17:08:00.000-07:00

In one year, I will be free of college school work, free of clinicals, free of this ity-bitty duplex and free of this dreadful thesis that is sucking the life from me ;) Wow! This all hit me today because I walked in to class and saw everyone shuffling around and knew that our second and final 3 month clinical rotations must have been in our boxes! To explain this a little, after Thanksgiving our "class" is basically over in OT school. We have a few projects to sew up but other than that it's done and then everyone (but me and my friend who went to the Dominican Republic) will go to their clinical site for 2 weeks before Christmas and after Christmas break EVERYONE will go on 2 three month clinical rotations in the Spring of 2012 before we actually graduate in August 2012. So...we just got our placements for our 3 month rotations. For the first 3 months i'll be going to the UAMS Hand Therapy clinic in LR and for my second one i'll be headed back home to work at the Gregory Kistler Center for 3 months.

The best part about that second one is that I'll get to stay with my Sister during this one. Oh, the fun we will have!!! It is unbelievable to think that nearly 2 years ago I was just beginning this journey through OT school. I've learned so much, experienced some great times and some tragedy but at the end of this program I will have come out with valuable friends and the knowledge to finally begin my career and hopefully (Lord willing ) my family.

On another note...I recently was blessed with the opportunity to visit the Dominican Republic for 2 weeks as a clinical rotation and as a missions opportunity. It was life-changing. That is simply put. My friend W and I were stationed at a special education school and were given the opportunity to conduct occupational therapy intervention with the children who needed therapy. It was refreshing to be able to look a child, determine their deficits and address them without having to defend your methods and approach. The children were absolutely phenomenal! I wanted to bring most of them back in my luggage! Here are some pics...

This was the base I stayed at and that was my cabin (for 2 WEEKS).

This was during praise and worship with the kids (in Spanish, because they didn't speak a lick of English). So amazing!

Oh, this little girl was one of my absolute fav's, M!. She comes from a pentecostal family and wore this skirt or one like it daily. The funny part about that is that she rolled around, all over the place and her legs were NEVER together, lol! She was carefree, sweet, and a little stinker all at the same time. Loved her!

This is a waterfall that we hiked down a mountain to see and hang out at. It was breathtaking!

Miss Y, she's a photographer at heart!

J was such a precious, soft spoken, kind, little boy about 8 years old.

This is the group that I worked with :) Met Jessica (3rd fm the left) on the trip. That's always the best thing about these type of experiences...the friends you come away with :) The other two ladies I know from my school. We all became good friend on the trip, yet another blessing!
That's it for now...gotta go get my run in! My training program says 2 miles today so I'm going to attempt to run the whole 2 miles non-stop, I haven't done that since I was training for my 5k. 13.1 here I come !!!!
-God Bless

jbl

Sophie and Cyrus...Photo shoot :)

2011-06-15T14:24:00.000-07:00

Just pics, since I just posted earlier I won't chat anymore... just had to share these!

Philadelphia & My tomatoes.

2011-06-15T12:31:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia: Four words...hip, yummy, lively, and historic!

I truly loved it there. I actually went to volunteer at the American Occupational Therapy Association's National conference. It was an opportunity to learn, network, and get involved with my profession's national promotion. It was also fun because I got to go with a few of my good friends from class. I'm sort of a loner when it comes to shopping and exploring, especially when time is limited so we stuck together for the first day or two and then split up the last day to sight see and shop where we hadn't had a chance to go yet. We met some new people, let's just call them "colorful" and didn't stop laughing until we parted ways with them. :) My friend W and I visited Philadelphia Cupcake Co. (pic below) and it was TOO CUTE! The cases that people are looking into are where they store the cupcakes AND they even had "PupCakes"!! Yes, for your dog!! And, you could even walk up to the side window and order "to go", It was soo funny!

And then I visited my first Tiffany's store, WOW! I never did make my way down to the art museum (Where "Rocky" ran the steps) which I wanted to see sooo bad but, I saw it from a distance in this picture (it was at the end of this street, see it in the distance?)
I did however make my way to see the Liberty Bell. It was very cool to see the buildings that surrounded it too because so much of our country's history unfolded right there where I was strolling the streets!

I learned a few things on this trip. First, just pay the registration fees at conference otherwise you don't get to see hardly any educational stuff, second..get to where you are going a day early, third...Carmen's Hoagie shop has a philly cheesesteak sandwich that will break you down...to the ground lure you back, and fourth...the people of Philly, are for the most part truly nice and helpful. I can't wait to go back someday!

As for the here and now, in the Natural State, living in a duplex does not lend itself to gardening which I dearly love (get that from my Dad) so if you promise not to laugh, I'll show you my DESPERATE effort to salvage my urge and desire to have a garden. I suppose it is called "urban gardening", call it what you will...I was just desperate for some tomatoes and basil to make bruschetta this year ;)

TOMATOES :) Roma's of course...

AND BASIL!!! Bruchetta Staples....

And I'll end on a little pic of my Favorite furry baby, Cyrus. He was manning the back yard making CERTAIN that no stray birds, squirrels or any other critter came too close while I was snapping photos :)

Have a blessed day,
JB

The Quilt

2011-05-16T22:04:00.000-07:00

As an update...I finished my special project that I have been working on for oh...18 months or so!!!! I finished it back in March actually but I haven't blogged since, so here it is :) To get the scoop on this SPECIAL QUILT PROJECT, read this blog post...

In a nutshell, I whipped up this cute little quilt...

...in 2009 and if I remember right it wasn't long after I posted it online that I got a message from one of God's most precious children, Becky .

She wanted to know if I would be interested in making a memory quilt for her out some very special clothing, her son Peyton's clothing. I'd known Becky for several years through my sister and knew that she was as good as they come! I remember the day that Peyton's accident occurred because it was my nephew's birthday and the day that my sister told me what had happened, even though I didn't know Peyton, I had to pull off the road from driving because the tears wouldn't stop. I've never heard my sister talk about people, parents, friends, Christians the way she speaks about Becky and her husband, there is a reverence, even inspiration in her voice when she does speak of them. Anyway, although I was hesitant I wanted to take it on, so I did and GOD was all over it.

Over the next months Becky would minister to me time and time again through her blog, her emails, her patience, and her faithful witness. She is proof that God gives us strength and grace as well as hope when he give us circumstances that require it. I admire few people, few Christians the way I admire her. And the funny thing was, that she kept telling me that God was using me...in her life. :) Anyhow...
I planned and visualized, measured and measured again...I sketched and planned some more. I even took photographs of all of the clothing before I ever cut into it and then, I got out my rotary cutter and actually started the job. I've never contemplated something so much as I did this project. Literally 97% of the time that it took to make this quilt was spent either looking at sketch that I settled on or standing in front of my bed, squares laid out like the picture below and scratching my head...wondering how it should be arranged or how to balance the patterns and colors. My approach to this quilt was measured and precise but also much like my approach to cooking...I knew what I wanted it to look like, it was just a matter of carefully creating it with what I had. It was a journey, one of blessings.

Here are some more photos Peyton's Memorial Quilt

This is what it looked like before it was quilted and I still have yet to take a picture of it since it has had the border put on it and been backed/bound but if you click over to the blog post highlighted above, there is a completed photo taken by Becky. It is definitely 3-D. You can place hands in pockets, unbutton jeans to find boxers beneath, collars are not stitched down either. I really wanted it to be life-like and whole in the way that it is projected because Peyton himself is alive and whole, walking with our Father in Heaven. This quilt journey was yet another of the opportunities that God presented in my life. A chance to be a part of ministering to people but most of all, a chance to be ministered to...by Peyton's precious Momma.

This is it for now, thank you for reading and God Bless!
-JB

We Did it! Little Rock 5k: "Check!"

2011-03-05T12:45:00.000-08:00

By "we" I mean, God did it and I donated my legs because after all he did give them to me :)

The BIG DAY finally came. Let me back up and say that I’ve been training for 2 days shy of 3 months to run the Little Rock 5k! 3.1 empowering miles! And that race that required approximately 35 miles of running to prepare for. As I think about the excitement and the work that went into my race prep I’m reminded of those days I’d come home and do homework until 9 at night and then happily jump up change clothes and go get my run in for the day at the gym (although I 100% prefer to run outside). Of course it helped that it was just a mile or two here and there, nothing too time consuming. I love that feeling of knowing that something good, healthy, and challenging has become a part of my routine. Now, don’t misunderstand me, I missed several runs due to being sick, and just this last week I missed some because there literally wasn’t enough hours in the day (unless you expect me to get up at 5 to run when I went to bed at 1, not happening). But my point is…today with my Rock Runners group, I drove to LR, walked up to that starting line with a Rock Runner on either side of me and took care of business! T wasn’t able to be there because he had to work, my family is 2+ hours away and friends were all busy with their own busy schedules and none of that bothered me because I did it for me. The older I get the more I realize anything you want to do should start with the little voice inside of you and your own little flame of passion for whatever it may be. I wanted run a 5k because two years ago…it seemed impossible and I've come to admire the discipline that runners training for these and bigger races have. I'm not a person of routines or much discipline in a lot of areas but when it comes to something I love dearly, person, idea, tangible object, or challenge...God and the Devil are about the only thing that get in my way. This could be a bad thing. Anyhow... I thought “I can be a runner!”….and now I am, like I said, with God's help.

I did stop a few times in mile 2 and 3 to walk and give my legs a few seconds of relief and then picked back up and continued. I must give the anonymous lady in the bright yellow shirt some credit; she sort of paced me and gave me someone to keep up with. When I got to the finish line, I don’t know what I was looking at or thinking of but I didn’t see my time nor did I hear my name…funny how your brain gets overloaded with what is going on and you can’t process it all! Anyway, I saw my runner friend K and went with him to meet up with our cheerleaders (the two male leaders of the running group) J.

I remember a few shirt quotes I enjoyed along the way.
1. Dear God, please let someone be behind me to read this. (in other words I don't want to come in last).
Ok, Well, i guess maybe that is the only one I can remember but there a couple other good ones too, take my word for it ;)

Our shirts said

"When you walk, your steps will not be impeded: and if you run, you will not stumble. -Proverbs 4:12

One of the last things I'll comment on is the participant who finished the race using a quad-roller/walker. I know I'm about to be an OT and I can't remember the correct name for the thing but anyhow that isn't what it is important. What IS important is that this person had a physically debilitating condition that may have contributed to the extra time required but it didn't stop them. They crossed the finish line just like I did with my able body. HOW INSPIRING!!! Here is a link to the picture! This should teach us all a lesson, get off our able bottoms and do something :)

These were my rewards: Chickfila my fav breakfast place...and I got to try the new SPICY chicken biscuit...as well as my medal!

Well, now it is off to clean up, get my shot of coffee, and try to make myself work on this dreadful thesis proposal.

Perspective

2011-03-04T21:11:00.000-08:00

The thing I love about blogs is that you can peek into lives of friends, acquaintances and complete strangers...read a few lines that came pretty much straight from their heart and always come away learning something about how you can do better or be better or look at life differently. It's like looking at life through someone else's eyes, interesting to me.

I say this because as I type this post, I still have tears in my eyes from the last post I read...a complete stranger's blog...and she lost her precious baby girl at 4 months old, not even a month ago. This is unfathomable and I'm not even a mother yet. I made sure to put "yet" in that last sentence because becoming a "mommy" is something that I dream of and think of daily, something I hope is in the future for me. I hope for this and get excited just think about and talking about it with T because that's what most couples our age do. I'm going on 27 and he's going on 30 (Crazy) and we are still a "couple" waiting on the "right time" which everyone claims will never come but, we say will come when my college is through. In the recent years I've come to be sensitive to planning and hoping and dreaming and most of all ASSUMING that we will start our family and everything go off without a hitch. I've got friends and even more acquaintances that had trouble conceiving and on the other hand I learn about and work with children with special needs (cerebral palsy, autism...) on a daily basis. Naturally because of my surroundings, it crosses my mind that it wouldn't be out of the question for God to send me a baby that needs that extra care and knowledge. But...not once did I ever stop to think about what would happen if one day I get my little angel (typical or not) and only had a few months to cherish them in person. This is........... there aren't really words for what this is. It sort of reminds me of my greatest fear about getting married. The fact that on your wedding day, you marry a/the person you love enough to spend the rest of your life with and know that at any day they could be taken from you (or vice versa). I realize that this is a TOTAL "Debbie Downer" post but regardless, the thoughts were flowing and so are the words of this post.

T has been extra conscious of our "couple" status in the last few weeks (I think because of the big 30 coming up later in the year). We are always debating on whether to wait until after I get a job or before... so as a way to bring the cheer level of this post back up, I'll just leave it at the fact that we are going to plan as if everything and everyone involved is normal and there are no worries because in the grand scheme of my faith...whatever does happen, there is a purpose in it. I'm going to shoot for and dream of the typical experience and having a typical child but if it doesn't play out that way, I know God will give me the strength and resources to pull it all together regardless. That is not to say that it will be easy but I believe it will be worth it (to be in God's will). Mulling over the possibilities is refreshing in a way as well because it always allows me to step back from my situation and gain a better perspective on life.

Today I had the chance to watch a precious baby girl (9 mo) and her big brother 3ish. It was quite a bit of fun, let me tell you! To make the above baby dreaming matters worse, T came over to visit before going to work and saw baby B...and his baby fever spiked at least 5 degrees! I think that dreaming and anticipation in life is half of the joy of life (to an extent).

As far as recent things, news... Last week I got inducted to the Phi Theta Epsilon Honor society at school, tomorrow I'm running my first 5k (LR Marathon/5k), and this weekend through tuesday I will be writing my thesis proposal!!!! EEEKKK! :) "This too shall pass." Now I have to hop off here and take some dinner to my love at work. Wishing all 2 of you readers a blessed weekend!

And here is a little something that came in the mail last week! Another little stepping stone.

I'm still alive

2011-02-23T21:13:00.000-08:00

...just barely. Whew this is going to be short and sweet.

Let me give you the run down. I've been unbelievably busy! Here is what I has been in the works or going on...
1. 18 hours of graduate level classes...Pediatrics, Physical Dysfunction, Mental Health, OT in the Community, Field Work, Data Analysis, Thesis (nuff said!)

My books and coffee :) All-nighter #3, last Thursday.

2. One of the above classes is Thesis 1. Why I got myself into this? "Well I'm a good writer when I have time to be and I love to research" = STUPID Reasons because I HATE deadlines! There is NEVER enough time especially when you re-read number 1! Let me add, I have less than two weeks to write my proposal! Took me ALL semester to learn and write one last semester ;) But....I CAN and WILL do it :)
3. I'm training for a 5K that is March 5th. The little Rock marathon 5 k! Been sickies which = several missed runs. But I'm still going strong, just not where I want to be. Only up to 2 miles.

4. I'm still assisting with ACTS Jr.! The best program around! Can't complain here except I wish I had more time to do a better job. These kiddos are AMAZING!
5. OT in the Community class mentioned above...kicking my tail because I'm attempting to collaborate with Hewlett Packard to learn about and design an Ergonomics/Health in the Workplace program for this class. I love the idea, the work, the research, the idea of collaborating with fortune 500 company to learn about OT in the community setting BUT, I don't feel like I have enough time to do as good of a job as I'd like. (are you seeing a "not enough time" trend?)
6. Planning to go to Philadelphia in April to the National Occupational Therapy Conference! SO excited about this! I've been to the student conference at the national level but not the big mama-jama for practitioners. Going with some gal pals too so this should be fun!
7. I also have a proposal defense for my thesis and an IRB to submit before the end of this semester! IEEEK!!! Scary!
8. Making plans for a 2 week fieldwork experience in the Dominican Republic!!! Whoop whoop! This is going to the one of the best learning experiences EVER! I'm going to help out a few OTs and PTs that have established a special needs clinic in mountains! Can't wait...and I get to go with a Very good friend = 2 times the learning because she has a lot of experience. I also got a $600 scholarship to help fund this! I'll share more about this later.
9. I also volunteered for the opportunity to work with a client on Thursday evenings, to take part in his treatment (lead by a professor). He is an amazing guy and I'm happy to have the opportunity to work with him and learn from him. This is such a blessing!
10. And, I still haven't put up my special project. It is on the bar stacked and pack neatly what isn't safely stored away in its tub...because, I'm determined to finish this and when I have a few sane minutes I have full intentions of jerking it out and stitchin away. It is just a matter of deciding on an arrangement now. Hahhhhhhhh! I'm sure I'm forgetting some things but...I haven't time to think of them right now. I've only pulled 3 "all-nighters" this semester, not too bad and tonight, I'm going to bed at 11:00 (Unheard of for me).

And this is what your coffee looks like at 2:14 am in the morning when you are up studying for a test and an EARTHQUAKE starts shaking your humble abode! It was crazy, un-nerving, thrilling, intriguing...I could go on and on! WOW, it was like God was clearing his throat (not that he ever gets congested ;)

Ok, its past 11 and I'm going to bed. Next time I'll elaborate more on the good things like my trip, my acceptance to the OT honor society and such... PROMISE! Another long blessed day before me tomorrow! God Bless, until next time.
-JB

These boots were made for walkin...

2011-01-21T14:10:00.000-08:00

Not much time today but I figured I'd gab a bit and update.

First of all this video cracks me up!!! For those of you who don't know, people train their dogs to do this when they need to go outside. He doesn't even look at the bell, just rings and looks for who's going to let him out. I have a priceless westie name Cyrus and for the most part when you've seen one, you've seen them all. Cyrus is below. I considered retraining Cyrus like this to keep him from scratching on the door and trim as he prefers. Anyway, that was just for a laugh what I really was going to share today is a picture of some new kicks that jumped off the shelf at me today...he has been needing something to keep his little footsies warm and dry because I don't like him tracking goodness knows what back in the house after going out and getting his feet dirty.

Here they are, Razorback RED to match his of both his sweaters.

Here his is rocking the front two...

Capture Life Photo Jan 21ss, 2011: "Budders"

And this is his content look...after we went for a "walk", or rather high-stepping! LOL! Next time we put them on I'll video it, at first he walks around like he's got gum sticking to his feet or something... it's FUNNY!

And here is Miss Sophie Dophie :)

Anyway, as I knew they would, the projects have descended upon my life like and alien invasion, stealing away all my free time. It is alright though. They allow me to let my creativity spark and you KNOW there will be fires! ;) Today, I'm contemplating and trying to focus my research question it is about first-time mothers and the perceived presence and absence of preparation, knowledge, abilities, while pregnant and soon after the birth of their child. Interesting to me because I've yet to have children. Also I have a community project that I have to come up with, design, organize, and eventually implement. Lots to think about there as well. I have some reading to do so I better get to it. God Bless.

Ticking right along...

2011-01-19T21:28:00.000-08:00

Good things come to those who wait, right? Like nice figures for those who exercise and eat healthy, degrees for those who trudge through college, Christmas presents for good little boys and girls...etc. ;)

I've been keeping tabs on a dear old (not in age) friend in the last several weeks. This friend has been through some very hard times and complications in TTC but God has proven faithful, she has waited, and a good thing has come. A Pregnancy :) I couldn't be happier for her. From her blog I've been connected to a few others, women going through similar struggles and one brought up a good point. Why is it that things like miscarriages are such secrets? No one wants to admit to experiencing this or the feelings and pain that comes along with it. I think that although a woman may need to talk about it, you don't want to burden others and certainly don't want to be pitied. The last thing I want is someone trying to tell me they are sorry and that it happened for a reason. It is a touchy subject and one that quite frankly we like to act like never happened, in my opinion. And no, that isn't the way to really deal with it.

This brings me to the next event that often is treated like this. Suicide. I encountered suicide in a way that was too close for comfort last August. One of my OT classmates, which might as well be a member of my family took his own life on the last day of August. I could write and write and write some more on the impact that it has had on me but I will sum it up with one word, Devastating. We don't know why, because he wasn't in any way, shape, or form a man who showed the typical signs of one who is suicidal. In the OT program we come into the department as a class of 48 students and move through every single class together, basically from start to finish. Now we are constantly reminded there are only 47 of us. And, although I wasn't best friend's with him, he was a part of my everyday life and for a man as good as he was to make such a tragic decision and end his life, it is beyond me. I can't to this day understand what was going through his mind and I believe with everything I have that some sort of a biological factor is to blame, something that spontaneously altered his ability to comprehend the reality of what he was about to do. But, that's all I can do, hold on to something that makes sense out of a situation that is otherwise irrational. I think everyday of his family and his girlfriend who were also blind-sighted by the situation as well and I pray. I know that prayer is a big, very powerful thing but it seems so small in situations like this because it won't bring a mother's son back, nor will it bring a guy's best-friend back and we are left here to see his loved one's suffer. So instead, I pray that good comes of the loss, that blessings come from the bonds made during such a hard time, and the weak will be made stronger in Christ through such tragedy.

All that said, I think it is good to talk about the hard times. Whether it is two days after or 2000 days after. Just today I was faced with removing my classmates name from a list. A simple, quick task that should have taken me 2 seconds, instead took me 20 minutes. In a way I felt like erasing his name would be one more way of looking past him almost like he never was a part of the class at all. But that isn't really true. None of those who knew Jake could ever really forget such a great guy.

In summary, I think life is full of struggles of one kind or another and although we might not want to discuss these hard times, we may just want to sweep them under the rug... others may need to hear those struggles, needing someone to identify with. I think in those times it is God's hand working in our lives to mold and grow us spiritually in response to such trying times. And ultimately, all things work together for the good of His will, we just have to be patient and trust.

Blessings, Birthday Parties, and my New Thang!

2011-01-17T14:59:00.000-08:00

Enjoying the Holiday today and no school. I've done some cooking, eaten ENTIRELY too much freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, worked on my quilt, fit in a little stretch regimen, and am about to go run.

Yesterday I attended my very first Rock Runners meeting. It just kicked off for this year and it is an organization at my church for those who set goals for running in the Little Rock Marathon. It combines support and encouragement for each runner/walker, training schedules, guest speakers, and best of all...it combines a Bible study lesson plan to go along with the training. I cannot express how excited I am about this. We meet a few times a week, once for the long run on Saturdays, once for encouragement and accountability on Tuesdays and then for Bible Study on Sunday night before regular service. We will have at least 2 speakers, one of which will be a former Rock Runner and the other is Rick (I believe is his name) from the BIGGEST LOSER! I'm super psyched. There are people in the group who intend to walk in one of the races, walk/run, and run non stop and I was surprised to see that I was probably the youngest one in the group during the first meeting. So anyway, I've been doing pretty well with logging my 1/2 miles so far missed a couple but made them up as I could. The big day is March 6th so, I'm doing it as long as school doesn't interfere. Either way, I will be prepared to do it. I've been trying to get into running for just about a year and a half now and haven't been able to get a routine of it down. I'm definitely NOT a creature of habit and I tend to go through my life in a somewhat random style except for the things like church and school which ground me and keep me in one place.

I went home over the weekend for my nephew's birthday party. let me tell you...my Sister knows how to throw a party! C turned 4 on the 12th and they went all out. She made a two layer chocolate/white cake. Decorated the formal dining to the hilt, and even had a Monster Wheels bounce around for the tons of kiddos that were there. :) It was so fun! Here are a few pics I took while there.

This is a little Cowboy hat that he got from his Big Sis.

This was just before he stuck his whole head in the bag to eat it and keep it from getting his fingers sticky. ;)

As you can see he was thoroughly enjoying the cotton Candy. Capture Life Photo January15th: Savoring

And this one...not a good photograph actually because it was overexposed BUT, I did what I could to salvage the photo and preserve the memory. They were literally jumping up and down and dancing in a circle because they saw that the bounce around had arrived and it was a complete surprise! Talk about excited cousins!

And last but certainly not least...I found a jewel of a website that is easier to waste time on than etsy or facebook :) It is called Pinterest.com Check it out!! If you've always wanted a place to store your "FAV's" here it is. I LOVE IT!

Goodbye Christmas Break

2011-01-12T22:20:00.000-08:00

No more long, leisurely, thought provoking posts from me. No more sitting in my cozy robe after sleeping in, drinking coffee, and dreaming of cooking blogs. That is all history as of tomorrow. I'm about to test the waters and dive in to quick-blogging :) So lets try it...I'm Soooooo close to finishing my memory quilt it isn't even funny. I thought I'd have it done but i just can't get it arranged just like I want it. Everytime I think I have it figured out, how to arrange the filler blocks, I have a better idea. Then I revamp my border material... But it is just ALMOST there. :) It is looking fabulous might I add (in my opinion of course). Anyway, worked on that today and then had a meeting with my fellow SOTA officers. Thoroughly enjoyed that, good convo, mexican food, and then topped off my night with a trip to the store that is taking over the world (aka Walmart) and a conversation with my Daddio. I LOVE organization things. The office aisle is one of my favs and I cherish planners (because I have the memory that isn't worthy of being called a memory). Anyway...here is what I got to prepare me for the semester.

1 Dated Planner for school
1 Dated Padfolio for ACTS Jr.
1 3" Binder (which was $10 stinking dollars! Highway robbery if you ask me.)
1 Tot Stapler (and my classmates will love me for this one, we always need a stapler)
1 Index card box (for those valuable flash cards I may decide to make)
1 Package of Post-it notes, the extra sticky one's (which is a total crock because you should just make the original one's better instead of making "Super Sticky" one's and then charging more!

Capture Life Photo Day 12: Preparedness

(Apologize for the pic, better this than nothing ;)

“Everything I’ve accomplished I’ve accomplished through the grace of God and pure stubbornness. “ -Mary Fairchild

Chicken & Cheese filled Manicotti and Contemplations

2011-01-11T20:27:00.000-08:00

Oh yes I did! Chicken and Cheese Stuffed Manicotti :) It all started with a recipe for Chicken Parmesan Filled Shells .

Well the Kroger I went to didn't have large shells so, I improvised...with manicotti! May I just say, it was delish!!! I thoroughly enjoyed making it and the hubs even pitched in too. It was the perfect warm hearty meal to sit down and cheer on the SEC to! (I do need to work on my food photography but I'll add that the final product photo was sort of a slapped together job because I was more concerned with eating it than photographing it by that time :)

YUM!

So, enough about the food. I'm being positive about this up coming semester. 18 hours of graduate level classes plus fieldwork (otherwise known as clinicals) yet I'm feeling more ok about it today than recently. I realized today that there will be no Razorback games to attend this semester which will free up some weekends that I didn't have last semester. I LOVE Razorback football but, it's quite a feat to pre-prepare for those weekends when the game steals my focus. Anyhow, this is a plus in terms of GPA. Speaking of GPA, I keep trying to tell myself that I'm not going to worry about that 4.0 in graduate classes. First of all I try to say this because my scholarship ended with my undergraduate degree but I think I'm just too competitive when it comes to grades. Isn't that ridiculous!? It isn't that I have to do better than someone else to feel good. I just don't want others to do better than me, I suppose, I like to keep it even???? But more than that, when that announcer calls my name for my Master's degree, I want it to be in the line up for near perfection, you know one of those laude's! Lol! Those of you who knew me in high school are probably thinking you are reading the wrong Jenny Beth's blog, ha ha, because I was NOT like this in high school. I did just well enough to keep everyone happy and even got stuck in a reading class one semester for having bad grades in Chemistry. I'll never know why they did that. Poor grade in Chemistry + Advanced English = Reading Lab!??? WHAT?? Anyway...It just goes to show you that when you find something you have a passion for, you'll strive for excellence and do whatever it takes to reach that goal. Or this is how I am anyway and I've learned that about myself in the last few years. Now I find myself trying to decide what area of occupational therapy I want to go into and can't really decide that at this point. Honestly, I think whatever it is, it will be outside the box. Something non-typical. I love research (this is my pre-thesis statement, check back in May to see if I still feel this way) and I want to make a difference. Maybe I'll work my way into the political aspect of the field or be the next Gary Kielhofner (he theorized and proposed a new frame of thought in OT) who knows!?

Capture Life Photo Day 11: iHome, iJam, iDance

“Find something that you're really interested in doing in your life. Pursue it, set goals, and commit yourself to excellence. Do the best you can.” -Christ Evert

This one speaks to running, scholarship, work, charity, mentoring, parenting......anything in life really.

“If there is no passion in your life, then have you really lived? Find your passion, whatever it may be. Become it, and let it become you and you will find great things happen FOR you, TO you and BECAUSE of you.” -T. Alan Armstrong

“Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.” -Pat Reilly

Ok, sorry :) As I've mentioned, I'm a quote FREAK!! Goodnight.

Getting Snappy!

2011-01-10T22:13:00.000-08:00

There are VERY few things I cherish as much as snow days. Ever since I can remember, they've been on my favorites list. I think the thing I love most about them is the way everything seems to slow down, literally. Icy weather is even better (for those who don't HAVE to get out anyway). If you can't get out or it is too dangerous to do so, people are forced to go back to the basics and sometimes be resourceful. For example, today was the first day of my Rock Runners training schedule that is supposed to prepare me for the LR marathon. According to the schedule I only had to run a half mile. Not bad, I can do that and I was sort of excited to do it in the snow. So, getting ready...leggings, shorts, shirt, hoodie, socks, warm air exchange mask, shoes...wait! What shoes do I wear, I thought. Tennis shoes? Rain boots? I didn't know what to do but I went with the rain boots because it was slushy out. Well, I did 3/4 of mile but by that time my calves were dying cell by cell because the rain boots made me run flat footed and I'm not used to using my calves as much as my quads. Thankfully I didn't bust it either :)

One of my most memorable winter snow days was years ago and it was verrrrry icy. A HUGE ice storm came through and it seemed to stop the world for several days. Electricity was out in my home and it was just my 3 siblings and parents. We carried candles around in the house to see where we were going, we bundled up and went on as usual for the most part, except the occasional pause by the wood stove to warm up. The most memorable thing about the entire experience was waking up one morning and my family working together to cook breakfast....in cast iron skillets on top of the wood stove. I can still smell that bacon!! Never forget it, ever. I just remember thinking, "how cool"! It was like we had gone back in time to the days that we had learned about in school, Little House on The Prairie or something. The other thing I remember is the half inch and greater ice accumulation on the branches of the bare trees and more so, the crackling sounds all throughout the woods as the branches gave way under the incredible weight of the ice. Good times.

Anyway, I love the snow and last year the hubby and I took one snow day to go over to the college and snap some photos. Here are a few of them.

It was obviously cold, but we stuck it out and got some photos to cherish. And...this year we did the same thing. Last year I used my trusty Sony H7 digital camera and set up the tripod for use with the remote feature (very handy). This year I got a brand new Canon 60D for Christmas and I marched that baby over there, got ready to set up the tripod and realized I didn't have the attachment. :( Grrr. So hubs went to get it, returned but didn't bring the tripod that time. Lol! Finally, we got it all together but due to the lack of remote and getting dark some of them aren't as good as others. No biggie though, we got some good one's anyway. Here's some of what we took today.

"Above all, I craved to seize the whole essence, in the confines of one single photograph, of some situation that was in the process of unrolling itself before my eyes." -Henri Cartier-Bresson

A Snowy Sunday

2011-01-09T21:12:00.000-08:00

Quite a day. Church first and it felt SO good to be back in service after missing a couple. I really enjoyed spending time with the Tim today. Dreamed about our "one day" cars, a crew cab Ford truck for him and a black, chromed out Yukon or one of those new Sequoias! We even went to the car lot to look around (and set an alarm off, but DON'T tell anyone!) Like I said, "one day!" ;) Anyway The rest of the day was filled with excitement about the coming snow. And boy did it snow! And snow, and snow....its still snowing!
It went from this...

To this!!!

Capture Life Photo Day 9: Snowy Sunday

And I'm loving it. We've got the usual guy out in the church parking lot across the street doing donuts on his four wheeler and one passerby even stopped and did some in his truck :) Fun times! Off to bed now going to get up early and enjoy the whole snow day experience :) Coffee, breakfast, cooking, sewing, movie!

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me." ~Erma Bombeck

Got this quote from my friend Emi's fb page. I love it!

DELURK :)

2011-01-08T23:21:00.000-08:00

It's International Blog Delurking Week!

What's that mean? I wondered the same thing!

That means if you read this blog but don't comment, you should say "HI" today! Let me know you're out there and reading. Tell me a bit about yourself. Tell me your favorite tv show or movie or even better your most embarrassing story..Or not, just "Hi" is okay too. Just let me know you're out there. Not that there are more than one of you. (mother :) Ha ha, My husband and I joke about this referring to Julie and Julia, "Oh! I have a follower! Ahh, it's my mother." Hee hee! Love that movie. Anyway, thank you for reading!

And click over to Ash's site too, where I learned about delurking week. I'm sure she'd like to hear from you as well!

Ducks & a Date!

2011-01-08T22:56:00.000-08:00

It's my last Saturday before class starts back. Big :( face. Today I had to make a trip to Little Rock to make some deliveries and when Tim got home from duck hunting he decided he'd go with me. Well, that was all good and fine except he held me up about 3 hours or so. First we had to go look at what he and his buddies bagged... I think 16 total?

Capture Life Photo Day 8: Quack!

... and of course I took photos :)

Then he just HAD to clean them before we left but apparently on his way to take a shower, as he walked through the bedroom, the bed must have snatched him up and held him captive because this is how I found him when I was ready to go....

That's what getting up at 2am does to you evidently. So, anyway eventually we left and made our way to LR. We took care of business and even turned the evening into a DATE with dinner at Olive Garden and a movie. It was a happy day. Didn't get much else done but it will be back to quilting and working on my project tomorrow. (Speaking of quilting, there is a snippet of my very first quilt I ever made in these two photos, the one on the bed.)

This is just a couple of blocks that will make up the special memory quilt I've been crafting. I must say, I'm breaking a major rule of design/crafting by posting the above pic because I think a designer, crafter, cook or creator of ANY kind should never show their work in progress (at least the progress shouldn't be seen until it's completed). You know, because no one but the designer ever understands the vision until it is done. But, since it has been so long since I started this one, I thought it wouldn't hurt to give a peek. Becky this is just for you and I've left the best parts a secret, it gets SO much better. This should give you an idea of the route I took though.

"Growth is a painful process."

- Wilma Mankiller

My plate over-floweth and I have a MAGIC pen set!

2011-01-07T16:17:00.000-08:00

Ahhhhh....naaahhhh. The spring semester starts in...6 days. I knew it was close because my first textbook arrived today :(

I don't think I'm ready for that yet but I'm going to "just keep swimming...swiiimming...swiiiimming." I'm sure my posts will fall off to a large degree realistically but, maybe I can get some venting done anyhow;) I foresee my Capture Life photos including textbooks, coffee, coffee pots, and various perspectives of the library! (I'm laughing but not joking!) ha ha! I think I probably say this every semester but, "If I can just get through this semester I will be fine." But really, this time I mean it...let me tell you what I have on my plate so you'll understand why I'm about to fall off the face of the Earth.

OT Classes:
Evaluation and Treatment in Pediatrics II
Evaluation and Treatment in Mental Health II
Advanced Evaluation and Treatment in Physical Dysfunction
(and a lab for each one of the above)

Occupational Therapy in the Community
Data Analysis
Fieldwork (Class about clinicals)
Thesis I (This will be a DOOOZY!) I'm still asking myself what i was thinking on this one! (j/k ;)

I also am fortunate to be an assistant to a couple of fantastic occupational therapists in the community who've founded a nonprofit organization for kids of ALL abilities. It is called ACTS Jr. which stands for Acting Creates Therapeutic Success. Each semester we work together and provide children who've been diagnosed with Asperger's, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and numerous other conditions, the opportunity to participate in creating and performing a theatrical performance. It is also open to kids with no diagnosis. It's a priceless organization executed solely by the to Directors and the volunteers who offer their time and skills. It never ceases to amaze me the potential of those kiddos and I never fail to cry at the end product either!!! I love it! If you know of a child in the Central Arkansas area (7-17) who would like to be a part of this program we would LOVE to have them! There are also other programs such as dance, football, and soccer. Just visit the program's website here: ACTS JR....or contact me; I am ACTS Jr's parent contact.

And finally, I've got to put my thinking cap on and get together with the other officers of our Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA). I'm excited about what the semester holds for this organization. Annual Conference, some lunch & learns, and hopefully even a visit from a political advocate for our profession! Can't wait!

Due to the EXCESS lactic acid in the ole' legs, No running today but I got my training schedule for the spring today! I start it on the 10th!!

Capture Life Photo Day 7: The Magic Pen Set

Took these today :) I wanted to have some photos of the graduation gift I got from my brother-in-law. He's a hoot! One of those "quiet" people, you never really know exactly what's going on in his head. I like that about him because I'm pretty good a reading people (or so I'd like to think) and he keeps me on my toes with lack of words and mostly only body language to read. As for the gift, let me introduce my "vintage MAGIC pen set". Word on the street is, he got it as a high school graduation gift. I date it back to....oh, maybe 1988 or so. I think he got it from family friends and it has obviously brought him great prosperity. I mean lets evaluate this situation, he married my gorgeous sister, has three (model material) children, a happening business, and is one of like 3 people in the world that can rock a mullet and high-tops and not miss a beat! ;) I just hope that it really IS magic and that it will help me through this semester!

“Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained.”
-Marie Curie

I'm going to remember this throughout the approaching semester :)
--JbL

RUN J-B-L

2011-01-06T15:23:00.000-08:00

First of all I'd like to say that I took the advice of my quote yesterday and didn't wait for the "mood" to run. Yes, that's right it took me til about 3 to get around to it but, I did it. I warmed up by making a stroll around the block with Cyrus. He loves walks and most definitely knows what the word means! If you say it, he perks his ears up real tall, cocks his head, and sits back on is back legs as if to say "OH! Do I get to go TOO!?" I love that little white puff of furr, dearly. While we were walking, these three children ran up to me and Cyrus on their way home from school (didn't know them from Adam) and started trying to give Cyrus Milkbones?! Totally random, and where kids got Milkbones at school, I have no idea.

Anyway, they walked with us for about two blocks, chatting about dogs, birthdays, and the youngest, a little girl about 7 asked if I had any "little daughters". "No, no little daughters for me, or little sons," I said as I smiled (apparently sort of wistfully). One of the two boys said "but, is that a boy or a girl?" pointing to Cyrus. When I told him he was a boy, the child made sure to point out "well, he's your little boy, isn't he!?" I enjoyed the chat and lively energy those kiddos brought to my stroll although I must add, I sort of worried about them, running up to strangers like they did.

After I let Cyrus back in the house I made my way back to the street and took off jogging. Of course it didn't take long for me to start calling myself all sorts of names (stupid, moron, idiot...) for what I had started, mostly it was the cold air that was burning my chest and I just wanted to sprawl out in the grass of the Conway High East lawn and recover but, I pressed on and even finished with a sprint before my cool down. Whew, glad that's over but I must admit that the feeling of strength and that little runner's tingle in your muscles IS addictive. I think I just need something to slow me down and encourage slower running for longer periods of time. Any ideas?

As for my Capture Life photo of the day, ha ha ha, it will be a snowy day in July before I would ever post it on here, LOL! Lets just say...I needed some motivation to make myself run and...minimal clothing + me = PLENTY of motivation ;) you know, it's like Nutrisystem style...hair crazy, no makeup, look like I hate the world! Ok, so maybe it wasn't THAT bad. (Hey! You do what you've go to do! ) So, all that said and out of they way, I'm now going to go work on a memory quilt for a very special lady. This lady gave me the opportunity to design and sew a quilt in memory of her son who went to Heaven almost 3 years ago at the age 16. She brought me some of his clothes, some jeans, shirts, shorts and although it has been right at a year since I actually started working on it I'm almost done. I just have to finish the piecing in between the blocks and the border. I can't wait to finish it and hand it back to her. I hope she loves it. I didn't know her son, Peyton, but it is funny how I feel like I've gotten to know him through her and her blog. Amazing person she is, and her husband too. I'll post progress pictures tomorrow :)

"All that a man achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the direct result of his own thoughts." -James Allen

I thought I could :)

Chicken biscuits, cancellations, and a moment of clarity.

2011-01-05T20:01:00.000-08:00

The day started with a fresh, mouth-watering Chick-fil-a chicken biscuit. "Mmmmmmmm" Is all I have to say about that. I was cutting it close on the breakfast/lunch cut off so I called it in just to make sure I didn't get there and get shut down, with all my hope and chicken biscuit dreams down the drain. The rest of the day was fairly uneventful until I hopped on here to play around with my blog design. In a matter of HOURS (as you can see) I have given my blog a face-lift and even discovered a new music venue "GrooveShark". Pretty exciting. For those who aren't familiar with it it's like Pandora only you can select specific songs to play. By the time I realized I needed to snap my photo for the day, It was dark outside and so I decided to play with photographing the work I did on my blog. Interesting concept with the lighting issue. Anyway, it isn't perfect but here is what I came up with. Capture Life Photo Day 5: Blog-Lift

I also discovered that some of my friends from high school had blogs that I had no clue about. That was pretty exciting! Miss those gals but hopefully I can keep up with them a bit better now.

Another thing I'm pumped about is the Rock Runners group I'm joining in the next few days. It is a group of people from the Woodland Heights Baptist Church in Conway who share devotional time and short Bible study sessions in conjunction with inspiration to run and reach race goals. It starts on the 9th and they meet one time a week for the study and run, that's really all I know right now. Can't wait!

Rightly so, you should always follow comments about runnin, with FOOD. :) Saw this fabulous looking recipe on one of my fav new blogs The Italian Dish it is Cinnamon Bread. OH! It looks SO good...going to have to try it tomorrow! I'll let you know how it turns out. And Finally the moment of CLARITY: I'm going to be completely over-run from Jan 13th to May :( More about that later.

"Don't wait for moods . You accomplish nothing if you do that. Your mind must know it has got to get down to work." - Pearl S. Buck

~Sip & Surf~

2011-01-04T13:14:00.000-08:00

Picture this :) About 3:00 pm, still wearing my new $7 dollar cozy robe (wanted one for years, thks Walmart!), drinking the LAST cup of my Starbucks Christmas Blend coffee, and surfing the web with HGTV chattering about designing on a dime in the background). This is my idea of a good Christmas break. =-)
Day 4 Photo: Sip & Surf

I've done some tidying, ironed Tim's work clothes and sent him to work with his Razorback tie and socks on! Ha ha, not kidding. Today is the day, the day of the BIG GAME! I got a text earlier that said "Happy Sugar Bowl Day!" this made me giggle! So, I'm shouting out to my fav team, the one I lost my voice for twice this year ;)...GO HOGS!

Now it's off to clean some more and get back to work on a special project that needs finishing. But first, a little something I'm thinking of today.

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for" - Epicurus

This is SO true. It applies to the little things like Christmas break all the way up to life altering events. Once I worked hard, waited, practiced, and prepared to have a chance at getting into to OT school. I prayed that God's will be done and...well, here I am 2 hours away from home living the dream that I worked toward for three years. I've met great people, experienced immense stress, tragedy, and joy all within the 1 1/2 + years that I've been here but this quote reminds me that I should remember the desire I once had for this very experience and not take for granted the blessings I have but enjoy the HERE and NOW.

--- JbL

A NEW YEAR and some new things...

2011-01-03T23:41:00.000-08:00

Well, hello all! It has been a very long time I know. School kicked in high gear and swept me away last semester but I see no reason not to jump back on here and start posting when I have time.
Spent the last week or so at home with the family. What a blessed lady I am! Before that I finished my bachelor's degree, a Bachelor of Science, OT emphasis! Whoop whoop! Now just a few more semesters and I'll be a Master's Degree graduate and a practicing occupational therapist!

Well, in light of the new year, I decided to try something new!!! A friend from high school did it last year and I'm just gonna flat out copy her! :) I'm going to call it Capture Life 365 (CL365). Simply, take a photo everyday for the entire year, that all there is to it. I'm sure it is easier said than done but...I'm going for it. I also am a huge fan of quotes! I think people can reap different benefits from the same quote depending on the experiences that their life has brought them. This year in my posts I'll also try to share some of my favorites!

Also notably relevant, my husband worked very hard this year and for Christmas this year, he gave me a brand new Canon EOS 60D camera. I cried when I opened it, literally! Wow, unexpected, "no he didn't" fabulous, "too much"...just a few thoughts that crossed my mind as I tried to find words to say after tearing the package open. This thing is unbelievable = flip screen, HD video, and 18 MP just to name a few perks. I'm so thankful! This snappy slick machine will capture memories and pieces of my life for many years to come...Cooking concoctions, crafty creations, graduation, family, friends, and one day...babies! ;)

And finally my ONE and only resolution: Run more this year than last. ( That shouldn't be hard to do ;)

So here goes...Day 1: 1/1/11...My friends' wedding :)

:) After she said her vows it got a little warm, luckily her new husband and this lovely lady pitched in to help her cool down :) Wishing you guys the best!

Since I decided to do this today...I'm missing day two's picture :(

And today.... 1/3/11...Sleepy Sophie and Cyrus and ME!

" May you never forget what is worth remebering, nor ever remember what is best forgotten."- Irish Blessings

---JbL

Nothing profound to say today...

2010-02-19T15:03:00.000-08:00

but....I am soooo thankful for this gorgeous weather that we were blessed with today!!! Busy as a bee still but I took off last night to hang with some friends and it was so much fun to let loose and not be consumed with school. Sometimes I need a few laughs to remind me to breath and relax. I'm lucky to have some really cool friends to hang out with (time allowing). Today I scored a few clearance deals that sent me sailing on cloud nine! A pair of dress pants for 2 Dollars and change!!! Yay!

Now it is back to the grind, gonna try to get all my homework done ahead of time this weekend so I can enjoy my Sunday. Gonna try a new church this weekend (looking forward to this) and hopefully spend some time with my hubby. Now it's off to start dinner :) Have a blessed weekend!
jbl

The weather outside is delightful!

2010-02-08T20:30:00.000-08:00

Well here in Central Arkansas things are definitely slowing down due to the weather. Schools and businesses are closing left and right. It has been snowing (literally) all day and just now stopped within an hour or so ago. I don't remember seeing snow like this in Arkansas in a long time... the flake are huge and just keep falling. I was happy to have gotten out of school today and Tim returned home only about 15 minutes after he left this morning, his employer had closed as well. We had quite an adventurous day, first we set out to go crappie fishing. After an hour or so of that, and having caught 0 fish, we were frozen toed, fingered, and beginning to see the snow flakes remain as slush on the water's surface. That was about the time that we decided to head out. We made it back home (thanks to God watching over us). We did later brave the snow again to run to the post office and wal mart but have been home enjoying our lazy day, cozy and warm indoors. Here are a few pics we snapped last week in the snow....

Cyrus LOVES THE SNOW!

Looking forward to another day out from school tomorrow! Have a blessed and safe week!

In a whirlwind of thankfulness...

2010-01-19T15:09:00.000-08:00

Only time for a few words today, GOD IS GREAT! Now that I got that out, for everyone to hear... I have to say that He never ceases to amaze me. He has truly blessed Tim and I, more than we deserve. We have been extra blessed in our marriage within the last few months, God opened the door to a position at a local fortune 500 company that came to town. Tim started today, he will be getting off anytime and I can't wait to hear about his day. God also brought an assistant-ship with my favorite volunteer program my way (check out http://www.communityconnectionsar.org/acts-jr/), and he continues to answer prayers and sustain us.

We went to church together for the first time here in the new town last Sunday and that, in and of itself was a blessing. We showed up at 6:00 in the evening, ready for an overwhelming crowd to blend into and low and behold if it wasn't about 50 people, almost ALL 50 and up, lol! We thought we were in the senior study group until we found out that Sunday nights are "traditional services" where they sing "old hymns and have a good old fashioned Bible study." Tim and I were right at home because the church that we love so much back home holds EVERY service in this manner. Anyway, It was great.

My thought for the week: another little blurb to share from Our Daily Bread...

“Be an example to the believers in
word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12).

[A good example has more value than good advice.]

Who is watching you?

2010-01-11T11:27:00.000-08:00

Everyday I get messages sent to my inbox from "Daily Bread." If you are a believer, I strongly suggest you check it out. The messages are short and to the point but they give good points for contemplation. Here is the one that I got today, straight from the email>>>

"Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers. —1 Timothy 4:12

Alyssa, who is 6 and just learning to read, often saw her parents and grandparents reading their Bibles in the morning. Early one day, she woke up before everyone else. Grandma found her sitting on the couch, with her Bible and a devotional booklet on her lap. She wanted to follow the example of spending time with God at the beginning of the day.

Timothy, a young pastor, faced heavy responsibilities in the church at Ephesus—training believers, leading in worship, countering false doctrine. The older, experienced apostle Paul gave him instruction on leading the church in these areas, but he also mentioned the importance of personal conduct. He said, “Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12).

Paul challenged Timothy: “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine” (v.16). If he paid attention to his own spiritual life and to solid doctrine, he would be a godly example to the church family.

We all have others who are observing us. Even little Alyssa has younger siblings watching her. Let’s live our lives in such a way that those who follow our example will help others in their walk with God. —Anne Cetas

Lord, help me live a godly life
Of faith and love and purity
So those who follow what I do
Will grow in their maturity. —Sper

A good example has more value than good advice."
(http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml)

Almost daily I read these things and it is like God is speaking to me about a specific area of my life or maybe just preparing me with knowledge that I will surely need in the future. Anyway, this one washed over me this morning and really spoke to my heart. As I go back to school, this is what I should have on my mind above homework, grades, and the activities that consume me. The site I listed above will take you directly to the location where, if interested, you can sign up to receive daily emails. LOVE THEM!

On a different note, I was inspired today by reading my friend Jocelyn's blog and learning about her resolution to read the Bible in its entirety this year. I got Tim a Daily Walk Bible (KJV) for his Graduation last May and it is perfect for this challenge. I might add that just gettting a KJV Daily Walk Bible or study Bible is quite a challenge in itself these days, have you noticed? They can't be found and that sort of concerns me. I understand that these Living Word, NIV, and others are made to enable easier understanding of the Word, but there is that still small voice that tells me that if God wants me to know something, wants me to understand something, and I am reading and searching in his Word, praying for him to speak to me, no matter how confusing or how the text is filled with Spakes, haths, saiths...He will open my eyes to the message or lesson that he has for me to understand. Then on the other hand It stands to reason that God will still speak the pure and real truth to our open ears when reading these other translations. Either way, we must be careful.

Back to work on my special project (for a special lady). With her ok, I will post pics when I'm done. :)

A busy New Year and a promising challenge to boot!

2010-01-06T09:29:00.000-08:00

In-laws staying over, going home to visit, my Dad's Birthday, and de-decorating from Christmas has kept me busy the last week! So busy I haven't had time to track my progress. No biggie, still trucking along! I will say, I am concerned about my progress in the near future. We are looking at single digit temperatures here in Central Arkansas! Not something we fair-weather-Arkansan's are familiar with. So, it looks like I might have to take my steps inside for a week or so.

As mentioned above, Tim and I went home for a few days this week and from the ever-present yet friendly bickering that took place between he and my Sister, there arose a "bet." Each is challenged to lose down to the weight that they claimed in highschool. Check out Janna's blog to see a picture of her at her goal weight. Here is Tim at his. :)

This was during his junior year and I believe he was somewhere around 225lbs "of raw talent and muscle" he would no doubt add ;) He also claims he was an awarded weight-lifter and does have two State Championship rings to show for it. I always joke that he found them on the road and didn't really earn them. Anyway, based on what I hear from those he went to school with, he might have been quite a hot item but I tell him "I have to see it for my own eyes, this stud you talk about." And, unless he wants to be dubbed a "Loser" by my Sister and have this fact rubbed in his nose every time he see's her, I guess I will get to see for myself.

Well, I have a special project that is taking longer than expected and I have to hop back to it. I will post it when I'm done :) Good luck and be thankful, we are sliding into the weekend!

-jbl

The PLAN...

2009-12-30T09:51:00.000-08:00

Sitting here working the kinks out of my plan (while enjoying my new fresh ground and deliciously yummy coffee, thanks to my Sister.)

The Shoes...ragged, dirty, But they will take me where I need to go =-)

Ok, so in continuation of yesterday's blog, here is my plan! If you haven't heard of this, definitely check it out. Basically this plan gets you to about 3 miles in two months with no walk breaks. I'm not opposed to walk breaks, in fact, I think for long runs they are healthy, even essential but... I would like to see myself go 3 without them. "Slow and Steady wins the race" ;) If there is anyone looking to jump on the running wagon with me, this might be a good option! If you do, I'd love to hear about it.

The Couch-to-5K

"By Josh Clark
Posted Monday, 20 July, 2009

Too many people have been turned off of running simply by trying to start off too fast. Their bodies rebel, and they wind up miserable, wondering why anyone would possibly want to do this to themselves.

You should ease into your running program gradually. In fact, the beginners' program we outline here is less of a running regimen than a walking and jogging program. The idea is to transform you from couch potato to runner, getting you running three miles (or 5K) on a regular basis in just two months.

It's easy to get impatient, and you may feel tempted to skip ahead in the program, but hold yourself back. Don't try to do more, even if you feel you can. If, on the other hand, you find the program too strenuous, just stretch it out. Don't feel pressured to contine faster than you're able. Repeat weeks if needed and move ahead only when you feel you're ready."

So...

Week 1: Day 1 (yesterday)

Brisk five-minute warmup walk.

Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes. And... I added an extra 15 minutes as I made my way back from my Walgreen's trip to return my my Redbox!

TOTAL=2.74 miles

MapMyRun.com - Run Jog To Walgreens And Home: 1st day couch to 5k on 12/29/2009

2009-12-29T14:37:00.000-08:00

MapMyRun.com - Run Jog To Walgreens And Home: 1st day couch to 5k on 12/29/2009

First day back, hopefully not the last! LOL!

My Goal, My Aspiration...

2009-12-29T12:08:00.000-08:00

Runny-Runner-ton:
   Around my house we have this ridiculous habit of taking a word, adding a "y" and then repeating the word, with "ton" added to the end. I don't really know where it came from, to be honest, ha ha! One weekend that I spent with my Sister and Husband I think we did this to about every word that left our lips just to see how it sounded. We had many laughs about how we could spice it up, adding "ington" or whatever came to mind. Anyway, Tim and I have come to change any word that describes someone into this "tense" including the above. Runny-Runner-ton, Grumpy-Grumper-ton, Knitty-Knitter-ton, Quilty-Quilter-ton, and so on, you get the idea... I know, it is outright ridiculous but when Tim asked me a few days ago "what is going to be your New Year's Resolution?" I was caught off guard. I thought and then couldn't believe I couldn't think of something as my answer.
    To be honest, I have always had sort of a distaste for "New Year's Resolutions". It is as if they are just excuses for not doing something NOW. "Oh, I'm gonna start on New Year's" I hear people say. I will admit that some do have good reason to use a New Year to start a new habit but it isn't for me. Though I do wish all those the best in their new endeavors this coming year. As for me, just so I can say that this isn't my New Year Resolution, I am starting today!
This dress, I wore on my wedding day. That was 4 1/2 years ago.

Now before you go thinking Oh, this is another "I'm gonna lose X lbs this year.." stop! :) LOL! This is actually more of an aspiration rather than a Resolution. AND the aspiration is : To become a runner, hence the Runny-Runner-ton. I've never been petite and never will be but I can be healthy and I can do that by running.

I used to think, those people that "just run, for who knows why, THEY ARE CRAZY". Why would you torture yourself like that? I did my share of running in athletics throughout high school, I put in my time. Ha ha! But in the recent years since, I have come to know several people who run. They all grasp this hobby, desire, need, lifeline or whatever you want to call it with everything they are. Now for so many people to do this (willingly might I add), and do it with such passion, there has just got to be something more to it. I started back in, oh, sometime during the summer jogging and tried to ease myself into the basics. I called my former boss who had began running in recent years with his daughter and got the scoop on how he got started. They really inspire me. He offered me a great deal of advice and even offered me the chance to come to a seminar put on at his business by Jeff Galloway! I learned so much and over the course of several weeks I worked my way up to the ability to run a 5K the Jeff Galloway way. This is where the story takes a turn, school had started In August, homework came rolling in and by September I had skipped too many days and I began slacking. Meanwhile, my Sister had been jogging off and on and trained her way to the ability to participate in a 5k put on in our hometown, one I sooo badly wanted to do with her but was out of town that weekend and unable. I am so proud of her!! I'd like to say that I kicked it in gear and got back to it but with all the studying required by OT school, I haven't. So in summary, I'm a SLACKER. I want more than anything to find inner motivation that will drive me to pick up running again and not let it go. If I can do this, in time I will one day slip back into the dress above maybe even better than I did on that day ;) The way I see it, running=healthy and not only does it affect my physical health but it will inevitably transform my physical appearance and probably most importantly, this form of recreation will be yet another impossible goal that I conquer. After all, if there are no feats in life to overcome, what is the point (of course besides God's purposes for us).

So, in wrapping up this book I've written today, hopefully if this post has done nothing else, it has given you a view from my perspective and maybe even inspired an aspiration you've been itching to realize. God Bless and Happy New Year~!

                           -the soon to be: Runny-Runner-ton

(SIGH!!!!)

2009-12-28T15:34:00.000-08:00

Whew, after all the madness that has overtaken me in last couple of months with school, I can finally say I have a break! The day I thought would never come! December the 11th...no work, no school, and most importantly...NO HOMEWORK, just relaxing for a while. So much has happened since I last posted Let me start here:
Halloween Dance Oct. 22nd
My OT class raised money using a pizza fundraiser, I think we totaled about $1000? (can't remember for sure maybe a little more) I'd like to say a special THANK YOU to all of those who donated or purchased a pizza!!! Your money went to a cause and event that won't soon be forgotten! The Workforce members had a great time and the administrators of the Workforce program recently sent a thank you to our class inserting that this might have been "the best ever!" Here are a few photos I was able to snap when I wasn't working the photo printers... from the event:

THANK YOU!!!

It really was a success! For those who donated money or purchased pizzas from the UCA Class of 2012, I put a little video together to show what your money contributed. If it weren't for you all, this wouldn't have been possible!

Next... The weekend before Thanksgiving I had the wonderful opportunity to go to Baltimore, MD to attend an Occupational Therapy conference for Students. I'm so thankful to the students in my class who voted for me in order to get my registration fees covered. I must say, I lucked out getting into the program with the students in my class, I think for the most part we mesh well.

I learned a lot about my profession, I learned about many job opportunities that are out there, and a lot of other interesting topics that were lectured on. Saturday night, after all of the sessions were over, they held a dance for the students. It was soooo much fun! I danced my booty off, something I love to do but seldom have the chance. I met some great people (including the President of AOTA and the President of AOTPAC), formed some great friendships and overall, had the time of my life. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to have gotten to go! The only bad thing that came from the trip is that I left my battery and battery charger at the Hilton :( I called them almost immediately and gave them the information to have it mailed to me but someone along the way dropped the ball and I've yet to receive it, which means I most likely will not see it, ever. So, booo hoo, :( I just bought another and my camera is finally back in business! :)

Then, after Thanksgiving, which was so wonderful I began the 3 week cram for finals! Long story short I ended up with a 3.8! I really wanted an A in that silly class but, no biggie! I'll take what I can get! Anyway, I've not been as productive as I would like to have been this break so far but that is soon to change. Will update more later! Hope everyone had a blessed Christmas!
jbl

CRAFTY CREATIONS!

2009-10-18T20:27:00.000-07:00

Lots of Goodies to show!

This weekend was AMAZING! I had such a wonderful time with my Sister, sewing, catching up, eating Monster Cookies, and just enjoying her company! Thought I'd post a few little pics we snapped this evening.

Love that one! Check out those necklaces...that is a little sneak peek to the FABULOUS nature that is to be "The Whimsy Shoppe"! In case you haven't heard, she will be hosting an Open House sometime in November if everything goes as planned. Janna's line will include things such as necklaces and handbags, as well as other handcrafted personal accessories! Speaking of handbags...

...This my new one, straight off the "Singer" (otherwise known as Gertie , my sister's classic). I love it! You can't see it from this pic but the inside is cheetah print and it has organization for the essentials as well. She will be posting pics soon too so keep a watch on her blog .

Also, my "All American Boy" quilt is done! Including fishing, football, cowboy hat, deer, turkey, ducks, American flag, camo, red/blue bandana, as well as John Deere themed prints, this little quilt envelopes all that is an American Country boy!

From here to...............

I'm really proud of the way it turned out... this particular one already has a "home" but I'm currently taking custom orders for more. Your choice of an added border, the backing color, binding color, and stitch color as well.

Just another couple left...I wanted to show a couple pics of what else my Sister is up to, hope she doesn't mind! These are just two of the AMAZING necklaces that she has crafted for her Whimsy Shoppe coming in November... Aren't they beautiful?!

They are so unique and feminine, with a stylish vintage flair. LOVE THEM! Ok, I have to get off here and get something done. Until next time, God Bless!

The much awaited weekend :)

2009-10-15T22:22:00.000-07:00

It is FINALLY here!! Fall break, why did it take you soooo long to get here?! Ha ha! Today was a great day to kick it off I must say, the hubby and I both were off from school and he was off of work. What a blessing. We got up this morning and had our coffee and breakfast (Tim cooked eggs, hash browns, and toast), then we were off to Little Rock to browse Gander Mt.. Tim got himself some new hunting pants to impress the deer with this weekend and I scored some new "rain boots"/hunting boots! They are camo youth rubber boots! Soooo cute, and they have character...not just the same ole fru-fru rainboots like my old houndstooth print ones. Hopefully I won't have to use them anytime soon, I've had enough rainy days to last me for a while, let me tell you!

So, after the sporting goods store It was my turn to pick where to go and ..... I picked JoAnn's!! I just love that store!! They have adorable fabric and they were even having a sale. I got some cute flannel/plaid to back the "All American Boy" quilt that I whipped up the other day. I can't wait to get it all done and see the finished product. Of course, I have the image in my head but until I see it DONE, I'm not satisfied! :) This particular quilt is for a little boy who was just born on the 12th, so the sooner the better! I will definitely post "Finished Product" photos before I hand this one over. Speaking of quilting, I'm soooo excited about this weekend because I'm getting to go home and visit with my family! I haven't been home to visit for more than a few hours since early August, not good for a family that is close like ours. I'm soooo blessed with wonderful family! Might as well take a second to stop and thank God for that right now. I don't know why I am blessed with them but I'm so glad that I am. Hopefully my Mother, sister, and I can do some serious sewing and crafting this weekend and then make some rounds to visit the others as well! CANNOT WAIT!

Other exciting news: I got the opportunity to shadow at Arkansas Children's Hospital on Wednesday afternoon!!!! This was such a wonderful experience! I followed an employee around and observed therapeutic interventions such as stretching exercises for hands, creating splints... it was just amazing! I even got to enter what I think was called the Intensive care neonatal unit and observe splint fitting and the construction of a new, larger splint for one of the little babies! I learned soo much and hope that I get to go back sometime! I think as on OT student, I would love to work with children...though I hear all the time, "you'll probably change your mind". :) Well, I think that about covers all of the excitement for now. I've got to get myself in bed, there is a wonderful day of all things enjoyable - classes and school work tomorrow!
Have a blessed weekend!

Fulfilling my promise...

2009-10-11T15:47:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I promised I'd post some pics of my yummy-ness that I whipped up in the kitchen. Here they are: And mmmmmm... were they good!
The cookie recipe, I got from my my Sister. She went on and on about them and now I know why. I'm a huge peanut butter lover and these have a ton of it plus m&m's and chocolate chips (I used white), oh and some oats too! The turned out better than any cookie I've ever made, PERIOD. There is one problem with them though :( I CAN'T stop eating them! Gosh, today I finally had it, after eating 3 of them I took it upon myself to pack them up in a ziplock, vacume seal, and stuff them in a box to send to Janna! LOL! She made her's a little different than I did mine so I thought I would kill 2 birds with one stone and let her try the way I made mine, while getting them out of my sight and hopefully off my mind! :)

AND That isn't ALL!! I've got to dish about what I worked on today! Yesterday I bought some fabric for a new little boy quilt and I just couldn't see letting it sit there, looking cute so, after I got home I dove right into cutting the pieces out. I just finished sewing the blocks together about 30 min ago! It lacks the border still and of course batting and binding, maybe I can do that on fall break next weekend! Anyway, I named it : "All American Boy"! So fitting I think with the flags, football and cowboy stuff. Hate to jet so suddenly but now, I HAVE GOT TO GET TO THE BOOKS! :) Have a good one.

2009-10-09T12:38:00.000-07:00

The weekend is here...FINALLY!

I thought it would never come! After 3 tests this week, I'm without a doubt ready for it! I'd like to think I made A's on all my tests, (2 for sure) still waiting on the results of one. What a relief! Enough about school...other than the fact that fall break is coming (which I mentioned last time), I can't wait!

While there is still homework to be done for the coming week, I first have got to give in to the cooking bug that has overcome me! I told Tim I make him some homemade lasagna and macaroni and cheese (the real deal) today and just for fun I'm gonna throw on some homegrown peas (courtesy of my Dad and his hard work in the garden this year), as well as make some homemade garlic bread. Of course there has to be dessert too so, I'm thinking cookies but that is subject to change, I know he would love a yummy, fresh pumpkin pie (his fav.) too! :) I'm so thankful when I do get the time to do some cooking like this, or squeeze in some sewing here or there. It is such a blessing that I don't have to work because if I did, there would be none of these fun things taking place. :)

Well off to the store I go, I will definitely post pics later of my yummy creations! Have a blessed weekend!

jbl

Hate to post without a pic so here is a cute one...it's a collage I made for 2009 (so far). Just some memorable events...Tim's graduation, My letter of acceptance to OT school, the bottom right is a pic we snapped as we cooked breakfast together on Valentine's Day, bottom middle is Sophie sleeping in a box of packing peanuts while I packed to move to Conway, bottom left is on the way home from my interview for the program, the new house, and top middle is last December's Christmas picture. It has been a unbelievably BLESSED year for our little family of 4 (the animals count in our book!) ...And all of it was a product of God's hands.

The Good, the Bad, and the Muddy

2009-10-07T10:04:00.000-07:00

Does that look fun or what?!! A few of us from OT class got together and made a team for Mudstock volleyball 2009! It was a blast I must say. I haven't played volleyball in about 8 years (gosh!!!!) and even if I had played the day before, I don't think it would have mattered. Trying to play with a mud-laden ball is quite a challenge. You can about forget over hand serving and traditional setting...just get the ball over the net however you can! Wow, but so fun! (Just had to share those funny pics!)

Other than this one event, as I'm sure you can tell by the lack of posting, my nose has been in a book pretty much ever since class started in August. OT school is definitely more rigorous than I had imagined but I'm so thankful to be here and doing what I'm doing! Fall break is coming up soon! Can't wait for that, hopefully I'll get to visit family during the break at some point.

Haven't been getting crafty lately- WHAT A BUMMER! I did get a minute to do some creative cooking the other day though. I made homemade meatballs and spaghetti!!! It was soooo good (if I do say so myself). I haven't ever made them before and so I just looked up a random recipe online and adjusted it according to what I had around the kitchen....Yummy, I was soo proud. And I did get the very first quilt I ever sewed back from the quilter a few weeks ago! Oh, it is simply gorgeous! Bobbie, the lady who quilted it is phenomenal at what she does! The pattern perfectly accentuates the different colors and features of the quilt pattern! I haven't taken any pics yet but when I do I will post them.

Another highlight in my life lately is an organization called "ACTS jr." that I have been committed to volunteering at for this semester. ACTS jr. stands for Acting Creates Therapeutic Success, and the jr. means it is specific to kids of all ages. This is something I look forward to every Monday. Basically once a week a large group of 40 or so kids gather together with us volunteers and we together are working toward a play production that will be performed in November. The idea is that working with these kids weekly and encouraging them and leading them as to "how to become and actor/actress" and at the same time allows each child the opportunity to work on areas that they might have the ability to improve on socially, cognitively and so on while building confidence, interacting with adults and other kids. There are so many productive facets of this program! Personally, I had no experience working with children who have limitations but this I knew would be a wonderful opportunity for me to learn from and about these kids and do it in a productive, positive manner! I just absolutely love it! For my role in the program I asked to be one-on-one with a child rather than to facilitate a group by leading it and I was matched up with a young boy with CP. He is so fun to work with and so very bright! He seems to almost always be in a good mood and he comes every week ready to act! I was afraid at first that I wouldn't be able to effectively communicate with him but we've clicked in the last couple weeks and I'm learning more every time we meet about how to better understand when he is trying to speak to me and give his input. He is just amazing, they all are! Here is the link if you are interested in learning more about it, it really is a wonderful program to be a part of! http://www.communityconnectionsar.org/actsJr.html

Well there is still some dreaded homework looming over me so I better get to it!
PS: I'd like to say a SPECIAL THANK YOU to all those who purchased a pizza from me for the fundraiser!!!! You have no idea how much your contribution is appreciated! The Halloween Dance that your money will go to is coming up on the 22nd, I will post pic from it as well so that you can physically see what you contributed to! :)
Have a good one!

Weekend Update...

2009-07-27T06:32:00.000-07:00

I LOVE SUMMER BREAK! Here is a pic of the new place, I took over the weekend. If you look close you can see Cyrus in the window! lol!

(Not sure why this won't center correctly but if you click on it you can see the whole thing)

This last weekend was wonderful! I got the chance to spend part of the day with Tim on Friday. We lounged all morning and then went out for lunch. While we were eating, my Mom called and informed me that her and my sister were going to be making some fresh peach cobbler and maybe do some sewing as well and while they were making their plans, evidently my Dad over heard. He insisted that she call and invite me and, since I'm an hour and a half away from home, he said if I wanted to drive home to get in on the event he would even cover my gas money since it was such short notice! I just love that man to pieces! :) I'm so blessed to have such an incredible Dad and Mom.
Amazingly enough Tim went for the idea and so we went home, packed, and drove "home" that afternoon. I didn't end up getting in on the cobbler making and such (but i did get to eat some). I was able to finally get my replacement cellphone that came in the mail and I spent some good quality time with my mother-in-law and also got to see some friends while I was there! We came back home Sat. night cause Tim had to work Sunday morn. :( He took the car to work which still had all my sewing stuff that I wanted to play in.....this is another :( LOL! So, since I had nothing fun to do I cleaned house all day. I will admit it needed to be done so that I could get on with the fun stuff. And so, TODAY, I get to be crafty ALL DAY! I'm so excited! Now I have to get off here and get busy :) I wish you all a blessed day!
jbl

MapMyRun.com - Easy Run / Jog: Jog/ brisk walk song intervals on 07/23/2009

2009-07-23T18:49:00.001-07:00

MapMyRun.com - Easy Run / Jog: Jog/ brisk walk song intervals on 07/23/2009

Shared via AddThis

New Life...New Direction

2009-07-22T16:31:00.000-07:00

It has been months since I posted last! So many things are different, the best things are the same. Here is a list...
-New house
-New jobs
-New school
-New direction
-New Church
-New opportunities
-New friends (working on this one)

It is amazing how very different things are but I really like it! I know it will all be for the best because this whole thing is just a piece of God's plan in my opinion!

OT school is great so far! It is a definite challenge but I'm managing really good grades so far and that is encouraging! I've had 3 classes so far and the instructors seem very nice, informed, and reasonable in their expectations. I am now out of class for a whole month!!! What am I going to do with myself?!! I'll tell you what...I'm going to clean up my house (it got put to the wayside while I was studying for my last final), and then.....I'M GOING TO CREATE!!

I'm going to sew, scrapbook, make thank you cards that are long overdue, decorate the new house (I haven't put any pictures..etc. up at all), finish faux-finishing the platform bed that Tim and my brother-in-law made (before we moved), do the running I've slacked on the last two weeks and I'm going to take care of my husband! :)......All the things that a lady should do right?! Ha ha! I couldn't be more excited! I haven't EVER had such a long period of time to just do my thing, since I've been out on my own and married anyway. The longest vacation I ever had looking back was about a week and even at that I still had to attend my college classes. What a blessing this time will be!
Speaking of blessings, lately I just can't quite wrap my mind around the blessings God has bestowed upon myself and my family! I feel so undeserving. I have such a wonderful family! My parents are priceless, my siblings and I have such great relationships, I have the best in-laws a girl could ask for, and I have a husband that loves me so, and tries everyday to be a better husband and person in general! God takes care of us ALL physically, financially, and carries us through no matter what. I truly think I'm one of the most blessed people on this earth. I might not have millions of dollars, a mansion, the Range Rover I drool over, and the hottest bod in these parts but I think that in my short life, God has shown me by his blessings that those things are not what are important in life.

The important thing in life is finding what he has for us to do (according to the gifts and talents that he gives us) and doing that, along with finding the people he has chosen for our lives and being what he would have us be for them. Other than these things, pray for his will for you and the best possible life is in store for you. :)
Look at me getting all philosophical on you! Ha ha, maybe this will be in one of those famous quote books one day " -Jenny Lesley" at the end!

Anyway, in summary.....I couldn't be happier right now and I pray this same happiness falls over each of you who read this!
I will post some pics next time:) Have a blessed day until next time!
jbl

Sooo Long!

2009-03-24T20:27:00.000-07:00

Wow, I haven't posted in soooo long! Today is the beginning of a new era though... I got my acceptance letter from the OT program. The letter I've been waiting on forEVER! I'm just going to bask in the wonderful feeling of accomplishment! I'll post more later!

2008-04-04T14:37:00.000-07:00

Oh, I'm so bad!!! I haven't posted in so long! I don't have much going on except school lately so not much to say but I have some adorable pics from the last couple of weeks!!! Some are from Easter and some are from my nephew's bday party...check it out!

The new addition to the Family...

2008-03-12T07:12:00.000-07:00

Here she is! Miss Sophie Lu Lesley

This is her and Cyrus napping on the extra bed Saturday as I worked on my recipe holder. They are very good at lending moral support!

This is Sophie and her favorite parent! I'm not kidding! She loves Tim and always snuggles up with him wherever he lays down. I say it's because he is stationary more than me but sometimes I wonder...

This is how her and her Daddy unwind. He lays on the couch and plays his football game on the playstation and she whispers the plays to call and the players to play in his ear the whole time, well, until she falls asleep!

I used to love cats when I was a child but then kinda got away from it. Within the last year Tim and I thought about getting a cat to stay outside around the house and catch mice and such as well as to serve as a friend to Cyrus. We got a kitten and had it for a while but it disappeared one day and we never saw it again. That was back in the fall. A little more recently I thought I'd like to try it again. We thought about adopting one from the humane society but hesitated long enough for Sophie to fall into our life.

I was working at my Dad's Last Tuesday and mentioned something about still wanting a kitten. He said that he had heard one in my brother's chicken house and that I might go see if I could get ahold of it. I thought surely I couldn't catch it but stopped in on my way home any way. To make a long story short she was stuck in the wall (about 4 feet down and she couldn't get out) instead of in the attic with her momma like they had thought. She was meowing hysterically and had been there for about a week. My Dad went and got his saws and he helped me to rescue her from the wall by cutting a hole in it so that I could reach down and get her. She was fur and bones (literally) but she was able to meow strongly still. Another couple of days in there would have been the end of her. It just broke my heart ! I took her home immediately and started feeding her milk replacement and water and here a week later she is fattening upand coming along just wonderfully! She was meant to be I think. Now she just runs around this house and plays with Cyrus (they are big buddies) and she just thinks she owns the place!
That's enough for now, I have a big Physiology test today, gotta get back to studying!!! Say a prayer for me about it!
JbL

My latest creation!

2008-03-08T14:31:00.000-08:00

Well, to give you a little background on the situation at hand.....I hate to follow sewing patterns! (probably cause I never really learned how to read them with all those sewing words like "selvage line") I'm sort of like one of those weird artists that just slaps paint on a canvas, you know like flying from suspension ropes? Eventhough I usually start out with an idea of what I want to have when I get done, I have no idea how I'm going to get there! I just fold here and tuck there and sew there and yeah, usually I screw up but then I just re-route and fix it.... blah blah blah, ok enough of the talk. I'm so proud to present the concept model (i.e. made from things in my small supply of crafty items) the "Recipie Card holder."

You know how when you cook using a recipe (from a card) it inevitably gets lost, something spilled on it or you need to pick it up but you have butter all over your hands??? Well, problem solved! This cute idea serves a few purposes: it holds the card you are using (clipped on the front) and stores a couple that you might need a little later (in a pouch on the back). It hangs from your cabinet hardware or whatever else that might serve a hanging purpose so that your recipe is out of the way of spills, is easily visible, and looks really cute too!. Check it out!

This is the back side, for storing say a dessert recipe card or one that you will need at a later time.

This is the front side. This is the side that you clip your card that you are reading from (using a small clip, embellished with ribbon knots tied around the handle.

The original idea included a ribbon handle sewn into the top seam and a larger pocket on the back so the cards could be slipped into it while not being used...You can see how the result is a little different.

Gotta go for now! Happy Crafting!

Half-way there!

2008-03-02T14:32:00.000-08:00

Ok, well it's almost time for midterms! My grades aren't looking as hot as they were a few weeks ago but hopefully I can change that really soon. It is sooooo hard to make A's and work and be a wife as well as a dog mommy! #: <--- That's me pulling my hair out!!! Anyway, all I know is I just have to make it work. Tim is so good about putting up with me when I'm stressed out from school. He cooks dinner a lot, does the dishes most of the time, laundry, and even vacumes occasionally.

Here is a recent pic of us.

If I can just get through this semester will at least 3 A's and maybe 1 B I think I will be ok. I've got some serious work on my plate though. Anyway enough about school...

My sister tagged me to do a little fun list of 7 things about me that maybe you didn't know. Here are the rules:

Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. I tried out for the mascot position at my high school my senior year and got it, I was Scruffy the Airedale and I loved every minute of it!

2. When i was a child I used to love helping mom put up the groceries because i would pretend that I was the checker at the grocery store by sliding the bar code over one of the stove burners and make a "beep" noise! I had some kind of imagination!

3. I love 4x4 short-wide, chevy trucks that sit up high and have dual exhaust.

4. I love to sew but hate trying to follow a pattern to make things so I just do my own thing and fold here and tuck there and then sew it to make what I want, how I want it. I just like the accomplishment of making something cool TOTALLY on my own.

5. I'm the baby of 4 kids.

6. If I didn't have to worry about making money and decided to do volunteer work I would love to work at a Humane Society or on a National Geographics photography crew.

7. I really hope my kids are as cute as my nieces and nephews! (silly but true!)

I tag Bryan, Tuesday, Jessica, April, Amber, LeAnn, and Amber

Have a great week!

Valentine's Day!! My husband is the BEST!!!

2008-02-15T19:45:00.000-08:00

Does it get any sweeter than all this!??? Ok, you know I have to tell the story...because Tim is just too sweet for his own good sometimes. Well, the night before Valentine's day i told him that we would have to do VDay on Saturday or something because since I was recently sick and all I had been trying to catch up on homework and so I hadn't had a chance to plan anything for him. I did let him buy a new bowling ball a day early for his present and he even got to bowl with it during league. Anyway, he said ok, no big deal. He knew how busy I had been. Well, I barely woke up the next morning when Tim did and noticed he was slipping around but I didn't think much of it. It was around 6:30am and he managed to slip out the door and leave. When he returned about 7:30 he woke me up and in his hands held a box of some of my fav chocolates (Lindor Truffles), an adorable pot of mini yellow roses (he got the ones in the pot so that I can plant them because i love watching things grow), and a heavenly cup of White Chocolate Mocha Coffee from Starbucks (my fav flav)! And that's not it! The night before I had been rambling on about how I hadn't had a chicken biscuit from Chick-fil-a in so long (my fav breakfast) and how good it would be......yep, he did! He woke up at 6:30 to drive to Chickfila in fort smith and buy me 2 chicken biscuits! After I sat up and took my coffee, roses, and chocolates he pick up a sack that he had layed on the ground, it was my delicious biscuits! I was in awe. And of course the adorable card to top it all off! It just doesn't get any better than having a husband who is so into you that he knows what makes you tick, in my case, Starbucks coffee, chicken biscuits, and a few sappy words. I'm so thankful for him!

Oh, how I love my family!

2008-01-28T18:13:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my nephew Jake's birthday, he turned 13! He is growing up so fast! The whole family went to his house for a (sinfully good) cookie cake and birthday gathering. I just love getting together with the whole family like that. The best part is the kids running wild all through the house and outside too!

I don't have any kiddos of my own yet but my siblings have got some mightly fine ones that Tim and I just love to spend time with. We even get to where when we don't see them for a while we really start to miss them. Tim just adores them all too! He was raised away from his relatives so he substituted friends for family. In my opinion, nothing replace a nice, big, loving family and he constantly tells me how much he love being apart of mine.

Here are some shots I was able to snap eventhough my battery went dead and I had forgotten my memory card at home. :)

A little time to breathe...

2008-01-26T10:36:00.000-08:00

...and I do mean little. Here is a pic of what's been keeping me from blogging! I started back to class on the 9th o f this month and once again I have disappeared from the radar. I am taking 13 hrs this semester which really doesn't sound like much but, considering the grades I have to make this semester to continue to bring my GPA up, it is a very difficult 13 hrs. My classes include: Probabilities and Statistics, Anatomy and Physiology, Abnormal Psychology, and Intro to Philosophy. I have done well so far in the Philosophy class and I took my first test in the lab portion Friday, I was ecstatic to find out I made a perfect score! There were 52 Q's 2 of which were bonus and I got everyone correct!!! 104%! The instructor did say that the lecture portion of the class was more diffifult so I will see on Wednesday how I do with it. I also have a test in my other two classes on the same day so it is already starting to pile up on me. Whew, "just one day at a time" I keep telling myself. That is from a famous quote! I think as a matter of fact it is at the bottom of this blog. Anyway, On top of school I've been working about 4-5 hrs a day through the week and Since Tim has been watching his weight, eating better and working out with me, we've both lost some lbs! Tim has dropped 18 and I have dropped 16! It feels really good. We have been working out together some which is really fun, we are able to motivate each other.

As far as my resolutions, Tim and I haven't really sat down and agreed on any yet except becoming more healthy, you know, slimming down and really eating better and hopefully continuing to stay active. I also am setting my sights on A's in my classes except for my statistics class, I'm trying to be realistic :) Well, I will leave you with a pic of my precious little white man. He's so good about helping me study, he sits right under my feet and helps me every step. I owe my 104% all to him!

Over the hustle and bustle

2007-12-30T00:49:00.000-08:00

Well, now all the Christmas excitement is over, back to work, and everyday life. My sister and I gave my parents a cool picture for Christmas. A picture from the end of the road up the lane toward the house we were raised in. She took the picture based on an idea that I had which totally flattered me. Even at 23 years old it's still a nice feeling to get a "good job" or a "good idea!" from her. Anyway, the picture meant a lot to us and I think it means a lot to my Mom and Dad too. When showing my brother some other versions of the pics I had taken he mentioned having some taken of his house and things around his place as well. Little did he know, I had already taken them. I used my new photoshop program that Tim got me for Christmas and tinkered with them. I have to go for now but I will leave you with some shots I took for him.

Blessings...

2007-12-25T06:58:00.000-08:00

Cyrus checking out what Santa left in his stocking!
My gifts...Photoshop, stocking stuffers, and a wallet!
Tim's Gun!

Life, Family, Friends, Love, I couldn't be more blessed! I woke up this morning at my husband's urging "Get up, get up, it's Christmas!" He was like a little boy, it was so cute! The only difference between him and a little boy was that he was excited to give me my gift instead of seeing what he was getting (since he already knew). He shopped by himself and got me an extra gift and even purchased stocking stuffers all by himself. I was so proud of him.

I got him the 10/22 that he has been wanting as well as a scope for it and he got me a Sony H-7 digital camera back in October but he suprised me with with Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 and an extra battery for my camera this morning. I couldn't be more blessed in the husband department. He is the best!

I just keep thinking how blessed I am overall. God is great and I hope every remembers that his Son is the reason for the Season, without him I wouldn't know what to do when I wake up to a new day each morning.

Here are a few pics of our Christmas morning. I hope yours was as wonderful as ours! God Bless!

FINALS WEEK!!!

2007-12-11T16:10:00.000-08:00

Need I say more???!!!!! Oh my goodness! I will be so glad when 12:30pm Friday comes!!! "What is 12:30pm?" you ask. Let me tell you...It's sewing, crafting, card-making, family, and photography time! I can almost touch it (arm stretched out in anticipation)! I have my first final of the week tomorrow (Biological Sciences), Thursday is Total Fitness, and Friday is Microbiology and Immunology and then I am done til the spring semester. Don't get me wrong, I love going to school. I am so blessed that I am able to and that one day I will be able to say that I have a college degree. This might not sound like a big deal to some but coming from me it is, considering I didn't give two hoots about making good grades or doing homework in highschool.

Anyway, I have seriously been neglecting my crafty urges lately. Yesterday I was so proud of myself when I opted to study for my Biology final instead of making my stocking. It wasn't fun but It was important. I am to the point now that It's do or don't get in (the OT program). I have to come out with excellent grades this semester and next semester or I won't get in. I am doing my best to stay focused and leaving the rest to God. He will lay everything out as it is supposed to be. He is by the way accepting prayers on my behalf though for those of you who might offer one. :)

I will leave you with one of the only fun things I have done this week, a picture of Jason, Jessica and their new puppy Coaco. We were going to do them outside but it started raining about 30 min before we had planned to take them. Needless to say we improvised.

Jenny

Thanksgiving!

2007-11-21T18:54:00.000-08:00

I just love this time of year!! As I was driving home from work today I was thinking of what my "Thanksgiving Day" was going to consist of this year and as I thought of who's house Tim and I will be making our way to and when, it gave me warm fuzzies inside to think about the wonderful family that I have and how unrealistically amazing they all are! Tim always tells me around this time of year how much he loves being a part of my family since he hasn't ever had a large family within minutes like I do. He thinks its so fun to be an Uncle and just adores all of our neices and nephews. He even starts to miss them when we don't see them for a while! I have to say I agree, I am truly blessed beyond measure with such respectable, kind, and loving parents. My siblings are all such great examples to watch and learn from. When I think of my family I think of "Character." My mother always said that "Character is what you do when you think no one is watching (even though God is ALWAYS watching)." I have so much respect for my siblings and the way they conduct their family lives, going to church and raising their children accordingly, not to mention doing their part to provide for and take care of their family. I hope that when I am at their age that I will have come as far as they have. I love having such great rolemodels in my life, its just what I need to keep me on the right track.

Awwww, yep, this time of year just does my heart good! A few things I love and look forward to at this time of year...

* Watching Tim play with our neices and nephews, I can tell he will be such a good Dad one day.
* Playing with them myself!
* My Mother's turkey dressing!!!
* Listening to Justin tell funny stories (he's a good storyteller!)
* My Dad saying the prayer before we begin eating on Thanksgiving, he never makes it through the prayer when he begins thanking God for our family, health and the endless blessings we recieve from day to day. His voice always cracks and sometimes he's almost unable to finish. It is such a powerful feeling that comes over me to see such a strong man overcome with emotion about his family!!!! I'm so thankful for him!

MmmHmm, here I go getting teary-eyed myself just thinking about it! I hope you all have a very memorable and wonderful Thanksgiving this year and don't forget amid all the hustle and bustle of the cooking and preparing to thank God for the ultimate reason for this approaching season! God Bless!!
-jl

Busy busy busy!

2007-11-18T20:01:00.000-08:00

Whew, what a week. It's been like a roller coaster in my neck of the woods lately but I have gotten a lot done! I was finally able to go to Conway on Thursday and speak with the OT advisor (she was so helpful) and I know exactly where I am with my classes and stuff, what a relief! I had a good time even though it was a long drive by myself. Friday was not so hot and Saturday was kind of a dud too until I got my sew on at my sister's house. Cyrus got loose on me and chased the neighbor down the highway!!!! Of course i was chasing him, yelling his name like an idiot....needless to say he did not get to got to PetCo with Momma to pick out his Christmas outfit!!! Whew, it was scary but everything was ok.
Anyway, at my sister's we indulged in a long awaited crafty night! It was just what the doctor ordered. I worked on a Christmas stocking for myself and it turned out so cute!! Very Christmas-y! My sister and her friend Holly painted canvas' and my mother worked on a little quilt she is hand quilting for my nephew Cash. We had so much fun! These little events always leave me waiting anxiously for the next one!

Also, here are a few pics of Cyrus in his Christmas outfits! He's just irresistible isn't he?
<---Here he is sitting (like a good boy) for a treat!

What a weekend!

2007-11-04T22:16:00.000-08:00

Well, I must say that I really enjoyed this weekend! I got some things accomplished, watched the Razorbacks kick some South Carolina Boot-ay, and we also celebrated my little puppy's birthday.

This is Cyrus riding to Grammy's house, he loves putting his paws on the dash and watching everything go by! And the other is Tim helping him open his birthday present. He got two new toys. His favorite, "Friend" the little dog with the santa hat is as old as he is but he is showing a little more wear than Cyrus so we decided we better introduce a new one!!

Here is Cyrus inspecting his birthday cake this morning. I got the "OK" and this afternoon after opening presents and singing happy birthday to him we tore into it! It was delish!

Hope you all have a great week!

New Backplash Progress!

2007-10-28T12:28:00.000-07:00

I finally got started on the backsplash in my kitchen yesterday! My father-in-law is such a blessing, he showed up at the house right when Tim and I got back from Springdale yesterday and the project began. We all three worked on it until about 2 this morning. Steve and I laid it and Tim did the cutting. I think that we all did a great job! Now it is just the dreaded 24 hour wait until the mortar dries. I can't wait to get the grout in and see it as it is supposed to be! I will keep you posted!

The Karnes Halloween Party!

2007-10-28T11:57:00.000-07:00

What a blast! I thought and thought of what Tim and I could be for Halloween to attent our friend's party as and while I was gathering eggs one day it hit me! PEG and AL BUNDY!!! It took quite a bit of preparation and I had to order a shirt and wig from ebay but it all panned out in the end. They both came on the day of the party (Friday) and though we did have to scan some resale stores for Al's outfit it all came together rather beautifully. Tim had a shirt and tie half undone and shirt untucked. We taped a piece of fishing line to a dollar bill as Al did when he showed Bud how to work the strip club. We borrowed an old Playboy from a friend so he could stick it in his back pocket and I mastered the "Oh Aa--lll." as well as the walk and hip bounce that Peggy does, Tim yelled "PEG!!!" ever so often....it was priceless!!! Anyway here are a few pictures.

The other costumes were just as funny! Travis and Leann were a Runaway patient (hospital gown open back, with thermometer sticking out of a fake butt) and a sexy nurse, Jason and Jess were a Cowboy and an Indian, Bailey and Tuesday were a Devil and an Angel, Amber and Jim were two refs a sexy one and a real one, and Aaron McGrew was a NINJA!

THE WEEKEND...it's finally here!

2007-10-19T09:31:00.000-07:00

I've waited all week long and at last, well almost I am free! I had a killer Biology test last Friday that I stressed over for about two weeks as well as a Microbiology test. Then on Wednesday of this week I had a lab test in Biology! I have had it up to here ^ with studying! I worked all week so that I could take off this weekend and I am ready for it. Awww....ok, now that I have stepped off of my soap box...I don't have much else to say for now except a shout out to one of my best friend's BRYAN! Happy Birthday! I hope everyone has a great Friday!
-jbl

Starting out and catching up...

2007-10-17T13:58:00.000-07:00

Let's see how this goes... I'm not a veteran blogger or anything but we'll see how this goes. I have a myspace account that I am guilty of becoming addicted to in spurts so maybe this can be step one of my twelve to help wean myself!

I just got a new camera (an early Christmas present) and I have already been taking endless pictures, what fun are pictures if you can't show people? Right? Can't wait to get this whole thing up, running and see how it goes! Keep in touch and comment when you can!

Here are a few of my favorite pics to give you a little tast of what i've been up to with the new camera...