jomegs's Xanga

a year ago...

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:07:53 GMT

then.

now.

happy you're on the outside now, mr. jacksonious puelstonian.

currently....2.0

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:22:10 GMT

current reading material: Free Range Kids by Lenore Skenazy....it's all about chilling out as a parent and letting your kids experience life (as in - let them go to the park by themselves when they are nine. Don't put foam corners on your coffeetable, etc.) I definitely subscribe to this sort of parenting.

current songs o' delight: You and Me by Dave Matthews Band - I LOVE the lyrics to this song. It's the latest "our song" for me and Kyle.

Wanna pack your bags, Something small
Take what you need and we disappear
Without a trace we'll be gone, gone
The moon and the stars can follow the car
and then when we get to the ocean
We gonna take a boat to the end of the world
All the way to the end of the world

Oh, and when the kids are old enough
We're gonna teach them to fly

You and me together, we could do anything, Baby
You and me together yes, yes (x2)

You and I, we're not tied to the ground
Not falling but rising like rolling around
Eyes closed above the rooftops
Eyes closed, we're gonna spin through the stars
Our arms wide as the sky
We gonna ride the blue all the way to the end of the world
To the end of the world

Oh, and when the kids are old enough
We're gonna teach them to fly

You and me together, we could do anything, Baby
You and me together yes, yes

We can always look back at what we did
All these memories of you and me baby
But right now it's you and me forever girl
And you know we could do better than anything that we did
You know that you and me, we could do anything

You and me together, we could do anything, Baby
You and me together yeah, yeah

current projects: planning Christmas presents, researching a story for the newspaper on a soldier coming home for the holidays, working on menus and prices for my new catering venture (I'm calling it Apple Blossom Catering...it's a throwback to my very first catering job when I lived in WI on an apple treed hill) AND calling people that just received their Silpada pieces from a benefit party in October.

current hair color: almost natural! thanks to a clarifying treatment that stripped the miles of built up gunk, minerals and color on my hair. The various tones of brown/caramel/honey and highlights of blonde are almost okay with me. But I have a feeling it will not be long for the world with my penchant for chocolate brown coming on strong. I'm thinking of plum streaks in there too...or caramel highlights. We'll see.

current events:

1. MOMS group yesterday - I really enjoy getting out and fellowshipping with other moms from my church a couple times a month. It's a nice group and the speakers are usually interesting. Yesterday was on nutrition - nothing I didn't already know, but it was a great reminder to feed my family well.

2. My three side-jobs are really making me happy. Each day it's fun to make my to-do list and tackle either Silpada, the newspaper or catering ideas. I'm super excited to be dipping my fingers back into my own personal honey of catering. (I'm going to be catering for a local scrapbooking retreat cottage once or twice a month starting in December, if all goes well with my debut weekend.)

3. Yesterday we voted on a proposed school levy (read: TAX HIKE). I'm very glad it didn't pass, though at the same time I wish there was a better way to provide the schools with the money they need. Maybe dipping into the overpaid administrators pockets would help? (I think teachers are compensated fairly - it's the administration that I'm frustrated about.) Also - I'm trying to figure out how when enrollment is down, they need MORE money? In any other situation, when consumers go down, costs go down....hmmmm.

upcoming events:

1. Silpada show this weekend - BIG sale on retired pieces and a great chance to get Christmas presents ordered.

2. Day of shopping with great girlfriends - we're going to hit the new Clothes Mentor in Roseville, my beloved Turnstyle, good ol' Goodwill and top if off with a Starbucks trip. Did you know they already have their holiday drinks on the menu? Gingerbread Latte, here I come!

3. Jackson's 4th month "birthday". I cannot believe how big my little man is getting! He's busting out of 6 month clothes already and is tipping the scales at 20+ lbs. Jack has become SO interactive and vocal in the past couple of weeks - it's wonderful and so fun.

4. Thanksgiving! I need to start plotting the delectable things that will grace our table on the holiday that is rapidly getting squeezed out by Christmas already.

current photos:

current video:

the right stuff

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:40:08 GMT

last night my brother Josh and I rented "The Right Stuff" a 1983 movie about the early beginnings of the space program and the quest for breaking the sound barrier. I tell you what, they do not make epic movies like it anymore. This three hour film was filled with long, breathtaking flight sequences that I can only imagine were cutting edge back in 1983, epic scenes of rockets and space and fighter jets and the drawn-out dialogues that are not full of smarty-pants one-liners. It was a bit too long, but overall it was pretty engaging and fascinating.

We've probably all seen Apollo 13, but this reached back further to the inception of NASA and the space race. It showed the ridiculous testing and random things they had the astronaut candidates undergo as they chose the seven that would first venture into the "final frontier".

I was most enamored with the personal stories of the pilots that were chosen. Alan Shepherd was a total ham and John Glenn the impeccable and quintessential Marine hero - dashing and eloquent. These men had bravado and strong opinions and totally supported each other as they each took their turn finally going into the atmosphere. Gus Grissom got the shaft from Washington after he "botched" the landing and his capsule dove into the ocean, while John Glenn got a hero's welcome in NY with a ticker tape parade and everything.

Anyhow...it was a very interesting depiction of a time in history for which I wasn't alive, so I appreciated the re-telling, however embellished parts of it may have been. It also left me with thoughts of how silly it was that the U.S. felt it was so important to be the first in flight, space travel and all that. Hindsight is 20/20 and I think it reflects rather poorly on where we as a country sometimes put our focus. We might be the greatest country in the world, but one more notch on our belt so to speak, really?

What advances do you think NASA and space travel have given us? Do you think it's an important thing to continue to pursue as a nation?

a pictoral remembrance of October

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:43:58 GMT

October Pictures...

emotional support.chilly fall.recipe sharing.new adventures in vocational endeavors

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 02:39:24 GMT

I find it exceedingly humorous that my last post got a lot more views than either of my last two. haha. Ranting seems to attract people.

In all seriousness - thanks for the support, kind words and encouragement. I KNOW I'm too hard on myself, and that post helped me get over it and move on to being consistent and let "time heal all wounds". My dear husband also kindly told me that he would rather have a wife that follows hard after God than one with rock hard abs. Or something to that effect. He's about 79 kinds of wonderful. "Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised," Kyle reminded me. Yeah. I needed that.

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this has been an interesting autumn. colder more quickly than I remember. Apparantly, we had snow on Oct. 12 in 2006 as well as this year...so says my blog from that day, though I don't remember it. The last October snow that I remember was the Great Halloween Blizzard of 1991. We are talking THREE FREAKING FEET of snow. I also recall that we had a snowstorm on Mother's Day of 1992. That made for eight, count 'em, EIGHT months with snow.

oi. I am not relishing the chilly thought of the next 6-7 months. Perhaps I'll cave and let Nikon up onto the bed to keep me warm on the nights Kyle works...I did that last winter and then when we moved our bedroom upstairs I laid down the law. He is kind of a bed hog. But he is so warm. hmmmm....

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I recently rediscovered the deliciousness of my grandma's molasses cookie recipe. Today I mailed off a box to my brother Nate in Iraq with their delicious spiciness inside. I think he will probably be transported back to Mom-mom's kitchen table in their MS home just like I was when I smelled them baking and ate my first warm one. I can't remember the last time I had one of her trademark cookies...it has to be at least 5 years ago or more. Maybe she smiled down from heaven when she saw me beating the heck out of the batter like she used to do.

Give them a try!

Grandma's Molasses Cookies

1 1/4 cups shortening or margarine (I used butter and they were fine)
1 cup sugar
6 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ginger
1 cup dark molasses
1 cup cold strong coffee

In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar well. Mix flour, soda, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger in a separate bowl. In a 2 cup liquid measuring cup, blend molasses and coffee. Add flour and molasses/coffee mixtures alternately to creamed mixture. (You'll probably have to finish mixing by hand. In fact, Mom-mom always beat these by hand. She put the bowl in her lap and would go to town.)

Roll dough 1/4 inch thick on a lightly floured board. Cut out with round cookie cutter (nice and big). Place on cookie sheet (parchment paper is a nice help). Sprinkle with white sugar and put a finger print in the middle of the cookie. (Only my great-great-Grandma knows why this is done- we all just do it 'cause she did!) Bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes or until when they are touched it doesn't leave a dent. VERY good warm with a cold glass of milk or cup of coffee.

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so for those of you that might not be on Facebook to know this new development in my employment status...this week I started freelance writing/reporting for the Isanti/Chisago County Star newspaper. Yet another fun adventure in my vocational history! I've always loved writing (clearly, since I have this blog) and noticed about a month ago that the paper was looking for freelance reporters. So without anything to lose, I sent over my resume and a link to my blog. Apparently the editor liked what she saw, because before I knew it I was being handed my first three assignments.

I just finished my first story and I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out, even if it ends up getting hacked to bits in the editing process or to fit into the necessary space. Even though I feel, once again, like I'm making it up as I go along - I'm enjoying it immensely. And it helps a great deal that I have a very good friend in journalism who is willing to show me the finer points of journalistic writing, AP style and other details about the newspaper business. (Thanks, Whitney!)

So between being a wife, mom, homemaker, Silpada rep (I've got a big fundraiser thing coming up next week...), reporter/writer and possibly doing some catering on the side soon....I feel fulfilled in my vocational pursuits. Even though the free coffee would have been awesome if I had gotten a job at Starbucks (I interviewed there last week, but they needed someone more full-time) - I much prefer putting my family first and fitting the rest in around them. Kyle and Jack are way better than a pound of Cafe Verona.

three months post-partum

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:10:28 GMT

NOTICE: RANT ABOUT POST-BABY BODY AHEAD. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.

welp...I'm going in the right direction, but I sure hoped to be further down the road to my pre-baby self at this juncture. And I have pretty much resigned myself to the fact that there are certain things that will never, ever be the same again. My separated ab muscles for one thing. I know, I know - it's only been three months and I've only been really working out for the past couple of weeks, but it's still discouraging almost every single day when I attempt a workout that previously was a piece of cake and find myself needing an oxygen mask to drop down from the ceiling.

Don't even get me started about looking in the mirror. It only breeds depression and usually tears. Yes, I know post-partum hormones are evil. But even if those weren't a factor (the hormones), this stretched out, lumpy excuse for a body would STILL depress me.

I now look at svelte, tanned, toned little 20-somethings and think, "Oh sweetie - just wait till your day comes. You just have no idea what your body is in for." (I sure didn't!) Of course, some people get off scott free and somehow escape looking like a tiger mauled their belly. Darn you with the happy skin genes.

But I also look at hot, toned, cute and sassy MOMS who have had 3-4 kids and think, "You are incredible." They give me hope that one day I will at least look good in clothes again. I know it took them some serious work and butt-kicking exercise...the desire to accomplish either right now maddeningly eludes me.

WHY on earth is it so hard to motivate my sorry tush? I am having such a hard time finding the "want to" in my heart. I have it in my head, but there seems to be some inexplicable plug betwixt the two. My only hope is that the desire to not look like a total loser at the triathlon next year will kick in eventually and I will get it in gear. Current mantra is: JUST DO IT. I'll never "feel" like it, so I just have to do it.

One day, when my size 8 jeans fit again and the muffin top has been ameliorated, I will be glad I did. (Oh, and this post is NOT me fishing for compliments. I think I look good from the collarbone and up too - it's just the other 98% of me that needs help.)

baby Jo and baby Jack

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:41:11 GMT

me as a baby - Jack as himself.

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:49:26 GMT

we had an amazing time in Washington State last week. Everything about it was a blessing from God. Friends, beauty, sweet times of fellowship, copious amounts of coffee, good food, an AMAZING church service at Mars Hill, laughter, etc. All good. Very good.

In collage form, here are pictures of our visit.

Jack is an amazing little traveler. Nary a peep out of him for either flight and he tolerated the excessive sightseeing and galavanting around with much aplomb. He is getting quite a fun little personality and was the entertainment on more than one occasion as he met many new people and giggled up a storm. Literally. Check this out:

It was a wonderful trip and we look forward to going back as soon as we can. Thanks for the great time, Heidi and Aaron and Lindsey! It was so good to be with you all. And so nice to visit Peggy, Kayla, Grandma Timm, Josiah, and all my camp friends. Friends are a good thing.

fuzzibunz and other bits of cloth

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 21:28:18 GMT

So we've decided to use cloth diapers with Sir Jackbaby. I have had several good friends show me the savings, the fun and the earth-friendliness of cloth and I pretty quickly fell in love. I've chosen two different options for Jack's "fluff" as it is commonly called on cloth diaper websites: Fuzzibunz pocket diapers and traditional prefold diapers with covers. Gone are the horrible pins and plastic pants of my childhood...Snappis and velcro covers are the new deal. And Fuzzibunz are a step up from that - just drop an absorbent liner into the pocket and snap the thing on the kiddo! It's just two easy pieces and they are really cute to boot. Then you just toss the whole thing in the washer and dryer. Easy as pie. Or should I say poo? lol.

Two different websites have been particularly helpful as I've started figuring out what will work for Jack's bum. I love the personal service and quick shipping from the ladies at Mom's Milk Boutique and the quality products they offer - www.momsmilkboutique.com. They have really good diapering accessory prices. I've also used www.nickisdiapers.com for my prefolds and covers - they have awesome customer service too. Fuzzibunz are available on either site. There are about 100 other great options out there for cloth diapering too - all-in-one diapers, ones made out of hemp or bamboo (SUPER absorbent and soft), fitted diapers, and these cool liners that you can put in and then slip out and flush them, poop and all, down the toilet. I have those waiting for the day Jack tries new foods. ewwww.

The great thing is that the investment we've made in these diapers will be useable for our future kids too, with minor upgrades here and there. We've spent about $300 for the fluff and stuff to go along with it. (Pail, wetbag (to put diapers in while you're out), Snappis, wipe solution, etc.) And with that, we're done! The only other cost is doing laundry, which is two loads a week. Pretty minor. My goal and prayer is to always be done diapering one kid when the next one comes along, Lord willing.

Thanks to all the great moms that have helped me figure out what I need and how to do this cloth diapering thing. And you that even cloth diaper on-the-go, my hat is off to you. I hope to get that brave soon. I'm developing a sincere dislike for disposables after cloth prove to hold it in a whole lot better. Cloth is awesome. (And just for the record? There is NOTHING wrong with using disposables - this is just my little "want-to". Certainly not a "you're only a good mom if you do so you have-to" sort of thing.)

leaving on a jet plane

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:12:19 GMT

It's been 1.5 years since I was last in Washington. I've sure missed it. The mountains - MY mountain, the Sound, the people, the coffee...but mostly the people. Definitely the people. Washington State will always be the most beautiful place I've lived (unless, for some strange reason we move to Ireland or something) and a place that fills my soul with joy.

This time I get to go with my wonderful husband (he hasn't been there since our Engaged Encounter in March of 06'!) and my sweet baby boy. It's going to be so fun to make memories as a family. (Not that Jack will ever remember being there, lol.) We are going to stay with my friend Heidi and her family...AND LINDSEY IS COMING TOO!!!!! A bunch of her friends and Heidi and I surprised her socks off with a plane ticket to come visit out there while we were there so Aunt Lindsey can finally meet her nephews and neice. (Yes, our kids are her "relatives".) It's going to be so fun to have the three of us together again.

Their house will be home base for all manner of adventures over the week. Catching up. Hiking. Eating good food. Celebrating friendships. Visiting Snoqualmie Falls. And in true WA fashion, the weather looks cool and rainy. (Which reminds me...we should probably buy an umbrella on our way to the airport!) I hope we get maybe ONE day of nice weather so we can see Mt. Rainier. I've missed it so.

Tomorrow we celebrate our third year of wedded bliss. Wow. Time has flown as I've been married to my bestfriend these past three years. So much has happened. So much has changed from the day we said "I do". And I never could have imagined that I would love him more now than I did then or how wonderful it would be to become parents or what an amazing life we would share or how incredibly we would be blessed by a loving God. It's been quite the ride and I can't wait to see how faithful the Lord will be through the next 50 years, should He give us that many together.

Now you’re my whole life now you’re my whole world
I just can’t believe the way I feel about you...
Like a river meets the sea
Stronger than it’s ever been
We’ve come so far since that day
And I thought I loved you then.

~Brad Paisley

So here's to: a happy baby on the plane, lattes everyday from one of the 8,943 coffee shops and stands, seeing old friends, going back to "where it all began" for our relationship (Deception Pass), celebrating our love, my AMAZING husband, mountains, teriyaki, and cups of tea with my best friends in the whole wide world. It's going to be a wonderful trip!

Happy Anniversary, babe! I love you forever.