Blessings sweet friends,
Jenny

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When I lose weight, I will finally be able to buy cute clothes and be in the family pictures.

I have spent a good portion of my life looking towards the finish line. When I finally reach that white powdered line, then all will be good and content in my life. I have never uttered those words out loud, but I haven’t needed to. My inner tape recorder, implanted firmly between my two ears, keeps replaying this same message of the glory and myth of the finish line, as far back as I can remember.

The past three years of my nursing career have been challenging. I have found great satisfaction with my patients, but have been less than enthused with my career in general. I can look back and see mistakes I have owned and others that I was unjustly accused of. Shame, regret, and anger slowly brewed and created an inner cynical spirit that has made moving forward nearly impossible.

A former coworker, turned supervisor, urged me to take a class called The Ripple Effect. I am passionate about delivering excellent patient care, so I knew that the class would interest me. But honestly, I was more interested in taking a class on “How to fix everyone else.”

I sat out in the parking lot of the sister hospital where the class was going to be held and simply whispered a prayer asking God to open my mind to the possibilities. I had promised myself and my husband to give nursing three more months, and its deadline was quickly approaching. Now, I was going into a class, where a former business woman, who never worked in healthcare, was going to teach me how to take better care of my patients.

I’ve been a nurse for 17 years and I have been a patient with cancer. What is she going to teach me?

I walked into the class, and Diane, the instructor, warmly welcomed everyone. She was engaging, contagiously energetic, passionate, and had a great sense of humor. Combine that with her incredible taste in clothes, shoes, and the best darn yellow handbag ever made, and I was flat out intrigued.

But anyone can act happy for two hours, right?

Her first statement, hit me like a ton of bricks. She said, “When you enter this class and enter each patient’s room, I want you to keep this in the forefront of your mind: Please be responsible for the energy that YOU bring into the room.”

Um, wow.

I wrote it down as soon as the words slid off her tongue. Twelve simple words created a new tape recorded message inside my head.

This well dressed business lady was onto something. Maybe I was going to learn from her after all.

I started silently repeating this to myself in the car when the wait in the carpool line was getting too long at my son’s school.

I started silently repeating this to myself when a child wasn’t being kind to her brother and sisters.

I started silently repeating this to myself when a difficult patient showed up at the triage desk at work.

As a mom, I have the ability to set the mood and tone of my home. When my child forgets that they have a huge science project due the next day, I am responsible for my response to that child. My response directly influences the entire mood of our home and the other five people living in it. There is tremendous power and responsibility in that.

As a nurse, I have the ability to give my patient the best possible hospital experience, even when the patient arrives irritable, in pain, and just sick and tired of having to come into the hospital for one more dang treatment. There is tremendous power and responsibility in that, too.

I found myself looking forward to these classes and listening to my terrific classmates talk about their experiences in applying this (and other) principles. I was visibly seeing and hearing everyone change with each class. And for me, my family and friends noticed.
 

 
Last week, I took Samantha to a class in which she was the pediatric patient and physicians were videotaped applying what they have learned in a simulated patient experience. It was amazing to see the providers recognize how much good care they naturally provide to patients on a daily basis. I was also able to pick up things to add to my practice as a nurse, wife, and mom.

Today was the last class. After everyone left the room, I simply touched Diane’s arm and told her that I wasn’t ready to be without her. She smiled and laughed at my awkward statement. My conversation with her that followed was life changing and affirming, and I look forward to seeing where the relationship takes us.

Diane urged me to stop focusing on the end and to enjoy the middle. She also stated that the best way for me to take care of my family and my patients, was to start by taking care of myself first. To be kind to myself.

I am heeding her advice and starting with me. The better care that I give myself, the better energy that I will bring into my home, to my neighborhood, to this blog, and to my work. Whether I am a nurse for three more months or thirty more years, I walked away from this class a better person. And at the end of the day, the only person I can change is myself. Even though I knew that, it was a much needed reminder.

So today, I encourage you to be more aware of the energy that you bring into the room and to be kind to yourself.

Let’s enjoy the chaos and joy that is found when our feet are firmly planted and engaged in the middle of the race. It’s scary and exhilirating to allow ourselves to be in that somewhat uncomfortable, dangerous position. As we let go of the bumpy beginning and move forward, that is when the good stuff happens. The best is yet to come.

Blessings sweet friends – Jenny

We were surrounded by U-haul moving boxes, packing tape, and bubble wrap. Dad had accepted a job in Phoenix as a new attorney, and we would be moving to a new city only tens days after your birth. A home had been purchased and your room was already painted pink from the little girls who lived there before us. Dad had assembled a toddler play set and it was waiting for you and Ben on the back porch of our new home. We were anxiously awaiting your arrival.

You came into this world on April 25th, 2003 at 5:30 at night. You were the smallest of our three children, at 7 pounds 2 ounces, and Dr. Maciulla told your daddy that you were perfect and that he was in big trouble. Rebecca was stroking your head and Ben made you cry because he kept trying to kiss you with his hard pacifier in his mouth. Their love for you was palpable, right from the start. The next morning, when Dr. Maciulla came into the room to check on us, he asked how my little Mighty Mouse was doing. Wow, was that term prophetic for where you are almost ten years later!
 

 
Dad and I couldn’t love you anymore. It’s impossible. We consider it a joy and a privilege to be your parents.
 

 

You excel at school and in your studies. It’s not unusual to find a sea of straight As on your report card. You tackle your assignments and projects as soon as they’re assigned. Often you are begging me to take you to Michaels to gather your supplies three weeks before your project is due. The only time you have gotten into trouble at school is when you were hiding your Harry Potter book under your desk and trying to read when the teacher was in the middle of teaching a math lesson. “But mom, I was at such an amazing spot in the book. I just couldn’t put it down,” was your response as a single tear dropped from your chin. You aren’t used to being reprimanded or corrected.

You won your school poetry contest and Dad and I didn’t even know you entered. You won the sit up contest at school, and one of the boys was fiercely bothered by the fact that you beat him by over 20 sit ups in a minute (that sparked a nervous giggle from you).
 

 
You excel at swimming and have a ferocious competitive spirit. We have been told that you are easy to coach, as you have a stellar work ethic and you are passionate about doing your best.

But all that is just what you do. What your dad and I love about you is your heart. We love you for who you are.

Yes, we are proud of you when you make strong grades and you improve your swim times. But that is because those things are important to you. And as parents, we love seeing you, your brother, and your sisters filled with happiness and joy.

What we love about you though, above all else, is your heart. That mighty heart inside that small, yet fiercely strong body. At 58 pounds, it would be impossible to pack more love, spirit, or compassion inside. It would burst from your ears or muscles if you tried, as I’ve told you countless times at bedtime.

We love how much you love God and His people. You are passionate about helping those who are hurting, those who have been beat down by injustice, and those who just need to be loved right where they are. Remember sweet girl, not to ask why things happen but to ask how you can help. The answers will come later, but others will remember that you were there for them when they needed help and encouragement the most.
 

 

 

 
You have a natural gift for sensing when people are struggling and stepping up to encourage them. With permission, I wanted to share this text message from a fellow swim team mom from this past Saturday’s Splash and Dash (a sort of biathlon where kids swim a longer distance and follow it with a 1 to 3 mile run, depending on their age):

“Good morning! I just wanted to say how fun it was to watch your sweet Emily on Saturday! First leading the pack in the group swim… and then running, running, and running. Impressive! And, besides being a fierce competitor, she encouraged friends along the way. She hung with Sarah as she worked through the challenging run section. Sarah doesn’t enjoy running and struggles a bit because of her occasional breathing issues. It has improved so much because of her swimming, but running still is a nemesis. Annie was also struggling with a cramp. It was so sweet to see Emily jump in after she was finished. Was so cute as they would round the field in a pack of girlie girls in swim suits and tennis shoes! And so thankful later in the day to hear Sarah say, ‘This morning was FUN!’ Thankful for your girl and her spirited ways! See you at the pool.”
 

 
Emily, this is what we want to see hanging on the refrigerator. This message speaks so much more to you and your heart than the numerous certificates from school and sports. Dad and I were so blessed by this message.
 

 
We love how much you love your little sister. She looks up to you and follows you around. You could be annoyed by her, but you are so patient and include her in everything, including activities with your friends. Thank you for loving her as you do. Please remember that the effort and energy you pour into your siblings will reap enormous benefits later in life. They are your best friends.
 

 

 
We love your passion for learning. You are truly the mini version of myself, as I know all your relatives tell you at every gathering. We love how you are willing to jump into the kitchen, organize your closet, or learn how to sew. Our prayer is that your thirst for knowledge is never fully quenched, but that you are willing to try things without the fear of failure. Embrace the imperfection, Emily. Color outside the lines, throw in an extra ingredient in that recipe, and look at the crooked stitch with pride!

As you got out of the car today, you exclaimed, “This is the last day you will see me as a nine year old.” I jumped out of the car in a less than stellar outfit, because I had to grab that one last shot as you were walking to the crosswalk with your best buddy. Big sigh.
 

 
We love you. You and your enormous heart.

Welcome to the double digit club Emily! We are so excited to see what God has planned for your life.

Love,

Dad, Mom, Rebecca, Ben, and Sam

Currently I am shooting pictures at different angles. I am resorting to standing on beds, sprawling out on the floor in the middle of the library, and climbing an annoying Little League fence. I will say that climbing that fence in my hospital scrubs might have left fellow baseball parents scratching their heads wondering if I had lost my marbles. Perhaps.
 

 
Currently I am devouring two books, Bread & Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table with Recipes and Quitter: Closing the Gap Between Your Day Job & Your Dream Job.
 
Currently I am loving my chalkboard frame in the dining room. I love to change the board with different bible verses, quotes, love notes, etc. Often these verses serve as gentle reminders to me, more than my children.
 

 
Currently, I am choosing to embrace the ordinary, savor it, and seek out the blessings from within. With a renewed perspective, the ordinary is transforming into the extraordinary. In this picture, I could have become frustrated that I couldn’t go on the water slides with the older three kids. Instead, I got to sit and watch the excitement of the older kids while holding this shivering 3 year old. I even heard a “You’re the best mom,” not just once, but twice. Had I not adopted this new frame of mind, I might have been too grumpy or distracted to have heard her tiny voice.
 

 
Currently, I am anticipating having three kids in the double digits club. Emily turns ten next week and just got braces last week. Three kids in braces. So another reason to take a deep breath and hold kids when that want to be held, kiss owies that need to be kissed, and make the time to actively listen when given the chance.
 

 
Currently, I am thankful. Eight years ago today I was told that I was cancer free. I might be the only American who loves April 15th – Tax Day. Despite a tough year of scares and medicine, cancer is not in my body. I have an obligation to not take that privilege and blessing for granted. I have a husband to love and cherish, children to raise to love God and others, and a calling for a much grander purpose. I refuse to merely breathe and exist.

Currently I am in a terrific place, merely because I chose to stop, reposition my feet and attitude, and move forward. Thankful for a husband, parents, children, sister, friends, and a precious heavenly Father for loving me through my transition with unending love and undeserving grace.

Currently I am loving the soft sound of tapping fingers, as I am back to writing on this blog. And am beyond thankful for your warm welcome back.

In celebration of being cancer free, will you do me the honor of telling one person that you are grateful for them? That would be my greatest gift. Let’s spread some love.

Blessings sweet friends,
Jenny

For me, when I look through the simple square frame on my camera body or on the back of my phone, I am able to see stories. I am able to see the good in myself, family and others simply by looking through that lens. I’m able to see stories happening in front of me without a camera as well, but often the camera gives me an unspoken permission and creative push to see more deeply into those visible in my viewfinder.
 

 
I’m ready to start working on my life list again, but I’m working hard at increasing my energy level – my physical energy as well as that spark from within that had nearly been extinguished. I want to move with an intentional slower pace at this stage – I want to savor the experiences, rather than frantically try to check things off a list.
 

 
This past month, I’ve been picking up my camera and my iphone and shooting. Between the endorphins of exercise and taking pictures, I feel that spark being rekindled. Oh, how I have missed that feeling.

I am taking a photography class, Visual Storytelling through The Define School. It is taught by Molly Flanagan, whose passion is taking real pictures inside of her home to tell her family’s story. She is incredibly gifted and I’m so glad I jumped at the opportunity to enroll in her class.
 

 
I spent the past couple of days looking back on the pictures that I have taken this past year that speak the most to me. Not surprisingly, these pictures tell a story. They are often not perfect images and most of these are taken with my cell phone.
 
This might sound silly, but I am a better person because of these pictures. These pictures can serve as a reset button when I’m having a tough moment. I can merely look at them, and I can get back into a positive frame of mind, almost instantaneously. That is why I have been working tirelessly the past month at printing pictures and surrounding myself and my family with these images all around our home. There is tremendous power in these images.
 

 

 

 

 

 
I believe that filling this creative part of my soul is as necessary to my life now as eating healthy food, exercising, spending time in prayer, and laughing within my home.

What passion do you have that needs to be rekindled? What simple step can you take today to move forward to bringing that talent, hobby, or skill back into your life?

If you are looking for more photography inspiration check out:

You Are My Wild

Capturing Your Kids Photography Series by Angie Warren over at Simple Mom

If you are on instagram follow these photographers who are great with showing stories through their images:

molly_flanagan

deannamccasland

zellerbecky

kristinrogers

underthesycamore

Enjoy!

Blessings sweet friends,
Jenny

I’m over on instagram here probably posting 2 to 3 pictures a day. I really love the Instagram community and it is hands down my favorite social media outlet.

Four extremely different children.

Four children whose mirrors constantly show a reflection of who their mother is from four different viewpoints.
 

I am a better person because of those reflections that shoot back at me through their bright eyes, tear stained cheeks, air fist pumps, or the shrugging of shoulders.

In other words, I can tell within seconds whether I have been nominated for Mother of the Moment or whether my children are interested in becoming wards of the state.

I find it strange that when children are born, parents aren’t given a manual to help raise them. But when you open the overpriced blender you had to have on your over the top wedding registry, you are strongly suggested to read the 10 page instruction manual so that you can blend appropriately!

I believe that God, however, gives children eyes that are seared with mirrors immediately upon entering the world. At least my four children were born with them. And I would be remiss to say that at my worst mom moment, I wanted to pluck those mirrors right out. Why? Because there is pure brutal honesty staring me right between the eyes and looking right into the depths of my soul.

My children make me a better person. Why? Because at the end of the day, I want to be better for them. The only way is to take a hard, honest look at what their reflections are saying. But I know that I can do hard things.

Even when I am lacking the energy to keep going.

Even when my plans for a healthy, organic dinner turn into serving boycotted Kraft Macaroni and Cheese.

Even when I continue to serve up a dose of insert foot into my mouth and swallow versus building them up, like I had planned to do that very morning after reading Brene Brown’s latest book.

Occasionally I will look into my kids’ eyes and almost hear their mirrors asking me, “Do you see what I see?”
 

 

 
Mom,

I see you as being the best server of ice cold milk in my princess sippie cup. Nobody serves it better.

I see you as sometimes being more consumed with your phone than wanting to play Chutes n’ Ladders.

I see you as the bath time enforcer, the best giver of bear hugs, and as an animated reader of ‘Harriet, You’ll Drive Me Wild’.

I see that you are happiest when Daddy makes you laugh, so I try really hard to make you laugh and often ask, “Mommy, Am I making you laugh?”

I see you as wanting to bring order to our house and my life, but all I want to do is read one more book, sing one more song, stay up a little later, or have you help more often in my preschool class. I want to be with you as much as possible.

I see you as my mom. And, I love you. – Sam
 

 

 
Mom,

I see you as perfect. I want to be perfect like you. Everyone tells me that I am just like you. And I just don’t want to let you down.

I see you lose your cool after dinner when you are tired. I don’t understand it, so I bring you my papers to show you my grades and I see you realize that you screwed up. I see you shake your head.

I see you as fun and creative. I would stay home and read, bake, draw, paint, and scrapbook with you if I could.

I see you as out of shape. I see you as saying that your health is important, so I just don’t understand why you continue to struggle with drinking soda. You beat cancer, why can’t you stop drinking something as simple as soda? I want you to lose weight for you, but also for me. I hope that’s ok. I don’t want to hurt your feelings.

I see you as my mom. And, I love you. – Emily
 

 

 
Mom,

I see you as a mom who likes to have fun. You understand my love of play so you often take me to the indoor trampoline park or to the movies for buttered popcorn. You will even try to keep up with me by shooting hoops.

I see you as a mom who is passionate about sports and I think it’s cool that you know all the names of the Sports Center anchors and the U of A basketball players. It’s actually really cool.

I see you as getting frustrated with me more than the girls. I see you scratching your head and questioning why I have to work harder at school than the girls. And I don’t understand why either.

I see you as two different moms sometimes. One that really wants to build me up and one that wants to shake me by the shoulders, but I know that you love me. I see you as wanting to be the better mom. And I want you to be more like her, too.

I see you as making the best cupcakes in town. And I love when my friends ask for me to bring cupcakes to school. I brag about you and I am proud of you.

I see you as my mom. And, I love you. – Ben
 

 

 
Mom,

I see you as fiercely loyal to dad. I think that is pretty cool, because you both are better people because of each other. I watch you both very closely.

I see you as hard on me. I think you are very protective of me and want me to succeed. But right now, I just want to be a teenager. You just don’t understand. You never were my age. Times are different.

I see you as funny and my friends think you are hilarious. That makes my life easier because I care about what they think a lot.

I see you struggling to lose weight and I wish I could do something. I saw you scared this year and thought you were sick again. That thought terrifies me. I already lost one parent and I would be mad at you if you left me, too. Don’t leave me. I would never forgive you for that.

I see you and realize that we could be good friends one day. Sometimes I wish we could be friends and watch 80s movies together, take each other’s pictures, and share mascara and shoes. But then you go and act like a mom again and that frustrates me.

I see you as my mom. And, I love you. – Rebecca
 

Today I am taking a deep breath and focusing on the wonderful, diverse reflections that I see when looking at my children. I have work to do, but I am choosing to do hard things today.

I am embracing all of the reflections. And because of them, I am choosing to become a better person.

What do the mirrors say about you? Please remember, there is always more good being reflected than we give ourselves credit for. Soak that in before beating yourself up with the ugly. No shame is involved in this process! Only taking a deep breath, being honest with yourself, choosing and working towards change, and moving forward. We can do this. I believe in us.

Blessings sweet friends,
Jenny

My mother and mother-in-law however, loved the B.D.E., because they constantly were getting my extra pictures. Now I take so many more pictures, but they are saved on my laptop or shared here or on social media sites. My immediate family is pretty plugged into social media, but some of my extended relatives wouldn’t know the difference between Twitter and Instagram if their lives depended on it. So uploading pictures to a family Shutterfly account is about to happen.
 

 
After 7 months, we are finally feeling settled. We sold most of our belongings and have slowly bought only things we absolutely love. We have had a couch in the front room for two weeks and are waiting on two leather sofas for the back family room. As I was taking pictures of the back room, I noticed I had many empty frames that had been displayed for over a month. Why? Well, honestly I have no idea. It certainly isn’t because of a lack of available pictures. So I declared the need for immediate action, thus the birth of Operation Print Those Pictures!
 

 
Our family room has a hanging, lighted arrow that I bought on my trip to Roundtop, Texas. I specifically searched and purchased vintage and new frames that were of different sizes, especially height, to help fill in the gap between the locker cabinet and the arrow. The yellow frame was originally a very dark brown frame that I livened up with a couple cans of yellow spray paint. I am waiting on an enlarged print from our family photo shoot from last winter to fill that frame. (Sam constantly rearranges the pictures and this is what she decided on for the picture. Not bad for a 3 year old).
 

 

 
I have a large format printer (Canon Mark II Inkjet Photo Printer PIXMA Pro9000) here at home, so I went crazy printing out pictures. I printed out pictures from Instagram, Facebook, my computer, my camera, and my i-phone. I tried to print out pictures that pulled at my heartstrings or told a story. I prefer a picture connected to a story or memory over quality of the image, most of the time.

*** Note: The quality of Instagram pictures starts to decrease when printing larger than 6″ x 6″ (I printed them out as large as 8″ x 8″ and was happy with the result, but is a bit more grainy in appearance).
 

 
I also loved hanging my letterpress tray in the new house. I made this years ago before Samantha was born, when we were just a family of 5. I was inspired by a similar project by Ali, and had fun collecting various wooden blocks, letter press letter, and scrapbooking supplies to fill the tray. My tray was bought by a friend when she visited a Utah vintage shop. I used E-6000 glue to attach the metal/wood pieces and used dimensional foam glue dots to attach the pictures. I simply measured each tiny section and printed photos. The printing and assembly took one evening, but the cleaning of the tray took several hours as it was filthy.
 

 
I bought this next wooden piece from Pottery Barn’s home office supply section of their catalog two years ago. I bought it with the intention of using it for our Christmas advent activities as seen. You can read more about that here.
 

 
I still want to use this as an Advent Calendar, but I love the piece and wanted to figure out a way to use it the other 11 months of the year. My answer – fill it with pictures that tell a story. So the boxes are approximately 5.3″ square. I already had the jigsaw cut books (STORY) that I had purchased at Found, located in Mesa, AZ. I spent a couple of hours and printed out the pictures a little larger at 5.5″. The pictures are slightly angled/bent to hold them in place. I love this arrangement, because it isn’t permanent, but I’m enjoying pictures that were previously sitting on my computer or phone. I can also add update the piece with new instagram pictures as I feel led.

Let me challenge you to print those pictures and fill your home with the memories of great stories!

What ways do you display your pictures in your home?

Blessings sweet friends,
Jenny

Thank you so much yesterday for your encouraging, kind, and humbling words in welcoming and loving me back to the blogging world. I am not even able to express how much it touched me. And of course, Jeff, simply smiled at me when he came in from work tonight and said, “Welcome back.”
 

I wholeheartedly believe in the power of our words, stories, and pictures. While I have been regaining my energy and moving forward from a difficult time in my life, I have been thinking about my story and the story of my family. The past month I have been praying and dreaming about the chapters of my story that are left to be written.

I specifically have prayed about whether to continue telling my story through this blog. I committed several months ago to not making an impulsive decision and to really have a peace before moving forward either way.

While my blog reading has been very scarce, I have read these three posts that have spoken volumes to me. And, yes, I do believe they were placed in order of how I needed to hear them.

First, I read this post from Breakfast From Strangers when they interviewed Susie Davis.

Her quote, “I try to live my eulogy today. If you want people to say nice things about you at your funeral you need to be living that way now.”

After facing scary health issues over the past decade, I found myself tasting salty tears of joy and hope as I read the entire post. Her words simply reminded me that I am responsible for the energy that I bring in to the room, whether that be my home, workplace, or local breakfast shop. I am responsible for my choices and responses to my circumstances, no matter how many days or years God promises me.

Then through instagram I read this post from Hayley. I was sitting in the preschool parking lot and wanted to roll down my window and tell everyone of those young moms, “Read this!” I thought that might be construed as over the top, so I just clapped out loud to myself in my mom vehicle.

You see I have this desire to want to do it all and do it well. I know that is impossible and impractical, but that doesn’t seem to stop me from trying or at least secretly yearning for that desire.

So when Hayley wrote,

“That means I’d have to admit that I’m not good at everything and I can’t do it all. And that stings.”

Oh, could I relate. I forwarded the post to Jeff and this was his email message back to me.

“Hey – This reminds me of a friend of mine who isn’t writing, even though she has a gift. She doesn’t have the energy she once had to bake cupcakes, scrapbook, entertain, and exercise due to some (crappy) circumstances. She will again, just not now since this isn’t the season for it. But since she can’t do it all and do it well, she pushes her other gift of writing aside. I wish that girl would realize that standard of having it all together is just not going to happen. Life would be boring if it were that perfect. Maybe you could relay the message to her? Love you.”

I relayed the message to that friend. She listened.

And finally, I read this last week from Anne at Modern Mrs Darcy, after she attended the Killer Tribes Conference.

She shared this quote from speaker Ben Arment who said, “Frustration, sorrow, and heartache are unbelievable motivators. Frustration is a gift. My prayer for you is that great frustration would befall your life.”

But when Anne wrote this the tears fiercely welled up in my throat…

“And you better believe I’ll be dreaming about how those negative things (frustration, sorrow, and heartache) can be turned into something beautiful.”

I realized that my silence with blogging was directly related to fear. My fear of inadequacy. My fear of illness and death. My fear of not having it all together. My fear of giving you all the energy that I have, and it just not being enough.

So today I am choosing to step out of the fear and into the light. Today I am choosing to tell my story again. Today I am moving forward just as I am, even if it doesn’t feel like it’s enough.

Blessings sweet friends,
Jenny

This picture is of a street in my neighborhood that I purposefully include along my walking/running route. Never hurts to be surrounded by positive people, thoughts, or street signs.

Watching Homeland reruns. The main character Carrie actually makes me want to be a CIA agent and take down criminals. Brilliant writing and cast.

Resisting Downton Abbey. I feel like I would be cheating on Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. If it would encourage Jeff to speak with a British accent however, I might reconsider and watch the series.
 

 
Making recipes from Dinner: A Love Story: It all begins at the family table . The author’s name is Jenny and she also blogs, so of course I imagine that we have an unsaid, yet fabulous connection.

Devouring my current favorite read, My Ideal Bookshelf. If you ever wanted to know what other books famous athletes, actors, designers, and writers have on their bookshelves, this book is for you. The illustrations are mouth watering.

Shopping for couches. My style is eclectic. I haven’t met a style or color that I didn’t like. As a result, my family has been couch-less since September. I really like this one right now.

Beginning a quilt making adventure for all of our beds. Hopefully when I document another one of these Current Me Posts in 10 years, I will be done with the four quilts.

Totally inspired by this couple who blog at Breakfast With Strangers. Tickled pink and a bit envious that they met Susie Davis for breakfast and heard her story.

Crafting projects from Show Me a Story: 40 Craft Projects and Activities to Spark Children’s Storytellingbook. I was sent this to review and I’m loving Samantha’s interest and the stories that have been created and recalled using these activities.

Searching the library for some of the reading suggestions from Modern Mrs. Darcy. You won’t regret it. After checking out her site, enjoy your trip to the library or nearest bookstore. Tell your husband to blame it on me. I can take it.
 

 
Taking on some extra responsibility at work with teaching updates to our computer charting system and working with a fabulous group of coworkers to de-clutter our work space. Taking pictures of the process.

Making plans to mark some items off my life list. Honestly, I am a bit scared as I haven’t had my energy back for very long. Yearning a fresh start and what I am being called to do, and not necessarily what is the most popular trend(s) with other bloggers.

Squeezing into my jeans. Forward with my health goals.

Drinking a large, unsweetened iced tea.

Rejoicing with Jeff as his business continues to flourish. I have loved seeing the spark back in his eyes.

Watching the girls swim. I feel an instant peace the moment I step on the pool deck.

Appreciating you for sharing in my story.

Blessings sweet friends,
Jenny

Pretty pies.
 

 
Vintage finds.
 

 
Cousins and braces.
 

 
Chlorine and role models.
 

 
Brother and sister time.
 



 
Embracing and grieving the growing independence.
 


 
Having flashbacks.
 


 
Turning 11. Heart string pull.
 

 
Last minute getaways when feeling a burst of energy.
 

 
Favorite red cleats, Elite socks, and football flags.
 

 
Thanksgiving and an 80th birthday celebration for my Meem.
 


 
Holiday “recycles” and bow ties.
 

 
Resting and healing. And then just when I thought I was turning the corner, I needed to rest and heal more.

I finally think my body is physically allowing me to move forward. The only thing standing in my way now is me, known as Justice Jenny by my dear husband.

I have to accept that my 2012 wasn’t what I desired. It wasn’t fair and nor was I promised that. But in order to make 2013 what I want it to be, I can’t keep looking back over my shoulder at the what could have beens.

I desire for 2013 to be an adventure.

I am an avid J.R.R. Tolkein fan. I loved reading The Hobbit and watching the movie. Here are two of my favorite lines in The Hobbit:

“I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging, and it’s very difficult to find anyone.”

“I should think so – in these parts! We are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner!”

I love how these words show the potential risk, fear, and loneliness of embarking on a new adventure. To be honest, I think when you have a tough year, it makes it that much more difficult to embrace that fear or risk that adventure can bring. When I am still and close my eyes however, a spark allows me to see the amazing possibilities of 2013. That hope and vision can leave me excited and breathless.

So I told Jeff that my One Little Word for 2013 was going to be adventure. He paused and simply stated, “It’s going to be hard to have an adventure if your feet and mind aren’t pointed forward.” Ouch.

Jeff has the most amazing ability to keep his eyes focused forward. It’s possibly his best character trait. As a result, Jeff holds little bitterness and constantly embraces the present and opens up his own future to limitless possibilities.

The following morning as I was writing some quotes and verses in my journal, I heard Ben and Sam squealing in the family room and decided to join in on the fun. They were marching in the family room and Sam pointed to the newly hung arrow and said, “Forward march!”
 

 
And then amidst the marching and pot banging, I heard God speak to me as plainly as ever. “Forward, my sweet Jenny. Forward. You focus on moving forward and I’ll provide the adventures.”

So I’m embracing forward as my “one little word” this year. But my second little word of adventure is not too far behind.

Looking forward to our uncomfortable, risky adventures together as we march forward through life together. Here’s to an epic 2013.

Blessings sweet friends,
Jenny

The idea of having one little word comes from the crazy talented Ali. You can read about it here.

My one little word for 2012.