No Pictures...Yet

Good Morning! I know I haven't posted any X-mas pictures yet but that's because we got a new computer and Corey is still installing all of the software for me. I promise as soon as it's installed you will be updated.

Happy New Year!

Up Too Early!

Good Morning to all (well at least Mom, I already checked her blog and I know she's up). So it's Sunday morning and I've been awake since 5:30 am. That's what happens when you get up at 5:05 am every day of the week.

I saw from the comments on my last post that I am getting my usual "It's been a week since you posted" harassment. So here goes...

A lot has been happening in the Hively household the last week. Corey accepted a job with MasterCard International in St. Louis, he put his resignation in with his employer, I put my resignation in with my employer (my last day of work is January 15th...forever...well at least for now), he starts his new job on January 7th. He'll be working in the fraud analysis department at MasterCard converting their old legacy systems and code to something new and more high tech. I hope that's right Corey, I know there's more to it...have a little mercy, I'm doing my best to talk the "geek talk".

Corey will be staying with his grandparents during our transition. We are super excited about moving back home but it's also bittersweet. Columbia has been our home for the past 7 years. Being here has been our foundation for everything we are today (well our parents started the foundation when we were little but God through our Pastors have made us a "firm foundation"). We have made, what I consider, some of the best friendships of our life. Anyway, I don't want to talk about this anymore, we have a lot of work ahead of us and for right now I just want to enjoy the holidays.

We are planning to have Christmas "Eve" Morning with the girls tomorrow morning. Aly and I baked cookies for Santa yesterday (peanut butter blossoms). She wouldn't let us take any of them to Grant & Laura's last night or even let Daddy have one because they are for Santa. Daddy informed Aly that Peanut Butter Blossoms are one of "Santa's" favorite cookies. Hmm, I wonder how he knows...

Stay tuned for some good pictures of our Christmas "Eve" morning (probably not tomorrow Grandma). "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night (err I mean morning)".

"New Puppies"

This morning we awoke to a blanket of snow on the ground! The snow did not stop us from the big morning we had planned. We met Grant & Laura and their kiddos at IHOP for a great breakfast and then Corey and I took the girls to the mall for a big surprise! The girls each got their very own puppy. Aly got a "Pocket Beagle" named Sable and Ashley got a German Shepherd that she calls "Puppy". By now you are probably thinking that we are crazy and have lost our minds since we already have two dogs, Rocky and Abby. Rest assured these new additions are the "Perfect Petzz"! The sleep all day long, you don't have to feed them and you can brush them and watch them breathe. Every time we go to the mall the girls are mesmerized by these "Perfect Petzz" So Corey and I decided to give the girls an early Christmas present and we took them so that they could pick out their own puppy.

Pictures With Our New Puppies

Taking Care of the Puppies

Aly's First Dance Recital

Last night was Aly's first Dance Recital. She was AWESOME, she remebered the rountine and danced the entire song!! Maw Maw and PawPaw and Alex and Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Lisa all braved the ice storm and came in from St. Louis to watch "Little Miss". I think the performing bug has bitten Aly. She was so wound up after performing with the lights and in front of the crowd she did not want to settle down. She even gave Grandpa her "autograph" once we got back home. Enjoy the pictures!

Aly's First Dance Recital Pictures

Trimming The Tree

Last night we finally decided to put the ornaments on the Christmas Tree. Corey and I put the tree up on Saturday while the girls were napping but we hadn't gotten around to actually decorating it.

As you can see from the pictures below, the girls had a great time. Corey on the other hand enjoys decorating the tree about as much as you can enjoy a colonoscopy (not that he's ever had one, but we've heard they're not fun). So he was recruited to take pictures.

Ashley was mesmorized by all of the "pretties". We would take the ornaments out of their boxes and she would make these "oohh" and "aahh" faces. Our tree is pretty feminine. I collect Barbie Ornaments and we have two girls so what do you expect. Corey made a comment about needing a more masculine tree, maybe if he enjoyed it a little more I would buy him "masculine" ornaments.

One of my favorite Christmas traditions from growing up was that Mom & Dad would give us a new ornament every year for the Christmas tree. We got to open our "treasure" the night we trimmed the tree. It was kind of like Christmas coming a little early. We always knew that it was going to be an ornament but part of the Christmas morning excitement was wrapped up in that little box. Mom saved the ornaments for us and then when we had a place of our own she gave them to us so that we would have something to trim our own tree with. One of my favorite ornaments is my Baby's First Christmas ornament from 1978. I actually have two Baby's First Christmas ornaments, mom has one and I have one. In the long run, having two was a smart idea because Mom hasn't been able to part with hers. I think it's a little reminder to her of one of the four most special days of her life.

We have also started the ornament tradition with our own girls. They each have at least three Baby's First Christmas ornaments and when they get older, I will keep my favorite one and pass the rest on to them. This year Aly got the "Barbie and the Island Princess" ornament and Ashley got a "Disney Princess Cinderella" ornament. We had a lot of laughs (and a few tears, sisters fighting over who got to open and put up which ornament) and made some great memories.

Tree Trimming Pictures

Here Comes Santa Claus...

We took the girls to see Santa tonight. Aly was so excited to see Santa and to give him her wish list, a scooter! Ashley was a little afraid, so we all got to sit on Santa's lap.

Visit to Jefferson Barracks National Cemetary

Gingerbread Fun!!

Practicing...

I am practicing. Practicing for what you might ask? I am officially off work until November 26th so I will be "practicing" being a stay at home mom for the next week. Yea! The girls and I have big plans. We are going to do "girl stuff" as Aly calls it. We have plans to build a gingerbread house, go see the movie "Enchanted", sleep in, cooks meals, paint nails, dress up... the list goes on. Stay tuned for some cute pics of our upcoming week.

Mom's Survey

So Mom sent me this survey via email and thinks I won't respond, I have news for you Missy, I bet I was the first to respond. Feel free to copy and paste this onto your blog (with your answers, not mine :-))



1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
I don't think so, there was someone in our family named Jenny Sloan but I don't think she is why my parents choose my name (I'm sure my Mom could shed some light on this).



2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
This afternoon while shopping at Target my eyes welled up with tears as I was telling this new mom how cute her baby girl was.



3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING
Yes


4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Salami



5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Alyson Jordan - 3
Ashley Elizabeth - 1



6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Absolutely!



7. DO YOU USE SARCASM ALOT?
I try not to, I don't want to be one of those women whose tongue is so long that they can lick a spoon in the kitchen while watching TV in the living room! I do however enjoy it when I come up with a great quick and witty comeback!



8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS
As far as I know



9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Not sure



10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Depends on my mood, I like anything from Grape Nuts to Peanut Butter Capn'Crunch



11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Not usually except when I buy new shoes, I'll untie them for the first couple of weeks



12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Yes, if I need to be



13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Ben & Jerry's Stephen Colbert's Americone Dream - It's a vanilla ice cream with chocolate chunks, a caramel ribbon and waffle cone pieces.



14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
What kind of shape they are in physically



15. RED OR PINK?
Pink



16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
???



17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST
My Grammie



18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
If they want



19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Black workout shorts and pink & silver Nike tennis shoes



20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Peppermint Crunch Junior Mints



21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Corey & the Girls watching "Honey I Shrunk The Kids" - Aly's new favorite movie



22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Some type of Pink or teal



23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh out of the oven!



24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Corey's Mom



25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
You bet, it's my mom!




26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Baseball or Football



27. YOUR HAIR COLOR?
Reddish Brown with Blond Highlights



28. EYE COLOR?
Blue



29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
No


30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Anything sweet




31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy Endings!




32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
License To Wed



33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YO U WEARING?
A 19-year old Amy Grant Lead Me On concert T-shirt (compliments of Dad, I bet he would be impressed to know that I still have it and wear it - you can tell him Mom)




34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Winter




35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Kisses


36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies - fresh out of the oven only, I don't eat them after they have been sitting around - gosh, do you think I am in the mood for cookies?




37. PERSON MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Probably no one since I am posting this on my blog




38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
N/a




39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Joyce Meyer Battlefield of the Mind Devotional





40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Dell Logo





41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
Office Space




42. FAVORITE SOUND?
My girls giggling and having a good time





43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Neither





44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Canada or Jamaica or Puerto Vallarta - not sure which one is farther





45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
I love the little things...finishing touches on gifts, crafty stuff, etc.





46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
St. John's Hospital in St Louis, MO

In The Lou

So it's been almost a week since I posted and I am sure I am about to get harrassed! I am sitting in my hotel room at the Hilton Ballpark in the Lou (St. Louis that is). I am at a Heart Walk Conference for work. We had a full day of meetings and then we hit The Melting Pot for dinner. I never pass up an opportunity to come the The Melting Pot, yum yum!

Corey and the girls are back in Columbia (holding down the fort). I'll be home tomorrow evening. I'm glad our meeting was in the Lou this time because it's not too far from home, well home for now that is...stay tuned if you have no clue what I am talking about when I say "home for now"!

I talked with Aly tonight, our conversation went like this:
Aly: Mommy, when are you coming home?
Jenn: Tomorrow night, after dance class
Aly: But Mom, it's taking forever! I'm sleeping on your side tonight (Corey's letting Aly sleep with him, I told him to put her in bed with him because it would help him sleep better and she will think it's super cool).

I talked with Ash too but all she had to say was "Oh Mann" (that's what Swiper the Fox says).

So that's it for this Wednesday, can't wait to get home to my family. Ciao!

Halloween

So I am sure there are some of you who would like to know how our Halloween went so here goes. Our church had a Fall Harvest Party, the girls had tons of fun. Aly & Ashley both won the costume contest for their age category. Ashley ate so much candy last night, I just kept giving her more to keep her occuppied (and in a good mood). As you can see from the last picture she is coming down from her sugar rush and is about ready to go home. Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Mommy & Her Girls

Golfing With Dad

Face Painting

Costume Contest

Tired Little Leopard

Happy Halloween From The Girls!

Little Leopard

Dressing Up

Ashley Is Practicing

You Know You Grew Up In The 80's If...

A friend of mine emailed this to me and I thought it was GREAT (especially since I grew up in the 80's). I also get harassed on a weekly basis (we won't name any names) if I don't have a new post on my blog so hopefully this will tie all of you over until I capture the girls doing "something cute".

1. You've ever ended a sentence with the word SIKE.
2. You can sing the rap to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and can do the Carlton
3. You know that "WOAH" comes from Joey on Blossom
4. If you ever watched "Fraggle Rock"
5. It was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watch cartoons.
6. You wore a ponytail on the side of your head.
7. You got super-excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class at school.
8. You made your mom buy one of those clips that would hold your shirt in a knot on the side.
9. You played the game "MASH"(Mansion, Apartment, Shelter, House)
10. You wore stonewashed Jordache jean jackets and were proud of it.
11. You know the profound meaning of " WAX ON , WAX OFF"
12. You wanted to be a Goonie.
13. You ever wore fluorescent clothing. (some of us...head-to-toe)
14. You can remember what Michael Jackson looked like before his nose fell off and his cheeks shifted.
15. You have ever pondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf.
16. You took lunch boxes to school...and traded Garbage Pailkids in the schoolyard.
17. You remember the CRAZE, then the BANNING of slap bracelets.
18. You still get the urge to say "NOT" after every sentence.
19. You thought your childhood friends would never leave because you exchanged handmade friendship bracelets.
20. You ever owned a pair of Jelly-Shoes.
21. After you saw Pee-Wee's Big Adventure you kept saying "I know you are, but what am I?"
22. You remember "I've fallen and I can't get up"
23. You remember going to the skating rink before there were inline skates.
24. You have ever played with a Skip-It.
25. You remember boom boxes and walking around with one on your shoulder like you were all that.
26. You remember watching both Gremlins movies.
27. You thought Doogie Howser/Samantha Micelli was hot.
28. You remember Alf, the lil furry brown alien from Melmac.
29. You remember New Kids on the Block when they were cool...and don't even flinch when people refer to them as "NKOTB"
30. You knew all the characters names and their life stories on "Saved By The Bell," The ORIGINAL class.
31. You know all the words to Bon Jovi - SHOT THROUGH THE HEART.
32. You just sang those words to yourself.
33. You still sing "We are the World"
34. You tight rolled your jeans.
35. You owned a bannana clip.
36. You remember "Where's the Beef?"
37. You used to (and probably still do) say "What you talkin' 'bout Willis?"
38. You're still singing shot through the heart in your head, aren't you!

Watch Out!

When you log on to AOL there are about 5 different sections of news that the front page scrolls through and I found one that caught my eye... "Top 5 Sneaky Restaurant Tricks" as reported by SmartMoney.

Still Waters Run Deep: Tap water may indeed be "still" -- no bubbles -- but that's not what your server is offering when he queries "still or sparkling?" The mark-up on bottled water is easily 200%, so going bottled can be as much of a rip-off as ordering a cocktail. Industrywide, bottled water pulls in $200 to $350 million in profits annually, according to Clark Wolf Company, a restaurant consultant. In stores, a 33.8-ounce flat Voss Mineral Water goes for $3.49; in Riingo, located in New York's Alex Hotel, you'd pay $9 for the same bottle. Worse, once you order a bottle, it's rare that you'll be asked if you want another. Your server will simply open another to top off your glass -- and your tab. Today's Tip: If you want tap water, ask for it specifically.

When Corey and I were in San Francisco over the summer this happened to us at a french cafe in the financial district. The waiter gave me the choice between "sparkling and still". I thought I was safe with still, guess again. We paid $7 for a glass bottle of "still" Evian, you bet your $#! that we drank the entire bottle. Good thing we learned our lesson our first night there, tap please!

Update

So some of you have been asking for an update, we won't name any names (Jamie, it's okay I bet Mom wanted it too). There is not too much going on and I didn't want to bore anyone with the day to day details but it sounds as though some of you want that so here goes.

Friday night we went to a bonfire and hot dog roast. It was put on by a family at our church and we had alot of fun, especially Aly. Ashley was getting crabby and ready to go and Aly was not too happy that her little sister was keeping her from hanging out with her friends.

It was a very rainy Saturday. Aly and I went grocery shopping. We ended up soaked as well as our groceries! Saturday evening Corey and I went on a date. Yea for Kimmy (our babysitter who drives herself over to our house)! We went to see "We Own the Night" and then to dinner at Sophia's. After dinner we got coffee and chai tea latte and headed over to Sam's Club to pick up fruit snacks for the girls, super exciting, I know.

Yesterday was church. We had a children's ministry lunch immediately following the service to help us get acquainted with our new children's pastor and some new procedures. After the luncheon we came home baked lots of chocolate chip cookies and just had fun spending time with each other (and eating cookie dough).

Maybe we will go to the pumpkin patch this weekend and I can post some really fun fall pictures. Also, mark your calendars (Grandma, Gigi, MawMaw and anyone else who wants to come), Aly's Christmas Dance performance is scheduled for Saturday, December 8th at 7pm in Columbia.

That's all for now. Have a fun week!

Working Out With ATTITUDE

Aly's "HAIRCUT"

So, let me start at the beginning. Monday night Aly & I were watching a movie while Daddy was at his softball game. She leans over to me and whispers "Mommy, I cut Kayln's hair today at Lisa's" (Lisa is our babysitter). I freaked out, Kalyn is one of our very good friends' daughter and she is just about to turn three and she doesn't have that much hair to begin with. So I called Lisa and couldn't get ahold of her. Aly and I had a very strong talk and I explained that we do not do that and we don't let anyone else cut our hair either. Aly is has a very big imagination at 3 1/2 years old so I figured she must be telling me a story otherwise I would've heard about this when Corey picked them up and brought them home.

Tuesday I dropped the girls off at daycare and told Lisa about mine and Aly's conversation. Lisa said they were playing pretend beauty shop with pretend scissors. I was like "Oh great, pretend scissors, I don't feel like the girls are mature enough to know the difference between pretend scissors and real scissors". Lisa agreed and said she wouldn't let the kids play with them anymore.

Wednesday night at church I told Laura (Kalyn's mom) about the little "freak out" Aly gave me on Monday night and we just laughed about it. We also agreed that the girls should not play with pretend scissors.

Thursday afternoon, I stop at David's Bridal on the way to pick up the girls to order mine and Aly's dress for the wedding in February. After I pick them up it's off to dance class for Aly and then Tumblebee Gymnastics for Ash. Before I stopped at David's Bridal I stopped at Mickey D's to get the girls a little treat (cookies, apples and apple juice) to enjoy in between lessons.

I have to sidetrack here for a minute because while I was in the drive thru at Mickey D's I was reminded of a time when I was about 4 or 5. I took ice skating lessons and my mom had stepped out of the rink to go get me a candy bar for doing a "good job". When she returned to the rink I was laying on the ice crying because I had tripped on the toe pick of the ice skate and busted my chin open. Mom took me to the hospital for 4 stitches. Needless to say I didn't get to enjoy my "good job candy bar" that night. As you read on the you will see why the girls didn't get to enjoy their Mickey D's treats.

Fast forward back to yesterday. I was talking to my sister Jess on the phone when I walked into Lisa's. I put my phone down on the table and Lisa goes "Mom, we need to talk". My stomach sunk - I'm not sure why but I didn't think it was about what I was about to find out. As I looked around the corner I see Aly sitting on Lisa's lap on the couch in her leotard and tights with the most awful mullet you have ever seen in your life (well maybe not the worst but awful for my sweet, adorable, very girly three year old). I don't even remember what I said or the look that was on my face, pure shock and disbelief (especially since we discussed it just this week). Aly and I take one look and each other and she burst into uncontrollable tears and my eyes well up with tears. I literally had no words for her and I think that was one of the hardest things for her was seeing my reaction.

We left Lisa's and went to straight to my hairdresser with our "hair emergency"(no dance class for Aly). Dove did the best she could to even out Aly's hair and then I took her to Claire's to buy some cute, girly headbands. So Aly's free haircut ended up costing me $35 between the
"fix it" haircut and the headbands. We've got 5 months for it to grow out before Sarah's wedding.

I guess Kalyn, Aunna (Lisa's Daughter) and Aly decided to play "Beauty Shop" during nap time with real scissors they found in a bathroom drawer. Aunna's is the worst, it looks like someone took a razor and shaved her head to the round part in the back and then left the back long, it will be hats for her. Kalyn's isn't too bad, she can sport a cute pixie cut once all the chunks start to grow back in.

I'm just thankful that they didn't get ahold of any of the other kids, those three are like "peas in a pod" and where you find one you will find the other two. Normally there are four of them that are really close (they are in daycare together and all friends from church) thankfully Sarah (Lisa's niece and the fourth friend) didn't come that day otherwise I am sure she would be sporting a new "doo" as well!

So as we speak my girly girl is in her girly headband with her short hair smearing lip gloss all over her lips.

Front View of Aly's New "Doo"

Back View of Aly's New "Doo"

Heavy Heart

It's been one crazy, busy week this past week. Alot, alot of things have been going on in our lives this past week. I've been listening to Joyce Meyer Podcasts nonstop just to keep the Word of God in my ears and on my heart.

We found out last Thursday that Omi had to have her pacemaker taken out and a new one installed on the opposite side. Evidentally her old pacemaker had started to slip out of place, she got an infection and they had to take the whole thing out. Her surgery was Monday, by the time I called her at the hospital on Tuesday afternoon she had already been discharged. So I guess she is at home on her way to recovery. I will call her later today to see how she is doing. I am hoping to be able to visit with her soon.

The Joyce Meyer Women's Convention was last Thursday - Saturday. It was awesome! I already signed up for next year! After being filled up with the Word for three straight days it was kind of a let down to come back home to the routine. While I was at the convention Corey enjoyed a guys weekend with his brother and his Dad. Grandma (Jamie) kept the girls and they had big fun! I always love it when the kids are able to spend one-on-one time with their grandparents. Aly likes it so much that when we drop her off she says "is it time for you to leave?".

When we picked up the girls from Grandma's I found out that Great Grandma Diahan (Jamie's Mom) had to move about three hours away to a nursing home. She has Alzheimer's. I feel so sad for everyone. I can't imagine how Great Grandpa Ken (Jamie's Dad) must be feeling.

So between Omi and Diahan my heart has been so heavy and I have needed to keep my strength up with the Word of God. It's so hard having to experience everyone getting older. When you're a kid you don't have a care in the world (as it should be) and then as you get older you see how things such as this affect your parents and your loved ones. As an adult I have so much compassion and love for my parents that I hate to see them have to go through this as they help and are there for their own parents. I wish that there was more that I could do. As long as they know that I love them and am continually praying for them. I pray that the prayers being lifted up will bring them comfort, peace and the knowing that they are surrounded by the love of God.

God is good, all of the time!

Special Day

Happy Birthday Mom. We recorded a little message just for you! We are thinking of you, we love you and hope you have a blessed birthday. You are our Proverbs 31 woman!

Happy Birthday Gigi

Yea Shopping!

One of my best girlfriends', Sarah B, is getting married! We are super excited for Sarah and David and we are even more excited to be a part of their special day! Today was a super fun day! We went shopping with Sarah B to pick out a flower girl dress and to get fitted for a bridesmaid dress. Enjoy!

The Happy Couple

Is This It?

This is the One!

Mommy's Turn

After A Hard Day of Trying on Dresses

More Princesses

A House For Princesses

"StuperStar"

Aly does her Molly Shannon "StuperStar" (aka SuperStar) impersonation.

Happy Birthday!

Today is a special day for our family, it's Grandma's (aka Jamie's) Birthday. Happy Birthday Grandma, we hope your day is as special for you as you are to us. We love you!

Happy Birthday From Grandma's Girls!

Hard At Work At The Heart Walk

EMBARASSING!

I cannot believe I am actually going to admit this. By telling this story I have given up my right to tease Corey about his " women's restroom" escapade in Puerto Vallarta. So here goes...

I had some extra time in between appointments today so I decided to run into Kohl's to look for a couple of things. I picked out what I was looking for, made my purchase and then decided that I better use the restroom before heading to the next appointment. At this point I know you already have an idea of what happened next.

I go into the bathroom, take care of business, wash and dry my hands and as I am walking out I look up and see not one but two urinals! For a split, we are talking split, second I thought "what the heck are urinals doing in the women's restroom?" It was at that time I realized I had just used the men's restroom, GROSS!

Thankfully there was no one else in there, I cannot imagine the look that would have been on my and anyone else's face if there was actually someone standing at the urinal. I quickly exited the restroom and as I was walking out this lady comes walking out of the family restroom and kind of gives me a funny look. I just put on my best game face, held my head high with my shoulders back and walked confidently out of the store.

Help Us Fight Heart Disease & Stroke

The 12th Annual Columbia Heart Walk is next weekend and I would like to encourage all of you to help support my team and our fundraising efforts. Funds raised through events such as the Heart Walk have led to multiple medical advancements including pacemakers & CPR. Do you know anyone who has a pacemaker? Do you know of someone who has performed CPR? These advancements would not be available without the support of many generous people.

My grandparents, Omi and Opi are both heart survivors. Omi has a pacemaker and Opi had to have by-pass surgery a few years ago after he suffered a major heart attack. My grandparents are very special to me and I feel so very blessed that even my girls have the opportunity to know their great-grandparents. In fact, we are meeting them for lunch today and Aly is bouncing off the walls because she can't wait to go to St. Louis to see Omi & Opi.

My Gram was a two-time stroke survivor. Unfortunately she passed away about a year and a half ago but not before she got the opportunity to meet her second great-granddaughter, Ashley. As I was growing up, Gram was always there for me with a hug, advice or just a listening ear. I think of her just about everyday and I can hear her voice in my head as to the comment she would have regarding any and every situation. Gram was an amazingly strong woman whom I admired and respected greatly. She helped to mold me into the person I am today.

In my opinion, grandparents are one of the greatest generations of people who will ever impact your life. When you are younger, they are cooler than parents because "they get it". They love to spoil you and shower you with unconditional love and affection (I'm not going to lie, the presents are nice too!). When you become an adult you realize how much wisdom they actually have and it's at that time too that you also realize just how valuable time spent with them really is because you don't know how much time you have.

It is so important to me that we keep making medical advancements as it relates to stroke and cardiovascular disease. My girls simply adore all of their grandparents and I want them to be able to make life-long memories with their grandparents as I have made and continue to make with mine. So here's to my grandparents, we are walking in memory of Gram and in honor of Omi & Opi. Here's also to my parents (all of them) for loving my girls completely and unconditionally. One of the greatest things that I have experienced as an adult is watching my parents interact with my children. Now that my parents are grandparents I realize that "they get it too".

If you would like to make a donation to the Columbia Heart Walk you can go to:https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=220847&lis=1&kntae220847=B1354ABD71314748A17205B129DA9F1D&supId=130478689

If you are not comfortable making a donation on-line feel free to make your checks payable to AHA and send them to our house directly. I will divide the donation amongst our family and turn it in to our local office. Thank you in advance for your support of our efforts, your donation is truly appreciated. As you can see from up above, your donation has truly made a difference in our lives.

Omi & Opi With Great Grand-Daughters Aly & Jacey (July 2006)

Omi & Opi With Aly (May 2005)

Jenn & Gram On Her 75th Birthday (Dec 1998)

Jenn & Aly With Gram On Her 81st Birthday (Dec 2004)

Gram Meets Her Great-Granddaughter, Ashley Elizabeth (March 2006)

He Thinks He Is So Funny

I hesitated to post this because I didn't want to offend anyone but then I thought, there are only a couple of people who read my blog anyway so what the heck. I must preface this by saying, please do not take offense, it's all in good husband and wife fun.

So last night Corey is playing with the girlies and the phone rings. I answer it, it was a solicitor so I tell them I am not interested and hang up. Corey comes into the living room and says, "Who was on the phone"?. I said "Special Olympics", then Corey says "we're they calling to see if you were going to be able to compete this year"? Ha Ha. Very funny.

I do have to admit, that was a pretty good one so I'll let Corey have it this time, I mean he so rarely comes up with something funny to say anyway, I don't want to burst his comedic bubble.

Best Friends