Day 14

day 14- a picture of you and your family

I love my little family. They're my life.
♥ Live ~ Love ~ Laugh ♥

Day 13

day 13- your 5 favorite books

1 - Dexter series - Because I'm a Dexter fanatic
2 - Angels & Demons 
3 - The Lost Symbol
4 - The DaVinci Code
5 - Any book by Lurlene McDaniels or John Marsden - AMAZING authors

Day 12

day 12- write a poem to someone you love

I have written SEVERAL poems to and about Brian. Little personal to post on my blog. But he does mean everything to me, and I don't know where I'd be without him. He is truly an amazing person that I admire so much. 

Day 11

day 11- write a bucket list of things you want to do before you die

• Purchase a designer handbag
• Inspire Someone
• Save a life
• Learn calligraphy
• Build a piece of furniture
• Shake Barack Obama's Hand
• Visit all 50 states
• Be debt free
• Shower in a waterfall
• Ride a camel in the Sahara Desert
• Drink wine in Napa
• Make my own pasta noodles
• Go to one NBA Finals game
• Go white water rafting
• Swim with dolphins
• See the cherry blossom festival in Japan
• Go to the Superbowl
• Become fluent in another language
• Pay for a strangers meal
• Experience Oktoberfest in Germany
• View the Sunset in Hawaii
• Visit London, England
• Be a foster parent
• Leave $100 on someone’s doorstep
• Read All Of Shakespeare's work
• Get a Tattoo
• Learn how to surf
• Attend a luau in Hawaii; see pro hula dancers
• Swim with a sea turtle
• Go on a hot air balloon ride.
• Take up Belly Dancing
• Run a Marathon
• Backpack through Europe
• Learn to play the guitar
• Make my own wine
• Brew my own beer
• Eat Swedish meatballs in Sweden
• Visit my place of birth (Kaiserslautern, West Germany)
• Take a jumping picture
• Experience Oktoberfest
• See the Aurora Borealis
• Foster a Child and/or Animals
• Run a 5K

Day 10

day 10- songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad

I listen to just about anything. Really just to pinpoint certain songs to my mood is pretty difficult. My favorite band of all time is 10 Years. We finally got a chance to go see them, and I got to meet the lead singer, Jesse. It was awesome (I was way too star struck...lol).

The only thing that seems to stick out, not necessarily mood wise, but when I'm running, I absolutely LOVE to run to Atreyu's album "Lead Sails Paper Anchor". Something about the fast beats just makes me want to run faster and faster.

Day 9

day 9- something you're proud of in the past few days

This one seems to be really difficult because nothing seems to stick out. Everything seems so routine.

Opa is finally home from St Joseph's. It took a lot of convincing on my family's side to let him come home. My dad called me, and since I work for a medical supply store, he asked me to bring him some things to make him more comfortable. I took almost everything to his house last night. He was so happy to see me. Aunt Karen is in town to help him transition and help a little bit until he gets settled. They have a home health person coming in 3 times a week to help out with his Alzheimers and some of his daily routines.

Grandpa is taking being dependent on everyone else hard. He hasn't had a haircut for a while, and he feels as if he's a burden on everyone for even asking someone to take him. My dad and I, and I'm sure everyone else have tried to convince him that it's now our turn to help take care of him. He told us that it's a big change because he always was the one to help everyone else out. I can sure understand where he's coming from.

When I was leaving, Opa told me that he and Grandma sure love all of his grandkids just as if they were their own children. He mentioned at how proud Grandma was of me, and wished that she could see how beautiful I have turned out to be. He sure does miss her, as do I. I told him we're there for him for anything that he needs, and that we all love him. I'm so proud of him for how far he's come in life. He's such a great example to all of us. Such a sweet and loving man.

Day 8

day 8- short term goals for this month and why

My goals from this month have been just to get by financially. Brian receives commission every month, and they seem to refuse to take out taxes on those checks, ergo, we owed taxes. Thank goodness I was able to work for my dad to get some extra cash to help pay them.

Day 7

day 7- a picture of someone/something that has had the biggest impact on you

This man has had an enormous impact on me. Not only has he showed me unconditional love, but how to want to be a better person just because you know him. He's turned my life around in such a way that has made life feel worth living.

And weird to say, but Sadie has made an impact too. Life wouldn't be the same without either of these two in my life.

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." ~ Roger Caras

Day 6

day 6- favorite super hero and why

Always liked Wolverine (Maybe it's just Hugh Jackman??) Didn't get into the movies until the second one came out. C'mon, a guy that can heal himself almost immediately? Amazing. Doesn't look half bad either ;)

Day 5

day 5- a picture of somewhere you've been

Neuschwanstein Castle

I don't remember a thing, but I had traveled with my parents EVERYWHERE in Europe before the age of 2.

Day 4

day 4- a habit that you wish you didn’t have

Kinda stole this from Felicia, but it's true. Something that keeps me up at night, it's definitely something I wish I could stop.

Day 3

day 3- a picture of you as a child

I sure was a cute baby! :o)

Day 2

day 2- the meaning behind your blog name

Easy enough. Brian, Jenna & Sadie. Our wonderful little family. Wouldn't change it for the world.

As for the quote: "Do what you feel in your heart to be right - for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't." ---Eleanor Roosevelt; Within the last couple of years, I've come to terms with this. I can't be perfect, and neither can anyone else.

Day 1

day 1- recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself

1 - I love doing all sorts of arts and crafts. I cross stitch, I paint (items, not portraits, etc. ha! Although I'd love to be able to), drawing, etc. I doodle all of the time like names and what not.

2 - I love changing my hair color. There really isn't much that I can't do with it, and I think I've fallen in love with the red that you see in my picture above.

3 - My dream career is to become an interior designer. I worked in the field for about 2 years, but wasn't given the chance to expand my experience. Eventually I'll get back into school to get my degree.

4 - I'm a great multitasker. I can work multiple projects at once, and still get things done in time. My boss loves this quality about me, which has payed off in the end.

5 - I love puzzles. Whether it be a jigsaw, sudoku, wordsearches, etc, I love them all. I could sit for hours finishing what I've started.

6 - I have slight OCD tendencies. I love being organized. The clothes in my closet is organized by color, styles, etc. I also like being very clean. Can't stand a dirty, unorganized house.

7 - I've always loved sports, but have had difficulties playing because of my heart condition. Anytime I exercise my heart rate shoots up, so I don't have much stamina. I've been trying to get up there, but haven't been successful. Hopefully I'll grow out of my heart condition like the doctor seems to think it will.

8 - I love trucks & SUVs. I don't like many cars. Probably because I learned to drive in a suburban and a Cadillac...lol

9 - I hate talking on the phone. I'd prefer people to text, email, or Facebook me. I'm terrible at answering my phone when someone calls. Brian and I have 700 minutes on our plan, but only use MAYBE 100 of them...lol

10 - My biggest soft spots are babies and animals. I love having my niece and nephew around. I love making them laugh and smile. I love having my "puddy-dog" Sadie. She's got such a goofy personality!

11 - I prefer the cold over hot days. If it was just WARM, it would be great, but here in Utah, it's always cold or too hot.

12 - My favorite colors are: Red, black, green, pink and blue. I'm not afraid of colors either, hence why my guest bedroom is bright green. I love it!

13 - My little sister is really my best friend. She may only be 13, almost 14, but she's mature beyond her years. I always love when she can come and stay at my house. I feel like I don't see her enough. Brian also made a comment that one of the perks of having me in his life was that he gained my younger sister as a sister as well. I love how they get along so well. You would think they were blood brother and sister <3

14 - I have a camera with me at all times. I like to take pictures, but don't like my picture taken. I'm not very photogenic, so I'd rather be taking the picture. I have regretted it because Brian has all of these pictures with Sadie when she was a puppy, but there was only one of me.

15 - I'm a terrible blogger, which is why I'm attempting the "30 days of Blogging." I don't feel like I have anything significant going on in my daily life right now. I'm sure that will change when we start our family.

I Wish You Enough

I received this in an email, and I love this story. So inspirational!

Recently I overheard a father and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure. Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the father said, 'I love you, and I wish you enough.' The daughter replied, 'Dad, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Dad.'

They kissed and the daughter left. The father walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see he wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on his privacy, but he welcomed me in by asking, 'Did you ever say goodbye to someone knowing it would be forever?'

'Yes, I have,' I replied. 'Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever goodbye?'

'I am old, and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is - the next trip back will be for my funeral,' he said.

'When you were saying goodbye, I heard you say, 'I wish you enough.' May I ask what that means?'

He began to smile. 'That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone.' He paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail, and he smiled even more. 'When we said, 'I wish you enough,' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them.' Then turning toward me, he shared the following as if he were reciting it from memory:

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.
I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final goodbye.

He then began to cry and walked away.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them; but then an entire life to forget them.

30 Days of Blogging

My cousin Felicia started doing this a few days ago, and I thought it was a good idea. I did a similar posting on Facebook with a picture a day. I think this will be good for me because I slack on blogging, and hopefully this can kick me into gear. So here it goes!

day 1- recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
day 2- the meaning behind your blog name
day 3- a picture of you as a child
day 4- a habit that you wish you didn’t have
day 5- a picture of somewhere you've been
day 6- favorite super hero and why
day 7- a picture of someone/something that has had the biggest impact on you
day 8- short term goals for this month and why
day 9- something you're proud of in the past few days
day 10- songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad
day 11- write a bucket list of things you want to do before you die
day 12- write a poem to someone you love
day 13- your 5 favorite books and why
day 14- a picture of you and your family
day 15- put your ipod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play
day 16- a picture of yourself
day 17- someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
day 18- plans/dreams/goals you have
day 19- write about a sweet memory from your past
day 20- write a letter to someone
day 21-a picture of something that makes you happy
day 22- what makes you different from everyone else
day 23- something you crave a lot
day 24- post your favorite quote or verse of scripture and why
day 25- what I would find in your bag
day 26- list 10 things that you are thankful for
day 27- my day job verses my passion
day 28- cruise a thesaurus and pick out 10 words you like the sound of
day 29 - favorite TV shows and why you like them
day 30 - movies you can watch again and again

Opa

On the 13th of March, with my mom being out of the country, I had my dad and Erika over for dinner. It was my parents Sunday of having Opa over for dinner, so I told my dad to just bring him over with him if Opa didn't mind.

It just breaks my heart to see Opa struggling with the simple task of walking, even with a walker. He's just been on a steady decline, and working in the field that I do, I see how fast they can decline.

I had made my "Better than Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo" with mushrooms on the side (my dad doesn't like mushrooms), along with salad and garlic bread. While I was finishing up cooking, Opa commented on how beautiful my home was, and had done a really good job. I thought that was sweet of him to say. When it was time to eat, my dad and I helped grandpa to the table. I have a counter height table with bar-like stools. It was a little hard to get him sitting in the chair. He ranted on how good my dinner was, and then after, if you've had Opa over, you know he's ready to leave after he's done eating. LOL. He's ALWAYS been that way, and I just have to laugh every time. Well, my dad obliged, and I helped him out to the car. When he used his walker, it was hard to scoot it across the ground. I decided I would get some "Walker Skis" to put on the back legs of his walker to help it glide better.

Monday after work, I went over to Opa's house to put them on his walker. He was so grateful for something so little. He asks me "How much do I owe ya?" I told him he's done enough for us, and that it was our time to take care of him. (When I was little, I remember going over to "the office," and he would give you a dollar, or five dollars just because.)

On Tuesday, he was hospitalized for his gallbladder being full of gallstones, on top of the bladder infection he's been fighting. We went in to visit him because he was going to have surgery the next day to remove his gallbladder. Everyone knows that, the older you get, the harder it is to recover from surgery. I wanted to make sure to tell him that I loved him, just in case.  While visiting, he says, "Jenna, thanks for fixing my lawnmower, it works great now," I laughed and said, "You mean your walker?" He starts laughing, and says "No wonder it took so long to mow the lawn!" Even in pain, he's so full of life, and laughing.

While visiting, Uncle Mike, Uncle Chad and Jeremy were there. Grandpa kept telling us that Chad was Uncle Jimmy. Both Mike and my dad joked with him that that was Chad, that Jimmy has dark hair, and Chad has blonde hair, and that if they hadn't had so many kids, he could get them straight. Grandpa laughs and says he wouldn't change any of it for the world.

His surgery went well, and he's been in rehab at St Joseph's Villa (where grandma had been, and also where grandpa served a mission) for a little over a week now. I know he'll get great care there because they took great care of grandma when she was there.

Cherstin emailed all of us this morning, and she had been assigned to put together a photo book of some sort so it can jog his memory with his Alzheimers. I think it's a great idea, and hopefully everyone participates. It would be great for grandpa to have all those to keep those memories close.

Saturday 9: Medicate

Saturday 9: Medicate

Saturday 9: Medicate

1. Do you take a lot of medication?
Yes. More than some less than others.

2. Name one of your flaws and tell us about it.
I procrastinate a lot of things like cleaning, or waiting til the last minute to do laundry on a Sunday night.

3. Have you ever won first place? If yes, tell us about your victory!
The last thing I remember winning 1st place was a basketball tournament in elementary over even the guys! I was proud...haha

4. Who is the last person to make you smile? What was happening?
Brian. He can get me to laugh nonstop. Tonight's brought me to tears. Brian can move his toe next to his big toe all by itself. I don't know why it cracks me up but it does. I was wiggling my toes, and Brian asked what I was doing. I was trying to do what he does to no avail. I couldn't help but laugh!

5. Describe a time when you should have tried harder.
I'm certain there are many a times I should have tried harder. School for instance. I slacked A LOT. It bit me in the butt since I didn't walk with my class due to not having enough space for an English class.

6. What are you best at?
-I'm good at my job. I've excelled even beyond my expectations. I like things to run as smoothly as possible and made some changes within the company to help with that. I was rewarded in turn.
-I'm also good at organization. It may take a while to get it the way I want it to be, but eventually am satisfied.

7. If someone was going to make a movie or TV show about your life, who would play you and why?
Either Anna Farris or Uma Thurman. Just because I've been told I look like them.

8. Name 3 things that you think are strange.
-Sadie's incessant need for wanting her butt scratched like a cat
-Sadie knows when it's 7 am & 7 pm. That's the time she gets fed, and I swear she's learned to read a clock.
-Utah weather. Warm, then an hour later it's snowing buckets!

9. What is one lesson you have learned in the past 12 months?
You can pick your friends, but not your family. That's all I'm going to say to that.

Bob Marley Quote

I posted this a while back on Facebook. Thought I'd share it on here as well! :)


I love how this explains exactly how I feel about Brian! I love my little family! And love my Brian! <3


"Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are. The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again. Colours seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face. In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon. You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life." — Bob Marley


Brian commented: "This is too sweet! I wish I knew where this guy is who you are talking about, I would like to meet him."

Typical Brian ;P