Back again...

Been super busy lately and I have thought about so many great things to post about but have failed in doing so this past month!
Things I have been up to and/or super excited about:

• Ella's hair is starting to get darker! I never thought I would have a blonde baby...
• Whole Foods opened up this month! I have been a juicing crazed woman with all the tasty organic produce they offer!
• I have decided to become a VEGAN! The last two weeks I have been 90% vegan. I think the 3-4 meals on non-vegan happened while hanging out with some of my guy friends. They tempt me with yummy animal products saying "It's just a bite!" ... So I am not a HARDCORE vegan by any means.. Just trying to be healthier. 
• Crazy Sexy Diet by Kris Carr finally arrived Via Amazon and I am about half way into it and love her! She is living with Cancer and it's about the life style change she has made to enable her body to start healing itself. 
• I am going to a Raw/Vegan cooking class next week with a friend
• Looking Forward to dressing Ella up this weekend!
• Need to get my big ol' butt back in the gym... 
• Plan to blog more 

Over all I just feel truly blessed in life.  I love the people I work with and love the work gets to be my break and my going out time while I make money.  I am thankful I have a job that I can work at night so that I can spend my days rising and watching my little girl.  I have a wonderful room mate who is so good to Ella and I.  My family is great especially my mother who treats me better than I deserve. I have two really close friends that always make me laugh and are truly amazing.  Everyone in my life fills me with joy and I say this as Ella is crying and fussing about not getting her way.... time to tend to the greatest joy of all !

Labor Day 2011

My Little Girl IS indeed a CAMPER! 

This week on very very shot notice Ella and  I took our first camping trip together! I worked late Sunday with my best friend Christina as we are closing down the bar at 3am she tells me I should go with her , her little girl, and our friend Dustin.  I am a planner and I like to plan things out so I told her it sounded like fun but in the back of my head knew on this 10 hour notice that I probably wouldn't go! Well in attention to being a planner I am also spontaneous and if talked into something enough will be all for it! On my way to pick up my little girl Monday morning at 10am I received a call from my good friend Dustin who was put in charge by Christina to talk me into going.  It didn't take much convincing for me to say yes.  I picked up Ella, packed up my car as fast as possible, borrowed my friends tent, and then was on the road in less than 2 hours!
Camping with Ella was a lot of fun! She really enjoyed herself and the outdoors! Christina did forget her tent but we lucked out because I borrowed an 8 person tent.  Even with the 5 of us cuddled in one tent Tuesday morning was cold! Plus with the on going fire banned that ment no bon fire....maybe next time..

Ella and Merrit- We made it through the night! 

 My Friend Rusty's Tent is Awwwweome! 

Eating Lunch on the Rode as we head back home- This little girl cracks me up!

Pool TIme!

This summer has been sooo stinkin hot that I have not spent much time at a pool.  This summer one of the best pool days we had is when Daniel and I took Ella to this ahhhhmazing pool! Daniel's best friend was house sitting and she was able to bring us to their pool! Wouldn't you love to have a backyard like this one?!?!?!?  I hope to take Ella to the pool a couple more times this year.  She loves the water just like her mama! 

June's Random iPhone Pics!

I feel like I take more pictures in a day than the average person takes in two weeks! I am trying to save more to my computer and delete them off my phone so I'm not sorting through 1,000 pics to show someone a picture of Ella I took last week! That's the awesome thing about iPhones they hold soo many pictures! Today as I was syncing my phone I realized how many post I could have done in the past two weeks with pictures I took, but since I failed to do so I am combining them in one big post!
So here are the photo's of things I've done the past 2-3 weeks!

{Taco Tuesday} 

The Wait was 2 hours! So we tailgated in the parking lot with $2 Tecates and Modelo's- Yikes!

{1st time in almost a year of little group is all together for a night out!}

 Hanging with Chip, Rusty, and Mere 

{Rusty and Rigsby }

{Jesse and Russ- My "Big Brothers and Step-Brother"}

{Ella and I at the Edmond Pool- Already going for the older boys, oh nooo}

 { Best looking 1 year old at the pool, don't you think? }

{Trying to make meal plans for the week }

{Jeff let me drive his Sweet Car, I went and got Coffee Ice Cream:YUM!}

{ My Juicer came in the mail, it was a happy day! Looks great with my Vita Mix!}

{ New Job = Wearing what I want! My Sister Babysat while I worked so I wore the shirt she bought me in New York a year ago right after I had Ella it was just always to small to wear before}

{Apple, Banana, Strawberry Smoothies as a Saturday Afternoon Snack }

{Such a happy baby in no clothes and getting to use the her spoon like a big girl!}

{Daniel and I Took our Dad to Red Rock For Late Fathers Day }

 {Daniel and Dad}

{Daniel and I ..............My Dad Happy to be out of the house! hehe }

{Pics I took on the bike Ride home }

{Ella Wearing Uncle Josh's Hat and Then Walking down Classen After Lunch @ Grandhouse}

{ Finally - our sunday evening after Grandhouse with the family}

Relaxing in the AC!

 {Then Ella and I hung out at the pool Sunday Evening}

Meet me in Montauk

"Blessed are the forgetful, for they get the better even of their blunders. "

"How happy is the blameless vestal's lot! / The world forgetting, by the world forgot / Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind! / Each pray'r accepted, and each wish resign'd. "

Enteral Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Recently I have been thinking about this movie.  Would you ever erase some one from your memory?  I would have said no a couple months back, because lets me honest every memory and experience shapes who we are today. However, I think that if this technology existed that I might look into setting up an appointment.  How wonderful would it be to be able to erase someone that has completely written you off?!?! They were at one time a wonderful friend to you and they are someone you love but since they no longer seem to care to contact you or even give you closure you could just erase the fact that you even knew them!

You wouldn't have to wonder all the time what went wrong or live another day with unanswered questions... 

   Would you trade all your memories with a person in to avoid hurt feelings and confusion??? 

Something that really makes me think.... 

New Week, New Start!

This morning I got this week off to the right start, I got my ass to the GYM! I feel so much better knowing that I already have my work out knocked out for the day!  Today is going to be long one I put in a full day at the office then its off for training to start my new cocktail job! I am going to be so busy I gotta figure out how to manage Two jobs, working out and Mommy time! 

Im excited though I feel as if I am starting to get back on track and get things straightened out again since having baby Ella. 

Wish Me Luck This Week Is going to be a BUSY one, I can't wait! :)

Coffee Talk

This past week has to gone as expected.  Don't you hate it when you really look forward to something with so much anticipation and excitement and then it ends up not happening?!?! I have been disappointed and had my feelings hurt this past week by a really good friend and sadly it looks as though they are just walking away from it.  Amazing how a simple thing like getting a phone call saying "Im sorry" sometimes never seems to happen.  I'm at a loss. But I keep telling myself that enjoyed the time I spent with the friend and move forward from here.

Coffee From All About Cha in Edmond

Sunday I saw a good friend at mine at church that I hadn't hung out with since last summer when we both use to party.  Its awesome how much the two of us has changed so much in just a years time.  We had Coffee last night and talked a lot of past mistakes we made and how we have become the people we are today.  It was so encouraging to have a friend listen to my hurt and concerns and offer the best advice possible, Give it all up to God.  I have felt a strong conviction about some things in my life that I knew wasn't God's best or his will for me.  In some areas I fill like it's hard to give it all to God and have to remove myself from relationships that do not honor God. 
I attend LifeChurch and the current series is called "Toxic," this weeks title is Toxic Friends. A message that I feel like God has been trying to get me to listen to for a long time now.  The more I am trusting in God and obeying his will the more I see that he is going to take care of me.  Now that I have a daughter to rise my life can no longer be selfish and lived just to please my own desires.  I am praying that I keep my focus on God because I know that people will always let you down and I have to put my trust in God and not in man.

Red Prime and Night Out!

Last Night ended up being a good night.  I had dinner at Red Prime for the first time! I had gone in there before for drinks but hadn't ate there before.  I had the best filet ever, however I am a former vegetarian so its not like I have much to compare it too!  The food was great from start to finish! Yum!!!! I can't wait to eat dinner there again!! After dinner I came home to fed Ella and my Mom offered to babysit so I could go out with some friends. I met up with my friend Denny at Edna's and from there we went to a couple of different bars and I got to see a lot of friends I hadn't hung out with in awhile.  It felt weird being out on a saturday night again! Going to these busy bars really are not my scene anymore but it was still great to get out and see a lot of old friends!! Funny how times change, while I was out all I could think about was how my little girl was doing.  I am so lucky to have such a wonderful girl, I can't imagine my life without her!

This Too Shall Pass

This week has been a rough week for me! I got sick mid week and also got a little girlie and emanational about some things in my life.  First of all I'm hardly ever sick and it seems like when I am its bad.  I've been in bed for the last two days as much as possible when I wasn't tending to my sweet baby.  Thankfully I woke up today and felt tons better, Praise God! 

I'm also trying to not take some possibly hurtful things too personal, which then there is a little bit of "drama" going on top of being sick it all just seems worst than it might be (maybe) . 

I feel like I have changed a lot this past year and really there is no doubt that I have change a lot! I mean I had to. Now I'm recently learning for like the 2nd time in my life that I need to be carful in trusting people's words... Even though I had my doubts I still entertained ideas as possible truths, my mistake.  My gut was telling me to be cautious and for the most part I was.  Ugh sorry I am being so vague but I try not to vent my frustration on many people so I am just gonna do it here as a reminder to myself as a new mother to be very cautious of my feelings and people I put my trust in.
Okay enough with the awful post lately! 

I am feeling better today and I'm having a whole new outlook on my circumstances. I know there are still a lot of things I need to figure out and I will, but for now all I can do is my best one.day.at.a.time. 

Blah!

Today is just one of those days.... I don't know if my hormones are just now getting outta whack since my pregnancy or what!!! I am in this funk and I hate it.  I am really annoyed right now with a bunch of situations and uncertainties in my life. I know I have to change my thinking though and focus on the positive.  I just feel like there are a lot of changes that I am needing to make, things I need to focus less on and put the focus and energy on more promising things. I really wish I had the green light from my doctor so that I could go work out! A good work out session really helps me clear my head!! Oh well just got to take this one day at a time!

Sunday Bloody Sunday...

Well I'm coming up on week 40 of being pregnant... I fell like I'll forever be pregnant. I am so ready to get labor behind me and start this new life! In the mean time I am just waiting... 

Today I went and hung out with one of my best friends, Tiffanie who was in town from Dallas along with her brother Chris and our friend Emily.  So it was good for me to "get out" for a couple hours today.  I hate no being able to fill up my day with busy things to do.  Yesterday I thought my water might brake I had never felt so much pressure "down there" I had to hold my belly up while I walked! My water however never broke.  I got a little bit of last minute shopping done then I treated myself to a Manicure and Pedi. So I now feel completely ready! My bag is packed, Ella's outfit is picked out, I got my hair done this week, and now my toes will look pretty in those awful stirrups, and my nails are all cute and maintained to hold my precious little baby! Today I am taking it easy and staying inside the air conditioned house! I is so hot and humid outside today, ugh!
Now as I write this I all the sudden feel tired.
I guess I will go take another pregnant nap.....

UnEventful Sunday..

Yesterday I thought I was gonna lose it.  I felt pretty good all day and could not think of anything to do or find anyone to hang out with.  I kept thinking, 'I'm 39 weeks pregnant and there isn't much I can do!' 

I wanted to take a walk but it was way too hot! So I jumped in my car and started to drive to my favorite area, Nichols Hills.  I pulled into the Panera Bread that was across the street from the house I lived in 2 years ago.  I miss living in that area sooo much! I love the "western" area.  The houses all have there own personality, the restaurants are so good, and it just makes me happy... I ordered a sandwich and a large green tea then sat down and begin reading "The Geography of Bliss."  It's a book about a journalist who travels the world in search of the happiest places.  I thought it was ironic that I had drove to my favorite part of town to a Panera Bread 20 minutes away from my house to read this book that was kinda exactly like what I was doing.  The book is not about happiness being a mind set but more about our surroundings  being the cause of our happiness or lack of.  I think it's a mind set but I'm loving the book, learning about different countries and their cultures. 

After a couple of hours reading and sipping on my green tea I drove around the Nichols Hills houses.  Looking forward to the day I can move back into the area.  I fall in love with several of the houses and wonder what the inside looks like... I can't wait to buy a house and make it my own for Ella and I. 

After driving around I thought I'd continue on this quest I was having by myself for the little things that make me happy and drove to the Cheese Cake Factory.  There I order a Red Velvet Cheesecake! It was delicious! I finally made my way back home that evening and was able to cross off another day closer to meeting Ella! :) 

Vaccination is Not Immunization

So I finished reading book last week, Vaccination is not Immunization by Tim O'Shea.  I posted it on my facebook wall and got a lot of feedback on both sides of this controversial issue. I had never give much thought to vaccines before.  And I did not even realize that a child in American now receives their first vaccine that day they are born! And its for hep B, which after reading research on what hep B is I wonder WHY the hell are we giving a shot with 30x's the safe amount of mercury for a 180lb person to a newborn!!! I am an open minded person and I am willing to listen to both sides but really since when did the FDA and Government stop worrying about money and truly have the people's best interest in mind! The answer is THEY HAVN'T. I encourage every parent to read this book.  Think about this do you really think it's safe to combine 3 vaccines into one shot and then give it to a child all in the same day?? Should we really believe what the FDA tells us as 100% truth or should we question and research what we are being told?!!? I believe that our future children are at risk if we as parents just lay by the waste side and do whatever we are told by Doctors,  The TV, The Food Companies and Corporate America. We are so lazy in this Country! We went a quick fix to everything and industries are always coming up with the "answers" we are looking for.  The great thing about living in American is we got get to make up our own minds.  We get to choose if we want to live a healthy life style or not.  We have the choice the workout, smoke, take drugs, drink alcohol, eat healthy food, ect.  Everyone has their own views on what is okay for them and their family and respect that.  I feel confidant in the direction I'm headed and the choices I am beginning to  make for me and my family. 

BitterSweet...

I am really excited that my Best Friend is going to be able to be in Oklahoma when Ella is born!!! She is currently driving to Oklahoma this week from Washington State.  It's bittersweet though because she is going through some family stuff right now and traveling back "home."  My heart goes out to her, I love this girl so much and hate to see her sad.... But on a selfish note I am looking forward to her being able to at the hospital when I have Ella just like I was able to be there when her son Jace was born.  It really amazes me how much we have been through... 

Two-Paths...

I feel like my life has been going pretty slow here lately, like I am stuck going in a straight line  just waiting to have this baby so my life can really start. Every thing is about to change for me...EVERYTHING! 

There are so many life choices I am playing out in my head.  Everything is so uncertain to me right now. I don't know if I should save up to buy a house or hurry out of my parents and move into a rent house?? I wonder if I should go to school knowing that if I do my life will be consumed with taking care of a baby, work, and school to fill up any free time instead of friends? I guess I am looking for answers that are impossible for me to know until I get to that fork in my life.  For now I am still pregnant just waiting to see how things are going to be as a single mom.  I can't wait to get ENERGY back. I feel like someone has drained the life out of me lately. The worst part is knowing that it's all going to get worse better it gets better.  I am ready to get this show on the road! Hurry up labor I want to get you behind me!

Acupuncture and My Tuesday...

Yesterday was an eventful day for me! It was my Dad's birthday, which I thought went awesome.  It was a pretty chill day at the office and I left early for a doctors appointment.  Everything is looking good! I am now 37 weeks, my baby is concerned full-term now.  My weight has been almost the exact same for these last two months.  The last check up I had lost 2lbs, this appointment I gain 2 lbs so I am back at the same weight I have been! Awesome, I'm glad is staying consistent! My doctor checked me for the first time to see if I was dilated. Found out that I am not dilated yet, but I'm 80% phase which means my body is getting ready for labor! YAY! But I also got scared I still don't see how a baby is going to fit it's way through (ouch!)!  My OB then let me know that I could have this baby ANYTIME now and also that it's safe to have her anytime now!
After the doctor I went to my Chiropractor to get adjusted.  After I told him about my doctors appointment he asked it I was wanting to start acupuncture to help induce my labor.  I said "YES!" then he asked
"So, your ready to have this baby as soon as tonight then, right??...Because it could induce you that fast..."  
WOW, that stopped me in my tracks! No, I am honestly not "ready" but then again how can I be, I feel like it's going to be a fly by the seat of my pants type deal! I am making sure however I do the best I can to be ready and prepare in any way I can!
So yes we started acupuncture yesterday.  He put tiny needles (like the one in the picture above) in both of my small toes, inside of my ankles and in my wrist.  Then I was told to lay there for 15 minutes. Just 3 minutes into it I could feel my body responding.  Then I started to feel ready sick! My sister in law came into the room and helped me sit up which made me feel better. I had started to sweat and feel a little light headed.  The doctor came in and put two more acupuncture needles in the webbed part of my hands (between my thumb and pointer finger) to help take away the nausea, it worked.  I sat there for the remanding time and was fine.
Later that night I went to dinner with my parents and then to a coffee shop to hang out for my Dad's Birthday.  Once I got home I went to change into some sweat pants, as I lifted my left leg into my pants I got a sharp piercing  pain running up through my body and I froze! It hurt sooo bad! I after the pain stopped I started walk and on my second step, as I came down on my right leg I felt my body wanting to collapse.  I was in pain.  I could not put any weight on my right leg or it caused awful pain in my groin area! I know I had pulled something or that something was not right.  This pain lasted all night! Which ment I was CRAWLING to the bathroom for all my many pee brakes that I have to take! Awful night and awful pain that brought me to tears.  I could barely sleep, if I moved to fast or the wrong way I felt that pain.  The only way to keep from hurting was to not move the lower half of my body at all.
I woke up this morning felling a little better, I still can't put much wight on my right side though.  I went to my chiropractor again and was told I had a spasm and to take it easy it's starting to heal... We are also going to do acupuncture again tomorrow.
So today I am trying to take it easy as I crawl or walk funny til this pulled whatever gets better....(sigh)....

St. Patty's Day!

Today its one of my favorite days to go out with friends and celebrate! But this year being pregnant I'm taking it a bit easy. My friend Kelly is having a St. Patty's day Party that I'll be stopping by, I just love her and her husband Justin such great people!! Then my friend Rusty and I are gonna grab dinner and start a new series called The Pacific. I might just have to drink some green tea though to celebrate with a little green! :)

An Irish toast: May those that love us, love us.And those that don't love us, may God turn their hearts. And if He doesn't turn their hearts, may He turn their ankles so we will know them by their limping.

HAPPY ST. Patty's Day!!!!

Pics From Last Year's St. Patty's Day:



We all went to McNellie's to Celebrate with Green Beer......And some Irish Car Bombs


The People I spend most of my time with : Christina, Jesse, and Russ


Lauren and Denny,Miss working with these 2 /Ended our night with Dancing Christina and Petra

Summer Outings

I always find myself looking for new and original ideas for things to do in the Oklahoma City metro area. Last summer my friend Tiffanie and I would always try to come up with something new and fun to do for a Saturday evening or a night out. Many times when we wanted to think of something we couldn't and would just resort to a weekend in Dallas. However this Summer I will have a new born and getting an afternoon, evening, or possibly a weekend will no longer be guaranteed, so this summer I want to be able to squeeze some of my idea's in when I do get a day/night on the town!

My Summer Idea's and To-Do List:

• Sunset Sail at Lake Hefner, you can pay to have them sail you out and watch the sunset (1 1/2 hour ). I love sail boats probably because I love the water, but I have yet to be on one. This is a great idea for a date or girls night out! I would also suggest a bottle or two of wine to enjoy while relaxing and taking in the beautiful scenery.
• Go to a Friday Art Walk that they host at the Paeso (I think the first friday of the month). The great thing about these art walks is that most galleries have wine or wine tastings along with little snacks. I went to one 2 years ago and really enjoyed it. I also loved seeing local art. Afterwards you can have dinner at one of the near by restaurants, I recommend Picasso Grill. The owner Kim is a kick ass chick and my dear friend Brandon will make you an amazing cocktail!
• Cocktails On The Skyline held on the roof top of the Oklahoma City Art Museum. I have yet to go. My friend Kelly has invited me to go with her in the past but I had never seemed to make it. It starts May 6 and runs through October 28 on Thursdays opening at 5pm. They offer cocktails and live band entertainment. This year the opening band is Born in November, which your ears will love! Cliff and the band are so talented and a joy to listen to! The first time I heard them play was at a wedding I was photographing and later got to hear them many times at Cafe Nova, you won't be disappointed!
• Bowling Night Oklahoma city recently opened up a new bowling ally in bricktown, Red Pin. Another place I have yet to go.... They have offer drinks from beer to Martin's and have an impressive food menu. Bowling is not something I've done very often but with right friends it sounds like a fun afternoon or evening plan!
• Go to a Baseball Game Of course here in Oklahoma city we have the nice red hawks stadium. I believe that one Tuesday or it might be Thursdays (not sure) they have drink specials for ladies night. I also just love to be at a sporting event. You won't find me watching baseball on TV, but I'm up to going to the live game! A beer in one hand and a hot dog in the other hand sound good? Well maybe a light beer and some nacho's is more likely for me to be seen with!
• Wine Tastings I am not sure what all liquor stores or restaurants offer them but I do know of at lest one, The Wild Turkey on 122nd and McArthur. My friend Rick is an owner and the first Thursday of the month they host wine tastings, often along with a beer and liquor tasting! I would like to become more of a wine connoisseur and wine tastings always sound like an awesome idea!
• Golf Day weather it is put-put or a driving range I honestly want to put on a polo and shorts (Gotta play the part) and go hit some balls! Then afterwards have some lunch at the country club with some club specials or maybe some lunch at a near by cafe. I guess ideally the thing to do is find some "Golfers" and spend the day on the corse and try to learn how to golf!
• Picnics are great when the Oklahoma wind is not blowing too hard and right before the summer heat or around the fall. I enjoy laying out a big blanket and bringing some wine with a packed lunch or some snacks and enjoying catching up with a friend. Tiff and I did this last summer and preferred to be by the water although make sure the grass is soft and their isn't a pile of dead fish near by (That was gross)!!
• Road Trip , let me rephrase that ROAD TRIP?!?!?!!! I feel like I need to yell those two words loudly and full of excitement! I really want to take a weekend road trip this summer. Two places come to mind 1) Weekend in Dallas 2) Float Illinois River. I did both last year and it was a blast!! A fun weekend in Dallas filled with shopping, dinner, and dancing is just a must from time to time. I also enjoy "camping," (I prefer finding a find with a RV I don't like to rough it too much) cook outs, and floating the river all day!
• Lake my favorite thing about the summer is going out on a speed boat all day on the lake! I just love the sun and love the water. In Oklahoma there are plenty of chances to go out of the lake durning the summer. I would love to go to the lake AT LEST once this summer!

Well thats all I have for now. I really look forward to this summer!!! This summer will be the most exciting because I will be a new mom and look forward to being with my little baby girl.

I know that this summer I might not get to do everything I normally would and thats okay but above are some idea's for the times I'm told "Jenn, let me watch Ella today/tonight so you can have some free time" otherwise I'll draw a blank and ask the repeating question "...I don't care what do you wanna do..."

Last BIG LOVE Date Night of 2010

BIG LOVE = BIG ENTERTAINMENT

Is anyone else watching this, or should I say anyone else just addicted to this show as much as my friend Rusty and I are???

Yesterday was the season 4 finale of Big Love. I first started watching this series 4 years ago Season 1 when my best friend first got me hooked on it. Its one of those series though that is gone for a year and half before it's air with another season, which sucks for an addicted viewer like myself! But After the 1st or 2nd Season I admit life happened and I kinda forgot about it. Then one of my best friends, Rusty reintroduced it back in my life telling me how good it was and how much I was missing.
So this season we made it a point to meet every Sunday (No matter what, he even drives in from out of town or back from a ski trip early) to have our weekly "Big Love" Date Night.
Every Episode is an hour long airing on HBO. I really got hooked, once again on this series.

Looking forward to the next Season, it ended like most season finales end, leaving you on the edge of your seat!!! Russ and I were left with are "OH MY GOSH...WHAT?..." lingering ...while we have our after the episode discussions and tried to figured out what we will fill our Sunday night Void with .....