tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41355328910317655362012-01-30T11:10:01.738-08:00Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.comBlogger731100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-16723955582505167162011-08-16T16:47:00.000-07:002011-08-16T16:47:28.266-07:00

On my photography blog today I talked about the summer drifting away. And boy did it ever. It was here before I knew it and then before I knew it, it was gone. But what I really started thinking about on Wednesday was how time slips away. And how hard it is to let go to that time sometimes. Wednesday morning, Amy started junior high. Wow, 7th grade. How did that happen? As I dropped her off,

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-87554579438827312862011-07-20T14:09:00.000-07:002011-07-20T14:09:46.801-07:00

I will tell you! Not having a microwave. Our fancy-shmancy microwave isn't even that old. 5 years is all. We paid a small fortune for it. I loved it! Well, I used to. One day a few months back, I was boiling some water and it wouldn't do anything. So I said shucks and then moved on. The next day it worked fine. I thought maybe it was just a glitch or random act of microwave temper tantrumness. So

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-16750610804706595142011-07-09T16:57:00.000-07:002011-07-09T16:57:10.076-07:00

Lots and lots and lots of flower pictures. Because, everyday I go out to my garden and new flowers have bloomed. Every one of them a sunflower, but every one of them different.  Then, if you are like me and neglect your vegetable garden, you end up with... RadishesLettuce Have a great weekend!

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-16395460362057281422011-07-05T17:01:00.000-07:002011-07-05T17:04:31.545-07:00

So, my last post gave you a quick catch up. Now, how about something exciting. Well, perhaps. By the way, did you notice my new flower at the top? Purty, right? My first REAL sunflowers that grew in my yard this year. I have more pictures I just may bore you with. But that will have to wait for a later date. Today. Well, today is all about cleaning. Laundry, to be exact. I've heard about making

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-60339270749995620052011-07-02T13:47:00.000-07:002011-07-02T13:47:46.324-07:00

My last post was 2 months ago. Wow! That is pathetic. Well, let's start with some pictures to get the ball rolling.... Abby was "Billy" in her school play about Arizona. Cutest Billy I ever did saw. My husband tested for his green belt at the end of May. Two weeks before he turned 40. Yep, he is old now and I am not too far behind.  Amy posed in the park for me. 12 years old and cute.

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-4485071417728507512011-05-01T16:35:00.000-07:002011-05-01T16:35:48.796-07:00

Well, it's official. I am the mom to 2 kids in the double digits. 10 and 12. Abby had a fantastic birthday with an amazing cake and putt-putt golf on Friday, and her first slumber party on Saturday night with Cheesecake Brownies, Root Beer Floats, monkey bread in the morning with fruit and scrambled eggs. What more could a little girl ask for? I told you it was an amazing cake... If you want

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-86430551146493994562011-04-27T20:12:00.000-07:002011-04-27T20:12:35.239-07:00

I tell ya, this blogging thing is a lot of work. I have been meaning to post like FOREVER, but the time gets away from me, and then I don't have a lot to say. At least nothing extraordinary. I don't know how blog-people do it every day. Between my job, my kids, homework after school, karate at night, gardening and on top of all of it trying to start a photography business, I just don't have any

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-49809448220415294412011-03-06T18:36:00.000-08:002011-03-06T18:36:11.523-08:00

Have you been as busy as I have been? I don't mean like your normal every day busy, but running around non-stop, constantly? It's the rabbit's fault. If you didn't know it is the year of the rabbit. A friend of mine told me that is why we all seem to be so busy. But it is a good thing, and because it is the metal rabbit, it will be a prosperous year also. Ohhhh, I can only hope! I just wish

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-59269974003620435282011-02-20T11:34:00.000-08:002011-02-20T11:34:11.908-08:00

Busy, busy week. But then what week isn't. Valentine's Day... eh, whatever. Tuesday, open house at the junior high to meet teachers and learn about electives and school stuff.  Still can't believe that Amy will be in junior high next year. I don't know where the time went. I would love to have one more day holding her as a baby. Wednesday, drove all the way to the main library to get books for

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-62557221999009242572011-02-13T19:44:00.000-08:002011-02-13T19:44:05.950-08:00

Valentine's...Shmalentine's is what I say. People either love it, or hate it. I can't really say I hate it, but it isn't my favorite. Without getting too cliche, I just think we should show the people we love how much we love them every day, not just February 14th. With that being said, here is my Valentine contribution. I was vacuuming on Saturday during my marathon cleaning day. Finally done

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-54390273993576478192011-02-13T18:47:00.000-08:002011-02-13T18:48:35.874-08:00

Let me say it again. Wow, What a Weekend!  It all started Friday night. I went to my Aunt's grand-daughters 4th birthday party. We don't see each other a lot, in fact very little. Even thought we live about 6 miles apart. Kind of silly actually, but we made the time and spent the night at Peter Piper Pizza, playing games and visiting. My Aunt has a HUGE family. It is awesome and makes me kind

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-45423597866730978052011-02-11T14:55:00.000-08:002011-02-11T14:55:13.370-08:00

I recently gave up my coffee habit. Not really a habit to be honest, I just really like coffee. During the winter and when it is cold anyway.  Summertime you will not see me touch the stuff.  I usually make coffee at home and take it in my own mug to work. But, once or twice a week, I would treat myself to a Grande Caramel Brulee Latte. With whip cream because really otherwise what is the point?

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-32804950300599277502011-02-10T06:57:00.000-08:002011-02-10T06:57:09.550-08:00

1. Well, it seems all I have lately are random thoughts. Not much of importance I have to say I guess.  2. I took Amy to a Step Up Band Night last night.  It is held at the junior high for students in 6th grade so they can see what band is like when they get to 7th grade.  The 6th graders get 30 minutes to practice a song with the junior high kids and then they perform.  Can I just say, Wow!  

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-75252564145792324872011-02-01T15:24:00.000-08:002011-02-01T15:24:00.054-08:00

1. Luckily, today was a much less eventful day!  Still busy, but busy is good.  Just as long as I don't have to deal with any crazies! 2. Why is it that nobody in my household knows how to load dishes in the dishwasher except for me?  Actually, they know how to do it when it is a specific chore, but if they just say use a glass for a drink, they set it in the sink instead of spending 5 more

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-70419332778976857652011-01-31T14:37:00.000-08:002011-01-31T16:53:51.605-08:00

If you would have told me this morning that today would have been so eventful, I wouldn't have believed it for a second.  Just a plain ol' Monday morning, struggling to get myself out of bed early, wake the kiddos for school and get to work. It drizzled a bit last night, so the morning smelled fresh just like I like it. Got the kids to school on time. Made it to work early. I work in a

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-83551898718838879572011-01-23T16:27:00.000-08:002011-01-23T16:27:44.669-08:00

Abby wanted to make cupcakes today.  She has brand new pans from Grandma that have two different parts.  A bottom part with a little pocket to put cream and then a top part to make it look like a cupcake. Bottom cup Top of the cupcake Instead, I ended we ended up with a cupcake disaster. Yessss.  I greased the pan. Yessss.  I floured the pan. I don't know why they broke all apart.  

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-80102944200348006402011-01-22T19:29:00.000-08:002011-01-22T19:29:44.573-08:00

Really, that is all I can say about the newest developments. It wasn't really that long ago that shopping had no meaning to Amy whatsoever.  Even just six months ago shopping was less than appealing to her.  But now, she is all about the shopping.  Today we made an excursion to the mall with her friend Kerrie.  She had money just burnin' a whole in her pocket! It at least is her money.  I

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-48739010259750129152011-01-20T15:07:00.000-08:002011-01-20T15:07:56.326-08:00

1.  If you live somewhere in the Valley of the Sun, did you see the moon this morning?  Wasn't it amazing? The sky in the East was orange.  The sky in the West was purple and blue and the moon was ginormous in the sky.  Of course I didn't have my camera, I even looked at it this morning and thought, I should take my camera today, but I passed it up.  But you know, I would have taken a picture and

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-3592753149850980192011-01-18T16:10:00.000-08:002011-01-18T16:10:37.260-08:00

You may think that this post is a two parter.  One part about pimples (gross) and one part about yogurt.  But no, it is one in the same.  Because.... I finally found a natural cure for you know whats.  Well, at least kind of.  I found it somewhere on the internet, I don't remember where.  But, the article suggested using plain yogurt at night after washing your face.  You don't need a lot, just

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-91760071907109620672011-01-13T14:23:00.000-08:002011-01-13T14:42:23.915-08:00

He's not a guppy not a puppy He's a Bronco dooda dooda He's not very bright he doesn't always get the answers right He's not a guppy not a puppy He's a Bronco dooda dooda This is the song that Abby wrote about our dog Bronco today.  Love it!!  She had him sign the paper when she was done with his slobber!

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-27666682867849939262011-01-11T15:43:00.000-08:002011-01-11T15:43:45.689-08:00

No real topic today, but some random thoughts 1.  What is happening with people.  I live in Arizona, and the recent events in Tucson have me just plain angry.  Violence isn't anything new. Oldest thing in the book. And you know what, we are all responsible because nobody ever does anything about it. And the people that are supposed to be leaders; politicians, athletes, business people, everyone

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-37240851694791702752011-01-05T15:26:00.000-08:002011-01-05T15:28:10.369-08:00

I have been thinking and thinking and thinking some more about what I am going to write about.  Still thinking, and I got nothing, so I will share some photos and little thoughts from the last couple weeks... I think I may have a small problem.  Discovered the Mesa Home Fabric Store.  Addicted to buying cheap fabric, and by cheap I mean 50 cents a yard.  WHAAAAT!  Seriously!  Okay, I should

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-66145415218286757232010-12-31T14:13:00.000-08:002010-12-31T14:13:54.875-08:00

for 2010!  I don't know about you, but 2010 was less than a fantastic year.  I am very happy to say good-bye to this year and say Hellloooooo to 2011!  I am looking forward to all the possibilities that 2011 holds. I know there will be good and bad and great, can't wait to see what all that is. But today was about enjoying the last day of 2010.  What better way than Indoor Skydiving?  Yes,

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-53991596832077913782010-12-22T08:45:00.000-08:002010-12-22T21:05:14.332-08:00

Christmas and everything that comes with it has a tendency to sneak up on you.  You think you are moving along just fine, getting done what you need to get done.  And then, wham!  Just like that it kicks you in the bootie and says, "Did you get presents for so-an-so?  Don't forget you need to get that yada-yada in the mail if it is going to reach them by Christmas day.  Did you remember the

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-80918939628004246152010-12-01T12:19:00.000-08:002010-12-01T12:19:43.075-08:00

Like most people, my favorite Christmas decoration and tradition is our Christmas tree.  Ever since I was a kid, we put the tree up the day after Thanksgiving.  And, so it continues with my family now.  Abby wouldn't have it any other way.  As soon as she wakes up the day after Thanksgiving, it is all about "when are we going to put up the decorations?"  She is in love with the holidays.  All

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-87999381096116261022010-11-30T14:19:00.000-08:002010-11-30T14:19:12.732-08:00

I know, I know, it has been way too long since I blogged.  I KNOW, I KNOW, how is anyone supposed to read this dang blog if I never write anything?  I KNOOOOOOOW ALREADY! It's just that the holidays have officially taken over my life.  Food, decorating, family, friends, shopping and all that other gobbledy-gook.  I don't even do that much and I feel it! Oh and I am sure I haven't mentioned it

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-24200824501750254942010-11-14T07:46:00.000-08:002010-11-14T07:46:54.243-08:00

So, Abby has been begging me for a specific meal for what seems like forever.  And I have been putting it off forever, because honestly I just wasn't sure about it.  I will give you a couple hints and let you guess... Yep... little mini meatballs.... Yep, some spaghetti.... But here is the kicker, we didn't have spaghetti and meatballs, because really that wouldn't be an adventure in the

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-89386241196934794812010-11-11T09:44:00.001-08:002010-11-11T09:44:48.228-08:00

Joy Love Story HolidayChristmas cards and holiday thank you cards by Shutterfly.View the entire collection of cards.

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-698178050804860912010-11-08T13:53:00.000-08:002010-11-08T13:53:43.937-08:00

Today we were so happy to sleep in.  Whew!  It was a busy couple of days and a little relaxation was definitely in order.  Slept in a little, got up and made some breakfast and mosied on up the east and north shore to make sure we didn't miss one single piece of the island. Stopped at Kilauea Lighthouse on the way.  Kilauea Lighthouse is one of the nations most intact historic light stations

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-31617523349237984412010-11-04T15:55:00.000-07:002010-11-04T15:55:09.009-07:00

Today I am extremely grateful for ibuprofen, although I need another dose for it to actually work.  You know the soreness you get after a really good workout?  That's what I have.  It hurts so good.  The hurt that you know you are improving your body and health and your body is letting you know just how much!  The old saying is "No Pain, No Gain!"  So true.  So true! So you better be tough!

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-47186951422039479652010-11-03T15:01:00.000-07:002010-11-03T15:01:00.360-07:00

My mom really wanted to do a catamaran trip.  So, why not, we are game for anything.  This was the only way to see the Northwest side of the Island, and the Na Pali Coast.  Remember this beautiful picture... This is the Na Pali Coast looking from land.  And yes, that is my picture.  You can not even compare that picture with how beautiful it really is. So another super early morning to get

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-13290357955626314252010-11-02T15:46:00.000-07:002010-11-02T21:59:20.561-07:00

The last and longest 1800' This was the day that everyone had been waiting for!  Friday and ziplining.  We went ziplining for the first time in Breckenridge last year and had a BLAST!  So, when we were planning our trip and asked the girls what they wanted to do, this was number one on their list.  We found Outfitters Kauai and knew that this was going to be the company we went with, because

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-36273313204245077162010-10-23T13:24:00.000-07:002010-10-23T13:24:32.894-07:00

After a day of relaxing and checking out the Island, it was time to do some real exploring.  So, we got up early, just as the sun had come up, packed into my dad's rental suburban and headed up to Waimea Canyon.  From our hotel in Kapa'a, it would take about 2 hours to reach the end of the road and Kalalau Lookout, looking over the beautiful Na Pali Coast. The beach first thing in the morning,

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-14208842031353842002010-10-22T14:59:00.000-07:002010-10-22T14:59:20.861-07:00

We are home from our dream vacation.  Seven days on the beautiful island of Kaua'i.  I have one thousand pictures to share.  Don't worry, I will spare you and only show you 800 or so!  Kidding... We will start with our first and second day.  The first day was spent mostly on the plane, of course, and then renting the car, checking in the hotel, checking out our beach and settling in.

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-2247250459079743792010-10-09T19:17:00.000-07:002010-10-09T19:17:01.572-07:00

As promised, here are pictures of my new guest bedroom.  First, here is the before. The bed doesn't have a mattress yet, so just pay attention to the walls and decor... The bed and side tables were hand-me-downs from my grandpa. So, we got the mattress, took down the big cat print and painted, and it was time to get a new comforter. Love Ross for stuff like that, cuz I got a new set for $20!  

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-9167117168170182492010-10-08T14:56:00.000-07:002010-10-08T14:56:13.691-07:00

Okay, I'll say it and I don't even care if I hurt anyone's feelings. I HATE PLASTIC.  Plastic containers, plastic ziploc bags, plastic grocery store bags, plastic, plastic, plastic...  So, last weekend, I did it.  I finally just bought nice glass containers and threw away all my gross plastic container... You know how they get, all burnt if you put them in the microwave, stained if you put

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-58344488152727854202010-09-30T15:06:00.000-07:002010-09-30T15:06:50.870-07:00

Say hello to Bronco.  We call him Dum-Dum (Think "Dum-dum want gum-gum" from Night at the Museum) with all the affection he deserves.  This is his favorite past-time.  Drinking water from the hose, or chasing water from the hose, or just letting you spray him with the hose.  He is almost 10 months old, and seriously the best behaved and most mild-mannered dog we have ever had.  He does have a

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-38793099033841489662010-09-29T14:15:00.000-07:002010-09-29T14:15:27.190-07:00

No, really.  There really hasn't been anything notable worth talking about.  But, I'll get you caught up on all our over the weekend activities. First, I rearranged the furniture in my house.  Haven't done it for a while and it was feeling a little stale, so it was time for a change.  Remember I told you that I inherited some furniture from my grandparents when they moved North?  Well, one of

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-84114747033667087152010-09-17T13:12:00.000-07:002010-09-17T13:13:33.643-07:00

Nogales, ArizonaWhere I was born and lived for the first 2 years of my life.Where both sets of my grandparents lived.Where I spent every Christmas as a child and some of my summers.Where my Grandma Betty taught me to drive on the back roads when I was 12.My Grandma Betty died when I was 13.My paternal grandparents died many years ago. My Papa Don and his wife have now decided to move north to an

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-30818845221967385152010-09-13T15:00:00.000-07:002010-09-13T15:00:49.623-07:00

More about food.  I don't know why.  Maybe I am just super hungry lately.  I don't know.  But, after the whole summer growing, my okra finally produced.  Here's the thing about okra.  People either love it or hate it.  To be honest, I never even ate Okra until I met my husband and he took me to his hometown in Colorado.  We ate fried okra.  And I loved it.  Andy loves it.  My kids love it.  And

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-69086392806280350402010-09-10T19:40:00.000-07:002010-09-10T19:40:53.739-07:00

My little Abby just loves to bake.  Cakes, cupcakes, cookies, muffins.  If it has sugar in it, she likes to bake it.  She wants to own a bakery one day.  Right now, the name is "Sugar Bomb". Here are her latest creations.  She worked very hard last Thursday and Friday.  We baked 4 dozen cupcakes last Thursday and then iced them all on Friday for a friend's birthday.  Vanilla with Italian Butter

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-89385160301072234302010-09-08T15:05:00.000-07:002010-09-08T15:05:44.347-07:00

This is the slop I make him eat on a day to day basis. Looks delicious, right?  This is why it is so terrible.   This pasta dish is one of my favorites to prepare.  Super Easy.  Their is no recipe.  Just whatever I want to add.  The only constant is olive oil and garlic.  So, Andy can never expect the same thing twice.  Sometimes there is a lot of garlic, sometimes there is a little.  

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-61141413776319638682010-09-01T16:52:00.000-07:002010-09-01T16:59:16.581-07:00

So, it all started around 5:45 this morning, which for the record is way too early.  But before I tell you what happened today, I have to tell you what happened about 6 weeks ago... It was a normal weekend, nothing much special.  My friend Wendy and I traded kids.  She took Abby for a sleepover with her daughter Carli, and I took her daughter,Lauren for a sleepover with Amy.  Everyone ate,

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-8616487193817635482010-08-27T17:19:00.000-07:002010-08-27T17:19:35.932-07:00

If you know me, and you have had a child while we were friends, than you have probably received one of these... ... a handmade baby quilt!  This is my latest creation for my soon to arrive nephew, L.J.  Isn't it cute?  Over the years, I have probably made over 20 quilts.  They are all different patterns, different fabrics and special for their own cuteness.  This one, I have to say, is probably

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-60049016829878275352010-08-25T15:32:00.000-07:002010-08-25T15:32:45.260-07:00

Okay, a REALLY old picture.  I think this is from 1973 or 1974, either just before or just after I was born.  Here is my dad, building a geodesic dome.  We lived in Nogales, Arizona and this was our greenhouse.  My parents also had goats and so we had goat milk, too!  I don't really remember much about it, but I've heard stories.  And although I was really young, I do remember the dome a little

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-76059256649387989012010-08-20T16:32:00.000-07:002010-08-20T16:46:40.532-07:00

I planted TONS of sunflower seeds at the beginning of summer.  So excited to see my 10" sunflowers! Yes!  That is what the package said 10" flowers on top of a 3' stalk.  I waited.  And waited.  And waited all summer long.  The seeds and plants got plenty of water.  And plenty of sun.  And finally, after what seemed like FOREVER, I got ONE, that's right just ONE plant.  And ONE flower.  Let's

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-65869486224489932882010-08-18T16:27:00.000-07:002010-08-18T16:27:55.351-07:00

over the Rainbow... I am sure that you would find this amazing cake.  Not only super cool to look at but super yummy to eat, too!  Abby and I spent 2 days making this awesome cake.  I got the idea here.  We didn't make ours quite as elaborate, maybe next time.  But for the first try, it was way worth it! The bottom layer is grapes, then blueberry, kiwi, lemon, orange and finally strawberry.  We

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-22186497834981209302010-08-13T16:19:00.000-07:002010-08-13T16:19:25.176-07:00

I am always trying to fix the healthiest of lunches as well as be less harmful on the environment, you know like all those ziploc baggies and plastic containers and individual wrapper type things.  So, this year, we have started a new lunch ritual.  First of all, I had to start making lunches before we go to bed, because mornings are seriously too hectic to make these fancy-shmancy lunches and

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-57485833063081075152010-08-12T15:08:00.000-07:002010-08-12T15:08:01.515-07:00

Andy and I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary this week.  As money is tight, it was to be a no biggie celebration anyway.  But, here is the silliness that followed.  School started for the girls Wednesday morning, so it was my first day back to work after my limited-hours summer, which I love because I spend a little time playing, and hate because I get a little behind.  Anyway, get to work

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-2644088009577375872010-08-10T18:34:00.000-07:002010-08-10T18:34:09.370-07:00

One of my first favorites, taken in my mom's garden in Sedona.

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-87289225549696865832010-08-09T04:53:00.000-07:002010-08-09T04:53:04.461-07:00

The World War II War Memorial

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-8232376020231789962010-08-07T21:45:00.000-07:002010-08-07T21:45:39.086-07:00

One of the most emotional pictures for me.  Andy and I went to Washington DC in April and visited  Arlington National Cemetary.  It was a very moving day for me.  Watching the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  I couldn't even take a picture of the event.  I felt like I would take something away from it, and I knew that looking at a picture would not be able to convey the emotions that I

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-77371299676300395222010-08-05T09:36:00.000-07:002010-08-05T09:36:57.914-07:00

Hello...Hello...Hello... Is anybody out there???? Purgatory, June 2008

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-33714844344243639022010-08-02T14:22:00.000-07:002010-08-02T14:22:05.912-07:00

I don't remember if I took this picture or my friend Cindy, but it is one of my favorites.  We were probably at about 13000 feet elevation on our 14'er hike when we came across a family of mountain goats.  We didn't really know how they would react to us, so we just kind of took it slow and this little guy posed for us.  Good memories, cool picture.

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-84365350191340294502010-07-30T09:36:00.000-07:002010-07-30T09:39:17.372-07:00

This is kinda how I feel today.  A mish-mash of color, weepy and washing away.   I think that is what happens when you start out with a full check book and then you pay the bills.

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-46907450122773841102010-07-28T16:51:00.000-07:002010-07-28T16:51:38.654-07:00

what this beautiful bloom is from? This little gem is the product of my okra plant.  Beauty in the oddest places...

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-71078505748321812722010-07-27T19:34:00.000-07:002010-07-27T19:34:24.500-07:00

Old train bridge along the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-15409421860510667742010-07-21T09:01:00.000-07:002010-07-21T09:01:58.694-07:00

Puerto Rico...  Andy and I went for 5 days of humid, hot fun. Funny story about our trip.  I went to the spa, Andy went golfing.  He was golfing all by himself so he called me after 9 holes to see if I wanted to ride along the last 9.  Sure, I had nothing else to do.  He had to buy more balls anyway, he had already lost like a dozen!  And the girl had told him before he started that if his

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-40184423992447028512010-07-20T15:50:00.000-07:002010-07-20T15:50:31.863-07:00

Here is another one, just for summer.  This is probably just my favorite because Abby is too darn cute.

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-86200315512717376282010-07-19T14:32:00.000-07:002010-07-19T14:32:39.722-07:00

Clearly I am not cut out for multiple postings in a week, much less even one.  I think of all these great things, but than I find, maybe it isn't so great after all.  So, let me tell you what I am going to do... I have been studying up on Photography.  I have wanted to be a serious photographer since high school.  I have no formal training, just what I have learned by trial and error through the

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-51220769914177809092010-06-17T03:54:00.000-07:002010-06-17T03:54:42.940-07:00

...where have I been?  I've been avoiding my blog, that's where.  And why might you ask?  Because sometimes it seems such a chore!  Really, thought it would be much easier to write about my daily musings.  They come so easily in my head, on paper screen they seem less funny and more blah. But, seeing as how it is 3 in the morning with no sleep on the horizon, here goes... Summer has begun, or

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-79764837845185053662010-03-27T10:12:00.000-07:002010-03-27T11:23:18.538-07:00

I was reading a blog of someone that owns Great Danes and he said that they are "leaners and blockers".  What I know after having Bronco for almost 8 weeks now is that that is no lie.  I have taken to learning what I call "The Puppy Shuffle."  It is the move you make when a dog is constantly in the way.  And, Bronco is Constantly. In. The. Way.  See this picture... (Yes, I have monkeys on my

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-9339466299556749992010-03-24T18:55:00.000-07:002010-03-24T18:58:42.017-07:00

The first sign of spring for me isn’t the weather man telling me so, or even a date on the calender.  It’s when you walk outside and see the first little white buds on the orange and grapefruit trees in my backyard.   White dots are followed closely with the faintest aroma of orange blossom.  You can just barely sense it in the early morning and late in the evening.  And then as they bloom, the

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-54482607035119753962010-03-15T21:41:00.000-07:002010-03-15T21:41:52.365-07:00

I am coming out of the closet and confessing.  I have an addiction.  To shoes.  It started many, many years ago and I blame my Grandma Betty.  Her closet was filled with shoes!  Fancy high heel shoes.  Gold ones and silver ones and cloggy ones and strappy ones, but mostly just lots and lots of shoes.  And when I would go to visit, she would let me sit in her closet for hours and take all her

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-89950368984453085812010-01-13T16:00:00.000-08:002010-01-13T16:00:19.338-08:00

Christmas has come and gone.  Thank goodness it is over.  Now it is time to get back to real life. Last time you were here, you saw that I had planted my first garden.  And so, here is what I've learned so far... 1.  I planted too late and missed out on the warm weather.  The cold weather stopped the growth of my garden.  the spinach, broccoli and okra never even sprouted.  The beans grew but

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-47485151215861009982009-11-28T20:05:00.000-08:002009-11-28T20:05:39.835-08:00

As requested by Jana, an update to my grapple story.  How did it taste?  Well, it was really sweet, but it wasn't as crispy as an apple.   My kids didn't like them.  It was okay, but not great. I did look up their website, too!  Apparently, they use an FDA approved process of bathing the apples in a mix of concentrated grape flavor and pure water.   So we tried our grapples, just to say we

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-75689252885547578302009-11-20T14:21:00.000-08:002009-11-20T14:21:45.605-08:00

At the grocery store last weekend, I happened upon a grapple.  A group of four packed neatly in a plastic see-through container.  "Looks like and apple, tastes like a grape."  It says.   Hmmmmm...  How do you make an apple taste like a grape?  They created Pluots, a combination of plum and apricot.  (Very tasty by the way if you have never had one.)   They engineer hybrid fruits and vegetables

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-27597727809985816172009-10-08T21:18:00.000-07:002009-10-08T21:18:28.467-07:00

I love hula!  I love it, love it. love it!  I have only been taking lessons for 5 weeks, and it is hard, hard work.  But it makes me so happy.  We should all do things just because they make us happy. It doesn't have to be a big, fancy thing to make us happy.  Sometimes I like playing in the dirt in my garden.  It makes me happy!  Some days I love to cook, just to make me happy! Everyone has

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-89145789749448283302009-09-22T15:41:00.000-07:002009-09-22T16:01:15.998-07:00

Before... After 1 Saturday in the yard... It's a start and looks a ton better.  Just have to have the hubby dig up the roots.  I can't believe how big they are!  Hopefully 2 more weekends and I can plant! Anyway, another project I worked on.  Freezing some fresh corn.  Started with 28 ears of corn, worked in the kitchen 3 hours and this is the outcome... Lots of corn ready to

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-31545801298180563072009-09-17T22:29:00.000-07:002009-09-17T22:29:17.692-07:00

I was talking with the girls tonight at the dojo.  It came up that my birthday is coming up in the next couple of weeks and we were discussing how it sucks to get older.  And, in many ways it does.  The body starts aching where it felt just fine the year before.  It isn't quite as easy to get up out of bed in the morning, it takes a while to get all the joints moving again.  That pound you put on

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-34734696816179800202009-09-16T21:03:00.000-07:002009-09-16T21:03:45.689-07:00

My birthday is just around the corner and every year, the dreaded but unavoidable question surfaces, "What do you want for your birthday?"  And of course it happened one Monday night when my dad called to visit.  It used to be such an easy question to answer when I was younger.  Now it seems that what I really want is either really expensive, or I figure I really don't need it anyway.  But,

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-42413929503117221862009-09-10T20:54:00.000-07:002009-09-10T20:54:57.259-07:00

Today seems to center around food for some odd reason.  Nothing particularly fancy or exciting, just twists on the same ol' same ol'.  My kids like oatmeal, but get a little tired of it every day.  But they do love chocolate milk.  So today I started with chocolate milk, instead of the water, added the oatmeal and a touch of cinnamon, cooked in the microwave until done, added a smidge of vanilla,

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135532891031765536.post-65432297782353258162009-09-09T17:17:00.000-07:002009-09-09T19:57:45.488-07:00

So, I have never really been much of a writer. Sure I took creative writing in high school and was the editor of my high school yearbook, but aside from that writing is something that I dread more than look forward to. But I thought, hey, everyone else is doing it, I might as well give it a try. (Now if everyone decides to put leeches in their pants or shave their heads and paint their scalps

Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686229283787966322noreply@blogger.com2