Jennifer Rebecca

Taco Melts

2012-01-18T16:00:00.000-06:00

This recipe I made on New Year's Eve to bring in the New Year! Joel & I thought they were very filling yet scrumptious.

Today's Recipe:

Taco Melts

Picture taken by: me, Jennifer Rebecca Photos

[Recipe Credit: Pillsbury Grands Biscuits (www.pillsbury.com)]

Ingredients:

1 package taco seasoning mix
(water that you need to make taco meat)
1-1/2 cups Salsa
1 lb ground hamburger, cooked, drained and made into taco meat
1 can Grands refrigerated biscuits (we used the butter flavor biscuits - I think the flaky one's may have tasted better but not sure how the consistency of the flaky biscuits would work with the taco meat)
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack/Mexican cheese blend
Sour cream on the side - if desired
Lettuce - if desired to add on top of taco melt
Tomato - if desired to add on top of taco melt

Picture taken by: me, Jennifer Rebecca Photos

Directions:

Heat oven to 375 degrees
cook taco meat as directed on seasoning mix packet
Press each biscuit into 6-inch round. Place a scoop of taco meat, cheese into each biscuit and fold biscuit in half if able (I just made the biscuits into mini pizza crusts, placed meat and cheese on top and then placed another biscuit on top and sealed them shut with a fork)
Place on a greased cookie sheet.
Bake for 15 minutes or until biscuits are cooked through.
Serve with desired taco toppings (such as lettuce, sour cream, salsa, tomatoes, beans, etc)

Picture taken by: me, Jennifer Rebecca Photos

Bon Appetite!

Picture taken by: me, Jennifer Rebecca Photos

Enchilada Lasagna

2012-01-17T16:00:00.002-06:00

Hello Friends!

Today's Recipe:
Enchilada Lasagna

Picture taken by: me, Jennifer Rebecca Photos
[Taste of Home Magazine: Charlene Griffin]

Ingredients:

1-1/2 lbs. ground hamburger
1/2 of a medium onion (any kind that you like- I used red & some green onion)
1/2 tsp minced garlic (if you don't have this just use garlic powder)
1 (10 oz) can enchilada sauce (medium is my preference)
1/2 cup salsa (I used Pace Mild - it's our favorite)
1 egg (beaten)
1-1/2 cups cottage cheese (I used 1%)
2-4 (depends on how much cheese you like) cups shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
8 flour tortillas (I think I used less)

Directions:

Brown the hamburger
Add chopped up onion (use as much or as little as you like)
Add minced garlic or garlic powder
Let all those flavors kind of simmer together for a minute
Add the can of enchilada sauce (I actually didn't have any so I used taco sauce & made homemade enchilada sauce with ingredients I had in the cupboard -I'll post that recipe below)
Add 1/2 cup salsa
Let all these things simmer for 10-20 minutes (tell it gets thicker, not runny)
In a small bowl combine the beaten egg with the cottage cheese.
In a 13x9 greased baking pan start to layer the lasagna as follows:

Meat on bottom of pan - not too much just a little of the sauce spread around
Lay down a tortilla
Spread cottage cheese/egg mixture on top
Add meat on top of cottage cheese/egg mixture
sprinkle cheese on top of that
Lay down a second tortilla
Spread cottage cheese/egg mixture on top
Add meat on top of cottage cheese/egg mixture, etc.
Do this until you run out of ingredients (meat & cottage cheese) and try to end with cheese sprinkled on top. I then added some fresh cut tomato and green onion.

10. Cover the pan with tinfoil and Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
11. Remove tinfoil and continue baking for 10-15 more minutes until bubbly.
12. Let cool for a few minutes, cut and serve.
Enjoy!

Picture taken by: me, Jennifer Rebecca Photos

We ate the lasagna with shredded lettuce added on top of our slices on our plates. Joel added black beans to his as well. You could easily make this with refried beans, black beans, corn, or any other ingredient that you would put in enchiladas. Delicious. It was like having enchiladas, queasadillas and lasagna all at once!

Next time I think I'll make it with chicken instead of beef just to try something different.

Homemade Enchilada Sauce:

1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 Tbsp flour
Mix these two ingredients together in a medium saucepan - on medium heat
1/4 cup chili powder
Add 1 can of tomato paste
Add 1-1/2 cups water
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp ground cumin (I didn't have this spice so I omitted it)
1/4 tsp onion powder
salt & pepper to taste
Joel (my husband) added ground Cayenne Pepper (he is my taste tester and said this made it less Chili Powder tasting)

Picture taken by: me, Jennifer Rebecca Photos

Bon Appetite!

Long long long time...

2012-01-16T00:13:00.000-06:00

It has been a LONG time since I posted on this here blog. There is a lot I could write about but I just don't have the energy to cover a year plus of time...all in all I'm here to say I'm back to start a new series of posts specifically focused on RECIPES!

Cooking is an activity that I LOVE. It relaxes me, makes me feel like I've accomplished something and adds leftovers to my fridge and sometimes pounds to my body :-)

If you are stuck in a cooking...What Do I Make for Dinner? rut may I suggest that you start checking in from time to time. I've got a goal for 2012 and that's to share good, simple, and delicious recipes with my friends.

Here is today's recipe!

Disclaimer: I find recipes in magazines, cookbooks, online, blogs, etc. The recipes that I share here are MY version of how I took the recipe and made it my own. I'll make sure to give credit where credit is due but know that I change almost every recipe I have to make it my own.

Caprese Chicken with Bacon

Photo taken by: me, Jennifer Rebecca Photos

[Today's Recipe is from: Taste of Home Magazine - by Tammy Hayden]

Ingredient List:

2-4 boneless chicken breasts
bacon strips or real bacon crumbles (I used bacon crumbles)
1 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1-2 plum tomatoes (I used roma tomatoes)
1 Tbsp (I used more) fresh/frozen basil leaves (I cut up fresh basil and freeze it in ice cube trays with water so that whenever I want "fresh" basil I have it)
shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

Place raw (thawed) chicken breasts in an ungreased (or greased-doesn't really matter) 13x9" baking pan; brush the chicken with olive oil and sprinkle with salt & pepper.
Top chicken with sliced tomatoes (I cut the tomatoes in sandwich type slices) and basil.
Sprinkle top of chicken with bacon crumbles. (see picture below)
Bake uncovered at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes (mine took way longer because the chicken breasts were HUGE).
Top chicken with mozzarella cheese and bake 1-2 minutes longer or until melted.

Photo taken by: me, Jennifer Rebecca Photos

I served this chicken dish with mashed potatoes and green beans.
Quick & Delicious Green Beans:

1 can or half a bag of frozen green beans (whichever you prefer or have) place in a microwave safe bowl and cook with a bit of water for 1-2 minutes
Melt 1 Tbsp of butter with Lemon Pepper Seasoning and poor over green beans.
Stir green beans and enjoy.

Taste's like Buca's green beans...or at least close. This is my own creation.
Bon Appetit!

2011 Flowers

2011-06-06T08:58:00.000-05:00

Close ups of newly bloomed flowers are one of my favorite things to photograph. Probably because they are so beautiful and they give you time to collect every single one of their details that you want to grasp!

Can't you just smell them?

Blue Skies

2011-05-01T21:59:00.000-05:00

Life Changes

2011-04-11T14:23:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been smacked in the face with realization that your life has changed and you didn't even realize it?
Our lives are changing everyday in all honesty. Even though we get dressed the same way. Have you ever tried switching up how you get dressed in the morning or even paid attention to how you do it?

Pants on first? Socks and undies? Try doing it in a different order. Your life has changed.

But what about those times when your life really changes? When you realize your daily thoughts, schedule, patterns are going to change because....

Big change I'm thinking about right now: Baby Koop.

I feel completely at peace that I'll loose my mind, sleep, sanity, etc. but slowly it will come back. Or my life will change and I'll find all new ways of doing those things.

Where I feel fear is when the moments of feeling lost and alone like so many other mom's who's lives have changed beyond how they thought their life would change. Does that make sense?

Like this precious mother... http://www.lisaleonardonline.com/blog/

Or this one that I look up to in many ways: http://travisjenny.blogspot.com/

Or this one: http://www.kellehampton.com/

Am I saying that I am scared of something bad happening? Aren't we all? Yes. BUT I'm more afraid that God knows my heart and what I'm capable of so he'll give me something more than I can imagine. Do you think that's what it means to fear the Lord? I think it might...to fear how well He knows us, to know what we need when we need it, and how. That can be scary sometimes. It is the most wonderful fear in all the world.

Something bad happening doesn't mean - awful, terrible, shouldn't have happened - bad means we didn't expect it, it's hard and we don't know what to do with it.

Why ramble on about life changes? Because we are all in them, all the time. I need your help. What are your life changes that are kickin' your butt or rockin' your world? Life changes are hard and amazing...like the friends above who found incredible hope through hard situations. Who I'm sure would not change any of it for what they have now.

I don't want you to think I'm depressed or freaking out or "oh it'll all be fine" comments because I'm not worried, I'm curious of what God has in store. More so for how it's going to kick my butt and rock my world. I want you to be real. What is stinkin' hard or rockin' awesome about what you are going through right now? We can find hope in one another. Even if everything is fine.

P.S.- not that I ever do what people suggest but I would like your thoughts...or how did you decide?

My husband and I want to find out if we are having a boy or girl. We plan to in 2 weeks. Some of our family members do not want to know. How in the world do we go about knowing and not having those family members not find out? Do we just keep it a secret to ourselves?

What would you do?

Have a great week! It's my Joely's birthday tomorrow! Hello TWINS GAME!

20 Years!

2011-03-30T10:39:00.000-05:00

Look at these cuties!

My mom & dad (stepdad) have been married for 20 years this April!

They've put up with me the entire time :-) I'm really happy for them as they celebrate 20 years married.

I love you, Mom & Dad!

Lisa Leonard Rocks!

2011-03-23T12:37:00.000-05:00

She is having a giveaway today if you post a comment on her blog...

check out what she's giving away!

http://www.lisaleonardonline.com/blog/2011/03/23/new-heart-banner-giveaway/#comment-166103

It's beautiful.

Delicious

2011-03-23T12:29:00.000-05:00

In our home the word (Deli-cious) is used not only to describe food (actually it's barely used to describe food but more so everyday activities. Let me give you some examples:

My husband asks me "Honey, how was the movie with your friend?" My reply: "Delicious!"

"Joely, how was your shower?" his response (mostly trying to be funny like me) "Delicious"

In my defintion it means : excellent, wonderful, super fun, great

Today I am sitting thinking of the word delicious as I dream of being in the rays of the Houston, Texas sun. You see it's March and we were just dumped on last night with more ~~snow~~ (frozen kill your mood water)!

Where would I rather be?

In a delicious place like Texas.

How about you?

Saddle up Partner! We are headed to sunshine!

This Is What It Feels Like

2011-03-14T20:30:00.000-05:00

I feel ~~normal~~ "new normal" again. My energy is slowly coming back and periods between feeling sick are becoming more spread out. Whoever would have thought having a human baby growing inside you would take so much work. I didn't but know I get it.

I haven't posted in so long I don't even know what to say.

How about...

Hello Friends! It's been awhile. How are you?

Looking forward to spring, anyone? I am. Melt Minnesota snow, melt.

Come on tree buds, green grass, warm breezes, fresh fruit, and sitting in lawn chairs outside. Oh...to feel the sun on my face. What a blessing we don't even realize we have until it hides it's face for 5+ months during the

year!

Stay strong, Spring is near.

Day 13: Photo of Hair

2011-01-02T19:08:00.000-06:00

Today's photo challenge is to post a photo where you think your hair looks nice. As of today I'm not finding this photo challenge very challenging. Maybe I'll make up my own photo challenge...

Here is one where it's not so nice:

Here is one where it's a little nicer:

I hope your week is really great!
Jenny

Day 12: Photo of Me

2011-01-01T16:54:00.000-06:00

I feel like that's all I've been posting. But let's see what I can find!

I think this one is funny...how about a little laugh to make everyone's New Year bright.

Joel took this of me when we went to Duluth, MN for my birthday last year. It was a fantastic trip.

Happy New Year Friends!

I'm going to snuggle up and watch a movie..Mmmmm...

Day 11: My Favorite Film

2010-12-30T23:30:00.000-06:00

This is a really hard one for me because I LOVE so many movies...

My favorite for the last few years has been the new Pride & Prejudice. Before that movie my all time absolute favorite is Forrest Gump! I love how history is incorporated into that story. It's fantastic.

Some movies I would recommend that I have really enjoyed lately are:

Sweet Land (it's adorable, plus I love Minnesota stories)
New in Town (hilarious)
FAME (the 2009 version, amazing musical talent!)
Star Trek (the new one, love it!)

If you ever are curious about a movie, you can always ask me if I've seen it. I'd be happy to give a review.

Have a great night!

Day 10: My Baby Photo

2010-12-30T23:23:00.000-06:00

Photo of me as a baby: (well not little baby but a still a baby)

Day 9 Photo Challenge REDO

2010-12-30T23:21:00.000-06:00

I had posted the worlds longest post for the photo challenge and realized that's what was creating a huge problem with my blog layout so I had to delete it. I have a big family that is wonderful, complex, and oh so funny! Here is a picture of my immediate family...me and my hubs this Christmas. Please ignore my 80's bangs that were going on that day. And yes I know my face looks like a chipmunk. Happy New Year!!

Picture of my family:

What is wrong with this thing?

2010-12-30T23:14:00.000-06:00

Something happened to my blogs layout the last time I posted and I cannot fix it for the life of me! Help!! Why are my sides bars all that the bottom...it doesn't look like that in my settings.

Blah Mr Blog!

Day 8: Photo of favorite band/musician

2010-12-02T21:04:00.006-06:00

At first I thought this would be a weird post. I immediately thought about peeps like Michael Buble, John Mayer, Lady Antabellum but then I thought about who is my real favorite. I would say it's got to by my Ricky, my dad, or as the world defines my stepdad. He's my dad and he's got a great singing voice. If you know him and you've heard him sing you know what I'm talking about.

I love you, dad.

Just keep singing...just keep singing...
Jen

Day 7: Photo of Someone I love

2010-12-02T20:45:00.004-06:00

I love my mama. She is so beautiful. A pillar of strength, wisdom, delight, joy, understanding, energy, ideas, and love. It's a wonderful blessing to go to my mama and know she will know how I feel. She always gets it. We just hit our 27 year mark of a wonderful relationship. I love you, mah-ma.

Disclaimer: I know you all may be thinking "that's your mom?!" I know she's a hottie. We whistle at her a lot in our family. Woo..woo!

Thanksgiving...Jenny Style

2010-12-02T20:32:00.001-06:00

It was my very first Thanksgiving hosting. I LOVE to host, anything: parties, dinners, movie dates, babysitting, having a party is my utter delight. It's the Martha in me.

P.S.- That adorable little turkey was a gift from my Grandma Kathie for hosting my first Thanksgiving. I think he's so cute.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Cheers,
Jenny

Day 6: Photo that makes me laugh

2010-11-19T22:41:00.005-06:00

There are many pictures that make me laugh but this one is my favorite.

This is my Grandma Kathie. She is hilarious! My entire life she has brought so much laughter, smiles, celebration, hugs, and life to the party. I love her.

You can clearly see why...

I can't just post one. There is another picture that cracks me up every single time I look at it. Our friends Josh & Karly are hilarious people! Especially Mr. Joshua while spending time with Mr. Joel. Josh and Joel are a fun pair of friends because Joel is a lot taller than Josh (well he's a lot taller than everyone...) During this photo moment I believe something was said to the effect of "Joel pick me up"
It never fails...I bust up every time I see it! I LOVE these kids. They are good for your soul, friends.

Day 5: Photo of me

2010-11-18T17:30:00.002-06:00

This week has been a doosy (is that how you spell dew-zee?) beats me but it does give emphasis upon how literally crazy this week has been. I know that no one loves to read about others chaos or grumbling when we all have plenty of our own but I promise that somehow, someway, what I'm about to write will make you feel one or more of the following things:

A) My life is not as crazy as Jenny's
B) My life is way worse than Jenny's so she can just shut up
C) Thank the Lord someone didn't say that to me or I'd be in jail right now for punching them in the face
D) Life sucks sometimes and I totally relate
E) All of the above (depending on the day or mood)

Details you need to be aware of before I share the top crazy things of the week
1 - my husband was in Florida visiting one of his sisters and mom
2 - it's freezing here because winter has arrived
3 - I have gained an amount of weight over the last few years that I'm not proud of but I'm working on it
4- I have to share all of my news/things of the day with my husband on a daily basis or I explode (I've tried to not do it but one of my Top 5 Strengths is Communication plus it's the area of study of my Bachelor's degree so it's just gonna be this way)

Crazy Day #1 -
Monday I had a great conversation with a friend about some future endeavors and was brave enough to bring it up to my boss. Which is not typical behavior for me at all. Totally awesome, Jenny was excited! However due to my husband being gone I didn't have the time to share this excitement with him. I got over it and saved my excitement to share with him when he was back home a few days later.

I went to the Thrifstore that night. Tried on a pair of khaki pants and find $40 cash in the pocket of the pants! Well I buy the pants because they fit and they are my new lucky pants!!

Crazy Day #2--
Tuesday morning I'm getting in our Trailblazer to head off to work. I get in, put the key in and turn the ignition and nothing. I know your thinking...oh her battery died. No friends, that's not it. My key got stuck in the ignition and would not come out. My doors were locked and I could NOT unlock them. My windows were up and I could not move them down. I could not turn on my lights. I could not push on the break peddle. Absolutely nothing! Blaze as we call him, went into lock down mode and I was inside. Laughter was my reaction (which is not typical but I went with it!). Since I was locked inside my non-running, unable to do anything vehicle I decided to call my dad since my husband is in Florida and can't help me. Dad gives me a bunch of things to try and nothing. So he gives me the number for Jason who is awesome at fixing anything with a motor or fixing anything in general. Jason gives me some ideas, tips, suggestions. I call my good friends at work Jen and Tim to come help me out. They drive over to see what they can do to help. (Keep in mind that in the back of my mind I am thinking about the loads of work I should be doing and that the apartment parking lot is supposed to be plowed at noon so if I don't get Blaze moved and moved soon, they are going to move him for me and I get to pay for it)

Tim gets Blaze running right away. It was a bad connection to the battery. All is well but I decide it's a good idea to bring Blaze in to get him checked out since it was such a random strange occurrence. We drop Blaze off.

Later in Crazy Day #2-
Justin from the car place says "Yeah it's your differentials that need to be fixed that will be $1,900 dollars" Yes folks I wrote $1,900 not $19.00 "Ummm yeah I'm gonna have to ask you to let me think about that" Not going to get that done through them. Not pocket book possible. Not even credit card possible since we don't have any. Sorry!

Crazy Day #3-
This is the day my husband is arriving back home but won't return until 10:00 pm or later so I'm still trying to trudge through this vehicle thing. Blaze is done at the car place so Jen brings me to pick him up. Very nice car wash and cleaning of break lines for $140. Yeah, that's awesome.

I'm wearing my "new" lucky pants.

I have a ton of work to hurry and get done because I'm starting Strength Finder Leadership training at noon until 5:00 pm and then ALL day Thursday (today). So I get all my work done and head off to training that I'm really excited for!

We have a big group of people and lots of discussion going on. The leader of the training has us do these activities with other people. I'm participating in a one on one activity with another lady from work (but she works in anothe department). After we finish our task that was given by the leader, she asks me a question... but the room was loud so I didn't quite hear her. I asked her to repeat herself and I thought she asked "What do you do?" meaning what is my job on campus but this woman knows who I am and what I do for a job. Why is she asking me this? So she repeats it again

"When are you due?"

Oh.......................

I'm not. Like really not. Like not pregnant not. Like you just asked me when my fat belly is going to deliver but all that's in there is my lunch digesting, not.

She felt terrible. I tried my best to act like it was no big deal. She made a bunch of excuses and we walked our separate ways. It REALLY hurt. Hurt in a way that I have not felt hurt before. It was as if my secret of trying to hide my weight gain had been exposed to the entire world. It was painful.

Still had 2 hours of the class left so I picked up my broken self and went on the with the training. Once we got out of there I ran to my broken Blaze, plopped myself in and cried until my face hurt. It was awesome. (Please note exaggeration is one of my Top 5 Strengths as well. Oh wait...that's not a strength. Should be.)

That night my husband came home from Florida and I don't think I have ever been more relieved, at peace, blessed to see someone ever before in my life. I could put my boxing gloves down that I had been wearing in the ring alone thus far in the week and let someone take care of my broken, pudgy, self. That's what loving someone is about. Picking them up when they are like those little itty bitty beads on a necklace and it snaps onto the floor in Wal*Mart. It's awesome. (for real this time)

Thank You my husband for being my best friend and loving me no matter what. I cherish you.

So friends, that was the crazy parts of my week. There were a few more things that added to the dynamic but that was the gist of it. Amongst all those things were HUGE amazing blessings this week! It was incredible. I am very thankful for my family, for my husband, for my co-workers Tim and Jen, for Strength Finders, for my pastor, his wife (our dear friends), for my sister-in-law Liz that always "gets it", for vehicles, for lucky pants, for conversations and for life. For crazy stories.

All that to say I am making my photo of me for the Day 5 challenge be of when I was a little girl. This is my mama's favorite picture of me.

I like this picture especially on a week like this to remind me of who I really am as a whole. Not just a crazy wife with a broken vehicle, lucky pants and pregnant looking stomach but as a daughter of Christ, a woman who has grown, a girl that still longs to be loved, a daughter of a wonderful woman and mother that I cherish, a sister, friend and person with potential for growth.

I hope you remember who you are through the craziness of life, because it's hard. Sometimes "crazy" hard.

Love,
Jenny

Day 4: Photo from last holiday/vacation

2010-11-17T12:08:00.003-06:00

Nobody said it couldn't be a collage right? The last "holiday" vacation Joel and I were on together was in Montana...actually we went to Florida not too long ago but that was a family visit/vacation and I didn't take many pics. This was our last actually planned out for a long time vacation.

I LOVE Montana but your probably getting sick of me saying that.

We're going back next week! I can't wait. Sun up to sun down with my husband for an entire day + some = unheard of + absolutely exciting and amazing!

Have a great week! I'm off to StrengthFinder Leadership training for the next two days.

So Happy!

2010-11-15T15:38:00.003-06:00

Day 3: Photo that makes you happy

There are a lot of pictures that make me happy but I came across this one today and couldn't let it go.

Why does it make me happy?
1- because of that silly devilish "Schultz" grin that my baby sister Grace has on her face (I can hear her giggling when I look at it)
2- it's black and white (love me some b & w photos)
3- My face is awesomely skinny (oh the good ol' days)

Love it!

One year ago

2010-11-14T23:59:00.003-06:00

Day 2: photo of myself from one year ago

This was me last year in November, when my husband took me on a birthday weekend vacation to Duluth. One of my top 5 favorite cities! It's crazy to think it's going to be my birthday again soon. Yikes!

This year for my birthday Joel is taking me to Bozeman, Montana! Another one of my top 5 favorite cities. It is a wonderful blessing to be able to travel as a perk for Joel's job. I am very thankful.

Happy New Week!
Jenny

30 Days of Photos

2010-11-13T11:11:00.003-06:00

I'm going to try the 30 Day Photo challenge...one photo each day! Here we go!

day 1. your facebook profile photo

This pic is of my sister in law Katie and I (I'm pretty sure the date on the camera was wrong. I don't think it was 2007...maybe? I have a terrible memory sometimes) I just know it was the night before my sister in law Laura's wedding. Katie and I were decorating wedding cakes. I miss Katie, I haven't seen her since August I think! That's too long. Isn't she just adorable?!

day 2. a photo of yourself a year ago
day 3. a photo that makes you happy
day 4. a photo of the last place you went on holiday
day 5. a photo of you
day 6. a photo that makes you laugh
day 7. a photo of someone you love
day 8. a photo of your favorite band/musician
day 9. a photo of your family
day 10. a photo of you as a baby
day 11. a photo of your favourite film(s)
day 12. a photo of you
day 13. a photo of you that your hair looks nice in
day 14. a photo of one of your favourite family members
day 15. a photo of you and someone you love
day 16. a photo of you at the last party you went to
day 17. an embarassing photo of you
day 18. a photo of one of your classes
day 19. a photo of you on a school trip
day 20. a photo of something you enjoy doing
day 21. a photo of you standing up
day 22. a photo of your town
day 23. a photo of your friend as a baby
day 24. a photo of your best friend(s)
day 25. a photo of a night you loved
day 26. a photo of your favorite weekend
day 27. a photo of last summer
day 28. a photo of what you ate today
day 29. a photo of someone you find attractive
day 30. a photo of you when you were happy

Ages 6 months to 17...

2010-11-03T16:43:00.002-05:00

Last weekend I did a photo shoot for a Surprise 60th Birthday party and it was SO fun! Lots of action. Great smiles. Laughs. Hugs.

One of many fun things about this family is they have a large number of grandchildren ranging in age from 6 months to 17 years old. Believe me, that's a hard group of kiddos to get a group shot from where they are smiling. I think next time I'll bring lots of candy and maybe some cash ;-)

I had such a great time!

Here is a fun shot of my friend, Kara from the day!

It's Wednesday, great night to paint my toe nails!

Have a great week,
Jenny

Baby, when it's cold outside...

2010-10-27T22:40:00.004-05:00

I like to...

- light apple cider candles
- watch movies (oh wait I always like to do that)
[**most recent favorite movie: New In Town]
- be under just the right amount of blankets so that I'm cozy but not hot
- eat warm gooey chocolate chip cookies
- drink some delicious hot tea
- listen to the wind blow (I love the sound of wind, not so much the feeling of it)

What do you love when it's cold outside? Because let's face it...here in MN we are just going to keep getting colder. Time to start enjoying the loves of winter time! There has got to be some otherwise why would you live here?

P.S.- I've been MIA in posting new pics lately because I'm working on my website! This week I'll be submitting my business name to the Secretary of State to become an official MN business...stay tuned!

**New In Town is a hilarious movie that takes place in MN. They completely make fun of MN accents and MN people but in such a funny light-hearted way. I crack up every time I watch it! If you've never seen it, add it to your Girls Night Netflix list.

Stay cozy,
Jenny

Ramblings of a Lonely Cook

2010-10-17T17:37:00.005-05:00

My husband has worked over 40 hours in the last 3 days so needless to say I MISS HIM! Despite my lonely for Joely heart I've been keeping myself busy in my kitchen...

I love spending time in my little but oh so fun kitchen. It might just be my favorite room in our place.

What's your favorite room to spend time in?

I also have wanted to share a fun project I worked on last week! For over a year I have been looking for a King size headboard for our bed. We are on a restricted budget and I just don't want to spend a lot on something that I know I'll want to change later.

So...I purchased fabric and padding months ago but had waited for the perfect framing to use for the headboard. While at the thrift store with my sister a few weekends ago I found the most hideous covered headboard frame that someone had made. There was no price on it so I asked and he wrote $2.95. Perfect! That's doable with my budget ;-)

My sister and I took it home and ripped off all the ugly fabric.

Spent an hour trying to figure out the staple gun. (Stupid directions that were written wrong!) The next day after church I went and asked the Hank Hardware man what the deal was with the staple gun...he showed me the error of the directions ways and I was ready to create my new headboard.

Here is my finished product! All for about $17 total.

Those are projects that I LOVE.

What projects are you proud of?

Oops gotta go stir my potatoes and check the chicken!

Take time to rest today,
Jenny

Stella Blue Sisters

2010-10-10T16:49:00.002-05:00

My sister and I had a fabulous weekend together! We thrifted, ate good food, laughed, gabbed, crafted, snazzed up, and headed out to Grand Ave....here are some shots of the fun we had...

Do you have a sister that you love to spend quality time with? What do you like to do together?

My hubs big news...

2010-10-06T10:46:00.002-05:00

Well now that I've made you wait long enough I can spill the big beans on my hubs good news!

First let me give you some background so this will make sense:

1. He works for Continental Airlines

2. His job consists of loading, unloading planes, directing planes in once they've landed, pushing the planes out with the tug (because planes can't drive in reverse), cleaning out the lavs (meaning cleaning out every body's potty from the plane), and so much more

3. Please do not comment the following comment "Oh so your husband is the guy throwing my bag around outside the plane" No dear people who think that's all that happens at an airport... my husband actually respects people's property and does not throw the bags around, and he does much more than just that. He also provides great comfort and safety to your flight in more ways than you know. Think I've heard that comment enough to create an entire speech?? Whew...that was exhausting. (I deleted some other things I wanted to say that's why it was so exhausting)

Takes drink of water

Okay on to what I was saying...

4. I don't intend to make you feel bad if you thought that about what he does, I'm just passionate about the hard work my strong, loving husband does in order to support us and I get a little defensive. So sorry about that...

5. Mr. Koop (that's my hubs) for the last 3 years at his job has been considered a "part time" employee (so he does not get benefits, and he has to pick up shifts in order to have "full time" hours)

Now that I've provided some context and ranted a little...here is the Big News!

He got promoted to a Lead!

Which means...

He gets a raise (and when does that happen in this economy?! Thank You, Lord!)
He will be scheduled for "full time" hours
He will be a leader at work (he's a natural leader, designed that way, and trained through growing up and living with 5 sisters, bless their hearts!)
He will get the option to enroll in benefits
He is affirmed that his hard work has paid off

That's the big news, folks! Three cheers to my man

Hip hip hooray
Hip hip hooray
Hip hip hooray

Love you Mr.Koop with all my heart

Thank You for working so hard.
Love,
your Sassy Wife

Lunch breaks are great!

2010-10-05T17:49:00.004-05:00

Typically I'm not very good at taking a lunch break...okay almost always. My husband gets really upset with me because he knows it's good for me to get up and out of the office. I just get stuck in a groove and don't want to move. It's terrible for my circulation and health... I'm getting better. My friend Jen at work helps a ton, she gets me movin'.

Last Friday was the beginning of Homecoming and the office was a little crazy...my brain was really tired and I just really wanted some Dr. Pepper and fresh air. I took a half hour break to drive over to my ever trusted (and cheap) SuperAmerica and got myself a big, icy, refreshing, Dr. Pepper! Then I decided to stop alongside the road to take some pics of this amazing tree...

It was so beautiful...

By the time I got back to work I felt like a new person! It's amazing what listening to your husband can do...

What does your husband, roommate, parent, or best friend tell you to do that you know you probably should?

Take time for "brain" rest. It makes things SO much better!

Oh, and remember how I'm supposed to tell you my husbands exciting news? Well I can't yet, haven't gotten the all clear from him. Some things have to fall into place and then I'll call for a pow-wow and let you know what's going on.

Peace Out Friends,
Jenny

Breath of fresh air

2010-10-04T21:09:00.004-05:00

Tonight while dinner was cooking and I was waiting for my hard working man to get home I decided to take a walk with my camera (Big Shooter) to see what I might find. My creative juices were flowing and my excitement was sky high because tonight was beautiful! I was blessed to take a quiet walk through the neighborhood. I took around 200 pictures so I will give you a sneek peek each post for the next few posts.

Can you feel the warmth of the sun?

Or the cool breeze?

Absolute love!

P.S.- My husband called while I was out and delivered some amazing news but more on that later!

P.S.S.-Oh and I have pics from my lunchtime drive on Friday that I have to share too! Yay!

Ever heard of Petrified Wood?

2010-09-29T21:50:00.003-05:00

Now before you go and think I'm talking about wood that is scared, I should clarify what petrified wood is...

Petrified Wood is the process of wood hardening over a long process of time. It turns the wood into stone.

It's actually pretty amazing but my husband and I on our trip this past summer made a stop at the Fossil Museum which turned out to be a collection of 'Petrified Wood'. We paid $20 to get into this particular museum and laughed our entire way through it as to the ridiculousness we were looking at.

As you'll see below...

Two thoughts...

1. I'm hitting an all time low of things to post pictures on...I'm posting petrified wood. It's time for a photo day/evening. Just planned one with my hubby! Yay! Anyone have ideas of good "free" places to get some good shots?

2. Blogger question...once I upload pictures for a blog post they all show up in HTML. How do I tell where one pic begins and one ends so I can write notes in between them? I am blog intolerant and need some help!

P.S.- I LOVE FALL!

Come Away With Me...

2010-09-27T12:58:00.004-05:00

I love to listen to Norah Jones during the Fall.

My Fall favorites are:

cool breezes, hot tea, cinnamon roll candles burning, warm bread with soup, cookies fresh from the oven, sweatshirts and comfy pants, scarves, jeans, tennis shoes, day dreaming, spending time with great friends, movie nights, long conversations, and traveling to places full of color...

What's your favorite thing about Fall?

Maxwell

2010-09-09T10:55:00.000-05:00

A boy named Max

2010-09-09T10:30:00.005-05:00

I spent time with my dearest friend Jess and her little boy Max over Labor Day weekend. Jess and I have been friends since the 3rd grade. It's so great to see her as a Mama with her super silly and adorable boy Max! He's my Godson so I get to brag!!

Wet!

2010-09-03T10:42:00.003-05:00

Leech Lake fun!

Faces and Places

2010-08-27T10:51:00.005-05:00

These are some beautiful places and faces in my life that I've recently been able to enjoy!

Little baby Judah...couldn't you just cuddle him forever? I sure could!

Can you feel the power?

2010-08-26T10:38:00.003-05:00

Have you ever watched the movie Everybody's Fine? After seeing this film I have a whole new perspective on powerlines...

Pretty Skies

2010-08-25T15:44:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite things to photograph, the sky because it's endless!

Montana

2010-08-25T15:41:00.001-05:00

Well I promised Montana pics...I believe I took over 1,000 pictures while we were there. My husband and I are convinced we may live in Bozeman, MT someday. Would love to hear from others who have been there or live there!

Enjoy the splendor of our travels to and from Montana...

Cuties!

2010-05-03T17:10:00.002-05:00

My baby sister Grace, my step sister Lacey and step brother Avery!
Oh and adorable Tristan (the puppy), and my adorable husband Joel...

What to do vs What not to do?

2010-05-03T16:56:00.002-05:00

Ever have those times when you have no idea what you should do?

When have you had those times in your life? What did you do about it?

I have been in this time for awhile and am not sure what to do. As much as I would LOVE to spill my guts with all the details of what I'm debating among. I probably shouldn't as it will just get me in trouble and lead to more speculation than I would like.

What's coming up next in life that I do know of...

Joel and I are moving. I know you think I'm probably a moving addict and should have me checked into a treatment center but I promise I'm really not a moving addict. This move is to a smaller apartment (smaller, I know right?!) but it's going to be a great move. For the following reasons...

1. We are still within the same rental property. We love the people who own the company. They do a good job.
2. We are moving to a 1 bedroom out of our 2 bedroom because the 2 bedroom just equals more junk!
3. We are paying a significant less amount in rent per month. A-men! Thank You Dave Ramsey for that one.
4. We are moving to the first floor instead of the current third floor. Most people may think that we have the ability to be robbed, murdered or violated much more easily now BUT I promise we'll lock the doors just like we did before. Blessing of first floor is not having me carry loads of groceries up 6 flights of stairs. Wind exhaustion anyone? Yes mam! And my husband and I like to work out, jumping jacks, etc. and would love to not disturb the neighbors. I'm not bragging (well maybe I am) but my husband is a pretty tall man! It's not exactly easy for him to be quiet when he jumps.

What else is new in the life of us?

In approximately 21 days we leave for Montana! I know, right?! I have never been to Montana but I feel as though my heart is leading me home just at the thought of going there. I truly long for quiet, still, calm life. No, I don't believe that it's good to be a hermit and not have social skills but there is something about my soul and stillness that belong together. This city life is not cut out for this country girl. I love my stores and shopping but get me away from all these people. I am overjoyed at what God will show us in the Big Sky country. I'm thankful that we have the opportunity to go!

What trips are you taking this summer?

Set Apart

2010-03-05T16:01:00.000-06:00

Today is Set Apart one of the most blessing filled events I get to be part of. Northwestern College (NWC) hosts the Set Apart Women's Conference every spring during Spring Break (while students are gone). As the ticket lady I get to have a front row seat to the amazing things God does during the conference.

Today I was able to give a gift basket away to a woman named Wendy. She was so excited! Recently becoming unemployed she was not sure if she would be able to attend Set Apart but she WON tickets! We decided to spoil her a little and give her a gift basket of goodies (journal, t-shirt, mug, etc)

My most exciting moment (which has a long, crazy, unbelievable story behind it that I will not type out at this time) of the day was when our friend Dawn came! She had tears in her eyes as she walked up to the Ticket Office and I handed her the ticket (she just lost her job and spends all of her money of her kids food, and mortgage). Then I gave her a journal that we set aside just for her and told her the story of how we had the journals. She gave me a hug huge with tears in her eyes, joy in her heart, and her "spiritual gas tank" starting to hit the FULL line, my heart was filled with apprecation and joy of God's work. Moments like this make the annoying, crazy, frustrating, ironic, confusing, long hours of working a Box Office worth while. Seeing the excitement in women's eyes as they start to see a little more of God's character...helps me realize God still has work to do in me and through me. I need to get out of the way and stop putting up a fight.

I am hitting my sleep deprived moments...or afternoon drull but I shall persevere through a concert tonight and another day of the conference tomorrow.

Anyone who does not know about Set Apart...visit this website (the website does not compare to the quality of the content of this event) www.nwc.edu/setapart

What has given you hope today?

Inspiration

2010-03-02T22:08:00.000-06:00

Today I felt inspired, liberated, creative, and alive!

WHY?

Because of...

Curves (just started yesterday again after 2+ years) It's been the most effective thing for me in stabalizing my energy, weight and health since being in High School sports. With the encouragement of my husband...I decided to give it a go! So far...LOVE it.

Jessica Amber (this beautiful LaDY)

has been in my life since I was in the 3rd GRADE. She has made flower soup, drank Tahitian Treat, bought lots of cookie dough ice cream, watched Forrest Gump (many a times), made fun of my dad, laughed till she's cried, fallen on her knees, let me cry on her shoulder, told me to get in line when I was out of it, all these things and so much more...for me. Lil' ole me...this lady of true beauty, in and out has been a constant throughout a lot of different things in life. Always a TRUE friend. I hope everyone has someone like Jess in their life. She's irreplacable. Absolutely irreplacable. Love you Bubba!

Painting

I painted a cork board, a mirror, and a picture frame (from Mama Kristi). Painting always does something amazing to my senses of creativity and imagination.

Dreaming

I keep thinking of how can I sell my pictures (the scenery, artsy, pictures I take)

HOW DO I EVEN BEGIN?

Anyone?

How was your day? Any inspiration?

No Florida! but...Grand Marais!

2010-02-12T09:22:00.000-06:00

We didn't get on the plane to Houston to go to Orlando

BUT

We are going here...

Grand Marais!

With my love...Joely.

Happy Valentine's Weekend.

I'm off to spend great time with my best friend.

Confusion, Excitement, & Normal

2010-02-11T09:31:00.000-06:00

Highlights of THIS Week so Far:

(good and bad in no particular order)

#1 Super Bowl on Sunday (got to see dear friends and hold ever so cuddly baby Caleb)

#2 Have had no evening plans any day this week (it's been so refreshing to have a week off of activities)

#3 My dad called me and I'm pretty sure he was toasted (not as in a toaster caught him on fire) as in toasted. Something was strange...called to say nothing (as in silence) and to ask me in 5 million ways if I was crabby, annoyed with work, mad at my husband to which I replied NO to all of the above because I was perfectly fine. That is until he drove me crazy and creeped me out! I do not understand any of that.

#4 Had a difficult but good conversation with my husband about a relationship we have with other people. Was freeing yet frustrating. I appreciate his honesty and listening to me.

#5 Went on an unexpected date with my husband to the movie Edge of Darkness. Incredible good and scary all at the same time. See it!

#6 We had Chipotle after that! Mmmm...

#7 Work is still awkward but improving from such unfortanete events recently

(This feels so full of yuck)

#8 We're attempting to go to Florida in the AM (flights are overbooked everywhere so our chances are slim) We'll see where we end up?!

#9 I finished my resume...I have a few things that are bothering me that I want to change otherwise I'm really happy with it!

#10 Still longing to know what's next in life...

#11 Joel takes his CPR written and hands on test today! Pray for him. We're really hoping this will open doors for him to work in a fire hall (something he really wants to do!) Anyone have connections to a MN firefighter, hall?...We would love that!

#12 I started a video of my sister Liz last night (her baby, growing up, to now pictures) with transitions and music. I LOVE IT! It was the first time I've ever attempted anything like that and it was WAY easy thus far. (Reason for video-she's graduating from HS this spring/summer) Wanted to give her something fun!

#13 I got a new purse/bag for $10 and I'm waiting till our trip tomorrow to use it! (very excited about that)

#14 Love reading the new blogs I've fallen upon

#15 Appreciated my phone call with mama this week where she gave great wisdom

Good Morning...

2010-02-08T10:56:00.000-06:00

Good Morning, Good Morning, Good Morning...it's time to get up....it's time to get up!

Well I purchased myself one of these bad boys:

And I've succesfully woken up on time for 8 work days in a row! Yay!! I seriously was considering visiting a sleep doctor for my inability to wake up in the morning. Which is something I will still keep in mind. BUT for now my annoying loud and alarming clock is getting my tush out of bed in the morning. I'm so thankful.

I embarassingly over slept on a very important work morning and had the worst work week of my life thus far so I was humbly forced into trying something new to get up in the morning.

All my life I've never wanted to be a morning person because most morning people I know are annoying...:-) But I've realized being a morning person is quite delightful. Oh how Amy would love to hear me say that...I better send her the link to this post so she can have a great morning tomorrow!

I'm thankful for this small little invention with it's little silver bells and loud booming ring in the morning...you have saved me much torment, clock. Thank You!

Questions???

2010-01-28T00:45:00.000-06:00

Should we move? Probably yes.
Where should we move?
The rest really isn't as many questions as I thought.

More like fears, curiousity, wanting to know the future (when really we should know by now that God doesn't work things out that way).

What jobs should we have?

What jobs will we have?

What state should we live in?

Am I being selfish by looking for something else?

I'm scared.

I'm making excuses.

I'm dramatic.

I want to do the right thing.

Lord, help me to just listen to you. That will take care of all of the above...help me to really believe that.

I think I can sleep now. Let's hope so.

Thoughts and Reactions

2010-01-28T00:30:00.001-06:00

For a LONG time now I've wondered why I look to Facebook to tell me about other people's lives or express how I feel. I can't even really tell how I feel because certain people can see what I write or will be annoyed by my complaining comment. SO why do I even bother having such an account? Is it really to stay connected with people?

NO, not really. If I REALLY wanted to stay connected I would call, e-mail, write, or visit people.

It's so I can see what other people think. Watch their reactions. See pictures of their "life". I am one of the first people to say that pictures tell amazing things about a situation but I don't believe that they always potray real life. How many people post pictures of their dirty dishes, pilling laundry, garbage bins filled to the rim, cranky faces during an argument with your spouse, toilet paper rolls left empty on the holder, no milk in the fridge, the hair clogged in the drain, the amount of money in your bank account, or the look on your face when someone made you mad at work today.

Those things are real life...I don't see pictures like THAT on Facebook. And do I show "real life" in the 33 albums I have on Facebook. NO and YES. Those are the things I like to think of when I think of my life. Those are the things I want other people to see when they look at my life.

But yet it still doesn't feel real...and I check for updates, newsfeeds, gossip, happiness, frustration, pictures, and love notes EVERYDAY.

That makes me sad. What am I going to do about it?

2 for the PRICE of 1

2010-01-25T16:06:00.000-06:00

When I was 5 years old a wonderful man entered into my life. He was very muscular, had medium length dark brown hair (keep in mind it's the 80's people), and the other kids in my life loved him. The first few times I saw him my friends would go run and climb up onto him! He would laugh and tickle them. I found him to be a very fun and safe person. This man was Ricky. My mom fell in love with him and he became my stepdad.

Cliche and overly filled with negative meaning word...StepDad!

My experience of having a stepdad has been wonderful! For many many many years I called him Ricky (his name is Richard and people call him Rick but I call him...Ricky). He has been an everlasting constant in my life. Does not have lots of surprises or overdramatic moods. Just people loving, greatest hugger on the planet, quiet, gentle, wonderful singing voice, constant helper, fixer, supporter and friend...My DAD.

When I was a teenager/young adult I asked him what he thought when he met my young mom who had a 5 year old kid. He said "I never really thought anything of it. I love kids! I have always loved kids. I was getting 2 for the price of 1."

That is my favorite answer in the whole wide world. Because I know he's telling me the truth.

Yesterday he asked mom to bring him to the hospital because his right side was hurting tremendously. A week or so ago he went into the doctor for pain in his leg (they told him it was a vericose vein). He went in yesterday and found out he has two blood clots. One in each lung. He has to be on blood thinner's now and give himself a shot each day. We're so thankful that YOU have kept him safe, Lord. Thank You!

Thank you friends for being faithful in prayer...believing that it works. Because I have been part of so many times that it does. It works every day in a mighty, mighty, mighty, way.

Thank you Ricky for being the man you are in my life. I am blessed. I love you.

Lisa Leonard Giveaway

2010-01-18T14:42:00.000-06:00

Lisa is going to give away her most beautiful necklace yet!

Check it out...write something today!

www.lisaleonardonline.com/blog/

Montana

2010-01-17T13:46:00.000-06:00

We are going to MONTANA!

Joel and I have been planning a trip to Montana for about 2 months now. I've got my maps and library books trying to track down a route to take.

I am beyond excited to take our vehicle on the road to head for beautiful country sky. We are going in May so it should be absolutely beautiful.

Anyone ever been to Montana? We need to find places to stay along the way. Any good recommendations?!

Graduated with my Masters

2010-01-15T12:10:00.001-06:00

I can hardly believe it's over! I graduated from NWC (www.nwc.edu) with my Masters degree in Organizational Leadership. The time doing homework, lack of sleep, frazzled nerves, worry, excitement, feelings of accomplishment over a completed task, have all faded away as I celebrate 1 month this next week of completing my Masters degree! I hope to never go to school again. Also praying that God will use this degree that I have earned in a way that brings Him and me...joy!

I don't know...

2009-11-17T16:33:00.000-06:00

I don't know what to write about but wanted to write something. So I shall ask the question of the day and that is...

Who was your favorite character as a kid?

I LOVED Big Bird...love love loved Big Bird.

Oh I know what I can write about...my baby sister Alexandra or AL as we call her is turning 13 on Thursday! 13...I can't believe it. I will never forget how cute she was as a baby. She was a turkey that one, she got lots of spankings! AL entertains our family and has brought so much joy and honesty to our lives. I can't imagine this world without her!

Love you AL...always be yourself.

Liz & AL on our wedding day!

Slowing Down

2009-10-29T19:04:00.000-05:00

All of a sudden Tuesday night after working late I was hit with a sore throat and achy body. By Wednesday late morning it was time to go home! Never in a thousand years did I think I would get sick right now. I felt fine. This week started my two class stretch before graduation. Monday night for four hours and Wednesday night for four hours. The Wednesday night class is completely dedicated to our final research project! It will be tiring and crazy but I am so thankful to be nearing the end I can hardly believe it's here.

I am ready for life again life other than devotion to a computer, book, or clock.

I am ready to see Joel and spend quality time with him

I am ready to work out five days of the week consistently

I am ready to have time to finish Andrea's scrapbook

I am ready to celebrate my sister graduating High School in the spring

I am ready to spend free time baking...cooking

I am ready to spoil a cute little baby boy that Christa & Matt will be having in December

I am ready to catch up on life with dear friends

I am ready to take a trip to Duluth with Andrea & Kari

I am ready to research purchasing our dog named Bruce (he will be a basset hound)

I am ready to have friends over for dinner

I am ready to go to Iowa and visit family

I am ready to clean up our place

I am ready to take a nap on Sunday's

I am ready to take more pictures

I am ready to work on some projects

I am ready to start selling cards again

I am ready to start planning for our Montana trip this summer

I am ready to celebrate

I am ready to have Bible Studies with women again

I am ready to pursue

I am ready to plan

I am ready to pray

I am ready to partay!!

I am ready...

What a day...

2009-10-25T20:26:00.001-05:00

All weekend I had been so anxious about how in the world I was going to fit 18 people into our apartment for a Parent Kickoff Shower Joel and I were throwing for Christa & Matt. Little did I know God had much better things to worry about than my spacial issue. I decided to go to the early service for Church so I could come home and cook the rest of the food for the party. On my way home from church Matt was calling me so I answered. He proceeded to tell me that Christa fainted in church and she was being taken by ambulance to the hospital. They didn't think it would be much wrong but wanted to make sure. Christa on the way to the hospital blacked out again and threw up. Poor friend! Later Matt called and said Christa is well and baby is well. They are not sure exactly what is wrong so she's on bed rest until she sees her doctor tomorrow! My heart was in my stomach worrying so much about Christa and baby VanZee. The Lord knows what exactly is going on...I pray that He shows light onto any dangers.

What a day our friends had! I hope they are all resting tonight and finding peace in that tomorrow will be a new day and hopefully will receive some answers.

We had a few friends come eat some of the grub so that was good! Tuesday, Joel and I will bring Christa & Matt some dinner and dessert as we have lots of it :-)

I'm off to start homework...tomorrow begins the 2 class stretch for the next 6 weeks! I am oh so nervous for many reasons but I know it will only last for awhile. My patience, energy, and attitude will be tested but I pray for the Lords endurance and help to lean on Him through it all.

I did something strange with our computer today and LOST....ALL of our pictures that we have taken for the last 6-12 months. Including our honeymoon pictures, wedding pictures, and other fun adventures along the way. It looks as though they are permanently gone. I know I can get the wedding one's but not sure about the honeymoon. To me that is a huge LOSS! Pictures are marks of my memories. I LOVE to have them! Please computer, please give me my pictures back!

Anyone know how to get your documents, pictures, music back after a system failure? We have all our programs installed still but the other things are gone! Any advice and I'll take it...

Gamma Bird

2009-10-02T20:50:00.000-05:00

This is my grandma. (my mom's mom) When I was a kid I would call her "Gamma Bird" because her last name was Berg. It isn't Berg anymore so I can't call her that. Makes me sad because I oh so loved calling my grandma "Gamma Bird" she always will be to me. My grandma and I would bake cookies together, make hats out of paper sandwhich bags, visit my great-grandma, great-grandparents, play outside, play with dollies, dress up, sow, do chores, go shopping. Gamma Bird taught me how to dance cheek to cheek, be silly, ride a bike, brush my teeth, play games and always have fun. I think that I learned to have a sense of humor from her. I never realized that until now but I think it's true. She was and is the funniest person I knew when I was a kid! This picture shows so much to me of our relationship. When this picture was taken she said something to the effect of "You're married! AAAAHHH!" and then we both laughed our big loud laughs.

I love you Gamma Bird.

Comfy and Cozy

2009-10-02T20:42:00.000-05:00

I am sitting here in my favorite chair (big blue), watching my favorite show (Law & Order SVU), listening to a dog down the hall bark and cry his eyes out (mom and dad must have left him home alone...they should have let me puppysit), and looking at our wedding pictures! It's a nice do-nothing evening. Joel is with the boys tonight celebrating Dan's bachelorhood before his big day next weekend!

It's strange sitting and doing nothing. Hard for me to do. I think of all sorts of things I could be doing. I think I better...just be. Tomorrow will be a great day to get chores done.

I hope everyone has a comfy and cozy weekend!

Here are some of our very fun wedding pics! Thank You dearest Angeli! www.lissarragueimages.com

Tough day

2009-09-29T19:05:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we got a letter in the mail from the IRS saying that Joel owed over $2,000 from a mistake on his taxes. We both thought that it was a mess up and Joel would call tomorrow (today). Well he called today and it's not a mess up. It was taxes from some medical studies he had done a long time back.

I am sad for two reasons:

#1 - we have to pay this bill that we barely have the money for. It will empty our emergency savings and other savings. That is a huge security gone just like that.

#2- we had it planned to go to Duluth on Friday, stay at Black Bear Casino (which is way cheaper than a hotel) and go walk around Duluth Saturday.

Originally our plan was to use our free nights stay at the Radisson in Duluth but they are fully booked. Lame!

Now we are definitely not going to stay at Black Bear...

Joel doesn't even know if he wants to go to Duluth.

I am plain old bummed.

I LOVE Duluth so much and long to get away.

There is a peace that says this too shall pass. We will get it paid. We are fortunate to have just the right amount of money to pay for it. I know I should not complain...that is not my intent. Just telling a story of those days that you are sometimes really bummed.

Maybe I'll see Duluth this fall maybe I won't. I sure will miss it if I don't. I thought I wouldn't be able to go at all because of school so I shouldn't be so bummed. But I am.

Here are some pictures from our last trip to Duluth (before our wedding day trip to Duluth)

Liz's Senior Pics

2009-09-27T21:09:00.001-05:00

I took my sisters Senior Pictures a few weeks ago...500 to be exact :-) Here are some of my favorites. She is VERY photogenic so it was hard to only pic a few!

Liz is Queen!

2009-09-27T20:57:00.000-05:00

Beautiful Lady....

Memories...

2009-09-27T20:38:00.000-05:00

Today was OHS Coronation. My sister Liz was voted onto Homecoming court. We went to the ceremony with camera in hand waiting to capture the moment of who might win. Liz won!!!!! It was great. I'll post some pics later once I download them.

I really should be working on my 8-10 page paper for class on Wednesday. Especially considering I haven't even started.

My throat and ear hurt I hope I am not getting sick again! :-(

Joel and I are prepping to go to Duluth on Friday. I LOVE Duluth so much. I have no idea how to even describe the excitement and comfort I feel in Duluth! I am hoping to take Joel to my great grandparents place of burual. They never got to meet Joel. My great-grandparents were amazingly funny people. I am one of few kids who actually gets to grow up knowing their great-grandparents. I am very honored that they were able to leave an impression upon my life. I'll have to post a picture of them later as well. (Joel laughs at the picture every time he see's it because of how little I am. He tells me I haven't grown much since then. I wish that was true!)

Memories of OHS Homecoming and great-grandma and great-grandpa floating through my head tonight.

I'm married!

2009-09-22T23:03:00.000-05:00

I have not written in FOREVER...so I thought I better update for my zero readers out there :-) That I am married! It has been two months as a Mrs. Life is great living with my best friend. We had the best day we could have ever asked for and more! Here are a few pics...

Summer Showers

2009-08-05T23:25:00.000-05:00

Here are some oh so fun pics from my bridal shower thrown by my wonderful Christa Ruth! We had a fantastic mystery dinner, games, and presents. It was great!

Thank You dearest friend.

Mrs Koopman

2009-08-05T23:15:00.000-05:00

I am officially Mrs Jennifer Koopman! It's mind boggling how we waited for so long to be husband and wife. Then just like that we are married. I love Joel more than I could imagine and I am sure that someday I will love him even more than I do now.

We had a wonderful day on the shores of Lake Superior where we got married. It was a gray and cloudy but perfectly set day just for us. Our family and friends stood upon the rocks of the cold Lake Superior watching us make a commitment to one another for life. It was wonderful!

The next day we had a reception at my grandparents home in Mora, MN. It was very hard to come back after we had been at a wonderful lodge in Duluth but we managed. The evening was full of delicious food, wonderful friends, and crazy dancing! We had a blast. I will remember those two days forever!

I am headed into my third week as Mrs. Koopman and I am finding that I love to spend time just being held by my husband. To spend time with him and talk to him about the days events. The part that has been the hardest has beent he surprises of life. When you dissapoint people and didn't even realize it, when things change and you didn't expect it, when things break and you didn't plan on it, when things hurt and you said they wouldn't, all of those things will forever catch me off guard in life. Why is it that we can't have a special pass that allows us to be in utter bliss for a certain amount of time? Because....this is earth and how we have created it to be. Makes me look forward to heaven when this constantly active brain, anxious heart and tiring body can finally lay at rest. I love what I have been given. The other complexities of life make me thankful for what's to come.

I love you my husband. Prayerfully and intentionally I hope to be a better person for you.

New days...

2009-06-25T12:06:00.000-05:00

Check out the gorgeous lady below! She's a Mrs. Cassin now. I can hardly believe how fast life has gone. Makes me excited and teary all at the same time. I love you friend. Very proud and happy for you too!

2009-06-25T11:59:00.000-05:00

Beautiful Bride!

Life lately...

2008-11-19T16:50:00.000-06:00

I haven't written in a long time. I have wanted to but it seems like I can never log in or when I do it's off to do something else.

In September or so I purchased the most expensive item (besides my car) that I have ever bought! A new camera...I love taking pictures and wanted something that could do more than my Canon. Which I do love but wanted more zoom and options. I ended up getting the newest Olympus camera. It's so much fun! Here are some pics from the new camera...that I love.

New days...new times

2008-10-09T16:43:00.000-05:00

So much has changed again. I have a new home. Starting a new Bible Study tonight which I am really excited for!

Just all seems so strange to have new things happening again.

Joel is doing a medical study starting next weekend for the next 4 weekends! Which means very limited time with my Joely. Also means Jenny will be feeling lonely and sad without quality time with her bestest friend. It's all for good reasons. He will reap many benefits for participating in the study so in the end it should all work out just great.

This Saturday we are planning on having a wonderful full day date. Saturday late morning/early afternoon we are planning to go to an apple orchard. I love FALL!! Then hopefully a Saturday cat nap followed with some afternoon apple crisp.

I work from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for Showcase of Talent so we will have a small break.

Then it's off to Chipotle for some late dinner before we head to a movie!

I am beyond excited. More than many things in this world I love time with my Joely. We don't do formalized dates very often, in order to save on money, so this is a special treat.

I realized the other day I still have pictures on my camera from the summer...here are some of them.

Ummm...

2008-10-06T14:50:00.000-05:00

How do you find the balance between being selfish and needs being fulfilled?

I can never tell...am I being selfish or is this a legitimate need? I feel frustrated. I don't need the world on a silver platter that's for sure. Actually, I would never want it. It would be nice however to receive an act of service, phone call, note, present or something without having to ask for it...or say I feel "unloved." Love is not about keeping a tally of who does what..when. Sometimes however I get exhausted doing things for someone else and nothing in return. At the most I ask for a listening ear...reciprocation. Saying all of this now makes me feel like a selfish, ungrateful, unloving person.

I don't have it figured out. I'm not good at this. People say it's not about us but God working through us. I don't know how to do that! Is there a manual or something?

I guess I should probably not give if I'm expecting something in return. It all comes back to my own intentions and actions. Why am I doing what I'm doing? And believe me I fail others all the time...I'm sorry.

I don't want to wear the pants. I want to be a woman but frankly that sucks...and it's really hard to do sometimes. Be giving, caring, loving and ask for nothing in return but don't get walked on. What is that about? Sometimes I just want to quit this woman stuff.

How are the men going to understand if I don't even understand?

Moving...is hard to do

2008-10-02T17:11:00.000-05:00

Well, it's official. Last night Christa Ruth helped me hang up my curtains in my room. My room is complete. Pictures and all. I love it! Nice and cozy. Christa called it the Queen's room or something to that nature. I'll have to take some pics of our new place and post them.

It's nice to have a place called home. The biggest thing that gives me comfort is my room. All I ever need is a little space of my own to feel safe and comforted. Today it struck me how lost I would feel without a home. I can't imagine loosing my home, or being homeless. I thank God that he provides the means for me to have a place to live. Winter is around the corner which is the worst time to be without a home. I might have to research what I can do to help out with that.

Last Saturday Joel and I volunteered with our church at a mini-clinic in the trailer park. We were in charge of Height & Weight...let's just say Joel did height and I did the weight. It was a great experiences. Really opened my eyes..and I know Joel's' too...to the darkness that covers the trailer park by our church. So many people getting into trouble for lack of other things to do. A man named Tommy came to visit...he had been evicted from the trailer park the day before but was still hanging around. Tommy was an emotional roller coaster. He was so full of alcohol I can't imagine what his insides look like. It was one of the hardest things I've seen someone do to them self. What do you do in a situation like that?

There isn't much to say or do. Mike (our pastor) talked to Tommy the entire day of the clinic. Tried to be helpful, be a listening ear but also strong in that Tommy needs to make changes in his life or he will die...very soon.

Well I better get moving...class got pushed to tonight from last night! I didn't have much homework due so that was exciting! I love this class so I want to soak as much of it up as possible.

Aunt Becky

2008-09-15T15:20:00.000-05:00

Monday, September 29th marks the one year death anniversary of Aunt Becky. It seems like yesterday but also like a year ago that we watched her leave this place. I miss her! I can still here her voice...I'm thankful for that. Love you Becka Lou...hope you are running around!

Stef told Pappy that it wasn't fair that he would see you walk before we did...I agree.

A dog named Bruce

2008-09-15T14:49:00.001-05:00

As many of you may know I have really wanted "my dog named Bruce"...I've been craving to have him lately. But as I've been kindly reminded by my dear man Joely...is that I can't have a dog yet. Which is true...Cali and I our new apartment building doesn't allow dogs. Which I kind of wish it did because Cali would love to have Bruce live with us. When Mr.Joel marries me...then he says I can have Bruce. Believe me...I'm holding him to it!

This pictures is of Joel and Cotton. Cotton is my dad's neighbor dog. He comes to visit his friend Shiloh (which is my dad's third daughter...female beagle)! Cotton loves Shiloh. Joel and Cotton look like they are having a very deep conversation!

State Fair with my Koops

2008-09-15T13:44:00.000-05:00

A portion of the Koopman clan went to the State Fair this summer. Here are some of our fun pictures!

Pictures that I love

2008-09-15T13:39:00.001-05:00

Here are some pictures of life lately...that have become some of my favorites!

Life recently...

2008-09-15T13:26:00.000-05:00

Today I accidentally ran over a baby chipmunk while leaving work to go home for a quick lunch. I felt awful for squishing that poor little guy. I called Joel right away and started bawling telling him I was a murderer. He was sadly giggling...he felt bad but was laughing that I was so upset. It was okay that he was giggling...I know I sounded crazy. It made me realize that that time of the month is right around the corner...when the small things are making a HUGE difference in my emotions.

Cali and I can start moving today to our new place. Which has been quite the experience...someone was murdered at our new place two weekends ago! So Hecktar and Habeeb (Cali & Jenny) will be protecting one another...and purchasing bottles of mase for the next 9 months. I know we will be okay...God is in control and will use our lives for His work and glory. I pray that He protects us...and draws us to Him as we rely on what He has in store.

I started a new class last Wednesday and I LOVE it! Effective Communication & Leadership is the class and right up my alley! I am CONSTANTLY trying to find more effective way to communicate. It amazes me how I think I have established a good level of communication with someone or a group of people and then something happens where they don't understand what I'm saying and I'm left frustrated and baffled! The professor for this class is lively and very fun. He teaches in a way that is very effective for my learning style. The hours went by so quickly that I didn't even look at the clock once!

Joel's dad is going to be in town tonight so the three of us are going to dinner. The boys want to go to their favorite "Famous Dave's" so meat & potatoes it is! I'm excited to see Mike...he's a strong, comforting and affirming man. Joel gets so excited to see his dad...which makes me really happy. I'm giving Papa Mike a present tonight...something I found on clearance. I know Amy would approve :-)

Oh I almost forgot the most exciting part! I bought a new camera...and Olympus ES520. It is a wonderful camera and I got a great deal. If only I knew how to use perfectly right away. It's time to learn something new again. So I'll be experimenting with that!

I've really been wanting a dog lately. To hug, play and cuddle with a basset hound would be wonderful! When I get my dear dog someday...I will name him Bruce.

Welp, I'm off to fill out my FAFSA so that I can get loan information...so I can continue to pay for this program!

Neck

2008-08-18T14:34:00.000-05:00

Why in the world is it that my neck decides to get so stiff and full of pain? My job is sitting at a desk all day long but it is SO horrible for my body. I am only 24 years old dang it! I should not be this old of a creaky lady yet! This is terrible. Oh if I only knew how to get rid of this pain permanently....

2008-07-24T12:37:00.000-05:00

I love my Joely

2008-07-24T12:13:00.001-05:00

I love this man so much. He is my protector, caregiver, best friend, laughing partner, and love of my life. God new exactly what I wanted when He brought Joel into my life. I am going to stink at times showing Joel how much I respect and love him but I am going to try my very best.

Joely I love you. Most of all I respect who you are and how hard you work in all things.

Love,

Your little lady

Customer Service

2008-07-24T11:53:00.000-05:00

I am not cut out for this...whole customer service thing. Sometimes I really wonder what in the world am I doing working at a job that's primary skill is customer service when I stink at it! I really do...people can be so rude, awkward, loud, mean, hyper, talkative and I can't handle it. I get so tense talking to people on the phone...it makes me really cranky, grit my teeth, stomach churning, I become feeling shy. I don't think customer service is my fortay...but I'm also not sure what is?

A word to those ordering any sort of service of product...be nice to the person on the other end of the phone. If you don't like talking to them...they are not going to like talking to you. I have had very few great experiences on the phone at work. Some people (usually always women) have asked if they could pray for me by name...and asked for my name. I've had some people pray for me right there over the phone. Others have said that I do a great job and appreciate what I do. It makes the biggest difference!

I guess that's why we can't put our feelings and faith in other people...they will let us down. God calls us to be servants even to complete strangers....that is really HARD. I need His help.

2008-07-21T16:42:00.000-05:00

Florida is the land of Magic

2008-07-21T16:32:00.000-05:00

Florida...

I went and visited Amy (Joel's sister) in Florida the first week of July. Amy works for the wonderful world of Disney so she was my very own tour guide! She got me in for free and taught me everything I know about Disney. I had never been to Disney World before...my family always goes to Colorado on vacation. Here are some pictures from my amazing time with my dear friend almost sister (as we like to say) Amy. She convinced me that I could consider living in Florida...I love it!

Moving...

2008-07-15T09:03:00.000-05:00

I've decided moving is for the birds...literally. It is so exhausting to be moving all the time. I thought I would be living where I am for another year but I don't think that will be the case. It's time for Cali and I to decide what to do next for living situations and it's no fun!

As tiring as moving is...the one part I look forward to is a fun new place to decorate!

I know it will all work out for the best. It just tires me out to think of moving again. If I am counting correctly I have moved 18 times in my life! I might have missed a couple of times. And I'm sure I will move even more times after this...

Where will I live next?

Contentment

2008-07-14T09:26:00.000-05:00

For the Bible Study that I am in we decided for the summer to take one main thing in our lives and pray for it continuesly. I decided on contentment. Contentment is very difficult for me. There were years that I thought I was content but I think I had the wrong defintion of the word. Through my prayers and struggle with contentment, conversation with softball ladies and family I realized something about all of us.

If we are a kid we want to be a teenager...
If we are a teenager we want to be an adult...
If we are an adult we want to be retired...
If we are single we want to be engaged...
If we are engaged we want to be married...
If we are married we want to have kids...
If we have kids we are ready for them to move out...
If they move out we want them back...
If we have a car we want a truck...
If we have bread we want jelly...
If we have bread & jelly we want peanut butter...

We always...always want more...
Why can't we be okay or even happy with where we are? This is so difficult for me. Why is it so hard...my life is not hard...not hard compared to so many other people in this world. I need to be content. Help me Lord to be content.

Here we go...

2008-07-14T09:11:00.000-05:00

I have been avoiding starting this blog...not sure why. Probably because I am afraid of what I might write...maybe make a mistake or say something I shouldn't.

First topic: You are not a social person.

I was told this weekend that I am anti-social or can be...I was really hurt. And almost bitter. Okay, I was bitter. Then I had to take a deep breath and figure out why I was so upset. I am upset because deep down that is one of my constant ever nagging fears. Is what people think of me, that they have summed me up in a moment. I let my fear of what others think control my time with other people...it's easier to hide from people than to try and face them and my thoughts of what they might think of me. Ridiculous I know but it is how I've let myself be lied to.

My anti-social...running away...is something that I do not want to face or work on but I know it's the only way I can try to change. I pray for grace...to change.

Also through this comment of hearing that I am anti-social that it is really hard for me to accept when people are honest with me. I do not want to hear that. And I am going to be hurt and play the victim...because I am the victim you have called me something that I am and I am hurt! Once again...ridiculous. I hate this human thing sometimes. Nothing sounds better sometimes than wanting to give up. Throw in the towel and quite at being human. Is that possible? Does God have a get out of humanness card? I wish.

Learning the yucky, black things about yourself is never fun. I really do not like these times...it makes my stomach churn and feel yucky, gives me a headache and makes me plain ole' crabby. I am not called to be these things. I pray that I could be a better example of what Christ actually calls us to be.

I wonder if anyone else in this world really feels as ridiculous and emotional as I do? A lot of times I think it's completely impossible for anyone to be as emotional as I am.