October 28, 2008 by jennifer
About 2 months ago, I put myself on a waiting list at my local library for Ladies of Liberty by Cokie Roberts. I was 65th on the list when I initially signed on. Well, this morning, I received word that the book was waiting for me at the library. Awesome! I will let you know how it is when I finish reading it. Speaking of which….
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October 26, 2008 by jennifer

Photo: compliments of Jeremiah’s cell phone
Last time I saw you in concert was about 8 years ago in St Louis at a speedway (outdoors). It was July 3, and it was hot, hot, hot. The concert started around 1-2 in the afternoon and ended around midnight. It was general admission, so there weren’t seats. We waited thru 4 other bands (even Kid Rock, blech!) before we got to see you and it was so worth the wait. I loved it! But, like I said, it was HOT and I was so tired at the end of the day. Not to mention slightly scarred by some of the things I saw in the crowd when Korn was playing. Weird. Anyway, last night, I had the opportunity to see you at the Sprint Center (indoors). I was so looking forward to this. We had pretty great seats and I was psyched. What I didn’t realize is that when you are playing inside, you are much much louder. When you play outside, the sounds travel through space and into nowhere. When you play inside, while totally awesome, is so freaking loud. The sound has nowhere to go except directly into my ears, then it bounces off the walls and comes back into my ears. Still awesome though, I just can’t hear very well out of my left hear right now. It is ringing a bit. But, what I really love about you Metallica is your ability to be a heavy metal band and actually sing! Most are just screamers, but not you Mr Hetfield. You can seriously sing. Love Trujillo. Very good and so entertaining. Lars, thank you for keeping your shirt on this concert. I appreciate it. Much more appealing in a shirt. And Kirk, will you please come to my house and teach my 4 year old son to play guitar like that? I want him to be able to follow me around all day and just play for me. And, by the way, I know a million women who would kill for your ringlets. Loved the flames guys and those enormous coffin shaped things hanging from the ceiling. That was awesome. You are timeless and every type of person loves you. From old bikers to young Christian housewives, you speak to them all. Rock on.
Jen
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October 25, 2008 by jennifer
The funniest music video ever. Seriously, what is going on in this video?
Breckin as Dwight

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October 22, 2008 by jennifer
Just wanted to pass along some great news. Breckin went in today for his post-op weight issue and the doctor has officially declared him as no longer wasting away. He has gained 5 lbs in 10 weeks and is at the 25% for weight. Yes, he is still thin and will probably always be thin. But, he is normal thin, not scary thin. Praise the Lord!
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October 22, 2008 by jennifer

I have found over the years that watching my children can tell me so much about myself. I see my own personality in them. Sometimes that is a good thing, sometimes not so good. Today, I got a healthy dose of “bad” from both of my kids at the same time. I am a really huge stickler about rules. When I had Breckin I read every book about taking care of a baby and followed the instructions word for word, even for his first bath. Ridiculous I know, but I had to do it just so or the world would end, right? Sometimes, I get too caught up in the rules and can’t relax. Another issue I have is defiance. I am stubborn and do not care to be bossed around at all. I am not the type to sit back and just take it. I used to fight back. This issue is more internal now that I am older and have more control over my actions, but as a teenager, I was pretty open about it. I must admit, it will rear its ugly head occasionally still. Anyway, these are the two personality traits I saw play out in my children today at lunchtime. Here is the story.
Today, Arwyn and Breckin were at the table and Arwyn said the word “stupid.” That is a bad word in our house and no one is allowed to use it. Breckin stays on top of things making sure not a single person utters the word. He corrects me occasionally when I have let it slip and today, he was quick to correct Arwyn. Arwyn, being as bullheaded as she is kept repeating and repeating the word. Breckin, being the rule-follower he is, kept correcting her over and over again. He was getting really mad that she had no respect for the rule. Then, she got this evil little smile on her face and started to sing a song that she made up all on her own. The song was called, “Stupid.” The only word in the song was “stupid.” She was singing so gleefully too. In that moment I saw myself in a less than impressive light. Here was Breckin, being a stickler about the rules, which I totally am and Arwyn, defying “authority” which I often do. Good to know I passed on such great DNA. On the up side, Breckin is a genius, Arwyn is absolutely hilarious and they are both as cute as can be.
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October 21, 2008 by jennifer
Early Friday morning, I packed the kids up and we headed to Versailles for Arwyn’s birthday weekend. We celebrated Jeremiah’s mom’s birthday on Friday night and Arwyn’s birthday Saturday. It was fun to watch her open presents. This is the first time she has actually grasped the concept of getting presents, but she is still almost too young to really enjoy it all. She was so excited about getting her June (Little Einsteins) doll that she was done opening presents. We had to keep reminding her there were more to open. She was very cute and I think everyone had a great time. Here are a few pictures, including the cake.
Opening Presents


Blowing out candles with Pa Bill

Trying to blow up a balloon

Exhausted after the big party

And, the teapot cake.

And while this picture isn’t from the party, I just thought it was a great picture of Breckin.

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October 15, 2008 by jennifer


Arwyn will be turning 2 in a few days and I keep thinking about the day she was born. While it was so long ago, it is so fresh in my mind and I thought I might share. The first moments came around 1am when I woke up thinking I might be in labor. I watched Gilmore Girls while I decided if I was actually in labor. By the end, I was certain. I woke Jeremiah up to let him know and we stayed at home until 3:30am. I took a shower to relieve the pain then decided it was getting a bit too intense to stay at home. I really didn’t want to have a baby in the living room. We told my mom we were leaving and were at the hospital around 4am. I hate being at the hospital and being in labor. It is cold and uncomfortable. Although Arwyn was doing just fine, they wouldn’t allow me to get up and walk around nor would they let me shower for pain relief. So, I got in the shower anyway.
Jeremiah was there, putting blankets on me when I got cold, taking them away when I snapped at him because I was too hot. He was bossed around all morning long and didn’t say a word. What a great man. The nurse we initially had been assigned to was beside herself. She never really had to deal with natural childbirth. She had no idea what to do with me. Then, praise the Lord, there was a shift change and my new nurse was a doula. What a lifesaver that sweet girl was! She came running into the room, knowing my situation and instantly putting me at ease. She helped me get comfortable, encouraged me to walk and stand up a bit. She didn’t leave my side and I adored her instantly. Finally, she said those glorious words, “It is time to push.” and 15 minutes later, Arwyn Eva was born at 7:45am. 8lbs 4oz. My first moments with Arwyn were unforgettable. This is something I had missed with Breckin and have always been deeply sad about. I was given narcotics with Breckin, so remember very little about his first moments, plus he was quickly taken away to be bathed and tested. With Arwyn, they just wrapped her up and instantly handed her to me. There she was. An adorable, wide eyed baby girl with dark brown hair and fat, fat cheeks. In the first hour, she nursed nearly the entire time and pooped on me 4 times. I didn’t care though. I was smitten. They never took her out of my room. The nurse, still the doula, stayed with me and bathed Arwyn in my room. I took pictures of her first bath and never missed a second. Jeremiah knew this was something I had missed with Breckin and was happy to sit back and let me hog her a bit. I so am glad I have those moments to remember. Happy birthday Baby Bear!
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October 9, 2008 by jennifer
Today, I took the kids to Walgreens to pick up my passport photo. Upon walking into the store, both kids declare the need to pee. Of course. We went to the bathroom, took care of business, and were washing our hands when a strange sound came from the other stall. I ignored it, but Breckin couldn’t resist. He started laughing hysterically. And Breckin does not have a meek laugh. It is somewhere between a hyena and a deranged lunatic type laugh. I tried to quietly and kindly get him to zip it when he suddenly said, “Mommy, that sound went PLLLBBBB!” and continued laughing like a mad man. Oh no. Oh freaking no. I attempted to get him out of the bathroom before the one who dealt it came out of the stall, but we weren’t fast enough. I thought about saying sorry and shamefully rushing my kids out. But instead, I found I could not make eye contact with the poor person and we left as quickly as possible.
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October 8, 2008 by jennifer

Conversation #1
Arwyn: Shhhh. Mommy, be quiet. The pee-pee is coming. (she says this when she is sitting on the potty)
Conversation #2
Arwyn: No no puma!
Me: Arwyn, the puma is not going to get you. (Thanks to Diego, she is afraid of pumas)
Arwyn: Mommy, the puma eat my popcorn all gone.
Conversation #3
Arwyn: Mommy, the puma get me!
Me: Arwyn, the puma is not going to get you. There isn’t a puma in the house. What do you do to make the puma go away?
Arwyn: I shake my body (as she is shaking her body) and kick the puma in the face (as she demonstrates kicking the puma in the face).
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