tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6195008884702580424.comments2012-01-12T19:56:48.646-05:00the unperfected perfectionistJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084570276824406689noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6195008884702580424.post-16211202385984684992012-01-12T19:56:48.646-05:002012-01-12T19:56:48.646-05:00Happy New Year, Jen! I've missed reading your ...Happy New Year, Jen! I've missed reading your posts. Thanks for sharing how you are really doing!I'll look forward to hearing more from you in 2012!<br />Love to you<br />Cindy :)Cindy Bultemahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00436198925174853578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6195008884702580424.post-80839189162863027172011-12-17T11:20:10.421-05:002011-12-17T11:20:10.421-05:00This was so sweet, Jen. I decided to look at your...This was so sweet, Jen. I decided to look at your blog today because I realized it has been so long since I've checked it! I've enjoyed reading the posts I fell behind on. It's always good to catch up with a great friend, even if it's through a computer :) Hope to see you soon -- we should plan a get-together over the holidays! Love, KKLKLeo4https://www.blogger.com/profile/08021466950022749658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6195008884702580424.post-81637314714905874732011-12-11T00:25:23.682-05:002011-12-11T00:25:23.682-05:00What a special tribute to Emma. You are both beaut...What a special tribute to Emma. You are both beautiful ~ inside and out. :)<br />Love to you<br />Cindy :)<br /><br />P.S. If it makes you feel better, we finally broke down and bought a tree at Lowe's today. It's still not decorated. Ugh.Cindy Bultemahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00436198925174853578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6195008884702580424.post-53591398090637208972011-10-21T16:53:35.561-04:002011-10-21T16:53:35.561-04:00precious couples. absolutely. praying for you as y...precious couples. absolutely. praying for you as you learn to walk this anxiety-free.kendalhttp://kendalprivette.blogpsot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6195008884702580424.post-44861923231695802032011-10-07T12:53:52.892-04:002011-10-07T12:53:52.892-04:00Thanks Jen! This was just what I needed to hear. :...Thanks Jen! This was just what I needed to hear. :)Nicole VanderVeennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6195008884702580424.post-79967004860998069362011-10-06T15:06:31.311-04:002011-10-06T15:06:31.311-04:00Nicole, thank you so much for taking the time to p...Nicole, thank you so much for taking the time to post a comment and sharing your frustration. I am so very glad that I was able to give you a little boost today! As you know firsthand, being a SAHM isn't always easy but, it is so incredibly rewarding. I would have to say that the good times definitely outweigh the challenging times. And please,please,please remember...you are far from a failure! In fact, take that word out of your mind and replace it with SUCCESS! Keep your chin up:)Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02084570276824406689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6195008884702580424.post-10384457337425638062011-10-06T12:41:36.262-04:002011-10-06T12:41:36.262-04:00I have never read your blog before, for some reaso...I have never read your blog before, for some reason today I clicked on it and it was just what I needed. I am also a SAHM and I was reminded how thankful I am to have this role. I was having a very difficult morning. My wonderful toddler son has been giving me a run for my money and trying my patience, to say the least. I was on the verge of tears of frustration and exhaustion as my daughter cried, ready to be nursed. So, I guiltily bribed my son with a cartoon so I could get him out of the kitchen where he was climbing into the sink to play in the dish water. As I nursed my beautiful baby girl I was feeling like quite a failure. I picked up my phone and clicked on your blog and it lifted my spirits. So, thank you, I needed a reminder of what I am so thankful for, being a SAHM.Nicole VanderVeennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6195008884702580424.post-62809049740428114122011-09-29T14:06:10.742-04:002011-09-29T14:06:10.742-04:00How sweet, Jen! You are blessed to have such a spe...How sweet, Jen! You are blessed to have such a special sister (and close by, once again). Thanks for sharing!<br />Cindy :)Cindy Bultemahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00436198925174853578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6195008884702580424.post-88779720400486512092011-09-13T09:34:06.690-04:002011-09-13T09:34:06.690-04:00Tricia...thanks so much for sharing that trick wit...Tricia...thanks so much for sharing that trick with me! I wondered if it was possible to freeze them and the process. I am definitely going to try this!Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02084570276824406689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6195008884702580424.post-60664400355930729002011-09-12T13:05:09.199-04:002011-09-12T13:05:09.199-04:00so, of course there is always pesto. but, you can...so, of course there is always pesto. but, you can also freeze them for use later! i just found this trick out and it is such an amazingly useful thing! just place chopped fresh herbs in an ice cube tray (tightly packed) and top them off with some water. freeze them and then store the cubes in a baggie or container. you can then just drop them into soups and sauces as you need them!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11157295865579903599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6195008884702580424.post-9632999532912332932011-09-09T23:22:28.437-04:002011-09-09T23:22:28.437-04:00You too Jen! Have a great weekend!
Love
Cindy :)You too Jen! Have a great weekend!<br />Love<br />Cindy :)Cindy Bultemahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00436198925174853578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6195008884702580424.post-10060467386559770332011-09-06T15:36:44.609-04:002011-09-06T15:36:44.609-04:00Thanks Cindy! It makes me happy knowing others en...Thanks Cindy! It makes me happy knowing others enjoy reading my stories:)Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02084570276824406689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6195008884702580424.post-21234394492319841732011-09-06T14:04:18.247-04:002011-09-06T14:04:18.247-04:00Way to go Jen!!! Loved reading your story! Thanks ...Way to go Jen!!! Loved reading your story! Thanks for sharing (and the awesome pics too!)<br />Cindy :)Cindy Bultemahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00436198925174853578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6195008884702580424.post-21072453052767449532011-09-01T13:42:31.363-04:002011-09-01T13:42:31.363-04:00Have a great time, Jen! Look forward to seeing you...Have a great time, Jen! Look forward to seeing your pics next week. Just rememeber ~ Never, never give up!<br />Love to you<br />Cindy :)Cindy Bultemahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00436198925174853578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6195008884702580424.post-66939698645847211942011-03-02T23:54:44.510-05:002011-03-02T23:54:44.510-05:00How can we hang out at the pool everyday if you ha...How can we hang out at the pool everyday if you hate swimsuits! Jeannie will not put up with clothes at her pool. Of course she doesn't really wear any anyway....NicoleAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6195008884702580424.post-72845655462625270152011-03-02T21:25:21.306-05:002011-03-02T21:25:21.306-05:00Jen,
That was super fun to read! Thanks for shari...Jen,<br />That was super fun to read! Thanks for sharing. I am "trying" to really take up running this year more seriously. I hope I learn to enjoy it as much as you!<br /><br />StacyAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15687827276523341774noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6195008884702580424.post-53675857313255493592011-02-23T21:39:54.516-05:002011-02-23T21:39:54.516-05:00So glad you made it safe and sound. Yes I do belie...So glad you made it safe and sound. Yes I do believe someone was watching over you. Praise God. Did Emma have school on Tuesday then? Love you, stay safe. <br />Mom ScheunemanAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18426385904626742152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6195008884702580424.post-39632058412655755262011-02-08T16:52:09.344-05:002011-02-08T16:52:09.344-05:00That is how I shop and also most of my friends sho...That is how I shop and also most of my friends shop that way as well. I don't find it stressful though. All the ads are on-line, and like you, I have more cookbooks and cooking magazines than I could possibly ever use. That means no matter what is on sale I'm sure to have a recipe for it. I haven't always done my shopping this way. There was a time when I would go almost everyday to grab what I needed for dinner that night. It feels good to do all my shopping on Sunday and know that I have at least one weak of meals to prepare without having to go back to the store. We sometimes have to grab a gallon of milk or two during the week but that's usually about it. I even send Jon to the store if I'm feeling stressed or need a break. I just make sure I put in as much detail as possible and we go over the list together before he leaves.<br />Sometimes I go shopping with a friend when all the kids are at school and I just have Sten with me. It's always more enjoyable when I have someone to talk and laugh with. Going with someone else can ease some of the stressors that going shopping creates for you. Having something to distract you from your anxiety is helpful. Sometimes being alone with your thoughts and anxiety can just make things worse. So grab a friend and shop!! :-)Melanienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6195008884702580424.post-70024420327588596502011-02-04T22:43:50.850-05:002011-02-04T22:43:50.850-05:00Thanks for sharing the Law of the Garbage Truck. I...Thanks for sharing the Law of the Garbage Truck. I've not heard that one before ~ thanks for sharing!<br />Blessings to you~<br />Cindy :)Cindy Bultemahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00436198925174853578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6195008884702580424.post-89177163979897372472011-02-02T21:37:49.373-05:002011-02-02T21:37:49.373-05:00Happy February to you too, Jen. I'm sorry this...Happy February to you too, Jen. I'm sorry this person said hurtful things to you. My prayer is that when you look in the mirror you will see what God sees. You are special, significant, loved and valued ~ just the way that you are!<br />Blessings to you, friend!<br />Cindy :)Cindy Bultemahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00436198925174853578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6195008884702580424.post-1797753851185405792011-01-29T16:18:44.486-05:002011-01-29T16:18:44.486-05:00Jen,
As much as you have on your plate and as much...Jen,<br />As much as you have on your plate and as much as you do for others, there are times that saying "No" is ok. I know how you feel and I hate saying it as well. Every wonder why we can say, "I will be glad to" which is five words versus that hateful one word of "no", however, we do all to often. So when we have to turn someone down, you get the feeling you did and it eats you up. In this case, you were looking out for the best interest of yourself and your daughter. She will grow up way to fast and those precious minutes you have with her are there for a short time. Saying "no" to have that time with her is ok. It is not selfish, although you may feel it is, you are looking out for what's best for your daughter. I read Melanie's post and I respect both of you for being stay at home moms, that is one of the toughest jobs to do. Stay at home moms do not get the credit they deserve. Naive people think you put your kids on a bus, they head off to school, and you pick them up. I have a ton of friends that are stay at home moms and I will tell you what, the work is endless. In this case, you did the right thing buy keeping those precious mornings intact. I know it is a hard thing to say and do, but if you do it for extra moments with your daughter, then there is NOTHING wrong with it. This does not make you a bad or selfish person at all. Anyone who knows you well, knows that the word "Selfish" and Jen do not fit in the same sentence. MelissaMelissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01357390497672482394noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6195008884702580424.post-12042976614567847072011-01-26T22:47:01.557-05:002011-01-26T22:47:01.557-05:00No you can't please all the people all the tim...No you can't please all the people all the time and you shouldn't. It is hard to say no though. Saying no to watching other peoples kids is especially hard. I've been a stay at home mom for 13 years and I literally don't remember how many times I've been asked by my fellow stay at home mom friends to watch their kids when they enevitably go back to work. It is hard evereytime I've said no, and I have said no evereytime. I always think about it, mull it over, talk to Jon about it. We always come to the same conclusion though. I hate it when I have to call and say no but Jon and I made a decision a long time ago about how we wanted to raise our kids and the reason I stay home is because I want to spend that time with them. I want to pull them into bed with me in the morning. I want to sit around in my pajams and read with them. For the kids that are still at home I want to take long walks. Put them down for naps on their schedule. I want them to have my undivided attention. I guess my point is, that it's okay to say no. Whatever the reason. Your time with your daughter is precious and fleeting. You have the right to be protective of that time. It's okay to be "selfish" sometimes. You shouldn't feel like you have to fill every minute of everyday with serving others. Breathe, take time for yourself. People truly understand when you say no because we all have to do it one time or another.melanienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6195008884702580424.post-41378027121115774012011-01-17T10:32:15.367-05:002011-01-17T10:32:15.367-05:00Thanks, Cindy! I hope you did as well. I miss yo...Thanks, Cindy! I hope you did as well. I miss you and your family! Take care.Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02084570276824406689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6195008884702580424.post-33509793750776277922011-01-17T10:30:16.264-05:002011-01-17T10:30:16.264-05:00Melanie,
I grew up going out to breakfast with eit...Melanie,<br />I grew up going out to breakfast with either my mom or dad growing up and it was always something special that I enjoyed with each one of them. Actually, I am still lucky to be able to do this once in awhile with them! I am so glad to be able to do the same with my daughter. :)Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02084570276824406689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6195008884702580424.post-77710454178843251212011-01-17T10:25:30.955-05:002011-01-17T10:25:30.955-05:00Melissa,
I am so glad that someone agrees! I am h...Melissa,<br />I am so glad that someone agrees! I am happy to hear you enjoyed the post! Thanks for reading, my friend! :)Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02084570276824406689noreply@blogger.com