Wisconsin trip

Taking time to see Gwen has been something I've tried to do at least every other year since they moved to Wisconsin. I enjoy a brief get away and know she and Kris also like having family come to visit. This year, I was blessed to spend time with Josh and Carolann also.

Carolann moved into her new home about a month prior to my visit. Hardwood floors were uncovered in the livingroom and work was already planned for outdoors and in. It's a small ranch, but for the two of them it is a nice home with some great outdoor yard space in a quiet neighborhood.

Josh was keeping busy with jobs and also helping Gwen finish her basement. He is staying with Gwen and will transfer across town Carolann's when he works over there. Josh still gives a good hug and was enjoying the good old home cooking found in Gwen's kitchen. He may not be quite so thin the next time I hug him!

As she finishes the basement, Gwen is adding a 3/4 bath and separating the open area into a family room, laundry, storage and additional spare bedroom. (the bedroom was already separated) Somehow, Gwen finds the "bargins of the day" every time she shops for the basement project. She's just amazing how little $ she will have in the reno. When I left, Josh had the 2x4's up which easily defined the different rooms. Gwen was getting so excited and anxious to get this project over, in preparation for putting the house on the market. Her kitchen looks really nice with the new cabinets that Pete finished for her. I can't believe how nice it looks since the last time I was there....after the fire.

During the weekdays, I went to Gwen's shop and enjoyed watching her work with clients. Sidewalk sales were scheduled for the Saturday of my trip and we had fun selling Hydrangea's from Gwen's backyard bush. People (men and women) were amazed how large the heads on the flowers were. It was some crazy last minute idea I had early that morning. That will be a "do you remember" discussion one day, as we look back and think of this visit.

She won't like it, but I also need to share that Gwen is continuing to battle with her ulcer. Without health care insurance, it's a challenge for her to stay on top of this. We need to pray that she is able to continue to use the clinic for care - and that she does take the time to go when she needs medical attention. Gwen is a wonderful, big hearted person, who cares for herself last. As we all know, this is not always the best approach.

This past week, in my update phone calls to Gwen, she shared constuction progress. The basement is drywalled and they are getting ready to put up the ceiling and paint the walls. They plan to paint about a foot down from where the ceiling will begin, prior to putting up the tiles, so they dont' get paint on the new tiles. Gwen has ordered new kitchen & basement bathroom countertops and the finishing work continues. Flooring selection is next. She is taking pictures along the way and I can't wait to see her updates. I also heard that Josh and his friend Steve have been working on Carolann's exterior stairs, stone wall and interior. I'm so proud of him and am so glad for Carolann.

It's amazing how much has changed since my last visit to Wisconsin. You should visit! I know Carolann enjoyed her company this spring. She and Gwen would both welcome you with open arms, like they did me.

Summer

Now that it's August 7th it finally feels like summer! That is crazy. I am emailing from the back deck while the girls nap, they should be getting up shortly. Aaron and a friend came home last night and are statying for a few days. Tonight is steaks on the grill with corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, a spinach salad and yummy strawberries and watermelon. Maybe I'll make brownies....they'll go good with the french vanilla ice cream I got at the store last night. Bill, the boys and John are going to the golf tournament at Firestone tomorrow. Ahhhhh......the stuff that summer is made of! I wish it lasted all year long.

I'M FEELING GOOOOOOD!!!!!

Just wanted to share a really happy thing for me right now!!! I have been going to Weight Watchers since June 15th (my first weigh in) - since then - I am down 17.6 pounds!!! I am loving life and loving being thinner and the extra energy I have that I was missing! Thank you to Melissa for all your encouragement and Beth for your inspiration! I've been so impressed with your loss and I know that I can keep going, too!

Love you girls!
Jen

Expect the Unexpected

Well, after my ENT appointment on Friday, I got some very unexpected news. I have hearing loss in both ears. I was told I would be a good candidate for hearing aids, but it was still my choice at this point. Wow. Was not expecting that this soon in life. I expected it EVENTUALLY--all my aunts and uncles on my dad's side have hearing aids (except one aunt). Quite a shock for me. I spent a few hours really trying to grasp that information; felt sorry for myself for a little while; then started to put it all in perspective. It's not life-threatening, it won't affect my overall health... so I made peace with it. I will admit that the news was a bit scarey because right now we only have a "snapshot" of this. I will do another hearing test in a year to see if it's the same, or worse. He said it could stay at this level for 20 years, or could get worse by next year--no way to know. So, I had to think, "what if it steadily declines from here on out--how bad can it get?" At 39, you don't really want to start losing any of your functioning!!

On a positive note, it's wonderful to know what amazing and supportive friends and family I have! I certainly have "felt the love" over the last 24 hours and that makes me feel very blessed, indeed!!

Haven't posted in a long time!

Hey girls! No one has been on here in a while - we're all busy!!! Just wanted to post and say hello to my fabulous family!! Also, just to share something fun - I'm losing weight and am SO HAPPY! We are working out almost every day and I'm doing Weight Watchers - down 13.8 already! A lot to go, but YAY! Matt and I are heading to Florida next week to see Matt's sister and to catch a Tampa Bay Rays game! We're really excited! I hope summer is treating you all well! I love you all! Oh - and even though Mom is on the list of posters, she's not even on here. I signed her up at my house and she forgets how to do it already. So - if any of you are over and want to help her, you can, or I will eventually! Haha! Love you all!

Jen

Stuffed Shells Recipe

I sent this out on an email, but it's worth posting, so you can look back on it without having your email. Sometimes Weight Watchers recipes taste "diet" or "low fat". This one tasted awesome. Thought I would share!!!

Stuffed Shells
1 lb cooked pasta shells - jumbo shells
3 c tomato sauce (just plain tomato sauce!)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp table salt
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp oregano
1 c fat free cottage cheese
1 c light ricotta cheese

Preheat oven to 375°F.
Mix together cheeses, salt, garlic powder, oregano and pepper.
Spread a few spoonfuls of tomato sauce on bottom of a 9- x 13-inch baking dish.
When cooked shells are cool enough to handle, fill each shell with cheese mixture and place in baking dish. When all shells are in dish, spoon remaining tomato sauce over shells. Cover pan and bake for 20 minutes. Yields about 4 shells per serving.

We sprinkled parmesan cheese on top. The spices in the cheese filling mix great with the tomato sauce - even though it's not "marinara" sauce or spiced. It's awesome! Even my picky Matt loved it :)

4 shells = 4 WW points

Thought for Today

"A sense of humor is a major defense against minor troubles."

-Mignon McLaughlin (American Journalist)-

Blessed

Today, John and I have been married 18 years. Hard to believe. I have been with this guy for 21 of my 38 years!!! Wow! Having just returned from a weekend trip with the Spencers, I feel so blessed that I also married into a wonderful family. It is amazing how family can turn into such special friends along the way. I adore every Puster family member! (Emily, you are truly a "sister" in my heart! Thanks for a great trip!)

As I look at this photo from the weekend, I find myself torn emotionally. I am sad to think that Anna will never have the opportunity to fish with her Grandpa Stan (and I miss him terribly), but I am also excited that she loves fishing so much and will be a great fishing companion for her dad! I am sure that Grandpa Stan added a little "something extra" before sending her to us. ;-)

So, thanks to all of you for being such an awesome presence in our lives! Not only do I give thanks for the wonderful man I married, but also for his family.

Oh so tempting......

Ah, finally a moment to sit down and enjoy the quiet. It's been a busy day in our house. Maya crawled for the first time!! YEA. Then, a 3rd tooth mysteriously appeared on her upper gum. I have been checking for one on Riley since she's been getting teeth earlier, but must have missed that one on Maya. However, at bedtime after full bottle Maya threw up all over herself and the changing table......another bath, another set of jammies, another bottle and 45 min later she was down. Thank goodness those times are few and far between.

So anyway, as I am unwinding from the day I am sitting here thinking of the turtle pie that is in my freezer. OH, soooooo yummy. I am so tempted to have a piece. Then I think of the NOW 8 lbs I have to lose (where did those extra 2 come from!?!?!?!?)....and then I just think of another temptation. So, I say to Bill "maybe I'll just have a tummy tuck". And he shakes his head and just rolls his eyes and tells me I am great just the way I am. Hmmmmm......maybe if I had an extra $8,ooo-$10,000 or so it would make it easier. Haa haa! Maybe I should just skip the pie and drink a bottle of water instead! ;-)

Cousin Buzzin'

Just thought I'd share a picture of Juni, Maya and Riley from our recent trip to WI. A good time was had by all.

Day by day...

As most of you know, I've been busy helping pack up Anna's school for our big move in August. (Talk about stress!) I came across a little (and old) booklet about attitude. Since it seemed discarded, I snagged it and brought it home. I found many little wise gems inside and thought I'd share this one:

Manage Stress Day by Day

1. Let go of unrealistic expectations of yourself and others. Not everything has to be perfect.

2. Simplify your schedule. Say "no" when you can to events and requests that add extra stress.

3. Learn to be flexible. Accept that you can't control every aspect of life.

4. Get plenty of sleep--it recharges both your body and your mind.

5. Make time for relaxation every day. Go for a stroll, take a bubble bath, work on a hobby, or play games with family or friends. Do something that you enjoy.

6. Learn to unwind in healthy ways--through music, reading, meditation, stretching, or exercise.

Wishing you all a "stress-free" week!

It seemed good...

Ok, so I've been trying to lose weight since the beginning of the year. I am down quite a bit--although it's taken awhile--and I still have 6 lbs. to my goal. (So close and yet so far--I've been a yo-yo for the last 10 years and never have reached that goal yet.) I was feeling pretty good about that today when I stepped on the scale, but then realized that I'm EXACTLY 20 lbs. heavier than my wedding day!!! OUCH! Well, I just chalk it up to a happy marriage, and having a kid! :-) I'll keeping working for the last 6...

HOORAY!

Congrats to Sue!! And if you don't know why...ask her! :-)

Faith

A quote I would like to share:

"Faith makes things possible, not easy." ~Author Unknown

Surgery

My D&C surgery is scheduled for Thursday morning. They are also going to do chromosomal analysis on the gestational tissue to see if they can find something there. If there is a chromosomal problem there, they will test Matt and I as well and we will start looking at the next step. There is also the possibility that this could be just a random chromosomal abnormality - 2 times in a row. I guess you would call that REALLY BAD LUCK. The good news about that would be that it's unlikely to happen a 3rd time, the bad news is that it doesn't leave any room to come up with a solution, since there wouldn't be one.

Hoping to see some other happy posts soon!

Thank you

Girls -

Thank you so much for all your prayers and thoughts you've sent our way. We will looking at a D&C next week. Hopefully testing taking place very soon, too, so we can figure out what's going on from here.

Small step

We got the results of our hormone counts from yesterday, and it was well within the healthy range. So now, tomorrow I do another blood count test. The count WILL go up and then it's just another step. Thanks for your support, girls!

NOT GIVING UP

Hey girls -

So what's the harm in holding out some hope? Some research behind me, talking with some nurse friends, etc. and there really is more hope this time than last. I'm not bleeding, cramping and there was a yolk sac. It is possible that my baby isn't as far along as we thought and could just be hiding in there! I know that there are good chances that this could go wrong, but I'm not willing to give up yet. Not this time. Say lots of prayers please - and hold on to the hope with me a little longer. . .

Not good news

Hey girls

I went for what I thought was a normal amount of spotting. And came out, shocked, frustrated, and devastated. It appears we're in the same boat again as last time. There was a yolk sac, but no baby. Another blighted ovum is what they're expecting it to be. They're not 100% sure. They said that the fetus could be developing late. However, it's not very hopeful at this point. We are looking at the possibility of a specialist next time to see what is going on to make sure this doesn't happen again. Something's happening at implantation, it seems. Please keep us in your prayers. Needless to say, we're totally crushed. There is a shred of hope, but it's just not looking good.

Send some prayers and I'll update later. . .

So this morning I had some spotting. It was brown, not pink or red like last time, but still different. I called the doctor, because little things make me cautious right now. They said it would be fine and to call them if anything changed. I couldn't get it off my mind and I'm going int to check to make sure everything's ok. I know. I'm a crazy, stupid pregnant person, but my peace of mind is worth it! I'm hoping to get an ultrasound, too, since I've had "spotting". I'll update later. However, if you read this Monday before 3 - send prayers my way around 3 o'clock.