Jenny's Journey

Because my computer has been acting up lately, I have not been able to do any blogging.  One important date that came and went was my niece Brooke's 11th Birthday!!  Brooke's Birthday was December 23rd! Brooke is such a sweet girl!  I think she gets a kick out of Jenna! Sorry I missed your birthday Brooke!  I hope you had a nice day! (Happy Birthday Garrett (James' bro) too!)(same day)

Saturday we met my family at the Pfister for the yearly Breakfast with Santa! The kids, well especially the younger ones, mine...just love it! We always try to get some cute pictures in front of the big tree in the lobby of the Pfister if the kids let me! This year the pictures turned out really cute! It's always hard to get a good family picture!!! Jadyn looks so adorable and big here!! Here are the 2 cuties! J was afarid of losing Jenna into the tree! A very nice picture of Mommy and her girls! Considering that both girls are sick, they both seemed to be in a good mood. We even were able to tackle some items on my shopping list at Mayfair afterward, with out too much crying and fussing!

SNOW DAY! After much contemplating, I decided not to risk driving the what would normally be a 45 mintue into work.(today would have probably been like 1 1/2 hours!!) Instead we kinda slept in(Jenna has a nasty cold so she isnt sleeping so well) Our TV was out because there was snow on the dish, so instead we headed out to shovel and play in the snow!  We didnt do much shoveling because the snow was so heavy and wet.  Instead James asked one of neighbors if he could use their snowblower!  That made his job a ton easier.  While he snowblowed Jadyn and I made this beautiful Jadyn the Snowgirl!  Purse and all!  Red licorice lips too! She turned out really cute, dont you think? After a little sledding and making snow angels, we all headed instead.  Guy was inside waiting for us!(yes, she stayed over nite because we needed her to babysit if we did both go to work - cause you know you can never trust what those weather men say!) We then made eggs...

Last week Saturday my Mom, my brother Jim, 2 of his children Reilly and Brooke, Jadyn, Jenna and myself attended the 83rd Annual Christmas Parade in Milwaukee.  My Grandma Ciminski used to take her grandchildren every year to the christmas parade.  It became a family tradition.  When my grandma passed, my Mom continued the tradition with her grandchildren as well!  This year was a nice year because the weather was the best of any years in the past that I can remember!!  It was hardly cold. Which makes it so much easier when you have little children like Jenna! We finished off our nice morning, by all 7 of us going out for a late breakfast at Miss Katies Diner!  It was great!   It was nice seeing my brother Jim out and about too!  I havent seen him in awhile and it was good to see him slowly beginning to get better!

Today is my good friend Becky's 32nd Birthday!!! Becky, I hope you have a wonderful day!  We will have to get together soon.  We dont do that enough and time flys so fast when we do get together! Cause we have so much to say, in so little time!   I always know I am gonna laugh when Becky is around!  My daughter Jadyn just loves her (well she should since Becky is a kindergarten teacher)! I was going to embarass Becky by putting some really really old pictures of her on here today, but realized I was in most of those pictures and would also be embarrased!! 

One of my favorite places to easily spend my time is Penzey's.  If you have never been there, you should go.  Quality spices, herbs, and seasonings.  One of the things that I really like about the store is that every single thing that is sold there has a jar filled with the product for you to smell.(I guess you could sample it but that would just be gross!!!)  I purchased something called Sate today, because I thought it smelled good(now I just have to find a recipe for it!) I also purchased their Florida Lemon Pepper.  I have had that before and it is great on fish!  Since James doesnt read my blog, and I know none of you will tell him....I bought him a Christmas gift from there today.  I bought the Taco Gift Pack....Original, Bold, Chicken and Rojo Seasonings.  Really it is a gift for the both of us, but I can say it is for him!!!  I wouldnt mind getting a gift certificate for Penzeys for Christmas, or a subscription to their magazine....

Try this awesome recipe out!  It is fantastic.  I usually dont so mushrooms, but I did this time and they were excellent in this recipe!  Its an easy recipe too, except dont forget that you have to cook the rice and chicken also!  I totally forgot 1/2 way thru the cooking and it was a little chaotic in my kitchen that nite!!!  The place I work at has pretty darn good soup, and I had their wild rice soup the other day and got inspired to find my own recipe to try! ENJOY! Chicken Wild Rice Soup 2 quarts chicken broth 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, chopped 1 cup finely chopped celery 1 cup shredded carrots 1/2 cup finely chopped onion 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme 1/4 cup butter or margarine 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted 3 cups cooked wild rice 2 cups cubed, cooked chicken Directions...

Do you remember these Quizno Sub Mascot...rodent looking things they used to have as their commercials on tv!?!??  So flipping nasty looking they are cute!!! Check out this link below to joggle your memory! Quizno Sub Commercial Well after thinking about it they really are not cute at all!  But I like it anyways!  Wonder why Quiznos doesn't use them anymore for their commercials!?!?!

Kim has been on my case to update my blog, but I dont have much to say.  I have been really busy this last week and into the upcoming one too, because I am a deer hunters wife.  A good one at that too!  James has been gone since October 30th and plans on coming back November 13th(only because I have to work that weekend...and I figure 2 weeks is enough!)  I think he owes me...what do you think?   Anyways, so I have been away from my computer this last week because my time is limited, I have been super tired(going to bed the second the girls go to bed....or even falling asleep in Jadyn's bed after story time!!!), and I really dont have much to say!

Jeff and Tracy celebrate 17 years of wedded bliss today!  Wow!  I can remember those black and orange snow white type bridesmaid dresses like it was yesterday! ' I have some really nice pictures, don't I?!?!? Crazy in love or just crazy?

Today is my older of 2 brothers, Jeff's birthday! For 41 years old, I think he looks great!  Not that 41 is old.  I know it will be here before I know it!  :(  Time flies when you are having fun....right Jeff?!?!? I hope you have a great day!

Today is my nephew Reilly's 9th Birthday!  He is a super nice little(well not that little anymore!) kid!  He has to deal with those bigger sisters!  He is definately all boy! Baseball, video games.... I wish you a Happy Birthday Reilly!  I hope it was a nice day! He is goofy too! I believe this picture is from his last birthday!

Tonite we had our first ever parent teacher conferences at Ixonia Elementary for Jadyn! They didn't have one bad thing to say!  But we already knew how great she was!  She was right in line with everyone else or exceeding beyond!  They said she is a pleasure to have in class! Way to go Jadyn!  Keep it up!  You make your Mommy and Daddy proud! (I was worried at first when I saw a couple of "D"'s on her progress report.  But was relieved to find out that D = Developing(as in skills)!) She seems to really like school now and I hope she continues to over the years!  I really liked school and did well, and I hope she does too!  Now when it comes to Math, I will be the one asking for help!  James can do that! Fractions, ick...

My younger of two brothers, Jim, was in a pretty bad motorcycle accident Tuesday afternoon. He broke 13 ribs(most in 2 places), his wrist, punctured a lung, legs scraped up pretty badly. Thank GOD he was wearing his helmet! I went to visit with him after work on Wednesday, but he was a busy man getting x-rays and epidurals(for pain management). I came back again after work on Thursday and was happy to see him. He seemed either a little druged up at first, but I think mostly tired. Hospitals are not places to go if you want to sleep. From personal experience, I k now that they never leave you alone! We had a really nice visit. He was talkative and in relatively good spirits despite all he went thru and has to go thru. I know we are all so grateful he is alive and doing a well as he is. I think someone was looking over him! Anyways Jim, I wish you a fast recovery. Things will be ok, everything will work out in the end. I love you and was so relieved to finally see you looking as good...

If you are a fan of the Food Network like myself, you have to check out this site: http://foodnetworkhumor.com/ Sandra Lee ALWAYS makes some kind of cocktail EVERY show! I am not real sure if it a true Food Network site, or someone just making fun of the chefs!!!  Any which way, I thought some of of the posts were funny. Check it out!

Today we took the girls to a pumpkin farm over in the Horicon Area, about 30 minutes from home.  We had been there last year and enjoyed it so we decided to go back there again this year!  Jenna enjoyed most of the time at the farm by being carried, because otherwise she was unconsolable! Here she doesnt look too happy, but actually she was liking sitting in between the pumpkins! Look whats in the witches brew!!! Daddy and Jadyn went down a slide that was built in to the side of the hill and then she went down by herself! We tackled the corn maze and got very muddy feet and stroller wheels!  We found our way out the same enterance we came in!  Jadyn was mad that Daddy wasnt using the map!  Here's the Turkey.  Once a Turk always a Turk We took a hayride out to pick pumpkins! It could have been fun but Jenna screamed the entire ride out, the entire time looking for pumpkins and waiting for the tractor to come back and pick us up and the ent...

Today  we walked(Chris and Jim did run!) in Al's Run/Walk for Children's Hospital. It started out a very cold day(we had frost on the lawn and cars!) We bundled up the kids and headed for 12th and Wisconsin with Guy riding along with us. We dropped Guy and the stuff off at the drop off point and James, the girls, and I went to the Summerfest parking lot(quite a fiasco getting us there). From there we jumped on a school bus and found Guy, along with Kim, Becky, Jim, Chris and Joyce waiting for us. Shelly and Jake showed up shortly after that. I don't know what time we finally started walking, but at one point we realized we were in last place(meaning we were the last ones on the walk!!!!) Stopping at Dunkin' Donuts and getting a dozen didn't help with our slowness either! Well, come on...of course the last team has donuts along on the walk! We got to the point were you had to choose 3 or 5 miles. All of us except for Becky, Shelly and Jake decided to take the 5 mi...

Today is my sister-in-law Nicole's Birthday!! I hope you have a nice day, Nicole! If you haven't already go and spend that Target gift card!!!!

Man does this picture make me feel OLD! I was 15 when he was born and can remember thinking that when he is 15 I will be 30! Well that was last year!! I have to say that I am extremely proud of my nephew. He is almost the complete opposite of what people think of 16 year olds ! He is smart, thoughtful, athletic, talented, cute, and just an overall nice kid! He makes his Auntie Jenny proud! Jadyn just loves him! And I think he really likes her too! I thought the above pic was so appropriate since both Dad and Joel share very significant days! A birthday here on earth and a birthday up in heaven! (And I know Mom is loving the cat rags on the chair in this pic!!!) Happy 16th Birthday Joel! (and good luck on your drivers test on Friday!!!!)

Its so very hard to believe that my Dad passed away 1 year ago today. Where does time go? I sometimes actually still find myself in denial of it all. I just can't believe it. I occasionally still find myself crying when I am all alone.(often on my commutes to and from work) I really miss my Dad and I know lots of others do as well. It just went all so fast. But at least, I have a ton of wonderful memories of him. He was a great Father and Papa. My one regret is that Jenna never got to meet him in person. (They met in heaven) I think he is her Guardian Angel. He watched over her in the hospital when she had her surgery. That I am certain! My one tribute to my Dad is naming her Jenna Danielle. Jadyn is still so cute about the whole thing. She says things to my Mom, like "Maybe Papa will come back for these"(when making caramel apples) - which brings a tear to my Moms eye and Jadyn then asking, "Guy, why are you crying?" I miss you Dad. I love you and I know yo...

My friend Becky, posted this on her blog - thought it was funny and for the 2 people who read my blog and not hers, I thought they might like it! Anyways, I have no idea who is supposed to win, lets just hope the Packers kick some Viking ass! The Packers have to win, don't they?

than clean sheets! Who doesn't love clean fresh sheets!?!? I try to put clean sheets on at least every 2 weeks, but I don't usually keep track all that well. Saturday nite , James and I agreed that it was flannel sheet time, so when I got home from work on Sunday I put my pretty red and white snow flake flannel sheets on! Talk about cozy, warm and soft! I think I slept the best I have slept in like weeks! I didn't want to get out of them. Thankfully, the alarm didn't make me this morning, but instead my youngest at 630. ( that's 2 extra hours then usual, I was happy!!)

It is very hard to believe, but Kim turns 40 today!!! I dont think she looks even close to 40! She makes 40 look good! Kim is such a kind hearted, fun loving, easy to talk to girl! She always knows how to make me laugh! Man, does she have some stories!! Always in the mood to have fun and usually always willing to drink with Turk when I have the bug!(doesnt happen very often!) Yes, Turk is what she has called me from day 1! Or turkinator, turkination station, turkey..... Thanks for all the good times Kim! Here's to many more!!

Today the girls and I met my Mom at Toys R Us. It was Geoffery's (the giraffe) Birthday and they had games and giveaways...and other stuff....supposedly! Jadyn got a new big girl car seat, the booster type that buckles in with only the seat belt from the car. Jenna got food(formula). I also needed a new umbrella stroller since the old one got abandoned at the Milwaukee Zoo a couple weeks ago!!! The big happening at the store today was Jadyn wandering off! Calling her name up and down the aisles we could not find her. Finally, I got a red shirted employee - and he took charge! I was very impressed. He got on his walkie talkie and within seconds, all the employees in the store were on look out! I noticed this as I frantically flew around the store calling out her name! Probably not even 1(long long) minute passed when I was flying up to the front of the store and there she is by the red shirted employee, crying her eyes out! She was so scared because she couldn't find us! I was s...

This weekend was the Blair Cheese Fest up in Blair,WI. Blair is the place where my in laws have hunting land. James and I rode up there together on Saturday morning. I had been to Cheese Fest a many years ago, and well it hasn't changed a bit! The town, the people..nothing. Not surprised. They have a grocery store called the"Grocery Store" now.(but rumor has it that it is closing) For being a cheese fest, there sure is not a lot of cheese. OK , well I did have a cheeseburger and we shared some cheese curds- but really that is about the extent of the cheese to be found! Other then that it is just another excuse(like the people up there need another excuse) to drink and get drunk! Not one of us up there didn't do just that. I was proud, stayed out and had a good time til bar close. I can surprise people(especially my husband) sometimes!! All and all it was a good time. Missed my kiddos and was happy to see them Sunday when I (yes only me) got home. James is probably...

Today I took Jenna for 3 month follow up at Children's Hospital. Here is a picture of what she looked like the morning of the surgery. And here is a very recent picture. I think she looks fabulous! Dr Denny and his staff thought she looked very good too! I was glad to hear that! I have another follow up appt in December to meet with Dr. Denny again. I should be hearing from his secretary sometime soon to set up a date for her next surgery, which will happen at around a year of age. This surgery is to fix the gums. In about 2 months, I have to start introducing her to the sippy cup! Yup! They want her off the bottle for the 1 year surgery. Afterwards, I met my Mom and Jadyn at Mayfair Mall to bum and have lunch! I got my hair did tonite as well! All is well in the world!

Today is my brother Jim's Birthday! I hope you have a nice day! You deserve it!

Well, shes off! A bit nervous at first, but that didn't last long. Jadyn kept asking when the bus was going to come! (Not to mention we went outside to wait for the bus and take pictures at least 25 minutes before the bus was even scheduled to arrive!) I didn't even get a picture of her getting on the bus because she flew up those stairs and found a seat so fast! I didn't think I was going to feel sad, but I do, just a little. Especially when the bus was driving away. Where did my baby go? Where did the time go? But I am happy that I have raised a little girl that is happy and confident and is very ready for school. I just hope she finds school as fun as I did. I hope she likes it!

The other nite while on the web, I found out that Burt's Bees just had it's 25th Anniversary! I love Burts Bees! I love their minty lip balm, tear free baby shampoo and body wash, diaper ointment, lemon cuticle cream. The list only goes on and on. Right now they have a promotion on their website www.burtsbees.com that if you register and review some products you could wind $250 worth of products! That's a lot of lip balm! James and I purchased about 25 tubes of lip balm about 6 months ago off of Ebay! We were out and desperate. On Ebay you can get a good deal...I think we got them for like $1.50 a piece. They go for at least $2.99 in the stores!!! So anyways, if you are a fan like myself and many others I know, check out the site!

  We had a good time at the Jimmy Buffett concert at Alpine Valley. Despite the crappy weather, drinks were good as well as the company! Lots of friendly people at the concert for sure, all willing to help get you drunk! Jello shots went over very well, and the taco dip tasted damn good in the parking lot after waiting for the crowds to disperse and lines go down!   I have been to Alpine Valley before, but I don't remember it ever being this chaotic! And unless you had lots of money, I would advise everyone to drink their fill before heading in, unless you were OK with spending $13.00 for a beer!   Here are Kim and Jason, with matching hats and Hawaiian shirts!   And of course, with Kim, Amy, Stephanie, Melissa and myself - We were the women to blame! (James and Jason agree!)