Almost 30

My birthday was last Sunday and I started out the day to myself getting in a 5 mile run.
It was a quiet run and I was lonely.  Just the week before I was running with 17,000 people all on the same trail in San Diego with beautiful scenery and adrenaline like I've never experienced before.   But as I ran down those lonely country roads I also did a lot of thinking about my life thus far.  I was overwhelmed with thinking about all that we have.

I just turned 29 this year, and a few weeks before my birthday my hubby turned 30.  30 sounds so much older than any number in the 20's and  I can't believe I'm almost there.  Age doesn't bother me now but someday I'm sure it will.   I have terrible skin, but yet have such a baby face.  I've always hated it, but someday will like it when everyone thinks I'm younger.  

Anyways,  since most of you don't really know me.

Here's what I wanted for myself as shallow as it sounds by this age

Kids after 30 because I really wanted to get my career going first

Big city career in fashion

Live in a big city

Wear high heels every day and dress up every day. 

I always pictured myself walking down the city streets, with heels, dresses and skirts, and a briefcase.  

To Be "Successful"

Well now  that I'm 29 here's my life

2 young boys and plan on being done having children

Live in my hometown which is pretty small and we actually live outside of it.

My house is covered by fields on 3 sides.

I wear flats, boots, or flip flops most days.

I still love fashion and dress up when I can but honestly most of the time I live in yoga pants and a plain colored tshirt

My life is truly very far away from glamorous!

I don't do anything with my fashion degree because I work with my husband at his optometry office.

Now by comparing the two, one would assume, I'm possibly not happy with my life or that I don't feel successful.  

I won't lie, of course I have days where I'm not completely happy, days where I do want more.  Days when I want that feeling of success and something of my own.  But at the same time, 99% of days, I'm completely happy with my life.  

I can't imagine my life without my boys, they bring me more joy than anything I have ever known.  

We actually spent a year living in the middle of downtown Chicago and I didn't like it like I thought I would.  I loved getting to experience what we did while we were there.  I was always around people but still felt lonely.  I missed our friends and family like crazy and couldn't wait to get back to them.  

With my career I knew that if Matthew and I were to get married, I knew we would end up back in our hometown because he had plans to join his father's optometry practice.  That was something I really thought and prayed about before we got married because I knew a big career using my degree just wouldn't be in the cards where we live. 

Now I'm actively trying to find someone for my job at work because more than anything I want to be a full time SAHM to my boys before they go to school.  I never thought I would want a van and to be the mom who stayed home.  I always thought I would need something more.   (I didn't realize how hard being a mom would be obviously when I thought that)  I have in the last few years really wanted to start a business and have had multiple ideas that would work in our small town and still hope to do so someday but most likely not when our kids are this young.  

I have shared this quote before but wasn't sure if I had on here and this truly sums up my life so far.

God knew what I would want.  He knew what the desires of my heart were going to be and he picked my perfect mate for my  unknown dream life.  We are blessed beyond measure and living the life that was made for us. Here's to another year, that I'm sure will be better than the last!  Here's to living in the country with my two kids and just being a mom without some fancy career.  Here's to my happy !  

Tuesday Topics- Seven

This week Seven things about my job! 

1)  I work with my husband and father in law who are both optometrists at our family optometric practice.

2)  I only generally work 2 days a week.

3)  I'm supposed to be the office manager, but never really have been.  I'm non confrontational, everyone is older than me and let's face it you can't be a manager when you are only there 2 days a week and really only have time for things you have to do.

4)  The place makes me eat chocolate.  I have never really been a big chocolate eater until I started there.  They have a candy drawer stocked with goodies at all times.  Gets me every time!

5)  I have worked there since August of 2008, started out full time but went down to part time when Noah was born.

6)  We are currently looking for someone to replace me as I'm working toward being a full time SAHM

7)  I don't need glasses or contacts yet so that stinks but at least I can always use sunglasses so I can get my pick for free.  Coach frames, yes please! 

This is our new office we built in 2009, and it turned out great.  I got to help plan and pick everything out.  It was challenging but fun at the same time.  We are quite proud of it and I know my husband plans to spend the life of his career here!  

I'm Weird

I'm still in San Diego and so here is something different then a menu because I have no idea what we are eating this week!

Reasons why I'm weird.....  ( one of them should probably be because  I decided to write this list for you, haha)

I suck all the water out of my toothbrush after I rinse it out

I'm a picker of lots of things, constant wedgies, fingernails, toenails, eyelashes, skin.  Gross I know!

I used to write down what I wore everyday.  I finally grew out of that one a few years ago.  It was a problem.

I put powder on my face at least 3 times throughout the day even if I'm just home, I can't stand an oily feeling face.

I can't drink water out a glass, has to be a bottle.

I never spit out my gum.  And I mean never, can't remember a time I have.  I'm thinking my parents never taught me to spit it out or something because I don't even know I swallow it until I realize minutes later my gum is gone.

 I can fall asleep incredibly fast.  Be talking one minute and out the next.

I daydream a lot, or more like I just make up scenarios in my head and think  I daydreamed them.

I don't like a full fridge or freezer.  It can't seem organized to me when it's full.  Leftover containers and duplicate of things drive me crazy.   I love cleaning it out because I love it empty!

 I can't hardly ever let myself sleep in, it makes me feel guilty for some reason.

Toilet paper has to go over the roll, not under.  I know a lot of people are with me on this one, but I'm for real about it, like if it's wrong at your house,  I will probably change it.

I don't like watching things over again, once I've seen it I'm usually done.

Not good at asking or letting people help me.  I feel the need to do it all by myself all the time.

I'm a neat freak and an obsessive cleaner  of the main floor in our house but everyone once in awhile just don't care or am not bothered by random things like dusty light fixtures or the dead huge mosquito that has been on my wall in the living room for 3 days now.  ( true story, looking at it right now)  And the basement that's a whole other story.  It's pretty much the boys playground and it sometimes stays a disaster for weeks at a time.

I push snooze multiple times pretty much ever day and I always set at least 2 alarms, yet I love mornings.

I love fruit when it's anywhere but at my house.  I can't explain it.  If it's at a restaurant, cookout I'm all over it but at home I have to make myself consciously eat it.

I'm terrible at replying to emails and hate a cluttered inbox=  however they stay there until they are taken care of.

I'm always stressed and high strung to some degree.  I just don't know how to not be stressed.

Put chapstick on in the car every morning.   If I don't go somewhere I don't put any one.  It's weird.

Always have things to return.  Like I always have multiple bags in my trunk of items to return.  Usually I put it off and then realize it's been way too long and I'm embarassed and forget about it.

I work better under pressure and closer to deadlines.

I don't like  dishes in the sink or washing dishes.  I put everything  I can in the dishwasher.  Then sometimes when I unload the dishwasher and something is still dirty, I leave it in there for another round.

People think I'm a terrible driver, something about accelerating too fast and not breaking soon enough.

Find a shirt I like and buy it in multiple colors, did it again last week with a tank top.  I got it in black, mint, and white then in the same day got a different shirt in grey and coral.

Wear a tank top under pretty much everything.

Have a crazy sensitive nose.  I smell way too much!

Most people don't like getting the mail once they are out in the real world.  I still do.  Not so much the bills but the junk and just getting anything makes me feel worth something.

Used to think  I could beat box.  Now I realize I had no talent in the area and completely embarassed myself by thinking I could.

Am the most non-confrontational person I know unless it's my husband I have no issues there telling him what I think.

Now that  I have wasted 5 minutes of your life, have a great Monday!

Are you weird like me about any of these things?

ABC's of Thankfulness

Saw this post on Simple Clarke today and needed this today.  So here goes my ABC's of Thankfulness.

A  Air conditioning ( stole this one but so true) 

B Blankets.  

C  Carson,, my baby

D  Dots... My Candy weakness

E  Experiences.  Thankful for all the things we have been able to do already in our young married life and with out kids.

F  Family... I have a ton and thankful for everyone of them

G Genesis Pure Changed my daily life

H House... Blessed to have a beautiful one

I Income-  We both have jobs

J  Jesus.. Undescribeable 

K Kids-  Can't imagine my life without them

L  Laughter... Makes my heart full hearing my boys

M  Matthew, my hubby

N  Noah, my first 

O  Others in my life.  We have great friends

P Phone-  I remember days without cell phone but wouldn't want to go back

Q Quiet time... Ahh love it

R Rest.   I love sleep

S Sehy and Jones, where my hubby practices.  His dream came true

T  Toys, what would we do all day without them?

U USA- We are blessed beyond compare here.  Period.

V Vehicles... Can't imagine life without one 

W Water-  My husband is in Honduras right now on a mission trip where some places don't have running water. 

X, Y, Z

Couldn't think of any for these so here are some extra of other ones

Cuddles, prayer, my senses ( hearing, sight, taste) and our safety and health

What are you thankful for?  

Want to make a list, head over to Simply Clarke and Link Up

Tuesday Topics

There is another round of Tuesday topics starting this week and I love the new topics.  If you haven't ever joined in you should now since they are starting a whole new round.

Onto this week.

ten.  things that make me happy.............

1)  My boys....Love, love, love them.
2)  Waking up without an alarm..... Very rare occasion but when it happens it's awesome!
3) Sunlight, there is something about great weather after winter, just makes you want to get up and do something.
4)  Candy, sweets, ice cream, chocolate.... I totally hate emotional eating but it happens and I love sugar way to much
5)  New clothes, shoes, and jewelry, there isn't anything like wearing a new outfit.
6) Clean house, doesn't happen very often with two little ones but sometimes I sure do try.  For that short amount of time it stays clean, I'm so laid back
7) Successful new recipes- I love trying new recipes and even more so when they turn out good!
My last one was this M&M cookie, soo good even though I over cooked them a bit.  Will for sure be using this one again.
8) Nights with nothing to do but hang out with my family!
9) Time alone-  It's how I feel refreshed.  I can be quite the loaner some days
10)  A good sweaty run

Finish the Sentence

Unlike my sibling(s) (that I love very much)....I didn't get to go to Hawaii... I have been giving my parents a hard time ever since. 

My best friend says...I'm bipolar and a mess or at least she has a few times lately and  I completely agree.  Not anyone could say this to me but we're pretty darn honest with each other.   ( She says a lot, haha but this was the first thing to come to mind) 

People call me...hardly ever.  I talk to my Bff, Matthew here and there and my family.  That's pretty much it.

I most often dream...of having a successful clothing store or online business

The best part of my day...cuddles and kisses with my boys

I really don't understand...

I get really annoyed...when people aren't like me

There's nothing like ... my bed, feels so darn good to lay down at night

Lately, I can't get enough...fruit, this house goes through it like nobody's business.  My boys are fruit lovers. 

One thing I am NOT is...funny

I spent too much money on...everything

I want to learn....to do my hair, be better at applying makeup, and make lots of money

If I ever met Eve , I would...ask her why she really had to eat that darn apple!

I can't stop... eating and working out!   Good thing I actually really like working out so it helps with my other issue

Never have I ever...got a tattoo, and don't plan to, it's just not for me

Reese Witherspoon...is always so darn cute.  I love her style

Head on over and link up your Finish the Sentence Questions!

Sunday Social

What is your shopping weakness?  Ugh... Everything.  I just like to buy a little bit of everything.  Handbags, scarves, jewelry, tops, dresses I usually never wear, and cute flats.  I have a problem!  To try and be more specific I could narrow it down more  to lately it's been mint.  I have bought a purse with mint all over it, mint bracelet and earrings, mint shorts, mint jeggings, and a few mint tops.  I am so loving that color this year!  

What is your food weakness?  Chicken Alfredo, Candy- anything gummy and fruits.  Somedays chocolate just depends on the day but I usually eat candy over chocolate.  

 

What is your go to movie when nothing else is on?  Not a movie watcher, I a lot of nights don't even turn TV on just go straight to computer when it's time to relax.  

What is your go to breakfast food?  I normally eat 2 eggs, or This awesome granola with almond milk.

Do you drink coffee?  If so how do you take it?  I'm not a coffee drinker.  Never have been never will be most likely even thought I love the smell.  I do really like hot chocolate though.  Instead of coffee my caffeine comes from Genesis Pure, Pure Energy.  Take it every day with a little bit of water.   You can ready more about it here if you would like.  

Have a great Sunday!  

Finish the Sentence

1. I laughed so hard I cried when...my mom has her laughing fits.  She can't stop, we can't stop.  Fun memories! And also some moments with Noah, that boy says the funniest things.  

2. My high school...mascot was the Flaming Heart.  For real, who came up with that?

3. It really pisses me off...when in a big crowded place, people just stop walking to look at something.  I lived downtown Chicago for a little while after college and would walk to work.  The tourists would drive me crazy because a whole group of them would just stop in the middle to the sidewalk.  Also I'm a fast walker so I usually get annoyed at all the slower ones.  

4. In ten years...I hope to have some business of my own

5. If I could erase one thing..It would be years of High School Decisions... But not sure if I would, because then I'm not sure if I would be where I am today without going through those.  

6. In 1999...I was a cheerleader and remember dancing to We are going to party like it's 1999

7. Honestly...I may have a workout problem.  I'm slightly addicted.  I don't workout excessively each day but can't go a day without just a little. I ran 8 miles yesterday and was supposed to rest this morning.  I just couldn't, had to get in a little elliptical time.   

8. To me, Sushi...is disgusting.  Never tried it but can't stand the look of it.  

9. Someone really needs to invent...not really sure of an idea, but I can say what I wish people wouldn't have invented, junk and processed food.  We would all be a lot better off if someone wouldn't of started ruining us years ago and coming up with the stuff.  

10. The first time I drank alcohol...I was way too young and stupid and it went downhill from there. 

11. The one question I would ask God is...When are you coming back?  I just want to know.  

12. Lindsay Lohan...  used to be so sweet and innocent in her Parent Trap days.  Then Hollywood happened

Thanks Holly and Jake for Hosting another version of Finish the Sentence Link Up

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I'm Loving... These new sandals... Wore them on vacation and Sunday.  They are so comfy too, love the zipper in back!  ( Excuse my ugly feet, just check out the shoes)

I'm Loving...That I finally decided to try some BB Cream and yeah it seems to be pretty great.  Love how it's lighter than my foundation and have been using it instead.

I'm Loving... That Monday I had a super productive morning and got all my normal weekly cleaning done and a few more things.  I vacuumed, mopped floors, cleaned bathrooms, washed towels and bathroom rugs, dusted,  cleaned the microwave, and got caught up on laundry.  Yeah it was an amazing morning.  I NEVER get that much accomplished any more and no clue how it happened with my boys here but I'll take it!  Here is one way they stayed entertained, a new playground while I mopped.

I'm Loving...That I got an 8 mile run in this morning.  I never thought I would say that!

I'm Loving... That I will be going here next week for work.  After 2 trips with my kiddos I'm ready for a trip that feels like a vacation.  Also hoping to get some laying out time!   

I'm Loving... That my boys are seeming to play more and more with each other and that even though I'm not a full-time stay at home mom yet, I do get to spend most days with them.  

I'm loving that Carson is now always saying "hold you"  and answers us all the time.  His cute little yes and no along with head shakes are so darn cute!  

I'm loving that Noah this last week has been so loving.  I love when he calls me his" sweet little girl" and tells me "I'm sorry mommy, I didn't mean to" and he gives the best 3 year old hugs and kisses.

What are you loving this week?

Come join the link up here!

What My Loved One Says About Me

I'm loving this link up idea.....Since it's not for me to write, here is my hubby, with what he thinks are some random facts about me.

Jen is going to regret this, but here we go:

(1.) She likes to keep her socks on at all the times when in bed, that's why we call them "business socks."
(2.) She is a candy fiend, but never really liked chocolate until the last few years.
(3.) She considers herself very good with trends and fashion, but admits she does terrible with picking wall paint colors.
(4.) She cannot blow her nose, so she does non-stop sniffling when she is sick... it's weird/cute.
(5.) She can fall asleep while talking.  It's not as bad recently, since she doesn't pound the Loratadine (Benadryl) lately.  Before she found Genesis Pure, that's all she could take for her hives, so for a long time she would take four at a time every four hours or so (yes, that's more than the recommended doses).
(6.) In college, she had a favorite pass time with her best friend, affectionately called, "the butt game."  To my knowledge, they no longer play it.  That's about all I'm going to say about that...
(7.) She wants to trade in her SUV for a minivan.  Personally, I'm too cool for them ;) , but she claims that it's what's better for her needs.
(8.) She had wanted to be a pediatrician when she was in high school.  She went the easier route, married a doctor instead.
(9.) She dislikes pets, or really just animals in general.  We will likely never own a dog, which is too bad, because our boys need one :)
(10.) She loves to be alone.  She's a wolf pack of one... well, she hardly ever gets to be by herself anymore because of our young family, but she needs to get alone time to keep her sanity.  
(11.) She pronounces many words oddly.  Off the top of my head, "saw" = "Saul" and "blanket" = "blind-ket"
(12.) She hates the words "moist" and "panties."  She really hates ":moist panties" together... but I'm not sure that's used in day to day conversation. Apparently it must have at some point...?

Ok, that's about all I've got. I'm going to hit "Publish" now, before she can proof read ;)

Enjoy.

- Matt Jones

Tuesday Topics

This week 5 Childhood Pictures

I'm pretty sure my son makes the same face now

Ragedy Ann for Halloween one year.  I think my mom had a slight obsession with them because when my sisters were little they had a whole room decked out in their stuff.

This picture cracked me up, there is yellow highlighter all over it.  Apparently one day I decided to color it.  And I cut them off on accident but I was sporting some sweet pink Mickey Mouse shoes that DON'T match at all. And my hair?  I have always had bad hair!  I should do a whole photo reel on that someday because I've never found too many pictures that I have good hair in.

I had a thing for dresses.  I know for awhile I wore them everyday, I hated pants. 

Yeah..... My stepmom made this for me.  I would like to say I only wore it to make her happy, but I'm pretty sure I liked it.  It had my first name on the sweatshirt and my last name on my pant leg.  It was silver puffy paint and bows were sewn on all over.  The matching hat, too????  I have no words!  

This was hard choosing 5 pictures, there are so many more "good" ones!  

Join the party and share some of your childhood pictures!

Tuesday Topics

This week we are on #6.

Onto my 6 favorite Things in My House

1)  My living room pillows

2) The kitchen island
I love having an island, always wanted one and especially love how big ours is.  Not too giant but plenty big for 4 seats.

3) Our master bedroom closet
excuse the mess, I love this closet, it can hold some serious stuff!

4) Jones decal
 It doesn't look that big in the picture but it's almost 4 ft wide

5) Boys canvases
20x24 canvases, the hubby painted for our boys shared room

6) Kitchen curtains

For fun I thought I would ask Matthew his as well
The Hubby's Favorites

1)  Headboard he made
He did a great job, he knew I liked sleigh beds and upholstered, so he combined the two by sanding  the top down to be rounded like a sleigh.

2) New lights
Our house had all gold/brass fixtures when we bought it, so at the beginning of this year we got new fans, pendants, entry way bowl, hallway, and dining fixture.  We found a collection we liked and got all the different versions for the appropriate areas.

3) TV mount
I didn't take a picture of this but our Tv is over our fireplace and we wanted a place to house the Xbox and other items, so he bought a mount with a movable arm.  The TV can come almost 2 ft from the wall, and swivel and pivot.  Then he put shelves behind the tv for all the items we didn't want laying out but wanted hooked into the TV.

4) Comfy couches
When we got our new house we needed furniture and our only requirement was that it have recliners.  We have found a set where every seat reclines.  It's oversized too and we love it!

5) Fireplace
We didn't have one at our last house and  this is one of the things that was on our wishlist.  Someday we will probably fancy/ modernize it up and get rid of the brass.

6) Jones Decal
Same as above