Music truly is everything that I am. I listen to music, I support artists, and now I've started recording music and posting it on facebook. You don't need a facebook to access the page, just go to this link! And check it out! And, I just posted a new song called "Everything".
I really would appreciate your feedback on the songs and the music, so if you have a few minutes, check it out and comment here with your feedback.
Thank you!
Anyways, that's all for now. More confessions to come.
- J
Monday, March 21, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
A Little Peek Into Motherhood
There are four kids- Kelsey 12, Luke 9, Courtney 6, Matt 2.
It was a crash course on mother hood.
Not the stress about where they'll go to go to college kind of mother hood.
Not the stress about where dinner is going to come from kind of mother hood.
But the- care for and genuinely worry about those kids kind of mother hood.
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| Courtney (6) |
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| Courtney and Matt at our Picnic |
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| Matthew (2) |
The worst part though, was when the kids got hurt and started crying- because there's nothing you can do as a mother for a hurt child besides either give them some medicine, or slap on a few bandaids. At one point I brought Matt and Courtney to Hidden Pond Park where they played for a while. Within the span of 5 minutes Cortney had two kids push her and "say mean things" to her, and Matt got knocked over by a stampede of little kids. The parents at the park all kind of froze when Matt fell down, and I had to maneuver through them to get to Matt, so parents were all freaking out, and I was like, he's okay, and he was. But still. Anyways, then after we returned home, the kids got on their bikes and went riding up and down the street. At one point Courtney wiped out on her bike, kind of falling into the bicycle, and started crying. It was loud- like you could probably hear her crying a mile away kind of crying. I ran over to her and got the bike from all around her and moved it to the side, and picked her up and let her just cry- cause what else can you do? We went inside and I got her three bandaids which seemed to do the trick. Poor poor Courtney. I just felt so bad for her, and didn't know what to do.
Best part? I babysat from noon one day until about six the next night, and that first night there was the best. Why? Well, Luke and Kelsey were playing basketball, and Courtney and Matt were riding their bikes and then everyone kicked around a soccer ball. It was like perfect songwriting material. Everyone was so happy and the weather was perfect and the moon was shining bright... Made me want to stay in that moment forever. Literally. It was perfect.
Second best moment was taking Matt and Courtney on a picnic. They were so excited and so happy. I made each person their custom made sandwich and Courtney grabbed the blanket and we were off. It was so much fun to just sit in the nice weather and just relax.
So, this weekend taught me a lot about having kids. And as Justin Smith (of Jericho Road) put it, there's a reason there's an order, and why we get married first and then have kids. But still, I realized I don't want kids for like thirty years cause I am soooo not ready. Not in the slightest. If I had kids now, I'd totally screw it up.
Anyways, that's all for now. More confessions to come.
- J
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Hooray for BYU
Two days ago, BYU played TCU. Unfortunately, we didn't play our best, so it was a close game. BUT, against all odds (well, not really.. since the odds were for us, it's not really against all odds....) we won!
Then I went to a Relief Society Birthday Dinner where we had salad (make your own) and then lots and lots of cake. I got to hang out with Kim, and Talia, and that was fun for me:) Hopefully I'll be able to hang out with them again today.
Yesterday morning, I got up and started working on my class. If you don't remember what class I am taking- it's D&C. It's not too bad actually, and I learn a LOT! And I love reading about all the people and the miracles and the hardships. Looks like I am gonna have a hard morning though, because at the end of each section, they usually have 5 ish mastery questions to make sure you understand the readings, BUT this time, there are twenty. Yes, twenty. Gahhh. It's gonna take foreverrrrrrr.
Yesterday I went to Costco with my mother. Remember when it was called Price Club? Oh the good ol days:) I got a churro and a berry smoothie. Delicious! But, by the end of the trip- I was exhausted... I got home and spent the afternoon cleaning up the house. Worked on the main level, and then did a deep cleaning of my bedroom. I am so thorough.
In the evening my friend Tess came over and we watched Phantom of the Opera. It was the first time I'd seen the movie and I liked it better than I thought I would. Then at 9, me and my parents went over to the Cochran's house and watched the BYU vs. New Mexico game. And guess what?! WE WON! It was a close game, but Jimmer was on FIRE! He scored 33 points in the first half, and topped off the game with 52 points! FIFTY-TWO POINTS! That's insane! It was a marvelous game:)
Anyways, that's all for now. More confessions to come.
- J
Then I went to a Relief Society Birthday Dinner where we had salad (make your own) and then lots and lots of cake. I got to hang out with Kim, and Talia, and that was fun for me:) Hopefully I'll be able to hang out with them again today.
Yesterday morning, I got up and started working on my class. If you don't remember what class I am taking- it's D&C. It's not too bad actually, and I learn a LOT! And I love reading about all the people and the miracles and the hardships. Looks like I am gonna have a hard morning though, because at the end of each section, they usually have 5 ish mastery questions to make sure you understand the readings, BUT this time, there are twenty. Yes, twenty. Gahhh. It's gonna take foreverrrrrrr.
Yesterday I went to Costco with my mother. Remember when it was called Price Club? Oh the good ol days:) I got a churro and a berry smoothie. Delicious! But, by the end of the trip- I was exhausted... I got home and spent the afternoon cleaning up the house. Worked on the main level, and then did a deep cleaning of my bedroom. I am so thorough.
In the evening my friend Tess came over and we watched Phantom of the Opera. It was the first time I'd seen the movie and I liked it better than I thought I would. Then at 9, me and my parents went over to the Cochran's house and watched the BYU vs. New Mexico game. And guess what?! WE WON! It was a close game, but Jimmer was on FIRE! He scored 33 points in the first half, and topped off the game with 52 points! FIFTY-TWO POINTS! That's insane! It was a marvelous game:)
Anyways, that's all for now. More confessions to come.
- J
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Success!
Well, I did it! 24 hours without my phone or my facebook. Wanna know something sad though? When I turned my phone back on... My only texts were my horoscopes. When I checked facebook.... My only notifications were from my sister Molly. I decided I'm pretty lame.
I also noticed, thanks to my sister Katie, at the bottom of the blog I said "text me" but I quickly changed that to "call my house phone" because obviously, I didn't have my phone.
Yesterday I took it easy- worked on some scholarship applications. Then my friend Kim Hodgodon (who was doing the facebook/phone fast with me) came over and we moaned and groaned together- what a pitiful two we were. We decided to distract ourselves. We watch some Psych (which she'd never seen before) and then Bend It Like Beckham. We had some yummy dinner, and just hung out:) It was a lot of fun and took my mind of the whole ordeal.
This morning I will be going to quilt group with my mom where I will work on the binding of my quilt- which when I finish, will accomplish a 10-hour project for personal progress.
Oh! How could I forget. This morning, I went out in the pouring cold rain, and started cleaning some of the "toys" in our backyard. I worked on the play house. I scrubbed, and rubbed, and splashed, and worked and it went from brown (dirt) and green (algae) to white! I am quite proud of myself actually.
This afternoon I, along with my family, will join the Cochran's (Keva) to watch the BYU vs. TCU game to see who will advance in the Mountain West Conference Championship. Hopefully we beat TCU and move on, because if we have 3 more wins, we win the conference and will hopefully have a higher seed for the NCAA National Championship. And for those of you who are confused... I am talking about College Basketball! GO BYU!!
Anyways, that's all for now. More confessions to come.
- J
I also noticed, thanks to my sister Katie, at the bottom of the blog I said "text me" but I quickly changed that to "call my house phone" because obviously, I didn't have my phone.
Yesterday I took it easy- worked on some scholarship applications. Then my friend Kim Hodgodon (who was doing the facebook/phone fast with me) came over and we moaned and groaned together- what a pitiful two we were. We decided to distract ourselves. We watch some Psych (which she'd never seen before) and then Bend It Like Beckham. We had some yummy dinner, and just hung out:) It was a lot of fun and took my mind of the whole ordeal.
This morning I will be going to quilt group with my mom where I will work on the binding of my quilt- which when I finish, will accomplish a 10-hour project for personal progress.
Oh! How could I forget. This morning, I went out in the pouring cold rain, and started cleaning some of the "toys" in our backyard. I worked on the play house. I scrubbed, and rubbed, and splashed, and worked and it went from brown (dirt) and green (algae) to white! I am quite proud of myself actually.
This afternoon I, along with my family, will join the Cochran's (Keva) to watch the BYU vs. TCU game to see who will advance in the Mountain West Conference Championship. Hopefully we beat TCU and move on, because if we have 3 more wins, we win the conference and will hopefully have a higher seed for the NCAA National Championship. And for those of you who are confused... I am talking about College Basketball! GO BYU!!
Anyways, that's all for now. More confessions to come.
- J
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
24 Hour Fast......
From technology... kind of.
Kim Hodgdon and I decided that today from midnight to midnight, we would go without our phones and our facebooks.
Last night as we sat on my couch, we were practically hyperventilating thinking about not having our phones and facebook for a whole day.
I'll tell you, I am obsessed. You probably already know that... I always have my phone on me and I check it more than frequently. Frequent would be like checking it once every hour. I check it like once every 5 minutes. So calculate how much time is wasted on my phone... and well, maybe this fast is a good thing.
And then there's facebook. Which I am more than obsessed with. I check facebook every 5-10 minutes usually. I have a ritual. I check my yahoo! mail, I check my gmail, I check facebook. I check my yahoo! mail, I check gmail, I check facebook. etc. etc. When I sit on facebook this is what happens....
I have no life. And I admit that.
It's kind of sad actually... That I waste so much time on such a pointless thing. It would be different if I were catching up with someone, or posting pictures, or doing something of real value. But wasting time "liking" everything everyone posts... Kind of pitiful. I have issues. I realize that now.. ;)
BUT HEY!
Want to know what I have accomplished by 10 in the morning while on my fast?
- Eat breakfast
- Help mom check DVDs for errors
- Watch a TV episode
- Write a song
- Blog a little
Okay, so that's not THAT much, but it is only 10 am... the day is young, and there is still time to do a lot of things. A lot of things that I usually wouldn't have the time to do. Instead, I have all the time in the world.
So, what do you think I should do on this fine day?
- Start writing my book
- Clean the backyard "toys"
- Work on finishing my quilt (for personal progress)
- Read a lot of scriptures for personal progress
- Write another song
- YOUR CHOICE
Tell me, I honestly would like to know.
And don't tell me over facebook, cause I won't know.
Leave a comment, or call my house phone.
703.866.9298
Thanks, and have a marvelous day!
Anyways, that's all for now. More confessions to come.
- J
Kim Hodgdon and I decided that today from midnight to midnight, we would go without our phones and our facebooks.
Last night as we sat on my couch, we were practically hyperventilating thinking about not having our phones and facebook for a whole day.
I'll tell you, I am obsessed. You probably already know that... I always have my phone on me and I check it more than frequently. Frequent would be like checking it once every hour. I check it like once every 5 minutes. So calculate how much time is wasted on my phone... and well, maybe this fast is a good thing.
And then there's facebook. Which I am more than obsessed with. I check facebook every 5-10 minutes usually. I have a ritual. I check my yahoo! mail, I check my gmail, I check facebook. I check my yahoo! mail, I check gmail, I check facebook. etc. etc. When I sit on facebook this is what happens....
Refresh.
Refresh.
Like that. Like this. Like that. Like this.
Refresh.
Like some more stuff.
Refresh.
Refresh.
Like this. Like that. Like this. Like that.
Refresh.
etc. etc.
I have no life. And I admit that.
It's kind of sad actually... That I waste so much time on such a pointless thing. It would be different if I were catching up with someone, or posting pictures, or doing something of real value. But wasting time "liking" everything everyone posts... Kind of pitiful. I have issues. I realize that now.. ;)
BUT HEY!
Want to know what I have accomplished by 10 in the morning while on my fast?
- Eat breakfast
- Help mom check DVDs for errors
- Watch a TV episode
- Write a song
- Blog a little
Okay, so that's not THAT much, but it is only 10 am... the day is young, and there is still time to do a lot of things. A lot of things that I usually wouldn't have the time to do. Instead, I have all the time in the world.
So, what do you think I should do on this fine day?
- Start writing my book
- Clean the backyard "toys"
- Work on finishing my quilt (for personal progress)
- Read a lot of scriptures for personal progress
- Write another song
- YOUR CHOICE
Tell me, I honestly would like to know.
And don't tell me over facebook, cause I won't know.
Leave a comment, or call my house phone.
703.866.9298
Thanks, and have a marvelous day!
Anyways, that's all for now. More confessions to come.
- J
Friday, March 4, 2011
My Trip to Utah (in detail!)
First of all, a very special thank you to those of you who donated to my trip fund. Because of YOU, I was able to have one of the most amazing 2 weeks ever!
I got to Utah and stayed the first two nights at my old apartment. While I stayed there, I was able to go to class with Josh Flores (and Nick Potts). It was a Mythology class, and while somewhat interesting. I will not be taking that class any time soon. But, it was fun to go, learn a little, and sit with Daniel, Nick and Josh. Also, one night I went over to my good friend Jake Edvalson's apartment and just hung out with him. It was some of the most fun I've had in a really really long time. We just hung out and I listened to some stuff he was working on. Afterwards we decided to get some icecream, but when we got outside, it was snowing... a lot! So we got in my car and drove to starbucks where we each got a hot chocolate- his more adventurous than mine. We sat and talked for a long time, and had just a really good time. I will never forget that night!
I then went to my cousin Tyler's wedding festivities. He married the remarkable Kelly Wight. I picked up my grandma Smith and took her to the reception center where the family had gathered. Before the reception started, Liam, Janae and I took a quick trip to Subway and McDonalds for dinner where I got myself a Wild Berry Smoothie (if you know me, you know I LOVE those)! When we got back, they wouldn't let us in with our food, so we went back to the car and brought Elijah and Seara with us to eat our food. It was awesome. At the reception I was able to see a lot of family- aunts and uncles, and cousins. I even ran into Natalie and Kenny :) I spend the night at my grandma's house (in a real bed!) The next morning was their wedding. Again, I drove Grandma Smith to SLC where the wedding was going to take place. I got lost a little, but we found the right parking, and got to the sealing in time. I helped Liam watch all the kids while Grandma talked the temple into letting her in without her recommend, which she had forgotten. Afterwards, I watched Enoch, Elijah, and Seara at the visitor's center while Sam and Janae were able to attend the wedding luncheon. It was a lot of fun, and I ADORE those three kids probably more than anything, so that was a pure pleasure for me.
Later in the day I went to the dentist and then headed down to Provo where I went to stay with my delightful friend Lorin. She is amazing, and one of the best friends I could ask for. She's just a really kind person. We went to Pizza Factory for dinner and then drove over to the Tahitian Noni Theater in Provo (near the Riverwoods) where the first j.wride concert was happening. We got there early, and got second row seats (amazing!). I then helped take tickets during the start of the show so Jake (who was taking the tickets) could do the lights for the performers. I was pleasantly surprised when Kade Beus showed up, and I hung with him throughout the concert. I also brought my video camera and videotaped the whole show. And, it was INCREDIBLE! Words can not describe how amazing it was. I soaked it in, and loved every single song. A few of my favorites were played, and I was so giddy. When the concert ended I went out and bought their new CD "Indigo" which is AMAZING. If you haven't had a chance to hear it, you should go out and get yourself a CD, or wait until April when the CD will be on iTunes! Cool, huh?
The next day I went to my friend Laurie's Bridal Shower where we had some delicious food! And some great company. I surprised her, and she didn't know I was in town, so when I opened the door for her, she was ecstatic! It was awesome:)
That night was the second j.wride CD release for their new album "Indigo". I brought along Sam Barlow, yes, Kenny's younger brother. And we had a GREAT time. We laughed, a lot, and drank a lot of water and just had such an enjoyable evening. And the music, was phenomenal. It blew me away, and I'd already been to one concert. And Sam seemed to enjoy the concert as well. At the end I lent a few people some money so they could buy j.wride CD's, it was so great.
That night I went over to my Aunt Carol's house because by now, I was sicker than all get out. I had lost ten pounds by this point, and was just feeling awful. I spent the night and woke up in the morning not feeling much better. I ended up staying almost the whole week at their house while they took really good care of me. Such a nice family :) One night during that week I spent the night at my friends' Natalie and Rani's apartment at Alta Apartments where I used to live for a year and a half. That was a lot of fun.
One night when I was feeling better, I was able to go to ihop with Jake, Nick, and Kailee. Nick was nice enough to just let me eat his pancakes, and I still owe Jake for my Orange Juice:) It was so much fun to just have a night to let loose and just hang out.
Monday, I went to the Potts Family's house for dinner and FHE. It was sooooo great to see Rachel and Dewey again! I love those guys, and Sister and Brother Potts, SO much. We had a really great evening. I even ran into my cousin Lyndi who in in Bishop Potts' ward and was over for ward FHE.
Wednesday was the BYU basketball game verse Colorado State University. My uncle Ole was oh so kind and gave us his 4 season tickets for the game since this was the ONLY home game while I was in Utah. It was an awesome game! We even hit 80 points so we got free chocolate cake! Awesome, huh?! It was soooo much fun! And at the end of the game, thanks to Noah Hartsock (#34) I got to meet Jimmer Fredette! It was one of the most treasured experiences I've ever had, it was so neat, and he was such a nice and down to earth guy. THANKS NOAH!
On Thursday I had another dentist appointment, so I was up in Murray. After I finished, I drove down to Sandy where I picked up my grandma and took her on a few errands before we went to Noodles and Co for lunch. It was sooo good, but neither of us could finish our food before we left. So we boxed it up and took it home with us. Grandma said it took her three additional meals to finish her Mac & Cheese. I left mine for Kenny to finish. Afterwards, I drove over to Draper where my good friend Matt Bashaw recently moved and I hung out at his place for a couple hours before heading back to Provo. I was able to record a few videos of his songs so we could post them on his youtube since he doesn't have a video camera.
My last weekend in Utah, I spend with Natalie and Kenny in their apartment in Orem. I love them so much, and it was SO nice to spend all that extra time with them:) I miss them a lot.
Then Sunday night Chantal and Stephanie came to my Aunt Carol and Uncle Dave's house for dinner with me, Nat and Kenny. They were so kind, and polite, and they were perfect guests. They are the kind of guests people want at their house. :) Anyways, that was really fun and it was good to spend so much time with them!
Sunday I went to Stake Conference with Sam Barlow and all the Alta Wards and got to say goodbye to a lot of people, and say hi to even more. I felt like a celebrity. It was neat to see so many old friends.
Monday I went on campus around 11 and met up with Hannah Marsh for lunch. We both got Jamba Juice:) Afterwards, we went to the terrace and just talked. I ran into Michael Slawson there too. Then I texted Brent Parker, and he called back and met up with Hannah and I as well. The three of us talked till 1 when they both had places they needed to be. But, while we were there I saw Katherine Finlayson too! Then I waited around more, and saw Rachel Kiene, Rachel Davis, and Karrae Brunner. It was sooo good to see all my old friends again! I didn't realize how much I missed them until I saw them again:)
Then I flew home. It's good to be home.
Anyways, that's all for now. More confessions to come.
- J
p.s. What do you think of the new layout for my blog??!
I got to Utah and stayed the first two nights at my old apartment. While I stayed there, I was able to go to class with Josh Flores (and Nick Potts). It was a Mythology class, and while somewhat interesting. I will not be taking that class any time soon. But, it was fun to go, learn a little, and sit with Daniel, Nick and Josh. Also, one night I went over to my good friend Jake Edvalson's apartment and just hung out with him. It was some of the most fun I've had in a really really long time. We just hung out and I listened to some stuff he was working on. Afterwards we decided to get some icecream, but when we got outside, it was snowing... a lot! So we got in my car and drove to starbucks where we each got a hot chocolate- his more adventurous than mine. We sat and talked for a long time, and had just a really good time. I will never forget that night!
I then went to my cousin Tyler's wedding festivities. He married the remarkable Kelly Wight. I picked up my grandma Smith and took her to the reception center where the family had gathered. Before the reception started, Liam, Janae and I took a quick trip to Subway and McDonalds for dinner where I got myself a Wild Berry Smoothie (if you know me, you know I LOVE those)! When we got back, they wouldn't let us in with our food, so we went back to the car and brought Elijah and Seara with us to eat our food. It was awesome. At the reception I was able to see a lot of family- aunts and uncles, and cousins. I even ran into Natalie and Kenny :) I spend the night at my grandma's house (in a real bed!) The next morning was their wedding. Again, I drove Grandma Smith to SLC where the wedding was going to take place. I got lost a little, but we found the right parking, and got to the sealing in time. I helped Liam watch all the kids while Grandma talked the temple into letting her in without her recommend, which she had forgotten. Afterwards, I watched Enoch, Elijah, and Seara at the visitor's center while Sam and Janae were able to attend the wedding luncheon. It was a lot of fun, and I ADORE those three kids probably more than anything, so that was a pure pleasure for me.
Later in the day I went to the dentist and then headed down to Provo where I went to stay with my delightful friend Lorin. She is amazing, and one of the best friends I could ask for. She's just a really kind person. We went to Pizza Factory for dinner and then drove over to the Tahitian Noni Theater in Provo (near the Riverwoods) where the first j.wride concert was happening. We got there early, and got second row seats (amazing!). I then helped take tickets during the start of the show so Jake (who was taking the tickets) could do the lights for the performers. I was pleasantly surprised when Kade Beus showed up, and I hung with him throughout the concert. I also brought my video camera and videotaped the whole show. And, it was INCREDIBLE! Words can not describe how amazing it was. I soaked it in, and loved every single song. A few of my favorites were played, and I was so giddy. When the concert ended I went out and bought their new CD "Indigo" which is AMAZING. If you haven't had a chance to hear it, you should go out and get yourself a CD, or wait until April when the CD will be on iTunes! Cool, huh?
The next day I went to my friend Laurie's Bridal Shower where we had some delicious food! And some great company. I surprised her, and she didn't know I was in town, so when I opened the door for her, she was ecstatic! It was awesome:)
That night was the second j.wride CD release for their new album "Indigo". I brought along Sam Barlow, yes, Kenny's younger brother. And we had a GREAT time. We laughed, a lot, and drank a lot of water and just had such an enjoyable evening. And the music, was phenomenal. It blew me away, and I'd already been to one concert. And Sam seemed to enjoy the concert as well. At the end I lent a few people some money so they could buy j.wride CD's, it was so great.
That night I went over to my Aunt Carol's house because by now, I was sicker than all get out. I had lost ten pounds by this point, and was just feeling awful. I spent the night and woke up in the morning not feeling much better. I ended up staying almost the whole week at their house while they took really good care of me. Such a nice family :) One night during that week I spent the night at my friends' Natalie and Rani's apartment at Alta Apartments where I used to live for a year and a half. That was a lot of fun.
One night when I was feeling better, I was able to go to ihop with Jake, Nick, and Kailee. Nick was nice enough to just let me eat his pancakes, and I still owe Jake for my Orange Juice:) It was so much fun to just have a night to let loose and just hang out.
Monday, I went to the Potts Family's house for dinner and FHE. It was sooooo great to see Rachel and Dewey again! I love those guys, and Sister and Brother Potts, SO much. We had a really great evening. I even ran into my cousin Lyndi who in in Bishop Potts' ward and was over for ward FHE.
On Thursday I had another dentist appointment, so I was up in Murray. After I finished, I drove down to Sandy where I picked up my grandma and took her on a few errands before we went to Noodles and Co for lunch. It was sooo good, but neither of us could finish our food before we left. So we boxed it up and took it home with us. Grandma said it took her three additional meals to finish her Mac & Cheese. I left mine for Kenny to finish. Afterwards, I drove over to Draper where my good friend Matt Bashaw recently moved and I hung out at his place for a couple hours before heading back to Provo. I was able to record a few videos of his songs so we could post them on his youtube since he doesn't have a video camera.
My last weekend in Utah, I spend with Natalie and Kenny in their apartment in Orem. I love them so much, and it was SO nice to spend all that extra time with them:) I miss them a lot.
Then Sunday night Chantal and Stephanie came to my Aunt Carol and Uncle Dave's house for dinner with me, Nat and Kenny. They were so kind, and polite, and they were perfect guests. They are the kind of guests people want at their house. :) Anyways, that was really fun and it was good to spend so much time with them!
Sunday I went to Stake Conference with Sam Barlow and all the Alta Wards and got to say goodbye to a lot of people, and say hi to even more. I felt like a celebrity. It was neat to see so many old friends.
Monday I went on campus around 11 and met up with Hannah Marsh for lunch. We both got Jamba Juice:) Afterwards, we went to the terrace and just talked. I ran into Michael Slawson there too. Then I texted Brent Parker, and he called back and met up with Hannah and I as well. The three of us talked till 1 when they both had places they needed to be. But, while we were there I saw Katherine Finlayson too! Then I waited around more, and saw Rachel Kiene, Rachel Davis, and Karrae Brunner. It was sooo good to see all my old friends again! I didn't realize how much I missed them until I saw them again:)
Then I flew home. It's good to be home.
Anyways, that's all for now. More confessions to come.
- J
p.s. What do you think of the new layout for my blog??!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Pretending...
Yesterday I had a unique and life changing experience.
I babysat 3 young children as their mother attended the temple. When I first arrived, the children were playing with, what I learned was called, squishies. After doing some research, I learned that 'squishies' are actually pencil toppers. Random.
Anyways, each of us had at least 2 squishies and a 'habitat' for each squishy. I had a pig and an octopus. My pig had a bed, a hat, a TV, and some hot chocolate and some roasting chicken (yes, lego chicken actually over a fake flame...). The octopus had a pool. They both shared a tree house (which was the lamp in their room). This was my first time babysitting children in almost 2 years and I struggled playing with them because I had forgotten how to pretend.
To continue reading this post, please see my other blog: Good Happens.
I babysat 3 young children as their mother attended the temple. When I first arrived, the children were playing with, what I learned was called, squishies. After doing some research, I learned that 'squishies' are actually pencil toppers. Random.
Anyways, each of us had at least 2 squishies and a 'habitat' for each squishy. I had a pig and an octopus. My pig had a bed, a hat, a TV, and some hot chocolate and some roasting chicken (yes, lego chicken actually over a fake flame...). The octopus had a pool. They both shared a tree house (which was the lamp in their room). This was my first time babysitting children in almost 2 years and I struggled playing with them because I had forgotten how to pretend.
To continue reading this post, please see my other blog: Good Happens.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Get Ready to Laugh Your Head Off
One of the freaking funniest commercials of my life:
Wasn't that just hilarious?! "Recalculating... Recalculating.." Oh man, I just HAD to share that with you. I hope you enjoyed it :)
Anyways, that's all for now. More confessions to come.
- J
Wasn't that just hilarious?! "Recalculating... Recalculating.." Oh man, I just HAD to share that with you. I hope you enjoyed it :)
Anyways, that's all for now. More confessions to come.
- J
That One Time I Didn't Update My Blog...
Okay, so I apologize in advance for this post. And I apologize for taking SO long to actually post something with substantial value. I just feel lame! But I guess what makes me lame is not ever posting ever.... So, sorry. But here we go- this is my January:)
January started with a nice dose of Chemotherapy. I started on the 5th of January and finished on the 9th of January. It was better... than expected. The first 3 days were easy peasy. I spent my time at the Ray's house with their family and was practically bouncing off the walls. I was on TOP of the world. Then I woke up morning of day 4 and felt AWFUL. That continued through the end of Chemo, and the next few days. I wish I could explain the awful feeling, but since I've never done chemo before, I am terrible at explaining how it feels to undergo such a thing.
I have spent most of my days playing my guitar (with a new strap thanks to Katie & Connor), writing songs on the piano, and watching TV. I am currently watching probably 30 shows... Don't tell my parents. And parents..... if you just happen to be reading this post, I meant 3 shows. Not 30. 30 would be CRAZY! And I am not crazy. (Okay, I am totally certifiable! I am definitely watching THIRTY shows.. I know.. I need a life!) But hey- lets be honest with ourselves. If you had a couple months with zero responsibilities, wouldn't you watch all the TV shows you wanted and never could before?! Duh you would. It's a given.
I chaperoned a dance with my good friend Keva Cochran, and it was super fun, until I got sick. That was not so fun. But Keva, you're amazing, and I am so glad I got to go with you
I had the pure pleasure of going out to lunch with the lovely Sister Julie Stokes and we went to Noodles and Co which is definitely one of my favorites. It was such a great day. She came and picked me up and we talked all the way there, talked through our meal, talked after, talked on the drive home, and then she came inside my house and we talked more. I haven't had stimulating conversation since I've been home, so that was wonderful!
OHHHHHHH! You lucky reader you! You get to hear about my new calling!! I was called at first to be an assistant to the Young Women, but that soon changed, and I was called as the Secretary for the Young Women's Presidency in my ward. I take my calling very seriously, and it shows apparently. :)
So, this month my mom was also diagnosed with a brain tumor. Unrelated to my tumor. Random, I know, right?! Hers is a Meningoma. Which is most likely benign. Lucky duck. She had her surgery last week and is recovering as expected. I think she tries to over do it sometimes, so I try to help best I can. This month I have done the dishes and dishwasher maybe 70 times. Fortunately, I don't mind doing it.
Wanna know the best part of my month?! The end. You think the end because it was over? HA HA. Good one. False. It was the best because my best friend Ethan Watts came to visit me! HOW EXCITINGGGGGGGGGGG!! It was the best ever. I picked him up in Bethesda and we drove back down to my house in Springfield and I got all dolled up. Then Ethan took pictures of me at this beautiful bridge down the street :) Afterwards, we drove to Arlington National Cemetery and Ethan took pictures all over the place. Then we drove around the tidal basin and he took more pictures. His pictures turned out beautiful! Here are his pictures from the National Cemetery and Tidal Basin. Ethan Watts is amazing. I am so grateful for his friendship, and I could never thank him enough for the friend he has been to me.
Anyways, that's all for now. More confessions to come.
- J
January started with a nice dose of Chemotherapy. I started on the 5th of January and finished on the 9th of January. It was better... than expected. The first 3 days were easy peasy. I spent my time at the Ray's house with their family and was practically bouncing off the walls. I was on TOP of the world. Then I woke up morning of day 4 and felt AWFUL. That continued through the end of Chemo, and the next few days. I wish I could explain the awful feeling, but since I've never done chemo before, I am terrible at explaining how it feels to undergo such a thing.
I have spent most of my days playing my guitar (with a new strap thanks to Katie & Connor), writing songs on the piano, and watching TV. I am currently watching probably 30 shows... Don't tell my parents. And parents..... if you just happen to be reading this post, I meant 3 shows. Not 30. 30 would be CRAZY! And I am not crazy. (Okay, I am totally certifiable! I am definitely watching THIRTY shows.. I know.. I need a life!) But hey- lets be honest with ourselves. If you had a couple months with zero responsibilities, wouldn't you watch all the TV shows you wanted and never could before?! Duh you would. It's a given.
I chaperoned a dance with my good friend Keva Cochran, and it was super fun, until I got sick. That was not so fun. But Keva, you're amazing, and I am so glad I got to go with you
I had the pure pleasure of going out to lunch with the lovely Sister Julie Stokes and we went to Noodles and Co which is definitely one of my favorites. It was such a great day. She came and picked me up and we talked all the way there, talked through our meal, talked after, talked on the drive home, and then she came inside my house and we talked more. I haven't had stimulating conversation since I've been home, so that was wonderful!
OHHHHHHH! You lucky reader you! You get to hear about my new calling!! I was called at first to be an assistant to the Young Women, but that soon changed, and I was called as the Secretary for the Young Women's Presidency in my ward. I take my calling very seriously, and it shows apparently. :)
So, this month my mom was also diagnosed with a brain tumor. Unrelated to my tumor. Random, I know, right?! Hers is a Meningoma. Which is most likely benign. Lucky duck. She had her surgery last week and is recovering as expected. I think she tries to over do it sometimes, so I try to help best I can. This month I have done the dishes and dishwasher maybe 70 times. Fortunately, I don't mind doing it.
Wanna know the best part of my month?! The end. You think the end because it was over? HA HA. Good one. False. It was the best because my best friend Ethan Watts came to visit me! HOW EXCITINGGGGGGGGGGG!! It was the best ever. I picked him up in Bethesda and we drove back down to my house in Springfield and I got all dolled up. Then Ethan took pictures of me at this beautiful bridge down the street :) Afterwards, we drove to Arlington National Cemetery and Ethan took pictures all over the place. Then we drove around the tidal basin and he took more pictures. His pictures turned out beautiful! Here are his pictures from the National Cemetery and Tidal Basin. Ethan Watts is amazing. I am so grateful for his friendship, and I could never thank him enough for the friend he has been to me.
Anyways, that's all for now. More confessions to come.
- J
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Winter Wonderland
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| Talia, Kim, Me in j.wride shirts! |
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| Best friends :) |
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| j.wrideeeeee |
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| Kim + Talia = Besties |
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| Me and Talia :) |
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| Talia finally figured out the "j.wride hand" :P |
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| She's just gorgeous... seriously. |
Today was my mom's surgery, and since I didn't wanna sit at home alone all day, I invite Kim Hodgdon and Talia Lagerberg to come over. While they were over, the snow started! So we ran outside and shot some pictures. We had a LOT of fun with the camera as the snow was freezing it out, so after snapping about 35 pictures, we went inside. I made sure we all wore j.wride shirts.... This is me prepping for the CD release on the 18th and 19th of February. And since I can't be there, I encourage all you people reading this who are in Utah, to attend... (There are still tickets available for the concert on the 19th!) Anyways, we had a lot of fun, and I am excited for when we get to hang out again! :)
Sunday, January 2, 2011
What About Babies???
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| Hamilton and Emmeline gazing into eachother's eyes |
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| Emmeline kissing Hamilton's hand ;) |
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| Hamilton, Emmeline, Jack |
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| Emmeline being the center of attention! (as always) |
On January 2nd, Lissa+Severin+Hamilton came to visit us for Sunday dinner! Stephanie+Adam+Jack were also there, along with Katie+Connor+Emmeline. SOOooo naturally, we took pictures of the 3 babies together. They were ADORABLE! These pictures don't quite capture it, but you can get the idea:)
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy Happy New Year's!
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| Oliver, Mandy, Brett |
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| Mandy, Me, Brett |
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| Oliver, Me, Mandy, Brett |
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| Oliver, Me, Mandy, Brett |
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| Me and Alison |
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| Me, Katrina, JeanMarie |
December 31, 2011
I drove up to Bethesda, MD with my friend Oliver from BYU. (His younger brother and I were friends back in high school.) He brought along two of his friends from Stafford (they are all from Stafford) Mandy and Brett. We went to the young single adult dance for Northern VA and had a lot of fun. I ran into some friends from my ward and even though the music wasn't the best- the company was, and that made all the difference. I had so much fun! So, thank you Oliver for being willing to drive so I could actually go to the dance, and for bringing along Mandy and Brett who are amazing people!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
The Most Random of Events
Once upon a time my family took a trip to the Ehlers residence to look at the collection of nativities. We went Christmas Eve and saw dozens of beautiful nativities. The three below were my favorites:
There was a LOT of driving all around (usually to and from Bethesda, MD) and on one of the trips I look in the back of the car and this is what I see-
Ariel Stong gave me an off brand pillow pet for christmas and I let Emmeline ride it one evening, isn't she cute on her rabbit with her cowboy boots (actually.. they are Addie's).
And on another fine evening I took this dashing picture of mister kenneth barlow wearing his "harry potter glasses" that he found laying around the house after hannah stokes made them:) They became the family Christmas joke as he put them on for every family picture, each caroling trip, etc.
Anways, that's all for now. More confessions to come.
- J
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| I like how tall and simple this one is.. :) |
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| I love the simplistic detail in this one... |
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| I think this one is just SO cute:) |
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| cuuuuuuute! |
Ariel Stong gave me an off brand pillow pet for christmas and I let Emmeline ride it one evening, isn't she cute on her rabbit with her cowboy boots (actually.. they are Addie's).
And on another fine evening I took this dashing picture of mister kenneth barlow wearing his "harry potter glasses" that he found laying around the house after hannah stokes made them:) They became the family Christmas joke as he put them on for every family picture, each caroling trip, etc.
Anways, that's all for now. More confessions to come.
- J
Monday, December 27, 2010
Helloooooo Barlows!
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| Baker Family Picture |
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| Silly Baker Family Picture |
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| Natalie, Kenny and Emmeline |
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| Natalie and Emmeline |
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| Me, Molly, Natalie, Kenny with Barlow Family |
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| Barlow + Baker Family Picture |
Sunday, December 26th
The Barlow Family drove up from South Carolina to visit, and to retrieve Kenny and Natalie. It was probably the best 36 hours of my life. We had SUCH a blast playing board games while staying up late. I love this family to DEATH, and I am excited for my trip down to South Carolina to spend time with this family.
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