tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80182785300324834112024-03-05T10:59:01.109-10:00 Jenna Rae EverydayJenna Schabenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264042524264225954noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018278530032483411.post-84325429645205753852017-02-10T02:00:00.000-10:002017-02-10T02:00:26.401-10:00Friday FavoritesYippee Skippy, it's Friday!! Allllll of the praise hands for this. For real. This week kicked my behind, so this weekend is very much welcomed with open arms!<br />
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Any who, it's time for another edition of Friday Favorites and it's shaping up to be a pretty good one, if I do say so myself! ;)<br />
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Let's get started, shall we??<br />
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It is T-minus one week until we leave on our cruise, so that's got my mind thinking about all things warm and tropical...more importantly what I am packing in my bag, or hoping to pack in my bag before next Friday morning!<br />
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First up, <a href="https://www.ae.com/women-aeo-off-the-shoulder-top-cream/web/s-prod/2351_7540_106?cm=sUS-cUSD&catId=cat6050046" target="_blank">this top</a>. I am head over heels in love with this. I mean, how adorable would this be dressed up, paired with some white skinnies and a cute pair of wedges? Or you could dress it down and pair it with some high waisted destructed jean shorts and flip flops...It is so versatile, and the details on it are beyond adorable. I will be needing this.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1worQGOA6tyycnZXCp-XlRP9_MyqcJooEDGThOSvcy01NA4tAAzR3fr6UwK_VGuAwEk7n44zQDnQNYjFKRLBrcBXCc-rbOHOoETK6G_iI6sd-IAhdExCLqrRflEYkX2tdPW5KXFMHM5g/s1600/AE+Cream+Blouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1worQGOA6tyycnZXCp-XlRP9_MyqcJooEDGThOSvcy01NA4tAAzR3fr6UwK_VGuAwEk7n44zQDnQNYjFKRLBrcBXCc-rbOHOoETK6G_iI6sd-IAhdExCLqrRflEYkX2tdPW5KXFMHM5g/s640/AE+Cream+Blouse.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Speaking of high waisted destructed jean shorts, I've had my eye on <a href="https://www.ae.com/women-aeo-denim-x-vintage-hi-rise-festival-indigo-abyss/web/s-prod/1333_4713_950?cm=sUS-cUSD&catId=cat6280066" target="_blank">these bad boys</a>, and they may be on their way to me as we speak...I just think that they will be on repeat all summer, paired with flip flops, converse, or even with some cute wedges if I want to dress them up a bit. But imagine them with that cute top up there. I mean adorbs, right?? Plus, they are high waisted, because #justsaynotocrack </div>
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Now, if I could gut the price tag on <a href="http://us.asos.com/tularosa/tularosa-audrey-dress/prd/7629920?iid=7629920&clr=Creme&SearchQuery=&cid=8799&pgesize=36&pge=1&totalstyles=169&gridsize=3&gridrow=5&gridcolumn=3" target="_blank">this dress</a>, it would totally be going in my bag with me...I just can't justify spending $240 on a casual dress. But if you have some money burning a hole in your pocket from a birthday, or maybe you are one of the lucky few who hasn't spent all of their Christmas money yet, you need to get your hands on this! If I could find a similar version under $50, I'm all over it!</div>
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So I don't know if you've realized this or not, but Valentine's Day is on Tuesday. As in 4 days. The fact that it falls on a weekday is a blessing and a curse. It's a blessing because that means that I get to help with Madden's classroom Valentine's Party! There is nothing quite like seeing little people all excited, passing out their "love cards" to each other. It's a happy holiday that everyone can get on board with and celebrate something the world needs more of right now: L.O.V.E. That said, <a href="http://us.asos.com/asos/asos-sweater-with-ruffle-front/prd/7404397?iid=7404397&clr=Pink&SearchQuery=&cid=15160&pgesize=36&pge=0&totalstyles=50&gridsize=3&gridrow=1&gridcolumn=3" target="_blank">this sweater </a>is what I will be wearing during the party (And all day long) It is even more adorable in person...I'm planning on pairing it with these <a href="http://us.asos.com/asos/asos-farleigh-high-waist-slim-mom-jeans-in-sweet-mid-stonewash-with-busted-knees/prd/6411931?iid=6411931&clr=Midwashblue&SearchQuery=asos%20farleigh%20high%20waist%20slim%20mom%20jeans&pgesize=34&pge=0&totalstyles=34&gridsize=3&gridrow=7&gridcolumn=2" target="_blank">destructed girlfriend jeans</a>, and taupe booties. It just screams Valentine's Day, am I right?</div>
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Now, the curse to Valentine's Day falling during the week, means that my hubby will be out of town for work again. :( But, I still have two little dudes that call me their Valentine that will be home, so I am going to make them my dates for the night. I am planning on picking up t<a href="http://investors.papamurphys.com/releasedetail.cfm?releaseid=953328" target="_blank">his heart shaped pizza</a>, along with a heart shaped ice cream cake from DQ for dessert. They will be in heaven. Who are we kidding, I will be too! </div>
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Last, but not least, I'm thinking t<a href="http://livedan330.com/2015/01/18/chocolate-covered-pretzel-sticks/" target="_blank">hese Valentine's Day inspired chocolate covered pretzels</a> would be an amazingly easy, yet tasty treat that the boys and I could whip up together after school. I may lose my mind with the mess they make, but I know they will love it. #makingmemories </div>
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Well, that's all I have time for today. I'm wishing you all a fabulous weekend, where you get to do something you enjoy!</div>
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Until next time...</div>
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Jenna Schabenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264042524264225954noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018278530032483411.post-1131743849517784252017-02-09T02:00:00.000-10:002017-02-09T02:00:12.043-10:00Thoughts for ThursdaySo if this post seems like a brain dump, it's because it totally is. So I apologize in advance if it seems like I'm rambling...I just needed to get these thoughts out!<br />
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So if you saw my post on Instagram on Sunday, you saw that Aaron left that afternoon for the week for work. It is crazy busy for him right now, so it's not uncommon for him to be gone 3-4 days in a row...sometimes more. It's not usually a big deal, but this is the 3rd week in a row for him, with 3 more weeks to go. :(<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How I feel most days I'm single parenting it ;)</td></tr>
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Like I said, I don't have an issue with him being gone most of the time, but yesterday was just one of those days. A day where I could. not. catch. a. break. It all started early in the morning. I woke to snow, which meant that school drop offs would take twice as long because people forget how to drive as soon as a little snow hits the ground. So I planned our morning around the fact that we would have to leave at least 15 minutes earlier than normal to make up for the inevitable traffic we would be dealing with.<br />
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The next step was to get Linden up to get him ready for preschool like I always do. It's always a crap shoot as to how he will wake up. Some mornings he is the happiest, snuggliest little nugget, and others he will throw a tantrum if I put the wrong socks on him. Yesterday morning it was the latter. He threw a fit because he didn't want to take his batman jammies off. Which then became a screaming match when I took them off, got him in his school clothes and I tried putting his socks on him. Who knew that shark socks were so terrifying?<br />
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We survived that scenario, to just turn around and have him spill his oj all down his shirt 5 minutes after we came downstairs. Turns out, that batman jammy shirt got to be worn to school after all. #youwinsomeyoulosesome<br />
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As he was contently eating his breakfast and watching bubble guppies, I let our dog out with strict instructions for Madden to watch where he did his business because we needed to collect a "fecal sample" for his vet check-up later that morning. He was not excited about it, but that's one of the perks of being the Mom...you can make your kiddos do the chores that you don't want to, am I right? Haha!<br />
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I helped him watch for him to do his deed, and when he did, I sent him out to collect it with a gallon sized ziplock baggie (more surface area as to not touch the poop). He came back in 2 minutes later and when I asked to see it, he started crying "I DIDN'T WANT TO TOUCH IT! I COULDN"T PICK IT UP!" As I held back the laughter, I made a deal with him that if he picked it up, he could get a little extra time on the iPad after school. #momwin<br />
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After everyone was finished with breakfast, I loaded up the boys, the dog, grabbed my thermos of coffee, my dog poop and ventured out into the wintery <strike>hell </strike>wonderland. Madden's drop off, which is only two blocks from our house mind you, took 10 minutes. It then took us 20 minutes (only 10 minutes longer than usual) to get to Linden's Preschool. Whew! "That wasn't that bad" I said to myself after I dropped him off. <br />
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Wrong.<br />
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Here is where things took another turn for the worse. All, and I do mean all of the roads in town were at a stand still. Nobody was moving. It seriously took me 20 minutes to move 1/4 of a mile...I wasn't exaggerating when I said that people forget how to drive when there's even an inch of snow on the ground. Getting to our vet normally only takes us 15 minutes from where we were. Yesterday, it took us an hour. 45 minutes longer than normal. And the best part? I had a hot, steaming bag of dog poop sitting in my passenger seat. Sweet.<br />
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We finally get to the vet, I drop him off, and head to get a quick workout in, before I have to turn around and pick up Linden again...I mean, 1 whole hour of my 3 hours of alone time was down the drain. Fortunately, I didn't have anything else planned for that morning.<br />
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I pick Linden up, give him his juice box and crackers that he depends on to get him home (because heaven forbid he not have a snack for 15 minutes) when suddenly he tells me from the backseat: "Mommy, my tummy full. My tummy hurt." No. Just no. But it's just wishful thinking because he is my kid that can puke if you look at him wrong. (High gag reflex) And just as I turn to hand him a bag (because you learn after your child pukes in your car every other day, to be prepared) he projectiles crackers and juice all over himself, the carseat and my car. :( There literally is nothing I can do except wait until we get home to clean him up, so as a punishment he gets to sit in his own stinky puke for the next 10 minutes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture doesn't do the amount of puke justice, but his face says it all!</td></tr>
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We couldn't get home fast enough. I stripped him down, (note, this is his third outfit change for the day) sanitized the carseat and my car, just in time to have the vet call to say that our dog was ready to be picked up. We loaded back up, picked up the dog, swung through Dunkin Donuts because it's right next door, treated the baby to munchkins and mama got herself an XL coffee. I felt I deserved it at that point. <br />
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Fast forward to getting home, where Linden proceeded to run to me in the kitchen, all while holding his bottom, saying "I gotta poopy! I gotta poopy now!" We rush to the bathroom and make it just in the nick of time. Whew. that was a close call. But the best part? It wouldn't flush. Who would've guessed that a 2 1/2 year old could clog a toilet? Well, mine can. So, I got to finish off my morning by plunging a toilet to avoid dirty toilet water flooding my bathroom. Gross.<br />
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The day slowly but surely got better from there, but I swore up until that point that I was living my own version of "My no good, very bad day."<br />
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Mom life, am I right?<br />
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Until next time...Jenna Schabenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264042524264225954noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018278530032483411.post-73306316620584859752017-02-08T02:00:00.000-10:002017-02-08T02:00:24.608-10:00Workin' it Wednesday...How We Work on Our MarriageHappy Wednesday, lovelies! I am still trying to find my groove since coming back to thee ol' blog...I am figuring out that Tuesdays are hard ones to fit a post into because of our hectic schedule. Hopefully I can do a better job of scheduling posts ahead of time so that Tuesday isn't left out.<br />
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Buuuuut, today should make up for yesterday, as I'm joining the lovely Erika and Shay for their new series "Workin' it Wednesday" where we focus on different topics every month. I missed last month's New Year's Resolutions, but this month's is a good one. We are talking about how we work on our marriages. I am always looking for new ways to spice up our marriage. Because just like anything, if you don't add new and exciting things, your relationship can become stale...or you could fall into a rut. Something that can quickly spiral out of control if you don't take hold of the reigns right away. That said, let me give you a little history into mine and Aaron's relationship...<br />
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We met in jr. high. Yep. We literally have known each other well over half of our lives. Granted, we didn't date then (he was the cool cat who always had a "girlfriend") but it was only a few short years later that we did. Fast forward to Valentine's Day, sophomore year (so 16 years ago next week :O ) and he asked me to our high school's Sweetheart Dance. He proceeded to ask me to be his girlfriend exactly one week later. I was head over heels for him from the get go. He opened doors for me, only held my hand outside of school, burned me CD's of love songs, took me to nice dinners, movies, gave me sweet little gifts to let me know that he was always thinking of me...I mean you get the picture. He was the definition of a true gentleman. He waited almost an entire year of dating before he told me that he loved me (while listening to a mushy Nelly song). It may sound weird, but at that moment I knew I would be with him forever.<br />
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We dated all through High School, and even though we went to different colleges, we stayed together. Now, I'm not saying it was all sunshine and rainbows during college. I mean it was tough. There were rough patches. He was very focused on school, and even though I wasn't an awful student, that just wasn't my main focus. I got jealous when he would rather stay in and study than come and visit me. We both had a heart to heart after nearly calling it quits our junior year. It was in that moment that I knew that I needed to grow up and realize that I couldn't be so selfish. That he was driven to be one of the top students in his class, and that may mean that I might have to come second sometimes. <br />
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We spent that next summer living in different states, as he had an internship in Seattle, and I had an internship here in Nebraska. It was the longest 3 months of my life. But also the biggest growth our relationship had ever had. Absence does truly make the heart grow fonder! I flew out to drive back with him the end of that summer, and that was where he asked me to be his wife. We were married the summer after we graduated college. Mere babies at 22 years old.<br />
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Neither of us knew what we were doing when we got married. We had never lived together, so that was a REAL wake-up call. Neither of us had nailed down "big girl/boy" jobs yet, so we were together non-stop. It sounds like a dream, but it was rough. Living on Costco hotdog meals (because hello $1.50) because we couldn't afford anything else. Things finally turned around for us when Aaron accepted a position with a financial firm and I accepted the position of Assistant Manager at a local retail store. <br />
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Things were good, but not fantastic. I still relied heavily on my Mom for advice, calling her everyday and filling her in on every detail of our life. That was the cause of 95% of our disagreements. I was telling her more than I was telling my own husband, and it needed to be the other way around. Once I figured that out, things amazingly turned a corner in our relationship. <br />
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Two years into our marriage we became parents, at the exact same time that we moved out of state for a new job for him. If you want to really grow your marriage and your bond with your husband, move somewhere that you only have each other to rely on. With a brand new baby. Yikes. I look back to those days and although they were extremely lonely, (I was a new mommy, who was staying home full time, with no family to help) we grew more in love and matured faster than we ever would've without that move. We still talk about it to this day that God knew exactly what he was doing in that moment. And we are forever grateful for that year that we had away from any of our support system. It was a pivotal turning point for us and our family. We now always put each other first, along with our kiddos. <br />
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Fast forward to today. 8 1/2 years of marriage and 2 little dudes later, and we are happier, our marriage is the strongest it ever has been and although we aren't perfect, we literally work on our relationship every single day.<br />
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We plan bi-weekly date nights. We have found that with the rush and hustle and bustle of kiddos, your marriage can easily fall to the wayside. Date nights are our chance to reconnect. We go to dinner, slow down and enjoy a nice long meal. We try to limit the discussions on our boys, and focus more on us. What we feel each other could improve on, what we are doing right, and goals for the upcoming weeks. We have found that if we are on the same page, the ship sails a lot smoother ;)<br />
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We do random acts of kindness for one another. Aaron's favorite way to feel loved is by acts of service. Little things like packing his lunch and laying out his clothes for the next day. Or buying him his favorite deodorant without asking. I am serious when I say that he feels more loved when I do those little things than if I were to buy him tickets to a Cowboys football game.<br />
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My love language is gifts, so I of course love to give gifts, but in turn also love to receive ;) It doesn't have to be big, but if you thought of me when you saw a cute coffee mug while you were at Starbucks, that means the world to me. Words of affirmation are also a love language for me. He knows that by him telling others that he couldn't do what he does, or be as successful as he is if I wasn't at home manning the ship, will more than likely bode well for him later ;). That always gets me right in the heart.<br />
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And finally, one more big thing for our marriage is going to church together. We can always tell that our marriage isn't clicking or chugging along as smoothly as it should when we miss a few weeks of church. We truly leave each service with a sense of renewed love for one another. More simply, if God isn't at the forefront of our marriage, you will find us in more arguments than if we were regularly attending church.<br />
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Whew...what a post! I didn't expect for it to be so long, but I feel like you needed to know our history (it's a long one) before I told you how we got to where we are today. It isn't always sunshine and rainbows, but we work for it and it's worth every ounce of effort.<br />
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Tell me...what do you do to make your marriage work? Big or small, I wanna hear!<br />
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Until next time...Jenna Schabenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264042524264225954noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018278530032483411.post-62513036573309322222017-02-06T10:46:00.001-10:002017-02-06T10:46:33.592-10:00Weekend RewindWell if I didn't know any better, I would truly believe that we missed a day in the weekend...because holy cow, did those two days fly by!<br />
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This weekend was pretty laid back...kind of reminds me of last Monday's post. Hmmm....maybe we should actually be productive this upcoming Friday-Sunday?? Ha!<br />
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Anyway, the weekend started with my Mom coming into town to spend the afternoon with the boys and I. It had been almost a month since we've seen her, so the boys were beyond excited. Especially since I didn't tell them she was coming. Needless to say, when we picked Madden up from school that afternoon, he buzzed right by me and gave her the biggest hug. My mama/daughter heart burst into a million pieces. It doesn't matter how long it's been, they always pick right back up where they left off with her. It just made me realize that we need to do a way better job of making time for one another...my parents only live an hour and a half away from us, but sometimes it feels like 500 miles.<br />
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We all hit up Sonic Happy Hour after school, before hitting up Target for a few randoms...including some darling swim tops for me for our upcoming cruise. Including <a href="http://www.target.com/p/women-s-midi-push-up-bikini-top-xhilaration/-/A-50865373" target="_blank">this one</a> and <a href="http://www.target.com/p/-/A-51508067" target="_blank">this one</a>. Mama needs padding because I need all the help I can get in that department. #pushupforthewin<br />
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After dinner, where I <a href="http://www.wellplated.com/mexican-chicken-quinoa-casserole/" target="_blank">served this</a>, the boys played hide and seek with Grammy until Daddy got home from being gone the last few days, which meant my Mom headed back home. Many tears were shed, but it was also bedtime, so exhaustion had also kicked in...<br />
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Saturday morning was the gym for the boys and I while Aaron headed into the office and did his personal training session with his trainer. The littles and I went straight from the gym, to the starbucks drive thru, to the hair salon for long overdue haircuts. Any other mamas out there have to literally pin their child down the entire haircut? Holy sweat session. I thought I had already gotten my workout in for the day, but goodness gracious, Linden gives me a run for my money every single time. You would think he's getting a shot, not just his hair trimmed...<br />
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We proceeded to hang out the rest of the afternoon, before Aaron and I were off on little date night! It had been months since our last date, so we were long overdue. We had dinner at a (new to us) restaurant here in town called Tavern 180. It was pretty tasty. I started with a Moscow mule, we shared two apps: the crab and shrimp stack, and the kobe beef lettuce wraps. I had the sea bass and baby veggies with a side of burgundy mushrooms (because I LOVE mushrooms). <br />
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We left there with intentions of seeing a movie after, which didn't start until an hour later. So we stopped by Paradise Bakery for coffee and dessert beforehand. And oh my heavens...I had a piece of their carrot cake. And I am not joking when I say that it was quite possibly the best carrot cake ever. You just know that when you have to use two hands to hold the plate it comes on, because it's so heavy, that it's going to be amazing. You guys, I'm still dreaming about how dense and delicious it was. I ate the whole piece myself. Did I mention that my husband is doing a body transformation challenge at his gym? Yeah. Try eating out with someone who is on a strict meal plan. It sucks. Hence the healthy food at dinner...but I said screw being nice once I saw that carrot cake. I didn't even care as he watched intently as I licked my spoon after every bite. #wifeoftheyear<br />
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So we had made plans to see LaLa Land afterwards. Knowing nothing about the movie except that it has won a lot of awards already and is well on its way to winning a few oscars as well, it had to be amazing, right? Um, maybe we are just not artsy or musical enough to understand it, but after the movie started off with a big music production, we just looked at each other and both go, almost in unison, "is this a musical?!" Oh boy was it ever. You guys. My husband was literally sweating from every inch of his body, he was so uncomfortable. And for the first time in my 30 years of life, we walked out of a movie after 30 minutes. We just couldn't do it. I mean, when Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone began flying through the air at one point, we lost it. That was our cue to peace out. Lesson learned. Do your research before seeing a movie. There goes $25...and we couldn't even enjoy any popcorn (the best part of going to the movies) because of Aaron's diet. Boo.<br />
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We called it an early night after that and went home. On the bright side, we woke up feeling bright eyed and bushy tailed Sunday morning! I had a little sous chef (Madden) helping me make breakfast, while we jammed out to some music, sipped on coffee and hung out as a family in the kitchen before we finally changed out of our jammies around 10:30.<br />
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We loaded up the car to go with Aaron to his office and scope out his new space...His company has grown so much in the last couple years that they had to add another floor of office space to fit everyone, and he chose to move up with them. It's not finished yet, but it was still exciting to see the new space and new concept for their office. You could tell he was excited and proud and the boys loved running around a nearly empty floor. It will be fun watching those two grow up visiting Daddy there. <br />
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Aaron left yesterday afternoon for the week, so the boys napped and then we hung out, watching the Super Bowl before calling it a night.<br />
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Another weekend is in the books, and now it's survival mode this week while Aaron is out of town...say a prayer for me that I don't lose my patience or mind! ;)<br />
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Until next time...Jenna Schabenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264042524264225954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018278530032483411.post-52000493736689001982017-02-03T01:00:00.000-10:002017-02-03T01:00:08.412-10:00Friday FavoritesHey, Hey!! Happy "Yippee Skippy Friday" you guys!! Congratulations on making it through another long week! When's the next long weekend??<br />
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Anyway, I am joining in on another edition of Friday Favorites because it quite possibly may be my favorite link-up ever! So are you ready for a bunch of randomness? Good. Because I have a lot for ya today! ;)<br />
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<li>So, I saw this floating around on instagram the other day, and it was too good not to share on my own account ( @jennaschaben ) because it is so. dang. true! Anybody that's a parent out there, can TOTALLY relate! And if you can't, then you are a super hero. It was like someone was reading my mind that day, too, because I had just tried implementing "No Technology Tuesdays" that day and I was beat. Joke was on me! ha!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li>These two. Oh my goodness they know just how to bring to my breaking point, just before they turn my heart to mush. Case in point, this picture. It was 54 degrees that day, so I let Linden walk with me to pick up Madden from school. Most of the time I have to push him in the stroller because he tends to get distracted, but on this day I let him take his dear sweet time, because it was so amazing to get some fresh air! And I'm not lying when I say that they walked the entire way home like this!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil6_lM2qiM4wTmoVqZzrnZPxrUZIzk5ImQpNszLon_CAaLEm7_V5wNwNzeXnIBMqfyZ1UhB7SC_RebJ3m0ioN7wfeZv3pU80OuYpCZk21bkjXmmRzFyUNlrsIRtCNqk0n0NquSBbV8Y-4/s1600/Boys+Walking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil6_lM2qiM4wTmoVqZzrnZPxrUZIzk5ImQpNszLon_CAaLEm7_V5wNwNzeXnIBMqfyZ1UhB7SC_RebJ3m0ioN7wfeZv3pU80OuYpCZk21bkjXmmRzFyUNlrsIRtCNqk0n0NquSBbV8Y-4/s320/Boys+Walking.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>This nail color. I have allllll the heart eyes for this nail color. But the sad thing is, I couldn't tell you the name of it if I wanted to. Because the color it said on the sample "nail" at my nail salon was (wait for it...) pink. Yep. That was the name of the color. They were really clever when they named that one! But, the best part? It isn't a polish. It also isn't acylic. It's dipping powder. Have you guys ever done this?? I started getting my nails dipped about 6 months ago and I haven't looked back. I used to be a die hard shellac girl for years, but I always hated the gross peeling and snagging of my hair when I washed it. #cringe So when a friend of mine introduced me to it, I tried it and was hooked! My nails are the strongest they've ever been (thank you vitamin enriched powder) and they stay perfect like this for 3+ weeks...I was having to go every 2 weeks for shellac. Saving money and looking better?? Sold.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyio7RZR9OZs_1a_azJcNymGlgs4X9y5KtP9rt5i8s2r8DVZnCxS4CBcEn5S9JKo9xBoRn6YLKRqo_3LS-crP2Dhzw0QdgbqSqwomDALVJTBpnZYLd1dcmRDl53vCZuVSLZULy23LkRQ8/s1600/Nails+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyio7RZR9OZs_1a_azJcNymGlgs4X9y5KtP9rt5i8s2r8DVZnCxS4CBcEn5S9JKo9xBoRn6YLKRqo_3LS-crP2Dhzw0QdgbqSqwomDALVJTBpnZYLd1dcmRDl53vCZuVSLZULy23LkRQ8/s320/Nails+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>Rent The Runway. I'm sure you all have heard of this amazing service, but I have to tell you that I may be one of their biggest fans! Seriously. I rent a dress from them for every single event we have to attend. I've even used them for birthdays and vacations, because they do rent more casual looks as well. But you guys. My latest rental? I die. Hands down, my favorite one yet. I felt amazing in it and I received the most compliments I have ever had when I wore it to a cocktail holiday party two weekends ago. Love, love, love!! Makes me even more excited for my next rental in a few more weeks!! To be continued...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-ZeRFZ3jnP7c2tKGbrewdjbzOtcq28RPlMh4UE1Qx0FetWr4su7gfIRDzKP7ZPobseCCNAmuw2rciuNYpEZeH6SCdcSu92be5fGqK98bS8cKZh97ONMOF8ZWcRFaOpqvJDD9hIyc74o/s1600/IMG_1192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-ZeRFZ3jnP7c2tKGbrewdjbzOtcq28RPlMh4UE1Qx0FetWr4su7gfIRDzKP7ZPobseCCNAmuw2rciuNYpEZeH6SCdcSu92be5fGqK98bS8cKZh97ONMOF8ZWcRFaOpqvJDD9hIyc74o/s320/IMG_1192.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>Last but not least, I leave you with this favorite from a few weeks ago. The night that I got to meet my all-time man crush, Keith Urban. I have loved this man since I was in grade school, so when I got the chance to meet him before a charity event that he did, I was speechless. But also in high heaven. Not only is he ridiculously good looking, he is genuinely one of the nicest guys I have met. It didn't hurt that he called me baby;) I told Aaron that I could die a happy girl, now that I've met him!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMarPxFar3-0BjKYJR7fwO9kjtNdmMBYhAQRfJGy_daGs3Ezif3swqV1b6l_KnyiVXVk15Jzy2MVtv3X1Tx6gbaR993Y-_A4ykjbxprf423iWSjKCehmyqot013f3zaWTCcUB1RednPWY/s1600/IMG_1168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMarPxFar3-0BjKYJR7fwO9kjtNdmMBYhAQRfJGy_daGs3Ezif3swqV1b6l_KnyiVXVk15Jzy2MVtv3X1Tx6gbaR993Y-_A4ykjbxprf423iWSjKCehmyqot013f3zaWTCcUB1RednPWY/s320/IMG_1168.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</li>
</ul>
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See? I told you this Friday Favorites was random!! My mind is all over the place today! Anyway, I hope you all have a splendid weekend, doing things that you fully enjoy!</div>
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Until next time...</div>
Jenna Schabenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264042524264225954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018278530032483411.post-88928706197017985942017-02-02T02:00:00.000-10:002017-02-02T02:00:21.058-10:00Things I Cannot Live WithoutHappy Friday Eve you guys! The weekend is so close, I can almost taste it!<br />
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Speaking of taste, do you have any food items that you just cannot live without? I'm talking, items that you ALWAYS have on hand, even if you have to go out in the middle of a snow storm just to make sure you don't run out of said item? Well, I know this is going to seem completely random, but these are my "must-have" pantry and fridge items that are 100% always in my pantry or fridge.<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Quest-Nutrition-Questbar-Protein-Blueberry/dp/B01LPCLEWY/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1485984502&sr=8-1&keywords=blueberry%2Bmuffin%2Bquest&th=1">Blueberry Muffin Quest Bars</a> & <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Power-Crunch-CRUNCH-SALTED-CARAMEL/dp/B00VUTIE80/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1485984749&sr=8-1&keywords=salted%2Bcaramel%2Bpower%2Bcrunch%2Bbars&th=1" target="_blank">Salted Caramel Power Crunch Bars</a></li>
<ul>
<li>I know that I shared my love for the Salted Caramel bars last week, and I never, ever run out of those, but I literally cannot live without my Blueberry Muffin Quest Bar every single morning. I seriously wake up craving one...that and my coffee of course. ;)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6V25AJhArmCgswP1SaZCA0Olm5nr_40T19wtDvRld12PbP4VsPkaGjvUcyNnEM9l_rjd_CwgzuQWY1wwd2LxyjrwA5ptcX8UdR2ge5UBSSRjmCPEvlzmQ9AE04emGVsXfriIZgulpvz8/s1600/51qU5vsMNdL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6V25AJhArmCgswP1SaZCA0Olm5nr_40T19wtDvRld12PbP4VsPkaGjvUcyNnEM9l_rjd_CwgzuQWY1wwd2LxyjrwA5ptcX8UdR2ge5UBSSRjmCPEvlzmQ9AE04emGVsXfriIZgulpvz8/s320/51qU5vsMNdL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</li>
</ul>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Original-Donut-Shop-Single-Serve-Regular/dp/B00I08JAYG/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1485984863&sr=1-1&keywords=donut%2Bshop%2Bcoffee%2Bk-cup&th=1" target="_blank">Donut Shop Regular Medium Roast Coffee K-Cups</a></li>
<ul>
<li>As long as we are on the topic of breakfast items, I thought I'd throw this in the mix. I mean, it's not just a morning necessity, but a morning/midday/and early afternoon must for me. I used to do lots of fancy flavors, and I don't know if it's my age, but just a non-flavored coffee, two splendas and some sugar free french vanilla creamer and I am a happy camper! So I would definitely have to add the sugar free french vanilla creamer to my must-haves...and it has to be coffee mate. I can't do any other brands. Tried them all, but coffee mate has my heart!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDh8AnD4obTBPtUFAPVitzwPn5cT0yst-6zR7UDOQZQ653RqImnitM4CrNL5oJcHG8_s27sGx8Aqz1Be2H1Q7esB5BQg-z-hsAXnFiuWfKFvzSg7FbprVyls639Tz958H_zBx-4aQ7ACQ/s1600/81hApdO2lNL._SX522SX522_SY395_CR%252C0%252C0%252C522%252C395_PIbundle-6%252CTopRight%252C0%252C0_SX522_SY395_CR%252C0%252C0%252C522%252C395_SH20_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDh8AnD4obTBPtUFAPVitzwPn5cT0yst-6zR7UDOQZQ653RqImnitM4CrNL5oJcHG8_s27sGx8Aqz1Be2H1Q7esB5BQg-z-hsAXnFiuWfKFvzSg7FbprVyls639Tz958H_zBx-4aQ7ACQ/s320/81hApdO2lNL._SX522SX522_SY395_CR%252C0%252C0%252C522%252C395_PIbundle-6%252CTopRight%252C0%252C0_SX522_SY395_CR%252C0%252C0%252C522%252C395_SH20_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</li>
</ul>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Light-Greek-Vanilla-Nonfat-Yogurt/dp/B00RASFYTC/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1485984965&sr=1-4&keywords=dannon+light+and+fit+greek" target="_blank">Dannon Light and Fit Vanilla Greek Yogurt</a></li>
<ul>
<li>I have one of these with every single lunch. But my favorite thing to do with them? I take sugar free pudding mix and dump about a tablespoon of it in with the yogurt. I am not exaggerating when I say that it tastes just like dessert. A healthy mousse, if you will. My favorite flavor goes to chocolate, but butterscotch is a close second. If you've never mixed pudding mix with greek yogurt, try it. It will blow your mind!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiqollDw9RJYL_MdyG9d10kvTvCqAilQatqC6UbjQRAXSScL5wf6BiWomrJBGBEaczPNFGDzWGKeodwOTiwVSxQl36hefeZ5Bo5UurQY9ECP2o2E2nSuUfwnvIHU57WVh_YXMJ6tmP0U/s1600/Greek+Yogurt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiqollDw9RJYL_MdyG9d10kvTvCqAilQatqC6UbjQRAXSScL5wf6BiWomrJBGBEaczPNFGDzWGKeodwOTiwVSxQl36hefeZ5Bo5UurQY9ECP2o2E2nSuUfwnvIHU57WVh_YXMJ6tmP0U/s320/Greek+Yogurt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</li>
</ul>
<li><a href="https://www.costco.com/Made-in-Nature-USDA-Organic-Dates-2---28-oz.-Bags.product.100163335.html?catalogId=10701&catalogId=10701&langId=-1&langId=-1&storeId=10301&storeId=10301&krypto=ccm%2Bf%2FPjoNMfGNC2ca0HWieadYDwSOfVjeUiUklrzamHi4My7B6XOQUFAMG06YMQ8RJfH2adWemP%0A%2BLNdqZZA8IQiB2Lc8zkGLRVqanXzpXA%3D" target="_blank">Dried Dates</a></li>
<ul>
<li>Oh my word you guys. Have you ever had these? I started eating them after I read one of Mix and Match Mama's posts, where she says she has a few as an afternoon snack, and I haven't looked back. They almost taste like candy to me, so I have to be careful or I could eat the whole Costco sized bag in an afternoon. I don't care if they are better for you than a cookie, if you eat the whole bag, you are worse off than if you would've eaten that cookie! ha!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalW0RBIX0_Q-u6RIq3WhpZ8YYjaJC7o_FlZgHjciorhAr5i3AZvFZjXTV6uBc1XtCwvVGaZfgyIHHciF0672eRQgGzc-VBEjtxSbMZBYLh7mpu_sfOfOe4-h06tVEqWlFKXzzCDMM6Bw/s1600/Dates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalW0RBIX0_Q-u6RIq3WhpZ8YYjaJC7o_FlZgHjciorhAr5i3AZvFZjXTV6uBc1XtCwvVGaZfgyIHHciF0672eRQgGzc-VBEjtxSbMZBYLh7mpu_sfOfOe4-h06tVEqWlFKXzzCDMM6Bw/s320/Dates.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>
</li>
</ul>
<li><a href="https://www.costco.com/Made-In-Nature-Organic-Smyrna-Figs-3---40-oz.-Bags.product.100038876.html" target="_blank">Dried Figs</a></li>
<ul>
<li>While we are talking about dried fruit, these bad boys rank right on up there with dates! Now, I know they aren't everybody's cup of tea, and they weren't mine at first either, but I found the trick to making them taste amazing: refrigeration. Not kidding. Toss the bag of them in the produce drawer in your fridge and you won't eat them any other way. So, so good!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJLyplrqDraO8nHxSCYyS5zbKhM3VRisOt3uC45QiGabrk11NB4ykg01V7c-7tdFusxYexv899h8uKfUicxal58e_ffwO-6kFjvuNFQJCkHOC6kZRkxpWj2ckICPVebeBB3raRHnDcvQ/s1600/Figs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJLyplrqDraO8nHxSCYyS5zbKhM3VRisOt3uC45QiGabrk11NB4ykg01V7c-7tdFusxYexv899h8uKfUicxal58e_ffwO-6kFjvuNFQJCkHOC6kZRkxpWj2ckICPVebeBB3raRHnDcvQ/s320/Figs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</li>
</ul>
<li><a href="https://www.halotop.com/flavors/" target="_blank">Peanut Butter Cup Halo Top Ice Cream</a></li>
<ul>
<li>Stop what you are doing right now and go out and get yourself some. Seriously. This stuff is legitimately the absolute bomb. There are some amaaaazing flavors out there, but Peanut Butter Cup is my fave. I mean, most pints are 320 calories and under. Not just for the serving, but for the WHOLE pint! I have been known to easily put down a pint in one sitting. Who am I kidding? That's the only way I eat it!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi71QiYPCT1yQSEUN5YYTvXyfra5Ni34kcf1DtXqYIpU13unLabG2i2yRTwEuX4qPcRpVMm1eB2AS1j1l3kbAyMCvL-b1Q2T9GkXXe-w27COz3EDQVxBwtmNNrefDjKep6xS3uijxDDdcI/s1600/Halo+Top.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi71QiYPCT1yQSEUN5YYTvXyfra5Ni34kcf1DtXqYIpU13unLabG2i2yRTwEuX4qPcRpVMm1eB2AS1j1l3kbAyMCvL-b1Q2T9GkXXe-w27COz3EDQVxBwtmNNrefDjKep6xS3uijxDDdcI/s1600/Halo+Top.png" /></a></div>
</li>
</ul>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kraft-Natural-String-Cheese-Ounce/dp/B00V2LUTAW/ref=pd_sbs_325_4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=KW7KJZKGXXR7W4GTP87S" target="_blank">String Cheese</a></li>
<ul>
<li>Ok, I know that I sound like a little kid when I say I can't live without string cheese, but don't you all remember how amazing these things were when you were growing up? I mean, I don't pull it apart string by string anymore, but it's still just as tasty and I have at least one a day as a snack with my dates and figs ;)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGiXWoAR5xxypEUvPA61TdJWpk1iZFtPh69ZgUszl_F7J5hmlpe74fJpIYna_gDwMbe99rziOrC3VO6jt_Aea_T3DeXpSobJkh0HACbp5nXKzfQZX4rcLCVFwoV93VlfhACmLhR0iMsg/s1600/String+cheese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGiXWoAR5xxypEUvPA61TdJWpk1iZFtPh69ZgUszl_F7J5hmlpe74fJpIYna_gDwMbe99rziOrC3VO6jt_Aea_T3DeXpSobJkh0HACbp5nXKzfQZX4rcLCVFwoV93VlfhACmLhR0iMsg/s320/String+cheese.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div>
Alrighty folks, now that I am STARVING, I'm going to go raid my fridge and pantry to snack on some of these goodies...cause Lord knows I have them ALL on hand!</div>
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What are some of your "must-have" food items? Anything that I need to run out and buy this minute? Do share!</div>
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Until next time...</div>
Jenna Schabenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264042524264225954noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018278530032483411.post-13589410512748573232017-02-01T02:00:00.000-10:002017-02-01T02:00:00.244-10:00What's Up WednesdayHey there Hump Day! For some reason, I secretly love Wednesdays...I don't know if it's because it means we are halfway through the week, or the fact that we are closer to Friday than we were two days ago? Whatever the reason, I am just so happy to be here!<br />
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Now since I brought the old blog back last Thursday, I missed out on another one of my favorite link-ups, "What's Up Wednesday" so I figured I would bring it back today...just a few days late ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopFvCWUGnSLUeYwY6Gx8SBHvdq0uU7yi4z5f1ktLcobEwt-tZ09VJn-DG5rDh_JYLs-2sMsnyvdN3ERc-mdWyiELTi2leH7zqVBm4HPhT131kUu9eEw0_8YRMXEdgGFFYG64WaHU9Qm4/s1600/WhatsUpWedUpdated.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopFvCWUGnSLUeYwY6Gx8SBHvdq0uU7yi4z5f1ktLcobEwt-tZ09VJn-DG5rDh_JYLs-2sMsnyvdN3ERc-mdWyiELTi2leH7zqVBm4HPhT131kUu9eEw0_8YRMXEdgGFFYG64WaHU9Qm4/s320/WhatsUpWedUpdated.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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We get to answer these fun, random questions that I love, because as I mentioned a few days ago, I'm nosy and I enjoy reading these quirky things about people...even if it seems monotonous, I find it interesting! So here are the questions I will be answering:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnIXUfvkAWSJyVMCMjJcsVt-vDL-MShta4woSDyIDzIeAdi2uoXZRdgteUddFYWBQ5iQtyzVPFrRE0WjtDB2v_jXxAzeYOqr-2p6kmByQ6yrsb7lrLvKU2Ao4wweTdlKHwDvgVnOsd_k/s1600/WUWquestions-edit-969x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnIXUfvkAWSJyVMCMjJcsVt-vDL-MShta4woSDyIDzIeAdi2uoXZRdgteUddFYWBQ5iQtyzVPFrRE0WjtDB2v_jXxAzeYOqr-2p6kmByQ6yrsb7lrLvKU2Ao4wweTdlKHwDvgVnOsd_k/s320/WUWquestions-edit-969x1024.jpg" width="302" /></a></div>
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1.) What we're eating this week...<br />
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Monday - Chicken Tortilla Soup<br />
Being that it's winter, we love ourselves some soup! And when it's made in the crockpot, it's even better because that means after a little bit of prep, it's ready when we walk in the door!<br />
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Tuesday - Venison Meatballs over sweet potato mash<br />
We received some ground venison from our good friend who loves to deer hunt, a few weeks ago, so we are putting that to good use by making a family fave!<br />
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Wednesday - Blackened Salmon and roasted broccoli<br />
One of our all time favorite meals is salmon...and even though this version isn't the kiddo's fave because it's a little spicy, they will still eat it, but I usually end up making pb&j for them after they've only taken a few bites :D<br />
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Thursday - Aaron is out of town, so I got a babysitter and am meeting up with some girlfriends for a sushi night! Jimmy Johns will be feeding my boys that night ;)<br />
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Friday - Since Aaron doesn't get back until late, the boys and I will probably just heat up some of the leftovers from earlier in the week!<br />
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Saturday - Date night!! Holla!! The boys will be getting pizza delivered...<br />
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Sunday - Super Bowl Sunday! And unfortunately Aaron leaves again for the week that afternoon, so it will probably be cereal/mac and cheese/sandwiches...I get really creative when it's just me and the boys! Ha!<br />
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2.) What I'm Reminiscing about...<br />
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Our family ski trip to Park City, Utah last month...I don't ski, but Madden and Aaron have a blast, and this mama doesn't mind some shopping/spa/eating alone time :)<br />
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3.) What I'm Loving...<br />
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Ok, I am not just loving, but am OBSESSED with "This is Us" on NBC. Anybody else addicted like I am??? Holy cryfest. I literally do not make it through an episode without shedding at least a few tears. So, so, so good!<br />
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4.) What we've been up to...<br />
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Well this time of year is just cold, grey and flat out gross. Plus, it doesn't help that there is nothing to look forward to, so we have been hermits and literally staying home and soaking up some family time. And honestly, after the holidays and whirlwind of December, I'm quite ok with that!<br />
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5.) What I'm working on...<br />
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I am currently working on Madden's Valentine's box for his school party! We were sent home a note from his teacher to 'be creative' and if I know the other moms in his class, that means it will be a battle of who finds the best idea on Pinterest. So I searched for a couple hours (no joke) the other day, and I think we found a winner. But I will save the big reveal for the day of his party. He's pretty excited about what we have up our sleeve, so that's all that matters!<br />
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6.) What I'm dreading...<br />
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If I'm being honest, my annual exam. It falls in February every year, and it doesn't matter how much older I get, I feel like a kid the night before a test...I mean, I love my doctor, but there's just something about that exam that sends chills down my spine. Please tell me I'm not alone!<br />
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7.) What I'm excited about...<br />
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We are headed out on a cruise over President's Day! I've never been on a cruise before, so I am stupid excited about it. That said, I literally have no swim suits that fit me right (thank you breastfeeding) so I need to do some major shopping to find some that fit correctly. Nothing worse than trying to make a pancake look presentable. <br />
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8.) What I'm Watching/Reading...<br />
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Well, considering that I'm not a big reader, I'm currently not reading anything at the moment...but I need some suggestions for good "poolside" reads. Let me know what I should be reading!<br />
Now, as for watching, I have so much on my DVR it's ridiculous. But, one show on Netflix that I never watched, but am totally addicted to now is Parenthood!! #cantstopwontstop #teambraverman<br />
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9.) What I'm Listening to...<br />
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I am slightly embarrassed to admit this, but the "Sing" soundtrack is currently playing on my computer as I type this...#momlife<br />
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10.) What I'm Wearing...<br />
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All the layers. Because seriously you guys, I will go from hotter than hot, so one minute I will be in a tank top, to freezing cold so I will put on a sweatshirt and a cozy robe. Is it too early for menopause??<br />
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11.) What I'm doing this weekend...<br />
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Well, like I said above, Aaron is out of town until Friday night, and then leaving again on Sunday, so we are soaking up some family time on Saturday, by hitting up the children's museum with the boys during the day, and then a little adult time with a date night that night. Sunday will be church and brunch before Aaron heads out again. :(<br />
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12.) What I'm looking forward to next month...<br />
<br />
Ok, I was about to say our cruise, but today is February 1st, so that would mean our cruise is this month! That said, next month is March, and my birthday is in March...and I'm one of those crazy psychos who has a birth-month, not just one day, so I will be celebrating all month long ;)<br />
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13.) What else is new...<br />
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This isn't technically new, but since being back here, it is new to you all! We are officially diaper free in this house, as of last month! Linden was potty trained in October, but #2 was still an issue...well, all of a sudden it just clicked for him, so shortly before Christmas he no longer needed a diaper! Yes, we still sleep in a pull up, but this mama will never buy diapers ever again! Yes, it's bittersweet, but I couldn't be happier!Jenna Schabenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264042524264225954noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018278530032483411.post-28094259223008871082017-01-30T01:00:00.000-10:002017-01-30T01:00:21.770-10:00Weekend RewindWell would you look at that...the weekend absolutely flew by and here we are again, back at Monday. The start of a new week. #givemeallthecoffee<br />
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Let's rewind back to Friday to see what happened this weekend in our little neck of the woods, shall we?<br />
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I had asked Madden Friday morning when he woke up what his plans were for after school that day. His response was "I'll probably get a snack, then play in the snow, and then hang out and work on legos once it gets dark out." {a man with a plan;)} I then asked him if he wanted to go on a date with me instead. And if you follow me on instagram ( @jennaschaben ) then you already know his response, but if you don't it went just like this: "Mommy, I would love to, but I think I'm a little bit too little to go on dates." #blesshisheart I just hope he always feels this way...<br />
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So, after school pick-up, and once the hubby got home from work to take care of Linden, Madden and I snuck out to a movie. We have wanted to see "A Dog's Purpose" since we first saw the previews, so that's what we saw. Word of advice if you decide to go see it. Bring the tissues. Because holy waterworks. Also, it's probably a little more appropriate for kiddos aged over 5, as it does get pretty deep in some parts! But overall, it's such a great movie with a fabulous message for us all!<br />
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We hit up DQ afterwards for some ice cream before calling it a night. In bed before 9 on a Friday? Perfection.<br />
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Saturday morning was spent with the boys and I hitting up the gym while Daddy went into the office. No better way to start the weekend than with a good old sweat session, especially knowing that I tend to let my eating habits get a little more lenient on the weekends. #balance ;)<br />
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Followed up the gym with a little Starbucks reward for all of us! And question for you all...am I the only weird one who drinks frozen or iced coffee in the winter time??<br />
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We laid low the rest of the day, watching Trolls on repeat, binging The Office on Netflix, and working on Legos and playing games. Such a laid back day, but the perfect way to end a very (sick filled) week.) If I never have to clean up another puke mess, I will be perfectly fine with that!<br />
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Even though we were extremely lazy on Saturday, we were all in bed by 8 that night and slept in until 8 on Sunday morning! Holy cow...I cannot remember the last time I slept for a solid 12 hours! But man, oh man did it feel great! I made a breakfast of eggs and bacon for the boys and a vat of coffee for myself! We turned on Apple Music and just danced, played some more games and hung out until nap time. I whipped up <a href="http://momcrieff.com/banana-chocolate-muffins-3-ingredients/">these super easy 3 ingredient banana chocolate muffins</a> for Linden's Preschool class since he has to bring snack this week, and I may or may not have had a couple when they were fresh out of the oven! Seriously so good, and so so easy!<br />
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I then watched a marathon of Fixer Upper while snacking on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gluten-Toasted-Coconut-Chips-Original/dp/B009P2IUY2/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1485724991&sr=1-1&keywords=dang%2Bcoconut%2Bchips&th=1">these coconut chips</a>. Oh my word, for being a "healthy" snack, they are Dang good! {Maybe that's where they came up with the name?}<br />
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I know this weekend sounds absolutely boring, but those are some of my absolute favorite weekends ever! No plans, and just lots of quality time with my boys...just the way I like it. Some may call me lame, but I know that I'm a homebody and I'm perfectly fine with that. I know our weekends of nothing to do are limited and will change as soon as the boys become more active in sports and activities. But until then, I'll be a lazy bum if I want to!<br />
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What about you? Any fun activities from this weekend? Are you a homebody or do you prefer to have every minute planned??<br />
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Until next time...Jenna Schabenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264042524264225954noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018278530032483411.post-9950152547940258242017-01-27T01:00:00.000-10:002017-01-27T01:00:27.865-10:00Friday FavoritesTGIF y'all! We made it to the weekend! Or as they say in Madden's Kindergarten class: it's "Yippee Skippy Friday!" Whatever you want to call it, there are a glorious couple of days ahead...<br />
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Well, let's get after it today, shall we? I figured there was no better way to jump start my blogging return than to join in one of my very fave link-ups to read every week: Friday Favorites! There are no rules to this, and it's a complete hodge podge of randomness, but that's what I love the most. I love being nosy and am always interested in what others are loving at the moment. I know that I walk away from most of these posts with some great new ideas every week. So let's get to it! Here is what I'm loving this Friday...<br />
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1.} These <a href="https://shop.lululemon.com/p/women-pants/Align-Pant-2/_/prod2020012?Ntt=align%20pant&gender=women&rcnt=0&cnt=176&color=LW5LJFS_0001">Lululemon Align Pants</a>. I would be remiss if I didn't start my faves with some workout related attire ;) But seriously you guys. If you can't seem to gut the price tag that comes along with Lulu gear, I totally get it. But these pants. Oh these pants. They are worth their weight in GOLD! I received my first pair for Christmas, and let me tell you, I never want to take them off! I mean, I own my fair share of lulu gear (just ask my husband) but these are hands down my absolute FAVE! They literally feel as soft as butter and most days when I wear them, I have to do a double take to make sure that I am even wearing pants, because I almost feel naked in them! So. If I haven't sold you on them yet, just go test a pair out in store. Then thank me later ;)<br />
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2.} These <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Power-Crunch-CRUNCH-SALTED-CARAMEL/dp/B00VUTIE80/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1485461086&sr=1-1&keywords=salted%2Bcaramel%2Bpower%2Bcrunch&th=1">Power Crunch Protein Bars</a>. Ok, another "healthy/fitness" fave, but being that it's still technically the new year, I thought you might appreciate these little tid bits of healthy info! I have eaten a lot of protein bars in my lifetime. And I do mean a LOT. But these bad boys are amazzzzzing. I eat at least one a day. No joke. They are usually my after dinner "dessert" to curb my sweet tooth at night. I don't know what it is about anything salted caramel flavor, but I am drawn to it whenever/wherever it is offered and these guys live up to my expectations and then some. Delish. I got mine through Amazon Prime because: hello, 2 day free shipping! But I've also seen them at my local grocery store and Whole Foods. </div>
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3.} These <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Yourstyle-Trendy-Chunky-Stretch-Slouchy/dp/B019I3O6EU/ref=sr_1_5?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1485461623&sr=1-5&nodeID=2474936011&keywords=cc+beanie">CC Beanies.</a> I'm a hat girl. I wear hats when I work out, I wear fedoras in the summer time, and floppy wool hats in the winter. Not only are they adorable and a great accessory to any outfit, the main reason I love me some hats is because they require absolutely zero hair maintenance. So I haven't washed my hair in four days? No one is the wiser! I own a lot of hats, so when I bought this hat for our most recent ski trip, I fell instantly in love! They legitimately look great on EVERYONE! And with soooooo many different color options, you can't go wrong. I may or may not own 3 of them now...</div>
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4.} This <a href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=107641536&kwCatId=&cm_vc=200">Vanilla Snowflake Candle</a>. Now, there's nothing like Bath and Body Works "Tis the Season" scented anything. Hand's down my favorite scent from there. But that's clearly a seasonal one, so when I was on the hunt for something to transition from Christmas to Spring, I found this one. It is perfect. Not too sweet and light, which is what I look for in the Spring, but not too spicy like I look for in the winter. This is the perfect balance. It gives me the warm fuzzies...and you will find it burning in my house everyday from now until April ;)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtdX3Nbz3w3nbub32-zwEdYwkcgTVGe_j3DMjhrp8Zc0pEe6XUAHvB7ceeup1h-BwJcoeK4v9zGieLxOeISRZhFX-EsD1gc5BHXCEy4k_kyfmgKUIfXqmRRvqZ1oX6wsBlBwotDWYzJM/s1600/980b2af7e401c8cf837169d20c7af06b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtdX3Nbz3w3nbub32-zwEdYwkcgTVGe_j3DMjhrp8Zc0pEe6XUAHvB7ceeup1h-BwJcoeK4v9zGieLxOeISRZhFX-EsD1gc5BHXCEy4k_kyfmgKUIfXqmRRvqZ1oX6wsBlBwotDWYzJM/s320/980b2af7e401c8cf837169d20c7af06b.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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5.} These <a href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=107641536&kwCatId=&cm_vc=200">Ugg Slippers.</a> I don't know about you guys, but when I'm at home, I don't want to be wearing my shoes, but I also don't want to be barefoot because my feet tend to be the first thing to freeze. Insert these slippers or "house shoes" as I like to call them. ;) I have owned a few pair of ugg slippers and boots in my lifetime, but I just got these for Christmas and they are my absolute favorite ones to date. They are not only cozy, but they legitimately could be mistaken for actual shoes and be worn out of the house. (Not that I'm speaking from experience or anything...) So if you are in the market for slippers or shoes that are worth every penny, these are it. They are literally like walking on puffy warm clouds. Plus, there are a lot that are on sale right now, so add them to your Valentine's Day list. Try them on, and decide for yourself...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ok folks. That's about it for my Friday Faves! I hope that each and every one of you has an awesome weekend and get to spend it doing something that you love!</div>
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Until next time...</div>
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Jenna Schabenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264042524264225954noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018278530032483411.post-89078437987000510772017-01-26T01:00:00.000-10:002017-01-26T01:00:08.478-10:00Life LatelyHi!<br />
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Oh my goodness. It has been far, far too long since my last post (almost 2 years to be exact)... <br />
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You know, I've been contemplating a return for the last few weeks, but could never make the commitment to do so. I could come up with every excuse in the book, but instead let's jump right into it and pretend like I never left this little space, mmmkay??<br />
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So. Where do we begin? <br />
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Well, since my last post, our oldest (Madden, age 6) has started Kindergarten. Seriously, I know. I am still in denial that I am a Mom to a gradeschooler...considering the fact that I'm only 22...or something like that. ;) <br />
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And our not-so-little baby is now 2 1/2 and in Pre-school 5 days a week for a few hours. Which seems crazy, but sooooo necessary for that little dude. He is much happier (and so is Mommy) when he has some time away!<br />
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Aaron and I both celebrated turning the big 3-0 last year and are actually quite enjoying being in our "30's". For as freaked out as I was about that number, it honestly is not as scary as I made it out to be in my own head!<br />
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I am volunteering at Madden's school at least once a week, which is something I have always dreamed of doing. I know it seems strange to think that I would dream of being a parent volunteer, but ever since I was a little girl, I always begged my Mom to volunteer at my school. Being a teacher herself, it just never worked out. That said, Madden looks forward to seeing me in his classroom each week and I love getting to know his teachers better, as well as the other kiddos in his class. Especially since he's constantly talking about his "best buds" and his "girlfriend"(insert major eyeroll for that one)...this mama's gotta know who he's spending all of his time with! Plus, he still wants me there. Something that won't last forever!<br />
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We still live in our same home that we bought 5 years ago, and absolutely love the fact that it's literally 2 blocks from the grade school. Best. Thing. Ever. Carpool lane? Ummmm...what's that? haha! And even though we have no plans of moving from this house anytime soon, it never hurts to look at bigger and better! A girl can dream, amiright??<br />
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I am still a lover of all things fitness and eating healthy (ish). I live on coffee. I love my fashion, although my dressier "cute" clothes are pretty much just saved for the weekends, as you can find me 95% of the time in my Lululemon. And I'm not complaining. :D And even though nothing is permanent, the hubs and I have no plans to add any more little "Schabens" to the fam. Although, if you watched my instatories from the other day, I did have a very, very realistic dream about giving birth to a little girl. Like creepy real. I guess anything could "technically" happen. #teamnomorebabies<br />
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Alrighty folks. That's about all I can think up to fill this little space for right now. Not only that, I gotta get ready to make the frigid cold walk to pick up the eldest from school. Pray that I don't get frostbite. Hmmmmm...that carpool lane in my toasty warm car isn't sounding so bad after all...<br />
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Until next time...Jenna Schabenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264042524264225954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018278530032483411.post-44892770204532279522015-04-07T11:31:00.001-10:002015-04-07T11:31:03.433-10:00Is This Thing On??"Chirp, chirp, chirp..."<br />
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No that's not the sound of birds chirping...I don't even know what sound those little guys make, but let's just pretend that those are crickets and just excuse me while I sweep them away and dust out the ol' cobwebs...cause guess who's baaaaaack!<br />
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Now, don't go getting all excited and throwing a "welcome home" party for me or anything just yet...not that you even missed me...hahaha! But this mama is going to be easing her way back into this little space of hers. Slow and steady wins the race, right? At least that's what I am telling myself anyway!<br />
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Today is just a quick little drop in to say "hey y'all" and to let you know that from now on, I will be popping up in your news feed with updates on my life, motherhood to two little dudes, and a hodge podge of everything in between! <br />
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So sit back, relax, and be on the look out for "Jenna Rae Everyday" to make a come back! I'm thinking I may need to rename my blog though...because the word "Everyday" just seems daunting to me...like too high of expectations with that one. We will just play this all by ear, but know this, I'm no longer gone and I hope you will stick around!<br />
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Before I go, I do have a question for y'all. I know a lot has happened in my life since my last post, and that seems overwhelming, so maybe you can help me out. What would you like to hear about? What do you want to know? I mean, I know I am sooooo interesting ;) but a little direction from y'all would be fantastic!<br />
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Until next time...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you follow me on instagram (@jennaschaben) you've already seen this, but it's a lil snapshot of me and my boys from this past Easter Sunday! </td></tr>
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<br />Jenna Schabenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264042524264225954noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018278530032483411.post-32689182586951997142014-03-04T07:10:00.001-10:002014-03-04T07:10:14.831-10:00Life Lately...Yep. It's me. I don't even know if you've missed me, but I'm still alive…I have to admit that I have let this little old blog of mine take a backseat in my everyday life. I still enjoy reading and catching up with all y'all, but I've been slacking. Really, there's no other reason than I've been using the time that I used to sit down and bust out a post and have been using that energy to start what I only can appropriately call "nesting" already! <br />
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That pantry that has bags of Veggie Straws and Pirate's Booty shoved in just enough so it doesn't come flying out at you when you open the door? Yeah, I've probably cleaned and organized that sucker three times in the past month and a half. Now that we have a "Mr. Independent" on our hands, he will just take his little bathroom step stool and grab whatever his little heart desires to snack on at that minute, with no regard to the fact that I just spent 45 minutes rearranging everything he just toddlerized over the past two weeks.<br />
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Anyway, enough about that, besides cleaning and organizing and pitching every thing I can get my hands on, life has been becoming more chaotic around here. Being stuck inside for the past three months because of this God awful cold we have been dealing with, we are going a little stir crazy coming up with activities to keep a 3 year old entertained for more than 20 minutes at a time! That said, we started swimming lessons again…which, thankfully, this preggo mama no longer has to waddle into the kiddie pool with him anymore! He is one on one with an instructor and he's loving it. I think he was more excited about the goggles he gets to wear than the actual learning aspect, but it's only been two weeks, so I think he'll come around!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously…no words!</td></tr>
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We also started him in a gymnastics class once a week. Growing up, it was unheard of for boys to do gymnastics…in fact my Dad had always said that if there was a way to get my younger brother gymnastics lessons without anybody finding out, he would have signed him up in an instant…because it is so good for coordination, balance, and to improve athletic ability. But, times have changed, and now, three out of the four kiddos that are in Madden's class are, in fact, boys! He is loving every minute of it…coming home and doing somersaults, donkey kicks, skipping, and wanting to jump off of every piece of furniture in our house because he thinks of them as the trampoline that he jumps off at the gym. Ummmm, you want to know how many times I have had visions of him jumping off the couch and either breaking his foot, or splitting his head open on the coffee table? Yeah, more times than I care to admit. Trust me, kid, there are days that I wish I could jump off the couch time after time, half as many times as you…his energy is out of control. Just another reason I cannot wait to get outside and let him run off some of his pent up energy in the back yard!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soooo proud of his "Gold Medal" after his first class of gymnastics…it's the little things!</td></tr>
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As for me, well, I'm just trying to keep up around here. The laundry never ends, I'm constantly wiping sticky paw prints off the refrigerator, (I don't care how beautiful stainless appliances are, they are NOT meant for families with toddlers!) sweeping up crumbs, and wiping up spills day in and day out. I don't know how I'm going to keep up when #2 gets here. Either one of two things will happen: 1.) My house will become a train wreck because I just don't care anymore or 2.) We will just spend so much time outside that none of those little things will even happen inside…they will just be done outdoors!<br />
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I am still keeping up with my workouts…even at almost 6 months pregnant, I can still keep up with the non-preggo gym goers. I'm taking each day in stride, though, because I don't know how much longer this will last. Things are getting pretty tight in the 'ol uterus, so breathing is becoming harder as the nugget is squishing my lungs and pressing on my bladder as I try to run! So, I am doing a lot more heavy lifting to bulk up these arms and legs of mine, since my middle section will continue to grow...But I am determined to keep up my workouts until the day before "d-day," like I did with Madden, so we will see how long I can keep up! So far, so good ;)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've been doing more "bare bump" shots, to truly see the bump, versus it being hidden under my shirts…as I couldn't tell a difference from week to week when I was doing that! So bear with my half naked pics… ;)</td></tr>
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I have been trying to keep my craving indulgences at bay, by having TONS of fruits and veggies on hand at all times. Now, come Friday and Saturday I may or may not let my cravings get the best of me, but I do keep things in check during the week. Some of my huge cravings lately have been super spicy foods, followed by Dairy Queen blizzards (ummm, have you tried the red velvet blizzard from there yet?? Heaven!) or Sonic Butterfinger Blasts…which I allow myself once per week…on Saturdays after church…I know this weekend will get out of control, eating wise, as my birthday is on Sunday…this means eating out Friday, Saturday and Sunday and probably indulging in more cake and goodies than I care to admit. One thing I do have hanging over my head, though, is the fact that I have the dreaded Glucose test on Tuesday, which I obviously want to pass, so maybe I will have to save some of the cake and ice cream for after that test...<br />
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I feel like there are so many other things I am missing, and I feel awful about this…I am going to do my best to post more, update you on my life, and try to give you better pregnancy updates, as we are only a short 15 weeks away from meeting Babe #2!<br />
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That said, what do you feel that you have been missing from me? What haven't I talked about that you want to know more about? Please, shoot your questions my way and I will give you all the details!<br />
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Thank you all for sticking around and not completely abandoning me…I truly appreciate and love each and every one of you!!<br />
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Until next time...Jenna Schabenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264042524264225954noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018278530032483411.post-33309508615165748912014-01-27T10:25:00.000-10:002014-01-27T10:28:37.460-10:00Weekend RewindHoly cow…wait a second…is this right?? Am I actually posting on a Monday, for once? And about something other than strictly babe updates? I should probably go check my temperature to make sure that I am not running a fever, because this hasn't happened in a verrrrrrry long time! And it's not like this weekend contained any life shattering events or anything out of the ordinary, but sometimes those are the ones that I like the best. Just spending some quality time with the two main men in my life and doing things as a family…Here's what went down over in this neck of the woods:<br />
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Friday afternoon Aaron came straight home once he landed after being gone for work all week. We hit the open road around 3:30 to head North about 45 minutes to attend my Dad and Brother's cattle sale. Wait, what?? You probably think that I sound like a total hick when I say we all went to a cattle sale…and it's just like you would think…one by one, each cow or heifer is herded into a pen, the auctioneer starts the bidding, people place their bids and the highest bid "wins" the cow. Now, how exciting can that really be, you are probably wondering. Well, when out of the 120 cows and heifers sold, the average selling price was $6,500, it actually is pretty interesting! There were cows selling for $19,000-$20,000 a piece. It made for quite an adrenaline rush. Especially knowing how hard my Dad and little Brother work to get them to that point. This was just the first one of the six sales they have all year, but every one is just as fun.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Fpfc4pfiHHqGf2DmPhUJ4oqX4Y0JdTBdRFR9UV5L4KGTz7PR7dqD3CTVA7gmNXRGuBaVPlBu5Aym9KP7EqB_GN-UsaqcffEvOdk4pP3CN66DZHHYWzV2yYxvP0W7llfLehIBd1HvQsg/s1600/Cattle+sale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Fpfc4pfiHHqGf2DmPhUJ4oqX4Y0JdTBdRFR9UV5L4KGTz7PR7dqD3CTVA7gmNXRGuBaVPlBu5Aym9KP7EqB_GN-UsaqcffEvOdk4pP3CN66DZHHYWzV2yYxvP0W7llfLehIBd1HvQsg/s1600/Cattle+sale.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This kid sat through the entire 2 hour sale. He loved every single minute. </td></tr>
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We followed up the sale by getting a steak dinner with my entire family (Mom, Dad, Sister and her husband, Brother and his girlfriend, both sets of my grandparents, and a few of my uncles and aunts.) It was a great time watching everyone else have a few too many beers and cocktails in celebration, while I sipped on my water…Oh well. We didn't get home until after midnight, so that meant that little man slept in until about 10:00 on Saturday morning! That right there was worth the late night ;)<br />
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Saturday, after everyone came to life, even though I was up and at 'em by 6:30 because of my highly active bladder, I spent the majority of the day cleaning. Which seems to be a never ending process around here. I actually question why I clean every week, or every other week, when I know that a tiny little tornado is just following right behind me, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. I can only imagine what it will be like when there are two of them! EEEEKKK!!<br />
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Saturday night we headed to church, where we ended a week long fast…but don't worry, I didn't fast any food, I just chose to fast my social media of Instagram and Facebook. Sooooo, if you were wondering where I was all week, that would be where…It really made me clear my mind and realize all of the stuff I could accomplish by not crowding my free time with that. Now, I am back, but I made a promise to myself that I will definitely limit my time to spend more time with Madden. Which is who I think was suffering the most from my obsession! Anyway, after church, the three of us headed to my fave mexican restaurant (remember my love for spicy food?) Oh yeah, this girl and the babe ate chips and salsa, a cheese enchilada and a beef soft taco until I couldn't eat another bite. And let me tell you, I felt like a bloated chicken afterwards. <br />
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Speaking of bloated, I had told Aaron that I felt bloated all day because I thought I was retaining water from too much salty food the night before and not enough water…but he just laughed and said, "no, you are just finally starting to pop…like any 18 week pregnant lady should be!" But, as a woman, I knew that the baby "bump" was more than just baby…so I drank water like it was my job yesterday and seriously, look at the difference. Picture on the left is from Saturday night before church (this was even pre-mexican indulgence) and picture on the right is from this morning. You be the judge…<br />
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Sunday morning we all slept in, before Aaron and I hit up a spin class at one of our gyms, while Madden played in the child center. Let me tell you…I thought I was in shape, but I haven't done a spin class in a couple years and woooooweeeee!!! That class kicked my butt!! It was a lot of fun, but I am definitely feeling the burn today!<br />
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After spin, we grabbed lunch at our favorite Greek place, before heading home. Where I proceeded to bake all afternoon. Like two different batches of cookies, and a pan of cookie bars. Trust me. I sent them all with Aaron to work this morning because I CANNOT have that stuff within smelling reach or I will devour each and every single one. #truth.<br />
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Sunday night was laid back with some Grammy's, while the boys played legos. Madden was in bed by 7:45, we were in bed immediately after that, watched a quick episode of Breaking Bad, then called it a night by 8:45…But not before Aaron got to experience the best moment of the weekend…he got to feel the babe kick…and not just any old butterfly flutters, these were hard core soccer kicks y'all. I've been feeling this for a few weeks, but for him to feel them, just made my weekend. It was fantastic.<br />
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Anyway, we are back at it today. Below zero temps today, after being 48 degrees yesterday. Story of our lives around here. Is it spring yet??<br />
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Until next time...Jenna Schabenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264042524264225954noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018278530032483411.post-24330909149441518192014-01-20T10:42:00.002-10:002014-01-20T10:42:42.276-10:0017 Week Bumpdate<div>
First off, I want to express my gratitude and love for each and every single one of you! Your condolocenses and sympathy for my Aunt's passing mean more to me than I could ever express. It was a tough week last week, with visitation and her funeral, but her funeral was beautiful, the church was standing room only, and all of my family came together to support her daughters and husband as they grieved. We all shared our great memories of her, and there were just as many laughs as there were tears. She is in a much, much better place, and that is what puts me at peace. Again, I thank each and every one of you for reaching out. I can't even explain how happy you all make me.<br />
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Anyway, on a different note, let's get back to the weekly bump dates! I missed week 16, since that was last week, but we will pick back up with week 17…<br />
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How far along?: 17 weeks </div>
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Size of baby?: A sweet potato or 5.5 inches and 5 oz</div>
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Total weight gain?: up 1 lb from my previous appointment a month ago, to make it 4 lbs as of my check up last Thursday. Which was a huge surprise considering that we had Christmas, a birthday party and New Years stuck in there…where I ate anything and everything I wanted! I don't expect this slow weight gain to stick around for long though…I am growing a human after all ;)</div>
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Sleep?: sleep has been pretty great, except I just wish I could make it one full night without having to wake up to go to the bathroom…that's getting pretty dang annoying!</div>
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Maternity Clothes?: Still living in my maternity leggings…they are like butter in heaven (or at least what I expect butter to feel and taste like in heaven…). The hubs and I also picked up a few basic maternity 3/4 sleeve and a couple basic maternity short sleeve tops for layering. I mainly wanted them just for the length to cover my hiney when wearing my leggings…ain't nobody wanna see a preggo behind jiggling in her maternity leggings! </div>
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Stretch Marks?: Nope! But I am lathering up with bio oil and Palmer's Cocoa Butter every night before bed like I did last time, so I'm hoping to keep those at bay!!</div>
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Best Moment this Week?: Going to my "16 week check up" which was actually at 17 weeks, and even though we didn't get to see the babe, we did get to hear it's heartbeat! I honestly questioned my doc and asked him if he was sure that it wasn't my heartbeat we were hearing because it was so strong and loud! The absolute BEST sound in the world! </div>
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Have you told family and friends?: Yes!!<br />
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Miss anything?: Ha! This week my craving for sushi has hit an all time high! I have never wanted a salmon roll and california roll more in my life...</div>
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Movement?: YES! It is becoming increasingly stronger each day and I'm no longer questioning if it's gas or the babe anymore…Actually, while working out last Friday, I was doing some ab work and I couldn't decide if he/she was having a dance party in there or if he/she was just ticked that I was disturbing its warm little slumber! <br />
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Food cravings?: I am trying to do a much better job of not giving into everything I want like I did over the holidays, but there are just some cravings that are just too strong to avoid. Case in point, I have been loving anything super spicy! Indian and Thai food have definitely become my fave weekend picks! And, give me sriracha or red pepper flakes on anything…yummy in my tummy! What are the old wive's tales on what spicy food cravings mean? Is that girl or boy???</div>
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Anything making you queasy or sick?: Nope! Which is a blessing and a curse…because it just means that pretty much everything sounds good to me right about now! Ha!</div>
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Have you started to show?: I do have a definite "food baby" going on. Which, as any preggo woman knows, when you are pregnant, especially at this stage in the game, you want people to know that it is in fact a baby in there and not just bloat from too many beers or cookies from the night before! So, I'm still struggling with that "in between" stage.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know I promised a better bump picture this week, but never the less, I failed…my goal this week: GET A STAGED (with makeup and hair did) BUMP PICTURE!!!</td></tr>
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Gender prediction?: I'm still going to say boy, just because I want to prove my husband wrong! No, I honestly don't have a premonition either way with this one like I did with Madden, so it's actually kind of fun! And we won't know either way until the little nugget joins our family on his/her birthday, as we aren't finding out!! </div>
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Labor signs?: heck no!! Let's hope this isn't a question at all, since we will have a scheduled c-section!!</div>
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Belly button in or out?: it is definitely becoming a lot more shallow…and the top part is trying to pop out :)</div>
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Wedding rings on or off?: On!</div>
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Happy or moody lately?: I have been very happy…in fact, I've been told at least 3 times in the past week that I am just "glowing" and that I look super happy. Which, I don't know about the "glow" thing, but I definitely am going to enjoy each and every minute of this "honeymoon stage"!</div>
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Looking forward to?: I know this is a ways off, but I'm so excited to see Madden as a big brother. He has this thing of asking to talk to the baby almost nightly and it makes me so incredibly happy to hear and see his excitement! He is so ready for a little playmate and to have someone else steal his spotlight for a bit…as he is becoming increasingly spoiled ;) </div>
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Until next time...</div>
Jenna Schabenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264042524264225954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018278530032483411.post-34268830537221854542014-01-13T01:49:00.001-10:002014-01-13T01:49:47.012-10:00Heaven's New AngelI have talked quite a bit recently on this little space of mine about the most exciting thing to happen to my family in a long time...and don't get me wrong, I will still continue to keep you in the loop about this tiny babe of mine, but today I wanted to switch gears. I wanted to take the time to dedicate this post to a very special lady. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">My Dad's youngest sister, my Aunt Rikki. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULnjMudl7mq3RgMbo48JNBRKwsbu_ewO_JSzN_KdJPd20pa_FuwbFEzUA9dX-H3trUXOCHHoitdTYNSv2WFg2iamwu_RnkL9d4DBrH1ujqAwFvY3J2kDSTczqFTSTxfX6Z5UVxQXzc9Q/s640/blogger-image-1497459493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULnjMudl7mq3RgMbo48JNBRKwsbu_ewO_JSzN_KdJPd20pa_FuwbFEzUA9dX-H3trUXOCHHoitdTYNSv2WFg2iamwu_RnkL9d4DBrH1ujqAwFvY3J2kDSTczqFTSTxfX6Z5UVxQXzc9Q/s640/blogger-image-1497459493.jpg"></a></div></span><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">After 25+ years of battling the devil of a disease known as anorexia, heaven gained a new angel yesterday. Even though she hadn't been the same charismatic, full of life person I knew her to be for the last five years of her life, she was one of the strongest women I know. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It may sound strange or seem weird that a woman who was fighting a very "selfish" disease could be known to me as strong, but she was. She would do anything for anyone. She would drop what she was doing to lend a helping hand or to be a shoulder to cry on, or to cheer you on. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I made her an Aunt at the young age of 14, and she took that title seriously. She cared for me as if I were her own. I remember having slumber parties at her house before she was married, being so proud to stand up for her as a Junior Bridesmaid at her wedding, and to go on lots of trips with her and my uncle. She helped me plan our wedding, helped me decorate our house when we moved in two years ago, and would take me and Madden shopping whenever she came to town. I was her "Punky" and she was my idol. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Although I didn't agree with her lifestyle, I knew she couldn't help the disease that had taken over her body. She had lost control and being the strong willed woman that she was, she would not accept help. Do I wish we would have done more? Yes, of course I do. But we can't turn back the clock. And I don't want to focus on the negatives. I just wanted to remember her for all the good times she brought to my life. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I loved her more than she will ever know. She will be missed beyond measure, but I know that she isn't suffering anymore. Instead she is free from the chains of that awful disease and is wrapped in the arms of our Father, and living in joy and peace for eternity. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I love you, Rikki. You are gone from this earth, but never from my heart...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-e1MduMypWNMX0jDRi1zAwk0SwY2ZjtFi7pgYJ-j82y3F2pbEZlOPL5C1uSJg72qw_okaqJYicMrxGxdIUrGQ1WqVZvG9vY_I3YVsHNTihn6NJya8UdnMeCNCdAZywGY9xqk6khBUy1M/s640/blogger-image--975508204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-e1MduMypWNMX0jDRi1zAwk0SwY2ZjtFi7pgYJ-j82y3F2pbEZlOPL5C1uSJg72qw_okaqJYicMrxGxdIUrGQ1WqVZvG9vY_I3YVsHNTihn6NJya8UdnMeCNCdAZywGY9xqk6khBUy1M/s640/blogger-image--975508204.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Until next time...</span></div>Jenna Schabenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264042524264225954noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018278530032483411.post-85043804854826286852014-01-08T07:11:00.001-10:002014-01-08T07:11:29.530-10:00So What??It's been a hot minute since I last linked up for the "so what Wednesday" link up, and I'm just feeling so "blah" today, so this just fit perfectly! <div><br></div><div>Here's what I'm saying "so what" to today...</div><div><br></div><div>So what:</div><div><br></div><div>-If I am living on (cold) honey crisp apples and clementines...I'm not just talking about a couple a day, I'm saying like at least 4 apples a day and about 10-12 clementines. Is this normal? I guess things could be worse. :)</div><div><br></div><div>-If, Speaking of food, one new, weird lunch craving is cottage cheese. But not just plain cottage cheese...it MUST be topped with salsa or sirracha! </div><div><br></div><div>-If, I used almost all of my Christmas money on new workout gear...I mean, you can't beat Old Navy's active sale!! I may have gotten 5 pairs of new compression capris this past weekend when they were $10 a pair...and maybe 6 or 7 new "baby friendly" workout tanks. Whoops! At least if I feel like I look cute, I will be more motivated to not skip a workout!</div><div><br></div><div>-If I need to invest in some new bras...I never thought I'd see the day where these bad boys jump two cup sizes...and we are only 16 weeks in. I'm kind of scared to see where I end up in 23 weeks. The hubs has no complaints though ;) (in a look, but don't touch, kind of way) ha!</div><div><br></div><div>-If my laundry pile is the size of a mountain. Granted, it's all clean and folded, it's just in one big pile. Am I the only one who's least favorite part of laundry is putting it all away? I have made it a priority for our next house to have the laundry room in the master bedroom...how amazing would that be?!</div><div><br></div><div>-If, now that Christmas and New Years are over, I'm ready for spring. I hate this time of year...it's too cold to go outside, everything is dead, and it's just ugly outside. Plus, Madden and I are getting a little bit of cabin fever being stuck inside day after day!</div><div><br></div><div>-If the hubs and I are OBSESSED with Breaking Bad...we will watch at least one, if not two episodes at night on Netflix, and we can't get enough! Anybody else fanatics?? We also need suggestions for the next series to start after this one...we are almost through season five and I'm dreading the finale because I don't want it to end!</div><div><br></div><div>Well, y'all, have yourself a great Hump Day! </div><div><br></div><div>Until next time...</div>Jenna Schabenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264042524264225954noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018278530032483411.post-20983765089895228472014-01-06T12:45:00.001-10:002014-01-07T03:40:39.744-10:00And the "Bumpdates" Begin...week 15I know I'm a little late to the game as far as staying up to date with my Bumpdates, but I knew I wanted to document this pregnancy, so there is no time like the present to start! <div><br></div><div>Let's get to it...starting with week 15!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMq89E9_HqxWhZ3uPu35RCkhKKQprDLoWLsMegIzFYrt8131xiRMWRqp4N5e23RCnUHsH-wc1b_iVfJYJa3hnazs1vbw8x_DL70S2-OV2nXTUQGuMmh-6BSfcokIIkHofp2qNqVTkfe-M/s640/blogger-image-1834139331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMq89E9_HqxWhZ3uPu35RCkhKKQprDLoWLsMegIzFYrt8131xiRMWRqp4N5e23RCnUHsH-wc1b_iVfJYJa3hnazs1vbw8x_DL70S2-OV2nXTUQGuMmh-6BSfcokIIkHofp2qNqVTkfe-M/s640/blogger-image-1834139331.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">*I apologize for the low quality "bathroom bump selfie..." I promise next week will be better!</div><div><br></div><div>How far along?: 15 weeks :)</div><div><br></div><div>Size of baby?: An avocado or 4-5 inches and 3-5 oz</div><div><br></div><div>Total weight gain?: 3 lbs as of two weeks ago at my last appointment...probably at least 10 by now, especially after all of my holiday eating and snacking! 😳</div><div><br></div><div>Sleep?: sleep has been decent, besides having to wake up at least once or twice to go potty! But I'm able to fall right back to sleep, so it doesn't affect me too much! I'm in bed by 8:30, and I'm up by 5:45 to workout before I start my day. I also take a 20-30 minute nap when Madden naps every day so this really helps with the exhaustion! </div><div><br></div><div>Maternity Clothes?: I didn't buy any when I was pregnant with Madden, but I had just lost 50 lbs, so I was able to use a lot of my "fat girl" clothes to get me through...this time around (since I don't have any of those clothes left) I've only bought maternity leggings and one pair of jeans because any other preggo girl I've talked to has sworn by them. And boy oh boy, let me tell you...they are AMAZING! I am living in them, paired with boots and pre-pregnancy tunic tops and long fitted tees and tanks with cardigans. And will be until late spring! :)</div><div><br></div><div>Stretch Marks?: Nope! I didn't get any with Madden, so I'm hoping I'm lucky this time around too...but I did lather up with bio oil and Palmer's Cocoa Butter every night before bed last time, so I will start doing that very soon! Prevention is key!</div><div><br></div><div>Best Moment this Week?: Moving all of the baby furniture into the nursery and getting it arranged the way I want it! I still want to paint and decide on a theme, but to see the once empty room across the hall full of baby stuff, makes my heart soooo happy!!</div><div><br></div><div>Have you told family and friends?: Yes!! We told our immediate families (Parents and siblings) over Thanksgiving when we were 10 weeks by putting together a "I am thankful" shutterfly book from Madden. Where the last two pages included "I am especially thankful for...Baby!!" It was quite the hit! We then waited to make the big announcement to the rest of family and friends until the weekend before Christmas. Such a fun time!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5955fLOYMEkwIEHOE72EBb3z7gf5PkNt3guxvIbcXFfBUJ7ZujcLbTdKmu2Dl1Zbq6uOXPXl9Xo6eMqSZwWQunlOZ6Ipho70r0Li06PYoanu_Gn5azrayGgdpuEp92ZQna1v20H8xL8/s640/blogger-image-1777927006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5955fLOYMEkwIEHOE72EBb3z7gf5PkNt3guxvIbcXFfBUJ7ZujcLbTdKmu2Dl1Zbq6uOXPXl9Xo6eMqSZwWQunlOZ6Ipho70r0Li06PYoanu_Gn5azrayGgdpuEp92ZQna1v20H8xL8/s640/blogger-image-1777927006.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOz_hPmhS1-0VpHVuDbbqxIHC4g1QFXsEoxqSzg5SuUfUJwEyKEDUfbNwaTWzvWAzN5_yYF_bX878DvbpQyiB9BH-Miz8C-OKDD2cD2CHLyvJJqqKNaZzMm7tFlsMOHeZZLqFT6M0znM/s640/blogger-image--1344032137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOz_hPmhS1-0VpHVuDbbqxIHC4g1QFXsEoxqSzg5SuUfUJwEyKEDUfbNwaTWzvWAzN5_yYF_bX878DvbpQyiB9BH-Miz8C-OKDD2cD2CHLyvJJqqKNaZzMm7tFlsMOHeZZLqFT6M0znM/s640/blogger-image--1344032137.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Miss anything?: Ha! Honestly, Aaron and I had a date night on Friday and when we were done with dinner and it came time for dessert (I always make room for dessert) ;) I had a major craving for a chocolate martini!! Man oh man, I've never wanted one so bad in my life! But other than a random yummy cocktail, I don't miss too much else!</div><div><br></div><div>Movement?: As a matter of fact, right before I started this post, I just sent my hubs a text saying this:<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGX8L0x0IZ5VQlwmDCH_WgiRNKPM1EhU2NlVjDoWn6IVqDk4beOTTXbsAKh11JGG13Z_9ZpqG_CAcrDqKUJDFkipynwP1JUOqgMhyphenhyphenDtzeyp6nQRTSr3M9nYGEtUCO7FvJNlf-48wjD1HQ/s640/blogger-image--1178327774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGX8L0x0IZ5VQlwmDCH_WgiRNKPM1EhU2NlVjDoWn6IVqDk4beOTTXbsAKh11JGG13Z_9ZpqG_CAcrDqKUJDFkipynwP1JUOqgMhyphenhyphenDtzeyp6nQRTSr3M9nYGEtUCO7FvJNlf-48wjD1HQ/s640/blogger-image--1178327774.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Food cravings?: I have been LOVING me some clementines (like I eat 4 or 5 at a time) and honey crisp apples...I also am on a big cereal kick!! In fact, whenever the hubs is traveling for work, it's been pretty typical of me to have a couple bowls for dinner! Loving cinnamon toast crunch and lucky charms a lot right now!</div><div><br></div><div>Anything making you queasy or sick?: Not anymore!! The first few weeks I couldn't come close to eggs or anything pumpkin...which was very sad because I am a HUGE pumpkin lover!! But now we are good to go! </div><div><br></div><div>Have you started to show?: well...I've got a little bump, but most people can't even tell...I'm in the stage of "I just feel bloated like a stuffed can of biscuits" and I hate this stage!! </div><div><br></div><div>Gender prediction?: actually, I thought my prediction was boy all along...but Aaron is dead set that it's a girl. And now, all of our friends or any family that we know that are due around us are ALL having boys, so someone is due to have a girl, right? I honestly do not care either way! And we won't know either way until the little nugget joins our family on his/her birthday, as we aren't finding out!! </div><div><br></div><div>Labor signs?: heck no!! Let's hope this isn't a question at all, since we will have a scheduled c-section!!</div><div><br></div><div>Belly button in or out?: in, for now, but I know it will pop out because it totally did with Madden!!</div><div><br></div><div>Wedding rings on or off?: On!</div><div><br></div><div>Happy or moody lately?: if you ask my hubs, he would honestly tell you that I've been extremely happy lately...As that wasn't always the case! I think that now that the news is out in the open, I feel sooo much more excited about this all!</div><div><br></div><div>Looking forward to?: my appointment next week...I love getting to hear the babe's heartbeat and making sure everything is still thriving inside! :)</div><div><br></div><div>Until next time...</div>Jenna Schabenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264042524264225954noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018278530032483411.post-70076436919035293232014-01-01T12:32:00.001-10:002014-01-02T01:55:01.148-10:00A long awaited prayer is finally answered...Well hello there!! Happy New Year! I hope y'all had a fantastic Christmas and a spectacular New Year...I know that this was one of our best one's yet!<div><br></div><div>First of all, I just want to thank each and every one of you for your sweet words, congratulations and uplifting overall excitement at the announcement of our big news from last week! It means more than any of you will ever know, and I am more than grateful for this supportive little family that I have here, in blog land. You all hold a special place in my heart and I could never thank you enough!</div><div><br></div><div>Obviously my absence has been noticeable around these parts, and I apologize for that...it killed me not to share with y'all this monumental moment in my life as soon as I saw those two pink lines appear on that stick a whopping 11 weeks ago! It took all my self control to not leak the news! </div><div><br></div><div>On top of not making this public until last week, I've been battling some major exhaustion and some pretty nasty nausea...boo! Buuuuut, I have not, nor will I ever complain about any of the symptoms that come with this pregnancy. We have waited, prayed, shed lots of tears and prayed some more for this and I thank God for each and every symptom I have endured in these past 15 weeks. I gladly welcome them with open arms, knowing that it is simply my tiny babe just growing and thriving inside me...which is still crazy to me to say! </div><div><br></div><div>Anyway, if you haven't already done the math, yes, I am 15 weeks today. Which means I took the long awaited test on October 20th (the day after my sister's wedding) a mere 11 weeks ago...time has flown and I couldn't be more excited.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3us2Cd8vatWRDZDb2xC-4cEWZkzwsCzOOZOXFY6kALXgRARpyZJLIG_em62HddcvCP1rPC9U1xpJeEirYdR1i2D7wEhVesNE0WxVotfK_OZlkHYG72eX9NHhnCIWh89Xm9rsGCM7lkaw/s640/blogger-image--1139162797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3us2Cd8vatWRDZDb2xC-4cEWZkzwsCzOOZOXFY6kALXgRARpyZJLIG_em62HddcvCP1rPC9U1xpJeEirYdR1i2D7wEhVesNE0WxVotfK_OZlkHYG72eX9NHhnCIWh89Xm9rsGCM7lkaw/s640/blogger-image--1139162797.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>So, I promised you last week that I would share the story on how we found out...so, here is the abbreviated version (as to not bore you!)</div><div><br></div><div>As you all know, we have been trying to conceive since May of 2012...but not taking medical assistance until May 2013. Which meant 1 round of clomid (with no success) followed by 3 rounds of Fromara (with no success), a dye test to check my tubes for blockage (which led to a clean result), followed by one final round of Fromara at the end of September. Which, after that last round, we had decided to just let things happen on their own if nothing happened. </div><div><br></div><div>Well, as you all remember, my sister got married on October 19th, and I was due to start my cycle on the 18th (the day before her wedding.) Aaron and I had both decided that even if it didn't start, I would wait to test until after the wedding as to not distract myself from my MOH duties, and more importantly, my sister's long awaited big day.</div><div><br></div><div>As much as it killed me, I waited. Because the 18th rolled around, and nothing happened. I remember going to bed that night just praying and having this sense of overwhelming peace that something was happening. That we had finally made a baby. </div><div><br></div><div>But, I put all of those thoughts, feelings and emotions on the back burner the next day and a half to celebrate my sister and the new life she was about to begin. And, looking back, I am so glad that I did. I wouldn't do it any other way.</div><div><br></div><div>Sunday was spent watching my sister and her husband opening presents, before heading back to Omaha that evening. You better believe the first stop I made when I got into town was to my local walgreens to pick up a few pregnancy tests! I rushed home to my husband sitting on the couch watching football, gave him a quick peck on the cheek before heading to take the test.</div><div><br></div><div>I did my deed, put the lid on and set it on the shelf and closed the door. I didn't want to look at it until the "required" 3 minutes were up. I headed back out into the living room, trying to keep myself distracted by playing with Madden, unpacking our bags and starting a load of laundry. Finally, after about 10 minutes, I decided to open the door to see what the stick had to tell me.</div><div><br></div><div>I remember grabbing it, eyes closed, with shaking hands, and butterflies in my stomach. When I opened my eyes, I instantly had tears in my eyes. I walked back into the living room, stick in hand, to my husband asking the question "so...what did it say?" Which is when I collapsed into the floor, crying hysterically...he hopped up immediately, to comfort me, saying "it's ok babe. We will keep trying. It will all be ok." I looked up at him, came to my feet and said "no, babe, look!!!! We did it!! I'm pregnant!"</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS05E_gvHJEmUAYPVtcaZRoX09JtPcoW_MjgW5JyUSfNQuLVptYwZi7rVepl-VzoDiGa6rzLj631ulMiqYQ_m86kQvntvuUDeQHiPHzBnZAFG5_xLuR9mYFBSaIUQC7F0pc_KIvOmWIDE/s640/blogger-image--1019239532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS05E_gvHJEmUAYPVtcaZRoX09JtPcoW_MjgW5JyUSfNQuLVptYwZi7rVepl-VzoDiGa6rzLj631ulMiqYQ_m86kQvntvuUDeQHiPHzBnZAFG5_xLuR9mYFBSaIUQC7F0pc_KIvOmWIDE/s640/blogger-image--1019239532.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We stood there for what seemed like hours, just hugging and embracing each other, as I cried tears of joy and he smiled bigger than I have ever seen him smile. It was one of the greatest moments of my life, and I will never forget how I felt then and there.</div><div><br></div><div>June 26, 2014. The estimated due date of babe #2. So much to look forward to in the next (less than) six months. And I cannot wait to experience each and every minute.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZ1N9XGpLrh57o8wFB4s4atfHxnGJRGyQwY68ltOkQRx5HYFL9fd2EWKA-h415fN93O7BD49mXL5rd_fmIDtItkWQdqYzEe2eBdoprPYyo9XnAtyCnsOOUUPx3nJ_beVUOAQstDj5iDE/s640/blogger-image--1652105473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZ1N9XGpLrh57o8wFB4s4atfHxnGJRGyQwY68ltOkQRx5HYFL9fd2EWKA-h415fN93O7BD49mXL5rd_fmIDtItkWQdqYzEe2eBdoprPYyo9XnAtyCnsOOUUPx3nJ_beVUOAQstDj5iDE/s640/blogger-image--1652105473.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AC55ogRGcUP_RI54daauzy0wULbKpMRkr4PIvBJuWP2AtjhyphenhyphenXi-nf_s-uS3aTUZ6MEwfvNJDZWdWbPSb6hC8LFDt8992aQv8V2TczfET79fV6Mn1nDRmUobWndFfJC6JqUz9j07o6WI/s640/blogger-image-823175194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AC55ogRGcUP_RI54daauzy0wULbKpMRkr4PIvBJuWP2AtjhyphenhyphenXi-nf_s-uS3aTUZ6MEwfvNJDZWdWbPSb6hC8LFDt8992aQv8V2TczfET79fV6Mn1nDRmUobWndFfJC6JqUz9j07o6WI/s640/blogger-image-823175194.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div><div>Now I want to open it up to you guys...what questions do you have for me? Any and all questions are welcome! I cannot wait to share all about this pregnancy with y'all as I want you to be a part of the entire journey....so ask away! I am an open book!</div><div><br></div><div>Until next time...</div>Jenna Schabenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264042524264225954noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018278530032483411.post-51820084050611890712013-12-22T18:34:00.001-10:002013-12-23T02:56:27.987-10:00I've been keeping a secret...My lack of posts have not been on purpose...I've just had a little something that's been preoccupying my time/energy...<div><br></div><div>Wanna know my secret?? I'll let Madden show you:</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEmU23EmagYdo718OR-zEODyI2zK9sienbNF4YyNkmcs8pfMIeGcFWsvT_TPChJ2dRyE0NZQ0bfRVfT0Vq3NpvoF5cgQyTeX0jN38fLma3Pp4vuUuvbgcdhZukhGFZ_p27NfS7Dn1LvA/s640/blogger-image-1355005907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEmU23EmagYdo718OR-zEODyI2zK9sienbNF4YyNkmcs8pfMIeGcFWsvT_TPChJ2dRyE0NZQ0bfRVfT0Vq3NpvoF5cgQyTeX0jN38fLma3Pp4vuUuvbgcdhZukhGFZ_p27NfS7Dn1LvA/s640/blogger-image-1355005907.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yep...you read that right!! Our little family is growing by one sweet little babe in June 2014!! We are beyond excited and feel incredibly blessed that God has finally answered our prayers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I will be back next week with more details about our journey to get to this point after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season dies down!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Love to each and every one of you, from the bottom of my heart...and Merry Christmas to you all!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Until next time...</div>Jenna Schabenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264042524264225954noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018278530032483411.post-78385606852350803512013-12-05T06:25:00.004-10:002013-12-05T06:25:41.839-10:00Our Family Christmas Traditions<div>
Man, oh man have I missed blogging. It just feels so, so good to be back! But you want to know what one of my most favorite things about blogging is? A good 'ol link-up! So, when my girl <a href="http://www.thestanfieldclan.com/">Holly</a> announced this fun, festive link up, I just knew that I had to join in.</div>
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My immediate family (Mom, Dad, Sister and Brother) always had the same traditions every. single. year when we were growing up, and I loved every second of it. As I've said before, both sides of my family (Mom's three siblings, their kids and parents and Dad's three siblings, their kids and parents), all lived/live within 15 miles of each other, so we always got together to celebrate Christmas with both sides. Christmas Eve was always spent going to church, then heading to Grandma and Grandpa Rodehorst's (My Mom's side) eating, singing Christmas Carols, and opening presents before heading home to get some shut eye before Santa came that night.</div>
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Then, Christmas morning, us 3 kids were always up at the crack of dawn, (sometimes all sleeping in the same room just so we would all wake up at the same time) before running into Mom and Dad's room waking them up before we headed into the living room to see what Santa had left us. We would spend the morning opening gifts, eating breakfast, watching Christmas movies that we got in our stockings and playing with whatever new toys/gadgets we had gotten. Then, later that night, we would all head to Grandma and Grandpa Went's (My Dad's side) to eat supper, open presents, and hang out until we couldn't stay awake any longer. </div>
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Those years bring back soooo many wonderful memories and for some reason, as I typed that out, I couldn't control the tears streaming down my face. I loved every single minute of the Christmas season, and I want those same feelings to be passed down to my own little family. Aaron and I have tried really hard to come up with some fun, family traditions that can be carried on from year to year. Madden is at the age where he is really starting to understand what is going on, so this Christmas is probably going to be my favorite one yet. His innocence is so amazing, I just can't wait to experience this season with him this year. Here's a peek into what our "new" Christmas traditions look like:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEA4KL3OFS1SSn5RvV21f24aDD2sPGM5HI7OBeLywQl7y5YKqmbR14WP1HRKNbCLYBNBKYbtVpUUMom8InQeIQNYCz4d1HzA1s6cdbBlOCgt1N7SOaKGFpOLpJX6S7E7V4B1WH95Mhgw/s1600/Image+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEA4KL3OFS1SSn5RvV21f24aDD2sPGM5HI7OBeLywQl7y5YKqmbR14WP1HRKNbCLYBNBKYbtVpUUMom8InQeIQNYCz4d1HzA1s6cdbBlOCgt1N7SOaKGFpOLpJX6S7E7V4B1WH95Mhgw/s640/Image+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am kind of a freak when it comes to decorating our home for Christmas. It takes a lot of work to get everything set up to just enjoy it for a couple weeks, so I typically set up the decorations the week before Thanksgiving so we actually can enjoy the <strike>blood, sweat and tears</strike> beauty of it all! We blast Christmas music on the stereo, and dance around while trimming the tree.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Then, all season long, Madden sleeps in Christmas jammies, we read Christmas stories every night before bed and be sure to watch at least a couple Christmas movies a week. Some of our favorites being "Elf", "The Santa Clause", and "Home Alone". Just this year, we introduced the Elf of the Shelf concept into our house. It has seriously been sooo much fun watching Madden come down the stairs every morning to see what "Randy" has been up to the night before. It's definitely a tradition that will be carried on from year to year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Christmas Eve is spent heading back to my parent's house late morning, where we eat dinner, open presents, and hang out before heading to church as an entire family that night. Then, we still head to my Grandma's house to spend that evening the way we always have for the past 27 years of my life; eating, singing Christmas carols and now watching the great grandkids open up the gifts!</div>
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Now, call us crazy, but Aaron and I pack Madden up and head back to our house that night, usually not getting home until after 11 at night. But we made the decision right before Madden's first Christmas that we want him to wake up in his own bed on Christmas morning. And we have never regretted that decision!</div>
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Christmas morning is spent seeing what Santa left Madden, opening up gifts from Mommy and Daddy, eating breakfast (usually a crockpot breakfast casserole) before getting dressed and ready to head back to Columbus.</div>
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Ever since Aaron and I started dating, clear back in 2002, I have spent my Christmas Day with his family. This is a tradition that is still ongoing as we get there late morning, eat monkey bread, divvy up the mountains of presents, sit in a circle and one by one, we each open up our gifts. We usually let the kids (all six of them) go first, we take a break to eat lunch, then we continue on with the adults. After that all day event, we just hang out, snack, and play games until we turn around and head back home that night. </div>
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Whew! If you are still reading this, I applaud you for hanging on through that all! Our traditions may have changed a tiny bit throughout the years, but the traditions are still there, none the less! I can't wait to celebrate this season with the ones I love. And remembering now, more than ever, that Jesus is the Reason for the Season.</div>
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Until next time...</div>
Jenna Schabenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264042524264225954noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018278530032483411.post-81419227269441187372013-12-03T07:23:00.001-10:002013-12-03T07:23:03.473-10:00A Peek into our ThanksgivingThis Thanksgiving was one for the record books...we had five Thanksgiving meals in a week's time. Yes, you read that right: Five Thanksgivings. And no, neither the hubs nor I come from separated families. Both of our parents have been married for 30 and 38 years...this is just what you get when all, and I mean ALL of your extended family (except for us) lives within 15 miles of each other...My husband hates every minute of it, but I, on the other hand, love it! After all, that is what this time of year is all about: giving thanks for what you have and family being one of the most important.<br />
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The festivities began the Sunday before Thanksgiving when we got together with two of our closest friends for our first annual "Friendsgiving." And just because it was a gathering of friends, does not mean we skimped on the feast. We had everything from a 17lb turkey, to mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, dressing, rolls, spaghetti corn, salad, cranberry sauce, and a butterfinger dessert. It was out of control, but we had so much fun and left there feeling exactly like that turkey on the table: stuffed.<br />
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Wednesday was a whirlwind. Madden's Montessori had a Parent's day, where we were invited to come and do crafts with him, eat lunch, and then have him show us all that he has been working on this semester. After that, we headed east back to our hometown for our first family Thanksgiving. We got together with the 50 some family members on my Mom's side, stuffed our faces, and then turned around and drove the hour and a half back to our house that night.<br />
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Thursday was my husband's dream holiday. It was just the three of us, with absolutely no plans, so this is what our day looked like: I woke up early, burned off some turkey and mashed potatoes from the night before, then whipped up a breakfast of waffles, bacon and eggs for my main men. Then, we loaded up and went to the movie "Frozen" had popcorn for lunch and then home for nap time. During that time, while my guys were sleeping, I slaved away in the kitchen on my homemade cranberry sauce (first ever time making it) spiral ham, and homemade scalloped potatoes, per my husband's request. We ate an early dinner around 4:30, so we could head out for some black Friday shopping. We honestly had so much fun that day, and it is definitlely a Thanksgiving we won't ever forget. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We started the Elf on the Shelf tradition this year, by letting Madden open him up the night of Thanksgiving..."Randy" has already gotten into some mischief ;)</td></tr>
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Later that night, after the boys went to sleep, my Mom and sister got into town around 10:30, where we proceeded to do more black Friday shopping until about 2 am, came back to our house, took a six hour nap, and then headed back out around 9 the next morning! Crazy?? Maybe, but I got ALL of my Christmas shopping done! Now all that's left is to wrap the hundreds of presents...any volunteers??<br />
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Saturday morning we loaded up the car, once again, this time bags packed, and headed back east for our final two Thanksgivings. We spent the day on Saturday with Aaron's family, just hanging out, letting the kids play, while the ladies shopped online, and the guys watched football...then the hubs, Madden and I snuck up to my parents for a couple hours that night to spend some one on one time with them, since we wouldn't get the chance to do that during that crazy weekend!<br />
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Sunday morning, I got dressed up to head to a craft fair with my Mother and Sister in-laws for more shopping! I scored some pretty cute door hangers for super cheap! A snowman and a birthday cupcake...the husband just shook his head when I came home with those...men just don't get it, do they??<br />
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Then Sunday noon was spent at my Dad's parent's house with about 30 others for our last and final feast. We left Grandma and Grandpa's around 2:30, to get home just in time to unpack and lounge the rest of the night before preparing for the week ahead! <br />
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It was a whirlwind week, and I will be trying to burn off the lbs of potatoes, stuffing, pie and turkey for the next month! But it was so worth it. We had a great time, made lots of memories and realized just how thankful we really are for what we have been blessed with. I hope you all had just as much fun this Thanksgiving!<br />
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What about you? Did you travel far? How many Thanksgivings did you have?<br />
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Until next time...Jenna Schabenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264042524264225954noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018278530032483411.post-23746852747604611612013-12-02T06:43:00.001-10:002013-12-02T06:43:43.451-10:00My Apologies...Ok y'all...I don't know what to say except these two words: I'm sorry. There is no way around it. I have been absent for the last month and as hard as it was to be away from all of you...my blog world friends, I found it necessary at the same time.<br />
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It wasn't your fault. It was nothing that any of you did. That's what made it so hard to be away without even a moment's notice. It was rude on my part, and I only hope that you can find it in your hearts to forgive me.<br />
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After receiving a few emails from some of my readers in the past couple weeks, I knew that I owed it to all of you to explain my absence. So, without going into deep, messy details, I will give you the jist of it...<br />
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So, you all know that I haven't ever gone public with this little ol blog, but I've also never made this place of mine private either. So, that said, pretty much anyone could find me if they looked for me...case in point: if you type my name into Google, the first thing that comes up is "Jenna Rae Everyday Blogspot." It's not hidden, so everybody and their dog could find me. And I knew that, but I just figured that nobody that I knew would actually be stalkerish enough to actually google me! Ha! Boy, was I wrong!<br />
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Rewind, to my sister's wedding a month and a half ago...a few of my "friends" were invited and many comments were made by said "friends" to other guests of the wedding, some of which included my family members...cousins and a couple aunts. Comments such as: "did you know that Jenna has a blog? How bored, desperate and conceited is she that she feels the need to be pitied and gain "friends" via online?" Mind you, these "friends" didn't know that who they were talking to were related to me, and they were a little "tuned in" so the words were just flowing like vomit with no filter what so ever. <br />
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I didn't come to find out about this until after my last post...and right then and there I immediately became sick to my stomach. I was pissed. I was furious. I wanted to track them down and punch them square in the face. But I was also sad. And most of all, I was hurt.<br />
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You see, as I've mentioned before, I am not a person who likes confrontation. It is one of my biggest fears. I also really hate it when people don't like me. So, I do my best to make everyone happy and I try to please people even when I know that I shouldn't. It's just who I am. How I was made, and I don't know if I will ever get over that. <br />
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Therefore, instead of facing my fears, I just hid from them. I didn't say anything. I just decided to take a break from spilling my thoughts on here for any and all to see. But the sad thing is, it hurt me to be away from you. The people that are actually here to support me. To cheer me up, lift me up and to be my friends when my real life "friends" aren't who they appeared to be. <br />
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So I'm back. I hated being away, but I felt it necessary to clear my mind, get over my frustrations and just spend my free time focusing on my family. And you know what, it is actually just what I needed. I have never felt more refreshed, rejuvenated and more ready to share with y'all what is going on in my life! I've missed you all...like a lot! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These two have been my rocks. I don't know what I would do without them!</td></tr>
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So I hope that you can forgive my absence. And I thank each and every single one of you (whether you reached out to me or not) for supporting me and checking in on me in a time when I needed it the most. It just goes to prove that y'all are some of my best/closest friends that I've never even met. And I am grateful for each and every one of you!<br />
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Here's to a new month. A new chapter. And a new look into my everyday life. <br />
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Until next time... Jenna Schabenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264042524264225954noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018278530032483411.post-71377413924042718302013-10-30T05:49:00.003-10:002013-10-30T05:49:38.077-10:00I'm a few days late...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On this little thing called the "weekend recap!" With the middle of the week officially upon us, I figured there was no better time than the present to do a little weekend run-down...I mean it is <i>only 3 </i>days past the weekend, but whatevs! Haha! I just had to include this weekend rewind post because this past weekend, although crazy, was one full of family memories that I never want to forget...<br />
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That said, let's get to it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friday night we had a mini date night, the hubs and I and some friends, and we did the whole haunted house thing...let's just put it this way...I'm not a person who likes to be scared, let alone pay someone to scare me, but our friends invited us, so I couldn't say no. This is me "pre getting the crap scared out of me" scared face. All in all, it wasn't that bad...I may have just pottied in my pants a teeny bit...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQ0X9qCYHq8-lg9-GTdhA5pim1Y_7upoRVuWSm-hJRx2rewyQMMCT6djtPJ41Hr-dj5BRyo5uWZaA1jXp-U9XHqsdwjdUKYOoRUGdFiLhvlkpgKTypLTr2OJa8Oai3ldAYREB1OciYUY/s1600/IMG_3724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQ0X9qCYHq8-lg9-GTdhA5pim1Y_7upoRVuWSm-hJRx2rewyQMMCT6djtPJ41Hr-dj5BRyo5uWZaA1jXp-U9XHqsdwjdUKYOoRUGdFiLhvlkpgKTypLTr2OJa8Oai3ldAYREB1OciYUY/s400/IMG_3724.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saturday was spent cleaning my disaster of a house, watching football and whipping up this super simple, super yummy pumpkin turtle dessert. We had some friends over for a game night, and I wanted to have something sweet, yet fallish for us to nibble on while playing. It was the bomb. Like for real. Super easy too. <a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/turtle-pumpkin-pie-106961.aspx">Check it out here.</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4ymosgryvY9Ex99Q3jj19vO64PsgF-iwOS7D99epTtQnXCWmoZSMt0XzvaDyFQpToKI7B26P8ShUR3gEB7KBSA5ib2YriKlCifuNyzxoDUbKsDQiY73f7mksNOQ9896W35_1cxbd-Ds/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4ymosgryvY9Ex99Q3jj19vO64PsgF-iwOS7D99epTtQnXCWmoZSMt0XzvaDyFQpToKI7B26P8ShUR3gEB7KBSA5ib2YriKlCifuNyzxoDUbKsDQiY73f7mksNOQ9896W35_1cxbd-Ds/s400/Image.jpg" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunday morning was spent doing this, as I mentioned yesterday...and I just want to thank you all for all of your sweet comments on them! I loved reading each and every one! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTBjUFl3RATD1rLFMlyetSi5xqoSyKLPIpEgp35CfkInY_znmVZ6yd6wHN-Wkguh_W8pvq7WPQ4Mk9MfCG7y26wFkfpL0WR-Q5yHS_qPTYk5-KV7Jn8q3CJ0KbyN7zaIz6UkTfin-n4s/s1600/IMG_3735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTBjUFl3RATD1rLFMlyetSi5xqoSyKLPIpEgp35CfkInY_znmVZ6yd6wHN-Wkguh_W8pvq7WPQ4Mk9MfCG7y26wFkfpL0WR-Q5yHS_qPTYk5-KV7Jn8q3CJ0KbyN7zaIz6UkTfin-n4s/s400/IMG_3735.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then, after lunch, during naptime, I whipped up these yummy <a href="http://www.jasonandshawnda.com/foodiebride/archives/16622/">chewy peanut butter chocolate chip cookies</a> to take with us that evening. Might be my best batch of cookies yet. So good.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif86XcFrVD3OShEPd0Ju1HThuml-2mqJvMWYa4PeRXO3meDubp4KIE4EvyA1617TOnCudklqLGiqz86kCRy9tE-n3wDFhDG_Cf1b1KUTa22YKiBmWmAcJMSEdvntbodyvxwxwj6JtD4oM/s1600/IMG_3736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif86XcFrVD3OShEPd0Ju1HThuml-2mqJvMWYa4PeRXO3meDubp4KIE4EvyA1617TOnCudklqLGiqz86kCRy9tE-n3wDFhDG_Cf1b1KUTa22YKiBmWmAcJMSEdvntbodyvxwxwj6JtD4oM/s400/IMG_3736.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then, after nap, we headed to the local pumpkin patch that is a huge deal here in Omaha. This place is ginormous and soooo much fun! We started going with Madden last year, and have decided it will be a yearly tradition. He loved every single minute of it! First stop at the patch was, of course, a picture with Mickey.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrxqNPEkl5JPQzIiyBgn-OyHy5kbnS-dTL_mEnjqARTnBp674WtrcE3NLlGpZ-LTP17z7cH6FeAPkXDlYmVlx3aeTwRsDzZ2wSMQpKeSCnAesoOpnRADXudyKUzmYp0Ma6Re8xtEsjwg/s1600/IMG_3751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrxqNPEkl5JPQzIiyBgn-OyHy5kbnS-dTL_mEnjqARTnBp674WtrcE3NLlGpZ-LTP17z7cH6FeAPkXDlYmVlx3aeTwRsDzZ2wSMQpKeSCnAesoOpnRADXudyKUzmYp0Ma6Re8xtEsjwg/s400/IMG_3751.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Frankenstines and their ghost baby.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ICu1jrnMtDhY9jNFc0ZuZN3OnI2hP0CXDDc_7TQvIx3dlytnkQ7nbPjrY6UInLbS0FsVPv2k0t_OoENvRB1cQZGMGG_c1TfjzO9qyc4BXS8s7MSVxogYHIdolJEdGyKoCdgsfEOlk68/s1600/IMG_3740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ICu1jrnMtDhY9jNFc0ZuZN3OnI2hP0CXDDc_7TQvIx3dlytnkQ7nbPjrY6UInLbS0FsVPv2k0t_OoENvRB1cQZGMGG_c1TfjzO9qyc4BXS8s7MSVxogYHIdolJEdGyKoCdgsfEOlk68/s400/IMG_3740.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is an annual must. But he wasn't too thrilled about posing for this one.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnU8qbuVouJZ3wj_OlId59i1JUA_ZaBE2Kt8MuaLqBhx7yNPO7dPJcr2BGHC2Ip6ylB50Vr7Mir_bSBKNhu8lIkv-qexT_fLveSNZX8uaifn6_c9hticpvsSS3-4crOV94XKDD8O0nT6w/s1600/IMG_3742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnU8qbuVouJZ3wj_OlId59i1JUA_ZaBE2Kt8MuaLqBhx7yNPO7dPJcr2BGHC2Ip6ylB50Vr7Mir_bSBKNhu8lIkv-qexT_fLveSNZX8uaifn6_c9hticpvsSS3-4crOV94XKDD8O0nT6w/s400/IMG_3742.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He could have slid down that slide all day if we would have let him.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBi391Bnp_MGu0Sf8_GfmzH42zUoQG5vz26AOwZn1HvEkOdDGaxSDXJBPbO-wscv0bGk7XtVFFQFRW-AJmkXJ9RZkdKjSVB8h4s6Hyma54FnCkdbMBXXXoVmnrD1-82tdOBuO_bVntSYw/s1600/IMG_3763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBi391Bnp_MGu0Sf8_GfmzH42zUoQG5vz26AOwZn1HvEkOdDGaxSDXJBPbO-wscv0bGk7XtVFFQFRW-AJmkXJ9RZkdKjSVB8h4s6Hyma54FnCkdbMBXXXoVmnrD1-82tdOBuO_bVntSYw/s400/IMG_3763.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madden loved these family style pedal vehicles...Mommy and Daddy on the other hand got a really good workout in! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDmw6-UgqLRYLekSIyPrr9qYHu_KRaSoCyhsbwReY6BTuI2z7bHNvNvtOxgrZWDKbATg1wc_gN2GVsW7ZFRzoAgG0EZztyCs8nhIToja48JWpgnslWRe9cNETC45v4QT-PgLvOL-MiGE/s1600/IMG_1071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDmw6-UgqLRYLekSIyPrr9qYHu_KRaSoCyhsbwReY6BTuI2z7bHNvNvtOxgrZWDKbATg1wc_gN2GVsW7ZFRzoAgG0EZztyCs8nhIToja48JWpgnslWRe9cNETC45v4QT-PgLvOL-MiGE/s400/IMG_1071.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Mom even came to town to enjoy all of the fun with us! So sad my Dad got stuck back on the farm, but we had a great time with "Grammy!"</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRVOpGcD50iYK3G17Anzk_d84uw6hBd3VYSb6yQcxR0aFg-nHCZs_cPov23_3fYw-xTYgCI6ZjptJlpJ9MBbM3ti-b4dtaUb8sXLoXA0grB5RmzCYRLFBqSmjg8naSQJbr7MarbUFhmA/s1600/IMG_3755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRVOpGcD50iYK3G17Anzk_d84uw6hBd3VYSb6yQcxR0aFg-nHCZs_cPov23_3fYw-xTYgCI6ZjptJlpJ9MBbM3ti-b4dtaUb8sXLoXA0grB5RmzCYRLFBqSmjg8naSQJbr7MarbUFhmA/s400/IMG_3755.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this picture of us three. My mom and her oldest daughter and oldest (and only) grandchild!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFI7JM2YoE-cZnhfK0cGpc2TFKMU2Yoh5H4w9C0JsgysFCVXFWSMlxklyAh_YBlaccFxypLbtJ5fxG61wwQ9_m010qRUm1QRT19uWbMGKGDiyFT8KO2tLOb4Nk8zFRdGnq9Tk5MqcOfA/s1600/IMG_3757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFI7JM2YoE-cZnhfK0cGpc2TFKMU2Yoh5H4w9C0JsgysFCVXFWSMlxklyAh_YBlaccFxypLbtJ5fxG61wwQ9_m010qRUm1QRT19uWbMGKGDiyFT8KO2tLOb4Nk8zFRdGnq9Tk5MqcOfA/s400/IMG_3757.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This kid is a natural cowboy...I mean look at those roping skills!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJna63WR9Wsjt8HnMG4lv_MRywRdqpKmfzhlQlIEc723MHsk-RoHiNz4lfJqoznxyE87go6zF5VtTvR-RDkhyphenhyphenBHvuNZpFBCseBBJvLUlh8TMAXJyNF1N81vyc779dwbsTgZkd0rRegt0/s1600/IMG_3754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJna63WR9Wsjt8HnMG4lv_MRywRdqpKmfzhlQlIEc723MHsk-RoHiNz4lfJqoznxyE87go6zF5VtTvR-RDkhyphenhyphenBHvuNZpFBCseBBJvLUlh8TMAXJyNF1N81vyc779dwbsTgZkd0rRegt0/s400/IMG_3754.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another annual family photo...I just love comparing how much we have all grown and changed in the past year!!</td></tr>
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Thank you for letting me bombard your computer screen with all of those photos...<br />
<br />
What about y'all? Any fall traditions that your family does?<br />
<br />
Until next time...Jenna Schabenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264042524264225954noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018278530032483411.post-47990926228399265872013-10-29T05:38:00.001-10:002013-10-29T05:38:43.703-10:00Family Pictures Sneak Peek...Hey all!! This weekend was crazy. Like non-stop, go, go go every day until Monday morning. We packed a lot into those few short days, but it was the perfect fall weekend (weather wise and activity wise) to be out and about! And I don't know why, but I have been using Mondays to recover from all of our activities...I promise I will start being a better blogger and posting on Mondays again soon, but for now, let's just pretend that today is Monday, so I don't feel so bad about myself, ok?!<br />
<br />
Anyway, I promise I will share what our weekend looked like in my post tomorrow, but for now you are getting a little treat. I am sooooo excited to be sharing a little sneak peek into our family picture session that we did on Sunday morning!<br />
<br />
Now, if you are a mom, you understand the anxiety that I had before we took these photos. First of all, our regular photographer that we've used since I was pregnant with Madden, moved to Utah in the middle of the summer, so we were left hanging to find someone new. With that lingering over my head, that was the first thing I needed to get taken care of. Well, luckily my stud of a little brother started dating this amazing girl this summer who just happens to be a photographer! Well, ding, ding, ding!! We found ourselves a winner! Once she was booked, I then had the task of finding the right color scheme, the right outfits, the right date, and lastly, the right location...it's always so stressful for us mamas, am I right??<br />
<br />
We were taking a really big risk scheduling our pictures on the 27th of October in Nebraska, where it has been known to have snowed at least a few <strike>feet</strike> inches already, but God could not have given us a more perfect day. It was sunny, no wind, and 63 degrees. It was ideal! I am still knocking on wood that things went as smoothly as they did. Because trying to keep a two year old entertained and focused for at least an hour is next to impossible, but Madden did amazing. I think it helped that he really likes my brother's girlfriend, so that made it easy for him to feel comfortable and for her to capture the most "natural and real" smiles possible!<br />
<br />
Well, without further adieux, I give you a tiny sneak peek into our family pictures for 2013. I cannot wait to see the rest...enjoy!!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-G-3TxrLBJgcnDEl2b9GSjBI-mDuhWFJohhynXRP8eoUMZb2MqgchITIQj7m05zRgZH7Nlp-u9y5QjfOXDNV61ST7w0S1BvkLlgHpgOZgArqibqIjlhYUgWsVuWpQqEpGTlE1C6_vyCw/s1600/Image+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-G-3TxrLBJgcnDEl2b9GSjBI-mDuhWFJohhynXRP8eoUMZb2MqgchITIQj7m05zRgZH7Nlp-u9y5QjfOXDNV61ST7w0S1BvkLlgHpgOZgArqibqIjlhYUgWsVuWpQqEpGTlE1C6_vyCw/s640/Image+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This might be my favorite family picture so far...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzN-UAkoTGweYt_ih-HU8pIjIQcxuHLKMScyXd1J0yk3knVmhI7djZdRJVVsHk9bJ7-fosz8t_-01rFdsFTEA1atuwzTe6zMeiyv2WupqEx_2KLBtf2e-rS3rsUYTJHQQxySr_cLqZAk/s1600/Image+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzN-UAkoTGweYt_ih-HU8pIjIQcxuHLKMScyXd1J0yk3knVmhI7djZdRJVVsHk9bJ7-fosz8t_-01rFdsFTEA1atuwzTe6zMeiyv2WupqEx_2KLBtf2e-rS3rsUYTJHQQxySr_cLqZAk/s640/Image+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just can't control my love for this one. I envision a large canvas of this one in our bedroom or living room!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYlzzYoBuzDcb2W20rOp9RAlB5jBjc8GY-zXq_4aXjZ05uDfwhGClWVCvO_T8Vi0KqBFRaXpSw72WSNV-Oo0TbGml4VCk1d2heQpmSLZpLUxSE7RIJv8idsmvfr_HdgWnlA78A8_WpJ8/s1600/Image+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYlzzYoBuzDcb2W20rOp9RAlB5jBjc8GY-zXq_4aXjZ05uDfwhGClWVCvO_T8Vi0KqBFRaXpSw72WSNV-Oo0TbGml4VCk1d2heQpmSLZpLUxSE7RIJv8idsmvfr_HdgWnlA78A8_WpJ8/s640/Image+1.jpg" width="502" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really like this one too...I just can't decide if I like this one in black and white or the next one...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_TdkUdGWFSQVIJ0hbGwweYqnIEUyukGbOFib6xea_UzxHfw0VbRPrpBBYn0rzHudS2F1tOm6C3_WUsna_7VhmHBJOLEx1Tng8-jUEhF5v-CLh4xIsg446I69T_FnrnhLLg7ORwjd7iY/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_TdkUdGWFSQVIJ0hbGwweYqnIEUyukGbOFib6xea_UzxHfw0VbRPrpBBYn0rzHudS2F1tOm6C3_WUsna_7VhmHBJOLEx1Tng8-jUEhF5v-CLh4xIsg446I69T_FnrnhLLg7ORwjd7iY/s640/Image.jpg" width="502" /></a></div>
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What do y'all think? Which one is your favorite so far? Black and white or color for the last one?</div>
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Until next time...</div>
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<br />Jenna Schabenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264042524264225954noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018278530032483411.post-58355229824708040992013-10-25T03:50:00.003-10:002013-10-25T03:50:45.724-10:00My Friday Faves{One.}<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66t5DLMzq1ayNFiWFHl6a6JQVN8wt8mjvgDw-R9zNXm2jsuE2ww_0I0au7G_gkUCcWcPjyhyphenhyphenXlxQgZiHPO9IjkXFVYF5e8v8UsJZyuvU7PBZVyCzXUvrgXGcAfaH1VgGF0wN2JvTgVKw/s1600/Image+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66t5DLMzq1ayNFiWFHl6a6JQVN8wt8mjvgDw-R9zNXm2jsuE2ww_0I0au7G_gkUCcWcPjyhyphenhyphenXlxQgZiHPO9IjkXFVYF5e8v8UsJZyuvU7PBZVyCzXUvrgXGcAfaH1VgGF0wN2JvTgVKw/s640/Image+2.jpg" width="404" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little dragon...Madden has patiently waited to wear his costume and when I finally agreed to let him put it on the other day, he was on cloud nine! This kid did not want to take it off! He kept walking around going "Mama, I a dragon...but not a mean dragon, a nice dragon...rooooaaarrrr!!" I think Halloween will be really fun this year!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLyZcDX45lZRqgG8fYVtuLWeO_kuuBew5oWC3-hnSlz4bpHxZqYd4gUVQb7Hhn6GwT1bNa9JUkcxkQFaCFIsKcaNJrenQ_W1cxRi7BFrj-rVrg8q5o_ST9l2Os17XGiPpVkKcDLwzOeQ/s1600/5652abc788c24072dcbc421cacd15b09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLyZcDX45lZRqgG8fYVtuLWeO_kuuBew5oWC3-hnSlz4bpHxZqYd4gUVQb7Hhn6GwT1bNa9JUkcxkQFaCFIsKcaNJrenQ_W1cxRi7BFrj-rVrg8q5o_ST9l2Os17XGiPpVkKcDLwzOeQ/s640/5652abc788c24072dcbc421cacd15b09.jpg" width="446" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remember how I told you yesterday that I love my crockpot this time of year? Well here is my latest recipe that the good 'ol crockpot cooked up for me. This <a href="http://www.tammileetips.com/2013/02/crock-pot-tater-tot-casserole/">crock pot tater tot casserole</a> was delish!! It might not have looked the prettiest, but it was like warm heaven on a plate. And a bonus, for the hubby who hates casseroles, he devoured this one and even got seconds! I'd take that as a sign that it was a hit!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-70pjsrXZzNAMxTInrmC9tTG3HNdIqOrR3Tv9B-rnNnn3CZV64_zYPoKF6wP1bp3b-p7NW9TnFeDevv3xk43g1ixiJER21wRXR6cwAepvT6c0DS9o6lgGpfn21u8UXl9hm7EmMNhb980/s1600/1274a288923709ab09af4bee0d651384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-70pjsrXZzNAMxTInrmC9tTG3HNdIqOrR3Tv9B-rnNnn3CZV64_zYPoKF6wP1bp3b-p7NW9TnFeDevv3xk43g1ixiJER21wRXR6cwAepvT6c0DS9o6lgGpfn21u8UXl9hm7EmMNhb980/s640/1274a288923709ab09af4bee0d651384.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And just to show you how much I will be using that bad boy this Fall and Winter, here is a recipe that I am whipping up for tonight! <a href="http://dealpeddler.net/2013/02/25/buffalo-chicken-crock-pot-soup-recipe/">Buffalo Chicken Crock Pot Soup.</a> I love an easy soup, with just a few ingredients and I plan on serving this with a big 'pl slab of garlic bread to dip in it...mmmmmmm....</td></tr>
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{Four.}<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELcRnrp7qye3IY_ZVuuHFX4wa2FidIk9C3zWNPTNIncIl2Wui27YXyDcg75o83sdeYuO6IQJVVkY25Y-1bxOP6Jh58vHdVzJ1O4Euuxiw4yNuOg1-kyqo-QSxu-swp-Rx4e01OmxP0bA/s1600/f700c59e95f0a8e6547a63bc8ab3e701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELcRnrp7qye3IY_ZVuuHFX4wa2FidIk9C3zWNPTNIncIl2Wui27YXyDcg75o83sdeYuO6IQJVVkY25Y-1bxOP6Jh58vHdVzJ1O4Euuxiw4yNuOg1-kyqo-QSxu-swp-Rx4e01OmxP0bA/s640/f700c59e95f0a8e6547a63bc8ab3e701.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family pictures are on Sunday and after much deliberation, (mainly because of the hubby's indecisive ways) we finally decided upon the color scheme of red and navy. The pictures are outside in a beautiful arboretum so I'm just hoping these colors pop when paired with the colors of fall. As soon as I have some sneak peeks, I will be sure to share them with you!! </td></tr>
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(Five.}<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zYir61j4DxuKbtHpZ_v6oD1QfJ9GIJkp1y3V6s6X18yburoraXsOdyuxImpVShJewO7owYZ314duGH6nbHIcagPG9lZzs1pfGIqA-MOe3jsXXf2HmkfHe1Sq5NP8a6DfPMDdjYsvqhY/s1600/073da840698baa2b34a519929e1bba4d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zYir61j4DxuKbtHpZ_v6oD1QfJ9GIJkp1y3V6s6X18yburoraXsOdyuxImpVShJewO7owYZ314duGH6nbHIcagPG9lZzs1pfGIqA-MOe3jsXXf2HmkfHe1Sq5NP8a6DfPMDdjYsvqhY/s640/073da840698baa2b34a519929e1bba4d.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I so badly want to find a really cute pair of leg warmers to wear under my boots this Fall and Winter...but I just haven't found any that really float my boat...where would y'all suggest I look? I am loving these and this look, but I can't seem to find similar ones that don't cost an arm and a leg! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!</td></tr>
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Well, that's all for me for today!! Have a great weekend, y'all!</div>
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Until next time...</div>
Jenna Schabenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264042524264225954noreply@blogger.com34