*A Brand New Year*

Here's a short list of the things I want and hopefully will to do/get in 2011...

Get my camera and take photography classes

Fit into my "skinny" jeans

Not cut or color my hair

Keep a regular journal besides my blog

Stay out of debt (besides our trucks)

Quit Pop

Learn to love ranching like Joey does (Zero negativity)

Get pregnant :)

Be the best wife I could ever be

I will have a small bar on the side of my blog that I will update each month on the progress of this list! Keep on eye on it!

*Pillow Talk*

Last night in bed:

{I reach over to rub noses with Joey} and say, "Look, Butterfly kisses!"

Joey: "Actually those are Eskimo kisses, these {he tickles my eyelashes with his} are Butterfly kisses".

Me: "Oh right, I like Eskimo kisses better". {We rub noses some more}

{I then rub his nose kinda hard and slow with mine}

Me: "LOOK Eskimo french kisses!"

Joey: "O lala"

Bwahaha, we are goons.

*Rockin' Christmas*

This year was the year to spend Christmas with my family!  It was loads of fun to be at my parents with my two older brother's families, my little sister & brother and my Love!  (My older sister and her boys in England didn't make it this year... sad).  I love my parents house during Christmas, my Mom is the most beautiful decorater ever.  It's the most cozy house, I swear I just sat on the couch and stared at the tree most of the time. 

Christmas Eve was wonderful.  We started it off with a delishious, traditional Christmas eve buffet of finger foods and sandwiches.  Then a rendition of the Nativity.  I was an angel, Joey a shepherd and Dolly was a lamb haha.  We then opened a few presents, we got a game from my brother Eric & his wife McCall and some cd's from my little brother Jared.  THEN we had story time.  Eric & Dad took turns reading a book out loud.  We sprinkled out some "reindeer food" and put out some cookies, milk, carrots and hot sauce(Jared's addition) out for Santa Claus, and that's when Joey and I retired.  We were spent.

Christmas Day!

I admit, I slept in.  I'm not the little girl anymore who would wake up at the butt crack of dawn, run into my parents room to wake them up, check to make sure the cookies and milk were eaten and start unwrapping gifts before my parents lifted their heads off their pillows.  Nope, I slept in and I slept gooood :)  I even took a shower quickly before I was summoned to join everyone to open stockings.  Sr. Claus decided it would be funny to stuff a wrapped up PREGNANCY TEST in my stocking so I would open it up in front of everyone... He also got my sister in law's stockings too... I think someone is hinting they want some more grand children haha.  THEN Joe & I got a baby blanket, wash clothes, teething toys and a onsie from my brother's and their wives.  We were then informed that they had all been taking bets whether or not we would be "announcing anything" that weekend.  Jeez hahaha.  Joey or "Santa" left something a little special from VS in the bottom of my stocking... I love this tradition :)

We all took a break and ate breakfast and/or showered and it was on to round 2!  Present opening.  Joey made off with a new BlueRay player, a billion new shirts & sweaters, among other things from "Mrs. Claus".  From "Mr. Claus" I got new boots, ear rings, jeans, books, movies, lots of other stuff and... wait for it... BON JOVI TICKETS!  Silly boy was able to keep it a secret this long, pretty much made me believe he didn't want to go no way no how.  I CAN'T WAIT to go!  We also had a beautiful antler lamp made by our friend Shoat (here's his website) from antlers we already had, but we didn't bring it to my parents because it was so big(picture later).  We got games and an Ensign subscribtion from my wonderful parents, Joey got a new rope and I got a hot drink maker from him awesome parents. 

THANK YOU so much parents, siblings, in laws, friends, for all the gifts, cards and wishes this Chritmas.  It was a MARVELOUS 2nd Christmas with the Love Of My Life!!!

I'll post some pictures up soon when I get my computer back from the Apple Store.

*CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE*

I hope everyone has a very merry Christmas!  Remember what this time of year is all about.  I'm so for my Savior Jesus Christ!  This is my SECOND Christmas with my sweetheart, I love him more than words can describe, I am so happy I get to spend the holidays with him for the rest of time.  Merry Christmas Baby and Merry Christmas everyone!

Love,

JencyJo

*More Money Then We've Got... Ahh Well*

This month has been a spendy one... So far we've spent WAY too much on Christmas which if we'd known how much we'd be spending this month we would and should have cut down considerablly on everything, like a whole new wardrobe of clothes for Joey, a couple clothes for me, too much jewelery and hair pieces for me, our big present for both of us from "Santa" haha, I went crazy with a bunch of little things for Joe's stocking, and he went crazy with a bunch of books and movies I had on my wish list, and I can't even rememeber what else, jeez!  Then there's the whole new screen for the computer, we decided paying for a new screen sounded a lot better than paying for a brand new Mac!  THEN we decided this month of all months to get much needed repairs and such done on our pick-ups... Joey changed our oil with top of the line oil filters and oils, my truck got new belts, brakes(shoes for the rear), it's getting the pitman arm, idler arm and front left tie rods changed AND Joey got a steering wheel cover, which of course was the freakin' cheapest thing.  We decided with how much we've been paying for these stupid trucks we might as well keep them running well!  And then, there's the pets... yeah... I've stocked up on dog and cat food, kitty litter, bought collars and leashes, needing to buy a kennel so we can give our friends back the ones they let us borrow (THANK YOU), I broke down and got some chew toys for the puppies for Christmas, and got Dolly her last vaccination.  Don't get pets people, they are spendy little snots.  I also decided to make a trip to Sam's Club and stock up on groceries and toiletries for when we move back to the ranch at the end of this month.  And last but not least bills, a couple late charges on some no less because I haven't been on the ball.

So basically, camera... gonna have to wait until next month :( But that's okay.

Merry Christmas Joseph and Jency hahaha

*Joe AND Jo*

In high school and still now in my life I was/am mostly referred to as Jen, Jenc or JencyJo.  But a select few would simply call me Jo.  Among those few is my sister Christi (or as I call her “Bug”).  It has been quite hilarious because as everyone knows (if you know me or read my blog) that I am married to Joseph aka: Joey aka: Joe.  So we will be visiting my family and you’ll hear Christi yell “JO” and we’ll both turn around and yell “Yeah??”.  Haha, it’s almost a you-have-to-be-there kinda thing but it is a pretty funny story to tell too.  So basically we’re Joe & Jo… Sweet!

*It's Hard To Have Nice Things When You're Stupid People*

The headline to this post is just oh so true.  Just last night I had stupidly left my computer laying on the floor in our bedroom and while I was in the bathroom Joey walked in there and he said all he heard was "crunch" and he knew exactly what had happened.  Yup, my beautiful little Mac now has what looks like a rainbow spider web making it's way down from the top left corner and spreading through out the rest of the screen.  Poopy.

So here in a few we will be headed over to the Apple store to see exactly what they can do for it.  It's not too bad, it still works fine, you just have to look crossed eyed at anything up in that corner.  If they can fix it or replace the screen we will probably just have them do that, but if not we'll keep this one as the "Ranch" computer and buy brand new one.

As for my camera, I found the one I want, it's pretty awesome.  I'm just waiting to get the financial stuff worked out!  Yay!

*My Future Toy*

So I did it, I told Joey today what I am planning on buying simply because I want it.  He was surprising A OK with it, even kind of pushing the idea.  Now, I'm no photographer, I don't even really know the basics of photography but... I am a fan of a good picture.  Therefore I am buying myself a nice semi-professional camera.  Nothing too fancy, just something that takes decent, maybe even beautiful photos.  I won't be able to afford awesome lenses for it yet or even PhotoShop, but at least it'll be a start.  I am also going to take some photography classes and get pointers from my brother and cousin who take pretty great pictures and also from some cool photography blogs.  My goal is to be able to take some beautiful pictures of my children someday, because I want to capture everything like every smile, expression, new trick, new discovery.  My cousin and I are going to check out some cameras this week and I'm pretty stoked!

*Tuesday Confessional:Randomness*

- It takes me about an hour or a little longer to fall asleep at night
- I've been sick a lot lately and when I'm sick it takes me even longer to fall asleep, sometimes 4-5 hours or more
- Because it would take me that long to get to sleep I would make up for it by sleeping in until noon or longer
- I'm no longer as sick... But, I'm still sleeping until noon :)
- So, for the past couple days I have been sleeping literally between 10-12 hours
- Wow
- Hey, I love my sleep
- When I don't get 7 hours or more of sleep just ONE TIME I end up getting these horrid bags under my eyes that last for weeks
- They look pretty bad
 - Joey is such a heavy sleeper and while he's in that deep slumber he: Sleep talks, twitches, rolls, hits, steals my pillow and occasionally snores
- I've learned to live with being woken up multiple times throughout the night
- He thinks I steal the covers
- Okay, so I do... but only because he steals them first
- This morning I woke up early to go feed with Joey because we are at the ranch today
- I didn't end up going because I was so out of it
- My schedule is really off now jeez
- I have an interview today (wish me luck)
- If I get this job I will have to be in town a little before 8 am each morning
- I really need to get back to my regular sleeping schedule
- Dang it

*Relax In A Chair AND Shop?! Sign Me Up*

I am obsessed with online shopping... Even though I am horrible at it!  I am getting better though, I actually read what I am buying instead of just looking at the pictures haha.  I no longer buy VHS or DVD's when I think I am buying Blue-Rays, I no longer pay WAY too much for tiny children's books for the price I can buy exceptionally larger and newer versions, I no longer buy clothing too large for me, I now am a super-star at finding great deals and sites with free shipping.  One of my favorite sites is ThriftBooks.com where books are ridiculously cheap and no shipping!  I am a nerd and like to find and buy children's books that I fall in love with and know my kids will love too someday... and I find them for dirt cheap and in great condition if not new on that site.

This is a bitter-sweet thing for me because where I live (or will be living when we move back to the ranch) the closest shopping is an hour away, the better shopping is 2 or more hours away.  And now that I am a master at online shopping and um, yeah, LOVE to shop well, this could be a problem :)

*Dolly The Indoor Dog + Puppy #3*

The other day I decided I wanted to house train Dolly so we could have her inside if we wanted to.  Our friends Jed & Cami were kind enough to let us borrow their dog kennel until we save up some to buy our own.  She's been such a good girl, I thought she would throw a hissy/whining fit as soon as I stuck her in the kennel but she just lays down and chews on her 100 toys/treats in there with her until she is let out to go "potty" or play.  She's kind of catching on to the concept of being house trained, hopefully she'll learn quickly so she can be outside the kennel lots more!  I can't wait until spring to see how she reacts around the cows and calves.  I hope she has some good Collie and Aussie herding instinct in her!

Also, here's our other big news... We've acquired another puppy... Yes, you read that right.  Another hyper, fluffy animal.  Here's the story:  Before we had to have Hagen put down she and Blue had one last litter of 4 puppies on June 11th.  We were able to sell 3 and the 4th we ended up giving to one of our friends who promised he would take great care of the little guy... Well, it turns out that we were ended up being told that's not what was happening.  So, long story short he is back with me and is loving it here with the other puppies and is going to be Joey's new mini Blue.  His name is Doc... perfect mix of my Hagen girl and Blue.  He's a doll.  Hyper as all get out but hopefully with a little training he'll be right as rain and a darn good cow dog.  As for little Bo, he'll be Joey's dad's partner as soon as we move back to the ranch.

Dolly girl in her kennel w/ the blanket Aunt Christi gave her

*In Bed*

Right now I am sitting in bed next to my sleeping husband.  When this cough settles and I can lay down without feeling like I'm going to drown I will be able to shut my eyes and dream about the man of my dreams who just so happens to be breathing soundly right next to me.

Tonight has been amazing.  Joey & I, along with some great friends, were able to go on a wonderful group date to the "big city".  And get this, it was all our boys idea!  They planned to... take us to the mall!?! And out to eat (at Rodizio Grill which I love).  Joey got me some stocking stuffers from Anthropology and I let myself pig out a little bit at dinner because common, Brazilian food, umm yes please and thank you!  Joey & I pretty much ate a whole grilled pineapple by ourselves.  We all had a great time laughing until our guts hurt and us girls got to show our adorable, amazing boys off.  It was such a great night but, let me tell you, I'm content at this very moment.  I'm all warm and snuggled up to my man.  He might be dead to the world but he has his arm securely wrapped around me like he always has to in order to fall asleep, his poor swollen nose (he was running with Dolly in the pitch dark outside with only a tiny flash light and got clothes-lined by the clothes line haha) is having a hard time breathing without making a little snoring sound.  So cute.

I love him more than I can think, more than I can imagine to think.  I can't even remember what my life was without him besides not complete.  He is my husband, we're married, and where I come from that is the most important commitment/promise/purpose you can ever be a part of... ever.  And wow, I wouldn't have it any other way.  He & I are the makers of a new family, and we're gonna be a family f o r e v e r.  I can't describe the way that makes me feel, it's a feeling I've never known before that day he and I held hands in the LDS Temple where we got married(sealed) and made promises to each other and our Heavenly Father.  It's a feeling I wish everyone could know.  I love this man, I love our marriage, I love our family, I love our life, I love our future family and life together, I love my HUSBAND.

*The Boys*

Joey & his boy Blue

Isn't he just a babe?  Sorry he's taken and he's my everything

*Sinus Infection From Satan Himself*

I'm sitting here writing this after a long night of no sleep.  After most of the night waking poor, tired Joey up with my sniffling, sneezing, blowing my nose, coughing and wheezing, I finally moved into the living room.  Since I couldn't lay down and breath at the same time I tried sleeping sitting up... wasn't gonna happen.  So here I am... tired, stuffed up and miserable.

I never wanted to be the "sick person".  But, if you've been reading this blog, or are my friend on facebook, OR are my husband or mother, you've probably realized just how little time I actually am not sick.  I don't know what I'm doing wrong.  I wash my hands, eat right, drink tons of water, take vitamins, exercise, don't use too much hand sanitizer (only when soap and water is unavailable), sleep 7-8 hours a night.  What else should I be doing? Joey says I'm too healthy, but that doesn't make sense to me.  I swear I can look at someone and catch whatever it is they have.  I used to not mind being sick, Joey would dote on me and take such good care of me... he still does, even though it seems like I'm sick 24/7.  It's to the point where I try and hide it from him so he can concentrate on something else like, school, work and sleep.  It's embarrassing, I don't want people to think I'm pretending to be sick (who does that anyway?), or that I am trying to get sick, or that I'm super unhealthy so I'm always sick.  I'm not.

I have had to skip out on so many things these last couple of months because I've been sick like: corn mazes, pumpkins patches, bon fires, family outings, dates with Joey, dinners, playing outside with the puppies, riding the horses, helping out with anything to do with being outside at the ranch, ice skating, sledding.... and the list goes on.  Being sick with sinus infection for 2 weeks, then sore throat and fever 2 weeks, then the stomach flu for a few days, pretty much eliminated most fall activities for me this year.

I can not wait until January when I am insured because I am going strait to the doctor and scheduling surgery to remove my horribly screwed up tonsils, I'm going to have them check for allergies, figure out why I am irregular (sorry that's more for my records) because when we do decide to add to our family I want to be able to.

I'm tired... physically and mentally.  I just wanna be healthy... now and always

*A Little Of Us - Christmas Pictures 2010*

*Thanksgiving Loss*

I lost 5 lbs over Thanksgiving break... how does that even work?  But, that's five down and 30 lbs to go to get back to how I was when I was at my ideal weight.... Yuck.  30 lbs... that's ridiculous AND embarrassing.  But, it's no secret that I've been gaining it like crazy since I met Joey.  2 years of nonstop splurging has finally come to quits.  I'm gonna do it.  I'm not setting a date or starting a hardcore, fast loosing program because I want my changes to become habits and a lifestyle.  So far so good and I'm feelin' great!  Totally recommend the healthy eating lifestyle!

*Gift Ideas For Your Lovey*

Having a hard time trying to figure out what to get your hubby?  Here's some cute ideas I've come up with:

-Have your little one paint pictures and get them framed 

- Get him a shirt or an outfit YOU really like because you think he'll look sexy in it

- If you have kids than arrange a babysitter for a weekend you KNOW you guys can have off (it could be weeks or months from now) and find a good deal online to a place near by and book it. Put the itinerary, pictures, activity ideas, maybe something a little naughty all together and give him that

- A Victoria's Secret gift card with a note that says "This gift card is good for one VS lingerie modeling session and the outfit of your choice (preferably the one you thought I looked best in)"

- An ITunes gift card so HE can choose some music to put on your IPod (or his if you don't share one like most couples I know!)

- A tie (I know I know, a TIE? But, they do wear them a lot and it's nice to have some variety. Unlike Joey who has ummm 3 I think.  They have cool ranch type ones at CAL Ranch I think I might get him) Or you can splurge and get a nice Italian silk tie

- Make sure you know what he's been "eyeing" in the stores and so e back later and snag it

- His favorite hard to find candy (Joey's is chocolate covered cinnamon bears) or his favorite candy but Christmas themed.  Like X-mas tree shaped Reese's peanut butter cups

- Something he or you guys together NEED for the house, the car, the kitchen.  Like, Joey's steering wheel is wearing so I'm getting him a steering wheel cover (By the way, I hope he doesn't read this post anytime soon haha)

- Anything sentimental.  That's what gifting to your husband is all about.  Because, really, you're spending his money anyway ;)

- A Robe. You wouldn't think it but on those loungey days it's SO fun to wear nothin' but a robe ;) Make sure you buy one for yourself too.  He'll like that!

- I just found this and I want it now!  Good music to wake up to? Sign me up, if I have to wake up to his alarm might as well be to some Chris Ledoux (or if I got my hands on it a little Def Lep)

Stocking stuffers

- The X-mas themed candy like I said above

- Beef jerky sticks

- Socks (Joey ALWAYS needs new socks)

- A deck of card (Or a fun card game)

- New pair of working gloves

- A dvd you guys don't have that he LOVES

- PJ bottoms (to stuff at the bottom of the stocking) or a little naughty underwear(for you, but in a way for him too!)

- A bottle of good smelling body wash (Axe smells pretty good)

- A new razor (one of the super nice ones!)

- World's Largest Gummie Worm? YES!

- A little hand-held game device (Like 20 questions or something he can mess around with when he's at home and not helping out with the laundry)

Go check out Gifts.com, they have some good ideas! Have fun shopping.  I messed up and got mine done early so now every time I go into a store I find more and more I want to get Joe!