The Wonderful World of Disney

M-I-C-K-E-Y-M-O-U-S-E! 

I've been looking forward to this family trip to Disneyland for far too long {Actually since Christmas when I found out my mom was taking my Aunt and Uncle - so I invited myself}. After taking the day off - slightly sleeping in - going for a quick run - I was ready to see some Princesses!

Auntie, Uncle Joe, and I choose the earlier shift and took advantage of smaller lines and less of a crowd. We rode the family favorites... Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain {soaked mountain}, and a few others while we waited for the rest of our group. Around lunch time Mom and Chrissy joined us at the Blue Bayou inside Pirates of the Caribbean {yummy but over-priced}. After lunch we walked around the park, re-road some of the rides from the morning, and ventured over to the Fantasyland {My personal favorite} where we ran into Aurora and rode all our favorite kiddie rides {Pinocchio, Peter Pan, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, It's a Small World, Matterhorn, and walked through Sleeping Beauty's Castle}! There were other rides we went on but I can't remember anymore... I was starting to get tired ;)

We had so much fun walking through the park, taking pictures, getting snacks, and pointing out uncomfortable outfit selections. I love moments like this with my family and I'm so glad I was able to invite myself along for this one. 

Check out our day <3

 Mom, Me, Uncle Joe, Auntie, Chrissy

 We love Churros with a passion

 Aurora <3 

 Love my Mama!

 Tea Cups

 Chrissy and Mom

Our Happy Family

Have an apple my pretty! 

It's a small world after all~ 

LOVE LOVE LOVE this store 

 Can I squeeze in?

 You can rent out this room for a beauty day! ekk!

 What the eff Cruella?!?

Soaked jeans = unhappiest place on Earth

 Jungle Cruise!

We had the best tour guide!

 Sleeping Beauty's Castle - I should be living here

  

Birdcage Minnie? or Mardi Gras Minnie?

Until we meet again - Goodbye Walt

Another Guardian Angel

Today my family and friends celebrated the life of an amazing man. My Great Uncle Allen. 

Nick and Krisin's Wedding

Photo Credit: Robby Cavanaugh for Deborah Tracey Photography 

As a mix of emotions ran through me I continued to find comfort thinking that Uncle Al brought together a wonderful group of people - everyone able to participate as a support system for one another while we mourn the loss of a special soul. Listening to stories and fond memories was a great way to remember a great man. 

Now that I have a moment of silence and calm to reflect on my day I think back to a comical memory I have of Uncle Al... {LOTS of side commentary - be warned ;)}

In high school I granted myself {thank's to lenient teachers} the luxury of beginning my school day, upon occasion, with second or third period {the day goes by so much faster that way}. Uncle Al and his buddies frequently went to Brandon's Diner for breakfast {which I know NOW}... wouldn't you know one day that's where my friends and I decided to have "first period" breakfast. After we sat down and ordered our food I made eye contact with Uncle Al {or so I thought!}. I was busted!! Well... I might as well go over and say hello. As I got closer a look of surprised crossed Uncle Al's face {dang it! He hadn't saw me}. I'm sure I made up an excuse of why I wasn't in school - late start Wednesdays or something ;) . Oh no! Now I was going to be forced to 'fess up to my mom {a teacher herself - I knew she wouldn't buy late start Wednesdays} All these years later I don't recall the specific details but that story makes the rounds of family occasions every once in a while... the time Jenna ditched school, almost got away with it, but went and said good morning to Uncle Al instead. 

I'm so grateful and thankful for all the time I got to spend with Uncle Al. After my Grandpa passed away he happily stepped up to fill the position attending volleyball games, parties, and anything else important to us.  He was a truly caring and genuine man. I know he's watching over all of us with a smile patiently waiting for the next time we are all reunited.

Rest in peace Uncle Al.
I love you!

Snacks!!

Hey Ya'll!

I found a recipe on Pinterest that looked delicious, easy, and fit within my slim down sister competition diet so I tried it!

You can find it here. It's from The Silver Pen {Originally posted by With Style and Grace}. Hollye Jacobs does such an amazing job finding the silver linings in life. Be sure to check out her blog and show some love. ❤

Back to the snacks. If you know me at all you know how passionate I am about my snacks. I would rather eat snacks all day then meals {I'm woman enough to admit that happens from time to time}. I saw these Baked Apple Cinnamon Spice Chips and couldn't wait to give them a test run. Making a snack that was delicious, healthy, and I could easily devour at work was right up my mid-week alley. {Happy Hump Day!!!}

So after work I headed to Fresh & Easy for some apples, hurried home, and set my oven to preheat. The prep was really easy {I was talking with Grandma on the phone while I measured, mixed and sliced}. I put the apples straight onto my baking sheet {fresh out of parchment paper} and it didn't seem to make a difference. I first set my timer for 1 and a half hours and then monitored in 10 minute increments until my chips were done. It took a total of 1 hour and 50 minutes. {I determined "done" by a simple taste test, of course}. 

Next time I'll do a better job of mixing my spices before coating my apple slices. Some bites are a bit more flavorful then others. I opted out of adding sugar into my spice mixture. And I'll bake more than 2 apples at a time. TOO DELICIOUS!

Here are some pictures! Now I just need to make it through the night without eating all my apple chips so I can take them to work tomorrow. 

New Year - New Workouts

Happy New Year Everyone!!

Motivation is running high with new year resolutions! I like to think I stay fairly consistent with eating healthy and working out throughout the year, but I feel a sense of dedication to those healthy lifestyle choices three times a year.... when the new year begins, when stagecoach roles around, and before my birthday. 

Since this is the beginning of the new year, Chrissy has began the brigade with the assistance of Jared, Katie, Mom, and myself to kick our booties {into shape}! So... we are working on our fitness! 

Here are some pictures from Coach Craddick's Plyo Workouts - Day 1

 Keep checking in to watch our progress ;) Please share any tips and favorite workouts so I can give them a try!

...NYE... Farewell 2012

Photo credit: Shop Amelie 

As the year comes to a close I can't help but feel butterflies for 2013. I love the idea of a fresh start, motivation to make new goals, and the opportunity to better yourself. 2012 has been a strange year for me. Up's and down's are vital to life and this year brought it's fare share.

Enjoying the closing days of a long break from work, sitting in gorgeous San Diego, I think of my future. I've always had a thing for fantasizing about what I want my future to hold but I quickly bypass the way to get there. For 2013 I want to start taking those next steps. Paster Chuck is constantly reminding us God wants the very good for us. {If it's just good and not very good it's not what God wants for you and me}. I am very blessed, but I have a nagging feeling it's not the very good. 

I'm looking forward to 2013 to bring me into new adventures in new settings. I want to keep an open mind and embrace those changes {my desire for control makes relinquishing decision making power difficult}. 

The past year has taught me a lot about myself. I've learned that I have more patience than I ever expected, but even that runs out. I DO know how to cook ;). I enjoy my alone time but am so grateful for the friendships I've seen grow this year. I found a deeper relationship with God and have had the opportunities to share that with others - which makes my heart leap! I've had the opportunity to spend more time with my family and show them what they mean to me. I started this blog! and set aside time to do things that make me happy. In the coming year I'm excited to learn more about myself and the things I can accomplish. 

I hope everyone has a happy and safe New Years Eve! 

xxoo

J

Nice List

Hello everyone!

I'm finally coming down from my Christmas time high. Decorations are put away, presents have found their places in my apartment, and Christmas songs have been discontinued until next year. {Thank goodness for a few days off!! This happened much faster than last year}

I found my way on to the nice list this time around. Lots of special gifts from special people! More than getting great gifts, I LOOOOVE giving them. If you read earlier in my blog you know Chrissy and I made this Christmas Pinteresty. We handmade gifts and distributed them carefully to our friends and family. {Some of them are still waiting to be unwrapped so act surprised ;)}

We also sent out a Christmas card; by sent out I mean gave with our gifts. We developed a few new traditions and giggled our way through old ones. This was such a wonderful Christmas season for me and I feel so blessed and grateful for it. 

First the Christmas Card:

Then the Gifts:

Wreath from Hobby Lobby, double sided ribbon 

folded into a bow, hot glue, bells

Carving blocks from Hobby Lobby, Red and Green Paint, 

Silver and Gold Sharpie Pens, Carole Lyrics

Carving blocks from Hobby Lobby, Scrapbook Paper in Christmas themes, Black paint

bows made from ribbon, bell, letters cut with my Cricut {I'll have to look at my moms for the theme}

Wreath from Hobby Lobby, double sided ribbon, 

bells, hot glue, sequin ribbon

12x12 Canvas from Target, Red Paint, 

Silver Sharpie Pen, Silver Glitter

12x12 Canvas from Target, rolled up scrapbook paper, 

cardboard, twine, gold glitter, hot glue

12x12 Canvas from Target, bells from Hobby Lobby,

cardboard, twine, gold glitter, hot glue

Christmas Cookies!

Wrap Job on the BF's gift:

looks kinda like Santa's belt to me ;)

Family Time:

Upsidedown trees @ Crossroads Church

Grandma's Tree #2

{YES! those are initials made from candy cane pipe cleaners}

Uh-Oh Grandma's Fridge - awkward stages on display

Christmas Eve Lunch Buffet of goodies

Christmas Eve Lunch beverages 

Grandma's North Pole Village 

Grandma's Stockings Hung by the Fireplace with Care

{By far the favorite place in her home}

My gorgeous cousins & sister

{Please excuse my awful posture!}

My mama's Christmas Tree!

Our stockings hung by the chimney with care

{AND mom's half opened present}

Me and little Bella snuggling 

Me and Chrissy <3 

Christmas Dinner Part 1 - Prime Rib

Christmas Dinner Part 2 - Brittney and Katie

Thanks for reading!