31 Day Blog Challenge: What's in my handbag?

For some people, I am sure this can be a very interesting topic. I, on the other hand, carry a diaper bag with essentials in it. So, here is the list:

1. 2 diapers (should probably stock more)
2. a package of baby wipes
3. change of clothes for Q
4. my wallet
5. random receipts that I actually don't need, so why are they still there?
6. an empty snack container--need to restock
7. a nail polish--courtesy of my daughter who likes to carry them all over the house
8. an old granola bar--should probably throw that out
9. papers from signing Q up for the summer reading program at our local library
10. a tithing envelope
11. water bottle and a sippy cup
12. Sesame Street pop-up book
13. Garanimals Colors book
14. various pieces of trash and a few gum wrappers
15. crumbs...why are there so many crumbs?
16. Baggies with wheat thins and one with Triscuits (might explain the crumbs)
17. Camp name tag
18. chapstick

And that is all, folks! What can we learn from this? I am DEFINITELY a mom.

This is actually a picture of the exact diaper bag I carry. 

31 Day Blog Challenge: Favorite Quote

Why is it that when someone asks what my favorite something is, my mind goes blank? My mom, who is participating in this challenge via email, apparently had an easy time of it. Her favorite quotes rose to mind easily, and they were wonderful. They were also both from books, and I hadn't even considered using a book quote yet. Then I thought, "What about a song? Or movie? Or just something someone said to me once?" With that door open, we could be here all day. So, here is my conclusion...I don't have just one favorite quote. I find quotes that I can cling to for a moment. I hear things or read things that bring me comfort or joy during a time. However, I don't really write them down and cling to them. Perhaps I should start.

I guess I can share the following:

I cannot pass a Circle K without thinking or usually saying, "Strange things are afoot at the Circle K." Oh, Bill and Ted, you make me happy!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/ec/Circle_K_logo.svg/180px-Circle_K_logo.svg.png

I love the plaque that my department at BHS had made for me that says, "We teachers are rather good at magic, you know." --Professor McGonagall, a wise, wise lady! Thank you, J.K. Rowling.

http://chiteki.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/professor-mcgonagall.jpg

I guess I have clung to a text message I received back in October from my dad. This may not be exact, but he wrote, "You may not like him very much at the moment, but I know you love him. Remember that and work it out if you can." If you know my father--and he's kind of a hard one to get to know--then you know that there is more power and support and love in those few words than in just about any inspiring quote a person can find. So, thanks, Dad.

31 Day Blog Challenge: If I Won the Lottery

Seriously?! If I won the lottery what would I do with the money. Okay, let's start with the practical things like, paying off student loans, and car loans, and the little credit card debt we still have.

Like this, but in Colorado

Then I would buy us a house. Not a gigantic, crazy, over the top kind of house either. Just a modest home where we could have some room to roam and extra room for guests--I mean, we do have a rather large extended family.

Then I would put money away for Q and T's college education (and some in reserve for future babies--yeah, we're not done). I would hope that would leave plenty to invest and live off of and save for the future. Oh, okay...I would buy a really big truck because I love them and have always wanted one of my very own.

31 Day Blog Challenge: Most Proud Moment

I went over and over this in my head. I have a few moments where I felt pretty proud. Getting my MA was one moment, getting my first teaching job was another. However, the moment I think I felt the most pride, or more appropriately, the most sure of who I am and my purpose on this earth, was the first time I held my tiny, tiny baby girl. I felt pride in the ordeal I had just endured, fear because she was so little and early, and absolute joy because she was here, she was okay, and I was finally a mom.

31 Day Blog Post: First Celebrity Crush

Is there really anything that needs to be said? He's still a celebrity crush!

31 Day Blog Post: Piercings and Tattoos?

Okay, I said I would be honest, so here is the list:

1. My ears are pierced. They were pierced three times, but I only have one hole in each ear now.

2. When I was about 22, I got my nipple pierced. That's enough about that one.

3. My nose is pierced still, and I love it.

4. I have one tattoo. It is an apple with a cartoon worm that represents both my love of reading and my career life as a teacher. It was designed by a former student who was a senior when she drew it. I love it too.

That's all.

31 Day Blog Post: Old Photo of Me

I am posting a few from the past...there are lots of versions of me, apparently. 

Baby Jen

16 month old Jen

Four year old Jen

Probably 25-ish year old Jen

Teacher Jen

Summer Camp Jen

Master Jen! 

Newlywed Jen

New Momma Jen

Okay, anything else is WAY too recent. I might have had a little too much fun with this one. I love being able to look back!