One little, two little, three little babies...

I know my kids aren't babies anymore, not even little man! It breaks my heart, but what upset me even more is putting all three of them to sleep crying.

Tonight Laila had dance class, which always makes for a rough evening once we're finally home, but tonight was downright out of control. My friend, Cara, stopped by to pick up a few things and visit for a few minutes. I love when a friend stops by, adult conversation is so scarce around here since I spend my days with kids while Dustin's working, it is always a joy to talk to someone else. Cara brought her daughter, Paxton, with her tonight, which tickled my girls pink! They love her and an impromptu playdate is always the best! Unfortunately, Laila and Kenadi turned off their listening skills tonight and both ended up in trouble and up way past their bedtime.

Laila puts herself to sleep each night, Dustin or I tuck her in with a hug and kiss every night, and she has no problem going to sleep on her own. Kenadi, on the other hand, isn't so self sufficient. She used to sit with my on the couch until she conked out, and I would move her to her bed. One day I realized just how much she really loved watching Twilight, or Edward as she calls it, and I started letting her watch it at nap time. She would lay down and be out within minutes, so I had a brilliant idea-or so I thought. I started letting her watch Edward at nighttime too, it gave me a break from having to sit with her and she usually fell right asleep. Latelt, not so much. She had been getting out of bed, bringing things in bed with her, and just being naughty. Tuesday night I decided enough was enough, and she was going to bed in her own room, in her own bed, just like Laila. Lucky for me, Dustin was home Tuesday and Wednesday night to put her to bed. Tonight, I was on my own, and as I'm sure you can guess, it didn't go so well.

Laila and Kenadi went to bed at the same time, I promised a story tonight, and Kenadi screamed through the entire thing. Nearly an hour later, she was still crying, which meant Laila was still awake, over tired, and crying too. I finally got so fed up with the two of them I just left the radio on, kissed them both and said my "I love you's" and was out the door. Next, my poor little man, also overtired, was a hot mess. I tried to snuggle with him, but he just kept bouncing his face off my shoulder so I put him in his crib, too. He was crying and fussing, but I just had to disconnect and let him be.

It's almost 11 pm and the house is finally quiet. Finally. What a long day. I know I should be in bed, but I need time to sit and digress. Recap what went wrong, what I could have done differently, and how I can make tomorrow better. Tomorrow will be better, I guarantee it.

Pigs in a Blanket

This morning I made the decision to sell my double stroller. I still don't have a blue single stroller, but I still have Kenadi's pink one, and for now that's fine with me. I was feeling a little sad about getting rid of it, though I only use it a handful of times, it was nice to know I had it. Unfortunately, we needed the extra money and instead of cutting corners on bills, I sold the stroller. Hopefully the lady that gets it really enjoys it, her friend bought it from me as a birthday gift.

After getting home, the kids were behaving pretty well and Dustin had about an hour before he had to leave for work, so I decided to make some pigs in a blanket, complete with cheese in the little piggies! I was ready for a snack, Kenadi was ready for lunch, so this is what I came up with...

Baking in the oven!

It was so hard to wait for them!

Lovers!

Ta-da!

Oops...busted!

Joli's Journal Jar, Day 30

I've decided I love doing the journal jar and I still have an entire jar full of questions, but the 30 days is up, so this will be my last post...for now...

A day in my life...

Well, this isn't exactly how I wanted to end my journal jar posts, but this is a great chance for me to give you a peek at my new blog! Instead of cataloguing a day in my life, I will show you a snip it of Laila, who is my life. Check it out here This is my life, this is what I do every day, this is what I think about all the time, my sweet diabetic child.

I've decided to make this a double whammy, so here's the other paper I pulled today. Ahh, yes, a simple, easy question.

Favorite Disney Character...

She's beautiful, kind, selfless, and best of all (in my opinion) she loves to read! I love books, and anyone else who does gets a thumbs up in my book! Princess Belle has been my favorite since I can remember, she has shown it's possible to love another with everything you have, even if they are a "beast" on the outside, it's what's inside that counts. What's inside is who you fall in love with, looks don't last, but love perseveres.

Sweet Child of Mine

Tonight, I embarked on a new journey. Well, a journey I've been on for months, but have finally decided to share. I briefly talk about Laila and her battle with diabetes, but we never hear from her. After today's struggle, I decided she needs to be heard, and so do I.

If you feel so compelled, check it out. It's called, "Sweet Child of Mine". We have decided she's going to help me spread the word about type 1 diabetes, she's going to help me with the posts, we'll take pictures, and sort of log our lives, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

I hope you will take the time to check it out, follow along and support Laila on this journey we call life.

Joli's Journal Jar, Day 29

I was truly hoping to end the last few days of the journal jar with easy posts, but that's not the case today. Darn.

3 things I'd do if I became a millionaire...

Naturally, when I think of a millionaire, this is what comes to mind. A big fat stack of Benjamins. But, thanks to dictionary.com, I now have the true meaning and a better understanding. Though I was right, there is no cap on being a millionaire, so the possibilities seem endless. 

mil·lion·aire [mil-yuh-nair] –noun–1. a person whose wealth amounts to a million or more in some unit of currency, as dollars.

This asks what I would do, not what I would give away, what I would buy for someone else, or what I would have my kids or family do. With no limit on the amount of money I would have, and there being no stipulations on whether or not the money will ever run out, this is what I've decided.

Write a book

I've always dreamed of being a writer. I'm convinced I'm not very good, and I doubt I'd know where to start, but it's always been on my life list. I want to share my thoughts, feelings, and compassion for writing with the world, and I think if I were a millionaire, I could find a way to make that happen. 

Visit all 50 states

 I want to visit every one of the 50 states. That's not to say I don't want to leave the country and travel to some beautiful, far away lands full of inspiration and love, but this is where I'm from, America is where we have planted our roots. I think it would be amazing to travel the country with my family, to explore each state and all the cultures this melting pot has to offer.

Open a bakery

My ultimate dream, above everything and all else, is to open a bakery. Don't misunderstand me when I say this, I have plenty of dreams for my children, my marriage, and myself, but this trumps them all. I have the floorplan drawn up in my mind, the desserts we would serve, the prices, every last detail. I've dreamed of this like little girls dream of their wedding day. To have the independence of a business owner, and to bring the joy to the customers only a bakery could, it would make my whole life have purpose.

Now that I've expressed what I would do with a million dollars, let me finish with what I already do now. If you ask any stay at home mom, she has a "real job" and gets "paid" like anyone else in the workforce. She works long, grueling hours that never end, and gets paid more than any monetary amount could compare to, she gets paid in love. The other half of the definition of "millionaire" reads this: any very rich person. If you ask me, I'm a millionaire already, and have been for quite some time. I may not have a million dollars in my bank account, but I am richer than anyone I know. I don't own a mansion, but my house is overflowing with love, each room bursting at the seams. I get paid with every "I love you, mommy", and every kiss or hug. If you ask me again what I'd do if I were a millionaire, my answer would be this: nothing. I already am the richest peson around.

Joli's Journal Jar, Day 28

It looks like soon my journal jar posts will be coming to an end, I wonder if anyone will notice! It's been fun for me, and that's all that matters I suppose! Another easy post today, I'm thankful for that!

Favorite ice cream flavor...

Blue moon!

I'm not sure who's hand is holding that ice cream cone, but I sure wish it was mine! Blue moon has been my favorite ice cream flavor ever since I can remember! Good luck locating it though, it's darn near impossible to find! I've been to so many different ice cream shops and no one seems to carry it! I do recall Kilwins back in good ole Saint Joseph, MI having it any day, any time. It was one of those great things you could count on. When I was pregnant with Laila I made more trips there than I care to disclose! If you've never had blue moon ice cream, give it a try, at least for me!

Joli's Journal Jar, Day 27

Conjuring up a lot of memories with today's post, it's so simple, yet so complex.

Write about the first place you ever remember living...

I lived in the same house from the time I was born until I turned 18. I never moved, never had to leave my friends, change schools, or adjust to a new room. It was so comforting, stable, and everything I ever needed. On the down side of never moving, I never had to make new friends, see a new places, or adapt to new surroundings. Sometimes, I wish I had those experiences growing up, but thinking back, I went through enough without having a move added to my list of things to bring me down.

Living in Saint Joseph, MI was pretty boring, so we had to make life fun. Growing up there, living in a city made up mostly of farming lands and beach, there was never much to do. I remember spending many, many days as a kid sitting inside reading, or up in a tree watching the neighborhood. Things were always good, nothing bad ever happened in there. You could bike to your friend's house or take a midnight walk and never have to worry about who might be around the corner. As I got older, I can recount endless hours driving around with friends, going out shopping or to grab a bite to eat, anything to break up the monotony.

The beaches were beautiful, even if they were crowded. I remember tourists from all over the country stopping by in the summer just to get a quick dip in the water or take photos of the lighthouse. Back then it used to bother me, but now, I can hardly blame them. It really is a beautiful place. Growing up there, I took it for granted, but the beauty is just astounding, I miss it often. It seemed like everyone knew your name, or someone in your family. The city of Saint Joseph itself was small, but it had many tiny cities around it that all seemed to blend together it was easy to forget exactly where you were. I remember if you were anywhere in Berrien County it was just easier to say you were in Saint Joe.

My house as a kid was average, but always seemed to be enough no matter who was there. When I was little, I remember there being four kids and two adults, my mom and dad, Mark, Dawn, Adam, and myself. As I grew, so did everyone else, and they started moving away. Mark moved out, Dawn went to college, and eventually Adam did too. My mom passed away and eventually just my dad and I were all that was left. The house never felt empty, or too full. Holidays were still spent at home, and as families started being born, there were more people than ever. I have so many memories of so many different times, some stand out more than others, and some I'd like to forget. Overall, the 18 years I spent there were pleasant and happy. Life is only what you make of it, and I think where I lived and those I surrounded myself with helped to make it pretty great.

Loving Pa-Pa

When my dad is here, we always make sure to take a photo of him with each of the kids! It shows how they're growing, and it makes a nice keepsake for each of them. My dad's not getting any younger, the these kids are growing like weeds, I love they'll have plenty of pictures to look back on when they're older.



Joli's Journal Jar, Day 26

I am so loving this journal jar activity, it gives me a reason to sneak 5-10 minutes of alone time on the computer, and helps me to think about myself, my wants, and desires. Lucky me, again, I got an easy question!

Favorite date night activity...

I can't really justify eating as a date night activity, so I chose this-bowling! Dustin and I don't go out on dates often, especially lately with 3 kids, one of which is a diabetic! Anyway, when we do, this is one of our favorite things to do! It's inexpensive, and often times there is a coupon floating around out there to make it even cheaper. It's a fun to go alone, or with another couple. I'm terrible at bowling, but that's half the fun! The bowling alley we go to usually has plenty of lanes open, the beer is cheap and the food smells delicious! I think a date night may be in order soon!

Emotional High

The past few days some things have been said about me. Now, normally I wouldn't go posting things like this about myself, but I've been on such an emotional high I just have to share. To hear things of this volume being said about me has brought me to tears, I hardly feel worthy. Thank you all, each and every one of you, the words you said have meant more than you could have ever imagined.


Wendy Lopez watched my 3 favorite kids last night. & all I can say is Joli Konow-Smith your an amazing mom to be able to keep up with Laila & her Diabetes. Tracking carbs dividing numbers, etc, etc, all day long to give the right amount of shots. I clap my hands to this woman because I only had a little taste of it & only can imagine every day all day long. Thanks for being a great mom to your beautiful children.



Joanne Gallaway One of the reasons I love being a stay at home mom...having my best friend drop by with the kids just to have a cup of coffee and chat. Thanks for a fun visit, Joli Konow-Smith! ♥


Gloria Konow Vodicka Hey, I know you are a good mother. I see the pictures of your kids. They are smiling, healthy and well cared for, even when they are dirty from playing (which is what kids do).


Kim Grantham Just thought I would say you are a wonderful mom and a great woman and I'm really glad I've been able to have you in my life :) ♥


Joanne Gallaway Helloooo... I just wanted to let you know that I love and appreciate you. Our friendship is the best thing about living in Maricopa. I'm here for you, anytime :)


EBeauty03 THANK you for being in my life too! 


EBeauty03 Betcha didn't know that you are AMAZING! LOVE to read what you have to say! Love ya girl!


EBeauty03 WOW! I'm exhausted just looking at the first picture! That's incredible! Amazing woman you are!


Nessa Dixon I love your blog too, so heartfelt and insightful. You are braver than I am.


Cara I didn’t feel like I was being judge as a parent and I felt I had found a friend that I could stick with for life, as many people seem to tire of me I think, but our personalities seem very similar. The things that I do that I think can come off as being a bit “b*tchy” didn’t seem to bother her and instead we found ourselves laughing at the same things – like the jello-belly lady walking down the street - And we caught each other saying the same type things to our kids as the other. Now I feel I found a friend that I feel is right there on the same level and I feel I can count on when I need her and I hope she knows she can feel the same way too.


These words, these simple comments or status updates or whatever, they are my rock. I am no different from the next mom, I do what I have to do for my children and at whatever cost to my personal health, happiness, or well being, just like anyone would do. To hear someone think I'm doing a good job, or that I'm brave, makes me hold my head just a little higher, sit a little straighter, and stand a little taller. Thank you, all of you, without you, I wouldn't feel this proud.

Catching Up

The last few weeks things have been crazy. Buck wild. I might even say out of control. It's been such a whirlwind, I'm not sure I even know where to start. Let's try the beginning, that's always a good place.

My dad came to visit for 9 days. Yes, you read that correctly, 9 whole days. Anyone that knows me and my dad knows we love each other to death, from a distance. Living under the same roof puts a strain on our relationship I can't even begin to describe. It's almost like being a kid again, everything I do is being scrutinized under a microscope. It's not all one sided though, I feel as though I have to prove myself and go out of my way to show my independence. Frustrating is an understatement. We do always managed to have fun and pull it together by the end of his stay, and I'm sad to see him go. During this visit, we went to the park, the library, McDonalds, and spent plenty of hours reading books to the kids.

Last weekend, I went to the zoo with one of my friends. Early in the morning I left, taking just the girls with, and off we went. Cara picked us up, we stopped for coffee, and we were on our way. Aside from the hour and a half it took us to get there due to roads being closed and horrible traffic, the day went off flawlessly! We packed lunch for our kids to save money and time, and the kids really seemed to enjoy eating together. We chatted the entire afternoon about everything and nothing, it was refreshing to really have someone my age with similar problems and daily battles.

Getting back to our normal routine was a bit difficult after spring break, but this week has passed by smoothly and without any big hic-ups. Dustin had to work morning shifts Monday through Wednesday this week, and as much as I know he hated getting up early, I can say for certain the kids and I loved having him home for dinner all three days in a row! Helping with the bedtime routines, tucking the kids in bed at night, and talking about our day while we were both still awake and coherent was all icing on the cake for me.

Yesterday was such a big day for me, my best friend from high school, Tony, came to visit for the day! He and his boyfriend, Brian, were on their way to Sedona with Brian's family today so they flew in a day early to meet my family and spend some time catching up. Tony and I haven't seen each other in over 7 years, but seeing him yesterday felt like we picked up right where we left off. I drove out to Phoenix and picked the two up at the airport, stopped by the hotel to drop off their bags, and back to my house we went. Dustin and the kids were waiting for us when we came in, and everyone was so happy to finally meet and get to know each other. We looked through old photos and notes, and laughed about things we haven't let cross our minds in years. It was easy, fun, and everything I hoped it would be.

Dustin, Tony, Brian and I went to dinner at Boca de Beppo and it was divine! The drinks were delicious, the food was fantastic, and the cannolis were the best I've ever tasted! After dinner, we headed to Arriba's where Joanne joined us for drinks, and found after the first one they were closing. Bummer, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise! We found this seedy little gay bar called Lush and had the best time there! The music was loud, the drinks were smooth, and the conversation didn't stop for a second, and the camera was forever flashing! I can't wait to get my hands on those photos, but the camera was not mine, so I must wait.

Today, I dropped Tony and Brian off at the airport and said my goodbyes. My heart aches at the thought of another 7 years passing before I see them again, we both promised to be more diligent about keeping in touch. The miles and years have kept us apart this far, but that doesn't have to be the case. We are rock stars, and we have to stick together! I'm so glad this reunion took place, better late than never. It opened up my mind to memories I thought had long been forgotten, and my heart welcomed a new friend. I'm glad I met Brian, he's a great match for Tony. It's so great to see he has moved on with his life and grown with someone, but has still stayed the same Tony I love to death, can laugh with until my face hurts, and can still tell my whole life story to. Joanne fit right in like she's been there all along, it was better than I ever dreamed! What a great night we had!

Joli's Journal Jar, Day 25

This month of journal jar posts is coming to an end, and I must admit, it's been so fun I may occasionally dip back into that jar of questions for ideas to blog about. Today is another easy one, lucky me!

Favorite vacation spot...

I like to think my favorite vacation spot is still to be determined. Sure, I've taken plenty of vacations, but none of them stick out in my mind as my favorite place to have visited, and none of them have the appeal to want to go back anytime soon. I haven't taken many vacations now that I'm the parent, and I have my own kids. As the child, I never got to plan the agenda, pick the food, or even give input on where went in the first place-and I know now that will change. My honeymoon, though wonderful, was short and sweet. It was not where we really wanted to go, or what we really wanted to do. We afford our bills and rarely have much extra floating around, no where near enough to start saving for a vacation!! I hope that one day, as my kids are growing and our financial situation improves, we will take more vacations and I will be able to choose a place I'd love to visit again and again. Until then, the question mark remains.

Joli's Journal Jar, Day 24

Again, I have slipped behind a day and missed another journal jar post. I need to make up a day, so here is yesterday's question.

Favorite magazine...

I get 7 or 8 magazine subscriptions in the mail each month, but this one is my favorite, in fact, this is my favorite issue so far! Marth Stewart is fantastic, if you ask me, and these little magazines that show up in my mailbox every month are a little slice of heaven! It's full of easy recipes, and multiple recipes with the same few items! That's my kind of cooking-making different dishes with the same few staples and saving money! Thanks, Martha!



Joli's Journal Jar, Day 23

Hooray for easy posts! I got another "this or that" question from my journal jar, and it's an easy one!

Home cooked or dine out...

I remember how I LOVED going out to dinner when I was a kid, it was such a fun experience to try something new and taste what everyone else had. It's one of the only times everyone gets to eat something different, and you actually get to choose what's for dinner! However, now that I'm the mom, I do the cooking, so I get to choose!

My mom was a fantastic cook, better than I ever dream of being, but that doesn't mean I can't whip up a delicious meal! I much, much prefer to stay home than go out and eat. It's so much cheaper, it's always hot, it's always seasoned how I like it, I don't have to wati for someone else to bring it to the table, and I really enjoy cooking! That's probably why I can never seem to lose weight, I love to cook, I love food, I love trying new recipes! Eating dinner at home provides such a stable, healthy environment for my kids, I wouldn't give it up for anything...well...maybe some Maine lobster and portabello mushroom ravioli. Just kidding!

I found a friend

I struggle to make friends, that's no secret, and nothing I'm afraid to admit. I'm rude, stubborn, calloused, brash-and to be honest, I'm fine with that. It's taken me a long time to peel away the layers, chip away at my own wall to find who I really am, and this is me. If it's been such a painful process for me to figure out who I am, one can only imagine how guarded I am when it comes to others.

This afternoon, I showed up at my friend's doorstep, unannounced, and was met with a smile. We chatted, giggled, even shared the most delicious home made jam and bread. Our kids played and we looked through grocery store sales ads. We share clothing, parenting advice, recipes, and some of our deepest, darkest secrets. On my way home from her house, I started wondering how this happened. How, against my will, though I tried my hardest to keep people out, this person managed to sneak her way in. It's true, I've found a real friend.

There is no worry in my friendship, that I'm not goood enough, that I don't buy the right clothes or style my hair just the right way. I never fret about the stains on my furniture, the food in my pantry, or the pennies in my bank account. I've been happy, sad, drunk, loud, mean, funny, and just myself in her presence, and never once have I been turned away, or did I feel uncomfortable. To call it refreshing would be an understatement, I've been through a world of bad relationships, an abusive ex-husband, friends who have used me, and siblings who have treated me like a child. Now, here is someone who has understood me, supported me, even given me the truth when the truth hurts, and I'm terrified. I'm worried I'll be the one to ruin it, to screw it up, to say something dumb or hurtful and lose this amazing thing I've found.

If all she's ever asked is for me to be myself, and all I've ever needed was her to be herself, I think we're a friendship made in heaven. Where I am lacking, she is abundant. Where she is confused, I have experience. I have dreamed of having a friendship like this growing up, and can't believe it's been right under my nose this whole time, I've just been to afraid to see it. Now that I've revealed the true me, and it's not as scary as I thought, this should be a walk in the park.

Joli's Journal Jar, Day 22

Here's another easy, quick question for me! Whew, just what I needed today!

What were your favorite board games?...

The Game of Life

Clue

Bonkers

Call me old school, but these are the games I grew up with and still enjoy today! I sucker my poor husband into playing "The Game of Life" with me any chance I get! We no longer have the original of any of these games, but the new, updated versions. New and improved doesn't always mean better. These are the games I loved as a kid, I hope my kids enjoy them as much as I did!



Joli's Journal Jar, Day 21

Ahh, another "favorite" question from my journal jar today! I adore these, they're quite simple and we all know how much I love simple!

Favorite beverage...

I love dictionary.com, I use it almost daily, and even have the app on my phone! I used it today, in fact, to make sure I answered this question accurately. bev·er·age: [bev-er-ij, bev-rij] –noun–any potable liquid, especially one other than water, as tea, coffee, beer, or milk.

I love water, but since that's not considered a beverage, this is what I chose. I know, you were all expecting to see a big bottle of Coca-Cola, but when it comes down to it, I really, really love iced tea! I love hot tea, but any day, any time, iced tea hits the spot. I prefer green tea over all others, but I love them all-sweet, lemon, raspberry-they're all delicious! When I'm buying tea at the store, or even on the run, the brand I turn to almost always is Arizona, they have the best in my book. The best tea I've ever had at a restaurant, hands down, is at Lucielle's Barbecue, they have amazing sweet tea and even put a mint leaf in the mason jar they serve it in! Delicious!!

Joli's Journal Jar, Day 20

Back to life, and back to reality. I have scored another tough question to answer, another one about myself.

3 things I'd like to improve on...

1. Patience

2. Faith

3. Confidence



Joli's Journal Jar, Day 19

To all my faithful readers (haha!) I missed yesterday, so I am making it up tonight with a double whammie! Luckily, I drew an easy one!

Semi-sweet or milk...

I much prefer semi-sweet over milk chocolate, especially for baking. I think the texture is much better, and the taste isn't so sweet it's overpowering. I have sampled many brands of chocolate chips, and in my opinion, Kroger store brand is tbe best, and since it's the cheapest, I'm in luck! Just so you know, I'll never turn my nose up to Nestle, Baker's, Ghiradelli, See's, or Hershey's-I'd take them anytime, just not on my budget!

Joli's Journal Jar, Day 18

Oh, the simple things in life everyone can enjoy. How I miss them, growing up in Michigan and then moving away. Another easy journal jar question explains it all.

What was your favorite season?...

There are so many things to love about fall, I can't pick just one. But I will do my best to show you a few, maybe stir up a few old memories, or help with ideas to help you make new ones!

Apple picking...they're always so juicy you can't help but bite into one before you're finished!

Visiting a pumpkin patch, it's so hard to choose just right right one!



Baking pumpkin bread, and other "fall " goodies!



Hoodie weather and beer, my favorite pair!

These are only some of the things I love about fall, the sights, the sounds, and the smells. It brings me back to a simpler time, and inspires me to make memories with my children they will look back on as fondly as I do.

Joli's Journal Jar, Day 17

Well, it's Saint Pactrick's Day, and I'm not in a the best of moods. Maybe today's journal jar will brighten up my spirits some.

"Kid's quotes"...

Since my little man isn't talking just yet, the best I can get out of him is "mamama" or "dadada", which is music to my ears. Those sweet words have remained my favorite as I have watched each of my kids grow.

Laila is my oldest, and has said some of the darndest things, no doubt! Every day something new comes flying out of her mouth, it's like you never know what you're gonna get. Growing up, she used to sit in the shopping cart at Meijer and when she passed someone she would say "How doin doin doin doin doin doin doin..." and it made me laugh so hard! She had such a sweet and fun personality. Another of my favorite things she did was "Diiiiiiipppppp a diiiip a diiiip a diiiip a diiiip" with EVERYTHING in ketchup. It was one quote I knew I could count on from her anytime we ate. Lately, she comes up with the most off the wall things to talk about, nothing really sticks that she says a lot though. But at night, when I put her to bed, I say "I love you, Laila", she replies, softly, "I love you." In the meanest voice I can muster without laughing, I tell her, "I said I love you!" and she does it back to me. It's priceless.

Kenadi is finally blossoming into quite a little talker. She is constantly jabbering on about daddy being at work, or checking the mail, or having a glass of milk. Boy, doe she love milk. My favorite is when she calls the mail, milk. She'll say, "Mommy, check the mailk?" That has to be one of my favorites. When she was a bit smaller, you'd ask her "What doin?" and she'd reply with a loud, "A doooooo!". I miss those days, things were much simpler than. Now, though, "I want somefin to drink, please, por favor!" is one of the best parts of my day. Or, "I'm real real hungry!"

I know as I get older, the things they say will change, so I do my best to cherish them now. My sweet cheeks, I love them dearly.

Joli's Journal Jar, Day 16

Another easy one, thank goodness! I think this journal jar may just put into perspective the way things really are where I live...hot.

How do you keep cool in the summer?...

High electric bills

The summers here are grueling, out of control heat. If there really is a hole in the ozone layer, it's right above Arizona, there's no doubt. The sun here is so hot, the pavement burns your feet as bad as the direct sun burns your skin. Most days, nearly all day, we spend at home in the air conditioning. We may do crafts, snuggle in front of a movie, or play games, but we rarely leave the house. The seat belts burn your skin if you touch them, the steering wheel is so hot even holding it with a towel is too hot, and the heat is so dry it sucks the moisture out of your lungs. So, here in the comfort of my own home, is where we stay.

Splash pad

Occasionally, we get up early enough to make it to the splash pad. It has to be an early, early morning for this to happen. The sun is so hot so early in the day, even with sunscreen it will burn you to a crisp! In the earlier months of summer (technically, spring) we are able to enjoy some cool water with the kids. They love running through the splash pad, getting completely soaked, and eating some fresh fruit at the picnic tables. It's refreshing, cooling, and makes for a great afternoon.

Bottled water

Last, but not least by any means, is bottled water. I don't have a water cooler, nor do I want one. I am addicted to the cool, crisp taste of Nestle Pure Life bottled water. If we have bottled water, we're going to be ok. Our electric bill might be outrageous, but we have bottled water! Life will go on! I freeze them into a slush and they are delicious! I go through a case a week, but I just can't help it. I have to stay cool somehow!

Joli's Journal Jar, Day 15

I have stumbled across another tough journal jar question, I was hoping for an easy one!

Favorite scripture...

Proverbs 3: 5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

I struggle with my faith on a regular basis, I'll be the first to admit it. Trusting in that which I don't see, that I can't always feel or hear, is hard. This verse helps me remember He is there, even when I think he's not.




Joli's Journal Jar, Day 14

Ahh, the ease of some of these questions makes me smile. I like easy, simple, and something with a difinitive answer.

Favorite flower...

I love the daisy, the plain, simple, white daisy. Not the gerber daisy, just a regular daisy. They are so gorgeous, so understated, they are my absolute favorite.



Joli's Journal Jar, Day 13

It's nearing midnight and I almost forgot to do today's journal jar post! Lucky for me, I chose an easy one today!

Winter or summer...

In addition to the extremly high temps, the sweltering sun, and the dry air, the electric bills are out of control Obviously, I'm not a fan of summer. Winter isn't my favorite, but here, it's the lesser of two evils. Don't believe me? Visit Arizona in the summer, you'll leave here whistling a different tune.

Joli's Journal Jar, Day 12

Again, I am faced with a difficult post. Who would have thought pulling a piece of paper out of a bucket every day would perplex me so? I have spent all day thinking about this, and with a little help from Webster's Dictionary, this is what I came up with.

Name 10 things you love...

thing: [thing]–noun: a material object without life or consciousness; an inanimate object. Now that we have established what a "thing" is, and what it's not (a person, or a place), I will choose 10 inanimate objects that I love. Here is what I picked, in no specific order-I did my best to be creative and bring out the inner me.





1. Kit-Kat Bar



2. Fountain Coca-Cola in a glass



3. Library books

4. Autumn Leaves



5. Argyle

 

6. The cold side of a pillow

7. The finale of a fireworks display

8. Brand new Crayola crayons



9. Old Navy flip flops



10. Hot, steamy shower