Gratitude Day 6

Who wouldn't like to start their day this way?

My morning helper, enjoying a mocha!

I love my job, plain and simple.  I am a firm believer we spend a good portion of our life working, we need to enjoy it.  I am grateful I have the opportunity to live it.   I love what I do everyday, I love the people I get to interact with daily (one of which I won't mention, but will miss sooner than I thought...you know who you are) .
 It's been almost nine years since I became the owner of J.B Steamers @ CWH.   I work hard, but I have flexibility.  I am my own boss, and have the most amazing employees one could ask for.  I have always said I will do a job until I no longer enjoy it, then it will be time to move on, so far I enjoy each and everyday!  Truly grateful for this.

LB's Post

Over the weekend I did a little picture taking !I had a friend named:Chelsea spend  the night we stayed up till 3 a.m!Then i went to STARS ON ICE!A day with gram and pop and oma.Then we had to drop oma ofF  and i got bored waiting in the car so i tryed night portrait mode!it is pretty cool i think!
P.S. I WILL SEE YOU NEXT TUESDAY ON THE BLOG!!!

Gratitude Day 5

Grateful my parents and sister are so involved in my kids life.  They attend ALL performances, concerts, sport events, birthdays, holidays.  You name it!
This weekend the whole family went to Lo's performance of Wizard of the West.   Sunday Gram and Pop took her on a date to Stars on Ice, then Monday night it was man night for Luke, with my Dad and Brother in-law at the Harlem Globe Trotters.
Being a single parent is tough at times to do it all.  But I've got my family and they are always more than willing to step in. 
Normally I drop Lo off at daycare in the mornings before work, but she has strings on Tuesdays, my Mom has made it possible for her to go, by coming from her house in East Wenatchee and taking her before she goes to work.
It's rare that the kids go a day without talking to them.  Same goes for my sister.  She is always willing to pick up or take my kids anywhere they need to be.
Truly grateful for my family!

Lo's biggest fan!

2/20-2/26

Monday 20th - 1.5 hour skate ski (not sure distance all I know is Thompson Road in Sun Mountain is a long climb)

Tuesday 21st- Monitor Loop, CX bike (American fruit repeat) 1:45, 24 miles

Wednesday 22nd - REST!

Thursday 23rd - Du course (3 du hill repeats), CX bike, 29.5 miles 2 hours.

 4 rounds of tabata's  (bench press, sit ups, push ups, leg lifts) 40/20 (1 minute in between rounds)
20 minutes

Friday 24th - to the end of the Malaga/alcoa hwy 34 miles 2 hours (long and boring), CX bike

Saturday 25th - 6.15 mile run (51:02, 8:18mm)  20 minute arm/core workout
They say cycling helps running, but doesn't work the other way around.  I'm starting to believe it.  Haven't been running as much, yet today's run felt better than it has in ages, somewhat effortless!

Sunday 26th -  1 hour 50 min, cx bike.  1 hour trainer.

Gratitude Day 4

I am thankful Logan goes to an elementary school with a good PTSA.  I served as VP for it last year, and it's a lot of work!  The ladies running the show this year are very good.  The PTSA funds things like the Children's Missoula Theater.  A traveling group that comes for 1 week.  Audition's are held the first day of the week, they immediately start practicing (in Lo's case the practice went from 3-7:15 each night) and do dress rehearsal and two performances on Saturday.  It's an incredible experience for kids to be part of.   I am grateful Logan had this opportunity!

Gratitude Day 3

Saying good bye.  My Opa (Grandpa) passed away  Sunday January 29th.  Rick and I had just returned from Maui, when Opa fell and broke his hip, and ended up in the hospital.  My Mom called on Friday and said his system was shutting down.  Saturday morning I chatted with Rick for some time, debating whether I wanted to go to the hospital or not.  I didn't want to see him in that condition, and I didn't want to say good bye.  My wise man said  something along the lines of you think you are doing it for him, but in the end you are doing it for you.  I went early Saturday morning,  no one else was there.  Sat in the room with the morning light coming in, he was on a lot of pain medication, but had brief moments consciousness.  I sat in the room for two hours, and talked about all the great memories I had as a kid.  I got to tell him I loved him, and say good bye.

The first 8 years of my life I spent a fair amount of time with my Oma and Opa.  They got divorced, and powers beyond an 8 year old control left me estranged from him for over twenty years.  In 2007 he ended up in the hospital, I  had a family of my own and wanted them to meet the man I had such found memories of.  In a way  it was like time hadn't passed.  He suffered from dementia, and it seemed to get worse, but each time we went to visit him at Hearthstone, he would relive his days growing up in Cooperstown, and his time in the military.  I cherished the time I did get with him, and grateful my children had to the opportunity to meet him.

Saying good bye is hard, and weeks later I catch myself realizing, he no longer exists  physically here on this earth.  We don't always get the chance to say good bye to those we love, and I am grateful I had that chance.

Opa in Zell am See, Austria

1983 I remember getting my Annie wig with Oma and Opa in California, and dressing him up with it

1980

1979 sledding with my cousin Jeromy

1982.   My Grandparents went to Austria each year, and I always got excited to go to the airport!

Gratitude Day 2

Next Thursday will be a year since my divorce was final.  I didn't think I would ever feel at peace with everything.  Instead I am finding I have so much love and support in my life that I am going to post a day of gratitude, through to next Thursday.  Yesterday it was Rick, and how from big and small things he enriches mine and my kids life, everyday.

Gratitude Day 2:   Luke comes to work with me in the morning.  Before he leaves he tells me he loves me, everyday.  For an almost 15 year boy to initiate this, I am so grateful.  This is an everyday thing in our house (with the exception of every other weekend when they are with their Dad),  I want them to know they are loved, all the time, especially as they start their day, but wow does it melt my heart that they let me know!

I shared this note on FB, but it's too cute not to share here.  I found this in my purse Tuesday when I got to work.

Moments of Gratitude

I have to share.  Monday-Friday gets pretty crazy around here.  The hours after school  are busy!  The kids and I have systems in place,  we do Lo's homework packet on the weekend, we  eat by 6, and in bed by 8:30 (they have to be up at 5:45 and we're out the door by 6:15, hence the early to bed).   This week Lo has had play practice until 7:15 each night, so late dinner, late bathes, and tonight I was making her dinner and trying to organize everything she needed to do to be in bed by 8:30.   Because she didn't do her homework packet at her Dad's last weekend we were finishing up four pages of that too, and she needed help.  Sometimes there's not enough of me to go around.  Tonight I was thankful for two extra hands.  He chatted with Cal while I was busy, ran the phone up to Luke, then while I made Lo dinner sat and helped her with math problems.  It may seem small, but  goodness it was a huge help that left me filled with gratitude and love for this man!

Fresh from the Farm

I know I have mentioned them before, but I love that we have this in Wenatchee the Farmhouse Table .  I believe in supporting our local farmers.  I love buying in season fresh produce.
This was my score today.  Its rare to get greens right now, but they got spinach, arugula, braising mix and napa cabbage all in from Sunshine Farm in Chelan.  Thing is, the greens go fast.  Right now they are only open Thursday and Friday so if you want it, you better go get it.  They also have farm fresh eggs and raw milk (I just can't seem to go there, supposed to be better for you, but can't do it).

Munchkin Adventure

sorry i did not write last night.i was auditioning for wiz of the west...and i was against 60 other people.guess what, I MADE IT!!i am now known as munchkin number 3.i have practice every day 2:45 -7:15...it is so tirering.you would have to agree.i only have  3 more days to learn all of my lines.the shows are saturday 3 and 5.it is also known as wizard of oz.                         
sincerly -logan bella(:
p.s pictures next week

Love

Just spent 3 amazing days in the Methow with the most amazing guy!  In all we skied almost 80k (50 miles) between the 3 days.
Too many amazing moments to share, but I will share one of the days that was just perfect and if you skate ski, this is a must!  If not, skip ahead to pictures because you may be bored.  The conditions for Sunday looked like they were going to be perfect, neither one of us had ever skied Mazama to Winthrop, but have wanted to.  Last time we were up there (2 weeks ago) we learned there is a shuttle that will pick you up at the Winthrop town trail head $5 a person and drop you off at the Mazama store.  This is PERFECT, only thing is make reservations ahead of time http://www.mvskishuttle.blogspot.com/!
The first 10K is along one of my favorite sections of the Community Trail, takes you across the suspension bridge through amazing trails and beautiful scenery (this is where I took pictures while skiing last time) to the Rolling Huts and a great restaurant called Wesolapolana  a MUST, check out their website for times, but open daily for breakfast, lunch and tapas. Thanks for the tip Joel!  This also makes the perfect stop for a cup of Blue Star coffee, or if you are doing an out and back with the wee ones, great stop for a treat or sandwich.
Next 10K is a blue trail (more difficult) you cross the highway and head out by Browns farm, and shortly there after starts climbing, but quite fun once you do the initial climbs becomes a lot of rollers, then bringing you back down to the river. 
Next 10k piece of cake, flat and pretty, only complaint would be as it hits afternoon the temperatures warm up  closer to Winthrop and you end up working a bit more.
All in all this may be my new favorite.
We of course ended the day with another favorite Twisp River Pub !
If you are ever interested in heading up there to ski, please get a hold of me.  I've skied all the green and blue in Mazama and Winthrop and a good portion in Sun Mountain.

This may state the obvious

Cheesy self photo as I wait

Needs no caption

Was working on my backlighting (last weeks challenge)

Great stuff in this store...always!

Have I mentioned I LOVE Blue Star coffee and they provide these all over Winthrop

Winter Wonderland

I know I am blessed.  I am experiencing all life has to offer, and loving, truly loving every minute of it!

workout 2/13-2/19

Monday-4.5 mile run 37.56  (8.25 mm)
Tuesday- Bike 1.5 hours Eaglerock CX bike
Wednesday- CX bike Monitor loop 1.5 hours
Thursday- weights 45minutes, 1 hour bike class
Friday- REST
Saturday- Skate ski 25K (15 miles) 2 hours (Basecamp, Rivers, Jacks, back River and Basecamp)
Sunday- Skate Ski 30+K (19.5 miles) 2.5 hours Mazama store-Winthrop (10K of hills)

Note to anyone reading:  If you want an overall body work out skate skiing is fabulous.  When I get done I feel like I've just combined swim, bike and running all into one!

Lunch Date Friday

It's our tradition when the kids don't have school we go out to lunch.   Today the kids wanted Iwa, no twisting my arm on that one!  We walked down, had a fabulous lunch, meant to stop at Farmhouse Table on the way back and stock up, but we were absorbed in lively conversation on forgot!

OK and the first picture is my new love.  I have been coveting puffy parka's for sometime, there's a bit of a long story behind this one, but the short of it is, it finally popped up on SteepandCheap and I went for it!

He's so cute!

Sushi Bento

Love this girl too!

Week 7 (52)

This weeks challenge was back lighting.  I though a lot about it all week.  But that's all I did, with two sick kids and a busy work week, the camera stayed home (except at Iwa).  So I am using one from mine and Lo's trip to Maui a year ago.   Taken with the point and shoot, but I love it.

Tuesday post by Logan

The past couple days i have had a funny b-day!Everyone in my family is so hilarouse!My mom got me a camera for my birthday so i get to be the special guest every tuesday!It is a joy to know that everyone is just so nice and funny.!  See you next tuesday

My cousin Ben and his serious face

My cousin Cal and my brother trying to act cool

Double Digits

Logan Bella turned double digits today!  She was so excited to have a birthday weekend.  The party started Friday, carried on Saturday with Cal's party, then a full day of festivities Sunday.  The day was hers for the taking.  She wanted to go to breakfast at the Wild Huckleberry, then stay home the rest of the day until the family party (yep she's a homebody and this was her wish), then off to Red Robin to celebrate both she and Cal (who's 4th birthday was on the 11th), and back to the house for more cake!
What she wanted most this year was a camera.  She is now the proud owner of a new Nikon Coolpix 14mp.  Along with that, she will now be blogging on Tuesdays!  Its been fun to see what she's taken, to she her view of life.

To my birthday girl,

I just wanted to say I love and am so proud of you all the time.  You are the most amazing, and thoughtful girl a Mom could ask for.  I am the one that feels truly lucky, that you are my daughter.  You and your brother are the greatest gifts I could ask for.   10 years ago, my life was complete because you came into it.  I love each and everyone of our moments together, all the time in the world doesn't feel like enough time with you.  I remember being so sad when you first moved out of your infant car seat, then onto kindergarten, sad because the time goes by too quickly, but at the same time I have loved seeing you transform in to this wonderful, beautiful girl.  This journey of life has great things in store for you!  I love you you Logan Bella

Xoxoxo,
Mom

Morning breakfast with her brother

Celebrating with the other guest of honor

Making wishes (notice the headband in the last 2 photos, Rick's sister made this for her, she loves it, and it was worn ALL day, thanks Sharon!)

workout 2/6-2/12

This week I ran into a bit of a snafu.  Wednesday started getting a cold, by Thursday night was sicker than a dog!  Cold's happen, and workouts are replaced with rest and fluids!

Monday 6th- 4.5 mile run, best described as pathetic effort, didn't have it in me. 39.54 minutes (8.52 pace)

Tuesday- 1 hour 20 minutes hill intervals on the bike, Skyline, #2 canyon, #1.   1 hour skate ski

Wednesday- plan was run and lift, opted for just 40 minutes of lifting

Thursday- 5.24 mile run (felt much better) 43.55 minutes (8.23 mm pace).  1 hour bike class

Friday- Fluids and Rest

Saturday- 45 minute run,  did not turn on the garmin, ran off of how I was feeling, not distance, kind of nice actually

Sunday-  Planned for a TT workout on the trainer, opted for an easy spin with 1 minute pick ups every 5 minutes, while watching  The Ides of March.  Wasn't much of a workout, but got my legs moving, and great movie!

Feeling a bit better, left with a dry cough.  Likely take it easy the next couple days too.  We have a big ski weekend coming up, and need to be in prime form!

10 on 10

Late at getting to the 10 on 10 challenge.  Had every intention of doing it yesterday as I prepared for Lo's birthday party.  This girls birthday is a HUGE deal to her.  This year she informed me it needs to be extra special because she is turning double digits!  Her actual birthday is not until Sunday, but her friends party was today after school.   I came down with a horrendous cold yesterday and have felt miserable,  no choice but to heavily drug myself with theraflu and tylenol, and push through!  So took the camera around all day today, not too exciting but here's my 10 on 10!

Waking the troops, theraflu, work, more work, frosting and theraflu, school visit, getting more theraflu, power snooze, decorating, birthday girl

Full Moon Ski

Tonight I had the most perfect date with my 14 year old.  I end up with a lot of one on one time with Lo, because my kids are nearly 5 years apart and Luke's a teenager, with a life.  Sad but true.  So every now and then I like to take advantage of alone time with him.  I adore him and our moments together.  I am well aware of how fast these moments go by.   I remember my heart being so full of love the moment he was born, and ever since I can't imagine anything better in life than being his Mom. 

He and I had a blast out there tonight.  He had me laughing so much, I thought I may very well pee.  Between the two of us we spooked ourselves in the back loop when we saw an animal but couldn't make out what it was, and decided who knows maybe it was a cougar, and quickly turned around and skied back to the front loop.  We saw the moon rise, looked at Jupiter, found the big dipper, and listened to dogs (or wolves) howl, yes they really do howl in the full moon!

Truly a night to remember.

Off we go!  Thanks to my Sister for watching Lo

Getting ready, full of courage here!

Awesome night buddy!

Workout Accountability

I don't follow any set plan, for working out, but I do log my workouts in various notebooks.  I like to see miles and hours on paper.
My brother in-law printed my sisters blog (blog2print) at Christmas.  I'm now in the process of doing the same.  My blog has become my online journal, so I have decided to log my workouts for each week here.

Monday 30th-50 minute treadmill intervals, followed with 20 minutes medicine ball
Tuesday 31st- 1 hour 45 minute bike
Wednesday 1st- 3 mile run warm up, 45 minute weights, 1 mile cool down
Thursday 2nd- 6 mile tempo run, 1 hour bike class
Friday 3rd- 2 hour bike ride
Saturday 4th- 28K skate ski- 2 hours
Sunday- 30K skate ski (hills)- 2.5hours

Note: I don't follow a set plan, because I am a single Mom.  I am self employed and lucky to be able to schedule myself a 2 hour window every afternoon, before picking the kids up, this is when most of this happens, or it happens at home on the treadmill, or trainer.

Coming Around

I am starting to get the hang of this not having the kids every other weekend.  I have said this before and I will always stand firm on the fact that I had kids to raise them FULL time.   I realize others don't see the big deal missing every other weekend, but it's a big deal to me as their Mother, time goes too fast and I want to take it ALL in.  I do consider my parenting plan a best case scenario,  I am also grateful I didn't have to fight for this, very grateful.  But I would've.....
A year and 4 months later, I am learning to appreciate, as well as take advantage of the weekends my kids are cared for by their Dad. 
Before I met Rick I  decided  if I were to meet someone, they wouldn't have to share my activities.  Being in this relationship, I can't imagine NOT sharing these things with the person I love.  I now, as well as fun weekends with the kids, also look forward to my weekends with Rick.  To be able to share both of our passions for cycling and skiing, and the love of the Methow, I don't think I could ask for much more.
Today we jumped in the car and went to our favorite place, the Methow.   Skied 30K, I'm whooped, in that good kind of way!

Winthrop

Only a few miles into this, nearly 20 miles later I was a little less excited

Not Quite the Beach, but close..

If I have to come back from Hawaii, then I guess I'll look forward to more of this!

The kids are with their Dad this weekend, and Rick was doing a 5 hour ride, so after we enjoyed a morning cup of coffee together, I had hours to myself.  A beautiful 30 minute drive up to the icicle trails,  then skied 28 Kilometers.  I did get done with the second lap (8K) and had a talk with myself, went something like this "Ok Jenni, how often do you have this much time to work out, what else would you be doing (beside cleaning my house), if Rick was here he'd ski 5 laps. Get a drink of water, take your coat off, and go back out and enjoy."  Should I be embarrassed to say I have talks with myself like that, often?  Along with cycling, skate skiing is my other favorite activity!

Fill the Frame 5/52

OK finally got my picture for the challenge this week.  I love these challenges my friend Mary post's for the Momtography group,  it's fun to do the challenge but even more fun to see others creative ideas!

This only happened with a food bribe!

Basset outtakes, and a fairly good Kaiser shot