Baby Shower #2

The group of ladies at Jill's house.






Guess how big my belly is???







My friends, Jill Marshall and Beth Borkosky, put on a cute Bunco Baby Shower for me this week. They had my favorite restaurant, Mama Fu's, cater it and they had some really cute games. I had to taste several jars of baby food, so that was interesting because I have always wondered what they tasted like and nothin' like getting to know 1 month before I have a baby!!!

I have been SO BLESSED with friends who want to throw these showers for me and continue to give me all of their baby items they are no longer using. I am having 6 SHOWERS!!! and I have no family that lives here so I feel very lucky. I am so appreciative of every single shower and gift I receive. Sometimes it blows my mind because in high school I came from a somewhat negative atmosphere where people did not want to promote others I think because of that small town mentality. It is so different here...I have met so many friends that just want to give to others while expecting nothing in return. So many people have a Christian heart and I truly believe that is the difference. When God is the center of families, they put others first. Most of my friends have a lot of money here in Georgetown and they give to so many charities and have been very generous to me and Jr. as well. It is more than I could have ever dreamed of. AND I just had several showers/bachelorette parties just 1 year ago and no one cared at all. I am the one who felt bad because that is a lot in 1 year! We got married on Oct. 23, 2009 and our baby is due Oct. 31, 2010. I hope to pay all of this generosity foward to others who are in need and hope to make them feel as special as I do. I love coming home from the showers and Rich goes through all of the "loot" to see what technical items I got. This time I got a cool Video Monitor...he immediately put it together and he thought is was awesome that it has night vision as well. :)
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Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:3-4

Doris Beaudet - Remillard

VISITING NANNY IN FLORIDA



My grandmother, Doris, died this week at the age of 83. My Nanny was very kind and used to remember every story about when I was young. She was a very pretty lady with bleach blonde hair and very good skin. She had a very thick New Hampshire (Boston) accent. She would say, "That is wicked good." Or finish every sentence with "Yah?" It was always a very different culture when we would go visit my Dad's family in the New England area. Everyone could speak French and they would kiss you on each cheek when saying hello or good-bye. When my sister and I were young they would want us to sing and dance for them...I was mortified but they were all funny. My grandfather died when he was 50 years old and he had 8 brothers (I think). None of them lived too long. My grandmother comes from a large family as well, I think she had 6 brothers and sisters. My grandmother got married again about 12 years ago to Paul Remillard, he was 10 years older than her so no one thought she would go before him. He was also from a very large family of 16 kids. He had some very interesting stories about his family and growing up during the Depression with 16 kids, he was the oldest. Nanny and Paul lived half the year in New Hampshire and half the year in Florida. We went to visit them about 4 years ago in Florida and they had a really cool house not too far from the beach.

I wish I could have gone to the funeral to support my parents, but it was in New Hampshire and me being almost 8 months pregnant has not allowed me to go.

Again, I am writing this for my little guy and I want him to know all about his roots. He will have lots of French and German in him! :)

Nanny...

My Nanny is not doing well, her health is slowly deteriorating. I feel so badly for my parents and her husband, Paul. I also feel bad because I live so far away and can't help my parents during this unfortunate time. For example, at least get their mail or help in anyway.

During this time, I always think about my parents getting old...you always think, "Oh that won't be me." But it becomes everyone. Life comes full circle. You are born without words and are dependent on others to feed you and change your diapers. Well, as you are in the process of dying, the same things start to happen. It is so strange to me.

My parents went to visit my Nanny as hospice recommended they come up. I get nervous because I would want my mom to be here for the birth of my son, but realize that my Nanny dying would need attention first.

I just want peace for everyone in my family. Life can be hard, but it is a blessing to be able to live for that long.
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I think it is very important to be non-judgemental. You never know where someone is coming from or the hard journey they've had to endure. I know that I have had to ask for A LOT of forgiveness and I hope to teach my children that it is so important to forgive others as well.

Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Large Jicama...

A large jicama is what they say my baby can be compared to right now. Who knows what a large jicama looks like????!!! Not me. Anyway, I do know that it is about 17-18 inches long and about 4 lbs! I am going to have a baby next month! YAY!

This weekend we had a busy one - it was Labor Day Weekend. Friday we went to the GT Football Game...it was hilarious walking up those stairs as our seats are all the way at the top. I was like, "Please don't let anyone I know see me try to walk up these stairs..." And of course every couple of feet someone would yell, "Hey Jen!" It was embarrassing as each step felt like it was Mt. St. Helens. :) Gtown won, so that was good!

Saturday Rich's sister came into town and we had a fish fry at our house. It is always great to have tons of kids swimming in the pool and people in my house having fun.

Sunday we spent the day with Rich's family and Gianna and Mason. Mason still doesn't do much, but he is cute. And then Sunday night we went to Jill Marshall's house for Paul's birthday. They had it catered by Pappasitos (SO GOOD) and they had an outdoor theater...it was REALLY cool. The kids were loving it! We just sat by the pool and ate and talked.

A full weekend of friends and family is what I love. I love being part of the community and spending time with others. I feel blessed with my life! With my job I get to motivate people to be healthy and I get to work out in the process! I just love it! People are like, "You are due next month and teaching all of these classes?!?!" I think it's a God thing, he will give you the strength and energy for what you are truly meant to do.

We thought of another name for our baby, Jase...I like it. :) But Trey still is in the front running. "T" I would call him.

If I ever have a girl...the names I like are Emma, Drew, Kendall, Aiden, or Addi. For the second boy we could do: Jase, Aiden, Beau (I'm still pushing for it!), or Bradon.
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I like this Scripture...it is so true that if you are wise, you will use your words for healing and making people feel good about themselves. That is why God gave us words....

Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. Proverbs 12:18 (NLT)

Pregnant Pics

Ramsey took pregnant pics of me this past weekends...it's pretty brave to have your belly hanging out, but things have changed over the years and it's okay to have your belly show. My belly is growing daily, I think. My boy is kicking more and more...even now. It feels so good to know that he is healthy, I don't have to worry every day about things that might be wrong and when I do ultra sounds, I am so thankful that everything looks good. I do not take it for granted! I just wish my family lived close by...sometimes I just want their honest opinion, help or especially when the baby comes just someone to be there unconditionally without me feeling weird about asking. However, I am very happy and I am blessed beyond belief.
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Cool Front in Texas...

Yesterday we had record breaking temperatures and it got up to 107!!! It was HOT! Perfect time to be pregnant! LOL! But I don't mind because in Texas you stay inside most of the summer. Today was a COOL FRONT...high of 96! It is so funny to hear the weatherman say that it is truly a cool front. It felt so good waking up this morning and it was in the 70's.

I went to the doctor today and we listened to the baby's heart beat...the doctor's eyes got really big and she said, "OMGosh, this baby has a very strong heart beat and it is extremely loud. He really wants to be heard!" She just started laughing and she had to actually turn the speaker on the heart monitor down because it was so loud. The doctor and I looked at my stomach and we could actually see the heart beating in my stomach. She said since my belly is not that big, you will be able to see a lot of movement - like the heart beat. I called Rich on the way home and told him the good news about our over zealous baby and he said, "OHHHH NOOOO!!!" And started laughing.

We have our 2nd baby shower this weekend in La Grange and on Monday we are doing our 4-D Ultra Sound and will be able to see exactly what this baby looks like!!! I am very excited. I told Rich he's probably going to have big, black curly hair!

Time for bed.
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2 more months to go!!!

I'm finally 7 months!!! I haven't taken one of these pics in awhile...and my belly has definitely grown in the last few months! I AM READY TO HAVE THIS BABY!!!!

Fundraiser for State Representative...

Tonight we went to a fundraiser for the upcoming state rep, Dr. Schwertner. It was a fun event and really opened my eyes to a lot of issues that are going on in the world. It makes me sad to think of what my child might have to face in the future. A House of Representative spoke as well and it was pretty eye opening. BUT, it made me passionate about keeping positive and trying to make my little circle around me better, that's all we can do. Whining and complaining about the circumstances in the White House do not make things better...my children will only hear that and carry on that message. I want them to carry on a positive, mental attitude towards their community and the U.S. Sounds kinda cheesy, but it's true.

Bootcamp 5K Run

Shanna and Jen - Georgetown Ultimate Bootcamp CEO's...LOL!









My Bootcamp partner, Shanna Cahill, and I got our Bootcampers to do a 5K today...it was really fun. I love this stuff. I could live doing this everyday!!! Again, it was 100 degrees out, so I decided to walk and take pictures. Everyone is very thankful of the results they have seen in Bootcamp...they said this morning, "You've changed my life!" That is the best thing I could hear. Women were out there this morning that would never have thought about doing a 5K or running in any type of race. It's so awesome! Can't wait to get my babies out there, too! FUN!
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"Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones. If you cheat even a little, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities." Luke 16:10 (NLT)

Servants do every task with equal dedication. Whatever they do, servants "do it with all their heart" (Colossians 3:23 NIV).

Sometimes you serve upward to those in authority, and sometimes you serve downward to those in need. Either way, you develop a servant's heart when you're willing to do anything needed.

Uma and Gumpy

I laugh at the title of this blog entry because my son has to remember several "unique" names for his grandparents. Rich's parents go by, "Uma and Gumpy" and my parents go by "Moosie and Pa"...poor little guy. LOL!!! These pics of Uma and Mason and Gumpy and Ellie. We call Gumpy "The Gumpster"...anyway, Gumpster LOVES little Ellie Belly. :)

G and Jen

Gianna is a goofy little girl, especially when it comes to pictures...she makes all kinds of funny faces and it makes me laugh.

Ellie Belly and Mason

Ellie was very curious about Mason...she wanted to play with him, but obviously Mason wasn't very interested in Ellie. :)

Rich, Jen and Mason

I was holding my belly in the pic above saying, "Can you believe a baby like that is in my belly???" :)

Visit to Mason

These pics are from our visit to meet Mason. He is such a yummy little guy. Just chills all day in his "boppy", as you can tell by his hands behind his head. I was very surprised at his color, very tan. You can see the difference in skin color between Gianna and him in the picture. It should be interesting to see if our little boy and Mason will look alike! I wonder if the Beaudet or Elsasser genes will come through?

School almost starting...

Since all of my friends have children in school, I still experience the "craze" of getting ready for school. All of the kids are getting their schedules, teachers, clothes and materials for school. I taught a private volleyball lesson to 6 Jr. High girls and you could tell the excitement in them as they were very hyper. That age is hilarious...they are so curious and asking me all about my baby. I have always related to that age well. It's just very exhausting to teach that age because they just want to have fun and don't really care about learning. But they still want to please you so we had fun today. Tomorrow is my last day to train my 14 year old soccer player as well, Paige. Paige is doing great...she is going to be one heckuva soccer player, too. She reminds me of Mia Hamm.

I am starting to get subs aligned for all of my classes (Bootcamp, etc...) and lots of people said they are not going to attend until I come back. Oh no.

I wonder what my children will do as a career? Sometimes I think I would not want them to go into education because there is no money in that career. However, in times of a recession like we are in right now, that is the only job field that seems the most stable.

Rich is still going for both Superintendent jobs (Gtown and Taylors)...so, I am praying he gets one of them. If not, I know that God has a different plan for us.

Tomorrow night I am playing Pokeno with my group (it's a card game that is really fun!!!) and then Saturday night we are going to a fund raiser for Dr. Schwertner who is running for State Representative. What to wear, what to wear....it's tough when you are 7 months pregnant and it's 102 degrees out! FUN FUN! LOL!

Time for bed. I am so thankful I do not have to wake up early tomorrow...but always lots to do!
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Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small
crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 2
Corinthians 9:6 (NLT)

Express Baseball Game

We went to the Express Baseball Game the other night and it was HOT! Texas has been around 101-103 degrees lately. It is crazy that at this ballpark they have a swimming pool and play area for kids. It is really fun for them. We sat on the grass and the kids rolled down the hill. I can't wait to be able to take my kids to these games, too. :) I wonder if my boy will be a baseball player? Hmmm. Lots to think about, but after seeing Erin's baby, Mason, this weekend, there is not much they do besides sleep, eat and poop for awhile! :)
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A life is not important except in the impact it has on others.
Jackie Robinson

Today...

I still don't have my laptop back, so I miss the days of just laying in bed being able to update my Blog...instead I have to sit on a computer chair while my belly is up to my neck. HA!! So, today I am finally feeling good after my ribcage has healed. I taught Bootcamp, then personal trained, then taught 2 volleyball private lessons. WHEW. It tires a mama out!

It is funny how much attention people give you when you are pregnant...it is so funny to see everyone's eyes on my belly and not on my face. People always smile and give me a wave like they know me. I wish everyone was this nice all the time! :)

It is crazy to know that we are going to have this baby in a little over 2 months. Rich's sister had her baby and we went to see him and he was cute! Very tan skin with little skinny legs and arms and big hands and feet. They named him Mason, so that name is now eliminated from the short list we had in the first place. Mason is such a football player name! SOOO, I guess we are back to Richard Lee Elsasser III...I just keep trying to say "Trey" over and over and it doesn't come out very easy. I'm not sure why. I LOOOVE A.J. Elsasser...that's a football name! And I love Beau, too. Rich does not like either name. HMPH!

Gianna and Kacy were hilarious while we were in San Antonio. 4 is a funny age! They can talk and think for themselves and they say it like it is. When we got to Kacy's house she said, "What the HECK are you guys doing here?" What the HECK??" It was so funny. And then when we were leaving she yelled, "Be good to Rich!!!" How do they think of these things?

My little man has started to turn in my belly. It is so fun when he pushes out I will push back and he does it again. We just keep pushing back and forth. How do they know how to do that already!? But when Rich does it, he stops. I laugh because everytime Rich puts his hand on my belly Jr. stops moving all together. I wonder if he can tell the difference between us? The other day Rich was laying on his stomach watching t.v. and I laid cross-ways to stretch my back. My belly was on top of Rich's butt and the baby instantly started kicking...Rich said, "Is that the baby kicking???" I said, "Yeah, the first time you feel him move he is kicking your BUTT!!!!" I thought it was funny.
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I liked this scripture because I am definitely a people pleaser...I could run around trying to please everyone, but through the grace of God, I have learned that if you mean to do what is right and you are pleasing God, it doesn't matter if everyone is angry at you...there is nothing you can do about it and God will take care of you.

Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Romans 12:18