Important quotes and information I want to tell my children...

"Be a blessing, not a burden!"

"Bloom where you are planted!"

You cannot be selfish and happy at the same time!

If we live a life away from God, we not only affect ourselves but everyone we are responsible for.

Living a life away from God doesn’t mean God will punish us, it just means we will not get to use his Blessings he has waiting for us!

Getting your own way is like eating a dessert you don’t need…it takes 2 minutes to eat and an entire day to get over the guilt.

Don’t FOLLOW the example…SET the example.

If you have to “hide” something…it is not the right thing to do.

Let your pain be someone else’s gain. When you have to go through something horrible, turn around and help someone else who has to go through the same thing!

When your child grows up in church/Sunday School, that is a tradition and he will always feel comfortable there, so he will want to go on his own when the time comes. If this is not part of his tradition, it is hard to put a tradition in place as an adult.

3 Months...

This weekend Rich went hunting with Kyle and the Herman boys. They had never been hunting or even shot a gun, so Rich wanted them to experience it. When he came home today he looked at my stomach and said, "I think JR grew!" LOL!!! (meaning my belly got bigger) at least he said my butt hasn't changed. I am looking forward to whether I have a boy or a girl, Rich will take them hunting at a very young age I'm sure...how fun! Chandler shot a bird and he told me, "Mr. Rich stepped on it's head so it wouldn't suffer." Ugh, I almost threw up in my mouth. Rich loves hunting and being in nature more than anyone I've ever known. He is truly in his element with camo, guns, and animals.

Me on the other hand, I was shopping and getting a mani/pedi with Robin and Emery. It was fun! I truly need some new pants. It reminds me of when I was in college and my mom had to make a special trip so that we could go shopping for the FRESHMAN 20 lbs I had gained!

I can't believe I only have about 6 months until I have this baby! That is crazy! I better start working on the room or doing something to prepare before I get bigger and am unable to do the things I want. I hurt my back badly the other day moving mulch bags and teaching kickboxing, so I told myself that I will not be worrying about "MY BODY" but I will concentrate on being healthy for my baby. So, not worrying about my body is a new concept for me. I will take on many new challenges and I can't wait!!!

This week my nieces got new baby chicks (they are farm girls!!!) and Sammy had her first competition in pole vaulting!!! She tied the school record and she was excited. I love that girl...she is so courageous and doesn't care what people think.
----------------------------------------------------------
I read some notes on a speech that Colt McCoy's dad made the other day...I thought it was so profound that I wanted to take the best parts of this and hopefully use it in my children's lives:

Proverbs 22:6: "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."

Proverbs 23:13, "Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die."

"Prepare to be our best." He cited 1 Corinthians 9:24, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize."

"Do your best and be a leader!"

"Expect to Win, Play to Win."

We don't aim high and miss - as we would like to believe. In fact, most times, we aim low and hit the mark! As parents, he implored us not to aim low! Aim high!!!

He then said that how we spend our time and money is a direct reflection on where our true priorities lie.

"Thoughts become things." Don't let anyone walk in your mind with dirty feet.


"Prepare for Open and Closed Doors."


"My positive energy must be better than my negative energy. My certainty must be me stronger than my doubt. The battle is won before I ever start the fight. I choose faith over fear. Leave a legacy of excellence, love, dedication and service.

I never question what God does. God is in control of my life and if nothing else, I am standing on the Rock!"

On Christ the solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand.

Back to the Blog...

It's been awhile since I've written...over the weekend we went to a hockey play-off game and during the pre-game practice, a puck hit me on the foot. Rich said, "GRAB IT!!!" Not, "Are you okay? Are you hurt?" He just wanted the puck. HA! So I grabbed it and thought, this would be a great thing to show JR as this puck hit his mama. But then I looked over and saw a little boy with sad eyes and I told Rich to give it to him...the little boy was so happy! Our friends, Bob and Bonnie Elliott, have seats that sit right up against the glass and are so sweet to invite us to many of the games. It's scary when those players get checked and slam against that glass...everything goes flying.

Saturday night we played Wii Fit with Rich's parents and I love the hula hoop game, but I think JR must have been sloshing around in there because my stomach was going crazy after each game. :)

Sunday I mowed the lawn, put mulch on all of the tree beds and pulled weeds...I swear I am the only pregnant lady doing all of that (I hired a young boy to do the rest...) That is too much for mama to do!!! LOL!

I feel better since I'm in my 2nd Trimester...still a bit tired and ALWAYS hungry, but everything is feeling much better!

I know God will take care of my baby and it is all in His control. I am going to start volunteering somewhere...I need to start giving instead of thinking about me so much. The number one thing I want to teach my children is that we are on this Earth to serve others, not ourselves. And I know that you teach children through your actions.
-----------------------------------------------------

Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God. You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (New Living Translation)

Doc Appointment

Yesterday I went to the doctor and we heard the heartbeat...it was "very strong" the doctor said. I just want to know if it is a boy or girl!!!! It's wild how things have changed through the years with pregnancies...for example the doctor said I can lay on my back, do sit-ups, workout, lift weights, run marathons...all the way until delivery. Things sure have changed over the years.

I found out I am due November 2nd...thank goodness! They told us last time it was Nov. 24th! So, this baby is going to be a Scorpio...they scare me! All of the Scorpios I've ever met are rigid and very type A. However, my friends Cherie and Kara said they were Scorpios and they are the most care-free individuals I know. Nonetheless, the Bible says we are not suppose to believe in astrology, etc...so I try not to base any judgement on that (but it sure seems to be very good at describing someone).

I talked with my niece Sammy today and she said she got second in the 400 meter race. Good for her. She said she jogged most of the way around and then sprinted in at the end and passed everyone. I wish I could watch her race...she is SO FUNNY!!! Very unique personality and "not a care in the world" about anything going on outside her world...she is born the same day as me...so it should be interesting to see how she grows up. :) I have a feeling this baby will be like Sammy or like Peyton...Sammy very much like me and Peyton very much like Rich!!

______________________________
Christian
by Maya Angelou

'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ
that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean livin''
I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain..
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!

Good Start to the Day!

I taught Bootcamp and then went to Bible Study...it was the last one. I told my Study Group that I was pregant and they were very excited. The first day we told each other what we are working on and I said, "Getting pregnant..." so, they were all excited that it happened by the end of Bible Study. Beth Moore is amazing...this series was about BREAKING FREE of our bondage and things that hold us back from living the best life possible!!! I love that. When I leave Bible Study I feel like I can conquer the world. Bistro on the Alley catered it and I had Tomato Basil soup and it reminded me of having lunch here in Gtown with my parents when they visited. I chowed down so much that my mom looked at me with big eyes and couldn't believe how much I could eat. In Bible Study this morning they let me go through the buffet line first first (out of 100 women) because they knew how hungry I was!!! Ha!:)

In Bible Study we wrote down things that we are going to work on to help free us from bondage. I wrote:
MY COMMITTMENT
1. Make every decision with God in mind.
2. Bloom Where I am Planted! Live in the moment - not wanting what others have, not wanting someone else's life or body. Instead, live a Godly life full of blessings for everyone involved.
3. Let my pregnancy be guided through God and raising my children through God's grace.
4. Love my husband, family, friends and others with all of my heart and GIVE everything I have with the love that God has for me.
_________________________________________

Last night I went over to the Hermans and I made pizzas and cookies with the kids...it was fun. Ellie came over with me because the kids love to play with her. Ellie is definitley getting a dose of what it is like to have kids around. Everytime I looked, Ellie was on another adventure...whether it was jumping on the trampoline, or sliding down a slide with the kids, or in an office chair going around as fast as Darsen could spin. Ellie never made a peep, just looked at me like, "Help!"

Time for my nap, work, doctor's appointment and then Bootcamp.
------------------------

I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.
John 14:27

My Busy Day...

Tuesdays are always my crazy workout days at the Rec Center. I just taught Bootcamp, Step Aerobics, Lunch Crunch and Quick Cardio. JR and I are TIRED!!! :) I love to come home to my bed and take off my shoes and chill...which means I now work on Real Estate.

I'm watching Dr. Oz...I really like this show! (Rich thinks he makes this stuff up - ha!) But he always has good health information.

I felt good today (always just a little nauseous, but I am craving "good for me foods" which is nice for once.) I've been craving pizza and burgers and fries, etc...but I can now handle nutritious food, too!

My friend Jeanette called me today and said that her friend who was very nauseous during her pregnancy has a wild child! OH NO! Well, this baby is going to be one way or the other...extremely hyper like me or "comatosed" like Rich. :) Rich said he will take care of the children that like to take naps and the children that run around will be my responsibility...LOL! NICE!

When I come home I always take Ellie out of her crate and today I was holding her like a baby and rocking her...she was looking at me like I was crazy. But she just laid there and looked at me. Her "doggie smell" is slowly killing me and I've been begging Rich to give her a bath. He thinks it's funny.

Rich won't be home for dinner as he has to work, so I am going to make pizzas and bring them over to the Herman's house. Her kids are so fun and I love doing Emery's hair in braids and then she wears them to school the next day. I also need to practice making "kid friendly food."

I go to the doctor tomorrow, so I am excited to hear what he has to say...but never excited about getting on the scale! I wonder if he will be able to tell what gender it is???? AHHHH! That will be exciting!

I need to start getting into The Word again...this should be the most important part of my child's life! I will start writing a quote each time I do a blog. Always words to live by:
"Every decision we make in life not only affects ourselves, it affects everyone around us...especially our children."

Feeling better?

I actually made it through an entire workout with my Bootcamp class this morning. And I am starting to get excited about having a baby because I am feeling good and can talk and socialize and be myself! I can't wait to squeeze this baby and hold it so tight.

I am trying to eat veggies so that my baby is healthy...but they still make me nauseous...I used to go into Souper Salad Restaurant every single day and make myself a big salad (the owners and all of the workers know me personally because of my frequent visits)...I tried to go in there last week and could only eat macaroni and pizza! They were all laughing at me. The owner of the restaurant teaches with Gayle and she told her, "I thought something was going on with Jen when all she was eating was macaroni and pizza!" Nice. Oink. Oink. I've definitely become part of the "clean plate club!" The "hail damage" on my booty is getting bigger...but I am okay with that.

Today I am homesick...I want to shop with my mom, workout with my dad, and hang out with my nieces. :) I am also missing my old frineds that have been in my life forever. I'm sure it's part of the emotional roller coaster ride!

I loved another little story where Kelly Scott told her daughter, Kacy, I had a baby in my belly and she said, "Mommy, how did Shinny (that's what she calls me) get the baby in her belly?" Kelly said, "God put it there..." Kacy said, "No, Mommy, Shinny drank her baby in her belly...ewww that's digusting!" That little girl cracks me up!

Capital 10K

JR ran his first 10K today! It was tough to go slow as people passed me I wanted to say, "I'm running slow because I'm pregnant!" LOL! I wonder if this child is going to be as competitive as his father and me? Rich ran a 46 min. and even stopped 3x. It was raining the whole race, so I didn't want to fall as it has the most ridiculous hills. Rich and I saw so many Moms and Dads running with strollers...he said he wanted to do that next year...I remember YEARS ago training for marathons and acting like I was pushing a jogging stroller and my friends would laugh. Every time I see a baby or child I want to eat them up!!! God has put the love of children in my heart since I was young and he has taught me PATIENCE by waiting to have my own. But I have loved helping my friends and family with their own children. It is my passion in life.

I saw someone I worked with at the race and she said, "I noticed you were getting a little pudgy around your belly so I wondered if you were pregnant..." Ohhhh dear...if anyone knows me, that is the last thing to say to me...BUT, nonetheless, Richie, #1 (Rich's dad), and I went to Red Robin and got ourselves a big fat Guacamole Burger (my mom would pronounce it Guatemala), fries, and finished it off with a milkshake....mmmm, mmmmm! Came home and slept the rest of the day...I have started to become one with my bed...not good.

Tomorrow back to Bootcamps and classes...

I am going to try to get Rich to write something sometime this week...we'll see!!!

2 Months...

Welcome to our pre-baby website! Since so many of my friends and family live far away, I wanted to have a journal to keep loved ones updated on the progress of JR (JenRich). Please feel free to visit anytime...

I am starting my first entry in this blog at 2 months pregant. Why so late? Because I have been so nauseous and laying in bed!!!! I always thought I was one tough cookie until I started growing a little one inside me. I was down for the count. Never any puking...I've just literally felt like I have been "car sick" for 2months...but on a positive note, I know it will all be worth it because this has been my dream for the last 36 yrs (as my husband always likes to remind me, "You wanted this for 36 looong years." Love him. I'm am writing this journal not only for my family and friends far away but for my little one as well so he/she can read about the good times in my belly!!! We call our baby JR for now...stands for Jen and Rich.

I found out I was pregnant while Rich was in Michigan with his dad (I call him #1)...I was going to drink a glass of wine and thought, "Maybe I should check to see if I was pregnant first..." so I had bought a Dollar Store pregnancy test and the results came back with 2 lines...what did that mean? So I started to read the instructions as my little dog, Ellie, looked at me with her head turned to the side. I finally read that two lines meant it was a positive outcome. I started telling Ellie...oh my goodness, the first positive test came back and I used a Dollar Store one? So, I said, "Ellie, let's get in the car and go get a the mac daddy test..." We drove to CVS and got a $30 digital one that came up either YES or NO. So, I came home and instantly it came up YES. I called Rich several times and text messaged him a picture of the two positive tests. No answer...I was dieng! So, after stalking him a little more he finally called me and said, "What's going on?" I said, "Did you get my text picture?!?" He didn't really understand what they were...he thought it was a thermometer. (Hey, it's better than my dad, he thought it was a picture of a running gadget that I was sending him...) I finally said, "I AM PREGNANT!" I think he was in shock as he said, "Wow...are you sure that's a pregancy test that you used?" Oh dear... A couple of weeks later we went to the doctor and saw JR for the first time...the heartbeat was beating so fast! I said to Rich, "He is so cute, isn't he???" (I say HE for the sake of pronoun use). JR was the size of a rice grain. I saw Rich for the first time with the biggest smile on his face and even some excitement! (If anyone knows Rich, he is pretty much 'even keeled' when it comes to emotions...) Not like his wifey who is more peaks and valleys!!!! I like to think TONS of PEAKS!!!

I sent my sister and nieces the picture of my positive tests and my sister called me screaming...Peyton got on the phone and said, "You know, you can't be so loud anymore...babies need to sleep. You are even loud with me and I'm in the 5th grade!" My little mother hen. We called Rich's sister and she told us that she was pregant, too! How fun!!! She is having a little baby boy. This Christmas (or Thanksgiving) should be a little different this year...I love it, because I LOVE BIG FAMILIES..so fun! Gianna said to Erin, "Tell Jen to bring her baby to my house right now." :) She is funny. Erin is due in August and the doctor told me I am due November 24th...but when I do calculations on the computer I should be due October 31st...hmmmm, I go back to the doctor on Wednesday so we will see!!!

These last 2 months we've gone to the Houston Rodeo with friends Mike and Stephanie Tippit and my parents came down to visit last week. I had to take naps every afternoon which I think was a different experience for my parents as they are used to seeing me constantly run around (as my dad says, "Always in perpetual motion"). JR did get to climb to the top of Enchanted Rock in Fredricksburg with my parents and Ellie made it, too! (and my mom).

I've been teaching my Bootcamp classes, Step Aerobics, Lunch Crunch, and Cardio classes and still doing Real Estate, so thank goodness I have 3 closings this month...JR needs a new pair of shoes! I will continue this journal later... I THINK (knock on wood) I am finally on the upswing of feeling better...