Happy Holidays To All !

For you Sis!

Ok there sis..I updated my blog for you :P

I really haven't had a lot to write about I guess. I am still working, but I am back to 40 hours again.

We are moving into our new place on January 1st. That is pretty exciting, just not the packing part of it.

I have been looking up recipes online for Christmas cookies. The old fashioned kind, like my Mom used to make. I think some people might say I am trying to live in the past, I say, I am honoring and remembering my Mother. For example, I have been looking up Popcorn Ball recipes, the Jello one in particular. I even thought about making some kind of date cookies or balls. AND I HATE DATES! LOL

Anyway, that's about the extent of it.....other than.. Miss Hope is doing very well and growing!! As well as Miss Charity...(the cat we took in as charity) *Smiles*

What do you mean NO...???!!!

Me: Ok listen, we neeed to talk. I know you won't be happy with this however, this needs to be worked out. And the only way we can work this out is by discussing things. I gotta be honest with you and let you know I am not happy about the way things are going...I feel we need to be more aware of what's been going on that MUST change.

Conscience: Oh really, cause I am just fine with the way things are going.

Me: Well I'm not and I get the final say so. So let's move along. First thing is..No msg..you know what the Dr told you about that drug causing more migraines. Secondly, No more empty calories. Such as Sweetened tea, sweetened coffee or SODA! Third, Let's make an effort to cut back on the carbs, trust me it won't kill you, and besides, that will leave more room for proteins, fruits and veggies.

Conscience: You are telling me no more msg, when you know full well that is a common ingredient in chips??????? YOU KNOW I LOVE CHIPS! Andddd you are telling me no SODA?! It is convenient and it taste good! And carbs? Are you serious?? That is the number one comfort food! You honestly can't expect me to go without this stuff!!!!

Me: I not only expect it...I demand it! I am tired of feeling like crap and having no energy!

Conscience: Fine then! Have it YOUR way....you are going to fall flat on your face!

Me: Oh really? (Smiles) Well when I fall flat on my face, I will get back up and start running again...and the best part of that is....you have NO choice BUT to go with me! ツ

I Love Autumn

Meet Miss Hope....

And this my friends is... Miss Hope. Our new edition to the family. Miss Hope is Shar Pei, Chow and Lab mix. In my opinion she is mainly Shar Pei. Ok so we originally wanted a small dog, but when we seen the ad in the paper and I mentioned going to see the puppies, my better half made a frumpy face at me. Of course I disregarded that look and started getting ready to go after making the call and setting up the time. When we got there and saw the puppies...I watched Rick and the way he was looking at them....at that point I thought ...Go ahead Gwen...pick one out. :) And her she is.....Miss Hope!
P.s. Yes her name has everything to do with our last puppy...Miss Faith and all she went through. We now have Hope that everything is going to work out just fine. ;)

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Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Butterflies are free to fly....so fly away Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

My new Friend, My new Job, and another Lamb...

I got the opportunity to take pictures at work yesterday. With Miss Pat's permission of course..and her request of a copy! I can honestly say I love my job and I thank God for blessing me yet again as he so many times does!

Sorry about the blur :/



*Smiles*

Yesterday I got to reminisce a little. As Pat and I sat outside enjoying the sun, We decided to sing a little. She does have MS and some days her memory isn't what it once was. She wanted me to sing Itsy Bitsy Spider with her...and I was reminding her of the lines as she looked at me and giggled. Then I told her I may know a song that she may know...I started singing to her and she looked up at me with a tear in her eye as I sang..."Let Me Call You Sweetheart". She said "No one has ever sang to me before" I replied..."Well I'm here now" as I smiled back at her.
Again...Thank you Jesus for blessing me over and over again!

Pictures!!!! :o)

Two days after Amanda and Joe got married, Joe woke Amanda and told her he would be back that he had to go get a suprise for her. This is what he came back with... For those who do not know...the flower of their wedding was the "Daisy". They named their first baby...."daisy" Sweet huh??Daisy


Their FIRST Football game together after marriage. I think they could have picked better attire..say...oh I don't know....maybe some Titans wear?? ;) By the way...Rick and I were invited up just to spend time together with them in their new home to watch the game. Ok and maybe Joey did have some hidden agenda...Steelers against the Titans...I think he wanted to see us cry?? LOL jk Anyway...We...all being newly weds had an awesome time together and it was wonderful for us to get out of the house and just spend some one on one time with them. We love you Amanda and Joe!!

The Prophecy....

Years ago when I attended Assembly Of God church with Pastor Larry, there was a prophecy about me. That prophecy was...That I would care for many lambs.
Throughout life I have cared for many people. When I first started out I worked as a nursing assistant at different nursing homes. I quit as soon as I found out I was pregnant with my first child. After I had Amanda, I decided to be a stay-at-home Mom. Then I got pregnant again, and again, and again. So throughout the last 20 years I have been giving care to four beautiful children....and trust me the pay off has been amazing!! Now that my youngest is growing older and bills keep coming in, I decided to go to work. I now take care of an amazing woman with MS. Her name is Patricia. I look forward to going to work....I enjoy feeling needed. And I am needed! I will always feel needed as far as my kids go...I will always be a Mom. But the line of work I am in right now....is nothing short of a prophecy come to pass.

I thank God.....for the lambs he has trusted me to care for.

It was never about the money....

It was never about the money....I offered to do it by myself if need be.

What it was about was....
Dedication
I wanted to "dedicate" something to MY Father

Yet again...
That got stripped from ME
so...
"The final nail in the coffin"
I love you DAD and Miss you so much!

God Knows What He's Doing...

This year for me was about being unselfish I guess.
I had to set a LOT free.....
I had to set my Dad free....
I had to set Amanda free....
I had to set Faith free....
and then me...
I set me free to trust and truly love again.
I set my past free!!
And it feels so good!....
I honestly believe GOD knows EXACTLY what he's doing.
...He amazes me!

The Day Everyone Was Waiting For....

But not as much as Rick and I... ;0)

Thank you so much to my sister Tina who enjoyed and shared Our Day with us...and also made it so we could look back and share our memories!! Thank you Tina for you and your camera!!

Presenting Rick & Gwen Jackman
August 05, 2009

Some Wedding Pictures...Amanda & Joes Wedding

Mother & Daughter...as if you couldn't tell?!!


Exchanging Marriage Vows

Maid of Honor : Jess Vickers (Amandas Best Friend)
Bridesmaid : Angie Lantz Amandas Sister in Law
Bridesmaid : Sammi Notz Amandas Sister
Bridesmaid : Morgan Pintagro Amandas Sister

Best Man : Jr (Joes Best Friend)
Groomsman : Ken Lantz Joes Brother
Groomsman : Cody Walter Amandas Cousin
Groomsman : Casey Pintagro Amandas Brother

Cake Table ......I designed :)

Joe & Amanda Lantz dancing their first song to Clicnt Black - When I said I Do

......Still dancing to the song When I said I do by Clint Black

Some Awesome pictures of my Daughter and Son in Laws Wedding I think!!!
Presenting to you.....
Joseph and Amanda Lantz
August 08, 2009

New Beginings....

Talk about stepping out of a "comfort zone"!

This week has been something else!

I started a new job on Monday...and I absolutely love it! There is a lot of freedom with this job. Most people can't...Make or take phone calls while working....or take the kids or Husband to work with you......or switch shifts when something comes up......or even take a night off whenever they feel overwhelmed. On top of that...most people can't get the satifaction of brightening someones day or putting a smile on their face while at work. I get to do all these things and make good money!! I am BLESSED!

I got married on August 5, 2009 to my BEST friend. I have never met a more understanding, supportive, caring, or true man. We have been dating for 2 years and 3 months and FINALLY we were able to get married. The only thing ever holding us back was a lack of funds. I know I know.....why did we let that happen? I refuse to even offer an excuse....because you would have to be in our situation to understand. However....Thank you to my StepDad and Mom....we were able to finally make our commitment to each other in GODS eyes. Thank you Mom and Philip for making this happen quicker than we could have!!! I am BLESSED!!!

On Saturday August 8, 2009 my oldest child will be taking the same vows before a lot of people and GOD. I couldn't stand this man when he first came into the picture, as I am sure EVERYONE knows. (I don't keep things bottled up inside...I have a way of letting people know I am bothered) ;) However in the 2 years they have dated, Joe has proved himself and I have believe in second chances. I couldn't have hand-picked a better man for my daughter!!! He is awesome to her and likewise she is to him. I wish them all the happiness in the world! So as far as Son-In-Laws..... again....I am BLESSED!!!

P.S. I will be posting pictures of BOTH weddings ASAP ;)
P.S.S Take a moment this week....And concentrate on YOUR blessings and remember to thank GOD for them!!!

Ten Commandments of Stress-Management

1. Thou Shalt Not Vegetate - Find yourself some outlet for physical energy and exert yourself. You'll find yourself blowing off steam, sleeping better, and your entire body will benefit.
2. Thou Shalt not keep quiet - Counseling is good for dealing with stress, whether it's just talking it over with a spouse or a friend who'll lend an ear, or talking to your daughters in PA, or getting professional help. This is not a sign of weakness or defeat; you're just beginning to fight.
3. Thou shalt not try to move mountains - you must learn to accept what cannot changed and learn to live with it. The circumstances of your situation can remain the same, but you can change the way you react to them.
4. Thou shalt not covet the pharmacist's goods - Do not medicate yourself. Always see your doctor for help in using any prescribed medication. Remember, drug abuse is a form of self-medication for stress management, and it usually makes the stress worse.
5. Honor thy sleep and thy rest - Lack of proper rest can lead to irritability, which is a sign of stress. Although each person varies, seven to eight hours a night is suggested.
6. Thou shalt not make jack a dull boy - Balance your work and play. Get out there and recreate. This helps to relax the mind as long as you're not the competitive, compulsive type. Give yourself a break.
7. Thou shalt not be selfish - Don't concentrate on yourself and your problems; this only makes them worse. Make yourself get out and meet new people, do new activities, see new things.
8. Thou shalt not spread yourself thin - You need to set priorities in your life to get things done. Trying to get it all done at one time only leads to more worries.
9. Thou shalt not always have the last word - Unless it's an argument of great importance, give in occasionally. This helps to break the tension of the discussion; the other benefit is that you'll find the other person giving in more often.
10. Thou shalt not be a hermit - Don't sit alone at home, frustrated, withdrawn, feeling sorry for yourself. Get out and get involved. Keep yourself occupied.
    

Stuffed....

Last night I stuffed.....stuffed and stuffed some more. I stuffed green peppers, I stuffed cabbage, I stuffed strawberries....and finally.....I stuffed myself!! ;0)

Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries

8oz Softened Cream Cheese
1/2 cup Powered Sugar
1 Tsp. Vanilla

Snip the top of the strawberries. Hollow out the center of the strawberry a little. Put your filling in a bag, after it's mixed and start stuffin!! ;)

New Recipe...

I found the BEST recipe EVER!!!



1 Cup Baking Soda
1 Cup Table Salt
1 Cup Borax Laundry Booster

Mix altogether, Put into a container with holes, in order to be shaken out.
Shake it on your carpet and leave it for several days. WAH~LAH...NO MORE FLEAS!!!!!

I hate fleas and dread flea season.... they love me more than animals I am fairly convinced!!!
Smiles @ the fact anyone thought maybe this would be a delicious recipe they could maybe try for dinner. Trust me... this is better than ANYTHING you could ever eat if fleas love you as much as they love me! ;0)

Latest Catch ;)

As you all know, Gwen loves to go fishing!!

I am usually the one sitting on the bank on a warm day watching Rick and Casey pulling in the "Big One". Bass, Perch, Bowfin, and Pikes. I am the one catching things like baby perch, lil' bowfin, sticks, rocks, minnows (yes I have caught a minnow on a worm and hook....don't laugh...I did enough of that for all of us) a 3 inch large mouth bass....the mouth was actually bigger than the body...I brought that one home and put it in my fish tank...it lasted about uhm.......(thinking.....) maybe 2 weeks. The other fish lasted about uhm.....(thinking again.......) about 2 days LOL. Ok so that all leads to this picture....I was sitting there...getting nibble after nibble....FINALLY....it took my hook...and it was HEAVY....Gwen finally caught a big one.......YEAH!!!!......as I reeled this huge fish in....it wasn't swimming back and forth in the water as all fish usually do....but it was very heavy and my pole was bending...I kept thinking ok guys....wait til' you check this out.....about 4 feet of shore im inticipating seeing the "keeper"......and this is what I saw....

A BABY snapper....are you kidding me????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL The best of all that is this....it STILL doesn't beat out what CASEY caught at GENEVA SWAMP........


A 32# SNAPPER!!!!

UGHHHHHHH....I refuse to give up though....because someday....someday....I will bring home a dinner for 6......even if it takes a bucket full of sunfish to feed us all. ;o)

Hillbilly Gardening Continued....

I'm backkkkkkkkkkkk...... ;o)

Ok so I went out to check on my tomato plants and to my suprise we now have 13 tomatoes!! I can almost taste the tomato sandwiches I plan to make with them ;)

I took a picture simply for your enjoyment.. LOL

Bowfin - The Prehistoric Fish

We went fishing again last Saturday...and this is what we found...

This actually was caught last year by me (Gwen) at Geneva Swamp

Bowfin up close

Morgan's Bowfin

Geneva Bridge

Casey's Bowfin
Geneva Bridge

Fish Caught so Far '09

Casey's 25in Northern Pike

French Creek (Shaw's Landing)

Casey's 25in Northern Pike

French Creek (Shaw's Landing)

Casey's 12in Perch

Tamarack

Rick's 17in Small Mouth Bass

French Creek (Wilson Shutes)

Rick's 17in Small Mouth Bass

French Creek (Wilson Shutes)

Morgan's 6in Perch

Tamarack

Gwen's 9in Perch

Tamarack

Well as anyone knows...we LOVE FISHING!!!! It's such an awesome way for us to spend QUALITY time as a family. Amanda and Sammi both work a lot so we don't get a lot of fishing time with them...but when we do....it's awesome too. I have always loved bonding with my kids. But when it comes to fishing...it's a special bonding time with Mom and Son. I always talked make-up, hairbands, nail polish, cooking, baking and boys with the daughters. With Casey it's...uhm son...bait my hook or take this fish off....and this is how to filet a fish Casey. Don't get me wrong, Rick usually baits my hook and I usually take the fish off the hook.....UNLESS the worm is above the hook. I DON'T TOUCH WORMS LOL Either way, it's memories being created between Mom and children...and nothing can ever replace that, not in my eyes and I'm sure some day....not in theirs. I love you kids!!!

Hillbilly Gardening..

We planted our first garden, if that's what you want to call it...lol We had 3 tomato plants given to us. So last night we decided to spend some time in the back yard planting these. After a few phone calls to find out how to plant them, we gave it a whirl. Even if they produce nothing, the memory Rick and I shared in those moments was worth all the digging, smiles, laughs, and shared glances back and forth. ;)

Missing Miss Faith...

I haven't posted in awhile. I lost my Father almost 2 months ago now. And after much hope, faith, treatment, tears, and finally a very tough decision we decided to put Miss Faith down. We took Faith back to the vet after one month and she had mange again. I wish she would have overcome the nasty deadly desease, but it returned or never left, I'm not quite sure. Rick and I are very confident we did every thing possible to save her. Her immune system was down and looked as though this mange would have been with her throughout her life. We felt it would be better to not be selfish on our behalf and let her go. It was one of the toughest decisions I have ever had to make. She brought so much joy to the kids and to us. She is missed so very much. We are looking for a new puppy....with knowledge that it will never be FAITH. Maybe the next dog will give us as much joy as we anticipate giving it.

We will always remember and love you Miss Faith....

In Loving Memory....

On March 28th I experienced a pain I never knew. I guess I just thought it would be awhile before I had to say goodbye to a parent. On my Dads side of the family they live to be 70 some or 80 some and usually pass from Cancer. My dad was 62 years young and passed away from a Massive Heart Attack. When I got the call to get to the hospital I rushed as fast as I could and called in for prayer for him. I figured maybe it was something that could be fixed with a surgery, maybe a few days stay in the hospital. I was wrong. I didn't make it in time to even say goodbye to him. He was already gone by time I got there.

As much as Dad and I disagreed, we agreed as well. We were close, which is probably why he was so hard on me at times. He loved me and wanted the best for me.

He taught me a lot of important things in life and the thing he most pushed in the last 14 years was, God knows what he is doing if you just ask, and listen. I know for a fact every single day for the last 14 years he mentioned every one of his kids in prayer. I miss his prayers! I miss calling him for any reason, to tell him about something one of the grandchildren did, to ask how to get some where, ask about a recipe, ask how to filet a fish, to just tell him I love him and appreciate him.

My Dad is missed so very much by many people.

I found out a couple things since this has all took place...

Never take anyone for granted...you will eventually regret it.

There is NO bargining with GOD....when he says, "Come home"...he means..."Come Home"

God really knows what he is doing....I myself could have never handled hearing my Dad say to me.."Im outta here"

Be kind to family....you will need them at some point.

With all that said...

I will forever miss you Dad...and I will always love you..... Rest in peace now Dad...you are HOME!

Spring...Spring...Spring =)

I was outside yesterday, just cleaning up some, doing some raking, and just looking around at spring happening all around. I went inside and grabbed my camera to capture some of spring in my yard as it happens....This is what I came up with.

I miss Fishing =(

I took this picture last summer while Rick and I were at Tamarack Lake fishing. I don't remember if we caught anything but just looking at this picture makes me miss the warm weather even more. I do already have this years fishing license by the way...so get ready Tina!!! LOL