Due Date Update?

Uhm...Oct. 31st now?

This could all change though by the next sonogram :)

Maddison Renae' Jackman

I guess it's time...

I think it's time for a new post? Not too much new to say other than...of course I'm expecting a new baby. Due Oct. 22nd. I'm praying it's a girl! My next appt. is May 18th, then a sonogram on May 25th. I can't wait....at that point is when I will hit the yard sales for baby stuff since the youngest is 14 now and her things are LONG gone! :)

I am spending time with family this week. I am so excited about that. I love my family no matter what they are going through....have gone through, or will go through. I have learned the hard way to cherish and love everyone of them. Life is too short and unpredictable to take them or things for granted.

I love you all! :)

New pics of Hope and Bella (Charity)

This is what Hope dug out of a (im guessing) 7ft snow bank. Rick looked at her and said "Good Girl Hope,.......Find any Fiftys???

Miss Bella - Charity

Ah ....the Double Trouble Duo

Snow Pictures I'm just now posting... :)

This is where I work. I took some pictures of the last snow storm and I am just now posting them...a couple weeks later...

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!! ;)