A Hot Winter Day.

It just baffles my mind to think that this is Winter. I am not texan by any means, and to be honest, I miss the cold sometimes, but it is nice to live in shorts and t-shirts all year round. Todaym it was 84 degrees! Can you even believe it? Back in WI it was a snowstorm... like 7 inches of wet, cold, snow!

Today, I stayed home, my day got switched to tomorrow to work. So, I sat at my desk with my window open and worked on school work. My dad worked from home today, so we pretty much stayed upstairs so we didn't bother him.

Bless my dad's heart, he pretty much has not moved today. He had a deadline for some work and he was going to town on it. His neck is now hurting him, I think I may have to start charging for my massages ;)

So, my mom was talking to some old friend of hers tonight about homeschooling. I love, love, love homeschooling. My ONLY pet peeve is everyone talking about the 'social' issue. It drives me insane! I don't even understand it. I think that is everyones fear, that their children will become hermits and die. haha...

Pretty much folks, I can still talk to anyone I want to, hang out with anyone I want to and do alot of what I want to. But, I get to choose who NOT to hang out with and what not to do. Whatever. Just a major pet peeve of mine and I just wish that people wouldn't automatically lable homeschoolers as non-social.

I think that tonight I will need to turn the air on upstairs. It is 79 degrees up here right now. I still have my window open, but there isn't a breeze. Pretty sad huh? Air conditioning in February!

I have decided that I love, love, love having company from home. But, in the end, it makes me more homesick to have to say goodbye to them. I had a great time with Karen this past week/end. We always have so much fun!

I worked today, then came home and did not get enough done. I feel like I have no time to get all I have to get done, done. Oh well, slowly but surely, right?

I work on Saturday instead of tomorrow, so I really have to get booking tomorrow and get soooo much done.

I am tired, but plan on staying up for a few hours doing some schoolwork. It's all about time management!

Oh How We love our Auntie Karen :)

FA SISTER K.

Is here! In Texas! WHOO HOO! I am so excited that she made it here saftely. We are going to have loads and loads of fun

B-fast tacos in the morning and farmers market? Lunch? Rudys?!?!


Fun no matter what!

All Grown Up!

Today we babysat for MOPS. I was astonished at how little kids we had. I only had FOUR in my group. I usually have 9-12 kids by myself. I was LOVING it today!

Well, after MOPS was done, I drove the Henderson kiddos over to their house. I babysat them until 5:30. I didn't blog about it, but Brooke the youngest, was the baby that I started watching at 1 month old. She was born 9 weeks early, needless to say, she is a miracle baby. She stopped breathing on me, and I haven't babysat her or Preston and Ashlyn in over 9 months! But anyways, today I sat for them and was amazing that the little girl Brooke has become! Preston wanted nothing to do with the camera, so most pictures are of Brooke (1yr old now) and a few of her big sister Ashlyn (5 and a half)


Brooke (when I first started watching her... 1.5 months OLD)








Brooke NOW ( 1 year old)







Ashyln and Brooke.









I just can't believe how she changed! She is the happiest baby I know! Smiles alll the time!

Oh yes, and Karen is going to be here in ONE HOUR! YAY! I cannot wait. I am so excited. We will have a blast, rain or shine. I love her.

the end.

Happy 18th Wesley!

Not that he would ever read this.

But.

Happy 18th Birthday Wesley! I hope you had a great day!

Jenna Requites Sleep.

I have found that to be even more true since I have been sick.

I seem to value sleep even more. It could just be because I am a teenager, but whatever. haha

I babysat today. And am very thankful I only worked 6 hours instead of 12. I don't think I could have done it today. I was worn out by the time I got home!

Tomorrow I babysit for the Hendersons! The first time since Brooke was 2 months old, she is now a year! Wow. It seems like just yesterday. I am excited to hang out with them. We are going to MOPS in the morning, and then i'll take the kids back to their house until their dad gets home. We will have fun for sure.

THEN! MY FA KAREN IS COMING TOMORROW NIGHT! YAY! I am so ready for her to get here! I can't wait. We always have sooo much fun. And I need it. A relaxing time. Stress free. sigh! She will have to come again soon so we can go to the beach! - The best thing is, I don't have to work while she is here!

...

...

...

I think I am going to do some school and play a video game with Kathleen and turn in early tonight. Morning seems to come too soon no matter what time I get to bed.

I don't even have a title?

Today, I didn't work. I think I am starting to feel better, my head isn't pounding nearly as much. It seems to get worse at night. Tomorrow morning I have a dentist appt. yay!...

I need to start gearing myself back towards reality. I don't know if I am working on Thursday yet or not, but the Friday it is MOPS and I am babysitting after that til 5 or 6. Then Karen comes Friday night at 10:15! I cannot even wait for her to get here! I LOVE it when she comes!

So, I got this call to babysit the weekend. Sunday night....I wasn't thinking and said yes. Right when I got off the phone, my dad reminded me that Karen was going to be here. SO. I called this lady back, and politely told her that I could not babysit after all, and I was truly very sorry. Maybe I should back up just a bit...
I have babysat for this family one time. They live fairly close to me, so, no problem. I believe that the mom has called me 2 or 3 other times, always a night for 2 before (very last minute) and I have been busy either at Bible Study, or babysitting for a different family. (OK, I think you are caught up now ;-). )
The mom was a bit upset, but at least was alright with it. No sooner than when I had hung up for the second time, the phone rang again, this time my cell phone. And it was her again. Asking me for a date in March. So, I checked my calendar and noticed that my grandma was going to be here, so I said QUOTE
''It looks like my Grandma is going to be here, but I will mark you down, because it.........................''
And she gets really upset, says ''OK, I'll look for someone else then. thanks, bye'' and hung up.

I guess it just rubbed me the wrong way or something. I don't know. Just really irritated me. I don't like to have anyone be upset with me and knowing that she is, just bugs me. But I am going to take my moms advice and just let it go. I don't owe her anything and I already had other plans.

I think that is why I am getting so worn out. I feel like I always have to take a babysitting job because I don't want to say no, or jip anyone. (Don't take that wrong mommies ;) I still love to babysit and adore kiddos... :) ) But, I can't babysit for everyone! I have my own life too.. I have school to do and sleep to get!

Wow. So did I just let it all out or what?!? Sorry to everyone who reads this.. what a rant!

On a lighter note, I bought High school Musical 3 today and watched it with my family. I don't care what you people think. I LOVED all three of those movies! I thought they were the cutest things. And they are clean movies! You can't find those very much anymore. What a cute chick flick! Sigh :)

Well, I am going to do some Spanish and/or Chemistry before bed. Have a great night people.

Kaitlyn Mae Thibaudeau

Kaitlyn Mae was born today at 2:18 pm. She was 7lbs 1 oz and 20 inches long! She is beautiful! I am so excited for a healthy baby for Betsy and Nathan!

Here is a picture!




Isn't she so cute! I wish I could be there to hold her!

Roast Beef Dip Sandwich with Garlic-Herbed Au Jus.

Garlic Au Jus

2 teaspoons olive oil
2 tablespoons finely chopped onions
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/4 cup red wine
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can beef broth, homemade beef stock or 3/4 cup rich homemade beef stock
1 French baguette, cut into 4 (5-6 inch portions)
1-2 slices Swiss cheese
1 lb thinly sliced roast beef

1

To make the Garlic Au Jus: In medium sauce pan, heat oil over medium heat. Then add onions, garlic and dry herbs, and cook, stirring often, about 1 minute. Do no let garlic brown.
2

Then add red wine, soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Increase heat, bring to simmer and let liquid reduce by half. Add beef broth and simmer for 5 minutes. (If using homemade stock, you may need to season with salt and pepper.).
3

You can make the recipe to this point up to 3 days in advance and keep, covered, in refrigerator.
4

To make and serve sandwiches: Reheat au jus. Split baguette pieces and top with Swiss cheese. Divide roast beef among sandwiches. Close sandwiches, place on baking sheet and bake at 450 degrees for about 3 minutes or until just warmed. Serve with small cups hot au jus for dipping.

Jenna's Notes:

I used homemade hamburger buns and didn't even use the sherry... YUMM

-- Since I am not feeling well, and haven't eaten much, this just sounded good to me today! It is worth the try, and really easy!