Labor Day Weekend 2008, Beaver Lake, Arkansas

Testing Your Limbits

Hello all! I hope everyone had a chance to catch up on a little R&R over the weeknd. We had such a great time this weekend with my soon-to-be (three weeks and counting) sister-in-law's family at Beaver Lake, Arkansas.

I discovered what an awesome wake boarder we are bringing into the clan, not to mention a boat driver, woah! It was a sibling weekend. We ate (and ate), played a great game called Hoopla. Try it and it will definitely bring you out of your shell and have you laughing.  

Then stayed on the water all day. We totally lost track of time and just savored the moments! We even introduced my husband to Dairy Queen. This was a very momentous occasion. On Monday, September 1st, he was introduced to the "Blizzard". We were on the road when the ice cream craving took over and before we knew it the car had taken itself right into a front row spot by the door. He loved it. I swear, it's the little things in life that keeps the smiles going!

Anyway, little Matthew was all about learning how to wake board and tube. So, we all tried a few things. How did I do? 

Well, we had a three person tube which I quickly realized was going to affect my weight distribution. So, I tightned every muscle I had leaned forward and was ready to perform many acrobatic tricks, I held on to the handles by sliding my wrists under and then just let the ride take me. I felt like I was on a trampoline. I would bounce higher than everyone and then get the giggles so bad I couldn't hold on then...flip, right off the side. Then back in, assume the position, and start over for round 2, 3 & 4. We had a great time.

Then, as my confidence grew, I wanted to try knee boarding. This my friends, was a great Kodak moment.  With help from all, I ended up on my stomach holding on for dear life. One thing I didn't expect was the faster we went my legs started hitting the water so hard that I once again, got the giggles. Not because it hurt or that it was all that funny but I have developed a really soft spot on the back of my leg that tickles. Is that not the weirdest thing? :)

So, the water was actually tickling my leg. So, here we go. Laugh, roll off, back up.  Haha!  This went on for a while until Nick decided to come behind me, which pushed me up higher on the board and then he held the rope and I balanced on the board. This was where we developed the team work to make it work. We held on for quite a while!

I loved it! What a liberating weekend. There is something about being in water that makes you feel "free".  We saw a few people that could have been less free, but all the same, it provides an opportunity to forget and be yourself.   

Fred & Ginger went with us until I got in the water. They went into a cubby hole and stayed dry. I'm sure they were laughing and wondering what they were missing. Anyway, pictures to come and laughs to follow! Have a great day!

Love, Jen

A Rough Start, A Few Laughs & Friends in Low Places

Good day! Before I start this post, I wanted to give you a bit of encouragement. I live by a school where the boys track team is up running every morning. I was watching one kid this morning who I thought was going to fall over any minute! He was shuffling (not running), his head was titled to the side (as if his shoulder was a pillow) , and he was way behind the pack.

It was one of those moments where you start to feel his pain. Poor guy, what a rough start to the day, I thought. Then, out from behind came two other kids that weren't doing much better but noticed this kid struggling. Without much but a simple mental push, they got up next to him and all three started pacing each other.

They started picking up the pace, the head came off his shoulders, and they got closer and closer to the lead pack. It was like watching a flower get a little water and sprout up. I'm sure he is at home sleeping now but it was a great way to enjoy the morning. :)

So, after coffee and the morning race, I got back to reality. What's been going on? Well, my new 10 friends have been with me at a few events. They made their debut at an engagement party for my brother and Christy. How did they do? Well, they did a nice job of holding my wine glass and talked a lot for me. We used to talk A LOT together. :) I was reminded of this when one of my friends went onto another glass, oops!

My youngest brother had posted a while back about a friend of ours who was going to run 100 miles and his goal was to raise $5K for P.L.A.Y. Well, that race was this past weekend and he raised just under the $5K goal! Just amazing! But, let me tell you how this was done. Justin and his partner didn't finish the race (it's 100 miles!). But not because of the mileage, rather it was mother nature. This is just crazy.

The race started at 4 in the morning under these conditions: 30 degrees, snow, rain, sleet and his running partner suffered from hypothermia and a twisted knee. Some runners even had to be carried out by helicopter. WOW! They did such a great thing. Even though they didn't cross the finish line the end result was greatly summed up by "achieving anything, even goals one had worked toward for a year, pales in comparison to the simple act of reaching out and caring for another human being."

I've done some speaking this week, met with a wonderful author (fascinating how the book industry works), been at meetings, watched some great videos provided to me by Scottish Rite, found my new (of several) inspiration at teamcody.com & tried to sleep.

But, one of the things I have observed is the people I have met. I don't know if it's me, them, or the situation but its been fun. Everyone needs friends in low places. Check this out: have you ever talked to the person in the tollbooth?

How about your drive-through bank teller? Until recently, I pretty much did my thing at both places and moved on. Well, last weekend it was kind of late and I went through the toll and we were getting change. As this took a second, I asked her how she was doing and when she got off her shift. She responded that she had a little longer to go on her shift but then said (with a smile), "I'm just really glad to have a job."

How she said this really made me appreciate how we take things for granted. Then, I love my drive through teller at the bank. This guy is always so helpful and has the best things to say. He is always cheerful and provides fantastic service but, the one thing I find so refreshing is that he makes an effort of getting outside of himself and making the "drive-through" experience something nice in your day.

So what do these two examples mean to you? No matter what your doing, be the best that you can be. Even though our goals in life may be different, the way we treat others can get you much farther in life than having it "all" but no spirit.

Love,
Jen

Swimming With New Hands

So, how was my weekend? Well, in addition to watching the Olympics and the best mens' swimming relay ever (go USA!),

...going to an airplane museum and being envious of my little brother's trip to Japan for two weeks, I spent time with my new 10 friends. ;) After waiting for such a long time, I finally received my hands! Amazing how real they look and feel.

I can actually swim with them, wear my wedding ring, grab the car steering wheel and most of all use the jewelry that has been waiting on the back burner.

Its a strange feeling to have something so normal feel so weird. I had to get used to having length again and having the ability to scratch my head, hold my purse, etc. I realized just how much I have learned to do without them. It really makes you realize what you can adapt to when the situation presents itself.

Its the next phase. But, I have a challenge for you. Because I now have what I thought I could not live without but realize that I have adapted without, take something away for two weeks and see how you feel.

Rather than drive a car, just walk, take the train, or carpool and meet some new people along the way. Don't eat out and learn how to cook. Take away or reduce TV and spend more time with the family or read more books. Whatever it is, take it away for a while and I promise, you will adapt.

The fun part is finding how you compensate, how creative you become or new things you discover. Then ask yourself: do I really have to have it?

There is always a piece of yourself that gets discovered through circumstance. See what you can do and become.

Wishing you the best,
Jen

Sky the Service Dog & More Updates

I think we will finally have a new addition to our family! I was told last week that we are 95% sure that I have a service dog and should be at our house within a month to 6 weeks.

He is an awesome male chocolate lab named Sky. They have done such an amazing job training this little guy. We didn't get a chance to name the dog as they name them while training, but I think it's a look into the future. Sky is the limit. Hopefully he won't be our only addition.

Hand Update: I am getting my hands this week. It seems like forever since this started but will be an exciting time.

Pilates Video Update: Thanks to ALL who voted and who sent me so many wonderful emails. We didn't win but came so close. We got some great calls as well. It was fun and I'm glad that Donna and I were able to participate.

Weekend Update: Little Matthew went to a cooking camp this weekend then all the kids served lunch to the parents/adults in their aprons & hats.

It was so much fun and I have to say, great food and great skills taught for the kiddos. As someone pointed out, the most impressive thing with 30 kids: not one dish was dropped! Now, that's a good day.

Foundation Update: This is really coming along and will bring so many smiles to so many youth.

I find something to be inspired by everyday I work on this! I hope a year from now I can give you so much information and would hope to have helped numerous kids.

There is so much more to life if you allow yourself to explore the unknown and the possibilities.

Wishing everyone a great day!

Love,

Jen