Thanksgiving 2009

It was a wonderful Thanksgiving in my world this year!  Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday, so I am always so excited when it finally gets here.  

We went down to Hot Springs Wednesday night, went to dinner and then went to visit my grandmother in her new "crib".  She moved into a larger apartment at the retirement home she is in, and she LOVES it.

Thursday, we served lunch at a local church with my mom's aunt and uncle to hundreds of less fortunate.  It was one of my favorite parts of the entire holiday.  It was very fulfilling to be able to provide a pleasant Thanksgiving experience to those who couldn't provide one for themselves.  I always take for granted the life that I have been fortunate enough to have.

Anyways, my family decided we will for sure keep doing that every year and my aunt (dad's sister) and her family will be joining us next year!

The rest of the holiday was filled with tons of eating, family, eating, football, eating, games, sitting around the fire outside and so much more!  My dad's sister has 4 children as well, so its QUITE entertaining everywhere you turn when we get together!  

Here are some pics- rather LARGE pics b/c I didn't realize it was on the LARGE setting when I uploaded (and was honestly too lazy to delete and re-upload)  ENJOY!

Hudson- life of the party

Haley and Tara around the fire

Avery and Lucas- she loved Lucas

My cousin's daughter, Avery

Dad and I serving lunch at a church

Haley, Avery, Lucas

So thankful for my grandmother being here.  This time last year she was going thru a very rough time!

Sarah Jessica and Hudson

my aunt and mom

Dad, Tara and Nathan

My sisters, me, Uncle Joe and my cousin Amy

Love ya, Timie!

Timie, Jake, Hud

my mom's aunts and uncle joined us for Thanksgiving lunch

The fam + Nathan- so happy he came with us this year!

Love ya, Sis

"Picture Day"

The entire crew- probably why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday

We played this really fun game (can't remember the name of it), but it was SO FUN and definitely a new "Thanksgiving Tradition".  When I find out the name, I'll let you all know.  This was at the very end when the pressure was on.  Jake and Lucas, thought you'd like this.

Happy Thanksgiving

Yes, its been a while.... a very long while.... and with very good reason.  Actually, the same reason as always when I don't blog for a while-- I've been busy.  And, I'm so busy, that this post will be quite short.

I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving week, and I hope you all enjoy time with your family and friends!  This is my most favorite holiday due to the fact that its just all about being around the people you love and being thankful for all the people and happenings in your life!  

I saw Blind Side tonight.  If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it.  Its one of those "feel good" movies that is perfect to go see the week of Thanksgiving.  It definitely reminded me of all that I'm thankful for and was a reminder to myself to "not sweat the small stuff".

Love you all, and I promise to update on all the past weeks asap!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Thank you, Veterans

As many of you know, my Papa was such a very important and influential part of my life.  There are always those significant dates like his birthday that I love to observe and am so thankful for.  And then, there is the bittersweet Veteran's Day... it probably brings back the memories more than anything.  He did so much for our country.... more than I can even comprehend.  Thru all of the torment and pain he went thru during his time of service-- I never once heard him speak negatively of any of it.  He was amazing.

It was quite weird when I went to post a pic for this blog.  It was the same one that I posted last year as that is still the most recent picture I have of him.  Its so crazy.  I would give anything for him to be here today.

Thank you to all the Veterans for all you did for our country.

In memory of my Papa.  You are truly missed.

quick recap

Its been quite a while (or at least for me) since the last post.  I've been so insanely (but a very good insanity I assure you) busy!!  In fact, I have so much work to do tonight, but I had to at least send out something since its been so long!

Quick (and I mean QUICK) recap---

• Health wise- things are going better.  I am on a no meat, organic diet... for the most part.  Its not something I have to alter every single thing about, but watching what foods I eat (mainly regarding the hormones and pesticides which many turn into estrogen once in my body) is a high priority for me until I am better.  This isn't being enforced by my doctor- its just something I am choosing to do myself in addition to the other treatment he has me trying right now.
• I'm headed to Dallas next week for some meetings for work.  Pretty excited about that-- just trying to get everything finished here before I leave!
• Halloween was SPECTACULAR.  I headed to Little Rock on Thursday to visit a few stores and then had the rest of the weekend to play with my friends!  We went to a couple of Halloween parties for Becca's school-- will post pics asap!!  OH, and I will also post details of the flood Jordan, Jake and I were in as well!!  
• I can't believe its November already!!  Where have the last couple of months gone?
• Raven got in town today, and I get to see her tomorrow night!!  I'm super ecstatic!
• Basically- Loving life and all the busyness going on!!

Will elaborate more later- but tons of work to do!  

Enjoy this pic from Halloween until then....

Closet Cleanse: Update

5 people have been selected for the FREE 3 hour Closet Cleanse and 2 hour personal shopping.

Thanks for sending in your requests.  Please feel free to send me your email address to my email, and I will add you to the email distribution list as I announce the first part of my new business!

jennifer.gartman@gmail.com

To the 5 people who are receiving the Cleanse.... Congratulations, and I can't wait to work some magic in your closets!!

Closet Cleanse

Winter... I mean... Fall is here.  I procrastinated as long as I possibly could, but the time has come to remove my spring/summer clothes from my closet and replace it with the fall/winter clothes.

Yes, I realize I'm a little late on this.  Not being much of a cold weather fan... I was in denial for a couple of weeks.

Speaking of closets, this brings up a VERY EXCITING topic.  

As you know, I am currently working on a new business.  This business will contain two divisions.  Over the next few months, I will gradually release new info on both of these as they happen.

I am so excited to announce the name of the first business in a couple of weeks, but I want to go ahead and give you all who read my blog a little "advantage" over the outside world.

One division of the business will be a closet merchandising/personal shopping/styling opportunity.  The last couple of months, I have been performing "Closet Cleanses" for a few people.  The Closet Cleanse is when I meet you at your house and thoroughly go through your wardrobe with you and help you decide 1)what to keep, 2)what to donate, 3)what you could be pairing together that you may not be already, 4)what key pieces you could add to your wardrobe, and many more beneficial adjustments to your closet.

I will take pictures of the various outfits/options I put together for you so that you can remember when its time to decide what to wear.

This service is for all ages.

When we are finished with the Closet Cleanse, you will also have the option of taking me shopping with you and suggesting various items to complete your wardrobe.

I will be "officially" announcing this business and its name in the next couple of weeks.  However, to get an early start, I'm giving away FIVE FREE 3 hour sessions to the first 5 people to send me an email.  The free session will include a 3 hour closet cleanse and 2 hour shopping trip.

Email me at jennifer.gartman@gmail.com, and the first 5 people will win the FREE packages.

You must live in the Northwest Arkansas or Fort Smith areas, please.

More info to be posted later!

Life is good

I had the ultrasound today, and let me tell you-- if you were reading my blog last- oh, probably FEBRUARY- you will remember that I had an ultrasound done (for this same issue).  And it was NOT a pleasant experience.  I'm wanting to say the "ultrasounder's" (I'm calling her that b/c I can't remember the technical term at the moment... you get the drift.) name was Dorothy.  I could be mistaken, but I'm pretty sure it was that.  Dorothy was not a pleasant person and did not want me asking the 20 thousand questions during the ultrasound (hmmm.... wonder why?).  I'm a pretty intense patient when it comes to questions, but I am also a very trusting patient (to most doctors), so I like to think that it all evens out.

Well, TODAY'S u-sound was as good as an u-sound can possibly get.  Guys, you wouldn't understand, and you probably will want to stop reading this now... but here we go....

Not wanting to go into much detail- she checked my kidneys, pelvic area, ovaries, cervix, etc....

She was very informative and real, and it was a much more pleasant experience.

Instead of waiting an entire day to even get a phone call from the dr's nurse. (as I had to do at my last doctor), she went to meet with my doctor to discuss what she saw.  ALREADY knowing that she told me that everything appeared normal, I didn't have to sit there and sweat profusely for 8 hours not knowing.

I then checked in for my appointment with him, and he came in to talk to me.

He explained to me that he had met with another Dr. in Little Rock to discuss my next treatment and...

BASICALLY (if any of you are still reading- you are crazy-hehe)- We are trying one more method of "treatment" before he goes to the last option.  I don't want to go into detail (its not surgery), but we will try this and if it doesn't work, then I will start some sort of hormone therapy by injection.  I DO NOT PLAN on that being the case as I am willing for this next treatment to really take control.

Good news is I can work out (as long as my body allows), and I am honestly feeling great other than the pain.  I've run 2 days this week, so that's a start!  Running tomorrow morning as well.

I will NOT be writing about this everyday b/c I find when I don't write about it 24/7, I don't have my mind on it 24/7.  It will just be the occasional long, crazy, journal-type entry post like tonight's is. (and one that I recommend you skip over- very long)

Anyways, I can't express how thankful I am that I have a doctor and nurse like I do.  They really are a great team, and they have been very supportive and caring during this for me.  I have talked to them at least once a week (usually more) on the phone since my surgery 1 month ago.  And they are calling b/c they truly care and want to get you out of pain b/c you aren't just a number to them.  I'm a very fortunate person.

Life is good

a little update on the topic we are all tired of hearing about (even myself)

Hi all!  I got a call from my doc today, and I'm going in for an ultrasound tomorrow and then immediately will see him to go over everything.  Not really going to go into detail at the time b/c honestly I don't even know much detail, but I do ask for you to say a quick prayer that everything will be ok.... If not... you might have a crazy woman on your hands!!  haha... kidding.... kind of....

Thanks for everything!!!

I Introduce to You.... Stella Rose

Today was a very exciting day.  Haley and Kyle welcomed Stella Rose Nicodemus this morning!  She weighs 7lbs 7 ounces.

I stopped by the hospital this afternoon to meet her, and she is precious.  

Congratulations, Haley and Kyle!  I'm so proud of you guys!

This is what I walked into.  Kyle had such a long day.  He loves his little STELLA!!

Took Haley and Kyle some Stella beer to celebrate soon.

And here she is!  She has Haley's mouth for sure.

Cheyanne and Stella

So happy to meet you, Stella.  Check out her bow...

I'm so proud of my friend!

Haley, Stella, Cheyenne

The Nicodemus family!!

She loves her mom

Stella, here are some pics of when you were called "The Little Bean".  I'm so happy that you are finally here!!

OHHH The Wilderness....

Every year, a group of my friends and I go on a Fall Float Trip.  This year's was last weekend, and we had such a great time!  A lot of people think we are crazy for going when its so cold, but it is really a great time, and we always figure out how to stay warm.

This year, after much debate, I decided not to go on the "float" portion.  The water was high, and there was a chance of tipping.  That is not something that I needed to be doing as I'm still recovering.

Friday afternoon, we loaded up and headed about an hour and a half away from Fayetteville.  The leaves were BEAUTIFUL, and it was very nice weather.

We set up camp and had a great Friday night.  I made Sara's DELICIOUS chicken soup recipe and we sat around the fire while Jake and Jordan played music for us.... all while eating out of the largest container of cheeze balls that they make.  (get them at Sam's- they are phenomenal)

Saturday morning, we had breakfast burritos, and then the crew set off for their canoeing for the day.

I stayed back and had "Jenny Time"- which worked out wonderfully b/c it was much needed after a few stressful weeks I've had.  I listened to the Razorback game (which we lost due to the horrible calls and our kicker seemed to leave his kicking foot at home for the game) and cooked.  I made ribs on the fire (I learned I'm not very good at keeping fires going) and started the roast that Jake brought.  Everything turned out really well.

Saturday night was FREEZING, but SARA THE FIRE MARSHALL kept a great fire going for us so we didn't freeze.  Thanks, Sara!!

So, it was a great trip, and I can't wait until next year!

Jordan Parker!!

My attempt at the fire (go ahead, laugh) and the ribs

Candace, Josh and the thumb

mashed potatoes and Jake

Pugsley loves Daniel

Alexia and Wisconsin- sister and bro

Oh I just love these girls

Sara, Cole and Daniel (and B Harrison in the background if you look closely)

Brian and Wisconsin enjoying the music

FRAMER

Love Alexia/Alexa/Alexis- whatever your name is- haha

Taylor loves cheese balls- Sara does not

Blurry b/c it was so smoky