Day Thirty: A picture of someone you miss

My Uncle David

He's another part of my soul I left in Roanoke, Virginia.

I miss our Mexican "date nights."  I miss talking muscle cars.  I miss his dirty jokes.  I miss Fireballs in his garage.  I miss his big hugs.  I miss his "I love you, Jenny's."

I miss this leading man in my my life . . . I miss my Uncle David dearly.

Day Twenty-Nine: A picture that can always make you smile



The most magical instant of my entire life . . . the first time I held Jackson.

Does it make me smile? 

Always

Day Twenty-Eight: A picture of something you are afraid of



I am terrified of cancer.

I worked as an Oncology RN for 6 months right after graduation, and those months are the closest I ever want to come to this life-stealing disease.  Sometimes I am a bit of a cancer hypochondriac . . . like every bruise could be a sign of leukemia.  Those 6 months exposed me to such suffering that I fear cancer for anyone.  I don't know if I have the type of bravery cancer patients and their caregivers emanate within me . . . and I hope to never find out.

Day Twenty-Seven: A picture of you with a family member





To some people it might sound silly, but this was the most emotional moment of my wedding day.  And it has always been one of my favorite photographs of my dad and I.  You see . . . my dad and I have a rather unique "story."  Nick adopted me when I was 4 years old; therefore, he's not my biological father.  However, he's been an amazing force in my life, and I am so very thankful for the countless sacrifices he has made for my mom and I.  Sure, we had our arguments when I was little (what parental-child relationship doesn't?), but as an adult, I am acutely aware of all he has done in my life.  He accepted me graciously and lovingly as a "package deal" when he married my mom; he put braces on my teeth; he encouraged my dreams of theatre, horseback riding, and ice hockey; he taught me to drive (allbeit in a rainstore on I-81); he paid for my college education; and he did it all without complaining and with unwavering spirit of love and giving.

So . . . as the notes of our dance rang out . . . tears flowed with an endless string of "thank yous."

What a great family member.

Day Twenty-Six: A picture that means a lot to you



Not "a lot."

The Most

Jesus' sacrifice on the cross means the most to me of anything this world has to offer.  And the best part is . . . He didn't stop with the cross.  He rose again, and His spirit is within me.  Jesus walks and talks with me everyday.

Someone once told me that if anyone doubtfully asks "how do you know your Jesus is the real messiah . . . not Mohammed or Buddha or some other prophet?" the best reply possible is "because He's the only one who died . . . but rose again!"  Jesus conquered the grave so you and I may live eternally with Him in Paradise.

I cannot think of anything that means more.

What a Wonderful World (weekend)

This weekend, our family traveled to my beloved Roanoke, Virginia for two big events:

Jackson's 1st Birthday Party

&

Lacey & Kevin's Wedding

Both were spectacular occasions!

On Friday night, our entire family got together for Jax's big celebration at Mac & Bob's Restaurant.  I was super excited about his construction themed birthday party.  Jax just loves cars and trucks (like his Mommy).

Even Jackson's outfit was fit for the occasion!

He was so very excited to greet everyone and to be KING for the evening (not that he's ever not king, really).

All the extra attention made our already-spirited young man even more pleased with himself.

Family and friends traveled from near and far away to celebrate with our big boy!  We are so thankful for them all.



And . . . we are also thankful for another special birthday boy who celebrated with Jackson!

Happy Birthday, Uncle David!  We love you!!!

Jackson received countless wonderful gifts . . . now, where to put it all away?

He also enjoyed a healthy second serving of birthday cake.

I hope his 1st birthday party was as wonderful as he is!

Happy Birthday, Jackson Scott!

*     *     *     *     *

Then, on Saturday afternoon, we attended the wedding of two dear friends of mine:  Lacey Duncan and Kevin McGinley.  I have known Kevin since kindergarten orientation when I tried to pick him up and carry him around (yeah, I know, really).  I have lots of home videos of him crawling underneath the tables at my own birthday parties as a little kid.  I met Lacey in 6th grade, then grew extremely close to her during my first year of college.  We lived in the same dorm area at UVA and then had an apartment together our second year.  It is sooo crazy that they are married now!

I was so very honored to be a part of their special day.  Lacey made one of the most stunning brides I have ever seen (moved me to tears), and the entire ceremony and reception were beautiful.  There were also about 15-20 people from Northside High School Class of 2004 in attendance--many of which I hadn't seen since graduation--so it was absolutely amazing to catch up with everyone.

Congratulations Lacey and Kevin; may you have a lifetime to happiness together!

What a wonderful world (weekend) . . .

Day Twenty-Five: A picture from your favorite day

08-16-08

Everything I ever dreamed of . . . and more.

Day Twenty-Four: A picture of something you wish you could change

Gas Prices

Don't we all?

Day Twenty-Three: A picture of your favorite book

This book is simply a stunning piece of literature.

Warning:  If you are faint of heart, do not read.

This is a futuristic novel centered around a group of teenage "droogs" (hoodlums) who enjoy doing drugs and engaging in a bit of "ultraviolence" (vandalism, rape, etc).  Then, the government steps in to try to correct their behavior, leaving the primary character, Alex, ultimately defenseless.

Want to know more?  You'll have to read it yourself.  Naturally, I would highly recommend you do!  That was one of the things that Justin did for me early in our relationship that won my heart.  I told him how passionate I was about this novel . . . and he borrowed it from me and read it himself.  He loved it too.

Just so you know . . . if you choose to partake . . . at first it will feel as if you are reading a book written in another language.  Burgess creates his own slang language for the book and there is no glossary.  Don't worry . . . keep reading . . . you'll figure it out . . . and you'll be amazed!

And for a bit of "only Jennifer would know" trivia:

Rupert Grint once dressed up as Alex for a Halloween party!

Now, I know you want to read it!

Day Twenty-Two: A picture of something you wish you were better at



Running

I wish I was a better runner.  Don't get me wrong, I'm a kick-butt exerciser . . . you name it . . . elliptical, treadmill, bike, weights, aerobics . . . but running?  Zilch.  Zero.

I tried hard to find a photograph of my good friend, Lindsey, for this post.  She is an inspiring runner who took up training while we were in college and now runs marathons.  That's 26.2 miles for those of you who are like me.  Honestly, one of the things I'd like to do before I die is run a simple 5K for crying out loud!  My dad is a pretty good runner too . . . and I've thought about trying to train with him a bit.  Acutally, last night I proposed the idea of training to "run" at marathon on an elliptical.  However, I guess that defeats my becoming a better runner, doesn't it?

I think it would still be a pretty impressive feat . . . talk about clocking some time in the gym!  What do you think Lindsey?  Any tips?