Thursday, March 31
My Smart Little Sweetie
Awww...how awesome is it to be a Mommy?! Tim brought this up to me the other morning and had sounded it all out on his own!! He is doing amazing in school!...What a kid!
Tuesday, March 29
"People come into our lives...
for a Reason, Season or a Lifetime...."
I've gotten this quote in my email a few times...I don't usually like these cheesy forwards from people but this one has some truth to it. And it's cute.
It's a hard truth to learn that people aren't always in our life to stay. Some friends I have had for years - since Kindergarten we've grown together and shared so much. The sweetest kinds of friendships are the ones that can last throughout our changes in life - and still remain strong. I've made other friendships that have an immediate connection. From the first conversation I knew that this relationship is deeper and more real than any other one I've experienced. Every friendship is different.
Saying goodbye - or losing those relationships can be so hard. Too often we are afraid of closure - so we just drift away. Never really knowing that it ended until years later you think back and wonder 'what ever happened to...' It would be nice to go back and have closure with everyone of our long lost friends. Maybe there was hurt or anger that was never dealt with -- or maybe life just got in the way. It would be nice to provide an explanation for every stupid thing we did or harsh thing we said.
My old friend Peter Loewen wrote an article in the High School paper about a mutual friend that was going through a horrific ordeal in life. It was titled “Loving too late, Leaving too soon”. I have kept it all these years and re-read it the other day. It’s a good reminder that what we say and how we love will remain with us forever.
He talks of an old man remembering a lost friend and an old woman remembering a lost love…and how their regrets of loving too late and leaving too soon had plagued them. He talked about leaving the hospital when he went to see our friend and how he felt he had not said enough, and overwhelmed with a feeling of failure. It's a beautiful article that he wrote - this is a small piece from it;
“Sometimes I’m everything I should be, and other times I’m not. And sometimes I love and sometimes I don’t. And though the times I love are special. They may certainly be forgotten in light of the times I didn’t. The times I spoke too soon, or didn’t lend a hand to one who needed a hand. And that is the great tragedy, that I may very well look back when time has taken it’s toll… and cry because of the times I had marched away and left someone, unloved, in my footprints.”
There will be so many times in our lives when we look back and wish we could make amends. And that is why I like this sappy email that I received. Because we have to remember that we are only allowed in someone’s life as long as they need us for – or as long as we need them. It hurts to let go. But that hurt can translate into a lesson that we take from them. It may only be a second that they are in our life – like the older couple that I watched at the Y one day. Or it may be years - like so many friends I remember; some fondly, some with pain. All we can hope for is that we take away the lessons that we are supposed to take from each relationship we share.
We can’t always go back and make it right, justify our stupidity or clarify our actions. We don’t always get an opportunity to beg forgiveness or ask for an apology. And even more sadly, we don’t always get a chance to go back and thank someone for what they brought into our life. How they have touched us, brought a light into our lives and changed us forever. But we can remind ourselves that we were a different person then and have grown and learned today…from those mistakes or joyous memories of yesterday. And we can be thankful for the smiles and memories that those friends have brought us – or the painful scars to remind us.
I often say to myself “If only I’d known then what I do now…” but to finish that with a more healthy point...; “it took not knowing yesterday – to know myself today.”
xo J
I've gotten this quote in my email a few times...I don't usually like these cheesy forwards from people but this one has some truth to it. And it's cute.
It's a hard truth to learn that people aren't always in our life to stay. Some friends I have had for years - since Kindergarten we've grown together and shared so much. The sweetest kinds of friendships are the ones that can last throughout our changes in life - and still remain strong. I've made other friendships that have an immediate connection. From the first conversation I knew that this relationship is deeper and more real than any other one I've experienced. Every friendship is different.
Saying goodbye - or losing those relationships can be so hard. Too often we are afraid of closure - so we just drift away. Never really knowing that it ended until years later you think back and wonder 'what ever happened to...' It would be nice to go back and have closure with everyone of our long lost friends. Maybe there was hurt or anger that was never dealt with -- or maybe life just got in the way. It would be nice to provide an explanation for every stupid thing we did or harsh thing we said.
My old friend Peter Loewen wrote an article in the High School paper about a mutual friend that was going through a horrific ordeal in life. It was titled “Loving too late, Leaving too soon”. I have kept it all these years and re-read it the other day. It’s a good reminder that what we say and how we love will remain with us forever.
He talks of an old man remembering a lost friend and an old woman remembering a lost love…and how their regrets of loving too late and leaving too soon had plagued them. He talked about leaving the hospital when he went to see our friend and how he felt he had not said enough, and overwhelmed with a feeling of failure. It's a beautiful article that he wrote - this is a small piece from it;
“Sometimes I’m everything I should be, and other times I’m not. And sometimes I love and sometimes I don’t. And though the times I love are special. They may certainly be forgotten in light of the times I didn’t. The times I spoke too soon, or didn’t lend a hand to one who needed a hand. And that is the great tragedy, that I may very well look back when time has taken it’s toll… and cry because of the times I had marched away and left someone, unloved, in my footprints.”
There will be so many times in our lives when we look back and wish we could make amends. And that is why I like this sappy email that I received. Because we have to remember that we are only allowed in someone’s life as long as they need us for – or as long as we need them. It hurts to let go. But that hurt can translate into a lesson that we take from them. It may only be a second that they are in our life – like the older couple that I watched at the Y one day. Or it may be years - like so many friends I remember; some fondly, some with pain. All we can hope for is that we take away the lessons that we are supposed to take from each relationship we share.
We can’t always go back and make it right, justify our stupidity or clarify our actions. We don’t always get an opportunity to beg forgiveness or ask for an apology. And even more sadly, we don’t always get a chance to go back and thank someone for what they brought into our life. How they have touched us, brought a light into our lives and changed us forever. But we can remind ourselves that we were a different person then and have grown and learned today…from those mistakes or joyous memories of yesterday. And we can be thankful for the smiles and memories that those friends have brought us – or the painful scars to remind us.
I often say to myself “If only I’d known then what I do now…” but to finish that with a more healthy point...; “it took not knowing yesterday – to know myself today.”
xo J
Sunday, March 27
An afternoon at the Park
Just Hanging Around...
So what do the Forsyth sisters do for fun to liven up an afternoon at the park??? Take a camera and see who can embarrass eachother the worst.....of course.
Some real blackmail videos on the Web Album for your enjoyment....and our embarrassment!
And some pictures of our fun afternoon at the park with Tim's new Easter Toys.
xo J
So what do the Forsyth sisters do for fun to liven up an afternoon at the park??? Take a camera and see who can embarrass eachother the worst.....of course.
Some real blackmail videos on the Web Album for your enjoyment....and our embarrassment!
And some pictures of our fun afternoon at the park with Tim's new Easter Toys.
xo J
Easter Weekend
Going for a Bikeride (walking it to fill up the tires first...)
Doing Hillary's hair
Happy Easter Morning!
Cool new Hot Wheels sunglasses and Spiderman hat!
Doing Hillary's hair
Happy Easter Morning!
Cool new Hot Wheels sunglasses and Spiderman hat!
Wednesday, March 23
A Boy's Dream....
We've been looking for a Bunk-Bed for awhile - the other day Tim came in to our room and said; "My bed's not fun like yours...can we have a brother or sister so that I can have a BunkBed??"
....So we assured him that he didn't need a brother or sister to have one - found this COOL one and had to get it!!! (Yes, you have to live out your childhood again with your children - it's a lot of fun!)
Reading the Instructions...
Helping screw it together!
Handstands underneath....
All finished....Tim's New Bed!!! A slide and a fort....too cool!!
....So we assured him that he didn't need a brother or sister to have one - found this COOL one and had to get it!!! (Yes, you have to live out your childhood again with your children - it's a lot of fun!)
Reading the Instructions...
Helping screw it together!
Handstands underneath....
All finished....Tim's New Bed!!! A slide and a fort....too cool!!
Sunday, March 20
Asylum White
Two coats of primer makes our kitchen look even more like a mad house now. We had to hurry to prime and seal the walls - so Garnet and I were up until 1 am on Saturday night finishing the first coat of Primer. Then we were up bright and early Sunday to do the second coat....fun fun fun!!!
We still have to wait to finish the cupboards, new counter top and sink before we actually put the color on the walls....so until then we are living in the insanely white kitchen! We'll just have to add some padding to the walls -- anyone have a straight jacket we could borrow??
xo J
We still have to wait to finish the cupboards, new counter top and sink before we actually put the color on the walls....so until then we are living in the insanely white kitchen! We'll just have to add some padding to the walls -- anyone have a straight jacket we could borrow??
xo J
Friday, March 18
Think before you strip...
paint, that is.
So we stripped down 3 layers of paint off the wall and then thought 'hmmm, I wonder if this contains lead'. I know what you're thinking; 'Great afterthought, geniuses'.
Turns out it the original layer of paint in our kitchen contained traces of lead - so we took Tim to get a blood test today to make sure his levels are ok. He did amazing! He is so brave and the Nurse couldn't believe how calm and mature he was. Don't worry, Garnet (who faints and/or pukes at the sight/thought of needles) stayed home. I talked to Tim about the whole thing yesterday and today - told him what to expect and what they were going to do. I promised him a reward of gum after it all - a treat he never gets! He counted to ten while the needle went in and then turned to look - at the needle still in his arm - and said; "is that my blood?....cool!" What a kid!
The good news is that the plaster that we are sanding doesn't contain asbestos. (Yes, we thought of that before we started sanding!)
So lessons learned...we won't be stripping any more paint in our house. And Tim is the coolest, bravest kid ever! :)
xo J
So we stripped down 3 layers of paint off the wall and then thought 'hmmm, I wonder if this contains lead'. I know what you're thinking; 'Great afterthought, geniuses'.
Turns out it the original layer of paint in our kitchen contained traces of lead - so we took Tim to get a blood test today to make sure his levels are ok. He did amazing! He is so brave and the Nurse couldn't believe how calm and mature he was. Don't worry, Garnet (who faints and/or pukes at the sight/thought of needles) stayed home. I talked to Tim about the whole thing yesterday and today - told him what to expect and what they were going to do. I promised him a reward of gum after it all - a treat he never gets! He counted to ten while the needle went in and then turned to look - at the needle still in his arm - and said; "is that my blood?....cool!" What a kid!
The good news is that the plaster that we are sanding doesn't contain asbestos. (Yes, we thought of that before we started sanding!)
So lessons learned...we won't be stripping any more paint in our house. And Tim is the coolest, bravest kid ever! :)
xo J
Tuesday, March 15
Party!
Grandma Anne and Auntie Jenni had their special Birthday Party on the weekend. They both share the same birthday - March 12th - and this year Anne is 50 and Jenni is 25.....so they decided to party together!
We had a great time - Tim loved the hula hoops and limbo dancing...and of course had to make a special Chicken Dance time!!
We had a great time - Tim loved the hula hoops and limbo dancing...and of course had to make a special Chicken Dance time!!
Hawaii!
Anne and Jenni - The Birthday Girls!
My Hula Boy!!
The Hawaiian Cake ....more pictures on the album!
My Hula Boy!!
The Hawaiian Cake ....more pictures on the album!
Friday, March 11
When it rains...
it really pours for some people!!
Baby Julia had her Bone Marrow Transplant yesterday evening. It went very well. Mike (Daddy) called this morning and when I asked how it went he said "which one?"....turns out his Dad (Julia's Grandpa) had a heart attack yesterday morning -- hours before Julia's transplant. We thought it was bad a few weeks ago when Julia's big brother was hit by a car on his bike...now this?
It makes me so sad but it angers me at the same time. The Krause family are some of the nicest and strongest people I know. There is always supposed to be a lesson to learn or some good to come out of something horrible...but enough already! I don't think they have any energy left to learn anything at this point! I was raised to believe in a God that loved and cared for his people, and through waivering faith I still believe he is out there. But this just seems like some kind of cruel joke that no one really gets. Where is God now?
xo J
Baby Julia had her Bone Marrow Transplant yesterday evening. It went very well. Mike (Daddy) called this morning and when I asked how it went he said "which one?"....turns out his Dad (Julia's Grandpa) had a heart attack yesterday morning -- hours before Julia's transplant. We thought it was bad a few weeks ago when Julia's big brother was hit by a car on his bike...now this?
It makes me so sad but it angers me at the same time. The Krause family are some of the nicest and strongest people I know. There is always supposed to be a lesson to learn or some good to come out of something horrible...but enough already! I don't think they have any energy left to learn anything at this point! I was raised to believe in a God that loved and cared for his people, and through waivering faith I still believe he is out there. But this just seems like some kind of cruel joke that no one really gets. Where is God now?
xo J
Thursday, March 10
Compartmentalizing.
I envy those who can do it. Men even seem to be better at it than women....some just have a gift.
I don't.
I think that being sensitive and emotional is a good thing. It helps me be a better person most days. I love listening to people and supporting, encouraging and comforting. I can empathize and sympathize with most feelings....
But I can't compartmentalize those feelings.
When I feel something, I really feel it. I can feel it for a long time - and I have a hard time not bringing it into the other parts of my life. Maybe I am over-emotional, too sensitive, analytical, speculative and introspective...just a few of the names I've been called. But even if I am all those things - I love the positive light to all of those characteristics. I just wish I could shut them off once in a while to be able to have clarity in other parts of my life.
So I wonder, how can people take an important part of their life and make it just one piece of their life...without it influencing or affecting other parts? How can they turn the emotions on and off, depending on who they are with? And then act like it didn't even affect them in any way.
I want to compartmentalize. It seems like a real easy way to live. Just walking in and out of different rooms of your life -- without a second thought to the mess in the room you were just in. How simple, how effortless and uncomplicated must your life be when you can compartmentalize....
And yet you must wonder if your life seems so simple....how much of it is fake? Life is hard. And if you can't feel the reality...there's no point in living it.
On second thought; I'm glad I don't compartmentalize...because I like feeling.
xo J
I don't.
I think that being sensitive and emotional is a good thing. It helps me be a better person most days. I love listening to people and supporting, encouraging and comforting. I can empathize and sympathize with most feelings....
But I can't compartmentalize those feelings.
When I feel something, I really feel it. I can feel it for a long time - and I have a hard time not bringing it into the other parts of my life. Maybe I am over-emotional, too sensitive, analytical, speculative and introspective...just a few of the names I've been called. But even if I am all those things - I love the positive light to all of those characteristics. I just wish I could shut them off once in a while to be able to have clarity in other parts of my life.
So I wonder, how can people take an important part of their life and make it just one piece of their life...without it influencing or affecting other parts? How can they turn the emotions on and off, depending on who they are with? And then act like it didn't even affect them in any way.
I want to compartmentalize. It seems like a real easy way to live. Just walking in and out of different rooms of your life -- without a second thought to the mess in the room you were just in. How simple, how effortless and uncomplicated must your life be when you can compartmentalize....
And yet you must wonder if your life seems so simple....how much of it is fake? Life is hard. And if you can't feel the reality...there's no point in living it.
On second thought; I'm glad I don't compartmentalize...because I like feeling.
xo J
We win!
CAMVAP came back in our favour....the dealership was ordered to fix our car in 90 days. So we will have a 'Co-Pilot' put on our car next week. (a device that records everything going on in the car at the push of a button in order to diagnose where the problem is)
So there...we're not feeling so little now!!!!
So there...we're not feeling so little now!!!!
Tuesday, March 8
Free service but...
Blogger is acting stupid!
I can't edit my photo posts without the pictures disappearing - that's why there is no title on the last few posts. I've been able to do it before just not the last few days -- how frustrating!
I can't edit my photo posts without the pictures disappearing - that's why there is no title on the last few posts. I've been able to do it before just not the last few days -- how frustrating!
Daddy and His 'Mini Me'
Busy helping Daddy...the tongue helps ;)
Reach!! Stripping the paint off the wall with Daddy to prepare for Painting! (yay, finally!)
Skating with his Kindergarten class (and Daddy and Mommy!)
Reach!! Stripping the paint off the wall with Daddy to prepare for Painting! (yay, finally!)
Skating with his Kindergarten class (and Daddy and Mommy!)
Sunday, March 6
Baby Conner
Brandon, Jess, Presley and Baby Conner
The other Jess with Baby Fever!
Kisses for Cousin Conner
Big Helper Tim for his little cousin Conner
The other Jess with Baby Fever!
Kisses for Cousin Conner
Big Helper Tim for his little cousin Conner
Pickles is 21!!!
My Little Sister Hilsy Bilsy is 21 today!!! I can't believe she's so old....
Currently Hillary is taking the Lab Tech program and plans to go to Pakistan this summer. She's going to take her knowledge and huge heart over to be a missionary in Pakistan once she is done her program. We love her so much...cause she's so easy to love, but also cause she's the coolest 'Ant Hill' ever!!!!
Baby Hillary and Big Sis Jess
Currently Hillary is taking the Lab Tech program and plans to go to Pakistan this summer. She's going to take her knowledge and huge heart over to be a missionary in Pakistan once she is done her program. We love her so much...cause she's so easy to love, but also cause she's the coolest 'Ant Hill' ever!!!!
Baby Hillary and Big Sis Jess
Saturday, March 5
Our Nephew
Garnet's brother Brandon and his girlfriend Jessica had another little boy on February 28th. His name is Conner Terry Garnet Little. It's a very sentimental name - Terrie (Teresa) was the name of Garnet and Brandon's Mother who passed away July 1999, and Garnet is the name of their Dad. We're going to see them this weekend so I'll be sure to post some pictures up...I can't wait to hold him!
Thursday, March 3
1 in 25 people
in America do not have a conscience...freaky.
I watched Oprah today, it was about Scott Peterson...some scary stuff. The psychiatrist was talking about how he believed that Scott is a Sociopath and sex addict. I feel sick everytime I hear anything about that case...it's disgusting. But it's so weird how everyone is so drawn to it -- everyone wants to know why, or how he could have done it. I think it's because it's hard for people to admit that someone who looked so perfect could have done something so horrible.
I couldn't believe it when the psychiatrist said that about people's conscience. 1 in 25 --- that's a lot of people! But what struck me the most was the reason he gave for people to not have a conscience. He said it was from some tragedy that forced them as a child to not be able to empathize. He said in Scott's case it was his mother's ability to detach emotionally, but still refer to him as the 'perfect golden boy'. Making him in some way 'unhuman'.
I am a firm believer in the equal blame of nurture and nature. I think that our upbringing has just as much of a role as our genetics. And it scares me to hear them blame her son's behaviour on her parenting style -- even if it was messed up. I think people raised in a horrific family life are able to be great people and conversely some people raised in wonderful family life settings can turn out to be horrible people. But this got me thinking (and like Oprah, I'm tired of all the press that Scott P. has been getting) and so on a different (but related) note;
I watched Oprah today, it was about Scott Peterson...some scary stuff. The psychiatrist was talking about how he believed that Scott is a Sociopath and sex addict. I feel sick everytime I hear anything about that case...it's disgusting. But it's so weird how everyone is so drawn to it -- everyone wants to know why, or how he could have done it. I think it's because it's hard for people to admit that someone who looked so perfect could have done something so horrible.
I couldn't believe it when the psychiatrist said that about people's conscience. 1 in 25 --- that's a lot of people! But what struck me the most was the reason he gave for people to not have a conscience. He said it was from some tragedy that forced them as a child to not be able to empathize. He said in Scott's case it was his mother's ability to detach emotionally, but still refer to him as the 'perfect golden boy'. Making him in some way 'unhuman'.
I am a firm believer in the equal blame of nurture and nature. I think that our upbringing has just as much of a role as our genetics. And it scares me to hear them blame her son's behaviour on her parenting style -- even if it was messed up. I think people raised in a horrific family life are able to be great people and conversely some people raised in wonderful family life settings can turn out to be horrible people. But this got me thinking (and like Oprah, I'm tired of all the press that Scott P. has been getting) and so on a different (but related) note;
What am I doing?
Just what's on my mind today....
I am always thinking in the back of my head about the choices I make as a mother - how they will affect Tim as an adult. But sometimes I feel like it's so hard to know that everyday I am making the right choices. I know there will be mistakes and regrets, but I can't focus on those, and I can only hope to do my best as his mother. There seems to be so much pressure nowadays on being the perfect parent, with the perfect child. And I know the kids feel the pressure as well. I see a lot of different parenting styles in my job - and have learned so much from people...both what works and what I don't want to do.
I think the best advice I've followed was that; our job as parents is not to protect our kids from the struggles in the world but more to provide them with the ability to deal with those experiences as they happen. I have tried to remember this during every decision and choice because we as a family are a microcosm of the big, wide world.
- We make rules for him to follow, because we don't want him to get hurt, and we have rules ourselves to follow so that we don't get hurt. We may not always like them - but we have to follow them.
- In the world we have constant struggles and trials. I remember seeing a little girl sharing her snack with all the kids except Tim. I waited and didn't interfere - I could have forced her to share...but what would that be teaching Tim? It turns out he was fine, a little hurt, but fine. If I had stepped in it would only have given him permission to think that Mommy was always there to pave the way for him and make everything smooth. And then what would happen in life when he hit a big bump and I wasn't there to pick up the pieces??
- Respect is a big one for me. I think this ties into every choice I make. Timothy is a human being and deserves my respect. I can't expect him to respect me, or other people for that matter, if I don't show him respect.
- Openness is something else I hold high. I don't think people give their kids enough credit, they are smart creatures and not much gets past them. I've talked to Tim about a lot of things that some people may not talk think is right to talk to their 4 year olds about - but that's because he's asked. I think if he's asked me a question - and I say 'you're too young to hear about that' I'm disrespecting him. If he asks me - then he's thinking about it, and he's been exposed to something that has made him think about it. I would rather him know that he can ask me anything and get an honest answer - then try to find the answer from someone else and get a distorted or perverse version of the truth.
It's funny because every child looks back at how their parents raised them and figures they are going to do it differently, we cringe when we hear the phrase our mother's used on us coming out of our own mouths. But for the most part I think that it's important to remember that as parents - we'll never do it right. Our kids will grow up and say they'll do it differently too. But if we teach our kids love, respect, pride with humility and honesty - it's most important to live it ourselves. And that is what will be remembered by our children.
No one has the answer to parenting 'the right way' - there's no report card for how we are doing along the way. We are all writing our own rule book as we go...because it's never the same way twice.
xo J
Wednesday, March 2
laugh it up clown!
The kids at the Y today were laughing so hard...like those 'right form the toes and belly' kind of laughs. I thought Tim was going to fall over and pee his pants he was laughing so hard!! It was that kind of feeling that I just had to laugh with them...and couldn't stop. One of those days that I was so happy to work where I work! All the messed up, work place politics in the world are worth it when I can be that happy just from a few giggles. Kids are awesome!
And then I came home and read this in one of my emails....(guess it's just what I needed today!!)
The best medicine
Go ahead. Crack yourself up. Laughter is truly the best medicine. Medical research proves a good laugh actually lowers stress hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) and increases natural feel-good chemicals in the body (endorphins). All that chuckling also cleans old air out of your lungs, making room for more fresh air (which also improves circulation). What’s more, laughter is good exercise – it works the muscles, nerves and organs in your torso. Keep it up, and you’ll laugh off 500 calories an hour!
xo J
And then I came home and read this in one of my emails....(guess it's just what I needed today!!)
The best medicine
Go ahead. Crack yourself up. Laughter is truly the best medicine. Medical research proves a good laugh actually lowers stress hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) and increases natural feel-good chemicals in the body (endorphins). All that chuckling also cleans old air out of your lungs, making room for more fresh air (which also improves circulation). What’s more, laughter is good exercise – it works the muscles, nerves and organs in your torso. Keep it up, and you’ll laugh off 500 calories an hour!
xo J
Tuesday, March 1
My Weaknesses...
Made for Jess
If you know me, you'll know my weaknesses are food and lip gloss....someone must have been thinking of me when they invented this line of lip stuff!! There's also Tootsie Roll, Twizzler's, Reeses....mmmmm!!!
This may be just the diet trick I need!! I mean, I won't have to eat the stuff if I can lick it of my lips all day!
xo J
If you know me, you'll know my weaknesses are food and lip gloss....someone must have been thinking of me when they invented this line of lip stuff!! There's also Tootsie Roll, Twizzler's, Reeses....mmmmm!!!
This may be just the diet trick I need!! I mean, I won't have to eat the stuff if I can lick it of my lips all day!
xo J
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