Day 25: your worst habit

I have no idea what the answer to this one is. I even asked Tim and he didn't have an answer for me either. Although I'm sure plenty of my friends and family will be able to answer it for me. So let me know what you think! :)

Day 24: a recipe

I totally just posted a recipe when I did my hobby. But since I have been doing this for Bargain Divas anyway. I will post another one. And it will, again, be something you bake since that is what I enjoy doing.

My kids also enjoy baking. They always have to put on their aprons so they can look just like Mom and help me stir or roll or frost. I love my little helpers!

Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
I always cut this recipe in half since it makes so many cookies

2 cups shortening
3 cups sugar
6 eggs
1 pint sour cream
2 tsp vanilla
2 tsp baking soda
4 tsp baking powder
pinch salt
10 cups flour

Cream together shortening and sugar. Mix in eggs, sour cream and vanilla. Stir in baking soda, baking powder and salt. Gradually add flour. Roll out to about 1/2 inch thick and cut with cookie cutters. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Frost if desired.

Icing
1/2 - 3/4 cup shortening
2 C powdered sugar
drizzle of vanilla (1/2 tsp)
2 shakes of salt
water 1 TB at a time
add food coloring if desired

Day 23: a photo of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently

Easily my blog with Becky. I honestly can't think of anything else that has made a huge impact on my life recently. And it will soon make another huge impact when we make the plunge and change our name. It's a whole new ballgame that is going to take some time and effort to build back up.

Day 18: a photo of your favorite memory

I'm finally doing day 18.

I don't know that I have a favorite memory. But I do have a lot of great ones! And this is one I love. This was at my brother's wedding in 2000. It's me sitting on my wonderful Dad's lap. It was a fun day filled with family.

Day 22: a photo of your wedding

 

My wedding day was beautiful. I'm so glad I met Tim and we have made this wonderful life together. We were married on October 13, 2001.
And, yes, I know Tim looks like he's 15. He wasn't.

Day 21: a hobby of yours

This questions isn't easy. My hobby is my kids! Between them and my blog I don't have time for anything else. Or that's what it feels like most days.
I do LOVE to read. I can't go a day without reading and feel okay. And I really enjoy baking. I wouldn't say I'm great at it, but it is fun. Which reminds me that I'm totally craving cinnamon rolls.

Day 20: a talent of yours

I know I still haven't done day 18. It will happen at some point.

I am great at finding deals and saving money on stuff I'm going to buy anyway. I'm happy at how low I have gotten our grocery budget since using coupons and teaching my classes.
Other than that, I have no idea. I can't sing or dance or sew. I don't have time to write anymore so I'm not really good at that either.
If you need a shoulder to cry on or for some positive thoughts I'm your girl. That's about all I got. Guess I'm fairly talentless.

Day 19: a picture of somewhere you’d like to travel

I will do day 18 tomorrow when I have a little more time.

Today you get to see where I want to travel. And it's so easy! I REALLY want to go back to Hawaii. I went the summer before 5th grade and have been dying to go back ever since. I mean, really, who wouldn't want to go there?

Day 17: your favorite website

Well this is the easiest question so far. Obviously my favorite website is my own, Bargain Divas. Becky and I have put so much love and work into this site that I'm proud beyond belief.

I also love Salt Lake City Mommies and I'm on Facebook way too much.

Day 16: a song that makes you cry

Surprisingly there aren't very many songs that make me cry. But there are a few Michael McLean songs that do it to me every time. I listened to his CD ALOT after giving Timothy up for adoption and bawled.

This is someone else's video set to this beautiful song. If you have been involved in adoption in any way you won't be able to keep your eyes dry.

If you are reading this in your email just click the name of my blog and you will be taken to this post and can watch the video.

Day 15: a photo of yourself and a new friend you met this year

I have known both Charity and Nikki for more than a year, but it's only been the last year that we have started to become great friends. These are my go to girls for a girls night out. Love them to death!

Day 14: a photo of a person you’d love to trade places with for a day

There is no one I would want to change places with for more than a day. I love my husband, my kids, and my life. But for one day I think it would be fun to be Elena Gilbert. No, not the actress, but the character. Why? Well look at the pic below. Because Damon Salvatore is HOT!

Day 13: a description of what's currently in your purse

No on probably cares about this answer, but I'm going to do it anyway.
I do still have kids so my purse has lots of stuff for them. And not nearly as much stuff for me.

• wipes
• diaper
• wallet
• keys
• chapstick
• I have a whole pocket full of snacks
• my phone
• and usually a few random toys

The above is not my actual purse, but close. I LOVE my Coach purse. :)

Day 12: something you are OCD about

This one actually made me laugh out loud. Anyone that knows me much knows I have A LOT of things that I'm OCD about. I have learned to let a lot of things go. I no longer re-fold the towels after Tim folds them. Or re-organize the toys after the boys put them away.
But one thing I can't let go is the clothes in my closet. They must all face the same way! And not only that, they are arranged in a specific order. I have sweatshirts, then long sleeves, then 3/4 sleeves, then short sleeves. That is just how they need to be. Tim's side of the closet is not this way. But both Holden's and Beckett's clothes are arranged this way also. If Tim puts their clothes away I just go in after him and put them where they actually go.

And Tim is not allowed to fold my garments. I need them to be folded a specific way. So he just lays them on the bed for me to do later. Saves us both a little time.

Day 11: a photo that makes you angry/sad

Unfortunately this was an easy one for me. I know in my heart that Quentin is in Heaven waiting for us, but that doesn't take away the pain I feel knowing he isn't here. He would be 5 now and I can only imagine what his personality would be like.

This is a pic of Quentin's tiny little hands and feet. They weren't very developed so you can't see them very well. It breaks my heart just looking at them. Since I have never posted the story of what happened I will do a quick recap now.

Tim and I tried for years to become pregnant. We finally resorted to IUI and after two tries a miracle happened. I was pregnant! We felt our baby move and heard his heartbeat numerous times. We were so excited to find out if we were having a boy or a girl. We headed to the ultrasound appointment with anticipation and excitement. But it only took a moment for that to change. The ultrasound tech let us know that our baby did not have a heartbeat. She called my doctor who told me to head to the hospital so I could deliver my baby.
I remember calling my mom as soon as we left and hearing her laugh when she answered because she was expecting to find out if we were having a boy or girl. I can still remember the exact words I said. "My baby is dead.". And I lost it. We drove to the hospital and were checked in to labor and delivery. The doctor came to start my labor. I remember not wanting to talk to or see anyone. I felt utterly alone. It was only 7 hours later after feeling labor pains and giving one quick push that my tiny, non breathing baby boy was born. I held him in my arms and bawled. Until that point we still hadn't known if it was a boy or girl.
Tim and I discussed a name and decided on Quentin James. We had his body cremated and had a short ceremony at my brother's house. His ashes are now in my living room. It was easily the darkest time in my life. I only survived it because of my wonderful husband and family.

I now have peace that I will be with Quentin someday. And I know I am a better mom because of having gone through this. But I would never wish it on anyone. It was the hardest thing I have been through. So that is why this picture makes me sad. I am grateful that it no longer makes me angry. Love you, Quentin!

Day 10: a photo that makes you happy

We struggled for a long time to be parents and it was a hard road. Because of that and so many other reasons I love this picture of brand new Holden. It makes me smile every time I see it. I love being a Mom more than anything else in the world.

Day 9: My Dream House

This one was hard for me. There isn't an exact house that is my dream house. But there is a ton of stuff I know I do and don't want in a house. So the house below is the closest I could find. I LOVE the front porch and all the extra room. And a garage is a must.

Day 7: a picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest

Easily the person I have been closest with the longest is Becky, my fabulous sister. She is my best friend and the person I turn to for everything. She is the first person I talked to when I was pregnant in high school after the father. I have obviously known her my entire life. I love and appreciate you so much, Becky!

There is also a runner up for me. I have known Jenny since my brother MADE us hang out in junior high. And we quickly became best friends. I don't get to see Jenny as much as I would like, but anytime we get together it's like no time has passed at all. She was the maid of honor at my wedding and is still a great friend. Love you, Jenny!

Day 8: Your Favorite Quote

This has been my favorite quote for a LONG time. I think I discovered it in Junior high and used to have it hanging on my wall.

Integrity is doing what you know is right, no matter what the consequences may be.

I just love this quote. Beautiful.
And yesterday was a little crazy so I never did my post. I will get it up later today. I guess that's what happens when your child wakes up in dried throw up and has a raging ear infection.

Day 6: Your Favorite Book

I LOVE to read. And I seriously mean that. Reading is just a part of who I am. I read every single day. If for some reason I don't read then something is wrong. By far, my favorite genre of book is Sci/Fi & Fantasy.
And since I read so much I don't have just one favorite book. I have two! And millions of others that I love and re-read.

I borrowed The Blue Sword from Becky when I was in high school and fell in love. She never did get her copy back. And I no longer have that copy either. I read it so many times that it needed to be thrown away. I'm on my second copy and it really should be replaced also. Such a good book!

Orson Scott Card is easily my favorite author. I own the majority of his books and can honestly say I haven't read one that I didn't like. But Enchantment is easily my favorite of his. It is a modern re-telling of Sleeping Beauty. If you haven't read it you are missing out.

If anyone wants to borrow either of these books just let me know.

Day 5: Your Favorite TV Show

This one varies for me quite a bit. It depends on the season and my mood and all of that. But right now, there is now question that my favorite TV show is Vampire Diaries! I even own a Team Damon hoodie. And wear it proudly. There is a sneak peak of season two below, but it just doesn't do the show justice.

Day 4: A Photo of You as a Child

I think this is my kindergarten picture, but I'm not positive.

And me at 3 year old. I was in our backyard in California by the pool. Don't you love my hiked up orange pants?

Day 3: Your Favorite Movie

I have a couple of movies that I would say are my favorite. If you ask my husband what they are he will be able to tell you in a second since he has seen them so many times. The first is A Few Good Men and the second is Bring it On. I know, I know, Bring it On is a total high school movie. But whatever. It's fun and entertaining.

 

The first time I saw A Few Good Men my family had rented it and I came home at the end. They all told me I wouldn't like it at all so it didn't matter that they had started it without me. Then I actually watched it. Looks like they were wrong! You guys totally should have waited for me. LOL

Day 2: Your Favorite Song

I don't actually have a favorite song. But at the moment, this is it. I want to listen to it over and over again. Who knew Gwyneth Paltrow had such an amazing voice?

If you can't see the video just click the title to my post you will be able to watch it on my blog.

Day 1: A Recent Photo of You

It isn't a pic of just me, but I don't think I have one. This is one of the family pictures we had taken in November.

30 Posts All About Jacki

Ever wonder who your blogger friends really are? Wonder no more! I'm totally stealing this from my cute friend, Tiffany.

I will be blogging for the next 30 days to answer questions all about me!
My 30 day challenge begins today. Want to join me? I know you do! My first post will follow this one.

Day 1 – a recent photo of you
Day 2 – your favorite song
Day 3 – your favorite movie
Day 4 – a photo of you as a child
Day 5 – your favorite television program
Day 6 – your favorite book
Day 7 – a picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest
Day 8 – your favorite quote
Day 9 – your dream house (description or photo!)
Day 10 – a photo that makes you happy
Day 11 – a photo that makes you angry/sad
Day 12 – something you are OCD about
Day 13 – a description of what's currently in your handbag/purse/diaper bag!
Day 14 – a photo of a person you’d love to trade places with for a day
Day 15 – a photo of yourself and a new friend you met this year
Day 16 – a song that makes you cry
Day 17 – your favorite website
Day 18 – a photo of your favorite memory
Day 19 – a picture of somewhere you’d like to travel
Day 20 – a talent of yours
Day 21 – a hobby of yours
Day 22 – a photo of your wedding/future wedding plans
Day 23 – a photo of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently
Day 24 – a recipe
Day 25 – your worst habit
Day 26 – a photo of where you live
Day 27 – a photo of someone you could never imagine your life without
Day 28 – your hopes, dreams, plans for the next 365 days
Day 29 – a picture of something you want to do before you die
Day 30 – the first goal you want to achieve in 2011