Andy & Jen

Dear Drew,

2011-12-18T13:13:00.001-08:00

I can't believe you will be two months old this week! You have become mommy's little side kick, playing tennis, meeting me at work for lunch and lots of cuddle time when I get home. You are such a sweet and easy going baby. You rarely cry, infact the only time you ever did was when we tried to trim your fingernails and missed! Mommy and daddy felt so bad! When you're hungry, instead of crying you just grunt. It's really funny! If you get too hungry, you start snorting like a little piggy, it makes us laugh so much! When Daddy brought you to visit me at work we weighed you on the infant scale and you were 15 pounds! I can't believe how big my little guy is getting!

The past two weeks of your life have been filled with lots of adventure. You were blessed by Daddy on December 4th. It was a special time for our family. December 3rd would have been your Papa Joe's 58th birthday, but you probably already knew that. Your aunt Shelley and I promised we would always get together on his birthday and your blessing day helped bring our family together to celebrate you both. Many people that love you so much came for your special day. Daddy, Mommy and you drove to Seattle the day before your blessing to pick up

(Uncle Tyler's house in Seattle)

Nano, Aunt Shelley, Uncle Mike and your Uncle Jeff who came all the way from Arizona just to see you. Uncle Jeff is Papa Joe's younger brother. He reminds Mommy so much of Papa Joe. Uncle Jeff was apart of your blessing circle and he even wore Papa Joe's shoes to remind us of him.

Your Aunt Beth even came from Seattle to visit and play with you! You like to call her Auntie Gaga. She even stayed for the rest of the week to take care of you while mommy went back to work. She took such good care of you & spoiled you rotten! She wrote you a song and when she sings it you smile so big! You love her so much!

Daddy's sister, Aunt Brittany and Uncle Lance came with three of your cousins Louesa, Eve and Thomas. Grandpa and Grandma Martin were there as well to give you lots of love. Daddy gave you a beautiful blessing and then we came back to our house for some yummy Mexican food and lots of desserts! We watched football and played all day together.

On December 3rd, the day before you were blessed, your Great Grandfather Shelley passed away. He was mommy's grandpa. I'm so sad you didn't get to meet him but I know you will one day. Grandpa Shelley was a tough old cowboy in his day and when you were born and he found out you were a boy he said, "oh good I got me another little roper"! Mommy wanted to be there for his funeral so you and I made the journey to Arizona together. Oh man was it an adventure! Our flight got cancelled and we were stuck at an airport and didn't make it to Mesa until 26 hours after we should have been there! Mommy was so sad and upset but you just smiled the whole time, you never even cried. Mommy was the one who did all of the crying! Everyone in the airport and the plane kept saying what a good baby you were.

In Mesa you were able to meet the rest of your cousins, Bailee, Hunter, Jalen, Jaxon and Brigham. Your cousin Brigham absolutely loves ice cream! He was eating some while you were asleep on our drive to Nano's from the airport. He told me that if you were awake you would want some and when you woke up he was going to give you a bite! Don't worry, Mommy didn't let him, but she promised he could give you a bite when you got a little bigger.

Drew, you truly are such a sweet and happy baby. You make us smile everyday. We love you so much! Happy 2 month Birthday!

Drew

2011-11-09T13:29:00.000-08:00

Drew will be three weeks old tomorrow! I cannot even believe how fast time is going. He seems to be growing so much. At his 2 week appointment he weighed 10 pounds 3 ounces and was 23 inches long. He seems to be growing like a weed. He is really the easiest baby. He rarely cries and when he does it's usually when I'm changing his diaper...he's modest like that ; ) He is sleeping very well through the night and doesn't seem to have his days and nights mixed up. My favorite thing about him as of late is that he literally cracks up laughing in his sleep. I'm not talking the baby "gas smiles". When he laughs, his whole belly shakes. I think it's his Papa Joe telling him jokes from Heaven.

Having my mom here after he was born was wonderful. It was great to have her company and be given reassurance that I'm doing things right. My mom is known as Nano (long story) by all of her grand kids, even the neighbors and my nieces boyfriend LOL : ) She really is the best Nano. She will be the one to give Drew his first Rolo cookie and chocolate milkshake!

Drew already loves his Nano very much. His favorite blanket to sleep with is one that she made and he loves his Owl quilt. He literally started smiling when I layed him on it. My mom is so talented and crafty, not sure what happened to me. I absolutely love the sign she made for his room, it looks great hanging on the wall. Since having Drew I have been so homesick for Mesa. I haven't been this homesick since I first went away to college almost 10 years ago. There's just something about having a baby that makes you need your mama. I never really understood it until now.

Andy is such a great dad! He loves to help out and is always volunteering to do things. Drew loves his daddy very much and gets excited when he's home from work. I am so thankful for a husband that is always willing to help me any way he can.

Legends Are Born In October...

2011-10-23T12:32:00.000-07:00

Drew Joseph Martin was born on October 20, 2011 at 5:05 pm weighing in at a very healthy 9.9lbs and 22.25 inches long. This little man has completely stole our hearts. We are in love. When the nurse announced his birth time the first thing Andy said was, "awesome that's the start time for game 2 of the World Series"! My midwife asked if he was always this funny, I said "he's serious about this, not joking".

How it all began...

My due date was October 18 and there was no sign Drew wanted to make an appearance on his own anytime soon. My midwife did an ultrasound and guessed he was close to 9 pounds and decided it would be best to just induce me. So the date was set for us to go into the hospital Wednesday evening at 9pm. We checked in and got as comfortable as possible and the nurses started the process. I was given Cytotec to begin with, a pill to "ripen" the cervix. My third dose was given to me at 7:30 the following morning and not much was happening. I was laying in the hospital bed waiting for them to come check me again thinking I really needed to use the bathroom when all of the sudden my water broke at 8:15am. My midwife walks in and I said, "I'm pretty sure my water just broke but I definitely could have peed my pants"! Sure enough it had broke but I was only at 1 cm. This made me nervous thinking about the possibility of a C-section if things didn't start moving quicker. Sure enough the contractions started kicking in and I was hurting. It was all back labor at that point and was not coming and going like everyone said contractions do. I wanted to wait as long as possible to get an epidural just in case I didn't get keep progressing. Hours went by and I was feeling aweful. Finally I told the nurse to call anesthesia for an epidural or I was gonna cut this baby out my self! She gave me some Fentanyl to help me relax but all that did was make me vomit a billion times. Finally anesthesia arrived and it was my friend from our ward..."nice he gets to see my butt" thoughts ran through my head, however I really didn't care at that point.

The epidural kicked in and I was feeling much better. I could still feel all of my contractions but they were much less intense. At 2 pm I was only dilated to 4cm and getting kind of discouraged. They were about to start Pitocin and I was in alot of pain on my left side. It seemed that the epidural wasn't quite positioned right so the nurse called anesthesia back to have them check it. Sure enough it was in a little too far so he suggested pulling it back to distribute the block better. At first I thought it had worked and then I realized I was feeling everything!

I told my nurse that something was wrong and literally was screaming "someone help me". She decided to check me at this point and I was already at 8cm. She convinced me that the pain I was feeling was just pressure but I literally could feel my pelvis pulling apart, I wanted to die! Two hours after starting the Pitocin I had gone from 4cm to 10cm and was ready to push.

My midwife was called but she was in clinic and wasn't coming anytime soon. I told the nurse I didn't care I wanted this baby out! Apparently like most things in life, I tend to think of them as a competition and child birth wasn't any different. I knew there was another lady near by about to deliver as well. When I heard a toddler crying in the hallway Andy told me I asked, "did she beat me?" My midwife and nurses were laughing hysterically! I pushed for an hour and five minutes (which seemed like forever at that time) and Drew was out! It was the most amazing and overwhelming feeling of love (& relief) all at the same time.

We never thought we could love someone so instantly and as much as we do him.

He was placed on my chest and they waited for the umbilical cord to stop pulsing before Andy cut it. Drew was so alert and his eyes were big and wide. He was so calm, he wasn't even crying. He just kept looking at me and with his sweet eyes and my heart melted. While Drew was getting cleaned up my nurse told me she was going to take out my epidural. Nurse looks at me and says, "Oh, no wonder you were having so much pain, it's already out". Yea looks like anesthesiologist pulled it out a little too far...Thanks for that!

We thought he'd be close to 9 pounds, not 10!

His little big feet barely fit on the card space

All cleaned up and so peaceful, straight from Heaven...

The following morning I was already itching to get home. Drew's Pediatrician is one of my Attendings at work, so once he stopped by and gave us the go ahead he didn't mind if we headed home early. I was glad to leave the hospital and bring this precious baby to his new home. We got him dressed and ready to go in his car seat and now he is ready to hit the courts!

I am so grateful for this wonderful blessing that has been brought into our lives. Now that he is here, I could never imagine life without him. He is perfect in every way. So sweet, so delicate, so heavenly. We love you Drew.

Our little man's room

2011-10-06T17:42:00.001-07:00

Don't worry I won't be updating you about the status of my cervix and whether I'm dilated or not, some things are just better left unsaid!

Well, I had very high intentions of painting the baby's room & making it magnifico...then 37 weeks hit & I just didn't care anymore! Working 40 hours per week is enough for me right now and like Mandrew says, "the baby won't care"!

So here is a few pics of the before's and afters....

I'm kinda proud of myself, I learned what DIY finally means and turned this dresser and changing table from the salvation army into this (I even scored the mirror for free at the little white house in Loma Linda)

I wanted a nice crib and found this Pottery Barn crib on Craig's list, SCORE! I'm proud of my self for not going too crazy on baby furniture, after all they are a just a baby and don't care about their room decor.

& Yes I realize those are pillows in my baby's crib & that is dangerous...he will not be sleeping with them ummmkkk oh & I'm thouroughly aware that my child may grow up to have a phobia of owls since his room is covered in them & they are staring down at him! Oh and for the record, I loved hootie owls long before they were so popular and it kinda bugs me now that they are so trendy!

I've been feeling like a total crazy lately! My child isn't even born yet & I already feel like an inadequate mother because... I am going to be a working mom, who can't sew and doesn't sing or craft. There I said it!

So, as I was on the verge of a meltdown, I thought about President Uchtdorf's talk at the General RS broadcast and realized it's ok! I may not be able to sew buttons on clothes, but I can totally sew your body up if you get a huge gash. That's almost as cool right ; ) Here's to the last 12 days (hopefully) of pregnancy!

So Thankful...

2011-08-18T10:08:00.001-07:00

I am over 31 weeks along and cannot wait until I get to hold our sweet baby in my arms! I had an ultrasound done today with my new doctor here in Washington and it was so amazing to see how much this little guy has grown in the past 12 weeks since my last ultrasound in California. I use to say that I never wanted a 3D ultrasound in case our baby wasn't the cutest, but the doctor surprised me and showed me his face and he is absolutely perfect. I know every mother says that about their baby but he really is! The first thing the doc said to me when she started the ultrasound was, "does your husband have a big head?" Apparently our little man has a rather large noggin'. I'm not surprised, I had a very large, bald head until I was at least 2 years old! It should make for a fun delivery right! At 31 weeks and 2 days our baby boy weighs over 4 pounds. Let's pray he doesn't take after his father and weigh 12 pounds born 3 weeks early. Andy was so big he didn't even fit in the incubator in the NICU! Now I am going to post one of those creepy 3D photos for you all, even though I kinda cringe whenever someone else does! It's true, I am officially one of those people and I love it!

I have been really struggling with missing my dad. The year of 2010 was honestly the worst year of my life. Thankfully, I have a husband who loved and supported me through it all. I know my dad has continued to watch over me and protect me just like he use to here on Earth. 2011 has been a year of amazing blessings for Andy and I. Knowing that my dad is taking care of our sweet baby in Heaven brings me such joy. I have continued to feel my dad's presence in my life. I have continued to feel his love for me and our family. I am so thankful for those tender mercies sent from Heaven that remind me of my dad.

Before I was married my dad gave me a very special father's blessing, which was recorded and typed up. After he past away I begged the lady living in his house to give me the copy but she refused. I searched high and low looking for the copy my dad had given me nearly five years ago but I couldn't find it. Around Father's day I was especially struggling and missing my dad. I was going through some of the paper work we had packed and sure enough I saw an envelope that had my dad's writing on it. I opened it up and read the most beautiful blessing. Those words were exactly what I needed to hear at that time. I felt as if I could feel his presence and remembered that special day, the sound of his voice and his big strong hands.

Andy and I cannot wait to tell our kids all about their Papa Joe. Even though he is not here physically, I know his legacy will live on. My dad had a very strong personality and presence here on Earth, one too strong to just go away. I am so thankful for eternal families and I know we will be together again.

I love this beautiful view from our home. Heavenly Father has given us so much to be thankful for.

Fresh Pickins'

2011-07-31T15:41:00.000-07:00

This past week Andy and I had the same day off so we took advantage of the beautiful summer and growing season here in WA and went to pick blueberries! It was so fun, I have never done anything like this before! Growing up in AZ I think I picked corn a few times with my mom, but berries are so much better, especially since you can pop a few in your mouth to taste test while you pick ; ) The owner of the farm said next in season is apricots and apples...can't wait! Fresh produce tastes amazing!

Andy and I went to a Blitzen Trapper concert at a really cool venue last night. It was an old church building and was a smaller show, the band was amazing live! My favorite part about it was that there were church pews for me to sit my pregnant self down on and enjoy the music. Check out Blitzen Trapper and Ages and Ages if your are looking for some good new music!

On the baby front, our little man is growing like crazy! I had a little freak out moment last week when I was exposed to a virus at work that can cause fetal death even as late as the third trimester. Thankfully after some prayer I know everything will be ok. Can't wait to meet this baby boy and bring him home! His nursery is currently a work in progress, but so much fun!

As my OB said at my last visit (the day this was taken) "you're face looks fuller" In other words..."your face looks fat"! THANKS!

it's me again!

2011-07-19T20:01:00.000-07:00

Well I have completely neglected this little family blog of ours! I really do feel like I have a good excuse, more like a list of them...here's what we've been up to since Andy CONGRADUATED!

1. bought our first home

2. moved from California to Washington

3. watched the moving company pack our house in Cali...t'was glorious!

4. cried when everything arrived in Washington and we had to do the unpacking

5. started a new job

6. boating trips to the Columbia river

7. spent 4th of July in Oregon with Andy's grandma

8. got the sweetest, cutest puppy and named him Milo

9. gave Milo back 5 days later and he was renamed Jasper ;( Milo was so much better

10. started to make progress on decorating the house

11. way too many trips to Target and Wal-Mart to count

12. oh and did I mention growing a baby! I am so excited to meet the little man who has been boxing inside my belly!

Git... in... meh... belleh!

Yes I know that I am getting huge, please don't remind me. Today at work one of the female Docs casually mentioned that I'm getting bigger by the day. I smiled said thank you and quickly waddled away! I swear that every time I look in the mirror, miraculously my belly seems to grow! I no longer recognize my hands and feet. In fact, on the way to the river Saturday, Andy informed me that my hands looked HUGE and I could karate chop a loaf of bread with one hand! So sweet of him ; ) Then later that day we had been watching 48 hours Mystery about a husband who murdered his wife and I was super creeped out. He then comforted me by telling me that he didn't think either of us were capable of murder, however if one of us did kill the other it would be me who murdered him! He said I'm the hot blooded one! Come on me, hot blooded no way! What can I say, I'm a Jolley, our blood is naturally hot!

Congraduation Mandrew!!!

2011-06-16T23:05:00.000-07:00

Wahooo he did it! My Mandrew graduated with his Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy on Sunday, June 12, 2011, I am so proud of him! Our families and I flew in from Washington and Arizona Saturday for the festivities that of course started with an Angels baseball game Saturday night!Sunday we went to the ceremony which was so good. One of my favorite Attending Physicians, Dr. Walsh from my job here in Loma Linda spoke and gave a very inspirational talk. Afterwards we came back to our (soon to not be) home here in Cali to eat and open presents and watch the Mavs destroy the Heat woohoo! I was so bummed I broke the lens on my camera during graduation so most of the pictures are out of focus : ( We have spent the rest of the week playing and entertaining Andy's family here in CA with lots of beach trips, paddle boarding, shopping and eating! The moving company came today to pack up our house, I can't believe our days here are so numbered. Being students and living in CA the last five years has been so wonderful we will truly miss it and all of the wonderful friendships we have made. I am so proud of Andy for sticking to his goals and working so hard. He never once complained or let school get in the way of what really matters in life.

I really do have way to much to blog about I am so behind, I don't even know where to start! Come Monday, we will be Washington state residents!

oh and here's a belly shot for your viewing pleasure of me at 23 weeks...

p.s. this is what all mature doctorate students do during their graduation ceremony, well at least my husbnad!

the results are in!

2011-04-20T19:53:00.000-07:00

Well, my daddy has been training a little weightlifter in Heaven to send down to us...it's a BOY!!! When I first found out I was pregnant I had a feeling it was a boy, I knew my dad wouldn't have it any other way. The poor guy was as macho as they came, trained elite athletes and was stuck, I mean blessed, with three daughters. He always said he deserved a handy capped parking pass because surely having three girls made him disabled. He was only kidding, he loved having frilly girls! He always use to bribe us that if we named one of our kids after him he would pay for their college education...somehow he better find a way to hold up his end of the bargain ; ) We can't wait to meet the little guy! At times I feel so weird and not my self and then seeing the baby on the ultrasound makes my heart melt and remember it's all worth it.

cha...cha...cha...changes!

2011-04-17T15:58:00.000-07:00

AHHHH I don't know if I should cry, scream, be thankful or just plain scared!!! I've been doing a little bit of all of the above. If you've noticed, I haven't blogged in quite sometime. Needless to say, life has been just plain CRAZY! In addition to having our first baby, which Mandrew refers to as Skeletor, Rambo and now Egon, we have both accepted jobs in Yakima, WA and I'm moving there May 28th (I'll be back in Cali for Andy's graduation in June though). Oh and on the last day of visiting the Northwest I decided we were going to buy a house so I walked through one for 5 minutes, it felt right and I told Mandrew we were buying it...and WE DID!!! Well we are trying to... Going through the whole home buying experience has taught me that having more government control is the worst idea ever!!! They don't know jack, there's a million of crazy rules, I feel like I'm being watched by little hidden cameras! Yet somehow we want these morons to control our healthcare? grrr that's another topic for another post.

Anywho, we are very excited yet scared at the same time. We have loved our life in southern california pretty much foot loose and fancy free, as my mama would like to call it. Soon we'll have a little bundle of joy to keep us tied down and I am so thankful for that and the opportunity we have to become parents. I am so proud of Andy for doing so well in school in a very rigorous program. It's funny, people always ask me if PT school is tough because Andy never talks or complains about it. YES it has been tough, its a Doctorate degree for cryin' out loud!!! Thankfully, my husband is a worry free kind of guy because I do enough worrying for the both of us. We are excited for our future and we are sure going to miss our past.

p.s. there will be no belly pictures until I start looking fat and pregnant because right now I just look plain fat!

It's about time!

2011-03-27T15:48:00.000-07:00

I'm 11 weeks along and everything is looking good, so I couldn't wait any longer to announce that baby Martin is scheduled to make an appearance October 2011. We are very excited and feel very blessed to finally be having a baby of our own. It's kind of funny how the little stinker has already changed things, well for me at least! Before I was pregnant, I always said I would continue to exercise just as hard and eat as healthy as possible. Yea um the thought of running makes me want to cry, and even looking at a cooked vegetable makes me want to vomit. This baby has already proved me wrong. Can't wait to see what the next 18 years brings!

Moosejaw Men's Andrew Martin Fleece Vest

2011-03-03T11:57:00.000-08:00

Hulda Crooks

2011-02-23T15:27:00.001-08:00

In the nearly 5 years that we have lived in Loma Linda, Jen and I have frequently gone up in the hills by our house. We have been up there literally hundreds of times to either hike, ride mountain bikes or do a trail run. Its up in these hills where I broke my clavicle. We know these hills well, but today was the first time I have ever headed up there with the purpose of just taking pictures. I saw things that i never really noticed before and gained a new appreciation for the scenery. The hills are only green like this for a few months in winter, shortly they will be brown and dry as a bone. Enjoy the photos.

a difficult day to remember...

2011-02-08T14:50:00.000-08:00

I feel so loved and thankful for all of my family and friends who thought of me on such a difficult day to remember. One year ago today I received a phone call telling me of the worst tragedy I could have never thought possible. One year ago today, my life was changed forever. This year has definitley been a trying one, a long one, yet somehow crept up on me way too fast.

My dad sent me flowers with the help of my mom, it was so touching. She told me she felt inspired that he wanted her to send them from him to tell me how much he loves me. Thank you mom, you are wonderful.

I went to the temple this morning and I am so glad that I did, it was just what I needed. When I returned home, several bouquets of flowers, sweet cards and kind messages were delivered from friends and family. I truly appreciate you. Thank you for thinking of me, it helped me get through another February 8th.

G. Love - Fixin' To Die

2011-02-05T15:34:00.000-08:00

Our day in LA

2011-01-30T15:01:00.000-08:00

Whew it's been a while... not much happenin' round here! Still just working while Andy finishes up his last two internships...wahoo! Exciting things to come, we can't wait to see what our future holds.

We met up with our good friends the McQueen's and Swindle's at the Clippers game for a little pre-birthday celebration for Sierra. We had our very own box suite in the nose bleeds...it was awesome! Can I just say that Blake Griffin is one manly beast to watch live!

Before the game, Andy and I spent some time at the Santa Monica Pier laughing, people watching and riding the famous ferris wheel that is much smaller up close than it appears.

I think we might be the only couple that didn't sit next to each other on the ferris wheel LOL!

Needless to say, we had a great day! I'm pretty sure the homeless man we saw masturbating as we exited the parking garage is what topped it off... seriously, SICK TO THE NAST... only in LA!

p.s. sorry if I offended any of you with such adult words, Andy had to explain what it meant to me myself. Well, that's all for now...I was planning on being "healthy" today, but it's raining so I must bake cookies...and eat them...and then cry about how I'm fat...and then andy will tell me to stop being rediculous...and then I'll laugh because I'd rather be fat & eat cookies! kbye : )

Make yours a great life!

2011-01-02T14:37:00.000-08:00

With a New Year comes reflection on the past and hope for the future. I feel like I was more of a pessimist than an optimist in 2010. I'm not gonna lie I was excited for 2010 to come to an end. My favorite phrase and theme became "it is what it is". With that being said, there is one phrase I'd like to change, "time heals all wounds" to "time leaves you scars that are a little less painful".

This year I needed a new theme, a theme that made me feel optimistic. I found it while reading through the Ensign. Elder Paul V. Johnson said, "Your future is not determined by the conditions around you. It is determined by your faith, your choices, and your efforts."

So true. I pledge to make mine a great life, how about you? I have much to be thankful for, I truly am blessed...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Washington

2010-12-27T14:44:00.001-08:00

For the second leg of my Christmas break trip I visited my family in Washington before flying down to Arizona to be with Jen and her family for Christmas. On Sunday, Dec. 19th, we went to visit my Sister and her family in Othello and to attend the blessing of my new nephew Thomas.

Thomas Lance Gledhill and those who attended his blessing

This is my neice Eve, she is a big Nelly fan.

After visiting Othello, we spent the rest of my time in Washington snowboarding at White Pass and exploring the new expansion area.

Nearly waist deep in snow. Doesn't get much better than this.

What is Matt doing?

Rain

2010-12-22T15:48:00.001-08:00

I have been in Utah and Washington for the past week and have heard that ever since I left Souhtern California that it has been raining everyday. I guess its been pretty bad too. My friend took the above picture that shows the streets in Loma Linda flooded with mud and water. This video clip is of a street not to far away from where Jen and I live. I hope my house is still there when I head back home on Sunday.

First leg of Christmas Break

2010-12-19T19:04:00.000-08:00

Since I will be graduating from grad school this year, this will be the last time that I get a two week vacation for Christmas. I decided to make it a fun one and after finishing up classes on this past Thursday I flew to Salt Lake to meet up with my Dad and Brother to do some snowboarding and then road trip it together up to Washington. This has been the first leg of my break. I will be hanging out in Washington a few more days, then flying down to Arizona to meet up with Jen and spend Christmas with her and her family. Here are a few pictures from the past few days.

Found this gem in a gas station

We spent Friday snowboarding at Snowbird, it was a good day

My Dad taking in the view

Gadzooks

The strap on my bidings broke, so I tied an extra shoelace on for an improvised strap just to get down the mountain

On Saturday we started the 12 hour drive up to Yakima. We stocked up on snacks

The roads were pretty icy and we drove in alot of snow

As we were going over the Blue Mountains in Oregon a semi jack-knifed on the icy road, blocking the entire highway. We sat in the car waiting for them to clear the road for nearly 4 hours. It was cold and our 12 hour drive turned into 18 hours. Im glad to be in Washington now.

Because of Joe

2010-12-02T11:40:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, December 3rd is my dad's birthday. He would be turning 57 years young. Last year at this time I never could have imagined he would be gone, it's still so hard to believe. Over the past months I have often thought about how badly I want my future children to know their grandfather without having him here physically. How will I be able to carry on his legacy? What has my dad taught me that I can share with his posterity?

If I were to describe my dad in one word, the first that comes to mind is generous. He lived a simple life so he could give more to others. He was a talented coach that made good athletes great. He believed in them, taught them how to work hard, be successful and achieve their goals.

About one month ago, my oldest sister, Shelley had purchased a two week membership at a gym for a fundraiser from her son's basketball team. She had never been there before and finally went on the very last day before the pass expired. Upon leaving, the owner of the gym approached her, gave her the new member spill and was trying to talk her into joining. She was in a rush and didn't want to be bothered. The gym owner finally asked her why she was so against joining and she said, " because my son is trying out for basketball and needs some help getting stronger and faster, I need to put my money into training for him, not me right now". The guy looked at her and said, " well that's exactly what I do! When I was in high school, I tried so hard to make the basketball team but got cut my sophmore year. I went to tons of different coaches to help me get stronger and jump higher but none of them helped. Finally I was sent to the very best coach"...

At that moment, my sister knew who he was talking about. The young man went on to say, "his name was Joe Jolley". With tears in her eyes my sister said, "that's my dad". The young man looked upset and walked away. A few minutes later he came back a little choked up and said, "now you don't have anyone to help your son because your dad is gone?" The young man told my sister how my dad trained him, believed in him and helped him achieve his dream of going on to not only make the high school team, but also play collegiate basketball. He said he never would have accomplished what he had or be where he is today without the help of my dad.

My dad helped so many young athletes on and off the field. Coaching was his hobby, not his career. He often did it without pay, sacrificing his time and talent out of love for these young kids and their sport. More important than athletics to my dad was the gospel of Jesus Chris. He once told one of his athletes, "there are two things your future wife has to have, number one, she's got to have a testimony and number two, she's got to be able to back squat double her own body weight!"

I've decided that every December 3rd on my daddy's birthday I'm going to try to go out of my way to help someone more than usual, think to be a little more generous, and do something kind. I'm hoping that my future children will notice this and come to realize I do it because of my dad, because of their grandfather, because of Joe.

only in San Francisco...

2010-11-13T16:20:00.000-08:00

I learned a few things while traveling to what people call"the city" by myself this past week...

1. it's totally normal to dine alone in a cafe or any restaurant for that matter

2. giving the "runners wave" to other joggers will only get you weird looks, not a smile

3. panhandelers make more money than I do

4. obesity is not as epidemic since everyone walks to consume their dinner

5. forget about the treadmill, walking the San Francisco hills is much more intense

6. water, what's that? coffee is the #1 source of hydration, or in my case, diet coke

7. talking to old men on buses isn't strange, it's fascinating

8. walking around wearing a bulky Garmin watch to track how many miles you've walked is not the least bit cool. In fact when it beeps at every mile marker people give you a look of disgust : )

9. always carry something sharp in your pocket in case someone tries to mess with you

10. oh & even more importantly, always carry your Rainbows in your purse incase your feet start to hurt

2010-11-10T12:36:00.000-08:00

Andy's birthday spook-tacular!

2010-11-01T19:50:00.000-07:00

Somehow the birthday boy managed what I'd call more of a birthday weekend, that started with camping and rock climbing in Joshua Tree with good friends!

Spider man & his wifey even paid us a visit!

Sierra, Me & Kiersten

Please note, I did not participate in bouldering i.e. climbing rocks without ropes or equipment and relying on people below to catch you if you fall...I chose life instead of death! Although I do have to admit these other peeps were pretty impressive!

The birthday boy also managed a costume party in between all his fun. I was obviously a hippie and totally rocked my costume to the ghetto to pick up some rice & beans for the party. In front of the restaurant was a homeless druggie looking man sitting in a wheel-chair missing his left leg and when he saw me he got a ginormous smile on his face and yelled "yea man 1972 man"! Guess I dressed the part well!

I promise this is a costume, however all of it did come from his closet! Andy takes dressing up very seriously & has been growing that hairy monster on his face since September...he even got the creepy prospector face down. Let's just say this night gave me a glimpse into my future and I'm rather worried!

We ended his day in the studio audience of the Leno show with Janet Jackson & our favorite guy from modern family! Happy 28th, hope it was a good one with many more to come.

Hawt Dog You're On My BLog!!!

2010-10-26T14:25:00.000-07:00

Leave it to this girl to host a semi-formal Halloween Ball & it will be the most fun "event" you will have ever attended! Love her...

& them...

so glad friends throw great parties & give me excuses to drive home for the weekend & play with my family, I heart them

oh & this one is just for Jill...she may regret saying, "I never bring my camera to events because I can always count on Jen to take pictures for us" LOVE YA! 'twas a great dance off ; )

'til we meet again...

2010-10-06T09:28:00.001-07:00

This past weekend Andy & I made a special trip to Salt Lake to visit my dad's grave and attend a session of General Conference. I hadn't been to my dad's grave yet and felt it was something I needed to do. After my dad's funeral my uncles took a special brothers trip and took him up to Salt Lake to be buried next to his father. I'm so glad they had the opportunity to do this, it was just what they needed.

We had a wonderful time visiting friends & family. I had never been to BYU campus & we walked around while Andy's brother was in class. I'm not gonna lie, it was a little odd to me to see mother's lounges on campus and young college students pushing strollers to class...weird! I definately never saw that during my college experience!

Michelle & baby Macy

Anne & I at Cafe Rio=tons of hungry mormons in utter chaos

We stayed with Andy's aunt & uncle in Alpine. His grandma and other aunt and cousins made a special trip to hang out with us for the weekend. I love Andy's family they are so much fun! I feel so lucky to be apart of them! Seriously, Grandma Taylor is the hippest, funniest granny on the block! She is always cracking jokes and saying things that may be just a tad inappropriate but totally hilarious...I heart her! I invited her to come live with Andy & I but she declined : (

I am so glad we were able to attend the sunday session of general conference, neither of us had been and it was a great experience, I can't wait to do it again. I loved Elder Arnold's talk and what he said about his parents leaving him a great legacy. My dad left me a great legacy and name that I am honored to have and will try to live up to. 'Til we meet again...

Jam Packed

2010-09-26T09:53:00.000-07:00

This weekend was I guess what you'd call jam packed, felt like we drove all over southern california in a matter of 24 hours. I'm not complaining, I prefer to be constantly doing something, it keeps my mind busy : )

Friday night we went with some friends to the LA fair. I have decided county fairs are like really white trash museums! There are exhibits and interesting art surrounded by trashy people and fried food mmmm the fair!

(they were so excited to eat this...this was after they split it in half!)

Saturday I worked for a bit in Anaheim, then we drove down and spent the afternoon on the beach in Encinitas, found some cool thrift stores and surf shops. After trying on many cute clothes, I determined I need to starve myself. Then like 5 minutes later I saw a burrito staring me in the face for dinner and decided I'd rather eat it!

We ended the night in San Diego at the Black Keys concert. They are amazing, you should buy their album right now! We were packed like sardines in the venue & I was getting claustrophobic so I made my way to the back where I could breathe. I kept thinking someone would surely try to kidnap and murder me so I devised a plan...I would look at their license plate before they stuffed me in their trunk, then text Andy the # and hope he would put two and two together, brilliant I tell you brilliant. But no one kidnapped me so I didn't even have to use my plan, just drove home and fell asleep in the passenger seat instead!
It was the perfect day...worked a little, played on the beach, ate a big burrito and ended it at a concert : )

Bitter sweet

2010-09-11T14:56:00.002-07:00

OH wow I just realized Andy posted a ski video on our 4 year anniversary, not a "happy anniversary Jen you are the most amazing wife in the world" post! LOL that's my husband he is so romantic! Well now I don't feel so bad about posting this...

Yes, Andy & I celebrated 4 years of wedded bliss this past week. I am in deed so thankful I married such a great guy and got awesome in-laws in return, however, throughout the week my thoughts were turned to this guy...
My dad was a huge support and strength to me throughout the whole engagement and wedding planning process, it was one of the most fun & cherished times in our relationship. We'd talk several times a day while I was in Washington & he was back home. He gave me lots of advice and was so excited about "the big day". He wanted it to be perfect for me and wanted to go all out and "throw a great party" for all of the guests. At times he got a little carried away with the going all out and thought it would be a great idea to hire a mime (yes the kind with white painted faces that don't speak) to entertain the guests in line. LOL I almost died when he suggested that one! Thankfully my aunt told him we were planning a wedding not a circus! That is one of my favorite things about my dad, how excited he would get about events, trips or whatever. He always said "if we're gonna do it let's do it right!" He is awesome to say the least.

Recently someone asked me if I had moved on from his loss. What kind of questions is that? Does anyone ever really move on from such a tragedy? Will I ever move on, NO, but I'm trying to figure out how to live my life and keep my world moving when it feels like it stopped. I hold on to precious memories that I have of him and thank the Lord for the angels He places in my life daily to help me keep going. My dad is one of those angels, I know it.

I am so thankful for the daddy daughter dance we shared at our reception. I use to cry at my friends weddings when they danced with their dad because I wanted to do that with mine and at the time wasn't sure if I'd get that chance. I'm so glad that I did. It's those precious moments that we had that keep me going.

Winter is Coming

2010-09-07T17:22:00.000-07:00

tale encounters of the human kind

2010-08-15T15:38:00.002-07:00

I really wish that I kept better track of funny and interesting moments that happen daily with odd and hysterical patient encounters. Here are a few of my favorites...that I can remember : )

1. I walk into a room to find a 400+ pound woman lying in the bed, introduce myself, "Hi my name is Jennifer I'm a PA" only to have the lady reply, "what does PA stand for, oh your my personal assistant wonderful!" I just looked in amazement and said, "yes, would you like your pedicure or manicure first?" Better yet how 'bout I make sure you don't die!

2. After doing a digital rectal exam on a male with rectal bleeding he asks, "can we cuddle?" I just shook my head in disbelief....seriously gross!

3. A cute middle-aged man stares at me after I introduce my self, smiles and says, "can I just call you Doogie Howser?"

4. Chief complaint..."I have noodles in my chest"....REALLY!

5. walk into a very STINKY room to find a ginormous lady with dreads that looked like octopus tentacles all tatted up in big block letters the word "BULL" on her right forearm and "SHIT" on her left. I couldn't help but wanna throw up my forearms and bump chests.

PEOPLE MAKE ME LAUGH!

the Jack's are back!

2010-08-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

Lumber Jack & Lumber Jen made a reappearance last week. We packed our flannels and most hideous tye-die apparrel, dusted off our Chacos and headed North up the coast to Morro Bay.... HOME OF THE SEA OTTER!!! Yes, I have another obsession other than Donny Osmond, it's sea otters. They are so cute I want to squeeze them (& the guy in the pic...apparently), too bad they're endangered. Oh well one day.

We camped in a tiny tent, ate heart shaped tomatoes to symbolize out hippie livin' love and roasted all things mallows and starbursts to our hearts content.

We snuck in a little edu-ma-cation and visited Hearst Castle. It was cool, that guy was redick, and I was once again reminded why I don't do the whole museum thing.

Best of all, the last day there we wandered to Morro Rock, ventured to a secluded area and spotted a sea otter swimming in the bay! I was ecstatic, I squealed...yes jenjolley squeals! As I got to close the otter he looked me straight in the face and ducked back under the ocean blue. I was sad he left so soon.

Central California was breathtakingly beautiful in every way...until next time

Love, Lumberjen & Lumberjack

The Moosejaw Andrew Martin Vest

2010-07-21T16:59:00.000-07:00

Moosejaw is an outdoor sporting goods store that is based out of Michigan. They have a really good website, great costumer service, and their own clothing line. Over the years I have bought a bunch of stuff from them. About 6 months ago, I got an email from Moosejaw saying that they would like to get costumer feedback on some of their new clothing in an upcoming line. I had nothing better to do at the time, so I went ahead and looked at their proposed line and gave them my feedback. At the end of the questionnaire they said they would like to name some of their new products after their members and asked why they should name something after me. I really don't remember what I wrote, I think I may have included something in their about once eating a 14 inch burrito, but I'm really not sure. Whatever I wrote, Moosejaw liked it. They decided to name their new fleece vest after me! I was pretty stoked when I found out. They sent me a free vest, and I just got it in the mail today. Here are some pics, now click Here and buy yourself the Andrew Martin Vest.

Tour de Washington

2010-07-06T14:29:00.002-07:00

After spending 10 days exploring the Northwest I have concluded the following...

1. I want to be a hippie

2. I want to have a hobby farm

3. I want to breath blue air, well clear air because according to some the air isn't blue...whatev!

Seriously this vacay was the tour de Washington that started on the west side and headed east. Guess that's the benefit of visiting family and tricking them into taking you all over the place! We had a great time, but then again who wouldn't with the Martin bunch?!

We flew into Seattle and met up with my aunts, uncle and cousins from my dad's side of the family : ) We had a yummy dinner at the Wild Ginger. It was so wonderful to see my family!

I talked a very kind bum into taking this picture, however he was a bit disappointed when I didn't have any cash for his dinner.

When the alarm went off at 4:20 am the next morning for the Seattle Rock n' Roll marathon I told Andy to never let me trick him into running a race on vacation again! After all was said and done we were glad we did it! I was even able to trick my father in-law, a non-runner into training and running the race with us, he must love me! He ended up rocking it, loving it and is now a runner who I think may be starting an addiction to races.

After our race on the west side we headed back to Yakima where Andy's parents live. We met up with our besties from college and wakeboarded on the Columbia River. I lived with these girls nearly all four years, oh the trouble we caused and the fun we had. Aw the glory years! I heart them.

The following days were spent hiking and exploring Mt. Rainier, visiting a cute little Bevarian tourist town called Leavenworth and doing a little bit of playing and sightseeing.

I mentioned to Chuck I had never rode on a ferry before and had all sorts of questions about it. Guess he decided to put my curiosity to rest when the next day we headed to Anacortes to board the ferry!

We went over to the San Juan Islands and spent a night on Friday Harbor exploring the little island. I was in love!

The next day we boarded back up and headed for Seattle while stopping at a few Farmer's Markets along the way. I love coastal hippie towns : )

Once in Seattle we visited Pike's Place and ate a sea feast at The Crab Pot located on the waterfront

We had such a great time...thanks for spoiling us Chuck & Stacy,

I heart you : )

Toppenish, Where the West Still Lives

2010-06-27T20:07:00.000-07:00

Since the last time we were in Washington, my dad acquired a new physical therapy clinic in Toppenish. If you are not familiar with Toppenish, it is where the west still lives. The town is covered with murals that depict scenese from the wild west, and the downtown area is designed to look like an old west town. This is the outside of my dad's office, it look like an old outpost.

This is the mural that is inside of the McDonalds in Toppenish, its pretty creepy.

a great legacy

2010-06-21T11:31:00.000-07:00

Andy & I went to Az for Father's day weekend to spend it with family. Since my dad's passing I have been working on a scrapbook of his life to give to my sister. I finished it a few weeks ago & have been anxiously awaiting to give it to her on Father's day. It was like Christmas morning I was so excited I couldn't even sleep the night before. Making the books was so emotionally hard at times and many tears were shed, but most of them were happy tears as I was able to look back and remember the special moments and memories that we created.

My dad did so many amazing things here on this earth. He was so giving, and lived such a simple life so he could do more for others. Since his passing many people have come forward and shared with us special things he did for them that we never even knew of because my dad didn't go around bragging about it. He has left our family a great legacy, one that will always be with us, one that we can do our best to model our lives after.

Comforting Truths

2010-06-08T20:37:00.000-07:00

I was reading an article in the Ensign by Elder Bednar, talking specifically about techonology and its uses of good and bad. I usually blog only about the fun things we do and not enough about special experiences that I have that may help and strengthen others faith.

Today started out like any other typical day off work that I have, cleaning, exercising, and errands. I almost forgot it had been four months since my daddy left us until my sister reminded me over the phone. I thought this was a good sign that I hadn't been counting the weeks, waking up every Monday morning and replaying that devastating day minute by minute, hour by hour over in my mind.
As I was driving home this evening listening to music, nothing particularly spiritual, an overwhelming feeling came over me that I would see my dad again someday. I felt him sitting in the car with me and I could literally feel his arms wrapped around me. The tears began to flow,I know this to be true. I have a testimony of my Savior, of His atonement and the plan of salvation. I know that we will be together again. I cannot wait for my dad to take me into his arms and hold me tight. I know my dad is watching over me and is with me. I am so thankful for a loving Heavenly Father and Savior who knows me personally. I am so thankful for this experience that I had. I feel like my spirituality has suffered in the past few weeks, I have felt empty because I have not felt my dad's presence or Heavenly Father's love as much as I had when tragedy struck. I am so thankful to know neither one has left me.

It's All About the Ambiance

2010-06-05T13:16:00.002-07:00

We ran 13.1 miles bright and early this am and obviously needed to refuel so we hit up our favorite place...the one and only...Los Altos. Seriously if you haven't been there you should...NOW!!! It's seriously like totally green in every way people. Instead of growing their own produce they butcher their own meat on site! Yep, it's a carniceria aka butcher shop and taco shop all rolled into one. How can you go wrong eating a burrito at a place where you are the only one speaking english, mother Mary is watching in the background and mexican music serenading, or shall I say blaring all day long. The ambiance is impecable. Put simply, the agua de fresa is heaven in my mouth, just picture liquified ice cold strawberries and sugar...um yes please, I'll take two!

Weekend Shenanigans

2010-06-01T08:42:00.000-07:00

My cousins Lexi & Jared came from Az to visit for the weekend! We had a fun time, hit up Vic Gardens and Pinkberry when they got here friday. Saturday was spent at Huntington Beach with a BBQ. We even braved going to J. T. Schmid's for dinner to watch the Suns game in Laker territory. Needless to say, we left before the game was over, we couldn't take it anymore : ) Before they journeyed back to the homeland we made one more beach stop at Crystal Cove & finished it off with a Sprinkles cupcake just for Jared. It was so fun to have them and made for an adventurous weekend. Life is too short not to have fun!!

Jared & Lexi

brunch at Martha Green's Eating Room

San- O

2010-05-22T17:32:00.000-07:00

We love camping, we love the beach, they sure go hand in hand. Our friends Jordan & Sierra invited us out to go camp at San Onofre with some of their classmates from PA school. Did I mention I'm so glad to be done with all of that! Andy surfed, we did a nice 10 mile run, layed on the beach & enjoyed the sun. I heart summer.
Who needs kids when I have a very large child I have to keep my eye on at all times. Anywhere he finds a "danger", or "caution" sign he runs over to it so excited to check it out!

By the way Subi has been great to us, we can drive eat and sleep in it, how fabulous is that? It really is every girl's dream. Oh and YES, I am wearing a head lamp!

Blogger Bake Sale

2010-05-16T21:31:00.000-07:00

My friend Bobbi is having a blogger bake sale tomorrow, May 17th to raise funds for St. Jude Hero's! Head over to NherShoes, www.bobbimccormick.com today to bid on some delicious treats!!! I'm making picky-palate's (www.picky-palate.com) blue & white chippers, yum yum!

run for your life!

2010-04-25T18:08:00.000-07:00

Running 200 miles with 11 strangers in 1 stinky van was quite the experience! Not sure what I'll remember more...waking up in my sleep screaming "grandma, grandma, grandma", with 5 girls who knew very little about me and less about my wild sleeping habits, or running alone through Santa Monica at 1am on empty streets except for the homeless bums on the sidewalk. It's amazing how fast you can run when you're scared!

We had an amazing italian dinner at Boccali's in Ojai, CA where they grow their own produce behind the restaurant! So hippie in every way and I absoloutely loved it!

Alot of teams sported some crazy costumes!

Yea definately not brave enough to sport this running attire...just picture the jiggalage! (if that's a word)

Instead I rocked this attire. Don't worry though I had a change of clothes for all three of my legs. I was a stinky mess...especially after we crashed in a park to sleep for 2 hours and a family of skunks decided to spray right next to us! Just another reason to dislike creatures.

Cynthia and I before my last leg of 7.0 miles along the PCH. Thank goodness the beach scenery was beautiful because my legs definately were ready to stop at this point!

I found this awesome "jail bird" along the way to keep pace with. She literally saved me and kept me going!

the six of us...

road in this for 200 miles without showers

and then met up with the whole crew at the finish line in Dana Point

Oh and Krystal, to answer your question, Ragnar really is as fun as everyone says it is! I highly recommend it.

Azizzle fer rizzle

2010-04-19T09:19:00.000-07:00

Our weekend was spent in Azizzle! We made the journey for quite a few special events that were taking place. My not so small nephew Hunter's ordination and Bailee's first prom! Yes, I love any excuse to go home : )

We snuck in a night of fine dining with my aunts, uncles and cousins from my daddy's side of the fam. We hit up Oregano's and then decided to stuff our belly's even more at the Sugar Bowl...mmmm! I just love my cousins! (Lexi is on the right and Krystal is on the left)

Sunday was a special day. Hunter was ordained a teacher, but it meant more to us than that. My dad was so excited for this day and expressed how much he wanted to be there months before we lost him. We truly felt a special spirit in the room. We were glad his brothers could be there to represent him.

We had lunch at Shelley's after church. It was my uncle Jeff's birthday! He is hilarious and reminds me a lot of my dad. It felt so good to be around family for the weekend!

Good Song

2010-04-09T17:10:00.000-07:00

Blind Pilot "Go On, Say It" from Team G on Vimeo.

Easter

2010-04-05T15:30:00.000-07:00

General conference was so wonderful and fitting for Easter sunday. I felt like everything that was said was exactly what I needed to hear right now. The passing of my dad has brought a new meaning to this special time of year. I can't believe today marks eight weeks, it feels so much longer. I am so indeed greatful for the atonement and resurrection of our savior, his love and understanding for each of our own heartache and pain. My dad loved listening to conference. He would always call me excited and kindly quiz me on my favorite talks. I wrapped up in a blanket made of his t-shirts and watched. I know we watched it together. I know he was there.

On a lighter note, I think Andy and I have created a new Easter tradition. Who needs to dye eggs when you can tie-dye clothes...

my special Easter dress

The monday before Easter we had our friends Jordan & Sierra over for a little tie-dye fest! Jordan suggested I tie-dye my white coat & wear it to work April Fool's day...too bad it was my day off : (

Ladies & gents, I'm afraid I've created a monster! Andy has been tie-dying everything he can think of ever since! Don't be surprised if the next time you see us we are all decked out in tie-dye.

Last but not least I created a very amateur Easter cake...'twas delish!

Oh & I even made a cute little baseball basket for Andy (opening day game is tonight)! Even though just two days before he said, "Jen do I have to get you an Easter basket, I think we are little old for that"! At least he's learning he's suppose to ask when he needs to buy me things for example Valentine's, anniversary...the answer is YES!!! Love you babe : )

staycation

2010-03-29T21:26:00.000-07:00

For the last weekend of Andy's spring break we decided to take our party to the beach and camp in San Clemente. It was a lot of fun, but we definatley didn't take enough pics to capture San Clemente & all of its awesomeness. Two days before this trip we boarded at Mt. Baldy...we love this place! I know some of you may wonder if I actually work or if Andy really is in grad school, but I promise we both are! I actually have two jobs and one is full-time I swear. I just believe that play time is just or even more important than work. Wow, I can't believe I just said that... Andy really has changed me!

a new understanding

2010-03-25T23:37:00.000-07:00

I have a new understanding for people who are dealing with tragedy in their lives. A new understanding for people who have lost their parents, children and loved ones. I have a new understanding, a new kind of compassion for people who feel this pain. I have a new understanding for my friends who have lost parents and siblings before I. There has not been a day gone by that I don't cry and ache. I have given more hugs to strangers and held patient's hands to tell them that everything will be ok and I'm sorry for their own pain.

Today a patient came in named Joseph, just like my daddy. He was aching and sad. His mother died unexpectedly yesterday. I hugged him. I cried with him. My heart aches for him.

Sometimes I don't feel like pretending, so I don't. Sometimes I may seem weird and standoffish, it's because I am. I don't like to pretend. Well, now this blog sounds like a weird emo chick...maybe I am.

Mr. Banana Grabber

2010-03-21T21:58:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy the show Arrested Development, and when I first found out that Jen and I would be moving to Southern California I got really excited because I realized that I would be living pretty close to Balboa Island and could eat a famous frozen banana. For those of you who aren't familiar with the show click here. So we have lived here for 4 years now and have been to Newport Beach probably close to 58 times, but have yet to get frozen bananas. This all changed this weekend when I demanded that we waste not another day without having eaten a frozen banana. Luckily there was no sign of Mr. Banana Grabber.

We couldn't find the Bluth Original Frozen Banana stand, so we had to settle with Dad's.

The frozen banana in all of it's glory.

Random photo on Balboa Island.

Sweet Sixteen

2010-03-12T19:20:00.000-08:00

I hope you sang the title of the post instead of simply reading it : ) My oldest niece turned the big one-six today!!! Her dad said she can't date 'til she's thirty-five, however that didn't last long...she's already booked the next two weekends! Poor dad, his baby is growin' up! I heart this beauty

Send me and Angel

2010-03-07T20:54:00.001-08:00

This is an edit that my buddy made. The end is the best part, if you dont count the song.

Facial Hair February 2010

2010-03-06T23:40:00.000-08:00

Mammoth

2010-03-04T17:37:00.000-08:00

With all that has been going on lately, Jen and I both needed a little getaway. We debated whether we should go or not but since we had been planning on making this trip to Mammoth for a couple months now we went. A couple of weeks ago was Combined Sectional Meetings for the APTA in San Diego, so i got the last half of the week off from school so I could attend the meetings. Instead Jen and I went up to Mammoth with a few of my classmates. It was alot of fun and we really enjoyed the bigger mountian and all of the terrian. These Southern California resorts just are not cutting it anymore. There are alot of pictures, so enjoy.

The Crew (Left to Right; Bjorn, Sebastian, Brad, Andy, Aaron, Jen, Ciara, Aarons BOL)

Some of the DPT class of 2011 (Andy, Sebastian, Brad, Bjorn, and Aaron)

Sebastian, Josh, Bjorn, and Andy

We found a cool Igloo.

More fun than Jen can handle.

Hiking back inbounds after hours of fun on the booter we built.

Isn't Mammoth Beautiful?

Daddy

2010-02-09T07:02:00.000-08:00

Forever our Daddy

Joseph Manning Jolley

December 3, 1953- February 8, 2010

As many of you know we lost our Daddy yesterday. Words cannot express how in shock and sad we are. Many of you loved him, were friends with him and were coached by him. I know this is not the end and we will be with him again one day. For now our hearts are aching. We love you Daddy, more than you could ever know.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 13th, Mesa Lazona Ward building located at 1345 E. University, viewing from 10am with services to follow at 11am. Viewing Friday evening at Bunker's Mortuary 33N. Centennial Way Mesa, Az from 6-8pm. Please join us to remember and celebrate his life here on this earth, nothing would make him happier than to have you there.

things i HEART

2010-02-06T16:50:00.000-08:00

this view...

these flowers...

this face

it's the simple things

This is legit

2010-01-23T20:47:00.000-08:00

Sno Cal

2010-01-23T16:32:00.000-08:00

This past week we have been hit by some pretty good storms and it rained off and on all week long down here in Loma Linda. The rain was great and made me miss Washington. Along with the rain, the storm also brought a lot of snow to the surrounding mountains. The last five days brought over 4 feet of that white stuff that dreams are made of. As you can imagine, both Jen and I were itching to get up there all week. Unfortunately school and work keep getting in the way of all of our fun and adventures. On Friday I was lucky enough to get out of school early and head up snowboarding with a friend of mine from class. The snow was amazing by Southern California standards, but pretty much normal for anywhere else. It was pretty funny to see all the "Bros" driving their huge lifted trucks up there and still having to put chains on them because their trucks look tough but cant handle a little snow on the road. It was still stormy and snowing on Friday so not many people went up to the resort, but today, Saturday, was an entirely different story.

Jen and I decided that we would wake up early to beat the crowds and be waiting in line when they turned on the chairs lift, but it didn't work out. We did wake up early and leave with what we thought was plenty of time. The drive that normally takes us less then an hour, took nearly 3, and the majority of that time was the last 10 miles. A lot of people had the same idea as Jen and I, to get up there early. The delays in the driving was not helped by the geniuses who would stop on the highway to put their chains on so that they could use them to drive on slush and bare asphalt. (Southern Californians do no know how to drive in snow, or even rain) When we were only about 3 miles away from the resort, we were passing a car that was pulling over to the side of the road and I saw a lady in a Mt. High coat standing in the road. The lady gave me a thumbs up, and since I thought she was trying to keep me stoked and let me know that I was almost there and that I shouldn't let the traffic bum me out, I gave her a thumbs up back. She started walking to the back door of the car when I realized that I had just signaled to pick up a hitchhiker. Our new friend was a pretty friendly lady, but she reeked of cigarette smoke and had the nastiest cough. She definitely has COPD. After being in the car for nearly 3 hours I really had to urinate, the urge was getting so bad and were going so slow, that if the COPD lady wasn't in the car with us, I would of urinated into an empty bottle. As we were getting about a mile away from the resort, everyone was parking illegally on the side of the highway because the parking lot was entirely full. Luckily for us, karma was on our side. Our new friend, COPD lady, was able to get us into the employee parking lot and we snatched up some front row parking, while everyone else had to walk to the resort. It pays to help people out, even if that wasn't your intention. The snow was great and we had a lot of fun riding through the trees and doing powder slashes. On the way home we saw a lot of funny stuff, the highway was lined on both sides with cars and everyone just wanting to play in the snow. I saw a Mexican boy sledding on a boogie board, and people sledding down hills that ended right on the freeway, it was like a circus. Days like these make me anxious to move out of Southern California.

A Canadian Christmas

2009-12-31T18:14:00.000-08:00

We did things the Canadian way this year & spent the holidays snowboarding our little hearts out at Big White with Andy's family. I heart them!

Seriously Canucks got things all backwards. For some odd reason they think Christmas is like Halloween...picture men dressed as nuns skiing, swamp man & polar bear snowboarders, and most memorable of all a man wearing only a thong held up by suspenders as he plowed down the mountain. Oh and the day after Christmas is called Boxing Day. I thought for sure I'd see people throwing a wicked left hook, maybe some bloody faces, but no there was nothing of the sort. To top it off, we met more Australians than Canadians and found out from an Aussie himself that Canadians "treat them like slaves" working for them all winter. Hmmm...sounds kinda like Az and Cali except for, well never mind! I'll get on with the trip & let the pictures do the talking : )

at this point they were all making fun of me for wanting a picture with a tractor since Lance's family (BIL) owns several much larger in size...only an Az girl would think this was cool!

the girls are learning early about laptop addiction

the boys

I leave you with my favorite Christmas apparel this year...Andy thinks they're disgusting : )

Our new little addition

2009-12-20T19:07:00.000-08:00

Haha, you thought I was going to announce I was prego didn't you?! Andy & I took the next step in our marriage and purchased our first car together. It was a big step considering the most expensive thing we've ever purchased thus far is our plane tickets to Canada (which we are so stoked to be going there in t-minus 3 days) Ironically, Andy's car transmission went out the day after we talked about getting rid of my bug bug that he so loves to drive. Unfortunately for Andy we had to purchase something that would serve him well for the next 10 years or so. Needless to say he got something I swore I would never own...a Subaru Outback. I said I'd never own one because #1 hippie tree huggin' liberals tend to own them #2 I would look so much hotter in a Lexus IS 250 #3 the older ones remind me of a station wagon. Now that we have one I love it! What other car can you camp in, carry your bikes, snowboards, offroad in & even throw a kid in the back seat! I actually almost cried when we got home from test driving it because I realized I've changed since being married to Andy (for the better) & owning a Subaru is just one more step closer to making me into a Northwest girl & not the Arizona girl that I am: ( My sister's adorable family stopped by to say hi on their way to Disneyland so we got a pic in front of the new wheels...I LOVE my nieces & nephews!

Brig was attacking Andy in this pic...

ok, this one is a little nicer, from left to right: Andy, Hunter, Me, Bailee, Brigham, Jaxon, Jalen

I'm just gonna say it...

2009-12-07T20:35:00.000-08:00

I LOVE US! Breck had the brilliant idea of a girls trip reunion in Park City filled with snowboarding, sledding, crafting, dancing and laughing, needless to say it was amazing! We literally stayed in "the penthouse" located at the resort it self, chatting it up until 4 am was a nightly occurrence and a few of us may have peed our pants just a little from laughing so hard...you know who you are : ) We were only missing two of "US", Jill (who just gave birth) and Cherisse : ( Oh how we missed you both! You girls will forever be my friends, I will never find friendships so unique filled with love & laughter, free of girl drama and caddyness. I truly had the best high school experience thanks to all of you, FRIENDS 4EVR

We made a pact...don't let me down!! Can't wait for "GIrls Showdown 2014"

Seriously it's almost December?!

2009-11-29T11:54:00.000-08:00

We enjoyed a nice weekend with the whole famdamily! T'was very special to say the least : ) Some of my favorites included...

Hiking Camelback

Breakfast with almost all my girls!

visiting my fave HS seminary teacher who now teaches my cute niece! Seriously, I am forever thankful for him!

Andy's face lit up like Christmas morning when he visited G-ma's bathroom & insisted we get a pic of him "stepping into a time machine"!

A Tale of Two Jacks

2009-11-01T14:46:00.000-08:00

After the Angel's loss last Sunday, seven tests in four days, and his 27th old man birthday approaching, Andy deserved a lumber jack kind of retreat...so that's what we did! Santa Barbara has to be one of the most beautiful places to go camping (or shopping)!

Meet Lumber Jack & Lumber Jill, or Jen whatever

Lumber Jack studied ortho

while Lumber Jen read love stories

While enjoying the view, a terrible storm rolled in and sucked Lumber Jen right into the ocean.

Luckily, Lumber Jack was a certified life guard and came to Jen's rescue

Even luckier, Lumber Jen used her mad crab walking skills she learned in 1st grade PE to keep herself safe until Lumber Jack spotted her.

Lumber Jack & Jen shared a sweet embrace and then celebrated their reunion with an intense game of FROLF, on an 18 hole course stashed secretly away in the middle of camping paradise

After an intense and sweaty game of FROLF, Lumber Jen asked Lumber Jack if she looked beautiful and he proudly exclaimed, "Yes, in your own beautiful greasy way". That was when she knew he truly loved her despite her odor. To show Lumber Jack just how much she loved him, she broke her rule of no showering and not changing her socks & transformed from this....

to this...

Lumber Jack was mezmorized by her enchanting smell, drug out his axe and built her a ferocious fire.

Lumber Jack & Lumber Jen lived happily ever after roasting weenies, growing old together and painting pictures in the sand

WOW, we really need to have a kid so it can take more pictures of us together! : )

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDY! THANKS FOR TEACHING ME HOW TO TRULY HAVE FUN & ENJOY LIFE!

Love always,

your #1 Lumber Jen

bring out the monkeys

2009-10-25T14:20:00.001-07:00

If this doesn't answer your question, then I don't know what does...

YES WE ARE WEIRDOS : ) Our rally monkeys are out!! BRING ON THE YANKS! Oh & yes I am not a wife who pretends to watch "the game", I whole heartedly love it & encourage it, so essentially I created this monster!

I've finally determined why Andy's favorite month is October... because #1 baseball playoffs, #2 any items he wants to purchase he tricks me & says they can be for his birthday #3 this little decoration...he thinks it's fun to change the sign from In to Out whenever I leave the house! Oh well, if I'm the witch then that makes him my flying monkey!

p.s. please let there be a game #7 and I will be a very happy witch : )

What's your perfect date?

2009-10-17T22:55:00.000-07:00

The other day I was asked for some "womanly advice" from a man who wanted some good date ideas for a very special lady he was trying to impress. For the average person I think I would have been able to give some good ideas but you see this man is a very high roller so I was stumped. I laughed when he asked me for some ideas and said, "I'm not your typical girl, my kind of date includes a steak and a baseball game". Yeah, that was definately not what he was looking for to impress his girl : )

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE DATE INCLUDE?

Today our date started like this.....

And ended like this....

Yup, this is my perfect date... biking Big Bear, pizza & baseball too bad Angel's lost : (

ReAdY tO sHrEd...

2009-10-10T17:01:00.000-07:00

Even though shredding in SoCal means fake snow and way too many idiots sitting in the middle of the run (kinda reminds me of driving on the freeway)....

its like a frigid 80 degrees outside & I'm stoked for the season, so I figured I might as well try on my kit! : )

And yes, I will be leaving on the tags cuz I'm gangsta like that. It's just how we roll!

Cross Country Snowboarding

2009-10-06T12:42:00.000-07:00

Winter is quickly approaching, enjoy this video.

He's bringin' sexy back to school

2009-09-28T09:30:00.000-07:00

Ohh lala ladies...I know you're jealous but he is all mine!

BUSINESS IN THE FRONT

PARTY IN THE BACK

Feliz tres anos a La jenJolla

2009-09-07T16:45:00.000-07:00

BTW hablo espanol... well um not really! We celebrated 3 years of sheer & utter bliss (haha) by doing some of the things we love in the jewel of California.

1. The Temple...need I say more, it's beautiful!

2. EATING-I highly reccommend breakfast at The Cottage, we enjoyed it twice

I think this pic was taken right before a bird pooped on Andy! haha I hate birds...no but seriously I really am terrified of them!

3. Studying the human body...how romantic!- I'm not one for museums or really any cultural events for that matter, but somehow Andy knew there's no better way to my heart than studying dead people

4. Sea kayaking- this was fun and adventurous but somehow every time I rowed it turned our kayak completely off course. Near the end I started crying because I somehow conjured up the idea that it was a symbol of our marriage. Andy couldn't stop laughing and said I was crazy. In the end I determined it was because my muscles are bigger than his : )

I truly am thankful for Andy & the person that he is. He teaches me new things everyday & makes me want to be a better person. I must say, I had no idea how much fun he really is when we tied the knot, thankfully I got LUCKY!

All she really needed

2009-08-18T23:23:00.000-07:00

Tonight I was reminded that sometimes I may just need to listen. Sometimes I need a higher plan. I learn new things at work everyday, most of the time they are not even medically related. I feel like I've learned more about my self, more about God and how closely our physical and spiritual health are related. Sometimes I'm so focused on peoples signs and symptoms that maybe really more importantly they just need an ear to listen. I met an adorably spunky 77 year young woman tonight, who had such a wonderful attitude despite her critical condition. Once I stepped back and delved a little deeper, she broke down in tears while I listened. I asked her if she would like me to pray with her and her face lit up. So, we did just that, we held hands and prayed. Afterwards she said to me, "All I really needed was a prayer, thank you". Medicine has its ups and downs, successes, failures, rewards and disappointments. Just like anything in life I've found that at the end of the day if you include God in your plan everything will be ok.

2009-08-08T11:13:00.000-07:00

It's funny, because its true!

(This post has been brough to you by Andy)

will the real Andrew Martin please stand up?!?!

2009-07-30T19:55:00.000-07:00

OK so we walk into Jack's and I look over and see my husband on a Sanuk poster! I know my husband loves his sanuks and endorses them to friends but I had no idea he was famous! Seriously when I saw this I started laughing and said, "look honey you're picture is on the wall". All the people around looked at Andy & started laughing. If only he played the guitar like Donavon....sigh :)

Really though, I've determined that Andy's main concern in life is his facial hair. The other day I was complaining about how I looked, you know typical girl garbage and Andy tried comforting me by saying, "Jen, that's so dumb, you see there will always be a guy who can grow a better beard than me but I just think...I have a pretty sick beard and that's all that matters" By the way he no longer has a beard, he's now going with the molester stache look. Nothing more sexy than a flesh colored mustache...GAG! Oh & after I pleaded with him to shave it he said, "there are only two types of people who walk around without beards... boys and women and I'm neither". Yes, that's my husband for u! He makes me laugh daily: )

sUmMaHH tyme!

2009-07-14T17:03:00.000-07:00

The best part about living in a central location to everybody's summer vacay spots is being able to slip away for the weekend and free load off them & pretend your on vacation for a few days!

nice hair ehh?!?!

my bestest sister!!

TWINNERS #1

TWINNERS #2 haha we so did not plan this matchy match!

my little Brigham...how can you resist this face : )

get your game face on babe!

Jaxon & Hunter playing a friendly game of bury Bailee

that sucks! gotta love little brothers!

Jaxon just catchin' some rays

my favorite kiddos

We HEART Carlsbad! my family has gone every year since I can remember & it's always a lot of fun! I'm just glad Andy & I could slip away from real life for a few days to enjoy it. Oh & sorry for the picture overload, I'm just trying to make up for Shelley's lack of blogging about her adorable kids!

Andrew Look Alike

2009-07-05T14:16:00.000-07:00

I got a message from a friend today, telling me that he was watching my brother play in the US Open. Aparently, Hunter Mahan is an Andrew Martin look alike. You be the judge, do we look alike?

The Real Andrew Martin

(If you are reading this blog, I hope that you already know what I look like. I shouldn't even have to include this picture)

The following pictures are of the Andrew Martin look alike.

BeDazzle me!!!

2009-06-21T19:08:00.000-07:00

Of course I BEDAZZLED my Nalgene bottle and ID badge because I'm classy like that! I asked Andy if he thought the bedazzler was from the 90's, he said, "either people in the 90's or a 12 year old!" Well then its official I'm 12 years old because I LOVE TO BEDAZZLE! At least my water bottle will sparkle on my desk : ) Andy may think I'm a 12 year old, but secretly I know he wishes I would bedazzle his phone! If he's lucky he might just wake up to a shiny red & blue Angels emblem on his cell! heehee : )

Just The Girls!

2009-06-14T18:44:00.001-07:00

THEY CAME...

WE SHOPPED...

WE PLAYED...
(andy told jalen he will make sure this one gets in her "wedding video" haha!)

WE BBQd...

WE CRASHED!

Not sure how I managed to get lost in Hollywood with a GPS but we did....thankfully Ash & her dad saved us! Not sure why I took the girls to Santee Alley, the first words out of their mouths were "why are we going shopping in Mexico?" Needless to say we quickly left & went to The Grove. Not sure how Andy dealt with our car dance sessions to Lady Gaga but somehow he survived!

Most of all I love that these girls are finally old enough to come & play with me! I HEART my nieces : )

All because of her

2009-06-09T09:34:00.001-07:00

While I was at home visiting we got to celebrate my cute grandma's 80th birthday! I was so glad I got to be there, I have always been very close to my grandma, she lived 2 miles from me growing up. I thought it was so adorable when my sister told my 3 year old nephew, "Brig guess what it's grandma's eightieth birthday today"! He said, "oh really, she gets to get baptized!" How cute and innocent are little kids, they really do know a whole lot more than we think, the poor little guy just doesn't know the difference between eight and eighty yet! In fact either does my niece, she asked me if they had malls when I was growing up? How old do you think I am Jalen?!?!?

Really though, looking at my grandma I was thinking about her legacy and my future posterity. All because of her, so many lives have been brought into this world. I wonder what I'll be doing when I'm 80? I hope some of my daily acitivities include playing tennis and cussing out old men who think they are better than me!!! Just kidding! Well not really : )

San Diego Conference

2009-05-28T15:03:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to spend 6 days in San Diego for a PA conference this past week & it was wonderful! What could be better than an all expense paid trip by work that included a little learning and a lot of playing!!! Andy was able to come over and join me for the weekend but had to make it back for finals this week, probably a good thing he left or I wouldn't have been as motivated to go to as many courses. Seriously why do they put continuing medical education conferences in the most beautiful sunny enjoyable places???? Here is a few highlights of the "fun stuff" we managed to fit in between classes.

What trip would be complete without a baseball game? PETCO park was totally awesome!!!

does this or does this not sum up Andy's love for baseball! I love how he's the only adult near the kids!! Wait, that sounds kinda creepy!

Causing trouble at Hotel Del

Meeting up with good friends and my former classmates whom I spent more time with than Andy during our first year of marriage!! NO JOKE!!!

Um EATING duh! There were so many unique and delish restaurants I have never heard of before in downtown. This place was featured on Diner's Drive Inn's & Dives on FoodNetwork so Andy insisted. Ostrich and Alligator burgers really just aren't my thing though

Tioli's Crazee Burger

Dick's Last Resort

My FAVORITE things about the week

1. morning runs around the harbor

2. walking everywhere! I hate walking places at home but in SD I could walk all day long!

3. LEARNING, oh so much learning!

4. meeting up with old classmates and professors who are now my colleagues...WEIRD! I still feel like I'm a kid

5. king size bed to my self for a few nights!!

the weather was beautiful, the classes were great, the break was refreshing...now I'm ready to get back to the grind!

SERIOUSLY!!!

2009-05-14T00:13:00.000-07:00

Hello, my name is Jen, I'm 25 years old and I scream, cry, laugh, curse and fall out of the bed in my sleep! A few nights ago I was just about to fall peacefully sound asleep when I had one of those weird dreams right before drifting off that a cockroach was on me. SICK!!! So of course, I jumped in my sleep and fell out of my bed that is raised pretty high above the ground and landed on my broken wrist! Yes, that would be the one I'm not suppose to lift anything with or put any pressure on for 4-6 more weeks to make sure it heals. Keep in mind I have no cast or protection whatsoever. I've never craughed (cried and laughed) so hard before in my life. It hurt like no other but was absolutely hilarious lying on the floor hearing Andy jump out of bed panicked as he heard a very large crash against our oscillation fan and me hitting the floor yelling in pain. To say the least I went to work the next day with a huge, sore, swollen hand that they made me get x-rays on in fear I got another fracture opposite of the one still trying to heal. Luckily so far so good. Hmm how would it sound to the surgeon, "yea so I fell out of my bed and looks like I'm going to need another surgery"...RETARD! Seriously, what in the hell is wrong with me, am I really still 5 years old? At least this time Andy didn't have to shake me to death before I made a bee-line out the front door screaming in my sleep since the impact woke me up, but that's a whole other story. Needless to say, we are purchasing guard rails for the bed this weekend and I will now be wearing protective gear while sleeping...ONLY ME!

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

2009-04-21T22:22:00.000-07:00

Pre-Op excitement!

The nurse had a good laugh when she asked how I got here and if my ride was waiting in the lobby for me and I said, "no, I walked"

THANKS SO MUCH FOR ALL OF YOUR PRAYERS...they must have worked because surgery went great! I feel so blessed to be working at Loma Linda & times like this even makes me more grateful. What other hospital would your co-workers & physicians come to pray with you in pre-op? It was really comforting especially since Andy couldn't be there. By the way he's been amazing despite having 5 tests this week; running home between class to cook, stay on top of the dishes (keep in mind we have no dishwasher), learning to do ponytails, tie my shoes & keeping me laughing about all this : )

Now the big question??? Would you run a full marathon 4 days after wrist surgery? I still have 2 legs & 1 perfect arm! The surgeon didn't oppose, however I am still at risk of non-union and avascular necrosis & I only get 1 left wrist! I was 100% sure I would do it before surgery but now I'm 50/50. I'm not an elite runner obviously, I simply do it because I like pushing myself beyond what I think I can handle & I love the mental side of marathons. Plus I'm on some good drugs so I may not even feel leg pain either! haha I just don't want something bad to happen in the future because I didn't allow myself to recover properly...been there done that!

So....tell me what would you do?

Post-Op anesthesia not quite worn off...very attractive! honestly I thought I was smiling! : )

JUST CALL ME TONY HAWK

2009-04-20T18:17:00.000-07:00

Well... not really cuz he doesnt falloff his skateboard, brakes his scaphoid (wrist) like retard me! yes i'm typing like a 5 yr old with my index finger right now! saturday andy woke me up from a glorious afternoon nap, the kind where you drool all over your arm type of nap, so we could go long boarding. he just got a new mini longboard & thought his old one would be perfect for me to hone my skills on...bad idea #1! needless to say i got going faster than i was comfortable with, tried to bail off and didn't keep running after i landed and tried to break my fall with my left hand...the ground won! i once again went into my work as a patient (i never use to get hurt until i married andy). sure enough i broke the worst possible bone to break in the wrist because there is limited blood supply and a high rate of non-union (never healing). i paged the orthopedist i refer alot of my patients to & he squeezed me into his schedule today to have a look at it. i need surgery because mine is so displaced so he is operating tomorrow morning! crazy, but the best part is he said i could run the marathon saturday since there will be a screw & cast to hold it in place. that is going to be one smelly cast...i sweat like SHREK! you may want to stay away for the next 6 weeks! SO WHAT DO U THINK...PINK OR PURPLE CAST, which is more profesh (haha)???? decisions, decisions! QUICK I'VE ONLY GOT 12HRS TO DECIDE!!!

p.s. i dont mind walking home from the OR but they mite not let me cuz of the anesthesia...anyone wanna pick me up? andy has 2 tests tomorrow afternoon & doesn't know when he'll be done haha crazy drugged up girl walkin the streets of loma linda!

Awww You Shouldn't Have!

2009-04-15T20:38:00.000-07:00

My husband is the most amazing and wonderful creature alive! Every Wednesday he rushes home from school and brings me a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a present for me! I always have to take a picture of myself with the surprise immediately after, plus I looked pretty dang cute, but then again when do I not? DUH : )

SICK...NOT! Ok back to reality, I bought them for myself before this little incident cuz I thought I deserve it (and they're pretty and springy!) I was having such a fabulous day off work; I met Anne and her precious Cohen for lunch in Palm Springs and then did a little shopping at TJ's. I was in the parking lot backing up my car and some dumb lady on her cell phone totally not paying attention decides to back into me. I guess that's what I get for doing my grocery shopping at a hippie joint. I totally laid on my horn to try and get her attention but no she just kept jabbering! So I get outta the car to see the damage (nothing too bad just a small scratch on my 1998 buggy so I didn't really care all that much) but she continues to sit in her car and yells out the window, "I did not hit you". Oh yeah this maroon paint on my black car just happens to match your SUV perfectly. She then proceeds to tell me, "I have 4 witnesses in my car". Oh by the way they were all under the age of 5 and in car seats! I said, " yeah you have no idea you backed into me because you were on your cell phone"! She finally got out of her car, sees the paint and continues to deny it...still no apology, that's all I really wanted. Finally I just looked at her and said, "WHATEV, I don't even want to deal with this right now". After all I was having a great day and didnt want her to ruin it! Finally she half heartedly apologizes by saying, "you're right, I shouldn't have been on my cell phone". No kidding, it is a law here now and if you aren't going to obey you should at least try to master the skill like myself with the stick shift in the right hand, cell in the left, fountain drink between the legs...yeah not so sure where the steering wheel fits in but it works right!

Tis the season!

2009-04-11T14:13:00.000-07:00

The most wonderful time of year is back (according to Andy), so we had to hit this place up, in memory of this young man. How sad, life really is so precious and can be taken away from us at the blink of an eye. One minute your living your dream, the next your life on this earth is over.

I'm just glad my husband likes to watch sports, that was always a concern of mine when dating I was afraid I'd have to be the man of the house. No books for our kids, just sports! (i am totally kidding by the way...sorta : )

On a lighter note I found a new way to trick andy into mopping all of our floors. I really didnt want to clean today since I was up at the crack of dawn pretending I'm a runner and then rounding at the hospital so... I flooded our house for the 5th time in the past year! Yea I never learn my lesson...Andy says, "JEN QUIT THROWING SPONGES IN THE UTILITY SINK". Its not my fault I clean so much (yea right). You see our ghetto washer is connected to the utility sink so every time I do laundry all the water drains into the sink, but not very well when its clogged with a sponge or a towel. Plus it always stirs a good argument, I mean really who is happy when your house looks like a kiddie pool and your pretend studying/watching baseball is interrupted for a towel ringing fest! Marriage would be boring without a good fight (If you and your spouse never argue YOU ARE BORING & so lame!) Well that's just my opinion I guess. Oh well at least I got my floors mopped with Andy's help. Hee hee...I'm so tricky!

p.s. wow I just figured out how to make word colorful! HOW FUN! oh & Boston Red Sox SUCK! HAPPY EASTER! I hope you all indulge in cadburry crunchy chocolate colorful way better than m&ms eggie thingys cause those are the BESTEST!

One Last Run

2009-03-24T20:25:00.000-07:00

We had a blast spending Andy's spring break in WA with his fam! Of course we hit up the resort several times while there to make sure we saw some fresh powder before the season was over!

Andy and his dad shreddin' the pow pow!Me and my awesome father in-law

Andy is so white, but man can he get air...beautiful!

Andy is a stud, I love watching him board!

so handsome!

aww what the heck I wanna try
First attempt....AHHHH!

CRASH!
it's ok i'm still alive

Well, how about one more try

Our poor brother in-law broke his clavicle on the very first run of the day! :( We hope your surgery goes well!

Seattle waterfront before heading back to LA

Andy's dad wanted to stop at an old antique shop in Seattle to look around and out front we found this little guy very interested in these magazines...I can't imagine why

p.s. it was not a porn shop!

A DREAM COME TRUE

2009-03-23T21:39:00.000-07:00

Anyone that truly knows me is fully aware of my love for nasty skin, rashes and anything filled with pus! Derm was always my favorite topic in school and I'm pretty sure I was the only one leaning in closer to the over head screen when the professor threw up a picture of a nasty rash or abcess. When I came across the topic of epidermoid cycts I was in heaven. My friends use to tease me that they hoped one day I would get a nice and juicy one. Ever since school I have been dreaming one would walk my way! What could be better than a smelly pus filled cavity full of pressure and waiting to explode.
Finally, my dream came true! in fact it walked right into the office, I spotted it from a mile away. The size of three quarters stuck together on the side of an unfortunate soul's neck, so ripe and ready to burst with the slightest amount of pressure. I was praying it was filled with pus so I could drain it. Just to make sure, I aspirated it with a needle first and sure enough I struck gold. YAY, finally I would get my long anticpitated epidermoid cyst. I then anesthetized it and cleaned it up a bit then made my way in with the scalpel...ah heaven! Thick smelly curdy yellow fluid gushing out it was glorious, my dream had come true. The unfortunate soul kept saying 'I wish I could see your face right now because it seems like you are really enjoying this". All of my co-workers know of my fetish so they always leave the I&Ds (incise and drain) for me...I am the luckiest girl alive! If I could have any job in the world it would be to I&D abscesses all day. I know I'm totally disgusting but it absolutely excites me and makes my entire day worth while. Here is a pic that some what resembles what I saw but not nearly as fabulous.

p.s. yes, this is the extent of my excitement hence my very lame blog! I promise more to come after our fabulous trip to WA filled with family and snowboarding!

TAG: I officially have nothing to blog about!

2009-03-10T11:39:00.000-07:00

yes, I hate tags but since beth tagged me a while ago and now bev (if i'm jen m) i will participate!

8 FAVORITE TV SHOWS

1. Heroes

2. 30 Rock

3. The Office

4. Scrubs

5. George Lopez

6. The Hills

7. Today Show

8. Diners Drive-ins & Dives

8 THINGS I DID YESTERDAY

1. drove to LA

2. worked in LA

3. went to REI

4. ran 5 miles

5. kickboxing

6. made andy dinner

7. watched Heroes

8. mailed bailee's b-day present & Annie's belated card!

8 THINGS I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO

1. Melinda trimming my bangs cuz I look like a 5 yr old from 1970 with a bad hair cut

2. snowboarding in WA

3. visiting the in-laws

4. baseball season

5. marathon

6. learning to surf

7. Carlsbad with the fam

8. BRECK'S WEDDING & seeing everyone!

8 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1. Andy's kitchen

2. Jersey's

3. Los Altos ghetto taco shop

4. BJ's

5. Lucilles's

6. Ranu

7. Chichenitza

8. Diddy Reese...is an ice cream shop a restaurant?

8 THINGS ON MY WISH LIST

1. Andy to get electrolysis so he can't grow beards

2. win a house fully furnished with a Range Rover and Lexus in the garage

3. student loan exemption

4. adventure trip to Thailand

5. snowboarding in the swiss alps

6. unlimited shopping spree to nordy's

7. to not get paged EVER!

8. oh & I guess WORLD PEACE!

8 PEOPLE I TAG

1. Jenny (you better do it)

2. Sierra

3. both Ashleys

4. Jill

5. Elise

6. Lindsey

7. Michelle

8. Anne

oh wait ahsley s i un-tag you because i just remembered your made up rule about you getting to post any pic you want of me on your blog if I tag you! haha :)

I'm concerned!

2009-02-16T16:59:00.000-08:00

I'm starting to wonder if Andy thinks he is a Chia Pet. He once told me he had one when he was a kid that he thought was so awesome. For Christmas he bought me these potted herbs made by Chia Pet so we could grow our own basil (yes we are officially hippies). We all know his obsession with growing facial hair, so now he is officially a human Chia Pet! Thankfully with his new calling in YMs he is starting to feel like he should be clean shaven, yes miracles do happen :) We will see though because it hasn't happened yet. Oh and FYI beards are supposedly the "new trend in Hollywood" so I'm thinking if that's the case Andy will definately be shaving until the beard trend is out of style because Andy absolutely hates anything trendy associated with celebrities.

BEST VALENTINE'S FLOWERS EVER!

2009-02-14T18:18:00.001-08:00

It doesn't die in a week, its colorful, and its extremely useful! Yes, my husband is practical and my type of a romantical (is that even a word?)

Addendum: Andy's Is hoping for a baby that looks like this....

2009-02-08T17:36:00.000-08:00

p.s. jen is not actually pregnant, read post below if you don't get it

What's up?

2009-02-07T14:19:00.001-08:00

Well, not much here other than Andy's exciting month of "Facial Hair February"! He told me he has a goal to take a picture daily of his hair growth and put a slide show together to see its progression...WEIRDO! Oh and let's not forget "Mustache March". WHY, WHY does he do this to me? He resembles a creepy child molester when he has a mustache, and this time it will be for the entire month of March! Madness I tell you, madness.

Oh and all the sudden I decided I wanted a puppy! Yes, the girl who rolls bread into balls and chucks it at duck's heads to scare them. So, anyways I was crying to Andy about it that he should surprise me and pick me up from work and drive me to a puppy shop (not sure why I said that cuz he never picks me up from work) anyhow, he convinced me we had to have a

trial run. So today, his friend from school dropped off her Chihuahua for us to watch while I was out running. I got home and saw this oversized ugly looking rat on my couch and screamed! I really had no desire to even touch it, so the whole dog idea is out. I must just

be baby hungry. Can I do a trial run with someone's before I actually get one of my own because I'm pretty sure I won't be able to give it back! I guess if i were to get a puppy I would want it to look something like this...

and if I were to have a baby I'm afraid it would look something like this...

We HEART Snowboarding!

2009-01-10T21:17:00.001-08:00

The start of a wonderful day in the Cali-for-Ni-ayy

The classic lift photo!
Anticipating the first run of the day....
Thankfully, after Tuesdays incident I went injury free today! I thought for sure this would be the week I'd break my arm & have to go back into the Urgent care where I work and play the patient again.
Andy is much more daring than me, he's always hitting the boxes and jumps. This pic kinda sucks, I got the very beginning of the jib....

P.S. Andy finally got rid of that shaggy red monster that attacked his face. After he shaved, his face was so pale and skinny & he came out wearing a tight beanie, it looked like he had cancer or something. I'm starting to recognize him now & thankful the mountain man is gone and clean Andy has returned. But for now... this pic is in memory of what I like to call "Andy style"

Sorry hun, but I think your style is the only one that's extinct!

A New Bike and The Martin Luck

2009-01-07T17:08:00.001-08:00

We will start off this post with some good news. With alot of help from my parents, I was able to get a new mountain bike. (Its the beauty pictured above.) Since I already had a mountain bike, Jen has now inherited my old bike. We had been borrowing bikes from friends so that Jen could go up mountain biking with me every once in awhile. I got my bike on Monday night, and the next day Jen was off of work and I got out of school at 2:00, so we decided to go for a ride on our very own bikes. Everything went good on the way up, but on the way down the Martin luck kicked in.

On the way down, Jen's front tire fell into a rut and it flipped her and the bike over. I was right infront of her, so I didnt see the crash, but from what I heard from the others that saw it, it was pretty amazing. After the bike got pulled off of her, she was feeling pretty dizzy and nauseas (we thought she had a concussion) and had a gnarly looking cut on her thigh. To make a long story short, we finally got her off the trail and we made our way to the hospital to get her stitched up. She hit her thigh pretty hard and when the doctor was inspecting her cut, he squeezed out alot of necrotic tissue. It looked like a really big zit being popped. She ended up with three stitches.

the picture doesnt do much justice

The reason I call it the Martin luck is that about 6 months ago I was riding the same bike Jen was riding, when I tried to get all Evil Knevil and ended up breaking my collar bone. Atleast Jen wasn't alone and had some people to help her. On a side note, throughout this entire ordeal, Jen's biggest concern was if she would be able to run the next day. She just started training to run another marathon and didn't want to be thrown off of training schedule.

Good times!

2008-12-31T12:49:00.000-08:00

Andy & I made a very quick trip to AZ after I got off work Christmas Eve to spend the holiday with my fam. Sorry, didn't manage to take many pics except for one of my 2 favorite little guys Jaxon & BrigDid I mention Andy had a blast on Jalen's "mini Vespa"!

Having nieces and nephews for Christmas are so fun cause you get to play with all their toys! I can't wait til we have our own, Andy & I will probably just buy them the stuff we really just want so we can play with it after they're asleep.

The last outing before leaving AZ was to Joe's Farm Grill, which was featured on Food Network Diners, Drive-Inns and Dives (Andy's favorite food show), so we had to make a stop for an early b-day dinner with the fam before heading back to Cali. It was amazing and greasy and worth every calorie...I highly recommend it!

My sweet grandma who isn't in the best of health right now made me feel extremely special by surprising me with her delicious home made ice cream before we left for an early birthday treat!

I had a wonderful birthday! Thanks to everyone for remembering me, you are so thoughtful. it was a great day, I got off work early unexpectedly, Andy made me a deicious dinner and gave me some very thoughtful gifts. Between Chrismas and my birthday the best present ever was this awesome pink knife! Andy asked me a few months ago if I'd ever want a knife and I was so excited for one but told him it had to be either pink or sparkly so I would feel girly and rugged at the same time! Who needs diamonds when you've got a sparkly knife!

time for an update!

2008-12-21T08:47:00.001-08:00

Oh man, this really is the only picture I have taken of us in the past 6 weeks...sad:( Life is busy as I'm sure you all know! Andy finished up finals, freakin beat the crap out of 'em all and now is working on growing a very thick beard for his hiking/survival trip he's planning. I guess he thinks it will keep him warm or something. That pic of his beard was at the start, you should see it now he's beginning to resemble Les Stroudde. Oh and inbetween tending to his beard garden he's been snowboarding since Cali actually has some other than the man made crap they make every year.

I've just been working, that's pretty much it. Oh and crying because we didn't have any Christmas decorations so I bought some ugly one foot tall tree and set it on top of a a t.v. tray, then bought some $1 ornaments and strung them and duck taped them outside. Its pretty ghetto fabulous, wish you could see. If you drive by I'm sure you can see the duck tape from the street, it shimmers in the moonlight. By the way, did I mention I love my job even if it means me sitting on someone's bedside camode once in a while!

Hope you all have a Holly JenJolley Christmas! This is the time of year when I actually miss my old last name!

Totally Blog Worthy!

2008-12-05T22:08:00.001-08:00

I've decided I am going to write a book entitled, "Things you shouldn't do on the job", thanks to my life experiences and lessons I've learned...

#1. Don't ever sit on a chair unless you know its not someone's bed side camode!

So...today at work I went into my patient's room to discuss a few things with them. Another specialist was already in the room and we were all talking. Everyone was sitting down but me, so I felt awkward standing over them. I saw a white plastic chair sitting next to the bed and sat on it to be eye level with everyone else. The "chair" felt a little different then the typical chair and definately didn't have much bootie support, something was definately missing. Oddly enough, the seat was covered with a towel. Finally, when I and the Dr. were leaving the room we kind of stopped in the entry way to say a few more things to the patient. I took one last look at the "chair" and realized it had an odd bucket attached underneath it. Yup, that seat I had been sitting on was definately my patient's bedside camode! I immediately just started laughing out loud, this would only to happen to me. Now I know why the patient kinda gave me a few strange glances when I pulled out the chair to sit down, I was sitting in the very spot they do their business. AWESOME! Way to make a good impression! To make matters worse, being the nerd I am, the stupid book in my jacket pocket got stuck on the chair/camode arm when I was getting up and the Dr. tried to help pull me up! OMG I am such a retard! Why do these things happen to me? Andy is right, I have no common sense. Sure enough this resembles my "chair" minus the white towel over the seat! Would anyone else mistake it for something other than a toilet but me? I THINK NOT!

Friends and Dreaming of Snow

2008-11-25T21:57:00.000-08:00

Friends

Im dreaming of this white stuff

Post by Andy

Econominics 101: in loving memory of Ben

2008-11-21T00:22:00.000-08:00

Yes economonics is what I called my economy class in undergrad! I swear I graduated with honors!

Flashback with me to 2001 when gas prices started rising.....

my mom: oh my gosh, gas is getting so expensive! I need to get a smaller car!

me: oh mom don't worry, just keep putting 5 dollars in like you do every time you go to the gas station! It's the exact same thing!

Fast forward to, well today....

Me: look Andy gas is so cheap, this is awesome!

Andy: uh Jen deflation is not a good thing. Everything you own is losing value and is worth less than you paid. Wages start going down but those student loans of yours continue to increase with the awesome interest rate, its not good.

Me: oh yeah that sucks

and just last April I was getting ready doing my make-up listening to the morning news talking about the possible recession and looked at Andy & said, "recessions don't affect me"! He laughed the very next day when our student loan company went under due to the "econominy"

I think this must be why I went into health care because I know nothing about economonics :)

Music makes us happy!

2008-11-16T20:18:00.000-08:00

In addition to learning survival skills, Andy has taught me to have a greater appreciation for music of all sorts. He has especially taught me that most of the music on the radio is crap and the only reason they are even on the radio is because of the way they look not because they can sing? Pretty valid right? We went to a concert friday night in Hollywood at the Music Box to see Zach Gill and Mason Jennings who are both on Jack Js record label. So if you like Mr. Johnson, you will love these two! I am in love with not only Zach Gill's singing voice but especially his normal speaking voice....its amazing! Jack, Zach, Mason & Rogue Wave just released a Christmas album & its my new favorite holiday season cd :) check out the clips below for some fabulous music.

Zach Gill: yes he is playing the accordian! You really aren't a muscian unless you can also play the yucaleilei(however you spell it) and the drums & piano at the same time which he did! This is the cutest funniest love song I love it!

Mason Jennings: sorry the video turns to the side in the middle but the tune is still good & funny... a little tribute to Christians and Buddha

Then Saturday we took advantage of the sunny California not so almost winter weather & took a hike! It was beautiful! How can I complain when we can do this in November, however, it would be nice to have to wear a coat!

(a random abandoned cabin along the way, Andy wishes we lived there)

(a beautiful view of the wilderness Andy plans on getting lost in)

P.S. Grizzly Adams preparing for winter survival...not sure he will be able to do so with out his electronic toys. We'll see how he survives without his precious computer in the woods :) (if you don't get it, read the post below)

My Mountain Man

2008-11-14T14:47:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, Andy loves the outdoors. I never really thought it would be a problem in our marriage until recently though. In fact he has taught me a lot & helped me try new fun adventurous activities, like sleeping in a tent instead of a cabin, even in the rain. Definately a big step for me, but now I think it's gone a bit too far.

You see, I have noticed over the past few months Andy has been really into survival movies, books, documentaries, etc. This week he started reading this....

(I kinda think the guy on the cover might resemble Andy a bit, especially since he loves bandanas and beards)

Then, today he met me at work to sign some insurance papers. He rolled into the office on his long board of course sporting his new hippie hair and shaggy beard and looked at me with a very serious expression and said, "Jen, I've decided my new goal is eventually get my self lost in the wilderness, be smart enough to survive, and then write a book about it". What in the....all I could do was stare at him. When he told me he had a new goal I thought he was going to say run more or enter a mtn biking race or something like that. All I could say is that I was glad I went to school and got a job so I could provide for my self since my husband plans on getting lost in the wilderness. Funniest part is he is absolutely not joking at all!

Can I please move in with one of you when he gets lost so I don't get lonely? Who knows how long he'll be gone and I don't plan on joining the search and rescue team since it his goal not to be found & survive on his own... I would never want to ruin his dream :)

First Day!

2008-11-11T16:07:00.000-08:00

Well, today was my first day at my new full-time job! I have been doing some temp work while waiting to start...credentialing at hospitals takes F-O-R-E-V-E-R! So anywho, Andrew took a few pics of me before I left this morning. Here I am in my official white coat...no more student coats YAY!

Oh & don't worry, I will be wearing the usual frumpy coat in style since I got a BabyPhat one! Of course I want to at least look fashionable in something so ugly, I'm 24 NOT 50!

(don't worry, this brightness isn't visible... this would be the inside of my jacket pocket)

and now onto more important things!.....CRAFTS!

here are a few of the holiday crafts I have been making in my spare time! I would never consider my self a crafty person but this is fun! I grew up watching my mom create and make things all the time & now I think I got bit by the bug :)

a fall wreath for the door

a center piece for our table
(the hurricane says Give Thanks in vinyl lettering, it's kinda dark)

PROP 8 Protestors

2008-11-06T16:14:00.000-08:00

I just turned on the news and saw a large group of people protesting PROP 8 outside the LA Temple. One lady was talking, I mean yelling that the reason it passed is because the Mormon church donated money to the campaign. No, to be correct people from all different religious backgrounds and beliefs donated their time and commitment and money to an issue they believe in. Since when is it bad to invest time/money/work into something you believe in? There were obviously people who supported NO on PROP 8 who donated their money and time as well. Funny how they try to find someone to blame for not "winning". Maybe they should take into consideration the rest of the state of California who voted YES...maybe there are still some people with values in this liberal state. All those who voted YES were definately not LDS.

P.S. We all knew Obama would win right? Of course I didn't vote for him...I think he's a socialist not a democrat. How could you blame me, I am the daughter of Rush Limbaugh's number one fan. To be completely honest, I'm not really upset about it. I'm not gonna lie, I enjoy listening to his eloquent and empowering speeches..."YES WE CAN", its so inspiring. Let's not forget his celebrity style good looks. Isn't that what we all need, a celebrity for the President of our country? Sounds good to me, we already hang onto Hollywood's every word, action, and latest fashion trend however rediculous it may be. Really, I think Obama is representing the majority of the American people quite well. Congratulations President, I support you in the very difficult task that lays before you. Just do me one favor...focus on the economic slump and keep your socialist ideas out of health care. SI SE PUEDE!

Feliz Cumpleanos Andres!

2008-11-02T15:14:00.001-08:00

Andy's birthday weekend started with camping at the beach

in Santa Barbara & roasting marshmallows

around the fire with Kyle & Jenny

A surprise dinner at CPK with some of his classmates that didn't

turn out to be a surprise afterall thanks to one of them :)!

an Angel's baseball cake made especially by me!

It was so fun to make, I couldn't wait for him to see it!

I love how he looks like a little boy with his

baseball cake in the pic above!

(yes, those are chocolate dipped oreos, aren't I creative?)

& his birthday night ended with a little Guitar Hero battle!

HAPPY 26TH OLD MAN! I LOVE YOU!

Back To My Roots!

2008-10-30T22:06:00.000-07:00

Ok... I know it's darker than my natural roots but I was due for my two year color change and needed something way different! I told my mom I was so sick of the blonde & to get me something in the mail quick so she sent this. I was going to put it on my self but my mom was a little concerned I'd mess it up, so my friend cut & colored it for me. Thanks Melinda I love it! Also, thanks for always knowing what I want mom (hopefully Shelley will help you get on the internet so you can see it:)

Finally, after nearly a 2 year hiatus I started playing tennis again this week. Tennis has been a part of my life since I was 9 & I spent nearly everyday on the court since I was 15. Then I went to PA school and it was all over. It was like I had gone through a major break up in a serious relationship. No really, you might laugh and think I'm a weirdo who's is in love with her tennis racquet, well I was and I still am and we've reunited! There once was a time my day wasn't complete without swinging the racquet. Well its back & I can't wait to start tearing it up in the old lady leagues!