Weekend Recap

Welcome to my weekly weekend recap (and its a real jewel!)

This weekend was (yet another) busy one. On Friday, mom, dad, Cary and I met Jeff and Regina for dinner. After dinner, Jeff had to go by my old high school where they were decorating the cafeteria for a dance they were having the next evening. Jeff has been dj-ing for this particular dance (Circle of Friends--a group I was in way back in the day) for several years.

I wanted to show Cary my old high school, so mom and dad were easily convinced that they needed to go see the set up (Pirate theme) and dad could help Jeff figure out how they could transport the dj equipment onto the deck of the giant pirate ship (1/2 at least) that took up part of the cafeteria.

After looking at the decorations (an incredible job done by everyone!), I led Cary through the 1st floor of Lewisville High School. What memories! I pointed out classrooms I was in, talked about the 'ghost' in the auditorium (many say they have seen it, but I have never been one of those), and talked about memories of my marching days. Time in high school was so wonderful for me. College? Not anywhere near as fun or rewarding!

On Saturday, we took advantage of 'off time' and cleaned the apartment and did almost nothing for the entire day until time to go to church. After church, since mom and dad went to the Circle of Friends dance, Cary and I went off to our own dance--with the Dallas Swing club!

This club (like the one in Ft. Worth) offers an hour course to learn basic steps before the more experienced come in and everyone free dances. This time, though, instead of learning a line dance (Smiley Charleston!), we learned the basic couple steps, turns, and even side-by-side Charleston. But instead of working with one partner the entire time, we had to rotate!

I think Cary was more ok with it then I was. Then again, he got to meet some cute, sweet ladies. Not that the guys I met were bad or anything, but they were interesting: shy, 1st timers afraid to touch their dance partners. One guy had a giant red afro on top of his head, another had a mohawk and long, manicured fingernails. One was there for the first time, dressed in a bright orange shirt with black tie, and he was intent on getting the steps right! But all in all, they were very friendly, and perhaps I will see some of them again. But I was glad to get back into Cary's arms!

After the instructional portion, which I felt very experienced at because Cary and I have been watching swing dvd's for the last couple of weeks, they began the free dancing. And it was so much fun! My calf muscle is tight and cramped today though, making it difficult to get up and just walk somewhere. But that's a good price to pay to have so much fun!

We started our drive home around 10:30 p.m., and Cary stopped at Sonic for munchies. When I showed self-restraint (go me!), we drove home and he enjoyed himself a pb sandwich instead. We went to bed not much later.

Sunday was our usual visit with Cary's parents, including doing laundry (can't thank you guys enough for letting us use the machines and detergent!) and lunch (roasted chicken--yum!), dessert (banana pudding--again yum!), and games. Poor Gary had a sore back, so he did not move around much. Chester got to play outside, and he was a pooped pooch afterwards!

Following up with dinner at Sweet Tomatoes (which has become a weekend staple), a walk (trying to stretch out my sore muscles), and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (lots of tigers!!!), the weekend came to an end. Yet again, a very memorable weekend, one that I will look back upon with fond memories. When's the next one?

Adventures in Sleeping: Dream Edition

So, lately I have had some weird dreams. And a lot of the time, they are very vivid and descriptive. I have decided that some of you might be interested in hearing the more memorable ones, just to show you what the unconscious mind can do. So, here it goes: welcome into the mind of Jenn!

One morning my dream was in Maine. It was at night when I was about to head back to 'home', but I decided to go left on a street to see where it led to. I saw a gift shop in someone's garage, and decided to check it out, so I parked my car and walk in.

Whenever I first saw the gift shop, it was lit up, but when I walked in, it was pitch black. But lights came on as I got inside, telling me they had motion sensor lights. I started looking around when a couple appear at the door attached to the garage that was their house. They said that if I needed assistance, then let them know. They then went on to tell me about a kid's bike and how it was a dandy of a bike...

So when I was finished looking around the cluttered gift shop, I jumped on my trusty canine transportation and started riding home. Hmmm...my car became a dog...not much larger then Chester...

As I was riding along, we would come to curbs in the road, which I told myself that I would get off, pick up the dog, and carry it across the street (as any responsible dog-rider would do), but sometimes my dog would be stubborn and just jump across the dip in the road.

We were riding along the banks of some water and everytime we would reach one of the dips in the road, a 'Great White' shark would appear, hoping that the dog would mess up and would have a tasty appetizer and main course meal.

Suddenly, I was back at the crummy giftshop, looking over an edge of water with the family that owned the gift shop (husband, wife, and son). A 'Great White' was trying to jump up and capture one of us to eat. We somehow got a rope around it, but it was still snapping at us. I look behind me and tell someone to grab a pole, and we could beat it to death. Well, the son at this time decided that the rope was good enough and started swinging it around as hard as he could. The shark (now only about 1 foot long) was being swung around, hitting the walls and ceiling hard...by the time the son was finished swinging the long rope, the shark was unrecognizable...

Then I remembered that the shark I had seen while riding home was at least twice the length...

Another dream:

My friend Katie came to see Cary and I as a surprise. When I saw her, I gave her a big hug and asked her how long she was in town. Her answer was until Saturday. Well, I don't know what day it was in my dreams, but she then had a bigger surprise for us: tickets to the Harry Potter premier in New York City. Suddenly the 3 of us were on a flight, waiting to take off. But we were on a real road with real cars. The airplane in front of us took off in front of a stoplight just as it turned red. Our plane pulled into the left turn lane and turned left when it turned to the green arrow and then took off...

Well, we get to the hotel, and somehow Katie disappeared. Cary called her cell phone and when he spoke with her, she had come down sick, so it would be just the 2 of us going to the premier. When I went to shower to get ready, 2 maintenance guys came into the hotel and were very rude and disruptive. I remember throwing things at one of them, just to get them to leave...then Cary's alarm to wake up went off....we never made it to the premier! :o(

Well, I'm trying to remember some of the other dreams I have had lately that make me think 'wow' when I wake up...most of them have to do with flying, going through security at the airport (one dream had Brangelina in it...), all in anticipation of our upcoming journey to London. As I remember them, I will write them down. I guess this is a form of a dream diary, so the world can see how truly weird the unconscious brain can be!

Feels Good...

Nothing feels better than a fun night of dancing in your tiny apartment with the one you love after a long day at work...

Prayer Request

There are so many prayer requests that I try to remember to pray about daily. The list is long, from my family to my co-workers/friends and even Cary's co-workers, but one at this moment sticks out in my mind and I want to ask anyone willing and able to assist.

It is for my coworker, Penny, and her husband Kraig. While I will not go into details about what is happening for them, Penny is asking for a rainbow from God that is meant for her. She says there are a lot of dark, stormy times she is facing, and I feel like I cannot pray long, hard, or right enough.

I have never met someone as strong as her. Everyday she puts a smile on her face, but it has been clouded recently with things in her personal life, and I want to see that genuine smile on her face again. She is truly a beautiful person.

Please lift her and Kraig up and help them see the rainbows that God has intended for them. Please pray that she knows she is not alone and that God has a plan, even though it might not be visible yet.

Thank you to all of my friends that read this blog!

Another Fun-Packed Weekend!

I think I am going to need a vacation just to unwind from the last month of events!

Friday evening Cary and I spent with my parents and dear friends Jeff, Regina, and Melissa. We first met at Logan's for dinner, and then on to the house to read some PSAs Cary and I wrote for the Lewisville Clown Program. Hopefully the clowns like them and we can film them to try to teach more safety lessons!

Saturday was busy, as Cary and I went all over East Texas. We visited the college Cary attended (and graduated from) from 1993-1996. The neat coincidence for this is that I attended marching camp the summer of 1993 just weeks before he started attending classes, when I was a sophomore in high school.

We also visited a chocolate shop called Mary's of Puddin Hill. Lots of chocolate, coffee, and souvenirs. But my favorite was the Doll House and Carousel made out of chocolate that were labeled PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH...Cary couldn't resist temptation... Nothing happend. Then there was a label YOU CAN TOUCH THIS...but the table that was supposed to be displaying a chocolate bunny...but it was not there! It might be one of those things that you had to be present to get the humor...

Once we got to Sulphur Springs, Cary drove to the Milk Museum. Tell me: how can you educate the world about milk if the museum is closed on weekends??? That's ok. We got pictures of the humongous cows at the front.

After a little more time killing, we arrived at Cary's brother and sister-in-law's house, where we visited with our neice Helen for a little bit. Thanks for sharing the Pringles Helen! And I'm sorry I forgot the flowers--they were so pretty and smelled good too!

After about an hour, we all decided that we were hungry, so we dropped Helen off at Mema's and drove to Winnsboro, where Brad and Faith took us to a great little Italian restaurant. The spaghetti and meatballs were delish! But I had a bite of Faith's pizza...and if I ever go back there again, I will be getting that!

After dinner, we walked around a little kitchen gadget shop for a bit (I love me some kitchen gadgets!) and then went into a "coffee house" to listen to the band of the evening, Slightly Tilted. Before them, however, was a comedian. He was quite funny, and I enjoyed his jokes! Then the band came on. They were covering 70's music and I recognized only 3...I am a young one after all!

Though the band was very good, I found that they were loud, and couldn't enjoy it as much as I could have if they were only a little bit more quiet. But how do you control that situation with instruments and mikes? Hmmm....a work in progress I think. Or perhaps a calling for ear plugs!

We left the coffee house at about 10:30 and headed back to Sulphur Springs, where we departed and made the drive home. This honestly was one of my favorite points of the trip. It was 11:30 at night, and I wanted to make sure that Cary was awake enough to drive, so I kept asking him questions. Well, the questions turned into conversation, and I learned more and fell more in love with my husband during the time. We have always had good conversations, and it reminded me of what makes us so great...

We got to my parents house at almost 1:00 where we picked up Chester...Thank you mom and dad for watching him for us...I can't tell you what it means to us!!! Hope he wasn't too difficult! And then home to shower and curl up in the most welcoming bed...absolute bliss!

On Sunday, we went to Cary's parents, as is the tradition, but this time we got to celebrate Brenda's birthday with hamburgers! Yay! Those hamburgers were so tasty! Brenda opened gifts, we ate blueberry pie (I liked--very much!), and we played games (if you ever want a game you can beat me at, pick Hearts--it is evil!!!)

The weekend was wrapped up with dinner at Sweet Tomatoes, and watching Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Now back to the work week, with watching my food, exercising, and doing what I get paid to do...

I loved this weekend. It was incredibly special because it allowed for me to get to know my husband more, get to know my family more (and I look forward to more double date nights with Brad and Faith), and celebrating fun with family and friends. Here's to so much more!

The Night Of The 4 Jarvis'

Last night, Cary got to experience one of the more fun and interesting things that the Jarvis' have done before.

It started a few years ago (about 4 I think), when mom, dad, Tim (a friend of the family), and I went to the Stars game. As we walked in the front doors, we were approached by one of the employees of the game and asked if we were interested in going onto the ice for an intermission challenge.

I was not interested with the thought of riding tricycles around the ice in a race against dad and Tim (mom had a broken foot and would not be able to participate), but when I found out it was a team effort, I was in! It ended up being a contest where we had to sling hot dog packages into the goal.

Whichever team won, got a free jersey. While dad and Tim held the 100-ft sling shot into place, I loaded the hot dog packages, pulled back and released, hoping to get at least one package into the net. I finally got the one, which ended up being enough, and the "Jumbo Dogs" won free jerseys!!!

Last night, though, the Lewisville teams (Police vs. Fire) were asked to go onto the ice for an intermission competition at the Texas Brahmas game. The LFD found out that dad had played hockey and asked if he could be one of the representers. Of course, he said yes. A combination of Fire, hockey, and competition run naturally through the Jarvis blood.

Cary and I decided to show our support for dad in a great, fun way: matching t-shirts that had the Jarvis name on the back, complete with number and then a silly little design on the front. So we went out and bought the supplies for iron-on.

Early on in the week, though, dad sent an email to Cary. Apparently the LFD needed just one more person to complete the 5 person team. Would Cary like to go onto the ice and participate? Well, of course!

So that brought on a dilema: do we change Cary's shirt to say McFadden on the back? If he does that, then I would want mine to say Jarvis-McFadden! oh good grief! So after ironing Jarvis on the back of 2 shirts, we decided to stick with the original plan of Jarvis. We are, after all, representing the fireman in the family, my dad...

So yesterday afternoon we got to my parents' house and presented the shirts to them. Dad got a big laugh out of them, and both mom and dad put theirs on and off we went to the game...

The atmosphere for the CHL (Central Hockey League) is very different from the atmosphere of the NHL. And let me tell ya--so are the seats! If we start frequenting the Brahmas games, we will need to buy seat cushions. It was very difficult to be comfortable last night!

The game was far more raw and intense then the NHL. Possibly because they are striving to get to the creme de la creme of the hockey world, whereas the NHLers are already there. And less commercial breaks!

One of the representatives came to the group and spoke with the chief of police (that sat right behind me!) and my dad and gave instructions for the intermission. He also just sat and chatted with them, giving a history on some of the players (one Brahma needed to gain 20 pounds and he would instantly be eligible for the NHL...but no matter how much he eats, he just can't seem to gain--lucky guy!).

When it was about 4 minutes until the 2nd intermission, down went dad, Cary, and the rest of the group. A few minutes later, they walked out onto the ice, and stood in a line, waiting for their turn.

"First to shoot tonight, Cory McFadden!"...mom and I looked at each other...Cory!?? Poor guy! But he shot, and thanks to my excellent crash course lessons just a couple of hours earlier, he made it in! Good job Cary!

Then a police officer shot--and missed. Then one of the LFD's kids shot--and made it. Next another police officer--missed. Then Summer, another representative for the LFD--and made it! Another police officer--missed.

Then dad. Go dad go! And....he hit it off the post and it went the wrong way. The first miss for the LFD. But I told dad that because he used to play goalie, he did his part by not letting it go in. Poor guy. I know he was nervous and wanted to get it right.

Then another police officer--this one made it in. The final LFD--missed. And then the FINAL police officer--made it...Did you count as I went along? The LFD beat the LPD--3-2! Go Firemen!!!!

After everyone made their way back up, we watched the intense and final period. The Brahmas lost, 2-0, but with the way our group enjoyed it, I felt like we walked away winners. Unfortunately the LFD did not have anything showing their win--what about a free Mini-Brahma or shirt???!

What a great time! We were all pretty tired afterwards, but it was a great time. Cary and I have already started talking about going back to another game next year.

This last week has been a busy busy one!

Video coming soon!

The Smiley Charleston

It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing...

Tonight Cary and I travelled to Ft. Worth to test out our legs in our first swing lesson! (Actually, Cary had done this before with his church group, but I have only admired it from movies...)

The setting was at a church, where the chairs were pushed aside, and clear rope lights lined the room. At 8:00 was a lesson, where we learned how to do the Smiley Charleston, which a 4-walled line dance, and then after that, more people came, and the couples dancing began!

The range in ages was nice, with people mine and Cary's age (or younger), to older couples that looked like they were enjoying the retirement years. The best part about it was that during the lesson, I was able to lose my inhibitions, and not worry about what others around me thought. Then again, I had learned how to do the Charleston when I was about 7-8!

Cary and I spent about half of the free dance time observing other couples and how they moved, hopefully remembering some of the cool, free-spirited moves for next time.

What a great time! My legs are tired, but I loved every moment!

http://fwsds.org/

If anyone ever wants to join us, let me know!

This McFadden Is Going Green!

Signed up on a committee at work. The "Green Team", a.k.a., the environmentally aware.

I sat in a conference room this morning with 10 others and realized: I have no idea what is going on! I have never been on a committee before (0ther than Circle Of Friends in high school), and was amazed at how organized and committed everyone else was. We are working on a Newsletter, a Garage Sale, and a contest...and that was the FIRST meeting!

Don't get me wrong: this should be fun, and I am looking forward to learning. And when I say that I mean it: I do not know that much about being "Green". Sure, I buy Green Works cleaner, use cloth bags (when I remember them), and we recycle paper, bottles and cans, but...I have A LOT to learn to be on the same level as the rest of these guys...

I guess the best way to learn the little tricks of the trade is to step up and commit!

My contribution? We are starting an Ask Mr. Green column, and I volunteered my dad to be the bald-headed image of this column....get ready to be green, poppy!

Because Some Days You Just Have To Get Away...

Monday was an unusual day for Cary and myself. We took the day off, just for a nice day together, just the two of us.

We decided to go out to the Ft. Worth Botanical Gardens, but more specifically, the Japanese Gardens. Cary has been to the gardens many times, as I have as well, but this was our first visit together. What a treat!

Memories of going to the Gardens with the Jarvis family have now been added with memories with Cary of feeding the oversized fish, posing with stone monkeys, and all of the pictures we have taken (did I mention that Cary is a GREAT photographer?!)

With a trip to Central Market (I got a Golden Pinapple!!) and then Indian food with friends for dinner, our 3 day weekend came to an end, complete with great memories and a smile on our face!

Go Stars!!!

Beat those Canadiens!!!....or something like that...



On Sunday, Cary and I attended the Dallas Stars/Montreal Canadiens game, I in my typical Langenbrunner jersey, and Cary in his new Canadiens jersey that I got him for Christmas.


Why does Cary have a Canadiens jersey you ask? Because when we make the move to the Northeast(someday...its all just a dream!), we wanted to pick a team to support so we can go to their games on occasion. With the Dallas history in the Montreal team (Guy Carbonneau, Bob Gainey...) and their long history (one of the 1st of four teams in the NHL), not to mention the trips to Canada (!!!), this team was chosen as our 'next in line'. Don't worry...I'll always be a Stars fan!




Well, the game started off great, with the 1st period ending with Stars ahead, 1-0. After that, unfortunatly, it went downhill from there. I don't know what happened, but it looks like the Canadiens were warmed up and blasted the Stars in the end 3-1. I guess it could have been worse though! But Carey Price (the Canadiens goalie in net that night) was pretty much a wall!

The seats we had were 4 rows from the very top of American Airlines Center, literally the highest I have ever sat, and in the corner. Being that high up, we could see EVERYTHING! What a great time!

This Chick...

is Tres Chic!

I am sporting a very popular, well known look: the famous elbow bandage!

That's right folks! I gave blood today...and to make a quick point: I encourage you to give, too!

Just think, you get to lay back, squeeze a foam ball, get a free t-shirt, AND snacks and juices!!!

And of course the upside to all of this is that you can potentially save a life! Just think if you were in the situation of needing blood yourself--the person you received the blood from (though you may never know them) will become your hero.

Become a hero today!

Celebration Weekend

This weekend we stayed so busy, and it started on Thursday, Cary's official birthday...

Cary and I both worked on Thursday, so after work we drove out to Love and War In Texas in Grapevine. This is a steak restaurant, that is now in the same location as the old Trail Dust. I miss Trail Dust, and the numerous times I went down the huge slide with my cousins!

We stuffed ourselves silly with food (including appetizers and dessert for once!), Cary getting the Hunt, Texas:

THE HUNT, TEXAS--A Hill Country mixed grill. A marinated, mesquite grilled South Texas Nilguy Antelope Filet, Smoked Venision Sausage, and Grilled Quail. Served with garlic whipped potatoes and Texas Caviar. The "Texas Caviar" is a serving of cold black-eyed peas!

I got the chicken/beef fajitas. I have always wanted to get fajitas at a restaurant, but it is usually the most expensive thing on the list, but not this time! So I tried it, and in truth, not that impressed. I love the homemade ones so much more!

On Friday, as you could see in earlier posts, I went running around like crazy, starting at 7:30 a.m., trying to get everything taken care of for the surprise party. I managed to do the major cleaning and grocery shopping in the morning (don't open the freezer Cary--the 5 containers of Breyer's Ice Cream might tip something off!), have lunch with Cary (Hang Out Deli--yum!), and then after he left for work again, I flew out the door to go to my parents' house where previously-bought party items were stored. After that, a stop at Party City for some trees (a.k.a. balloons), and then on home to start decorating and cooking!

I was very impressed with how well the pretzel dogs turned out--though next time I know I can use less to wrap around each sausage/hot dog!

Around 6:00 that evening, I was sitting down, alone in the apartment (well, Chester was pre-occupied trying to get the helium balloons), when Cary called to say that he was on his way home after the exam.

"How long until you get here?"

"About 15 minutes..." EEK!!! Did I mention that I was the only 'shipwrecked' there??? About 5 minutes after the call, in walked Brenda and Gary, who helped me with a little additional setting up, and then mom and dad, with the 'Saved Items' (things I had forgotten earlier--like the punch bowl...). WHEW! That was a close one!

While everyone sat and chatted, I continued my setting up and getting ready for the food. Though I was in the kitchen finishing up the 'blue lagoon' punch when he walked in, everyone says he was surprised...

The evening consisted of eating (homemade pretzel dogs--go me! and banana/brownie ice cream splits--good job Brad!), opening gifts (Cary is very loved!), and playing games (inflatable ring toss game that Chester deflated 2 rings--with his teeth!, and Apples to Apples).

Let me tell you--Chester did not appreciate becoming a native at first. He does not like grass skirts! (I guess its a little too feminine for him) But not long after it went on, it came off (and Helen got it!) and he was content with the lei that around his neck...

By the end of the night, everyone was full and tired. I hope that it means it was successful!!

On Saturday, Cary and I visited the American Airlines Museum (C.R. Smith), which was the first visit for me--I really like it! It helped me understand flight a little better, to help me get over my flying fear, and hopefully all the knowledge Cary has given me will help me relax for the flight to Europe. but the museum was very fun and informative. And I got to see model airplanes of the ones Cary used to fly!

We also went on a mission to find books at University of Texas at Arlington, nearly getting myself in danger of squishing from the mobile shelves (thank goodness Cary was there to 'lock' the shelves in place!), and then we went to Whole Foods market to get coffee beans for Cary to test his new grinder on.

After that, we got to the apartment, where I blissfully slumbered (did I mention I had a busy day before?!?!) for a little bit until 5:00 when it was time to go to my parent's house for game night.

Game night this month consisted of mom, dad, Cary, myself, and good ol' Uncle Bill. It was great to just kick back and enjoy a fun evening of baked potatoes, more ice cream (we generously donated the remaining from the surprise party), Apples to Apples, and Cranium Play-off...

On Sunday, Cary, Chester and I went to Brenda and Gary's (did I mention I have the greatest in-laws ever?!?!) and ate chicken enchilada casserole, cinammon rolls, and Cary showed off his new grinder and espresso machine.

It was a very busy weekend, with a nice walk/jog to help us wind down. Now on to another busy week!

Surprise Party Photos