jen demke

Before it's over...

2012-01-29T22:31:00.001-07:00

I can't believe that it is the tail end of January. Bonnie is just over 2 months old, and life as I know it kept moving along. I mean we paid the mortgage 2 times since Bonnie made her debut and the dishes and laundry pile up and then We wash and clean the dishes, laundry, and house. This is all basic stuff and I expected it to be this way.. I just didn't know that sometimes it would be really rough. When things get rough I tell myself to take a step back and I see my loving husband and my beautiful daughter and I count my blessings. I have so many. I am a very lucky lady. As I write this I can hear my daughter over the monitor, she is in dreamland and every once in a while she will let out a sigh... I just can't believe that little miracle is Joe's and mine.

Baby Bonnie

2011-11-13T09:55:00.001-07:00

It all started on Thursday night, November 10. Joe and I had just finished dinner and set out for our daily walk (we started walking to move labor along 2 weeks prior). We walked for about an hour and I noticed the contractions had come on right at the end of the walk, still we pressed on. When we got home we did our usual nightly routine and at this point the contractions had not eased up, in fact they had become more intense and then around 1130 pm I woke Joe up and said we need to go to the hospital. The nurse checked me, told me I was dialited to a 3. They told me to go home and that I was in active labor. We went home and on Nov.11, we went to our doctor's appointment at 9 am and the doctor said I had dialited to a 5, and he marched us right over to labor and delivery.
I labored until 9 pm and the doctor said my cervix was starting to close, and I had a small fever running so we had to have an emergency C-section. Bonnie was delivered within 15 minutes. Since mommy had a fever, baby Bonnie did as well, and that meant she had Curio (a fever during labor) and our little girl was brought to the NICU to be treated . Luckily, after 3 days of her in the NICU and mommy recovering (and I'm sure, daddy going out of his mind with worry) we got the good news that Bonnie had passed all of her tests with flying colors. We had to practically beg the nurses to let us leave first thing Monday morning, after all we did get the ok from the doctor.
We walked out of the hospital with our brand new Bonnie girl and brought her home.
Life as we know it will never be the same.

Baby Bonnie's room

2011-11-03T10:39:00.001-06:00

Here is my little girl's room.

Cooking - Baking - Yummy!

2011-09-29T09:58:00.000-06:00

I love to cook and bake! I love to reach from my past and bring old traditional foods that my mother made and make them for my family.

My mother taught me to not be afraid of the kitchen. If yo make a mistake, there is a way to fix it, or it's a good laugh and memory in the end if it fails. No biggie, just keep cooking - that is what I remember from my mother.

I bought a new cookbook, and it has really inspired me.

Let me tell you of my culinary adventures the past few months.

Fried Green Tomatoes: Not that healthy, but fresh from the garden and oh so good. The secrets in the sauce.

Breakfast Pizza: We made the dough from scratch and piled it on with eggs and veggies from the garden.

Polish Hash: This consists of polish sausage and perogries. With bell peppers and onions, with a mustard/red wine vinegar dressing. So good.

Chicken-fried Steak: Again not healthy, but I only make it once in awhile, because my husband loves it. However, they are homemade with love and so are the yummy buttermilk biscuits.

Beef Wellington: I am pretty proud of this one. Joe and I
watch Hell's Kitchen and I've always wanted to try this. It came out so good. I am going to make this a family staple for special occasions. I think Gordon Ramsey would be proud of my feeble attempt.

It's raining...

2011-09-29T09:28:00.000-06:00

Men?... NO!

Cats and Dogs? ... No!

BABY SHOWERS!!!

Thanks to some great family and friends, I had a great baby shower! Filled with love, games and food - not to mention fun.

I also joined Curves here in Hurricane back in August, and the ladies there have kinda adopted me in a way and they are so excited to have a friend that has a little on due. They threw me a baby shower and it was just so sweet of them..

These are chocolate covered bite sized apples. I made them for the baby shower.

Where did the summer go?

2011-09-28T15:42:00.001-06:00

Oh wait.. since the weather is still topping out in the 90s, I'm not sure that it's quite over. Being 34 Weeks pregnant in Southern Utah during the long, long summer is an adventure. So let me catch you up on what has been going on in the Demke household.

I've been keeping myself busy by swimming laps at the pool during the June, July and August. Joe and I have been doing more and more little home projects in our new home. When the community pool closed it's doors in the middle of August, I joined Curves and we also bought an elliptical. I do one or the other 5 times a week (and when I'm feeling ambitious I do both), this has really helped me not gain an excessive amount of weight. I am proud to say that at 34 weeks pregnant I have only gained about 18 lbs.

Don't worry, I am eating healthier than ever and my doctor says the baby is doing great and he says my weight is doing well. I want to make sure you know that I am not working out to loose weight, I am working out for the health of my baby, and for the health of my labor.

I quit my job in the middle of June and have really enjoyed the stress free months that have followed. I am so grateful to have a supportive husband and he is such a wonderful provider and he is just so great.

We went up to Hannah's Cabin and we have been antiquing.. farmers markets'. I learned at a local Antique store that the government used to shred money (now they burn it) and sell them in shells like the one I have pictured here, in a million dollar quantity. Pretty cool hu?

This summer has gone by pretty fast. The baby has been kicking me the whole way through. Joe and I are getting very excited.

Pizza - Memorial Day

2011-05-31T12:22:00.000-06:00

We had the entire family (minus Hannah and Brian and we really missed them) over for Memorial Day. Joe and I treated everyone to our special Pizza Day. The family came over to see the house and play games. What a fun day!

I also made this cake that is supposed to look like a pina-colada drink... It was a big hit, about 5 minutes after it was cut, there was not one crumb left. I think everyone really enjoyed themselves because they came around noon and left around 7pm.. It' so fun to have a space that everyone can come and be comfortable in. Joe and I are so blessed.

Just thought I would update you on the cats. Cricket is the photogenic cat, and he is as sweet as ever. Shadow (the black one) she does not take pictures well at all. We took the cats to the groomers, and when they got back, Shadow has just been so mean to Cricket (she keeps hissing at him and nipping at him). What is going on? Who knows... They are getting used to the house and Shadow has even gained a few pounds.

Joe bought me flowers the other day, and I came home from work and it was such a nice surprise. I love my Joe-Joe.

We gave talks in Church last week and I think it went well. I made the congregation laugh 3 times and so did Joe.. so we were funny and partly serious, perfect combo.

We also got the big ol' elm tree cut down that was in the front yard, it was dying and in terrible shape. We also had them plant a mulberry tree (fruitless) in it's place. Now we can finish the front yard, we plan to put a patch of grass and rock in the front yard (pretty typical thing to do in so. Utah where we don't see much participation). The backyard is another story. We need to save up money for that project. We are thinking next spring... For now we have a bunch of work to do in the front.

San Diego

2011-05-17T11:21:00.000-06:00

I have always wanted to go, and I finally got my wish. This past weekend, Joe and I, went to San Diego,CA.

My good friend got married, and I was lucky enough to be able to attend her sealing, we spent some time on the beach (on a cold day) and we even got to go the World Famous San Diego Zoo.

I loved the Zoo, and the beach.. but all in all - that city is too dang crowed and not the place I would want to call home.

We had a great time. 4 wonderful days away from it all, and it was needed greatly by both Joe and I.

Triple Whammy!

2011-05-11T08:12:00.002-06:00

This certainly has been the year of changes...

I want to tell you about the three HUGE accomplishments that Joe and I have conquered this year...

ONE:

I can't really decide which of the three is more exciting to talk about so, I will tell you about the one I know the most about.

We bought a house. Yep, we are home owners. We bought a cute 2000sq. ft. home in Hurricane, UT. We absolutely love it. We have had so much fun decorating, and working on the yard. It's great to pay for something and work on something that you will be owning for a long period of time. I love the sense of security that owning a home brings. I love the small town feeling (I run into people I know all the time). Our street is pretty quiet, some kids running around, but other than the the people seem so nice. I am excited to raise my children here - which brings me to news # 2

TWO:

We are expecting our first child Sometime in the middle of November! We are just so excited. Yes, we have picked out names... if it's a girl Bonita Olivia (Bonnie for short) and if it is a boy, Joseph Jr. (J.J. for short).We are so excited. I am nervous and anxious and scared and happy and all at the same time... It's pretty fun and confusing. No we don't have preferences as what we "want" I just hope and pray my child will be healthy and strong (and have all their fingers and toes)

THREE:

This one is the least of the three, but and exciting accomplishment none-the-less. We got ourselves out of debt (well, except for the house). We have our cars paid off and hopefully they will last for a few more years.. and now I think that when the time comes I can take time off of work to be with the little one, and not feel guilty.

** I fell so blessed these days. My brother and his wife just had a baby girl, and she is such a cutie pie and my two nephews are growing so big. I love that our little one will have cousins around the same age to play with. We love our home and we pinch ourselves and as, "Is this really ours?" I am so blessed to have a wonderful husband who is also my best friend. Our two cats are doing great. Work is going well for both of us. Joe and I are getting into our ward.

Count your blessing, name them one by one... see what God has done!

The year of . . .

2011-02-03T08:06:00.000-07:00

I am really looking forward to this year. I think this will be the year of changes.

*I will hit my year mark (in April) of not consuming drinks with caffeine in them!
*I joined the gym.
*I signed up for weight watchers.
*Joe and I are not working on Sundays anymore.
* We will see my niece soon (that currently resides in New Zealand, she is coming to the "states" in April).
* We are going to San Diego in May to see my bestie get hitched!

I could go on and on with some personal matters, and financial matters that we are looking forward to and some goals we have accomplished... but, then you would know far too much for a silly little blog post...

We have climbed mountains and we are reaping the rewards - like seeing the breathtaking view from the top of that mountain we just climbed.

I am just so excited for this year. January came and went and I am happy to report that I accomplished quite a bit for the start of 2011, and I've got a good leg up on my goals and resolutions for the coming year. I hope you have to and if not, there is no bad time to start fresh for whatever your goals may be.

Wapping up "Twenty-Ten"

2010-12-15T07:21:00.017-07:00

It seems as though it were only yesterday that the world was deciding what the correct way of pronouncing the next 90 years was going to be (twenty-ten..and so on) and now here we are at the end of yet another year.
This year has been a whirlwind of mixed emotion for us.

We went camping, and hiking, we worked a lot, we sat at home just being with each other a lot. We bought some stuff and we found a great motivational tool for "de-junking" (every once in a while we we put on an episode of "Hoarders" and then we would find a box of things we didn't need and throw/give it away.)

Year in review:February: Joe and I went to Disneyland. This was Jen's first time there, and it was very magical.

March: Jen turned 27 years old and Joe and I celebrated our 2nd anniversary. Jen hits her 1 year mark working at the ranch.

April: Joe turned 28 years old. Joe hits his 1 year mark working at the ranch. We also adopted a little kitten, Shadow. We went down to Mesquite for a quick getaway, and we also went on a camping trip.

May: We went up north this month, with Joe's older brother and his wife. Joe and Craig did a tile project for some family members, while Hannah and I played up in SlC.

August: The Demke family welcomed 2 new additions this year. James and Jaxsynn. They were born a day apart from each other in August. They are such sweet boys. It has been so fun for Joe and I to be and Aunt and Uncle.

October: Joe was promoted to shift supervisor at work! He is loving his job even more. We did not do the yearly 'Host a Murder Mystery,' that was very disappointing. - Maybe next year. This was the first time in the 5 years I've been around Joe's family that we did not do it.

November: We found out that the little bean we were expecting, for whatever reason, that is was just not time for us to have a little one. Thank you for the love and support all of you showed us through this time. It was much needed and greatly appreciated.

December: We went for drives to see the lights, lots of cocoa, many nights in - watching Christmas movies, we would light up the Christmas tree and burn a wood-wick candle (for the make-shift fire) went on walks around the neighborhood, worked a bunch and just enjoyed the season. Also, St. George was bombarded by a flood. Luckily, there was no damage to our little apartment.

This is just some of the great things of 2010. I know 2011 will be all sorts of good things to come. Happy New Year to All..

the skinny

2010-10-02T21:06:00.000-06:00

Here is the short and skinny of everything going on...

Joe and I have been working a bunch of extra hours.

Joe got a promotion.

Many changes at work - some good - some not so much.

The cats are doing well.

We sold our sectional, and have more room. Looking for a chair(s) to put in it's place.

My brother and his wife are expecting in January (a girl)!

My two new nephews are doing great.

I have lost a few punds and a few inches, coming off slowly... however, my new eating habits and my new found love of drinking mostly water (and about 2 liters a day) have really helped me to feel energitic and clear skin.

Things are going well... drop us a line, stop by or call. We love all of you who are reading this.

I'm sorry that Joe and I don't make it out to see most of you - but, we love you and we are here for you.

A day with Baby James

2010-08-25T08:37:00.000-06:00

Well being the incredibly amazing Aunt that I am... Baby James and I had a photo shoot. He was 10 days old and boy was he cute. I had never taken picutres of a little guy before so it was an amature attempt to say the least... but, here are some of my favorites. Enjoy!

PS: Hannah and Craig, Joe and I can't wait to have Uncle and Aunt "times" with James.

Inside out

2010-08-03T17:31:00.000-06:00

Most fad diets are bad for us, we all know this. Depriving the body of something it should have is never a good idea. I have never found an eating plan that was healthy, easy to follow and incorporate into the daily grind, while still allowing one to loose weight.

I have found such a miracle plan. I have been following this book I got from Jackie Warner for about a month now, and even though I have not lost a significant amount of weight, I have never felt better - from the inside out.

She teaches you that it's all about your body chemistry - and how the average America diet consists of too much sugar and caffeine. She has this whole chapter devoted to convincing you that you are indeed a sugar addict. Her research is terrifying, and she spoke to me in such a way that I have really made some lifestyle changes. It truly has been easier than I thought it would be - but I do contribute that to the fact that I went on the HCG diet for about a month and got rid of severe food cravings.

Anyways, cravings are down - tone and definition are showing - and I feel better. I have more energy and because I am following her guidelines I feel like my body is back in balance.

The pounds and inches are coming off - I'm eating less junk - less caffeine - less sugar - exercising more and I am getting ready to tackle that 5K with Hannah this fall.

UP, UP, UP

2010-06-22T17:06:00.000-06:00

I remember the day that the album, "Up, Up, UP" by Shania Twain came out. I was the only one in my college apartment with a car. My roommate, Heather, asked me if I would take her down to the store to get it... she was so excited. We had a fun morning. I always think of my roommates at the time when I hear that song - esp. Heather.

Heather and I took a photography class together, and she is a talented one, and I just fiddle with it from time to time... no matter, I love it, and it is a hobby that is very satisfying to me.

I had that feeling a few days ago, the one I get when something in my life is about to take a turn for the better, or when I'm about to get some good news. Well, It happened about 4 days after I got that feeling.. on Father's Day... Joe and I had a talk about some good stuff, and it went how I always imagined it would. It was one of those moments that you just know that you choose the right person, when the pair of you connect and it brings you that much closer. I love my husband, he is amazing.

I can't help but think of the words from that song. "It can only go up from here." I love it. That is what I am thinking about, that is what I always try to think of. *I am an eternal optimist - what can I say?*

Everything's Changing

2010-06-01T07:38:00.000-06:00

Well my faithful friends.. I had been a bit out f touch with everything (and everyone) lately. I've been working hard, going on trips and cooking all the time (for the diet).

So first things first. I want to introduce you to a new member of the household. Her name is Shadow. We have had her for 2 months now, and we just love her. At first her and Cricket did not get along, but now they play together and are good friends. Sometimes they are just so sweet and its very tender to watch them.

Next, I went on the HCG diet for a month and I lost 15 lbs. I have been off it for a month and I am still down 15 lbs. I have really been able to control my cravings and I feel sick after I eat unhealthy things (which has really limited my intake of unhealthy eating). It was a good experience for me.. I am really changing the emotional part of eating for me. I still have a lot to loose, and I am going to start really exercising and eating right. I am going to be training to run a 1/2 marathon with my sister-in-law, in November.. will I be able to do it.. well, I am going to try. This is the first time I have ever had a desire to do this kind of thing.. So we will see how this next month goes and I will keep you all updated.

PLAY.. Well since we last talked, Joe and I have gone to Mesquite for a quick getaway.. it was beautiful weather and we got a room (a two night stay that we got for free) and lounged by the pool. It was wonderful to getaway for awhile. Then in the middle of May Joe and I went up north to SLC for a few days with Craig and Hannah. Joe and his brother Craig worked on a tile job for Hannah's family up there.. which left Hannah and I to play for a few days. We trekked around SLC and window shopped and had a great time.

Work.. is work and I have been doing a ton of that (like always). I like my work.. I love helping today's youth make themselves healthier and happier. I like knowing that Joe and I are the kind of staff that do not give into teenagers. I know that when we have them ourselves we will be good parents that set hard boundaries and keep our kids accountable. If anything, it's because we know; tried, tested and true what works and what does not.
We have learned a lesson that I think does not come until you deal with it day in and day out.. that kids need boundaries and you are not doing them favors (and you don't get their respect) if you act like their best friend all them time, when in reality they need someone to set boundaries.. and then something amazing happens.. they respect you and they come to you for advice.. Even though the week before they told you they hate you.. they come back and say they are sorry... and ask for you advice.. and the listen..
That is what I have learned from working with today's youth.. if you are tough you may not be the "favorite staff" but you are the staff they listen to and come to for advice when it matters most.. and since we are their "acting parents" for the time being-- the only thing i see as being different when you have your own kids is that you love your kids more and you are 100% responsible for them. However, what do I know.. I do know that I am a great staff, and it is harder than you think.

27 and 2

2010-03-17T13:40:00.000-06:00

Well on March 1, I turned... dare I say it?! 27. Can you believe that? Yes, it is true my friends... so Joe and I finally went to Disneyland. It was my first time. (Notice that I did not say Disney World).

We had a blast. We rode all the rides, some more than once. I even got Joe to go on Tower of Terror 3 times! I love Tower of Terror.

We also passed our 2 year mark being married. It has been so much fun.

Joe and I have been picking up some extra shifts and so we have both been working so much lately, but what else is new.

We spent a day with the family a few days ago just up at the red rock park, we had a picnic and hiked around.

We also started a tradition that on the Sundays that we don't work, after church we go over to the Joe's parents house where there is a hot tub, and we sit in it for a little bit and sit out to get a little sun. It's pretty relaxing.

Here is to my 27 years on this earth, and the last 2 that I've been married to Joe have been the best yet.

My Valentine

2010-02-23T15:02:00.000-07:00

This is the 4th Valentine's Day that Joe and I have spent together... where does the time go? No matter what we do together wether it be going to see a show in Vegas, ordering in and watching old movies and talking or a special dinner and flowers, the bottom line is if I am with my love then no matter what we do - the night is perfect in it's own little way.

This year I came home from an extra long shift and Joe had left me a note to find during my extra shift that had a nice note and at the end, "will you be my Valentine?" When I got home Joe had prepared a little scvanger hunt for me. I was to find little notes around the house then put them in order and flip them over and a message appeared... "Will you go to dinner and dessert with me?" There was also roses. We went out to eat at the Painted Pony. We had a lovely time, and the setting was beautifully romantic. Thank you Joe Joe, your the love of my life.

What's wrong with these pictures?

2010-01-20T11:23:00.000-07:00

Joe and I were out and about yesterday, and along our way we stumbled upon a few strange scenes. The question is, can you find the things that are a little odd about the following pictures like we did? Give it a try.

Wrapping up 2009

2010-01-17T20:12:00.000-07:00

Well as you can see I am trying to make up for these last few months with my posting... I try, I really do. The month of December went by so fast, it was such a blurr... We sang songs, had hot cocoa, went to a Christmas concert (that Dad sung in), went to the house with musical light show. We walked around the temple and so much more. 2009 was an amazing year, and so many memories. I can't wait for 2010!

September 2009

2010-01-17T20:02:00.000-07:00

Back in September the family went camping up in Pine Valley. We love to camp and we get really into it. Joe and I decided to take Cricket (the cat). We had such a good time and Cricket did really well, but at last he just loved to be in the tent. He like to protect us from the bugs (but, what the cat did not know was that the bugs could not come inside, but it was fun to watch he jump at them and growl).

We played night games with glow sticks. We also played day games that Joe is an expert at creating and creating things to play with out of random objects (I sure did marry a handy man)

Halloween 2009

2010-01-17T19:22:00.000-07:00

Well let's start where I left off.. a few week after my last post the Demke's held their annual Halloween Murder Mystery... It was sort of like the game Clue... where we each had a color and matching names, for example I was Ms. Violet, and had to dress in purple. A special touch was that all of my "game" pieces or "gift bag," which contained information that was needed to play the murder mystery, for the night had the corresponding color (good idea hu?). It was held at a "snowed in" Ski Resort at Christmas time. The house was decorated quite nicely for the winter season including a Christmas tree and Christmas music. There was also a "bar" where drinks and food could be bought (with play money, minus the alcohol). so to end the suspense, Ms. White ended up being the unlikely killer, played by none other than Amanda.

This is probably my favorite tradition in this family and I can't wait for this years... who knows maybe I'll be the killer this year.

Projects

2009-10-13T12:15:00.000-06:00

It seems like I always have 'projects' to do. That is what I like to do. I like to dream something up and then work to get it done. It does not matter how big or little the undergoing is, I just love to have something to keep me busy.

I am a dreamer, I have a dream - and I will live my dream.

currently some of my projects include:
cleaning the fridge, make a savings plan to buy that camera I have my eye on, doing something different with the shelf in my kitchen, going out on a photo shoot and starting our food storage.

I know that these may sound tedious or blah to some of you, but frankly I don't care - because I find great joy in this kind of stuff. I like to do lots of things, and sometimes getting a little around the house done is just so satisfying.

*****************************************************************************

Okay so now I will update you.

With the new work schedule Joe and I have a bunch of time to be together. Every other week we have 5 days off, and that time off is so wonderful.

We have decided that Mondays will be our "date day" - I think it's a wonderfully romantic gesture that we have together... yes, we are newly married, but I do hope that we keep this tradition alive. I love the idea that even though we spend so much time together, that we still put aside time to be together on a regular basis.

Back up and Running

2009-09-02T09:54:00.000-06:00

Well after a long spell, we finally have the Internet back and now I can blog and surf to my heart's content.

Let's do the update thing...

So Joe and I are both working at a youth ranch for troubled teens, and we both love working there. Sometimes the hours are long, but this is such a great experience and opportunity for us to grow and learn. Enough said about that.

Joe and I went to Yellowstone at the end of August and we had a great time.

We saw Old Faithful...

Lots of buffalo..

Got lost in some steam...

We stopped in Twin Falls for a long overdue visit,

and of course a stop at the Playmill?..

We bought a National Parks Pass to make moments like this..

..more attainable.

Yellowstone was great, and now on to other news...

We got connected with Skype.. which is awesome because it makes phone calls to New Zealand with my brother and his wife fun and easy..

We have been slowly obtaining new items for our home, and making it look better and better with every purchase. It's a mantra of mine, good things come to those who wait.. and it goes with everything including items for your house.. wait and the perfect item will come. It always does and always will.

Fab 5!!

2009-03-04T14:56:00.000-07:00

OK! So this is how this works...the first 5 people to respond to this
post will receive something made by me for you.
my choice. Made especially for you.

There are some restrictions and limitations:
~
1 I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2 what I create will be just for you.
3 It will be done sometime this year.
4 you have no clue what it will be... it may be a story. It may be poetry or an article on properly cleaning your face before a masque. I may draw or paint something. I may bake something and mail it to you.
5 I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.
~
Oh! And be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!!

possibilities

2009-02-19T15:19:00.000-07:00

Is it possible that the first job I took after i graduated college, was in fact my dream job? I gave it away because, I was - now that it think about it, afraid. I will admit this. I have had two other jobs since that time, and I had a moment of clarity about 4 days after running into an old roommate of mine at a very random place and time. It was like fate, and i want what I once had. Do you think that universe will be that good to me?

(this picture was taken there once upon a time ago, since there are no students - i could not see the harm)

M & K Maahs

2009-02-17T08:37:00.000-07:00

Today I have the same feeling as I did many years ago, the day my brother left for college - and left me all alone to fend for myself, and I feel like crying - hard, like I did so many times while I locked myself in my closet and called my brother only to find out he was off doing something else and was not free to come to the phone.

It is a little like that today - I can't just pick up the phone and call him today - and now that I have Joe, he can help out more than the way it was in high-school, even so, I just can't seem to keep it together today.

I have wanted to write this for weeks now, and now that I find myself without – I feel a strong desire.

My brother and his wife, Katie – left for a brand new chapter in life called New Zealand. I have heard about three different time frames as to how long this will be, so I just hope that it will be long enough to save up money with my husband to go and visit them.

And if by chance my brother, so far away, happens to read this - I feel confident now, after our talk on that snowy and stormy night that he understands, just what I am trying to say and how I feel, because it is a difficult feeling..

I am not mad or upset, rather I am excited and happy for my big brother and Katie.
Good Luck, and much happiness.

XLIII

2009-02-02T17:39:00.001-07:00

Would you have guess that for once in my life I watched the entire Super Bowl?!!

Well I did, and guess what?

I really enjoyed it.

There sure were some great plays hu?..
It must have been the company...
and the great commericals...

Joe and Keven rooted for..the Cardinal's.. which made Kristie and I the faithful supporters of the winning team, the Steeler's.
Funny thing is that even though I hail from Pennsylvania (well, one of the places I claim as "home"), I have never really like the Steeler's, but given the circumstance of a need to pick a team - just to root for one of them - I picked the good ol' Steelers.

Don't get me wrong, if you say let's go to a game.. count me in for sure.. I love the stadium - the music, the crowds, the smells - everything - so come this next fall - maybe I can get my husband to go to a game. It could be fun. '

So, what I am really trying to say is, Thank you Kristie and Kevin for a great night.

Story time

2009-01-28T17:46:00.000-07:00

Once upon a weekend . . .

Girl and boy set sail for an old familiar town. Drive went well. Really well, good conversation, great company... and a beautiful drive.
Girl and boy forgot that town was a very different climate than the one left behind. They froze. This was okay considering.
They went to a cabin in a even further off town, and had a good time there. Went on walk with brother and his wife, and their dog. Good times. Great meal - have a new life recipe. (If you come for dinner I will be making something similar)
** Weather report the whole time we were there = snow, ice, more snow, and cold.**
I did not take pictures like I had planned... this was sad.

Well enough of that.. we enjoyed our time up with my mike and Katie. This will be the last time we get to see them for who knows how long. This is very sad, and very real. They are leaving for a new adventure called New Zealand. No kidding.

My favorite part of this whole weekend was the part where my brother kindly drove us up to the cabin (for the 2nd time) in a horrific storm.

Food for thought

2009-01-27T17:19:00.000-07:00

"The road you leave behind you is another road you will have to walk back down"?

Have you ever heard the saying..

Just think about it..

Don't eat the yellow snow!!

2008-12-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

Wiser words have never been spoken... Joe and I went for a drive with his brother (Craig) and Craig's wife, Hannah this past weekend. We drove up to Enterprise, UT.

Let me start by telling you that St. George is this little bubble of warmth, and if you drive 15 minutes in any direction you begin to exit the bubble and enter a world the rest of the world knows as winter. Well, Enterprise is no exception.

We drove into this world filled with snow that came up past your knees, and the roads were frozen solid.. and the kids in town were running around with rosy cheeks and having a blast on their sledding hill.. and to my surprise, all the kids would just pick up a handful of snow every now and then and just eat it.

You see, when you grow up in a suburb of Detroit, you are told to not eat the snow at all..it's just something that I had ever done before, and here I am 25 years old and a cute little 5 year old that was hanging all over me, kept laughing and saying.. "Jen, just don't eat the yellow snow" It made me laugh that as serious as a 5 year old could be - looked me square in the face and said this..

good advice i tell you.

1 year 1 month & 1 day

2008-12-18T16:07:00.000-07:00

The Breakdown:
We Met Each Other: 11/15/06
First Date: 11/17/06
Proposal: 12/18/07 (hence the title)
Married: 3/8/08

I love you Joe with all my heart.
I love spending time with you and having fun with you.

You make me feel alive.
I feel so safe with you around.

Here is to us… it has been one year today
since I said yes to the biggest
question anyone had ever has ever asked me.

Staying warm by laughing it up

2008-12-17T17:14:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning with no thought whatsoever to leave ‘a few extra minutes’ to get out and about. I walk out to my car with an unfamiliar crunchiness under my feet (frosted grass). I walk to my car and had to give an extra tug for it to open (yes, the ice had weakly frozen it). I sat in my car to blast the heat (that I have grown so accustomed to since moving to this melting pot). I started to laugh when I realized what I was going to have to do.

Yes ladies and gentlemen…

I had to scrap my window.

Now, to most of you who are reading this you might be thinking, “So what!”... but, down here in St. George where 363.5 days of the year where you do NOT need an ice scrapper (or even have the thought of one for that matter) I threw out my well seasoned ice scrapper after the first week I moved here (which was in January). – Just remember that I spent 5 years in the tundra of Rexburg, ID- I have had my fair share of days that were filled with the coldest wind (snow and ice) that I had ever experienced.

My whole drive to work engulfed me in memories of one of my roommates from the college days – Molly - bless her heart- she is from Texas. She did not see much of snow, until I met her (her first year in the Berg). Sometimes when we would be about to pile into my car to go somewhere she would say in the most excited voice ever, “Jen, can I do the sweep of thingy” lol.. It still makes me laugh to this day..

Molly, I wish you could have been there for me today, because now I hate the cold. The same cold that I used to be able to go outside in 40 degree weather with only a sweatshirt on and be just fine. Now, it’s hard for me to go swimming if it is not above 85 because, it’s just not hot enough.

Happy Holidays to All,

And

Put on your booties, ‘cuz it’s cold outside.

request granted

2008-12-02T15:23:00.000-07:00

I had a request to put more pictures of joe and myself on this thing, and I thought that would be a good idea.

Done.

a pictures says a .....

2008-11-06T12:15:00.000-07:00

If I could say a thousand words, then I would say a thousand words..

but since this is a blog.. i figured pictures would have to do..

Well I have made good on my promise I made long ago (to add pictures) .. PLUS as an addeds bonus, I have re-vamped my blog to make it more "pleasing" to the eye. Some entries have been changed, and pictures have been added.. so take a gander and tell me what you think.

growing

2008-11-05T17:08:00.000-07:00

They grow up so fast don't they?! ...

it just blows my mind at how fast time flies.

long time coming

2008-11-05T09:36:00.000-07:00

You see this game that we play each Halloween, is a time where we get together, and have loads of fun. We all dress up and play a part that we never would have other wise. The best part is to see the personality that someone else has created for you.

From prom queens to vampires to pumpkin harvey and a haunted mansion - I would say that this year's WHO-DUN-IT was a major success.

(If you can't tell I am the blond prom date in the black and pink dress)

Let's pretend

2008-10-20T17:37:00.000-06:00

On Halloween night the Demke's all gather in different sorts of costumes, and with a new personality. We host a murder party. Get this, each year someone in the family writes the story and hands out invites, and "your new personality" for the night. It is an evening full of themed decorations and food. We have a blast.

Last year, Joe and I wrote the murder story. The setting was a conference room at a hotel in the 70's.

This year.. a haunted house, and everyone is has a spin off "classic" Halloween character.
I am "Carrey" the prom queen.

Mom is "Mummy" Cast (she was Momma Cast last year.

Get the idea?

It's what we do.

PS. If you want to try, they sell games just about anywhere where games are sold they are called "How to Host a Murder" or try writing one of your own like we do.

Have fun.

Fit for a Queen

2008-10-14T13:46:00.000-06:00

Doesn't this look like heaven? Just imagine . . . candles, soft music and a mountain of bubbles..

Cut a Rug

2008-09-29T17:48:00.001-06:00

go ahead, press play.. but get ready to laugh.

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Longing for

2008-09-09T16:39:00.000-06:00

I miss the fall time back east. There is just something so magical about this time of year. The crispness in the air, the sound of crunching leaves under your feet… and the way a cup of hot cocoa paired with a cozy chair and your favorite blanket will melt just about any trouble you have away. I just miss it. St. George is great for warmth and sunshine, but here we are the second week of September and today’s high was 95.

I want to live by a river that actually has water in it, and I miss my friends. I might be loosing my brother soon to a far away country (I am happy for him) but I think that Joe and I have a great opportunity here ahead of us. Do you think that it is a conscience that we are both looking for jobs right now? I don't. I think I a change would be fun, however, I am a married woman now, and that is not as easy as it once was… to pick up and just leave. I am growing out of that too, but, (sigh) I just wish Joe and I knew what is in store for us in the next 6 months.

kids

2008-07-21T14:12:00.001-06:00

Now don't get too excited, I am not pregnant...yet. I do however want children someday. I want to make them with my adorable husband. I keep hearing and seeing amazing shots of Joe as a little boy, and his curly, and big brown eyes are enough to want to make babies - just in case our future child receives some of his genes. One day we will embark on that journey, right now, we just need to figure out a good routine with each other, and take a trip together - just him and me time. Is this really a bad thing? I don't think so, I am the kind of person that just needs to ease into things, except cold pools… I love to just dive in.

Four 10s

2008-07-02T15:45:00.000-06:00

Well the good ol' state of Utah has announced that it's employees will now work 4 - 10 hour work days. We get Fridays off... So this year it works out really well.. you see Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day all happen to fall on a Thursday.. so YEAH for automatic 4 day week ends.
I had a really hard time adjusting to this but after thinking about how this is going to affect me, and a 10 hour day is killer - however, now that it is almost Thursday, my first Friday of the week) I can see that a four day work week will be nice. I can almost hear how good it will be.

Cricket

2008-06-23T15:29:00.000-06:00

Cricket - is my kitten.

He was born in the middle of March, Joe and I adopted him May 1.

He is adorable.

We call him Cricket because sometimes when he is so happy his purr sounds like a Cricket chirp.

My kitten is the best, esp. when you are not feeling well - he will come to you and just sit on you tummy and purr..

my memorial day

2008-05-28T16:17:00.000-06:00

In Honor of Memorial Day Listen to this little guy:

I had a great Memorial Day weekend. It started off with a great friend of mine, Aly staying at my house. Joe and I spent some time with the family. My brother and sister-in-law stopped (along with Christopher and Tasha) for a few on their way through town... and just some pure r & r.
I took Aly to the Farmer's market and then to the Painted Pony.. yumm.
It was a great weekend.

dreams

2008-05-27T12:02:00.000-06:00

I would love to have some property and a beautiful ranch style house someday. I would like some peace and quite, some land where my kids can go out and explore, and be safe. Here is a picture that somehow keeps popping up in my life, so I would like to share my dream with you.

simply six

2008-05-23T09:08:00.000-06:00

1) What was I doing 6 years ago?
This was the year that I did the study abroad thing in Europe- 7 countries in 1 1/2 months.

2) What are 5 things on my to-do list for today?
Work, clean up my house a tad for my outta town visitor, work on a talk I need to give, lunch at the lake and clean up the back porch (the storm messed it up).

3) Snacks I enjoy:
Fresh hot bread with loads of butter, cottage cheese with goldfish crackers.

4) Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
Quit my day job right this second, pay the little debt I have off, buy a great place - not to big and redecorate, set up a few different accounts for future children/rainy days. Take my husband on a few mini vacation which would be spread throughout the year.

5) Places I have lived before:
Utah
Ohio
Idaho
Indiana
Florida
Michigan
Pennsylvania

6) As of today how many of the 50 US States have you been in for at least 1 full day and night?
29

job

2008-05-20T15:39:00.000-06:00

I have been hunting for a new job.
I have no idea what to do anymore, it does not seem like anything is biting, all I know is that… the current situation I am in (job related) is killing my right now... I am not happy here. I just need something different...

On a happier note... one of my favorite people is coming into town this weekend, and I have all sorts of things planned... and she is going to have one great weekend... don't tell her this, but I am secretly trying to show her how amazing St. George is so she won't leave and move to Colorado. Just kidding Aly.

in-n-out

2008-05-09T11:56:00.000-06:00

In-N-Out came to St. George. We went on opening day and the line was ridiculously long, but we waited and it only took 35 Min. from time we stepped into line until we got our food. There is nothing like animal style fries.
Now that I have that place 10 minutes away from my doorstep, it does not appeal to me anymore. I have not gone back there since. It is just not a big deal anymore.

sweating like i've never before

2008-05-05T14:42:00.000-06:00

This past Friday night, my husband and I were invited to go to an authentic, sweat lodge, on the Paiute Indian reservation just past the Arizona line. What an incredible experience. There were four rounds of the most intense and concentrated heat I have ever experienced.
The smells were fantastic, the prayers of the people were heartfelt, and the ceremony was beautiful.
The lodge really looks like the picture above, the fire was set up differently, and there were more aspects -
I was told by white buffalo to go to your limit, and then one more step.
I did all four rounds (which is harder than you think)
my husband was encouraging, and we suffered together, and we both came out on top, and it was an amazing feeling.

surprise

2008-04-25T12:36:00.000-06:00

we now have dish tv
we recorded lost
if you are not a fan yet
watch this.. and then tune in
next week..

let it ride

2008-04-21T15:42:00.000-06:00

Saturday...
The day started with lounging in bed with my love, and then making breakfast together, cleaning the house and then having the rest of the day to embark on journey called "making our patio, our summer retreat" but, it's funny how plans can change in an instant... instead...
Driving around town for nearly 6 hours with family looking at places to live. (for someone else) because, it seemed as though it was what we were meant to do that day.. we stopped for lunch, had a nice day - found some nice places -
as Joe and I drove home late that night, we were exhausted, but, somehow found the strength to go home and go back out for a rather out of norm late night trip.. and came back home and stayed up to the wee hours of the morning.

Romantic.

see, sometimes.. you wake up with high hopes for the day ahead, and then you drive over a bump, and some eyes could let that ruin the day and the next.. but, if you just let it ride, then it turns out to be quite amazing in a way you could not see before - maybe not better, but not worse, just differnt.

different is good.

steaming

2008-04-15T16:36:00.000-06:00

have you gone steaming yet?
I go steaming a few times every month. I mean we go to a friend's steam room, and pour in a scent (I am currently in love with one called, bogart) and you sit in the steam room for 3 rounds or more.
the first is not bad at all, but the room is not yet to the 'hot' point, so this round can last up to 30 minutes.
the second round is about 15 min. long
and the thrid, is as long as you can stand to be in there plus 5 minutes (to grow on).
Steaming helps you release toxins, makes your skin glow and become soft and also helps your the health hair.
try it.
I am working my way ability to stand the heat up, because we have been invited with Joe’s uncle 3 times now since Christmas to go to a real authentic sweat lodge with a local Indian tribe. The last time, we had planed on going, the plans were messed up, but don't worry Uncle Hal says that when the sweat lodge calls you, it will be time and everything will work out.

slacker

2008-04-11T14:27:00.000-06:00

blessed be slacker radio.

you can make your own stations.

it's wonderful.

3 things

2008-04-03T14:33:00.000-06:00

1) Lost and Found
Joe found my planner yesterday! He found it behind the bookcase. It feels good to have it back; it went missing for about 3 weeks. I lost it right after the move- in.

2) Goldfish
i love goldfish crackers, and I love to eat them with cottage cheese... don't say eww, try it first, it just might become your next insta fav.

3) drive -ins
I miss the drive -in, in Rexburg, Idaho - what good times. why are there no more of these around? Is today's youth so lame that they cannot enjoy such a wonder? my vote is to put one up in our town, but since we already have like 10 movies theaters (considering the size of the town) I mean come on-- there is only like 3 months that it would have to close because of the 'cold' weather. I mean Rexburg’s only stays open for 3 or 4 months.. i feel like a movie at a drive-in, any for a trip to Rexburg?

------

don't cry

2008-03-31T15:20:00.000-06:00

what ever happened to good ol' t.v?

EASTER

2008-03-26T15:58:00.001-06:00

when you make an egg salad sandwich, does it taste better whn you make it from easter eggs? Well, mine does.

Joe and i have been married for 18 days.

parking

2008-03-25T16:32:00.000-06:00

today my husband and i met at a park that is right between our work stations.. he packed a little picnic lunch and we met there, ate and sat in the sun in each other arms'. it was heaven. i love him.

the night my life changed forever

2007-12-26T14:24:00.001-07:00

well.. it was a dark and stormy night (truly, the wind was hollowing, and it was cold and rainy) and joe and i were wrapping present (on the 12/18 to be exact) and we were just about finished and joe handed me this wad of paper with boys and ribbons on it.. he said this is for you for tonight.. i really had no clue what it was.. and i unwrapped it, and kept unwrapping it... and it took me about 3 minutes to unwrap it... and then a little ring fell into my hands, and then he came closer and asked me to marry him.
i said yes.
so joe and i are engaged.
the date is 3/8/08.

black is the new orange

2007-10-30T12:14:00.000-06:00

well last night joe and i (and his little brother's and sister's) decided we would try a little something to replace the same ol' same ol' ritual of the carving of the pumpkins..
this is what went down last night..

we got the pumpkins
we sprayed painted them black
we carved them

i just wanted you to noticed that we spray painted the pumpkins black.

they turned out so awesome.. they appear to glow even in the day time.. the constrast is amazing..you need to try it..

the dark side of the moon

2007-10-29T09:47:00.001-06:00

Well i finally did it..
yes i watched the Wizard of Oz (without sound) while listening to Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon.
If you have not done this.. you really should.. it was pretty good.. to experience this the best way here are a few suggestions becasue it worked out fantastic when we did it:

1) get the movie to the place where the MGM Lion Roars at the start of the film then press pause.
2) Get the cd ready and then
3) at the same time press play on both machines.
4) turn pink floyd up and turn down the Wizard of Oz down.
5) sit back and get ready to laugh at how ironic the whole thing is..

tell me what you think..