Hello? Anyone?

Is anyone out there? Surely someone must have something to say ...... No? Okay so here are the reasons why I love each of you .....
Mom: You are a good listener and always make me feel better when I talk to you.
Dad: You've always got a good story to tell. I think that's where I got it.
Lisa: You are so easy to be around. Even when you're stressed, you're not stressful to be around.
Jennifer: You are very generous. You are always willing to give anything or do anything at anytime.
Michelle: You're very talented. I love your decorating skills. You are one of the most creative people I know.
Sam: You are a lot of fun. You are the life of the party, even when there is no party.
Emily: You are a good friend. You are fun to hang out with.
I love you all so much. I look forward to getting together with you all.

Dance

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

oops!

The next two posts were supposed to be on my blog - I'm sure you can all undestand how they showed up here knowing my current mental state! Oh well. I guess I will just have to forward everyone who cares to this blog to read about my life cause there is no way that I have the time to repost them on my own blog.

Katy had her 11th birthday was interesting. Don't get me wrong - it was great. I'm just so sad that she's 11. One more year and she will be going into young woman's. I remember her being born like it was yesterday. Oddly enough the most memorable thing was that it was a sunday and the hospital didn't have cable or a vcr. After a few hours of sunday morning and afternoon tv I was going insane wanting to just get my mind off of what was really going on! I love Kate so much and in spite of our fights, I couldn't imagine life without her. She is amazing!

Dang! These pictures were in teh wrong order. Oh well. One day Sammy looked like the very last picture, then I noticed some odd bumps. The doctor was just as surprised as me to diagnose him with Chicken Pox. It isn't like I have enough stress or things going on right now is it? Turns out, it was a HORRIBLE case of them too. He handled it amazingly well. I felt so badly for him. He had hundreds of them. He is just now starting to scab up and heal. It's been over a week. He's at Casey's now hanging out with him! Every time we pull into Casey's driveway he gets this huge smile on his face to see where we are. I'm glad that he loves Casey so much. I'm also glad that Casey is so willing to help me this last week so that I can get a few things done since I can't take Sam in public.

These pictures don't do the number of pox justice. They were EVERYWHERE! Poor little guy.

There's the happy little man that I adore before he got the chicken pox. Not that I don't adore him since he got them. He really was actually very pleasant for the most part. Just a couple of days here and there where he was very fussy and irritable. Can't blame him much though!

Overall the last month has been good. It's been a hard transition for all of us I think, including Casey. I do think that we both feel like we made the right choice. The kids are adjusting and probably doing better than either of us. I miss my friends and ward over there, and every time I drive over there with Sammy to visit Casey, I get this pit in my stomach because I miss it so much. I loved that neighborhood and all of my friends over there. I think it kept me married to Casey longer (sorry Casey if you are reading this).

Anyway, things are good - stressful but good. I love having so much time with my kids, I hate having a house less than 1/2 the size of my old one, I love that divorce was good for my diet (lost 10 lbs), and I love that I am feeling better and better every day (as is Casey I'm sure).

I hope that that was enough to catch me up for the next little while. I'll try to do better with blogging, but honestly, life has been very hectic and I don't see an end to it. My business is keeping me very busy, as is just life in general.

Time to play catch up!

I figured I would catch you all up on my life with some of the pictures I have taken since moving last month. We have done quite a bit and had a lot of fun!

Not me, as I'm sure there was some confusion! This is my little sister Emily. We do just about everything together much to her husband's dismay.

The zoo is ALWAYS a good option for a nice afternoon out. Sammy is actually starting to enjoy it and looks around at the animals wondering what in the world is going on. It was a lot of fun.

Frosting and decorating sugar cookies with Emily and her kids (her husband Scott was there too) for Family Home Evening a couple of weeks ago. So much fun - especially eating the cookies the next day while the girls were at school.

Some mornings I walk the girls to school. When it got cold one morning I searched for a hat for Sammy to wear. This was what I found. He still managed to look amazingly handsome in it!

I was going to post more pictures, but it would only let me post 5 of them. Oh well, I guess 2 posts is better than one!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

San Jorge

Hi Sisters! We had fun this last weekend. I have decided that I want to plan the next Sisters Trip. How do you all feel about that? I am thinking St. George would be a fun destination. So, unless there are any objections I am going to start planning! And please give me any input you might have (because I know you will anyway).

Oh, by the way, this is Emily....

AND check out my blog to see the only two pictures I took from the trip - man I am lame.

My sisters

I just got some of the pictures from the reunion and I love this one. It says so much about us. You have me, Renee, being more goofy than sexy. Emily and Michelle looking hot and dramatic. Jen, about two seconds behind everyone else. And Lisa .... I can just hear her saying to herself, "these silly sisters of mine, I can't do that." I love this picture! Melissa is taking the picture, which there again says a lot about the family. She always taking the pictures and we're always posing. Good times!

Another Jenkins Family Update

Tom & Jerry - let's hope they can outrun and/or outsmart whatever did in our Kate & Gabby.

Lay down a little grass and suddenly we don't look like we're under construction anymore.

Newest member of the Family

Need I say more?

Thanks Everyone!

I loved these pictures from the reunion. Thanks for all your help, it was a huge success!

Davis, Quinn, and Will ready for the big game. They look great!

Players of fans? Yeah, they all lost interest fast.

Isabel and Grace getting to know each other a little better.

Grace ready for the game. She is so cute!

Yeah, I'm talking to you!

Okay, I feel like either no one is reading what I wrote (other than Lisa), or no one wants to help. Seriously, I need help with the prizes. If you don't let me know what you can get, I'll end up getting them also and then we'll have too much. Also, I am already buying stuff for the reunion and really don't want to be the one with all the extra expenses, especially considering we're on the unemployement line again (Ryan finally has a job coming up though). So, please sign up and please help! Thanks

Reunion Anyone!

Okay, so I've been planning a lot of stuff. Here is a long list of items I need to tell you all about and some items I need help with. So, here it goes......
I need people to buy prizes. Here is a list of prizes needed:
30 suckers (more or less)
20-30 Kid prizes (dollar store stuff or whatever)
3 Adult type prizes
I need someone to find a golf course for the golf game.
If you have not given me shirt sizes, please do that asap.
We are doing an "Egg Drop" at the reunion.
I'll explain: Below you will find a list of items you may use. In groups of either 1 or 2, you will construct a container to hold your egg. Create your egg container now or at the reunion, but you can only use the approved items. While at the beach we will be dropping everyone's egg containers, with an egg inside them, from the top of the house. Whoever's egg does not break, wins. If you have questions, please let me know. Here is the list:
10 pieces of paper
4 rubberbands
10 toothpicks
5 popsicles sticks
3 cotton balls
4" of duct tape
6 paper clips
14" of string
10" of scotch tape
Good luck - I look forward to some interesting creations!

Ear Plugs Rock!

We got ear plugs made for Isabel yesterday and boy does she love them! Can't you tell from her happy face during her bath last night. She is such a whiner! I thought it was pretty fun. To read more about the plugs and that whole experience go to my blog.

you are the BEST!!!!!

I thought I would post this picture that Scott's uncle took from the play. I wanted to tell you all THANK YOU for coming. Although it definitely made me much more nervous knowing you were there, it was also very flattering and I loved it. This has been one of the most fun things I have ever done and I really appreciate how supportive you have been. Thanks again for coming (especially Lisa for making the long trip - and Gary for complying).

Someone has to have SOMETHING to say!

So, I figure that someone has to write something. I mean come on - we have to have something to say!

I will tell you all (mostly Lisa) that we have decided that we need to make a full size life-size cardboard Lisa. I came up with that brilliant idea the other night when we were taking a picture of mom with all of her girls (except Lisa of course). We were missing her and saying that she should be in our pictures and so, because she/you is/are so far away, it would seem that the only solution, other than moving (out of the question I suppose), is to make a stand in! We'll get on that asap!

In other news - my party at Renee's went well and we have one scheduled for next week at Melissa's.

The REALLY exciting news (other than working on a cardboard Lisa) is that I found the CUTEST white dresses at Children's Place. Not only were they the cutest, but they were on sale. Yeah, that's right - on sale. $20! Alright, that's not a steal, but it is a sale and seeing as they are the cutest dresses, I found it to be well worth it. There were actually two different styles and TOTALLY perfect for pictures on the beach. I'm just letting all of you know that have daughters because they are really pretty and I love them. I'm not letting the girls touch them, however, until that very day!

Other news - none!

Love - Michelle

Attention one and all.....

I thought I would let everyone know that tickets to Bye Bye Birdie are only available at Taylorsville City or at the door that night. If you would like me to buy tickets for you before-hand then I am happy to do that (because I am sure the show will sell out every night - ha ha). I will be making one trip down there to buy tickets so you will need to let me know by Sunday June 8th (I am probably going on Monday morning). They tickets are five dollars a person and they don't do group rates. It is coming along really well and I think it may actually turn out to be a pretty good show. Even if it isn't at least my outfits will be great (I am wearing Grandma Dearie's black lace dress for one of the number - it looks fabulous!). GOOD TIMES FOR ALL!!!!!

A Few Reunion Items

This is me, keeping a positive attitude (sometime it's hard to do....)

Okay, so I've been going over the family reunion budget and I've hit a road block. Everyone (except Mom and Dad) have been asked to pay $50, all together that is $300. The family pictures are costing us $80 and the t-shirts will be about $170 ($5 a person). That's $250 just for those two things. Melissa is also doing a family DVD and I'm thinking they will be a few dollars each, so like $15. That makes $265. That only leaves us $35 for everything else. So, this is what I am proposing: everyone can bring stuff that we will need. I can post a list of things we will need (for example, prizes for Bingo) and everyone can sign up for what they can bring. You don't need to feel obligated, but I think it would really help if we all could do something. How does that sound? Either that or we can not do prizes for games, or everyone can pay me more money. It's your choice....
Also, last night at Mom's, we (Rice's, Hill's, S. DeLong's and Padres) were talking about the t-shirts for the reunion. I need to make sure we put everyone in age order correctly (it's for the shirts, don't worry about it). So, please check this and let me know if we made any errors:
Joe
Lilian
Roy
Gary
Lisa
Casey
Jen
Michelle
Sam
Melissa
Scott
Emily
Renee
Ryan R.
Davis
Katy
Ryan J.
Rebecca
Elisabeth
Cole
Jane
Andrew
Jack
Jessica
Joey
Liliy
Zach
Clara
Adam
Will
Quinn
Isabel
Grace
Sammy

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In all reality, Jane does Tap Dance and does it quite well I might add. She and Kate have their dance recital at Kingsbury Hall in a couple of weeks. Kate has opted out of dance for next year, while Jane asked to take the summer session and do a more intensive program next school year. So next year Kate will be doing some sports (and I'm requiring an instrument or singing) and Jane will be doing Jazz, Ballet, Tap, and Tumbling. She also wants to take Voice Lessons. I'm telling you, getting

Family Reunion T-Shirts

I am starting to get things organized for the reunion, which is coming faster than I can believe, and I need to know t-shirt sizes. Every person will be getting a t-shirt, whether you want one or not. So, I need to know everyone's t-shirt size. Please email me with your families shirt size. Please do this asap so that Emily and I can get the shirts rolling. Thanks. This reunion is going to be super awesome!!

What will he think of next?

I went to visit the parents today, I know you're all thinking "Renee, visiting the parents? how strange", and while there I noticed something different in the driveway. Evidently crawling under a car is too much work. Tipping one over is much easier. So, as if our parents weren't weird enough, they now have this sitting in their driveway. And we call the neighbors the Clampets? Lets see, dad plays the banjo, loves to sit by a fire, has this car in his driveway, and wears a lot of denim. Dad, I think you are Joe Clampet!

Swimming at Grandpa's

Last week I decided that BooBoo and I would go swimming. She loved it a lot! We swam for about 1 1/2 hours. Gracie decided to join us for a little while, but was a little unsure about the whole thing. I love that Isabel loves the water. She could spend all day in a pool, or bath. She's just like her mom, a water baby.

Happy Mothers Day Mom - You really are the best!

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Leavin' on a jet plane...

It's been a while...not much to report. Life for the Jenkins is pretty par for the course, or maybe, more accurately, average for the ballfield. We are thick into baseball right now. No complaints here - for me it means sitting outside in beautiful weather while my little people dig in the dirt, climb trees, spill their slurpies, and litter the grass with fishies. Quinny is big enough now to fend for himself, so I pretty much just get to enjoy and occasionally even get to catch a bit of the action on the field.

The real big news is that I get to fly in for a quick weekend to see Mrs. McAfee steal the show. Can't wait! Saturday, June 21st. Plan for a crowd that night, Em.

Jane's baptism

It was a really nice day. Casey baptized Jane and Mike confirmed her. I think the picture with both of them is really cute how she is holding both of their hands. It was a very nice occasion (long, but nice)

Positive feedback = full speed ahead

I am glad some of you commented on my suggestion. Roy thought it wasn't as good of an idea, but he isn't the biggest game-guy around. So, I thought that everyone could come up with 10 questions. That way, one couple won't have all the answers b/f our trip. -Jen

Not-so-Newlywed game?

I think a Newlywed type game would be fun to play with just the adults (after kids are put to bed). How many of you know you spouses favorite dessert or whatever? - Jen

Family Reunion News

This is very exciting stuff, so get out your calendar and mark the dates of the Rockin' DeLong Family Reunion! Most of you know the dates, but the actual reunion starts on Wed. (I think it's the 6th of August) and ends Saturday morning. It's going to be so much fun. As I have self appointed myself as "Reunion Director", I have been planning very fun stuff for the reunion. I want to make you all aware of what you need to prepare for this big event. Here is an over-view of the events happening.......
Beach Kickball (there will be two teams, with team leaders being Gary and Sam: Blue vs. Orange)
Crafts/Activities with Casey and Melissa (mostly for the kids, but adults are more than welcome)
The Family Talent Show (each family will have 5 minutes to do whatever they would like; sing, dance, a skit, magic show, etc. Please do not exceed your 5 minutes)
Family Pictures (we will be having a poll about the attire for this event)
Beach Olympics
A game called "Guess that Ancestor"
Bingo Night (this will be super fun and we will have prizes)
Sandcastle building contest (this can be done with teams or individually)
Brother's golf in the morning
The Famiy Video (Melissa is doing this, she will let you know about pictures)
As you can see I have a lot planned. If you have any ideas, please let me know (by the way this is Renee). I am super excited for this reunion. I keep you all posted on what is to come. Also, please vote on what attire should be worn for the family pictures. Thanks

Jenkins Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities - Collage - Morph

Hill Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebs - Collage - Morph

And the winners are........

Please email me the recipe for each dish of yours that was chosen. I need them asap so that I can get everything together.

Honey BBQ Chicken
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Manacotti
Pot Stickers
Slow Cooker Sweet and Tangy Chicken
Chicken Paremessan
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Mom's Spagetti Sauce
Jumbo Pasta Shells
Apricot Chicken
Layered Enchilada
Honey Soy Chicken
White Fish W/ Tomatoes and Herbs
SLow Cooker Spare Ribs

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Mr.Popular

So this isn't the best layout I could have chosen, but oh well - I've never claimed to be a professional blogger. These pictures were just taken yesterday and I love how Sammy looks. The big one captures his cute personality so well (not to mention his bright blue eyes). He is starting to finally realize that he has control of his hands and has even figured out how to suck his thumb when he's not sleeping, although since he lacks complete control it comes out seconds later and he gets mad until he finds it again.

My Blogging days have begun.

This is my (Jen's) first time really blogging. Oh how cool am I? Apparently this is the Hammond's month to blog. I have very limited time to devote to this, but in the name of cooperation, I will too blog. Question: Is there spell-check? You all know how gifted I am at spelling. :)

Complete Recipe List

If you are participating in the food poll and want to see the complete name (Some of them are cut off if you have the results showing), you just need to click on the "view results" right below each list. That should show you the complete name of each meal. If you have any questions about the meals or anything else relating to the event, please post a comment, or just call me!

New Commander In Chief (self appointed I might add)

So, you should be noticing some changes taking place on our family blog. Not that Renee wasn't doing a fabulous job, but she resigned as you all know. I got the most votes (a whopping 3) to be the new caretaker of the blog and so without being asked (I'm either a self-starter or just sick of waiting for someone to formally ask), I'm going to do the honor of appointing myself as the new commander in chief of our family blog. Go ahead and post things when you want, and I will manage it all. How fun is that?

The Hammonds wanted to be part of the fun!! Sorry Becca, since you were in the last one, you aren't in this one.

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Retirement

I am officiall going into retirement. I am not longer able to keep the blog up-to-date with Birthdays and Anniversarys, and other events. I am too busy with packing. So, whoever would like to do - it's all yours. I am literally going crazy with stress and anxiety over my house. So, goodbye all. I will no longer be slacking on my administrative duties. Thanks for the good times.

The girls all insisted that I make this jibjab after they saw my new one on soapstarmom.blogspot - check it out - they are both hilarious!!!

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