Time

My, oh my, how time flies when you are not paying attention. I sat down today and started thinking about some major changes and how long since each of them happened. 3 months since we moved back to Loveland. 2 months since Paityn started third grade. A week and a half since Corbin and I got married. I keep thinking it will slow down but I know it won't. Please, Lord, let me enjoy each moment because before I know it, they are gone.

Creativity is not my strongest trait

So, I have sat down I don't know how many times and started to blog about this fun thing or that fun thing only to discover I felt I wasn't doing it justice. I stopped. I would say I will do it start and then never do it. I decided that with the wonderful adventures as a family that we are in now, I needed to get my butt in gear and create memories for a lifetime...in writing.

This all brings me to my point for this post. Two Sennsational Ladies was created because Paityn and I were on our own. Just setting out to be two ladies on our own adventure. Well, we are not just two ladies any longer. We have gained this man into our lives. Although we are Two Sennsational Ladies I feel our family should be represented. So, after hours and hours of thinking and not a single idea coming to mind I am asking for help. Please send me comments or emails with any ideas you may have for what our family blog title should be. If I end up using the name you came up with then there will be a $5 gift card for the coffee place if your choice.

HELP!

What's in a set of numbers????

An older post from July that I found drafted and never posted.....

Who would have thought that changing some numbers and letters after your name (your address) could have such an impact on a family.  I can not even begin to express the amazing goodness that this move has brought to us. 

Paityn and i arrived yesterday to be greeted by streamers and balloons all over the apartment.  A table with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, gifts, a new grill and a fridge full of food.  Corbin.  He was amazing and spent much of the last week preparing to welcome us to our new home.  We have been so blessed by this man.  I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives with him with us every day.

Changes

Today I rode in the car with Corbin and listened to him tease me about how old I am getting and how I need to adjust to all kinds of changes. It was said in the funnest moments, but later in the day I sat back and realized the truth to what he was saying.

Several months ago I felt God just break me. Not in a bad way, but in a way where I just sat on my couch and wept. I cried for the unknown and for the changes that had happened in the last year. That day the tears were mourning. I realized very quickly that there was not a reason to mourn but rather a reason to continue to trust God and rejoice at what he had done in our lives. So many things have come out of the last 18 months. I can't even begin to express how I feel when I think of the grace, mercy and provision of my heavenly father.

So, who knows that when I do things, I like to do them big. I don't do just a little move across a small town like Milliken. I am uprooting schools, day-cares, doctors. I am moving to a city that although home to me, feels like a scary to new place to Paityn. In the past week I began to think about even what type of amazing God moments I have already seen in my move. For those who remember I struggled and struggled with where I should move, what should I pay, where should I put Paityn. It really came down to apartment locations, two schools ....etc. Well, I made a decision about the apartment, felt such peace that I knew it had to be right. It dawned on me that the other apartment never even called me that they had a place. If I had put my coins into that purse I would be up a creek. God is absolutely in control and I know that it is worth it.

Now, the newest adventure that the Sennsational Ladies are going on is that on September 22, 2012 I will become Mrs. Corbin Schon. On July 2nd Corbin asked for Paityn's blessing and asked me to marry him. We are very excited about what God has in store for this new family.

Survived!!

This past weekend Paityn went on her first camping trip ever. Ok, so Corbin, two girls from the neighborhood and I were also with her. I have to say that again my girly girl impressed me with her ability to do pretty well.

Friday night was an evening that I am not sure how Mom survived. I got off work, came home, picked up dog, crate, 2 kids and filled my car to a point that I didn't know it could be filled. Drove to the camp site, unloaded everything, ate, walked around with kids to set up rules....I know we did more then that but even that makes me tired typing it all. I did discover that my amazingly organized man had a ton done for us when we got there. Tents were set up, chairs set up, food organized, fire wood and necessary things all ready for marshmallows and fun.

Now, Saturday should have been a morning of relaxing and sleeping as late as we could. Instead we were up at 3 am with three girls that decided that was the best time to become social. One of them (not Paityn) was the main instigator. Needless to say the morning was ended with several warnings that if behavior did not improve kids were going home. Even with that they were amazing.

By the time we packed up on Sunday we had sent one child home with her mom (her refusal to listen became a safety hazard), had a hot dog roast with Grandma Kari and Grandpa Ervin, Corbins mom and his nephews, enjoyed water fights and actually had a night of really good sleep.

The gang...

So, this weekend Corbin and I are taking Paityn and two neighborhood kids camping with us. One of the kids moms told me I was crazy.... such a perfect description for Jen Senn. I thought I would post a before picture so we can see if camping does us all in. More to come on Sunday.

Packing, packing and more packing

Well, we have officially tackled the task of packing. One bathroom all done, kitchen almost all done, misc stuff all over done. Just got to keep going. I figure two to three boxes a night all during the week and a bunch more on the weekend....I should make it. Check with my mom and Matt Delay in 30 days... they will tell you if I was successful.

Testing, testing....can you read me?

Well, the time has come. I am getting rid of cable/internet until our move. So, as a fairly new Blogger who wants to continue I was saddened by this.....until wait.... I thought of my phone. They have some kind of app for just about everything else....let's look: YES!! Blogger for my phone. INSTALLED! I nearly guarantee there will be no long posts but at the Two SENNsational Ladies adventures will continue.

Tough Decisions

How do you decide to go from a nice person to a person on a defensive strike? Heck, for that matter, how do you decide that what you thought was being a nice person is, in all actuality, allowing a person to continue to walk all over you?

As I write this I want so badly to have the answers drop out of the sky in yes or no form. That is not happening. I have begun to think about a no contact order (a form of a restraining order) against Martin and have also begun to research the contempt of court charges that I was advised to file a while ago. The reason for all of this is harassment that is not stopping and his inability to do anything that he is supposed to do to step up and take care of our daughter.

It saddens me really. How can a man put so little importance on his child that he can't even begin to be responsible for her.

As I write this I ask that anyone reading it would keep me in your thoughts and prayers as the road I am travelling continues to be one that I would rather not be on. I know that my Lord continues to strengthen me. I also know that he is in control and protects me. Those things bring a peace that is amazing.

Love to you all!~

Lessons Learned

Sometimes it is so hard to be mom. To be the one to teach the lessons in life that are hard to learn. Today was one of those days. As I posted earlier today was a day of celebration for Paityn's birthday. We had kids from the neighborhood and one from daycare all here. Now, my daughter is used to being around lots of kids at one time. She usually does very well, but as the day wore on I was sad to see that the friend from daycare was somewhat being ignored and was enjoying hanging out with me more then with the kids.

This evening Paityn and two of the kids were outside playing in our front yard. I noticed that Louie had not barked lately, which he frequently does when the kids are playing. So, I went out looking for them only to find my front yard empty and Paityn no where to be found. She was at the end of the street at someones house that she had not asked to go to. Now I understand that kids get distracted and she was at a home that I totally trust her to be at. However, she has done this three times in the last two weeks.....here comes the hard lesson to learn. I called Paityn down to our house and told her that all the kids except the one from daycare needed to go home right then and they could not have a sleep over. After several minutes of making a scene in the front yard....don't know who she would get the dramatic side from.... she came in. I called her into my room as she still had company over. I told her that I was done tracking her down. We have a "checking in" rule for a reason. She is not allowed to change plans what so ever unless she checks in. When she doesn't do that it forces me to have to take other measures. I also told her that I was sad to see that the friend from daycare had spent much of the day on her own.

Here comes the oh so proud mom moment. Paityn pulled herself together. She spent some time getting jammies on and calming down only to return to the living room where her friend was at. She looked right her and apologized for ignoring her for most of the day. She said that she was very sorry and that she knew it was wrong. The friend said not to worry, she was used to being alone since she has no siblings. Paityn looked at her and said, "no, I can be a better friend then that and I am sorry I didn't today."

Point to my long drawn out story. There are times in this life when i feel that i am for sure doing everything possible to mess up my child. I felt horrible when I sent the other kids away. However, as I listened to the heart felt apology and explanation of what a friend should be coming from my daughters lips I was again reminded that these hard moments have their reward and I will probably not be lucky enough to witness many of them, but I can at least know that they are there.

Birthday Bash and Craziness

So, I decided that this summer must be the summer of complete craziness for Paityn and I. We at any given time can be driving between Greeley, Loveland and Fort Collins in one day and often find that if we are home we have at least four extra kids in tow. I love the joy of hearing a bunch of young girls laughing.

Today we are celebrating Paityn's birthday. Now, I tend to go overboard on this day. I always have a big get together, cake, food, games (or sidewalk paint) and a lot of loved ones around. This year with so many changes taking place in our life we decided to just keep it simple. A few of our close friends are coming over and the neighborhood kids will be here to celebrate. Cupcakes and lemonade.... hard to do when I am used to spending the whole day preparing.

Last night I took four girls to the Centerra shopping center to go and just enjoy some time together and to watch the "Karate Kid" movie on the big blow up screen. talk about amazing fun. As I sat there I realized just how mature my little girl is coming and how blessed I am to have her in my life. Do plans ever go as they should when there are five girls involved...heck no, but I guarantee on the way home all of them were talking about how they wanted to do it again. I also believe that I have more knowledge of Justin Bieber then any one person should have now.

Please know that I am aware that none of pictures are uploaded with this post. This is where the craziness comes in. I know that I keep thinking of things to blog about and I don't do them because I just don't have time to do them as I wish I could. So, that being said, I am going to start doing the writing when I think of it and I can add the pictures later. Maybe look for one post of just pictures.

Change

Who ever said that change is bad? I am curious because the last year has been filled with so many changes that it isn't even funny. Have some of them been bad, YES!!! However, how can you not be thankful for some of the changes that have happened? How can you not be excited when you know that God has a new plan for your life. So, This whole blog is Two Sennsational ladies AND...the and was all about not eve knowing exactly what God has in store for us. I believe that we are on a new path and I am excited to see what exactly God is doing in our lives. Just a little thought to share!

Whirlwind of Activity

So, I have to begin by apologizing because I have not even started and I feel like this is going to be a blog of babbling. BUT, then again, I am Jen Senn and tend to do that. I guess if you are a close enough friend to be reading this, then that is something that should be expected.

In so many ways I feel like the last three weeks have been a whirlwind of activity for Paityn and I. I sit here now and wonder where exactly do I begin. I guess I should start with a quick update. My divorce is final, Martins criminal trial is over and I am officially Jen Senn again. so many more details for all of that then I care to post I just know that it feels good for my heart, my head, my bloodsugars and for Paityn to have it all over with.

What do spaghetti and waffles have to do with each other . Now, there are a few of you who received an email from me about this so please just bare with me. I recently listened to a broadcast of focus on the family that spoke to my heart and mind in ways that I can not even begin to explain. Now, I already said that I tend to babble and I hope that this will come as an explanation of that. Spaghetti and waffles....what do they have in common. So, the point of this broadcast was communication between a man and a woman. The woman's brain is like spaghetti while the mans brain is like a waffle. We woman tend to start on one topic and can go from one thing to another without missing a breath. Our topics all wind together and touch in one way or another....like a plate of spaghetti. A mans brain is like a waffle. They have lots of things in their head but none of them touch and can not be intertwined together. If you want to change subjects, you need to change boxes. Now, the reason for this being an "OH MY GOODNESS" moment for me is that my problem is that I don't keep the spaghetti in my brain, I let it spew out of my mouth. I want to say by no means does this epiphany mean I am going to stop being me, but it does mean that I at least know why I do what I do. If you would like to learn more about the spaghetti and waffles podcast please let me know. I would LOVE to share this with anyone who has a person of the opposite sex (relationship or friend or even a coworker/boss) in their life.

Now, moving on.... literally. Paityn and I are going to be moving back to Loveland. Let me tell you that I am so tired of listening to the people I work with ask me why Loveland. I have to say that for the first time in years I feel like I am going home. I will be moving back to the south side of town that I know so well. I went this past week and filled out all the paperwork to be considered an actual applicant. I have never lived in an apartment complex and although I am a bit leery about several different sides of this, I know that there is a reason we are where we are and this is the only place I feel peace about living. My ideal situation will someday be a duplex or townhouse where we have a garage and a private yard, but as I said, God has a reason. I was pleased to receive a call this past week from the complex telling me that I am next in line for whatever apartment that I want. They did have two becoming available for June however they are both units that do not meet our needs. Although I am excited to begin this new adventure, I also know that I need to stick to my needs and be patient. I will be sure to keep all updated.

I have decided to end this post as my next topic is much more serious and I would like to someday look back and know just how much it meant to me.

Can't wait to see what God has in store next for us TWO SENNSATIONAL LADIES.....

The Long And Short Of It.....

Ok, so, it is probably absolutely ridiculous to say this but I cried over hair today. Yes, tears due to hair. In the past years I have listened to so many people compliment the beautiful long hair that Paityn had. She has gone to great lengths to convince her Dad and I that it was time to change that and allow her to go short. So, you can imagine my surprise when we finally decided it was time to start letting her be who she wants to be (within reason for an almost 8 year old.) I am guessing you can imagine where this is leading to. Earlier today Paityn Rylee Saldana had 14 inches of her hair cut off. Yes, 14 inches. We were so lucky that she was able to do a "Locks of Love" donation. Locks of Love is an organization who makes wigs for cancer patients out of hair that has been cut. So, I watched as they braided her hair and cut it off. I have to say that although I was not keen to this idea before, it really is adorable on her now. She is SO excited. I can't wait to see what all kinds of fun ways to fix her hair we can come up with now.

Spring Is Upon Us

So this past week I have had a week of grieving. I am grieving that my little girl is not so little anymore. There have been nights of little sleep due to growth pains and conversations that amaze me. As I sat at work yesterday tears just came to my eyes as I thought of the little girl with curly little wisps around her face sitting so patiently waiting for her Mommy at work and the now not so little girl who likes to give fashion advice and definitely loves shoes and purses. Gee, wonder where she gets that from??? As this week came to an end I was again reminded of yet another reason to grieve the loss of my baby girl.....I put her on a plane on her own to fly to Papa and Nana in Arizona. Now, I am unsure who will be watching who as we all know that Papa loose with a 7 year old might mean that Nana is going to be one busy lady.

Here is her adventure in pictures.....

Everyone making it through security.

Paityn and Mommy on the train

Robert and Noah on the train

Paityn plane as it arrived to DIA

Not so patiently waiting......

Three peas in a pod.... now if only I can convince them

to quit ganging up and picking on Mamma

Paityn waiting to board the plane.

Noah waiting to see the plane leave. He was so sad and kept

saying how much he was going to miss Paityn.

A bunny that was waiting for Noah as we left DIA

Paityn on an adventure with Nana...maybe Nana is the

one we need to worry about

Paityn and Papa

Paityn with two generations of Grandparents

Paityn in Aunt Barbs pool

I thought pictures did it more justice then my words. She has grown so much. It just amazes me on a daily basis what an amazing young lady she is turning into. I can't wait to see what God has in store for her.....

I love you Paityn!!!!

Pickups and Puppies

So, anyone who knows my daugther knows that she is beyond a prissy girly, girl. There is no hiding it. She loves her nails painted and loves wearing dresses. So, imagine my surprise when she found such great joy in working with Robert on his pickup this weekend. Since many of you do not know I have to tell you that this is a mostly 1978 (some parts are from other random years) Ford pickup. Paityn says that it reminds her of a dark baby blue. This is Roberts hobby. Working and reworking on this pickup is something that he loves to do in his spare time. Well, last weekend I cleaned the rear end housing. Now, remember that although I grew up with a mechanic grandfather and a father who might as well have been a mechanic I know very little about the actual parts. I can change my oil if I have to and I know how to change filters and fluids when appropriate. I LOVED being able to sit myself upright under the pickup and actually do something.

Rear Axel Housing that I cleaned!

As much as I enjoyed this I never thought that Paityn would want to get her prissy hands dirty and take part in this at all. It turns out that she discovered how to pretend drive the pickup and made several trips to the store for lemon cake. Robert and I laughed that if her trips were real there would be an abundance of lemon cake around the house. She was so kind as to offer to go for something else for me because she knows I am trying to lose weight. As the day wore on she enjoyed her first ride in the pickup and wouldn't stop asking when they were going back out to work. Even as I type this she is moping around the house because her "work" clothes are in the dryer so she can't work right now.

Paityn driving to go get her Lemon Cake

As I said, with such a girly girl you can imagine my surprise as I walked out to the garage where Robert and Paityn has disappeared only to find my daughter in full protective gear running an electric sander on the side of the pickup. She was enjoying it so much.

Well, today the joy of the day was sitting at the computer as I type now and listen to pure joy and laughter come from the bathroom as Robert and Paityn took on the task of giving Louie a bath. I don't think I have heard so much heart felt laughter in a while.

Tug of War - Trials or Blessings

Who out there does not remember the joy of playing tug of war as a child.  How is that a childs game is also so often used to describe such an unwanted feeling in adult life.  I feel as though the last bit of my life has been such a tug of war.... so many trials, manytimes overshadowed by the outragous joys and blessings.  As I stood in the shower this morning I realized that although the trials are not wanted the joys that I have in my life right now are so wanted.  Just my thought for the day...

A few of the joys are things that I thought I would share.  This past weekend was spent with Robert, his son Noah and my most previous BooBoo Riley (the one nickname that Paityn consistantly says she likes.) We ran errands, did homework, got Paityn ready for her Father/Daughter Dance, watched movies, laughed, laughed and had so much fun.

So, I am OBVIOUSLY really bad at finishing what I start.... I started this post on February 8th and just discovered that it was never finished or posted.  I decided to not worry about finishing it, but as I reread what I wrote I liked the thought about the tug of war and decided I wanted to post it.  I hope you all enjoy.

The Beginning

So, it is very obvious that this is a new blog for me.  I am sure that if you are reading this blog then you received an email from me about its beginning.  I hope that this leads to many adventurous posts and as many laughs for you as it will for Paityn and I.

I have to start by making sure that the title of the blog is understood.  I think the SENNsational part is obvious.  As my divorce will be final in the next couple of months, hopefully anyway, I am going to be returning to my maiden name of Jenifer Senn.  I am JenSenn and always will be.  Paityn has questioned several times what happens with her name.  It is hard to explain to a child about the whole name change thing, but I have faith that she is finally understanding.  Although she is legally Saldana, she is a Senn through and through.  We are two Sennsational ladies.  Now the AND...  all that means to us is that God has a great plan for us and each day we wait to see what that plan is.  Today it might be two Sennsation ladies and their dog.  Tomorrow it might be two Sennsational ladies and their broken car.  The idea is that each day is an adventure where we never know what God has in store for us.

Please know that as you read or don't read this blog it is a place for Paityn and I to be the women God is making us to be.  There will be days when I am less then perfect.  There will be days of venting, rejoicing, laughing, crying... I am nearly certain of it.  The most important thing is that as you read this you realize that as much as I put my thoughts and feelings into form on this page, God is ever working on my heart. He will change them the moment that I write them.  He will teach me through my own words.  In some ways, I can't wait to see how he uses my fingers as a tool to my heart.  I hope you enjoy that learning adventure with me.

I love each and every one of you and can't wait to see how God uses each of you in our lives.

Paityn and Jen