Best Buds

September...A Blur

I kept thinking I'll be more consist in updating my blog but I suspect that until my house is finished life will continue to be stressful and crazy. This month has been a busy blur. Full of running house errands, work mtgs and travel, and then as per usual dealing with my less than perfect physical body. On the 24th I had my quarterly botox injections...my doctor was amazed she could get the needle in the concrete muscles. That day I did fairly well, given we had to drive to and from SLC, UT for the injections. The next day wasn't so hot. I ended up with a migraine that lasted through the night. (My daily chronic headaches have been giving me a run for my money). Thursday I had an occipital nerve block done for my headaches. This consisted of eight burning shots in my head...I must be tougher than nails or just crazy. Needless to say I have been a human pin cushion this week...literally. Thankfully, I've had no more headaches since Thursday!  

It is weeks like these that I'm reminded just how much help I need at times and how grateful I am for all who selflessly help take care of me. Particularly one, Mama Berry, who sacrificed a lot of time this week nursing me back to health. Not feeling well consistently is frustrating and at times very despairing, but also very humbling knowing that the Lord always is placing willing helpers in my path. 

Below is the random recap from the last few weeks...

 I considered buying one of these HOT purses but opted for orange Born flats instead...

 My Saturday morning helper

 I love and miss DP...as of a couple weeks ago I've got to be caffeine free per doctor's orders. But on special occasions I'll still enjoy a warm, flat DP! 

 The twins "hard" at work while golfing in a tournament with my folks...

 After botox injections we got to stop by and meet Miss Mia for the first time! I'm so excited that my PA family has moved closer!!! Isn't she a doll!

 For almost a full glorious month I had a bowl of these amazing peaches every day...at least once a day. Awesome perk being back in Idaho!

And just this afternoon was welcomed by this muddy mess after my nap. 

Table And Chairs Refinishing Project

First, let me just say that when wanting to refinish table and/or chairs, use spray paint. Do not use paint brush method...it takes forever! 

Second, I recommend that you have two working limbs to accomplish such a task. If not then you better be like me and awesome at delegating my projects to a wonderful family. Mama Berry, Dadio, Sam Jam, Amie, and Susie Q will always have a place at this table after all their hard work. Thanks so much! This project reminded me why HC gave me the "QC" nickname. I am the master at quality control. 

Third, we (Team Jess minus the Jess) are almost finished. One more layer of sealing glaze and then we need to re-upholster the chairs and then it will be complete! I am in love with the fabric I found...stay tuned for the finished product. 

House Update: Trim, Closets, Doors

The house is finally looking like a house...the trim is finished, the doors are in, and the closets built. The next update the house will be painted and the exterior will hopefully be close to being finished. It's looking like end of October and it will be completed...here's to hoping! 

 My crown molding in the master bedroom

 This is blurry but we are trying to emphasis how freaking big my walk-in closet is...and yes I've already purchased a step stool to reach the shelf Amie is touching in the photo. 

Jess Berry Quote Of The Day!

Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.

Winston Churchill

L. Smithie sent me this link and I just died laughing and saying SO TRUE, SO TRUE! 

YSA Conference

Before my first YSA conference:

After my third YSA conference:

Early 27th Birthday Party!

Saturday we celebrated the Berry National Holiday. Saturday also happens to be the 11th anniversary of my second chance on life. Recall story here. I'm grateful to be alive. I may be turning 27 years old on Monday, I may feel like I'm 80 years old most days, I may look like I'm only 18 years old, but no matter what age I am physically or mentally I'm grateful I have an opportunity to experience mortality. AND I'm extremely grateful for the family and friends that help get me to each birthday year after year. THANKS TO EACH OF YOU!

Amie made this AWESOME NY Yankees cake for me...total surprise!

 Poncho (one of my favorite Yankees fan!) and I...I like to think Jack Berry is with the two of us in spirit in this photo.  I'm extremely blessed to have the two greatest grandpas in the world...pure truth.  

 Someone really loved the blue pinstripes! 

 Sam Jam made an awesome cake for Mama Berry too...it fell in the car and Mama Berry said it was the perfect cake for a 50 year old. ;) A little ruffled but still pretty sweet!

 Mattie Faye loves Poncho!

 My newest Yankees' fan...in the making.

Here's to 27 being a better year than last year! Let's pray and hope it will be!

Beautiful Friday Night

Friday night I was able to go out with an old college friend whom I spent most days doing accounting problems with for the greater part of our college years and hadn't seen since graduation. It was a great time and wonderful to see him so successful and happy.  Followed by attending the temple...can't really beat that night. 

Idaho Big Hair At Its Best!

No joke friends, this is real!  

House Update: Blue Siding

Newest Canada Dry Advertisement

How Not To Relax On Labor Day!

Monday was spent mostly in hardware stores shopping for an array of items: appliances, lights, paint, refinishing materials, bathroom hardware, etc. By 4pm my legs were jello and I couldn't walk another step. Mattie Faye had the right idea to fall asleep. 

*Cannot wait for this house to be finished to have our lives back!

Take The Time To Share Your Beliefs...Join In The Conversation

Mama Berry Turns 50!!!

 I know, you're saying to yourselves, "this woman cannot be 50 years old, she doesn't look a day over 39". It is called good genes folks. 

I asked Mama Berry to name off 5 accomplishments from the last 50 years...she was somewhat speechless. I'll take an author's license and list some for her:

1. Raised three awesome kids! (and the awesome comes from Mama Berry)

2. She's been a successful registered nurse

3. She's currently a very capable and intelligent CFO of Berry Oil 

4. She's a faithful and compassionate visiting teacher

5. And now she's being the world's coolest grandma! 

These are just 5 accomplishments of many, but really this woman is my hero and the smartest lady I know. 

Happy Birthday Mama Berry! 

PS: Poncho enjoyed his prime rib so much that he took a quick nap after dinner.

Mallory's Baptism

Mallory was baptized today a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. To learn more about baptism click here.  It was great to be there to witness this special event in Mallory's life.  

 Jagger, Moco, and Susie Q

 Mallory and her little girls! 

Poncho, Jace, ME2, ME3, ME4