Today is Jessica’s birthday and I thought it appropriate to post on her behalf. As many of you readers are aware, Jessica has been writing lately on her experience of trying to “live” out the Proverbs 31 women in her everyday life. This birthday is extra special because her next verse is Proverbs 31:31 and I’ll let you guess how old she is going to be.

Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
Proverbs 31:31 (NLT)
http://read.ly/Prov31.31.NLT

As a gift to Jessica, I thought it would be so appropriate to collect some public praises from some of her closets friends and family. Jessica is an amazing women. God has given me the best gift of all by given Jessica to me as my life’s partner. We share so many things together and she gets me through each day. I want her and all of the “internets” to know how much she is loved and how highly people think of her. Below are the unedited comments.

This is so easy to write and so hard to write. Easy because there are so many wonderful things to say about Jess, but hard to know which to choose. One thing that I think about often is that Jess taught me how to be creative with my kids. I was actually afraid to let Lucy use glue because it was too messy. Well ‘Messy Jessy’ helped me relax and have fun and realize that it could all be cleaned up and the process was totally worth it. She is also a fun, comforting and wise friend.  In the rare moments that we get to talk without kids, Jess has listened, shared and lnspired me to be a better wife, mother and friend.

Happy Birthday Jess!!
- Becki K.

Happy Birthday Jess- For the short time I have gotten to know you I feel completly comfortable with saying she is an “An amazing Woman, Mother, and Friend, her growth in all these categories is apparent in her everyday life. She truly takes the time to learn from every situation. I love talking with her, hearing what she has done as not only a mother but a wife. Christ is evident in all her relationships and she truly shines.

Enjoy your day!
- Mallory H.

Jess,
You are an amazing woman. You are truly worth more than rubies. It has been amazing getting to know you over these past 6 yrs. You inspire me to be more creative, a better mother, a supportive wife, and a good friend. Your friendship is a blessing. I want to wish you a wonderful 31st birthday.
- Kimber C.

Jessica, you are a great friend.  You are an attentive mother who cares deeply for your kids.  You are a strong partner in marriage to Peter.  You love people.  You are creative.  You have made your house a safe home.  You joyfully serve those around you who are in need.  You are a good listener and are thoughtful in your words of advice.  You speak truth.  Above all, you love God and are a wonderful example of being a Christ-follower.
Happy Birthday!

With love,
- Carrie B.

I truly believe Jessica defines the term “supermom.” She manages her motherhood, marriage, family and friends with great creativity, patience, love, faith, compassion and fun. She is a wonder to behold. I would like to publicly praise her using the following 31 words:

Jessica should be:

1. Acclaimed
2. Acknowledged
3. Admired
4. Applauded
5. Appreciated
6. Approved
7. Blessed
8. Celebrated
9. Cheered
10. Commended
11. Complimented
12. Congratulated
13. Esteemed
14. Extolled
15. Favored
16. Flattered
17. Given a bouquet
18. Given a pat on the back
19. Given an ovation
20. Highly regarded
21. Honored
22. Lauded
23. Loved
24. Marveled
25. Prized
26. Recognized
27. Respected
28. Saluted
29. Thanked
30. Treasured
31. Valued

Happy birthday Jessa!
Love from your MAMA.

I have known Jessica since the second she was born! I was the first to hold her. I held her in my two arms. I have held her in my heart ever since. She is my one and only little girl who is not so little and not so much a girl anymore. I thought that she was a special kid then and I know she is a very special adult now! With all of the pressures and hurdles of day to day life and four children she still finds time for other things in her life. How she finds the time and energy and creativity to do anything beyond manage basic daily needs, I do not know. Kids, Creativity, Energy, Plans and Fun and so much more! She does it all. Give her a few “extra” minutes and she will rearrange the furniture. Art and Crafts, ideas, ideas, ideas…. Jess, you deserve the title “Mom and Wife and Women of the Year” for these several years in a row. Keep up the great work, but enjoy life along the way!

As always,
Love Dad

The thing that stands out in my mind in Jessy as a FRIEND is her accountability.  I have always admired her for her ability to ask the “tough” questions.  The things that make me really think and really matter and mean something.  When another friend would skirt around the heart of the issue -whether it is joyful or stessful –  as to not bring out emotions, Jessy is bold.  She will go there without fear or hesitation, and then follows it with love and support.  She genuinely cares and wants what is best for her friends.

I rarely have a conversation with her without both of us laughing until we cry! I love that in our friendship we can talk everyday, or not talk for weeks and still always pick up where we left off like there was no time in between.

She is a Godly mother.  She loves her children and strives to do what is right as a parent and love on her kids as much as she can.  She has given up hopes and dreams, a few careers, time, sanity and so much more to be there for her kids and to do what’s best for them.  She is not afraid to admit what she has done wrong and share joyfully what she has accomplished with them.  As we have seen her children grow, we can see a direct reflection of Jessy and her love poured on them, as well and her pouring God’s love into them and her hard work at raising them as GOd loving, honoring and fearing people.  She has given them confidence, love for others, education, knowledge, discipline, and so much more.

I can’t imagine my life without Jessy!  She is an amazing woman inside and out!
- Kelli A.

Jessica, I hope you always remember that you are surrounded in life by friends and family that love you and cherish you in their lives. I love you so much, have a fantastic day!

Pete

My blog has gone quiet over the past several weeks. Below is a lettered list of where I’ve been during this time. After all, it is said, you  can’t really tell about a person until you walk a mile in their shoes!

a. Ballet flat

I walked to a funeral.

Peter’s Grandma Rose passed away peacefully at 92. She loved to play organ, read pulp novels, watch action films and smoke cigarettes. She had the most perfect manicure all the time. Her earring collection was sparkly and plentiful. I’ll miss you Gramma.

b. Athletic shoe

I walked down stairs to workout – nearly everyday.

P90X, baby. I am on week 3 of my quest for fitness. I have found muscles I’d forgotten about, so that’s good. The kids love watching us jump and around on our workout mats. It’s even inspired them to workout a time or two.

c. High heels

I walked to a black-tie political dinner event.

Open-toe, sling back, sequined pumps gave me just the right amount of “i’m not just a SAHM in slippers” vibe that I so desperately needed. (nothing wrong with the slipper vibe either).  It was nice to  sit next to my hubby and some good friends, during a meal that did not involve chicken nuggets.

d. Plaid canvas

I walked into a gorgeous horse barn for an outdoor wedding.

I was one of the most special, beautiful ceremonies I’ve ever witnessed. To get to the wedding, I drove 2 states away (for 9 hours) and left my 2 babies behind (for 5 days)! Ryan and Molly loved their first road trip and the captive audience (parents in the front seat).

e. Buckled loafer

I walked to a friend to deliver a meal.

My good friends just had their 4th child – total of 4 girls! I put together a meal for a grill-out. Potato salad, meat, bars – yum! I love warm Spring days especially when their is a new life to celebrate. They named her Clara. So sweet!

Do your shoes tell a story? Where have you been lately?

Love,

Jess

Heidi at Wonder Woman Wannabe (fellow bible huggin’, live lovin’, crafty blogger) had a Chocolate Blue giveaway (custom signs and stationary) and guess what?

I won! Nothin’ kicks a writing slump to the curb, like getting a custom sign in the mail! Whoot!

When Emily, from Chocolate Blue, asked what initial and kid’s name I wanted for my wall sign…I blushed.

I was kinda-sorta thinking about getting a sign with my blog name. How ’bout putting on a big J. Cause my first initial is J and so is Just a Blink’s.

I stammered on about how I had 4 kids so it would be hard to choose which one to get done. But, really I fooled no one about just plain wanting something for myself!

I knew seeing this handmade, Just a Blink sign would inspire me, every time I looked in its direction. My new wall sign makes me think about all the reasons I blog.

I love to:

• write
• be in this little slice of blogdom I call home
• forgive myself for misplacing commas half of the time, at best
• record and remember the moments that blink by
• dream of my future just for the sake of dreaming
• think beyond myself
• hear from my readers

Plus, Chocolate Blue threw in two super cute handmade notecards. Cupcakes!

Sweet!

You’ll be hearing from me tomorrow,

Jess

Proverbs 31: 17b

Her arms are strong for her tasks. 

Peter and I are both feeling that our arms are not strong enough for our tasks. Also, my muffin tops have now turned into a muffin loaf. I gave myself 6 months post twin delivery to “not care” about exercise and watching calories.

My 6 month marker has passed.

Enter, p90X. Yes, like the infomercial.

I bought a new workout outfit, athletics shoes, a pull-up bar, a heart rate watch and an exercise mat. So, far this workout regimen has consisted of shopping. I’m calling it an investment in my future. Like, if I don’t invest – I won’t have a future.

I passed my fit test over the weekend. It felt good find my ab muscles again, even if they’re off in Neverland.

Today is day 1.

Good grief, no, I’m not going to show you my before photo! Well, not yet anyway. In 90 days, I may post the before photo, if I have a super strong looking after photo, that is.

Here’s to a challenging 90 days!

Love,

Jess

Welcome Home Pete

Fatigue is just part of the game.

He and I greeted each other with a hug. We st00d in the kitchen, sleeping on each others shoulders, until one of our kids asks to be lifted up into the hug with us. We don’t really rest until 4 other little bodies are completely passed out in their beds.

Even then we’re on call.

Hunger is to be expected.

Dinnertime comes at the same time – everyday.  Try as I may, to get my menu plans in order, sometimes life just gets in the way. What’s for dinner when we are getting ready to leave town, the morning after our son’s birthday party? Pickles, fruit roll-ups and frosting. Awesome.

Good thing Peter is a master griller! He cooked up some meat and made a meal. A nice expression of his love for me – a night off from service.

Family time fills my heart up again.

Inside, I fed the babies their bottles in the living room. Outside, squeals of laughter bounced through the open screen door hitting every square inch of this house. (Yes, I’ll admit, sometimes the squeals of tears loom around the house too.)

I guess it is all the little things, that makes my house a home.

It’s all the little things that I need strength to get through.

It’s all the little things that help me grow into a woman of character.

A familiar breeze, a loving haven, a sad story and a life time of joyful memories that make my heart fill up, time and time again.

The good, the bad, the everyday.

I could carry on about my day -

My salon appointment mix-up after the kids were in bed or How we left the cover off the sand box before it rained (again) or About how the ring I bought was the wrong size and needed returning.

But alas, the evening eventually came to a close. Slumber took me into the next day. And God carried me through yet another day full of life.

Even when my days blend together with driving, wiping, fixing, loving, teaching, yelling and trying; I will cloth myself in strength and dignity.

Love,
Jess

The Rest of our Outings

I used my $2.50 store credit. How could I let the credit expire? It’s like throwing money away, right?

I fed Leah a bottle in her stroller, saved Molly from being smashed inside 4 turning jewelry displays and fielded 3 conversations about “How busy we must be!” I replaced about 14 jewelry items to their proper homes, opened 23 ring boxes that had been snapped shut, and taught Ryan the difference between pearls and white beads.

Finally, I found a clearance fashion ring worth $2.40. Oh, yeah, it was worth it.

Next, off to the Dollar Store! After all, Ryan’s 5 1/2 Birthday party supplies weren’t going to jump over to my house by themselves.

(The twins and I came home from the Hospital on his whole birthday, so we put off his kid party until the Spring. I had six months, but now I had only two days and a family road trip the morning after his party, to prepare.)

Molly convinced herself that we needed to prepare now for her 3 year old party in June. I ignored her repeated requests for pink noise makers, balloons and cookies. Really, she requested everything and everything pink she saw.

I let out, “It’s Ryan’s special day!” as cheerily as I could as she continued with her pleas.

I just kept plotting along, throwing red streamers, golden mini-trophies and juice boxes into my basket, which was now, causing my forearm to feel slightly numb.

On our way to the check out counter, Molly put her foot down. Literally, stomped her foot and exclaimed,

“I want to GO to JUNE’s house!”

Followed by another foot stomp and a even louder exclamation,

“For my PINK-ah-LISH-ous party! Now!”

You may think, at this point, I could have pontificated the virtues of using an inside voice and being self-less. What did I do?

Laugh!

“Who’s house do you want to go to for your party?” I asked surprisingly.

Molly slightly hyper-ventilating explained, “June’s house for my, my, my 3 party.”

I’m quite positive, all the ‘How old is big sister?’ conversations with on-lookers, have gotten her mind a bit cloudy on when her birthday will come along.

I assured her that I will make her pink cupcakes in a few months and gave her a hug.

More importantly, I headed home. Enough outings for one day. I still had to make dinner, make sure all our clothes were clean for our road trip and email my family about Leah and Claire in the Cutest Baby contest for our local paper.

More to Come…

Love,

Jess

The Store

It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s…It’s a mom burning rubber in her minivan to get her child to a bathroom!

Park the van. Whip up the double stroller. Buckle in both babies. Grab two hands. Check to see if I have my van keys. Okay, Operation Commode underway.

Riiing! Just as we reach the door, of the nearest department store, my cell phone blares from the underbellies of my purse. I could have let the phone ring. But, no, I answered it, like a loyal dog.

Thankfully it was my dh, Neat Pete. Even now, as I type, I can’t even remember why he was calling. I muttered something about having a potty emergency. Molly pushed as many automatic door buttons as she could find during my 15 second conversation.

Through the open doors we flew. Passed fundraiser stuffed animals, summer sun dresses and brightly colored patio collections, we flew.

Until, I saw, an end cap with jewelry sets. Oh look, something shiny, I brought us all to a stop.

“Mo-om! Don’t doddle!” urged Ryan. (Where have I heard this before? At least I know something I say makes it into his memory banks!)

Leisure shopping is not in my vocabulary.  Plus, the bathroom beckoned us from the back of the store. The jewelry sets left my attention, as quickly as they had gathered it, and off we went, in search of the bathroom.

I accepted help, to open the bathroom door, from a customer service clerk. So, humbling, I promise you.

The girls and I waited for Ryan, who is now happily situated in a stall. Each and every woman, that passes in and out of the door,  strikes up a conversation or tosses out fleeting inquiries about my family.

“Are those all yours?” they cry. “You must be so busy!” they claim. “I could never do that!” they admit. “Are they identical?” they prod. “I knew twins in my graduating class!” they add.

“It’s a lot of fun!” I respond. I feel like telling them I also have a 5 year old boy, but he’s is pooping in the stall next to you, but I don’t. Cause, I’m sane.

“How old is big sister?” they beg of Molly. They of course are met with a blank stare, filled with wonder. I can see her wheels cranking, Why do all these strange women want to know my age?

To which, I say, “she’ll be 3 in June”.

That’s all it took. Molly began whining and scrambling for the door. I knew my patience was getting thin. I sent a how are you doing pal? over the stall door. He was almost done.

Almost done, isn’t done, when your a 2 2/3 years old middle sister, waiting in a bathroom for too long!

She melted into a whimpering puddle next to my leg. At the same moment, I remembered, I had store credit that would expire unless I used it by, of course, that very day.

Back to the jewelry department!

Part 4 – coming soon

Love,
Jess

Preamble, here. Part 1, here.

The Park

The kids and I unleashed ourselves onto the crowded park area like a breaking dam. Sun, slides and freedom! In case hunger were strike at a moments notice, I was armed with a cooler full of hummus, flat bread sandwich thins and clementine oranges.

White puffy clouds, cool breeze and green grass = Bliss

I soaked in the freshness of the air and sipped on my warm coffee watching my big kids run and climb. I felt ‘with-it’ (I was wearing my new sunglasses after all) and prepared (no need for fast food here), a great feeling, to be at peace, in the hubbub of the day.

We ate while the babies slumbered away in their double stroller. Hummus proved to be no substitute for pb&j. Ry and Molly ate plain bread and didn’t complain! The oranges refreshed our dry palettes.

Swinging time! Molly held her feet and legs straight out of the swing a hollered, “Look Mom! I’m pumping!” So cute. We even had Claire in a baby swing. Very fun.

Then I heard Ryan say, “I have to pee…real bad!” This declaration was accompanied by a crossed legged, crotch-hold stance. I knew I had no time. I told him to run to the bathroom within my eye shot.

He ran.

Then he ran back with a frenzied whisper, “It’s locked!” I whipped off my new ‘with-it’ sunglasses to squint and clearly read the sign by the door. CLOSED FOR SEASON

What season does it have to be to hire someone to maintain toilet paper? Ack! I can see Ryan’s eyes darting around, silently screaming, surely Mom has a key to the bathroom.

In the distance, I see a city truck slowly creeping along the road in front of the park. It looked as if it were patrolling dandelions or dirt on the curb. I wanted to scream, give us the key, he doesn’t even need to wipe! But, alas, the truck was too far and most likely only had weed killer in the truck.

So like every strong mama I slugged down my now tepid coffee to empty my to-go mug, snatched Leah’s baby blanket and latched onto Ryan’s hand. We ran for the nearest tall bush. You can fill in the rest from here. Let’s just say, the city worker won’t need any weed killer for that bush.

As we returned to the double stroller, I murmured a quick prayer. Please don’t let me forget later what my to-go mug was used for just now.

Crisis solved. I saw a fellow mama park goer flash me a dry smirk, as she had likely been there, done that.

More play time in at the park was enjoyed by all.

Until, I heard, “Mom, I have to poop…real bad!”

Off to the nearest store front…part 3 coming soon.

Love,

Jess

My days are all blending together. Thank goodness for my breakfast meal plan or I’d have to really question what day I’m living in.

Parks, meals, tears, farts, laughs about farts, more meals, toys, worship, books, worries, prayers, kisses, sleep, putting sleepy kids back to bed after sneaking in my bed, folding oh.my.word. the folding, joys, finances, time shared…

You get the idea.

I have big mushy life ingredients that mash together in a soup of treasured memories, present day routine & dreams for the future. Fluid yet chunky & good for the soul. Yes, I did just compare my life to soup. Can we move on now? Okay.

Some days stand out. You’d think it was the important days like the State Fair or Christmas. But, it’s always the ordinary days that stick with me.

• Like the time we declared it a pajama day and went to bed in the same p.j.s that we had on all day.
• When Molly found the tooth paste and used it as “paint” all over the bathroom walls, floors and doors.
• Or the time we spent every quarter we find in the van to buy ice cream cones at McDonald’s.

Yesterday was one such day. It started like any typical day (see the beginning of this post).

Then, we went upstairs to begin weekly allowance earning chores.

Ryan got right to work. Molly wandered in and out of the rooms, helping with chores, whenever she felt like it was her turn to use the squirt bottle. The babies slept.

Bathroom clean. Check. Bed made and stuffed animals straightened. Check. Laundry put away. Check. Extra helper chore. Check.

Next, it was time for errands.

After the babies were awake and fed again, we scurried toward the van in five different directions.

1. Ryan went straight for his bicycle and rode around the driveway.
2. Molly tried to find her shoes, bless her, she could only find one shoe of every pair she had.
3. Claire rolled around on a blanket in the entryway.
4. Leah rested, next to Claire, trying to put her thumb into her sister’s mouth.
5. I went to the kitchen, even though I had declared it was already time to leave,  to pack a lunch and pour more bottles. I had just realized it was already noon. Hungry babies and kids + errands in the van = not bliss.

In the van. Check. Can I please put “Get In The Van” on my to do list just so I can cross it off?  WAIT! Where’s my coffee? Oh yea, my to-go mug was on a shelf in the bathroom. Not sure when or why it was put there. None the less, I fly back upstairs to grab it, then, of course, reheat it in the microwave.

Two bank trips. Drive through, of course. The first bank was out of stickers and suckers. Really? Where is the manager? Is there not a Walgreen’s down the street? Buy some. Customer service these days. Of course, I don’t complain to the kids.

Instead, I try to bellow to the back of the van, some lesson to Molly about not getting a sticker because, “Little mouths shouldn’t say big hateful words!” (like, “I hate my car seat!”) Meanwhile, telling Ryan that the next bank will probably have a sucker for him, without letting Molly realize the only reason she’s not getting a sticker or sucker is because the first bank was out off them.

The second bank dutifully sent two suckers through the tube. I was sweet-talked into handing them over with promises from my kids to, “Never be mean their whole lives, to me or each other, ever again!”

Off to the park…part 2 coming soon.

Love,

Jess

Proverbs 31: 25 a

²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity

Wake up. Splash water on my face. Feed someone. Kiss someone. Dress someone. Brew coffee. Wipe something. Remind someone. Hug someone. Drink coffee. Remind someone again. Feed someone else. Feed the first someone again. Wipe something else from yesterday. Hide in bathroom. Check email from my mobile phone while hidden in bathroom. Splash more water on my face. Reheat coffee.

Really Wake Up.

Then the day starts. Some point between wiping someone and wiping something, I dress myself with strength and dignity. When my feet hit the ground each morning, I want all the evil forces out there to say,

“Oh, crap! She’s up!”

But where does it end? How will I get through another day of life with my circumstances?

Will I  rumple into a ball from defeat? (rumple is like an ishy way of making a ball)

Will I ruffle into a ball from success? (ruffle is like a pretty way of making a ball)

Cause let’s face it, I’m going to end up in a ball. Preferably, a cozy place, next to my husband in front of a good movie or my laptop computer screen. Remember, I said my days are long? Falling into bed is not a figure of speech in my life. It’s the truth.

Let’s look at today. Some funny, strength growing things happened today. pause. I knew this would happen. I can’t remember the specifics about today. pause again. pray.

I’ll be back tomorrow with a look at my day. I am too rumpled and ruffled to write.

Love,

Jess