JEN SEVERN'S BLOG

I did it! I managed a weekend of work and kids with Scott out of town. Everyone is safe and happy, lunches are made and everyone is about to get in bed. Jess has been riding me about how I rarely relax. It's true, I have a hard time chillin' it. I like to be productive and in general I don't find relaxing productive. Once I suggested we put a theater in our basement and Scott laughed at me. He said, "If we want to watch movies with you then we will need to do it near the kitchen. I don't want to be in the basement alone." Touché. I like to cook or bake while watching TV. I guess the kids are getting older and things are getting easier. They can empty the dishwasher, sort the laundry and clean their rooms. If the house is at least bearable then I feel like I can relax. I decided that this season I would sit and watch every game the Broncos play. Well, that maybe a stretch so I'll go with Pete Carroll's philosophy, one game at a time. I watch...

I can't believe how big the kids are getting. Mai went to the mall with a friend to pick out a Halloween costume. On October 31st they will be matching as Minnie Mouse. She is learning to be a thrifty shopper. She spent $30 and came home with loads of things. I will thank Stacey M. for that! She even brought her own money. She didn't even ask me for money. When our kids get money they divide it into four pots, tithing first (at least 10%), then they can choose how the rest goes between saving, fun and charity. I guess she had enough in her "fun" money to cover it. I think her 'fun money' is running low and she will be motivated to get a job soon. Today she posted an instagram photo, the picture wouldn't load on my phone and all I could read was, "When your hair is on point." My first thought was, "Oh boy!" I knew when I saw the picture that it would make me laugh. It was a picture where she was reenacting her 3rd grade bangs ponytail o...

For a day with such a dreadful name- September 11th- a day in history I will never forget, this September 11th turned out to be pretty magical. Though I will never forget lying in bed with Scott when Starry called September 11th, 2001. We were just married and not fully awake yet, Starry told us to check the news. Then hours later we were stuck, glued to the TV, falling on our knees in sadness and prayer. 14 years later... I made a new friend today. It seems the stars aligned and Liz and I both have Monday's and Friday's off of work and all of our kids are in school. I told her I would love to walk with her sometime and we decided to hike instead. She picked me up today at 8AM just after our kids hopped on the bus for school. She apologized that her car wasn't immaculate inside, I thought, mine never is! How could it be toting all the kids around? We made it to the base of Mt. Sanitas. It's one of my favorite hikes. It's a loop and we both agreed...

Here are a few of the best baby shower crafts around! Diaper cakes and baby girl headbands! Emily was working away wrapping the diapers into a perfectly bound cake. Then she added all the little ribbons and bows and tucked in the sweetest little things sprinkling the diaper cake with love. The diaper cake was a hit!  Dress is up and add a super soft stuffed animal, pacifiers, nail clippers, bibs and blankets! TOO cute! Here's a tutorial on how to make a diaper cake ! Making little girl head bands is a great way to get all your guests involved and it's a sweet treasure for the mom to be to dress up her little baby girl! All you need is different colored elastic ribbon, flowers and hot glue! Everyone had a few minutes to get creative and crafty and chat it up while putting a few fun things together! Here's a few more details on how to if you need them! Susan made these cute decorations to add to the ambiance. Ribbon, colored card stock and tissue pap...

Stitch Fix is IN ! I still love  Stitch Fix . I really am a horrible shopper and I could honestly care less about fashion, so this is really helping me. I thought I would show you a few of my winter favorites. I am getting lots of compliments on my shirts these days and I just laugh because I did not pick out my outfit! As a matter of fact, I would never have chosen to even try on that outfit, but it was sent to my door and I tried it on and it's great. I am finding myself thankful. It's not always perfect. I have even figured out how to refine my style preferences. I also am becoming a better shopper. Instead of only looking at cotton t-shirts, I now know a few other materials and styles that look all right on me. Anyway... here are a few of the recent FIXES! Love. Floral! Really out on a limb here. I like it. This is like a blanket. It's perfect for cold days! Fun detail. Comfortable and cute. Kimono. Who know people wore kimonos. Not I. Cu...

Resolved to date night, our night at Le Central . Scott and I have always made it a priority to have date nights as often as possible. Some seasons that's once a week others it's once a quarter, but our goal is always once a week. This winter we had a couple lovely ladies living in our basement and one was just starting to date a stellar guy. This young couple was taking turns planning dates and it made me think that Scott and I could work a little harder on our dates. 2015 was right around the corner so we resolved for 2015 we would take turns planning our date nights. Part two of that was we would always have to choose a restaurant that we have never been to before. After 15 years and 3 kids our date nights need a little shake up and it has been so fun!  We tend to just grab dinner on our date nights (well we workout, then go to dinner usually). I really only enjoy eating if I have in some way earned it that day. Weird, I know, but it's the way I'm wired!  ...

Friendships can be made while talking over good food! We ran into the Hall's at the chiropractor and they were able to join us for a yummy homemade chili dinner afterwards. Luckily, I made a gigantic pot and had plenty to share. I have hundreds of lovely memories shared with this family! Many of them revolve around Takko feeding me the most incredible Japanese food. This made my night! Feeling thankful for the Halls! As we ate dinner I realized my kids were experiencing something I loved growing up, laughing at the table and telling stories of travels and adventures with friends. In times like this I thank God for the coincidences and the opportunity to love. "So I will give you thanks before the nations, O Lord!I will sing praises to you!" Psalm 18:49 On the vibe plates at  I Get It Chiropractic . Long story, but I have seen this change my mom's life. We are all IN! LOL!  Look at this beautiful lady! If I had a second mom growing up it would be Takko! LO...