Good Morning!!!!!!!
Ok, a weekend recap...Friday I had a great bicep and tricep workout and trained one of my in-home clients in the evening. When I arrived home I found my husband and daughter were "vaulting" from the dining room to the family room. My husband and his creative coaching techniques...got to love it:)
Saturday after an hour jog my husband and I went on a late afternoon cruise on the Spirit of Chicago for a summer staff outing for the hospital based fitness center I personal train for part-time. I posted the pictures of all of us dancing in my members journal.
Sunday after training 3 clients we went to get a few supplies for the house and did some yard work until dark. Our neighbors who are retired get a kick out of us doing our yard work at night...but such is life with little ones;) My husband did some more work on the deck. It looks incredible! We are finally going to be able to finish it thanks to one of my in-home clients business.
I am completing the choreography for Nicole Hammel today and will be training legs later this morning. You can read more about Nicole and her progress in my members area.."Steps To Success- Client Progress". She is about 9 weeks out now from her first competition.
Well, got to get moving with everything I have to get done around the house today before I work on Nicole's routine. My son is tearing up Alyssa's room as I type sooo got to run...
Jen:)

Quote For the Day...
"Better to be blind than have sight and no vision."
~~ Helen Keller

Purple Shoot Preview 1

Purple Shoot Preview 2

It's been a busy day!! I trained hamstrings and chest today- awesome workout...details in my Members Journal, Alyssa had gymnastics for 2 hours after school and it was parents night. I will leave you with a picture from my latest shoot.."Purple", which will be updated into my members area (44 pictures) soon. A bunch of close up shots for the fan who requested them...such a nice compliment. I do get such sincere e-mails. I appreciate them all so much!
A quote that is ohhh so fitting for me as well... thanks for sending it my best buddy Kelly;)
"Happiness comes to he who works and plays, but doesn't know the difference."
~~ Unknown
Jen:)

The 1st Days of Kindergarten!
Yesterday was the big day...I went to Alyssa's 1st day of kindergarten with her for a short two hour day. Meeting her teacher and organizing her school supplies in her classroom. The teacher gave us all a beautiful letter that I would like to share...

"Dear Kindergarten Parents,
I give you a wink and a smile
as you entered my room today,
For I know how hard it is to leave
And I know your child should stay.
You've been with your child for about five years
And have been a loving guide,
But now, alas, the time has come
To leave your child at my side
Just know that as you drive away
And tears down your cheeks may flow,
I'll love your child as I would my own
And help your child learn and grow.
For as a parent, I too know
How quickly the years do pass
And remember the day when I
Took my child to class.
So please put your mind at ease
And cry those tears no more,
For I will nurture and guide your child
When you leave her at the door."

As I walked my little girl to her bus stop today she had excitement in her eyes and a smile upon her face. I thought quietly to myself...It's time to spread your wings little one, you have become such an incredible little girl!!! A few self snap shots and one taken by another little boy waiting for the bus and...There she goes:(
The tears choked my throat as I watched her make her way to the back of the bus and sit with a few older girls...remember the back of the bus:)
But conveniently, I signed up to be the snack mom for this week so I took a ride with the baby to her school to drop off the class snack and find out how her bus ride went. We hugged one last time and she skipped her way into her class. I dropped off her lunch and milk money and had one last glimpse of her as she put her backpack in her locker and called to a girl in her class that it was time to go in. A leader already...how I am not surprised!
The other mom I know from Alyssa's preschool was really a mess and I felt sad for her. Somehow in my life I truly found a way to keep "me" while raising our children! I know it is time for her to move on and try out her little wings that have become so strong and confident. I will be going to the gym in a bit when the baby wakes up from his nap, and then I will make a stop at the hospital where Alyssa was born. My friend Margaret and her husband Mark just had a little boy yesterday!! They now have a little girl (4) and boy, just like we do:)
Thank you for all your e-mailes ... always!!
Jen;)

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Possibilities...
"Within me is infinite power, before me is endless possibility.
Around me is boundless opportunity...Why should I fear?"
Begin your day with that!!
Jen:)

A little piece of my Members Only Journal from today.
Alyssa and starting kindergarten...
"There is a sence of excitement I feel for the journey that awaits her..but also the silent pause, for I know there will be falls along the way. I know all to well that the falls are what create character, dignity and self respect. "
Have a great weekend everyone!
Jen:)

Today Was Absolutely Beautiful!~
I took the kids to Chicago on the train for the whole day. Wade in the backpack and Alyssa in the stroller (part of the time:) First, we stopped by my old place of business (Skadden Arps.) to see my friend Kelly and a bunch of friendly faces from when I used to manage their fitness center. Then we stopped by Millennium Park to see Cloud Gate. Next was a stop at Buckingham Fountain and then we made our way to the beach just next to Navy Pier. The air and water show is this weekend so there was plenty of high flying excitement in the sky...today was practice.
I love the walk along Lake Michigan to Navy Pier...every time I walk it I find something else to enjoy! Here are a few pics...the rest will be in my members only journal tomorrow:)
Jen

My baby boy trying to eat his toes after lunch!:)

Alyssa jumping the waves...Oh how I remember those memories
from growing up in California:))

Trying to keep Alyssa from splattering sand at me again:)

Wade with his ducky.

MY MEMBERS AREA WILL OPEN TONIGHT!
A huge thank you to Fitsights for your amazing work! Thank you for doing such a fantastic job! I have included some pretty original sections to my members area so take a look at the free "tour" button from my home page to see what I mean:) I put in an hour run yesterday, early a.m. it felt good to go for a long run like that...I swear my body responds so well to cardio...my abs are looking really great considering I am still weighing 168 and nursing. I trained shoulders today and I am busy getting my Alyssa ready for kindergarten. She starts next week!! She wants to go to Chuck E' Cheese today and I will be taking the kids to the beach on Thursday as our "good bye" to summer. She has a birthday party on Friday and a Baptismal party on Saturday as well so she will finish the summer with plenty of fun. I took some great pics late last night for my members area...here's a look at my "Midnight Shoot".
Jen:)

Midnight Shoot #1

Midnight Shoot #2

LOVE-
Every day
People walk right up to the edge of it,
Dip a toe in,
Test the waters
And walk away.
But then something happens
You meet the right person
Next thing you know
Shoes and socks are off
Pant legs are rolled up And you're not just wadding
You're swimming!

Tim & Maria's Wedding...
What a fantastic time we had last night! Our dear friend Tim married his Italian bride at Old St. Patrick's Church and then released doves on the church steps. What a beautiful sight! Of course I was in tears for the ceremony...so many memories my husaband and I share with Tim. I could easily write a book! A huge thank you goes out to my in-laws for watching the kids in the morning so I could attend the ceremony and my brother and his girlfriend for watching the kids at night...you all made my night out possible!
Here are a bunch of pictures from our fun time...Enjoy!

Exchanging their vows at old St. Patrick's Church in Chicago.
A beautiful day for two beautiful people!

Cutting the Cake...to begin their journey of lifelong love and friendship.

Michael and I at the start of a great reception.

Hugging Mikey!

The 3 Musketeers..Ohhh the stories I could tell
of the adventures we have had together while traveling this great country!:)

Our friend Jim..it was great to see him after such a long time!
He too is one of our adventure seeking friends we traveled the U.S. with.

Stealing a picture with Maria, the Beautiful Italian Bride!

The Bride and Groom kissing the night away!

My Hubby and I:)

My brother, Jack & his girlfriend Lauren-
Thank you sooo much for watching the kids last night!

Good Morning! It feels like fall and it's August 12th...we hit a record for the temperature high on Wednesday, only 62 degrees. I think it was in the 50's most of the day. I trained back yesterday and took my son in the Baby Jogger to rollar blade the 8 mile trail at the forest preserve. It was cool and a bit drizzly but great to be in the woods...refreshing!
Today after my daughter's gymnastics class it's shoulders and calves for me. No cardio today I have playing to do with the kids:)
There are some new photos in e-shop for sale, check them out. My photos section also has been revamped with some new pics and a new look...family pics as well.
Well I've got to run and get Alyssa (she had a slumber party last night) and go to gymnastics.
Remember...age is a state of mind and you are as young as you feel!
Have a GREAT WEEKEND! A great friend of my husband and I is getting married Saturday and Michael is standing up. It will be nice to see a lot of old friends from high school.
Congratulations Tim and Maria!!! Tim was responsible for getting my husband and I together...he took us and Michael's brother, Gary all rock climbing at Mississippi Palisades about 10 years ago. Wow time flies!
Jen:)

Auggg, it was leg day! I'm beat, but here's a quote for ya...

"Natural beauty comes in all colors, strength in many forms.
When we learn to honor the differences and appreciate the mix,
we're in harmony."
Author Unknown

Herbiceps Shoot in June

Member's Only Preview 

8 months after Wade Herbiceps.com shoot 

8 months post baby 

A Members preview for you! These are from the shoot I did 8 months after the baby with Herbiceps.com. Many more will appear soon in my members area.
I trained biceps yesterday and finished my workout with sprints. WOW that was great! I was a sprinter in Jr. High and my freshman year in high school. I've still got IT! Today I trained chest and triceps, great workout but I was called down to the nursery for the baby so no cardio today. I am aiming for a 5 am. run tomorrow to begin my day...pray for me:) I will need it. It always takes some getting used to. I am aiming for 2 early am. runs a week and sprints once a week for now...I'm determined to get my legs where they need to be for next year...Lean lean!

INSTONE 

Hey there, this afternoon I was representing INSTONE at GNC. Passing out information, free give away's and blending samples of INSTONE'S Chocolate and Vanilla Spice Intake Performance. Both are great! I also handed out samples of their thermogenic, Leanfire, and met some great GNC employees. It was fun! I will be at the GNC in Schaumburg at Woodfield mall next month. The photo above is from today. You can check out Sly's website at www.instonenutrition.com
Jen:)

I have an extraordinary story of generosity and love to share with you all today...
Some people give to receive in return, and others give for the shear Joy of Giving! I share with you today the love and kindness of a mother, grandmother and beautiful woman...Her name is Paula and she is my mother-in-law.
My children and I spent the afternoon with her, out to lunch and shopping. She not only took us out for lunch but also bought all new school clothes for Alyssa who is starting kindergarten. New shoes, socks, pj's and a toy for the baby too. now when I say new clothes for Alyssa I mean NEW CLOTHES...a new backpack, 5 outfits, a fall coat, socks, gym shoes, hair ribbons, a nightgown and slippers!! I have never in my life encountered a more selfLESS and giving person! What is even more incredible is there are 3 other grandchildren she and my father-in-law buy school clothes for as well..EVERY YEAR!
Today is one small example of the generosity and love my husband's parents have shown to us over the years. I would just like you both to know how much today ment to me and how much of a help all this was!
How blessed I am to have married into such a wonderful family who exemplifies LOVE.
I hope you all have the opportunity to know someone as extraordinary as these two people!

Baby love 

A and W 

me 

I HAVE VERY EXCITING NEWS! Our daughter made the Jets today! She had a gymnastics evaluation this afternoon at her training gym and she will be training with the pre-team girls beginning in two weeks! Two hours twice a week so it will take some getting used to. She is currently going twice a week for one hour classes.
MOMMY & DADDY are SOOO PROUD of YOU ALYSSA!!!
I have some great news to report about my workout today as well... I completed my last two sets of straight-leg dead lifts with 200 lbs! I also completed feet forward glut/hamstring squats on the Smith Machine with 185/ 3 sets! 3 sets of seated hamstring curls and then biceps. I finished my last two sets of standing preacher curls with 75 lbs (7 reps each set) and then finished off with seated incline and upright curls. I have been training sets of 10 for several months now and I am pleased with the progress I am making. I will soon go into a higher rep phase and up my cardio.
I leave you tonight with a quote to ponder...it is fitting with the days events:)
"After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.
I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me,
to look back on the distance I have come.
But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities,
and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended." ``Nelson Mandela
Beautiful!! Have a great night!
Jen:)