Lately, I’ve been thinking about all of the things I wish were different, better. I very rarely take a moment and reflect on the good things. It’s much easier to focus on what you don’t have, thus overlooking the good things you actually do have.

I’m going to just go ahead and take a few moments here in this space to do just that.

• I have a wonderful, talented, smart, attractive, loving husband. I’m so lucky to have found someone as terrific as Jason, especially when I wasn’t sure I’d ever find someone as special as he is.
• I have three amazing children. While they’re crazy far from perfect (believe me, I know just how NOT close to perfect they are) they each have qualities I admire deeply.
• My eldest daughter is outgoing, fun loving, and has a desire to live life to the fullest daily. That lust for life is often what gets her in trouble these days, though I’m sure it will serve her well as she’s enters into adulthood. She’s an extrovert; something I’ve never been able to call myself.
• My middle child, my son, is smart as hell. School comes easy to him. He struggles a little with language arts now and then, but on the whole, he sails through school with ease. School was a constant struggle for me.
• My littlest daughter is independent and brave. She’s got guts I still don’t possess. This was revealed to us once we started taking her to Disneyland regularly. There are very few rides she won’t at least try out. She may not like it and will refuse to something a second time, but she’s gotten on rides I wouldn’t get on until my teen years. I’m constantly amazed by her bravery.
• After 2 bouts of unemployment within the last year,  my husband is employed. So many people are still looking after being out of work for so long. It may not be a perfect job, but he seems to enjoy it.
• My family is healthy
• We have a roof over our head, even if it’s one we don’t own.
• We have 2 cars, one of which  we own outright.
• Even though my first marriage didn’t work out, I gained a a family I will belong to for life. They love me as if I were their own flesh and blood. And even better than that? They love my husband the same way. My littlest is as much a family member as if she were born with their blood running through her veins. It doesn’t matter to them that I’m the ex. We’re family.
• I’m a pretty good cook. This is a skill I pretty much taught myself. It isn’t because my mom didn’t try, she did. I just wasn’t interested in learning when she tried to teach me.
• My husband has taken on the role of sole provider so I can be here at all times to see the kids into adulthood. We struggle with money because of this decision, yet somehow, we manage to pay what needs to be paid. Although I think my oldest would disagree at this point in her life, I feel that *my* kids are better off than if *I* went to work. (I’d like to state that this decision isn’t right for everyone and that a working mom’s kids are worse off than mine because they have a working mother. I just feel this is the best decision for OUR family)
• I have the ability to make pretty jewelry that some people are even willing to pay for. I hope someday to help provide for an income in our family through my jewelry sales.
• I have good friends that I love and love me in return.

I’m sure I could go on and on, but I think this is a good start. I hope you take a few moments to reflect on the good things you DO have, instead of dwelling on the things you wish you had.

Hey everyone. A few days ago I mentioned that I was working on a new website. Well I’m really excited to tell you I’ve officially launched the site and I hope you’ll take a look.

You can find it over at http://www.jentuckercreatives.com/

I have a blog post up at http://www.jentuckercreatives.com/blog/ and I share with you 3 ways to enter to win the earrings you see at the top of this post.

Please help me out and head on over, see what’s there, and then tell your friends and family about it. I can’t do this without you!

I little while ago I left one of those tweets that people find annoying. You know the ones right? The “here’s what I’m making for dinner tonight” tweet.

A few minutes later I got this back:

So this one’s for you Jacob and anyone else that loves to eat!

Rotini with Alfredo Sauce, Diced Italian Sausage and Broccoli!

1 lb Rotini pasta

1 container of Fresh and Easy Alfredo sauce

4 Mild (or spicy or whatver you like) Fresh and Easy Italian Sausages

1 package frozen broccoli

Grated Parmesan or Romano cheese (or whatever hard Italian cheese you like the best)

Cook pasta according to package. While you’re doing that, grill up your 4 sausages. When the sausages are cooked, dice em. Set aside, In a small saucepan, warm up your alfredo sauce. When pasta is almost done, toss in your frozen broccoli and heat through. Once that’s done, drain pasta and broccoli, pour into a large serving dish, top with your warm diced sausage and pour your alfredo sauce over the top. Sprinkle on some grated Parmesan or Romano and serve with a big hunk of bread.

I know I sound like a commercial for Fresh and Easy, but believe me when I say the have the BEST allfredo sauce. You won’t find it in a jar, but in the refrigerated section. And their Italian sausages are the best ones I’ve ever eaten. I love this store so very much. They have quality products at amazing prices. If you’ve never shopped there,  you really should.

And there ya go. That’s what we’re having for dinner tonight. How about you?

Ok, it’s been a while since I’ve written anything down over here, I know. I’m a terrible blogger. But! I’ve been working on another website. Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Why the heck are you starting another website when you can’t even bother to update the one you have already?”

Well that, my friends, is a good question. Allow me to take a moment to explain.

I make jewelry. Mostly earrings, some necklaces and a few bracelets. I’ve have some success with selling them out in the real world. I posted some pictures of the earrings I made over on Twitter last week, and someone actually bought 2 pairs! In fact, she received them yesterday and seemed to be pleased.

I’ve had friends tell me I should sell my pieces, but I’ve never had the confidence necessary to put myself out there that way. Well thanks to Jen S. and her enthusiasm, I’ve decided to just jump in with  both legs and start selling my jewelry. She gave me that final push I needed to know that it isn’t just my “real life” friends that like what I make, but there are other people out there interested as well!

Anyhow, the store isn’t quite ready to show off yet, but I’m hoping it’ll be ready to go this weekend. Whenever it’s “open” I’ll be back with a link.

But for now, just know that I’ve been a busy bee. I really can’t wait to show you all of my hard work!