here's what's up...

Right now I am driving across the continent with my Dad and making a few stops along the way while creating wicked memories that will last a lifetime.

In a nutshell. 

Tonight we are currently staying in some el cheapo hotel in Vicksburg, Mississippi because our usual hotel is full. I’ve turned into a hotel snob during this trip but what’s killing me the most is being away from my little family for so long that I get text updates like these…

1^st update was a sad one…

I received an email from my local scrapbooking store announcing that they will be closing their doors in the New Year. This is so sad. 

The scrapbooking industry is ever changing and every time I hear about a local store closing it really is a sad day for the scrapbooking world. This is super duper sad for me 'cause now I will have to shop online and pay redonkulious shipping rates just to keep up. Of course I could just use what I’ve got but what’s the fun in that? I mean come on?  

2^nd update is another sad one…

My kitty Bijou hasn’t been eating much since I left. 

It breaks my heart to hear that since she doesn’t usually come out of her hiding spot unless I’m there so I had this bright idea to call the house phone and leave her a little message on the answering machine. You should have seen the look on my dad’s face while he listened to me leave the message…needless to say he had different feelings about my message. I believe his words to me after I hung up was, “ Do you really think your cat is going to think, “Gee, my mistress is telling me to eat, maybe I should start eating because my mistress asked me to? …” OK so it was a little silly….

And the most recent update which isn’t a downer for a change.... 

My little onion lost another tooth!!!

She is writing a note to the Tooth Fairy to ask if she can wait until I get home to come pick up her tooth. This melted my heart into a giant puddle. I already miss her so much like nobody's business and when I hear things like this it just makes me miss her THAT much more....*sigh* Just 3 more days until I get to squeeze the boogies right out of her! But in the meantime I will be hitting the sac so the Sandman can pay me visit and sprinkle some of that sleepy dust over me. 

Oh hey, speaking of the Sandman, doesn't that new movie The Rise of the Guardians look cool? I'm thinking this might be our Christmas movie we will see when I get back....ok I better get to sleep for real this time or I'll be in a rare form to drive tomorrow. 

so bright, so glorious, so...wet

You know that old saying, be careful what you wish for because I might get it? Well I wished it would snow while we were in Edmonton and boy did they ever get it. All 15cm of it. Yeah, I received a few hate-mails for it but I didn't care. It's been 8 years since I last saw snow and this was Maribel's first.

Because this was Maribel's first real encounter with snow I was curious to see how she would react to it since I have some friends who's kids aren't fans of the white flakes themselves. My sister likes to call it the "Devil's Dandruff." But alas I'm not surprised to find that Miss M is rather fond of ye ole white stuff.

Yup. My little stinky winky L-O-V-E-S the snow. She begged to play in it every millisecond and eat it. After catching her nibbling on a few questionable snowballs I introduced her to the fun part of snow; icicles.

But now that I'm back I have to admit, I'm a little relieved that I don't have to shovel sidewalks anymore. I love the snow but it came back to me the not so fun side of it, wet pant legs and socks that always seem to find that puddle of melted snow in the foyer.
At least I got my fix until next year. I'm just not sure if Maribel can hold out that long since she's already asking to chew on some ice cubes because they taste like icicles.

>^..^<

home sweet home

Returning from my visit home was a little rough this time. I came back with a little more then I bargained for; a sinus and ear infection that I would have rather have left behind. With the two flights taking off and landing my ears felt like they were ready to implode and brought my hearing to practically nil which came in a little handy when little whiny face was exercising her newly acquired skill to try to get what she wanted. Oh the joys of growing up. But even with all of that the trip was wonderful and the food…oh the food….

This place was the first food joint we ate at and the last. Of course there were several meetings in between…*drool* My mother in law is seriously considering opening up one of these in Orlando. Yup, she's hooked. Don't' worry, I also indulged in some amazing Poutine, Cadbury's finest chocolate, Bison burgers, and of course some yummy Haggis. Yes, I like haggis. But oh the sweetness that is in the delicious form of chocolate Timbits…now those are something worth having over, and over, and over......*drool* okay onto the real reason for flying home...

Aidan’s baptism: The whole reason I came home.
This particular baptism was very emotional for me. I was so blessed to be there when he made his entrance to this world and now to be able to witness his covenant with our Heavenly Father filled my heart so full of joy that it spilled over…in the form of tears. Of course to add to everything I was asked to give a talk, and yes I cried through out the whole thing. I can’t help it, I’m a boob when it comes to spiritual things. I just love this kid so much and to see my dad there along side him was so SO awesome.

Up next: Be careful what you wish for because people may not appreciate it as much as you do...

>^..^<

Oh Canada part II: final days

Warning!!! VERY Photo Heavy!!!

Day 4: 9/14/2010

Mmm Poutine

Well I knew I wouldn't be able to go through this vacation without partaking in Poutine so Vic and I picked up the kids from school and stopped at the Red Barron hot dog joint for the best poutine in town!! It was succulent and so worth the 17 points. Sorry Suzanne, but it was delicious!!! I didn't count the ketchup I added later. Probably should have though...

poor sherrykins

While Vic was inside the store ordering the food, I heard some sniffling and looked back at poor Sherry, covered in her brother's yogurt tube. She tried sneaking it but it backfired. Literally. Poor thing.

The Aidanator

Aidan had Tae Kwon Do that evening so I went along to watch. I didn't want to be a total Auntyparazzi so not to distract the kids from their lesson I only snapped when I knew he was concentrating on his moves and not posing for me. This kid likes to pose. A lot.

This was his favourite part of the lesson for sure. As soon as his instructor came back with the padded mitt (no idea what it's called) he was the first in line to run up and kick it. I love how you can see his little foot off the floor.

Day 5: 9/15/2010

boingy boingy curls made from a straight iron



Today was picture day so I curled Sherry's hair for the special occasion. She loved them so much, she bounced everywhere to feel them boing back and forth. I do the same thing. hee hee

Bubble Tea

Christein treated us all for lunch at a Vietnamese resturant and me, my very first Bubble Tea. It is an "interesting" drink to say the least. I'll let the next photo do the talking.

I gave my dad a sip and he too shares the same feelings for the drink. Safe to say that I will not be ordering one of those anytime soon. Vic slurped down my "pearls" after I drank off the top.*gag*

As a bit of revenge for the "nummy" Bubble Tea, my Dad challenged Christein to a pepper eating contest. Dad would taunt Christein with, "Come on Christein are you MAN enough?"
I wish I took a picture of the teeny red peppers but alas I was busy scarfing down my hot soup instead. The peppers were no kidding 1" long and 1/4" wide. Seriously tiny. They warn people about the little ones as you can see why. Christein waited until my dad broke face first then he ran to the "washroom" for an undisclosed period of time. Meanwhile Dad drank all the water that was left on the table and sucking in bouts of air to keep the spice at bay. Vic and I enjoyed every minute.

Christein, Maggie, Victoria



This photo really melts my heart. The love these two have for Magnolia is so clear. She is so blessed to have such loving parents and siblings, and Aunty Jenn of course ;o)

Does this hat make my head look big?

We ended the day at Montana's for Vic's birthday and the people forgot to take the hat back. She's so lucky. I thought it suited her just right, don'tcha think?

Day 6: 9/16/2010

Dad and I made way to Edmonton and I loved how beautiful the scenery was on the drive back. It was a 6 hour drive so we didn't really do much other then drive. And listen to jazz. That's the life.

Day 7: 9/17/2010

April and Me

Today was the day of meetings. I started my day with a little meet and great with a cool chickie from SkrapnChat, April.  I love meeting online friends face to face, it's so cool that you can pick up anywhere in any conversation and never run out of things to say. We "talk" almost everyday so it was like meeting up with an old friend. I just hope I wasn't too crazy as I can tend to be a little more "out there" in real life then on line. On line you can proof read before hitting the "post" button. In real life I have no "preview" button so I tend to blurt. A lot.

Robert, Me, Joanne, Luke

After April's I left to the north side of Edmonton and met up with my biological family. I haven't seen any of them since Christmas of '05 so our visit was over due. Well over due. My birthmother and I are sanwhiched between my younger brother's Robert and Luke. At least I know where I get my height.

Day 8: 9/18/2010

Jessica and Me

Nichole, Me, Jody, Victoria

Another meet up day today. This time is was with my friend (and fellow SkrapnChatter) Jessica. I also met with my cousins Nichole and Jody at the Olive Garden. We stayed there for almost 3 hours just catching up and having a great visit. Nothing like family visits down memory lane. Oh the stories...

*drool* tasty peanut butter marshmello square and a Canadian Colada smoothie *drool*

After a little bit of shopping and culture shock at West Edmonton Mall, I had to indulge in some Booster Juice Canadian Colada and a Second Cup Peanut Butter coloured marshmellow square. Mmmm succulence.

Me, Lindsay, Lizzeh, Kristi, & cute Alaina

After the mall, I met up with my dear chums from the Old Navy days of yore. I love friend gatherings with lots of laughs and stories to go 'round. But it's meetings like these that make me miss living in Edmonton. Like, lots.

Day 9: 9/19/2010
No Photo. :'o(

It was an amazing vacation with so many visits and so many hugs. I have to admit I cried a little bit everytime I thought about flying back to Orlando. I'm going to miss my family so much this time. More so then before but another trip is already in the works. After all I can't miss my nephew's baptism in April now can I? I didn't think so! ;o)

Until next time Canada! Now where's my box of Smarties...

The entire collection of photos from this trip can be viewed here in my Facebook album.

>^..^<

a walk in the park

So back to my vacation updates my dad and I gave my sister a little break from her onions and took them out for a walk in Henderson Park, in Lethbridge. It was so nice and the weather was just right for some activity and little photo shoot.
I got carried away. Again. Sorry. But how could I not when I have such eager and willing subjects? Seriously?

My dad has this super awesome lens and let me try it on for size. I had heard of this lens and it's awesomeness from a sweet friend and after trying it out, it is now on my "Must Buy" list. I just love the clarity and depth of the photos. Not to mention, the subjects are dear to my heart which made the experience all the more awesome. I have to say, these onions were so good to me. I'm not used to hearing, "Auntie Jenn take a picture of me!!" and have them hold the pose until I say, "Got it!" They spoiled me for sure.

I finally took the time to learn to memory some manual mode features and tricks since picking up this photographer's "bible". For the longest time the phrase "F/Stop" eluded me and I just couldn't figure it out and frankly was a little scared to ask. I was afraid I was going to sound like someone asking where the "911" button on the phone was. Stoopid. *shh don't let Maribel hear me say 'stupid' or she'll come back with "Oop! We don't say that word!" * But with a little patience and note taking and practicing with my "Jacking Instructions" my family's term for the Operator's Manual...by George I think I finally got it.

Dadeo in Henderson Park 100mm f/2.8

I was so excited when my dad entered the realm of digital photography. YaY!!! He purchased a Pentax K7 and guess who got to teach him how to use it? It's a sweet camera but I still favour my Pentax Kx and I have to say that it's so great to be able to talk "shop" with someone who is willing to listen and understands what your saying. Poor Joe tries so hard but then he'll start talking video games to even the field. I don't talk camera talk with Joe anymore. 

Of course I'm no pro or anything but I'm content with practicing on my favourite subjects and this sweet little family really made it easy for me to capture those moments I never want to forget.

My final vacation highlight coming up next.

>^..^<

Oh Canada part I

I had the total pleasure to fly home to Alberta, Canada last week and meet my new precious niece and squeeze and visit with my family. I'm not sure if many of you know but ALL of my family live in Canada so There's nothing like coming off the plane and stepping on home soil. *deep breath* ahhh home sweet home. When I get homesick, it can get painful at times. The best thing was being greeted with a rainbow. I LOVE rainbows.

Day 1: Saturday, 9/11/2010

I flew in Saturday afternoon and my Calgary family and I went to Red Lobster for dinner. My sister and her now 3 kids met up with us there and we filled up on succulent seafood and belly laughs. It's always great to have get togethers after so long of our own lives and schedules. After dinner we hugged and squeezed our good bye's and my Dad and I made our way down to Lethbridge where I would spend the next few days with my sister and her precious family. She beat us there (speeding I'm sure ;o)

We all were so tired when we got to Vic's that Aidan tried sleeping in my Dad's bed which was the bottom bunk. After several pleading's for him to move to his own bed, he complied. Barely.

Once the kids and Dad were in bed, Vic and I stayed up and I unloaded my two suitcases that were FULL of Maribel's old baby clothes that I had held on to for what ever reason but so glad I did. Now little Maggie will get to wear them and I won't feel so bad donating them because I know they will get used. I didn't realize how effecient my packing was until we unrolled everything and layed it all out. It was a mountian.
Totally worth it.

Day 2: Sunday 9/12/2010

There was no church as it was Stake Conference so we just chilled in our jammies until 2:30. It was so nice. I couldn't get enough of my new little niece. Every chance I got I would snuggle up with her and sniff her head while she cooed in my ear. Truly the best sound ever.

Day 3: Monday 9/13/2010

We started the day fairly early and while Vic dropped the onions off to school I got to care for Maggie. Oh what a sweet treat. She had her 2 month check up scheduled so when Vic returned off we went to see her Dr. I took a little video but when Vimeo finishes it's forever uploading I will post it. So the picture will have to do for now. ;o)

Here's the video. Remember to turn off the music from the side bar ==>

Maggie's 2 month check up from Jennifer Carlberg on Vimeo.

The kids were so excited to show me around their school when I came with Vic to pick them up. Here they are standing next to their pics. Sherry's was a self portrait. Can you guess which one is hers? I'll give you a hint...she's missing a little off the top. hee hee.
I just love seeing them all cute with their giant backpacks and saying hi to their little friends. I still have a couple years before M starts school so this was a good ice breaker for me.

I think I have slammed you with enough photos for now. If you've hung on this long you rock!!!
More coming tomorrow.

>^..^<

sand for brains

Joe and I just returned from our mini vacation to Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina and I'm still shaking sand out of everything. But boy oh boy it was worth it.

The Carlberg clan rented a beach house right on the beach and I never knew such luxury until I stayed there for a few nights. I have to say that I could get used to living the beach life only having to walk out the back door right onto a private pathway to a little piece if oceany goodness. The only bummer part of that is when the sun was at it's most powerful, you would burn your feet on the sand. Needless to say I ran that stretch every time. Activity points. ;o)

The house was quite the stay too. It had it's own elevator which is just the coolest! Even though I tried to take the stairs as much as possible to get some activity in, I couldn't help but take the elevator a time or two. I mean come on, it's not every house that it's own elevator. I even caught Joe and Maribel taking it a time or two...

Going down?

Maribel was so in her element. Many times she beat me to the beach by going down with a cousin and when I would get there she was digging herself some sea shells and buckets of sand. Girl likes to dig. And bury her feet.

Our first night the moon was shining so full and so bright. It was a magnificent sight to take in. I love walking the beach at night. It's so therapeutic and serene.

A jelly fish washed ashore and it attracted many viewers. I had never seen one that big. I also shewed away a boy that was getting ready to poke it with a stick. Poor thing. I about poked the boy with the stick but his mom beat me to it. My kind of mom.

Coming home was bitter sweet. I miss my little Boo as she got to stay behind with Gma and Gpa. Nice. At least our kitties were super happy we were home. Bijou and Milo didn't leave me alone the whole night but poor Pipa ate some string and a balloon of M's that we forgot to throw out so I now have the awesome task of watching the poop to make sure it makes its way out. Oh Home Sweet Home.

Why can't I live right on the beach? I swear I would never leave. ;0)

>^..^<

On The Road Again.....

Days 6 & 7

...Just can't wait to get on the road again
The life I love is makin' music with my friends
And I can't wait to get on the road again
On the road again
Goin' places that I've never been
Seein' things that I may never see again,
And I can't wait to get on the road again.

The drive home isn't as alluring as leaving to go somewhere, but it really was nice to be heading home and back into our routine. Maribel was a little more restless this time around but she managed to keep herself busy with her toys.


We originally wanted to stop in Savannah but as we drove on everyone was leaning more towards home instead. Anna and I were bummed but we both agreed to check it out in the fall.

We really needed to pee and we remembered that Pedroland aka "South of the Border" was in SC so we held on to stop there. Turns out that the place shuts down at 10p and we arrived there at 10:15p. Bummer. At least we were able to spend a penny and grab a couple of pics before departing again.

Adding "South of the Border" to our list of places to return to. Check!

We stopped for the night in South Carolina and got up early to begin our final day of driving and rest stops. And there were plenty of stops with Maribel's little bladder.

We arrived at home finally to a house of attention starved cats, a mountain of laundry that needs to be done, and a very full email account.
Ahhh to be home.

To sum our journey, I would have to say that I am definitely going to come back to DC and see more of the Smithsonian and the other "Memorials". It really is an amazing city chalked full of American history and natural beauty!

I will return and Vic is coming with me!

Hey Mr Prez! What's up? Wanna have tea? I'll be right over!

Day 5



Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand we're off!
To DC that is!
!!!YAY!!!

We woke up after much needed rest and got ready for our busy day of site seeing and history stalking! Ooooo I can't wait!

Uncle Jim was so awesome and dropped us off at the Metro Station and we rode the subway all the way to the Smithsonian! So fun! Maribel really enjoyed looking out the window and watching everything zoom by. Then we were underground and she didn't like it as much after that.


We arrived in the middle of the Smithsonian and came out at the National Mall. Which really isn't a "Mall" by the way. It's just an open field with a grassy patch in the middle and gravel walk ways running either side. Speaking of running, that's what people do here. They run. I guess I would too when you have such an awesome view to soak in everyday! Man I love it here! (But not enough to move here. Still saving that for either Missoula or Charleston ;0)


Right away we saw the Washington Monument which I always referred it to as "The Pencil". It is so cool! And very very tall. On our way to the Lincoln Memorial I could hear something in the air. I looked up and it was a helicopter heading towards the White House, and my FIL said it was Marine One.
Off to pick up the Prez I'm sure! So stinkin' AWESOME!!!!!

We stopped at the WW2 Memorial and paid our respects. Joe and Maribel sat by the pool while everyone else walked around and viewed the several murals. I took a bit of a break too and sat with Joe and Maribel and along came the only duck chillin' in the fountain. Joe began tossing Maribel's crumbs from her snack and he got busted! The nice yet assertive lady officer leaned over and politely and authoritatively asked Joe to "Stop feeding the duck." Nice Joe. Tee Hee.


He's so cute, I don't blame Joe for wanting to feed this little guy!


We all gathered and began our mile hike (no joke)to the Lincoln Memorial. I was getting excited to slap Abe on the knee! Soon. But to get there, we had to walk along side the Reflection Pool. Yeah, I'm hoping they cleaned it out for Jenny when she had to run through it to meet up with Forrest, because this pool was nasty!
The Canadian Geese seemed to like it plenlty though. Eewwwww.


We stopped for some ice cream along the way to cool off a bit. It was so refreshing.
Mmmm Rocket!

*huff* *huff* *huff* We're here!
I climbed the steps to the top and went straight for Mr. Abe Lincoln. Even if the ropes weren't there, I wouldn't have been able to reach that marbel knee of his. not even his ankle. Shucks! Maribel didn't like him. She said he was "starey".


Well I guess it reflects after all. See? And you can hardly tell how grungy it looks from up here. Hmmm interesting.


Next we walked through the Vietnam Memorial. It was breathtaking in a humbling way.

In this pic it looks like a pool of water but up close it is something amazing.

This entire wall is filled with the names of every soldier who died in the Vietnam War. This is only a small section of this vast wall.
So many names :0(


I love the beauty of this city. There are trees everywhere and so green and lush. The weather was a perfect 72F with no humidity. At least none that I could tell. Ahhhh it was nice. I was able to wear jeans and a tee shirt with no problem! We decided it was time to check out the Smithsonian so off we went.



Anna and I wanted to grab a few pics of the White House as we walked by so we let everyone go ahead of us.I wonder if he's home today? Oh, right. Marine One picked him up. Shucks. Maybe next time ;0)




I love DC!



How cool to see the real Ruby Slippers! (They aren't looking so hot now, in my opinion) but still cool to see!
Heh heh and how about Oscar the Grouch sharing the same display as Seinfeld's puffy shirt? Awesome in my books!

There really isn't enough time in the day to see everything this city has to offer! I could have spent a week here still wanting to see more!
This city is a site to see. Pictures really can't do it justice.
All I can say about DC is.....

I'll be back!