Happy Muver's Day

My mummy who is watching me from up above...   

It's the end of the day and as I began posting my daily photo for the Instagram thread Photo a day May, so many thoughts and emotions came flashing by as I thought about Mother's Day and motherhood. Warning this may get a little sappy...

I first was woken with "Mummy, Happy Muver's Day, check under your pillow!" I guess I was sleeping on this card the entire night and didn't even notice. She's so sneaky. 
While we were getting ready for Sunday service she practiced the song that the primary children would be singing later that morning. I always melt into a blubbering ball of tears every year that I hear the primary children sing. I get so overwhelmed with emotions of how blessed I am to have been given such a precious and wonderful gift. 

We live so very far from our birth mothers so while I called mine on the phone, Maribel made this special card for hers. We delivered it the fastest way possible, posted on her facebook wall. Gotta love technology and social media.

After tucking my little red head into bed safe and sound with her favourite stuffies and sweet music, I recluse back to my room to take one more look at my Mother's Day goodies. 
I can't help but be grateful for this wonderful gift of motherhood. 

Today in one of the talks a mother related a story about how a mother was in a shopping line with her kids and while being typical kids in a checkout and a lady behind her says, "Aren't you just loving every minute? Treasure every precious moment because they grow up so fast." 
It's so true. As I look at how much my little onion has grown in these short years I really do try to enjoy as much of it as I can. I mean, I'm not perfect and yes there are days that I countdown til bedtime, but overall I have heard and have been told that they grow up so fast so I am doing my best to really enjoy this journey. I have been given this gift. Such a special gift she is to me since she was literally given to me to raise as my own and to love so deeply.
Adoption is just another word for More to Love. 
And so now I will bid you all a wonderful Mother's Day or "Muver's Day" as Maribel says it and take to bed a very full and happy heart. 

our "other mothers"

For the past year I have been wondering what the best way would be to teach Maribel what adoption means and how special it is and how special she is. I grew up knowing I was adopted and have seen just how special it is first hand and I wanted M to have the same understanding and love for it as I did/do so I started with showing pictures of her biological mother and her younger half brother. She loves that she has a brother which takes a bit of the pressure off Joe and I because we kinda suck in that department.

About a week before we left for Alberta Maribel crawled into my bed while I was getting ready for work and I said,
Me: Hey Maribel guess what? (we like this game)
Maribel: What?
Me: Guess who we’re going to see when we go to Canada?
Maribel: Oh who Mommy?
Me: Your baby brother Dayce.
She smiled super big so I continued

Me: And guess who else you’re going to see in Canada?
Maribel: Who?
Me: Your Birthmother, Tia.
She gasped her super happy excited breath and threw her arms around me and said, "I’m so excited!" While we held each other for that precious moment I knew telling her was the right thing. I wonder if my mother felt this when she told me I had another mother?

The Beautiful mother who blessed me with a beautiful daughter.

Maribel love's her Mommy Tia and that really made me so happy. I've wondered if some adoptive mothers have the hidden fear of the first meeting. No fear from me, just love and gratitude. So much gratitude.

Maribel and her little brother Dayce

This little meeting really melted my heart. They clicked right away and my heart was over joyed. She loves her little brother so so much.

Me and my birthmother Joann

That weeked we also had the chance to visit my birthmother which was also M’s first time meeting her kokum and the rest of my birth-family. She clicked with her cousins right away and just made her self at home with her extended family. My heart was seriously starting to overflow at this point.

Me, my Kookum, My birthmother Joann, and little Maribel

4 Generations

Now take a look at this photo and tell me that this could have been planned only by our Heavenly Father.
Adoption is such a beautiful thing.

Happy Mother's Day!

>^..^<

mother, I miss you

Mother, I love you; mother, I do.

Father in Heaven has sent me to you.

When I am near you, I love to hear you

Singing so softly that you love me too.

Mother, I love you; mother, I do.

I want to help you because I love you.

I want to mind you; I want to find you

Happy and smiling because I love you.

Mother, I love you; I love you, I do.

Today would have been my mother's 70th birthday. It's been almost 8 years since her passing and I miss her more then words could ever express. It never gets easier but I still have peace in my heart knowing she's busy doing the Lord's work, and that brings me so much comfort. 

Someday we will see each other again...and that day will be glorious.

Thanks Vic for this photo of Mom. She was so beautiful.
>^..^< 

a carousel of thanks

I have always wanted a polaroid camera growing up but for what ever reason, I never purchased one. Then upon some research I stumbled on Polariod's site where you can turn your photos into a vintage looking pola. Seriously, it's super fun and kind of addicting...

While I was "snapping" my polaroids I realized that this year all though there have been many trials there have also been even more blessings. My most favourite was the chance to meet my new niece, Maggie.

After thanksgiving the Christmas decor will be popping out and these photos will either be gracing a layout or tucked away into a little book. Ooo what about a mini album? Great. Just what I need, another project.

>^..^<

the aidanator

This kid makes me laugh all the time. During my visit he was constantly talking. Seriously, I don't think he even paused for a breath. He would talk about future inventions he will create, favourite robots, his crazy adventures, and his favourite TV shows. You know, typical boy things. The only time he was quiet was when he was eating and sleeping. Even then, there were moments of convo but I didn't mind one bit.

Have a wonderful weekend! I'm soaking in the messages from this year's General Conference. So many important messages that I really need to hear. I need all the help I can get.

>^..^<

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.

>^..^<

i stand corrected

as usual.

So I have this sister.
Her name is Victoria.
She's a great sister.
Super witty.
Beautiful.
A great mother.
Very loyal to her friends and family.
A hard worker.
She makes cute kids.
Not afraid to speak her mind in one of the rare truest sense.
Great at correcting poor spelling.
...and grammer.
She says I've become American-ized. Nice.
 
I now say things like INsureance while my Canadian family says inSUREance.
I say Soda, they say Pop.
I say Restrooms, they say Washrooms.
I say Y'all, they say....not y'all.
I say endure (enDERe) they say endure (enDURe)

She likes to point these things out in the only Victoria way.
Oh Home Sweet Home.

I know you can't help yourslef Vic and I love you all the more for your little quirks. But look out for that day that I catch you in a slip because oh great will be the day that the corrected will get to correct the corrector.

Happy Birthday!!! 28 never looked so good ;o)

>^..^<

oh brother,

wherefore art thou?

What do you do when you open your eyes to this? I have never seen someone so excited about a thrift store find then my very own Mojo Jojo and these um....overalls. I couldn't stop giggling every time he showed me all the "features" they came with. 

Well, at least Halloween is covered this year...all that's missing now is the straw hat and piece of wheat from the corner of his mouth. *sigh*
Gotta love him.

>^..^<

my sister from a different mister

And so she is.

My Sister in law, Anna, is one super special gal! Not only is she the best Future Professional I know, but she's the best "see a movie at midnight" buddie too. We have caught every Twilight movie at opening night with another coming up eep!  She's never afraid to break out into song in the middle of Target and she pops a mean popcorn! Oh and she has the cutest freckles ever!!! tee hee  I love you like whoa too!

This was one of my pages that I had sitting out for the longest time unfinished. I just couldn't quite get it the way I wanted with a sort of rock star feel until I remembered I had some Tim Holtz Grungeboard chipboard hiding about. I painted them then used the Modge Podge glitter on top with some Glimmer mist for that added shazam! kapow! heiya!

Lately I've been into making my own clay buttons as seen on some of my recent pages.  I love how even the simplist thing can make a page so unique. I wonder if I could make my own clay cutters, 'cause molding them by hand is a ton of work. Hmmm that's got me thinking...
Look out! A brainstorm's a brewin'.

>^..^<

my favourite future professional

 

This weekend I paid my sister inlaw, Anna, a visit at her school and catch her in her element while I waited for my turn in the chair. I also got to check out all the funky hair doo's that I won't ever be able to get as long as I work in a govt office but boy they looked fun to have. Some day, just maybe...

This was her first week on the floor cutting real peeps hair and I of course had to come in to show my support. For only being a couple months in she is already super awesome at what she does so I know she will be raking in the big bucks once she is let loose in the public ;0)

Alas, my virgin hair is a virgin no more. *deep breath* I didn't want to go too drastic so I thought some peek-a-boo streaks would keep me in the "cool mom" category. 4 foils was all it took and I love them!!! Did I mention how awesome she is? Well, it's worth mentioning twice, fo sho!
It's so cool to know a hairdresser!

>^..^<