The Boys Are Back in Town

        

This summer Jon got to come home for a little over three weeks. I don’t think I’ve seen Jon during the summer since 2013 so it was so weird having him home during this time of the year. We even got to celebrate 4^th of July with him! But just like every other time that Jon comes home it always feels like I’ve seen him the day before. We pick up right where we left off. I’m sure it’s a little weirder for him because Haidyn is growing faster than ever.  She got to spend more time with him and his friends more than ever this visit. Poor thing wouldn’t stop talking about and to her Uncle Jon since she woke up to him.    

We didn’t have too much planned this summer for Jon since we wanted to make sure that he spent a lot more time with his friends. A lot of his friends were coming back for the summer which is rare so we didn’t mind not seeing him for a few days. The one friend that came to visit for a little was our dear friend Mark! Mark traveled from Texas to spend some time with us. We threw a Beer B-Q for everyone to join and celebrated Jon coming home for the summer. All of my days with Jon and the boys ended with me being a little to a lot buzzed off of a little something. 

It’s bittersweet when everyone started to go home. I loved having all the boys at the house and cooking for everyone. Of course, it ended sooner than I would’ve liked. Our house always seems so much livelier with everyone hanging out and eating endless amounts of food. It’s been difficult having to explain to Haidyn that everyone had to go home. I’m missing everyone already and a little sad that summer is ending so quickly. This was easy the best summer ever. 

July Meal Prep | Week Four

It’s been a long while since I have posted our meal prep with life being so crazy lately.  Don’t let that fool you as I’ve still kept up on our meal prep even without posting it. This is a lifestyle and even without trying we’re trying to stay on target with our goals. This week is a new week and a great new start. I’m ready to get back on track! Our lunches have been made even simpler with salads and wraps for this summer. It’s easier and oddly enough it’s helping us get more veggies in without even trying! 

 JANNINE MEAL PREP

BREAKFAST – Coffee Protein Fruit Shake

(1 PROTEIN)

SNACK 1 –Yogurt, Fruit and Seeds

(1 PROTEIN, 1 FRUIT, 1 HEALTHY FAT )

LUNCH – Chipotle Spinach Turkey Wraps  /OR/ Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet w/ Veggies

(1 GRAIN 1 PROTEIN 1 VEGETABLE 1FAT)

DINNER - 2 cup veg, 1 3/4 cup protein

(1 PROTEIN 2 VEGETABLE)

WAYMON MEAL PREP

LUNCH – Chipotle Spinach Turkey Wraps  /OR/ Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet w/ Veggies

(1 GRAIN 1 PROTEIN 1 VEGETABLE 1FAT)

Remembering Jonathan

 

A month ago my nephew passed away at only seventeen. I haven’t posted much on the blog because his passing. I have been at a loss for words and I feel like a part of me isn’t quite honest. It pains me to know that he will no longer be just a phone call/ text away. I don’t think that numb and empty feeling will ever go away to be honest with you, but I know J.Matthew and he wouldn’t want anyone to dwell on him being gone. It might be crazy, but I’m still waiting for the day for his text, face time or phone call to tell me that he was just kidding, he’s still here and it was all just a bad joke. I obviously know that’s not possible, but that’s what my heart is longing for. Our relationship was a little different as we were so close in age oddly enough, we were actually closer than age than I am to my brother ( J.Matthew's dad).

When I got the news of J.Matthew’s passing we took the first flight down to San Diego to pay our respects to our family and spend a little time with them during this vulnerable time. We spent time with our niece Kaydence and the rest of the family. We knew ahead of time that we might not be able to make it for the services, but we wanted to be there for him and the family. Thankfully, Kaydence put together a beauitful memorial service in remembrance of her older brother. Jon surprised us with a visit to San Diego to be with the family during this time as well, which made it that more special. Watching Kaydence conduct herself as a young lady brought me to tears along with seeing how many people Jon impacted in his life. He truly was one of my favorite people.

 It was definitely not the trip we wanted but it was worth it nonetheless.We got to spend time with our loved ones and remember J.Matthew and how truly blessed we were to have him in our lives. I had to explain to Haidyn that her Kuya Jon is no longer with us, but he's among the stars always looking after her. She of course now always sings "twinkle twinkle little star" just for him.

J.Matthew had the kindest soul, gentlest heart and I was blessed enough to be one of the people he loved. A month has passed by and it doesn't hurt any less but I'm grateful that he's in a better place.