A Lazy Post

My mom sent me an email the other day that said "Hey, Dad checks your blog everyday since he doesn't do Facebook, and you haven't posted in over a month!"

Eh hem.

So I'm going to be lazy and post my facebook updates from the past little while since apparently I am better at Facebooking than blogging lately.  This is for YOU Dad!

Jan 13:

All right 2013. You may have whipped my butt the first 2 weeks with stomach flu and the worst cold ever, but TOMORROW I'm making a comeback. Tomorrow is my Jan 1st and I'm ready to start my list of resolutions to make 2013 an awesome year.

First on the list is managing my time better.

- Be at the gym at 9am when the daycare opens. Not at 10:30 like in the past. 
- Utilize 11am - 12pm practicing piano and violin DAILY.
- Taylor's naptime is strictly at 1pm, NOT 2pm (the kid has been staying up so late!)
- I will make time to make healthy food.

It's not much, but it's a great start - all encompassing exercise, healthy eating, skill growth, healthy kids, and more.

Jan 14:

I was hoping my boys would be feeling better today so I could hit the gym. But nope. Excessive coughing, runny noses and more. Oiye. So instead I'm going to try a workout dvd. I haven't done one of those in a loooooooong time. Hoping there is room enough in my bedroom to pull this off! LOL

And then I posted these:

Jan 14 - Preston's cookie recipe that he drew:

Jan 14:

How did I do on my goals today?

- Gym by 9am. This was a no-go because kids were sick, BUT I did a DVD workout from home. So I did get my workout in, on time.

- Practice piano 11am - I had a phone call at that time, and so I missed my window, BUT I did practice from 4:30pm - 5:30pm, so it still got done.

- Taylor naptime at 1pm - DONE.

I also:

- Read scriptures and prayed first thing this morning,
- Made a weekly calendar
- Created a motivational board
- Washed bedding (my goal is to make Mondays Sheet -washing day).

NOT that you all cared or wanted to know that, but I'm pretty happy I stuck to most of my goals. Not perfect, but will do even better tomorrow.

Jan 14:

Just finished re-watching season 1 of Downton Abbey. Now I can finally catch up on Seasons 2 & 3.

Jan 15:

Well thank you US bank, for letting me know that some sorry chap in Taipei, Taiwan decided to use our credit card 3 times this morning to buy from a sugar factory.

Jan 15: (this was in regard to a music project)

Sometimes if you want something done, you've just got to do it yourself.

Jan 15:

Apparently, according to my husband, I am the last person on the earth to hear that Lance Armstrong used PED's. I asked Will "Did he get all of his Tour de France winnings taken away?!" and he said laughing, "Uh, yeah. Like a LONG time ago."

I need to read the news more.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/why-is-lance-armstrong-admitting-he-used-peds-now--184108964.html

Jan 15: (in regard to previous post about doing things yourself)

I do believe that my husband and I have thought of a brilliant business idea that involves both of our passions. Oooooooh weeeee. No I will not tell you what it is.

Jan 16:

Is the question "Why?" just a reflex from my children after everything. single. thing. I. Say? I don't even think the 2 year old knows what it means, but he sure knows how to use it.

Jan 16:

Ok whomever shared this blog link on facebook, I can't find you for some reason as it's not showing on my feed anymore. But I just spent the last half hour reading this woman's blog and it's AMAZING. Thank you facebook friend whomever you are.http://www.handsfreemama.com/

Jan 16:

I have a friend who started a fan group for me. Perks are early releases, info, sneak peeks, and more. If you would like to join, you can go here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/459154967478900/

Jan 16:

So, pushing a shopping cart down an aisle in the grocery store, you would assume most people push on the right side being that this is America and we drive on the right side of the road. Right? Or am I crazy? It always bugs me when I'm going down an aisle, on the right side, and someone turns into the aisle who clearly sees me and comes right towards at me on my side, and clearly expects me to be the one to move over. I'm too nice so I usually do, but it SO irritates me.

This also happens with walking/jogging - but in that case there actually is a LAW that pedestrians are required to walk on the side facing traffic. So when a jogger comes towards me on the wrong side of the road and expects me and my 2 young children to move over into traffic so they can get by, I really get irritated as well.

In other news, I went to Costco and there is now food in my fridge. :)

Jan 17:

2:50am and just finished working on the newly revised artwork for The Lullaby Album (my 2nd album that I produced with my mom after Preston was born). (We are converting from jewel case to digipak, and giving the look a makeover). It's coming along. Creating CD artwork is a lot of work. Hours and hours and hours.

P.S. The cover art is an old painting that hung on the wall of the guest bedroom at my Grandmother's home for years. The baby in pink is actually my mother around 18 months old. The b&w pics are of my boys, Will, and I and there is one in there of my Mom & preston as a baby too.

Jan 17: So in love with these bugs of mine:

Jan 17th:

I just have to say I'm feeling the love today. So grateful for so many of my music friends - loads of good things happening today. :) Warm fuzzies.

Jan 17th:  My nerd homework for the evening. I have a headache already. Probably because I'm trying to read it in French. ;p

Jan 17th: 

Tonight is a designated music night for me (meaning my husband plays with kids and makes sure I'm unbothered). But staying up until 3 a.m. this morning has caught up with me and I would much rather just go to bed. It's taking ALL my will to say no and dive into the music projects I need to get done.

Jan 18th:

I love working out. So great to be feeling well enough to sweat again. Huge smile pumped with endorphins here. :)

Jan 18th:

Just caught up on this week's episode of The Biggest Loser. I already worked out once today but man - now I'm all revved to do it again!

Jan 18th:

So, if you were a 1 year old, where would YOU hide a remote control? You know, the one that controls your ability to watch Downton Abbey or not.

Jan 19th:

I introduced this to my kids a couple of days ago, and now they request me to sing it and I can't even get "Peanut butter..." out before they bust out huge belly-laughs.
http://youtu.be/Z3ZAGBL6UBA

Jan 19th:

Apparently if you were doing push-ups a month ago, and then took a month off from the gym, and decided to start doing push-ups again, you can't.

Jan 20th:

Playing the organ is SO not the same as playing the piano. Just sayin'.

Jan 20th:

Just enjoyed a heavenly 2 hour walk with Will while our boys slept in the double jogging stroller. Blue sky, crystalized snow at Rattlesnake Lake, and lots of great conversation about family, dreams, ideas, goals, love. Happy girl. Love you Will Thomas, you are my everything, forever.

Jan 21st:  Train station!

Jan 21st:

I have realized that one of my love languages toward my family is when I make food for them. I am not really the best cook, but I'm a pretty good baker. 

I've also realized that mealtime in our home makes me SUPER grumpy because my kids are such picky eaters, and throw out a lot of complaints about everything. 

I've been frustrated because our day will go perfect, and then lunch time or dinner time comes and I'm in a bad mood. 

The epiphany here is I've been serving unrequited love. LOL

So if anyone can suggest a great book, or recipe book, or even personal experience on how they got their own picky-eaters to change their ways....comment away. You just might save my sanity.

Jan 21st:  First time bowling with the kids, and our 2 year old got more strikes than anyone LOL. (4 photos)

Jan 22nd:

Skipping my normal gym time this morning, because I have been convinced to try a Zumba class this evening. So instead I am really enjoying the morning hours with my boys. So far we have raced cars, watched a cartoon, and had waffles (them, not me. I had a green smoothie).

Jan 22nd:

Just got some bad news in regard to a project I've been working on, and am trying to figure out how to get around it. I don't like taking no for an answer, but when it comes to a big company and I am just a small fish, the prospect seems a little daunting. :(

Jan 22nd:

I need your help with something - if you could all go to my YouTube channel and click "Subscribe" that would be amazing. I currently have a company who is viewing my channel to see if it meets a certain criteria, and having more subscribers would help immensely. Thank you!
http://www.youtube.com/user/mozart623

Jan 22nd:

You would think as a musician, I would have moves. But I don't. I have no rhythm when it comes to moving my body. I am a Zumba failure I'm afraid. BUT I have to say, women doing zumba look ultra sexy doing it and I WILL LEARN it. Going again Saturday morning.

Jan 23rd:  Trying to get my boys outdoors as much as possible. Cold, but beautiful morning at Snoqualmie Falls.

Jan 24th:

Preston was ecstatic to get to finally go to PreSchool this morning for the first time in a month. So proud of that little guy. I can't believe this Fall he will be a Kindergartner!

Jan 24th:

Having a phone meeting this afternoon with this talented Jilliard trained baritone to plan some collaborating for his debut album. (link in status)

Jan 24th:

Why no, I have no idea where my mom's red heels are.

Jan 24th:

Here is something of a coincidence: I am only a few likes away from 5,000 fans here, and only a few subscribers away from 500 on my YouTube channel. Good things must come in 5's. :)
I have not really ever promoted my YT channel because it's only had behind-the-scenes, or concert footage. But this year is going to be the year of Music Videos for me. I will be releasing THREE by summer. Please subscribe to my YT channel here:http://www.youtube.com/user/mozart623

Jan 26th:

The last week was not the greatest for me, but what could be better than spending Friday night with my BF Erika Pehrson Nisbetwhile our husband were out of town - dining on yummy strawberries, chocolate, fancy cheeses, fondue, gormet steak and watching chickflicks while our boys played together. It was pretty nice. :) And now the hubby is back and I'm even happier. Here's to a great weekend. Ciao!

Jan 26th:

Had a dream I was skiing. Realized how fun it is and how I've missed it. #WhistlerNostalgia — with Will Thomas.

Jan 27th:  Who? Oh just us redheads.

Jan 28th:

Kids are grouchy, fighting, hitting and teasing each other. Taylor has taken all my curlers out and thrown them around, and getting into everything. Can I please push the restart button on Monday morning?

Jan 28th:  New Music Blog Post http://jenniferthomasmusic.wordpress.com/2013/01/28/diary-of-a-song-gymnopedie-no-1/

Jan 28th:

Oh. My. Goodness. Downtown Abbey Season 3 shocker tonight. My jaw still hasn't come up off the floor.

Jan 29th:

Ok so I did 30 min on the treadmill this morning, followed by 45 minutes of intense circuit training in the weight room, followed by abs. I'm pretty sore from it, yet I have this goal to be a sexy zumba dancer and Zumba is tonight at 7pm. Sexy Zumba Dancer tonight or PJs and The Bachelor on ABC? Tough choice.

Jan 29th:

Went to Zumba instead of skipping out (see earlier post). Totally worth it. I think if I keep this up I will actually gain some smooth moves.

Jan 30th:

Just turned down a licensing opportunity for my music because of the violent and disturbing nature of the film. Sometimes it's out of my hands where my music gets licensed, but when I do have the opportunity to decide - I really prefer to keep my music away from thrasher slice 'em and dice 'em flicks. Yuck.

Jan 31st:

I think I need some chocolate. Good thing I burned 650 calories at the gym this morning. Bad thing I may just eat it in chocolate.

Feb 1st:  Proof that I'm a mom: I stab my finger and the only bandaid I can find is of Woody and Buzz.

Feb 1st:

One of my best friend's husband just found out he has Lymphoma (cancer), and friends/neighbors have rallied to help out. If you would like to help out - I would love you for it and I know are already humbled by the outpouring of love. http://www.indiegogo.com/aaronzanenisbet

Feb 1st: My first piano

Feb 1st:  What our boys will be doing this weekend:

Feb 2nd:

There are two radio shows featuring my music this evening. If you are home, you should turn them on and listen! These radio hosts are fantastic and the music they choose, well, what can I say - I'm honored to be on the roster.

Interlochen School of Arts Radio -http://ipr.interlochen.org/listen/wiaa 10pm Eastern

TEM-FM New Classical Crossover in New South Whales, Australia -
http://www.tem-fm.com.au/ListenOnline/tabid/56/Default.aspx - 10pm Eastern.

Sorry to make you choose! Both are equally great programs and my music will be featured on both! Cheers!

Feb 2nd:  Super Saturday underway. 2 hr. Rehearsal this morning, followed by Solo & Ensemble festival. Now off to awesome Glaziers Cameras in Seattle to look at film equipment. Then north to Camano Island to pick up our munchkins from G&G. Whew!

and then at G&G's house...

Feb 2nd:  Good night and sweet dreams. I mean that because if you'd had the weird dreams I've had for the past 3 days in a row...including my husband playing the cello for me on a balcony in Italy. Um yeah. Night.

Feb 3rd: 

I've got a sick little guy who just wants cuddles and snuggles :(

Feb 4th:

I was asked to be a guest blogger on author Alex Bledsoe's website. Alex has written several books including "Memphis Vampires", "Eddie LaCrosse", and more. He has asked me to share my thoughts about being both a recording artist and a mom and how I'm able to balance it all. I hope you enjoy the article!

http://alexbledsoe.com/2013/02/04/guest-blog-jennifer-thomas-on-balancing-art-and-parenting/

Feb 4th:

Kids and I are all dressed and ready to go to the gym, only to find the carseats locked in Will's car and I have no key (he carpooled to work today). Seriously?! Really? Guess we will brave the cold weather and go for a walk in the stroller. Time to completely change all of our outfits....and another 30 min goes by. LOL

Feb 4th:

Wow, 7:53 p.m. and I'm ready for bed already. Too many nights staying up to 1 a.m. has caught me. Zzzzzzzzz...

Feb 5th:

Well good morning stomach flu. I guess I should have considered snuggling my sick 2 yr old for the fast few days just might get me sick too. Der.

Feb 5th:

Every. Muscle. In. My. Body. Hurts. I wish I could say it was from a super workout, but it's this awful thing called stomach flu. Thankful for my hubby and his willingness to work from home today so I could lay in bed like a wet noodle.

Feb 6th:

Dear 2013,

So far, you suck.

Love, 
Me

Feb 7th:

Wow. If I didn't already have a bad enough day yesterday, I spent most of last night cleaning up my children's barf and poop. Yep. If you don't hear from me for a while, it's because I'm on a beach in Mexico with no cell phone or a care in the world - LOL.

Feb 7th:

One of my favorite videos right now 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3PDXmYoF5U&feature=share&list=PL1r3G31Nw07OBPnoaAEYGphggxeMMbJq1

Feb 7th:

The muse just might, MIGHT have finally poked his head in just long enough to give me a start on a song.

Feb 8th:

Conversation with my husband earlier:

Him: "Your butt is smaller."
Me: "What? No it's not, you're delusional."
Him: "I should know, I check it quite often."

This just proves that I no longer need a scale. I have a husband, and he comes with compliments. Awesome. :)

Feb 9th:

This is usually what happens in my music studio. And I just can't write music with those eyes. Oh the pressure!

Feb 9th: 

I've spent the last 3 days in my studio working on a new song - surviving on cold cereal and chocolate, with a driven muse on my shoulder until I get this piece finished. 

This new song is, in my opinion, God's little gift to me since thiswas the weekend I would have been at the Grammys if my album had received a nomination this year. It's my consolation prize. And a good one it is. I'm excited to share it with you guys soon - as it will be the replacement song for my Requiem video.

Feb 10th:  

Looks like we just might take a trip to New Orleans this May...I'm excited to tell you that I have been nominated for "Best Neo-Classical Album" at this year's ZMR Awards in New Orleans in May. The nominees for my category are the following:

"Illumination" - Jennifer Thomas
"Dreams of the Forest" - Marc Enfroy
"Islands" - Ludovico Einaudi
"The Day I Met Myself" - Kevin Keller
"The Piano Guys" - The Piano Guys

http://www.zonemusicreporter.com/admin/nominees.asp

Feb 10th:

Watching the Grammy Pre-Telecast and rooting for my friendsArun Shenoy, Okee Dokee Brothers, Omar Akram. You guys got this. http://www.grammy.com/live

Feb 10th: 

I came home from orchestra rehearsal tonight to a nice roaring fire (thanks hubby), and finding my little boys playing so nicely. Overload on cuteness!

Feb 11th:

I feel like I need to completely disinfect our entire house. Last week all four of us took turns with the stomach flu. Now today my stomach is hurting again and my 4 yr old just barfed. Seriously?! I suppose it's a sign that we are a very lovey touchy family or something? LOL

Feb 11th:

Wise words from a wise man:

'There are going to be times in our lives when someone else gets an unexpected blessing or receives some special recognition. May I plead with us not to be hurt—and certainly not to feel envious—when good fortune comes to another person? We are not diminished when someone else is added upon. We are not in a race against each other to see who is the wealthiest or the most talented or the most beautiful or even the most blessed. The race we are really in is the race against sin, and surely envy is one of the most universal of those.

Furthermore, envy is a mistake that just keeps on giving. Obviously we suffer a little when some misfortune befalls us, but envy requires us to suffer all good fortune that befalls everyone we know! What a bright prospect that is—downing another quart of pickle juice every time anyone around you has a happy moment! To say nothing of the chagrin in the end, when we find that God really is both just and merciful, giving to all who stand with Him “all that he hath,”2 as the scripture says.'

Jeffrey R. Holland

Feb 11th:

Today I spent it helping my 4 year old battle stomach flu, while I didn't feel too great myself either. I also had a few things come up (with friends, acquaintances) that helped remind me that a) even when life seems tough, you never have it as bad as someone else. b) When life is tough, it usually means something good is coming your way, and c) when life is tough it means you are being refined, tested, and strengthened. Oh and d) I much prefer positivity in my life over the reverse.

To say the least I am very grateful this evening for my knowledge of God, and that I am one of His children. If everyone could realize this, it would make your confidence stronger, it will make you feel special and loved, and that no matter what comes your way you are not alone.

Feb 12th:

My poor Preston (4 yrs old) has been throwing up for 24 hours now. :( He is so pale and weak. It is so hard for a parent to watch.

Feb 13th:

To be on the safe side, I took Preston to be seen by a doctor last night to be sure he wasn't dehydrated. He was a good little patient, and thankfully he is fine. And today he much better, and playing with his trains.

Feb 13th:

Will said we were contacted by the Dr. Oz show to feature this clip of Preston as a baby. I'm not sure what the show's topic is, but perhaps something about crazy funny babies....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkhHKfmiUzw&feature=share&list=UUzS78aRw183tJR7s7VO3u7Q

Feb 13th:

My hubby just booked his mancation with his brothers and brother-in-laws at Steamboat, Colorado next weekend. He has promised me there shall be no reason for us to up his life insurance policy while he is skiing. No aereal flips, cliff jumping over 10 feet and so forth.

Feb 13th:

Conversation with my boys just now, as we were discussing dreams and what they wanted to dream about tonight:

Me: "Taylor what do you want to dream about tonight?"
Taylor: "Bugs."
Me: "You want to dream about bugs? Really?"
Preston: "And if you see any bugs, mama, do not throw them away because they have mommies. You just take them to their mommies".

I guess if I get caught killing any more bugs I'm in HUGE trouble. Yikes.

Feb 14th:

This is for Will Thomas :) This was one of the very first songs I ever wrote when I started to compose music. I wrote this as a love song for Will (whom was my fiance at the time), and I performed this for him at our wedding reception. 

http://youtu.be/n_rJ6npVj9w

Feb 14th:

Preston and his cute pre-school class this morning. Yes my kid is the tallest.:)

Feb 14th:

WOW. Note to self: Next time do NOT let the 2 year old eat Valentine's candy right before his nap, lest he shall remain awake and hyper kicking in his crib for an hour and a half, whilst yelling "Mama I awake! Mama I awake!".

As if I didn't know.

Feb 15th:

Just met with a personal trainer/life/nutritional coach. I'm excited to start doing weekly sessions with her starting next Wednesday. She is going to shake up my fitness routine and help me with my diet. I've been doing this on my own for over 2 years and have reached a point where I'm at a standstill and losing motivation. So I'm excited to get my bootay kicked!

Feb 15th:

This was my homemade Vday card from my 4 yr old. Yesterday afternoon, he came up to me very sad and said "Mama, but you didn't get a valentines present. I'm going to make you one." (This was before Will got home from work). Ten min later, he handed me this. He cut it out and everything. It truly melted my heart.:)

Feb 16th:

It's the same dilemma every weekend. Will is home and not working. Do we work on our house some more or spend time together? More often than not, we just want to spend time with Will over working on our house, which is why we have still not painted our house, finished the downstairs bathroom, put trim and baseboards on, replaced the interior doors, done the crown molding or wayne's coating, or done our yard. Ha.

______________________

It's nice that I can count on my Facebook to be my mini-journal when I feel like I don't have anything other to blog about than being sick :).

Oh and here is a video for you:

And this is the kicker. These are all of Will's FB posts in the last month:) He's been a bit busy at work...

Feb 16th:

Looks like I'll be staying local for my 100 mile trail race this summer as the lottery was held today for the Cascade Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run and I am #6 on the waiting list. Time to start training again. http://www.cascadecrest100.com/course.php