Jennifer Nowak

Happily married mother of 2 beautiful girls, juggling the joys of motherhood, international travel, “tummy bugs”, and whatever my current project du jour may be.

I am the mother of 2 bright, imaginative, talented girls. Katie uses her powers to please. Holly has gone over to the dark side and uses her powers for evil. (Fortunately, she isn’t old enough yet to read what I write about her.)

I am reading a new book titled Setting Limits With Your Strong-Willed Child: Eliminating Conflict by Establishing Clear, Firm, and Respectful Boundaries.

Growing up, I always thought my brother and my 5 year age spread was a bit too much. My oldest daughter is 4 years and nine months older than my youngest.

I am very lucky to be able to stay home with my children.

I believe that everyone should volunteer some of their time somewhere.

It takes a village to raise a child.

Most of my employment history involves working for one University or another.

Most of my volunteer time has been spent at community service organizations and on literacy instruction.

I have an AA, a BA in Math Education, and a Maters of Human Relations – I am the most over-educated laundress there ever was. I am; however, really good at helping with homework.

I am convinced that the laundry multiplies like rabbits while we are sleeping.

I love to read, so the laundry often goes unwashed.

Are you seeing a theme here?

Since my marriage, I have lived in 9 different homes, 2 different countries, and 6 different states.
I hate moving, but love seeing new things.

My husband has spent time in an additional 10 countries and 3 states.

My personal possessions have crossed the Atlantic Ocean by boat 4 times.

I have crossed the Atlantic Ocean by plane 12 times – flying is not my favorite thing.

I’ve spent a total 24 months of my married life sleeping on a bed or air-mattress other than my own, because mine was in shipment or storage somewhere.

My family has lived for a total of 12 months with only what we can get in our cars, and a total of 12 months on what we can get in our suitcases.

My husband has spent approximately 59 months living away from our family – if you don’t count things less than 6 weeks long.

He accrued 32 of these months between April of 2003 and June of 2006.

Amazingly, the first time he missed our oldest child’s birthday was when she turnned 10, but saw our youngest child for the first time when she was one day short of a month old. The “Needs of the Army” also required that he miss her first birthday, though we managed to celebrate together a week late.

My daughters are not allowed to watch the news.

Ditto for Sponge Bob Square Pants; Ed, Edd, and Eddy; Johnny Bravo; and Hannah Montana.

I can handle The Teletubbies, but Barney annoys me.

I have vacationed in 18 different countries, but have never been to Canada.

I vacationed with a child under the age of 5 in 12 of these countries.

I vacationed with a child under the age of 5, without my husband in 6 of these countries.

A portable video player for use in the car is worth its weight in GOLD.

Ditto for the Nentindo DS, and Leapster.