Collin's Idea

Collin told me last night he has an idea. He doesn't want his dad and I to stay married just because it's what is best for him, Connor, and Breanne. Instead he wants us to have a good relationship.

Apparently, I said something recently either to him or in front of him that let him know that is why we are still together. I think it may have been the day before Fast Sunday when I encouraged them to fast for their dad and/or me so that we could keep it together.

When he mentioned it last night before bed Iwondered if I shouldn't have ever said anything. Is this a topic too big for a little boy to carry?

Notice, though, that he didn't say we should get divorced either. He just wants us to WANT to be married to each other.

I remember being a kid and wanting that too.

My Daughter the Fashion Designer

I really should have taken a picture of this. I think at the time, though, I was in much too deep of denial. I tried to get her to put her clothes on the right way for Sunday. Well, truthfully, I didn't try that hard.

Breanne wore the sweater over her dress in a "fashionable" way to church on Sunday. Instead of putting her neck through the opening for her head she put the whole front of the sweater behind her so only the sleeves were on the right way. The sweater then was draped behind her instead of being on her chest. She got away with it too. It looked "fashionalble." If her hair didn't cover the neck whole in her back it would have been problem, but it did.

She reminds me daily that when she turns 8 grandma will teach her to sew. I guess she and Ross were talking about it the other day. She mentioned that she would learn how to do blankets, and she couldn't wait. And Ross, said, "What about clothes? Do you want to learn to sew clothes too?" He said her eyes got wide with excitement as the idea started to form in her head, because this was a new discovery. And she said, "Yes!"

The Things We Say -- Another lesson on the power of words

Have you ever overheard people talking about you?

It happened to me this morning.

I went to the bathroom stall at the rec. center this morning after my workout on the eliptical. I had forgotten that Masters swimming had just gotten out and the ladies were in there changing.

For the last two Fridays and several times last year I've been the substitute coach for Masters swimming.

Today I heard, "What Jenn taught me last Friday really helped me with my stroke." Another lady said, "I know, I'm so glad Jenn's been coaching us on Friday." And another lady said, "Yea, she's really good." "It's been great to have the mix of coaching."

I smiled all the way home today. And now that I've written it down I can hardly help from smiling.

I knew these ladies appreciated me. They've told me before. But somehow catching them talking good about me feels like a gift from God.

Yes, I think it is.

Lights on Temple Square

We went to "We Also Sing" concert in the tabernacle. It was really fun be together and listen to songs about Jesus and Love and Joy. Ross and I both really liked that they performed Christmas songs that we'd never actually heard. It was refreshing. How come I don't take more pictures of Breanne? Her life is always a party and if I had pictures of everything she does I would remember that.

Graham Cracker Houses

Let the Festivities Begin.

Christmas has officially begun.

A day with cousins is a good day!

Creativity abounds!

We got an early start his year on a fun holiday tradition--Graham Craker Houses. When we asked the kids if they wanted to do this again, we got a loud chorus of agreement. All the kids like to do it for the creative outlet. Just as many like to do it so they can eat candy.

Each of my kids ate theirs before dinner.

I coached swimming this morning, so I missed the doorbuster sales. That's not new seeing how I've never once in my life tried to shop on Black Friday. I was intrigued this year, but decided I needed to have more money in order to save as much as I'd like. After swim practice at 7am I met Courtney and Lindsay at Target just for fun and to take a peek at the crowds. If Lindsay hadn't cut in line at the check out we would have been there for 2 more hours.

That afternoon we checked out the Walmart in Cedar Hills, and we were so pleasantly surprised to get a few great deals that had not been sold out.

It was a great day!

Happy Thanksgiving

I took a few minutes to be thankful as I made potatoes, and sweet potatoes today. I decided on butter. I'm thankful for butter, and all the yummy food I ate that is made with it.

Grandma and Papa brought rolls, stuffing, and fruit salad.

Ross made the perfect turkey...again. He's become quite good at this. Did I mention that I'm thankful for Alton Brown?

Uncle Kevin brought the pies. He also played Magic cards with the boys, who were excited enough to buy their own sets of cards that they washed baseboards yesterday and asked what else they could do to earn money. Yes, I'm even thankful for Magic cards (if something motivates my kids, heck yes, I'm thankful for it).

Today I was thankful for a working oven, and the friends who came over and fixed it. I'm thankful for the new faucet my Dad installed when he came to visit in May. I'm grateful for the new dishwasher that's washing all the dishes (ever so quietly) while I write.

This is Connor, who peeled 65 minutes of extra computer time in potatoes. I told all the kids they could have 5 minutes of computer or video games for every potato peeled. Connor did them all. That was perfectly ok with the other two children who are not pictured.

We took turns expressing gratitude around the dinner table today. It's unanioumous. We are thankful for Family!

Our Christmas Card This Year

Before blogging and facebook I used to send out Christmas cards. I don't do that anymore. Now (theoretically) I keep in touch with people I love all year round. Instead of sending out family photos you can look at the blog side bar or just click on my facebook profile and see recent and old pictures.

But, I used to send out greetings about how good my life was and why everyone should be jealous of my awesome life and my amazingly talented, and very good looking children.

Now I know better. Well, hopefully I'm learning.

This has been (I know everyone already knows) a really hard year.

Recently at Time Out For Women in Salt Lake. Wendy Watson Nelson (wife of Elder Nelson) spoke about what she wished was on her Christmas card. And she said it wouldn't be all that flowery foo-foo that she was tired of reading in her friends' cards. It comes instead from the words of the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9.

I hope you'll consider this your Christmas card as well.

8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

Like Paul we know where to look for redemption and we continue to put our faith (in the best way we know how) in Jesus. God Bless. Wishing you the best in your journey as well.

Happy Halloween (more pictures)

I'm not sure you can see it in these pictures, but, Breanne already has candy stuck in her hair. Great way to start out, huh?

Mom, I finally know what I'm going to be. I'm going to attach cereal boxes to my shirt and be a "cereal" killer.

His sign says, "You're next Cheerios."

I'm surprised he opted for the spoon instead of some sort of great weapon. But, I'm also very glad.

Happy Halloween

School party.

Witchy Poo.

The themed birthday cake I'm so proud of. Reese's pieces on chocolate ARE really good.



Happy Birthday girl!

Is It Just Me?: Parent /Teacher/ Entire World Conferences. But It's Private, So It's OK.

Is It Just Me?: Parent /Teacher/ Entire World Conferences. But It's Private, So It's OK.

This was an interesting blog post about one mom's experience because of our new world technology.

Truth is guys internet is here to stay. Facebook actually blesses my life all the time. And the kids are going to use it (making our lives more and more transparent) whether we like it or not.

As much as I'd like to hide my head in the sand and shelter my kids from every media, or social media experience I can see that in the next few years it may no longer be possible.

What's a gal to do?