tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35748327741018139762012-02-15T14:48:10.639-08:00"the joy of motherhood comes in moments... amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction." Elder M. Russell Ballardjeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.comBlogger10161100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-26181507077437282482012-02-15T08:19:00.000-08:002012-02-15T08:25:08.264-08:00

I'm speaking with Todd at the end of the month to a bunch of women at an area women's conference. Our topic is "letting Christ define our worth." It is interesting to me, and not at all coincidental, that I find myself questioning and redefining my own worth at this time. Yesterday I took anna, eve, and my nephew. We rode the metro and toured DC. It was patriotic, and fun, and long. I had a

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-77998838840403472562012-02-12T07:26:00.000-08:002012-02-12T07:40:41.360-08:00

Sweet eve broke both bones in her left arm. She was sitting on anna's lap on the couch and just reached over the side. Anna said, " she was like a waterfall. Here one second and over the next." I knew it was broken... But she was so happy if she wasn't trying to crawl that we waited till the next day to take her to the ER. Because she fell from the top, her fracture is a "buckle"... In the

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-22738239038255526722012-02-08T06:50:00.000-08:002012-02-08T06:50:25.660-08:00

baby emma, waiting for aunt jen. did i tell you that anna, eve and i are headed to DC to love on my newest niece? (oh, and my sister, and her husband, and my nephew.) isn't it fun that i get to bring anna?!! my angel husband is holding down the fort- with five kiddos. i had grand plans of leaving with a super organized home, meal plans, outfits picked complete with hair bows, a surprise fun

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-21098203850080241502012-02-07T00:25:00.000-08:002012-02-07T00:25:16.419-08:00

 i had so much fun making these... they were fast and easy! happy valentine's day!!

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-75639405395392491662012-02-06T08:39:00.000-08:002012-02-06T09:20:33.749-08:00

so, here's an official update on our dog. daizie pinky pan-a-cake. i like her. there are moments when i see here cuddled up with one of my babies and i think- this is why you are with us. there are moments when i wonder if i can keep her another day. she poops in my basement. i think of her like the diggingest dog. she doesn't understand when we take her out that her job is to potty. she gets so

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-29819530912176771292012-02-05T06:00:00.000-08:002012-02-06T07:24:45.952-08:00

drew is ALWAYS asking to go fishing. it's all he ever asks for. fishing is in our blood.  my father and both of our grandfathers were fishermen. there is a man at church who is a grand fisherman. i have mentioned to him on more than one occasion that drew would be the perfect "fisherman's helper." at the beginning of the week he spoke with todd and told him this was a great week for salmon

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-1185058158497087382012-02-04T15:33:00.000-08:002012-02-04T15:33:42.467-08:00

look!! my sister just had a baby!! she was born on Jakob's birthday- 2-4-12. her name is Emma Scotlynn. isn't she darling?!! her mom did such an amazing job getting her here... her daddy gets teary whenever they are together... and her big brother is going to be the BEST big brother ever. i can't wait to hold her! (next week anna, eve and i are heading to DC to help out.) oh, sweet baby!!

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-46790491988815917422012-02-04T10:06:00.000-08:002012-02-04T11:59:01.118-08:00

Birthday Pennant Banner- mine took 10 minutes. i just used one black poster board. cut it into 5 inch wide strips, piled 3 together and eyeballed cutting out triangles. they don't have to be perfect, you can't even tell... i had some bulletin board letters from a teacher's store that i stapled on. glue is too messy and staples are easy to remove. i folded my ribbon in half and counted out the

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-80858525221914584572012-02-04T09:04:00.000-08:002012-02-04T10:26:22.128-08:00

this was our FIRST teenage party!!  it was so fun. i really wanted to do a TEEN-Y party (with all things small)... it seemed a bit girly this time, but when Anna is 13... we have a long, one way, driveway... i was worried it would be a major traffic jam. so, i made this super classy, dumpster sign!it still makes me laugh. and, here's the gang! i always try to take one group shot!!  Happy 13th

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-42168317798523742162012-02-03T09:55:00.000-08:002012-02-04T10:22:13.217-08:00

i had jakob's 3rd birthday party at a nursing home. i loved it. there is magic in the interaction of children and the elderly. i have often thought that i could do a little preschool group at a nursing home... we've arranged christmas programs and singing programs there. and FINALLY i just called and asked if i could come for an hour with a group of preschoolers. right now we go once a month- 

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-1176664971334146032012-02-02T08:03:00.000-08:002012-02-02T08:12:10.182-08:00

hi. today is quite a day so i'm going to be fast. seriously-- you would just laugh if you saw what my days are like... here are a few thoughts that i've loved lately.  buddha taught me to not get stressed thinking that everything depends on me. rather, he suggests, thinking of ourselves as a part of a greater whole. like the mitochondria in a cell. we're all working together for the greater good

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-9505056348093090802012-02-01T08:21:00.001-08:002012-02-01T08:45:08.053-08:00

we have a new family tradition. my husband teaches a class on Tuesday and Thursday morning and so i drop the kids off at school around 8am and then my little girls and i head to the farm. (old McDonald's farm) sometimes we kidnap a friend to take with us. it's a long drive to the farm with a slide- so we sing Old McDonald and we listen to Scripture Scouts! (we LOVE scriptures scouts!) Leah always

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-76141533593511383042012-01-31T08:37:00.000-08:002012-01-31T10:35:46.142-08:00

i always have ideas for things i want to make. i've been trying to be better at just taking a couple hours and making something. last week i made twirly skirts. i used the instructions from MADE circle skirts- found here. they were easy and my girls love them.oh, did i say my girls?well, i meant to make them for my girls-- BUT one came out a bit large.i tried it on and i think it fits me.

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-90488273733800589272012-01-30T07:19:00.000-08:002012-01-30T17:44:38.968-08:00

after writing a comment (or three) on my friend's blog about my efficient laundry system, i found myself in my own small laundry room surrounded by a mountain of laundry.should i admit that those are CLEAN clothes? i had just put lily down for her nap and was supposed to be embarking on my own quiet, movie watching, laundry folding marathon.. didn't happen. knowing HOW to do something doesn't

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-1136969012514752862012-01-28T11:48:00.000-08:002012-01-30T17:42:46.187-08:00

POST EDIT NOTE-- please don't read this post if you have perfect children. i wrote this blog right after a morning of contention and making up...   re-reading it later i think i may have over-reacted.  it is never good to react to a child as if they are "ruined" because of one unusual situation. i think i had a couple kids that may have been tired and cranky and all of a sudden i'm worried that

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-73041162290727549812012-01-27T11:00:00.000-08:002012-01-28T23:10:56.310-08:00

this month i've been teaching primary at church.our topic has been Agency... choosing the right. Religious or not religious EVERYONE teaches their kids about choosing good. here are some ideas i used-- (note- they are not all my ideas, just my adaptations.) The Stick--i made a choice and consequence stick--i loved using it to discuss scripture stories, real-life examples and what if stories.you

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-63531365313845049742012-01-26T22:18:00.000-08:002012-01-26T22:18:22.707-08:00

At our church we switch sunday school classes at the start of a new year.Kids who have turned three during the year 'graduate' from nursery to primary Sunbeams class.i can hardly believe that my Lily is old enough to be a Sunbeam.i had to take pictures real quickly before we headed out the door for her first Sunday in her big girl class.because i am a leader in the primary, i was a bit worried

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-83952267459279278522012-01-25T22:46:00.000-08:002012-01-25T23:19:39.830-08:00

our family journals-- can you tell what song we were learning that night? 1.  i LOVE family journals. as the new year started, i invested in new journals for everyone in my family.we have a morning devotional, most mornings, and it needed some PEP!new journals were just the thing.(don't you love office supplies?!)actually, i bought some new paper, sticky notes, and a bunch of fun colored gel

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-29064344556063269782012-01-25T07:44:00.000-08:002012-01-28T23:27:15.687-08:00

 1.VERY, VERY, VERY BAD-- i saw this unfinished email on my computer when i sat down this morning... Dear Bandera, This is very, very, very, bad. My sister(Leah) ate a penny!!!!!! She is in the emergency room. she was going to bed, and then she came up and my mom told her to go back down then in like 20 sec. she came back up crying, then said” mom, I swalloed a coin.” it is true.leah swallowed

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-54748123360129702222012-01-24T07:16:00.000-08:002012-01-24T08:01:07.246-08:00

months ago i spoke with a friend who is a working mother.she wanted to quit her job to become a "stay-at-home" mother.we had many conversations about why i choose to stay at homeand what i do all day.she said, "I'm NOT going to quit my job and stay at home so i can clean my house all day."oh how this sentence has echoed in my mind...it's as i've found myself apologizing for every moment i stay

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-6554575563741225712012-01-23T09:36:00.000-08:002012-01-28T23:54:57.312-08:00

"The Wise Fisherman"."The Man is like a wise fisherman who cast his net into the sea.  He drew it up from the deep full of small fishes.  Among them he found a big, marvelous fish.  That wise fisherman, he threw all the smaller fishes back into the sea.  He chose the big fish without hesitation.  Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear."from Buddha Standard Time by lama surya das as found in the

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-43103534027588121142012-01-19T21:25:00.000-08:002012-01-19T22:02:29.377-08:00

i have to. it's my blog anyway. i have to say SOMETHING about tonight's debate. ok, thanks. first, amber- i did like Ron Paul a little better tonight. i really don't think he can win the nomination, but he has some good ideas. and, i like him. he's growing on me. i loved his "what do you wish you could do differently" where he answered "I need to talk slower and express my opinions more clearly.

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-9228727146721544312012-01-19T11:17:00.000-08:002012-01-19T11:20:01.702-08:00

i am not a vegan green smoothie holistic eater.we do eat healthy- just not super, super healthy.but, boxed/bagged cereal bugs me. it just seems so unhealthy and processed.i LOVE homemade granola.it tastes good.it feels healthy.it seems REAL.i am happy every time i pour a bowl for me or my kids. what you need to buy:oats-- regular not quick (but i use quick if that's all i have)coconut-- (if you

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-67614587638810116272012-01-18T09:23:00.000-08:002012-01-18T11:46:55.637-08:00

1.  On my Political Post--ugh.  after i pushed "post" yesterday i cringed.  i KNEW my shallow post on the debate would make me seem, well, shallow.  there was a time in my life where i was very political savvy... i invested time and effort into knowing and understanding the major issues of the day.  today i am a bit more "consigned"... sometimes when i hear presidential nominees i think of middle

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-68924898385996291002012-01-17T11:53:00.000-08:002012-01-17T12:04:39.657-08:00

last night we watched the republican national debate. let me tell you how i see the candidates.warning-- i am going to vote republican.  i am more interested in their families than the issues.i do care about issues, kind of. but, i vote for who i FEEL would be best.call me shallow... i'm fine with that. 1. HUNTSMAN:: he just dropped out yesterday and is endorsing Mitt.:: he is Mormon- but not

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-62794938108007323032012-01-16T09:10:00.000-08:002012-01-17T09:01:47.294-08:00

oh how my heart is full of this concept. how i yearn to master it. diligence amidst the calm. the eye of the storm. priorities and peace. i believe Christ was a great example of this. "my yoke is easy and my burden is light" "come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and i will give you rest." "peace i give unto you, not as the world giveth" thursday night we were having scripture time.

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-2151885327450455552012-01-14T10:49:00.000-08:002012-01-14T10:50:33.608-08:00

BLAH!! BLAH!! BLAH!! that's all i have to say about that. i have a few issues. 1. digital picture books 2. computer software/equipment 3. photography questions 4. family history organization 5.  TIME to research and make the best decisions 6.  MONEY to do what i find 7.  getting over my initial desire to just forget it all... till next year.  :) i'm just a plain old mother of 7 who wants

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-72664496503319486072012-01-12T19:19:00.000-08:002012-01-12T21:18:12.642-08:00

i had a new comment on an old blog of mine.. summer chore charts and NON-consistency. i went back and re-read some of the blogs that i wrote back then. and i chuckle... that really was a great post, i need to remember this stuff!! my youngest, lily, was one and i was NOT pregnant yet. oh, life is just a bit brighter when i'm not pregnant or nursing. look at those kids?!!! seriously??!! you

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-44985690684690498652012-01-12T00:21:00.000-08:002012-01-12T00:30:16.460-08:00

the older i get (yes, i am the big 3-4), the more i see patterns in my life.cycles.seasons.i am beginning to recognize life's seasons and to flow with or through the cycle instead of buck against them.i have learned to find joy in summer fun and peace in winter hibernation.i love the quote by William Blake, "In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy." i have felt a gratitude

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-42820462490232631272012-01-10T19:20:00.000-08:002012-01-10T22:39:24.882-08:00

i've been following adoption stories for quite sometime. my heart years for a darling Uganda baby. but, alas, we already have MANY children and i'm pretty confident that Ugandan adoption is not in our future. enter saturday morning. i awake with a clear knowledge that we need to visit the humane society as a family that day. i refuse. i feel the nagging again and i listen. i say to my dear

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-72874324418901692832012-01-10T06:31:00.000-08:002012-01-10T06:31:58.338-08:00

a few months ago, a friend of mine asked for suggestions. one of her twin daughters had been diagnosed with diabetes and had received much time and attention. she had two other children and was looking for ideas to help them feel more loved. (well, this is my interpretation of what she was asking, i could look it up but i'm too lazy this morning.) i remember, "besides mom-dates, how do you show

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-9099927620768189752012-01-09T09:24:00.000-08:002012-01-09T09:24:44.364-08:00

ready, go. 1. BEST BOOK EVER-- i LOVE the Cook's Illustrated cookbook.  It is FABULOUS.  Santa left it for Jakob, because he knew mom really wanted it.  i find myself just reading the pages.  it is a scientific cookbook (perfect for boys).  it not only gives you the recipe, it tells you WHY it has you do certain things.  It is very specific in the HOWs and WHYs.  i LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it.  really.

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-2140831316683074472012-01-06T10:48:00.000-08:002012-01-06T11:57:09.037-08:00

Laying in bed last night i was thinking about my new year's resolution and pondering life. I decided that today I would look back through my blog and re-post the links to my favorite posts. How I love remembering where I was and how far i've come. (Well, it's usually more cyclical than progressing, but I'm working on that...) NOTE-- This blog embarrasses me a little bit... when i read over it i

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-7584401623004945032012-01-05T09:05:00.000-08:002012-01-05T09:05:39.137-08:00

 have you ever gone digging for clams?  mmm?!!  the master chef... digging... cleaning... cooking... eating... just another fun afternoon on the oregon shore.

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-21099282479347311252012-01-04T06:54:00.000-08:002012-01-04T09:30:27.765-08:00

my two youngest have fevers. lily says to me, "Mom, can i touch you?" "Mom, can you put your foot down so I can sit on this side?" "Mom, can you lay by me for a minute?" "Mom, can you carry me?" When i sit near her Lily squeezes my hand and says, "I love you best mom, because you're sitting right near me." oh, sweet child of mine. Last night she woke up from bed and came upstairs crying and

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-23695585265852745502012-01-03T10:24:00.000-08:002012-01-05T11:53:22.215-08:00

from our balcony this morning. At different times in my mothering I have found individual children more difficult to love.  Are mothers allowed to admit that?  Not just children, my husband, a friend, a co-worker, an extended family member...  My natural response when i feel my heart hardening is to press forward with grit and determination.  I will love this person.  I go through the motions

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-60495734912238354492012-01-01T22:51:00.000-08:002012-01-01T23:23:06.312-08:00

:: THINKERS::  i once heard a talk radio host receive a compliment.  he responded with a comment where he said something like, "don't think that i have it all together, i am really a tormented soul who is continually mulling over the world's problems.  i am haunted by all that i see that is in disarray.  talking on the radio is a form of therapy to me."  i related to that man.  i am a thinker and

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-10242081906522555362011-12-28T18:50:00.000-08:002011-12-28T18:50:39.753-08:00

when i was growing up i was blessed to live near five of my grandparents. even though my mom's parents were divorced, we still managed to see both grandparents most holidays. my grandfather is great. in his younger days he reminded me of Ken-- the dark haired ken. today i love his gray haired pony tail and small diamond earring. grandpa taught me how to socialize in a group. he is happy and

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-88666015387315572892011-12-25T09:17:00.000-08:002011-12-25T09:17:48.533-08:00

we awoke to leah's excited exclamation-- "Lily, come look!  Santa REALLY ate the cookies!!" all is well!

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-19991105309624350882011-12-25T00:16:00.000-08:002011-12-25T09:19:47.842-08:00

The BEST thing about having seven kids is CHRISTMAS MORNING. i can't wait! Wishing you JOY on this joyous day. We have much to be grateful for!! Merry Christmas 2011! i sent this picture on my Christmas card. it's going to end up on a dumbest family picture ever blog. seriously. it was late when i pushed send.  :) May your days be merry and bright!!

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-39230958282049331312011-12-24T10:17:00.000-08:002011-12-24T10:24:09.551-08:00

visiting santa while mom cleans the house... Our stockings are hung. Our creatures are stirring. We had a fun night last night and are enjoying the quiet times with our family today. i didn't get great pictures last night... too busy welcoming and entertaining.  i sent the kids around with the camera a few times and have about 100 pictures of a white horse with a santa hat on it.  :) here's a

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-69883595573498551262011-12-23T09:32:00.000-08:002012-01-02T10:29:20.357-08:00

as i was washing dishes last night i was prompted to call my husband's aunt jill. she's darling. a very dedicated first grade teacher who has never had children of her own. this year she has struggled much with her health, she's currently battling a cold that has her on her third round of antibiotics and kept her coughing and wheezing into the phone while we talked. jill is a bubbly, happy,

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-50038015875253350352011-12-22T10:13:00.000-08:002011-12-22T10:16:49.772-08:00

the elves are hard at work. we are cooking and cleaning for our party tomorrow night (we have 10 families RSVPed)! if you have a great holiday recipe let me know. do you think it's bad if i'm just doing appetizer/treat things no main dish? i have punch and homemade egg nog and apple cider. many savory things and many sweet things... but just fill your plate goodness, not main dish goodness. our

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-70480201151594972942011-12-21T11:16:00.000-08:002011-12-21T11:23:06.842-08:00

i take moments with my children. moments where my heart is swelling and my body pulses with hope for the sweet souls in my stewardship.my heart beats with concern and dreams and awe for these individual souls i am learning to parent. i have found a joyful habit of prayer as i'm close to my little ones.it has become a sweet habit of mine.as i nurse my precious baby, i pray over her...i pray as i

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-17354931458916969132011-12-21T10:08:00.001-08:002011-12-21T10:08:53.535-08:00

I love this wiseman video... it's beautiful. http://lds.org/bible-videos/videos/the-wise-men-seek-jesus?lang=eng Can't figure out how to download it. Too much fun going on for me to download all my pictures. Merry Christmas!

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-49948983549706632012011-12-20T06:00:00.000-08:002011-12-20T06:00:01.983-08:00

there are a few things that I find out about and KNOW that i NEED THEM. this is one. my NEW FAVORITE song in the whole world!! i found it here-- thanks CTR MAMA!  I need this song to play through my house every moment of every day!! it's our THEME SONG! I've got everything that I need RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME!! Life's a happy song when there's someone right beside to sing along! {i had to play it

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-70666964312736437572011-12-19T12:17:00.000-08:002011-12-19T12:18:56.975-08:00

I'm trying this... http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/how_to_make_a_gingerbread_house-print/ I'll let you know how it turns out.

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-50532386602408963832011-12-19T08:54:00.000-08:002011-12-19T08:59:55.095-08:00

wow.we are full these days.this year i do not have everything packaged nicely ahead of time.i am a beat behind, but still in the song! we have MANY that we are trying to love this season-- in our home, in our town, and in our extended families. each gift of time i give is precious spent. it's consecrated time and consecrated money. our gifts are sent with grand prayers-- may it bring JOY. how i

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-19501790949175467602011-12-18T14:13:00.001-08:002011-12-18T14:32:11.904-08:00

my sister told me about this. made me laugh. (even though i don't think tim needs to take it down a notch- he's great.) keep in mind, it isn't church-- it is saturday night live. AND, the best part is the end!?!! it IS all true.

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-19660722680084162372011-12-15T22:06:00.001-08:002011-12-15T22:13:27.918-08:00

i listened to this talk tonight as i worked on one of my gifts of love. it was perfect. perfect. i love giving gifts. i am grateful for all i have been given. i am thankful for a Savior who gives me much. want to listen while you work? try this link... http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=821&tid=7 i'm having issues making the link work-- try clicking this link, then scroll till you see MP3

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-50410796278668649672011-12-15T15:38:00.000-08:002011-12-15T17:51:32.318-08:00

did you miss me? oh, how i enjoyed my sabatical.  :) i've had such an interesting week. for a long time i've been really happy. busy but happy. this month started out and i just got into a funk. same life, just felt heavier. things that should be joyful felt like burdens. kids that made me laugh days before caused me to cry at night thinking i had failed... not a big, horrific bout of

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-51473044609645912672011-12-14T10:54:00.000-08:002011-12-14T10:54:36.584-08:00

for some reason i'm not liking my blog these days.it's driving me crazy.and so, i'm taking a little break.till January.i might change my mind-- but for now i just need to turn off the computer and enjoy my life.i hope you all have a very merry christmas.i'm posting my new address on facebook for anyone who wants to send me a Christmas Card-- just friend me.i love Christmas cards.and, send me your

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-90528875208821861922011-12-13T09:32:00.000-08:002011-12-13T09:38:47.193-08:00

oh hello! my life is bright again. i read the BEST thoughts last Sunday on being of good cheer and unwearingness. i learned so many great things that i'm excited to share with you. then, we went yesterday to IKEA and bought us some WHITE COUCHES for my basement. it is looking so cute down there! i brought a camera with me last night as i did bedtime. oh, the beauty of my life (when i CHOOSE to

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-35358853171727681542011-12-09T08:29:00.001-08:002011-12-09T08:29:23.280-08:00

i love this. we are so blessed.

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-29071016675529301582011-12-08T22:42:00.000-08:002011-12-08T22:42:37.773-08:00

drew plays trumpet... often.  with gusto! boy.  i had a hard beginning to this week and i'm having a difficult time pulling myself out of it.90% of the heartache in my life is hurting for other people, who i love, who make choices that don't bring them happiness.it is hard.in just a few days, my life has started to blow me over.it's AMAZING what a difference a happy heart makes to a mother.

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-67134193007688147262011-12-07T10:38:00.000-08:002011-12-08T22:09:05.827-08:00

i feel sorry for pumpkins. they are a good squash, that has gotten materialized. today, so many use pumpkins just as decoration- then throw them away. (they are a symbol of Halloween and thanksgiving- not of Christmas.) i have done this for years. to me, the pumpkin is a symbol of WASTE in America. a country that has so much, we use food as decoration and then trash them by the thousands. we

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-17274816054051686302011-12-06T08:27:00.001-08:002011-12-06T08:27:18.137-08:00

love this.

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-20214730421845383042011-12-06T07:21:00.000-08:002011-12-06T07:21:29.250-08:00

this morning i read the first part of this talk to my kids. The Savior is Counting on You, by Joe J. Christensen. it was so good. thought i'd pass it on. today, i hope they are a little more kind to each other. The scriptures teach us that whenever we are abusive, thoughtless, or unkind to others, “the devil laugheth, and his angels rejoice” (3 Ne. 9:2); also, that “the heavens withdraw

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-12241996492673077692011-12-04T23:00:00.000-08:002011-12-04T23:25:55.619-08:00

i love this talk-- What Manner of Men and Women Ought Ye To Be? by Elder Lynn G. Robbins A sweet and obedient child will enroll a father or mother only in Parenting101. If you are blessed with a child who tests your patience to the nth degree, you will be enrolled in Parenting 505. Rather than wonder what you might have done wrong in the premortal life to be so deserving, you might consider the

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-70614156495567127862011-12-02T22:17:00.000-08:002011-12-02T22:17:17.412-08:00

found this here. love it.

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-6286200166525101572011-12-02T18:26:00.000-08:002011-12-02T18:26:52.943-08:00

beautiful oregon. 1.  Volunteering at school. i have a love/hate relationship with volunteering at school.  i love being in the school with my kids, getting to know the students and staff.  i don't like filing Tuesday folder papers while the teachers sit and talk together.  my time is valuable.  my time is my most sacred commodity.  Today was JUST what i love!!  I went to Ellie's class and for

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-81485347322946180922011-12-01T22:31:00.000-08:002011-12-01T22:31:47.267-08:00

2:45 pm. :: wake little girls up from naps. 3:00 pm. :: pick bigger kids up from middle school.3:30 pm. :: drew- basketball at middle school.4:00 pm. :: anna and ellie- knitting at the church.4:30 pm. :: mom, eve, lily- drop fake bread off at the Stake Center for their Creche' Exhibit.(remember last year, miss my sweet friends in Texas)5:00 pm. :: pick girls up from church... say a prayer that

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-56931775783339348412011-11-30T08:51:00.000-08:002011-12-21T10:09:35.667-08:00

my kids are always saying, "mom, i'll pray about you."followed by a sweet toddler prayer, "please bless mom that she won't be so cranky."it works.for lunch the other day, i couldn't open the juice container.leah said, "i know!  i'll say a prayer for you."a few seconds later, i popped that juice container open and leah proclaimed, "See Mom!  It worked! Jesus HEALED you again!!" i love that girl.i

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-62103705856504298142011-11-28T23:20:00.000-08:002011-11-28T23:20:39.189-08:00

we made a chain today.because our goose is getting fat!!tonight, for family night, we talked about our Christmas Elving.this year we are doing a homemade Christmas- with the kids.everyone picks one person and MAKES them a gift.i'm excited.and nervous.for the past many years, we have done dollar store gifts.we bring each kid with a list of siblings, mom, dad, and grandparents, and we let them

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-39022678389413794072011-11-27T08:15:00.000-08:002011-11-27T08:18:27.486-08:00

we had enough food for our whole town. we spent the day with the ericksons- 7 kids, grandma beth, dave and ines.the haslems- 6 kids, julia, wade and lorithe mooneys- 3 kids, chris and courtneyand bentotal eating thanksgiving dinner- 33fun times, good food, good people.then we drove out to our friends, the collyers and spent friday and saturday.12 kids under 12.they played, we played.lots of board

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-38145414946383531852011-11-27T07:00:00.000-08:002011-11-27T07:00:00.559-08:00

love this. know this. hope to remember it more. today. "lift up our eyes and truly see the things that matter most. strength comes not from frantic activity... but from paying attention to the divine things that matter most. diligently doing the things that matter most will lead us to the Savior of the world."

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-80619546978280063172011-11-26T09:47:00.000-08:002011-11-26T09:47:15.432-08:00

i saw this picture this morning in the portland temple. it made my eyes tear up. i LOVE strong joseph and wondering mary. i feel their faith and their hope. i love this season of remembering. merry christmas!

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-16632255821510930162011-11-24T08:39:00.000-08:002011-11-24T08:39:31.501-08:00

have i told you how much the professor loves johnny cash? this year, when i'm counting my blessing, i'm thanking the Lord made YOU. Can i tell you something? my greatest blessing-- ever-- is the great man i'm married to. he's the best thing that ever happened to me. every day i know God loves me because He led me to Todd. today, he's finishing up our laundry, he woke up early with my baby so

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-48069455894089255852011-11-23T10:24:00.000-08:002011-11-23T10:24:14.109-08:00

yesterday i was trying to open a container of cranberry juice and it was stuck. lily said, "i'm going to pray about you mom." leah bowed her head and prayed. when i opened the juice a few seconds later, leah exclaimed, "See mom, it worked! Jesus healed you." i am thankful for prayer and faithful toddlers. EVERY time i am down i know that joy is just a phone call away. i am so grateful for my

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-46995360353067459412011-11-22T09:02:00.000-08:002011-11-22T15:13:17.016-08:00

i just read this post... about my dear friend who has been waiting many months to adopt and after having her sweet baby for 8 days, it fell through.my heart strings ripped for her. and for all who struggle with fertility. i love this line she wrote, "If fatherhood were merit based, he would have a dozen kids." the best people i know have struggled with infertility. every day, i'm grateful for the

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-9717433878477158652011-11-21T13:51:00.000-08:002011-11-21T13:51:30.020-08:00

today, i'm thankful for my family. this weekend we sang at a memory loss assisted card facility, where my friend's mother is a resident. it touched my heart. i also talked with a few of my friends who have had their parents pass away unexpectedly. i realized just how grateful i am for my family. i'm thankful to have a mother and father who are both alive. i'm thankful for my grandfather. i'm

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-62623021291857401402011-11-19T11:47:00.000-08:002011-11-19T11:47:05.881-08:00

i believe in a modern day prophet. (like Noah) our prophets have been telling us for YEARS to BE PREPARED. --3 day "72 hour" kit that is portable. --1 year food storage. our church also is a major partner with Boy Scouts of America. All of our Young Men are Boy Scouts. I don't think this is just because we like camping. I believe it is an eternal principle-- BE PREPARED.  HAVE SKILLS.  GET WHAT

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-90637807995214981222011-11-18T11:51:00.000-08:002011-11-18T12:07:49.387-08:00

i love this kid. he's something.a big tease, very smart, very sarcastic and logical and "right"and... so funny.as much as i am on his case (telling him to BE KIND!),i hope he knows that i really, really, really think he's awesome.although, the professor thinks he says he's awesome too much... drew often sings a song "d-r-e-w-is- a-w-s-o-m"  i laughed that he wasn't even spelling awesome

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-54151944888642965832011-11-17T13:34:00.000-08:002011-11-17T13:34:40.605-08:00

it's getting cold outside...i can feel the change of the seasons in the rythem of my life.we aren't picking and canning and exploring.we are home, creating and reading.one of my favorite things i have been doing lately is putting my kids to bed at different times.the littlest girls go to bed first, and then i take some time with my middle girls, and then i take some time with my boys.while the

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-2847474287914474952011-11-16T06:42:00.000-08:002011-11-16T07:15:17.560-08:00

want to see where Ean lives?it's CHARMING. we were invited over for dinner at the end of September and, i took my camera.it was better homes and garden perfect.seriously.good folks.  good food.  and picturesque surroundings.oh, and one scary dog.not really-- she was sweet as could be.but, doesn't she look like a beast?Ean's older brother is a marine.he came home from a training weekend while we

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-7189046902992813292011-11-15T08:42:00.000-08:002011-11-16T07:16:25.051-08:00

This is me... today. Just minutes ago. (todd wanted me to crop the junk out... but, honestly, the junk around me is my FAVORITE part!) Anna was to my right- whining about socks. I have spent 9 years reassuring Anna that she can wear socks that don't feel perfect and she won't die. It is my job.  "sock soother". that child... My little-er girls were cold-- i hugged them tightly and asked, "who am

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-4350903120180133252011-11-13T09:19:00.000-08:002011-11-13T14:19:23.514-08:00

truth- grocery shopping, lunches, and meal preparation have been ruling my life. -i have seven kids who eat a lot.-i'm packing lunches every day, which i've never done before. (wow- this sure adds to my grocery list!) -i live in a small town and have to drive a long way to the grocery store. (we have NO walmart or target or costco or sams-- unless i'm willing to drive an hour.  note- people say

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-20466515097417718052011-11-12T10:00:00.000-08:002011-11-12T18:50:19.982-08:00

i hate that too...  "Mormonism is a Cult." what does that even mean anyway? it seems so juvenile to call us names.  Jesus taught love thy neighbor.  did He not? i just read this, and it is wonderful. thought i'd pass it on. enjoy... Dear Pastor Jeffress (of First Baptist Dallas), I’m just one of the millions of people who saw and heard on TV news shows your statements that “Mormonism is a

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-55163755356526790112011-11-11T07:37:00.000-08:002011-11-11T19:30:34.838-08:00

Alfred, Lord Tennyson wrote- O man, forgive thy mortal foe, Nor ever strike him blow for blow. For all the souls on earth that live, To be forgiven, must forgive. Forgive him seventy times and seven; For all the blessed souls in Heaven Are both FORGIVERS and FORGIVEN. todd and i were asked to speak to couples about "forgiveness in marriage." we were part of a small marriage seminar with two

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-63265299853862213652011-11-10T07:45:00.000-08:002011-11-10T08:03:43.369-08:00

oh, what a day. 1.  jakob told me at 5pm last night that he needed black pants for band the next day.  shopping is hard in this small town...2.  jakob told me at 7:30am that he had a concert at 8:15am... we were rushed getting everyone dressed.3.  during the concert, i took a picture and the man next to me whispered, "Did you know that your daughter just left the auditorium?"  4.  i spent a LONG

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-42186062484092984512011-11-08T16:34:00.000-08:002011-11-08T16:34:01.350-08:00

have i told you before some of my favorite parenting advice?never stop starting. sometimes, as i'm re planning my life i get discouraged and i think... shouldn't i have this figured out by now?  and the truth is-- I have had it figure out. many times. but things change and so your routines need to be re-thunk.  (yes, i know that is not a real word.) i asked the professor to stay home for the

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-17896035711065270262011-11-07T08:19:00.000-08:002011-11-07T08:21:21.103-08:00

this is me today. i'm planning. my kids are NOT on a great system. did you know that moving changes systems? chores, piano practicing, dish days, putting away laundry--- blah we are all mismatched, wishy washy. I know, it's been too long. It's hard to say, "Go put your backpack where it belongs", when you really don't have a designated spot for backpacks. Or, go practice your piano, when i

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-16018178415967858452011-11-04T08:42:00.000-07:002011-11-04T08:44:06.075-07:00

we're making many new friends here... but, we're not so good with names.one little guy came over, his name is Dunkin-- and he is SO cute.Leah said, "I know a song about you... diddle diddle DUMPkin my son john, went to bed with his trousers on."  That same kid had a little/BIG accident all over our downstairs bathroom.My bid kids love to refer to him as Dumpkin.poor guy.Then, yesterday another

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-86666444188310944482011-11-03T00:12:00.000-07:002011-11-03T00:26:16.727-07:00

at our house, we have lots of craft projects that look like trash. i love them. if i could have a cup of today, i'd drink it every morning.today was full, and busy, and fast, and slow, and... perfect. at our house, we play LOTS of peek a boo. my husband is out of town, for a week.something changes in me when he is not here.it makes me sad.  it makes me feel like i have a dysfunctional

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-68328351835794275212011-11-02T11:17:00.000-07:002011-11-03T19:53:01.923-07:00

we had a fun evening last week. We started with GOOD FRIENDS, chicken and dumplings, homemade bread, caramel apples and pumpkin muffins. then, we headed over to Fritz' Farm.to pick apples and make cider, in the dark.it was heavenly.as in, this is my dream life... that i just borrow for a few hours every now and then.Fritz' wife is an antique collector.dreamy.they live in a re-furbished farm house

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-73635828246827632422011-11-01T07:17:00.000-07:002011-11-01T07:17:22.427-07:00

 it's a bird, it's a plane... No, it's SUPERMOSS!! lily had her "superhero face" all night... see the puffed cheeks?  she makes me laugh!  jakob was a darling clark kent...  (oops, no individual pictures of SUPERDREW)  sweet ellie and anna...  this child LOVES a party... she's a perfect #7!  superbaby!! (except at night... she likes to fight the bad guys all night long.)  love her!  Here are

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-20546986194877747012011-10-31T09:40:00.000-07:002011-10-31T09:40:49.834-07:00

ok folks, these shots are hot off the press...halloween is such a fun BALANCE.not too much, but enough to have fun and make memories.this year we got it!we've had a full month... i didn't even turn my sewing machine on for these costumes... this is a live shot of my superMESSY craftroom! i had gathered some things, we had friends over last night, and when they left my older kids and i did some

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-31371487840452768642011-10-30T14:56:00.000-07:002011-10-30T14:56:33.136-07:00

"Oh, the ordinary day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me be grateful while I may, for it may not always be so. One day I shall fall upon my knees, or bury my face in the pillow, or lie among the sick, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return." Mary Jean Iron

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-68467822135504365932011-10-27T11:15:00.000-07:002011-10-27T11:26:42.984-07:00

shawni linked to this song... i cried and had to put it here for you, and my anna. everybody has a mountain to climb, there is beauty in the view... someday, with God's help, it may become a beautiful heartbreak. thanks for the reminder. ps.  i just cried reading the comments on this song... so many people, each with their own story. we all have one. one girl, just lost her husband... she said,

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-58688442094844092352011-10-27T07:43:00.000-07:002011-10-27T07:53:27.349-07:00

after our sabbath day jaunt through the woods, my kids played at home.no tv means bigger messes.this day, no tv meant the return of the BLACK NINJA.and everybody knows that the black ninjas need black eye shadow, all over their faces.(these pictures are AFTER they cleaned up- i should have taken a picture of the AFTER bathroom.)dress up and make up and pretend play is one of my favorite things

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-91948203107921338922011-10-26T09:02:00.000-07:002011-10-26T09:33:09.599-07:00

why do my kids want to make a silly face in every single picture? doesn't that quilt make you want to quilt?the colder weather is blowing through oregon and i am craving the lazy, indoor days of winter.Sweet winter... with no soccer games or football on Saturday.i LOVE seasons.how i've missed them. yesterday, we took all our kids to the dentist for cleanings... 6 cleanings.i need to do better

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-37573872574610172702011-10-25T07:41:00.000-07:002011-10-25T07:45:38.753-07:00

i love this land. i love this family. life is good.  i love this picture.  it is my life.    i love this picture.  the whole afternoon, leah was looking up... at squirrels, at leaves, at the sun.  love that!    we had to stop the car on the way home.  someone stepped in dog poopy.  P-U! Life is BEAUTIFUL. i am so grateful.

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-31759346790089815852011-10-24T09:50:00.000-07:002011-10-24T10:12:22.880-07:00

have you read boys life?they always have "books not written"  like-- Getting Rid of Stress by Don U. Worry Sweep the Floor by Dustin Cracks Addition for Dummies by Adam Up Poked by Bob E. Pinn so, i've had fun this morning thinking about blogs that i've never written. i was going to say, "Blogs I'll Never Write". But, as i started thinking the list i realized that some are blogs i hope to write

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-10622261113778096862011-10-22T15:22:00.000-07:002011-10-22T15:40:25.029-07:00

i had a conversation with my sister in law, Rebekah, this afternoon and i had an AHA moment.seriously, i hung up and wrote in my journal and then I had to blog about it because i NEVER want to forget this. Do you know, I finally realized that sometimes it is just as WRONG for me to have a clean house as it is for me to have a messy house. It is WRONG for me to be too obsessed over my home, my

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-90946617497351163272011-10-21T07:57:00.000-07:002011-10-21T18:14:06.163-07:00

how do you teach your children to LOVE one another and SERVE one another?(see Mosiah 4:14-15) i've been thinking about this a lot lately...i tend to cycle... encourage good, ignore bad, encourage better, teach good, teach better, punish bad, reward better, encourage good, punish bad, etc., etc...  different ages respond to different things. i have all ages.  :) here are some ideas i've gathered

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-65086989544024741452011-10-20T07:07:00.000-07:002011-10-20T07:07:08.722-07:00

do you have one big can of pumpkin? this is what you should make...MMMMmmmmm.use half a can for this---  i found the recipe here.Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Ingredients • 3/4 cup white sugar • 1/4 cup vegetable oil • 2 eggs • 3/4 cup canned pumpkin • 1/4 cup water • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves • 1/2

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-92152774053816803732011-10-19T07:13:00.000-07:002011-10-20T07:08:29.962-07:00

i HATE feeling taken advantage of. i am not a stay at home maid. cooking meals 3 times a day is a waste of my time. cooking, cleaning, changing dirty diapers, washing laundry again and again, no sleep, doctors appointments, my body has been transformed... this is my life. and, nobody appreciates me. what a horrible existence. i learned early on that my life would be MISERABLE if i chose to SEE

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-26857563451661655022011-10-17T22:09:00.000-07:002011-10-18T08:48:30.469-07:00

just so you know... i thinks people who say Mormons aren't Christian are dumb. you can say that "Mormons aren't Baptist." you can say that "Mormons aren't Lutheran." fine. but, you aren't the Christian judge. you don't become christian by popular vote. --you might not like us. --you might not agree that we have a prophet on the earth today. --you might not agree that when Christ was on the

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-18818229235263020832011-10-10T07:25:00.000-07:002011-10-10T07:25:29.952-07:00

have you noticed i've been CAH-RA-ZEE lately?a.  is it just because it's fall, and my kids are in many sportssoccer, soccer, soccer, cross country, cross country, football, scouts, activity days...we couldn't even find a time for piano lessons this fall?!!??!!b.  is it because i'm still moving in to a new house and i haven't figured out where everything goes?i still have no pictures on my wall

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574832774101813976.post-61900324481474185202011-10-09T08:31:00.000-07:002011-10-09T13:58:30.800-07:00

this guy had a birthday.have i told you lately how much i love him?{we like to say, in our house, up to poodle and back.}why?oh, ok... i'll tell you.38.  He's tall, and bigger than me, even when I'm pregnant and my heaviest.  love that.37.  He does dishes and he cooks better than i do.  He reloads my dishwasher.36.  He doesn't throw his clothes on the ground, ever.35.  He loves his mother and

jeniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353955201144145831noreply@blogger.com3