my new do

Had to post a pic of my new do! I've never actually had my hair this short....ever...But I loooove it!

New favorites

Curious George the movie is now one of our kids most favorite movies and I truly don't mind it so much either :) The songs are amazing and I've found a love for Jack Johnsons music. Incredible! Enjoy the music video (it's just a taste)!

oh noes

I am truly having a thought block at the moment on what to blog about. I've been sitting here for over 30 minutes just thinking.."hmm I could blog on this...oh hey or this..." But nothing is really striking me at the moment to really truly blog about. My power source went out on my computer (at least I'm assuming its the power source) but that won't be figured out until Jake can actually get around to peeking inside the computer over there. Which means...no pictures to personally blog about or post just for fun. *growl* SO instead you get to hear about what's going on in our lives without the fun pictures! I know. Sad.
Summer has been a complete blast. We've had the blow up pool filled nearly all season and the kids go out at least once a day. To say the least they are each getting a very nice tan while I sit all white and marshmallowy in the shade. We have had friends over for bbq's and sleepovers and enjoyed every minute of it.
Work seems to be going well for Jake and looking forward and hoping for promotions to actually get him on a set schedule. I never really realized how much of a schedule person I was until his work schedule has been all out of whack and completely erratic. It makes me crazy. Dinner could be at 5 one night and then the next its at 8. Makes it really hard to schedule the time for him to spend time with kids or to figure out what time to schedule school.
And here comes the writing block again. I've said what I had to say I suppose *grin* But at least theres a new update!

Veggie Tales: the whole story

Now I don't know about you guys but our family absolutely LOVES veggie tales. We are hardcore fans and have always enjoyed every video. A lot of our Sundays are spent in front of the TV getting easy lessons from their many different videos and I might even go as far as saying that we are collectors. I don't know if anyone else has heard the news but it's been out and about for a while now. They were taking any references to God out of any new shows being put out. The sad news is it's true.

For a very complete story on how Veggie Tales got to the inconceivable point of trying to remove all references to God and/or the Bible from the show to be aired on NBC, check out Phil Vischer’s blog. He takes you all the way from the founding of the company in 1990 to bankruptcy due to lawsuit and then to where we are today.

But alas is it "Deja Vu all over again". Find out for yourself right here! The Deja Vu.

I'm hoping that they can bring back all the glory. Started out as a great idea and carried as far as it could go under the circumstances and now that it's back to the original owners you can only hope and pray that they get it where they had always hoped themselves it would be. A ministry to those that need it. *highfive Phil Vischer*

Well, now..that I have completely confused myself ...and probably everyone else...I must be off haha (gee I really hope that my info is right)

"Imagine your favorite musical...great story, gorgeous sets, wonderful songs...then chop everyone's arms and legs off. That's Veggie Tales."--Bob the Tomato

This video is from my favorite Veggie Tales movie. The Easter Carol.

The (belated) Birthday girls

I Know I am so late on doing this. I meant to do it long ago and I keep letting things distract me or I am just plain and simple too lazy. So here goes :)





My oh my I know I say this so much but time flies! AHH!


I rememer when I was pregnant with my Becca boo how I craved Taco bell. That is actually what I ate the night we went into the hospital. I remember we waited for so long but she came right on time even if I had hoped that she would come sooner. My first words to you after she was born were, "Finally you're here. I have waited too long to see your sweet face". I was so excited to have a baby girl and get her all dressed up in those cute little dresses and the ruffle bottomed diaper covers. I thought they were adorable. We had such a rough time picking a name for her. I swore up and down that I would never use bible names for my kids but just couldn't help but feel that Rebecca was absolute. A perfect fit. Her name would have been Timothy if she was a boy. I'm sure that's exactly what she wants to know for future reference. We lived with Jakes brother David and his family to make ends meet. We were so blessed to have family there to help us through a rough time. Aunt Julie helped us so much, teaching me about the little girly stuff. I honestly had no clue that KY jelly would be the hair gel to make the baby bows stick. Becca is such a spunky little gal. She's got an attitude on her but boy oh boy she can be the sweetest thing ever. This was Becca's first year of school and she did a mighty fine job learning to read and do math and all that jazz! She loves to learn and read. Becca tends to come across as shy sometimes but makes friends so easily. One of the sweetest things that she does is when she is feeling sad or is upset at something beyond her control is she says, "I wish Jesus would come". We try to instill the gospel in our childrens lives and it makes me happy to hear that when things upset her she turns to Jesus in her own way.


Rebecca you make us so happy! Your happiness is our happiness. You have always been such a good helper for mommy and daddy and it is more appreciated than you can imagine. I hope that someday you will be such a great mommy. You too help me understand who I am and what kind of a person that I need to be. Your willingness to listen and obey is amazing. Thank you for being you sweetheart! We love you!





Now on to my Hallie bear :) I know I can tell you are all so excited!

I remember when I found out I was pregnant with her. The news came after a rather rough night with Rebecca. All she wanted to do was nurse and I finally figured there just wasn't any milk left in me. I couldn't figure out why my milk seemed to just be gone all of a sudden. The next morning I woke up puking...well it wasn't the flu. It was Hallie! My little spitfire. How else can I explain this one lol. She has more attitude on her than Becca does which I didn't even believe possible. She does the whole, hands on hip and glares at you like she's saying "bring it foo!". Hallie is my little snuggle bug. So sensitive to go along with that attitude that balances perfectly. I am so amazed at how all of my children have such different attributes and how they are like black and white with how to handle them. I can be more stern with Hallie than I can Rebecca. She is also a great big helper to me. Very determined. We had such a hard time choosing a name for her. We threw the name Ember around for abit but anyone I told kind of made a face at that name so we ended up with Hallie Korrinne. People still call her Hailey...Sounds a lot a like right? pffft.

Dear little Hallie Bear,

You are so much fun! An absolute joy to be around and you are so humorous. Such a sweet little soul to go with that attitude. I love it that you still hold my hand and I don't have to beg you to do so. I enjoy the snuggle time that we get watching movies. It kills me to see you struggle with wanting to do some things on your own but you just aren't big enough yet and how your heart breaks when you can't get it when you see your other siblings able to do those things already. I will be so lonely when you go to school next year but I will be so happy to see that you are learning those same things that you yearn to do like your big brother and sister. You scare me sometimes with your dare-devil tactics and I can't help but cringe when you insist on climbing as high as you can. I won't stop you hun. I know you have the will power to get to the top of whatever you want. You can be whatever you want to! If you aim for high and fall you can bet I will be there to help pick you back up sweetheart. Mommy and Daddy love you so much.

6 degrees of randomness

1. Link this post to the person who tagged you: http://coryandkaylynn.blogspot.com/
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. List 6 random things about yourself.
4. Tag 6 people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

~My second toe is longer than my big toe
~I love opera
~I worry about what people think about me way too much
~I like to eat chips with my ice cream
~When I found out that a female donkey was called a Jenny I didn't want people to call me Jenny anymore...
~I fail at telling jokes so badly that I have Jake tell them for me

hmm six people...Heidi, Andy, (do i have six friends to even tag >.>) ,Des, Tawny, (two more to go) Amy, Coleen

so stinkin cute

The joys of being a parent ahhh..I thought this was the silliest thing. He climbs up on the counter while I am not looking and as you can see he is very excited about it. Can you blame him? He found himself some soda pop that was up for grabs...and crackers and chips WOWZER! You can forget all about the sippy cup. Lol At least he plopped himself near the center of the counter instead of next to the edge to make my heart skip a beat!

The Magical World of Warcraft

Some of you may or may not know by now that I am a fan of this game called World of Warcraft. I am addicted and like to think that I am somewhat good at it. I first began playing this game because my brother (kudos to him) suggested that my husband purchase the game. Well, we did but much to my husbands dismay I would play his character while he was at work and then when he got home I did not want to log off to let him play! This resulted in two accounts and two computers! Anyway, my whole reason for this post is show the world and everyone in it what a nerd I actually am. I collect pets in the game. Lookit my cute lil pengu awwww he's so adorable.

Anyway, Off I go to my magical place :) Happy Hunting!
Sincerely,

Barrie, Lvl 80 Holy Priest
Favorite WoW Quote : " I have such...fascinating things to show you"

Firsts

Well this was a first for me. Waking up to the phone ringing...no that wasnt the first...but the information the person had for me. It was my dad. He says.."Jen, now who did you get mad at you? What did you do?" I was flabberghasted at this question and then asked what he meant by asking me that! He then said "well, look out your window dear". So I crawl out of bed and squinting into the sunshine look out the window on Thanksgiving morning to find our very first TOILETPAPER JOB! You heard it. We got Toilet Papered. I found it rather hillarious. Jake was not so pleased to say the least. I think they could've done a lot worse. What do you think?

Can you believe it!?

So today is the day. Chandler is now officially 8 years old today and nearly a man (well, almost). If you ask me, time flies by way too fast. It seems that it was just a week ago that I was holding him for the first time in my arms and couldn't be a happier parent. Chandler has been one of the greatest blessings in my life. He has brought me joy and happiness, confusion and clarity. On top of making me a better person all in all he has grown to be such a great person and makes me feel that I have done the best by what he has become so far. He is so brilliant, his schoolwork never slacks and almost seems too easy for him. His classmates adore him. He is incredibly helpful to them and his younger siblings. His brotherly love is astounding and I can only hope that he continues to grow and be such a fantastic example for his fellow beings.

Chandler you have brought so much sunshine into our lives. You are a wonderful son! I honestly can't believe how amazing you are. I continue to watch you grow and it only makes me wonder more about God and how great He is for giving you to us. It almost seems impossible with how much you have taught me, that I think you are teaching me more, rather than the other way around. I hope you realize how much I love you. I can only emphasize what a great blessing you are to me. You honestly made me grow up. You helped me realize that motherhood is so important and I couldn't ask for anything better than that. I am so blessed to have you in my life and I thank God every day for how smart you are and how fun and loving you are. I look forward to watching you grow and learn more. Thank you for being you!

On a lighter note and not so gushy here are some things about Chandler that I am sure everyone needs to know!

~Chandler likes to read and he does so very well even though Recess is his favorite part of the school day.

~Chandler likes to play baseball

~His favorite food for dinner is Shepherds pie, Mexican lasagna, Chicken and Rice and Cottage Cheese and Pears

~Favorite color is Red

~Favorite show on T.V. is Fetch! with Ruff Ruffman

~He aspires to be a master builder someday, at least that was what it was this morning ;)

~His favorite superhero is Spiderman!

~Free time is spent on the computer playing an assortment of games or playing on the PS2 with his father.

t-t-t-taday juniah

Well today was certainly a rather busy day. Lastnight I started sorting through one of our many closets that we have just been throwing clothes in that the kids have grown out of. There ended up being 8 boxes of clothes that we didn't need at all. I began to call around the ward and asking if there were people that needed new baby clothes or other baby items. There was a baby swing, infant carseat, bouncy chair, and a busy chair (for lack of the real word)and a bassinette.

We honestly don't plan on making anymore babies anytime soon. I know I know why should we stop when we make them so beautiful right? If we ever have more it will be after we can get on our feet completely. After we have finished school and once we can get into another house to settle permanently.

Anyway, I called around and found two moms that could take some of this stuff off my hands and I now only have 3 boxes of clothes left to give away a baby swing and the bassinette. On top of cleaning out the closet (somewhat, I am still hoping to get rid of more!) I really felt like I was able to help someone that needed it and would appreciate it. As of late I haven't felt like I have been doing enough and this certainly perked up my day. Who ever said getting rid of your old things was a sad thing?! Not me that's for sure!

For Your Information

Hello all,
Figured we would put an update up of what seems to be going on around here and hoping for a bit more of a brainstorm. So if anyone has any ideas please feel free let me know what you are thinking.
As far as we have planned we figure that if I can get a job at University of Phoenix we will go there because it would be better for me to get my schooling done and out of the way and just rent something in the meantime. Hoping that a job there will help with tuition fees.Other thoughts (still somewhat in the thinking process) are selling the house and finding a job in the Salt Lake or surrounding areas and renting there. We thought about trying to be apartment managers if we could, then that way if we had not sold the house we still would only be making one housing payment instead of two.We are currently in the process of looking for work up in the Salt Lake area and putting in applications. So if you see any houses for cheap rent, Let us know! or if there are any places that would need us for management since Jen stays home most of the time she would be able to handle that during the day while I am at work and school.I do plan to go back to school and finish my degree in Computer Science and currently only have my associates. That's all we have been able to come up with so far, that I can think of at the moment anyway. Love you all! Thank you for the prayers and the thoughts, they all count.

Photo editing fun

When I found myself some spare time (usually between the hours of 9 pm and 12pm) I tend to play with photos on my computer. I really love editing some of these. Although I am not the best at it I find it as a bit of release and just a splurge of creativity and a piece of my mind and what I think looks beautiful. Recently I have been playing with keeping some part of the photo in color and then turning the rest black and white or sepia (it was one of the first forum posts I came across with a tutorial on how to do it hehe). So I just had to try it and this is what I came up with. Photo courtesy of the most wonderful family members evar! *wink*

Stolen Tag

I also enjoy doing tags and quizzes. It helps pass the time when I am alone and don't feel much up to doing chores (yuck!) Feel free to do this one yourself. I had fun ^^

1 minute ago

I was chatting on MSN with a close friend

1 day ago

I was searching for a movie to watch while waiting for Jake to come home from work

1 week ago

I was painting my bedroom

1 month ago

I was planning what Halloween costumes my kids would be wearing

3 yrs ago

I was buying a house

5 yrs ago

I was extremely happy that my husband had a wonderful job

7 years ago

I was learning how to be a mother and beginning to understand how much you can love someone so much and completely amazed (and still am) at how intelligent God made us.

10 years ago

I was training horses and teaching little kids how to ride them living in New Harmony.

Thanksgiving is all sorts of made up

I realize there is some kind of historical context for Thanksgiving, but I view it as a made-up holiday that just invites stress into our lives. Don't get me wrong--I love the food, the football, the days off. However, I don't attach any great emotional significance to it.

Christmas and Easter are the big ones for us; one that has faith traditions to share with our children and a meaning much larger than being thankful for family and the like.

However, people seem to get stressed to such an absurd level over this day. And the shopping orgy the next day is just sickening. Like the stores won't have great deals all throughout the season. A holiday about giving thanks has turned into the prelude to the grossest display of materialism on earth.

You may all commence with frantic cooking and cleaning and mapping out a shopping strategy if that is your thing. Or not. I'm of the not variety; avoiding hosting for as long as possible.

Shave & a haircut; two bits

So you saw Preston's hair..It's WILD! So long and he has already had his hair cut once before. On Sunday at church I swear at laest 10 people commented on how long his hair was already getting and he's only 13 months old! So Jake took Preston on a little trip to Grandma Williams house to get a little bit of that mop tamed on that noggin of his.

Before & After

Can you believe how grown up he looks? With just a haircut. My lil baby is growin up and stuff. *sadface*

Halloween Day

Well, I finally got my pictures all uploaded and onto my computer to show off my darling children and the fun day we had on Halloween!. The elementary school had a parade of the kids in thier costumes and I wish I would've made it there sooner to be able to take pictures and post some of my favorite ones. I'm sure you can imagine just how adorable all the children were.

After the parade we went over to Grandma & Grandpa Williams house to play in the leaves and visit with family. You can see a picture of Isaiah helping Hallie blow the leaves into a pile. That was a kodak moment to remember. Isaiah was so willing to help her and to teach her how to work the machine. Jakes sisters were down visiting and it was the perfect opportunity to spend time with the family that we may just be seeing more of if we end up moving to Arizona.

Chandler was incredibly excited to see his most favorite cousin Isaiah who ended up getting to have a candy filled sleepover!

Here's some pictures of our costumes this year. The cheapest year ever! Preston was a Lion *rawr*

Miss Hallie was a Pirate *Yaaaaargh*

Becca Boo was a MUMMY *creeeeeper* She was so proud of her costume she picked it out herself.

Cousin Isaiah was Darth Vader *dundundun*

And my Chandler Man was a baseball player *batter up*

We went to a trunk or treat on Halloween evening at our church and they had a chili and breadstick cookoff with a side of pumpkin carving. So the kids all got to trunk or treat with full tummies. They made out like bandits and still had a wonderful time! Grandma even one the "Golden Spoon" award for the best chili that night. YAY GRANDMA!!!

Thankful Tuesday

I think sometimes we all get so caught up in our day to day lives that we forget to thank God for all that he has done for us. The bible states that we should pray continually and in all circumstances give thanks and be joyful no matter what is happening.

I find that a lot of the time it is rough to do this. How can you possibly be joyful when you have so many things going on, so many things to bring you down. How are you going to pay the bills without the income? How are you supposed to be thankful for that? What do we thank God for when there doesn't seem to be positive going on around you?

It is so important to look for the positive in our lives. The messy house that you have that proves you have active children that have imaginations and are too busy enjoying life to clean up. Thank God for that! Friends that pray for you, a family that loves you and salvation through Jesus Christ and his atonement. Praise God that we have these things and and so many more to thank him for.

Here is my Thankful Tuesday list:

1. My messy house

2. My children and husband. They are truly the most important thing to me here on this earth.

3. I get to stay home with my kids

4. I have a Heavenly Father that I can put my trust in. He will not fail me!

5. I have food in my cupboards to feed my family, where so many don't.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

get your own!

You can get your very own family sticker maker! I found a link to make one of these on another blog. Such fun! Get your own Family Sticker Maker.

Not just a mom

I came across this story quite a few years back and I like to read it from time to time.

- Not "Just a Mom"- By Author Unknown

A woman named Emily renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk's office was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

"What I mean is," explained the recorder, "do you have a job, or are you just a...

"Of course I have a job," snapped Emily. "I'm a mother."

"We don't list 'mother' as an occupation... 'housewife' covers it," said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar." "What is your occupation?" she probed.

What made me say it, I do not know... The words simply popped out. "I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations."

The clerk paused, ballpoint pen frozen in midair, and looked up as though she had not heard right.

I repeated the title slowly, emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?"

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't), in the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (the whole darned family), and already have four credits, (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants - ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby), in the child-development program, testing out a new vocal pattern.

I felt triumphant! I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another mother."

Motherhood...What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door.

Does this make grandmothers "Senior Research Associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations" and great grandmothers "Executive Senior Research Associates"? I think so!!! I also think it makes Aunts "Associate Research Assistants".