The Temple Two Saturdays in a Row

Hello Everyone. I hope you are all doing well and had a fantastic Christmas. I wanted to share with you a couple of spiritual experiences Bruce and I had recently.

In Nov. of 2007 Becca, Jesse's wife, was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. On Dec. 20th she went to the Temple to take out her Endowments. Following that their family was sealed for Time and all Eternity. We traveled to St. Louis to witness the occasion. During the sealing the mothers sit by their children. Becca's parents are not members of the church so they were not there. She asked me to sit by her as her mother. I was shocked and honored. As Jesse and Becca knelt across from each other Becca glowed with the spirit. Then when they brought in their two year old and 7 mth old the spirit in the room grew even stronger. The boys looked like angels in their white clothes. The whole time the sealer was talking Elijah did not take his eyes off of him. I don't know how much he understood, but it was as if you could tell that he recognized the importance of what was happening. We are so happy for all of them.

On the 21st Bruce came out of early meetings at church and asked if we had any plans on the 27th and if it would be ok for him to go with the youth to the temple. We didn't have anything on the calendar so I said sure. After church I came up on a conversation that Julie and Bruce were having. Julie is my best friend and the Young Women's president. She was having difficulty finding a sister to go with the girls. She is 8 mths pregnant and isn't able to make the trip herself. I told her if she would keep some of our children I would go. She kept Aurora and Logan and Joy and Patience spent the night with friends from school.

I had never had the opportunity to go with the youth before. Bruce has gone several times and has commented on how reverent the youth act when in the temple. It was a choice experience for me. I was able to stay in the font area the whole time. I directed traffic you can say. One of the counselors to the Temple President and the Baptistery director both spoke to us and told us that if we opened our hearts and our minds to the spirit we would be able to feel the joy of those being baptized. I truly did. Especially when the name listed was only a last name, it was like the person was saying, thank you for finding me, thanking for doing this even though you don't have my full name. I am so glad I was able to be there. It was something I will never forget.

As we go into this new year I hope we all find Joy in the Journey.

My Four Eleves

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Stuck

You are probably all familiar with the movie, A Christmas Story. Well, last night we had some ice and sleet. There was no school today. Our three girls decided to go outside for a while. After about 15 minutes, Aurora came running in with blood running down her chin. I thought she had bit her tongue, but no. She had tried for herself the classic scene from A Christmas Story.



She had stuck her tongue to the basketball post. She lost a bit of skin off the end of her tongue and it bled for an hour. Patience also did it, but did not loose very much skin. Kids sure do the darndest things.

I imagine that her taste buds will be a little off for a few days, but no worse for the wear.

I hope this finds everyone doing well.

Jennifer

An Update

Hello Everyone,

My work is going well. I am enjoying my visits with the families. It is exciting to see children achieve. Bruce has been a bit concerned with his work. They layed off two people. It is a blessing that it wasn't him. We have been looking for a house, but feel a bit concerned that maybe we should wait a while to see what happens with his work. We are praying about it.

The children are doing well. Everyone is in good health and enjoying school.

This last weekend we went to my Mom's and celebrated her 70th birthday. We had a good turn out. I made a video presentation with pictures from mom's life and quotes she likes.

We have had some sad news from our dear friends, Matt and Jeanne. Jeanne went into early labor and had a still born Sunday morning. We are so sad for them. They are such wonderful people. We pray for their peace.

School News

We received mid quarter reports last week and Joy and Patience both have all A's. We are very pleased. Aurora is settling in much better now. She missed so much in the beginning, so it took her a little while to catch on to the classroom procedures in 1st grade. She seems to be liking it. Logan enjoyed his field trip. I was able to go too. It was a lot of fun to see the children react to so many fish. They were also able to feed them. There is a little 3 year old in his classroom who is as cute as can be. She is very quiet. I have never heard her speak. She was a little afraid of feeding the fish, so I held her and tossed out food in the tanks and it made the fish jump out of the water. She really enjoyed that. It was Logan's first time on a school bus. We had a lot of fun singing songs.

Joy and Patience both received strong marks on their "MAP" test scores. There is a ceremony next week through the school district to recognize all the children's efforts.

I will stop with that tonight. Time to watch Small-ville.

A Hodge Podge of Stuff

First of all, Aurora is doing much better. She went to school all this week.

On Friday I got a phone call from a D.J. at a local radio station saying I had a "little bird" submit my name as one of the busiest women in the Four States. I received a pretty basket with flowers, $40 to a restaurant, movie tickets, and $25 to a ladies boutique. I do love my little bird, Julie. However, I feel that she works just as hard.

Aurora just informed me that she is going to chew on the same piece of gum "all the way to January." "That's a lot." We watched Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on Monday.

The other day I was walking through T.J Maxx with Aurora and Logan. We passed the lingerie department. He slowed so I turned around. He was holding a very full cupped black bra and looking at it said, "Look Mommy, it's a booby thingy." I tried unsuccessfully to suppress a laugh and told him, while looking around to see who had heard him, "Yes it is. Please put it back." What a funny boy. I think he heard the word, booby from one of his 3 sisters.

On Monday, he asked Bruce what his bumpy things were on his side. Bruce explained that those were his ribs and they go all the way around the back. On Tues. Logan and I had dinner a lone and he asked why we need our bumpy things. I told him that they protect our lungs and other internal organs. He then wanted to know if we would have our ribs when we die. I told him yes. He asked why. I told him because Heavenly Father made us that way. He again asked why, and I told him because he knows best. He seemed content with that answer, but continued to insist that we don't need our bumpy things. Oh, he's too cute I tell you.

Yesterday the girls and I went to a Bridal Shower in Springfield. I saw a lot of moms of the people that I had grown up with. They were there supporting the groom's mother. Aurora is going to be their flower girl. She is so excited. She's been growing out her hair for the occasion. Ruth, the bride, told her she can have her hair done with the other ladies. I think she is feeling very grown up.

I'm enjoying my new job. I enjoy working with the families. It has been an adjustment to be away from home so much. Logan likes preschool and is doing well there. He gets to go on his first field trip on Thursday to the fish hatchery in Neosho MO. He's very excited. Bruce is now working from 7:30am to 5:30pm T-Fri. It is nice to have a day together without the children. I try to avoid working that day if I can.

I have one more funny story. Yesterday when we were traveling to Springfield, the girls were listening to Miley Cyrus. There was a song that had the word, "hate" in it. I told them I didn't like it and I fast forwarded it. We've been having a hard time with Aurora saying she "hates" things and sometimes it is me. So, I didn't want her to listen to a song about it. Later, when Joy was talking to Bonnie on my cell phone, she told her how i wouldn't let her listen to it. She said, "My Mom is so last year." What a turkey. I asked for my phone back. :)

I guess that is all. Do take care everyone. I hope you have a happy week!

I guess that is about all. I hope this finds everyone doing well.

A Long Couple of Weeks

On Thursday the 21st, Aurora woke up with a 102 temp. I took her to urgent care and they said she was very ill and I should take her to the ER. I did so and that night around 7pm she went to surgery for her appendix. It was gangrenous, but did not look like it had ruptured. She came home on Saturday. We all went to church on Sunday. She didn't have much of an appetite. She went to school on Tues, Wed, and Thursday. Wednesday night she complained of pain and was weaker than when she left for school. Thursday she didn't want to go to school, but I encouraged her. She went, but that night she wouldn't eat and went to sleep very early. Friday morning we had a follow up appointment with Dr. Dodson, the surgeon. He was a little concerned that she had a low grade temp and no appetite. He said to watch her and see if her temp got higher. By 4pm she was at 100.8. Then after she had a short nap she woke up with 102 temp. I brought her to the ER and they admitted her. They did a CT scan and found an abscess. Yesterday they drained it. She is on a lot of IV antibiotics. They hope that she'll go home tomorrow, late, but it will probably be Tuesday. We have had a lot of prayers and support from family and friends. It is wonderful. I know that Heavenly Father has blessed her. She has been so strong through all of this.

Thanks to all of the prayers and positive thoughts.

3rd Day-Sick Day

Wouldn't you know it, our third day and Aurora is home sick. I had to go pick her up yesterday at 2:15 because she had vomited. At the same time that I was walking into the school to get her I got a call from Logan's school that he was crying hard about his throat hurting. Needless to say, they were both home with me today. I have three home visits tomorrow, so I'm praying they'll be well for school. Otherwise I will have to sweet talk on Julie to watch them while I work. I was going to say, "the joys of parenthood," but, it is a joy. I wouldn't trade them for anything.

Time does fly

Hello Everyone. I hope you all had a great summer.

School started yesterday. All of the children seem to like their teachers.

Logan has his tonsils and annoids out on the 13th, so he is a little cranky and sore still, but he was so excited about school.

I spent some time in the office yesterday reviewing the files in my case load and preparing for home visits this week. I really don't have a lot of time to write, but wanted everyone to know that we are alive and well.

I'll be in touch again soon.
Jennifer

An Amendment

So, I have to apologize to my husband. I must have been really tired last night when I made the list about him. He does like Chinese and Italian food, but his all time favorite is Mexican!

Sorry, my love.

Things you may not know!

Yesterday, I reviewed my friend, Whitney's blog. It was my old friend and her husband, Jim's birthday. She did something neat. She wrote 32 things that the reader may not know about Jim. I told Bruce about it. He doesn't think I can come up with 32 things. We'll see.....

1-He is the oldest of 5.
2-He was born in Springfield Mo.
3-He went to Central High School, before it was renovated.
4-He is an big fan of televised wrestling.
5-When he was a kid, his best friend Daniel, had a wrestling wring in the back yard that they wrestled in.
6-He really likes horror movies, especially the old ones.
7-He also likes martial art movies.
8-Jet Li is his favorite action actor.
9-He really enjoys stories about mythical creatures, like vampires.
10-He has been a collector of comic books since he was a child.
11-His favorite comic book character is Wolverine. (Well, if you know our sons name, then you might have known that one.)
12- He prefers fruit for dessert instead of ice cream or just about any dessert.
13- He also prefers Chocolate Chip Cookies over cake.
14- He wears contacts.
15-He enjoys reading sci-fi novels.
16-He collects neck ties, and would like to be a collector of suits, if they weren't so costly.
17- He wouldn't mind a job where he had to wear a shirt and tie.
18- He rolls his clothes when he packs for a trip.
19-He sleeps on the left side of the bed, and come to think of it he usually sits on my left in the movie theater too.
20- "Good" Chinese and Italian foods are his favorites.
21-He played basketball in junior high.
22-He worked at the Ozark Empire fair when he was a teen-ager.
23- He can throw pizza dough in the air and catch it without dropping it.
24- He is a great cook, especially at creating his own dishes.
25-He strives to take his children on individual dates each month.
26-Bruce likes to buy nice gifts for me, especially perfume, even though I would take the cheap stuff just as easily. (Secretly, I like the nice stuff too and for him to be so generous to me even though it isn't necessary.)
27-He believes "that if you are not 15 minutes early, then you are late."
28- Is afraid of spiders. I am the official spider killer in our home.
30-Served a Mission for our church in Arcadia California.
31- Has never been to the ocean.
32- Falls a sleep best by having me scratch his head and run my fingers through his hair.
33- Loves a good, long, foot rub.
34- Has a strong testimony of our church and his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Wow, I could probably go on, but I'll stop.

I hope you know my dear husband and father of our children a little more now.

Good Night!

Another, "I got it."

Or should I say, "He got it." Back in May Bruce had applied at the company, Mikel Broch. We never heard from them, until this week. He was offered a position at a $1.10 more an hour than the Big Nickel. Since he won't have the differential that he has had at the Big Nickel, he will be making about the same, but he will have a much better schedule. M-F, 8am-5pm. We are very happy about this. He starts on August 6th.

My training went well. It was a lot of information, but I am really excited about getting started.

Next week, Bruce is on vacation. He and I are going away together Tues-Thurs. We will be in Springfield and Branson. We are looking forward to this time to unwind together before so many changes start happening.

Only 23 days until school starts. It has gone fast.

I hope you all have been enjoying your summer.

Take care- Jennifer

Busy Busy

Hello Everyone! I hope you had a great 4th of July. Jesse and Becca and their two sons came down from Springfield. Bubba was here too. We had a good time. That night, Bruce and I took the children to Landreth Park for the fire works. I got bit on the neck by something as we were walking back to our car. It was big whatever it was. It stung really bad. It left a brown mark and it is still healing. I didn't have an allergic reaction, thank goodness.

I've been working 3 days a week and working out on Fridays. The girls have been participating in a summer fitness program. They swim, do yoga, play gym games, and have free play in the gymnastics room. They are having fun with it, but I think it gets a bit redundant for them too.

On Monday I will begin my training to be a Parent Educator for PAT. Joy and Logan will spend the week with my mother. Aurora will be with Debbie and Jesse and Becca will have Patience. I will stay with them at night too.

It sounds like I will feel overwhelmed with information. Please pray for me.

We are going to get the van from the shop today. I had to have some work done on the transmission.

My in laws just showed up. Better go.
Jennifer

I Got It!!!!!!

I could just hop right into what I got, but I'll tell the whole story.

I've had my application in for the last 2 months for a possible position with Parents as Teachers. It kind of went back and forth on whether or not Patty would be able to hire another person or not. Bruce has been looking for jobs in and out of Joplin. I saw Patty, the director of PAT, on Thursday morning. I told her maybe she should pull my application from the running because Bruce could get a job out of Joplin. She said, "That's funny, because I was going to call you later and offer you the position." I was shocked. She said, "would you like to pretend like we didn't have this conversation and I'll call you on Monday?" I said yes. We agreed I should talk it over with Bruce and pray about it. We both agreed I should take it. So, I did. I am very excited. I will be in Springfield from July 14-18th for training. I'll probably stay with my Brother-in-law and his family.

I just wanted to share the good news. I know there are many of you that have prayed for me and kept good thoughts for me to get this position. I really appreciate it.

Love to all,
Jennifer

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Putting off

Well, I've been putting off updating our blog because it has been so long. Let's see, where to begin.

So I really need to add the Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer to my favorite books list. I have read the current 3 twice. Bruce got them for me for mothers day/birthday. The fourth book is on order from my mother to come in August.

The company Bruce interviewed with in Webb City hired someone else. He never heard from them personally, we heard it through the grape vine. He applied online today with Orielly in Springfield. I am fine with change. I'll go where ever the Lord wants us. Change is harder for Bruce. I do think there would be a lot of happy people in Springfield if we moved back. I have to say though, if we do leave Joplin, I have a gut feeling we would never return to live. Who knows?

School let out on the 29th of May. Joy and Patience both received medals for reading (AR points). All three girls had good report cards.

We were very happy to receive Aurora's test results from the Gifted Program. She was accepted and will be going in the fall. Joy is a bit sad about not getting in. We have been pointing out her positives. My mother sent her a card and told her not to be jealous of her sisters. Honestly, I know that jealousy is not a healthy thing to do, but if I were in her shoes, I would probably have a personal pitty party. (a short one any way).

There was a baptism on May 31st. It was for a sister by the name of Yolanda. It was a very spiritually uplifting ceremony. I gave the talk on baptism. I was happy to have the opportunity to participate. I am her visiting teacher. We had hoped to have her help with the food last night at Enrichment, but she was ill. I spoke to her today and she is feeling much better. That please me. The power of the priesthood can be a miraculous thing.

The three girls have been going to summer school. Not because they need it, but mainly because I was working. I have changed my work location to the South Y. There is more for children there. Joy and Patience are at that middle stage where they are too big for the nursery, but not big enough to use the equipment. However, during the summer at south there is "swim gym." The children are looking forward to that.

I'm dozing off. I better close for now.

Pink Eye and Stomach Flu

So, on Sunday, my official Birthday, Aurora woke me at 7am because her eyes were matted. I took her to urgent care and she was diagnosed with "pink eye." We got her prescription and came home. After Joy ate her breakfast, she threw up. So, needless to say, I stayed home from church. Bruce took Logan and Patience.

Joy was fine by dinner time. Aurora is looking better too. She went to school today.

Yesterday, Matt and Jeanne came down for a short visit. It seems their visits usually have to be short, but we are always so glad to have them.

Jesse and Becca had their second child yesterday at 1:45pm. Jeridan- 7 lbs 11 oz and 21 inches. We are so happy for them. Bruce is a proud uncle. He sure loves his little brother. We hope to go see them Thursday when the kids get out of school if Bruce is off.

I guess that sums up the last few days.

Jennifer

Fun Lunch and Movie

Today Bruce and went out for the first time without children, in several months. It was so nice. We went and saw the new Indiana Jones movie. We also went to a restaurant named Chatters. It was yummy. My stomach is aching from it, but it was yummy. Lori watched the children for us. She is such a good friend and support. The movie was action packed with some funny lines too.

Not a whole lot going on with the family. 2 1/2 days left of school.
Have a great weekend!

Bragging Rights!

Hello Everyone! Patience one first place out of 65 3rd grade girls in the fun run this morning. She ran 1/2 mile in 3 minutes and 15 seconds. Aurora also ran very hard. She came in 16th out of about 45 girls. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Logan says some funny things!

On Tuesday at work there was a 6 mth old. I was sticking my tongue out at her to see if she would mimic me. Logan looked at me and said, "Mommy, that is not nice. You might make her sad and have to go to time out." Wow, the child does hear me some times.

Last night Bruce had a conversation with Logan that went something like this.

Bruce asked, "What do you want to do tomorrow? Daddy doesn't have to work."

Logan: "Go out to eat."
Bruce: "Why?"
Logan: "Because I'm hungry."
Bruce: "If you are hungry now you should eat now."
Logan: "Hungry tomorrow."

The child loves to go out to eat.



Off of the subject of Logan, Bruce had a job interview today. He feels it went pretty well. He said it would be about the same base pay as the Big Nickel, but with bonuses and better benefits. It would be less creative, but better hours. He has questions he would like to have answered if the offer him the job before he accepts it. He said his interviewer was in a hurry because he was headed out of town. Please be thinking and praying for him.

I also have an application with to be a part-time Parent Educator with Parents as Teachers.

Our thoughts and prayers are with our family and friends always.
Jennifer

So behind

Hello Everyone! My apologies for not updating in so long.

Nothing extraordinary has happened lately. We've just being doing the same ol' stuff. We did go out of town for Spring Break. We took all the children and went to Eureka Springs Arkansas. It was rather cold and rainy. Logan, Aurora, and I all came back ill. We did have a nice morning our second day there. We went to a place called Blue Springs. There is a natural spring there who's water is a a blue green color. It was very relaxing walking the trails and breathing the fresh air. Bruce said it was just what he had been needing. The springs are also a place where people on the trail of tears would stop to rejuvenate themselves. Bruce's Dad told him that he had ancestors on the Trail of Tears. That was really neat to know.

Eureka Springs is a very romantic town, but not the best for families.

Joy turned ten on April 1st. She had two friends spend the night. They had a good time. Logan's Birthday is tomorrow. It's hard to believe my baby will be 4.

I had a Brunch for my friend Julie last Thursday. It was well attended. She's 29 now.

Lori is back from her cruise. She had a good time. We played dice last night.

Bruce has 4 resumes out. Please pray for him.

Take care.
The VanHoose's

Wedding and Aurora says something funny, again

Hello Everyone!

We had a wonderful weekend. Bruce and Aurora were not able to go with us to Mom's and for Matt and Jeanne's wedding. Aurora woke up Friday with a high fever. Bruce stayed home with her. She still has a runny nose, but is feeling better.

The sealing ceremony at the temple was very special. They are so happy and we are so happy for them. The reception was fairly small and intimate. It was beautiful. It was a long 30 hours of driving and such, but I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Thank you Bruce for taking care of Aurora.

So, funny story.

Bruce told me this when I got back. He was making dinner for he and Aurora on Sat. night. He heard her make a noise and he said, "Aurora, you farted." She said, "No I didn't, I ...(paused to think) I, you know, farted in my mouth." She was searching for the word "burp." I laughed heartily when Bruce told me. She however, said to him, "You said you wouldn't tell."

Kids. :)

Way Behind

Hello Everyone! I apologize. I am way behind on keeping up with our blog. We have had a lot of illness and snow days over the last 3 weeks. Between snow days and holidays, the kids went 3 weeks without going a full week to school. Plus, Patience missed 3 days with the flu and Aurora missed 4 with a viral infection. Bruce missed 3 days of work with the flu. That is absolutely unheard of for him. I've never seen him that ill before. It was very sad for me to watch. He still has a pretty bad cough. Joy had an ear infection, but didn't miss any school over it. Logan and I, despite being around kids with colds at the YMCA and our sick people at home, managed to stay well. Thank goodness. I'm well, but I haven't had a good kiss from my husband in over 2 weeks because he's afraid to make me ill.

Everything else is going well. I'm having a Pampered Chef party on Saturday. I'm looking forward to it. I better run.
Jennifer

Exciting News

This morning two of our favorite people stopped by to announce their engagement. They will be getting married in exactly one month. We are so happy for Matt and Jeanne. We haven't had too many opportunities to be around her, but what we know from our short encounters is that she is very spiritual and outgoing. Matt, too is very humble and spiritual, but not quite as outgoing. We think they are a wonderful combination. We wish them, "good courage."

There isn't too much new to talk about in our family. Logan's surgery went well. I need to take him in for a follow up to be sure his gums are healing well.

Joy was tested for the gifted program, but at this time doesn't not meet the minimum requirements for placement. Aurora will be tested soon. She is starting to recognize a lot more words and is reading more. We now fall within the guidelines for income for Head Start. Before we were over, but they raised the amount you can make and still participate. I plan on going to get his birth certificate next week so I can get him on the waiting list. It is a long list for this school year. It will probably be fall before he would go, but it would be exciting for him to have that opportunity. I know both Joy and Patience really benefited from it.

I guess that is about all. Bruce and Patience are out on their date. The other children are behaving well together.

Take care EVERYONE!
Jennifer

A Quick Update

Hello Everyone,

Just a little update.

Tomorrow is Logan's oral surgery. Please keep him in your prayers. Tomorrow, Patience has her "Quiz Bowl." It is an "are you smarter than a third grader" kind of game. I will be competing against her. It should be fun. Joy and Aurora have had colds and coughs, but haven't missed school over it.

Our friend Matt Towns stopped by for a brief visit today. It is always nice to see him and hear about the special things happening in his life.

We are planning a family trip to Eureka Springs over spring break. A two night stay. Logan is really looking forward to the scenic train ride we plan on going on.

I hope this finds everyone well and happy.
Jennifer

Good bye, Dear President

Sunday night around 9:45p.m. I received a text message from Carl VanHoose telling us that President Gordon B. Hinckley, the President of our church had died at 7:00p.m. MST.

It came as a shock to both Bruce and I. President Hinckley was 97 years old. Although he was becoming feeble, and it our heart of hearts, we knew the time was not far off that we would hear such news, it was none the less upsetting.

We never had the opportunity to personally meet him. I can testify that I know he was a prophet of God, just as Moses and Noah were in days of old. I am so grateful for modern day revelation. I know that under the direction of Heavenly Father and the Savior, through the promptings of the Holy Ghost, another Prophet and President will be selected and He will continue to lead this church in the direction of righteousness.

I know that President Hinckley must be overjoyed at being reunited with his wife and loved ones who have gone before.

I conclude by saying thank you Dear President for your example and leadership. I only pray that I can live up to it.

Another disappointment

Well, I didn't get the job with Parents as Teachers. I really thought I had it this time. I was led to believe so until Patty interviewed one last person and chose her instead. I guess it isn't meant for our family right now. We're doing pretty well. We just really have a goal to get off of government assistance. It may have to wait until the fall of 09 when Logan starts school. I hope not.

Logan and Aurora are having tummy issues tonight and Joy is coughing. I think I'll be staying home from church tomorrow, but if not, I better get some sleep.

Jennifer

Cavities-EEEEEK!!!

Yesterday I took all four children to the dentist. I received a good report on all three girls, but Logan, not so much.

He has beginning cavities on 6 teeth. Therefore, he will be having his first surgery. On Feb. 7th, we have to be at the hospital at 6am. They will put caps on his molars and fill two of his front teeth. It will be a long morning. We will be there a minimum of 4 hours. Poor Daddy will have to get the girls off to the bus. Thursday's he usually gets to sleep in, poor Daddy.

Patience had a similar surgery when she was a month shy of 3. All three of the girls have had their tonsils out. I am sure this will go smoothly for Logan, but any time your told your child is going to be "put under," it is a little nerve wracking.

Please keep him in your thoughts.

PAT is trying to decide if they have to interview me again or not. It has only been 6 months since my last interview. Patty said that she would be asking me the same questions, and wasn't sure it was necessary to interview me again or not. Interviews will be taking place this Wed and Fri. Hopefully by this time next week, I'll know if I'll be a parent educator or not.

I need to get on to other things.

Take care all,
Jennifer

Good Grades

OK-So I am going to be a shameless mother for a moment and brag on my children. Please forgive my moment of pride.

Grade cards came home this week for 2nd Quarter. Joy and Patience both have strait A's. Aurora is meeting or exceeding expectations in her studies. Logan and Aurora are both close to reaching the goals that have been set for them from their speech therapist. We are very pleased.

Today I worked in the morning and then I caught up with Bruce, Joy and Patience and some other people who were working in a group to help with the debris clean up from our ice storm. There is still a lot of yards that need to be done. It was nice to put a smile on the face of an older, single, lady.

Parents as Teachers is hiring again. My Parent Educator, Ms. Elizabeth is moving to Texas at the end of the month and they want to fill her position in the next 3 weeks. I'm going to update my resume this week end, or it would be more realistic to say Bruce is going to do it for me. Graphic designer that he is.

Well, there's not much else to say. My eyelids are getting heavy.. Have a great weekend!

Jennifer

Wow, a New Year!

Hello Everyone! I hope you enjoyed the holidays. I apologize for not keeping up better on my post.

My first day at work went well. It has been nice being around adults more and for the children to interact with others. Especially for Logan.

We went to my Mom's for Christmas. It was a quick up on Christmas Eve night and a quick back the following afternoon. We had a nice visit with Mom, Grand-ma and Bob and Sharon. Mom really enjoyed the "treasure box" I had made her. It had pictures of our family members as well as my siblings and Beth's children.

I forgot, we went to Silver Dollar City on the 22nd of Dec. It was a lot of fun. We had 17 people in our group of family members and friends, including the Pagan's and Matt Towns with his friend Jeanne. The children really enjoyed it.

Bruce made a neat observation while on the train ride. In the beginning of the ride you are singing carols together and you see light displays of commercialized Christmas items, Santa, presents, reindeer, etc. Then, when you get to the middle of the ride there is an old man there that tells the story of Christ birth from the book of Luke. Then you go back around past the commercial stuff again. His observation was how Christ truly is the center of Christmas. I appreciate so much when he shares special thoughts like that with us.

On the 29th we went to Springfield and had Christmas with the VanHoose's. Both of Bruce's brothers were there and one of his sisters. We had a fun time playing a white elephant gift exchange game with the adults.

Our friend Matt came by to see us too and gave us a bread dipping kit. It was yummy. I especially like the Rosemary and Garlic herbs in the olive oil. He's a very dear person to our family.

Before we went home we also stopped by to see Bruce's oldest and dearest childhood friends, Daniel. It's always nice to see him.

On New Years Day we had the missionaries and the Pagan's over for lunch and grazing at a finger food table all afternoon. We had fun playing games together.

The children go back to school on Monday. It has been a fun couple of weeks, but as it is winding down I think they are ready for some space from each other.

I hope all is well in your part of the world.

Jennifer