VanHoose Family

Some changes in our lives

2010-06-08T07:44:00.000-07:00

Well, a change is happening that I hoped I would not see. Due to economic down falls, the State of MO has cut the funding to Parents As Teachers by 60%. I will no longer be a parent educator. I still fully support the fundamentals of the Parents as Teachers program. It is a wonderful program. I have greatly grieved over this loss in my life. It has been a joy and pleasure working with and serving the families on my case load. I wish them all the best and hope that they will be able to continue with the program and continue to teach their children with the wonderful efforts that they have to this point. There are so many wonderful families in the Joplin School District. Thank you for inviting me into your home.

I have applied and interviewed for a job as a Family Education Support Specialist with Early Head Start in Joplin. I hope to receive this position and to continue to work with families.

Thank you to all my friends and family for the love and support you have given me through these changes.

Our Toilet

2010-02-09T18:48:00.000-08:00

When we first moved into our home our toilet in the full bathroom was rocking. I told Bruce about it and he said OK. He didn't tighten it. So, I tried to play handy lady and tightened the toilet. Unfortunately, I made it too tight. It cracked the toilet bowl in the back. It wasn't leaking until a child used too much toilet paper and we had to plunge it then it started leaking out the back. So we had to turn off the water. This was late Saturday night. Since we don't shop on Sunday, it was Monday early when I went to Lowe's. The toilet set we had was a $114 set. We really didn't have that kind of money to put out for a new one. I noticed they had a bowl only for $25. I asked a clerk if it would fit our tank. He said 99% of the time that they fit any toilet and since the bowl was the same brand as our original. I brought it home and Bruce had the old one taken off. When we went to put the new one on we realized we needed some hardware that hadn't come with the new bowl. I went to Wal-mart. They didn't have what I needed so I went to Ace Hardware. While I was in Wal-mart Bruce called and said I needed to find some kind of waxy stuff that was surrounding the hole where the toilet sits. When I was at Ace they showed me a set of the wax ring and hardware I needed. I took it home. We installed the new bowl. When we put our old tank on we realized quickly that we were the 1% of people that have their old tanks not match a new bowl. Our tank sat too close to the wall, we could not get the lid to go on. So, off I went again to Lowe's to get the tank that matched the bowl, $29. We installed that, but it was leaking water from where it bolted to the bowl. We bought silicone and put silicone around the bolts. That slowed the process of leaking, but didn't stop it. The next day we took the tank off again and shoved silicone with a popcicle stick into the hole and then put in the bolts. It is no longer leaking. What should have been a 1-2 hour job accumulated over a week period into several hours of work. Long story short, Bruce said, "Next time we hire someone." The joys of owning a home.

Bullies in Kindergarten

2010-02-05T06:41:00.000-08:00

Hello All. I guess I should preface this story a little. Logan got his first write up just days before Christmas break. I won't even get into why. He got another one two days after Christmas break was over. Again, won't get into that. So, when I got a phone call on Tuesday from the school principal, I let out an audible grown. He was quick to say, "No, NO, he's not in trouble." I replied, "then what happened?" He proceeded to tell me that Logan was in the bathroom. There was another Kindergartner in there who kicked Logan in the groin. He also told me that the child had been punished. He didn't tell me what the punishment was. When Logan got home and I asked him what happened he said, "I only said hi to him and then he jumped on my back and kicked me right here, pointing to his groin." He then told me, "but I didn't fight back." That night I had Parent Teacher Conference. The teacher told me that as a mother, I can rest assure that Dr. Storm took care of it and took care of it well. Because of Privacy codes she could not say more, but she said she thought Connor was a new man.

Then, Wednesday while I am trying to check out at the pharmacy, my cell phone rang. It was an excited Joy who proclaimed, "Logan got beat up at school again today." She then told me that while he was waiting for the bus to leave school, a child punched him and slapped him in the stomach. I told her I would call the school. I got a hold of Doctor Storm. He said, yes that did happen and told me he would be taking care of it when the child got back to school the next day. I expressed my concern over the rough week Logan was having and he said, yes, but Logan is making better choices. I am glad he is making better choices, but I am starting to agree with Bruce, maybe it is time for self defense classes.

I've Been Tagged!

2009-12-20T19:16:00.000-08:00

According to the rules of this tagging game, I'm now supposed to discuss five things that I am compulsive/obsessive/somewhat disturbingly over-analytical about and then award the "Fabulous Award" to a handful of other blogging friends.

1. I have to have a picture of Jesus Christ in our home. Preferably every room.
2. I like to be barefoot. If I can't be barefoot I want flip flops and if I can't wear flip flops I like open healed shoes.
3. My children are often annoyed by this, but I really don't like stuff on the floor in the living room, actually, all rooms. However, my shoes are often out in my room, but they better not be in their rooms. :)
4. I wouldn't say I am compulsive or obsessive about this, except in not liking it. My least favorite household chore is dusting. Bless Logan for volunteering this morning. He even picked stuff up and dusted underneath. He earned a chip for that.

I don't know if I can state a fifth. I worry a lot, but I don't have specifics that I obsess about. I guess I could list a few things and we can call them number 5....

I like music playing when I clean. I like church music on when getting ready for church. I prefer only church music, classical or Christmas music on Sundays. I put my pants on first, usually, when dressing. I put my right shoe on first. I like to brush my teeth early in the evening to discourage me from eating too late. I do not like carbonation, but will drink it in punch. I drink a lot of water. I am a half hearted cleaner. I prefer milk chocolate over dark, but will eat both if offered. Chocolate is chocolate.

I could rattle on some more, but I won't. Hopefully you have learned something about me you didn't know. Good night and Merry Christmas!

Our Family Christmas Letter

2009-12-18T16:46:00.001-08:00

Wow, another year has passed again. We have had a lot of changes in our lives. Two new vehicles, a new home, new schools, and all of our children in school. We have made a lot of happy memories and overcome some trials. We truley have been blessed this year. As a recap this is what has happened to our family!

Bruce was able for the first time to pick out a car that he wanted. We used some income tax return and got a good deal on a loan. He now drives a 2001 Volvo S60. It is sporty and classy at the same time. He is still working at Mikel-Brock. Unfortunately it is not as creative as he would like. He has applied for a new job. Please keep him in your prayers.

I am enjoying my second year as a Parent Educator for the Joplin school district. I am now driving a red Ford Windstar. My Chevy was rearended in March. I miss it. I enjoy sneaking out with Bruce’s car when I can. I was very busy in my spare time this year finding us a home to buy. We moved into our new home on October 24th. It is in a little town outside of Joplin. It is a nice quiet neighborhood and we can’t hear our neighbors shower. When we enrolled the children in their new schools, Bruce leaned over to me and said, “No apartment number.” It was a happy moment for us both.

Joy graduated from elementary school in May. She graduated with honors. She started middle school at East Middle school in Joplin in August. She was elected to the Student Council. Unfortunately, two weeks later we moved. We are now in the Webb City school district. The middle school there is set up a little differently. It has taken her a while to adjust, but she has now made a few friends.

Patience came in first place in the Fun Run in May for the second year in a row. She also came in first in the Boom Town Race in Joplin for children under 12. She enjoys her friends at school and has rekindled a friendship with a friend in our new ward at church. Middle school in this district starts at 5th grade, so she has moved up in the world.

Aurora read the most books in her class last year. She is reading at a much higher level than her age. She is really enjoying her new school. She continues to enjoy playing outside and playing dress up.

Logan graduated from Head Start in May. He started kindergarten in the “trailor” in August. He thought he was hot stuff to be in a trailor class room. He really likes the playground equipment at his new school. It has a fish tunnel. He sometimes has a hard time focusing in class, but for the most part is doing really well.

I hope you feel caught up with our family. We hope you are all well and happy!
Love and prayers to you all!
The VanHoose Family- 203 S Maple, Carterville, MO, 64835, 417-673-3496

We're speaking at church on Sunday. This is my talk.

2009-11-19T07:40:00.001-08:00

The scripture reference that we were given to base our talks on is Jacob 2:18-19. Which says, “But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good- to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.

As I was thinking about this scripture I was reminded of an old children’s story called King Midas.

It is about a very rich king who ruled in a magical land of roses and sunshine. King Midas was a very selfish king. All he cared about was his gold and riches. He spent every day locked in a room by himself counting his money. It was all he ever thought about.

King Midas had a beautiful daughter named Marygold. She was very different from her father. Marygold did not care much for gold, and she was not at all selfish. She worked hard to take care of her beautiful rose garden. Marygold was sorry that her father never joined her. She wished he would leave his gold and come outside to enjoy the garden.

One day Midas was counting his gold when a stranger appeared. The stranger commented on how Midas had a lot of gold. King Midas told him he could always use more. The stranger told him he had magical powers. He told the King that he could give him the power to turn all that he touched into gold. The King told him he would very much like that.

The next morning when he woke up and pulled back the curtain from around his bed, it turned to gold. He was so excited. He ran through the castle touching everything he could turning it into gold. He then went Marygold’s garden and touched a rose. It turned to gold. How delighted Marygold will be, he thought, and then he turned all the roses to gold.

Soon the king was hungry and thirsty, but everything he touched or tried to drink turned to gold. He was dizzy with hunger. Suddenly Marygold came into the room. She held a single gold rose and was crying. “Look at this poor rose,” she said. “How could this have happened?”

“I made it happen,” answered King Midas. “Don’t you like it?”

“My roses are ruined!” exclaimed Marygold. “They do not smell sweet. They do not feel like velvet. They do not make butterflies dance. They are worthless!”

Like all fathers, King Midas was very sad that his daughter was unhappy, and he wanted to make her feel better. Without thinking he rushed over to her and gave her a comforting hug. As soon as he did, Marygold turned to gold!

King Midas ran from his golden daughter. He now knew his wish had been a curse, not a blessing. He wished he could turn back time and get his beautiful daughter back. Just then the stranger returned and asked, “Aren’t you pleased with all your gold?”

King Midas told him how foolish he was and told him if he would save his daughter he could have all his gold.

The stranger told him he did not want his gold. He just wanted to teach him a lesson. He told him to get his daughter back he needed to go to the river just beyond the rose garden. He told him to dive into its waters and bring back enough water to sprinkle over all the things he had turned gold and they would return to normal.

He called his servants to gather every bucket and pail they could find and bring them to the river. Without another word he ran to the river’s edge and leaped into the cold, rushing water.

The water around the king began to turn golden yellow. He watched as the golden layer fell to the bottom of the river. Midas quickly filled the pails with water and returned to his daughter. He splashed water on her. When King Midas saw Marygold change back to her normal self, his heart filled with joy.

King Midas was very thankful to have his daughter back. Together they went outside and changed all the gold flowers back to beautiful red roses. Midas had learned that there are much more important things in life than gold. The only gold that Kings Midas cared for now was the gold of the sunshine.

What are the riches that we seek in our lives?

In the Questions and Answers section of the April 2002 Liahona the question was, Is it morally wrong to be rich in a world where so many are poor?

Liahona’s answer was....
Wealth—whether we possess it or not—is a great challenge in mortality. The Apostle Paul wrote that “the love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Tim. 6:10). Someone else once quipped that the lack of money is the root of all evil. The first statement is scripture. The second, though made in jest, also contains a kernel of truth.
King Benjamin spoke to “the poor, … all you who deny the beggar, because ye have not; I would that ye say in your hearts that: I give not because I have not, but if I had I would give. And now, if ye say this in your hearts ye remain guiltless, otherwise ye are condemned; and your condemnation is just for ye covet that which ye have not received” (Mosiah 4:24–25).
The key is to avoid coveting—the loving of money. We can love money just as much when we don’t have it as when we do. And evil comes into the world not only through those who have wealth and use it selfishly or dishonestly, but also through those who do not have it and yet covet it. Perhaps this is why the Lord has shown us glimpses of the kind of society He wishes us to achieve. In Zion, there are neither rich nor poor (see 4 Ne. 1:3).
Being wealthy is not morally wrong. The danger, as the Book of Mormon repeatedly emphasizes, is that when people become wealthy they sometimes forget the Lord and His commandments.
President Brigham Young (1801–77) said: “The worst fear that I have about [members of this Church] is that they will get rich in this country, forget God and his people, wax fat, and kick themselves out of the Church and go to hell. This people will stand mobbing, robbing, poverty, and all manner of persecution, and be true. But my greater fear for them is that they cannot stand wealth; and yet they have to be tried with riches” (quoted in Preston Nibley, Brigham Young: The Man and His Work [1936], 128).
If we are to “stand wealth,” as President Young said, we must remember why the Lord might bless us with wealth and understand both why and when we should seek it. Jacob explained, “After ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted” (Jacob 2:19).
One of the best ways to help those in need is to pray for the Lord’s guidance. The Spirit can guide us to those in need of our help—as can our bishop or branch president.
If we use wealth to bless those in need, we show the Lord that our hearts are right and He can trust us. If, on the other hand, we hoard wealth or use it for selfish purposes, we are as the wicked servant who hid his talent in the earth, and the Lord will likewise condemn us (see Matt. 25:14–30).
As the holiday season draws upon us I would encourage you to think about how you might share your riches. Our five year old taught us a very good lesson just this week. His elementary school has been gathering pennies to donate to an area organization to help families have Christmas. Last week he and Aurora took all the pennies they had and some of Daddy’s too, to school. On Tuesday, this week, he came home and said he needed five dollars for a family who don’t have Christmas. He said he wanted to take five dollars from his money jar to school. My husband and I kind of discouraged him saying they had only asked for pennies. He insisted he needed to do this. I am embarrassed to say I sent him with an envelope with the five dollars and a note that if he didn’t need that much to please send it back. The money did not come home. I am grateful for Logan’s example of generosity.

So many times the generosity of others has blessed our family. At times it has been through anonymous gifts of cash, through the sharing of clothes, the sharing of a meal, and especially the sharing of a testimony.

Alma said, Seek not after riches nor the vain things of this world; for behold, you cannot carry them with you. Within our own lives and within our families I hope we will give our attention to those things that are lasting. Gain an education so we can support and families and others. Build the relationships we have within our families and within the church. Remember what we are taught in the Doctrine and Covenants, Seek not for riches but for wisdom; and, behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich.

May we seek the guidance of the spirit in how we can serve and give to others during this Holiday season and through out our lives.

I testify that I have a hope in Christ and I have a rich life because of it.

Curtains and Pictures

2009-11-16T19:42:00.000-08:00

Hello! We have pictures and curtains hung. It is the first time in 12 years of marriage that we put up curtains. Unless, you count the homemade one I made by hand out of colorful childrens' print 8 years ago. I hung it with a cheap spring rod.

Anyway, just wanted you to know we have moved up in the world. Work is keeping me busy. That's good I guess. Gotta pay for the Dish we just committed to. :)

Joy is starting to enjoy school more. She went to the school skate party tonight. She went by herself. I was proud of her. She strengthened her friendship with a couple of girls. She's been really struggling, but was happy she went tonight.

I have been enjoying facebook. I have met back up with some people I haven't spoken to in years.

I just noticed the time. Better run. Busy day tomorrow.

Moved in

2009-11-01T19:25:00.000-08:00

Hello All! We are all moved into our new home. The children are adjusting ok. They have all said they want to go back to their old school, except Aurora. She is a very flexible child. I know with time it will get better. Joy has until Thursday in her walking boot and then she should be free of it all. She has been walking around the house with no extra support on her ankle. Trick or treating was fun. It was nice to have a neighborhood to go around. We also went to a neighborhood of large houses down the road. I know that was cheating a little. No one seemed to mind. We really live in a very friendly area. We enjoyed church in our new ward today. Logan commented while passing the water tray during sacrament, "See Mom, I can pass it just like I did at our old church." I love that about the church. No matter where we go in the world the Gospel is the same and the proceedures are the same. What a testimony builder.

We have pictures on the wall, now we work on the garage! Have a wonderful week.

UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-10-12T15:26:00.001-07:00

Wow, a lot of good and not so good things have happened since I last blogged. We never did hear from the job in Branson. We thought and prayed and decided to start house hunting again. We have a contract on a house in Carterville MO. We are suppose to close on the 23rd of this month. We are excited about that. Joy does not like to idea of moving to new schools, but I think it will be good for us all.

I titled this "ugh" because things have been so busy. Our normal routine has changed a bit the last 3 weeks. On the 19th of September Bruce was out of town. I was invited by a neighbor to go to a rodeo with the children in Diamond MO. It was sponsored by a church there. The children and I were standing in line near the entrance gate to go on up into the Rodeo. Well, a Surburban got too close to the crowd. Joy was standing with her back to it and the lady ran over the backs of her heels. She stopped when she heard Joy scream. We were yelling at her to move back. She did. There was a doctor there who felt her leg and said he didn't think it was broken. He said we could have it x-rayed, but didn't think it was necessary. She should elevate it and put ice on it. She could not bare weight on it there at the rodeo. Two men carried her to the van and put her in it. When we got home our neighbor helped me carry her up the stairs to our apartment. We put ice on it and elevated it. We were home about 30 minutes when she starting having shooting pains from her toes to her mid calf. I called a doctor friend from church and he said "Jennifer, a Surburban ran over her ankle, take her for an x-ray." I felt a little silly for not having done so earlier. So, the neighbor once again came to help me get her out of the apartment. I took her to the ER. They did an x-ray and said it wasn't broken. She still was not able to put weight on it so they splinted it and gave her crutches. The first appointment I could get with the Orthopedist they referred us too was on Thursday. When they took the splint off her ankle was blue and swollen. Lots of bruising. They did another x-ray and it was broken. She has a bright neon green cast. It currently has two holes in the heel so I have to take her this Thursday for repairs. She is suppose to get it off on the 22nd of this month. It has been a big challenge for her. I think it has left her a bit depressed. She feels like she can't do a anything. At least not the things she wants to do. Anyway, it has been an adjustment. I have seen the inside of her school a lot the last few weeks. Just 8 more days to go in the Joplin school district, for the children anyway. I will still be working as a Parent Educator for the district.

I hear the children sounding angry outside. I better go. It is dinner time anyway.

We Made It

2009-08-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

Well, we made it through our first week of school. First 3 days anyway. Everyone is enjoying it except Joy. She said there is not enough color in the building, the teachers are mean, and she doesn't want to have to take a shower during PE. She does like watching TV during lunch. It is a big adjustment for her.

Patience came home the first day claiming to be the teacher's pet. Aurora has been excited to announce each day that she hasn't had to "pull a card." Logan says he's gotten in trouble a little, but I haven't received anything from the teacher.

It has been nice and tiring at the same time going back to work after working minimally for 6 weeks. It is nice to see the children, especially a few that weren't walking the last time I saw them and now are. I take joy in their successes.

We are still waiting to hear back from a job Bruce applied for in Branson. House hunting is on hold til then. I really don't like limbo.

Hope all is well in your neck of the woods.

Broken Record

2009-08-05T06:24:00.000-07:00

It seems like I am constantly apologizing for not keeping this updated. If you want to know my thoughts more often, you can now find me on Facebook. I gave in.

As for an update, the children and I spent 3 days at my Mom's the first of the month. We went to Grant's farm with Uncle Bob and Aunt Sharon. Of course I forgot my camera. The children had fun feeding goats with a baby bottle. We also saw and fed camels and llamas. Joy and Patience spent 10 days with Grandma VanHoose. I hope Aurora and Logan will get to go for a long weekend this week. Joy and Patience are spending next week with Uncle Jesse and Aunt Becca. School starts on Bruce's b-day, Aug 19th. Logan is getting excited to be in the "trailer." The Kindergarten class is in a trailer room next to the school. Joy will be attending a brand new middle school called East. She is nervous and excited at the same time. I share her feelings. She had some bad experiences in Summer school so I am more nervous than excited for her. Bruce and I are in our second year with our employers. We are both expecting some changes from our work schedule and environment, but they should be for the good of our family. I guess that is about all in our world. Hope things are good in yours.

Sorry it has been soooooo long!

2009-06-01T12:25:00.000-07:00

Hello All! The last few months have been busy for us. Mainly for me at work. We have been busy doing Kindergarten screenings. It has been like tax season in our office.

We have not settled up with the insurance company yet. Enterprise decided to take responsibility for the accident. Joy still has not been cleared by the doctor, at least not the eye doctor. She has been seeing double. It seems to be getting better.

Logan graduated from pre-school and Joy from 5th grade. Today was the last day of school. All three girls got second place in their class rooms for most books read. The all got a medal. Joy and Patience have strait A's for this quarter and are on the A-B honor role for this year. We were also pleased with Aurora's grades. She does not get letter grades yet. Everyone is doing summer school except Patience. It starts on Thursday.

We put a bid on a house on Friday. They countered and we countered their counter, but they are asking too much for their house. Our agent thought our offer was very good. There must be something else for us.

Anyway, I guess that is about all. Take care and I will try to do better about keeping caught up.

Crash, and Crash again

2009-03-25T04:59:00.001-07:00

On Saturday I was driving down Rangeline and was waiting for the light to change. All of a sudden, crash from behind and then crash in the front. I was rear-ended by a person driving an enterprise rent a car. He claimed to have their insurance and would not tell me what his personal insurance was. He does not have their insurance and he will not answer his phone. A claims adjuster from our insurance company is trying to get in touch with him.

I had all the children with me except Patience. No one was seriously hurt. Joy was in the back of the van and took the worst hit. She hit her head on the window next to her. She also was pushed back by the seat belt. They took her off in an ambulance. She was complaining of a lot of pain and it was taking a lot of time to get cleared from the scene, so they took her away. I met up with her at the hospital. They did a CT scan and an x-ray and found nothing wrong. She and I were both really sore on Sunday. We all stayed home from church. Joy is still complaining of pain. I am taking her for a follow up visit with her doctor.

We appreciate all the thoughts and prayers we have received.

Two Ten Year Olds

2009-03-20T06:56:00.000-07:00

Just as an update...

Patience turned 10 on Sunday, the 15th. Joy is still 10 for 6 more days. Patience loves this fact. Joy, not so much. We celebrated Patience's birthday at home. Bruce made homemade pizza and we had chocolate cake. The missionaries and Bubba came for lunch.

On Monday we went to my Mom's. We went to lunch at Pondarosa and then we went and saw Mickey and Bill. She is my father's oldest sister. On Tuesday morning we went and saw Dot and Rusty. Then we went to Bob and Sharon's. We had lunch at Cici's pizza. We had a great time at the St. Louis zoo. It was sunny and 80 degrees. On Wednesday the kids helped grandma plant some fake flowers at my grandfather's grave. Then we went to Laverne and Ken's for lunch. They have a nice new screened in back porch. It will be nice for them when their children and grand children come for a visit. We stopped at the VanHoose's on the way home. Debbie is doing pretty well. JIm was out on the road. Yesterday we ran errands and hung out here. Joy and Patience each had a friend spend the night last night. It has been a pleasant spring break.

We are looking forward to Matt and Jeanne coming down for dinner on Sunday. They have to see if it works with their schedule, but it should. The missionaries will be coming too.

Bruce is going to Springfield tomorrow for World Wide Dungeons and Dragons day.

The van is getting new struts today and tomorrow I'll take it for tires and alignment.

I hope this finds everyone well and happy.

Jennifer

Out of the Tongue of my Babe

2009-03-04T04:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Logan and I had an interesting conversation. When I pick him up from pre-school he has the opportunity to pick out a sticker when he leaves. The receptionist always has some on her desk. He chose a butterfly sticker. As we were driving away from the school our conversation proceeded like this.

Logan: "Mom, do you like butterflies?"

Me: "Yes, I do."

Logan: "Does Dad like butterflies?"

Me: "Yes, I think so, why?"

Logan: "Because I want to have lots of them in the house forever."

Me: "Oh, ya?"

Logan: "Yes."

Me: "Do you think the butterflies would be happy all locked up?"

Logan: "NO, but I still like butterflies."

Me: "Did you know that when you go back to Heaven you will be able to make a world and you can put all the butterflies on it that you want?"

Logan: "I didn't know that."

Logan: "You get to Heaven in an elevator."

Me: (Silent chuckle) "Where did you learn that?"

Logan: "I don't know. (quiet for a moment) I saw it in a movie."

Me: "What movie?"

Logan: "I don't know."

Me: "I don't think that would really work."

Logan: "Yes it would."

Me: "I'm not sure."

Logan: "Yes you can."

(Quiet for a moment)

Me: "You know Logan, the only way to really get to Heaven is to die. Or, when Jesus comes again Heaven will be on the Earth."

(Quiet thinking from Logan)

Logan: "Jesus will need a big rope."

Me: "What will he need a rope for?" (can you hear the smile in my voice?)

Logan: "To pull it down."

Me: "Pull what down?"

Logan: "To pull Heaven down to earth."

Me: "So, Jesus will pull it down to earth?"

Logan: "He will throw a rope around the earth and pull it down."

Me: "Wow, that is a neat idea."

Logan: "Then he will need one of these." (I glance back to see him with his hands held near his cheeks in fist moving them up and down slowly).

Me: "What is that?"

Logan: "You know."

Me: "No I don't.'

Logan: "You know, it bounces up and down and makes a hole."

Me: "A jack hammer?"

Logan: "Yes."

Me: "What will Jesus need a jack hammer for?"

Logan: "To make a hole in the earth."

Me: "What does he need to make a hole in the earth for?"

Logan: "To put Heaven in the earth."

Me: (sigh of joy) "So, Jesus is going to put Heaven in the earth?"

Logan: "Yes. You only get to Heaven in an elevator in a movie."

Me: "That's right."

End of conversation.

I tell you what, it is so interesting what this child comes up with. He just dazzles me sometimes. I hope you have enjoyed this glimpse into my child's mind.

Time Flies

2009-02-23T18:43:00.000-08:00

So, we've been a bit busy. Between work and school activities and church activities we seem to have something almost every night. It is a good busy. We are happy and well. Well, except for a few coughs and sniffles. We've been blessed that way.

Tomorrow is Patience's Quiz bowl for her Enrichment program at the Gifted school. The children and the parents compete against each other answering trivia questions. I did it last year with her. I think Bruce will be going this time.

Thursday is the talent show at the Elem. school. All three girls are going to sing. Patience is singing a duet with a friend. Joy and Aurora are sing solos. Aurora is singing, I am a Child of God. Patience and Lily are singing Hey there Delilah. Joy is singing, Goodbye. They are excited and nervous. I look forward to it.

We bought a car for Bruce a week ago. It is a 2001 Volvo S60. He is enjoying it. We got a good deal on it. It is black with grey interior. It is a comfortable ride and still has a sporty look to it.

Saturday we're going to Springfield for Jesse's birthday. That is Bruce's youngest brother. Bruce and his brother and some other friends are going to Role Play to celebrate Jesse's birthday. My friend Jim is going to be kind enough to change the shocks and struts on my van.

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

Spelling BEE

2009-01-27T07:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday the clock kept ticking on and the girls had not shown up from the bus yet. They normally get home around 3:30. At 3:50 I got a call from Dan Wilson, Andi's dad, saying the bus was stuck. The children were with the bus driver in a woman's home on the street they were stuck on. They finally made it home around 4:50pm. Patience and Andi came running up to tell me that they had both made it into the school's spelling bee contest. They were both very excited. They will compete this Friday. The child that wins will then participate in the Joplin Globe's 31st spelling bee in March. Dan had told Andi that if she made it into the Duquesne spelling bee he would take her to dinner Friday, regardless of how she does on Friday. He has extended that invite to Patience too. Patience and Andi are taking advantage of this "snow" day to practice together. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Jennifer

Tag, I'm It.

2009-01-27T07:02:00.000-08:00

So, I was reading my friend's blog this morning and she has tagged me to pick a picture. I am suppose to pick from my fourth folder, fourth picture and tag four people. I like Whitney, am going to cheat and tag one person. Jennifer W.

Oh, here is my picture. I'm suppose to explain it. This is Aurora at the awards assembly on the last day of school, 2008. The red head next to her is Sniper. He is a highly intelligent and highly active kid. I am not sure who the other one is.

Ugh!!

2009-01-15T04:19:00.000-08:00

Make that a high of 15. It doesn't seem fair for it to be so cold and not get one good play in the snow kind of day.

Stuff with the kids

2009-01-15T04:11:00.000-08:00

Last week we got report cards. Everyone is doing pretty well. Joy has strait A's. Aurora had all satisfactory marks, but her handwriting needs improvement. That doesn't exactly surprise me when I look at my own handwriting. Patience has all A's and two B's and one D. The D came as a shock. I guess there was a paper she was to turn in before Christmas vacation and she didn't. This has been a life lesson for her. We had her complete the assignment even if she wasn't going to get points for it. Her teacher told me at the PTO meeting on Monday that she would give her partial points since it was very late. I thought that was fair.

Logan has his first school performance tonight. His class is singing Cuppycake, a snowman song, and possibly Yankee doodle. The cuppycake song is precious. You can youtube it.

It is only suppose to get in the low 20's today. I really wish I could wear sweats to work.
I guess that is enough rambling for the day.

Love to all,
Niffer

Copy Catting Again

2009-01-14T19:13:00.000-08:00

So, Whitney recently posted a list of things that people might not know about her. If you remember, I did this for Bruce a while back. I thought I would make a list for myself. This is going to take some real self analyzing. So much of who I am is about my husband and children.

1. I am the youngest of 3.
2. I have one brother and one sister.
3. I failed my driver's test the first time.
4. I have a scar from getting smacked in the head with one of those old metal swinging horses when I was 5.
5. I sang a solo at my kindergarten graduation.
6. The same day, I smashed my finger in a van door.
7. I have also smashed my middle finger in the last Cadilac my father drove.
8. My father passed away when I was 10.
9. I joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints when I was 9.
10. My favorite color is red.
11. My favorite food is strawberries, especially fresh ones.
12. I like to swim in natural bodies of water.
13. I enjoy camping and hiking.
14. I have either slept in or driven through 20 states.
15. I have been done temple work in 8 temples and I have seen 11.
16. I was 21 when I had my first child and 27 when I had my last.
17. I have a large mole near my belly button.
18. I like to suck on a cough drop when I sleep.
19. I usually start out sleeping spooned next to Bruce, but usually end up on my back or side.
20. I slept walk a few times as a child.
21. I like to eat ice cream out of the carton.
22. My favorite ice cream is Strawberry Cheesecake.
23. I learned how to swim because my sister said she would catch me off the slide, but she didn't and I swam to the side. I was 3.
24. I have bad handwriting.
25. I like to be barefoot or in flip flops.
26. Fleece is one of my favorite things to wear.
27. I prefer gold over silver, but I've been on a silver kick lately.
28. I have been wearing glasses since the 1st grade.
29. I am a multi-tasker.
30. I make good french toast.
31. I like the spring best.
32. I have 6 pairs of socks, three of which came from my dear friend Julie.
33. I have naturally curly hair.
34. I've been married 11.7 years.
35. My favorite scent is lilac.

Well, I realize some of these are pretty basic, but I am a pretty simple person. I hope you enjoyed my self analyzation.

Happy New Year

2009-01-04T20:36:00.000-08:00

We had fun on New Years Eve having the missionaries over for dinner. They stayed and played Uno Spin with us after dinner. Patience won 3 out of 5 hands. It was a lot of fun teasing each other. Around 10:00pm we put the kids to bed. Luis Pagan came over and watched a movie with Bruce. I watched a movie on my computer in the bedroom. On the 1st we were able to participate in Kyle Surick's baptism. It was a spiritual experience. Bruce gave the talk on baptism and I gave one on the Holy Ghost. Kyle shared his testimony and the spirit was strong in the air.

On Friday, Joy, Aurora, Logan and I went to Springfield. We had a nice visit with Anne Rone and her daughter. Then we went to Jack's birthday party and went to Jump Mania. The children had a fun time. After that we went and saw Beth and the boys. The boys have made a homemade motorless go-kart. The kids enjoyed riding down a hill. We ended up at Jim and Debbie's for dinner and visited for a while.

When I got home I got a phone call from one of the sister's I visit teach. She has bronchoitis and they gave her a very strong antibiotic. She was having bad side affects and she was home alone with her 9 mth old. She could not get a hold of her husband. He went to wal-mart and forgot his cell phone. I rushed over and when I got there her husband had made it back. She lives here in the complex. Bruce came over and helped give her a blessing. She said that it was the most instantaneous blessing she had ever received. I was happy I was able to help her with the baby and that we have the knowledge and blessing of the priesthood in our lives.

We are grateful for our blessings and the people that love and support us.

The Temple Two Saturdays in a Row

2008-12-29T06:19:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-23T09:26:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Stuck

2008-12-15T12:18:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-13T17:54:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-24T18:55:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-14T12:31:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-31T09:23:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-20T15:09:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-19T08:46:00.001-07:00

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

2008-07-26T11:46:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

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."

2008-07-25T21:28:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-09T12:59:00.000-07:00

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!!!!!!

2008-06-23T18:56:00.001-07:00

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

2008-06-17T19:30:00.000-07:00

I hope this works. I've never tried to post a link before. Check out www.wordle.net
I saw this on my friends blog. See if you can figure out my wordle.

title="Wordle: Anniversary"> src="http://wordle.net/thumb/Anniversary"
style="padding:4px;border:1px solid #ddd"
>

Putting off

2008-06-13T21:38:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-27T19:58:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-24T12:48:00.001-07:00

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!

2008-05-10T12:29:00.000-07:00

Add Imagelay:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_PH0Dvj-Dxiw/SCX4_qJCKhI/AAAAAAAAABg/sf5i1iz4gvw/s200/Jennifer%27s+pictures+136.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198835117396732434" />

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!

2008-05-07T18:48:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-15T07:14:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-17T12:24:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-04T11:05:00.001-08:00

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

2008-02-16T11:02:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-06T18:52:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-29T19:54:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-26T20:33:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2008-01-22T10:37:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-12T20:21:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-01-04T18:40:00.000-08:00

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

New Job

2007-12-17T19:55:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the start of my new job. I'm sure it will be quite simple and not much different than my everyday doings, but I'm still a little anxious. I haven't worked outside the home for 7 years. I am faithful that all will be well.

Logan woke up from a nap this afternoon with a fever. My friend Lori is suppose to give a sister in our ward a massage tomorrow, but she said if I need her to watch Logan so I can go to work she'll reschedule it. She is such a blessing to us. She is single so it is much easier to call on her to watch a sick or well child than it is to call on friends with children of their own. I don't want to call in on my first day. Not a very good impression.

I hope everyone had a good weekend. We went to a wedding in Willard MO. It was decorated for Christmas. It was really nice.

I better get some sleep.

Later,
Jennifer

Let it ice, Let it Ice, Let it Ice

2007-12-13T21:29:00.000-08:00

We had about an inch of ice fall in a 36 hour period starting late Sat. night and ending on Monday. Church was canceled Sunday. We haven't had school at all this week and it is closed tomorrow too. We have been part of the fortunate few who have not lost power. We say a prayer of thanks for that everyday and pray for the thousands still without power. Joplin looks like a war zone. There are so many broken trees. It is so sad. We have been blessed to help the Missionaries even more than normal this week. We had 4 missionaries here on Tues. morning to shower and fed them breakfast. Lori and I also did their laundry. I am so greatful to help in such a simple task. It has been a blessing.

I've gotten a little stressed out with all of our children home, plus extras. I am so glad that we've been able to do it in warmth.

I start my new job on the 18th. It is very part time. About 6 hours a week. It should work well with our family schedule.

Bruce needs on the computer. Gotta run.
Jennifer

A Ladies Man in the Making

2007-12-06T17:21:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we had a family outing to see the Henan Singing and Dance Troup from China. They performed for free at MSSU. It was a very enjoyable show, but what I enjoyed the most was my son. Logan is often very shy around strangers who try to talk to him and such. Well, last night he was getting a little roudy and he bumped his back so I took him out of the auditorium. It was just before the intermission, several of the female performers were out in the hall with their cameras. The main vocalist came over and put out her arms to take Logan. He went with her and her friends too several pictures of the two. She even had him kiss her on the cheek and he did it. Then 4 more girls took turns passing him around and taking pictures with him. It was so funny. I just stood there and kept chuckling.

For the second half of the show I was able to distract him when his "pretty girls" came up on the stage. What an evening.

Joy's Concert

2007-12-06T17:17:00.001-08:00

Joy had her first and last concert of the school year. She did really well. All of them did. She looked so grown up. We thought there would be a spring concert, but I've heard with schedules during that time of year it is too difficult. Joy is disappointed about that. She has really enjoyed it.

Tomorrow they go on a tour of 5 schools to perform. They also get to eat out at CI Ci's. She's very excited about getting to eat as much as she wants. I told her not to go over board or it would be hard to sing after lunch. She doesn't believe me. Oh, well.

I guess that is all on that subject.

Thanksgiving and the hectic morning after

2007-11-23T11:09:00.000-08:00

Hello. I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving. We had a nice visit with our guest. It was a lot of work, but everything turned out pretty well. We did use a new brine recipe for the Turkey and the Turkey was way too salty, but all in all it was fine. We played Monopoly and Life yesterday. Last night I did clean up while the kids watched Incredibles and Dodge Ball on and off. I went to bed at 9pm so I could get up at 4am and going catch the "worm" at Wal-mart. I got close to $120 worth in gifts, but I only spent $76. All of our shopping is done except for a movie that Joy wants that comes out Dec. 11th. Bruce and I need to shop for each other still too. Wal-mart was very busy, but most people were very polite. Have a great weekend.

Jennifer

Same old, same old

2007-11-19T19:20:00.001-08:00

Hello,
Not a whole lot going on around here. Patience is better. Joy is suffering from a cold/allergies. Logan and Aurora are also doing better. We didn't do a whole lot this last weekend. We did have family photos taken. I'll try to post them as soon as I get them. 3 families, including ours, met in a local park and took turns taking pictures of each others families. Bro. Bliss will burn it to disc, then we can print them from that. I think we got some good ones.

Joy is being recognized tomorrow at an Academic Allstars Night. It is for children who go an average or above average score on the MAP test last year. We are having Thanksgiving here this year. I think I now have everything we need.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!!!!

Sick kids again

2007-11-06T07:39:00.001-08:00

Patience and Logan are ill. Logan has a cold and low grade fever, but Patience has pneumonia. She's on an antibiotic. Hopefully she'll be back to school tomorrow. She has a field trip on Thurs, so she's really hoping to be better. Please pray for her.
Jennifer

Funny Logan

2007-11-06T07:36:00.000-08:00

On Sunday we were driving to church and Aurora said her back hurt. I asked her why and she said because of the bow on her dress. I told her we would fix it at church. Logan then said, "I have a bow." Aurora said, "No you don't." He said, "Yes I do, its' right here." He proceeded to point at his elbow. We got a kick out of that. I hope you do too.

Wu Man and Friends

2007-11-02T16:40:00.000-07:00

Last night Bruce and I had the opportunity to go see a concert for free at the college. Sister Vance babysat. It was a very fun evening. We saw some instruments that we didn't even know exsisted. We heard music from China, Africa and an American from North Carolina that played indian music and folk type music. It was all very interesting.

Our friend, Matt, came down for the evening as well.

That's about all.
Jennifer

Good News Moment

2007-10-29T19:31:00.000-07:00

Every Sunday in Relief Society we are given the opportunity to share a "good news moment." I had bad medicine head going on at church Sunday that I neglected to share my moment. So, here goes.

Jesse, Bruce's youngest brother called on Friday night. He said I need to keep Bruce from going to the World Wide Dungeons and Dragons day this coming Saturday so we could be in Spfld. at 2pm. I asked why and he said so we could be at Becca's baptism. I was shocked and thrilled. They have been together for 4 years and married for 2. She was born and raised Catholic. I have yet to hear her conversion story, but I guess she has been taking Missionary lessons since May. We are so pleased.

Aurora is continuing to improve. She still has a cough, but is getting her appetite back. She had lost 2 pounds between our last two doctor visits. I'm not sure if she has lost any more. We all went as a family to the annual Trunk or Treat and Chili cook off on Saturday. It was really fun. I also had a Stake R.S. training that morning. It was a busy day.

I've read two novels in the last 3 weeks. One I was able to finish in less than a week. It is called, "Children of the Promise," by Dean Hughes. It is about and LDS family and there struggles during World War II. It is a quick read. However, I find myself no always devoting as much time to Non-fiction as I should.

I haven't gotten as ill as Aurora, but I am having a tough time. I think it is a combination of allergies and a head and chest cold.

Anyway, two more days to Halloween. We are going trick or treating with the children at the mall. Also, Bruce and I have a date planned on Thurs. Matt may be coming down. We'll see.

Take care.
Jennifer

Aurora, an update

2007-10-26T12:54:00.000-07:00

Hello all.

Aurora is doing much better, but still home from school. I sent her yesterday and it really wore her out. Her fever is much lower. It is haning in there around 99.6-100.1. She said her ears feel better. She does still have a pretty deep cough.

I'm feeling very run down. I have a little cough, but mine is more from drainage in my throat.

Last night was Enrichment. Our meeting on budgeting and finances. It went really well. I do feel like it would be nice to have an Enrichment leader so it's not all on me. I did have the help of several sisters and so I am blessed for that. Honestly, it probably wouldn't matter how many people I have to help me, there is always the pressure of presenting a good program and having everything come together as well as you have pictured it in your mind.

Anyway, I hope this week has found you healthy and happy.

Double ears and "guncky" lungs

2007-10-22T19:46:00.000-07:00

I took Aurora back to the doctor today because her fever has persisted for 8 days. She said she has an infection in both ears and guncky lungs. I asked her if she was leaning toward pnemonia. I know I didn't spell that right and my spell check doesn't work, but I think you got the point. She said she was. She gave her Augmentin which is an antibiotic. Twice a day for a week. The fever seems to be staying down better already. I'm hopin she'll be able to go to school on Wednesday.

We are looking forward to the annual trunk or treat at church. It is this Saturday. I still am not sure what I want to go as, but it will come.

Otherwise all is well.
Jennifer

Sorry, sick kid

2007-10-19T14:40:00.000-07:00

Hello,

This week has gotten away from me. There isn't too much to tell. Aurora has been running a fairly high temp since Sunday night. Anywhere from 101 to as high as 104. Bruce and Luis gave her a priesthood blessing on Monday night, but it just has to run its course. When I took her to the doctor on Monday she said it is a viral infection which means there is really nothing they can give her. Treat the fever and push the fluids. She has remained in good spirits. For as active as she normally is she is taking it well. She has been behaving well too. I do believe we have played just about every game we own and we've read and watched movies too.

I went to parent teacher conference last night. Aurora is right where she needs to be. Patience has strait A's and Joy has all A's and one B's. We are very pleased with all of them. Logan is counting really well and showing interest in letters. I need to commit to doing more with him.

Well, I guess that is all for now.
Jennifer

Stuff

2007-10-09T06:43:00.000-07:00

Last weeks dessert in the park activity was cancelled due to storms. We went to the library instead. They showed some children's halloween movies. Our neighbor Stephanie went with us. She is expecting her first child. She's very excited.

Saturday was a crazy day for me. Lori called around 7:45am and woke me up. She was having severe dizzyness. She was on the floor and couldn't get up. I went right over. I have a key, so I let myself in. This has happened once before. She has eardrops she uses when this happens. It is normally associated with her hearing loss. I put in the eardrops, but it didn't help. Normally she can get up after the drops have been in for a few minutes. Instead of feeling better she seemed to get worse. She started vomitting. I got Bruce and Brother Vance and they gave her a priesthood blessing. They left and I stayed with her for about an hour. When I left around 10am she was feeling much better. On her feet and walking. We had called Sister Higginson during all the goings on to see if she would come and clean Lori's ears out. She is the "Herb Lady." Lori relys on her quite a bit. She said she would come over before the first session of conference.

I got a call from her around 11:30am saying Lori was in her bed and couldn't roll over without the room totally spinning. I went back over. We decided that she needed to see a doctor. We weren't sure we could get her out of the house because she was so dizzy. We started calling all the doctors we could think of in the stake. Bishop Johnson called back and said we should try to get her to urgent care. There is one just down the road. I borrowed a wheel chair from a neighbor and we managed to get her up and out of the house. Becky took her to urgent care. She was diagnosed with a sinus infection and vertigo. They gave her medicine and she is doing better now. She's just going to have to listen to her body more I guess.

We went to the church for the Sunday morning session. I really enjoyed President Eyring's talk. I don't think I spelled that right. Afterwards we went to Julie and Luis's for lunch. She made a good lasagna. We started to watch the second session, but Aurora was really cranky. We came home and she slept for an hour. Mom says we missed a good talk by Dalon H. Oaks. I look forward to reading it.

I took Joy to therapy last night. We, the therapist, Bruce and Myself, have decided to try medication. I hope it will help even her emotions so that she is easier to reason with. I think Patience is also having some depression and anxiety. Probably, anxiety more than anything.

It is my "big" shop day. I better get it done. I'm going out to lunch with some of the ladies from church to celebrate Laurie Bliss's birthday.

Have a good day.

Wow, a new month

2007-10-02T10:46:00.000-07:00

September seemed to go fast. Time usually does for me when the children are in school. We got Aurora's school picture back yesterday. She looks very cute, but they put her in front of the wrong background color. Oh, well. Business as usual around here. I've been doing a lot of crafts for pay for a friend at church. It's been fun. She is very creative and good to work with. We are suppose to go to a dessert in the park activity for Patience's gifted program. It was canceled last week because of rain. There is a 50/50 chance for rain and storms tonight too. We'll see what happens. I think I will make some cinnamon rolls just in case. I'm sure Bruce wouldn't mind having some tomorrow for breakfast if we don't get to go tonight. I better get off here. Sierra should be here soon for me to babysit.

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

I forgot, a funny story

2007-09-24T09:32:00.000-07:00

The other night Aurora was fighting going to bed. I had told her to come lay in our bed while I checked my e-mail. Sometimes she goes to sleep faster when she is not in the same room as her sisters. She had her stuffed duck with her and asked if I could sew hair on her duck in the colors of the rainbow. I told her I didn't think I could. She was quiet for a moment then she said, "Jesus sewed our hair in all different colors." She said it in all seriousness. I told her she was right and she settled down after that.

I thought it was charming.

Catching UP, Again

2007-09-24T09:25:00.000-07:00

It seems like I'm often playing catch up. Well, last week was pretty normal. Baby sitting, school, choir, etc. Aurora did miss Wednesday from school because she something viral going on in her eye. It was goopy and runny. She was given eye drops and went to school the next day. There was no school for anyone on Friday. We ran errands and played over at the Pagan's for a while. That is always fun. Julie was a sweetie and made me some blueberry muffins, just because I had mentioned a few days earlier I hadn't had any for a few months. She is a very special friend and person.

Saturday we went to Silver Dollar City with Holly, Todd and his girls. We had a really good time. They were already putting up Christmas lights for the Christmas festival. I'm really looking forward to that one.

I have to go get Patience in a little while and take her to the dentist. One of her caps fell off so we have to get it repaired.

Logan is doing really well with his potty training. No accidents in the day time for a week. He even slept in underwear last night. What a BIG boy.

There's not much else to tell. Take care.
Jennifer

Catching up

2007-09-17T17:10:00.000-07:00

Just a quick catch up. Joy's first rehearsal went well. She came home a little scratchy in the throat. There is a girl from her class at school that is also in the choir. They live here in the complex, so I am going to start taking the girls and Kerri will pick them up. It should work out well for both of us. My Mom came down on Friday afternoon and spent the night. She went to our ward building clean up on Sat. morning. I tried out a new recipe for a cheesy potato and ham soup that went over well. The missionaries were here at lunch time coordinating with Bruce, so they ate with us. It is always a pleasure to have them in our home. Oh, I forgot, we had 4 missionaries to dinner on Thurs. Elder King and Elder Smith, who served here a few months back were in the area. They are asssistants to the Mission President. It was nice to see them again. Saturday afternoon, Bruce spoke at the Priesthood leadership meeting. I read his talk. It was very well writen. He definetly had the Spirit guiding him.

Bruce and I were able to attend the adult session together. The oldest of the Bishop's three daughters babysat for us. It went well for her and we enjoyed the conference.

Matt came to the Sunday session and heard the girls and I sing in the Stake choir. We always enjoy his company.

I've got to get the girls in for scripture study and bed.

Fall

2007-09-10T19:07:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking a little the last few days which season I like the most. Honestly I like them all. I really enjoy living in an area that experiences all the changes of the seasons. However, if I had to pick a favorite it would be fall. Today the temperature has dropped significantly. Our windows are open and a good flow of air is going through the house. I like the freshness that brings. It is so relaxing. Some of the trees in the complex already have a few red leaves. I look forward to the changing of the leaves. Fall brings with it the exciting anticipation of the upcoming holiday season. I enjoy it all. I love the memories we make at area festivals and the picking out of Halloween costumes. It is all so much fun. I hope we all have a wonderful fall.

She got it!!!!!

2007-09-07T18:24:00.000-07:00

Joy came home from school today very excited. About 3 weeks ago she tried out for her music teacher at her school to be in the "All City Singers" Choir. She passed her teachers test and about 10 days ago she went in front of the choir directors and pianist. She had to sing the National Anthemn. She found out today that she made the cut. She was 1 of 3 chosen out of the 70 fourth and fifth graders at her school. We are very pleased. She has a very robust voice and with training I know she will go far with the talent she has been blessed with. She starts having rehearsals every Tues. from 3:30-5:00pm. On Dec. 4th at 7:00pm she will have a performance at MSSU. Mark your calendars, we would love for any and all able to be there to join us.

Best wishes for a great weekend.
Jennifer

Swinging in the Dark

2007-09-07T06:43:00.000-07:00

So, this morning I got up at 5:45am to go on my walk. I walked around the complex once. I was very enthrawled with the dark clouds and far off burst of lightening. I came back around to the playground. I swang for a few minutes, feeling very at peace. Then I layed down on the concrete of the basketball court and just looked up. It is rather odd to watch clouds move in the dark. Rather sureal. It was nice laying there conversing with my Heavenly Father. I am so blessed to be living here in the complex and to be safe and protected from the elements.

I know that was rather random, but I wanted to share it just the same. It was one of those "stop and smell the roses" kind of moments. I apologize for my spelling. I can't seem to get the spell check to work on this.

We were going to go to Silver Dollar City tomorrow, but there is a 60% chance of severe weather, so we are going to try again on the 22nd of the month. We are suppose to go with Holly, Todd, and the girls. We do look forward to it. The local Nature Center opens tomorrow. Maybe the weather will hold out long enough for us to participate in that. Have a wonderful weekend.
Jennifer

Fun in Springfield

2007-09-04T17:25:00.000-07:00

Hello, I hope you all had a great holiday weekend. We had some nice visits with family and friends. We went to Springfield on Sunday. We went to church at the Springfield 3rd Ward with our good friend, Matthew Towns. It was fun seeing people that I grew up with. I especially enjoyed seeing Minnie and Bill Hull. She was one of my Young Women's presidents as a youth. I also saw Stacy Laney who was also a YW Pres. I was disappointed to not see the Forsyth's, but it was still great to be there. We didn't get to visit too much with Matt though, it was church after all. Afterwards we went to Jesse and Becca's. We got to see 3 of Bruce's 4 siblings. We hadn't seen Heather since Christmas, so it was a pleasure to see her. Carl was also there from Las Vegas. He's looking into buying a house. We would love to see him move back here. Anyway, we had some authentic Mexican dishes that Jesse learned how to make while serving in Mexico City on his mission a few years back. Yesterday we went to the Pagan's for dinner and a birthday party for Lily. We had a lot of fun. Julie's family were there and the Webb's. We use to be in the same ward as the Webb's. They are now in Arkansas. It was just a very pleasant weekend. We also walked the mall yesterday and I was able to get a pair of "Croc" flip-flops for $15. That is half off the norm. I was pleased. They are turquoise. Bright, but very comfortable. Anyway, I have one child in the tub and three outside I need to get ready for bed. Take care.
Jennifer

Good Weekend

2007-08-28T19:42:00.000-07:00

Bruce and I had a very pleasant day at the Oklahoma City Temple on Saturday. It was very peaceful. We've needed that recently. I don't know if our children have been really tired, or what, but they are not using their "inside voices" like they should. It was also a wonderful surprise to see the a former Bishop, Bro. Steve Rone and his wife Sharon. They are currently serving a mission for the church in Arkansas. They will be going home to Spfld, in 6 weeks. It was so nice to see them. They have a special place in our hearts. Steve gave all of Bruce and his siblings their baby blessings. They are wonderful people.

Today has been a busy day. I went on visits this morning with Sis. Bliss, then I babysat, then Joy had auditions for the school's All City Singers choir, then I had PTO, then I had bedtime and dishes to do. Days like today can be strenuous, but also very fulfilling.

I do need to get some sleep, though. Good night all.
Jennifer

Back in School!

2007-08-20T19:07:00.000-07:00

Wow, the summer went very fast. Well, there were days that it seemed like it would never end, but now it seems odd that it is over. Aurora is loving it. When she got home the first day I asked her if she liked her teacher, Mrs. Olds. She said, "She is so Kind." I thought that was really sweet. Joy said her teacher talks too much. Patience had a really good time. They had a "snowball" fight. They wrote some things descrbing themselves on a piece of white paper. They then crumpled it and threw it at each other. When they caught one they would read it. I think Joy is going to learn more responsibility this year. Today was the first day for homework. Their were very few days when she had it last year. I think it will be pretty regular this year. They are also expected to read 20 minutes every night and practice their 25 spelling words.

Bruce turned 33 yesterday. We celebrated with his parents on Saturday. They took us all out to a steak house and bought him a Dairy Queen Ice Cream cake. It is his favorite. It was a busy day, but a really nice visit.

Logan is officially taking to potty training. Last Wed. when the girls went to school I started him in underwear. We had a few days of 3 going and 4 accidents. Then it got better from there. He had no potty accidents yesterday. I think he is afraid to do his "business" in the toilet. He keeps having those kinds of accidents. We are very excited with his progress. He's even pretty good about going on his own without being asked. He is growing up so fast. He wants to do most things for himself. He'll always be my baby, but he's no longer a baby baby. Anyway, I hope that makes sense.

I better get to studying the scriptures. That was my main reason for getting on the net tonight. I find it so helpful to search the scriptures by catagory on www.lds.org. Anyway, I hope all is well in your part of the world.

Jennifer

We won

2007-08-10T08:38:00.000-07:00

I forgot to say something in my last post. The cabin I was in won the water ballet contest. There is a story there, but I don't think I could do it justice in writing. Feel free to ask me to tell it sometime.

Girl's Camp!

2007-08-10T08:08:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone. Camp was a wonderful experience. It is different as a leader than as a youth. I got pretty worn out. The theme was, "There's no Place like Camp." It was all centered around the Wizard of Oz. We had four different classes that related the Gospel back to things that happened in the movie. For example, in the Dorothy class clips from the movie were shown and then discussed. Especially avoiding the "flying monkeys" of the world. For the Lion class we talked about people in church history and scriptural history who showed courage. On the last night, Sister Dianne Alphin from the Joplin Stake wrote a program. We followed the "yellow brick road," several long plastic yellow table clothes on the sidewalk, stopping at different charecters who talked about the Gospel, til we got to the "Emerald City" which actually was the amphitheatre where they had a slide show of pictures of all the Temples going with different versions of Somewhere Over the Rainbow playing in the back ground. Then, the "prophet of Oz," spoke on setting a goal toward going to the temple and bore his testimony. We also had a uplifting testimony meeting on Friday morning.

All in all it was a great week. I kept my pedometer on all week. I walked just under 50 miles. You would think I would have lost a lot of weight, but they fed us very well. One thing that the menu lacked was fresh fruit. I spoke to the Bishop's wife Friday morning to see if he was going home before he came out to the camp for the night program. I told her we were craving fresh fruit. She said he wasn't going home. I told her, oh well, we only have one more day. She called him at work and he brought out fresh strawberries, grapes, and oranges, all in ice water in a cooler. It was a great surprise. That was probably the best tasting orange I had ever eaten. It was fun to have him and his first counselor, Brother Tucker there for the evening. Bishop also gave a good devotional. I was so impressed all week with the girls from our ward. Everyone got along and was helpful and obedient to the rules and their leaders.

I hope I'll be able to go again, maybe when my girls are old enough.

Have a good weekend.

5 more days til school starts.

Jennifer

All set

2007-07-30T09:19:00.000-07:00

Well, I just went a bought a couple of disposable cameras for camp. I think I am all set. I'll have to pack a sack lunch in the morning. All my big stuff is on it's way to camp with the YCL's. I took Joy and Patience to Jim and Debbie's on Saturday. I was able to see my sister briefly and borrow some Wizard of Oz stuff from her. I also saw Jim and Whitney, their son and another old friend from highschool, Chris Yeager. It was nice to see them all. I hadn't seen Chris in over 2 years. He and his wife are doing well in Columbia.

I don't have a whole lot to say. I've just been busy getting ready for camp.

Aurora did say something funny on Saturday. We were on the way back from Springfield and Bruce called. He had a question about my laundery. When I got off Aurora asked who it was and what I was talking about. I told her, "Daddy had a question about the laundry. He's doing the clothes today so I can pack when we get back." She responded, "Daddy is the maid now."

I got a good chuckle out of that.

Wish me luck with camp.
Jennifer

Released and Called

2007-07-23T17:54:00.000-07:00

Well, I got a call Saturday morning asking me to meet with Bishop Mawby on Sunday morning at 8:30 before church. I went and he told me that they had prayed and felt like they had recieved confirmation for me to be in a new calling. I was released from my callings of Activities Leader and Primary Teacher. I was called as the Second Counselor in the Relief Society. I will be serving with Laurie Bliss and President and Monique Mawby as 1st Cons. I am humbled and excited. I held this position for a year five years ago. It was very difficult on my family at the time. Aurora was only a month old when I was called and I was babysitting too. I feel I learned a lot from that last experience and that it will be better this time. When school starts I still plan on getting a part-time job. The last Relief Society presidency, two of them worked full time. This time we are all stay at home mothers.

I am grateful to have the opportunity to do a better job this time around. I want to be a true support to our president. I respect her as a leader and most especially as a long time friend.

We had fun Saturday at the "Fun in the Sun" activity for primary. I actually did the slip and slide. It was about 100 feet long. It was fun, but very jarring. I am no longer 12, that's for sure. I made it all the way down and got my arms off the end. A running start and lathering up with baby shampoo.

We went and bought the start of the school supplies today. Only 23 days til' school starts. This will be odd to only have one at home. When they were in summer school I was still babysitting. What will be even more odd is if Logan get's into preschool.

I hope this finds everyone well and happy.

Take care,
Jennifer

A fun afternoon

2007-07-19T13:33:00.000-07:00

Hello All!

Bruce and I just got back from enjoying some time alone. We went and saw Harry Potter 5. It was very enjoyable. It is always a little hard for me to get past the differences between the books and the movies. Anyway, it was nice to be out.

Tomorrow is our Pioneer Celebration at church. I will be going in the morning to set up chairs. Saturday is the fun in the sun for the Primary children. Our children are looking forward to it.

I started the banner for camp, with the generous help of my friend, Laurie Bliss. She is very crafty. In fact she helps support her family by doing craft shows, especially in the fall. If you like holiday stuff, let me know and I'll get you in touch with her.

Julie and I went out last night and got some fun stuff to give to the girls at camp. I also came home with a pair of tennis shoes that were on clearance for $6.28. Yea! They will not be going to girls camp though. Hiking boots and flip flops only for me.

Well, I better dash. Julie is bringing her children over in 20 minutes for me to baby sit. I really appreciate having her to swap with.
Jennifer

Another Calling

2007-07-15T19:34:00.000-07:00

On Thursday we got a call from Brother Tucker. He spoke to Bruce first and asked him if he thought we could find childcare for all of the children for 5 days. Bruce told him he thought we could work something out. Then he asked to speak to me. Brother Tucker asked if I would go to girls camp as a leader this year. It is from July 31 to August 4th. I am very excited about it. I always enjoyed it when I was a young woman. For those of you who might not be familiar with our camp program, it is for girls ages 12-18. We have 10 girls going. I will actually be in a cabin with one other leader, two junior leaders, and 8 girls I've never met. In the past church units would cabin together. We have some units who only send 2 or 3 girls so now they are cabined by years. I will be with 2nd years. I am responsible for them. I will hike with them and do all activities with them. At night however, I will be in charge of doing a devotional with the girls from our ward.

The camp is located at the Lake of the Ozarks. It is a 3 hour drive. We will be carpooling up and back.

Joy and Patience are going to stay with Grandma VanHoose. Aurora is staying with our friend Julie and Logan is staying with the Bliss family. He's very excited. His best buddy, Max, is their 3 year old son. Bruce should be off at least 1 and possibly 2 days while I'm gone so he can get the little ones for a while.

I had a nice visit with my family on Friday. It was nice to see my Aunt Dorothy and her husband, Paul. Paul is 93 years old. He is getting quite frail. I was struck by a strong feeling when I hugged him goodbye, that it would be our last goodbye in this mortal life. It doesn't make me sad. He has had such a happy and meaningful life.

My mother and I had fun discussing our callings as Activities leaders. She is excited and a little anxious about where to go with the calling.

Our ward has a pioneer day celebration on Friday. Primary activity day is on Saturday. It is our annual water play day. The children look forward to it every year. I'll have to bring filled water balloons. They can also bring water guns, but we don't have any of those.

I better get to bed. Lori and I are walking at 7:00am tomorrow.

Good night all.

A busy week

2007-07-10T20:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Family and Friends-

Well, we had a fairly uneventful Saturday. We did have the privilege of going to a baptism. It was very nice. The children forgot to bring towels so they had to dry off with hand towels from the Relief Society Closet that were actually part of supplies for hygiene kits. I was invited to sing along with the Young Women. We sang Learn of Me. It brought back good memories of singing as a youth. The children were so happy. They are really special. When the recieved the Holy Ghost on Sunday at church you good really feel his presence. They all were given special blessings. Hanna, the youngest, who is in my Primary class is such a special girl. I know the Lord has special things in store for her.

Our talks went well. At least we had some good comments to suggest as much. I was overcome emotionally several times. I hope everyone was able to understand me. I want to share a story of something that happened to me on Friday that I shared in my talk. Part of my talk was about sacrifice and remainging faithful.

About 3 weeks ago I won a gift certificate from a radio station for calling in with the correct answer. At that time he told me I was registered to participate in the Lucky 7's game at a nearby casino. I dismissed it because we don't believe in gambling. On Friday, the DJ from the station called to remind me. I told him I probably wouldn't go because I don't gamble. He said all I have to do is pull a card from a deck. I could win either $77, $777, or $7770 dollars. Wow! I spoke to Bruce about it. We talked about the good things we could do with that kind of money for our family. Food storage, school clothes and supplies, etc. The more I thought about it I just didn't feel it was right. It is getting something for nothing. The Holy Ghost couldn't go with me there. I decided not to go. I know that the Lord will fulfill our needs. He always has. I've also decided not to call the radio station for contest anymore.

Sunday after church, we went to Springfield. We had a nice visit with Bruce's family and some good grilled food.

Today I have been busy doing laundery and packing. We leave tomorrow for Branson with the children. We'll come home Thurs. and then the children and I will leave early Fri morning to go to my Mom's. I will drop Patience off at Grandma VanHoose's on Sat. night on my way back home. Busy, Busy.

This evening I had a meeting with the members of the activities commitee from church. We have everything lined out for our Pioneer day Celebration next week and have a good start on the next 3 activities. My Mom called today to say she has also recieved the Activities Leader calling in her ward. She's a bit overwhelmed. She says she wants to ask me a lot of questions while I'm there.

I'd better get some sleep. Good night all. I hope this finds you safe in well in your part of the world.
Jennifer

Avoiding The Dishes

2007-07-06T17:26:00.000-07:00

So, I thought I would give an update for the last few days. Anything to avoid the dishes.

We had a fun 4th of July. Our friend, Matt Towns came down and spent the afternoon with us, dinner and watched the fireworks. He served in the same mission as Bruce, except he was Chinese speaking and Bruce was English. It was nice to see him. It had been over a year since we last saw him. The fireworks display was not as good as last year, but it was still fun to be out and sharing our patriotism with so many people.

Yesterday was a slow day. Shopping and working on church responsibilities. Bruce and I are both speaking on Sunday. Plus, we are teaching the second and third hours. Therefore, a talk and two lessons. It has been a busy couple of days. Oh, we had fun at Silver Dollar City. It was very hot.

Tomorrow we will be attending a baptism for 3 young people who are brothers and sisters. One boy and two girls. Hanna, the youngest at 11, is in my primary class. I'm hoping all of the class will be in attendance. I know for sure Tucker will be there because I am giving him a ride. Anyway, I am looking forward to it. I'm conducting the music and saying the opening prayer. Bruce will be leading the ceromony. Well, I better dash. Not too much of an update, but there it is.

Oh, ya, VanHoose family dinner in Springfield on Sunday.

Saluting, dining, and retiring

2007-07-02T18:11:00.000-07:00

Friday night the children and I had the opportunity to meet up with my Sister Beth, and her son Johnathan. My children were able to watch 3 flags being taken down for the night and see close to 100 people stand at attention while it was done. Then the kids had a yummy cheeseburger dinner. The adults on the other hand had a real treat. One of the parents of a new child in the cub scout troup is a chef and owns a resturaunt in down town Springfield. He made a great Greek style dish. It was thick pasta noodles with an oliveoil, rosemary, olive, tomato, onion sauce. He also served ceaser salad and bread. The best part though, was the jumbo shrimp skewers he had cooked on the grill. Oh, it was delicious.

After that we were able to witness a flag retirement ceromony. It is where a flag that is old and tattered is destroyed by fire with dignity and respect. It was really special and brought tears to my eyes and a warmth for our country. There was a young man there that is an older sibling for a scout in my Sister's troup who is doing his Eagle Scout project. He has collected over 300 flags to retire. I got him another one today when they replaced the old one here at our complex.

I've got to dash. Lori needs help with some Geneology work.

Real Quick

2007-06-29T12:29:00.000-07:00

I thought I would play catch up for the last few days. I have to leave in a few minutes to get the girls and Logan is asleep.

It has been a relatively uneventful week. Yesterday I hosted a baby shower for a lady at church. It is her second child, but first daughter. Lot's of pink stuff. Including a non-edible cake made out of diapers. It turned out really cute. I had fun making it.

Aurora was so excited today because it is her first field trip. She is going to a local air festival and gets to see Jay, Jay the Jetplane. I can't wait to pick her up and see how it went.

Tonight my Sister Beth has invited me to come see her and her youngest son, Johnathan at scout camp. I'm looking forward to it. I haven't been camping or to something like this in probably 13 years or longer. We get out and walk local trails, but that is about the extent of it. We don't get to stay overnigt.

The next few weeks will be fairly busy. On Monday I am watching one of the neighbor girls, Andi for the day. Tuesday I'm going to Silver Dollar City with my children and my friend, Lori, who is legally blind. She's never been. I hope she likes it.
Wednesday is the 4th. Bruce plans on seeing the new Transformers movie that morning and then we'll go as a family that night to see the fireworks. We've invited a friend from Spfld, but haven't heard for sure from him. Lori has never seen the local display so we may take her. On the 11th and 12th we are going to Branson and Silver Dollar City with the kids. On Friday morning, early, I'm driving up to my Mom's with the kids for a small family reunion. We'll come back on the 14th. Busy, Busy.

I've gotta dash.
Jennifer

New Numbers

2007-06-25T14:58:00.000-07:00

For the last month, little by little, the numbers on the sign for our apartment complex have been disappearing. It has been frustrating when we've tried to give directions to people because we can't give them directions by our number. Today, new numbers were put up. It was strange how excited I was to see them going up. I pointed it out to the children and everything. Isn't it interesting how numbers define us. Birthdays, IQ's, S.S. #'s, phone numbers, the list goes on and on. Just some rambling thoughts. Have a great day.

Logan Deflates over the Trashman

2007-06-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

The trashman comes regularly on Tuesday and Friday mornings here in our complex. For the last year it has become ritual for Logan when he hears the truck to run into our bedroom and look out the south window to watch the dumpster get lifted into the air and bang back down. Today was no different. Logan was sitting on my lap while I read to him. Then, all of a sudden he heard it and jumped off my lap with a grin and a "It's the trashman, Momma." He started down the hall. He was halfway down the hall when I told him to stop. I remembered that Aspen, the little girl I babysit, was asleep in our bedroom. He was obedient and stopped, but he let out a long and heavy sigh. He came back around the love seat with slumping shoulders and a sad look on his face. He walked across the livingroom to the couch and sank face first into the fluffy arm of the couch. It was hard not to laugh at him. He stayed there for a moment then layed himself out on the floor with another sigh. It was about 5 minutes before he was ready to read with me some more.

I realize you might not be able to appreciate it without having been here, but I hope you enjoyed the story just the same.

Jennifer

Disappointing

2007-06-21T07:32:00.000-07:00

Well, for those of you who might be wondering, I did not get the position with Parents as Teachers. They interviewed 14 people to fill 3 positions. I was passed by for people with more education and experience. I realize there are a lot of people with more education, I'm surprised there are people with more experience than I have. Oh, well. There must be something else out there for me. Once I find out that Logan will for sure be in pre-school this fall, I will job hunt more seriously.

For better news, Bruce and I had a great time in Branson. We went shopping on Monday and ate at a very nice resturaunt. It is called, Sullivan's. It had a jazz club atmosphere with red carpet and black table clothes. Very classy. Probably the nicest resturaunt we've ever eaten at. However, it had some tough competition with the place we had dinner at on Tuesday. Tony Z's. A very nice Italian resturaunt. Normally we spend more money on shopping when we go to Branson, but this time we treated ourselves to two very nice meals. We also had pizza and subs on two other ocassions. Tuesday at Silver Dollar City we had Succotash. It was yummy. We did get a good deal at the Onieda store on a new set of 12 stainless steel place settings for $45 dollars. Anyway, we had a lot of fun. Also, may I suggest if you ever have the opportunity to go see Darren Romeo that you take it. It was an excellent music and magic show. We are probably going to go again in July when we go for an overnight as the family.

Anyway, on with my day. Have a great one.

Washed away

2007-06-12T10:10:00.000-07:00

We have recieved heavy rain the in Joplin since Sunday night. We had a tornado warning Sunday night. Yesterday morning I got up and straitened my hair and put on a dress for my interview with Parents and Teachers. We went outside to pouring down rain. We got to the school. I pulled up in front of the building. There was a rush of water about 6 inches deep right outside the van door. The big girls were able jump out over it, but not Aurora. I got out of the van, slipped off my sandals. I went around the van and basically tossed her over the water. Needless to say by the time I got to my interview I was damp and my hair was curly, frizzy as usual. I feel like the interview went well. I made a thank you card and took it back over to Patty yesterday. She said she is doing more interviewing on Friday and I should hear from her the first of next week. I'm glad I have a cell phone since we will be out of town next week for 3 days.

We've had more heavy rain and thunder and such this morning. I was out earlier because Aurora and Logan had dentist appointments. NO CAVITIES! Visability was about a block in distance and less at times. Kinda Scary.

My friend Julie who I am growing a garden with at her home, since we are in an apartment, said her back yard looks like a pond. We hope our crops survive.

It's a busy week for us. We feed the missionaries tomorrow. I am going to try my hand at alfredo sauce from scratch. We'll see how it goes. I need to go shopping for Aurora's supplies for hehr birthday party on Saturday. I also need to get everyone packed for next week.

Take care dear ones.

"Sick" Children

2007-06-08T10:37:00.001-07:00

Yesterday morning when Patience woke up she said her stomach hurt and she was really hungery. I encouraged her to get ready for school. If she got sick at school I would come get her. Joy didn't want to get out of bed. She ended up getting upset with me. She has a great way of turning her faults back around on me. Anyway, before we made it to school she had shed several tears. I dropped the girls of with my love and headed home. I had just turned onto our street when my cell phone rang. It was Bruce. Joy had just called from school to say her stomach hurt and that she was told she could go home. I told Bruce I was going back to the school and I would take care of it.

I spoke to the principal and explained how Joy is often "sick" even when she is not "sick." I told him if she threw up or ran a fever or whatever, I would be happy to come get her. I told her the same and off she went to class.

I returned home. I got Logan ready to go to the 9:30 story time. We picked up his friend Lily, Julie and Luis's daughter. We got to the Library and got their name tags on and my phone rings again. I went outside to answer it. This time the school had called because Patience had thrown up. I went and got her. She slept for 2 hours and then she got up and ate a lot and was fine the rest of the day. Ahh, the joys of parenthood.

I don't know about any of you, but we got quite the storm last night. Sirens and everything. All 6 of us in the bathroom at midnight. What an adventure.

Jennifer

Snack Sack

2007-06-06T12:08:00.001-07:00

Yesterday when I picked up the girls from school, Aurora came out carrying a large cloth sack. it was almost as big as her. She is about 38 inches tall. The bag was about 30x24 inches. She had her arm hooked through the handles and it was up on her shoulder. She was so pleased to have the responsibility of bringing snack to her whole class today. I bought her pretzels and sandwich cookies. When we were waiting for the doors to be unlocked this morning she had to take the stuff out and show other children and adults around us.

Joy and Patience are enjoying school pretty well. Joy doens't like playing kick ball. Patience was excited because a good friend of her's from here in the complex started school yesterday in her class, Andrea, but she goes by Ande. Her father asked if I could pick her up in the afternoons and keep her until he get's here at 3:30. Patience and Ande are both excited about that.

12 more days until Bruce and I go on our trip to Branson to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary on the 17th. We are looking forward to the break together. Joy and Logan will be staying in Springfield with Jesse and Becca and Patience and Aurora are staying here with my friend Lori Dempsey.

I better get ready to get the girls. Good day all.

Jennifer

Aurora's first day in Jump Start Kindergarten

2007-06-05T07:28:00.001-07:00

In the Joplin School District they have during summer school, what is called Jump Start Kindergarten. It is summer school for children who will be in kindergarten in the fall. Even though Aurora isn't 5 yet, she is able to attend. Yesterday as we were unloading to go into the school. Joy was saying how she was scared. "This isn't our normal school, we don't even know the teachers names." Aurora very matter afactly said to her, "I will ask them." That was the end of that. She did great, at least the teachers said so. I asked her what she did. She said, "Activities." I asked her what kind of activities and she said, "I don't know." She showed me what she ate for lunch by pretending to hold a stick and taking pretend bites out of it. I said, "A Corn Dog?" She said, "yes and I ate the hot dog too." She hasn't ever liked hot dogs. It is amazing what you'll try when others are having it too or it is the only thing offered.

Yesterday after school, I took all of the children for a yearly eye exam. Joy and Aurora are both in need of glasses. Joy has what is called Convergence ineficency. The glasses will help, but he is suggesting very expensive visual therapy that her insurance doesn't cover. We are going to seek another opinion. We will be going today to get glasses, though.

Well, I better get on with my day!!!!!!

Feeling Better

2007-06-03T05:01:00.001-07:00

Hello,

Logan is feeling much better. He slept the better part of Thursday and Friday, but yesterday the fever was gone. We'll be going to church today. Yesterday, Bruce, Logan and I went out to dinner and then went hiking at Wild Cat park. It is a local Audobaun park. It was fun. Lot's of poisin ivy. We had a good shower after that, but knowing my history, I'll be breaking out soon.

Patience and Aurora had fun on Friday at the St. Louis Zoo. When I spoke to them on the phone that night, Aurora told me about the baby elephant with a mohach. My mother told me about a story Aurora made up. She has a 17 year old boyfriend that was going to come stay at our house for 10 sleep overs. My mom told her she thought her father would have something to say about that. At which point Aurora informed her it was pretend. Yikes, what is in store for me.

I'd better get ready for church. Have a great day.

VanHoose Family Update

2007-06-01T09:19:00.001-07:00

Hello Family and friends!!!!

I would like to start keeping you updated through this "blog." There is one drawback. We do not have a way to put pictures on here. I hope you will still enjoy this.

Last Saturday, May 26th, Bruce's parents took the kids to the VanHoose family reunion. We stayed here is Joplin because Bruce was in charge of a baptism at church. It is part of his church calling as the Ward Mission Leader. I conducted the music for it. It was a very nice morning.

Afterwards we went and saw Pirates of the Caribean 3 with another couple friend of ours, Julie and Luis Pagan. We had fun. Bruce got on to me for drinking up our Pink Lemonade.:) It was a late celebration for my Birthday on the 25th. Bruce had to work all day on the 25th.

Bruce's parents took Joy home with them for the week. My Mom came and got Patience and Aurora yesterday. They'll all come home on Sunday evening. Mom will stay they night and go back on Monday.

Logan is not feeling well. I took him to Urgent Care last night because he had a high fever, 103.3, and complained of a sore throat and stomach ache. He has slept 16 hours of the last 25 hours. They said it is just a viral thing.

I'm looking forward to a Stake Relief Society Enrichment meeting for Women tomorrow morning at church. This weekend is also a large local 4 states festival. We hope to attend on Saturday if Logan is feeling better and if the rain hold off.

For those of you who don't know, I have a resume in with the Joplin School District to work part-time as a Parent Educator with Parents as Teachers. They should start interviewing next week. The woman doing the interviewing is out of the office until Monday. I hope to hear from her soon. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

Bruce is working hard as usual. He enjoys designing and using his creativity. He also takes each of the children on an indiviual date each month. Sometimes it's just walking the mall or going to the park, but they enjoy that alone time with Daddy.

Well, I better wrap this up. I do have a few pictures that I will post a friend recently took for me. Hopefully our daily routine will not be too boring. My children often say the darndest things. As that happens I'll let you know and I'm sure it will bring a smile.

Take Care-Jennifer

2007-06-01T07:41:00.000-07:00