Inspired!

Windows of Heaven by Emily McPhie

This is morning I was reading my sister in law, Amy's blog and felt inspired! I was reading the Ensign the other day and enjoying the paintings depicted. Paintings can be testimonies of our beliefs! Certain paintings have moved my soul and given me such divine inspiration in my life. I have always loved art and know that God has given certain people the gifted hand!

I was touched by many of these artist's renditions of different gospel principles, scriptures references and so forth.

The above painting "Windows of Heaven" by Emily McPhie is so beautiful and serene of how most mothers feel about their children. So, to my sister in law who is such a good mom and who loves her kids with all her heart. Our children our gifts from our Heavenly Father.

Emily McPhie said about the painting-- "Looking at my little girl took my breath away and brought tears to my eyes. It was as if the windows of heaven opened through her eyes and poured out love and light."

Love and light that is what each child has within them because they are from our maker. It is up to us to foster this love and light and keep it burning within them.

J

Unexpected Surprise!

Today was a busy day from the start, but a productive day! Right at the beginning of the day I had a meeting with the best girls ever (those I serve with), then off to volunteering at the kids school (which was very nice and I am glad to do it when I can--by the way 'a big thanks to Kim for watching Benji for me so I could do it), then pick the kids up from school and head home for awhile. As soon as we get home, I get a call from Mason's (my nephew) school-- he needed to get picked up from school, but his parents were working so I was happy to go get him and help out.

Here comes the surprise! I then put the kids in the car and off we go to get Mason. When I walk into the nurses office, Mason greets me with a warm --"Hello, Aunt Jen good to see you (smiling from ear to ear)"--- It was so sweet and I realized how wonderful it is that he knows me so well and is comfortable with me enough to come with me and be happy about it! I am proud to be Mason's aunt!

Another surprise! The kids get to play with each other all afternoon... Mason told me he has been thinking how nice it would be to come over sometime and play with Tyler and Abby and so today happen to be the day by accident!:)

J

Carrots have magic Powers!

Sitting down to have lunch.

What's on the Menu: PB&J sandwhiches with carrots and ranch. Gotta love it.

Well, Ty doesn't like carrots all that much-- he basically doesn't like any veggies--except for green beans of all varieties(which is good). So, I told him that he needed to at least eat one of his carrots(doesn't like ranch either)--go figure?! So, he is chomping away and I explain to him that carrots have special ingredients that keep our eyes healthy and make them stronger among other things?





Meanwhile, Abby's little head is turning and thinking this over..





Then, she begins to tell me that..... "Well, mom (looking at my glasses), it looks like you need to eat more carrots."





I laughed and told her that was probably true!





-J

A day a Nana's and Papa's!

So,

My little ones love love love their Nana and Papa. They get so excited knowing they are going to their house. Nana's house is full of fun toys, a pool(their favorite this time of year), swings, love, ice cream, play time, and movies! Now we have most of these things at our house, but what we don't have is Nana and Papa! They are what makes the cake per se!

As soon as we got to their house, they stripped down put their bathing suits on and jumped into the pool and played for hours. I admit, I was having fun playing in the pool--we played sharks and boats! They have become such good swimmers and now they are using their 'imaginations' while swimming! Nana was in the pool too playing along with us! They loved every minute of it.

As it turned into evening, the girls went to get a bite to eat and that left Papa to rule over the kiddos! Well, when we got home, Abby was beside herself because she didn't want to go home. I think she was a little tired too, but she was having so much fun even after 8 hours of non stop fun!

This morning, I was asking them what they did with Papa. Well, they both couldn't stop talking about it. It was nice to have my dad have one and one time with them. It was definately special. They watched a movie, had 'ice cream cones(something that the grandkids and big kids have at the Hill house--tradition) and played hide and seek.

I know that kids can be tiring, but I appreciate the time they take with my kids!

So, thanks mom and dad! You are forming lasting relationships with them!

J

Embarrassing Moment! Or a reality Check?

ok,

So, I normally don't post so much in five days, but I felt I should answer Jodie (my brother-in-law) call to an embarrassing moment!

This happened recently-- like yesterday! So, I was subbing 2nd graders. Bless their souls, they are so honest! I normally wouldn't feel so comfortable in posting this, but I admit I have let my 'body' go in some places especially after having three babies and two of them were between 8.5 and 9 pounds--I am 5ft 2in and short waisted so having those babies did a number on me.. Ok, I know what you are thinking--excuses! I agree, they are excuses but now I am trying to do something about it! That is for another post.

Back to the story.

little 2nd grade girl says '' Mrs. J"

I say "yes"

little 2nd grade girls asks "Are you going to have a baby?"

I say "No, but I've had three already."

Gotta Love Their Honesty! I dream of a flat stomach---Now I've got to stop drinking Soda--Oh yes-- I have!!! Yeah!!! :) Maybe my dream will come true someday! Or at least a semi-flat stomach-hee.hee... There is before and after baby stomachs---That is just the reality of life, people!!! The sacrifice--totally worth it--most of the time!!! hee... hee...;)

-J

Totally Wiped Out---!

Ok,

So, my previous post about subbing is still all true. Just wanted to add that I had a crazy bunch today! 2nd graders--more boys and than girls--what does this equal---high energy!

I still think kids are good by nature, of course, BUT they wore me out so therefore now I am pooped and ready for a nap at 5pm! Well, can't do that because now I have to do homework with my kids, dinner and family night! It goes on when you are the mom, doesn't it! At least, I work on a part time basis so it is not so long and crazy everyday!

tootle--lu!!!!:)

J

Subbing!

So,

I started subbing already! So, hopefully I will get a few jobs every week! I taught first grade today and I had about 28 of them. When I sub, I focus (especially in elementary school) on that classroom and what I need to accomplish, but I also try to enjoy the kids. It can be hard, but I try to have a good attitude going into it and usually my day goes well. Kids are good by nature-- they just need a little direction every once and awhile.

These little six year olds are the cutest. So much is expected of them and they are so little. They quickly became my friends. I loved teaching them and going through their routine. They get to sing these fun songs every morning that they move and groove too--I was even getting into them. By the end of the day, they were coming up to me and giving me hugs! The girls all day were telling me they liked my necklace and sparkle watch--'typical girls' so into fashion!!;)

Every time I sub, I see how much work it is put into everyday in teaching those kids!!!

KUDOS to all ThOsE BrAvE TeACheRs OuT ThErE!

-J

Cub Scouts

We are being immersed with Cub Scouts! I've learned a lot being in primary and now that Ben is in cub scouts we are learning more and more. Its fun and I am a believer in the scout program. It teaches the boys honor, respect, duty, good character, survival skills and much more.. I am excited for Tyler to be in scouts in a couple of years. At least Ben and I will know all about it when he goes in!