Seasons of change....

This is the view out my bedroom window and my ever changing tree.

It's amazing how time flies and how things change... I look back at the past year. A LOT has happened. I have been able to do so so many things and have a lot of firsts and oh so many amazing experiences that have changed my life for the better. But the things I have done throughout the year is not what this blog post is about.... this is about change.

Some person, some where said some sort of philosophical phrase that the only thing which is constant is change... true to whoever said it. Change is constant, something we can always count on, and it usually brings something good along with it.

I look forward to change. Whether it be the change of a pair of socks, the change of apartments, or other big life changes. It has occurred to me that most things happen slowly, simply, and over time. I think this principle also applies to change. It is the little things which happen each day that have brought about the large life altering things in my life. It's the little decisions, little experiences, little influences, that have made me, me. I am grateful that the Lord allows things to change, and allows me to be influenced by change.

Everyone handles change different than the person next door. And well.... I like it. I see change as the opportunity to grow, improve, and develop more as an individual. The only thing which is as constant or more constant than change is my Savior Jesus Christ. He is constant and it is through Him that I can improve and become better.

So as I keep my two constants, change and my Savior, close I will hopefully only become better... I guess only time will tell right?

Here's to an life full of change... Bring it on!

Grandma Bonnie

So lately everything I do, see, and eat reminds me of a special someone. My Grandma Bonnie. I keep telling Michael "So my Grandma and I used to...." or "This reminds of my Grandma because..." I'm not sure if he is getting sick of it or not or if he really even notices that I do it, but I have really been missing her lately, remembering all the good things she taught me, and all the fun times we had.

A lot of Saturday's growing up were spent at Grandma's house. Just me and her decorating/ cleaning/ talking/ gardening while Grandpa Hoople was out in the yard tinkering with something or another. Our cleaning adventures included making the bed just right so that the sheet would fold down revealing the top three inches and folding the pillows into the comforter hotel style, dusting the ceiling fans with the swiffer stick, me getting on my hands and knees to scrub the floor and a variety of other things. She would always tell me over and over how good the floor looked when I was done and that with her hips she just couldn't do it like that anymore. She always told me stories and I always listened. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

After we would get both bathrooms clean, the house dusted, and the carpets vacuumed we whipped up some lunch. The regular was albacore tuna fish with chopped up dill pickles in it (she left the celery out because she knew how much I hate it.), slices of Tillamook cheese, club crackers, pepperoni sticks and a cold drink. And if we had been doing something that wore us out, like Christmas lights, Grandma would call and order pizza. This was a big deal to me because the delivery man brought it, this never happened at home. AND she let me pick exactly what kind I wanted, it was a privilege.

Any holiday reminds me of Grandma. We spent a lot of time together decorating for every holiday of the year. In Grandma's eyes every holiday was important and every holiday deserved some kind of decor. Especially Christmas and Halloween. She had countless window clings and an endless supply of decorations. I love it!

Games also remind me a lot of Grandma. I loved playing Trouble with her. I don't know if her or I got more excited to pop the dice in the middle. She would spin the Twister board and tell us "Left foot green..." We would get so twisted up and she would sit, watch us, and laugh the entire time. I quite enjoyed a good game of Uno with her. I would stick my cards in the crack of the table and tell my grandma how innovative I was. I'm fairly certain she loved it. I also love playing pick up sticks. Every time the boys all went to General Conference priesthood session we whipped it out and played and played and played.

She knew just how to make each one of her six grandchildren feel loved. She gave them all their alone time with Grandma and Grandpa. Each one of us had a time when just us would go over and have a sleepover at Grandma and Grandpa's. We would go out to our favorite restaurant, play games, have bubble baths with bubbles to the ceiling, run through the sprinklers, pickup snails from the garden, anything our heart desired. And I remember on more than one occasion stopping at the duck pond to feed the ducks on our way home. Maybe this is why I still love feeding the ducks... who knows?

I could go on and on and on.... but I will spare you and just put some additional things that have reminded me of her lately.... coo-coo clocks, mac & cheese, 7-up cake, Christmas lights, fiber optics, hummingbirds, toaster strudels, canned soda, candy dishes, Christmas villages, roses, root beer barrels, Olive Garden, the Old Spaghetti Factory, and flavored lemonade.

I'm so glad that I have been blessed with the knowledge of Heavenly Father's plan for each of His children and know that one day I can see my Grandma again. It's a beautiful thing. But until then, I'll keep eating tuna, playing pick up sticks, feeding ducks and think of her.

weekend getaway...

Shauna came up to visit the Frosty Burg this weekend. It was simply delightful. I realized yet again how blessed I am with good family. Shauna is the best oldest sister a girl could ask for. She is more than thoughtful and whelp... I stinkin' love her! While she was here we had an assortment of good times including a drive out to the Wilmore's cabin, a stop at the frost top, Friday night extravadance, some hot chicken alfredo and a stop at the cutest little boutique I have ever been to. It was a nice weekend to enjoy the snow, fog, and a lot of time doing not school. I'm excited for winter... Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

This is looking out from the Wilmore's beautiful cabin.... A definite like.

Mine and Amy's house.... very very unstable might I add. Climbing inside, not a good choice.

My favorite drive in / diner in all of Idaho... the Frost Top. YUM!!!

a post that should have been two weeks ago...

This past week has been an amazing week for me. I continue to realize how many good people there are in the world, genuinely good people who want nothing more than to help others. While this week has seemed to fly by, the people in my life haven't gone unnoticed.

An amazing man I got to meet this week was Dr. Elison. We didn't spend more than a mere 45 minutes together on Tuesday, but from the time spent in his office, I know he a very good man. He knew my name and wanted to know anything and everything I would tell him. I felt love and care in his office. Dr. E's kindness, generosity and love for people emanated throughout him, the employees, and his actions. I am so grateful to you, Dr. Elison, for fixing my broken retainer but more so for being an example of Christ like love. I hardly know anything about him, but what I do know is this. Dr. Elison you are a good man who brought me to tears with your kindness. Thanks.

I have been struggling with my history class this semester. I find no motivation to do homework for this class and always put it at the bottom of my to do list. I had pretty much given up all hope, I had even quit going to class (Yes not like me at all!) But then the superhero of the day sent me an email. Brother Coates. (This is the second time you have made my blog, the first time I was saying how I didn't enjoy your homework to much, but NOW I have nothing more than wonderful things to say.) I can't say that I particularly enjoy your homework now, but I have discovered a little summin' summin' about you. You, my good sir, care. You want nothing more than success for your students are willing to do everything in your power to help them get there. When I had given up all hope on your History 300 class your simple 3 sentence email showed me that you care.Thanks for that, and for meeting with me every time I show up at your office door. I deserve a good bop on the head!

I call her Mom...

This lovely little lady is who I call Mom! Momma Linda came into my life the same day I came into hers. 12/31/89, ironic right? Since then we have laughed, cried, baked, swept, danced, you name it! Recently Mom celebrated the big 5-0. Way to go Mommy-o! Oh and grandma and grandpa too... thanks for bringing me such a cool mom!

My mom is one very special lady. She is one of those hard working American mom's who works for her family and makes everything into a learning experience. (whether or not she recognizes she does) As kids she put us to work, it was time to clean the basement. Mom would set the timer and if we finished before the timer went off we won our reward, a trip to the library to read! I was always so excited and looked forward to the hundreds of books the library shelves held. Now she drives down Lampton Rd. with the windows down, music cranked, sporting her very best poker face. It is the little things like this that I love about my mom. My mom has taught me a lot of things. How to cook, how to clean and not just clean but clean well, how to a load a dishwasher (I'm trying to pass this onto others, it surprising how many people suck at this!), how to drive (remember that giant pot hole I drove through mom?), make your siblings your best friends, and that it's ok to cry. There have been countless things this amazing woman has taught me and some really amazing experiences we have shared, but one thing she has been a constant example of (except for maybe the damn-shit-pizza) is a woman of faith.

As long as I can remember she has been taking me to primary, encouraging me to go to Young Woman's and has wanted nothing but the best for me and my siblings. She is a woman who loves her Savior. I was recently looking for a talk by Elder Oaks about families in one of my old ensigns when I found a letter which my mom wrote to me and my siblings for last mother's day. Cool right? She gave US presents on mother's day... What a mom! It was an amazing letter portraying a mother's love. I could feel her love and my Heavenly father's love for me coming through her words. I want to share with you part of the letter which she wrote that reminded me that I can do hard things, that I have a purpose, and gave me a big boost.

In addressing me and my siblings (think of her as talking to you too) it reads, "Each one of you has a great and noble calling to become righteous men and women. You need to use your strength and testimony to influence one another and those around you for good. God has given each of you special gifts and talents. Be wise in your choices. He is counting on each of you to do your part. Prepare now to protect, defend and guard His values and principles. He will bless you more than you can begin to imagine. Listen Listen. He will guide you, always."

What an awesome lady right? And that was only part of it. I am grateful for the people in my life, especially the righteous women who have made such an impact on who I am today. My mom is one of those people. Also my aunts, my grandma, countless women throughout my stake/ward, and even women I see who emanate their Savior Jesus Christ's love. You are all amazing and I love you. I see the good you have established and the Christlike women you are and hope that one day I can be even a fragment of who you are. Thanks for your examples, your love, and for recognizing who you are, a divine daughter of God.

P.S. Please read this (click on this). My favorite line is "I knew these women before I even met them, since I was raised by someone just like them." There is still so much good in the world... I love it!

gone...

Dear braces,

It's been lovely having you around, BUT good things sometimes have to come to an end. Especially the special thing we had going for us. I'll admit you were with me for a lot of good times, but there really was no choice. Thanks for joining me for college, you were always a lovely, somewhat awkward, topic of conversation. You have done me a lot of good, but personally I'm terribly glad you are gone. Adam may still call me brace face and my teeth might go wacky when I'm 75, but that's fine, I'll enjoy what you have done for me for as long as possible. Thanks for the pain, the tears and the awesome Salt Lake Express rides you provided for me. Sweet sweet memories. Enjoy your time in the trash! My mouth is happy.
With all my heart... Jen Jen

Today was the day! Two years, two months and an hour and a half later and my braces are gone. Although my gums are sore, I don't care, I am brace face no more. I arrived at the Orthodontist office with the biggest grin on my face, my braces were coming off. Dr. Cook said "Okay, let me check and make sure we are good to go." In my head I was thinking "If we aren't good to go, you will still take them off, or I will!" I was ready to grab some pliers and take care of it, but it wasn't necessary. My choppers were ready and so was I. It wasn't the braces I was sick of, but rather missing school A LOT in order to make appointments. (ok I was slightly sick of the braces too!) The whole Idaho Utah thing wasn't working for me in this case. With what little pain and blood was caused by taking them off, I can honestly say I liked it. Of course I did... who wouldn't if it meant having straight pretty teeth and no more braces? When I left Dr. Cook told me to smile a lot... little does he know it's one of my favorite things to do! Consider it done Dr. Cook, consider it done!

While the benefits of having braces are great (straight pretty teeth) the benefits of no braces are better. Here it is as I see it:
* No more hell on wheels.
* No more missing a day of class and work to visit Dr. Cook. He is a very nice nice man, but a 30 minute appointment comes at great cost!
* Biting into an apple is better than I remember.
* I will use less toothbrushes. I mean, I will still brush my teeth just as often or more, but braces tend to destroy a good toothbrush.
* Easy access flossing- now I just have to find my floss?
* No more awkward braces conversations.
* simply, no more braces.

Michael, Elaine and Ky Ky came to pick me up at the Hart when I got off Hell on Wheels tonight. I was excited to see them, it's weird being away from them. Well, Elaine and Michael were super nice and excited to see me and I was to see them. After giant hugs and showing them my pearly whites they grabbed my bags and we started to walk to the car. They said "Jenny you are going to have to open the trunk." Of course I was fine with this, they had even already opened it a just had to flip it open. I was thinking, man, they are prepared. Wait a tick... where is Kyleigh? I soon found out. I flipped open the trunk and out she popped. Well you three, you got me, you got me good! I loved it! We then went home to eat apples and this lovely sign greeted me when we got there... and boy did I giggle!

Thanksgiving came early this year...

The past two weekends I have had the opportunity to go home to SoJo and spend some time with the fam. Before my friends and I left for Rexburg on conference Sunday my mom fed us the most delicious Turkey dinner. I don’t know what it is about turkey, potatoes and gravy that sparks my thankfulness organ, but after I had been stuffed to the brim. As we were rolling back to Rexburg and ever since I have been overwhelmed with gratitude and thanks for the many blessings my Heavenly Father has blessed me with. I could try and list all the things I have been thankful for this week, but there are way to many, and I don't want to bore you. So... I am going to take the liberty of just sharing a few.

I am thankful for the wonderful parents I have been blessed with. The more people I meet, the more I realize my parents are a unique and one of a kind pair. They will do anything to help anyone and are always willing to have a few extra guests at our home. They make sure everyone is happy, well fed, and has a place to sleep. I love them more than I can express and I am thankful for their loving example.

I am grateful for my two brothers and three sisters. Each one of them is unique and adds a little extra flavor to our family, there is usually no one I would rather be with than them. Shauna puts up with antics, Chris picks on me, Amy eggs me on, Adam makes me laugh, and Heather is my mini-me. They are my best friends. I'm so glad we have eternity to spend together. Heaven's not going to know what hit 'em!

I am thankful for good people. Genuinely good people, regardless of who, are genuinely good. I love seeing people that emanate goodness. I have fabulous (Elainer's word) roommates who are an amazing example to me and make sure we have prayer together. We spend some time talking with one another, which I really value. Our apartment is a home, somewhere I love to be. I look forward to seeing them and I am thankful for them. Shout out to Elaine… she puts up with me and my late nights, my mess, and me constantly borrowing her clothes. I am so glad to be living with my SoJo buddy and know I still have a lot to learn from her!

I am thankful for my friends. They are each so individually themselves and mean so much to me. I love chitchatting and the different relationships I have been blessed to have. Holler to Michael…. Simply put, you bring a smile to my face!

I am so thankful for fall time.... I have loved the rain, changing leaves, and finally being able to wear jackets. I'm a jacket kinda girl!

Something that I have come to value so much is my scriptures. As I read study and search I value them more and more. I’m excited to be reading them. Don’t tell my teachers, but I would rather read my scriptures more than anything they give me to read. Honestly, sometimes I choose scriptures over the Turabian Guide to writing. Sorry Brother Coates. I love the stories, doctrines and principles found in the scriptures, I know they are true.

So Thanksgiving, when you really come this year, you will be in stiff competition with this past week and the amount of gratitude I have felt. Good luck and will you please bring snow?!?