Seven on Sunday

1. Mackenzie got her progress report home for the mid term and FINALLY straight A's again. It's been a rough go here at her new school with all the changes. She still made the honor roll, but her grades weren't as good as were are use to seeing. GO LOU!

2. Okay Kyle is staying dry most nights and all day...But for goodness sakes can we PLEASE stop pooping in our pants! I left a pair of underwear in the toilet last night to rinse while I was bathing...well I forgot about them and Brevan flushed them down......! I was waiting for plumbing problems in the kids' bathroom, but so far we are safe. Kyle was upset about her underwear and all I could say was, "well maybe you should quit pooping in them!" Bad mom I know. today has been better.

3. Brevan and his joys of being an adventurous soul. He decided today to run up on the stage again(last week too) during sacrament meeting. His bag of goldfish and all sat down in the choir pews and was actually being quiet. I was so embarrassed again. Actually I am getting use to it. Some days I REALLY wish I had another pair of hands to help on Sundays.

4. Pukes.....Kyle woke up Wednesday night at 10 pm puking and din;t stop until 0530. He was a good trooper and used a bowl most of the time. I spent most of the day on Thursday doing laundry. So far no one else has gotten it. Kenzie had it a few weeks ago. Hoping they stay well for the upcoming holidays.

5. Photo shoot. Yesterday we did a family photo shoot. It took 3 hours and the kids were tired of waiting, but none the less they cooperated well with a McDonald's bribe from mom. This was tons cheaper than wal-mart and we got the pictures at the end! I am attaching a few of my favorites...100 pictures were taken! also I need addresses for those who would like Christmas cards this year...if not you will read a generic post for the holidays from me! Okay so I cannot rotate the pictures on this blog thing...can someone tell me how?

6. this week has been busy...okay what week isn't but my days off were jam packed or taking care of sick kid. the highlight was Wednesday. My tradition for VT in December is to have all the sisters over for a Christmas lunch and receive the message. My companion was awesome and took to the idea. They all came over on Wednesday for the lunch and message. it was wonderful. I am learning to love them more each month and pray I can help them in some meager way. After they left the lunch, my HT came over and then my VT came after he left. it was a wonderful day with lots to think about.

7. Trials. this week I had a rough moment. I went to a lady's house for a playgroup and to finish a project. while being there I realized once again what a outcast i feel like at these things. They all were talking about spouses and dates. So I took the first opportunity and left. I know it;s getting better in the church dealing with divorcees, but you still feel like you are wearing the scarlet letter. However I did have a prayer answered later that day. A new nurse was hired to be our unit manager last week. We instantly hit it off. Come to find out she is LDS and also Divorced. It was a miracle for both of us. She is lucky though no kids involved. She is hooking me up with her single adult group that doesn't require one to be using a walker or wheelchair to be involved!!!( and no I am not joking). So I am learning that people need to understand our situations before we get upset with them. Don't take it personally people do things without realizing what they say or do. So here is to finding HOPE again in my single adult life with my 3 beautiful and amazing children!

okay so a few of you have added me to view your blog using my cableone email....well it doesn't work with blogger. I am signed up with my old email address so please add me to or invite me using this email....Jess_brendancox@hotmail.com. the one's I can remember are steph B, melodie, Coxes(cali), Tiff and Kyle and of course any who feel inclined to allow me to stalk them:) thanks again for helping me with the mess I created!

SEVEN on SUNDAY

1. Kyle woke up 13 days ago and said, "Mommy I want to wear underwear!" Yes it's official Kyle is potty trained. If only he will poop in the toilet:( ARGH! It took him deciding he wanted to be a big boy and it was done. He has had minimal urine accidents and almost everyday poohs in his pants...any tips on that one? I am so proud of him!

2. I have finally got a decent schedule at work. I work Mon, Tues, and Friday every week and then one sometimes 2 weekends a months. So I am not feeling so scrapped on time....until school starts in January!!!

3. Thanks to my beautiful daughter Mackenzie....I had a girls day out with Steph on Saturday. She watched the boys so we could get our hair cut and go to lunch. I had SOOOO much fun. Thanks Nate too for letting me steal you lovely Wife all day! Steph it was too much fun...we definitely need to do it more often:)

4. Chocolate Syrup mess! So you would think my boys would have learned after the yogurt dilemma...Oh no while my dear daughter was babysitting Brevan decided to get a hold of the chocolate syrup and drink it. as well as pour it all over my couch and carpet. I came home to check in with them and he so sweetly says, " mommy I am messy!" I just hugged and kissed him and then changed his clothes....mostly because I was cleaning carpets later anyway. I did make a new rule....NO food or Drinks in the Living room ANYMORE!!!!!

5. Christmas Decorating....so on Wednesday we put up our tree for family home evening and decorated. It always amazes me how we start out so excited and by the end just want it finished! I got a prelit tree so no light issues. So this meant we had minimal fighting, but none the less there was a little! the finished product!

6. My new calling....Just so those who weren't aware are now definitely aware.....I am the ward single adult rep! So it is official I am a single mom in case anyone was wondering:)

7. A message of Hope. Last night we watched the first presidencies Christmas devotional. As I listened to the messages they were messages of hope, traditions, and unconditional love for others. This is a season of giving and offering Hope to those in unfortunate circumstances. As I reflect on the Humble birth of our Savior Jesus Christ in the lowly manger wrapped in swaddling clothes, I am in awe at the Love He has for each of his Father's children. May we show that love to those around us during the holiday season and throughout the whole year!

okay all i lost my blog links when I redid my template....please look so I can add you to my list again. Also does anyone know how to save your extras when you change the template? thanks !

Okay I have to do a new idea....Seven on whenever I get a chance:)
Seven On Sunday!
1. Okay it's been 3 weeks since I have posted and a lot has happened. So #1 I am NOT moving back to the Blackfoot area. I am staying in Nampa where my job I love and is secure, Kenzie is adjusting to school, the boys are enjoying love, and I have dependable childcare. So that 's the scoop on this.

2. Update on Jess....I am still seeing Mike Nyberg who lives in Idaho Falls. I have some trust issues and he is sensitive to them. I am volunteering at Kenz's school every Wednesday and am loving it. Still doing Joy School, and running 5days a week. I may just get to do the half marathon in Boise this Spring. Still working and loving my job more everyday. No 2 days are the same at work and makes me look forward to the SANE days:) Most of all I love my kids and we have adjusted to the changes in our lives and enjoying the journey together.

3. Update on Mackenzie..... She has been sick this weekend with the ever so fabulous GI CRAP! ARGH... I hate that virus more than anything. She is better today and no one else has gotten it(well i had it about 10 days ago and still had to work!). We had P/T Conference earlier this months. She is way above grade level in her reading fluency and comprehension...so instead of doing fluency her and 2 other kids in her class get to do research projects. That translates mom has more work to do with her! She loves her teacher who has been great for her with all the life changes she has has this summer. Lots of friends and loves activity days and primary. She is the loudest singer I get told almost every week at church:) wonder where that comes from! She is a great help to me and I love her very much. Thanks LOU LOU!

4. Update on Kyle...Kyle is still doing Joy School and absolutely loves it. Has been great for us all. He is still NOT potty trained, I have about given up, so Brendan is doing it this week(Good Luck daddy)! He is becoming quite the smarty pants. Knows his abc's by recognition and numbers. Loves to learn and write new things by connecting the dots. He likes to help Brevan get out of trouble, believe it or not. He loves his primary class and his little friends. I cannot believe how grown up he is becoming at 4. He is just such a little man and loves to help me clean(I take advantage of it because I know it doesn't last). He sometimes reminds me of my brother Sean and his sense of humor. THANK BIG BROTHER!!!

5. Update on Brevan...Well Brevan was well on his way with potty training until Kyle convinced him there was a snake in the toilet that was going to bite his peepee off...ARGH!!! So now he says no there's a snake in there. Big Brothers what do you do with them:) He loves to tease the dickens out of his older siblings. They easily react to him and that just makes him do it more....little chomper scares the older two. HE is learning so much from his big brother and sister. Most of it good, a few bad habits. He likes to ride the dog like a horse and Princess is so patient with him. He brings lots of laughter to our family.

6. Animals. Princess is still her cute annoying self. We have inherited a cat. 2 weeks ago I was woke up at 0710 by this thing pouncing on my head. It was this cat. It was meowing at our door so Brevan and Kenzie let it in. Now the thing won't leave. We have named her Blossom and she and princess are adjusting to each other well. So there's are animals!

7. I have two Favorite quotes from this past General conference that has helped me tons. First one is from the talk "The Way" By Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge. " Life is hard, but life is simple. Get on the path and never, ever give up. You never give up, you just keep on going. You don't quit, and you will make it." He put is so simple yet profound. Life is definitely hard, but what makes the difference is you don't quit living the gospel. That has made the world of difference for me. the second quote is why I don't give up and keep going forward. "Come what may, and love it" By Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin. Under the Principle of Compensation, "the Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added to them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude." What a great promise to us all. I hope we all will keep the faith and know that we can "cast our burdens upon Jesus Christ" and lighten our load so that we can Just keep going for today. I love you all and am so grateful at this time when the holiday season is beginning for all of the blessing and prayers that have come my way. I have felt the "tender Mercies" of our Savior often. Let's be grateful for them is my prayer.

pictures

SEVEN on SUNDAY(or Friday)

1. This month the joy school moms took took the kids to the pumpkin patch. They were able to go through corn mazes, pick pumpkins, and have a fun hay ride. Joy school has been so good for all of us this fall. It gives kyle time with children his age and brevan gets some mommy time. It has also taught Kyle how to share a lot better without mommy yelling at him!

2. I met this amazing guy named Mike Nyberg. A little about him. He is 40 has 2 boys and a daughter that was adopted from Samoa(she's back there long story). He is living in Pocatello right now. He is very active in church, Temple worthy, and an RM(a couple of decades ago, sorry dear!) The wonderful thing is that he will call me just to say I am thinking of you right now but I have to go back to work. Last Friday we did the "let's meet the kids thing". Our kids got along really good. Mackenzie thinks mike is great. He called the other night while i was putting away groceries and he got a 20 minute conversation out of her.....and that NEVER happens. She was so excited to tell him about Halloween costumes and asked him about the boys. So Needless to say I have been blessed with a great friend. Especially after this past week. He has listened to all my woes and not complained...actually gave some good advice.

3. Job offer, well I am moving back to the SE Idaho area in a few weeks. I got a job offer there and it is closer to Brendan so he can help out more and be more involved in the kids' life. Plus we miss family there, but I am going to MISS my Brother and STEPH!!!!! guys just buck up and move too:)

4. Laryngitis still continues. After a month I still have laryngitis. Went to doctor, got some prednisone and after 9 days it's starting to help I think.

5. Yogurt messes and lessons learned. Tuesday afternoon while getting ready for work I had given the boys some yogurt for a snack. Princess, the dog, comes into my bathroom covered in blueberry yogurt. I didn't even want to look. I went into the living room and the boys were also covered as were my walls, floors, tv, and furniture. Kyle said so innocently ,"we were having a food fight mommy!" what do you do. I wanted to yell and scream all I did was get some towels and helped them clean up. We talked about how food fights are best done outside so we don't ruin things. I learned that kids need to discover and learn things and sometimes we as parents have to calm down and enjoy the moment.

6.Happy Halloween!!! I will post pictures later next week. This week for Halloween celebration The kids and I carved pumpkins and made our traditional sugar cookies. The cookies always take the longest. They get excited until the3 rd batch and mom ends up finishing them.

7. Thoughts on Life. Life is full of lessons to be learned. This past week has been a very emotionally trying week for me. I felt like I finally had been permanently demoted to the "formal in-law". Divorce is hard, but you not only lose a spouse or parent but sometimes people lose and entire family. I love all of my in-laws so much and I want them to know that I will always allow them to be apart of our lives. I am so thankful to my Heavenly Father for the blessings he has given me. I know that the Savior's atonement can heal and mend our homes and families as well allow for us to Repent. Have a blessed week.

SEVEN on SUNDAY!

1. The past few weeks have been busy. One of my highlights was finishing up with the 2008 canning season!!!! WOOHOO another year down and food to last. I ended up doing spaghetti sauce after all and it turned out good. my kids are even eating it and that my friends is the crowning moment for me. for those who know how picky they are will agree.

2. another highlight was taking a few days off and going out of town. The first week in October we went to Blackfoot and visited family for a few days. Thanks guys for good food, good parties, and most of all good company. the kids had tons of fun playing with cousins again. they really miss them more than i though that they would.and of course i miss my sister's in-laws and our fun chats. these few days were also good for the kids because Brendan came up and visited with them for 2 of the 3 days. they hadn't seen him for a few weeks. it was sad for them to leave. so this was a GREAT start for our October. we also got to get pumpkins and one weighed almost 100pounds...good job to my nephew for growing good ones!

3. General conference was a AWESOME weekend. I loved hearing the new temples that were announced. The one most of all was the greater Kansas city , Mo one. Jackson county. what a fulfillment of prophecy. to know that things will go forward no matter how hard Satan fights. The talk I enjoyed the most (i had to work sat and sun night) was Pres Uchdorf's talk about hope. amid the trials it is really easy to lose hope and faith, what a great way to encourage us to HAVE HOPE and then will come FAITH to get us through the rough times. The other one that really hit home was pres. Monson's talk about change. some changes come over a gradual time period and some are sudden, but faith in our Savior will get us through any of these changes. I love conference and the filling of the spirit we receive.

4. laryngitis. well I have had laryngitis now for 8 days. I feel fine just no voice. I received a wonderful priesthood blessing with great counsel. for those who know me well know how hard it is for me not to be able to talk. but i also know I can strain my vocal cords too much. so until my voice returns i will just have to be patient.

5. work, school, and life are all going well. this past week I was able to go to Mackenzie's school with her(n i demanded my lunch hour and breaks so i could go) to see the science experiments the 4Th graders were working on. it was fun to have some alone time with her. boys are doing great and kyle is still enjoying joy school( rough this week since i had laryngitis and was my week to teach.)

6. Mackenzie turned nine yesterday. seems like yesterday she was born. it's hard to believe all the experiences she has had in 9 years. She is such a blessing to our little family. She helps me so MUCH, she's my right hand gal now. We had lots of fun on her birthday yesterday. Brendan came up and we took the kids to the Boise discovery center( they all ENJOYED it) and they didn't want to leave. then we had a little party with family after eating dinner at Golden corral. she got some fun things and her brothers really want to get into them. Thanks to all our family for helping make the past 2 weekends special for her birthday. i am attaching some pics of her birthday so enjoy.\

7. my spiritual thought for this addition. Life comes with many changes. All of our changes can provide learning experiences. it's how we choose to look at the experiences that will help strengthen our testimonies of our Savior. We came to earth to gain a body and have EXPERIENCES. I am so thankful for a loving Heavenly Father and a Savior who if we have Faith will carry our burden through our hard times and help us experience Joy. So let's enjoy the journey of life and help each other as the Savior helps us.

SEVEN ON SUNDAY

1. okay here is the email address for Google sorry Tiff i realized that i have my old one for blogging and i can't view your blog:)

Jess_brendancox@hotmail.com. so if you would like to invite me to view your blog add this email address. thanks.

2. this week has been both stressful and rewarding all at the same time. the stress part was working last weekend and pulling a double/turn around shift on Monday. and Tuesday was hard to work. but wed and Thurs were enjoyable days off work. Thursday was kyle's fourth birthday and it was both a spiritual and emotional roller coaster. first kyle woke up in the morning and I sat up and asked how was my birthday boy and gave him a hug and kiss and he smiled. then he proceeded to ask if i remembered going camping with daddy this summer. i asked at Yellowstone and he said yes. then he said but daddy doesn't want to live with us anymore does he. as i was thinking he said but " mommy families are forever." it broke my heart and made me feel a great love for my boy who seems to understand this simple truth I have been trying to teach him. I was angry at Brendan all over again for not realizing the pain he has caused his own flesh and blood. needless to say it was my angry week. but I survived.

3. depressing week....sometimes I just miss having my "best friend" to talk to at night when the kids are asleep. I feel bad and so alone at night sometimes. I have a great SUPPORT system here and I would NOT survive without Nate and steph, but still at the end of the day I go home alone and everyone else goes on with their life. I took that all for granted i am sure. you don't realize how much you enjoyed those evenings after kids were put to bed and you had that alone time to just "talk". I am really doing fine just feeling lonely. this too will pass.

4. my dad had a chest x-ray and they found out that he did not have pneumonia but found a couple of masses instead. WHOA!!! well anyways he went to the pulmonologist and he seemed to not be too worried about the masses they are only 2 and 3 cm. I know prayers were heard on his behalf. just has to have scans every 3-4 mos to see if any changes occur. so once again miracles continue to happen in our life.

5.my in-laws(okay i still cannot bring myself to call them my ex and probably never will) came up this weekend for kyle's birthday and to see the grand kids. It was a great visit. I have grown to love Kim and Brenda dearly as if they were my second set of parents. they have given me numerous counsel that will Be eternal in its effect and have loved me unconditionally. KIM fixed my apple, corer, slicer....what a man! now apple pie filling won't be so excruciating to can this week. thanks guys for your help with fixing little things around the house and playing with the kids...also for helping me keep my temper in control:) we sure love them!

6. Brendan came up for the day on Saturday to celebrate kyle's birthday with us. Thanks to him for finding the "perfect" bike and sacrificing his time to come all the way up. We all had fun at chuckie cheese's and left with headaches. and of course we realized once again that i don't read maps well even if it is with a navigation system!!!! kyle got a new bike from mommy and daddy, transformers from gma and gpa and uncle wade, and a new helmet for his bike from uncle nana and aunt steph. it was fun and the dinosaur cake i made turned out half-way normal(kenzie kept telling me it looked like a cows head). so enjoy the pics of this FUN day.

7. Forgiveness. a lesson i keep learning over and over again. I guess Heavenly Father is trying to teach me how to forgive easier and let go of things i cannot change. this week has been full of small little insights and learning opportunities for me. with all of life changes we have made i sometimes get REALLY angry and it always seems to come when i think i have finally forgiven and let go so i can move on. I think of all the time my Heavenly Father forgives me and i often wonder why i can't be as forgiving. today the thought occurred to me that i am trying to become more righteous everyday, but it takes and eternity to become like our Heavenly Father. as long as I am striving each day to be better and realize without the Savior I cannot make it through this life or into the next then I am doing the best i can. so once again just do better each day and each day is a new beginning.

Seven on Sunday
1. here is my 2 week update:) the high for the past two weeks is me cutting back at work so that I can see more of my children. I am now working 4 days a week which actually means I am now working 40 hours a week:) the kids and I have enjoyed more time together which leads to our number 2.

2. Labor day fun( i should have taken pictures). We went out to the church's orchard to pick peaches with Kimberli and Jonathon and Boys. It sure was COLD!!! but lots of fun. A teaching moment for the kids with the picking for the bishop's storehouse. they were able to serve in a way we don't get to very often for those in need of nourishment. This was our 2nd annual trip to the orchard. I think this will turn into a new family tradition. Thanks guys for all of your help!!!

3. Well since I had peaches I guess that meant more CANNING. I was able to can 39 quarts of peaches. this year With steph's help we did a marathon canning session and we even DICED them to fit more in our jars. Then I decided to branch out a little and i canned 10 quarts of peach pie filling and BOY is it YUMMY. Considering I really don't care for peach pies, I am excited for them now. I have officially caught the canning spirit since i tried something on my own new this year.

4. this next week since i now have my 2 bushels of apples, will be apple sauce and apple pie filling....YUMMY! I am so grateful that last year I HAD to learn to can for financial reasons and the Lord has blessed me bounteously this year. With all the changes, I was able to put away 6 quarts of peas, 18 bags of Zucchini(thanks dad cox), 15 bag of corn(thanks to a funeral home who decided our facility needed to be thanked for all our hard work or in my opinion for providing them lots of business!!!), carrots, 8 pints of salsa , peaches, and apples(sauce and pie filling). so with the blessing of my garden and early harvest and the love of others my canning and freezing season has been bounteous.

5. Mackenzie was chosen for honor choir at school and is involved in the Buddy program, it allows older kids to help the first graders. Her teacher called me last week and we talked about her situation and she said Mackenzie is such a loving student and very intelligent. she explained that only honor students our allowed to do the buddy program. I am so grateful for Mackenzie and the BIG help she has been these past few months.

6. Boys, this week was my week to teach joy school. The boys both loved learning about the joy of our bodies. kyle LOVES joy school and his new friends. brevan enjoyed being allowed to be at school last week and is also enjoying the alone time he gets with mommy twice a week now. it's nice to be able to get the kids involved and enjoy most of the things we did when i was a full-time mommy.

7. prayers are HEARD and ANSWERED. Once again I have gained a stronger testimony of prayer. yesterday i had my sitter cancel and I called 9 different people and I couldn't find anyone for the kids. It was stake conference so most of the youth and adults were busy. So I said a prayer and asked Heavenly Father to please help me find someone. I went to work and the kids were at home. I didn't want steph to have to miss conference. She called around and after 9 people found a laurel who could come. She was awesome. this laurel doesn't have a job and is willing to watch my kids several days now. It may seem like a small thing childcare but as a single mom it is IMPORTANT so that i can work. The Lord new my need and found a way to provide for me and for my future needs. So when our faith is about to waiver it seems he provides a faith building experience. and like the scriptures say he is aware of all creatures, and how much he loves us as His sons and daughters. have a great week

my email address for tiff and anyone else who needs it to add me to their private blogs....hint hint
jesscox98@cableone.net

SEVEN on Saturday(this week)

1. the last 2 weeks have been CRAZY!!!!! Mackenzie started the 4th grade. I cannot believe how grown up she has become this summer. She is such a Great help to me. She loves her teacher and hasn't had a problem adjusting to yet another new school. i think she's use to it now:) She loves riding the bus again and spending time at the park with friends. it's only a few houses away. I am sure she will do great in school this year. She got a blessing from my brother for school, Thanks NATE!

2. Got involved with a Joy school group. I am doing joy school again, with Kyle. I did this program with Mackenzie and it was wonderful. Kyle is excited about starting "school" too. The moms got most of the stuff put together last week for this semester that begins next week. So I am just getting busier. It will be fun for kyle and me to have time together and away(brevan will get some one on one time with mommy now). wish us luck.

3. Brevan gashed his eyebrow area opened on the bath tub faucet. looked pretty nast but has healed up nicely. thanks to SUPER GLUE, and Jonathon for sharing that little secret with me last fall!

4. work....I worked 73 hours this past week and I am worn out. I am enjoying this weekend off...YEA!!!!

5. New car....so i bought a new van on thursday this week. I worked out a great deal on a chrysler town and country. 14,500/ almost a 5k drop. leather, dvd, nav system, power doors and trunk, stow and go, luggage rack, and much more. mackenzie is loving not being squished between her brothers anymore. I also got a great interest rate. it's a 2005 with 48k miles and an 8%. i would have gotten the normal; 6.5 if i would have been at my res or job longer. oh well. we will travel better now. Brendan is taking the Saturn now.

6. life is great at work.....We were held hostage on our special care/pysch unit on wed for 1 1/2 hours by a patient. wouldn't let anyone in or out of the locked doors. he was about 6'3" and 260 pounds. he bnack handed me and kicked my aid. it was almost humorous. Our DON and social worker had to climb the 6 1/2 ft privacy fence to get into the unit. the SW fell down the fence while clinbing over. this was all taking place right before dinner. They had me tossing cookies to the pt's wc from 5 ft away(should have seen it) the don is laughing her head off at how ridiculous I looked, but she wouldn't come within 20ft of the man. We almost had to get the dinner trays from the fence being handed over. it all worked out and he got sent out. I didn't get home until midnight that night. work is never dull!!! but i do enjoy my job. I am cutting back to 4 days a week this next month so I can see my kids more especially kenzie.

7. Quote my sister-in-law sent me

"When those trials are not consequences of your disobedience, they are evidencethat the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more. He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion which polishyou for our everlasting benefit. To get you from where you are to where He wants you to be requires a lot of stretching, and that generally entails discomfort and pain." Richard G. Scott

have a GREAT WEEK

Seven On Sunday(or Thursday)

1. I got a new hair cut last week, my way of doing something for myself. I have to thanks Brendan:) for all my stress, I have lost 14 pounds. I have been trying to lose 10 for a year now!

2. The divorce was final yesterday. Brendan was here visiting the kids and

it was a lot harder on me than I ever imagined. I guess you cannot turn love and emotions off especially after 10 years. We are still great friends which helps the kids a lot to not be in the middle of conflict.

3. Mackenzie is finally registered for school that starts on Wednesday!! man I was cutting it close:)

4. Kyle is going to be involved with Joy School this year. I did this preschool with christian based beliefs in Texas with Mackenzie and we loved it. So hopefully he will enjoy this too.

5. Work, is as crazy as ever, but I love it. I have been averaging between 45 and 60 hours a week. So, I gave my DON my part-time schedule for next month....32 hrs one week and 24 the next. this way I will actually be able to see Mackenzie with school starting and me still working swings.

6. Brendan is doing well in Pocatello.. he started working 12 hr night shift. He is coming around a lot and is actually being a big help with finances and watching kids for me. I hope he knows how much he is loved and appreciated. He has so many wonderful qualities and I pray for him to one day be able to beat his addiction. Here's to my best friend still:)

7. Faith- without faith nothing works. I have learned to rely on faith so much the past 6 weeks. and I have seen the Tender Mercies of the Lord in my life on a daily basis. the faith and prayers of others has given me the strength to endure trials and has helped me carry and let go of my burdens. thanks to you all especially family for your love and support. Hopefully I can start up my seven on Sunday again next week. Until then remember the Faith!

Seven on Sunday(Tuesday this week)
1. I am FINALLY all unpacked even the toys that were left in boxes in the garage have been unpacked and downsized:)!!!!!

2.I have to brag on my Niece Spring. She has started her own candle company in hopes to be successful to the point that her family for generations to come can enjoy being a stay at home mom with the benefits of working from home how often they want. She has such high goals and standard and I am proud of all her hard work and effort. I am in charge of training our reps to teach home shows about our different candle lines. Go SPRINGY!!!

3. Family reunion.....day 1 Friday. me and the kids left at 9 am on Friday to go down to Blackfoot for a family reunion. The trip started out late and the kids screamed for most of the 4 hour drive. The DVD player pooped out on the way there, and being poor I couldn't buy another one. When we arrived we had to stop at the bannock county sheriff's so Brendan could be officially served with the divorce papers. It was a little odd doing it the way we did, but we got it done. Then we went to Blackfoot and enjoyed some lunch by my gracious sister-in-law Kimberli. The kids had so much playing with their cousins who they miss very much. Friday night we had some DELICIOUS dutch oven chicken and potatoes at uncle Craig's my kids even ate it that's how great it tasted. so it started off fun for the reunion.

4. Saturday day at the lake. The kids had so much fun at the lakes on the hot dog and boat. Brevan's first ride and he laughed the whole time. I am glad I was there to experience it with him. Kyle liked the boating much better this year. Kenzie got back on the hot dog and didn't get hurt. I enjoyed the tube until I flew 6 feet in the air and hit my face on the tube on the way back down. I have a nice bruise on my chin now. But it was all worth it to have so much fun with my kids. Saturday night talent show went great. Kyle sang I love to see the temple all by himself. It was so adorable. He laughed for a while before he actually sang into the microphone. It was a great day.

5. Harvesting my garden. well the new tenant in our house is a creep. so we harvested all my garden on Monday. we brought all the tomatoes here to ripen, got about a 100lbs of potatoes, some peas, carrots, and loads of onions. a few peppers too. it will do fine. I am going to get corn from my in-laws this fall. so we will have a good supply and I should be able to do at least one batch of spaghetti sauce and salsa.

6. Confusion. so everyone was totally confused by Brendan this past weekend. Me i never read anything into what he does anymore. He waltzes right into the reunion and acts like there isn't anything going on between us and the kids best friend. I know we still talk, but not about anything with substance. He wants to be friends and a dad on his terms. How selfish. do i still love him, well after 10 years you can't just shut it all off, but it has definitely changed in many ways. I wish he would one day realize what he is losing. Maybe he just doesn't think he has lost anything since he can still talk to us at his convenience. We'll see how long he stays in contact with us as time goes by. I pray for the kids sake he does.

7. The divorce is suppose to be final the end of this week or beginning of next. All the paperwork is finally there. thanks to me......and trying to make everything easy. I am so greatful for my Savior Jesus Christ. I just finished a book called, the Peacegiver by Ferrell. It opened up the atonement and gave me new insights. All I can say is that I am at peace with my life and know that the Lord is opening so many doors for me and blessings are coming in great abundance. So thanks for all the prayers on our behalf. until Sunday remember that Kindness begins with yourself:)

SEVEN on SUNDAY

1. The highlight of my week was my weekend off work!!!! the last 2 days have been relaxing with the kiddos.

2. This week I started my full-time job and a long-term care facility. I was supposed to be trained for a week and then on my own. Friday night another nurse called in and I got threw into charge nurse of my unit. I have 28 pt's and 4 aids. 16 of the 28 pts have either Alzheimer's or schizophrenia. so I am around lots of craziness. Makes me almost think I am sane:) The job keeps me busy for 8 1/2 hours. If only I didn't have to eat at the nurse's station I'd be happy.

3. The landlord of our old house told Brendan that we could still work in the garden and get our produce. that will be another great blessing for us. Thanks to my gracious sister-in-laws for all their hard work....and the nephews for shelling peas, and brothers for tilling. you are all SOOOO fabulous. I love you all.

4. Mackenzie and Kyle had a primary activity this week for pioneer day. they had so much fun making homemade ice cream and playing pioneer games. I took Brevan with me to run errands and we had fun too!!! i decided that once a month me and the kids one at a time have a time out by ourselves to help with all the changes.

5. so i got the divorce papers signed back from Brendan yesterday. so i will file with he courts tomorrow and it should be finalized by this week.:(

6. I have the best ward up here. today i had to take the boys out for a "talking" too. i mean a one way talking:). i sent kyle back in and when brevan and i returned kyle wasn't there. an older lady behind us had him and her and her daughter were coloring with him. how awesome is that. I appreciate it more than words can ever say.

7. my lesson learned this week: Life throws us all sorts of twists and turns. It's how well we stay on the path during the sharp curves that determines the outcome. I know that as long as I hold on with both hands to the iron rod those twist and turns will one day straighten out. Thanks again for all the love and support you all have given. I talked to a good friend of mine in Louisiana this( a baptist) and the insights we both gained was amazing. I know the Lord is watching out for my little family. until next week....Jess

Seven on SUNDAY returns!

1.okay can I just say I HATE the GI bugs!!!!!!on Thursday this week Kyle woke up at 0330 vomiting and it went on about every 20-30 minutes until 0800 then about every 45 min until 1100. Then the diarrhea started. WE just had all of this CRAP 2 1/2 weeks ago. Now I am just praying that the rest of us don't get it.

2. Mackenzie has met several lil friends already. She went swimming On wed until 2200. I must be a bad mother to let my kid stay out that late at 8 years old!!! She had tons of fun. It was at our hp group leader's house he has a 35 foot pool that 4 1/2 feet deep. He invited the boys to come over tomorrow. Mackenzie also went to Activity day here this week. She loves all the girls here and they are quickly becoming good friends.

3. Park. The greatest thing about our house is that there is a park 2 doors down. It's as close as it was in Monterrey. I can see it out my front window. So Mackenzie can take the boys down there for 15 minutes and then come back.

4. Tramp. THANK YOU THANK YOU to my big brother who graciously put up the tramp for the kids on Saturday when it was 97 degrees outside with no shade. He was such a trooper. He and his wife Stephanie have been wonderful with this move and a great support system.

5. In- LAWS....I LOVE ALL OF THEM!!!! I have the greatest extended family ever. even if it was by marrying Brendan. I couldn't have a better support system anywhere else in the world. I just want them to know how much I love and appreciate them all.

6. Brendan....Well for those who don't know( I know it has been going back and forth), But tomorrow I am filing for a divorce. He came up this weekend for drill and visited with the kids a little while on Saturday and today. He gave such mixed feelings that I just didn't know what to do. Tonight he called me back and said that he didn't love me the way a husband should love a wife and I wasn't a priority to him. He doesn't want the responsibility of being an everyday father either. So Brendan if you read this the best thing I can do for someone I LOVE so much is to say GOOD-BYE. I hope that his one night stands and handy dandy computer will give him the fulfillment he is looking for. I am sad for the kids because they love him so much, But they deserve a father who wants to be with them everyday and gets excited when they run up to them to play and not always annoyed with them. Please keep him in your prayers and hopefully something tragic will happen to help him realize what he has lost.

7. I am so blessed with many things. The most important is my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the power of the Atonement. I didn't realize an important aspect of the atonement until the past few years...the power of healing are hearts. I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for allowing his Son to suffer for me . I know Christ would do it all again just FOR ME. I know my prayers are heard and helps me get through each day. I am blessed with 3 of the greatest kids ever. I love them so much and pray that they can adjust to all of these changes....me going back to school and work. I am blessed with great friends and family. I love you all and cannot thank you enough for your love and support. so this is seven on Sunday and can't wait to see what next week will bring.....until then Jess

so we are moved into our new house here in nampa, id. the kids are excited to be in a subdivision with LOTS of other kiddos to play with. Just a little info...we are not getting a divorce(atleast right now). Brendan has a LONG way to go for recovery and we will take it a step at a time and see where he is in a year. I do know that the atonement is real and that he is not "cast off'''. We love him and pray for a ALMA like experience. He is my best friend and my heart aches for his addictions. anyone interested in sexual addictions and recover can go to lds.org; provident living; social and emotional; addiction recovery. there are articles about this that is inspired from our Heavenly Father. I will begin my seven on Sunday again soon:)!!!!

SEVEN ON SUNDAY

Well there is TOO much to write for only seven, so this will be a condensed version. Me and the kids are moving to the Boise area and Brendan will be in Pocatello(for those wondering the same thing just a different day and I am done). So for those we are leaving behind you will be greatly missed. I just pray that Mackenzie will adjust to yet another change in her life. I love Brendan with all my heart and soul, but until he wants his family to be an eternal one again and can love only one wife this is the end for us. I hope he one day will realize what he has lost to sin and will see himself the way I and Heavenly Father see him, as a son of a loving Father in Heaven. Once we get settled I will post a more updated blog, Until then We love you and will miss our loved ones greatly, Jess

The clan at mesa falls. isn't it just beautiful!

the cousins at old faithful
the cox family at old faithful
the grand canyon of yellowstone

the cox fam at mesa falls

the wolf gang
mackenzie as a wolf in red riding hood
this buffalo was literally arms reach of our window

old faithful is still faithful in the fact that it still errupts high!!!!

yellowstone and mesa falls pictures

Seven On Sunday
1. Okay so I am 2 weeks behind! ARGH!!! First I'll give a quick recap of 2 weeks ago. On Monday June 9, Kenzie tried out for the children's play again this year- red riding hood. She made the tryouts which meant a week of long rehearsals for her and me. She was a good sport and loved doing the play again this year. The weeks ended on Saturday June 14th with Brendan coming home after 16 days(WOOOHOOOO!!!!) and being able to see kenzie's star performance. He missed her play last year. so this week was busy with running here and there, and trying to stay busy so being alone wasn't so lonely:). I did make curtains, clean baseboards, stove fridge, and reorganize all the bedrooms and storage room. So i wasn't lonely at All. Plus it was so nice to have it all done for when brendan came home. i always save my "spring cleaning" for when he is gone.

2. Sunday june15th. Happy Father's Day to all the dads in my life. First to my wonderful husband. "Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a daddy." anne geddes
He is truly a wonderful daddy, and the kids were so EXCITED to have him come home. Especially kyle. He knew that when daddy came home we'd be going camping! and that's what he expected. Brendan has learned to be a great dad from his own father. to my father-in-law who is a great father to us all. He know how to love unconditionally and gives chastisement in a way that is so loving that you almost forget what the talk is all about. To my DADDY. Who has always been my hero. I love him dearly and wish he lived closer. He is the one who taught me how to forgive other so quickly. He taught me it takes more energy to be angry than to just let go. So on this father's day I honor all the dads in my life. I love you ALL!!!

3. June 15th---Brendan's birthday party. Brendan always seems to gone on his birthday so we end up celebrating it on father's day too. He received some fun things for our Yellowstone camping trip. a new stove, lantern, and an axe(for chopping wood). Happy Birthday to my best friend, my partner in crime, my dear husband. I love you so very much and hope one day you will realize how much you mean to me. thanks for all of your hard work and being willing to sacrifice so much so that I can stay home with our 3 beautiful kiddos. You are the best and even after 10 years, I am still smitten when I look at you and my heart still flutters. Happy 32nd birthday Honey!

4. Monday June 16th--pack and lave for Yellowstone. why is it when you think you have all the lists you could possibly need for a camping trip you still fall behind schedule? I thought I was so good had everything packed by 1pm since we wanted to leave at 3, so I go on a short 3 miler run thinking I have all the time in the world to get ready after my run, then I had a vision in the hot sun...i forgot to pack all of our food!!!! GREAT...now we will be late or starve for 3 days. So i sped up my comfortable 10min/mile pace to a 9 min/mile and got a huge cramp at the end and still had to hurry and shower so I could pack our food. Way to go on being prepared. I did have it all ready by 3 after all, but with the cost of it being a pony tail hair day:) It was worth it. we got to the camp around seven got camp set up and dinner done all before 8:30pm. The kids were in bed by 10 and we were ready for our park adventure bright and early Tuesday morning. Thanks again to Brendan for my early morning run on Tuesday. we had a couple of killer hills and he patiently waited with me to make it up the hill. I felt like Casey Jr trucking up the track. we did see a herd of antelope on our run.

5. ILLNESS hits in the park. Brendan got hit with a GI bug while touring yellowstone. I first thought he was being overly sensitive about being ill, but at 8pm when kyle started puking all over the car...I knew it was bad for them both. Kyle ended up puking most of the night and Brendan felt better Wednesday afternoon. On Wednesday we toured mesa falls just north of rexburg( i couldn't believe I was the only who had ever been there in our group, and that was 10 years ago at ricks). It was infested with mosquitoes and even with bug spray we were attacked, even the poor little dogs. I have to say this trip was lots of fun. i forget how beautiful our world is until i am back in nature. the kids all did great with all the walking we did.(pictures will come at the end)

6. softball game on Thursday. Well last week I had a parent get upset with me at the game. My assistant coach thought she over reacted majorly and intervened on my behalf. Well this week her 2 girls weren't at the game. So I am assuming she pulled them from the team. i think it is horrible that parents cause problems for their kids and don't allow them to enjoy things. it's pretty pathetic that some people can't seem to outgrow the drama. It left our team short on players. oh well I hope they come back.

7. Pocatello trip turned into a puking fest. Me and went to pocatello to play with my friend Tina and her kids on Friday. It was lots of fun catching up and just letting the kids play. We went to craigos, a ricks favorite, for some pizza. All of my kids seemed fine. On the way home Mackenzie said her tummy hurt, about a minute later she asked me to pull over. As soon as i put the car in park...she exploded everywhere. Then kyle puked because he saw her puking. So here adds another 2 loads of laundry to the list. Then this morning at 330 brevan woke up puking. Now I know Brendan was really sick. Hopefully I miss it. I finally have my car cleaned and it almost doesn't smell of puke. Anyways, we have had a busy couple of weeks and have enjoyed being a family and our mini vacation. so until next week, have a wonderful week and enjoy the warm weather.

This week on Seven on Sunday....................

1. SCHOOL"S OUT!!!! after a long week of helping out with the end of the year projects and play time, it's finally over. Mackenzie had such a great teacher this year, Miss Miskin. She was voted by the other teachers as Groveland's teacher of the year!!! We are so proud of Mackenzie and her accomplishments in school this year. She received the honor roll all year. In order to do receive the award a student has to have all A's and no more than one B. Mackenzie maintained straight A's this year!!! Good Job LOU LOU BEAR:) She also had more than 200 AR points for the year. AR is a reading program where the child reads a book and then takes a test to receive points.

2. Our first softball game. This summer I am coaching softball. The first game was one Thursday. The team made a double play. They were all able to hit the ball too. Mackenzie did a great job. She played third base and catcher. I am glad she is enjoying one of my favorite sports!Mackenzie before her first softball game of the season.

3. The highlight of my week was our short trip to SLC for a friends sealing in the temple. It was so awesome to see Trent and Tina sealed together, and amazing as they brought little Zander to be sealed to them. Mackenzie had fun playing with Makenna and Alexis. they are long time friends. It's cute to see them play so well.

pictures: 1. Trent, Tina, and Zander after being sealed. 2. Makenna, Mackenzie, and Alexis having fun playing. 3. The COLE family on this blessed day!!!!! 4. The infamous group photo op!

4. After SLC we went to Kamas to see cousins. It was so wonderful of my sister-in-law to let us crash at their place for the night. My kids really loved being able to play with their Utah cousin because they don't get to very often. Kyle kept saying all evening he wanted to go back to Toby's house! Thanks Min and Jer we sure do love you guys. Pictures: 1. Kyle and her new favorite buddy Toby. 2. Grandma and some grand kids

5. A Special thanks to my mother-in-law for going down with me to Utah. It was so nice to know that the kids were in good hands and I could enjoy the Temple. She was a good sport since it took a lot longer for the sealing( an hour and a half behind schedule). She also took some adorable pictures of the kids.

6. SURVIVING- So I have to say this past week had FLOWN by so fast. With Brendan gone time usually crawls by so SLOW!!! I am grateful I was so busy this week. He will be home in 6 DAYS!!!! I realized once again how much a NEED him. He is my best friend and I really miss having him to talk to when he's gone. the phone just isn't the same. The kids have been so good which has made it easier. they really miss daddy though. It has reminded once again why the Lord has the family dynamics set the way they are. without a dad and mom things just don't work as well. So Brendan I LOVE YOU! and appreciate all you do for our family:)

7. Well life is just grand.........except for Kyle won't quit asking,"are we going camping today?" He is so excited to go to Yellowstone and go camping that he is beside himself. I am excited as well. these cheap memories cannot be made any other way. Some of my greatest memories have to do with outdoor activities such as camping. So in 8 days we head up to Yellowstone for a few days. So until next week keep the faith and remember life is hard so that we can become our best selves.