Seven on Sunday

1.So I got my hair done AGAIN! It's nice for $20 bucks I can get my hair cut and colored...plus my eyebrows and lip waxed. So due to this I seem to get my hair done every 2 months. This time I went a little bold and I LOVE it. it feels good to have someone make you feel beautiful...right ladies!

2.So Jared a friend of mine told me about this awesome park in downtown Boise located in the foothills, Camel's Back. So yesterday since it was near 60 and sunny and i was off work, me and the kids ventured on a trip. It was absolutely beautiful(and yes i am saying areas in Idaho are beautiful). There was a fun playground before you hot the trails. This picture is on top of one of the trails looking North away from the city. Took my breath away to think of all the majesty of our Heavenly Father's and Savior's creations!

3.this is a picture of the boys sliding down the Camel's Back. It was much easier climbing up this hill than coming down thus the reason for sliding:). My boys did so good at hiking. Brevan at 2 1/2 amazed me with his ability to go like the energizer bunny. Wish i could bottle up that energy and I'm sure I'd make millions. Kyle loves to show his little brother how to do new things. So it was fun for me to watch them slide together and of course Kyle had to go first. I pray that he will always want to show Brevan how to do the "right" things the "right" way!

4. The kids made it up the trails with little complaining. As you can see they are all smiling. They had fun running ahead of each other and then sitting down to wait for the rest of us. Mackenzie continues to amaze me with how much she can help out with the boys and at times like today actually enjoys it. My heart took several pictures and captured memories that the camera never will be able to do. Thanks to my kids for helping me find Joy in this journey that has been difficult the last few months. Picture of Kyle still going after our 3mile hike(i know some of you are thinking only 3 miles but hey it was a lot of up hills and I am not a pack mule so carrying kids back wasn't an option)

5. After all of our playing and hiking we headed back down old town Boise(btw is beautiful) and we found this adorable little ice cream parlor. So to end the day we stopped for ice cream dinner(we ate a picnic on our trails) about 5:30 pm. The ice cream is all homemade and is FABULOUS and fattening. It was SO good buck to be honest way too rich to eat to much. I sure felt sick afterwards. The place also sells homemade candies and the kids wanted to try everything, but mom had to say no!

6. Church today was GREAT! finally we sat through and entire sacrament meeting and I even was able to listen to most of the 2 talks. Brevan stayed after crying a little bit in nursery which is a bonus. He hasn't stayed in weeks. The thing I loved the most was being able to feel the spirit before and during church. The kids all got ready with no fighting and to church on time. I love it when all things seem to go smoothly. It was an answer to many prayers and tears. So here's to more great Sabbaths.

7. Faith....today one of the talks was about faith. The high counselor spoke of a man's love for his dear wife who suffered from Alzheimer's disease and hadn't recognized him in 5 years. The talk went on to say that she may not know me but I still know her and one day she will know that I still loved her when she couldn't show me the same love. WOW! I realized how much this is the kind of eternal relationship I want in my life. Since working with Alzheimer's for almost 8 months I see glimpses of this love. One little old lady brings her husband a milkshake every Saturday because that was their tradition. He still doesn't recognize her, but it sure warms my heart as I see him walking down the hall for minutes eating that milkshake and smiling not knowing who brought him this little piece of heaven. May we have this kind of faith in the eternal promise of eternal relationships and family.

Seven On Sunday

1. Okay so everyone comments how positive I always am and I really try to be happy about life. Well this once I am going to state something and I hope it makes us more aware of how we treat people or at least think before we speak. This past months has been challenging with very personal decisions made. What I will say is I know the Lord is aware of each of us our feelings, trials, and especially our needs. After being divorced for almost 8 months now a few things we as members of the church need to realize.

one-you cannot assume any reasons for peoples divorce. we don't know the story so let's not speculate.

two-most women who divorce for similar reasons go through a series of grieving processes, but the one that seems to come back again is that we would get more support emotional from our wards if our husbands had died.

three- read the article in the February ensign almost last page about single mom's. We feel awful for asking for help more frequently. sometimes it's nice when a person recognizes a need and volunteers to help....some obvious is the lack of priesthood we have in our homes, what can you do as a priesthood holder. So here is my venting!

2. Last week we had the most beautiful rainbow in the world after a freak rainstorm. I instantly thought of the song.....when I am baptized. How clean and pure the air smelled and then to look up and see the rainbow as a reminder of our Heavenly Father's love. What a feeling of peace I experienced.

3. Joy School. This months we are learning about the joy of trust and confidence and teaching our children these truths. we talked about seasons and mother nature and how we can trust mother nature....Kyle(who's the oldest) said, "mommy mother nature doesn't make the season Heavenly Father and Jesus do!" Wow they do remind of us simple truths. So I continued to teach something that I had to be STRONGLY reminded of at the moment that we can always trust Heavenly Father and Jesus and that builds confidence the eternal scheme of things. Especially when we are amidst a trial.

4. Mackenzie just participated in Jump rope for Heart last week. She really had fun practicing and then performing well. She is growing up into this young woman right before my eyes. She loves life and really tries to see positive things. As a result i was reminded that she is still yet my baby girl and I need to let her still be a child. I took this dilemma to the Lord because I have added more responsibility to her than maybe I should have when the divorce happened. After a couple of weeks of not expecting her to babysit so much...Wow! she loves her brothers again. I am grateful Heavenly Father showed me the way that I could still exercise and have that time for myself(which I feel makes me a better mom) without her feeling like she has to be the mom. Thanks for the small reminders that help us see the problems and find the answers.

5. Brevan continues to grow and become such a little man. I can hardly believe he will be 3 in a few months. he loves learning and having to mommy time 2 days a week. Still can pitch a hellacious fit but they are becoming fewer times a day:)

6. Anatomy....so we discovered that our female "blossom" cat is indeed not a girl at all. As we were scratching her tummy the other day brevan points down and says mommy look a snake! oh yea she or he had an erection. So now we have decided that he needs to get a new collar instead of the pink sparkly one with a bell. Can't change the name because he answers to Blossom! So i think there was a reason I went into nursing and not veterinarian career.

7. The Lord keeps opening windows when the doors seem to be shutting all around me. After telling Mike that it was over and to lose my number I felt lonely for a few weeks. Gave me time to forget about men and refocus on being a mom and what it is I really want out of Life. Do I just want to get married to someone because he is a member and holds the priesthood, or do I want that plus someone who cares for me and puts me first? I realized it's okay to be friends and date for a while. on that note I am dating someone else after not going on a date in 5 weeks. It's nice to have a friend. This time no child meeting until we see where we want things to go if anywhere. The good thing is that I have a new workout partner who is killing me in a good way...he's a marine who spent 2 tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. So physical fitness is important to him. so ending on a good note....thanks for not giving up on this bonehead girl. i will figure it all out with the Lord's help and all of your encouragement.

(okay one more thing my brother sean came up last week for a visit from texas...he's getting divorced so it was a needed break for him. so the picture of him and nate was a priceless one a captured with my phone)

Seven on Sunday
1. Well A lot has changed in 2 weeks. The major one for me is that Mike and I are not seeing or talking anymore. Call it irreconcilable differences. He decided that I should quit talking to Brendan and that my relationship with the Cox family should be kept at a distance now that Brendan and I are divorced. So anyone who knows me knows that if you try to tell me what not to do it will make me mad. I Love the coxes and they are my family forever:). Also he thought I talked to my dad too much. Oh well it's good to find things out before any major commitments are made.

2. Brendan came up this last week for a few days. had some national guard classes. So it was good for the kids to see him so much the last few weeks. We were down there over valentine's weekend. took the kids swimming with their cousins and eat pizza with the family. They had so much fun with grandpa and uncle wade to swimming. Thanks for a great weekend!

3. Parent teacher conferences were last week too. Mackenzie is doing great in school except for writing. We couldn't figure out why her language grade was down. she had all exceeds requirements but in writing. Well we got it straightened out, Her writing grade is 50% of her language grade. each test has writing portions. Well if you know Mackenzie she hates writing with a passion. She can tell you exactly what to write down but she doesn't write it on her tests. 5 years later and we are still dealing with her hate of writing. We love her anyways.

4. Kyle is pooping more in the toilet now. So we are almost 100% trained. Brevan is starting to show some interest now too. so hopefully by this summer we will be completely out of diapers. YEA!!!

5. We had a good week this week over. A bit stressful but things got resolved. Brendan has agreed to stay elsewhere when he visits the kids here. It has become to emotional to have him here for me. Then the kids wonder why he is leaving again. It has been good for transitioning but now we need them to know reality. I am sure it will be just fine.

6. This weekend was tons of fun. My brother Sean is here from Texas for a while. I also went out with a good friend who moved here a couple of months ago. We grew up together in Indiana. Brian is a good man and the kids love him, but I am in no way ready for a relationship. Friends are good especially those who understand your situation. It was tons of fun watching the twins and Brian together. Reminded me of our childhood. I haven't laughed that much in months. Very therapeutic:).

7. Thought for the week. I read an article in the ensign titled, " I ran to him." About a son who runs and his father is always at every race, but he stands in an different place. It's a place where his son would want to quit but he would be at that leg of the race to tell him to go on and he could do it. It wasn't the beginning or the end but where he would be needed the most. That is how our Heavenly Father is. When things are good he is there and he will be there at the end too, but when we cannot go on and our burdens seem the heaviest that is where the Savior and our Father in Heaven are the most to carry us through. I am thankful for the gospel especially these past months when I have felt completely alone at times. It's easy to put on a smile and tell people you are fine, but the nights are hard and only the comfort of the Holy Ghost are there. One more thing that made me feel like I am doing things right, brevan said yesterday before church, " Kyle we are going to church. The Holy Ghost is there right mommy?" It made my heart melt to know I am teaching them and they are understanding something. So here's to us all Keep the Faith@

Millions on Monday

1. Okay so it's been more than a months since I have updated and shard my life with you all. A lot of things have been going and life is still crazy. The first thing that was wonderful is on January 11 I was asked to give a talk in sacrament meeting. It was from the November ensign...Pres Uchdorf's talk on hope. I learned a ton about myself and the life we are currently living. I gave the talk in slow motion(well in my mind it was) and all the old people could understand what I was saying:)!

2. This same weekend Mike came up to listen to my talk and help out wit the 3 kiddos during sacrament. It was a wonderful weekend and he even said, "I love you!" I couldn't believe how well behaved Brevan was with Mike being there. It was fabulous. Mike got to meet my brother and that went over well...He and Brendan even met and that went over tons better than I could have ever hoped for. Mike also told me and the kids that he wanted to be a permanent part of our lives...No he didn't ask me to marry him!

3.A little update on the kids....Mackenzie is still a tremendous help to me with her brothers. She just finished a report that was a 2 week long project on Houdini. Her oral presentation went great. She still has a problem with writing...she HATES it! She can tell you all about something but she will fight tooth and nail to write it on paper. She loves activity day girls in primary and is wanting to play spring soccer. Kyle still loves Joy school and primary. He is finally getting the hang of pooping in the toilet. It's been 5 days since I had to change poopy undies:) He continues to amaze me with how much he knows...he'll tell me mommy that is number 33 or that is letter k. wow! And Brevan...what more can I say besides he is our precious little spirit with and endless supply of energy. He is learning his colors and how to count. He loves to play with Kyle, first thing in the morning you hear, "Kyle will you play with me?" It melts my heart. The kids are doing well and love to be with their cousins here and there. Their new favorite toy is the Wii that we just bought last week. It has brought tons of enjoyment for us all!

4. Me well work is still there and I absolutely love it. No 2 days are ever the same and I really have grown to love my patients, some more than others, and there families have touched my heart in many ways. I am learning a lot about myself in the professional area...even if I did get written up for something totally stupid and my supervisor tells me that I am a better nurse than this!! retarded(I'll tell you about it later when I am done fuming about it).

5. This past weekend was great for us all. The weather was 50 degrees which allowed for some much needed outside work to get done. The kids and I cleaned up the backyard...poop and all and cleaned out the garage(a every 4 month project). The kids did so well with not complaining. They even did their inside chores quickly, I think that had something to do with the doughnuts I got for breakfast. and then we went to wal-mart in the evening and they got to pick out a cheap toy for all their hard work. It was so nice to spend the day outside. Brendan came over in the evening and helped put together my new entertainment center and television( i splurged) and re hook up the new wii. the kids didn't get to bed until 10:30 but it was worth it. then yesterday Brendan was here after church and we spent a family day together and even watch august rush....which is now my new favorite movie...loved the music. As we sat on the couch as a "family" it reminded me the way things are SUPPOSE to be. it made me sad. But as I said it was a GREAT weekend for us all.

6. This next weekend will be spent in SE Idaho with our loved ones there. hope you are all excited for us to come:)

7. My thoughts for this past month...in Ether in the Book of Mormon Ether the prophet says, " You receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." I always thought it applied to receiving a testimony of the gospel but I now have a new insight for myself. I have prayed about many things and received my answers, but they just don't seem to be happening. I realized the Lord has answered my prayers, but He never gave me a time frame. So am I a sign seeker to believe or do I have the faith to be tried until I receive my witness or answers to what I have prayed about. I know that faith isn't easy...we chose to come to earth to be tried and tested. I just hope that while I am learning to have faith that at some point I will also receive some patience. We love you all and are eternally grateful for our Idaho family and of course our flesh and blood that is spread across the country. thanks for all the prayers in our behalf.

PS...i will post some updated pictures later:)

Nathan and his family at Direct TV"s Christmas party with SANTA

Kyle playing Joseph in his Joy school play of the first Christmas

the Kids always get Santa Pajamas and here they are showing them off

me and the kids letting Santa know our Christmas wishes!

PICTURES of our FESTIVITIES!!!!

I forgot to tell you all about my singing karaoke at Direct TV with mackenzie...Only she could get me up their to feel like a fool. A present in a way for her!

Seven On Sunday
1. The past 2 weeks have been full of illness and more illness. It started the end of November and keeps hanging on...You know the GI crap and then the unexplainable High Fevers. More of the same. Starts with one and every few days another person recover and the next person gets it. I am hoping the new year will be filled with less CRAP!

2.HOLIDAY activities have been in full bloom this months as well. The kids just got home from spending a week in Blackfoot/Pocatello with their dad, Me and grandparents. During their/ my stay we were able to go sledding with lots of family...well all of Brendan's siblings and their families. We had so much fun pretending we were young and keeping up with the children. I must say those of us who took courage with that MIGHT Jump were brave and definitely sore the next day. I got reminded that I am no long 10 anymore! Also a BIG thank you to MY mother/father in-law for fabulous Fondu party. I was sad I wouldn't get it this year, but I did and am so grateful to them.

3. My trip to Blackfoot was costly! So on my way to Blackfoot I was driving totally white knuckled due to the snow storm. I made it all the way to American Falls on Saturday the 27Th before the OH %&%# happened. I hit ice and did a 360 on the interstate and went into the steep median packed with 5 feet of snow(okay not 5 feet). I was scared and it cost me $200 for the toll truck to pull me out. I do have some front end damage but not major. So here's to being alive which I am very happy about and that it wasn't any worse.

4. New Year's Eve. So I had no kids on New Year's eve which made it possible for me to go out. My fabulous friend Jen from work an d group of us went to a BSU institute dance. We went to the cheesecake factory first and BOY it was GOOD! The dance was lots of fun, even if my thighs hurt afterwards. It was good to be out with "OLDER" lds people and have wholesome fun! Did wonders for the start of my new year!

5. New year's day. Brendan brought the kids home today. My brother and his family came over for some awesome food and good times with the karaoke. Thanks to Brendan for the hot wings. Nate became our official wine bibber, or sparkling cider bibber.

6. New year goals....I decided this year to share some of my goals. If people ask me how I am doing I feel more responsible for the goals. So if you see me ask:)\
1. Find the blessings during the trials
2. be more positive...must find 10 positive things about life's circumstances each day(and yes the can repeat each day)
3. more patient with my kids
4. get Kyle to poop in toilet and Brevan out of diapers
5. Do mommy dates each month with my kids individually
6. Have ME time

and of course the never ending becoming more healthy and fit!

7. What I Have learned this past year. The main thing I have learned has to do with forgiveness. One of the last things the Savior said was, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." I have learned that he didn't ever say that they weren't sinning they just didn't realize exactly the consequences of their choices. I have often wondered if those individuals would do the same if they could have seen the future, probably not! I think of Brendan and wonder if he could have seen the consequences of his choices and the heartache and hardship it has caused if his choices would have been different. So I say to my self...."Father please forgive him and keep him safe until he has the desire to change." We must forgive those who spitefully use and abuse us in order to have out sins forgiven. I hope that one day I can be worthy to enter into my Father's mansion and be able to say...Yes I did forgive others. May this year draw us closer to our Heavenly Father and Savior. Happy New year to you all!

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:)