okay this monkey was definitely posing for pictures!








mother's day....kenzie trying out her photo skills










the sleeping tigers








the beautiful Cat!











my children were nesting





































asia in idaho?

Seven on Sunday

1. Happy Mother's Day to all my wonderful Mom and friends. We are truly blessed to have the privilege of being called "mommy". A mother's day quote by Marjorie Hinkley, "there is no such thing as the perfect mother............ we just do the best we can with the help of the Lord, and who knows, these children who are struggling to be free may someday rise up and call us blessed."

2. So this past 2 weeks have been filled with sickness for our little family. Started with Mackenzie puking all over my brother's bathroom floor and wall while I was at work. He was such a good sport and cleaned it all up. Then 2 days later Kyle woke up in the middle of the night puking and I was suppose to work at 6 am so I had to call in (my first time in almost a year). then I woke up the next day with the other problem:) and then Sunday morning last week was puking while sitting on the toilet....ARGH!!! Brevan walks in and asks is that poop in the trash? gotta love kids. The best is that brevan was bypassed this time around!

3. House Hunting is FINALLY over. I am in contract with a brand new 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath with a family room and living room. I LOVE it! thanks to my wonderful new friend and agent Denise. She has been a godsend these past 2 months. Not only with house hunting but being a wonderful friend. I am closing on the house June 17. Hoping to move it up a week or 2. Will find out this week if that is possible. I will post pictures of the house this week:)

4. Day with the kids at the Zoo. So I was feeling sorry for myself this past few weeks. Being alone on Mother's day doing the same thing as any other day of the week or year. So I decided to take the kids out and have some fun. So we went to the Boise Zoo. They had so much fun seeing animals, playing on animal slides and acting like monkeys in the education centers. They were good and it wasn't too hot to enjoy like our last zoo trip in DC for those who remember that! after the zoo we went to chuckie cheese's. of course they loved it and i was plum tired of kids and noise by the end of the day!

5. My job is wonderful. We have a new resident who is a strong member of the church who helped with the cristus in Temple square. I went to work one day and he was drinking coffee. I asked him why and he said that's all they ever offer me here.....I was livid. You don't do that to Alzheimer's patients. They may be losing there mind but we don't disrespect their values and beliefs. I asked him if he was suppose to drink it and he smiled and said No and then replied to me you are a Mormon too huh? These are the ones you really grow to love. I did talk to my aids and explain a little thing about respecting things people hold sacred and not to violate those things.

6. School is almost over and it is not coming soon enough. Between school with kenzie, preschool with Kyle, and me working I am plum burned out. I have decided not to do Joy school next year and put Kyle in a Pre-K program and not stress myself anymore. Kenz is excited to do some camps this summer...a science and tennis one. it will be fun for her. WE are also having my parents here for 2 weeks each and then we are driving to Indiana for 2 weeks. so the summer will be full of fun and family.

7. I just want to tell everyone Thank You for all of your prayers and support this past year. Many changes have taken place and seem to be almost monthly. But through it all I have greatly appreciated the love and support from friends and family. I know the Lord is watching over me and my kids. Some days are easier than others but each day comes a new hope that all will be well. Plus look what I have learned to do on my own! definitely don't recommend it but does make you realize that all things are possible with God.

Finished product of our Easter cookies

Kenzie showing her thrill of making the cookies

Kyle is so proud he cut it out all by himself

Brevan...oh the one he didn't eat before it was baked:)

Mom is trying to just finish up...past bedtime, and I just love making sugar cookies. Just not 5 dozen of them!

My baby is almost three...Brevan

my three joys in this life...Kyle, Mackenzie, and Brevan

My little girl is growing into a beautiful young lady

pose one! two! and three!

Kyle...when did he become 5...almost

Seven On (what day is it:)) Sunday!

1. I am posting pictures first! I cannot believe it has been more than a month since I have posted. a lot has been going on and life always seems to be full of major decisions for me! so for number one...I am looking to buy a house. It has been a stressful adventure and I am hoping the "one" will come along and be what I love. To find one the I think I can afford versus what the bank says I an afford is becoming a challenge for me. I guess if it's meant to be it will happen. Wish me luck!

2. Spring Break....Well the kids spend 5 days(thurs-tues) with their dad in pocatello/Blackfoot. To say the least "daddy" got a taste of my life. Mackenzie had croup and vomiting going on most of the time, Kyle had the diarrhea which is so much fun cleaning out of underwear, and Brevan well he was himself do I need to say more. Then the night before he brought them to me his fuel pump went out of his car. I felt bad for him, and he finally has a feel for what i do everyday. Balancing work, sick kids, and any kind of disaster that entails them both and in between. Brendan's was just compacted into 4 days....sorry but I did laugh.

I worked 58 hours that weekend in 3 days so I was glad he had the kids and they seemed to enjoy seeing family for a few days.

3. Easter Cookies galour. Well a tradition I started when Kenzie was a toddler is making sugar cookies for Easter, Halloween, and Christmas. This year I have had to force myself to get into the mood to do this with the kids. It's something they look forward too and something mom dreads! We did survive. I decided to half the recipe so I didn't end up with 10 dozen! Between that and brevan eating the dough nonstop we ended up with 4 dozen. This was brevan's first year to really get into it and it was fun watching Kyle show him what to do and kenzie mothering them both. I did still have to finish them after they went to bed. My coworkers really enjoyed them too! I can't eat them so I have to take the goodies out:)

4. Easter egg hunt at my work. Well the it was rainy and I had to work a semi double the night before...my pm shift plus nocs. I was half tempted not to take them since i was going on 3 hours of sleep and had a 4 hour drive to se idaho. Well I took them and I'm glad I did. Kyle laughed and smiled the whole time and found 46 eggs all filled with candy...ARGH! Brevan cried and didn't want anything to do with the hunt until a Coworker of mine showed him the chocolate and then he found 35 eggs. Kenzie did well too and that meant my kids had their treats for our road trip:)

5. Saturday before Easter we went to Brendan' sisters wards Easter breakfast and hunt. The food was good and the candy even better! Later we decorated eggs. Once again it was fun watching Brevan enjoy all this for his first time. Kyle is becoming quite the artist and likes to design his eggs now, and Mackenzie is getting to that age where she wants to keep being a kid and trying to grow up. I'll keep her a kids as long as I can!

6. Me well I have been working my butt off with a personal trainer and a meal plan. I've lost 8 pounds in 5 weeks and she is killing me which is helping me train for my half-marathon that I am registered for. I never knew my muscles could hurt so much after weight training. My run time is actually improving. Who knew the key ti decreasing your time was in the weight training not running more! The good thing is i am definitely more conscious of my food especially since I'm paying someone to tell me what to eat and how to work out:) I am enjoying work still...minus the heat of this past week! It was registering 94 degrees in the building. All the dementia patients were stripping...we had a nudist colony on that unit for a few days. I almost joined them!

7. We had stake conference this past weekend. It was a broadcast from SLC. The talk that hit home to me the most was from Elder Christopherson of the quorum of the twelve. He talked a lot about repentance, and told a story about a friend who had been excommunicated. He said this friend after being excommunicated became comfortable in his new lifestyle. After quite some time he finally felt like something was missing. His family and the church. He went through with the repentance process humbly and was eventually re baptized. Elder Christopherson stated that at that minute during the baptism he felt a strong witness that said this man is clean he is clean! What an experience. I know loved ones who are praying for this same miracle to happen. I know in my heart it will someday and he too will be clean again and the sins will be forgotten by the Lord. The lord wants us to help those to repent with a loving hand of fellowship and a nonjudgmental friendship. I am so grateful for the atonement of our Savior and know that we all need repentance and healing in our lives at some point if not everyday. So here's to knowing we are all children of our Heavenly Father and all striving for a common goal eternal life with HIM. Some of us take side streets and lots of turns along the way, but the goal is the same. I love my Savior and know he lives and loves us all no matter what!

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.

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