Long time :)

TA-DA

I'm back.  You missed me right? :) haha... Basically the past three weeks have been insane.  And I decided halfway through it that I was missing the Christmas season for really silly things.  So I slowed myself down, which basically meant that I put a lot of things on the back burner for a while, this blog ended up in the "slow down pile" 

 I'm really excited though because today was a really fun day at work.. That was great because tomorrow is my very last day working for Deseret Book and it was great to feel like I can leave feeling like it was a good place to work.  I love ending things on happy notes. 

I am so excited to stay at home with Britain again. 

I am so excited to be a homemaker and a wife and a mother before anything else. Because nothing else is that important to me.  I think I will be much happier knowing that my priorities are where I want them to be.  I need this, Britain needs this and Brandon needs this.  I love that the Lord is helping us get to the place we need to be.

Britain was adorable on Christmas. I left my camera at my parents house or else I would post pictures of her.  Maybe I'll do a post for Christmas pictures. It was the Best! 

Ok... While I've been writing this my child has started eating her jumbo sized crayons... So this is the end so I can save the rest of them! BYE!

Love you Jewls

I am officially a Jones.
I want to help others in their time of need, through... wait for it......

food.

Now, don't get me wrong... I love food.

But I have never felt like feeding other people

especially when they are sad...

or even when I am sad.

Basically I feel like Granny Jewls did everything she could just to make other people comfortable, and that is a form of service.. I want to make people comfortable too so I'm doing it in the best way that I can think of...

deviled eggs...

I want to honor her life.

because she influenced the person that my mother is,

and I owe her an awful lot for that.

She has a beautiful spirit and I am so glad she

can be with my uncle Joe now. 

I miss you both more than I can express.  Rob and Joe, I think

about you all the time. I hope that you both got the opportunity to 

run to Granny Jewls and hug her and welcome her to heaven.

I'm feeling really weird right now..

Sad but peaceful.

Anxious to help.

Basically I've got to start cooking if

anything will get done.  

Extremes

Today was a beautiful day, and a devastating day.  I don't really know where to start...

Today one of my co-workers left work early and delivered a perfect baby.  What an amazing moment in time, new life.  I wanted to cry with excitement.

Last night my moms step mother had a catastrophic aneurysm as soon as she got to my mothers house after a ten hour drive from her California trip.  Her name is Julie.  I love her.  My mommy loves her even more than I do.  She has a lot of people who love her.  She is the kind of person who changes people simply by being their friend.  She is the least judgmental person I have ever met, she is 100% loving and encouraging. 

The doctors have given her a very grim survival rate. 

My mommy held the phone to her ear, and I had the chance to say goodbye.  

I cried because it hurt.  

It hurts that life ends.  

It hurts that I have to see my mom and my family suffer.

While at work today someone told me about the Connecticut shooting.  I felt sick to my stomach.  My mind was whirling. Innocent children? How can those parents ever heal? I did cry.  I cried for the families, for the trauma that the innocent children went through.  I cried for the devastation of so many young lives being taken from the Earth in such a violent way.  My heart breaks for those families who did not get to envelope their children after the event.  I sobbed for the mothers who lost their babies in so cruel a way.

I cried. and my pain was small.

I hope those families know that they will see their babies again someday. 

I hope they can feel the healing power of the Atonement.

Beautiful Day!

Okay, to be completely honest, I have no idea what kind of a day it is because I have not even opened my blinds today.  I wrote my final paper for my Book of Mormon class yesterday.  I turned it in online today, I don't feel like it is the best paper I've ever done, but I do feel like I worked hard to come up with a topic, and to research talks and scriptures that would strengthen my paper.  It was a good experience and it helped to build up my confidence in my ability to learn just a little bit more.
I love my daughter.  I love my husband.  I hope that I am strong enough to beat my anxiety someday.  I hope that I have learned a lot this year... I certainly feel like I have learned and grown a ton.  I am excited for the next chapter of our life to start up so that we can move forward and put the past behind us.  I love my Heavenly Father and I am so grateful for all of the wonderful mercies that have been shown to me recently and throughout the year.
I'm starting to think about New Year Resolutions again... I think that it will be great to have a plan and take steps to better myself, because we all need a lot of work to be nice and polished by the time we get to return home to our Heavenly Father.  I am no exception... I can think of thirty things that I should work on, but again, patience will get me there.  :) I love you all

Sometimes

Sometimes I forget how lucky I am, how loved I am and how flawless life really is. It's amazing.

I have the most beautiful child.
The most tenderhearted husband.
The most breathtaking wedding ring.
I have a three foot Christmas tree decorated in hope and memories.
I have friends who are always mine to keep.
My parents love me more than words describe.
My siblings excite me and make me excited for their futures.
I have a warm home and bed.
I have peace.
I am where I belong, with exactly the right people.

I love the concept that life is flawless. You don't have to agree with it, it just helps me understand my creator.  It's what describes my understanding. Nothing will happen that God won't know about, nothing can happen that he does not anticipate. Even when trials are huge, or blessing are great, or both, I can know within my heart that my life is flawless, because I am meant to be, my family is meant to be, my history is meant to be. I am loved. I love deeply in return. I am learning patience. I am developing strength. I am striving for perfection, and falling short, and that is beautiful, because my Savior picks me up and carries me the remaining distance every time.
I thank my Heavenly Father for my two most treasured possessions, my husband and my daughter.
Sometimes it's amazing to sit and feel my miracles standing by to help me through.
Sometimes I want nothing more than to memorize this moment.

Just a blurb

This week went by so fast! Brandon worked a 14 hour day Monday, spent Tuesday getting signed up for UVU classes and Wednesday worked another 9 hours, Thursday he worked 4 hours, volunteered at BYU's fantasy magazine for 2 hours and I spent 4 hours attending class.  Today we both worked til 3 and now Brandon is waiting tables at Old Towne Grill. What a long/fast week! Britain was babysat a LOT this week.  Thanks to my grandparents and both sets of parents we are somehow making this insanity work.  I am so glad that this is not a long term set up.  I would probably just implode because it is such a demanding schedule.  I'm definitely looking forward to some changes happening in the near future.  Everyone needs a little change every once in a while, right?
Really fast, I wanted to share that thanks to Angela, from my pathway class I learned about an acceleration path in my program.  Essentially, in pathway we take 5 credits a semester for 3 semesters.  That is a full year and it is called Academic Start. The classes we take are not up for discussion, it is all spelled out.  But since I got an A in my first class they might let me sign up for an extra class for winter semester. I filled out the application today and requested a random online course that would help me meet my science requirements.  I am super excited to find out if I qualify for the extra class.  My fingers are crossed!
P.S.
I am totally prepared to ask for a 3 credit course for my birthday :) Weird? Maybe, but still so cool!

Thanksgiving Recap

Happy Britain with Aunt Chelsea

Playing with Uncle Stevie

Brandon did her hair on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving.  We got to spend time with my Dad and his family first, then we moved on to my grandmother (my mom's mom) and saw a bunch of cousins and aunts and uncles and then we drove to Santaquin where Brandon's family was hanging out.  It was really great to see so many people.  My favorite part of the week was probably seeing Chelsea, Brandon's sister who lives far far away in North Carolina.  I was so happy that she got to stay at our house last night and that she got to go to church with us today.
My Gratitude List:

Britain being happy for Daddy

-I am grateful for a husband who shares my same values and a love for our family.
-I am grateful for a child who loves unconditionally and is so happy and resilient.
-I am grateful for the gospel, specifically the law of tithing that grants us so many blessings.
-I am grateful for a Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ and the Atonement that heals me.
-I am so grateful for the support system that I have through my family and friends.
-I am grateful for the jobs that Brandon and I have, I'm so glad we have the ability to work hard.
-I am grateful for the peace that the Lord grants me when I feel so much fear.
That is a small sampling of all the wonderful things I have to be grateful for.

On Friday night we went to Temple Square.  It was really cool because one of Brandon's uncles works there and he got to show us where he works and some other really neat stuff.  I loved seeing Temple Square like that. Plus, its a perfect kick off to Christmas!

Britain and Grandpa being cold!

Brit and Grandma seeing the Pretties!

Brit and Uncle Josh at Temple Square

Last night Chelsea ended up dying my hair (Thank you Sheralyn for the dye and Chelsea for the dying of the hair).  It was really funny because last night I was thinking "that's weird, it looks kinda like my roots are glowing..." This morning everyone tried to be nice about it and I didn't want to be the first to say anything because Chelsea and Sheralyn were so nice for dying it for me... But my hair was orange. It was funny.  By about an hour into church both my dear sister in laws were mentioning that it was kind of glowing orange and would I mind if they fixed it by re-dying it?
It was funny... moral of the story.  I have dark hair now that isn't glowing orange at the roots. It is much better. I am really excited that my hair is dark.

All us girls taking a nap before dinner

Tonight Chelsea left for the airport.  I cleaned up my house that was trashed from having so many people and so many things we did all week.  I miss Chelsea already.  I hope we get to see her at Christmas.

Scary pasta Baby

Brandon made pasta.  Britain got it all over her face. It was pretty awesome.  She got a bath, which she does not like doing until she gets to splash around.  At that point she gets mad when I make her get out of the tub.  Bathtime is a no-win situation.

Sorry guys, I know this is a super random post, but I mostly just wanted to post anything to get back in the swing of things since I didn't post for so many days! Love you all.

Water Colors

paint away!

Tonight Britain learned how to paint :) As far as I know, this was her first time using any kind of paints.  It was a lot of fun.  She ended up being more fascinated by dipping the brush in the water than anything else.  A close second favorite was dipping the wet brush in the paint... She had almost no interest in the paper once she got going. But it was still super cute to watch.
Also, Britain learned how to chew gum today.  She found Brandon's pack and successfully chewed three pieces without spitting them out or making a mess for two hours! It was hilarious... She didn't even try to swallow it. She is one happy mint baby! Getting her to spit it out before bed was tricky, but eventually she did without a fight.  I love my happy camper.
I got a cold today, so I will not be taking her snow playing anytime soon. :( I really can't afford to be sick right now...But what can I do about it? Brandon is officially job hunting like a mad man so keep your fingers crossed for us. It's been a long year, but we are hoping to start the Christmas season off on the right foot.  Like a preview for a fresh new year. :) I'm so grateful to be married to the strong man that I am married to. He is the best person for me and I appreciate everything he does.
Another thing that I am just super excited about is my super duper awesome Christmas-with-no-money skills! I have successfully come up with Christmas present ideas for all of my sisters that will be totally from my heart, even though we are broke.  It is turning out to be really fun to think hard about that stuff rather than  just spending hundreds of dollars with no real thought.  I love my family.  I hope they have the best Christmas season ever, I sure feel like this will be my best Christmas season yet :)
Love you all.

ME

I am a strong woman.

I am a good mother.

I am a good wife.

I have the potential to be amazing.

I can reach my potential.

I will reach my potential.

I will never stop trying.

I am a beautiful daughter of God.

I am loved by many people including myself.

I make hard decisions.

I follow the spirit.

I am brave.

I am happy.

I am me.

List :)

Tonight I have things to do and zero motivation to get them done... Soooo, that means I need to make a list.  Nothing motivates me quite like a list motivates me.

LIST:
1. Start load of laundry
2. Pick up bedroom
3. Pick up living room
4. Get Brandon from work
5. Get Britain back to bed
6. Rotate laundry 
7. Unload Dishwasher
8. Load dishwasher
9. Read Scriptures 
10. Hit the sack!

Alright, I figure I have 2 hours to get this going.  Good luck to me :) Sorry I've been bad at the pictures of Britain.  Life has been a little insane the past two weeks.  Britain got Uncle Brady's hand me down snow pants today. Now she has a winter coat, snow pants, gloves and a hat and boots so soon we should be tromping around out there in the winter wonderland we call Provo.  I'll make sure to get pictures when that adventure happens :) love to you all!

Words

Today was fun.  Britain got her first coat.  :) Thank you TJ Maxx.  We went to three stores and tried on four coats.  Britain kinda threw a fit by the end, she was really sick of the phrase: "Britain, Arm!"  As I'm sure my dad could have guessed, we ended up buying the first one we tried on.  It is truly not my favorite... but that's okay, it was pretty obvious that it was Britain's favorite.  I love that my beautiful daughter is learning how to communicate and express her preferences.

After getting the coat we went over to Deseret Book to browse around and check out some Shadow Mountain titles from the in store employee library.  Brandon and I are going to read Fablehaven :) (Brandon is wanting to watch that publishing company for internships, but that is not the story that I am trying to tell.) 

Aaaaanyway...

Britain was being super cute while we window shopped.  She started poking her tummy and each time she poked she said be-be.  I finally recognized what she was saying! She learned that she is my Baby! It was so fun! She said it for about five minutes over and over but it never got old. 

Then when she finished practicing that word Brandon said "Britain, say Britain!" and she tried really hard.  It sounded a lot closer to "Ti-Tin" but it was super cute too.  She is finally learning to talk!  

When we got home Brandon sat down and said "Britain, can you get me the x-box controller?" and she said, "no."  That was my favorite moment!!! (Just kidding, but still funny.)

She is learning so much.  Yesterday she put herself to bed by making the "tired" sign and walking into her bedroom while she did it. Then she got really excited when we knew what she wanted.  It was awesome.  And super cute.  I didn't think she would even remember that sign because we only practiced it for two days a few weeks ago, before we decided she wasn't understanding it.  It was neat to realize that my baby is so receptive to knowledge, she is such a sponge.  I am so grateful for her mind and her ability to learn.  I get so much joy from watching her grow.  

Sorry for the lack of pictures.  I'll get some up soon when we make it outside to play in the snow, we didn't play outside today because she had no coat.  :) Now we won't have any excuses so we will share our fun times soon.  Love you all.

Moving Forward

Life stinks sometimes

...the end...

***********

HAHA just kidding, I'm not leaving my thoughts to that!  :) But really sometimes life does stink.  Like when your hair poofs in the morning... Or when BYU looses to Utah... Or when the president isn't the guys you hoped/voted for.  But guess what.  It happened (actually all of those things happened to be exact...) and I'm moving forward.  I hope you can too.  I really appreciate all you lovely people who chose to read my Election Results post.  Somehow, hearing from so many people telling me that they read it, made me feel like my vote and my voice really was heard... Even if it was heard after the event.  

I am still working on getting politically educated.  I feel like I am totally lost in everything, so much garbage to sort through before we actually learn the facts, but that's okay :) making the effort to learn about the issues is important.  Anyway, I just wanted to make sure that I thanked everyone for giving me the chance to be heard.  It meant a lot to me. 

About the Jones Family:

I feel like I've left my family out of this jonesy blog a little too long, so here is some fun information about our upcoming life plans in chronological order (I hope).

Turkey friend

November 21: Brandon's sister is flying to Utah for Thanksgiving, and his parents are driving in.(And Steve?)  

Thanksgiving (22nd): 

-We are eating Dinner with my family (Johnson's) around 1pm

-Next we are eating pie and hanging out with my Smith's around 5pm

 -Hopefully we'll see our Jones's before bed around 7pm.

(Just so everyone knows, these were all tentative plans and are in no means written in stone... only in blog... which is totally changeable. I just wanted to write down how I see it going, so I can be corrected before the day if needed :) )

From the Festival of Trees

Another weekend that is exciting is the first weekend in December:

Friday: Festival of Trees at the Sandy Expo Center :) :) :)

Saturday: Michael McLean's Forgotten Christmas Carols

Basically that wasn't a lot of information, but it was a lot of stuff that I am so ridiculously excited about.  I absolutely love the holiday season and I am thrilled to be Christmas shopping at all :) even if it is really really small this year.  I just appreciate the season and the love that fills the air :) 

Dealing with Election Results

      Last night was really exciting.  Then really nerve-wracking. Ultimately it was devastating for me.  I am scared.  I was counting on America to elect Mitt Romney for President.  And I was just sure that it was the best thing for us.  I sincerely appreciate every minute of time that the Romney's put into this campaign.  I sincerely appreciate the integrity that he held onto for this entire campaign.  I wish that Obama supporters could be more humane towards these people.  I just spent a good 30 minutes on Ann and Mitt's Facebook pages, and there are so many cruel comments about them.  I do not think our nation can afford to pick on each other.  I think that we need to recognize that America needs people who are looking out for each other.  

      Let me just say my thoughts because I think they are worth mentioning.  I totally get that people voted for issues like abortion, or gay rights.  I get that those are big issues, but ultimately, I don't feel like either of those issues outweighed the financial issues that we are facing as a nation.  I do not understand how Americans can be uneducated about the national debt.  I am very under educated, I'll be the first to admit it, but I do know that if something doesn't change fast, we are headed for a huge crisis. 

      I guess the root of my anger about last nights results stems from fear.  I am terrified of the future of our nation.  I am scared of a lot of things.  I am afraid of raising my children in a nation with family morals that have been completely undermined and ultimately destroyed.  I am devastated to think that abortion is something that parts of our country find perfectly acceptable. I am terrified about what will happen to us as a nation when we can't borrow any more money.  What will we do when the dollar just crumbles? Will we have disasters like Greece? Will we be able to maintain any form of democracy? Will our military just collapse leaving us defenseless? Will we end up with wars on American soil? Will my babies be safe? Will I be safe? Will my job be enough to pay my bills with inflation still going nuts? What is our future going to be?

      I know some of those questions are not very smart.  I know that a lot of them are legitimate reasons to be afraid.   

      I sincerely hope that Barack Obama succeeds.  His success or his failure is directly tied to our success or failure as a nation.  I wanted so badly for those results to be inaccurate last night.  But they were not.  Nothing we do or say will change what happened last night.  I cried, literally.  Sobbing.  But my tears don't fix anything. I hope that I am able to take this frustration and fear that I have and direct it toward making a difference.  Toward getting educated and then getting involved.  We have to be smart about the next four years or our nation and each of us will suffer. 

      The Lord is in charge.  He knew the outcome of this election before we ever started voting.  He loves each of us.  Including me.  He wants what is best for each of us.  I don't think these next four years will be easy.  But life goes on, the Lord is on our side even if it doesn't feel like it sometimes.  I hope we can all do our part to help this nation before healing is no longer an option.  I hope that we don't waste any time trying to fix the things that we can fix.  I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior.  I know that I can find peace in what has happened through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  I love that I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I am so proud of all that Mitt Romney did for me, he got me interested in politics and helped me understand how important it is for me to be involved.  I appreciate the freedoms I have here and I'm so grateful for good people in the world who want to make things better.  Good luck guys.  I hope we succeed together, regardless of our party affiliations. 

God Bless you, Mitt Romney

Election Day!

I wasn't super excited to vote... Until like two days ago... Suddenly it got really exciting... So...

I VOTED

I'll be honest.  I was planning to vote.. In fact this was the first time I've ever voted.  And I'm going to be totally honest.  I am one hundred percent for Mitt Romney.  I hope so badly that he wins. I've prayed and fasted for him.  I know he would make a huge difference in our country.  Well that's all I've got for you guys.. Britain doesn't care about the election... She is tired and hungry again, so I've got to go..

GOOD LUCK MITT!!!!

Weekend Park Goers

My Girl Forever

 This weekend was a lot of fun. Brandon took Britain on what was supposed to be a daddy daughter date, but I crashed their party and went along.  I don't have a lot to say, except, Britain has become an excellent finger food dipper, slidder, climber and runner.  She is my whole world.  Too cute for words. 

Dipping her nuggets in ranch, yum yum

Mommy helping Britain climb up a tube (it was hard!)

Check out daddy's concentration face :)

Britain loves the slide she giggles the whole way down!

This was when we told her it was time to leave... She ran back

Just so you all are aware, I might be an awful blogger this week. Please don't hate me.  I just have a lot on my plate and as much as I want to keep blogging frequently, I have to keep my priorities straight.  I'll be working extra hours this week and trying to write my religion paper.  Thanks for being patient with me.  Also, Brandon recorded Britain talking on the phone with Grandma Jones.  I'm mostly putting the video on here for her sake, but anyone is welcome to watch it.  This is how cute she is every time she talks on the phone :) Enjoy:

Happy Halloween!

All her goodies :)

Britain and I went trick or treating today on center street in Provo.  The businesses hand out candy to the cuties.  Even Brandon got to hand out candy at The Old Towne Grill where he works, but they ran out of candy when we got to his restaurant. We said hi anyway. 
We went with Grandpa Johnson (Who was a pirate), Grandma Johnson, Aunt Sydney (Bumblebee) Aunt Natalie (Witch from Wizard of Oz) and Uncle Brady (Fireman).  My dad, the pirate has a really cute picture of all the dressed up people in our party, hopefully I can get my hands on it.  I forgot to take my camera out with us.  

Shaking the dots: "something's inside the box!"

Britain made out pretty well in the candy department.  My little elephant kept trying to give candy away every time we said trick or treat, which was cute and funny.  We were happy to have such a fun family to go with. 
For dinner my mom made "Witches Brew" and "Mummy's in a Blanket"  It is fun to celebrate holidays with my family because we get really in to it.  I have a lot of great memories from my childhood that revolve around holiday decorating and celebrating. It was a good night.  
Sorry I don't have much to say, Britain had a rough night last night.  We were awake from 1:30am to 2:44am and again from 3:15am to 5:11am.  Maybe I'm weird but I always check my phone just before I fall asleep, hence the odd times.  Anyway, I need to get some deep quiet sleep tonight.  Tomorrow we are entering November, and moving on to Thanksgiving. Big things ahead, need some rest so I can keep up!  Love to everyone :)

Setting me some Goals ;)

For class this week we are focusing on goals.  I am really excited about it because I found a few really good tips for achieving my goals by reading several conference talks that were linked to my homework.  I was challenged to come up with several goals.  The steps that I am going to follow are these:

1. Pick a general goal

2. Specify it a bit with some details

3. Make a time line that fits the goal

4. Make daily plans to help achieve the goal

5. Get really excited about it!

These are my plans.  I would go in to more detail but I need to get to bed.  Below I've linked a couple of the talked that got me all excited about setting goals. Love ya guys!

"The word is Commitment"

Keeping Lifes demands in Balance

They are awesome I hope you like them :)

Monsters and Elephants

Monsters!

Here are my monsters.  My neighbor brought candy to my house and we decorated our cupcakes for our ward party, which was tonight.  It was a lot of fun and super cute in the end.  Success J

Brandon was also really sweet to me and let me nap while he made my cupcakes for me because I was too tired yesterday.

Melting my heart

I have the cutest baby in the whole world.  Thanks to her Grandma, she was an elephant today.  She seemed to sincerely enjoy the concept of accepting free candy from ward members.  Brandon was so cute, he took her to each trunk and crouched down to help her say “trick or treat” and then helped her remember to say “thank you” which I don’t think anyone heard, but she definitely tried to thank people.  How sweet is that?

She was frustrated by her little elephant hood dropping over her eyes, but she got over it when the candy started coming in.  She was too adorable when she walked, the little tail would wag back and forth.  It was outrageous!

Miss Elephant

When we got home Britain was really cranky.  We fed her dinner and she got down and just threw fit after fit. Finally we noticed she was doing the sign for hungry as well as she could and we just hadn't realized that was what she was doing.  We only taught it to her like two days ago, so we weren't expecting her to do it on her own so fast.  I am really glad she knew how to tell me because I thought I had fed her enough, I almost just put her to bed hungry L Thanks Lyssa for telling me about baby signing. 

After dinner, she was exhausted and was pushing me over and hugging me and laughing hysterically.  Luckily I thought to have Brandon record it.  He did and now you can watch my angel in action J

Love you all.  Good night 

Making Friends

Trick or Treat :)

Last night I worked super hard on these little guys: 

I think they turned out adorable, I love my cricut.  It is so awesome! And I love that I had a blank space above my couch which can now be my permanent holiday banner zone :)  Now I will always have to decorate for holidays or the little cork boards will look oddly out of place...

Tonight I had class and it was awesome because of the people.  I have three people that I feel like I am friends with now, their names are Lara, Angela and Brenann.  All three of these women have shared incredible stories that have carved them into the people they are.  Their experiences have been rough, I don't think I could come out a better person from everything they've gone through, but they managed to take hard things and become awesome. Here is my little thoughts about each of my new friends :)
Lara, She and I connected pretty quickly, we sit next to each other, we help each other out when we have to Skype into class and I think she is amazing.  She is super upbeat and funny, and she has really great insights to class discussions.
Angela, She is the CRAZIEST (in the best way possible) person I have ever met. I say this with a huge smile on my face.  She is so funny, and not afraid to share her experiences, struggles and her opinions.  She makes everything seem so easy even though I am sure she doesn't have an easy lot in life.  She is very motivational for me.  And she always takes time to check up on me to see how I'm doing.  I feel so blessed to have such a great person looking out for me. 
Brenann, I don't know this girlie quite as much as the other two because until today I hadn't really talked to her much. But she is very sweet.  She has gone out of her way on several occasions to make sure that my needs are met.  Today we found out we both drive to school from Utah county, alone.  So hopefully next week we will drive together and work out a gas saving carpool system :) Hooray for saving money! She also is funny and uplifting at the same time, what an awesome combo!
Courtney (I didn't list her above because she isn't in my program, but I have things to say anyway) She is my next door neighbor and I love her.  She is the one who brings me cookies when my facebook post is depressing and she is the one that I consistently sit next to in Relief Society.  Tomorrow night we are going to be frosting cupcakes :) I am so excited to finally (after nine months of living here) get to hang out with her.  We are doing cupcakes for our ward Halloween party on Saturday.  I just admire how calm and collected and happy and caring this girl is.  :) 

Basically, I realized that one way that school is boosting my confidence is by providing me with friends.  I have been really lonely for a while and I know its my fault for not reaching out, but my point is this:  I am so thankful for a Heavenly Father who knows my needs and helps me to figure them out.  I needed these influences in my life, and He lead me to them.  I am so glad to be in this program.  The people who are in my class with me are so great. We have so much love in that room that it might burst one of these days. The spirit is so strong, and I sincerely care about my classmates.  I am so glad to be having such a great experience with this program.  Also, cool fact: Elder Nielson, my Pathway missionary, the adult supervision for my class, is a Sealer.  :) What a cool guy to listen to every week.  :)

If you want to learn more about the Pathway Program that I am doing/talking about click below:
http://www.byui.edu/online/pathway

Thank the Pumpkins

As much as I love my blog, I don't have much time :)  Don't worry- it's a good thing tonight.  Britain went to bed early again, (we are still recovering from our trip) and she woke up scared once, so I gave in and let her have the dream light in her bed instead of next to her bed.  Which means she pushes the button like 50 gazillion times before going to sleep but hey, she seems legitimately afraid of the dark so I'm a softy.

Brandon and I got baby pumpkins today and Brandon baked them which was very weird to me but apparently that's normal...Who knew? 

Moving on, the smell of pumpkins apparently made Brandon miss what we call "real Halloween." Let me explain, you know the disgusting and graphic zombies that are everywhere? We don't like them.  We think it's completely inappropriate to have a giant billboard on the freeway displaying something that gives me (a grown woman) terrifying nightmares.  The poor kids in our society are going to grow up desensitized to anything repulsive, inappropriate and graphic if something doesn't change.  So Brandon "hates" Halloween.  He hates what it has become, gore and totally immodest girls.  I agree.  But I still have a costume for Britters and we will go to the ward party.  

Sooooo Britain and I were not totally abandoning this holiday, but out of respect for Brandon, we did not decorate our house...At all. But then, the smell of the pumpkins made him miss "real Halloween" and that lead to a discussion.  We decided that the "real Halloween" we knew, only existed because our parents created that a fun happy environment.  We are grown ups, we can create the same "real Halloween" for our kids and ourselves.  They don't have to only know zombie Halloween.  We are going to work to save the nostalgic version of the holiday that we grew up knowing and loving.  

Moral of the story, I don't have much time tonight because I have to do a seasons worth of holiday decorating in one night so that we can enjoy it for seven full days.  :) Let the games begin.  Loves! 

Wyoming Shots

With Uncle Trent the night before our trip

Brit and Stevie

sleeping on a bear...

Britain snacking with Grandma Jones

Britain with Grandpa Jones' giant bear "Huggie"

Uncle Dallin and Britain making weird faces

All tuckered out driving home... Sweet dreams princess

Brandon saw an elk... 

Not much to say...too sleepy

I am so so so tired today.  It's been weird actually.  I could hardly keep my eyes open while I was at work, even while I was moving around and doing productive stuff. It is only 7:30 right now and I am struggling really bad again.  So if this post sounds a little odd that's probably why.

For the past couple of days I've been trying to teach Britain a few signs so she can tell me things better.  I didn't know how well it would work but she is pretty good at "all done" or "finished" I think is the one she actually uses.  It is really cute, but mostly it's great because she does it after dinner and when we are just hanging out in the car and she gets sick of sitting there. Or even if she just gets sick of watching a movie.  Today she used it perfectly in context and everything around 5 times.  I was super excited.  She doesn't use it when she shouldn't either.  I think she really understands what it means. :) I think when she gets really good at that one we will focus on "milk" and then "hungry" then "sleepy" and finally we will be ready for the best one of all!!! "POTTY!" Okay, there might be a few stops between now and then.  I don't know exactly when she will be ready for that one. But it will be exciting to work toward that.

This is random, but again I'm tired and not thinking in a straight line so just go with it:

I love Brandon, he treats me so well.  Going to Wyoming was a great reminder as to why I love him so much. He looked out for me the whole time, it felt so good just to hear him whisper "how are you?" just for me to make sure I was doing well.  He is my best friend and I wouldn't trade him for the world.  I would pick him a thousand times in a row.  Even when he snores, he's still the greatest guy I've ever met, or ever will meet. ;) He is such an amazing daddy to Britain, he takes care of us in every way possible.  Moving here has been tough, but I'm so glad we did, it's shown me just how much we care about each other.

On that note, I'm going to nap til he comes home. Love you all. (especially Brandon :)

The end...

I haven't taken many pictures because my camera is almost dead and we forgot to bring the charger. But when I get home and have a real computer instead of this iPad, I will do a post with pictures from the weekend.

It has been so good. Brandon and I have enjoyed the slower pace that Cody has to offer. We have really missed being here. Unfortunately the end is fast approaching. Tomorrow we have to leave, return to real life. 

I was really hoping that coming here and taking four days off work would make me remember that I like working, even just a little bit.  It didn't work out that way. I don't ever want to return to work. My job is good, the people are nice... But on the good better best list, Britain is my world and I just want to be her mom. That is enough for me. I miss just taking care of my family. (Don't worry guys, I don't have the option of quitting, we still need the job, I'm not saying I can quit, just that I might kind of want to...) 

Someday I want to be a wife and a mom. I want my days to consist of changing diapers, giving baths, making food and rocking babies to sleep. Someday I will get that again. For now, I just get to take a deep breathe and smile through it. 

Thanks so much to everyone who is helping me get through this. Thank you for your support, and your friendship. I need every one of you. 

A bit of Sugar and a lot of Serious

Ok. I'm in Cody on an iPad, and I just wanted to say hi :) yesterday I got my 400th page view on here and it made me super happy. Thanks for reading this guys! It makes me feel super loved. 

So, a couple of updates, on the drive here we almost hit a grizzly bear (just outside Yellowstone) and me being super awesome screamed "a Thing!!" No, I did not remember the word for bear in my panic... Brandon said after that because of how the light was hitting the bear his thought was: "a panda?" So now we are teasing him tons about thinking he saw a panda in Wyoming. It's awesome.

Another thought that I need to touch on, I LOVE MY SISTERS.  If you hurt them, I'll do whatever I can to protect them. Treat them with all the love and respect you think they deserve and like double that. Keep hurtful inappropriate comments to yourself or I will be all over you. If there is any question about what you are about to say, if you think you might hurt their feelings, GET AWAY AND KEEP IT TO YOURSELF.  They are children of God, he loves them and understands them and their circumstances, YOU DON'T. And, YOU AREN'T BETTER THAN THEM!!!! How dare you use your influence to hurt them. It disgusts me that some people feel like they have a right to judge and hurt others when it was never even their place. Don't lie to yourself by pretending you did what God would have you do. YOU have done more harm than good, and YOU will answer for that someday. 

Girlies, I love you. I've always got your back, don't forget that. You matter to me and I will fight for you any day of the week.

Okay, that was just killing me all day yesterday. I'm sorry I had to be so negative on here. But I'm trying to find the best way to vent my anger about this, and typing it on here seemed like a better option than showing up a house to scream at the occupants... 

In other happy news, Britain got a dreamlite and she Loves it. She isn't even scared to sleep here at grandmas house now that she has a glowing button she can keep pushing. Thanks grandpa :) 

Well I should probably go shower now so I don't look so freaky all day. But love you all and again, thanks for reading this so much guys. I feel really loved.

Guess what Holiday is close!!!!????

I know it is way too early for this but....

CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!!!

Are you excited? I am ecstatic.  It is my favorite time of year, every year.  We just have too many traditions... The excitement starts leaking out my ears sometime in September, and by mid-October, I cannot contain it. So here it is.  

Let it be known that on October 17th, 2012, I Emily Jones, turned on my favorite "get excited for Christmas" CD.  It is the SheDaisy Holiday CD.  My favorite song is called "Tinseltown" and it is because my one semester at BYU-Idaho, this was the cd that all six of our little apartment 217 at Royal Crest listened to. Every. Single. Morning.  For the whole Christmas season.  I'm pretty sure it started after Halloween, but before Thanksgiving.  This particular song is my favorite because it manages to capture all the bottled up excitement and anticipation that I get every year.  Ok, I'll stop blogging about this because I know it will bother someone out there (Brandon) But guys I'm so excited!!!! I love you all! and everything that is about to happen!!!!

Merry Christmas!

Em

This is the song :)

Decluttering :)

Today is awesome! We are packing for Cody, Britain's clothes have all been piled out as we have folded laundry.  So we just need to toss hers in the suitcase and she will be ready, but Brandon and I have nothing packed yet... I'm planning to do that when Britain goes to bed tonight.  My living room and bed rooms are clean now.  I still need to vacuum but I organized them really well today.  The living room looks so much neater! I decluttered it.  What that means is I moved all the summer stuff to closets.  (Fishing boxes off the porch! Finally! The bike trailer is now neatly stowed away since we won't be getting a new bike before it snows. Stuff like that.) I also put the diaper bag and other random bags back where they belong and organized Britain's toy shelves.  I feel so much cleaner and happier just knowing that my house is organized.  I still need to clean the bathroom and the kitchen but for now, life is good. 
I love coming home to a clean house after a nice trip.  The last thing I want to do when I get home is clean, hence the fall cleaning that I am doing right now (well when I'm not sitting on my hind end typing).  It just feels so good to wash windows, dust walls and pictures, vacuum in the couch cushions. Does that make me weird? 
I feel like cleaning a house and reorganizing a bit, is like starting new.  The next phase of the fall clean is what I will start next week when we get back: throwing stuff out.  This is the greatest.  I evaluate what all we have, and what we absolutely never use and I eliminate accordingly.  I do not ever want to be a pack rat, so throwing stuff out is semi therapeutic for me.  It will be awesome! 
Here is a very random question:
Of all you people who actually read my blog, does anyone know who left their Chronicles of Narnia cd's at my house? It was back in August that this little cd case showed up at my house and none of us have learned who it could possibly belong to? It is in a blue cardstock case...If it rings a bell please share your information with me... because it is not something I particularly want, and next week is the elimination phase of my life. So its survival rates are not looking good. Alright guys, I should get back to my cleaning.  Loves to you all!