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!

Lucky me :)

Isn't the sheep cute?

     Work was loooong... I couldn't wait to be done, I think this whole week will feel like that because I'm so ready to flee to Cody. Oh well, random funny story: At work we have a bunch of little sheep... Like from a broken nativity set, seriously like dozens of these sheep.  They are tiny too, only like maybe one inch cubed.  Super cute little guys.  We have this game in receiving though, its something like "leave the sheep in random places and see how confused we can make the other employees." But even when they don't notice, we are like dying laughing about it.  It started when one day last week someone filled up a girls apron pockets with like fifty of these sheep.  Ever since then its just hilarious.  So I found a picture of the actual nativity scene, I think it is adorable. 
      In other news, I just have an awesome family.  Brandon picked me up from work and he and I helped miss Sheralyn vacuum out her car in preparation for our trip (we are taking her car because it gets better gas mileage and it's a better car...).  Fun times, but the best part of today was that my hubby spent the day cleaning up my kitchen, running errands and doing laundry.  He is so good to me.  Tomorrow he gets to go to an Editorial Job Fair after he gets off work.  Cross your fingers that he can find out some awesome info that will help us know what we are aiming for.  
     Well I have lots of homework to get done tonight so that I don't fall behind this week.  Loves to ya'll.  (And just as a special shout out to my Joneses! (seriously how does one pluralize my last name?) We are packing tonight when Britain wakes up!!!! See ya soon!) 

Game Day!

Today was perfect.  I got to have so much fun with my perfect little family. I went to work and instructed everyone (being Brandon) to get out of bed so that Britain could wear herself out early and nap before we left the house.  Somehow, according to Brandon, he heard the instructions (at 7:30 am), blinked, and magically it was 10 am... I was shocked by the news that I cleaned the entire bookstore in the blink of an eye, but hey, it's a magical Saturday, anything can happen.

So excited to get dressed up!!

 When I got home we had a mini tailgate party with our friends Ross and Aly which consisted of delicious Brats... Thanks guys :) and tried to get Britain to take a cat nap... It failed miserably, so we got her up after thirty minutes of depressing sobs, put her into the cutest little cheer leading outfit and then took a picture:

On our walk over to the stadium from our car, Britain was ecstatic.  She didn't really know what was going on around her, but she new I was excited and dad was giddy and everyone around us was practically speed walking just to go sit on metal benches, so clearly something great was about to happen! She was so excited that she actually made noises that resembled a seal barking when her smile would get too big.  It was the funniest thing I have ever witnessed.  If I had not been speed walking myself, I would have proof. Sorry guys, you'll just have to believe me. 

lip snapping

After we found our seats and settled in, Britain became a little confused about where the excitement had led her.  She was now trapped on our laps, with no toys, no nap and only a finger and a lip for entertainment.  She proceeded to snap her lip onto her teeth for a huge portion of the game.  

After the TD-still shocked

Her peaceful boredom only lasted until the first time that BYU scored a touchdown... Can you guess what happened? Britain sure didn't... Dad JUMPED into the air with Britain and the entire stadium became deafeningly loud.... Even I was startled... Poor kid... This was about the time that we decided that Mom's lap was safer... Since Mom didn't even notice that BYU had scored, because she still had not located the ball on the field...Shhh don't tell dad ;) 

At this point in the game (sorry, I have no idea what quarter we were in or else I would tell you) I got way happy because now I had a playmate.  Britain and I explored the 97 cent gloves that I got her for the game.  She thought those were pretty awesome until her hands started to sweat.  In my defense, it was sprinkling when I got off work... I was worried about her getting cold. Anyway, then we played with the spinning button on my camera for a bit, took some more pictures and clapped and yelled along with everyone else.  It was lots of fun.  

Aly, Ross, Brandon and Britain

Then at 2:30 pm... Britain decided nap time was long overdue... So we went all the way down all the stairs and down the twirly ramp, across the cement and bought some popcorn.  Totally worth four bucks because it kept her entertained (mostly) for the remainder of our football adventure. The popcorn was just before half-time. (I always notice when half time is because you get your goodies just before so you don't miss the marching band show!) During halftime we captured our group of co-adventurers on film:

Notices boy

Begging to play with new friend

After halftime Britain noticed a little boy sitting behind me... He looked about like Uncle Josh, but was probably only 7.  Britain got really excited. She wanted to play.. She proceeded to make faces at him until he noticed her.  It took almost thirty minutes.  I thought it was hilarious.

With this cute smile to cheer you up, who could stay mad?

Unfortunately for Brandon, (fortunately for Britain) we were not able to finish the game.  Brandon got called in to work early for some big group, we left just as Oregon (that's the right team, I hope?) Scored another touchdown leaving them with 28 and BYU 21... Brandon was grumpy about it a little bit (or maybe more) but he cheered up when he got to take a picture of his princess by the Cougar. 

happily ever after

Brandon was not very happy when he left but this is exactly why I love him.  He was actually pretty upset, but will Britain ever know? Absolutely not.  She might remember times when her dad was grumpy about stuff, but she will never doubt that he loves her.  He is amazing at separating his frustrations from their relationship.  He is her perfect daddy...and they skipped away happily ever after....

epilogue:
Britain only managed to stay awake for 8 blocks in the car before falling asleep.  She even let me carry her all the way up our stairs.  She didn't even wiggle when I kinda (accidentally) flopped her (ungracefully) onto her bed.  She was so tired.  It was such a great day. 

Good Times

     Brandon was amazing today! He knew I was super tense and sore and all that jazz, so he researched how to massage my shoulders the best way.  He surprised me with his new found knowledge when I got home for work.  It was just as good as any professional massage and it was so sweet to know that in three years, his hands have only ever lasted fifteen minutes tops, but when I needed it the most, he fixed my shoulders and hands for an hour.  Sometimes it's really nice to be broke, so that I get to see just how much my husband loves me.  If we had money, he could have just told me to call and make an appointment, but this made me feel ten times more loved.  I love him so much.

Spoon game in action

     In other cute news, Britain likes to play this game when we eat.  She tries to bite down on the spoon before I can get it out of her mouth.  Then when she clamps down on it, she refuses to let go for a bit until I gently tease it out of her teeth.. Meaning we wiggle it back and forth just a little bit and say "OH NO!!!! Too fast for mom!" or when I get it out in time before she can clamp down on it then we say "UH OH!!!! Mom's too fast for you!!" It's the cutest thing to watch.  When she bites it before I pull it out she looks so proud of herself, her eyes light up and she does this throaty giggle.  Then if I tug on it she tries not to laugh and flares her nose (just like I do).  Tonight we even tried something new, when she wouldn't let go I tickled under her chin just a bit! HILARIOUS! (Don't worry guys, we were eating applesauce, she wasn't at risk for choking, I gave her time to swallow first.) She just could not keep her jaw tense when I tickled her neck.  It was adorable.  I just love my baby so much.  She is my whole world.  She makes everything worth it.

    This is the other thing that happened tonight.. I would just explain, but her face tells the story much cuter than words would.

Finds the Pen (Devious)

Finds the Paper (Extreme Concentration)

Notices that Mom has been watching and she is "caught!"

  

Feeling loved

Today was good. Brandon is the love of my life and takes such good care of me.  First I went to work, then came home and we made delicious smoothies for lunch. Then Brandon convinced me to take a nap, which turned into almost four hours of oblivion. I was much needed. Then he brought Britain in to wake me up, it was super sweet. 
Brandon decided to tell me that I could not drive to class tonight (out of concern for my safety) because I've been really groggy all day. I'm so glad he had me just Skype in. I wouldn't have been good behind the wheel tonight. 
I also got to make banana bread for two of my neighbors who have helped me a lot this week. I still have a thousand people to thank, and it will take a while, but I'm working really hard to be more diligent about thanking people. Sorry to anyone I've not done a good job of thanking. I feel really guilty about every thank you card I've left unsent, or any person I've wronged by not thanking them. I love you all and all your support. Thank you for understanding as I work to strengthen this particular weakness. 
That's all I've got for tonight you guys. Love ya bunches. Goodnight!

Devotional (from 2009..)

Today Brandon had me watch an old devotional from 2009 that Elder Holland gave at BYU. It was really great, it actually reminded me of some of the themes that I noticed in conference this past weekend.  It was all about looking to the future, letting go of the past, and making sure you don't live in the past.  I was really impressed by one particular thing that he said.  I think what he said was this (more or less) "...attachment to the past outweighed the confidence in the future." This was in reference to the story of Lot's wife from the bible.  I think that that thought really pins where my fears and anxieties stem from.  I was filled with a peaceful understanding that my future really will be better.  But, I HAVE to trust in the Lord.  I must remain faithful and look to understand the lessons that I am being taught in this phase of my life.  It was a really great devotional.  And Britain really liked it too, she stared at the television like it was a cartoon.  :) I love my little spiritual baby. :) Hopefully she grows up with a really strong testimony... I'm sure watching devotionals with her won't hurt that goal.

If you would like to watch this devotional, here is the link:
http://byutv.org//watch/7c1b2fce-20bf-4688-bc0b-622ef958e2c0
If that link doesn't work for some reason then follow these steps:
1. go to www.byutv.com
2. locate the search box (top right)
3. type in search box: Elder Holland 2009
4. select the first link that pulls up

It's called "Remembering Lot's Wife" I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I love Elder Holland. :)

Dear World,

Today for homework, I got to take a career placement online test.  Guess what! I'm a perfect fit for a... 
Probation Officer & Correctional Treatment Specialist! 
Now I know what I'm going to be when I grow up! 
NOT...
Silly test, I do not in any way think I would be the right person for that job... but sadly enough, that was the only job suggestion that it gave me :( the very lonely, only one. 
Sooo, back to square one.  Actually no, square two.  I've decided that I think working as a genealogist would be awesome.  And one of my options for online majors is, wait for it....
Family History Research :)
Much cooler job fit for me.  The next problem is, how do I make sure that I am employable when I graduate? That's whats holding me on square two... (is there even a square two? I've only actually heard about square one in conversation....poor forgotten square two...)

Next random tidbit, last night my dear sweet princess decided to run around my whole entire house kissing everything in sight... including but not limited to: the couch, her toys, the bathtub, the toilet... (Unfortunately that was before we pulled out the camera. It definitely would have been worth showing to future boyfriends.) What a cute baby.

Sad Story

PB & Icing

Really fast, sad story... Britain found a small ring box and pinched her finger in it... It was so sad to hear her terrified cried and turn to see her in actual pain.  There was even a red indent on her left hand ring finger.  I am awesome though.  We totally "iced" her finger with frozen peanut butter chips.  When they warmed up she would eat them off her finger, but while they were cold they were the perfect size for such a small little finger boo boo. And it wasn't so cold that it hurt.  I'm sure that medically speaking, it probably did no good what so ever.  But in the crying department, all was well.

Cuddles

Also, from earlier today, the other picture is from watching conference in the cuddly position.  :) It was a good day for the Jones family.

General Conference Saturday!!!

Salt Lake City Temple

As a small disclaimer, It is General Conference weekend, therefore, I may end up posting several times each day, simply because my heart is so full during this weekend each time that it comes.  I will try to keep things short, but please just know that General Conference is something that I love so I might be a little chatty.

On a really exciting note! My dear Prophet, President Monson made an announcement today that Britain and I jumped around over.  It was big enough news that sleepy head Brandon stumbled out of bed for. 

Stevie... The Awesome
(Good luck making big decisions)

Mission eligibility age for boys is now 18 years old after successful completion of high school or equivalent.  And for Girls, age 19.  This is huge.  Previously, it was 19 for boys and 21 for girls.  Now, I have no plans to serve a mission at this point in my life, due to my marriage and recent motherhood responsibilities, so I guess you could say this doesn't directly affect me.  However, I feel like it matters a lot to me.  Maybe its because I just get really really excited to learn new rules, or maybe it's because this will affect the way that I teach my children about their opportunities to serve the Lord.  Maybe it just because my dear brother in law is 18 right now... Maybe he will choose to serve a little bit sooner.  I am just so excited to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 

On a very different note, I feel as though I need to mention a more difficult topic.  A young man named Christian Terry was in an accident over a week ago, and is still in critical condition.  I was never close to him, I would be surprised if he knew my name. However, I have a special place in my heart for him and his situation.  I have a constant prayer in my heart for his full recovery, and I so hope that his family feels the love that so many people have for their son.  I know that his situation seems to have taken a turn for the worse in the matter of his brain and the effect that his injuries have had on his brain.  I still have great hope and faith in the healing power of the atonement.  I want to share that I have a love for this young man as a brother in my Heavenly Fathers kingdom.  I am so grateful for his mother for sharing the details of his journey with us on facebook.  It has made me realize how blessed I am, and has given me the opportunity to think about someone other than myself, even though I have never been close to Christian.  

All I have to say is Believe in CT.  Hang in there, we are pulling for you. 

Believe in CT

Welcome Weekend

       Today I realized for the first time that the people I work with really care about me.  I have been struggling at work because I think a lot while I work.  So all of the problems that I don't have solutions too, get too much center stage time in my brain.  Back to the point, today I was asked at least four times if I was doing alright.  I kept just saying yes, but I finally approached my supervisor and asked if I wasn't working hard enough because he kept checking on me.  He told me that I was doing a good job working, he just wanted to make sure that I was okay.  He said he wasn't trying to pry, and I didn't elaborate on the matter, but it was still comforting to know that even the people I work with care about me. 
       I still feel very blessed for all that has happened too us, but I am starting to stress out a little bit.  Brandon and I are supposed to figure out a new plan since our current one is failing again.  We are facing some pretty huge decisions in the near future and I'm not sure what the best plan will be for us.  I want to have the plan mapped out and down on paper before conference tomorrow because I want to be prepared for some answers while I listen to the talks.  
       Do you ever have a day when you walk in, and instantly you know that you are just upset about something and the unfortunate soul smiling and welcoming you in, is the poor soul who is about to suffer your wrath? That's about the gist of what happened upon my homecoming today.  Brandon smiled at me and asked how work was, and I grumped at him.  A lot. Unfortunately I grumped him out of the house. Now I feel kind of bad, but still grumpy about stuff so I'm not ready to beg for forgiveness yet... Sigh, does this emotional quality make me an impossible person to live with? Probably.  Will I ever outgrow it? Hopefully. 
       I guess maybe I should make him some amazing dinner with my new wonderful groceries. Then maybe I'll be happier with the food in my tummy and he will sense the apology that I'm currently too prideful to offer... 

Watching the Woodchips

       On a happier note, Here are some pictures from Britain and Brandon on their daddy daughter date:

Walking in the Flowers

       I have a long way to come before I reach that phase of live where the wife (Myself) is actually useful for more than grouching... I love my Brandon, I'll go start that apology dinner.
       And here is my beautiful girl. A sweet image to get me through the day: 

Making Piles (This was with Malena and Vera)

Favorites :)

My favorite things as of right now :)

1. My wonderful husband who took my baby on a daddy daughter date so I could do homework and nap.

2. Naps.

3. Planning for our future, making goals, listing dreams.

4. Hugging my baby girl/tickling her back.

5. Friendships that just make sense.

6. A really warm shower, just to warm up.

7. Cuddling.

8.  Talking about babies.

9. A soft bed, quiet house and a feeling of contentment.

10. Having a calm sleep in morning.

These were in no particular order, only as they came to mind.  I'm falling asleep so that's all for now.

Miracle Workers

Today I had the amazing privilege of getting to see two of my very best girl friends in the whole world.  They are the two people who have truly done everything they can think of to help me adjust to whatever is new or challenging in my life.  And ironically enough, I haven't lived in close proximity to either of these amazing people since high school.  Miraculously enough, they both have found ways to reach out to me all along the way.  I don't want anyone to think that my life is super hard in comparison to anyone other person's life, because I'm sure that it isn't, and it isn't the point that I'm trying to make here. My purpose in explaining this is that it is truly amazing to see the powerful women that my high school besties have become, and to recognize the tender mercy that was today. 

My husband and I don't know how we are getting by financially.  It is working out every single month.  We have at least one pretty significant miracle each month with our finances.  It is amazing.  One month it was an aunt thinking of us and slipping us a card with 50 dollars that paid our last bill, one month it was a six month old reimbursement check from my insurance that we didn't expect to ever get. Another month it was my in laws buying us groceries to last us all summer.  Another time an uncle who totally over-tipped my husband on a river trip. The next month it was my daddy having the extra work at home to hire and pay me enough to cover the difference from our job transitioning. There have been many many more things which I could continue to list, but I would never end. 

Brandon and I spoke about three days ago about our need for food.  We made a mental list of the things we absolutely could not get by without. We figured out when we could find the money to get our needs met (we are talking things like, flour, rice, mac and cheese).  We made a plan together and were just waiting for the money to get here. Two days ago my dear friend and I started making plans to hang out.  In a really low moment I started venting to her about my devastation over yet another overwhelming month.  She asked me to please not be offended.  I agreed and she proceeded to offer to purchase me all the October groceries I would need. I didn't know what to say over an IM chat window.  But what happened on my end was more that the simple thank you that I typed.

As I read her message I felt the spirit confirm that this was not a random act of kindness, this was in fact an answer to our prayers.  The Lord has blessed us through so many different people this past year especially. I was (and still am) crying over the tender mercy that was offered to me.  Never before can I remember a time when I have seen one of the Lords angels looking after me in such an obvious answer to my prayer. 

This trial has definitely been one of the sweetest blessings I have ever witnessed to see how often the Lord can see, hear and answer to our needs because he loves us.  

Has this been easy? Absolutely not.  Anyone who knows me, understands that asking for help is excruciating for me. Have I grown? YES.  I am not the same individual I was when I moved here. 

I would absolutely love for this to be the last month of our stumbling to regain our footing, but I have learned and grown more than I imagined possible for this short amount of time.  Whether we are on the tail end of this terrifying roller coaster, or only in the middle, I will never forget the October Miracle, and all the 2012 Miracles.  Because that is exactly what this year has been for my small family, miracles.  Thank you so much to all who have helped us so much, just know that I love and need you all so much.  I could not get by without your support.  My heart is just spilling over with gratitude for people like you who are the hands that bring to pass the will of the Lord.