I have to admit... it made me cry!!!

Tis the Season!!

Blessings

I have to say that being an Aunt is pretty cool, especially to kids these days. I never know the questions I am going to be asked or the answers I get from my questions. Sometimes these questions remind me of simple truths, other times they remind me not to take myself so seriously, and other times they are filled with love.
So the other day I was taking my niece to violin lessons and she asked me if I believed in magic. Well, being the wise person that I thought I was I said, well do you believe in magic? I listened for her response and then said yes I do believe in Magic and all of the great things that go with it. After her lesson she asked me those questions that you don't always have the response for but you hope you give the right information:Do we have a Heavenly Mother and if so why don't we know anything about her?I was trying to be wise again and said well we all have to have a Mommy and a Daddy so there has to be a Heavenly Mother- note to self often this is what leads to "the talk" and so not always the wisest thing to begin with.
Is Jesus real and will he really come again? Followed by but how do You know, really know?
I answer with a simple testimony that everything around us tells us Jesus is real and then we talked about the scriptures and how they talk about when he comes again. It was a good chat and I hope I had the right answers for her. Which brings me to the best part of being an Aunt. I love the closeness I feel with my nieces and nephews because they feel like they can ask me anything and I will tell them and maybe it means more coming from me, because I am not their parent who probably doesn't know the answer. Side note-all of you parents you do have the answers I know, but it is different coming from an Aunt.
Another great thing about being an Aunt is spoiling them and understanding what they are talking about when they say the store with the moving stairs or you know the one with the thingy in it. I love to hear the words... let's have an Aunt Jenn day. To be honest it is better than peanut M and M's and you all know how much I love those. I also love being corrected by a three year old that has the wit of her Uncle Kevin. I have to say she keeps me on my toes.
It is also great to hear about giggle pills and running through the playground screaming to get rid of all of the energy from having to sit in class all day.
I love to hear about crushes and cute boys and girls. I love to hear about the good news of something they have accomplished or tried to accomplish. I love to dance with the little ones and always have the right moves. I love to play house and be the big sister and little sister. I also love to tell stories and hear, tell me about the crazy girls in Hawaii!!!
I guess in short this last week I have realized my many blessings. At times I will admit it is hard to still be single at my age, but then Heavenly Father sends me a nephew or niece to cheer me up and remind me how blessed I really am. Thank you to all of those nieces and nephews out there you make life wonderful all sixteen of you!!!

Update on Life

Ok, so I am a total slacker when it comes to blogging lately. I know that it has been like five months since my last note and lots has happen since then. So here is a condensed version of my life over the last five months.
In July we had an Englis Family reunion. It was lots of fun and it was great to see a lot of the extended family. We learned about the hidden talent of the next generation and the future Hannah Montanas and Michael Jacksons for the next generation. There was great fun, lots of basketball, waterfights, and yummy food. Thanks for the fun time.
The rest of the summer was pretty good. We had a garage sale and made some extra cash, it was pretty fun. I got rid of some of my books and shoes-sad day I know.
In July was my 10 year class reunion, yes I know you can't believe I am that old and yet look so young. Any way I chickened out and didn't go. I did have a good excuse because my cousin got married that day, but I probably could have gone. I just couldn't bring myself to go I don't know why but I didn't goo. Apparently I missed a great time, but such is life. Maybe I will go to the next one whenever it is.
At the beginning of August I moved in with Janae when she bought a townhouse in Ammon. It has been fabulous being her roomie and having my own place- well you know what I mean. It is weird not to see my parents everyday but I still eat dinner there every Sunday and once and a while during the week.
In September I was asked by my job in Idaho Falls to be full time again and be the supervisor of TLC 2. This was a hard decision for me and in some ways I felt I was going backwards instead of forwards; however I felt right about it and in the middle of the month I became the supervisor again. Overall it has been a good experience. It has its days, but what job doesn't. I am grateful for my time off and I know it was the right decision. It was just the break that I needed. I work four days a week at this job and do my other job on Fridays or in the evenings. It keeps me pretty busy, but I like it. I am still thinking about going back to school soon, but I am not sure when soon will be.
Last month I went on vacation again and was able to visit a new and exciting place. I went to New York City and Connecticut with some friends. It was tons of fun and I got to see lots of things I have only read about like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Times Square, Wall Street, Broadway, etc. We went to three shows while we were there and had a fabulous time. I will post some pictures at a later date.
Also in October was our Roger Englis Halloween Carnival. It was tons of fun and everyone dressed up, it was great to have almost the entire family here. I took some of my nieces and nephews trick-or-treating this year and it was a blast. It is always great to spend time with my nieces and nephews. They keep me on my toes and make life very interesting.
Now it is November and the holidays are upon us. I am looking forward to seeing everyone over the holidays and spending some good quality family time, as well as shopping the day after Thanksgiving. It is the funniest day of the year. Any way I will post some pictures soon.

A night with the boys!

Thursday night I went to a Chukars game with four of my nephews. It was quite entertaining I must say. We got there as they were singing the Star Spangle Banner and found some seats. The first inning or two was spent explaining what baseball is and how it works. I never realized I knew so much about baseball. Of course I had to explain it in terms that six year olds could understand and that was pretty entertaining in itself. Then they were thirsty and then hungry, but never fear I came prepared. I got out the waters and snacks and thought I was being so smart. Ya, I forget how much food boys can eat. My meager treats lasted through the third inning basically. We had a few spills and some hurried potty breaks (thank you Joshua for the help). An inning or so later they wanted cotton candy and of course I just happened to have the right amount of cash for 1. They split it in four and I stole a bite, ya now I remember why I don't like cotton candy. Another inning went by and it was time for french fries and a big glass of water for myself- which later ended up on the ground... but that turned into more entertainment for the boys. Then the younger two decided that it was time to go but Weston and Josh would have none of that. So we started playing games, such as I've never... and of course Carson won, big surprise yes I know. Then the announcer came out and played some music, thank goodness for this, it entertained the boys for a while and then the fun began. Carson and Colton decided to see how many verses they could make up with versions of if you are happy and you know it. It gave all those around some entertainment for a few innings. I have to admit it was more entertaining than the game. Colton and Carson got to go see the "chicken" as they called it and we took a picture on my phone. It was great. After the game all the boys wanted to run around the bases and get some "home runs." It was fabulous and gave them a way to get rid of all of that energy. Yes, folks we made it through nine innings and as an added bonus the Chukars won 6-5. It was a great night and I have to say I really enjoyed hanging out with the boys. We went to Grandma's house after and they all spent the night. I have to say it gave me a boost to appreciate the smaller things in life and I have to admit I really enjoyed hanging out with the boys!!!

Melly's Baptism

Well on June 6th Melly got baptized. She was so excited and a little nervous I think. She looked so beautiful in her white clothes and then

her new baptism dress. Kristy gave a talk and it was great as well.
It was a lot of fun to have most of the family

there for the special day.

Aloha

It has been a while since my last post, but here are some fun pictures of my trip to Hawaii.
This is us after our tubing trip on Kauai.

This is on Kauai looking out into the ocean.

The J-Crew in front of Fern Grotto on Kauai

Waimai Canyon on Kauai

Waterfalls on Kauai

Beach in Princeville, Kauai

Jeans, Me, and Naez on Oahu at the Valley of the Temples

Naez and I looking out on Oahu by Diamond Head

Jennifa, Jeans, Naez, and I in front of the Japanese restaurant

we went to with Jennifa's family.

Our fabtabulous rental car on Oahu!! ( that is me in the back with my hands raised.)

It was such an awesome time and it was relaxing. It was fun to see some things we didn't last time and enjoy each other's company. I would recommend this trip to everyone. Until our next grand adventure.... I'm thinking Europe or the east coast... we shall see.

Adventures in Hawaii

Well, we have been here in Hawaii a few days and have had a wonderful time. We are still trying to do daily notes on Jeanna's blog, but we missed last night because we got back too late. Any way I thought I would give you a few highlights any way. The beach is as beautiful as ever, it is extremely green here and has been very very humid. We have been shopping, done lots of walking, driving, kicked my camera into the ocean (accidently of course), eaten lots and lots of yummy food, tried new foods, gotten masssages, and have enjoyed just relaxing and seeing the sites. It has been so much fun and I have loved it. I will give a full report later, but I hope all is well for each of you and that you have a very Happy Memorial Day!

Hawaii

Aloha from Hawaii. So yes folks we made it here safe and sound. I just wanted to let you all know that we are blogging our trip on Jeanna's blog. I will put a link on this page and you all should check it each day, we will be updating it each day. Any way I hope all is well for each of you and I will see you in all soon.
jeannadot.blogspot.com
ENJOY!

Concert and Birthday Party

Melly's birthday was yesterday, she turned 8, here is her after blowing out her candles.

Melly opening her presents.

Carson, Josh, and Melly after the concert. Josh got a trophy because it was his last year.

Melly had a part where she sang the grouch song in a garbage can pretty cute.

Josh singing away with the guys looking suave!

Carson singing at the beginning of the concert.

It was a great show full of lots of laughs and entertainment. These are one of the highlights of my year.

Well, that about sums up the last few weeks. I am off on another vacation this week and will have lots of pictures so show you when I get back.

Update and fun times in Logan

So I haven't blogged in a while. So I thought I would give you some pics. While we were down in Utah for Wicked we stayed with Shauna a few days. Here are some pics from a soccer game we went to while we were there.

Here is the birthday cake, Sha made for me.
Cute Ava in her chair.

Weston had a soccer game so we got to go to that. He my the two goals for his team, Go Weston. On May 1st (the most fabulous day of the year, but I am not bias at all) Kimi graduated from college! Go Kimi! Here she is after graduation!! Check out the air on that. It was a fun day. We then came home and had cake and ice cream with the family. It was lots of fun. My friends came over too and we had lots of laughs... snap snap J-Crew.. don't worry you don't have to get that. Any way the next day a bunch of us went out to dinner and a movie for me and it was lots of fun. I was bummed I didn't get any pictures there, but Jeanna put some on facebook so it's all good.


The next day we went back to Logan for Ava's blessing. It was lots of fun to be with almost all of the fam and spend some time together. We also gave Mom her mother's day present with us all there... we fixed her cuckoo clock, she was so surprised. It was lots of fun. Here are some pictures from that day. Isn't she adorable!!
Brad and Shauna Family

Mom opening her fixed cuckoo clock!!!

Last week was a pretty crazy week. Ryan and Kristy's kids had a TaVaci concert, Derek turned a year older and Melly turned eight. I will post some pictures of these things on my next blog.

WICKED

So Wednesday night a bunch of us went to WICKED at the Capital Theater in Salt Lake. It was so fabtabulous.

Kimi and her roomies, Jen and Holly, to the far right, came with us as well as two of her other friends. Lisa and her sister-in-law Christy, Jeanna and her Mom, Sister Clayson, Willie, his sister, and his parents all came with us. It was so much fun. There is a picture of the stage before it opened up. In the middle is the Emerald City. Below is the Capital Theater

Here is us by the sign outside the theater.

We bought the tickets last December when Kimi, Jenn Lee, and I stood in line on the streets of Salt Lake for like 9 hours to get them. It was quite the adventure and now I can say that I have slept on the streets at night. Here is a picture of that night. Kimi is the one under the white blanket and Jenn Lee is the other one. I think they were warm that night, personally I froze that night, but then again I never dress for the weather. Jenn Lee and a bunch of friends went a few weeks ago and we went this night.

Here is a picture of Chele, Me, and Sha before the show.

Chele, me, Kimi, and Sha after the show. We are flipping our hair toss, toss. We just want to be Popular I guess. Also, I got to hear my favorite line again.... which is , "It's only a pair of shoes." I loved the play and it was even better because I got to share it with my sisters. It was a fun girls night out.

Cookie Dough Ice Cream

So do you ever have the moments in life when you learn a lot more about something than you ever thought you would at that stage in life. For example you learn all about cookie dough ice cream and how different it tastes to different people and how sometimes it drips on your hand. Like for example, some have never tried it and so they think, I don't know if I will like it, I mean it has chunks of dough in it and that might sound icky to somebody. Or maybe you don't like things that cold getting too close to you because it causes a brain freeze. Or maybe you haven't had the opportunity to try it and so you don't know what you are missing. Or maybe you have tried more than one kind of cookie dough ice cream and you just haven't found the one that tastes the best to you. I mean there are a lot of different brands out there even of cookie dough ice cream and how do you know which brand you will like and which one will taste nasty. What if it turns out you don't even like cookie dough ice cream at all does that mean there is something wrong with you or you just haven't found the right brand that you like?
Ok so some of you might be reading this and be thinking ok Jenn you have too much time on your hands; this may be true but I have been thinking about this a lot lately and for those of you that had cookie dough ice cream with me last night this makes perfect sense. I was thinking about this today and I found this picture on the Internet and I thought it fit perfectly, don't you think.
Perhaps I just need to keep looking for the cookie dough ice cream that tastes the best to me. To those of you that have discovered your favorite cookie dough ice cream I congratulate you and hope it is everything you thought it would be. For those of you that have tried different brands and are still looking for the right brand I know it is out there just keep tasting away. And for those that have never tried cookie dough ice cream, there is always Hawaii, I hear they have great cookie dough ice cream. I personally am looking forward to trying it there. If I don't try it there I guess I will have to try it somewhere else..... anyone have any suggestions........

Fun Weekend

Last weekend a bunch of the kids were here. KaLisi and Ally were here for the entire weekend because Chele and Zach were out of town and Kristy and the kids spent some time with us too. Carson, Becca, Ally and KaLisi helped me vacuum out my car, it looked pretty good. KaLisi, Ally, and I went to the mall and played at the playground. (By the way this is where all of the good looking men hang out on Friday night, except that they are married with children, but they are still nice to look at) On Saturday Mom, KaLisi, Ally, and I went to the Hannah Montana movie and I was actually it was pretty cute movie.

At the Mall Playground

Saturday night the girls wanted their hair braided so that it would be curly for church the next day. Here they are with their braids.

Easter Weekend

Here are some fun pics from our Easter hunt today. The first one is of Kimi trying to swing from the tree in the back.... I love it.

Kevin, Kimi, Ryan & Kristy and Family, Chele & Zach and Family , and Mom and Dad were all here for the weekend. We had lots of fun.

AVA- new arrival

So last night about 8:18 pm my sister, Shauna had her baby. A little girl they named Ava. Today we went and saw her and the happy family. Here are a few pics of the family and the new arrival.

The Young Family

Mya, Weston, Ava and Colton!

Me holding Ava!

They didn't know what they were having until Ava came out, but to be honest my bet was a girl and what can I say. She was 8 lbs 10 0z and 21 1/2 inches. Shauna and Ava are both doing great and hoping to go home tonight. I tried to get them to call her Jennifer or Ava Jennifer because we all know I am going to be her favorite, but for some reason they said no. I can't see why not, I like the name. :) Any way I hope you enjoy the pics. I will keep you updated on my new adorable niece. Now I have 11 nieces and 5 nephews.... girls rule I guess.