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!