JEL FAMILY

Building a Family of Faith
Faith in our family begins with trusting our Heavenly Father and His promises. We press forward despite challenges, never giving up on ourselves or our children. We teach our family to have faith in Christ by living what we know to be true. Our children learn their most powerful lessons from our faithfulness.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Garden of the Gods

This summer Emma and the Young Women from Church went to Garden of the Gods. Emma is the one in the brown shirt. Their ages range from 14 to 18.

They went Swimming while they were there. Emma is farthest on the right.

See the pretty rock formation. When you take a closer look or actually, take a few steps back...
WOW! THATS A LONG WAY DOWN!!!!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

(April 17, 2008) Jonathon had an AWESOME sweet 16! We went to Los Bravos for dinner. Jon could have all he could eat. He downed all his food and had no room for icecream and cake. This was good because I bought him this amazing cake as you can see... We had it with my parents whow were able to come up from Mississippi.




Friday, September 26, 2008

Navoo


A Few years ago, we took a trip to Navoo with my parents. This was a special time for everyone.


We spent some time at Carthage Jail. It was great to see Jon and Em learn more about the Prophets life and death.

They are very glad that we have so many things today like running water. They both decided they wouldn't like running to get water.

There were many great memorials. These were two I like best.

They got to visit a real working blacksmith shop. Because there were very few children there that day, Jon and Em were able to participate on many activities like rope making.

I think these are the funniest pictures. They were trying so hard to smile and not look like the "smell" bothered them... I don't think they were able to hide it, do you?

Friday, August 22, 2008

Walking at Lightening Speed!


Jonathon never stops moving. At 8 1/2 months he took off at full speed. He got a walking toy that first Christmas. He pushed it around all day, crashing into everything, to the point that the lovely clicking and squeaking noises started to loose their charm. That evening while I was working at the local nursing home Jonathon and his daddy came to visit. He walked around the furniture but wouldn't let go. When he saw mommy coming down the hall, he just took off! Even the residences were impressed. Is it any wonder he is a soccer player today?

It Only Takes a Year.


In one year's time that sweet little girl became my favorite monkey. She was tricky and when Emma took her first steps, she refused to do it again. I brought her over to my mom to show her that Emma could indeed walk. Nope! I put her down on her feet and after a few seconds... smack! She sat down on that diaper and shook her head. (They always make liars out of us don't they?) Later that night she did get the hang of it and wasn't the least bit shy to show it off! To this day I still think that was Emma showing that she was in control and no one could change that.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Born To Talk


Yes, when these photos were taken, Emma's mouth never stopped moving. She was a talker from the day she was born. Emma has a great gift for gab. Silence has never been her best friend. I suppose that is why she (just like her mother) gets marks for talking at school. Emma describes the world around her in the most inspired way. I wish everyone could see the universe through her eyes. Born to talk? Absolutely.

Eww! Grass!


Jonathon was never fond of the grass. At this point he could walk but he had a small problem... How do you stand up when you don't want to drop the ball??? He fussed and fussed. You could see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice. Please mommy, pick me up. I caved. This sweet little guy (you would never know it if you knew him today) HATED to get dirty. I never though he would turn into a muddy soccer player in the future!


Best 2 Days Ever!

The Best two days I hold in my heart are the days that my children were born. I cannot recall another time when my heart has been as full. The small little one and the feeling of this great spirit within filled the room. God has blessed me with 2 wonderful little angels. Jonathon (4-17-92) was my first and I never put him down. I think I was worried that someone else besides his mother would drop him! It took My sweet Emma (1-14-94) to help me realize that holding one constantly is one thing but holding two is almost impossible, No matter how hard I tried. They are so different and so much the same. They love in a big way and often wear their hear on their sleeve. They are joyful and a joy.
Over the years, as I have watched them grow and I am always amazed at their love, strength and testimonies. They have proven that even a not so perfect parent can raise fine children. I would like to think that they are so amazing because of me but I feel that they are actually amazing, in spite of me.I am forever grateful and blessed to have them in my life. I thank Heavenly Father every day for the chance I have to know and love them both. I am humbled and blessed.