J.J. and Sons

Becareful what you wish for

2010-08-22T19:27:00.001-07:00

Longing for Family has come to fruition! We officially received word from Andy's mission President that he will be released Dec. 29, 2010. Whoa...did I actually type that out loud! Time has surely flown by. He has learned so much and yet still much more to learn. Olin is back from the Ukraine with a larger heart of gold then he already had and Karl still moves quietly about the house. Soon our little home will be filled with joyous happy and very BUSY feet again.

I could never have taught my sons what they have learned this past year but am so grateful to the families who have helped them in their knowledge of life and the gospel! I am forever in debt to those who have taken the time to serve my family and love my children!

To all...a big THANKS and HUG!

Longing for Family

2010-07-14T07:19:00.000-07:00

No pictures...Camera has taken a trip to the Ukraine with Olin for the next month, we miss him but are happy about where he is and all he is learning. Andy has now been in Germany for a year and a half and Karl quietly moves about the house and yard. Even though our house is quiet and I long for my sons, my longings go deeper.

My mom has a brother 13 years younger, even though associations and time spent together with this uncle are few, my memories are strong. He is a kind, warm loving man and one with whom I have wanted to spend more time. As a child I remember visits with his three children, as a teenager I remember visits to Utah's Snow and Ski adventures. But the last time I saw him was when I took my boys to Disneyland 10 or so years ago and we visited "Uncle Brad".

Yesterday was once again one of those days I long for...Uncle Brad & Jean flew into town to be with his three sisters, we had visits, food and laughs. It is uncanny the bond that ties family together and the longing to associate and be with them, I love that binding feeling and I LOVE my Uncle Brad!

FOR SALE Spring Headbands, clips and earings & Bags

2010-03-11T21:28:00.000-08:00

Colors may be REQUESTED, Great for Easter...

Clips - $3.50

Thin Headbands (child & Adult) $8.00

Thin Headbands (infant & Toddler) $6.00

Infant Hat $12.00

Earings $4.00

Med Bag $16.00

Small bag $14.00

A Parents LOVE...50 years

2010-01-15T23:13:00.000-08:00

Donna and Karl Snow 50 wonderful years...January 29, 1960

(photos by: janet g photograpy)

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! Thanks for a wonderful example of LOVE and Companionship! Thanks for setting a perfect example of what it means to be "as one". Thanks for being fun, loving, kind, patient, serving, unselfish, humorous and most of all JUST BEING YOU! WE, your children LOVE you and will be forever blessed because two people fell in love and then allowed their love to grow!

More Crochet Creations

2010-01-13T23:25:00.000-08:00

Hot off the needle...

Crocheted Creations

2010-01-09T18:35:00.001-08:00

Here are some of my new creations...I am trying to get to Germany in a year and making these for sale...I will update the latest as they come...if you are interested in any please let me know...(hats $20, headbands $15 - Child size headbands $12) Hats can be made with detachable flowers at request.

A note of Gratitude

2009-11-30T21:01:00.000-08:00

G lorious
R elationships
A re
T imeless
E ternal
F orever
U nmistakeably
L ife changing

Just a note of gratitude for my wonderful sons and all the joy they bring to my life!

17 and still young at Heart

2009-10-19T21:34:00.003-07:00

Olin has always been a sober child. Friday morning on his Birthday he announced he didn't want to turn 17 cause then he would have to get older. He still wanted to play army, and shoot finger guns (you know a kid with an imagination). Imagine that! I informed Olin that he may have to grow up and have more responsibilities but he can always be a kid at heart! That is a great quality! Olin is always so honest and without guile when expressing his feelings. We are blessed by him each day and feel privileged to have him in our home. Happy Birthday Olin...And many more days of imaginative fun are bound to come your way!

"Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved"

2009-09-27T22:50:00.000-07:00

What Matters Most

THANK YOU!

2009-09-20T09:54:00.000-07:00

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”
(USC ‘s Professor Leo Buscaglia)

Thanks to my niece Kellianne who sent me this wonderful quote and here is a big thank you to all those whom have aided me in my life with hugs, kind smiles, help with my sons and great advice! I love you all!

Banner DAY

2009-09-03T19:51:00.000-07:00

Just to give you an idea how my day started!
Need I say more...Oh yeah, "CHECK your POCKETS!

Highlights of Summer

2009-08-12T18:06:00.001-07:00

One the greatest Highlights of this summer was our incredible and very HARD hike to the top of Maple Mountain. The top peaks is over 10,000 feet, the view...incredible...14 miles and 9 hours. What a day!

A Quick Trip South

2009-06-27T13:21:00.001-07:00

We took a spontaneous trip to see Jim's mom and dad in St. George this past week where we were fortunate to enjoy great weather, family and fun. They boys jumped off cliffs at Sand hollow while Mom watched on (due to a injury on my finger - I probably wouldn't have jumped very high anyway) and we all enjoyed a scenic hike through Zion National Park.

What a wonderful world we live in...

"When through the woods and forest glades I wander, consider all the worlds thy hands have made"!

June is already here...

2009-06-15T16:29:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that June has already arrived. The rain and thunderstorms have been spectacular and another school year has flown by. Olin will be going into his junior year of high school and Karl will be a Freshman. Andy is into his 6 month of his mission and has already been transferred to two areas outside of Munich. My mom and Dad flew to Africa a week ago to once again serve the children there by providing measles vaccinations. I feel so blessed to have such wonderful parents who constantly and unselfishly serve others. I am doubly blessed to have such a wonderful husband and three kind sons...My life is forever blessed by them!

Jim and Boys at Early summer RC Willey work party

Donna and Karl Snow (Missionaries)

Spring "break" in the Rockies

2009-04-16T08:16:00.000-07:00

When it's spring time in the Rockies...It snows for Spring Break! So we are spending our Spring Break watching movies, indulging on American Idol, eating hot soup with homemade rolls and hanging out together in our cozy home.

Happy Birthday Karl and Andy

2009-04-13T05:49:00.000-07:00

April has brought so much Joy...Tulips, sun, rain for the May flowers but most of all it brought Andy and Karl. Happy birthday my two wonderful Sons! (okay I love October too! It brought Jim and Olin).

Bucket O' Poop

2009-04-02T03:45:00.000-07:00

I never thought being "pooped" on could have its advantages. But there is always a first for everything. Our dear sweet neighbors were gracious enough to bring us over a box of "litter". And oh how we enjoyed! First, we sifted through the dry stuff to get to "poop"... YUM ! Next, a tasty bowl full of litter for all! You know the saying..."Try it, You'll Like It" and oh how we did!

NOTE: April fools, this is a tasty concoction of pudding, cake mix, cookies and poop (tootsie rolls). Thanks Fitz's for the fun!

Breathing in Old Photos

2009-03-13T21:32:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like it! Randomly coming across an old photo for absolutely no specific reason. Maybe you were rummaging through a drawer or looking under your bed for something and BOOM...There it is. You hold your breath and slowly let out air as you remember the sweet moments of life that have passed by. You begin to feel gratitude for the children you were blessed with, the messes they made, the noise they created in the house and all the "tucks" in bed.

Here is a moment captured on film that will be forever ingrained in my heart! I have had many of these moments in life and plan on having many more! Thanks my dear Heavenly Father for blessing our home with these unique and fun loving spirits. What a JOY!

Note: Expressions never hide a personality...and expressions never change (no matter how old they get).

Driving, Dating, Debuts and Disciples

2009-03-07T16:49:00.001-08:00

Elder Andersen with MTC Friends

Olin getting ready for the Sweetheart ball

Karl at his winter Choir Concert

This winter we have enjoyed Fabulous Firsts in our home. Our First Missionary...Andy will head out to Germany on Monday March 16th. Olin's First Drivers License (this is a fair warning to stay off the roads). Olin's First Date to the Sweetheart Dance and Karl's First Solo in his choir. All came quickly but were wonderful. Olin continues to be my other "taxi driver" now that Andy is gone. THANKS OLIN! and he also planned his date by himself with a group of friends, they even made dinner and dessert for the gals. Karl received a LOUD cheer from the audience after his solo (thanks to the darling girls in our ward who are such good friends to him!)

Firsts are Fabulous! LOVE YOU my darling SONS!

Proof of Personality

2009-02-21T11:16:00.000-08:00

As we receive letters from our dear Andy they become strong proof to me that our spirits definitely come with individual personalities! People often wonder how you can love and treat each child individually. It just is! You can do it because they are all born with a distinctive spirit and that spirit comes with its own personality. I am grateful for the three spirits in my home and what they bring to our lives. They make up the WHOLE of our family. They make me a better WHOLE! Though I am a professional educator, I am the one who learns the most. I am in a full time course of didactic learning. I always thought it was my job to teach my children, but truly it is my job to learn from my children!

Thanks Andy, Olin and Karl for all you teach me. For sharing your spirits and life with me! I ADORE YOU GUYS

More in a week than in 44 years

2009-02-02T22:31:00.000-08:00

I have learned more this past week than I have learned in 44 years (I'm not that old am I?) Here are six GREAT things that really sunk in this past week...

1. Gratitude for a renewal each week, for forgiveness and looking forward
2. Understanding my limits and feeling OKAY about them!
3. Yes, my age does come with some wisdom and...I feel good about that!
4. My husband continues to surprise me and LOVE me!
5. I REALLY REALLY do love my Sons and I know I would rather be home than anywhere else!
6. Growth of FAITH (it's been tested and proven to work).

I often feel I shouldn't post with out some sort of amazing picture but this list is pretty amazing to me! I hope by creating and writing, I will help some of you access, analyze and evaluate the good things you have learned this week!
REMEMBER...
LIFE IS GOOD - We Create our own happiness and allow others to join in!
(No matter the ups and downs there is always a lesson to be learned!)

And then there were FOUR...

2009-01-19T15:18:00.000-08:00

For the past 14 years everything we have thought about has been in FIVES. Five seats in the car, five place settings, five combo meals, 5 beds, 5 ticket purchases and 5 CHAIRS AROUND THE TABLE. It is a bizarre feeling when you do something for so long and it comes to a standstill. The other night, out of habit, we made 5 grilled cheese sandwiches (needless to say the extra was devoured). It may take some adjusting and change of habit but well worth it! Thanks Andy for being the part of us that makes FIVE. For a while we will be four but then...we will be more!

Love and wishes to our dear Elder who made us "FIVE" of a good thing!

Love and Wishes to ALL...

2008-12-26T06:50:00.000-08:00

We want to wish everyone Happy Holidays! Our circumstances, humble and overwhelming, make it difficult to send a Christmas Card this year. Our energy is being spent elsewhere preparing for a missionary in our home. We are blessed to have wonderful family and friends who have shown support in our hurried time. We love and miss you all! Here are some pics for this year of our family.

Jim & the Boys...

Elder Andrew James Andersen

Olin the guitarist

Karl the singer and drummer

Our New Dog Ruby...

Christmas Party Entertainment

2008-12-23T17:21:00.000-08:00

The life of the Party...Andy, Olin and Karl were requested to play at our ward Christmas party this year. I'm not sure if we had more fun watching them perform that night or watching them practice together. They were quite a hit!

I know the Lord Provides a way...He wants me to Obey!

2008-12-04T21:48:00.000-08:00

Just when you think that the Christmas Season can't get any busier...The CALL ARRIVES...

Andy is wondering where he might go...
But...I will go I will do the things the Lord Commands...

What's that...Germany Munich/Austria Mission?
WOW!
When?....YIKES...January 14th

With Faith and a lot of prayers....
"I know the Lord provides a way...
He wants me to obey"

Wonders of the World right in my backyard

2008-12-01T20:33:00.000-08:00

There is nothing more peaceful than a surprising sunset. It doesn't matter how old I get or how many sunsets I see, I am always amazed by the glorious colors that appear. I am forever grateful for the beauty that surrounds me, it helps me to keep my perspective in check and be grateful for all that I have! I am glad that I was able to witness this wonder tonight! A great end to a day!

PINK, not just for girls

2008-11-23T07:24:00.000-08:00

I have learned to trust my sons. I should have guessed Andy wouldn't invite me to something that he knew I wouldn't enjoy. Our family took an outing last Thursday night to the Australian PINK FLOYD concert for Olin's belated 16Th birthday. Andy purchased tickets online way back in September and was hyped about it. Jim and I consented but were a little reluctant. Much to my surprise...I LOVED it. The best words to describe it are "Rock Opera on Broadway" with a touch of a graphic/visual art show. I was very entertained by the artistry involved in this production...but the best part...watching Andy, Olin and Karl rock out, sing to every word, and enjoy each other's company. Next time Andy says, "Mom, its awesome, you'll love it" I will believe him.

Goodbye to our Dear litte Belle

2008-11-13T21:45:00.000-08:00

17 years ago Jim brought me home the BEST birthday present ever!!! A present that just kept on giving, until today when she gave her last breath. Our dear Belle, loyal friend and family member was loved to the very end. Andy (only 2 and 1/2 years older) held her tight and kissed her goodbye as he and Jim stood near while they put her to sleep. Andy patted her as her sweet spirit left. It wasn't until Jim and Andy went out into the lobby that tears flowed and flowed. When Jim broke the news to me after school, the tears flowed again. I know that Belle was my birthday present but Jim was her true LOVE! For 17 years Belle followed Jim around everywhere he went and slept by his side every night. Belle gave of herself freely to the entire family. While Jim worked graveyard shifts at Geneva, Belle kept me safe. When Olin was sick with asthma, Belle never left his side. When Andy was sad, Belle listened and when Karl tortured her Belle growled. We will forever miss our dear little Belle but feel it a privilege to have had her in our home. What a sweet little dog...Thanks for all you did for us Belle, we will miss you!!!

Memory Lane

2008-10-29T17:38:00.000-07:00

Dinner, family and friends, what more can a guy ask for...other than having thoughts, anecdotes and memories written about you...That was the highlight of our evening as I read to Jim from a memory book put together by loving hands and excellent story tellers. Jim is a great character for a funny story. We laughed together and even shed a few tears as we regaled stories from the past. What a great guy!!! Happy 50th Jim and THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!

WE LOVE YOU JIM

2008-10-28T06:41:00.000-07:00

We started the Morning out right...Breakfast in bed by the boys and a big sign on the garage door...WE LOVE YOU JIM

A Better Heart

2008-10-24T23:16:00.000-07:00

I have gained a greater appreciation for my childhood teachers as I have spent the past 5 and a half years teaching, in fact the more I teach the more I realize all the work that went in to each day, each moment and each child. How a teacher never forgets a child and work is never left at work.

I want to SHOUT out and THANK all my own children's teachers who have worked outside of the school day, lost sleep over how to better teach my child, prayed for my child and spent an extra moment helping my child feel loved. YES, the academic side is important, but most of all I am forever grateful to those teachers who took plenty of moments to care and to help my child feel good about himself. I go to bed tonight thinking about the hearts of my own students but mostly thanking past teachers for bettering the hearts of my sons!

Surprise Sixteenth!

2008-10-19T19:21:00.000-07:00

You'd think it couldn't happen, but We pulled it off. Olin was surprised by a dozen friends for his 16th Birthday. Between sneaking names and numbers from his cell phone and talking to some neighbors and cousins, Olin's parents were able to gather the gang to watch the BYU game, play ping pong, guitar, wii, eat pizza and cupcakes and enjoy company of awesome friends!

WE LOVE YOU Olin and feel it a privilege to have you in our family! Thanks for being such a fabulous SON! We hope you have many more Happy Birthdays and another 16 more fabulous years!

A LIFE PAST SUMMER?

2008-09-24T22:46:00.000-07:00

A life past summer...YES, but just a different one. During the summer, as usual, I enjoyed my sons, my yard, cleaning, out of doors, reading and keeping up on the latest blogs...

BOOM! School starts and life changes, I still read blogs but find myself without the latest picture of a family activity and something to share. I become keenly aware of the fact that my life is absorbed with 29 additional children who's lives begin to intertwine with mine. I find myself caring for them not only between the hours of 9a.m and 3 p.m. but beyond. I talk to my family of ways I can better reach and teach my students.

The hard reality is, they also have a life outside school, Jim and I attended a viewing of a mother of one of my students who succumbed to an addiction, My dear student is now without her earthly mother and I find my heart aching for her. She is not my own child but the ache is still there. Sobering...

I pray each day that I can make a difference in the lives of my students! I pray even harder to be guided to teach not only academics but moral democracy, sensitivity and kindness.

This blog may not contain a picture (for lack of time) but time spent better elsewhere as I realize the responsibility AND PRIVILEGE to teach. For those of you who wonder if a teacher personally cares or thinks about your own children in and outside of school...LET ME SAY... It is almost impossible not too!

Vacation of Memories

2008-08-25T18:41:00.000-07:00

Our trip to Southern Utah and the National Parks...We had a wonderful time visiting with Jim's family and then off to a reunion with the Snow's... We visited Bryce Canyon, Kodachrome Basin, The North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Zion, and Cedar Breaks, we jumped off cliffs at Sand Hallow and hiked in the Canyons, with a final stop at our ancestors graves in Parawon, Utah. We are so grateful for good parents, awesome siblings and our heritage! Thanks to our extended families for their examples and sacrifice for such a wonderful trip. One that our own sons will always remember.

24th of July in Mapleton

2008-07-24T09:22:00.001-07:00

After waking up early and enjoying a community breakfast in the park, Olin, Karl and I watched the parade with some Provo Neighbors and good friends Jantz, Katelyn and Katie. While there we ran into Olin and Karl's Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Ashby. (She taught Katelyn and Jantz too). We had a ball!

The Dark Knight

2008-07-17T18:07:00.001-07:00

It is finally here...The boys have anxiously awaited the arrival of Batman's The Dark knight.

12 a.m. Tickets were purchased several weeks ago and getting in character is one of Andy's dramatic traits! They headed out the door to wait in line...The two of us will meet up with them at the movie house...MORE TO COME tomorrow...Andy's MOVIE REVIEW.

Girls Night out with the IDOLS!

2008-07-15T11:40:00.000-07:00

An invitation from some friends (Lisa, Michaela, Caroline and Sydney) and I was right there among the idols...I had a great time, my favorite performers were of course...David Archuleta and Brook White. And...Carly Smithson did a fabulous job. Their voices were amazing. Carly was also very gracious with the crowd afterwords. She was willing to talk, sign and even take some pictures. Of course we all loved Brook and her sparkling look! A great GIRLS NIGHT OUT!

What's up with Olin

2008-07-12T13:35:00.000-07:00

Olin is learning how to drive...watch out... He just received his learners permit and is very patient with his mom as she coaches him. He also immensely enjoys his two guitars and will be playing with the high school jazz band this year.

Andy's Best Bud

2008-07-08T18:20:00.000-07:00

Bristen and Andy have enjoyed being friends for the past 16 years when they moved in their Provo neighborhood together. Bristen is our personal hair stylist. Just look at Andy's awesome doo!

Cousins Rock

2008-07-06T18:56:00.000-07:00

Spending time with cousins is one of our favorite past times. We enjoyed a day with girl cousins at our Uncle Dan's restaurant, where we grilled hamburgars, had great food, fun and good laughs. Time with extended family...PRICELESS!

Our Yard

2008-07-06T18:47:00.000-07:00

We are grateful to the service shown by our dear neighbors who helped us put in our sprinkling system. We finished laying some more sod and we can honestly say, "we are too old for this!" I think we ached for days!

Appreciating Nature in our Backyard

2008-07-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

We are enjoying the nature at our Mapleton Home. The stars are so vivid at night, the fields around us wave in the wind and we have several variety of birds living in our back yard. Amongst them is our favorite the Western Meadow larks who have built a nest in our "Old Tree" while singing to us all day. In Grandma Wanda's words they warble, "Mapleton is a pretty little place".

Keeps Us Laughing

2008-07-05T11:16:00.001-07:00

Never a dull moment with Karl Ladell around. He keeps us laughing. One of his favorite past times is taking pictures while making goofy faces. He doesn't say much but when he does he usually gets a laugh.

Our BYU Student

2008-07-05T10:08:00.000-07:00

Andy with his friend/roommate Nelson at a BYU game. Andy just finished his first year at BYU. In June he "had" to move back home. Currently he is working full time for BYU Auxillary Maintance.