Ornament A Day ~ 4

Today's ornament is courtesy of my hubby. He had always been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and, before we met, he served a two year mission in Japan. This ornament is from his mission. 

While he was in Kobe and Osaka I learned more about the church while in college. My older brother and sister had converted while I was very little and I was interested in defending their beliefs while people attacked them. Once I read the Book of Mormon and learned about Heavenly Father's plan of happiness for us, I knew it was true. I have never looked back.

When hubby finished his mission he went to CSUF where I was ready to graduate from. We met and the rest is history and I am so grateful that we are an eternal family! 

I am thankful for his mission and the lessons it taught him, the experiences it gave him and, most of all, the example he is to be a disciple of our Savior. 

If you have questions about anything I believe in, please don't hesitate to ask!

Ornament A Day ~ 3

Todays post is dedicated to each of my past students and their wonderful families!

Many, many ornaments on our tree are courtesy of my sweet students throughout my fifteen years of teaching first grade and kindergarten. I, especially, love the ones where they wrote their name and year on it. As I put up my tree, year after year, I think about each student and what they might be doing. It is so fun to see them on Facebook, graduating from college and getting married, a joining the Armed Forces and continuing on in their lives. 

When I taught, I would host my class at my house at Christmastime. It became one of my very favorite things to do because we gathered around the tree, sang songs and munched on cookies. Most years we even pumped up some tunes and had a little dance party! I cherish those memories so much!

Ornament A Day ~ 2

This ornament takes us to the island of Hawaii. The first time Mark and I went together was for New Years 1994. I was six and a half months pregnant with Emma. 

I bought this "Angel of Aloha" for our tree on that trip. It is hand made on Kaua'i out of Monstera plant leaf sheath, with shells and seeds. She has held up perfectly over the years and I love reminiscing about those early "newlywed years", especially that magical trip to Hawaii.

Ornament A Day~ 1

Welcome to an "Ornament A Day"!

Each day I will post a picture of an ornament on my tree and tell the story behind it. If you are like me, your Christmas tree is a journal of friends and wonderful memories. What other way to honor that by sharing it and documenting it here? 

If you would like to join in, PLEASE DO! You can share yours on your blog, comment section of my blog, Facebook, Google +, Instagram...anywhere! Just be sure to use the #ornamentaday and tag @jenbottom me so we all can see it too! 

Sure this is a funny looking guy with a broken wing, but this is from my parents first Christmas tree when they were newly married SIXTY YEARS ago! 

Many things on my tree, you will see, are because of my mom. She is a very creative, giving and loving person who really struts her stuff during Christmastime. I am grateful that she has had such an impact on my life and I hope to be such a positive impact on my children's lives. 

Happy Thanksgiving from the Beach!

This morning I got my early morning run in and I loved how many people were celebrating Thanksgiving in the water. Hundreds of surfers and boogie boarders were hoopin' and hollerin' this morning.

I am grateful for all of you, near and far, in my life!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Introducing "An Ornament Memory A Day" ~ Dec 1-25

It is the BEST time of year! Holiday Time!

Since I have not been able to decorate for Christmas for the past two years I am enjoying putting up my decorations and tree a little early this year. Sure, people may scoff...but I see no harm in bringing the joy of the season into our lives earlier than normal.

I have loved unwrapping each and every ornament while remembering the story behind them. That is why, this year, on this blog AND on Facebook, I will be posting an ornament each day and it's story behind it. I will love the chronicle of why it is meaningful and share it with you! In return, I would LOVE it if you would join in too! Don't have a blog? Go ahead and post yours on Facebook and be sure to tag me so I can see it! Invite your friends to do the same!

So exciting! 

I can't wait to "see" all of your special treasures on your tree!

What I've Been Up To!

Please, please, please forgive me for being MIA. 

I always said I would never be one of those bloggers, but that is exactly what I've turned into.

However, I LOVE why I have been gone for so long. I am working again and I LOVE every single second of it. It has been quite some time since I have been this enthusiastic about anything. It has completely changed my life!

Most of you know that I have become a coach for Beachbody. Last time I posted this announcement, with a video, I really had no idea how much of an impact it would have on my life. I am healthier and more fit than I have ever been. My family is eating healthy six days a week. I help people all day long and the connections and reconnections I have made have been the highlight of the last three months! I am part of a team that is supportive, positive and encouraging. And I get to do all of this while making money! Too good to be true? Nope! And guess what?  I am ALWAYS looking for help...so if you are interested, PLEASE talk to me!

I could talk about getting healthy all day long...BUT there are so many other positive things going on in my life too! Of course, my life IS NOT perfect...but moving to the beach has made it pretty darn close. Sure, there are still trials, struggles, miscommunication and my two teenagers. BUT I can go just down the hill and see the ocean and all feels better. 

With the holidays here, I hope to connect with each and every one of you. Please do not hesitate to comment or chat with me on Facebook. Truly, my friends and family are the most important thing in my life! I hope to hear from you soon!

Love, 

Jen

PS It is truly my desire to post here AT LEAST once a week, so please continue to check back:)