Simply Scrumptious: Chicken Chilli in a Pumpkin

1. Prepare Pumpkin


2. Combine in large saucepan or bowl:
1 15 oz. can black beans
1 16 oz. can pinto beans
1 14 1/2 oz. can diced tomatoes
1 6 oz. can tomato paste
1 12 1/2 oz. can chicken

3.blend in blender and then add to the other ing:
1 7 oz. can green chilies
1 green bell pepper cored and diced
1 zucchini squash washed and shredded
1 cup chicken broth

4. Add spices as desired:
I used:
2 tsps. chili powder
2 tsps. parsley
2 tsps. cilantro
minced garlic
1 1/2 tsps. cumin
1 1/2 tsps. Italian seasoning
1 bay leaf (remove before serving)

5: Ladle Mixture into prepared pumpkin, cover and bake at 350 until pumpkin is tender




Note: similar recipe consulted at yummly

Truly Tender: "Sounds Like a Plan"

 I went in to check on little Lady Slipper since she had cried out my name from her bed.  She needed a drink of water, and then two more. . . then I tucked her back in and promised to come back to see her again in a few minutes.  I heard a very soft reply but couldn't understand it.  As I turned back and bent down close to her she repeated the words in her sweet and tired voice: "Sounds like a plan."  I smiled as I left. It is so fun when she surprises me with these grown-up phrases.

Be Inspired!

Janelle Joy

My Own Moroni Man: "Hello Beautiful"

As I was doing my hair for the morning, Lady Slipper came bouncing in and said: "Hello Beautiful!"  I think I looked at her with a surprised expression on my face because she looked at me for a second and then said "Daddy calls you that!"

I instantly was reminded of many other ways my hubby shows me how much I am loved and I thought of this quote and how he is fulfilling it:

"How can a father raise a happy, well-adjusted daughter in today’s increasingly toxic world? The answer has been taught by the Lord’s prophets. It is a simple answer, and it is true—“The most important thing a father can do for his [daughter] is to love [her] mother.”¹ " ("Love Her Mother," Elaine S. Dalton, October 2011 General Conference) 

I ran out and related the story to my loving husband and thanked him for helping me feel so loved. 

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy                                         

Thankful Thinking: It's Thanksgiving!

I am so glad for the perfect timing of this special holiday that reminds me of all my blessings.  I am glad family is here with me and others are only a text away.  I am thankful for every person in my life.  They are often angels with helping hands, listening ears and lots of hugs. These people are constant reminders of My Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ who are the source of all that is good.

Be Inspired!

Janelle Joy

"A grateful heart … comes through expressing gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His blessings and to those around us for all that they bring into our lives"  (President Thomas S. Monson, "The Divine Gift of Gratitude," Ensign, Nov 2010)

Thoughts After My Ninth Miscarriage: "Shall I Falter, or Shall I Finish?"

Just after making it to 13 weeks along and finally feeling confident in a successful pregnancy, We lost our little baby boy on November 8, 2013.  He was perfect, with perfect tiny toes and fingers, and oh so tiny mouth and ears. This was the hardest but also the most special since it is the first time I got to really touch and see one of the little ones I have lost. 

No matter how hard, I have faith in the plan that Heavenly Father has for me and for my family.  I know that being willing to do his will and be a mom is just as important as being successful in delivering and raising a beautiful child of God.  We were willing and left all the rest to the Lord. I re-read one of my posts from past miscarriages and reminded myself of the peace I have felt before and the understanding I have gained.

Now, it is our job to continue to trust and have faith in a bright future.  Patience, faith and hope are  my survival words as I mourn this loss and continue to strive to keep going. I am thankful for all of my blessings, even this tiny and so unexpected tragedy.

President Monson's words from last General Conference give me comfort and courage:

"When the pathway of life takes a cruel turn . . . At times there appears to be no light at the end of the tunnel, no sunrise to end the night’s darkness. . .A fundamental question remains to be answered by each of us: Shall I falter, or shall I finish?. . ." 

I intend to finish!!

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Wise Words: Walk Across the Street

This quote was shared in the Relief Society Presidency Message for my ward:

“The Lord isn’t asking us to load up a handcart; He’s asking us to fortify our faith. He isn’t asking us to walk across a continent; He’s asking us to walk across the street to visit our neighbor. He isn’t asking us to give all of our worldly possessions to build a temple; He’s asking us to … attend regularly the temples already built. He isn’t asking us to die a martyr’s death; He’s asking us to live a disciple’s life.” 
(Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the October 2008 general conference).
I think I can walk across the street . . .

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Musical Motivation: Free LDS Youth Music Downloads

I was so excited to learn about this site!  It has so many of the songs I loved when I was in Young Women's and in college.  I remember paying for the albums.  There are also a lot of new EFY songs too, all available for free download.  See Youth Music. 

I have learned it is so important to be an example of listening to good music myself and taking the time to find fun music too. . . Kindermusik has great music too.  This music must be purchased by song or by album.

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Musical Motivation: "Let Us All Press On"

I was able to attend Relief Society yesterday since it was not my week to teach the primary music.
The lesson was wonderful and I felt inspired and rejuvenated, but the best part was in the one verse of the hymn we sang at the end (Let Us All Press On).  It is one of my favorite songs because a phrase from it was quoted to me once at a time when I felt I could no longer go on:  ". . . Courage, {Janelle} for the Lord is on {your} side. . ."  Each time that hymn is sung in church, it brings a reminder of that special tender mercy long ago and a renewed feeling of confidence that I really do have the courage to do all that is required of me.

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Wise Words: "Thoughtful Planning"

"My message, then, is this. We must carefully and conscientiously provide solid spiritual training for the eternal growth of our children. Thoughtful planning will be required because providing spiritual development for them is not quite as simple as meeting their physical needs." 
(See "Spiritual Development" by M. Russell Ballard, General Conference October 1978)


Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Wise Words: Develop A Strong Pioneer Spirit

"I have noticed that the spirit of man is not like the body as it grows older, but rather is just the opposite. If the spirit of man is properly cared for, rather than becoming slower to move and less capable, as the body does, the spirit becomes more confident and waxes strong in the presence of God. (See D&C 121:45.) Through the eyes of the strong in spirit we can feel their power and strength. Those of us who are blessed to know the First Presidency and the members of the Council of the Twelve can witness that the age of their physical bodies has no relationship to the capacity of their spirits. I testify that when you clasp the hand of one of these brethren you feel the power and the strength of the spirit that is within them, and you realize that through years of obedient living of the gospel they have developed their spirits to such a degree that they now can strengthen the entire Church. I know that thousands of our Saints have learned that spiritual growth is the most important part of life. How blessed are children who are raised by parents that understand and teach this to them." ("Spiritual Development" by M. Russell Ballard, General Conference October 1978)

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Truly Tender: Percy Jackson Rivals Harry Potter

Morning Glory has loved Harry Potter books for the longest time.  Actually she has been pretty obsessed with them.  She not only read the whole series but re-read them and listened to the audio books over and over again.     She also continued her love for the Living Scriptures Dramatized Book of Mormon and New Testament stories, and the "Forgotten Carols" by Michael Mcclean which she still listened to quite often, but in the last couple of years not much else seemed worth a second time through, let alone several times through. 

A new reading obsession has officially been born.  Her teacher gave an assignment to prepare for next school year by reading the Percy Jackson series during the summer.  That teacher had no idea what she had started . . .

I love being a Mom :)  !!!

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Supermoms know "The Bar has been Raised"

“We have raised the bar,” says Elder Ballard. “But that doesn’t raise it just for the youth. That raises it for the parents, who have the primary responsibility for teaching their children principles. That raises it for the leaders. That raises it for the teachers. We’ve all got to take a step up in a world that is unraveling as fast as this one is. “We see that they love the Lord,” he continues. “Remember that He loves them. Inside the little body of that young man or young woman you’re teaching is an eternal spirit. These young people belong to our Heavenly Father, and He has great interest in the lives of all His children. We need to keep the fire of that testimony burning in them.” ("Tending the Flock: Teaching Leadership Skills to Youth," From an interview with President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, and Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Liahona June 2008)

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Wise Words: "Revelations Not Received"

I learned so much from listening to this BYU Devotional entitled "Revelation" by Dallin H Oaks. ( It was originally given on September 29, 1981).  He described several ways that the Holy Ghost guides us in our lives.  Then he concluded with a section "Revelations not received" which I find particularly comforting and insightful:

"What about those times when we seek revelation and do not receive it? We do not always receive inspiration or revelation when we request it. Sometimes we are delayed in the receipt of revelation, and sometimes we are left to our own judgment. We cannot force spiritual things. It must be so. Our life’s purpose to obtain experience and to develop faith would be frustrated if our Heavenly Father directed us in every act, even in every important act. We must make decisions and experience the consequences in order to develop self-reliance and faith.

"Even in decisions we think very important, we sometimes receive no answers to our prayers. This does not mean that our prayers have not been heard. It only means that we have prayed about a decision which, for one reason or another, we should make without guidance by revelation. Perhaps we have asked for guidance in choosing between alternatives that are equally acceptable or equally unacceptable.

 "I suggest that there is not a right and wrong to every question. To many questions, there are only two wrong answers or two right answers. Thus, a person who seeks guidance on which of two different ways he should pursue to get even with a person who has wronged him is not likely to receive a revelation. Neither is a person who seeks guidance on a choice he will never have to make because some future event will intervene, such as a third alternative that is clearly preferable. On one occasion, my wife and I prayed earnestly for guidance on a decision that seemed very important. No answer came. We were left to proceed on our own best judgment. We could not imagine why the Lord had not aided us with a confirming or restraining impression. But it was not long before we learned that we did not have to make a decision on that question because something else happened that made a decision unnecessary. The Lord would not guide us in a selection that made no difference." ( See "Revelation" by Dallin H Oaks)

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Truly Tender: "That's What Little Kids Do . . ."

Several times lately I have heard that very grown up phrase come from little Lady Slipper's mouth. 
This time we were playing with plastic storage bowls and lids.  We were stacking them up to make a pretend sand castle and then having the "waves" come and knock them down.  Then we would laugh and build them up again and knock them down again.  Suddenly she paused in the fun and said it again: "That's what little kids do . . ." then we stacked a few more and she added a new part, "and mommy's too."  I am so glad I chose to stop and play sand castles for a few minutes so I could be a little kid too :)


Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Musical Motivation: I Got to Sing With Janice Kapp Perry and Marvin Goldstein!

This is an experience I drafted clear back in August 2012, and I loved reading it so much I decided to publish it.  This is a good memory:

The miracle held out and the pain from my sixth miscarriage didn't come back with much intensity until Saturday Morning after the Education week classes ended.  One of the highlights of the week was when I attended a music class in the Harris Fine Arts Center with Janice Kapp Perry and Marvin Goldstein.

The class began with hearing experiences of each of those powerful musicians: composer and pianist.
Then Janice Kapp Perry announced that even though she is 74 years old now and usually has guests come to sing her songs for her, in this one class (she taught several during the week) she had decided to sing her own songs.  Then she sang herself, and led us, as we accompanied her in singing through 6 of her most loved songs, which also happen to be some of my own personal favorites, including "A Child's Prayer."

What an amazing dream come true

Truly Tender: Stripes and Polka Dots

A few days ago I came home from work and was greeted very enthusiastically by a cute Lady Slipper of a color combination I would never have imagined.  Her petals (shirt) were stripes of magenta, teal and black  and her stem (pants) was covered in Christmas colored polka dots with a black background.  I had to laugh!!!  Sadly I did not snap a picture.  But my mind and heart have treasured up this happy memory.  

Yesterday Daddy brought her to meet me at work for her very own Kindermusik class time.  She was arrayed in yet another wonderful combination of her own choosing.  This time it was a pastel polka dotted dress with lime green flowered leggings.

I love finding out what you like to array your petals with each day Lady Slipper!!  I love being your mom!

What tender memories do you have from your day today?

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Kindermusik's "America the Musical"

Kindermusik offers a cute musical album (2 volumes) that has several well known American folk songs and uses them to teach some history--both of our Country and also the history of the songs themselves and some funny facts about them and some of the vocabulary used within them.
It was recommended to me by a friend and I think it is a perfect 4th of July activity. 

click here to hear some samples of the music or to purchase and download them as Mp3 files.

Also BYUTV is having  a wonderful classic on tonight "A More Perfect Union."  That movie was a tradition in my family when I was growing up and really helped me appreciate and better understand the process of the writing of the Constitution.

Happy Independence Day!!!

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Wise Words: Stay in Condition

"Each of us must stay in condition to respond to inspiration and the promptings of the Holy Ghost. The Lord has a way of pouring pure intelligence into our minds to prompt us, to guide us, to teach us, and to warn us. Each son or daughter of God can know the things they need to know instantly. Learn to receive and act on inspiration and revelation."  (Elder Boyd K. Packer, April 2013 General Conference)

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Wise Words: A Massive Connecting Link to Peace

This quote resonated so powerfully in my heart as I first heard it, and again as I listened to this talk again today:

"When you feel that there is only a thin thread of hope, it is really not a thread but a massive connecting link, like a life preserver to strengthen and lift you. It will provide comfort so you can cease to fear. Strive to live worthily and place your trust in the Lord." (For Peace at Home, by Elder Richard G. Scott,  General Conference April 2013, emphasis added)

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Truly Tender: Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo

Last night as the girls were going to bed, Lady Slipper decided she wanted to go to sleep in a castle (under the slide in her room) instead of in her bed.  I gave her her lady bug pillow to bring with her and she wanted the blanket Morning Glory was using.  She asked for it in a very demanding way and trying to help her sister remember her manners, MG kindly said "what are the magic words?"  We shouldn't have been surprised when LS confidently cried out "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo!!"

Morning Glory, thanks for sharing your blanket with your little sister!

I look forward to many more tender moments today :-)

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

"The Lord Takes Many Away Even in Infancy."

I have been thinking of the little babies I have lost through miscarriages.  During October General Conference, Elder Shayne M. Bowen gave a talk entitled "Because I Live, Ye Shall Live Also"  He told his experience of losing his 8 month old son, Tyson.  This talk touched my heart in a special way as I first listened to it and I have returned to it several times since for comfort and direction.

 Here are some of my favorite quotes from this talk:

“The Lord takes many away, even in infancy, that they may escape the envy of man, and the sorrows and evils of this present world; they were too pure, too lovely, to live on earth; therefore, if rightly considered, instead of mourning we have reason to rejoice as they are delivered from evil, and we shall soon have them again.”
(Quoting Joseph Smith from Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 176. ) 

"I would like to speak to those who have lost a child and have asked the question, “Why me?” or maybe even questioned your own faith in a loving Father in Heaven. It is my prayer that by the power of the Holy Ghost, I may bring some measure of hope, of peace, and of understanding. It is my desire to be an instrument in bringing about a restoration of your faith in our loving Father in Heaven, who knows all things and allows us to experience trials so that we can come to know and love Him and understand that without Him we have nothing." I testify that this life is not the end. The spirit world is real. The teachings of the prophets regarding life after death are true. This life is but a transitory step forward on our journey back to our Heavenly Father.. ."

 "I testify that the veil is thin. The same feelings of loyalty, love, and family unity don’t end as our loved ones pass to the other side; instead, those feelings are intensified.. . . "

"Sometimes people will ask, “How long did it take you to get over it?” The truth is, you will never completely get over it until you are together once again with your departed loved ones. I will never have a fulness of joy until we are reunited in the morning of the First Resurrection. “For man is spirit. The elements are eternal, and spirit and element, inseparably connected, receive a fulness of joy;. . . . . “And when separated, man cannot receive a fulness of joy.” But in the meantime, as the Savior taught, we can continue with good cheer. All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Truly Tender: Fish Tank Fun

This morning Daddy got up early with us and was excited to help the girls clean and re-do their fish tanks.  Morning Glory gave her little tiny tank to Lady Slipper and is going to use our medium tank as her tank instead so she can start to learn about salt water.

 It was so cute to see Lady Slipper's excitement when the first thing she was told when she got up was, "you have your own tiny fish tank!"  She didn't need her usual slow wake-up time. . . she became "un-groggy" almost instantly and decided to name her little tetra Starfruit.  Then she wanted to get right to work helping Dad clean out the medium tank.

Morning Glory had lots of ideas about the fun things she would like to do in her tank and was happy to use her hard-earned spending money.  She is definitely converted to the family fish hobby.  She often asks to go to the fish store on the way home from school :)

What a fun, fishy morning.

What special moments have you had today?

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

My Own Moroni Man: Flying a Kite

I came home from work and asked Lady Slipper our traditional question that she always looks forward to answering as soon as I get home: "What did you do today while I was gone at work?" (If I ever forget to ask that question, she promptly comes and lets me know that she didn't tell me what she did today). This time I got an extremely enthusiastic answer about flying a kite. Later, Morning Glory talked about it too. They were both so excited about the simple act of flying a kite with Dad. I know there are a lot of other things my sweet hubby could have chosen to do. I am so glad he chose to create a lasting memory by flying that kite with his girls.

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Wise Words: Wait Patiently

" Waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded with this seal and testament—the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted." (D & C 98:2)

I loved this quote I read in the Doctrine and Covenants Teachers Manual lesson 6:

Elder Boyd K. Packer counseled: “Sometimes you may struggle with a problem and not get an answer. What could be wrong? It may be that you are not doing anything wrong. It may be that you have not done the right things long enough. Remember, you cannot force spiritual things. Sometimes we are confused simply because we won’t take no for an answer. …

“Put difficult questions in the back of your minds and go about your lives. Ponder and pray quietly and persistently about them.

“The answer may not come as a lightning bolt. It may come as a little inspiration here and a little there, ‘line upon line, precept upon precept’ (D&C 98:12).

“Some answers will come from reading the scriptures, some from hearing speakers. And, occasionally, when it is important, some will come by very direct and powerful inspiration. The promptings will be clear and unmistakable” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1979, 29–30; or Ensign, Nov. 1979, 21).


Be Inspired
Janelle Joy

Truly Tender: "Mummy Man" and a Purple Platypus

As my sweet hubby read us some scripture verses at the beginning of our family home evening last night, I could barely keep from laughing. He had a stuffed purple platypus balanced on the top of his head as he rocked back and forth in the rocking chair and said a few words of scripture at a time so that Lady Slipper could repeat the words after him. As he came to the final few words, I was no longer able to keep the laughter in as I watched Lady Slipper remove the platypus from his head and try to balance it on the top of her own head while still trying to repeat the words of the scripture. As her daddy said "of all men" she repeated in a very serious voice: "mummy man."

The joy I felt as I laughed together with my family inspired me to think of other special and tender moments of the day.  I was inspired to change my planned Family Home Evening lesson and simply share how I felt Heavenly Father's love for me during that funny moment of a mummy man and a purple platypus.   Then I asked the others to share some of special moments they had that day.  Lady Slipper was given a picture of Elder Bednar to hold as I explained that he had taught us to notice the tender mercies of the Lord--the special moments when we feel Heavenly Father's love (See "The Tender Mercies of the Lord" by Elder Bednar, April 2005). As we shared together, we truly experienced our own tender mercy last night.

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Moroni Men and Wise Women Know How to Receive and Act on Personal Revelation.

I loved reading this counsel about personal revelation from the Doctrine and CovenantsGospel Doctrine Teachers Manual Lesson 6:

What should we do when personal revelation does not come when we desire it? (Answers could include those listed below.)

a. Be patient and continue to wait faithfully on the Lord (D&C 98:2). He will answer in His time. Exercising patience helps us grow spiritually and develop attributes of godliness. You may want to read the second paragraph of the letter that is quoted in Official Declaration 2 (pages 293–94 in the Doctrine and Covenants), pointing out that even prophets must exercise patience as they seek divine guidance.

b. Increase our efforts to be in tune spiritually so we can receive and recognize the whisperings of the Spirit.

c. Increase our efforts to study and pray, recognizing that we may not have done this as long, as faithfully, or as honestly as we should.

d. Be more faithful in obeying the commandments (Isaiah 59:2).

e. Set the matter aside for a while. Flashes of inspiration often come when we least expect them, while our minds are no longer consumed by the matter.

f. Recognize that we may be seeking counsel on matters that we should determine for ourselves, using our best judgment based on study and reason. In these cases the Lord may leave us to decide on our own (for examples, see D&C 58:25–28; 60:5; 61:22; 62:5). The Lord often allows us to make our own decisions in righteousness.

g. Evaluate whether we may have received an answer already but have not accepted it because it was not what we hoped for or expected. If we insist on what we want, we may close off the Spirit’s communication with us.

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Family Friendly: "A Child Who Sings is a Happy Child"

That is such a true and simple statement.  I love the sunshine smiles on the faces of my girls as we sing together. (See The Home: The School of Life by Enrique R. Falabella).

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Thankful Thinking: Morning Quiet Time

I am so thankful for early morning hours of quiet when it is easier to think and be still.

What are you thankful for today?

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

April 2013 Mini Mission: Find Daily Quiet Moments

I need multiple moments of stillness to pray and ponder each day or I quickly feel lost in busy-ness and lose the feeling that I am connected to my Heavenly Father through His Spirit. I want so much to do His will in each moment and I know that is impossible without pondering, asking and listening. I love the First presidency Message from last month "Peace be Still" by President Thomas S. Monson.


Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Truly Tender: "The Girl like me Singing"

Lady Slipper loved watching this video that I came across on You Tube one day. We played it on my kindle fire while she was eating breakfast and she just loved the little girl who was singing at the very start. She wanted to watch it over and over.

The next morning during breakfast she said, "The girl like me singing" over and over again until I figured out that she was talking about the video from the day before. We have watched it on several occasions since then because she continues to request it. I am so thankful that she remembered and I hope she will always remember that special message that she is truly a Child of God.

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

My Own Moroni Man: Making General Conference Special

This may have been the best General Conference ever--because of how hard my wonderful hubby worked to make it that way.  Here are a few of the things he did:

-Babysat last week during the General Young Women Session
saying "take as long as you need with Morning Glory--this is important" so I could take Morning Glory on a special date to the temple grounds and to eat chili at Wendy's after the session.

-Helped me with blowing bubbles every time the girls heard the words love or Jesus Christ mentioned during a Conference talk--It was really rewarding to have tiny 3-year-old Lady Slipper come up to us and let us know that she had heard one of those words and see her excitement as Daddy put the bubble wand in front of a fan to make the bubbles go all over the room.  I pictured those bubbles as representing the love I hope we all feel from our Heavenly Father and share with each other--floating all through out the room.

-Made cookies, pizza and "conference popcorn" (carmel popcorn) to use for the Conference Concession Stand Morning Glory wanted to do between sessions (an idea she got from the Friend Magazine last month).  He also passed out coins during the sessions and helped keep the girls supplied with conference packets and activities to do to earn the coins during the sessions.

-Invited some of Morning Glory's friends to join us for two of the sessions--that made it really especially fun and memorable for her.

-Invited friends to go with him to the Priesthood Session.

-Pointed out simple things that he felt our family should pay especial attention to during the conference talks.

Thanks my Sweet Moroni Man!  I love you!

What has a Moroni Man in your life done for you today?

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Truly Tender: Lego Friends

Morning Glory recently received some new Lego sets--the cute girly ones with pink and purple pieces and lots of flowers and butterflies.  Lady Slipper has been quick to come and want to play too.  I know MG really wants to have some time to play by herself, but she has been such a nice older sister and has been sharing them anyway.  This morning when Dad asked her if she wanted to put them away up high before she left for school, she said she would leave them out for Lady Slipper since she has been so nice and gentle with them.  I was very happy and impressed with the unselfishness of that simple act.

I love being a mom!

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

My own Moroni Man "Changing a Poopy During Fifth Overtime? !"

It isn't Monday but I can't wait to post this cutest Moroni Man Moment ever as my own sweet hubby unselfishly changed Lady Slipper's messy diaper during the most inopportune moment : a fifth overtime in the basketball game between the Notre Dame and Louisville. That one little hilarious protest did come out of his mouth first but he did change it. Ahhh what a man I am married to!!

I love you, my own Moroni Man!

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Family Friendly: Hard and Happy Work

My Sweetheart read an article called "A Heart Filled with Love" by President Henry B. Eyring from this month's Friend Magazine as we were all together helping our girls get prepared for bed.  One sentence in the article really found a place within my heart: 

"It was hard and happy work."

All of us had been given a larger load that day as both of the girls were feeling sick and I had worked extra long hours that day in trainings and paperwork relating to the Music Therapy services I help to offer to children with developmental delays and their parents.  Sometimes it is very hard to come home and keep my patient and happy heart with me as there is still so much to do before I can turn in for the night. I had been feeling particularly inadequate in knowing how to do all the things it seems are always required in my many different roles.

"It is OK that it is hard.  It is also happy work.  It is God's hard and happy work."  The feelings came as words engraved into me as the Spirit gave me a feeling of peace along with the teaching moment.

I am so thankful for each day as a part of Heavenly Father's Family and my own little family.

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Thankful Thinking: Talking With Grandma

I was able to talk on the phone with my grandma this week. I am so especially thankful to have her. I lost my other Grandmother last month and that has caused me to reflect on many wonderful and happy memories I have had with each of them. Both of my special Grandmas spent many hours listening to and taking care of me in so many different ways.
I love you Grandma M. Thanks for always being so excited to talk to me.
I love you Grandma P. Thanks for continuing to be there for me in heaven. I still feel you so close.

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Wise Words: My Personal Orbit

While reading an article from this month's Ensign (Meaningful Teaching at Home, by Darren E. Schmidt), I was touched as he quoted these words by Elder Neal A. Maxwell:

“The same God that placed that star in a precise orbit millennia before it appeared over Bethlehem in celebration of the birth of the Babe has given at least equal attention to placement of each of us in precise human orbits so that we may, if we will, illuminate the landscape of our individual lives, so that our light may not only lead others but warm them as well.” (That My Family Should Partake 1974, 86.)

Do I have confidence that I really am placed in a precise orbit?  Is my influence really important?

Each moment of my day I want look to God and find out what He wants me to do in my personal orbit-- especially the orbit of my own little family.  He knows exactly why He placed me where He did and what I should do in every situation.  I must trust in His knowledge and gain confidence and courage in each challenge--tiny or seemingly insurmountable.

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

"Can I Snuggle with You?"

At night Lady Slipper often asks:"will you snuggle with me?" She is used to me answering that I will cuddle with her for two songs. Last night she chose songs from Cinderella. Other favorites are "I am a Child of God" and "Rock-y-bye, Don't you Cry."

Morning Glory also loves to cuddle next to me in the morning as we study our scriptures together and at night as we read a book or listen to an audiobook. Right now we just began reading "The Guardians" series and are in the first book about Nicholas St. North.

I am so thankful for each moment my girls want to cuddle. I never know when those daily moments will become memories.

Be Inspired,
Janelle Joy