"I don't want to survive... I want to live!" Saturday, January 21, 2012
I don't want to survive... I want to LIVE!
"I don't want to survive... I want to live!" Monday, January 9, 2012
Friday, January 6, 2012
Here's to 2012 - the new "Me!"
I love this time of year...when I can sit back and reflect on the past twelve months of my life, and all the things that I've accomplished, or perhaps didn't necessarily accomplish. (Hey, I tried, right?) I think that's why I love making new year's resolutions. Not to say that I always keep them. Not that I enjoy looking at all the things that I feel happen to be wrong with me. ;-) But it's sure nice to think of ways to improve my health, my relationships, my responsibilities, and all the other stuff that constitute my life. It's always fun to make that "list" and check it twice, to ponder on the details of my life and all of things I'd like to accomplish to make the new year even better! Improvement can only be a good thing. And trust me, I need lots and lots of it. I've decided to break things down this year - instead of creating an entire page - a huge list of things that start to overwhelm me before the first month is even through, (basically expect perfection from myself!), I've decided to start slow...and to get through the small things I want out of life...step by step...one month at a time. Isn't that what we always hear from the scriptures and from the experts: Do not run faster than you have means or strength? It's good advice. And I've decided to take it. Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Have you ever been this happy eating lunch? ;-)
Happy, Happy, New Year!!
I was able to spend lots of time with two of my special nieces on the Justus side of the family: Jordin Kimberly and Jordan Anne. They live in North Carolina so we don't get to see them often. That's why this night was a huge treat for me. I got to know them all over again, have treats with them, bowl, and just have a crazy ole' time. They are special young ladies. I love them so much. They make me feel young again!!
Monday, January 2, 2012
What a Merry Christmas!! What a beautiful life I have ;-)
Nothing like having an adorable two year old boy running around your home at Christmas time, spreading his sunshine and joy! Oh by gosh, by golly! He made this time of year even more jolly! His enthusiasm is contagious. I can't even tell you how much fun it's been to watch him open his presents, interact with all his family as we celebrated this Christmas season. I am such a lucky mother! This is a year that I will never forget. Troy is such a special little boy. And he loves to wear his Santa cap and spread his smiles around. ;-)
Ho! Ho! Ho!
Justus family portrait!!! Greg and Angie came to town with their family, and it was nice being able to spend Christmas Eve with them, and getting to know my sweet nieces better. We missed Little Bob, (Elder Porter Justus) who is currently serving in the mission field, but you can see the picture of him that Greg is holding, so he would be included. We are so proud of him for serving the Lord so diligently in the mission field. We were also able to speak via Facetime on the Internet with Brad, Rebecca, Sophia and new baby Rowen. It was so wonderful!!! I'm so grateful for technology! In this picture you can see Mom holding the picture of Brad's beautiful family. And of course we honored our precious father JD Justus and his wife Norma in the picture, (Bob is holding it), They are a huge part of our family that we cherish and wish they were here. I am so fortunate to have these precious people in my life. We had a blast together, and they made this Christmas year extra special.
And the big news of the Christmas celebrations I saved for last: My best friend and sister in law Annie is officially ENGAGED!!!! She and Mike will be married this coming July, and I get to stand proudly at her side as the matron of honor. Wow, I'm so excited! And yes, I am truly honored to have her in my life. She rocks! Mike is one lucky man! He's also in trouble because Annie has big brothers who will be after him if they come home from a date too late! (ha, ha, ha!) Yay Anna and Mike! Thursday, December 22, 2011
Today it's all about Troy! Oh, and just a little snow too ;-)
Monday, December 19, 2011
And the gratitude during the season continues...

I'm grateful for Larry and Darin. I never had any brothers growing up, and now I've been blessed with 4 brothers and one more sister. They are among my best friends. And because they live in our basement, we've been able to own such a lovely home, and they decorate our lives with laughter, tears, and more adventure than I could of ever dreamed of. They make life exciting and I wouldn't want it any other way. I love you Larry and Darin.
I am grateful for Annie. I don't have enough room to list all of the reasons I love her so much. Let's just say she is the coolest blessing that came along with my marriage. She is my best friend. She is one of Troy's favorite aunties. Being around her makes life more fun! I love you, Annie.I am grateful for my mother in law. She is such a wonderful blessing in my life. She babysits her grandson at least once a week, and loves to spoil him. Troy is so lucky to have her as a grandmother. I've never known a heart so large, and so eager to serve, and to give. I am grateful to be part of her family. She is such a close friend, and I am happy to be sealed with her for eternity. What would I do without her? I love you, Mom! ;-)

Friday, December 16, 2011
Feeling Grateful... ;-)
Feeling grateful for my mommy. ;-) Of course I love her dearly because she raised me, put up with me, and set me on the straight and narrow path. But I also love her because over the past few years, she has become one of my best friends. In every way possible, she has been there for my family. We have a Chipotle movie/ice cream night twice a month, and I couldn't imagine my life without these special nights. She takes care of us, continues to give us good health and nutrition advice. She is beautiful in every way, and will always be one the best friends I've ever had. I love you Mom!
I am also grateful for my sister Rachel. She came home from Maui to visit us last week, and it was so much fun to see her again. I miss her. I miss her hugs. I miss the warm feeling she brings into my home. I love you, Rachel.
I'm grateful for my sister Heidi. She is the kind of person that I've always wanted to be. If the world was full of people like her, it would be a much happier place. I love you, Heidi. Monday, November 21, 2011
The pondering and babbling of Jen Justus. ;-)
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
I created a profile. Like I said, it's all about me!

Hi, I'm Jen Justus
I grew up in Waialua, Hawaii. I'm writing a novel. I love music, piano, football, and my family and friends more than life. And I'm a Mormon. ;-)
About Me
Life is beautiful. I love my Savior, I love my parents, my sisters and my extended family and friends. But most of all I love my husband and my beautiful son, and will dedicate the rest of my life to their eternal welfare. ;-) I graduated from high school in Oahu, Hawaii then moved to Colorado when I was 19 years old. I served a mission in Vancouver, British Columbia, the most beautiful mission in the world. Then I came home and married the man of my dreams. We've been married for many happy years, and now we are finally parents! We have adopted a beautiful baby boy, who is almost two years old already. He is my entire life. I'm a child at heart, I love collecting Barbies and playing with my son. I love cuddling with my husband and watching football. I love being around my family and my friends, I love them so much! I'm also a helpless romantic: I'm writing a fiction novel, and enjoy writing about the things that fascinate me the most in this life, namely the piano, and Marseilles, France. Someday I will rejoice in the fruit of my labors when my book is published, my house finally clean, all of my loved ones around me, and my family living in the beautiful heavens above...eternally. Then I can sing praises to my Heavenly Father and my Savior forever. I am one blessed and happy soul!
Why I am a Mormon
I chose to be in this precious church because I KNOW it is true. I was raised as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints by kind and loving parents who taught me about the Savior, about love, and about living a happy life. I gained a testimony of the Bible and the Book of Mormon on my own, then decided I needed to proclaim it's truths to the world. That's why I served a mission. I wanted people to know how real the Savior is, that Heavenly Father lives, and how much they both love us. We are so lucky to have a real prophet on this earth to guide and protect us in these latter days. I want other people to be happy, as happy as the gospel has made me. =) I want my family to live together eternally. That's why I am a Mormon.
How I live my faith
I strive each day to follow my Savior and keep His commandments. No, I am not perfect, in fact, I am far from perfect. But I strive to love and serve others around me, especially my precious family, and that's the most important thing, I think. ;-) I'm a Webelos leader in the scouting program, and I fully enjoy serving those wonderful Cub Scouts and being with them each week. I love going to church and serving in my ward the best way I know how. I love hugs, and try to share them generously with others, at all times. I especially enjoy being in Relief Society each week, and partaking of the sacrament. My Savior means everything to me, and I hope to serve Him in a pleasing manner for the rest of my life.
I just wanted to share these things about me on Mormon. Org, which is where this post comes from. Not trying to convert anyone. Not trying to start religious battles. Just trying to share with others my beliefs in the hope that many misunderstandings about Mormons can be resolved. ;-) Many people don't know anything about Mormons, or don't know that we are Christians. So that's my main purpose, to let others know how I feel about Christ and my Heavenly Father.
Just saying... ;-)


