Tag! Now You're It!

You know the drill, if you are reading this consider yourself tagged.

1. I don't like any kind of sugar candy or treat. I'm all about chocolate, chocolate, chocolate!
2. I am double jointed and can do some weird things.
3. I had my palm read years ago and was told I'd have 3 kids and that I was very spiritual.
4.I grew up on a farm, and was in 4-H for years. I raised and showed sheep and pigs...Yee Haw!
5. Adam proposed to me on the beach in Cali, my favorite place to be! Wish I could click my heals 3 times and be there now!
6. I use to kick butt on the balance beam when I was in gymnastics and now I walk into walls.
7. I hate laundry and dishes, Ha! Not the best qualities for a homemaker!
8. I didn't play team sports growing up because I didn't want to let anyone down, so I played tennis instead, and I still love to play.
9. I have become so accustomed to my DVR and fast forwarding, and pause, that I try to do it to the radio and my kids.
10. I love playing Super Mario Brothers and challenge any of you to a game ;)
11. I was a huge tomboy growing up, climbing trees and riding bikes were my favorite pass times.
12. I stink at math and believe there is a condition that exists that is similar to dyslexia but pertains to mathematics!
13. I constantly tap rhythms with my hands, feet, or fingers, and it drives Adam crazy.
14. I don't care for talking on the phone, but I am all for texting.
15. I love to cook but don't do it as much as I would like because I don't want to have to do the dishes afterwards.
16. I love to read and have to before I go to bed, even if it's looking some words up in the dictionary.
17. I dream of moving back to Cali and would in a heart beat if we could!
18. I don't have a favorite color.
19. I thought the Idaho Falls Temple was retro looking and felt bad for anyone who had to be sealed there and then was married there a few years later. I was wrong, it's beautiful.
20. I was a tree hugging, dolphin loving, vegetarian, granola in high school, but was in a Miss Teenage California Pageant. Yes, I'm seruious.
21. I use to be OCD clean and now I can't figure out where I lost that part of myself, and will it ever come back?
22. I strongly believe in Love and Logic's and the 5 Love Languages, now if only I could apply it!
23. I love rollerblading and use to go out every night in college.
24. I love photography and want to get better at it...maybe some day!
25. It was really hard to think of these things and I'm not too sure any of it is interesting!

Confessions Of A 5 Year Old!

Our middle child in every way LOVES to be funny. Or at least his version of funny. He will do anything for a laugh. At times he can be inappropriate, crude, or down right hilarious.
Well, we were at a Dr. apt for him and his doctor was asking some questions. Eventually we were discussing his snoring. I think he was feeling picked on and decided to, for once, move the attention off of himself. In his attempt to do this he blurts out, " Oh ya, well my dad farts A lOT!"
Wow! I was taken back and had no idea what to say. Thankfully the doc quickly said, "Well, unfortunately that's not something I can help him with." I was so embarrassed. If it would have been his pediatrician I would have had a good laugh and moved on, but this doc is very proper and serious. Oh, our daily adventures with Brysen!

Holiday Happenings

This is a collection of parties and things we did over the holidays!

I Know ! I Know!

No, we have not fallen off the face of the earth! Our house has been ground zero for sickness though. I think we are all finally well for the most part...knock on wood! Christmas was great! I know I need to get some pics up. My parents came to visit and that was really fun for us.
We have been busy with sports as usual. The boys are playing basketball and Jake is also playing futsol. I love watching them, it's especially fun to see Brysen. He is an older age group, but he is doing great. He's our little Stockton. He loves to steal and he is very generous with the ball.
Adam is coaching Jake's team again this year. It's fun to see the kids progress and get better. They've been working on trying to get all the kids a basket during the games, hopefully that will happen. I will try to get pics up soon.

So, I was just in my car on my way home, all by myself in the car on my way home. You all know how wonderfully amazing that can be, when you get that quiet time with no crying or whining!
Anyways, I popped in my favorite Christmas CD and had a nice little cry. I love Christmas. It is my very favorite holiday, and I especially love the music that comes with it. If you don't have Josh Grobins Christmas CD you are missing out. Next to Forgotten Carols, it's THE BEST CD I have experienced. If you are feeling stressed or having a hard time getting into the Christmas Spirit, I promise this is a sure fire way to cure that!

Pretty In Pink

Jack and Karri got Paige this extremely fluffy pink coat for her birthday. She looks like a big pink fur ball walking around, it's pretty cute. She loves it when I get the coat out and put it on her.

Adam was home today because he is working tonight, so he got to be home with us, which was a nice change. He also got to see our daily routine. We put on Monsters Inc. for Paige and watched her enter her trance like state. I took some pics of her in her coat and some of her transfixed watching her favorite show and hanging out with her favorite guy.

I Wanna Be Like Mike

It's basketball season again! Jake had his first game on Saturday and they played very well. We have had some concerns with Jake and his sportsmanship and attitude when he plays team sports. He tends to be a ball hog and show boat. I know it's normal for kids to go through those particular stages, but I struggle with it. I want him to be a generous and humble boy, on or off a field or court.
I was very happy with how he played on Saturday. He shared the ball and kept his pride in check. I am so happy to see him growing and learning to be a better person, more than he already is now.
Brysen starts playing next week I believe. It's always a hoot to watch the younger kids and see the funny things that they do. We moved B up with older kids so it will be more of a challenge for him. I am interested to see how he does. He is on cloud nine when he plays basketball and I love seeing him play! He loves Michael Jordan and even wrote his number on his stomach the other day. In his mind I imagine he thought it would make him play better. The things that go through that boys head!

CrAzY Friday!

So, I had my first experience with Black Friday. Melissa and I were up at 3 am to drive to Idaho Falls. We hit so many stores it was crazy. I counted 8 store in 6 hours. I can't believe how many of us were packed into Walmart, and the lines were insane! But I sure like the loot I got!
For the most part everyone was very nice and polite. I was shocked not to experience crazed grabby shoppers. Although I did run into 2 very cranky women that should have stayed home in bed.
We ended up with some great deals and it was fun! Thanks Melissa for the fun morning.

Comedy Night!

WARNING: IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN TWILIGHT DO NOT READ!!!..... ;)

So, a few of us girls made plans to go to dinner and then FINALLY see the ever anticipated Twilight. We made it to Red Robin early so we wouldn't have to be rushed to the movie. We arrived RR at 6 and the movie started at 7. We only had to walk across the street to the movie, so we were good. Well our food didn't arrive at our table until it was packed in boxes free of charge at 6:50. Then we had the task of sneaking our food in to the theatre under our jackets. I made a joke about dropping our food in front of the ticket taker. Well, I didn't drop food but a pack of silverware from Red Robin came flying out just before handing over our tickets. Somehow it got wrapped up in my jacket!

First of all, sorry to all my friends that liked Twilight but.....I didn't know it was going to be a comedy. My girlfriends and myself had quite a few laughs. The group next to us did as well and even got shushed! Some girls were swooning and gasping when Edward and Bella shared their first kiss. It was a hoot. Could there have been any more close ups of their faces? And what about Jasper's crazed look all through the movie! Now I need to read the book over to get all the B acting out of my head! What a huge disappointment!

Santa's Little Helpers

Most of us around Salt Lake know the book, The Christmas Box. Well, there is shelter that cares for abused children called, The Christmas Box House. The Young Women in our ward are collecting items and gifts to donate to the shelter. We will be visiting TCBH in December and will be visiting with the children and dropping off the contributions we have collected. I wanted to ask that if this was something you would be interested in donating to, to please let me know and anything is appreciated.
I am always amazed and humbled at how generous all of you can be this time of year and I wanted to thank all of you for the help you give to others. So many of you have been an example to me and my little family of great love and selflessness and we are very blessed to be surrounded by such amazing people in our lives.
He Is The Reason For The Season

Gobble Till You Wobble!

Hope you have a great holiday, with lots of yummy food and loved ones!!!

Due Credit

So...we are not the kind of crazed BYU fans ( uh-um ) that can't give credit where credit is due. So...props to the Utes, they played a great game last night and wanted it more and outplayed the Y. BYU is still better though!!! ;) Lol...

B.Y.U. BABY!!!!

OK, so we have a running rivalry with neighbors, friends and ward members concerning BYU and the UTES. We have fun going back and forth teasing each other. You either wear Blue for the good guys or Red for the bad guys ;)
We were already heckling our neighbors this morning about today's game between the two and who was going to win, all in good fun of course...NOT! When we got back from the store we found this on our door!

Needless to say we had to modify it a bit and make some corrections!
GO BYU!!!!!!!

BYU! BYU!

Sorry Jen I HAD to counteract your post!
It's not as cute, but it had to be done.

GO BYU!!!

All Most But Not Quite

We went to the Real Game (our local Pro Soccer Team) last Saturday. The boys have had the opportunity to walk out with the players before and they had the chance to do it again at Saturdays playoffs. Of course my camera died, but I was able to get one picture! Which was fine since I was at the opposite side of the field that they were on.
To say it was a crazy game would be an understatement. We must have had 30 attempts on goal and didn't make a single one. We lost 1-0. It was still a fun night though and I am glad we went, even if we were the big losers ;D!

A BIG thanks to everyone that came by the party it was fun to visit with you! And not to forget everyone that is making outside orders too! I am SO excited for you to get your bracelets and charms, I know you are going to love them!

SharingTraditions

I love traditions. The hard part is coming up with new ones. My sister-in-law asked for ideas , which I though was a great idea! Here are some ideas that I think are fun and please add to them. It's such a fun time of year, but it's also a time that we try to teach our children to be grateful and mindful of others needs. Here are some things that we do, and some I hope to do!

Thankful Turkey: On slips of paper write what you are grateful for throughout the month of November. Over turkey dinner read your slips of gratitude. The paper can be used to make a chain for your Christmas tree afterward.

Grateful Candies: Place 5 candies at each dinner plate. For each candy everyone shares what they are grateful for.

The Gift Of Food: If you have a holiday party ask everyone you invite to bring a canned food item to donate.

Food Drive: Take a group of friends and family and collect food throughout a neighborhood . Make it fun by seeing who can collect the most.

Christmas Purge: Go through your house and collect all of you unneeded clothes and give them to a family or organization in need.

Generous Jar: Throughout the year collect all of your change in a jar. At the end of the year cash in your loot and donate the money to a deserving cause.

12 Days of Christmas: Do the 12 days of Christmas for a family. Be creative with the items you secretly leave!

Secret Santa: Drop off gifts for the whole family at their door. It is fun to have a couple of families go in together and share in the giving

Homemade Gift: Draw names and make homemade gifts for that person and exchange them. Discuss how the Wisemen brought special gifts for Christ.

Sweet Dreams: Make a pillowcase for each of your children. Pick material that reflects them and their interests for that year.

Movie Night: Make cookies for Santa and watch a Christmas movies together

Patient Presents: Christmas morning when it’s time to open gifts, instead of tearing through everything, take turns opening gifts. It helps children to be excited for others and not just concentrate on just what they are getting.

Reflection: Buy a new ornament every year . Take your time and make it a special one, one that reflect the past year for your family.

Stocking Stuffer: Every year add a special gift to stockings, signifying something special that happened for them that year..

Appreciation: Leave thank you letters in your stocking for Santa

Light Hunting: Drive around and look at Christmas lights. Get a group together and go, it makes if fun too!

Code Name: On your gift tags write coded names for each other , something meaningful, and on Christmas day share what those names are and why.

Giving: Give neighborhood or friend gifts. Have your kids get involved so they get excited about giving.

Christmacakes: Make green pancakes and top with strawberry syrup and whipped cream.

Christmas Rolls: Have cinnamon rolls baking while you are opening presents and then feast on them. Hot chocolate is a fun to have with these.

Service Straw: Put a piece a straw in a manger for every act of service they do, and make a bed for Baby Jesus to lay in on Christmas day

Giving A Gift To Christ: Have every family member write down a gift they want to give to Christ. Put them in an envelope and seal it. Put it away to be opened next Christmas morning and see how everyone did.

Gift Cards: Make gift certificates for special outings or special things that you can do for or with a family member

All Fun and Games: Buy a new board game for your family every year.

Happy Birthday: On Christmas Eve we have a birthday party for Christ, cake and all.

Book Worm: Find a special book to add to your family library

Facebook

Wow, there is a whole new world on facebook! Maybe I will see you there!

Fun With Dad

Paige was having fun playing outside today. Adam got out there with her and they played in the leaves together. I am putting more pics on her blog if you want to see them.

Happy Halloweeny

It was a fun year as always. It was especially cute to have Paige a part of everything and to see her reaction. We have had a lot of people tell us that she looks like Pebbles when her hair is in a ponytail at the top of her head, so we figured, why not?
The boys were hip to be caveman and really got into it with the make-up, nail painting and hair do's.
We headed to a canival Thursday night, they played games and had fun there. Friday Heidi and I took the kids by Gardner Village to see the witches. Is was a little caotic, but I am glad we made it. Later we got ready for trunk or treating and headed off the the church. We handed out about 250 pieces of candy, and that's one per kid! It was busy, but it's always fun to see everyone dressed up. We had beautiful weather. We took the kids by some friends houses and Grandpa and Grandma's, then home to hit the neighborhood. It was a full night!

Not So Happy Campers

The kids are off track and we have been trying to stay busy. We went to the park with the Grunander Family. Thankfully, the weather has been beautiful, so the kids are still enjoying the opportunity to be outside.
As you can see Paige was not loving the slide

Hi Ho ,Hi Ho, It's Off To Hike We Go!

Since the day Brysen fell off the dock our family has been getting hit. You know those times when it seems to not just rain on your parade, but POUR? Well, that's been us lately. So my good friend Heidi decided to take us on a hike. Well.....It was more like climbing a MOUNTAIN! I wasn't very enthused at first, OK most of the time, but when we reached our goal and got to the reservoir it felt worth it(especially since the rest of the way was down hill after that!).
We got some cute pictures of the kids.
Thankfully, Heidi carried Paige in the backpack for me, and she carried Colin all the way down too because he fell asleep in her arms! Thanks for dragging my lazy bum out to a mountain Heidi, you are Superwoman and I will be your out of shape side kick any day!

Thank Goodness For Dakota!!!

This is Dakota and Brysen. Dakota is the brave soul that jumped in freezing cold water to save Brysen. We made Dakota a candy gram to say thanks and delivered it. He is going to be getting a special scouting award for going in after B. His parents asked Brysen to be the one to give it to him, I thought that was very sweet.

Cabin Fever

We made our annual cabin trip. We had fun as always. I look forward to relaxing, playing games, being outdoors and reading! The kids love four wheeling, fishing and getting dirty.
The last day there was eventful. My biggest fear has been one of my kids falling in the lake. So the kids have strict rules that they have to have a life vest on at all times. Well if you know our Brysen he loves to disobey rules. Sure enough he fell off the dock while throwing rocks in the lake, and of course had no vest on. Our friends 15 yr. old son, Dakota, was in a boat on the lake and had to go in after him. Thanks goodness for Dakota! It's scary to think about how it could have turned out but it's a little funny at the same time. Hopefully Brysen learned something. I am doubtful but hopeful!
Adam had his birthday while we were there. He ended up with some pretty good loot. The girls made him a yummy mud pie with an A on it. We had to go have lunch in the playhouse and eat the cake. It was pretty cute! Here are some pics, Thanks Leonard's for the always fun cabin trip!

Brysen riding the Zip Line. He was a little apprehensive but he did it!

Backtracking

I have had a few people ask about what we have been doing with the house. I thought I would post some pictures. I have always had a passion for European decor and for years I have wanted textured/faux finished walls. I have been painting the basement and landing. Upstairs is next.

After first application

Almost finished!









Our kids love to wrestle with Dad. Now that Paige is old enough to get involved it's even funnier. She gets really excited. Sometimes when they get too rough she starts to scream at them. I am so grateful for a fun Dad that is still a kid at heart!











Last week was conference weekend. I made packets for the kids to make it bearable for us. We had our traditional Cinnamon Rolls and parked in front of the TV. The kids were so cute about the packets and excited to, "watch church on TV", I had to take some pics.











Adam and I had our 10th Anniversary last year. We were unable to really celebrate because I was in the hospital having Miss Paige. This year we asked Jack and Karri to take the kids and we headed to Park City. We had a nice time relaxing and shopping! Park City is very touristy so there are cute shops and fun things to do. Every year we go on a ride that takes you up the ski lifts and throught the changing trees. The colors are beautiful this time of year.












Here are some pictures of Paige's Birthday parties. We ended up doing two, one with friends and one with family. So she got to make a mess twice! It was fun to watch her dig in, thanks for coming guys and for loving our kids so much!

Her tongue is always out when she is concentrating. Opening presents was tough work, I guess!

Grandpa and Grandma Jensen got her her own soccer ball

Jack and Karri got her this coat, she loves how soft it is and snuggles it.

Is this all mine?

Getting every last drop!

Mission complete, Cake Destroyed!