Jensen Family

The Day I Laughed So Hard I Spit Water All Over Myself and Nearly Wet My Pants or The Reason Behind the Tampon Sewn to My Husband's Head

2009-09-14T16:17:00.007-07:00

So...for a while now, Chris has had a sebaceous cyst on the top of his noggin. It has gotten increasingly larger until you could actually see it through his hair. Some people have shown great concern over the 'lump' thinking he has injured himself. We have been affectionately referring to it as his 'ball of fatty' (you'll get that, Amy). Well, today was the day it was finally time to say goodbye.

The proceedure went well and once the cyst was removed there really wasn't much to worry about other than the bald spot on the top of his head that we were trying figure out how to cover up. The Dr. left the room and his 2 medical assistants were left to sew things up and send us on our way. They were almost finished when they started talking about 'sewing' some gauze to the scalp to help keep things clean.

I figured I must have misunderstood...I thought, oh, it'll be fine. It'll just be a little square and it'll look like a bandage, that's all.

NOPE! Not even close!

We walked out to the car, and then it really started. Chris started saying, "this is so lame. " "I look ridiculous!" "What am I supposed to do about Bishopric meeting tomorrow night." I couldn't help laughing because of his reaction. And because I was picturing him all dressed up in his suit with this cotton sewn to him. Then it occurred to both of us...the appointment to remove the gauze isn't until next Monday...and it's his month to conduct Sacrament Meeting this month...and it's the Primary Program on Sunday (so there will be lots of people there - and visitors). So we started coming up with viable solutions - like, maybe he could go to the Jewish ward and wear a yarmelke, or maybe we could pretend he has the mumps and tie a scarf around his head, or maybe he could wear one of the flowers our girls like to wear in their hair....and on and on.

As we were having this conversation, he kept looking at himself in the mirror and making the same comments as he did at first and it got me totally laughing. We were driving down the road, and I was cracking up, and so, so worried that I was going to either crash or wet my pants (or maybe both) and then he says, "It looks like I have a stinkin' tampon sewn to my head!" I totally lost it...I had a drink of water in my mouth that I spit all over myself, and I truly thought I was going to wet myself.

Because, he had a point...

Some Girls Have All the Luck...

2009-05-13T16:47:00.003-07:00

(do you have that Rod Stewart song in your head now?...sorry)

It all started back in 2003 (shoot! have I lost you already?) I went to the mailbox in the springtime and there was a letter from the state department of revenue. I eagerly opened the letter expecting my tax refund. Instead, I was met with a most unfriendly letter from them explaining that, due to some unpaid fees in another county, I would not be receiving my refund this year...they had used it to pay the fees.

Instantly, my untrusting mind thought...'What did Chris do?!...and when was he even IN that county to DO it?!' Oh boy, was I on the war-path. After numerous reassurances on his part that he had nothing to do with this (and his own accusations flung my way - relax! we were just playing), I called the county involved to try to get to the bottom of all this nonsense.

After a little bit of digging, we were able to determine that a certain fellow - with whom I was not acquainted - was arrested back in 1990 (when I was living out of the country)...and he gave MY social security number at the time of his arrest. Since that time, he had been arrested several times and had recently been released from prison. As part of his sentence, there was some restitution to be paid...enter my tax return.

After several ~~heated~~ calm, cool conversations I found someone who had sympathy on me and helped me out. He removed my ssn from my new 'friend's' record and I went on my merry way...thinking nothing more of it.

Oh, how naiive can I be?!

Fast forward to today. I unsuspectingly stepped out to the mailbox to see what fun awaited me there, and much to my happy surprise, there was my state tax return. I thought, "hooray! now I can buy some shorts, because it's stinking hot here!" Ah, but no! no new shorts for me today.

As luck would have it, my 'friend' has found himself in a little bit more hot water. He again owes money to a government agency for restitution, and he is again - or still - using my ssn. As of this moment, I have spoken to about 5 government agencies, 1 lawyer, 1 fraud investigator for the police department and anyone else who would lend a sympathetic ear. And yet...no resolution. *sigh*

It seems I have to go to court in another city (nowhere near where I live) to prove I'm me. Then I have to fill out a trillion and one papers and have them notarized so the police can investigate and hopefully ~~deport~~ arrest this guy once and for all (Thank heaven for my very smart law-knowing brother who pointed out to me that I should call the police because first and formost, this is a crime after-all and there need to be charges brought up against this guy for the NUMEROUS counts of fraud he has committed by repeatedly using my ssn). Then I get to contact the social security bureau and change my ssn...which should sufficiently screw things up from now 'til forever...good-bye social security account...it was nice knowin' ya.

And how much money did they get out of me? How much did the city end up with after all is said and done? $30! THIRTY DOLLARS! 3-0! My phone bill will be more than that by the time I have this all straightened out!

2009-02-27T12:55:00.003-07:00

Watch this.
It's not even 2 minutes long, but it's beautiful.
It has made me feel happy today.
(Thanks, Suzy, for sending it)

'FUN'd Raisers

2009-02-18T08:29:00.002-07:00

Yesterday afternoon, a 'discussion' of sorts began between my daughter Hannah and I. She was presenting me with a well thought-out argument in favor of us participating in this year's cookie dough fund raiser for the school. I patiently explained (for the umpteen jillionth time) that we don't normally participate in fund raisers like these because I don't feel safe sending her door to door to solicit for her school.

She was crushed.

There were tears.

And then, in one last, empassioned and tearful plea, she shouted, "Mom! They're supposed to be FUN! That why they call them FUNd Raisers!"

"Yes, Hannah...this IS fun."

What I've been up to...

2009-02-05T09:07:00.004-07:00

I thought I'd post some pictures of some of the things I've been doing with my time lately.

First, Lorena posted about these blocks at Christmas time and I knew they would be the perfect gift for someone...so I had to make them. Lorena, I hope you don't mind that I copied your idea...right down to the color scheme. They say that imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, right? I hope the someone they're for will forgive me for sending them closer to Valentine's Day than Christmas. Thanks for the great idea, Lorena. Here's how mine turned out:

I've been really enjoying learning another new hobby (yeah, I'm sure Chris is thrilled that there's ANOTHER one), too. I love the hand stamped jewelry I've been seeing around, so I have been playing around with that, too.

I made myself this necklace (mainly because I was making it for someone else, and kinda messed up...can you find my boo-boo?)...

I also made this one...its for my niece who's getting married in March. It has their monograms. I love it! Isn't it SO cute? I can't wait to give it to her at her bridal shower this weekend. No peeking, Sara.

So, that's what I've been up to lately. Now, I have got to finish posting about Thanksgiving, Christmas and everything else...but that'll be another day!

I actually won something!

2009-02-03T16:30:00.003-07:00

I never win anything...really...

Apparently, there was this long, on-going joke in my husband's family that the Jensen name is cursed and that if your last name is Jensen you'll have the worst luck. Did they bother telling me this before I married into the curse and had my name legally changed?

NO!

This post changed everything.

Now I can enjoy my good fortune while listening to my new CD.

Thanks Celia Fae!

Thanksgiving - Part 2

2009-01-17T09:11:00.006-07:00

So, this is about the 100th time I've sat down to do this post. Sheesh! I just need to get it overwith already. I'm slow because I hate uploading pictures. Someone please teach me about picasa! And please bear with me...this is very 'travel-log-y'...but it's for posterity.

The day after Half Moon Bay was Chris' birthday, so we celebrated by heading up to the city for a little adventure. We debated about where we'd rather go. I really wanted to go to Monterey and the aquarium there. Dave (Chris' dad) really wanted to go to the new Academy of Sciences Museum in San Francisco. After comparing prices, and asking around we decided to go to the new museum in S.F.

The lines were long, but we were brave...we got to see things like this: It's a jelly...

And this...

again...don't judge the hair...it was HOT and humid in there.

Then we left the aquarium part and went to eat possibly the most expensive lunch I've ever eaten...although it was pretty tasty!

There's a rainforest exhibit that's really cool. We walked past it a dozen or so times wishing the line would die down, but it just kept getting longer. We decided to brave it and even though it was winding thru the whole building, it only took about 30 minutes for us to get in. It was so neat inside. The kids loved being able to see the HUGE butterflies, and tiny little red frogs, etc.

The frog in this picture is about the size of a quarter. We almost missed seeing them because they're so teeny.

This lady was trying to take a picture and this butterfly landed on her hand as she did. There were butterflies everywhere.

Chris, Grandpa Dave, and the girls. Thanks for the fun day, Grandpa!

Once we left the museum, we decided to head down to Pier 39 and mill around a bit.

At church Sunday, a friend suggested we take a ferry to Sausalito and grab a quick ice cream cone and head back...so the kids were all excited to ride on a boat since they had never been on one before. Well, we kind of got mixed up on the directions, and as it turns out, you can't catch the ferry from Pier 39, so we ended up doing the bay cruise instead (at a much higher cost, for sure). We had a little wait before we got on, so the kids played around on the pier nearby.

It was kind of chilly (why do I always forget that it's cold there) and overcast, but it was beautiful.

It was super cold on the boat, but it was so beautiful. The sun was setting and it was gorgeous. I must've taken 100 pictures. The cutest kids on earth...seriously...I am in LOVE with this picture.

On a chilly boat ride out under the Golden Gate Bridge...you can barely see the bridge behind the kids.

My super-talented-picture-taking-skill picture of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Alcatraz...which I have never been to before because Chris thinks it's boring and won't take me...one of the bummers of being married to someone who's 'been there, done that'...he doesn't want to do it again...

A beautiful sunset on the San Francisco Bay.

We grabbed some dinner and headed home for some birthday cake for the birthday boy!

Happy Birthday, Sweetie! We love you!

Thanksgiving - Part 1

2009-01-04T15:47:00.008-07:00

Chris is from the Bay Area in California. It costs a small fortune to fly there, and we've never wanted to make the long drive clear up there, so we haven't been for a long time. Too long! We decided at the beginning of 2008, when he had a real job with real benefits, that we would drive up there for Thanksgiving and Chris' birthday.

We took the kids out of school a few days early and headed up the weekend before Thanksgiving. Here we are toward the beginning of the day. See all the happy, smiling faces? 2 things I learned to love that day...
1. minivans
2. dvd players in minivans
(I'm just sayin'...)

It really didn't take that long, all things considered. I think I had it in my mind that it was going to take around 15 hours or so. So when it took almost 11 hours exactly, I was ecstatic. It wasn't the most beautiful drive, but if we had driven up PCH like I wanted to, we might still be on our way.

The day after we got there, we went to church in the morning, then headed to Half Moon Bay for a picnic (yes, on Sunday. I know...scandalous!).

We stopped at the cemetery where Kathy and her mom and dad (Chris' mom and grandparents) are buried. It was so good for us to go there and talk about our fun memories of Grandma and Grandpa and hear some of the stories and memories that Chris and Dave have of Kathy. The kids carefully cleaned off the headstones as we talked. The weather was absolutely GORGEOUS! Which is actually kind-of rare for that cemetery. We enjoyed the peaceful time there before going on to the beach.

I had never been to Half Moon Bay before, but I have been hearing about it since Chris and I got married. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't how I expected it would be. It was hard to get to and crowded once we got there. But after we parked and walked down to the beach, it was beautiful. We were there about an hour or so before sunset, so it was still nice and warm. Not warm enough to swim in the ocean, however...but that didn't stop some kids. CRAZY!

We just took pictures, and looked cute.

Hannah looking out at the waves. She was petrified of them touching her. It was cute to watch her running up and down the beach.

I love this picture of Rachel and Chris.

No comments, please, on what the humidity does to a desert girl's hair...it only gets worse.

Its pretty clear I was digging the sillouette pictures that day. There actually wasn't really a choice because of the time of day we were there.

We drove around to one end of the bay and thought we'd walk to this big white ball thing...but by this time, the sun was going down and it was FREEZING! We only got a little way out and decided to turn around (I didn't have a jacket).

Our freezing little family.

The girls with Grandpa.

We called it a day and headed back to Grandpa's for some dinner with he and Adrienne (his wife, who we finally met this trip). It was a great day!

Irregular

2009-01-04T15:39:00.004-07:00

So, I don't even know where to begin. I think I've sufficently established that I'm not the most consistent record keeper. Maybe the problem with my lack of blogging regularity comes from the fact that I initially justified doing it because it was my 'journal'. I enjoyed scrapbooking until I called it 'family history', too.

Humph!

It's a new year...I would say it's a new me...but it's not! It's the same old me, with a renewed resolve to become a little more regular. And not just about blogging...but the rest is really none of your business.

So...here's to the end of the lull.

Hip, Hip...

well, let's not get carried away...shall we?!

2008-11-17T06:41:00.002-07:00

I forgot to mention that Rachel and Hannah played a piano duet in Sacrament Meeting yesterday.

Before we went to church there was a lot of worry going on in this house...

me about my lesson - and a little nervous for the girls...

and them for their duet.

They both practiced hard and did a GREAT job. I was so nervous for them (because I'd rather sing in General Conference than play piano in front of ANYONE), but they did really well.

My favorite part was that they had to work together as a team. Once they figured out how to do that, it was smooth sailing.

I was a little concerned about the potential brawl that would break out in front of the entire congregation.

Saturday we went down to have them practice and it did not.go.well. There was weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Sunday went smoothly, though, and now we can just chalk it up as a great experience and they can do it again sometime.

How did my lesson go, you ask? Well, it was interesting. Hopefully I'll get the chance to do it again on a little easier topic (mine was 'Life after death').

Check one more thing off the list...

On to the next...

I'm a Stew

2008-11-15T21:33:00.004-07:00

"...teach me all that I'm a stew...to live with him someday."

That's how I always thought the song went.

I have to teach the Relief Society Lesson tomorrow about what happens to us after we die.

So I'm going to teach about what 'I'm a stew'.

We'll see how it's received...

...I'm a little nervous.

I got sent to TIME OUT!

2008-11-14T09:32:00.004-07:00

Every year my friend Becky calls me to see if I'd like to go with her to 'Time Out for Women'. And I always turn her down. I went once a long time ago with my mom, and really enjoyed it, but it's kind-of expensive, and it's ALL day on a Saturday...and I just don't have time. This year I considered it because it was Time out for Women and Girls, and I thought R might enjoy it...but I decided against it. So last Friday when Becky called and told me her sister was too sick to go and offered me her tickets, I took her up on it.

R took some convincing, too. I mean, waking up at 6 am on a Saturday, and then being in a dress all day, wasn't any more appealing to her than it was to me (and for the record, yes, I realize we didn't HAVE to dress up - but we had a baptism to go to right after and...anyway...it was just more convenient that way). We were both so glad we went.

The speakers/singers were very entertaining and fun, but it was also a great opportunity for R, especially to feel the Spirit and realize that living the gospel can be fun! It was great for me to have the opportunity to have some one on one time with her. She is so much like me that we sometimes butt heads, but this was a good way for us to bond.Me and the girl...bonding.

R and I with Jenny Frogley - I just have to say that all the artists were so gracious. This has to be so exhausting for them, but they were happy to meet and take pictures with anyone who wanted it. She was so much fun! She reminded us to be 'shiny'.

R with John Hilton...we had never heard of him before but he gave a great talk on using the scriptures.

R with Cherie Call. We took this picture for you, Wendy. Cherie was our good friend's roommate at BYU. It turns out I met her a few times when we were both much younger and a friend and I sang one of her songs before she was famous! I feel so important. My favorite part about Cherie's message was that to get where she is now took a lot of work...and that in H.S. she was never the 1st one chosen. I think that was very important for young women to realize that even famous people had to go thru their awkward teens, too!

R with Abe Mills from Jericho Road. If you ever meet him, ask him to do the O.T. rap for you! Hilarious!

R and her BFF with Hillary Weeks. R didn't know who she was, but she absolutely LOVED her! R really has kind of a dry, sarcastic sense of humor, and Hillary was kind-of the same way. She keeps talking about how much she enjoyed her talk and her songs. That's the kind of role model I'm happy for my daughter to have.

Thanks for the tickets, Becky. I hope your sister gets feeling better soon.

Happy Halloween

2008-11-14T09:13:00.007-07:00

Some Halloween traditions:Spider Meatloaf (thanks for the idea CookieMama)

Spooky Zucchini (there are some who always find it spooky...I know. My kids are 2 of them.)

Dad dressed as a pirate.

Me making donuts for the neighborhood kids (oops, no pic).

Gotta have a witch...

...and a cheerleader, too.

And of-course LOADS of candy!

We had a great time hanging out at our neighbor's house. I love it when Halloween is on a Friday. The kids played and ate candy and played some more. By the time the evening was over, several families from the neighborhood had come over and stayed to chat. Good times were had by all.

Family Camp and Wacky Hair

2008-11-14T08:42:00.006-07:00

In October, we had our ward campout. This is where the families that belong to our church get together at a camp owned by the church up near Payson, AZ. It's beautiful there, and very comfortable (as far as camping goes), with beds, roofs over our heads, and even pottys and showers. We went kind of late this year and it got COLD! Which was a nice change for us.

Here's the Bishopric doing their skit for the talent show. Skits might not be their talent...I'm just saying:

I almost forgot to mention playing Quelf...this very wacky game. We played late into the night, and the later it got, the more hilarious the game became. It should have come with a pair of depends. Hear me, for I have spoken! Thanks, Thomas' for introducing it to us.

I took lots of pictures of other people's kids...and only got this one choice one of H.This is her VERY nutritious lunch of graham crackers and marshmallows. She doesn't do lunch meat...or really sandwiches of any kind. I was lucky to get her to stop 'exploring' long enough to eat anything. I was happy with this choice.

Later in Oct., R's school had wacky hair day. I forgot to take a picture of the 'before' (the actual 'do'), but this is the aftermath...she had had these little twisty knot things all over the top of her head...they kinda looked like a crown. When we took them down, her hair looked like this:

I just sent H off to school for her wacky hair day...her hair looks a lot like R's did before she took it out. Maybe I'll remember to take a picture when she gets home...but it's probably not likely.

To Do List

2008-11-14T08:28:00.004-07:00

For about a week now, my daily 'to-do' list has looked like this:
I can check off 'review recipe book' (Hallelujah! - seriously, can't you hear the angels singing?)

I need to add: work on RS lesson, too.

Do you see the things that remain undone?

Finish Costumes (for upcoming dance recital - that MUST happen today)
and
UPDATE BLOG! That's happening right now - finally!

*isn't my note pad cute? It's so cute, I should want to be working on my 'list' constantly just so I can look at it.

Please join me

2008-10-29T12:56:00.003-07:00

If you haven't already done it, don't forget to vote YES on Prop. 102.

I don't normally get political on here, but this is something I feel really strongly about. It's scary to think what could happen if we don't take the time to vote and make our voices heard.
Don't forget. Don't put it off.

October Break

2008-10-15T10:14:00.006-07:00

For October Break, we decided to head up to Las Vegas to visit our family there.

We got to see Dad and 'Z' (Thanks for the yummy dinner).

Chris and I got our teeth cleaned (fun family tradition - but really, thanks so much, Ann) - Sorry no picture.

We got to visit Chris' cousin Tom and his family (lame - we forgot our camera)...

and my brother had a fun 'pizza-palooza' at his house where he made scrumptious pizza works of art for all to enjoy - and by all, I mean all of my sibs + spouses (8), 4 grandkids + 1 grandkid girlfriend, my sister-in-law's sister and her son, a neice and her husband from my sis-in-law's side and a couple of neighbors...There were tons of people, and there was tons of food, and we had a great time with everyone (and we're lame again because we forgot our camera again. Oh,the shame. I'll hand over my blogger membership to anyone who asks for it).

We went to Target (aka: my happy place) about a hundred times...and one of the times we found these: EWWWWW (so we bought them for Chris' cousin's kids...cuz we're nice like that).

We went to the park to play

And then we had a little impromptu photo shoot - it was really windy so that was interesting - but we had fun.

Here are my faves (in no particular order):

(they seem a little washed out...I have alot to learn about picture taking...I know)

Thanks everyone! We had a great time.

On this little known holiday...

2008-10-03T16:17:00.003-07:00

I wish each and every one of you (that's BOTH my readers) a 'Happy Hannah's 1/2 Birthday'.

We awoke this morning to Hannah singing, 'Happy 1/2 birthday to me...happy 1/2 birthday to me'.

The Dad and I were teasing her this morning asking why school hadn't been canceled, and wondering if the mail would be delivered. As we were teasing, she got a sad look on her face, so we thanked her for having a 1/2 birthday so we could have a reason to tease her.

I felt kind-of guilty all day for teasing her, so to make up for it, we made a cake to celebrate how wonderful she is. She is a little firecracker and we just love her!

Happy 1/2 birthday, Hannah! Thanks for giving us a reason to eat cake!

You May Already Be a Winner

2008-09-30T11:23:00.003-07:00

Hey, if you go to this website, you can register to win a free handbag. They're cute. You should go and check it out. Why? Because I said so.

Thanks for the heads' up, Caroline!

Camp Wood

2008-09-26T18:11:00.004-07:00

For Labor Day, we decided to go camping.

We went to a place called 'Camp Wood'.

It turns out that it was very aptly named.

We WOOD have found the perfect camping spot...if we hadn't gotten there at 11:00 at night.

And our friends WOOD NOT have pitched their tents right next to this giant hollowed out tree (They were literally right next to it...one strong gust of wind, and they wood've gotten squished).

Our kids WOOD not have been able to have more fun than they did riding the quads that our friends brought up...

I WOOD have been spared the near heart attack my husband gave me as he came roaring into camp, taking some bumps way too fast, and flipped the quad right into our friends' van (luckily, he just got a small scratch...luckily, so did the van).

We WOOD have liked a little rain to cool things off and keep the dust down.
But we never WOOD have guessed it could rain for almost 24 hours straight...

We WOOD have gotten really wet without our 'shade' that doubled as a standards reminder for the teens in the group (it was made from a billboard from a Spanish radio station...featuring scantily clad women in fish net stockings, and a man in his underwear...this was of particular concern to the 2 members of the Bishopric that were with us...then again, one of them brought it).

Our tents WOOD have gotten soaked if it wasn't for all the extra tarps we brought...

We WOOD have enjoyed the rest and relaxation that comes from a good campout if we hadn't had to move tents away from hollow trees, move tents that had not fared well in the rain to dry out, and the re-set up camp or not get a lick of sleep due to the deluge going on outside and the constant fear that we were going to float away (literally...I have never, ever seen so much rain in my whole life).

Our family WOOD have gotten completely drenched in the night if it wasn't for the Hawleys and their camper and the fact that they generously made room for us in it.

We WOOD maybe have been able to talk Linda into going camping another time if she hadn't had this for her roommate that night.

If I WOOD have been taping it, you'd be getting a good laugh at Linda and myself as we got our feet stuck in the mud (I honestly can't remember the last time I laughed that hard...what does that say about me?...that I would laugh at my friend who's foot got stuck in the mud, so she almost did a face-plant right into it...I wouldn't have laughed so freely if she hadn't laughed at me sliding down the muddy embankment I was trying to climb. It was not graceful...but it was very funny!)

As luck WOOD have it, we WOOD have enjoyed perfect weather had we stayed. But we were worried we WOOD not be able to cross the already flooded wash...

As it was, we WOOD not have made it across if Evan hadn't come to tow us through it (it had been so much higher than this...there was debris a good 20 feet or so on either side from earlier).
We WOOD have said we'll never do that again...if it wasn't for faces like this...how could we dwell on the negative when the kids were having so much fun!

But it was a good thing we went home when we did. If we hadn't we WOODn't have found this
I guess you could say we WOODn't change a thing...

Just 12 things I like about you mom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-09-17T19:03:00.004-07:00

1.you shine your love light on me.
2.you are the best mom

3.you are thankful

4.you are grateful

5.you are willing

6.you are awesome

7.you are cute

8.you are pretty

9.you are spunky

10.you are lovable

11.you are fantabulous [by Rachel]

12.you are my mom
love,
Hannah ,and Rachel

Someone's turning 40!

2008-09-02T08:26:00.003-07:00

(This post would be so much more interesting if my real computer hadn't died with all my pictures on it...you'll just have to use your imagination, and if it ever gets fixed, I'll add the pics)

16 years ago this summer, I had an experience that changed my life. I went to Hawaii with about 30 other college students (and RM's from Japan) to work at the PCC as a guide for their Japanese tourists. The 1st day of work, we all assembled together to get a tour ourselves. I vividly remember the moment I met the girl who would become my very best friend. She was kind and outgoing and open for any and every new experience.

We spent the summer getting to know one another better...that is, when we could pull ourselves away from our future husbands long enough to realize that there were - in-fact - other people on the face of the planet. She was always kind and lots of fun to be around.

I came home from Hawaii at the end of the summer, and she stayed to 'go to school' (aka: date and marry her husband - although she did graduate as well). We stayed in touch a little here and there...mainly sending our wedding invitations, and things like that.

A few years later, I got a phone call. It was her. She and her husband and their 2 little girls had just moved to AZ and lived right down the street! That day was the day it all started. We have talked to each other just about every day since.

She has been such a wonderful friend to me. She shows me unconditional love. She listens when I need to vent (my husband owes her thousands for the money she's saved him in paying for therapy for me). She loves my kids as much as she does her own. She laughs with me when I'm happy and cries with me when I'm sad. She has helped me through some really trying times, and she has forgiven me when I've done stupid things. And she is the Lucy to my Ethel.

I love her like she was my own sister. In-fact, I hope Shelly doesn't mind that I consider myself the triplet separated at birth.

I hope you have a Happy Birthday, PiP. I love you!

The Adventures of Lucy and Ethel

2008-08-21T07:14:00.007-07:00

So, there are times when my husband tells me that me and PiP remind him of Lucy and Ethel. He seems to think that we come up with cockamamie plans and hair-brained schemes. Well...I take great exception to that (though it's possible he just may be right).

Peaches were on sale last week. They were only 39 cents (where's the little 'c' thingy?) a pound. Well, that got me thinking...I should live up to my Mormon woman potential and can some peaches.

I called PiP...my resident canning expert/partner in crime...to see if she'd want to help. We talked about the pros and cons of doing them ourselves as opposed to just buying the gigantic can of them at Costco. I was swayed by the status it would give me to have peaches, canned by me, lining the shelves of my pantry. I knew I would be able to wear that badge with much honor.

Well, PiP contacted a knowing friend and called me back to burst my bubble. She spoke of boiling, peeling, making syrup, fruit fresh, pressure cookers, etc. until all I could imagine was Lucy and Ethel covered with sticky, slimy peaches.

The conversation turned to freezer jam. A less than valiant effort as far as I was concerned, but better than nothing (because, honestly, I LOVE peach jam...canned peaches...not so much). I relinquished myself to remaining at the same, mediocre level of Mormon-womanhood and decided freezer jam would have to do. Then PiP, sensing my sadness at the loss, suggested something...a brilliant, sweet, sticky suggestion that made me feel a bit redeemed...REGULAR peach jam. You know, the kind in a jar...with a lid that has to seal and one of those ring thingys that keeps it closed - just like canning? This had me intrigued...as I have never (with the exception of helping my mom when I was a kid) 'canned' anything and this was just the ticket!

Monday she came over and we got right to work. We had quite a system worked out, and despite my tiny kitchen things were going along pretty smoothly. We even joked about how Lucy and Ethel would have crushed the peaches with their bare feet, and maybe we should give it a try. Don't worry, we just laughed about it and used the immersion blender instead. We used different types of pectin and even kept all of that straight. We did manage, however to use EVERY bowl and pan in the house, and PiP was a real trooper helping me with mine while I was babysitting a 1 year old.
PiP got to be in the pictures because she looked cute. I didn't, but if you want you can imagine me standing next to her looking as cute as she does...thanks.

We got clear to the putting them in the jars part...the jars were clean, and the lids on tightly and she got them in the pressure cooker to seal them.

At this point everything became a little hazy. I think my blood-sugar was low because all I remember was something about sticky dirty dishes...and maybe some question about whether or not the pressure cooker was the best choice for sealing the jars.

In the end, we regained consciousness, and rescued our jars from the cooker. We had a couple of overflow casualties but all-in-all, the end result was rows of liquid sunshine to adorn our pantry shelves.

We were such pros by this time, we quickly whipped-up a couple batches of freezer jam...just to show off.

Thank goodness it all worked out or we may have had some 'splainin' to do. Thanks for a fun day, 'Lucy'.

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

2008-08-13T09:22:00.019-07:00

It was a busy summer. One that generally left me feeling like a chauffer. It started the day after school got out when we left for Las Vegas. I actually posted about that trip, you can read about it here if you like.

We got home and the fun really started.

Some of us did swim team:

Some of us did Summer Band:
Some of us had slumber parties with our best friends:

Some of us got together with some friends from High School (these are the miniature versions):

Some of us got these:
and these:
(Before - and it needs to be said that I'm the best mom ever because this was at 8:30 in the morning on my birthday - which was also the last day of summer break - which was the last day for me to sleep in - but she wanted them on before school started...I'm nice)
(During - and this is called payback for making me get up so early on my birthday)
(After - congratulations! Glasses and Braces in one summer - nerds rule!)

Some of us played in the rain on a Sunday afternoon:

All of us went to Utah to visit some friends (and there were some we weren't able to visit...we're sorry, and we promise to visit you next time...don't hate us):

This is us at their cabin...it was gorgeous! We could have stayed forever!

We all rode the quads: (and we were all grateful to Sheri's parents for letting us use them)

(my favorite Hannah quote ever...said right here as we stopped to admire the view. She scooted up to give me a hug and said: "Mom, these are the moments that will last a lifetime".)
And some of us learned to drive them ourselves:

Some of us teetered:
And some of us tottered:
Some of us went crawdad fishing (Eew. Not me!):

One of us tried this fun bike...she was queen of the hill by the time we left.
None of us could get enough of this little guy:
All of us visited a good friend from the mission:(It was great to see you guys...you need to come visit us next!)

Some of us tried shooting fireworks out of a homemade rocket launcher (and the little boy in him will never die):(I know it's dark, but if you biggen, maybe you can see the sparks from the fireworks that are about to be launched.)

All of us had a great time on the 4th of July in Provo watching the tail-end of the parade , and braving the crowded masses and miserable heat at the craft fair:
All of us enjoyed the 4th of July festivities...complete with our own fireworks:
(ugh, my hair was tragic. It was hot and muggy, then cool and windy...never a good combo. for good hair)

Well, most of us...(her facial expression is priceless)
ALL of us were so sad when it was time to leave:
(Thanks, Kevin and Sheri. We had such a blast. We love you and miss you tons!)

Some of us were in a fun play where we got to be friends with one of Mom's best friend's kids:
(Our pick for best supporting actress in "She Came with the Couch")
(These girls had such a fun summer together. Almost as much fun as their moms used to have. They didn't have to run to the pool barefoot or anything, but they had fun learning about all the 'Lucy and Ethel' moments of their mom's childhoods. Most importantly, they developed a love for 'The Music Man' like their mothers and even got to go see the play.)

Some of us went to Girl's Camp:(It was so fun to be there with you this year!)

And then went 'Snipe Hunting' (make sure you have enough toothpaste, so the snipes don't get you!):
One of us had a birthday and got tickets to see her favorite musical, "The Music Man":

And finally, Some of us went back to school:
And now, ONE of us needs a nap!

What's been going on...Part Deux or VALLEY of FIRE or Weekend in Las Vegas

2008-06-23T08:43:00.010-07:00

(that movie voice-over guy says:)
*Previously, on...'What's been going on'...the Jensens were enjoying a beautiful, rainy, well-deserved, last day of school...*

May 22, the last day of school, also just happened to be our 15th wedding anniversary (love you, hon). I had had a little stomach ache and money was a little tight so we just went to Golden Canyon and grabbed a bite to eat. On the way home, we stopped by the happiest place on earth (aka: Target) to grab a few things for our trip to Las Vegas the next day.

I needed to go to Las Vegas so that my brother could deliver my newest bling (or crown for my crazy toof). He is very, very good to me. Turns out, I needed a filling, too...so my sister (who is a hygienist, but not a dental assistant - and did a great job anyway) came to help. Have I mentioned how awesome my family is? Anyway, that wasn't really the fun part.

On Saturday, we went to Valley of Fire...just north of Las Vegas. I hadn't ever been there before, and quite honestly, the thought of going to someplace with Fire in the name in the middle of the desert in the end of May was less than tempting. But in the interest of good will and trust in my brother (who really can pick some amazing places), we went. Chris and Mike rode together allowing Ann and I to crank some George Michael in our car (we did skip a couple songs due to the minors in the back seat). It was still stormy, so the weather was cool, and the sky was overcast. We actually wondered if we'd get rained out, but it turned out so great! I'm usually not a big fan of the desert, but this is what it looked like:H & R up by some real, live petroglyphs.

In true, Ashman style we celebrated this momentous occasion with a full cookout breakfast. My brother, Doug, loves to go camping and was, until recently, the scout master in his ward. He has everything you could possibly ever need to make some serious grub.Chris and Uncle Doug ...how come I didn't end up with the 'kiss the cook' picture of Doug and Mike?

Front: Joan (dad's sis-in-law) and Zorayda (dad's wife) making sausage. Back: Aunt Ann and Uncle Mike making hashbrowns and eggs (I think).

Vince and Megan and Uncle Pete.

Aunt Peggy and Aunt Suzanne

We had quite a spread. It was scrumptious. When everyone had had their fill, we explored around a little bit. The kids had a great time playing all over the red rocks.
My family, Dad, Sara and Scott, and Zorayda

After breakfast was all cleaned up, Doug took a few of us on a little hike to mouse tank. I made Ann take a picture of me so I had photographic documentation of me on said hike...it's still on her camera. But I went.
Oh, I forgot Rachel took this pic of Chris and I on the hike (no comments on how bad we look...we were HIKING!) We saw more petroglyphs:
the kids and Doug climbed up a rock to see the 'mouse tank'...a stinky pool of foamy water (not pictured):

we had a really fun time together, and while we were hiking, the skies parted and the sun came out...and we got hot.

On the way home, we stopped at the 'illegal fireworks store' on the indian reservation to grab some ice cream bars and admire the HUGE packages of fireworks.

Sunday, Pete and Peggy invited us over to their house for a bbq (and so I could meet their new table and covet it...it's SO cool!). It was so yummy! My favorite was the flat iron steak. Well, actually, my favorite was spending time with everyone. Sara and Scott and gang (my niece who was home visiting from Provo with her boyfriend and his sister and her fiance) took the kids to the 'lake' nearby to feed the ducks. We missed you, Katie...but dates are important, too.

Thanks to everyone! We had a great time with family. We just needed Mom there, and the weekend would've been complete. It makes me wish we lived a little closer so we could be there for more of these kinds of events. We love you all!

4 Eyes

2008-06-21T11:28:00.005-07:00

Look what we did this week:
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BEFORE:

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AFTER:

Next: Braces!

What's been going on.

2008-06-21T08:57:00.008-07:00

Wow! Has it really been OVER a month since I last posted? Time flies. I keep thinking I really should post about this or that, but then I feel overwhelmed and don't do it.

So, here's a quick recap of everything that's been going on.

May 20th - a couple days before school got out, I went to an awards assembly for the 6th graders. A few days before, I had gotten a phone call from Rachel's band teacher and a letter from her classroom teacher (also the Student Council advisor) telling us that she would be getting some awards. One was for being the Student Council Treasurer...
Rachel with the 6th grade team and her award from Student Council.

...the other was the 'Outstanding Band Student' award.

Here she is with her band teacher.We are really proud of her for these accomplishments!

May 22nd, school got out. Rachel is officially in Jr. High! And Hannah is in the 'older kids building'.
The school had a party for the 6th graders at which they hired a DJ to come and play raunchy music entirely too loudly (it occurs to me that I might be getting old). Luckily, I think she's too naive to understand all the subtext (or overt trashiness). But, yikes! I felt like I needed to wash my ears out with soap after hearing all that. The kids had such a great time and they earned the opportunity to have a fun day.

(this is where I would insert a cute picture of my girl and all her friends...but in an effort to protect the innocent, I didn't and you'll just have to use your imagination)

I came to pick-up the girls from school in the middle of a rain storm. It was beautiful weather, but made it kind-of hard for the kids to mill around and say good-bye to all their friends. I got there a couple minutes after the bell rang, so I didn't get the obligatory picture of each kid with their teacher.

Hannah and I went back to her classroom so I could get the shot, and the door was locked. We knocked, but she didn't answer. So...we moved along to find Rachel's teachers.

About halfway down the walkway, Hannah's teacher came out of her room yelling for us to come back. When we got back to her, she had the BEST surprise for Hannah!

My Hannah, who has been trying her hardest to be the best student she can be, had FINALLY earned the honor of Student of the Month (although it was rather un-cerimoniously awarded her in front of just me and her sister in the pouring rain outside the classroom)! I actually started to cry. It was such a MAJOR accomplishment for her. GO HANNAH!!!

We left the school and headed for McDonald's to get some ice-cream to celebrate the end of school.

I think I'm going to have to catch us up in installments...I'm so slow at this and I have tons to get done today, so I'll be back tomorrow with 'What's been going on. Part deux'.

Stinkin' Cute

2008-05-15T08:16:00.002-07:00

My friend Jen just started this fun new website. You can find it here. She's selling scrapbooking kits with coordinating paper and embellishments. That's the part that always takes me so long...choosing what goes with what. So she was looking for a 'design team' to make samples from each month's kit, and she chose me to be one of them. So, if you want to see some fun examples of scrapbook pages, cards, etc...check it out!

Bitter-sweet Release

2008-05-12T12:37:00.004-07:00

Yesterday was a good day. Besides it being Mother's Day, I was released from my calling as Primary President. I had been serving as President for almost 3 years, and had been in the presidency for 2 years before that. I'm having some mixed emotions about it. In general, I'm excited to move on to a new chapter in my life. On the other hand...I'm not too sure about going to Relief Society.

From what I understand there are actual discussions that happen there.

And we don't burst into song every few minutes there.

How will I focus when I don't have 3,000 other details rambling around in my brain?

Will I be able to give insightful comments?

Who will I sit by?

Will I finally be able to convince my husband to go to Sunday School? And if I do, and I don't like it either...how will I get out of it without seeming like a hypocrite?

Will I be sad as I walk past the primary room and hear them singing my favorite song?

Who will give my kids the stink eye if they're not behaving like perfect little angels?

On second thought, I bet none of that will even matter, because I'm pretty sure I'll be the 'snag-from-the-hall-because-Sis.-so-and-so-didn't-show-up-
today-and-didn't-get-a-sub' sub.

In other news...I've been asked to be the Enrichment Leader. I have no idea what that entails, but I'm excited to find out.

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-11T16:37:00.007-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!

I want to wish all the Moms out there a Happy Mother's Day. There have been so many people in my life that have helped me be the mom I am. I'm grateful to each of them.

To my own mom, who I'm so proud of for serving a mission for our church. She is a courageous, strong and faithful woman. I am who I am because of her (and I'm mostly referring to the good stuff). We miss you today, Mom, but we're happy you're where you are, and doing what you're doing.

Here's my cute mom in front of her 'civil war era' house.

To my sister and sisters-in-law who all had their kids while I was still a kid. I watched you and learned from you. You are all wonderful moms...each in your own way.

My Sister, Ann. She's not just a good mom to her own daughter, but she is loving and generous and kind to all of her nieces and nephews, and her friends' kids, too.

My Sis-in -Law, Suzanne. She and my brother got married when I was only 9. I have literally grown-up watching her be a mom. She and her kids are the best of friends. She's that mom that stays up late with her kids to laugh and be silly with them.

My Sis-in-Law, Peggy. She has got the 'be your own person' thing mastered. Her kids are confident and have a strong sense of who they are. Probably because their mom is the same way.

My Sis-in-Law, Amy. She's still working on getting her kids here, but in the meantime she is honing her mothering skills on her very appreciative nieces. She is my kids' 2nd mom when we are near her. She has more love in her heart than I think most people would know what to do with...she, however, is never at a loss.

To my grandmas (and Chris') for teaching me what it means to cherish family and put them first. Each of them has instilled a strong sense of family in me and my husband.

My Grandma Lunt. She taught me about hard work and being thrifty (a lesson I wish I had learned a little better). She loved getting together with her kids and grandkids. We all still get together for a family reunion on her birthday.

My Grandma Ashman (with her 2 favorite great-granddaughters), who I have been spoiled by my whole life. She has the ability to make everyone in our family feel like they are the most loved, important people on the planet. Plus she's 98 years old and has just recently stopped living at home. Now THAT'S amazing!
Chris' Grandpa and Grandma Habelt. From the moment I met Grandma Habelt, I felt like part of her family. I never felt like an outsider. She raised 2 fabulous children...Chris' mom and his uncle. When Chris' mom passed away, she mothered he and Amy as best she could and they are kind and caring people because of her example.

There are so many more...like the good friends I call on a regular basis to help me through a parenting crisis, or the women who babysat and helped raise me, or my friends' moms, I could go on and on. I feel blessed to have so many wonderful examples of motherhood in my life. I can only hope to be able to be half the mother they are.

I told my kids this morning that I love them and I thanked them for making me their mom. They have been helping their dad make nice things for me all day

and they even sang me this song they all wrote for me.
Ode to Mommy
(to the tune of Yankee Doodle Dandy)

We are lucky little duckies
We have a mommy that loves us.
She cooks and cleans and does our laundry,
All just for us

She is a sweetheart and we love her,
We love to read and play with her.

Mommy you're the best of all and we all love you dearly
we wish you the best Mother's day signed all of us sincerely.

Mommy dearest, you're the best
Mother we love you
You're the best we've ever met
We're thankful that we have you!

Thanks guys! I couldn't have asked for a better Mother's Day!

Party - Hawaiian style

2008-04-21T17:00:00.007-07:00

At our house, the kids get b-day parties on their even year birthdays...that way we catch all the biggies...8, 12, 16, etc. Rachel's party was Friday night, and I'm just feeling recooped enough to write about it now.

She wanted to have a Luau - or Hawaiian theme. We started by having the kids all come in and have a 'surfing' picture taken.

Then the kids came in for dinner, where they had to order every part of their Hawaiian Haystacks (very traditional Hawaiian food, I know). Some of them ended up eating gravy with their knives, or just having gravy, pineapple and a cherry. Their dinner was served to them with style by Chris.You look HOT!

After dinner, we did a relay race, where each girl had to run to a chair, put on a lava-lava, grass skirt, coconut (or shell) bra (Rachel was SO embarrassed that I kept calling them bras), a lei, and a flower in their hair.

After the relay, they played a couple more games, and just 'hung out'. 12-13 yr. old girls are so funny. They danced around and had a great time. At one point, they were in teams dancing for each other, but I wanted everyone to get together, so I went in and had them play charades. I didn't know quite how it would go over, but they seemed to have a really good time. When we were done with the 1st group of clues, they wanted to do more, so I guess that was a good sign. It was lots of fun.

For their parting gift we gave them candy leis. Modeled here by Heidi Klum...or wait...no, it's just me.What was MY favorite part about the whole thing? It had to be the cake. It turned out so cute...if I do say so myself. I found the idea for these flower cupcakes here and I thought they looked like plumeria, so I had to make them to make the lei cake. I will definitely make these again. They were very little effort for how cute they turned out.

Thanks for having a birthday, Rachel. It was fun celebrating it with you (I wonder if she'll let me go to the next one...probably not).

Happy 12th Birthday, Rachel!

2008-04-19T08:58:00.008-07:00

It's hard to believe that you've been part of our family for 12 years already! For family history's sake, I'll tell you a little about the day you were born. I was on bed rest because my blood pressure was really high. The day before you came, I went to the Dr. because I thought my water had broken. When he checked me out, he assured me that I still had 3 weeks to go and you were not going to be coming any time soon. So, I went back home, and tried to relax. Later that evening I started to have a really bad stomach ache. People from our ward were bringing us food, and I thought that the food they brought that night had made me sick. Dad had a test to study for, so I went ahead to bed while he studied...until about 1:00 am. At 2:00 am, I decided that this stomach ache I was having was hurting the worst every 4-5 minutes at pretty regular intervals. It occurred to me that I might be having contractions. So I woke Dad up (poor, sleepy Dad) and told him how I was feeling. After calling the doctor and consulting a book, we decided I was in labor and I should get to the hospital. We got there about 4:30 in the morning and just under 2 hours later, you were here. You were so tiny...only 5 lbs. 9 oz.
Here are 12 things I love about you, Rachel:
1. I love that you talk to me. About everything. I love that you aren't embarrassed or scared to talk to me about anything. I hope we will be able to keep that relationship as you get older.

2. I love that you are comfortable with who you are. You are a fun, unique girl and you don't try to be someone you're not.

3. I love your hair. You used to feel bad that you were the only one in our family without dark brown hair so I would tell you that people pay LOTS of money to have the beautiful highlights that you have. Recently, someone asked me if I let you highlight your hair. Nope! It's all YOU!
4. I love how you're protective of your little sister. Despite the normal sibling stuff, you are sweet and good to Hannah when it matters most. I love it when you do 'sleepovers' with her and I hear the 2 of you giggling into the night.
5. I love that you understand the value of hard work, and that you understand what kind of payoff there is for it.

6. I love your study habits. Dad and I are so proud that you've made the Principal's honor roll every quarter for the last 3 years! Wow!

7. I love hearing you sing. I know you don't really like to do it in public, but I hope you learn to because I'd love to be able to sing with you more often. For now, I'll just have to listen harder when you're in the shower!

8. I love that you love music. You are so talented at the piano and clarinet.
9. I love that you worked hard to earn your Faith in God award.

10. I love that you are obedient and a good example to your sister and your friends. You try to do what is right and you encourage others to do the same.

11. I love your sense of humor and the ability you have to laugh at yourself.

12. I love that since you started taking clogging, your feet can not stay still. It shows how when you love something - you LOVE it and do it always.

I love you, Rachel! Happy 12th Birthday. As Grandma's young woman leader would say, now "you're crossing the threshold into young womanhood." I could not be more excited for you.

'FAN'-tastic Day at Church

2008-04-14T07:24:00.003-07:00

So, ever since being required to sit on 'the stand' each week at church, dh's fingers have been itching to get a hold of the controls that operate the rising and lowering of the podium and the fan controls...mostly the fan controls. Well, yesterday, since the other counselor was out of town, he finally got his chance. All week he was salivating at the chance to finally have the last say on the temperature in the chapel.

As I walked in and sat down, I was, of-course, sweating because that's what happens when you're running late...you're running (and it was 95 degrees outside already!). I looked up at him, and he was mouthing to me how hot he was. I got up and turned the a/c on and he started in with the fans.

At first, it felt so nice...the fans were circulating the air, the a/c was nice and cool. Then it started. My kids (tiny little things without a speck of fat on their bodies) started complaining that they were cold ...then I started to feel a little 'windblown'. I tried motioning to my husband that we were cold and he should turn them down. I think we need some practice our 'pew-to-pulpit' sign language, because he couldn't understand what I was trying to tell him.

He finally got it, and turned them down. But the reprieve didn't last long. I think there is something wrong with the fans...or perhaps it was 'user error', because suddenly, we were experiencing the wind chill again. And so it continued...fast then slow...all through church. At one point, I started worrying a little bit about the wind. I had to sing a duet during that meeting, and I was nervous that the wind was going to dry out my throat so badly that it would crack on the high notes (never a pleasant sound)...then the stress of it all made my throat all dry. I guess it turned out alright...however, there was some cracking at the end. *shrug* Later, he told me that although he tried to turn them down, the fans would just start going fast again all on their own. We just kept making eye contact throughout the meeting and laughing about the possessed fans.

Amidst the fan-capades there were, of-course, talks going on. In our church, the congregation does the teaching. Usually there are 1 or 2 'youth' (12-18 yr. olds) and then 1-2 adults. Sunday our youth speaker was a 16 yr. old boy who comes from a family in which public speaking is a big deal. They make their kids take speech and debate in high school so they will be well spoken adults. And generally, they are. So, imagine my surprise when he got up and started his talk sounding much like 'Nicholas Fehn' from SNL. If you're not familiar, here's a clip from last week.

His talk went something like this:
"I chose to talk about the Book of Mormon today. In Seminary...okay...the Book of Mormon and the Bible...ahem....in seminary...okay...the Bible...ahem...okay...in the Book of Mormon it says...well, in the Bible, we read...okay...ahem..." and on and on. I didn't know whether someone put him up to doing the SNL character, or if I should feel bad for him because he was so nervous. I was physically uncomfortable for the kid. Finally, after about 3 painful minutes, he put the front page of his notes behind the 2nd page, and gave a very nice talk. It was all I could do not to look up at Chris. If I had, I'm afraid we both would've gotten the giggles. You know...the unstoppable ones you get at church?

PSA #2 - or how NOT to store your camera

2008-04-05T19:23:00.003-07:00

The following PSA is presented by Canon and the folks at Karen's house. (ok mainly the folks at Karen's house, but Canon would probably agree)

This notice is to let the public know about a growing epidemic among bloggers and civilians alike. The scientific term has been resoundingly decided to be defined as "Persusdestructomatitosis". The layman's term is "keeping your camera in your purse". When transporting this beloved, and oft times pricey device, it is not a good idea to plop, plunk, or otherwise place it into your purse without the protective wear fashioned expressly for the purpose of protecting and coddling this device.

Persusdestructomatitosis has been known to strike at the most inopportune times. PLEASE, don't let this preventable event happen to you or other bloggers that you love. It has been found to be completely preventable and we're hoping that through the acts of concerned citizens, like you, this epidemic can be stopped.

WARNING:
The following image is disturbing and should only be viewed with caution! This is to show what this horrible affliction can do to you. View with care.

The following is a testimonial by someone just like you:
I was afflicted with Persusdestructomatitosis just the other day. I looked into my wife's purse to get my camera. I pulled it out to take a picture of my sweet little girl on her birthday as she hovered over her pink heart shaped cake. As I turned it around and looked at the back I found that the view screen was completely ruined. We took it back to COSTCO where we bought it 2 years and 6 months prior. We had the reciept and the box and all the goodies that came with it and took it to them and asked what we could do. They, with little to no hassle, took the whole thing back and gave us store credit for the full amount of what we paid. We turned around and bought another camera that is actually better than ours for the same price. Amazing! We broke it, we told them we broke it, and had the reciept and box and we returned it with no trouble. COSTCO is AMAZING! I wouldn't buy a camera anywhere else. I thought that Persusdestructomatitosis was an East Coast thing. I didn't realize it could happen in my neighborhood.
Karen's dh, Arizona

PLEASE, don't let this preventable event happen to you or other bloggers that you love. It has been found to be completely preventable and we're hoping that through the acts of concerned citizens, like you, this epidemic can be stopped.

More Birthday Pics

2008-04-05T08:45:00.005-07:00

Seeing as I finally finished the B-day post last night at about 12:30, I forgot the pics from the actual day.

But first...a little background. So, I hadn't gotten much sleep this week, and Wednesday night was the worst night of all. Thursday morning, I woke up feeling like I had been hit by a truck, but I rallied because I wanted Hannah's day to be special.

After a day consisting of a special order breakfast and taking her to lunch at McDonalds, I had a terrible headache. So, instead of coming home and making her b-day cake, I took a little nap. I paid for it later, when I was trying to throw the cake together at the last minute (and it fell apart in my hands, and the frosting I was trying to use to 'glue' it back together slid off because I didn't have time to let it cool).

All in all, it turned out just fine, and luckily, she is the most happy-go-lucky kid on the planet, because she didn't care about any of the things I was so worried about.

Here's Hannah just before we lit the candles. Isn't she cute in the t-shirt she got from the Primary for her birthday?

Here's the disaster of a cake. When I asked her what kind of cake she wanted for her birthday, she said, "how about a flower...or a bowling ball" (um...random). I informed her I would not be taking special requests (last year I pulled off a puppy cake in about an hour. I know...I'm amazing.), but that I had a heart cake pan if that would be okay. Then I told her that what I was really asking was, what FLAVOR of cake did she want. I wish I had been more specific in the first place.Of course, I made her favorite dinner. Something we call 'Martha Stewart Pasta' or 'That Pasta' if you're PiP. It has a very fancy, Italian name, but that's pretentious, so we just refer to it after it's creator. Anyway...she loves it. And we had her other favorite 'Garlic Salad' (also has a pretentious French name that we don't use) and some garlic bread.
Here the girl with all her gifts. Thanks, Auntie Amy for the clothes...she LOVES them. She got an outfit from Mom and Dad, and a Barbie from Rachel, and a HSM2 cd from Mom and Dad. Which brings me to MY personal favorite moment of the evening......Rachel, Chris and Hannah...all singing " Humuhumunukunukua'Pua'A,
Makihiki malahini-who
Humuhumunukunukua'Pua'A, Ooh.
Hawana wakawakawakaniki pu pu pu"
...yes, Chris...singing right along with the kids. It was priceless.
I hope your birthday was wonderful, Hannah!

Here's What You Missed!

2008-04-04T22:16:00.008-07:00

So, tonight was Blogfest, AZ style. It was great. Naturally, I was the consummate hostess...well, okay, it was at my house...The MomBabe ...cute new shirt, MomBabe...

did all the work (including showing up just in the nick of time to blow-dry and style my hair for me...it's all about who you know). It was so fun to meet Lorena and Lauren. And of-course it's always fun to hang out with PiP and Lindsay. We missed those of you who felt the need to celebrate anniversaries, or have b-day dinners/dates/whatever that kept you away. We're already thinking about when to do the next one, so you better be at that one.

We ate lots of yummy food (thanks, everyone for bringing stuff...and MomBabe...you truly outdid yourself - she made everything on the table...all. of. it!)and talked...about in-laws (I didn't even get to share my best gift ever story...which involves poop...yep. poop. But that's a post for another day), husbands, blogging, how we'll refer to some of the fixtures/appliances in my house as 'retro' instead of 'outdated', kids and more. It was great to get to know you all a little better. And thanks to Lorena, we each had these cute name tags to help us remember who was who. Alright, it wasn't really that hard to remember, but still...it was a fun idea. Here we all are: Lorena, Me, Lindsay, Lauren, PiP, and MomBabe. PiP and Lauren.Lorena and Lindsay.

Of course, what Blogfest would be complete without Denae's blog brownies(click for the recipe).Yummmy!! Those were so delicious! Thanks for making them, Lorena.

And thanks for all the fun, girls. I can't wait until next time!
P.S. If you post pictures I like better than these, I will probably have to swipe them and use them.

Happy Birthday, Bug!

2008-04-03T07:59:00.008-07:00

Wednesday night at about 11:30 as I was getting ready for bed, my dh asked me what time this little chika was born. (the answer is 1:36 am) The memories came rushing back...9 years ago yesterday, Hannah arrived. I remembered that 9 years ago, from that specific time, dh and PiP sat at the foot of my bed in the labor/delivery room and mocked my drug induced state. Just a couple hours after that, she was born.

Nine things I love about Hannah:
1. I love getting hugs from you. I hope you are never too old to come up and give me a big hug. You don't just give half-hearted, wimpy hugs. You hug with your whole self! I love that you're still not too old to hug your mom and dad.

2. I love that whenever you're sad or scared or unsure of a situation, you ball your hands up into fists and tuck them under your chin. You've done this since the day you were born (and I'm guessing before), and it is a tell-tale sign of how you're feeling.

3. I love your capacity for unconditional love. You have never met a 'stranger' and everyone is your best friend. And you NEVER seem to let it bother you when people aren't treating you kindly.

4. I love that crazy little curl right in the front of your hair.

5. I love your freckly cheeks.

6. I love the way you look up to your big sister. Of all your 'best friends' she is the bestest.

This was on Rachel's first day of Kindergarten. You were so sad that you couldn't go with her.

7. I love your sense of humor and the giggle that goes along with it.

8. I love that you are a good girl who tries to do what is right.

9. I love watching you dance when you're supposed to be doing chores and you think no one is looking.

I love you, Hannah! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

It's almost time...

2008-04-01T19:39:00.002-07:00

...you coming?

Blogfest

2008-04-01T11:04:00.004-07:00

*pant*CAN'T*pant*BLOG*pant*pant*
MUST CLEAN*pant*
BLOGFEST AT MY HOUSE!*pant*pant*pant*BE BACK SOON*pant*
DIRTY WINDOWS PULLING ME AWAAAYYY (this was supposed to look cool, with the letters getting smaller, but the formatting is dumb and won't work, and now I may as well have done an actual post because I spent so much time trying to figure out the dumb code...stupid HTML)

Spring Break

2008-03-26T11:56:00.012-07:00

We had a fun, relatively low-key spring break.

PiP mentioned our trip to the Easter Pageant held at the Mesa AZ temple. She even posted a few pics here. (Some of us are better bloggers than others and remember our cameras...I am not one of those) It was a BEAUTIFUL spring evening and we thoroughly enjoyed the weather, the company and the message of Easter.

We took a quick trip up to Las Vegas to see all my family there. We got to see most everyone...even our niece Vanessa who lives in Washington was visiting for a wedding. We did miss Andie, who had a prior engagement and couldn't be with us.

On Saturday, My sister and her husband and my family went to see Horton Hears a Who! We loved it. It was so funny and had lots of quotable lines, as well as a good moral, "a person's a person...no matter how small." And you've gotta love a good moral.

Sunday, we drove up to St. George to see this cute gal:my 98 - almost 99 yr. old Grandma. We had so much fun visiting with her. She was in a funny mood, and even treated us to an organ recital (her vision isn't great, so she can't really see music, so it was an improvisational selection...just her toodling around and bopping along). It was fun to see her love for music. She's amazing and I feel lucky to have a piece of that gene pool.

We also saw this cute boy:
our sweet little Logan. He belongs to our good friends Kevin and Sheri (do you think we got a picture of them? Not with this little attention stealer around.), who had the gall to move up to Utah when he was just tiny. They were down in St. George for a conference, and we met up with them there.

It's too bad the girls didn't enjoy spending time with him.

Rachel and Logan were like peas and carrots (I never really understood that saying...peas are just nasty!). We're trying to prove to Kevin and Sheri that AZ is far superior to Utah and they should move back for the babysitting. I guess a good babysitter isn't as big a priority as a good job, so they'll be staying put. Although it looks like we spent our time together in a parking lot, we didn't really...just some of it.

Monday was family day at the dentist. My oldest brother is a dentist, and is kind enough to take on all of our problems. As luck would have it, my sister is his hygienist, so she cleaned Chris' teeth and put some sealants on Rachel's. Hannah completely lucked out and just watched the whole thing. I got to get a crown and a filling...good times. More importantly, thanks, Doug!

On Tuesday we drove home. The rest of the week was filled with chores, and spring cleaning. I LOVE going through the kids' closets and getting rid of all the clothes that don't fit. There was an obscene amount of clothes. If you come to my yard sale on Saturday, you can buy them. They're cute, and clean, and I will sell them to you.

Friday, it was over to the BFF's for some fun. The kids disappeared the second we walked through the door, which made it possible for PiP and I to visit and blog. I just love it when our school vacations coincide and we can hang out together. Did we take pictures? Of course not!

Monday was back to school. I can't believe it, but I was actually really sad. One week just didn't feel long enough. I'm not usually that person...usually, I'm as excited for them to go back as they were to get out, but not this time. We had a great week.

Culture...It's not just for yogurt

2008-03-26T10:01:00.007-07:00

(I am experiencing that feeling you get when you wait so long to do a task that it becomes overwhelming to the point of feeling completely incapable of accomplishing it. Kind of like eating an elephant...so...here goes that first bite. )

We have a family tradition every February where we go to the "Matsuri - A festival of Japan". It's held in downtown Phoenix and we go because it's the closest thing we have to actually going to visit the real thing. Okay...it's not even a close 2nd, but it's all we have. Since we can't take the kids there to experience the culture, we do this instead.

Hannah enjoyed wearing her yukata one last time. It barely fit this year.

Rachel didn't fit into her yukata anymore, but she still looks cute in her Matsuri t-shirt.

Hannah 'enjoys' some katsu chicken (lightly breaded, fried...yum...what's not to like). I think the face reflects that she doesn't like this version as much as she does her dad's.
(This is the time when the Foliakis usually surprise us and join us. They decided not to come this year. (sad))

No more teriyaki chicken left in this bowl! (note, I just realized I know the guy in the background...I knew his family from home, then he was living in Japan while I was on my mission and he was in one of my wards. Small world).

I didn't get a shot of what Chris was eating...Unagi (eel). More like U-Nasty!

PiP mentioned the 'shave ice the size of your head. Just like in Hawaii' from the Aloha Festival. Well, they had it here, too...and we bought it, too. The girls didn't want to share...

...so we had to get our own! Yum!
This guy is amazing...he takes clumps of hot candy and puts them on a stick, then he cuts and shapes them into all kinds of creatures. If you biggen this picture you might be able to tell he's making a lion. He also made a phoenix and a dragon...pretty impressive.

These ladies are doing the obon-0dori. It's a dance done during a specific festival in the summertime. Sadly they didn't ask for volunteers from the audience because, if you know me, you know I'd have been up there (yeah, right!).

Finally, with our tummies full and our pockets empty (and our scalps sunburned), we had enough and it was time to say sayonara until next year.

Random is easy

2008-03-26T09:14:00.002-07:00

So, The MomBabe tagged me and it's a good thing...I guess I needed someone to get me back on track. Thanks, Caroline...I am forever in your debt. (Okay, it's probably not that big a deal, but I am happy to be back). Here they are...the 7 random facts you never knew you wanted to know about me:

Post 7 random facts about yourself. The Rules:

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. I can grow my own fingernails out...and they look nice when I do ( I was going to attach a picture as they are especially lovely right now, but somehow, my camera kept putting my nails on some chubby hand...weird)

2. I make KILLER sugar cookies. They really are the best sugar cookies you'll ever flop a lip over. And if you stop by my house on Conference weekend with a report of all you heard, I'll give you one. An incentive to get all my little primary lovelies to watch.

3. I have dry eyes. So much so, that I CAN'T wear contacts. This is something I hate and wish I could change about myself. I become a little more outgoing when I'm not hiding behind glasses (hmmm...maybe the glasses are a good thing)

4. I hate mopping floors. I love how it looks when it's done, but that feeling is fleeting, and therefore, I don't do it often. (AZ dust + kids + 1 cleanly mopped wood floor = very frustrated mama. I'm nicer if I just don't do it!)

5. I am highly motivated by guilt. This is genetic. And a trait I feel I was given without prior consent or knowledge, and would like to give back, please.

6. I am a big scaredy cat! and I hate being alone.

7. I am not looking forward to the neighborhood garage sale we're having on Saturday. However, my guilt motivates me to participate in it. I know I'll just end up with dust tracked all over my floor, and I'll more than likely break a nail hauling boxes and crap (I mean valuable 'gently used' items that I cherish but no longer need) outside.

Now I tag (and for some of you this might be the 2nd time, since I really don't know many people and will therefore tag people that MomBabe already tagged):

1. PiP
2. Lindsay
3. Vanessa
4. The Jensens
5. Andee
6. Jenny
7. Micheline

The Trouble with Being Nice

2008-02-08T08:06:00.000-07:00

Caroline posted about her 1st date. Since my 1st date was pretty fun, I thought I'd post about my WORST date...which for Caroline may have been one and the same.

I was about 18 and was working at Broadway Southwest. I was a 'floater', so I would go work in different departments from day to day, but I spent most of my time in the customer service department. It was here that I met Neil.

Neil was a nice enough guy, but probably 6-8 years older than me...which was already a strike against him. He had some, well, some physical things that immediately made me think he wasn't dating material (which as I type it, makes me embarrassed at how superficial that sounds. But I guess that was my 18 yr. old brain). Neil was one of those touchy-feely types. Me?...not so much. He was always rubbing my shoulders, putting his hand on my back or waist, or finding some reason to touch me (I guess this was before the days of sexual harassment rules). I thought it was all innocent enough and it didn't really bother me all that much (NAIVE). Oh, did I mention he had a girlfriend that also worked there? That's somewhat significant. Everything was pretty harmless. Or so I thought (did I already mention I was naive?).

One day I came to work straight from a wedding, so I was pretty dressed-up, compared to normal. Neil would not stop staring at me. He kept going on and on about how great I looked and how pretty my dress was, etc. This was the day it all turned creepy.

From that day, he started asking me out. Remember the afore mentioned girlfriend? She got to hear all about me, so I was getting death stares from some evil woman who thought I was after her man...UM, YOU CAN HAVE HIM! I was always able to figure out some reason why I couldn't go out with him until one night. He said that he wanted to just take me to a movie...and it was totally harmless, and wouldn't I please just go out with him ONCE and he would leave me alone. So, against all my better judgment...I agreed to go to a movie with him on a Friday night after work.

The blessed day came, and I was literally sick to my stomach. I did not want to go on this date! Not even a little bit. We closed up and headed out to the parking lot where we were deciding on who's car to take. He says he wants to drive...fine. great. let's just get this over with. We get in his car and...nothing...the car. won't. start. I'm thinking 'Thank you Heavenly Father for letting this date not happen' and I'm ready to bail. I told him we should just cut our losses and try again some other night (fully intending on never NOT having an excuse again). He wouldn't let me go. So I suggested we just take my car, and he could deal with his after the movie. Nope, that wasn't going to work either. He assured me he had a friend who could just come and help him out and it would be quick and we could just catch a later movie.

So we call the friend...

And we wait for him to get there...

And he finally pulls up in this total 'date rape' van...complete with hollowed-out-to-make-room-for-the-BED, brown-shag-carpet-all-over-walls-floor-and-ceiling interior.

YIKES!!! Who drives these cars?!? At this point, I'm seriously thinking...this isn't good. By this time, the mall was totally desolate, and I'm alone in the parking lot with 2 strange men and a DATE RAPE van! I was starting to freak a little.

They worked on the car while I sat there, completely irritated. I kept telling him I was just going to leave and we'd do this some other time and he kept begging me not to go. (*As I type this, I'm thinking how mad I am that I let my need to be nice win over safety...but it just gets worse*)

They eventually decided that whatever was wrong, could be fixed, but the part was at the friend's house which was 20-30 min. away. We could just go and get it real quick and be right back. Um...did they say WE? as in ME? get in the date rape van (now known as the DRV)? Um...NOT. Sadly, shamefully, the disease to please won and I actually got in the DRV with 2 virtual strangers. I was the lucky one who got to sit on the 'bed', while they sat in the front seat talking. I prayed the whole time that I would not end up one of those 'scare tactic' stories the police use when they're talking to a group of young girls to teach them how to be safe on a date. I honestly don't think I have ever prayed so hard in my ENTIRE life.

When we got to the friend's house, I was so uncomfortable and actually really scared. I told Neil that I needed to call my mom and let her know what was going on. Did I mention I have the BEST mom ever? I called home and told her what was going on. She asked me if I was scared and I said yes. She asked me if I wanted her to tell me I had to come home and I said yes. So, being awesome and understanding as she is, she made up some reason why I had to be home right away (thanks, Mom! for teaching me that sometimes it is okay to lie). Neil, trying to be all chivalrous (if it wasn't so creepy) offered to drive me home (we were closer to my house than we were to my car which was back at work). I'm thinking...do you REALLY think I'm going to let you take me home?!? so you can see where I live?!? HECK NO! The 3 of us hopped back in the DRV and they took me back to the mall.

The rest is history. He was so embarrassed about the 'date' that he never asked me out again.

The moral here?
1. Trust your better judgement
2. Always drive so you can be in control
3. NEVER under any circumstances, get in a DRV
4. Sometimes your Mom will surprise you and be your best ally

Please feel free to use this with your pre-teen/about-to-start-dating-daughters as the example of what NOT to do.

Now what's YOUR worst date?

WARNING!

2008-01-31T10:40:00.001-07:00

You may want to biggen the picture to get the full effect.

Our Beloved Prophet

2008-01-28T08:00:00.002-07:00

Last night my sister called to tell me that President Hinckley passed away. I have to say, I felt sad, and happy for him all at once. I feel sad for those of us who came to love him as he served us. I have always had very tender feelings toward President Hinckley.

When I was about 14 or 15, I remember going to a YW broadcast where I heard Pres. Hinckley speak. At the time, he was in the 1st Presidency. I remember that he spoke specifically to the Young Women about the importance of gaining as much education as possible because we don't know what this life has in store for us, and we need to be prepared with an education in case the responsibility of providing for our families falls on us. That talk was particularly significant to me at that time, and it felt like he was speaking directly to me! Since that time, there have been many similar experiences...each one strengthening my testimony that he was speaking as the mouthpiece of God.

Just looking at Pres. Hinckley always reminded me of my Grandpa Lunt. Especially any time he wore his hat like the one in the picture above. I remember my grandpa wearing one just like it...always. In-fact, when he died, it was the one thing I wanted to remember him by. So, I'm a little bit sad that I won't have that visual reminder of my grandpa around anymore.

I do feel happy for him and his sweet companion who are undoubtedly having a happy reunion today. I'm sure he feels some sense of relief to be 'released' from the calling he has served in for so long and with so much energy.

Last night when we told our kids, the first thing Hannah said was, "I bet Grandma is meeting him right now!" I informed her that she might have to wait in line because I bet there are a lot of people that want to shake his hand.

Tagged - I'm it!

2008-01-25T17:28:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by Wendy, so for those inquiring minds who want to know:

Where I was 10 years ago.
We were living in a little apartment about 100 yards away from where we live now in AZ. Dh had just finished school (the 1st time), and worked at The Hartford (insurance - blech). I was prego with #2 and enjoying my funny little 2 year old girl. I was driving the saddest Plymouth Sundance you've ever seen. It was electric blue and primer...lovely. In-fact, I let my YW learn to drive in it...and some of them were too embarrassed to drive it. I was still adjusting to being a stay-at-home-mom.

5 Things on my to do list today:
(I really shouldn't respond until I have a more productive day)
1. Wake up
2. Make kids lunches to take to school.
3. Get kids ready for school
4. Take kids to school.
5. Wallow on the couch all day feeling sorry for myself because I feel awful.

5 Snacks I enjoy: (in no particular order)
1. caramel corn (mostly if I made it...YUM!)
2. bread - especially crusty European style with butter
3. celery and ranch dip (this one is newly-found since my new year's resolution to eat better - necessitated by all the other favorite snacks)
4. cheese and crackers
5. pretty much anything baked and sweet:

5 Things I would do if I was a billionaire:
1. pay off debt. mine, my family's, our loved ones'.
2. landscape my front and back yards
3. travel all over the world
4. pay for my kids' educations (and maybe help out other kids with theirs)
5. have a 2nd home somewhere cooler than AZ

3 of my bad habits
1. eating when I'm bored (I'm sure this doesn't come as much of a surprise)
2. negative self-talk - I'm SERIOUSLY working on this one.
3. losing my temper too quickly

5 Places I've lived
1. Henderson, NV (and I don't even have a pick-up with a gun rack)
2. Tempe, AZ
3. Santiago del Estero, Argentina
4. Laie, HI (just for 2 months, but that's way more interesting than Mesa, AZ)
5. Tokyo, Japan (while on my mission)

5 Jobs I've had
1. I cleaned house for a family when I was 14 (and had to pick up their sons' dirty underwear from off the floor so I could vacuum...then saw the kid at a stake dance...ewwwww)
2. Fabric measurer/cutter extraordinaire at Hancock Fabrics
3. Retail at Broadway Southwest (now Macy's - enjoyed a KILLER employee discount and had fantastic wardrobe)
4. Received '1st claims' for Prudential Insurance - was working at the time of the San Francisco Earthquake in 1989 - the same earthquake that my dh escaped having just crossed the bay bridge before it collapsed.
5. Customer Service at Chase Bankcard services - or as I liked to call it...getting yelled at for 8 hours straight - no wonder I had pregnancy induced hypertension - it wasn't the pregnancy, it was the job!

5 Things people don't know about me (are there any? I'm kind of an open book)
1. Your opinion really does matter to me...a lot...more than I wish it did.
2. I love beets.
3. And artichokes.
4. Some friends in college called me 'Maria Andretti' because I like to drive really fast. I've kind of grown out of this one since having kids.
5. I won $1000 from a slot machine in Las Vegas.

I tag PiP, Heather, and Lindsay

Any Bright Ideas?

2008-01-16T08:02:00.000-07:00

I have the best 2nd calling a girl could ask for...I get to go to girls' camp and do the craft. It is by far the best job up there. All the work is done before I ever get there, and it's the favorite 'class' of 95% of the girls. There's just one problem...I'm having a hard time coming up with ideas for this year.

So, I'm searching for a good idea.
The theme for this year is "Solid as a Rock. Steadfast and Immovable"(which can be worked into the craft, but it's not necessary).

If this inspires any sort of creativity in you and you can think of a brilliant craft...let me know. Last year we did some decoupage mirrors, and the year before that we did painted magnetic bulletin boards. Both cute...both raved over...now I'm feeling the need to really deliver.
HELP!

Remembering 2007

2008-01-10T09:09:00.000-07:00

It has been a really long time since my last post. I've been so busy getting ready for Christmas, then having company, and all the while trying to prepare for a new year in Primary, that I haven't had much time to think of anything else. I sent our blog address to lots of friends in their Christmas cards and suggested they stop by to get an idea of what we've been up to, so I decided to do a quick recap of the year to catch them up.

Hannah

She finished 2nd Grade and had to say good-bye to her fabulous teacher, Mrs. Gust, who retired. Hannah absolutely loved EVERY minute spent with Mrs. Gust. I decided she learned more than any other 2nd grader ever has...because she listened to and memorized every word out of Mrs. Gusts' mouth. My favorite tidbit was the night we were at the table and I asked what she learned that day. She told me that they were learning about the digestive system and when your food is in the small intestine it's "soupy-soupy" and when its in the large intestine its "poopy-poopy". We miss all the fun facts that came from 2nd Grade.

Hannah started taking dance over the summer and continues taking piano lessons. She has thoroughly enjoyed both and is doing well. Both she and Rachel did swim team this summer, too. Fun for the kids...kinda torture for the parents. Remember AZ is HOT in the summertime and the meets are in the afternoon...the HOTTEST time of the day!

Hannah is now in 3rd grade and added Choir to her list of extracurricular activities. She is learning to interact with her peers (I hate this part about having girls) which can be a tricky thing sometimes, but important to learn nonetheless.

Most important, Hannah was baptized in April! We had lots of family and friends who were able to be here to help her celebrate such a special day. It is very gratifying to see our children making good choices.

Rachel

Finished up 5th grade and said good-bye to her excellent teacher, Mrs. McKee - who also left our school to teach somewhere else. Needless to say, the last day of school was kind of sad for these 2 girls. Rachel started taking clogging early in 2007 and hasn't been able to stand still since. She LOVES it and is doing really well at it. She also got the honor of playing in the "honor band" at school as a 5th grader - usually something reserved for only the older kids. Pretty much everything she tries, she is good at...which is frustrating to those of us who actually have to work at things.

6th grade has been fun so far for Rachel. She ran for treasurer and WON, which was very exciting for her. Her slogan "Did I forget to mention? You should vote for Rachel Jensen!" was very catchy and now lots and lots of kids know who she is. She is still enjoying playing the clarinet in band and has even tried to play the bass clarinet (which is almost as big as she is). She takes piano and is an excellent student. What can I say...we have some pretty amazing kids!

Rachel is becoming such a beautiful girl and is lots of fun. At a family reunion this summer, my brother made the observation that she's ready for Beehives...her enthusiasm is contagious. There are some boys that think she's pretty great, too...that will have to be another post.

Chris

began the year by leaving Ikon, where he has been the last 4 years. He left to take a temporary position with a company in Chandler, giving him some valuable experience. We were hoping it would turn into a permanent position but sadly, after 6 months, he had to say good-bye to the best schedule a wife could ever hope for in search of better pay and benefits. He didn't have any trouble finding a new job and is enjoying his new position. I do not love the hours, but I guess you can't have everything, right? At least he doesn't have to travel. That would probably do me in.

Chris is still serving in the Elder's quorum of our ward. It can be challenging sometimes, but overall I think he enjoys it. He has really enjoyed the friendships he's made with the rest of the presidency. When he's not working, or busy with church, he likes to build web-sites, play computer games, and play games with our family or friends.

Karen

I have been keeping busy this year. In August, I hit my 2 year mark as primary president in our ward. I finally feel like I'm hitting my stride. I spend many hours planning, preparing, worrying, and praying for these little people. I feel lucky to be able to work with them.

I was babysitting the sweetest little gal until about May when she and her dad moved. We still miss her...she fit right in with our family. Now I watch a darling little boy who's mom is a teacher at the kids' school. He's almost 7 months old and is such a sweet baby.

Mom and the kids just before she got on the airplane to leave for the MTC.

Just a few days after Christmas, we helped my mom finish up some last minute preparations and sent her off on her mission. She is going to the Pennsylvania Harrisburg mission. She leaves the MTC on Tuesday. It has been so fun getting her ready (probably not for her) and remembering all of the anticipation we felt as we left for our missions. We are so proud of her. We are really going to miss her, though.

Chris' dad with Hannah before leaving.

We have had visits from Chris' family several times throughout the year. Most recently his dad came for New Year's. He is always so generous and the kids ADORE playing with him. He always brings fun little activities that they can do together. They love spending that kind of time with him.

PSA #1 - Because I Care

2008-01-09T08:19:00.000-07:00

I have recently been made aware of a growing epidemic in our community. I wanted to make everyone I know aware as well, so you can do your best to protect your own families. This is not a laughing matter. If you love your friends and family, please pass this along to them. Who are we helping if we just sit on this kind of information?

Click here to learn more.

*I realize this is kind of 'phoning it in' as far as posts go...but it was too important not to share!

A Big Thanks!

2008-01-03T18:53:00.000-07:00

Like my new look? Me too! It's all thanks to Caroline for making her services available to those of us who can't seem to get it all together. I can't seem to find time to even post about the holidays, let alone make my page lovely, but Caroline did it in a jiffy!

Now, Caroline, do you have a magic wand you could wave over all the other tasks I can't seem to get to?

Thank you so much! You are the BEST!

'Tis the Season

2007-12-17T08:27:00.000-07:00

'Tis the season for recitals
Fa La La La La, La La La La.
First, there's dance,
Then Band
and Choir. (Sorry...no picture of this one. The teacher was sick, so it got canceled...imagine cute #2 daughter singing joyfully)
Fa La La La La, La La La La.
Listen close to every measure
Fa La La La La, La La La La.
Of 2 piano playing treasures.
Fa La La La La, La La La La.
Fa La La La La, La La La La.

WHEW! (I'm glad I only have 2 kids!)

A glimpse into my life...

2007-12-14T10:18:00.000-07:00

Vickie Gunther of Redlands , California insightfully wrote the following about all of us extraordinary Mormon women.

Look at me, look at me, look at me now!
You could do what I do if you only knew how.
I study the scriptures one hour each day;
I bake, I upholster, I scrub, and I pray.
I always keep all the commandments completely;
I speak to my little ones gently and sweetly.
I help in their classrooms!
I sew all they wear!
I drive them to practice!
I cut all their hair!
I memorize names of the General Authorities;
I focus on things to be done by priorities.
I play the piano! I bless with my talents!
My toilets all sparkle! My checkbooks all balance!
Each week every child gets a one-on-one date;
I attend all my meetings (on time! never late!)
I'm taking a class on the teachings of Paul,
But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all,
I track my bad habits 'til each is abolished;
Our t-shirts are ironed!

My toenails are polished!
Our family home evenings are always delightful;
The lessons I give are both fun and insightful.
I do genealogy faithfully, too.
It's easy to do all the things that I do!
I rise each day early, refreshed and awake;
I know all the names of each youth in my stake!
I read to my children! I help all my neighbors!
I bless the community, too, with my labors.
I exercise and I cook menus gourmet;
My visiting teaching is done the first day!
(I also go do it for someone who missed hers.
It's the least I can do for my cherished ward sisters.)
I chart resolutions and check off each goal;
I seek each 'lost lamb' on my Primary roll.
I can home-grown produce each summer and fall.
But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all,
I write in my journal! I sing in the choir!
Each day, I write 'thank you's' to those I admire.
My sons were all Eagles when they were fourteen!
My kids get straight A's! And their bedrooms are clean!
I have a home business to help make some money;
I always look beautifully groomed for my honey.
I go to the temple at least once a week;
I change the car's tires! I fix the sink's leak!
I grind my own wheat and I bake all our bread;
I have all our meals planned out six months ahead.
I make sure I rotate our two-years' supply;
My shopping for Christmas is done by July!
These things are not hard; 'tis good if you do them;
You can if you try!
Just set goals and pursue them!
It's easy to do all the things that I do!
If you plan and work smart, you can do them all, too!

It's easy!' she said and then she dropped dead.

It's Baaaaaaack!

2007-12-12T14:34:00.000-07:00

Fear not, folks...the long awaited day has come, and yes, my voice has returned. This momentous occasion has been observed by my yelling at the following:
1 - little dawdler who couldn't quite get herself moving fast enough to get ready for school this morning.
2-5 or so - dog doing various 'naughty' things...ie: licking carpet, making disgusting 'odors', barking at the birds on the power lines therefore aggravating neighbors hearing aid...the list goes on.
6 - into the phone when PP finally agreed to come play at my house...WAHOO! (never mind that I had to bribe her into coming by making her {I mean helping her make} cookies for her kids to take to activity days today).
I'm sure there will be more to come...the little darlings just got home from school.

Now...hopefully I'll be able to sing soon...otherwise the trio I'm supposed to sing in at Christmas is going to sound just a bit 'off.'

My kids' favorite day.

2007-12-08T16:45:00.000-07:00

I think today is probably my kids' favorite day...why you may ask? I lost my voice last night. I don't just mean kinda raspy, or squeaky, or even that low sexy voice...I mean completely gone. It barely comes out in a whisper. Because of this, there has been very little 'voice raising' at my house (we would never yell) today. I think my kids are secretly enjoying it very much! Too bad we have Stake Conference tomorrow so all the primary teachers can't appreciate it, too.

Shout-out!

2007-12-07T08:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks Caroline, for sending me here for help with my sad looking background. It was so super easy!

Favorite Quote of the Day

2007-12-07T08:37:00.000-07:00

Heard at the band concert last night: "Now Suzy (name has been changed to protect some child I don't know) will play percussion on Hot Cross Buns." See PP's post on this subject.

Blue Plate Special

2007-12-06T08:13:00.000-07:00

Question:
What do you get when you marinate chicken breast in a little olive oil, rice vinegar, garlic and a little salt and then cook it on your George Forman grill?
Answer: A delicious tasting, somewhat bluish colored main dish that will both please the taste buds and tease the eye.

This was the weirdest thing. All the garlic in the marinade turned blueish/green when I cooked it. PP and I have this thing when we share these kinds of 'made-up' recipes with each other. The title of the recipe is usually 'That Chicken' or 'That Pasta', etc. This one might have to be 'That Blue Chicken!'

*Note: if you biggen the picture (which I don't necessarily recommend), you can see our lovely circa 1970 counter-tops. Note to self: add kitchen counters to the 'someday we'll change it' list!

Kids say the darndest things....

2007-11-18T08:53:00.000-07:00

*This post is being guest-written by my husband, Chris.*

So my little girl and I were delegated to go to the grocery store while my wife and oldest daughter went clothes shopping. Usually this is a pretty good trade off. Tonight it was a good one for a whole new reason.

We did our shopping and it was rather uneventful. She wanted to push the cart. That was fine. It just means that I need to stay on a little higher alert than normal because the feeling of a cold hard grocery cart running up the back of your Achilles tendon is one that I can live without... again. :( She did pretty well and we were still both able to walk by the time we were done. I decided to push as we headed out into the parking lot.

As we're walking out to the car my daughter looks up at me and starts a conversation something like this:
Hannah: Wow, the cart is so quiet here! (She tends to notice how loud the carts are at most
places on our way to the car because she's only a little taller than the cart)
Me: Yeah they made the asphalt pretty smooth here didn't they.

After a slight pause Hannah looks up at me and says...

Hannah: Daddy, why don't they make the assfart smooth everywhere?

After slight pause to process in my mind what I thought I just heard, and the welling tears of laughter. In the most smooth, calm and uneffected voice I could muster I, of course, have to be sure she said what I thought I heard.

Me: What did you just call the ground here?
Hannah: (said in the most matter of fact voice possible) Assfart.

Luckily it was dark and she couldn't see the tears just about to stream down my face as I try to keep it together and tell her what the blacktop is truly called.

Gotta love it when your kids don't quite get what you're saying and they "improvise".

Random observations from my day

2007-11-14T17:21:00.000-07:00

Squats make my butt hurt...all day (please tell me that means they're working).

Clarinets make really squeaky sounds (please tell me that with some practice, that will stop).

Bass Clarinets squeak, too...only lower. And they're big. As big as my 11 yr. old trying to play it. (please tell me she'll grow into it).

8 yr. old girls love to chat (please tell me it'll resolve before she's 38 - ha!).

Hubby home on time...dinner on the stove (and it's not 7:00)...Grandma over for a visit...life is good (please tell me things will always be this happy - except the butt hurting part).

It's beginning to seem like it should be Christmas soon

2007-11-12T10:34:00.000-07:00

But it doesn't feel like it at all. It's been in the high 80's to mid 90's here the past few weeks, so getting into the holiday frame of mind has been a little rough. I did manage to get motivated to make my Christmas cards, though. I was sure to take them to our monthly scrapbooking night so I would be sure to receive plenty of praise and adoration as I made them. Nothing like a little gratuitous praise seeking, huh? I definitely felt the love. Thanks, girls for boosting my self esteem! I got them almost finished there, and was able to finish them up yesterday. Here's the final product:

Now all we have left to do is get our family pictures taken, and we're all set.

Watch your mailbox...if you're lucky, you just might get one!

What a difference a day (or a couple of decades) makes

2007-11-10T15:04:00.000-07:00

It all started a few weeks ago...

I'm my husbands favorite barber. Why? I don't know. I have never been to 'beauty school' or anything resembling it. I was, however, willing to help the elders in my mission save a few yen by giving them a trim every once in a while. That's where my hubby and I met...I've been cutting his hair ever since.

For the last several weeks he has needed a haircut pretty badly but I've been really busy on Saturdays and in the evenings I'm just too tired. So, he's gone without for far too long. He has great hair...super thick and dark...but when it gets too long, he starts looking a little reminiscent of his former '80's' self.

(my priesthood worthy, BYU student husband in 1989)

The other night as we were getting ready for bed, he leaned over to kiss me and I said, "I don't think I can kiss '80's Chris'." He didn't think that was all that funny, but it was. Finally he got a laugh out of it, and went to sleep.

Then yesterday, I was talking to my sister and telling her about my exciting plans for the day which included giving Chris his long overdue haircut. I related the story of calling him '80's Chris' and she about bust a gut laughing about it (she's seen the pictures so the visual was all too real). I told her she'd better not tell the other sibs because he'd get mad at me. At this point she brought up 2 very relevant points: 1 - at least he can still BE 80's Chris (unlike her hubby who doesn't have as much to work with), and 2 - her 2nd grade picture that we plastered anywhere we could when we found it.

You should also know (and this is relevant to the story), people have sometimes told Chris that he looks like Donny Osmond. I don't really see it, but some people seem to. It bugs him. A lot. Ann knows this.

Back to yesterday. Ann (the sis) and I were talking a little later in the day while she was watching Oprah. It was the one that had the Osmonds reunion and she was just kinda telling me about it as she watched. At one point I guess they were showing some old clips of the family and she said, "Oh, there's 80's Donny...or is it 80's Chris?"

As I was looking for an image to insert of Donny, I scrolled past this one and both kids started shouting, "that one, that one...it totally looks like dad".

(can you tell the difference?)

All in all, he was a pretty good sport about all the teasing we gave him. And today he got his haircut. Now, I am happy to say, he looks like the Chris I know and love.

Editor's note: Chris was a little anti-me doing this. I promised I'd post an 80's Karen picture, too...don't laugh too hard (you know you have plenty of your own!).

Welcome to the 60's

2007-11-10T14:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at the kids' school it was 60's day so we got to dress the kids up (um...hi...wasn't Halloween just a week ago? Why are we dressing up kids again?!?) We were kind of debating about how the would dress up. We thought maybe some tie-dye and a fringed vest, or some sweet bell bottoms (none of which I had at 5pm the night before when I was reminded of this festivity), then Rachel's friend said her mom was going to do her hair in a bouffant and I immediately thought "Hairspray"! So, we figured out an outfit that would kind of pass, and got out the Aqua Net (not Rachel's friend from school - yes she does too have a friend named Aquanette) and the teasing comb and went to town. The end result was this:

We still needed something to do for Hannah, and she didn't want her hair teased at all, so we just left it straight, and put a headband in. As for her clothes, we were trying to go for the 'beatnik' look. Notice the straight leg capris? Of course the tennies aren't really our first choice of footwear, but it was PE that day after all, so there was only so much I could do. She looked cute (but I'm not too sure how 60's she looked):

I'm wondering why they didn't do 80's day. I like totally for sure could have 'fashioned' (to quote Michael Scott) something cute by pinning the legs of their jeans over then rolling them up, and of course giving them the 'bangs'. Oh well, maybe next time.

Spiders, Witches and Fairies. Oh MY!

2007-11-02T08:58:00.000-07:00

Our kids had so much fun on Halloween this year (all 3...even the big, bearded one that I'm married to). We didn't do the usual trunk-or-treat at the church...instead, Chris took the kids and went all around the neighborhood.

It all started, though with our traditional Halloween feast of 'Baked Spider' (thanks Heather for the great idea).Before we could finish dinner, though, there were kids ringing the doorbell. At least the kids got a little bit of good food in them before all the junk.

Our deal was, Chris would take the kids around trick-or-treating, and I would stay home. I had this big plan to be 'part of the neighborhood' by sitting out on my driveway and making homemade donuts for my neighbor kids (and I had plenty for anyone else who wanted them). Now, lest anyone think I'm ultra homemaker girl, let me say for the record that I just fried up some of those gangsta canned biscuits...you may have to ask PP how they got that name. That kind-of backfired on me when only a couple of families in my neighborhood came to taste the delicious, oil-soaked 'naughites' (as they became affectionately known among some of the kids who did come).

Meanwhile...the kids were getting ready to go...

Hannah is completely in love with the new Disney series of fairy books, so she decided to be a fairy this year. She loves anything frilly. And hasn't she got the 'Aren't I adorable' pose down pat? Well, we think she's adorable, so I guess that's okay!

Rachel wanted to be one of her favorite book characters, too (you'd think my kids are total book worms...they're not, but they do enjoy a good read). She was Hermione (I like the red-eye in the pic...it makes her look especially fearsome). Her dad even carved her a wand from the good-for-nothing tree in our back yard. She was very proud to have it.

So then, they were off...and they left me there to make the donuts.

Like I said, not many people from our neighborhood came to have their tasty little 'naughty'. But I found plenty of other takers. At first, I wasn't going to give them to people I didn't know, but after I had made a bunch, and ONLY people I didn't know came, I decided...'if I don't want to look like one of these, I'd better give them all away'. So, the people came...and came...and came...we had so many trick-or-treaters. It was really fun. People were telling me they could smell the donuts all the way down the street. I felt like the 'Pastried Piper'. At one point, this HUGE group came and I just happened to have a bunch of donuts ready right then. One of the parents passed out donuts, while I passed out candy. Toward the end, another mom came up and asked if she could have a donut. She started eating it and danced down the driveway singing 'I got the last one'...She shared a couple of bites with her friends and one of them assured me he'd be back in the morning...I thanked them for stopping by, and as they left, one of them shouted, 'bye, Donut Lady'. Does it get any better than that? A food nickname? Wow...I'm honored.

Eventually, I ran out of candy, so I packed it up and went in. As I was doing so, the giant group of people in the bed of a truck drove by and shouted, 'Thanks Donut Lady...see you next year!' (I was really feeling the love)
The fam got home after being gone for 2 hours, with quite a haul. I couldn't believe how much candy came home with them. Hannah must have used her 'I'm cute' pose with some of them, because she ended up with way more candy than Rachel. As they dumped out their new stuff, I remembered that there was a bowl of candy on top of the fridge from last year...LAST YEAR (Amy's totally laughing at this, I'm sure). While the kids were pre-occupied with their new stuff, I covertly took the bowl of the fridge and disposed of all old, nasty candy (except for the Sweettart chicks and bunnies my husband wouldn't let me throw away (left from Easter - it's an illness) because he needed some treats for work - it's kind of sad...I love you!)

We finally got the kids ready for bed but we just couldn't seem to separate them from their bags-o-loot.

Here's Rachel having SWEET dreams.

And here's Hannah showing what a MONSTER all that sugar can turn you into.

It was a great night!

Weekend Update

2007-10-30T11:44:00.000-07:00

This was a crazy weekend. It started Friday afternoon when, right at 3 when my 'baby' (that I babysit) got picked up the kids and I left to get a few 'last minute' items for their costumes. Who knew there would be NO Harry Potter costumes (we just needed a scarf for Hermione) anywhere, and that glitter make-up would be so hard to find (I don't usually wear that, myself, so I had no idea where to look). Finally, after looking all over Target and WalMart, I found most of what I needed, and got home at about 5:45. I still needed to get my kids all decked out, and all the stuff organized for the Primary booth at the carnival that started at 6:30.

The carnival was fun. There was SO MUCH candy! It was insane! We were kind of lucky...our kids came home with probably only about 20 pieces total between them. Good for me AND them! We were a little nervous what would happen the next morning at the practice for the primary program considering all the kids would be all hopped up on sugar and no sleep. We all decided to muster all the patience we possibly could and agreed to meet back at 9 am to get the chapel ready for the practice.

We went and hung out with some nb's (non bloggers) for a while after the party. Turns out it was nearly midnight when we got home and put our darlings in bed. I couldn't sleep at all, so when I woke up on Saturday morning...I felt like I'd been hit by a mack truck!

The practice Saturday went without a hitch. Literally, it went so smoothly, I'm racking my brain trying to think of something funny to say about it. It went so well...I should have realized then...that Heavenly Father just trying to give us something positive to go on...

Saturday afternoon, we went to a family party with my mom and some cousins that live nearby. We had fun letting the kids ride their scooters down the HUGE hills, and hoping they would stop before the lake. I realize this would all be much more interesting with pictures, but our battery died at the party Friday nite...so...imagine a GIANT lake in the middle of a park, surrounded by hills all around. It's a wonder there wasn't at least one kid in it by the end.

After the party I dragged my family around with me to look for a new outfit (I decided if I had to get up in front of the entire ward and represent for Primary, I needed to look cute). My husband wins the man of the year award for putting up with shopping with me. I looked at a couple stores, even Ross, and couldn't find anything. Side note - Ross has some serious hoochie-wear in my size (and that's not really something you'd want to see). Finally, I found a really pretty skirt and top...which again, you'll have to imagine because the battery is dead on the camera, and I really do everything I can to avoid being in any pictures, at any cost.

By the time we got home, it was after 9 and neither Chris or myself could even take another step. We were completely exhausted (so Chris didn't get his haircut...for about the 5th week in a row!)

Sunday began with a quick shower (or 3) and an early morning meeting. I say 3 showers because that's how many times it took for me to get it right. 1st try...washed only my hair, turned off the shower and was just starting to get out when I realized i hadn't conditioned. 2nd try...put the conditioner in and got out and started drying off. I went to towel off my hair and realized...UGH there's still conditioner there! 3rd time's the charm...rinsed out the conditioner! Luckily, I couldn't sleep, so I had plenty of time.

I went to my meeting, then choir practice, then wanted to come home and take a nap...but I was all cute, and didn't want my hair to get 'ruined' so we all just hung out till time for church.

Church is at 2, so we got there a little bit early to get the microphones set up where they needed to be, all the extra chairs set up on the stand, and any other last minute stuff. We all sat down in the congregation until after the sacrament...at this point...I breathed a sigh of relief. I thought...there's nothing else we can do now...it's going to be great.

Then the Bishop got up to conduct...

They turned on the mic for him, and we all heard, "You are listening to the broadcast from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints". This was where I knew it was going to get interesting.
Everyone had a good chuckle, and we went on.

There had been baptism the day before, so they had to do the confirmation during 'ward business'. They went and grabbed one of the mics we had all set up, turned it on, and...nothing...they turned it off and on again, and...nothing...they checked the cord, unplugged, re-plugged and...nothing...Meanwhile, I'm trying to catch the eye of the Bishop to suggest that maybe they had turned off the main power switch, but he never looked at me. So they grab the other mic we had set up, and went thru the same process. It was awful...the presidency just kept looking from one of us to the other with these faces like, what are we going to do? why is this happening? And of course there was the well meaning Sister behind me who leaned forward and said something like, "oh no...what are you going to do" (like I wasn't already stressed enough). Oh yeah, and my mom was next to me saying the same kind of stuff (but she was just feeling my pain).

They got thru the business, and then were on to the sacrament. When they turned their mic on, you could kind of hear it pop on, and then you couldn't hear the sound at all. This time when they tried to turn it off and back on, we heard the same, "You are listening to the broadcast from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" (along with some Mo-Tab), and when they tried again, it said the same thing...only this time it was in SPANISH! Oh mercy...I was having all kinds of thoughts run thru my brain. I was a little worried that we would have a little background Mo-Tab music for our songs.

As I walked up to say my part, the presidency sort of just met up on the stand. We decided there was nothing we could do about it now. We just decided to have the kids use the main mic (which happily was still working). I knew everything was going to be okay when, as I was saying my part in the beginning, I could feel the Spirit so strongly I could hardly speak.

After all the chaos, the program was so nice. The kids were all reverent, almost all 60ish of them had their parts memorized (as well as most of the teachers---you ROCK!!!), they sang all the songs and I was amazed that they really did know them. We always have a little insert to put into the ward bulletin where we ask for feedback or comments. We probably had 20-30 people comment on how strongly they felt the Spirit, too. The kids did such an amazing job. I guess it just goes to show...we (and by we I mean I) worry too much about the little things. It's the simple testimonies of the children that invite the Spirit...not whether or not they're standing still, or singing into microphones...etc.

The counselor over the program was so awesome...throughout this whole thing, she's been so calm and mellow. I've decided she's such a good balancer for me...the yin to my yang, if you will (I don't really know if I used that in the correct context, but it sounded good).

I wish I had a picture of the kids...but I understand we're not allowed to take pics in sacrament meeting (glad I didn't have to find that out 1st hand - you know who you are).

It was a busy, overwhelming weekend - as evidenced by this eternally long post.

As a follow-up...I found out today, that the Bishop later told Jenny (miss yin) that in the ward previous to ours, they were having some problems with the sound system and when they flipped one of the switches, they heard a pop and had smoke come from the main console...I guess things could have been a lot worse. At least we didn't have a fire!

TiVO-induced attention deficit syndrome (or TADS)

2007-10-26T13:23:00.000-07:00

I have a problem. I have TIVO, I love my TIVO, but recently I have begun to notice something strange happening to me.

It seems that my Tivo has activated this inability to pay attention in me. I find myself halfway listening to the radio, then I almost hear something that gets me a TADs interested. Here's the problem...I can't rewind and re-listen.

At first this was only happening a TADs in my car as I listened to the radio. Now, it's happening all the time. I find myself just paying a TADs bit of attention and wanting to re-wind or pause a conversation.

Just this morning, I was in the shower and I heard the phone ring. I thought, "I'll just pause"...wait...not possible. Then just as I was getting out, I thought I heard the doorbell ring. Out of my compulsion to answer EVERYTHING...always (which is a completely different illness for another day)...I thought, "I should go answer that...but I can't in a towel. If I could just rewind and listen again, I'd be a TADs more certain there's someone there." This would have proven especially handy when I realized that my laundry basket that was full of all my clean undies was in the middle of the living room floor in front of the very large, and very open window.

Does anyone know of a remedy?...other than the obvious 'stop watching tv'. That one won't do. I gotta have my 'Office' fix.

Whoa, Baby! That's my baby!

2007-10-21T21:16:00.001-07:00

Primary today...just crazy. We had just finished our 2nd practice (2 hours long!!!! AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!) for the 'presentation' next week, and I was all focused on everything that needed to be done, and changes that needed to be made, etc. when Rachel (my oldest) walks up to me. This is the point when I think...I'm not mom right now, give me a minute...but she had something in her hand that caught my eye.

She was holding 2 pieces of paper that had been cut in heart shapes. I thought I had seen a similar paper in Hannah's scripture bag during sacrament meeting, and I wondered where they came from, so I made time for this. She says to me, "Look what I got today".

I take the paper in my hand, and see this:I think to myself, "hmmmm. Interesting picture".

Me: Where did this come from?

Rachel: Bro. F gave it to me when we were starting the practice. He said that KC wanted him to give it to me for him.

Me: KC? (boy? younger than you? huh? what? lights spinning...feeling faint!)

Rachel: Yeah. What do you think it means?

Me: (in love with the fact that she's not totally sure about all this) Um...I think it means KC 'likes' you!

Rachel: Yeah, but in this one, the person's face is x'd through (there were 2 hearts...I only scanned the one without the 'x' thru the face). Maybe that means he doesn't like me. I don't get it.

Me: Well, it's sweet. He probably just thinks you're cute. Maybe the x'd out one is supposed to be him and it means he doesn't think he's good enough for you. Maybe it means he thinks he's too good for you...I have no idea.

Then we get home and start to tell Dad about it. He wants to see, so she goes and gets the hearts. That's when I see the other side of the heart (they both looked the same). It looked like this:
(If you can't read it it says, "KC and Rachel"). I said..."Um, I think this means he 'likes' you". She just giggled and said, "well, what do I do with these"?

I told her she should put them in her journal. She may have a day sometime in her life where she'll need to know that someone thought she was special enough to have their primary teacher pass her a note during church! What a sweet boy to do that...it did make her feel pretty special.

Evan is going to be so sad if he reads this...Wendy...don't let him know. (Evan LOVES Rachel, but we've never been too worried about him since he's only 6!)

I'm not sure if I'm ready for all this.........

Underwater Author!

2007-10-17T20:05:00.000-07:00

Hannah came home from school today with this story that she wrote a few days ago. I had to share it. She has a great imagination...must be all the fairy books she likes to read.
(this is typed exactly as written)

The Under water Adventur

Long ago under water the fish awoke and rose. The bottom of the ocean is very dark, warm and cozy. The middle is lighter but not to light and a little bit colder. The top is very light and cold. When you try to talk to someone, bubbles come out of your mouth like little fish. try to swim one way and you will go back with the current. Then try to sleep under the water. You will still float along with the current. Then make the bubbles from your mouth take the current your way to an enchanted palace along the way. Go inside and you will see an enchanted king and queen fish in the palace. Thekind and queen will ascort you to your room. All the rooms are very squeshey becaus they're made for fish. Exept for three of them.

By Hannah

Off to the Races!

2007-10-15T17:47:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Chris was in charge of an Elder's Quorum activity. I was proud, too...he didn't even make it my responsibility by extension. Thanks, hon. So, the activity was 'Goldfish Races'. I had done this several years ago at an activity when I was in YW in another ward and I told him all about it. It was really fun. He bought 2 rain gutters and the end caps for them, and a bunch of the cheap-o goldfish (btw - you're not allowed to hate me if you're an animal rights activist...lots of them were dead before we ever started). For refreshments, they served goldfish crackers, of-course, and gummy worms and fish. The kids had a great time...too bad more people didn't come.

Rachel and Chris' fish race each other. I think Rachel won most of the time.

Hannah's fish races Elianna's. I think Hannah won (she won a lot).

Rachel races the Knopp boys.

All in all, it was a pretty fun evening. I was there...but any photographic evidence has been destroyed! (I was going to help Becky paint later, so I didn't look too cute).

Pretty Little Things

2007-10-10T08:20:00.000-07:00

My girls got their school pictures back last week. I realize I am completely biased, but I think they're so cute. I had to share...

Rachel looks so grown up here. She's changed a lot over the past year. She's even getting taller! Something she thought would never happen! Hooray!

Here's my little Hannah. This picture makes me snicker...I just wonder what those wheels in her head are working on. This one never stops thinking. You can see it in her eyes.

*Side note...wouldn't it be nice if the school told you..."Your child won't be getting their picture taken until after lunch recess". If they were so kind...we could have planned a little differently for hair styles. Hannah's hair was so curly in the morning when she left...but I'm guessing playing outside in 100 degree+ weather made it go a little flat! Bummer. Good thing she's so cute.

How quickly we forget

2007-10-03T16:06:00.001-07:00

I haven't mentioned this on here yet, but most everyone who knows me, knows I babysit for a teacher at the kids' school. He's only about 14 weeks old, and he's very sweet. I am learning how much I've forgotten about having a baby since 8 years ago when I had my last one.

Case-in-point...yesterday, I was out and it was time to feed the baby. My car was also running on fumes. So I think to myself, well, I'm already out, and he's being pretty happy...I'll hurry and get the gas before I head home. I got my gas (after searching for an acceptable price to pay {never found one, by the way}) and went home.

By the time we got home, the baby was very sad and wanted out of his carseat. I got him out and was holding him while I started getting his bottle. Then I thought to myself...oh, I just pumped gas, I should wash my hands. So I go to the sink. Now, here's the pickle...I'm holding a new, still pretty floppy baby, and I need to wash both hands. I think to myself...I used my right hand to pump the gas, maybe if I just wash my right hand...So, I start washing my right hand. Then I think...I should probably just wash both, so I lather up my left hand (holding it out as far away from baby as possible) and rinse off my right. Now my right hand is wet, my left hand is wet and soapy, and I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to rinse it off without dropping the baby in the sink.

During this whole ordeal, I was thinking...I gotta get a picture so I can blog this. Well, seeing as everyone else was gone, and we've already determined my hands were more than occupied, there's no picture.

I did finally get both hands clean and baby fed and put to bed. But I have to admit, it kinda shook my confidence in being babysitter supreme to have such a little thing throw me off. Maybe I just should have washed my hands BEFORE I got the baby out of the carseat.

Maybe next time....

2007-09-24T09:36:00.001-07:00

With urban sprawl alive and well in the greater Phoenix area, we are finding our close-ish location to the airport to be appealing to those of our friends who live a little further-ish from it.
We have recently become the 'parking lot of choice' for friends traveling who need a quick lift to the airport and need a place to stash their cars.
We offer un-covered parking at a fraction of the cost you'll find at the airport, and we're not nearly as scary as the creepy shuttle drivers you'll find there.

Happy Trails!

Here we go

2007-09-21T11:39:00.000-07:00

I sit here reluctantly creating a blog after much encouragement (yes, that's what we'll call it ) from Wendy and Shauna...yes...I've caved in to peer pressure. At first, I didn't do one, because I couldn't think of a name. And can you blame me? Look what I came up with. Then, I figured I probably shouldn't waste...I mean spend the time writing on the computer all day. But, I finally realized, I feel like a voyeur just looking at everyone else's, so I may as well give you something to look at too. Guilt...GONE!