Sucker Mom

Favorite Kid Sayings

2011-04-19T17:37:00.000-07:00

So the other day I was thinking of the funny things that my kids say and I am realizing I am forgetting them. So here is one from each of them and the ages they were when they said them.

Britton (15)- "Mom the Sweetheart dance wouldn't count as a date, right?"

Chandler (7)- Kaitlyn asked how the baby (Connor) got in my stomach and while I was trying to decide how to answer that Chandler chimes in, "That's easy. You know how dad says there are spirits all around, well mom just slurps one up! If she wanted twins she would just slurp up two!"

Kaitlyn (8)- "When is it okay for me to kiss a boy?" (mom's answer: "after your master's degree")

Sydney (6)- "I don't think I will date boys when I turn sixteen, dad's dates are more fun, I'd rather go out with him anyway."

Connor (4)- "Mom why.... is that lady black, are the people stuck in the radio, did dad hug you like that, can't I have a real gun, can't I drive the dump truck...?"

My Baby is turning 4!

2011-02-17T12:43:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Connor!!

It is hard to believe that this active rough
and tumble boy is already four!!

He was such an adorable little guy.
I have never rushed him to get bigger!!
He is my baby!!

Happy Birthday Connor!! It is fun to watch you grow.
It is fun to see how excited your brothers and sisters get as you grow.
Thanks for bringing so much
fun into our home!!!

Monkey See Monkey Do

2011-02-06T17:07:00.001-08:00

I mentioned a few blogs ago about
how our family has had the flu.
Well with this flu came a horrible cough.
Monte lost his voice because of it. He has been
using a steam bath to help with his vocal chords.

So I walk into the kitchen one afternoon
and find Connor on my counter.

Mom: "What are you doing Connor?"
Connor: "It's my throat mommy!!
It helps my throat!"

What's That Noise???

2011-01-26T16:07:00.000-08:00

Last night about 9:30 Kaitlyn runs upstairs all upset.

Monte and I are pretty upset also.
This is the millionth time
we have told someone to go to bed!!
So in tears Kaitlyn explains
she can hear a noise downstairs.
"What noise?" asked Monte (who really doesn't care).
"It's a crinkly noise.
You can't hear it all the time,
but every few minutes it starts again."

By then Chandler comes upstairs and complains
that she is so scared she is trying to get in his bed.
Monte asks him about the noise.
He says he can hear it but doesn't care,
he just wants to go to sleep.
(It is nice to see Chandler is getting old enough
to know that is the answer his father wants).

So with this Monte tells her it is nothing and to go to bed.

A few minutes later Monte is in the family room
and she is still upset downstairs,
so he heads down to find out what is wrong with her.
Well half way down the stairs
he hears the noise too.
What is that?
But as soon as it starts it stops.
So he stands in the hall and realizes
it is coming from our unfinished bathroom
downstairs that we use as storage.
He carefully opens the door...

There's Connor with a box of the snappers.
You know those little fireworks
that you throw on the cement outside
and they make a popping noise.
Somewhere in that room he found
one of those boxes of 100
and had been having so much fun.
Monte scolded him while trying not to laugh.
He came back to bed
and explained no wonder Kaitlyn was scared!!

But we are learning a strange noise-
first find out where Connor is!!

Kailtyn's New Talent

2011-01-23T17:45:00.001-08:00

I have been trying to learn how to
quilt. Kaitlyn has been
begging me to teach her. So she has been off track
this month and I cut her a bunch of
squares, and she loves it.

I woke up in the morning and
she was busy sewing away!!

Within a few days she already
had five rows done. She
has had so much fun making her quilt.

Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam

2011-01-17T19:31:00.000-08:00

Well since our family finally got
to go to church again,
we have our last Sunbeam!!

A Sunbeam!

A Sunbeam!!

I'll be a Sunbeam for Him!

Note: To friends who aren't a member of my Church.
A sunbeam is the first sunday school class
you start when you are too old for nursery!!

The Flu Sucks!!

2011-01-14T18:20:00.000-08:00

I consider myself a pretty good mom. I put dinner on the table most nights,
I make sure my kids are showered and homework done,
and I make sure they get their flu shots!

Yes, by myself I took all five kids to get their flu shots,
to ensure we are healthy.
Even Monte and I went and got ours also!!

So tell me why???

Last Thursday evening Connor starts running a temperature of 102!!
Yes and he stays above 100 and is miserable for three days,
and continued to cough... well he is still coughing.

Then on Friday Monte and I start to get achy
and our throats feel rotten,
we run fevers and are miserable for days...

Well still miserable

Then on Monday Kaitlyn starts and by Tuesday Britton
is there and now our Syd!!
Making Chandler the only one (so far) to stay healthy!!!

A major problem we have is this...

Connor is healthy and has not left the house in over a week
and has little supervision!!!
Lets just say the antics he is doing
with all this boredom
is a blog all its own!!!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T16:48:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas!!!
Hope that everyone is having a wonderful day!!

These are some fun pictures I took of the kids
a few weeks ago!!

They were suppose to be Christmas Cards.
But as you may have notice,
there is not one in your mailbox!!
Well at least this year I took the pictures!!!
Merry Christmas!

Christmas Time!!

2010-12-23T15:41:00.000-08:00

Happy Anniversary!
For people who know us well, Monte always makes
our anniversary special.
He did great this year. It is our 17th anniversary on
the 17th of December. So from the first day in
December until our anniversary I got a card and a gift.
Each day represented a year and each gift was in
memory of that year. It was fun to go over our 17 years together.

This year for our anniversary we went to Daniel Summit and
rode snow mobiles. We had so much fun together!!
The trees were beautiful.

It is not often that we get out just the two of us, no kids
begging to use the camera!!! Just the two of us up on
a beautiful mountain top!! Luckily for me the seats and
handles of the snow mobiles were heated!!!This is the view from the back window of our room.
Even I couldn't take a bad picture!!!

Thanks Monte for 17 fun years and another fun adventure!!

Science Fair Conclusion

2010-04-19T21:11:00.000-07:00

I don't want Chandler to read this blog years from now and notice that I put Britton taking first place for his school and not recognize that Chandler also placed for his school for the Science Fair.

Then both boys went on to district...

They both also won blue ribbon's at District and went on the Regionals at BYU.

We had a lot of fun at BYU while they were there competing all day long! They did not win there but what a fun experience that we did not expect. We were very proud of the boys and how well they did with their interviews and working on their projects.

How nice it is also to have it finally over. Those boards were bound to get destroyed in this house!!

It's Spring Time!!

2010-03-20T20:49:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of spring.
Time to get Granmalona over to the house!!
She and the kids worked so hard in the yard!!

Connor loved digging the hole for the plants to be put
into. He also loved finding worms.
Kaitlyn is our yard girl and was busily
watering and feeding the plants.
Sydney used this time to not have to share
the Wii.
The flower beds look clean and ready for a new year.

Thanks Granmalona!!

Joshua's Wedding

2010-02-21T08:20:00.001-08:00

My mom, Sydney, Connor and I left for
California a few days before everyone else did.
Thanks to movies in the car and
goldfish crackers being on sale the week before
it was an awesome car trip!

The rest of our family met us for the big day.
My baby brother got married!

The wedding was beautiful, the bride was

beautiful. It is so nice that my brother
has met such a wonderful person.
I am excited for the two of them.

The only sad part was Monte left
the reception early to take
Connor to urgent care.
We couldn't get him to stop coughing
and he became lethargic.

He got checked out by a doctor and told he
would be okay in a few days.
It was just a virus his body would kick!
(yeah 3 hours for that diagnosis!)

That did not stop our fun. We got to see so many
of our friends. It was a great trip. How fun to see
everyone that we miss so much!

Birthday Boy

2010-02-18T20:07:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Connor!!!
We love you!

It is amazing that our baby is now 3!
We have had a toddler in our home for almost 15 straight years.
But all of a sudden we find no diapers in our home and
just this very adorable little boy.We had so much fun with him for his birthday.
When he woke up we sang, "Happy Birthday"
he said, "Yeah, present time!!"
I guess he understands the concept of a birthday!Of course, dinner had to be spaghetti!
Connor thinks it is "dewishes"!Happy Birthday Connor!
I can't imagine what you are going to do as a
three year old!!
(I can't decide if I'm scared or excited!)
(Okay maybe a little of both!)

Go Britton!!

2010-02-03T20:09:00.000-08:00

Wow!! Britton won first prize!!
Today was the science fair and Britton was given
first place.
Good job Britton. We are so proud of you. You
worked hard, you and I whined a lot and
you got first place!!

Food Storage isn't Just for Family Time!!

2010-02-01T09:22:00.000-08:00

So I think the neighborhood kids are going to think twice before they ask to come over to our house on a Saturday afternoon!!! Monte and I borrowed the church's caner (not sure how to spell that)and spent the day canning corn and beans.

Kaitlyn was my little helper all morning long. She labeled boxes and cans like a trooper.

When Kaitlyn's friend came over to "play", she jumped right in and helped also. These girls made this a lot more fun and they really were helpful.

Speaking of helpful, he was not so helpful. But he did love playing in all the corn I dropped on the ground.

Sydney THOUGHT that she was pretty helpful. She had a lot of fun helping mom put the corn into the cans.

Britton and his friend had the hardest job of all. They carried all the boxes of food downstairs when we were finished!! Thanks boys, sorry I interrupted your hours of playing video games!!

When the girls were done with all their hard work. They enjoyed some cookies and milk, for a job well done!!
Then they did their own science project. They wanted to find out if the corn I was canning would also turn into popcorn.
Once again for your great love of science. Only a few of the kernels popped into popcorn, but when they burn they smell just like burnt popcorn!!!
(Which then sent me after my cleaner, and what takes that smell out of the microwave?) :)

Got to love science!

Science Fair!!! Why Me???

2010-01-29T09:22:00.000-08:00

I know that I haven't blogged for awhile, and my new blog should start out telling you how wonderful things have been. How much they have grown. What cute things Connor has done recently!! But no!!! Our house is too full of science fair mayhem!!

First Britton comes home and says he needs to do one. He spends a Saturday finding out which one he wants to do (that mom is willing to have take place in her home, aka NO VOLCANO!!). So he finally decides.

Oh yeah, Monte has never done a science fair project. He lived in Germany and there they don't do them. So the only experience in this that he has is by looking it up on the Internet. So much for pawning it off on him! So its science fair project or move to Germany!!

Two days later Chandler comes home. He has a science project also. I am no dummy. I am not doing 2 different ones!! So I informed Chandler I have a great idea for a project!!! Britton's!!

So last Saturday our kitchen temporarily turned into a laboratory. By the way, iodine stains!!!

Britton stirring the starch solution.

Chandler stirring the starch solution.

Have I mentioned that iodine stains counter tops!! Yes even through paper!!

Oh yeah in case you are interested. Oranges have more Vitamin C than grapefruit, lemons or limes. And Vitamin C is helpful in many areas not just scurvy and helping you from catching a cold. Hip Hip Hurray for science. Now to go bleach my counter tops.

* Oh yeah Syd is cute and Connor is funny. BLAH!! BLAH !!BLAH!!

Now comes the tri-fold boards!!!

Remember Me!!!

2009-12-30T20:39:00.000-08:00

Okay since my last post was June it is time to get busy.
I do miss keeping track of our family
on our blog.
One of my MANY New Year's Resolutions
are going to be my blog again!!

Sydney's Ouchie!!!

2009-06-15T20:50:00.000-07:00

So this is my beautiful daughter, Sydney.

On Friday morning it was sunny

for a maximum of 5 minutes.

In that 5 minutes

Sydney ran out to ride her bike,

within seconds of starting up she fell on her chin.

With blood oozing everywhere

she came in the house blood everywhere.

I am not a good mom with blood.

I got confirmation from a friend

(all boys she knows wounds)

and took Syd in for stitches!

She did awesome.

She got 3 deep stitches and 7 top stitches.

They should be dissolved by the end of the week.

Sydney while at the doctors office didn't cry once. She was amazing!

I would have cool pictures of it,

but Britton broke my camera a few days ago.

(yeah the camera I thought was broken before but Monte fixed it.)

The camera is officially broken!

No more pictures on my old camera.

Thanks Britton!

A Solution!

2009-06-06T21:50:00.000-07:00

So in college I majored in Psychology.

I learned all about diverting

children's attention when they are doing things

they shouldn't be!

But does it work?

Well I have discovered my Connor

loves to vacuum!

So if you are going to have

a lot of energy and be the youngest

of five kids, this is the

perfect activity!

My floors are always in need of vacuuming!

So as long as Connor enjoys vacuuming,

and doesn't discover that he can suck up

anything he desires with my Dyson, we

are finding harmony in our home!

Truth about Britton's Experiment!!

2009-06-05T07:12:00.000-07:00

So the previous post was for the benefit of Britton's class.

Due to modern technology Britton can do the assignment at home,

post it on the Internet and the class can watch it!

So I was nice BUT now that school is out today

I am ready to explain that horrid assignment!!

It took 4 hours to build and another 2 hours to get the thing to work!!

52 takes later we succeeded!!

Here are a couple of my favorite outtakes!

( thought I got Britton screaming on camera but I can't find that one!)

And of course this wonderful one!

Yeah! Summer vacation starts today!

No more projects for at least 3 months!

(oh yeah there is that Eagle Project this summer!)

Britton's Science Assignment

2009-05-27T22:39:00.002-07:00

Britton's Explanation of what he wants to accomplish!

Success!! He did it!

Mema & Papa Were Here!!

2009-05-27T09:05:00.000-07:00

Mema and Papa are so much fun!

I enjoy when they come!

But the kids love having them more!!

We went to the park and out to dinner

and had a wonderful time!

The best part about it is that they are not coming to visit again...

Because they will be moving here in 2 months!!

I'm So Lucky!

2009-05-10T21:29:00.000-07:00

How is it that I am so lucky?

I am given opportunities to clean my

toilet, sink, floor, tub, tv, walls, curtains, etc.

You too may be lucky if you have one of these.

My helper. What do you get when you have

a full can of shaving creme and Connor?

One very cute kid covered literally from

head to toe in shaving creme!

Oh yeah, and the good side I also have

one very clean bathroom- NOW!

(well at least until Connor finds

the new can of shaving creme we just bought!)

Way to Go Sydney!

2009-05-10T21:18:00.000-07:00

So a few weeks ago I told Sydney she could

learn to ride her bike without the training wheels.

Then a few days later she is outside

and her best friend Sadie is being

taught by her dad!

Well that did it she had to learn now!

So the next day she and Connor and I went

to the park to learn to ride her bike.

I put her on and held the back of the bike and she

says for me to let go. I tried to explain to Sydney

that if I let go she falls, but of course she wanted

me to, so I did and she rode!

I have never taught a kid to ride a bike

so fast!

Go Sydney!

Don't we all remember the freedom

that goes with learning to ride your bike.

One more step of my little girl

gaining her independence!

As for Connor all this means

is he got to play at the park while

his sister practiced riding her bike!

Field Trip!

2009-04-29T20:37:00.000-07:00

Today Kaitlyn and I went on a school field trip to

This is the Place Park.

We had a lot of fun.

If you aren't from Utah this Park is amazing!

It is built on the site where Brigham Young

stopped the Mormon Wagon Train and

said, "This is the place."

And the pioneers settled in this, the Salt Lake Valley.

At the park the workers are all

dressed in authentic pioneer clothes and teach

the kids how peopled worked in

pioneer times.

This is Kaitlyn brushing wool. She learned how

wool goes from a sheep to a blanket!

She got to learn how to plow and

how hard it really is. If only she

would work this hard at home!

She even got to help make the Deseret News.

By using the printing press!

We had a really good time!

Field trips are great but man am I tired!

Headbands

2009-04-17T20:04:00.001-07:00

So the other day I found a blog tutorial

on making headbands and thought I would

give it a try.

They were easy!

They turned out really cute!

I made 16 of them for $5.50. That is totally worth it.
I was on the phone with a friend as I was making
them (shocking!).
She timed me and it took 8 minutes
from fabric to headband!

The girls loved them. When we
were finished and trying them on we discovered
another use for them!

Cool dude!

Connor liked them just as much as the girls!!

They would also work as a nice blind fold when needed.

It was a fun project!

Wicked

2009-04-12T15:52:00.001-07:00

AMAZING!!!!

Goblin Valley

2009-04-04T20:18:00.000-07:00

Last Friday Monte took the day off

and we took the kids to

Goblin Valley.

We had such a fun time.

The weather was beautiful and we

hiked all over the place.

The kids came home filthy dirty and completely happy.
The next morning Sydney asked if we could go again.

Update!

2009-04-03T14:09:00.000-07:00

My Camera!

Monte fixed it.

I am happy, the husband who has been known

to put batteries in backwards, fixed my camera!

After I had looked at all the ads, got advice, checked

consumer report...he fixes it!

No new camera with all the cool

new features they have come

out with since we got ours 5 long years ago!

Yeah for me!

Just Wrong!

2009-03-30T12:47:00.001-07:00

I will never understand Spring in Utah.

See my beautiful tulips buried in the snow?

The poor things come up to show me that

winter has left-but no the snow comes back!

Again & Again!

It's Wrong!

Note: I wasn't willing to go outside and take these poor pictures of my tulips

so Kaitlyn did it for me! She also couldn't pass up a chance to take a

picture of herself! Look how cold she is! I am so glad I sacrifice my

child's comfort for my blog!

(but those who know her know how much she loves flowers

and won't turn down a chance to go look at them- so

really I am just feeding her love of nature!)

My Camera!

2009-03-23T17:08:00.000-07:00

My camera is dead.

May it rest in peace.

I have had the same point and shoot since

Sydney was born.

I like my camera because

I knew how to use it.

I knew how to download, how to

take movies.

I knew its limitations. It can't take

good indoor pictures, it takes a minute to turn on,

it takes a minute to take the picture.

But I knew how to use it even if no one else did.

So I need help.

Of course I want the awesome cameras out there

but (M) that (O) isn't (N) going (T) to (E) happen.

(all feel for me)

So what is a good point and shoot?

Where is a good place to buy one?

I can't go without my camera for long

so please help!

Family Home Evening

2009-03-17T10:33:00.000-07:00

The weather is getting so pretty.

So we took Family Home Evening outside.

Last fall Monte and I bought some

baseball mitts and balls for our family.

So we played catch in the backyard for the evening.

Besides realizing how much spring cleaning

my backyard needs we had a lot of fun.

My favorite part was when we first started,

Connor ran back in the house and came back

with his glove.

That would be an old snow glove he found

in the hall closet.

(And the ball is not sitting on the trampoline,

he through that great pitch!)

Guess we need to go shopping for a

glove for Connor, since he was

too little last year but not this year!

Ice Fishing

2009-03-15T17:41:00.000-07:00

So Monte took the boys ice fishing Saturday morning.

They woke up at 4:30a.m.

Then I was back in bed by 5a.m.

It was -14 degrees where they fished.

Chandler was freaked out at the beginning

because he has never been that cold before

in his life!!

They seemed to have so much fun I couldn't

wait to post all the pictures they took.

But it was so cold there our

camera batteries froze!!

But the good news is

They didn't catch any fish!

Yeah, no smelly fish in my house I have to

pretend to be proud of!

My Baby and Always My Baby

2009-03-11T19:06:00.000-07:00

It is so wierd to watch my family growing!

I watch Connor getting bigger all

the time and then I see

Britton now. He is taller than me,

he talks deeper, he is just getting older!

It seemed to go so fast and here is my little guy

following in his footsteps.

But no matter how old they get

they will always be my

BABY!!!

2009-03-08T16:49:00.000-07:00

I am not one that enjoys being tagged (hint! hint!)

But I have nothing else to blog about

I am going through cruz withdrawl!

one word answers

Give one word answers with no explanation, then tag five bloggers

1. Where is you cell phone...drawer

2. Where is your significant other... napping

3. Your hair color... cute

4. Your mother... friend

5. Your father... papa

6. Your favorite thing... time

7. Your dream last night... oscars

8. Your dream goal... forever

9. Room you're in... family

10. Your hobby... reading

11. Your fear... teenagers

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years... family

13. Where were you last night... home

14. What you're not... skinny

15. One of your wish-list items... itouch

16. Where you grew up... Visalia

17. The last thing you ate... steak

18. What are you wearing... pjs

19. Your tv... off

20. Your pet... no way!

21. Your computer... lap

22. Your mood...content

23. Missing someone... parents

24. Your car... empty

25. Something you're not wearing...shoes

26. Favorite store... target

27. Your summer... longing

28. Love someone... Monte

29. Your favorite color... yellow

30. Last time you laughed... today

31. Last time you cried...week

and I tag...Ginny, Jody, Jodi, Michelle, and Charlene!

Yes you are welcome!

Book of Mormon Challenge

2009-03-06T08:04:00.000-08:00

Our book club this last month took on quite the

challenge, we read the Book of Mormon in

1 month time. (Please Note the shortest

month of the year was chosen!)

When our dear friend Sara said this was her book choice

for the month we all gave her a pretty

bad time about it! We teased her about

being the bishops wife, and on and on and on.

For my friends who are not members of my faith,

the Book of Mormon is 531 pages long, two columns

on each page of small text! But I soon discovered

AGAIN, the most amazing book I have ever read.

You cannot read this book and not feel completely loved

by your Father in Heaven. What an amazing

God he is to love us and give us

everything around us. He gave His Son for us.

His Son willingly gave His life for us. My love for my Savior has grown.

Thank you Sara

for taking the teasing and giving our group a wonderful

life altering experience.

If you have never read the Book of Mormon from cover

to cover in a month. I challenge you to do so. It is

a lot of reading but when you read it all at

once you learn so much! You see the BIG picture.

You see why it is so important.

You want to be a better mother, wife, and human being.

I know this book is true. I know it was written by

prophets of old. Give it a try you will not regret the hours

it takes you!

We are Home!

2009-03-04T21:27:00.001-08:00

Look at this ship! It is incredible! I

was shocked at how big it was!

We had such a fun time.We swam with dolphins. That

was the experience of a life time!

We got to hold on to their fins and they

raced us across the pool!

I have a great video of that.

Another really fun thing we did was

ride horses on the beach. I am not a

great horseback rider but it was fun. We

enjoyed the beautiful private beach that we got to ride along.

Overall, we enjoyed spending time together.

It is amazing that with time alone together that

you remember how much fun you can have with one another!

Bon Voyage!

2009-02-19T21:54:00.001-08:00

Monte and I leave Friday evening for

our cruise in the Mexican Riviera!

One week of beaches, lounging on the deck,
playing in the sand, swimming with dolphins...

One week with my husband and I!

See you when I get back!

My Caboose is Turning Two!!

2009-02-17T07:43:00.000-08:00

My Caboose is Turning Two!!!

I can't belive it is already happening!

My baby is turning two! It is hard to believe.

He is such a fun little guy.

He is mischievous, and a great way to end our family!

Happy Birthday Connor!

They Are Failing Him!!

2009-02-10T16:44:00.001-08:00

So the break up of children in our family is fun. We have two

boys and then we have two girls and then our

little caboose boy!

So one day I started thinking about my

little guy and how his older brothers

leave the house when he is 10 years old and

then all he has is girls, teenage girls at that!

Poor little guy!

So while he has big brothers at home shouldn't THEY being teaching

him the ropes NOT the SISTERS.

Do you see the pretty nail polish

in the above picture?

If not here is a better shot.

Sister Kailtlyn did this for him and then took

his pictures. He loved his nails and showed

them off to everyone.

Where are the Tonka Trucks?

Where are the army men, boys?

Help the little man out!

Then Connor knowing how to do makeup

helped himself to his sisters

lip gloss!

These boys are failing him I tell you!

But he is pretty!

My Scout

2009-02-03T16:03:00.000-08:00

Britton loves Scouting!

He is just a few weeks away from

his Court of Honor where

he will earn his Life! (Last rank

before Eagle!)

These pictures are from a snow hike he went

on recently. (He is the kid right behind

the one in the lead!)

Scouting is awesome because he does

things that if I would have known before

hand he never would have done!

(Do you see this cliff!)

He has an awesome scout leader

who loves this stuff!

I would never take my son on this hike

especially not in the snow!

Jared, his scout leader, couldn't wait to go!

Here is the crazy part! See this

line of boys this is "some" of the

deacons we have in our ward!

That is the other reason Jared is wonderful!

There are over 20 boys in Britton's age group!

Can't wait for the Klondike pictures

in 3 weeks!

(Another thing you couldn't pay me to do!)

Go Scouting!!!

My Smartie!

2009-02-01T19:16:00.000-08:00

So I haven't put in a video for a while. I thought my parents

would love to see our Connor and his antics. So please

enjoy Connor and his smart self! He is

finally starting to talk so we are really excited!

Happy Blogversary!!

2009-01-30T07:15:00.000-08:00

Today is my one year anniversary of when I started blogging.

One year ago today a friend of mine explained to me

I just had to start blogging! I have loved doing it this year.

I love looking back on all the things that have

happened to our family.

There are some that make me laugh and

some are still to tender to ponder on long.

There are a few reasons I love to blog.

* I love seeing my kids and their antics actually written down

(not just in my memory) and often even with a picture attached!

* It sure has lessened how mad I get at the kids.

Some of the things they do in the past I would have

been mad, now I think,

"Grab the camera- here is my next blog post!"

* I love getting to read what is going on with my other friends.

It is fun to see their families grow especially the ones

that are so far away that I don't get to see often.

I still feel close to them.

So since my blog was started and I ( I mean Dede)

hooked up my Site Meter I have had 4,710 hits.

I have been visited from a few different countries

including India, England, and Japan.

I have my largest visits from California and Utah (surprise!surprise!)

But I also have a few steady lookers from

Virginia, Minnesota, and Michigan (thank you to the three of you:)).

Also my most hits on a post come whenever I blog about Monte.

His antics beat out the kids antics!

Thanks honey for all the good material!

Well I have had a blast blogging this year and can't wait to see what next years blog holds!

Happy Blogversary!

(I think I deserve ice cream! Leatherby's anyone?)

Syd's Baby Sister

2009-01-25T13:17:00.001-08:00

My Sydney has a great imagination.

Lots of her friends have mommies that are

having babies right now.

So she thinks she is having a baby sister soon.

This is a conversation I overheard with her

and her grandmother "Mema."

Syd: Mema I am having a baby sister soon.

Mema: You are?

Syd: Yep, she is in my tummy.

Mema: Syd you can only have a baby if you

are married.

Syd: What?

Mema: Mommies have to be married first.

Syd: Well I am getting married to my boyfriend!

Mema: You are? Who is your boyfriend?

Syd: Oh, his name is Salsa! We are getting married

and then I am having my baby sister!!

These Boots were Made for Walking...

2009-01-23T17:41:00.001-08:00

Notice anything wrong with these boots?

Maybe the fact that one is facing forward
and one is facing backwards!
That's what happens when my almost
2 year old has to put them on
BY HIMSELF!!!

Yes big boy, they are on backwards!!

It seems like he is growing so fast!

But who can resist this guy!?

California Snowman

2009-01-18T21:11:00.001-08:00

So I grew up in California. I had never

seen snow fall until my freshman year

at BYU.

I didn't realize snowmen aren't really round

balls of snow. (I tried- it is impossible

to make the picture perfect snowman-

well at least for me!)

Also I never really understood

flocking a Christmas tree. Why would you put

that white stuff on? Then one day I

was walking home from classes at BYU and passed a

spruce tree and I had an "ah ha moment"

I get it flocking is like snow!

I am not a snow person.

So Syd and Con and I decided to build a

snowman. This is our great guy.

I had to hurry and snap a picture

before Connor ate all of his mouth and eyes

AKA- Sweet Tarts.
I also don't know what you use to pile up

all the snow but we used our old beach toys.

(They don't get a lot of use since we

moved to Utah!)

So when the snowman was all over we

made a snow castle fortress to guard our

beloved creation.

That's how you make a snowman

California style!

Lasiks

2009-01-15T15:13:00.001-08:00

Okay so I can barley See my computer screen, so sorry for any misspelled words. But I am bored, I can't read, can't drive, watching TV hurts so I am trying to blog.

I have my whole surgery on DVD I thought of downloading it but thought everyone might get made at me!:)

Anyway I had a procedure called PRK done. It is safer than Lasiks but takes longer to heal. So yesterday morning I saw 20/20 and now thanks to the healing process I can't see at all. Oh well in a few days it will be all over! No glasses. I have worn glasses since I was 9 years old. This is crazy. As I get ready for bed I have gone to take out my contacts every night and reach for my glasses every morning.

I am excited but hope the pain goes away soon.

My Decorating Creations

2009-01-11T15:20:00.000-08:00

Okay so right before Christmas I decided to rearrange bedrooms.

Not the best timing in the world, but
when the mood strikes- go with it!
We moved Britton upstairs
and the girls took his room downstairs.
His room downstairs is larger and since the girls have to share
we decided to give it to them.
Also it never hurts to have your teenager in
hearing distance from you.
We've all been there!

So this is Britton's room.
We went with blue as the wall color and black as the secondary color.
(if his bed was made you would see his comforter is black,
the frames are black, and when I finish making the curtains they will be black)
I think it turned out really nice.
The great thing is he loves his new room!

But in my house I only have one girl room.
So I let my imagination go!
This is what I did.
The room itself is white and then I created this border.
The squares are 15"X15"
and then after I painted them I trimmed off each square.
In these blocks above the window I am thinking about writing "Sisters" in vinyl letters.
Just one letter per block.
It would fit perfectly across this wall.
What do you think?

I really like how it turned out.

It was a lot of work but it makes a basement room so much brighter and cheery.

So with their pink polka dotted comforters

it is a fun and cheery little girls room. I am proud of it.

So what do you think?

(even if I was crazy enough to do it the week before Christmas.)

CONNOR!!!

2009-01-07T19:36:00.000-08:00

Isn't he adorable?!

But such a MESS MAKER!!

I am too old for this. Shouldn't

your last baby be sweet, and gentle, and a

blessing to raise? A little "thank you" from God

for having "just one more"!

So tonight Monte and the older boys

were off at different scouting events and I gave

the three youngest their baths.

I pulled Connor out of the tub, dried him off, got

his pjs on him and went to get Sydney.

I got Sydney out of the tub, wrapped her in a towel and

handed Kaitlyn her towel and walked into the kitchen...

Where I found Connor at the counter top

with a glob of butter in his hand.

"Oh no sweetie, let mommy wash your hand off,"

was not quite out of my mouth when he smeared it all in his

hair!! WHY????

I just got done washing that hair and

now it is covered in butter!! Butter

is not the easiest thing to get out!!

I'm telling you he is going to wear me out

before I even have a chance to turn 40!!

(which I am no where near by the way)

Welcome Raia!

2009-01-07T07:52:00.001-08:00

Welcome Raia!

This is my newest neice! She is the Jensen's family

21st grandchild!

Born Sunday Morning

6lbs 6oz

19.5 inches

She is adorable! I can't wait to hold her!

Sledding

2009-01-05T09:40:00.000-08:00

My kids headed back to school today after

having a month off! Now I can

reflect on what was fun about having them home!

One of the fun things we did when they were off

was, with all this snow, I took them

sledding. I didn't think that Connor would like it

all the much but I was wrong!

If Britton went down the hill without Connor in his

lap, Connor was at the top of the hill

crying for Britton.

Chandler loves to sled. I think he and Britton could stay

out there all day long!

Kaitlyn and Naomi had tons of fun. For

being such "girlie" girls they sure

are dare devils on the hill! So were Sadie and Sydney

I just couldn't get their picture fast enough.

If they saw and empty sled they

would run for it and jump and be gone!

Laughing the most hysterical laugh all the

way down the hill.

Britton is such a good sport. He just wanted

to sled but he ended up doing more than that.

He would take Connor down the hill and then carry

him and the sled back up the hill.

And most of the time Sadie or Sydney too, and definitely

whatever sled the two girls used would be brought up

by Britton.

Thanks son for helping out!

I finally took the little kids home and let the big

kids stay and play.

Hot Chocolate awaited everyone when they got home!

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T21:50:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!

We had a great evening with our friends.

(I'm still not sure how Bill got just me with the confetti

as his wife snapped the picture)

As for my husband with the no smile on his New Year's Face

He is having fun- but a lady at the passport

office says when he smiles his eyes are too squinty.

Does that mean because one bureaucrat says he has

squinty eyes he is never going to smile again!

Whatever!

Connor loved the fireworks at the end of the evening!

Happy New Year- Love Connor

Kaitlyn and Sydney were in the party mood! They

had a wonderful time with the hats and

blow horns, sparklers...

Thanks Dede for inviting us!

As for the women, we beat the guys

hands down in games (okay technically they won one

we won one-but in no time memory will fade

and we will have been victorious)

Hope you all had wonderful New Years.

I am still trying to decide what my New Years

Resolutions are going to be. I think for

sure more fun parties with friends!

Why Kaitlyn?!

2008-12-27T13:03:00.000-08:00

So my daughter has had long hair and she wanted to cut it short last spring.

So she has been sporting a cute little

above the shoulder length hairdo.

Well then she decided she wanted

it to grow out again.

I don't care.

See in the picture it was growing nicely.

Then why, please someone explain to me,

did she take scissors to her hair!

I know that she knows better.

It isn't like she is a three year old. She is seven for goodness sakes,

just months away from the age of accountability!

Why?

But there is no punishment I can

give her that beats this hair.

She wanted it long and it is going to be

a very long time before she gets her wish.

Thankfully our neighbor cut it the best she could

to fix the mishap and curled it looks pretty cute.

To my chagrin

everyone tells her how cute her hair is!

Oh well maybe I have the next great

hairstylist living in my house.

But I did tell her if she touches her hair again she is grounded for a week!

2008-12-25T10:47:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!!

I hope everyone is having a great Christmas!

I am having an awesome one.

Other than the feet of snow we are getting outside I have

my mom, my dad, my baby brother, my in-laws, and

my baby sister-in law here.

My Lemon Pie just got out of the oven and looks perfect!

I am having a wonderful day hope you are too.

Oh yeah and I know its not about the gifts, but this post comes

from my very own laptop!!!

Happy Anniversary To Me

2008-12-17T07:33:00.000-08:00

15 Years
Can you believe it 15 years together!
We are becoming such a couple that we each bought
the same anniversary card.
It has been an incredible, crazy, scary, fun, hectic,
maddening, amazing 15 years!
(And I think he is coming around nicely, don't you think?)

15 Things I Love About Being Married to Monte
1. His sense of humor. He makes me laugh.
2. His responsibility to family. I know I am safe with him at the helm.
3. His spreadsheets. He spreadsheets everything!
4. He loves his kids. Its fun to watch, he doesn't always
know how to show it- but he loves them.
5. His intelligence.
6. His body. (You still reading mom?)
7. I love that if I mention I want something, he will
find a way for me to get it. A powerful tool I always try
to use for good.
8. Our Anniversaries. He makes them amazing!
Friends call just to find out what we are doing this year.
9. His love of his Savior. It is evident in all he does.
10. His to do list. He always carries one with him.
He often puts things on it to appease
me when I know in his "real" to do list my items are
on the bottom of the list.
11. Great *!#@ (Still reading!)
12. We do everything together. He would never
make a large decision without truly taking in my opinion.
13. He never puts his tie on for church without seeing
what I am wearing. He doesn't want to clash!
14. I love the feeling of being cherished.
Thank you for that.
15. Our future. Talking about it with him makes
me excited for 15 more great years!

Okay there is my great hubby blog. No more mush!

My blog will have nothing more for the week. Because we
are going away for a few days.
But stay tuned for the things I need to discuss
namely Kaitlyn cutting her hair and the awesome paint job I did
this week!

See you next week.
Have a wonderful last week before Christmas!

2008-12-12T09:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Granmalona!!
We had a birthday party
(a few weeks ago)
for Granmalona's 60th birthday!
And yes that is a piece of wheat bread not cake.
(That's a real treat for a raw vegan!)

Connor loved the real treats
CUPCAKES!!
Between him and my 3 nieces they
went through a dozen!

But the highlight of Connor's night was
the carnival rides.
He can't get enough of riding around the
house on Uncle Ben's leg!

Happy Birthday Granmalona!

Orphan Boy

2008-12-09T10:14:00.000-08:00

Don't I look like a complete orphan.

Nobody would ever believe I had just gotten out of
the tubby. But yes I just got out
of the tubby and immediately got
into trouble!

Don't be jealous moms of the world.
I am just that CUTE!

Ice Skating

2008-12-07T09:14:00.001-08:00

Our family went ice skating last night. We had a really fun
time. It is a great family activity.
The family who can fall on their butts
together, stays together!

Sydney tried really hard. It's not easy to
be four and stand on a slippery surface.
She went around quite a few times holding
on to Britton and me.

We found out last night, there are skates
that fit Connor. I am not that brave enough
of a mother. He couldn't walk on the ice
in his shoes without falling!!
But he loved Chandler's hat and found his own fun.

As for the other kids. I am always amazed how
fast they pick up on ice skating.
They had tons of fun and are excited the ring
is open during the day while they are
off track!

Beware of Big Brothers

2008-12-03T17:49:00.001-08:00

On Sunday big brother and baby brother were playing
one of their favorite games. Britton crawls on the ground
and chases Connor, well in this Connor got so excited
he fell and banged his cheek on the ground.
Bruise #1
Then tonight while playing mom's favorite game of, chuck-stuff-
down-the-stairs-at-each-other, Britton hit
Connor with a toy.
Go Big Brother Bruise #2
But I don't know who was more upset
Connor or big brother.

Holiday Traditions

2008-12-02T11:07:00.000-08:00

When our older kids were younger we had an interesting family tradition.
Each year we would go and pick out a Christmas tree with the kids.
Before this Monte would go and pick up my dad's truck and meet us at the Christmas
tree lot. We would look through all the trees and pick one and watch Monte
load it into the truck.
This is where the tradition starts...
The kids and I would then go over to my parents house and have hot chocolate
and play with Mema and Papa.
While at home Monte could feel free to cuss and
scream all he wanted at the tree with no little ears in the way. Once he was
done yelling and screaming and telling the tree how stupid it is and it was standing
up strait with lights on he would call me at my moms and the kids and I would slowly
make our way home.
So that by the time we got there Monte was ready to be a
Christmas-happy-daddy and help the kids decorate.
(Beware there were a few bad years before
we created this wonderful, effective Christmas tradition)
So what are some of your fun traditions?

What a weekend!!!

2008-11-29T09:08:00.000-08:00

Lets see I ate too much.
I shopped too much.
And now I'm ready for a nap!
Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!

Our Family Pictures!

2008-11-26T14:14:00.000-08:00

So I got my copies of my family pictures that we took
a couple of weeks ago. I am so excited!
They turned out so good!

I am in love with these pictures. There are so many that I love I can't put
them all on my blog so here is a few.
Here is one of each kid that I love.

Oh yeah and if you think those are great look at these family shots that I loved.

And the ultimate favorite picture is....

I am the luckies person in the world that has talented friends.
Thank you. It meant the world to me.

The Symphony

2008-11-23T18:44:00.000-08:00

Monte and I got to go see the Utah Symphony perform
last night! They were amazing!
We were in the 7th row middle. The concert was beautiful.

As you listen to the sound coming from this orchestra
it just seems surreal. Then to think a composer wrote a piece of
music that takes 45 minutes to play!
We were tired last night and almost decided not
to go. I am so glad that we went.
What an inspiration.
(Monte didn't like the second piece he said it sounded
like his sister Tonya when she was learning to
play the violin!)
Other than that.... Beautiful!

Pinewood Derby

2008-11-21T07:34:00.000-08:00

It's Pinewood Derby Time!!
This is a momentous occasion for the Jensen Family, this is our
6th straight year of Pinewood Derby & our last for the next 6 years!

Chandler did awesome!
He was very proud of how well he did.
It was fun to watch the boys and all their enthusiasm,
not to mention the dads!

Sydney and Grandmalona had a great time too. They watched for
awhile and then made fishy kisses!
Overall, another fun pinewood derby.
(did I mention its our last for 6 years!)

Nothing to Blog

2008-11-16T08:10:00.000-08:00

Sometimes nothing is going on in life.
Sometimes we have nothing to blog but
our lazy days of cloud watching!

Sometimes we have nothing to do but lean
against a tree
and smile.

Lounge in the grass and watch your
children frolic!

Sometimes you have nothing to blog about
because you just live a simple life,
spent doing nothing!

NOT!!

Update on Kate

2008-11-13T16:34:00.001-08:00

Good News!!
Kaitlyn went to her 3rd visit with her dentist, since she knocked out
her front tooth.
The tooth was saved!!!
We are so excited. Katilyn had the bar, that has been holding her tooth
stable, removed today. Her dentist says it looks awesome. He doesn't need
to see her for 8 weeks and then just check it every time she
comes in for a check-up!
This is the same tooth he only gave a 20% chance of surviving!
Modern technology and the power of prayer! A nice one-two punch!

Friends

2008-11-11T14:53:00.001-08:00

What a fun weekend I had! I got together for the weekend with three of my
very dearest friends. It is so interesting to me that no matter how long time
passes between visits its as if we never left each other.

Charlene (left)- Was my roommate in college. She arrived after I had, when I wasn't
home, and was told her room roommate was, "Blonde, psychology major, from California, and oh yeah she's engaged!" Char was devastated! Who would have guessed our friendship
would stand the test of time.

Tammy(one in)-She and I met through Charlene about 5 years ago. We have the same number
and ages of children and don't know what we would do without each other. (Even
if combined we are the flake twins!)

Me(middle)- Okay I flipped my hair out in this picture. What do you think? It is hard to tell.

Sue(far right)- Sue later became Charlene's sister in law when she came to
Utah to stop her brother from joining a "cult"(oh yeah did I mention Monte baptized Char's later-to-be-hubby). Well Sue was baptized a few weeks later and it has been fun watching
our families grow (her family grew wider and faster than mine-can you believe it!)

We had an awesome weekend together. I only got out of my pj's once!!
Friendship is an amazing thing. We would have been friends for life but after
this weekend they know too much not to ALWAYS be my friends!

It's November 1st in Utah!!

2008-11-02T08:13:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it? This is Connor in a diaper, on November 1st playing in the Great Salt Lake!! We had a great day. So I have a list of things and places I want to visit in Utah.
Since we live in Salt Lake one of those things is to see the Salt Lake!
We did this yesterday.
It was really fun.

The kids played in the water and were covered in a fine layer of salt!
It was so much fun watching them play out there,
especially knowing that we are going to be in winter soon.
We enjoyed the day thoroughly!

I don't know what Connor enjoyed more the water or the
tons and tons of sand!!

The water was low so the kids could run and play in the sand till their heart
was content and we could still see them from the pavilion.

So the whole reason we went to Antelope Island yesterday was for the annual buffalo run. We saw hundreds of buffaloes! It was a really neat experience. (We also learned their proper name is Bison not buffalo)

It was amazing to see the Bison up so close. We watched them run down the shoots
and even had to stop our car a few times for them to walk across the road.

On Antelope Island they have a ranch. We went there and looked at the old homes
that are there and the kids tried their hand at lassoing. This is the closest we
could get to family picture there. Connor was too busy running everywhere to let us sit him
down for a picture.

We had a wonderful day with our cousins!

Help Me--From Connor

2008-10-28T19:56:00.000-07:00

Calling all mommies who have told me they love me!! Come get me!!
We have an invader in our house!!
This creature is getting in my way as the baby of the house!

Everyone is saying he is cute-- I am cute!
Everyone is cuddling him-- Cuddle me!!
Today I tried to be nice to him
(and make up for a very small kick to his side-that I shouldn't get in trouble for)
I covered him up with his blanket and he threw up on me!!
How do I get rid of him?
They say he is my cousin who is visiting but he has overstayed
his welcome!!

Please!! If you have ever loved and cuddled me in your home- come save me now!!
I need you- sweet ladies that I love!!

Too Nap or Not to Nap

2008-10-22T11:11:00.001-07:00

So when your church is 3 hours long and at 1pm- what do you do?
Do I put Connor down for a nap before church
or
or after church
or
not at all!!!

This is Connor when this past week I experimented with not taking a nap.
So dinner was almost finished and this is what he looked like!!

So how have you solved this dilemma!!

Happy Birthday Chandler!!

2008-10-20T19:23:00.001-07:00

Happy 10th Birthday Chandler!!

This is one awesome kid to have around.
It has been fun watching him grow and turn into such an awesome guy!

So here we go!!
10 Things you should know about Chandler

1. He has an amazing imagination!
2. Britton can rile him up faster than anything else!
3. He is such a smartie!!
4. He loves playing with his friends. Wherever we have lived Chandler
has had tons of friends!
5. He loves video games. I think he would give up food for games!
6. Speaking of food- Chandler is the pickiest eater I have ever met! When
he was younger he would tell us he couldn't eat things because they
tasted like paint!
7. He loves his mom. He is still not embarrassed to kiss me! Love that!
8. He is grateful. He is the first to say thank you to Monte and I when
he has enjoyed himself at an outing or playing games or whatever!
9. Chandler is learning to cook. Right now he has pancakes mastered and loves to
make them for us!
10. He is a great kid who has been choosing the right for a long time, and
for this I am grateful!

We love you Chandler!!
Happy Birthday!

Chandler's Scary Party

2008-10-19T09:17:00.000-07:00

What a great birthday party Chandler had!! They got to make a haunted house and feel creepy things in dishes. They ate witches fingers and dirt from a graveyard.

Making the haunted basement was so much fun! They spent over an hour down there creating the scariest basement ever!!!

Then the big boys were the "Ginnie pigs". They were "terrified" by the scary haunted basement!! They are such good sports!!
Happy Birthday Chandler!!

Monte's Last Day!!

2008-10-17T08:35:00.000-07:00

Well since we moved to West Jordan Monte has worked for American Express. In grad school we interned at American Express in New York, and now due to cut backs with the economy Monte is one of hundreds being let go.
But you can't keep a good man down!!
He starts on Monday with Galileo, here in Salt Lake. He is a little nervous but as a wife I'm not. My husband has made it his mission to always provide for our family and with
the help of Heavenly Father he has always done a good job!
Thanks Monte and as always I am thinking of you as you say good bye to dear friends today, and
hello to new ones on Monday!

Warning to Mothers

2008-10-15T07:28:00.000-07:00

I learned a valuable lesson with Kaitlyn and her tooth.
That lesson being
Dad doesn't have a clue in an emergency!
Now don't get me wrong, Monte did better than I ever would have when it came to the blood
and screaming that came with Kaitlyn accidentally popping out one of her permanent
teeth. But he didn't have a clue as to what dentist she sees. He calls me and tells me
in a rush that he is headed to the dentist office and hangs up. All of a sudden
I start to think does he even know Kaitlyn's dentist, he has never been there, he has paid their
bills but we are in crisis mode--does he know?
No, he does not!
He took her to Britton's dentist, who in complete confusion is telling my husband he has
no idea who this little girl is, as he is shoving her tooth back in her mouth. Monte
informs him that of course he is her dentist his card is on our calender. Kudos to Monte for noticing his card on the calendar-- but that is for Britton.
Kaitlyn and Chandler go to a pediatric dentist- who by the way knows a lot about children popping out their front teeth!
But that is okay he did good, but as I walk into the dentist
office I hear the dentist say, "I forgot to ask you is she allergic to latex?"
Monte answers, "No." As I answer, "Yes she is allergic please change gloves!!"
So this is not a blame Monte day. When the kids were younger and fewer
and work was less demanding he played a bigger role, but now his role doesn't usually include dentist visits, doctor visits, eye appointments, etc. That is my job and I love doing it (well not the shots and screaming, "Mommy no it hurts!"- but you understand).
Anyway I got to thinking the only reason Monte would have to take the kids to one of these places is if I am sick, dead or an emergency. All of which he won't be in his right mind. So I am making an emergency list with important doctor information, allergies (Connor has to be careful with penicillin- would he think of that in an emergency with his baby!), numbers of friends who can help, that kind of thing.
So what do you use? What numbers are important to you? Any suggestions? Was anyone like me and had never thought about your husband needing a dentist in under an hours time?
That's my thought of the day!

What a weekend!!

2008-10-12T15:50:00.000-07:00

What a weekend we had 1st it starts out with Kaitlyn
knocking out her bottom front tooth.
Yes that would be the new permanent tooth!

Monte rushed her to the dentist and he shoved it back in and
glued it to the other one. We won't know for a few weeks if
the tooth will stay or if it will just have to be taken out.
Since our insurance ends on Friday this is great news for the weekend!

* * * *
But every cloud has a silver lining. On Saturday I canned Jalapeno Jelly!!
Yummy!
This is it in the pot.

The peppers are all from my garden. Since it froze this weekend ( I do not want to
talk about the weather change in my happy segment of this weekend) all peppers
had to be picked and canned.

Emily and Jason came over to help with the project.
That made it so much more fun!!

In all we canned 32 jars of Jalapeno Jelly. We had a great time
and were able to accomplish a lot.
And it made my weekend feel better than when it started.
Hope your weekend went well!

Happy Grandparents Day!

2008-10-04T20:31:00.001-07:00

Due to the insane month we had I didn't get to tell my parents we love them. So I just wanted them to know we love you and miss you everyday. You are awesome parents and grandparents.

Go get the tissue dad before you hit play!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

General Conference Weekend

2008-10-04T08:52:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again!! One of my two favorite weekends of the whole year!! We are T-minus 5 minutes till Conference starts. It is General Conference weekend!!
What does this mean?

Well my kids say it means church in our p.j.'s
but to me it means more!
It means snuggling on the couch with the family
as we listen to the words of a prophet.

Hope everyone enjoys the weekend.
If you aren't LDS and want to check out conference enjoy!
As for any other questions about our beliefs go here!

Talk to you on Monday!

To Carousel or Not to Carousel

2008-10-01T17:52:00.000-07:00

The zoo here just added a new Solar Powered carousel.

I thought what fun and took Connor on his first carousel ride.

He wasn't so sure about this. The idea of going up and down
and around and around at the same time
did not set too well for him!

Then the security of his mother leaves so that
she can get a cute shot of the back of him!
Way to go with those trust issues.

Overall if a picture says a thousand words,
Connor's just says 5
"Get me off this thing!"

Oh well, Sydney thought I was the best mom ever
for letting her ride it. And she rode
on the dolphin!

Happy Birthday Sydney!!!

2008-09-28T08:37:00.000-07:00

Our Sydney turned 4 years old yesterday!!!

We had a really fun party for her. We decorated sun catchers and the kids decorated their own cupcakes and opened presents!!! Sydney seemed to really enjoy the fact that it was her birthday! Lots of jumping on the trampoline and finding the candy that grows in our grass during birthdays and we had a great FIRST party!

Even Connor didn't begrudge it being his sisters birthday!! He stole and cupcake and headed outside with his find!

Oh yeah, did I mention she had a second birthday party with her cousin that night. Yes, a very fun affair with MORE cake, MORE presents, and lots of rides!!

So happy birthday, sweetheart. We love you and here is your list of
4 things you got to know about Sydney!
1. She throws the most intense tantrums of anyone I have ever met!
2. For a child who grew up without being able to talk she is so articulate now it is amazing!
3. Syd has a great imagination. If you ever watch her she is usually gesturing to someone next to her that only she can see!
4. Finally if you know her at all she sticks her tongue out anytime she doesn't know how to respond to someone. For those of you who have had this done to you we apologize and as she gets more comfortable with the speaking world we HOPE this trait will go away!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SYDNEY!

Connor SLOW DOWN!!!

2008-09-22T07:55:00.000-07:00

This is my beautifully sleeping Connor. This was taken on Thursday. Such a peaceful little baby. I am completely enjoying him. So I am sitting here reading some blog posts, because Connor is in eating his breakfast so I have a few minutes. When all of a sudden...

I realize the little guy next to me at the computer is Connor. How did he get out of his high chair? I asked around to see if anyone had let them out- but no HE LET HIMSELF OUT!!
He just climbed out of his high chair!! Where is my cute small last baby?

He has been replaced with a climbing, jumping, babbling, non-stop moving TODDLER!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will come to terms with loosing my baby and gaining my toddler, but until then

anyone need a well used highchair?

I'm Back!!!

2008-09-21T18:19:00.001-07:00

Well I had a wonderful weekend away. Thank you Tammy for arranging it.
Also thanks for all the comments, Monte appreciated them too I'm sure!!
It was nice to come home to a clean house - I might add!

Now I remember, I love these children and I wanted to raise them!! Wow, what perspective distance gives you!!

Now when is my next trip? Anyone?!

A New Experience

2008-09-19T07:47:00.001-07:00

So this evening I am going to do something I have NEVER done before. I am the mother of five children the oldest in 13- and I am leaving. I am going away for the weekend and leaving my dear hubby in charge. Me and a friend all by ourselves!!

My husband has no idea why I feel it is necessary to "ditch" them for the weekend. He assures me no other wives feel this need. (Yes he actually said I was "ditching" him and yes he did state that other wives don't feel this is necessary--lives under a rock I tell you!!!) So my dear friends I call upon you for help. Would you please take a moment upon reading my blog and remind Monte why it is I need to "ditch" them and places maybe you have gone and "ditched" your family.

I would appreciate your help with this little project!!

Thank you!

The Park

2008-09-17T09:15:00.000-07:00

With the weather turning cooler I can't help thinking of the fact that winter is coming!

So it is time to play at the park. We need to play, play, play!!

So go boys throw that dirt. Get those hands dirty for soon all you will be able to do is get them cold and wet with snow!

So let the sun shine and we will enjoy every last drop of this beautiful summer!!
Make sure and take advantage of this wonderful weather!!

The Fun We've Had!

2008-09-14T07:48:00.000-07:00

So for the past 11 days Connor has got to be a twin!! His cousin Jeremiah has been staying with us. With their little blond hair and matching eyes it has been quite fun to watch them interact!

They got along pretty well especially in the bathtub! Connor treated Jeremiah like a push toy. You know when you push a button on one of your battery operated toys and it makes a noise - the same thing happens when he pushes Jeremiah!! He got very good at not pushing hard, just a light tap on Jeremiah would give him the scream he was anticipating!

As crazy as our house was with these two together I am excited to see what great friends they will become in the future. How fun to have a cousin your same age to play with and to tease younger cousins who are yet to be born!!

Overall, besides a destroyed home, the boys made this was a really fun time!

Thank You

2008-09-12T07:46:00.000-07:00

I promise this is my last serious post for awhile!

A week ago today my little niece Daniel died. We have now discovered that is was a rare form of heart disease that she wouldn't have lived a very long life even if it was discovered. This week I was given the privilege to do some things I never thought I was capable of. I made her burial dress and then went in and made hand and feet casts for her parents of her little feet and hands. What an experience.

I am grateful for a Father in Heaven who loves us, each of us. I am grateful to have the knowledge that Daniel is not suffering- that she is perfect. I feel for my brother and sister in-law but due to my belief that we are all sons and daughters of God I can rejoice in having had one of Father's chosen spirits in our family. I know my Father lives and I know that if I live righteously and I teach my children the same that we will live with Him again and be an eternal family. What wonderful news to be a family forever- that even death cannot separate me from my loved ones. For I will be with them again someday.

But my testimony would not be complete without my gratitude for my Savior. How comforting it is to know that no matter how hard this life is He paid the price for me. He knows exactly how I feel. How grateful that I have an older brother that loved me and my family so much that he died so we may live again.

The greatest gift I have been given in this world is my belief, my belief in my Father in Heaven and His son Jesus Christ. I have also come to realize if I am not willing to share that gift shame on me. So for you, my friends, please always feel that you can ask me about my love of my Savior. I will always be open.

Thank You.

In Memory Of..

2008-09-09T10:30:00.001-07:00

May 21, 2008- September 5, 2008

Danielle Jensen
My niece.
We love you. You were too good to be with us long.
See you soon!

Memory Lane

2008-08-29T07:17:00.000-07:00

One of the neatest things we did on our trip was take our kids to Sunset Beach in Santa Cruz. We went at sunset and asked if they knew why this beach was so special to us. Monte told them that this is the beach that he proposed to me on 15 years ago this summer. They loved hearing the story, especially Kaitlyn! Then they played in the surf for a little while.

It was a crazy feeling bringing 5 kids back to the place it all started 15 years ago. When I said yes I don't think I could imagine the journey we were about to take together.

So where did you get engaged?

The Beach!

2008-08-26T08:30:00.000-07:00

The second day of our family reunion was held at the beach. The family rented a pavilion and we had a wonderful time at the beach. One of the things I miss the most about not being in California any more is the beach. I grew up inland but a couple hours your there and having fun!

Chandler loved the water. He tried boogie boarding a few times but preferred just playing in the waves.

Kaitlyn did the whole girl thing. She would run in the sand and then when the wave came she would scream and run away. But she had a blast. Oh yeah, this picture is as close to boogie boarding that she got. She liked the little waves to come up and go under the board.

Now Britton on the other hand was never out of the water. He was out there with his aunts and uncle body surfing and everything. When I was out there with him a seal actually swam by! The water was cold but he must have stayed in it hours at a time. I think he would rather have done this than anything else we did on our trip.

Sydney was all about the sand. She played and built and she also would go ankle deep in the water to jump the waves if Papa was holding on to her. But she had fun in the sand. Which is better than last time I took her. If her feet came off the towel she would scream.

This is what Connor did with his day at the beach. He played in the sand for a few minutes and then fell asleep with the aid of Grandmalona and then Mema laid with him the rest of the afternoon. I think he took almost a 3 hour nap. But between the train yesterday and the 14 hour car ride the day before, who could blame him.

I have now decided a perfect vacation would be a week at a beach house!!

Happy Days are Here Again!!

2008-08-24T19:23:00.000-07:00

Connor is 18 months old!!
What does that mean???
Nursery Time!!!
You got it!! Today Connor went into the nursery at church for his first official stay!!
Yeah for Connor!!
Yeah for mommy!!!!!!!
He tried to escape when we first got there but he stayed and played. The only mishap is a nasty bite mark on the chin!! Sorry baby but the two hours alone in church to remember what the Spirit feels like were glorious!!
Now to just avoid Sunday callings for a while....
Happy Day!!

Chug-a-Chug-a-Choo-Choo

2008-08-23T10:07:00.000-07:00

Isn't this train look like fun!!! We loved it. We started our vacation out with a family reunion in Santa Cruz, CA. We had such a nice time. We met different relatives from Monte's family and played with cousins we already knew!

Connor of course loved the dirt and the watermelon. They made for a wonderful combination by the time the day was over!

This is one side of the train when we pulled out of the station. The ride took us through a Redwood preserve. It was beautiful. In all it was about an hour long train ride.

The train ride had one stop and the kids all climbed up on this old log, so of course the genealogy grandpa couldn't pass up an opportunity to have his picture taken with his posterity. So here is a picture with Papa Craig and 5 of his 20 grandchildren ( 2 more on the way!!).

And of course most of my camera's memory stick is pictures of these two guys. This is Connor and his cousin Jeremiah. They are less than two months apart and both are quite the toe heads!! They had fun running all over the place together. Tara and I would hold each others children and the family I don't think ever figured out which one goes with which one. As for the blond hair it inherited by me and Nat the non Jensen parents. We were both just like that as babies. (but grandmalona might try to say otherwise!)

And you can't miss those great photo opportunities that will embarrass them later!!

Overall day one of the family reunion is making it almost worth the long drive!!

I Interupt this Travel Log with an Important Announcement!

2008-08-20T13:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Kaitlyn!!!

Today Kaitlyn turns seven years old. I can't believe my little girl is growing up!! Unfortunately for Kaitlyn she woke up in the middle of the night throwing up. What a great birthday surprise. We are trying to make her at home sick in bed birthday a fun one though!

So here is my 7 things you need to know about Kaitlyn!!
1. She is a girl girl. They don't get much girly than her!
2. She loves her friends. She would play all day if allowed!!
3. She loves to be unique and do her own thing!
4. She is a really good girl. She tries hard to be honest and to do what is right.
5. She is an amazing sister. She knows how to tease back with her big brothers and be kind to her little siblings. She reads books to Sydney almost every night.
6. She has a great smile even with a mouthful of missing teeth!!
7. She loves to do her hair, clothes everything. She is a drama queen. I have actually watched her throw a tantrum while looking in the mirror!!

Happy Birthday big girl!! Your mom and dad love you very much!! Hope you feel better soon!

I've Got Pictures!

2008-08-19T08:14:00.000-07:00

So often when asked how I like living in Utah, I tell people I really enjoy it, but that I miss my family. I have often been brought to tears just trying to explain to people how awesome my parents are. It is really hard for me to have to live so far away that it keeps them separated from their grandchildren. The only problem with going home for vacation is I remember what it is I am missing.

Magic Where Are You?

2008-08-18T11:40:00.001-07:00

So I our family is back from its vacation!! I am going to try hard this week to figure out how to get my camera to download photos again!! We had a great time and I got some wonderful shots.

But now if I could just be Samantha on Bewitched and wiggle my nose and all the laundry would be done, all the bags would be unpacked, the groceries would be bought, and the house would be put back together again, and of course the 8 pounds I gained would be lost!

Picture This!!

2008-08-03T08:42:00.000-07:00

Okay Camera still not allowing downloads so you are just going to have to picture this one. My husband just got home last night from the Trek at This is the Place. He was at youth conference. So Friday night we went looking for an outfit that would sort of look pioneerish yet be cheap. We were at Kohl's for something else when we found these cotton pants from Chaps that were vertical pin stripped blue. For $5 he had to buy them for the Trek! Along with a blue button down $6 he was the snazziest pioneer ever!!!

So.....

Pin stripped blue pants..........$5

Blue button down...................$6

Monte home after hours of hiking sun burnt and blue sweat stains everywhere

............Priceless!!!!

Where is a good download when you need one!

Please Stand By!!

2008-07-31T18:42:00.001-07:00

Sorry I haven't been blogging very much. My computer is suffering a slow death. My computer husband between boys camp and youth conference and work isn't having time to figure out the problem. So I am a hit and a miss on the computer letting me work. The one thing that is driving me crazy is my inability to download pictures from my camera. That has nothing to do with the Internet yet I can't do it!!

Anyway my frustration level is high and I have great pictures and things from Britton going to camp and Chandler going to cub country, the water park, the zoo, Connor learning to escape out of the front door, and our trip to California next week!!!

Serious all this material and no means to express myself. I will go insane soon. Please don't give up on me if there is a will I will find the way!!

But on the upside look at all the scrapbooking of old pictures I am getting done. I can't download new ones but I have loads of old ones waiting to be scrapped!

Happy Birthday Britton!!

2008-07-13T17:56:00.000-07:00

Okay right now it is 7:01pm on Sunday the 13th of July. 13 Years ago today I was in labor expecting the birth of my first child. At 2:55am tomorrow morning he would enter this world. I have never been so happy. I can't believe that 13 years have already come. It makes me a little emotional. What makes it worse is his father scheduled scout camp for tomorrow on his birthday!! So I am emotional and sending him out the door at 6a.m.!

13 Things you have to know about Britton

1. He loves learning about animals. ( yet he is scared of dogs since he got bit a couple of years ago).

2. He is so funny!! He loves to joke around and tease! ( To Chandler's chagrin!)

3. He is very sensitive. He often will not do something he really wants to do to make sure someone else doesn't feel left out. He often asks me how I think they will feel.

4. He is a rocking good Big Brother. ( a little of a tease but always comes home from events where he has saved his treat to share with the other kids)

5. He is so creative. Always coming up with some crazy thing!

6. He is a great artist. The kid draws constantly. In sixth grade he got offered money from the other kids for his pictures of dragons!

7. He is shy. If you don't believe me ask Bishop Coats. He just interviewed him and Britton didn't say a word.

8. Britton is an awesome cook. He is in the process right now of making his own cookbook.

9. He has high ambitions. He already saves money for his mission and is working to receive his Eagle Scout award because he wants to earn it when he is 14.

10. He loves video games, riding his bike, swimming (which he has been able to do since he was 2), and goofing around with friends.

11. He is learning to turn to his Heavenly Father. Often I will ask Britton if he has read his scriptures for the day or said is prayer and a lot of times that is done already!

12. He is too smart for his own good. The things he comes up with to argue with us. I am not looking forward to the teenage years!

13. He has a messy bedroom. I didn't want you to think he was perfect. He hates to do chores and will often try to trick others into doing them for him. My own Tom Sawyer!

Happy Birthday Britton. You are going to have a blast at camp. You can overcome anything!

Love mom and dad

Yummy Tomatoes!!

2008-07-11T08:56:00.001-07:00

This is our garden. Yesterday we did what I love the most. We ate our first tomato off the vine! Yummy and warm and fragrant!! I made tostadas for dinner and Monte went out and picked the tomato!!
Here is our next beauty I can't wait to eat. It is getting bigger and more red everyday!
These are our bell peppers which are almost ready and a few feet away are the jalapenos. So Jalapeno Jelly here we come!!
Oh yeah this our squash. It is growing wonderfully...if only I liked squash!! Nasty Stuff!!

Scrapbook Page

2008-07-10T19:56:00.001-07:00

Something is wrong with my computer. I can't get my pictures to download and half the time if I get on the Internet it boots me off or keeps me trying to get on and moving SOOOOO Slow!! Therefore I haven't gotten to Blog much. But I have some great pictures and wonderful adventures we have been on.

But until I can get my camera to download these pictures here is a cute page I did the other day. I am still trying to learn the program but with a face like this you can't mess up the page!

Last Moments of Peace

2008-07-01T08:20:00.000-07:00

I write this while my two little ones are in the tub near by. I am quietly sitting here enjoying my last few moments before summer vacation officially begins!!!

Yeah!! With year round school that means three weeks to pack in the entire summer!! So between scout camps, family visitors, and the occasional trip to the pool!! It will be one rocking summer break!!

But the beauty is- no homework, no forcing kids out of bed in the morning, no forcing kids in bed at night, relax...hangout...! But definitely no peace and quiet. So good bye computer time by myself as the two little ones play in the tub!!

See you in a month!

Look at my Flowers

2008-06-25T07:33:00.000-07:00

Wow!! Summer has finally arrived. My yard smells heavenly!! My mother-in-law has helped plant roses everywhere in my yard- but only ones with the best smells!! They are beautiful!
This is the front of my house. Any of you that live near me if you want some of this purple flower it spreads like crazy!! Come this fall or next spring take some. If you have a flower bed you just want it to go everywhere in. It is hearty I haven't killed it yet!! And it is really pretty!
Roses! Roses! Beautiful Roses!! I have every color. Red, yellow, pink, orange, purple, and white! Love it!!