.

2011-08-31T10:36:00.000-07:00

introducing.....

Ethan Orville Jensen

{9 lbs 1 0z, 19.5 inches long}

We are super excited to have our newest and final addition!

2011-07-23T18:56:00.000-07:00

baby boy

I am so looking forward to the birth of this baby boy. I am so uncomfortable and swollen. I can't wait to be able to see my feet again. This has by far been my hardest pregnancy. Not because of any problems or complications, but because I am bigger and older. I feel like all I do is complain. Luckily I have a very nice husband who takes good care of me. He listens to all my complaints and he helps out a lot! Thanks Lenny, I love you!

Abigail and Owen are super excited to have a little brother. They can't seem to leave my stomach alone. They are constantly trying to feel baby move.

I can't wait to meet you little boy! I love you so much already!

{thanks to Kertsi for taking these beautiful pictures!}

2011-06-04T05:05:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been seven years!

You are such a joy in my life & in our family!

Love you so much, hope this day is a special one!

{Love, Mom}

2011-05-22T06:52:00.000-07:00

11 years and counting...

Len and I have been married for 11 years! Holy cow, I feel super old. I have no idea where the time has gone. As I look at our wedding photos (which by the way are so old, they are not digital!) I can see how much we have aged in 11 years. It is a little bit scary. I don't feel 11 years older, I don't feel 11 years wiser, it is a strange feeling to know that physically I am aging.

As I look back at this 11 years I have a lot of emotion. Many things have happened.

* I married a great guy.

* I moved out of my parents house.

* I went to Nursing school, and became a nurse.

* We've traveled to: the Dominican Republic, Hawaii, California, Nevada, Idaho, Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, New York, Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey, Arizona, Massachusetts, & Maine.

* We've lived in three states: Utah, Arizona, and Massachusetts.

* Len attended Medical School and graduated!

* We've had two, almost three children in three different states.

* Lived in 5 different dwellings.

* Been in more fights than I can count.

* Laughed a lot, and cried too.

It has been a long 11 year, that has gone by quicker than I ever thought possible. I would say that I can't wait for the next 11 years, but that would be a lie. I am just excited to be in the here and now. In 11 years I am going to be well into my 40's and I am not ready for that just yet!

I love you Len, thanks for putting up with me for the last 11 years!

2011-04-25T05:56:00.000-07:00

happy easter!

I got home from my trip just in time for easter. We had a great holiday. It was nice to spend time with my little family. The kids really enjoyed the day!

Abbie & Owen were pretty proud of their hunting skills!

abbie was excited to wear her "big skirt"!

owen was not as excited to wear his pink tie.

Lucky for me, he is a very good boy and he humored his mother.

getting these two to sit still and stop acting silly is next to impossible!

Hope you all had a great day! Happy Easter!

2011-04-08T06:18:00.000-07:00

take me out to the ball game....

The baseball season is upon us.

The air is slowly starting to get warmer.

I am finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I almost didn't make it through this winter. This year was very hard for me. We had so much snow, and I don't think I saw the sun for months. I just packed up my boots and hope to not see them again until December, if ever!

Owen just started baseball and we couldn't be more excited! I am really looking forward to spending time outdoors and watching some baseball. Yesterday was Owen's first practice. I don't think an hour and a half has ever lasted so long! Abbie just couldn't sit and watch. She kept running out onto the field to "tell the boys something". She was driving me crazy. I thought for sure she was going to get hit with a ball or a bat! Owen seemed to really enjoy it, and he even got a hit! We look forward to the rest of the season! Go Wolves!

Jumping jacks

stretching out

Abigail, giving me a dirty look because I told her to come sit down!

Owen up to bat!

I missed the hit due to my wild daughter.

What a cheese ball!

2010-11-20T05:32:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving

this year i am thankful for:

{ian}

this sweet boy surprised us all by coming a little early!

i can't wait to wrap my arms around him and kiss him like crazy!!!

2010-11-20T05:29:00.000-08:00

2010-11-12T13:26:00.000-08:00

i feel like a {halloweenie!}

Sorry I am so behind, but that's life.

Here is my halloween post in November.

I hope you like it!

{cinderellabbie}

and yes, my three year old is wearing make-up!

she was literally in heaven!

{Optimus prime}

owen obviously picked this costume out

what a pair

paging Dr. Jay....

I made him dress up for the ward party!

After the trunk or treat, Kertsi and I tried to get some pictures of our princess girls.

What a joke! In all honesty, this is the best picture I got!

{don't mind Kertsi's ghost butt}

she walked right in front of the camera

This is Owen right after the donut eating contest!

Sorry, no pictures of the actual contest.

My son failed to mention he was entering said contest, so I missed it!

Abbie and her Caleb

sorry about the blur, they wouldn't stop moving!

Owen with his friends Tommy and Kayleigh.

We had a great Halloween!

2010-10-27T07:05:00.000-07:00

the big apple

My wonderful parents came for a visit! We had a lot of fun. While here on their visit we did a weekend trip to NYC. It was an awesome trip! Here are some of the photos I took while on our adventure!

grandpa & grandma in central park

abbie & owen loving the hotel bed

abbie & grandpa on the subway

the tip of the empire state building

views of the city from the empire state building

jensen's in central park

owen enjoying a new york slice

central park

owen wants to live in NYC

grandpa & abbie are leaf peeping

lady liberty

ground zero

-My daughter is freaking out, so I must go!

2010-09-24T12:39:00.001-07:00

{note to self}

Dear Future Amber,

Please remember to mind your P's & Q's. Keeping your comments to yourself; comments such as:

"Somebody sounds tired!"

"Sounds like somebody needs a nap!"

Mothers of 3 year olds know when their children are tired and obnoxious. They don't need it pointed out to them!

XOXO

Present Self

2010-09-14T15:52:00.000-07:00

{speedy summer}

Well, the summer didn't last long! We had a lot of fun. The kids and I spent 6 weeks in UT (Len came up for 1 week). We moved in with my sister and totally disrupted her life! Five kids in one house is complete chaos. Abbie and Maddie about killed us all.

While in UT our family grew by 1. I became the legal guardian of my cousin Jay. He moved in with us in August. He is working on school and moving right along. I will keep you all posted on his progress.

My cute family!

{we are all thankful for editing! Len was being very inappropriate in all the photos, but thanks to the magic of photo shop we were able to keep these precious memories!}

Other events of the summer:

-We went to six flags a lot!

-Went to the aquarium in Mystic, CT.

-Had plenty of BBQ's.

-Stayed up way too late.

-Went to the movies.

-Played at a lot of parks.

-Visited the museum.

-celebrated Owen's 6th birthday!!!

-and totally enjoyed ourselves.

This was an awesome summer, but it didn't last long. We were sad to see it go, but excited for 1st grade to start!

2010-06-30T13:00:00.000-07:00

hill family fun

I would like to start out this post by apologizing in advance. This post is going to be epic, and probably not all that interesting. I have been such a huge slacker, and put off my blog for much too long. You have been warned.

*First, I would like to begin with this picture of my cute niece riding on splash mountain.

{damn you digital camera delay}

* Next, just some random family pics.

The Minnie Mouse chocolate, caramel apple.

This treat was so yummy!

My sister & I spent a small fortune on these puppies!

*It is virtually impossible to get a picture of four small girls that looks decent. This is literally the best one out of 10. I about hit them all with my camera!

(except for little isabelle)

{i heart this picture!}

sweet!

Owen has his Grandma Kate wrapped around his finger!

{princess abbie girl}

abbie & maddie

*My Mom made all four Granddaughters Cinderella dresses. They were so cute! I did the best I could, but these girls weren't giving me anything to work with! Once again the only one who looks good is Isabelle! She is a very obedient baby!

*meeting the princesses.

we waited in that stupid line for what felt like days!

don't the girls look thrilled???

it's a lot to ask for little kids to wait in line just to meet someone.

i don't think any of them said a word!

*We had a great trip! It was so much fun.

Thank You Grandma Kate, and Grandpa Randy!

I can't wait to do it again!

2010-05-29T06:17:00.000-07:00

{what a character!}

Last week we went on vacation with my entire family. We had a great time in California. And yes, we went to Disneyland. It had been an entire year since I had seen my sister Erin, her husband Jerry and their little girls. It was the first time I had seen my new niece Isabelle! It was a much needed family outing.

We had a great time at the park. One important right of passage we didn't shy away from was getting pictures with the disney characters. Every American family needs those in the album, right?

Pluto

{Kris & Matt}

{Erin, with Avery & Madison}

{Abigail & Owen}

Minnie Mouse

{Uncle Jerry with the girls}

Mickey Mouse

{Me & kids}

[len was much too cool for characters]

{Kris, Matt & Minnie Miller}

Tow Mater & Lightening McQueen

*And that wraps up the character edition of my vaca posts.

-More to come.........

2010-05-14T06:42:00.000-07:00

the joys of parenthood

Before I ever had kids, I knew it all! I was going to be the perfect Mom. I read all the books, and I was set. Little did I know, that my children had a different plan. They couldn't just let me be the perfect mom. They had to teach me some much needed lessons. Becoming a Mother has been the most humbling experience I have ever had. I have had to carry a kicking and screaming child out of many a store while others watched. I have had my shirt pulled down, and up in public. I have chased my children through more stores than I can count. I have had to pay for countless treats my children have opened and eaten before I could stop them. I have been humiliated more times than I can count. Luckily for me, with each experience I have become a little more patient. I have learned to laugh at myself. I have also learned to really appreciate my Mother. This job isn't for just anyone.

I have also learned that not all moments in life have to be precious. This picture was taken prior to church. Owen stood where I wanted him to, and wore what I wanted him to wear, but he was NOT going to like it! Oh well, I still think he looks cute!

I feel so blessed to be a Mother. My children bring me such joy and happiness. They truly are gifts from God and I thank him daily for my beautiful babies!

2010-04-05T07:54:00.000-07:00

~easter weekend~

We had a wonderful easter weekend. We couldn't have asked for better weather! It really felt like spring. On Saturday we went to a easter party at the Yeager's house. They have become great friends, and we were so thankful they invited us to join in. The kids had so much fun!

[some of the kids playing "simon says", abbie was losing!]

[owen picked out his easter basket this year, I am so proud.]

(nothing screams spring, and the resurrection of Christ like batman!)

{finding eggs}

[coloring eggs]

(thanks for the aprons Grandma Kate!)

*the final product*

hard at work!

so sweet!

abbie & caleb

"say trouble!!!!!"

We had a wonderful time, the food was great and the company was better!

Easter morning the kids were super excited. They both woke Len & I up by jumping on our bed! The egg hunt was a big hit. Abbie was eating chocolate as fast as she could!

She loves candy just as much as I do!

Later in the afternoon we took a drive through up state New York, and into Vermont. We did the covered bridge tour. It was a lot of fun, and very beautiful. The weather was perfect. I have decided that I LOVE Vermont!

The kids had a lot of fun throwing rocks into the river.

Len made the kids dip their feet in the water!

It was freezing.

It was a great day!

Hope you all had a happy easter!

2010-03-30T08:03:00.000-07:00

{funny boy}

Two sundays ago while trying to get everyone ready for church Owen was in one of his moods. He kept moaning and grumping about getting dressed.

Owen: "Why do we have to go to church?"

Mom: "Because Owen, it is important for us to show our thanks to Heavenly Father for all of our blessings, and to renew our covenants with him."

Owen: "I don't want to go!"

Mom: "I am sorry."

Owen: "All we do is just sit in a chair the entire time!"

Mom: "I know it seems like that is all we do, but we are going to feel the spirit and to learn about Jesus."

Owen: "Why did Jesus make church so boring?"

Mom: "I don't know." (I had to try very hard to contain myself.)

2010-03-13T10:01:00.000-08:00

{team work!}

A couple weeks ago I took the kids to the children's museum. On our way home I happened to see an old, ugly dresser on the side of the road. It had a sign saying: {Take Me!} So that is just what I did. I brought it home and cleaned it off. I power sanded it for what seemed like years. Then I stained it, and varnished it. I was so excited to see it after all my hard work. When it dried, it didn't look very good. The varnish had soaked into the wood. Feeling a little annoyed, I put another two coats on, and I waited. But what I found when I returned, was an even uglier piece of furniture. I was not happy. So, Len had a great idea. He thought we should paint it. So I picked out some paint, and he got to work. He painted like a mad man. It has 7 coats in all (primer, paint, glaze and varnish).

*I am so happy with the results.

We put it in the dinning room. It holds my table cloths and such.

Owen was so excited we painted it red!

*note to readers: my walls are not painted peach. they are a pale yellow.

2010-03-12T13:04:00.000-08:00

a selfless good deed?

A couple weeks ago while Owen was at school, Abigail and I watched the snow fall. It snowed around four inches that day. After picking Owen up from school I noticed a few driveways on our street that needed to be shoveled. We have quite a few retired people living on our street. I bundled up the kids and handed them each a shovel and informed them that we would be shoveling two of our neighbors driveways. Owen was less than thrilled with the idea, having just gotten home from school. After telling him he had no choice we began our service. About two minutes into it he was having so much fun! He loved it! In fact, he wanted to shovel some more driveways. I explained to him that when we help others it makes us happy. Our reward for helping others is the way it makes us feel.

Now fast forward to the present time. As I unloaded the troops after school the other day, my neighbor came running over with gifts in hand. She told both Owen and Abbie how thankful she was for all the hard work they did, and how much she appreciated it. She then handed them each a gift!

*Owen can't wait to help someone else!*

2010-02-25T15:13:00.000-08:00

sloppy Joe's

I am officially a working girl!

I just started my new job.

The pay is nothing to write home about, and it has no benefits, unless you count yelling at children a benefit. But I don't mind, because I get to see my little Owen everyday at school! I bet you are wondering what my new job is............

Len says that I am climbing down the proverbial ladder.

Who cares, I love it!

So, it is my pleasure to announce to you all that I am the new lunch lady at Mary Lynch Elementary School!

- Okay, so I don't actually serve the lunch, I just monitor the children while they eat it. Is that funny, or what? It is super easy, and I get a little extra spending money. Not too bad eh?

So how did I get such a wonderful opportunity, you might ask?

One of the women who works in the office said that they had an opening, and she thought of me. ( I am always volunteering at the school.) Crazy huh? Me, a lunch lady! What an interesting turn of events!

2010-01-23T12:40:00.000-08:00

keeping busy

I have been a little bored lately. OK. I have been a lot bored lately. Len has been working like crazy this month, and I have been spending my evenings alone. Which is ok, I am not complaining. I am an introvert by nature. I really do enjoy having alone time, to think, and ponder about life, and what have you. But lately I don't really have much to ponder about. So I am just trying to keep myself busy. My house has really never been cleaner. Pathetic, but nice. Last week I took the kids with me to good will, and this is what I came home with.

At one time it must have been a piano bench, I think. The fabric on it was ugly. The finish was chipping off, and it wasn't all that cute......... Until I got hold of it!

I painted it black, and changed the fabric on the seat. You can't tell from the picture, but the fabric is a green/yellow color. I love it!

Maybe a new naughty chair?

2010-01-06T07:24:00.000-08:00

3 minutes

3 minutes is the amount of time it takes me to vacuum my bedroom. I vacuumed under my bed and along all the baseboards. I vacuumed my closet out, and I was feeling pretty darn good about myself. I had already cleaned the kids room, and the bathroom and now I was working on mine. I had left Abbie in her room playing with her doll house when I started on my room. It was a calm morning.

*Can anyone else sense where this is going?

I only wish I had been that intuitive!

Apparently my two year old can get a lot more accomplished in just 3 minutes.

After my cleaning triumph was complete, I turned off the vacuum.

I heard running water.........

I yelled from my room for Abbie to turn off the water....

Her response: "No!"

I slowly walked into the bathroom to find a waterfall!

My child had turned on the sink, and then taken wads of toilet paper and used my tooth brush to shove said toilet paper down the drain. This of course clogged the drain causing the entire sink to fill, making a waterfall in my bathroom. The floor was covered in water!

Abigail stood proudly on top of the toilet, watching her creation. She had the cutest little smile on her face! What a little turd!

2009-12-31T08:32:00.000-08:00

I just got another niece!

Sweet Pea

born December 2009

7 lbs, 3 0z, 18.5 inches long!

*note to readers: the picture shown above is of my niece Aves, but they look exactly the same.

I am such a proud aunt!

2009-12-24T22:46:00.000-08:00

2009-12-16T05:18:00.000-08:00

lost in new york.....

Len had a day off, so we packed up the troops and headed to the big apple. We rode the train into Grand Central Station. Wow, what a place. Owen was so impressed by it all.

Here we are on the train.

First stop, Central Park!

It was beautiful. The sun was out, and we had a nice walk. The kids ran everywhere.

The Ice skaters at Central Park.

Isn't it beautiful?

Abbie & I, Owen was mad at me because I wouldn't let him run too far ahead of us, so he wouldn't take a picture with me.

The kids climbing rocks in Central Park.

The trees were beautiful!

The Plaza Hotel.

"you're fired!"

Radio City Music Hall!

We saw the subway entrance where Taylor Swift came out of for her Music awards performance!

The Tree!

It was amazing!

Christmas is here!

Owen watching the ice skaters.

Abbie was so tired.

She missed a lot of F. A. O. Schwarz.

Of course they had to play the piano!

We had a great day, it was long and tiring, but worth it!

I can't wait to do it again, but next time without Abbie girl.

She was a wild woman on the subway!

2009-11-26T07:23:00.000-08:00

pay it forward

On this day, as well as this time of year I am reminded of all of my blessings. I am filled with a silent peace. It is not enough to say that I feel blessed. I have been given so much.

Recently I have started reflecting on my life and what I have done with it. Have I done enough? No. I can say that without hesitation.

Every Christmas season Len & I always donate to a children's charity of some kind, but that is not enough. Giving a humble amount of money to a charity is not a note worthy act of service. What about the remainder of the year when so many people go without? My children have no idea what it means to "go without". My heart aches for all those Mother's who struggle to feed their children. When I think of all those without, I begin to get a very anxious feeling in my chest. I hate watching the news. Sorry to be such a Debbie downer. So, where am I going with this? I will tell you.

I am making my new years resolution now. Daily simple acts of service. Because I have been given much, I too must give. I am going to keep a record of all of my acts of service and hope that within a years time I will have helped others, and become a better person. I guess my goal is a little on the selfish side, but I am only human!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-20T08:41:00.000-08:00

a long time gone....

It has been almost five years since we moved away from home (Utah)! I have really been enjoying the experience of seeing new places, and meeting new people, but I sure do miss the little things. I never had to make a sunday dinner until we moved to AZ! Every week we had our Mom's to cook for us. I have to say, that it just doesn't taste the same when I do it. When Len's schedule is busy I would give almost anything to be able to go to my parents house. Having them close, as well as Len's parents gave me such a comfort. I really miss that.

Last week my parents came for a visit. We had a lot of fun spending time with them. Owen and Abbie loved every minute of it!

We drove up to Maine to see the ocean!

My Dad & Owen went right on the dock to watch the fishermen load lobsters onto a truck.

It was a beautiful day!

We had a great week, but as the saying goes: "all good things must come to an end". And just like that, they were gone! Whenever my parents visit, I am reminded of all the things I am missing. It is such a bummer to have my visitors leave! We miss you so much, and can't wait until we can see you again! We Love You!

2009-11-05T05:44:00.000-08:00

halloween 2009

We had a great holiday!

why, you ask?

*no crazy meltdowns!

-the kids were in surprisingly good moods, and very cooperative.

batman & kitten being very good for the camera.

* the weather was perfect!

- it was so warm, not at all what I was anticipating!

*we had a special visitor!

*the cutest baby chick you have ever seen came to see us!

cousin Carly came all the way from sunny California to be with us for Halloween!

Aunt Amy came too!

She really was the cutest little thing ever!

abigail loves to have her picture taken!

she makes it so easy

batman & the cookie monster

(Owen's gym teacher, Mrs. Spellman)

blurry batman & his superhero sidekick Carson

Carly had her first play dough experience with us!

Mmmm, salty!

We miss you already!

Thanks for coming to see us, we had a lot of fun!

We love you both!

P.S. Hope you all had a great halloween!

2009-10-25T18:40:00.000-07:00

we miss you!

Last week my younger sister Kristen & her husband Matt came to see us for a visit! We had so much fun! Matt had three med school interviews while he was here, and Kris & I had some major hanging out to do!

aren't they cute?

aren't we cuter?

We went to forest park for some play time.

While Matt was interviewing at UCONN we went to the museum.

The kids had so much fun!

six flags was freeeeezing, but the kids had a great time!

Len & Matt went on Bizzaro!

For those of you not familiar with this ride let me tell you a little bit about it. This ride takes you up 14 stories high, and travels at speeds of 60-65 mph! The ride itself is 3,985 feet long! It is not for just anybody! It features seven inversions including a vertical loop, dive loop, zero gravity roll, cobra roll, two interlocked cork screws and a high-speed helix! It is crazy! My stomach drops every time I look at the ride!

We had a great week with Kris and Matt, and have been very depressed ever since they left! We hope they will come again soon, to live! Go UCONN!!!!!!!

2009-10-22T05:16:00.000-07:00

happy damn birthday,

lenny!

Today has to be the most depressing day ever! Not only is Len turning 32, but he has to work ALL day long. He left the house today at 5:30am, and I won't get to see him until around 10pm. Owen & Abbie won't even be able to see him! How sad.

Len has been working so hard lately. He has only had 3 days off in the last month. Every four days he has to work 36 hours straight! Every other day he only has to work 12 hour shifts. And after all that, he has to be up again the next day at 5am. The poor guy has been falling asleep at the dinner table! I feel so bad for him, so bad in fact, that I haven't even been feeling bad for myself! I mean come on people, I am practically a single parent! (okay, I guess I am still feeling sorry for myself. I'm only human!)

Len was able to pick four different weeks throughout the year to have his vacation. He was sweet enough to choose the week of my birthday to have one of these vacations. We spent a great week together. I am suddenly feeling very sad, because he didn't choose to take his vacation during his own birthday. Len is just that kind of guy. I am one lucky girl to have found such a great partner and friend! He is a very selfless person.

Len, I am very sorry your birthday is so lame this year, but just know that your 4oth birthday is going to kick this years birthday in the butt! I love you!

P.S. If anyone is wondering what to get Len for his birthday then please let me suggest........junk food! The poor guy has lost over 20 pounds!!!! ( I am not kidding!)

2009-10-06T06:11:00.000-07:00

HELP!!!!!!!

Next week is career day at Owen's school. His teacher sent home a sign up sheet for any parents willing to talk to the class about their job. Len is going to be working, so I decided that I would help out. I thought it might be fun to come and talk to Owen's class. That doesn't sound too bad, right?

Wrong!!!!!!

The school called me today to inform me that I will be speaking to the entire school during the career day assembly next week! I am freaking out! I can't talk to the entire school! I was already a little nervous about talking to Owen's class, let alone an entire gym full of kids!!!!!! I am not entertaining, I am not interesting, I don't have anything to say!!!! What am I going to do? Help me please!!! Any advice?????

2009-10-04T06:28:00.000-07:00

cReEpY

Owen has been asking me for weeks if we could get spider webs to put all over the outside of our house for halloween. I have been stalling, because I don't really want to deal with it. This morning I was reading the paper in the sun room and I happened to look outside for a moment. I had to do a double take, because I wasn't sure if I was really seeing this. Owen walked in just as I was looking, and he looked outside too. The first words out of his mouth were:

"Is that a decoration?"

my response: "NO!"

It looks as though it is floating in mid air right above this plant. It has one strand of web going all the way up to the roof of the house!

I have no idea what kind of spider this is, but it is BIG and harry!

It is all curled up right now, but it's legs are long!

Owen is thrilled that we have our halloween decorations!!!!!

I hope this gets me off the hook!

2009-09-24T19:20:00.000-07:00

september 18, 2009

My baby turned Two! I can't believe it! We Love you so much, and hope you had a great Birthday! Love, Mom & Dad

2009-09-23T11:06:00.000-07:00

September 17, 2009

The day started off great! I slept in, which is something I LOVE to do. Then Len made me crepes with fresh strawberries and raspberries, and lots of whipped cream, yummy!

After breakfast, Len took me to Boston for a fun day without children. We drove into the city and went sight seeing. We walked the Freedom Trail, ate lunch, watched the boats and spent the day talking, without interruption! It was a great day!

What a great way to spend your 30th Birthday! Man I am old!

We ate at Legal Sea Food, I would totally recommend it! It was awesome. Then we went to the Movies and saw a show! It was a great Birthday! Len got us a room at The Back Bay Hotel in Boston, it was beautiful. My mother-in-law stayed with the kids in Springfield. I am one lucky girl! Thanks Len, I had a great day!

2009-09-10T04:47:00.000-07:00

school already?

Owen started kindergarten this week! And although, I am happy for him and his new adventure, it saddens me to know that "our" time is over. Now more than ever I am feeling this immense pressure to make every moment count. Owen is in full day Kindergarten, so my time with him is precious. He has really been enjoying school thus far, and I hope it stays that way, but I miss him. These past few days have been very quiet.

Owen in his cute uniform!

Owen wanted to eat breakfast at school on his first day.

What a sweet boy!

2009-09-06T05:27:00.000-07:00

something to think about

Last night as I was putting curlers in Abigail's hair Owen started asking questions. I can't for the life of me figure out what prompted them. (Note to readers: I am NOT pregnant!)

He started off by asking: "Why are babies in girls tummy's?"

My response: "So they can grow and get big enough to come out."

Owen: "How come only girls get to have babies in their tummy's?"

Me: "Because that was how Jesus made us."

Owen: "I wish boys could have babies in their tummy's."

Me: "Why?"

Owen: "Because I want to be able to hold the baby all the time!"

It was such a sweet conversation. I love you Owen!

2009-08-24T05:50:00.000-07:00

family fun

Len had Saturday off work, so we went on a little day trip to Vermont! It was a beautiful day. We packed the kids in the car and started driving. We didn't have any sort of plan other than to see some place new. While driving we saw this quaint little farm, and decided to stop.

Whitney's Farm

Fresh produce, plants, & a petting zoo!

Abbie loved the goats!

The even had a little playground area!

The kids loved it!

Right after this picture was taken, Owen accidentally slipped right into the river.

Since he was wearing flip flops I thought for sure they were goners, but he managed to keep them on. Good Job buddy!

daddy & daughter

We found this cute little town in Vermont.

It had a lot of cute shops and beautiful flowers.

I could not believe how amazing Vermont was!

We didn't want to leave!

This has Jerry written all over it!

(my bro-in-law)

I think Owen ate a little too much Maple Candy!

I am in Love!

Abbie kept wanting to go "swimmin' " in the river!

She loved all the bridges.

this is the face of a girl who loved herself some new england clam chowder!

I have to admit, it was THE BEST clam chowder I have ever eaten!

I could really get used to this life!

this bike was leaning up against the side of one of the shops.

I guess they loved this place so much they never left.

I totally understand!

Abbie could not pass up the chance to drive her mother crazy by playing in this puddle!

It was a wonderful day, and we made some great memories! I am so thankful for this awesome experience to see places I have never before seen! I feel so blessed to have this opportunity!

2009-07-30T06:26:00.000-07:00

summer time fun!

Len had the weekend off, so we decided to drive to Stow, Ohio and visit our good friends! The Tranchells are in Ohio doing their residency. We had so much fun! After our weekend of fun, Len went back to MA and left me with the kids to play in Ohio.

Abbie & Sophie sunbathing!

All the kids waiting outside The Harry London Chocolate Factory.

We went on a tour, it was delicious!

Livy, Tiff & Sophie, posing in the rain!

Abbie was not very excited!

All the kids in the car while we drove to MA!

They all came back with us, to spend some time at our house!

This is a weed mess in my yard. Tiffany and I put down a lot of blood, sweat, and tears until it looked like this................

We built the planter box ourselves, did all the weeding, and planted a little garden!

It literally took all day!

We went to the Boston Zoo. This is a beautiful butterfly from the exhibit they have!

Of course what is a trip to the Zoo without riding on the carousel?

I don't know what to say.

Part of the Zoo was blocked while a movie was being filmed.

Tiff asked one of the crew members what it was called.

He said : The Zoo Keeper?

Guess we will wait and see!

The kids on the train!

Next we went to Boston Commons to check it out!

From this picture you can tell the kids were not as enthusiastic as we were.

We were not about to let four grumpy kids ruin our fun!

Owen posed for the picture!

Owen took one of us!

Just remember humidity = slick ponytail!

These two had so much fun together!

These two, not so much!

You can't visit Boston without seeing Cheers!

Too bad we had four screaming kids with us.

We really could have used a beer!

Owen and Livy saying goodbye!

I just about cried when they left!

It was like having your family leave!

We definitely have to do that again!

2009-07-17T11:39:00.000-07:00

amber alert

Yesterday I had one of those horrible moments!

It was my worst fear, come true!

I was gardening in the front yard. The sun was out, birds were chirping.

Owen & Abbie were playing in the yard.

Suddenly...........

It began to sprinkle.

I asked Owen to go get Abbie's bike out of the backyard and put it in the garage.

He happily agreed, and went skipping around to the backyard.

Abbie, of course followed him.

I continued to pull weeds. I waited a few minutes and when they didn't return I called for them.

Nothing................

it was silent!

I got up, to go get them & coral them around to the front.

When I got to the backyard, I saw no one.

I walked around front, and into the garage.

Abbie's bike was put back in it's place, but still no children.

They must have gone inside, I thought.

I opened the door and called for them................

no answer.

I ran around the yard twice more, and looked up and down the streets!

I went back inside the house and ran down into the basement.

I checked all the rooms, and the bathrooms, all the while screaming!

Frantically, I ran back outside! I started screaming for them! I was running around like a crazy person. The tears were flowing!

I had lost my babies!

Quickly I grabbed the phone!

Dialed 911!

Hands trembling!

The woman answered & I began spouting off information!

Crap, what is my address, I've only lived here a month!

She began asking me my children's ages and what they were wearing!

I was sobbing at this point!

She told me an officer was on his way!

We hung up, and I decided to run up and down the streets yelling for them!

I took off, and ran next door to ask them to help me find my babies!

My heart was pounding so hard I could hear it!

As I approached their door...............

I saw

OWEN & ABBIE!

After hugs & kisses, Peggy (my retired next door neighbor) told me they came knocking at her door.

She let them in and they were playing with toys at her house!

I felt like such a looser Mother!

I had to call the police back, and tell them I found my babies! An officer still had to come out and check to make sure everything was all right. That was awesome!

Being a Mother can be a humiliating Job!

2009-07-15T05:01:00.000-07:00

boobie prize?

*And the boobie prize goes to......................

The cashier who checked me out at the grocery store AND the man in line behind me!

A little background

Yesterday I went shopping before dinner, bad idea! Abbie would not sit down in the cart. She was continually standing up and trying to jump out. She is a monkey! After waiting in line for what felt like a lifetime we finally got our turn. This is when Abbie decided to get totally out of control. I was trying to get my money out and she was freaking out. The checker had this look on his face of total annoyance. I think the guy in line behind me even sighed. Lets just say she was making things very difficult for me. As I was trying to get the exact change out Abbie must have seen something down my shirt that peaked her interest because she quickly grabbed my shirt and pulled it out and down. As I tried to pry her little fingers off my shirt, my wallet almost fell, and that baby easily has a few dollars worth in change. So I quickly attempted to save the huge spill, all the while these two guys are getting a sweet peep show. I don't know what her deal was, but she would not stop doing it. They totally got a look at the ladies! It was awesome!

2009-07-11T17:39:00.000-07:00

saturday

Friday night Len had to work the grave yard shift. So when Dad got home this morning I decided to take the kids out of the house while he slept. We went to some tag sales (yard sales), and drove through Springfield, and some of the surrounding areas. We stopped at this beautiful cathedral in Springfield that I just am in love with. I had to take pictures, but I am very disappointed in the fact that they don't even begin to do it justice. It is hard to get just one picture of it since it is so huge!

This is the best I could do. Abbie refused to sit still!

Don't worry, she didn't pick it!

Abbie, sitting at the front door. They were amazing doors!

After Len woke up we all took a trip to Northampton. It is only 15 minutes away. They call it the "Five College Region". It is a very up beat, hip area with a lot of young people. We walked around the town and did some window shopping. It was a great day! They have a lot of really cute shops, and great people watching. Abbie loved all the dogs, and she made sure to point them all out to us. Owen made sure and pointed out all the mohawks and crazy haired, tattooed people he saw. I think he needs a refresher course in whispering 101!

Ya, buddy! That is all candy! This was the highlight of the day!

I am fascinated with all the old buildings!

We stopped to watch some jugglers at the park.

Very entertaining!

We also saw a girl riding through town on a unicycle, but I didn't get her picture.

She was too fast!

*We had a great day, and to top it off, our neighbor George gave the kids each a new toy when we got home! They were both thrilled! Can't complain about that!

2009-07-06T06:13:00.000-07:00

independence day

We had a great 4th of July. We had Grandma Valerie here with us. She came for a little visit, and to do some gardening. We spent all weekend in the yard. We pulled out roots (very large ones), dug ditches, planted plants, pulled weeds, & worked ourselves sick! On Saturday we took the evening off and went out to dinner!

Owen & Grandma Valerie

Len, Abbie & Me waiting for our dinner.

We went to down town Springfield to watch the fireworks. They shoot them off over the Memorial Bridge. The close down the bridge and everyone watches from it. It was packed! We went with some ward members who took us to their "special" spot. It was just off the bridge and it was much less crowded! We had a lot of fun!

Owen wanted a picture of the fireworks!

Hope you all had a great holiday!

2009-07-03T06:33:00.000-07:00

owen & abbie's room

* I really am not trying to be obnoxious, I just don't have anymore pictures of my house yet. I can't take any until I do some CLEANING!

2009-07-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

registration

Yesterday I took the kids to down town Springfield to register Owen for Kindergarten. We did a little photo shoot while we were waiting for the offices to open. This is what I got!

Can you say "CHEESE"?

I love the forced smile in this one!

I could just kiss them until their little heads fall off!

Look at that belly!!!

2009-06-30T18:11:00.000-07:00

we're officially all moved in!

this is our new little house

landscaping done by my wonderful Mother-in-law Val

my dry stream bed

(no more leaks.......we think!)

my pantry

the dinning room

*This is the first installment of our virtual tour. Hope you liked it so far. More coming soon! Let us know what you think!

2009-06-29T06:30:00.000-07:00

exploring

On Saturday Len had some work to do at the house, so Owen & I decided to go out & explore the area. We went shopping at some local shops, did some antiquing, went on a scenic drive, and walked through one of the local cemeteries. Owen had a lot of questions about death and heaven. It was a great teaching opportunity for him. This particular cemetery is very old. Many of the head stones were dated in the early 1800's. In fact, some of them were so old, you could no longer read the names on them. It was a very spiritual experience for me. It made me think a lot about our mortal bodies, and how short our time on earth is. I thought about all these people who once lived on this earth, and how any earthly possessions they owned were meaningless now. It made me think about how our relationships with our families & with our Heavenly Father are the most important things we could have in this life and in the life here after.

2009-06-24T06:33:00.000-07:00

forest park

Yesterday we took a little trip to Forest Park. It is this beautiful park in the middle of the city. It is very large, with lots of big beautiful trees and many things to entertain just about anyone. It has tennis courts, basket ball courts, soccer fields, ball diamonds, bocce ball fields, playgrounds, a rose garden, running tracks, a Zoo, and much more. We packed a lunch and went to explore.

We visited the Zoo. It is a small Zoo in comparison to the Phoenix Zoo, but it isn't the only Zoo around here.

We saw:

some bunnies

some cougars

this very loud Peacock

a big fat black bear

(he wouldn't stop moving, hence the blurry picture!)

this cheetah

kangaroos

and many more animals. It was very entertaining!

Next, we ate lunch and enjoyed the beautiful weather, finally no rain!

Then it was on to the playground!

Abbie went down this slid almost a thousand times, seriously!

Owen, talking to his new friend Ava.

She & her Mom invited us to go with them to Forest Park.

aren't these trees beautiful? I can't get over how green and lush it is here!

Abbie has become very independent. She wanted to climb this all by herself, and she would not give up. She kept saying, "I try". She is very stubborn, I don't know where she gets it from?

She wouldn't give up!

After the playground, we walked through the beautiful rose garden. The smell was amazing! These pictures don't do it justice. It was so pretty! Owen, however was not as impressed. He was totally freaked out by the amount of bees that where flying around all those roses!

I feel I must inform my readers that due to my recent relocation, my blog posts are going to become quite long, & possibly to some, boring. But, I would really like to document our family adventures here on the east coast. I do this blog mainly for our families who live so far away & subsequently miss out on my children's day to day lives. I hope these posts will give you a little taste of what we are experiencing here in New England. Enjoy!

2009-06-19T05:35:00.000-07:00

thankful

Over the past few weeks many important things have happened in our family that I have failed to mention. In May, Len & I celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary! I have no idea where the last nine years have gone. During that time we have done so much, but time seems to have flown by. In nine years of marriage we have bought two homes, I graduated nursing school, Len got his bachelor's degree, visited the Dominican republic, had two children, got into medical school, moved to Arizona, owned five different cars, had two root canals, multiple ER visits, had grandparents pass on, gotten two speeding tickets (both Len), had six different jobs, had three surgeries (all me), made many great friends, laughed a lot, and cried more times than I can count. It has been both amazing & stressful. I am beginning to see that life is full of ups and downs, but I am very grateful to have had Len with me every step of the way. I love you Len! Thanks for loving me back!

-June 4, 2009 we celebrated Owen's 5th birthday! Holy cow, I can't believe he is already five! He is such a bright spot in our lives. We are so lucky to be his parents. He brings us so much joy! We love you Owen!

What a smile!

(Why do they do that?)

Abbie really knows how to make things fun!

jaxden * owen * avery

my special guy

-While we were in UT we were able to celebrate my grandmother's 80th birthday. We attended a family party at her house. It was so much fun to see so many people we don't get to see very often. The highlight of the party was that my grandma broke the pinata all on her own. She is one tough lady!

Grandma Mada

-Len's graduation banquet. That was a tough night. This was the last time we were able to hang out with our wonderful friends. We are really going to miss the Romers & the Tranchells! Thanks for so many fun times. We will always have great memories of our Disney land trips, camping, Tombstone, dinners out & in, swimming, movies, & a lot of laughing!

we hate to be fancy!

And last but certainly not least, Lens medical school graduation!!!!!!!!! This has been a tough 4 years, and I can't believe it is already over. Len worked so hard. He missed out a lot, but it was worth it. He graduated with honors, and 19th in his class! Pretty amazing considering he had two crazy kids and an even crazier wife! Also, I feel it must be said, that Len did so much for me during those four years of school. He fed kids, bathed them, told bed time stories, woke up in the night with them, & was fun to live with! We love you so much Len! You are going to kick butt at Baystate!

2009-06-17T05:41:00.000-07:00

a long time gone.

I feel like I fell off the face of the earth! Between packing & vacations & moving I have not used my computer in such a long time. Well folks, I am back! I am super excited about it too! We are finally all moved into our new house. Well, new to us. This house was built in 1952. And let me tell you, moving is such a pain. As soon as we moved in we smelt gas! I know what you are thinking (not that kind of gas)! We called the gas company and discovered we had a gas leak! They of course shut it off. So here we are in this house, and we can't cook because the stove is gas! Then we discovered a leak under the kitchen faucet! Not to worry, Lenny came to the rescue & fixed that one (who knew he was so handy?). We also had to buy a washer & dryer, which still hasn't been delivered! I have at least 20 loads of laundry, I am not kidding!

After about 4 days without gas, the stove company finally graced us with their presence. While he was here fixing the leak, it began to rain. When I say rain, I mean pour! My mother-in-law, went down in the basement during all this and came running up to tell us our basement was flooding! I had just gotten out of the shower & was ready for bed. While Len was dealing with the gas man Val & I ran outside and began bailing water out of the window wells with paper cups. It was awesome. Soon Len came out to take my place, & I had to pack up Abbie in the car & run to Lowes to buy drain extenders. So here I am running through Lowes soaking wet, in my pajamas & I suddenly realize I am not wearing a bra, and to top it all off, my t-shirt is white! It was awesome! I was so white trash! I also had baggy blue gingham capri pants on! Cute!

We have finally fixed the leaks & our gas is back on, but I won't get my washer & dryer until thursday. Otherwise we are doing well, I think. Today my mother-in-law is going home, and we are really going to miss her! She doesn't stop working! She has completely changed our yard! We have had five different neighbors comment on how good it looks!!!! She is amazing! We are so excited! I am planning on posting some pictures of the house, inside & out in a few days, so stay tuned! Sorry this post was so long & lame, but I have really been missing this!

2009-05-24T15:03:00.000-07:00

no boys allowed

Friday afternoon my sister Erin & I headed to SLC for a girls weekend. We checked into our hotel & soon after Kristen met us there. We watched a movie, ate a lot & laughed like crazy!! On Saturday morning our Mother arrived at the hotel just in time for the surprise! All of our husbands had arranged for a masseuse to come up to our room and give us massages!!! It was awesome! I really needed it. I have been so stressed about my big move across the country. After the R & R we went to gateway for some shopping. Next, we saw a movie & then got some dinner. After that we spent another night at the hotel. It was so much fun! I love spending time with my Mom & my sisters! They are totally my best friends. I am going to miss them a lot. It was a great way to start this next adventure! Thanks girls I had so much fun!!!!! I love you!

2009-05-14T15:01:00.000-07:00

retreat to mesquite

Len & I ditched the kids with Grandma & headed off to Nevada for some much needed R & R. So far the trip has been awesome. We drove here last night & hung out with our friends. We were so excited to see Clif, Dusty, Kelsey, & Gavin. This morning we went swiming & now we are doing absolutely nothing. Yep, that's right! We are laying around & loving every minute of it. For the next four days the only butt I have to wipe will be my own!!!!

2009-05-07T16:23:00.000-07:00

sPriNg CleAnInG

Packing for the big move has become quite the undertaking! We are literally living in chaos! I have had to look at this experience as a blessing! I have been able to get rid of a lot of clutter! I have also come to realize that moving is for the birds!!!

Abbie has become such a big helper. I pack a box, & before I can tape it closed she has single handedly unpacked it!!! What would I do without her!!!

These are just a few pictures of all the boxes that our overtaking our apartment. I feel like a chicken with my head cut off!! I don't know what to do next. I am slowly going crazy & taking everyone with me!!!

*On a lighter note:

{today, lenny is officially done with medical school!}

[i think a thousand pound weight just lifted off our shoulders!]

2009-04-29T15:39:00.000-07:00

happiness is........

......being the person they call "Mom"!

Some days are crummy days.

The kind where you don't want to get out of bed.

Some days are no fun at all.

Some days you wish you were someone else,

but lately I have had different days.

I feel so blessed to have two wonderful little babies!

2009-04-14T21:45:00.000-07:00

family fun!

My wonderful parents came to visit over Easter weekend! Owen & Abbie were so excited to see Grandma & Grandpa. We had a lot of fun!

We spent Saturday at Midwestern University's Annual Easter Egg Hunt!

It was a little chaotic, but worth it!

Owen, waiting patiently.

Abbie was freaking out!

She couldn't wait to get started!

Such a sweet girl!

Easter morning!

Grandma & Grandpa on Easter Morning!

Family Photo!

We had a great Easter. We feel very loved by both of our families! We appreciate all they do for us. We have made some wonderful memories during these last four years!

2009-04-08T12:30:00.000-07:00

home sweet home

Home Sweet Home. That sentence now has multiple meanings. We just arrived home from a crazy fast trip to Massachusetts. On Sunday morning we flew from Arizona to Philadelphia where we had an hour lay over. We then flew to Connecticut. We rented a car and drove to Springfield Mass (as the locals call it), which is only about 25 minutes from the airport in Connecticut.

We spent two days with a realtor looking at what felt like a million homes. Being from the west I was not used to the style of homes. Most homes in UT are not over a hundred years old! These homes had some beautiful details, but some of them had some very strange layouts. We saw homes with tandem bedrooms & secret crawl spaces. The basements made me want to run in the other direction. Many of the homes were heated by oil. They had huge oil tanks in the basement that are filled a few times a year. Some were heated by steam & others were forced air. It was a learning experience.

We finally found a few houses we could work with and decided to make an offer. We chose one & the offer was sent. Within hours the buyer gave us a counter offer, if you can call it that (he said he would not budge on the asking price). We met back with our realtor the next morning to see a few more homes & then make another decision. Another offer was made on a different home & within an hour the offer was accepted! We were so excited! It was getting close to our departure time & we didn't want this trip to be a bust. We are excited to say that we have a home in Sixteen Acres waiting for us!

I am sure you all would love to see pictures of the house, but I am a complete goober. I carried my camera with me the entire trip & only took 1 lame picture of Len at the airport. Not to worry, we do have pictures of the house listing. I will post them as soon as I have time to scan them in. I don't know what I was thinking! I saw so much & have nothing to show for it. I suck, what can I say. When my kids aren't with me I tend not to worry about picture taking.

Right after the offer was accepted we headed back to the airport in Connecticut. From their we flew to Georgia & then back to Arizona. It was a fast trip, but it was worth it, because now I can say: Home Sweet Home!

P.S.- {I am going to freeze my butt off in Mass!}

2009-04-03T13:41:00.000-07:00

spring cleaning

I am feeling very overtaken by "things". I am sick of all the clutter in my apartment, car, head, computer....etc. I need a fresh clean look for a while. I have been throwing things out, and trying to get ready to make the dreaded move across the country. I say dreaded because I hate to move, not because of where we are moving. The truth is I am very excited about Massachusetts (I just learned to spell that!). I think it will be an exciting adventure.

I've never been to MA, or really anywhere for that matter. I grew up in the same house, went to the same school, & knew all the same people. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining. There was definitely some security in that. I felt like I belonged, like I fit in. But I also felt like I couldn't be myself. Does that make sense? I felt like I grew up & before I could decide who I wanted to be it was already decided. Written in stone sort of. I am not blaming anyone. There is no one to blame. It just happened.

I guess what I am trying to say, is that I am going to use this opportunity to reinvent myself (pardon the cheesy phrasing). I would like to do some spring cleaning on myself. Get rid of all my extra crazy. During these last four years I feel like I have grown as a person in a way I never could have had I been living in UT. I used my family as a crutch. I didn't do things for myself, because I didn't have to. It was easier to just depend on them. Don't get me wrong, I've missed them all terribly, but not for what they could do for me, but for who they are.

I am starting to see the bigger picture. We are only on this earth for such a short time. I want to make memories with my little family. I am starting to find joy in changing diapers & driving carpool. I could spend these next three years feeling sorry for myself, because of all we are missing by living away from family, or I can embrace it. I am choosing to find happiness in the everyday things.

So watch out Massachusetts, because here I come!

2009-04-02T08:19:00.000-07:00

april fool's

I woke up yesterday and talked to my sister Erin on the phone. She told me this lame joke her and her lawyer friends were going to play on one of the judges they work with. I thought it sounded cheesy, but whatever. We got off the phone and I began making beds. Suddenly it dawned on me.

{it was April 1st!}

now, the joke my sister told me wasn't quite as lame.

I was not going to let this day be just any other day.

I quickly grabbed the phone and called Len at the hospital.

He didn't answer.

Crap!

I called back. He picked up, and our conversation went a little bit like this:

Me: Something bad happened! (I was crying).

Len: What happened?

Me: Abbie fell off the chair in our room & hit her head on the elliptical! (sounding frantic & scared).

Len: Is she bleeding?

Me: Yes, a lot!

Len: I will be right home!

Me: April Fools!

Len: You are sick!

Me: I love you!

Len: Love you too.

Now, I know what you are all thinking. Sick. Sick. Sick. But, I didn't have much time to plan, and I wanted to really get him.

After the adrenaline from that prank wore off, I got bored. So what did I do next?

First, I drove over to the hospital Len was working at & I moved his car! I was going to move it really far so I knew he couldn't find it, but I wasn't sure how the police would react to my little prank. So I just moved it from one end to the other. That way, hopefully it wouldn't take him too long to find.

Second, I texted a handful of people that I was pregnant! I know, you are thinking that sounds lame, but it worked on all of them!

I totally get the term {desperate housewife}. I am just trying to mix things up a bit, you can't blame me for that, right?

Oh, & by the way, if you were wondering about Len & his car. This is very sad, but true. He is under so much stress right now that he didn't even notice I moved his car! He came out, saw that it wasn't were he thought he parked it, & wondered around until he found it. He just thought he must have parked it clear across the lot! Isn't that sad! I know. I am really going to have to go easy on him for the next few months. He is totally loosing his mind! I will be nice, but I am not making any promises for next year!

{I have some great plans!}

2009-03-23T10:21:00.000-07:00

it came, & went

I was so excited for Kris & Matt to come and visit. It seems like I was counting down for weeks.

They finally came.

& then they went.

We had a lot of fun.

We:

{went swimming}

{visited the phoenix zoo}

{went shopping}

{played games & went miniature golfing}

{saw a movie}

{ate dinner out}

{had some bahama bucks}

we had so much fun! I was very sad to see them leave.

We Love You Kris & Matt

please come again!

[ next time - Massachusetts! ]

2009-03-19T10:16:00.000-07:00

Good bye Sun.........

After many months of stress & anticipation the time has finally come.

The dreaded match has arrived.

We are moving!

Far, far away.

Len got his first choice!

{Massachusetts here we come!}

2009-03-16T10:17:00.000-07:00

BREAKING NEWS !!!!!

This just in:

{Lenny Matched!}

We are super excited!

Now we wait until Thursday to find out where we are going!

2009-03-09T08:23:00.000-07:00

ten more days!!!!!

I can barely contain my excitement!

I feel like a kid at Christmas.

*I can't sit still.

*I can't sleep.

* I can't stop looking at the calendar.

-but don't worry, I can still eat.

Why am I going so crazy, you might ask? Well, because after four very long, hard & tiring years, we only have ten more days until match day! I will finally know where I will be living for the next 3 years of my life! Will it be Springfield Massachusetts? Or maybe Cleveland Ohio. Will we be warm in Georgia? Will we be shoveling snow in Akron? The suspense is killing me! I feel like I have to pee all the time!! If you think I am going nuts, try hanging out with Len for five minutes. He cannot stop talking about it! We are making each other crazy!!!!! On a lighter note, in only 7 more days we will know if in fact Len did match. We just won't know where.

*subject change*

Here are a few pictures of the kids, just for fun!

Owen obviously gets his dancing skills from me!

I taught him so well!!!

if only "doing laundry" was really this cute!

Abigail kicking the camera.

I can't believe how fast they grow!

*ALERT*

Only 5 more days until Kris & Matt come to visit!!

Yet another reason to be super excited!!!

2009-03-04T13:31:00.000-08:00

a day of disney

warning: this post contains a lot of photos.

This photo was taken just prior to entering the park.

Our day started off with a bang. The first stop was space mountain!

Sophie & Abbie waiting oh so patiently just outside the ride.

I think they had more fun playing on the stairs outside the ride than Owen & Livy did on the actual ride.

the gang, minus mom, on the rockets.

look closely, Abbie was in the middle.

the sun was sooooooo bright!

lucky me, I got to take the kids on the tEa CuPs!

it is impossible to get a family photo around here.

Abbie & Owen

Livy & Owen

Abbie & Sophie

i love the fake smile.

len really should take up photography.

Tiffany was going to take a photo of us all, when suddenly this stray dog jumped right in front of us. Pluto, you ruined our picture! You can barely see sweet little Owen.

and literally, like a flash, he was gone.

what a big girl.

say cheeeeese!

another say cheeeeese moment.

Abbie was oblivious to the camera.

Owen waiting for everyone to get off splash mountain.

he went last time, but now that he knows what it is, no way!!!!

now that is a smile!

best buddies.

just like we like any wild animal. in a cage.

Abbie was so excited to be on the carousel. She couldn't stop smiling, until it started moving.

I had total flashbacks with Owen. She started crying, and had to be held the entire ride.

No more tears for him. Sigh.......he is so grown up!

We had a fantastic trip. Hopefully we got enough disney to last us the next couple of years. Thanks to the Tranchells for a great weekend!

2009-03-02T12:21:00.000-08:00

Surprise!

Friday afternoon we loaded the kids in the car and started driving. Owen had no idea where we were going. He had so many questions. We drove until it was dark. We ended up at a hotel where we spent the night. In the morning we woke up and ate breakfast. All the while, Owen was still asking questions. We got back in the car and drove for about ten minutes. Suddenly Owen saw this sign:

His response was:

"We are in California!"

"We're at Disneyland!"
(he had to bring his stethoscope.)

He was so excited. He couldn't sit still. Then suddenly he said: "we came here alone, we forgot to bring Grandma Kate." His face was suddenly very sad. He began to cry and said: "I miss my Grandma Kate." We assured him he would see her soon enough and he quickly changed his mood. He was so excited to get inside and spend the day.

It was a beautiful day in the park. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping and the people were everywhere! We had a lot of fun............more pictures to come!

2009-02-21T10:15:00.000-08:00

Gran Valerie

This past week we had a special visit from Grandma. Owen & Abbie were so excited to spend some alone time with her. They got a lot of attention & had a ball. Grandma took them on walks to the park, read books by the dozen, and loved them the way only a Grandmother can. We sure appreciate her coming to see us.

Thanks Grandma, we love you!

2009-02-05T07:32:00.000-08:00

summer sausage!

*Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Jerry, happy birthday to you! I hope your day is full of summer sausages. We wish we could spend the day with you. Eat plenty of cake, but before you do, make a wish & blow (that's what she said). Sorry, I couldn't resist. We love you dude.

Remember this day? Len took this picture right after you pegged me with the football! Don't worry, I have totally forgiven you.

Happy Birthday Jerry!

2009-02-03T07:18:00.001-08:00

avery

a tribute

February 1st was a very special day. My wildest niece turned three! We were all very sad at the Jensen home because we couldn't be with her on her birthday. I know I am a little behind, but I could not let another day go by without giving a special "shout out" to Avery Kate!

We Love You

Avery!

Happy Birthday!

*here are just a few of my favorite pictures of her.

What cuties!

"Please Avery, like me!"

It hurts to be beautiful!

We Love you so much, Lady!

-to quote Aves, "See you later suckers!"

2009-01-29T08:43:00.000-08:00

happy birthday kristen!

I am such a lucky girl! I have the best sisters in the entire world, but that is not what this post is about. This post is about only one of my wonderful sisters. Kristen. Today is my little sister's birthday. She is 24! She is the sweetest little thing ever. Well, most of the time. He, he.

Kristen & I shared a room growing up. I was the clean, tidy sister & she was the slob, but I loved her anyway. I really shouldn't give her a hard time about it, because I was not always a very nice older sister. I can recall many memories that I wish I would forget. So I would like to formally apologize for my bad behavior.

Kristen, I am sorry for:

*All the times I yelled at you, and hit you. That was not nice.

*All the times Erin & I stuck your head in the banister slats and left you there.

*All the times we pretended to be Santa at the door to make you cry.

*Not sharing my candy with you when you asked.

*The time I told you that you were adopted.

*All the times I locked you out of my room.

*All the times I put Dad's underwear on your head.

*All the times I de-pants you.

*All the wet willys & wedgies I gave you.

*All the horrible nicknames Erin & I gave you, and called you for years.

Such as: Ruthless toothless, PB Max, Goober, Goober Mulcher, I could go on all day.

*Any other horribly mean & nasty thing I did to you.

-Please forgive me, and know that I loved having you as my little sister. I loved playing barbies, dancing, singing & laughing with you. We had so much fun, and I hope that we continue having fun for years to come.

March 2008

Kristen's Wedding.

You really should have taken up modeling!

Owen & his aunties.

September 2004

Erin's Wedding.

June 4, 2004

Supportive sister.

You have always been their for me & I have been so blessed to have you as my little sister. I hope you have a great birthday. Please know that I wish I could be with you today. I love you so much. I couldn't have picked a better sister. You are one of my best friends. Happy Birthday Bud!

2009-01-25T18:32:00.000-08:00

soaking up some sunshine

We have been spending a lot of time outside lately. It has been so nice. We have been sleeping with our windows open. Can you imagine? Sleeping with your windows open in January! We are very very lucky. The kids are really loving the park these days. They can't seem to get enough. We are definitely not lacking in vitamin D around here.

Me & the funky bunch, before church.

Owen & Abigail enjoying an after school snack.

(check out that grass!)

Abigail has discovered the joy of swinging.

I forgot how tired your arm gets from pushing kids all day long.

Len only has one more interview left. Hip Hip Hooray! We are all very pumped. That's right, I said it, pumped! After this week all he has left to do is make his final match list. We couldn't be happier, and more anxious, stressed, worried, overwhelmed, or excited!

2009-01-14T22:44:00.000-08:00

update

I thought I would do a little post to let you know what/how we are doing. We are finally getting back into the swing of things after the holidays. We've made room for all our new toys & are trying to get a little more organized. That is one of my goals for this year.

The kids are going through grandparent withdrawls & searching everywhere for some much needed attention. Owen however is very excited about being back in school. He looks forward to it everyday. He can barely turn back to say "goodbye" when it is time to go.

This is Owen showing you his most pitiful face. He has become very theatrical.

He said he didn't want his picture taken, because, it was "too hard".

I was very lucky that Abbie slowed down long enough for this picture.

Most of her pictures are blurry, because she is always on the go!

Owen, the Rock Star!

This is my latest project.

I designed these bags to hang off of all of our chairs for Valentine's Day. It is a version of the boxes we all made as kids for school. After I finished making Owen's bag I hung it on his chair. Owen looked inside & then said: "Mom, now you have to fill this full of special prizes for Valentine's day." He is totally excited. Everyday he asks me if it is Valentine's Day yet. This is going to be a very long month!

We are all doing well. Len only has two more interviews left to go on. We will be so happy when they are done. The weather here is great, in fact today we were out in shorts & t-shirts. It was a very warm and wonderful 75 degrees. Sorry all you Utah suckers! I actually got hot while Owen was riding his bike, and had to stand in the shade! Hot in January, who would have thought. I am really going to enjoy it as much as possible, because next year could really be miserable!

2009-01-06T09:20:00.000-08:00

here we go again...........

Well Lenny goes again. Today he is off to Cleveland, Ohio. When will this ever end! I cannot wait until March for the much anticipated match to finally be over. Until then we are just waiting. At least we are waiting in warmer weather. It is sooooooo nice here. I am totally loving it. I guess things can always be worse.

Oh, I forgot. I was going to be more positive in 2009. Oops. Well, on the bright side the next season of The Biggest Looser starts tonight!!!!!!! Owen & I are very excited.

2009-01-04T20:25:00.000-08:00

no place like home

We had a great trip to UT for the holidays. We spent time with family. We played in the snow. We ate a lot of great food. We laughed. We cried. And some of us threw up!

It is not fun to be sick, & it is even worse when you are away from home. Things didn't really work out the way we planned, but it was worth it just to be with the ones we love.

We made it home without any problems, & we couldn't be happier! There is something really wonderful about sleeping in your own bed. We feel very blessed to have had the chance to go home for the holidays. We are excited about the new year & all the experiences that are to come! We are looking forward to Len's graduation, & our possible move!

*We hope that you all have a wonderful New Year full of peace & happiness!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-28T21:39:00.000-08:00

We have had a very busy holiday season, as I am sure you all have. Things didn't exactly go as planned. I bet you all have had those experiences. These things really cause me soooo much stress. I am such an anxious person & I really need to learn to relax because I have a feeling that I have a lot of excitement in my future.

Len was supposed to return from an interview in New York on the 19th of December. I was supposed to have everything packed & ready to go to Utah. We were planning on leaving the house around 4am on the 20th.

I was totally organized, or so I thought. Things were going as planned. I was doing some last minute errands when I got the call.

Len: "I am stuck in New York."

Me: "What do you mean you are stuck?"

Len: "It is really snowing, & all the flights are delayed because of the storm."

Me: total panic, my heart is racing & I am starting to sweat. "NO!"

Len: "I know, I am sorry, but there is nothing I can do. Let me talk to the agent & I will call you back."

*It was 1:45pm on the 19th when this conversation took place. I finished my errands & called everyone I knew to complain & panic. No one answered. Just when I really needed someone to feel sorry for me. Come on! I can't catch a break!

Len called me back to tell me that it looked like he wasn't going to be able to get to Arizona before the 21st or the 22nd. The tears came. I was sitting on the couch crying when Owen came over to me & put his arms around me & gave me the sweetest hug. He jumped up and got a washcloth to dry my tears. He is such an adorable son. I quickly stopped crying & took some deep breaths. I know I am totally dramatic, but I can't help it. I am trying to work on it. Not much progress yet, but I am trying.

then suddenly the clouds opened, & a small ray of light appeared.

My mother-in-law called to tell me that my father-in-law just booked himself on a flight to Arizona. He would be in at 9pm & he would drive to Utah with me. My first reaction was more anxiety. I didn't want to have to have him do all that for me. Then I got another call, my Mom said that she didn't want me to drive up alone, & that if I insisted on doing so my Dad was going to start driving right after work to meet me. I didn't want my Dad to have to do that! I started to cry again. Why was this happening to me? Boo hoo. I was feeling way too sorry for myself. I know what you are all thinking. Some people have REAL problems. My plans were being disrupted, big deal. Welcome to life.

I guess the point of this story is just to express how grateful I am for two wonderful families who truly care about Len & I.

My father-in-law ended up flying to AZ & driving ALL night with me & the kids just to make sure we made it without any problems. My Dad had even offered to drive the 600+ miles to pick us up. What wonderful examples of selflessness. To my Dad & Carl, we love you so much & appreciate all you do for us. Thank you!

We made it to Utah safely & in good time, but we were very sad it was without Len. He spent the night in New York & was able to get a flight to Chicago the next day. He then had to sleep all night in the Chicago airport. It was a very long, & miserable night for him. He then got a flight to Arizona & a connecting flight to Utah. He had to wear the same clothes for three days. I felt so bad for him. When he walked in the door to my parents house he gave me a big hug, & a short kiss, & headed straight for the shower. He went to bed that night at 7pm. He was exhausted!

We ended up having a terrific Christmas with both of our families. This was a very bittersweet holiday because we may not get to spend another Christmas with our families for a few years, depending on where Len gets his residency.

I feel so blessed to have so much. My Heavenly Father has truly given me more than I deserve. I felt such a wonderful spirit this holiday season. I hope I can keep it with me throughout this next year. I wish you all a happy New Year!

P.S. Good luck Lenny! We Love you & know you will do well.

-He is leaving us in the morning for another interview. This time he is flying to Maryland! We have our fingers crossed in hopes that they don't have any major snow storms until after he returns home.

2008-12-18T14:22:00.000-08:00

Home Alone

Len left us again! He is in New York today. Yikes! I don't know if I am ready to move to New York. I guess I will try not to think about it. So once again we are feeling very lonely. There is definitely something comforting about having him near. We all miss him so much. Poor guy. He hasn't had a moment of relaxation for weeks. Probably more like years. It will all be worth it one day, right? We have to keep reminding ourselves of that. He has been feeling very bad about being gone so much.

-So bad in fact, that he brought home flowers the other day!

Wow, I feel bad. All I gave him was an ear full of complaints. I guess I really need to work on being more grateful.

Thank You Lenny

For:

*working so hard all the time.

*calling me often to ask how my day is going.

*buying me flowers.

*taking out the trash.

*taking care of the kids when you are home so I can have a break.

*complimenting me daily.

*tucking me in at night (when you are home).

*not complaining if the house isn't always clean.

*offering to do the dishes (don't worry, I don't let him do it).

*Loving Me & our Kids.

We Love you so much!

2008-12-14T13:29:00.000-08:00

Sunday Happenings

Len has gone to Ohio for the second time in the last month. He just got home Friday from Georgia. So once again we are all alone. (I hope you are all feeling very sorry for me).

* Life goes on as usual.

Today we got up & ready for church. Owen had to give a talk in sharing time today. He did great!! He spoke very loud & clear in the microphone. He is so much more confident then I ever was, or am. He didn't act nervous at all. Miss Abigail was her usual crazy self. I guess I shouldn't complain, I got to stay in Sacrament, & all of Sunday School. (Thank you Hilary & Jill.) We only made it through 15 minutes of relief society, but I was very pleased none the less.

Good Luck Tomorrow Dad! We Miss You!

2008-12-10T08:22:00.000-08:00

Jesus, Where are You?

Today was like any other day in our home. By 7:00 am Owen had every toy in our house out, & he was playing with the empty garbage can. Go figure. So, I asked Owen to please clean up the trains & tracks. They were everywhere, literally. He of course whined & complained about how his arms were too tired, & that his legs wouldn't work. I got distracted doing something else, & completely forgot about my request.

So, once again I asked him to LISTEN, & do what I asked him to do. This goes on for another 10 minutes. I hear whining from the other room, but I don't mind. I am used to it. I quite enjoy it. Then it is quiet. Owen is whispering something. I can't make it out.

I continue cleaning in my room until I hear Owen from the other room say in perfect volume:

"Jesus, Where are you?"

I smile. Owen quickly comes into my room. "Mom, Jesus did not listen! I asked for his help, & he didn't come!"

I laughed. I then had to explain to him that Jesus would not come here to help him clean up his toys.

"Why?", he asked.

I had to think for a moment. How do I explain this to him, without him loosing faith?

"Jesus doesn't work that way. He will however, if you ask him to, help give you the energy to clean them up yourself."

"OK", he said. He left my room. I could hear in the family room. He was saying a prayer. I heard "Amen".

"Did it work?", I asked. I waited in anticipation for his response. I had very high hopes, he had said a prayer, & he was practicing great faith. This was such a great learning experience for him, and then he responded with a firm voice.

"No, it did not work!"

I guess we have some work to do!

2008-12-03T18:28:00.000-08:00

tutu cute!

*These are for you Grandma Kate. Thanks for the tutu. She had a lot of fun wearing it!

- Don't worry Sarah, as soon as Abbie gains a little more weight she will be sporting a very adorable yellow & purple tutu!

The Prima Ballerina!

*Hope you liked them Grandma!

2008-12-02T22:09:00.000-08:00

For you, Kris: part two

The two cutest little babies ever!

(We went shopping at the Mall.)

Mom & Dad on Thanksgiving.

(We went out to eat on Thanksgiving, we were very thankful that we didn't have to cook.)

The girls were not very excited about Thanksgiving.

(We ate out, & made messes. We left good tips!)

Curious George is very intense.

(We relaxed & watched movies.)

A riveting game of Mario Kart.

(We played video games, a lot.)

We LOVE Santa!

(We tortured old men.)

Aves & Owen were very Excited!

Little Monkeys.

(We played hard.)

((That's what she said.))

Aren't they cute?

(We went to the Zoo & saw the christmas lights.)

*As you can see, we had a lot of fun! Wish you could have been here, except you would have had to sleep in the bathtub. So I guess it's better that you will be coming in March. We can't wait. We are already counting down. Well, not really, but we are really excited!!

*Stay tuned. There is more to come.

2008-12-01T14:51:00.000-08:00

For you, Kris: part one

Me & Owen at his school Thanksgiving Program.

Dad being a major goober & Mom laughing at him.

Owen wearing his Turkey hat, very cute!

Grandma & the girls!

Aves loving Owie, her favorite past time.

Matching Tattoos. Now that is Love!

* Hold onto your Bunny Towns Kristen, because there is more to come! I hope you are ready!