In The Life of A Jensen

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Just so you know...

This post is written for my 2 faithful followers. Or maybe there's 3 of you. Even for those occasional passers-by, I guess. You've been wondering where I am. Where are those witty comments and humorous family story-lines we miss so? Well, I want to calm your worries about my absence.

I am writing a book. Actually I'm creating a book with all my blog entries. This is quite time consuming, I am learning. The reason for this project is to save and protect what has been put into this blog for generations to come. (and because I've run out of space for any new pictures!) I can't upload any photos until I delete some. I don't want to delete any until I know they are printed safely in our Blurb.com blog-to-book book.

Soooo.... please continue to be patient. Hold your horses and all that. I will be back. With pictures to boot! But it might just take a little bit longer. I will fill you in on how 2010 ended. I will update by blog with full-color photos depicting birthdays, travels, projects, and other general Jensen fun. Feel free to check in at your leisure. I'm working as fast as I can. Promise! And I look forward to 2011 with each and every one of you.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

North Beach, August 12

What luck! First of all, we picked a gorgeous day to head to the beach. It was hot and not too crowded. But, little did we know it was also the practice day for the Blue Angels. They were in town to perform at the Air and Water show that weekend- Thursday was the day to design and practice their show. Yeah for us! We got to stand in the water and watch the planes in formation circle the city, glide right above the water and perform all their stunts. A-MA-ZING! It was Larry's favorite part of the whole Chicago trip!

The kids played in the lake. They played in the sand. There was a mermaid, a two-headed octopus and a sand-covered boogy board.

Not to mention lots of happy, sunshine-soakin', family-lovin' smiles!

This is our little piece of paradise on North Beach. The sand was hot but we had an amazing day.

Thank you, Chicago. Thank you, Bresnahan's. We love and miss you all!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Drumroll please.....

Monday, October 25, 2010

Bonney Lake High School Daffodil Princess Selection Night

About 5 weeks ago, Payton received a letter from school telling her that she had been nominated by a faculty member to be in the running for Daffodil Princess. (For all of those not from Pierce County, Washington, here is a link that explains all about the Daffodil Festival and royalty family: http://www.daffodilfestival.net/News.htm#BonneyLake) It is quite an honor to be nominated and it comes with a load of responsibilities as well. There were 8 girls who met each Monday after school to prepare for last night. Each nominee is required to have at least a 3.2 gpa. Payton had to write a speech, memorize it and give it in front of a panel of 3 judges and a room full of family and friends. She did a flawless job. All the girls did a fantastic job. They also had to answer an impromptu question; "What advice would you give to someone entering middle school?" They couldn't listen to each others speeches or answers, as they were off stage in a sound proof room. Payton has been working very hard. She put a lot of energy into her preparation. We knew that regardless of the outcome, she had grown and learned enough to make it worth her while. So here is how it went...

P-A-Y-T-O-N : She had her own cheering section!

Sydney is part of the Advanced Girls' Choir at MMS, they performed at the event.

Each girl was escorted on to the stage as a short biography was read about them.

Payton and her escort, Blake Patterson.

All eight nominees and their escorts.

I apologize now for my forgetfulness. I do know that you cannot flip video.

So lay on your side and watch it anyway!

Ashley Alvarez, BLHS's 2009 Daffodil Princess giving her farewell speech.

Payton waiting for the judges to make their decision.

(right before my camera batteries died.)

And 4 very proud siblings at home with their sister, Princess Payton, after a long night!

Payton with some of her many bouquets.

So now you know how it went...

feel free to stop her in the hall, give her a call or come on by

and let Payton know what a fantastic job she did!

We are so proud of Payton!

You truly can do anything you set your heart and mind to!

Congratulations!

We love you!

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Homecoming 2010

So we survived once again. I can't complain, though. Payton loved her on-sale dress with sleeves added. Her date is a gentlemen and has great parents who opened their home for the after-dance festivities. And she came home with a smile. What else could we ask for?

Jake and Payton

Hair clips thanks to Tallulah Twinkletoes!

Thanks to the Milburn's, too, for being the meet-up place for 28 kids!

So another dance down and only 1 or 2 more to go. Can't believe we are on the countdown for our oldest! I know this year will go by so quickly and I'm grateful to have a front row seat to the event that is Payton's senior year! I love her. I'm more impressed with who she is every day. And I know there is only more amazing things to come!

Monday, October 11, 2010

It's that time of year again....

I must take a break from my vacation blogging to post something special today.

It's Maisyn's 10th birthday!

Maisyn Kate was born October 11, 2000.

Last night as we were getting into bed, I backflashed ten years to the same moment, remembering a sleepless night knowing I was heading in to be induced the next morning - gratefully 10 days before my due date!

Everything about this girl was as it should have been.

The moment I gave birth to Sydney, 3 1/2 years earlier, I knew we would have another child.

From the time we knew she was a she, I had her name picked out.

She is a treasure to me. At a particularly low moment in life, she was there with those chubby cheeks, bright eyes and precious smile to tell me everything would be ok.

She was a snuggler and still is - when we take the time!

Maisyn is growing up to be a beautiful young lady. She is feisty and strong-willed and sensitive and considerate. She likes to be one of the "big girls" and will still play for hours with her little brother.

I see how much she cares about her friends, making sure they know she's thinking of them.

And she is genuinely excited to get to know others.

Her family, immediate and extended, is very important to her as well.

As you can see, I simply adore her. I am excited to bring her some Wendy's for lunch today to celebrate - along with doughnuts to share with the class. And then to have a lasagna dinner with Grandma and Grandpa and open presents tonight. It's going to be an amazing day!

Love you, Maisyn! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Museum of Science and Industry.

We had a great time at the museum on Wednesday. Terri was able to take Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday off that week to show us around. Hanging out at the museum brought back so many memories!

I just love Chicago- and now, so do my kids!

Maisyn and Abby.