Jensen Family

Spencer's Recordings

2009-06-25T16:34:00.009-06:00

You may have noticed that I have sort of abandoned our blog. Well, I spend most of my time on Facebook now, but I'm going to try to update on here more often too. I've added a widget here to our blog with recordings from Spencer. He is working on recording some original songs and he's hoping to get a CD out soon.

I'm so proud of him for sharing his amazing talents. He is writing mostly in the Christian music genre to share his faith with others.

Anyway, he loves to hear feedback on his songs and he would love it if you would like to become a fan on Facebook or ReverbNation. For Facebook, click here, for ReverbNation, click here.

I know...

2009-01-23T03:08:00.006-07:00

I've failed to keep my blog up to date. I have to admit that Facebook has taken over. It is easier to keep updated and I've become lazy, but I'm back! I know it's a bit unusual to update my blog at 3:00 in the morning, but I have to do something while I'm up feeding Taylor or I fall asleep.

It was very nice to have Spencer home for a couple weeks during Christmas break. Now he is back to school and so am I. I know--I think I'm crazy too, but I'm only taking a couple of online classes through Utah State and it helps to be able to do my homework and stuff while the kids nap or at night when they go to bed. So, I guess I'm an Aggie now too. Life is crazily busy as usual but I'm starting to get the hang of having two kids. We still have good days and bad days but time is flying by so I'm trying to enjoy every moment. I LOVE President Monson's talk from October Conference--"Finding Joy in the Journey." I'm trying to take his advice:

"If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will—to your surprise—miss them profoundly.

Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important—and what is most important almost always involves the people around us. Often we assume that they must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know. Wrote William Shakespeare, “They do not love that do not show their love.” We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us."

We try to get sleep whenever and wherever we can

Taylor Emma is Here!

2008-11-28T16:17:00.003-07:00

Taylor Emma was born on Monday at 7:15 pm. She weighed 5 lbs 9 oz and is 19 inches long. She is a tiny one! We are in love with her already. She has had Daddy wrapped around her little finger since the moment she was born and Dylan seems to be surprisingly happy about having a little baby at our house. I am tired but Spencer is taking good care of us even though he is sick. It is so much fun playing dress up with all the cute, pink clothes!

Here are some pictures of her at the hospital. (If you click on the collage, it will make the pictures bigger).

Dylan's Photo Shoot

2008-11-20T18:23:00.004-07:00

Dylan has discovered how funny it is to pose for pictures and then look at them and laugh at himself. Spencer took these with his cell phone.

P.S. He apparently has also learned to stash food he doesn't want to finish. I discovered this a couple mornings ago when I was putting dishes away. I was wondering where his corn dog had gone the night before...

5 Days and Counting...

2008-11-19T13:09:00.003-07:00

I am scheduled to have an amnio done on Monday morning to see if the baby's lungs are ready. If they are, my doctor said he will do the c-section that evening between 6:00 and 7:00. I can't wait! It's been a long nine months but in a way it's gone by fast too. It's weird if you think that I've been pregnant for a third of Dylan's life! I can't wait to meet our little baby, Taylor. So pray for us that her lungs are ready and she can join our family on Monday.

Halloween Happenings

2008-10-30T21:14:00.008-06:00

(Sorry. This is going to be a bit long because I haven't blogged in a while and I want to share our Halloween Happenings with you.)

Okay, so I have never been a big fan of haunted houses and things like that. I am a chicken. I will admit it. But, the American West Heritage Center here in Logan is doing a fall festival thing and we decided to go to it because it sounded fun and there's not a huge variety of things to do on a Friday night around here. They had a haunted hollow thing (which I was not even interested in). They also had some fun stuff for kids that Dylan loved. They also had a "Charlotte's Web" themed corn maze. I've always said that I would never go to a corn maze because I would feel claustrophobic. Well, we decided to try it anyway. It was just starting to get dark but I didn't think it would take very long to get through it. Well, I found out that I was right. I hate corn mazes! I did feel very claustrophobic. Not to mention I am almost eight months pregnant, needed to go to the bathroom and we were trying to push a stroller through the dirt paths. I am just grateful that Spencer was there because he's the one who led the way and got us out eventually. It felt like hours but I'm sure it was only about a half hour. I probably would have curled up and cried and waited til someone found me if he hadn't been there. It seems I have a horrible sense of direction. Anyway, now I know for sure that I do not like corn mazes and I will never attempt one again. (By the way, Spencer had never been to one either. When we were done, I asked him if he liked it and he said, "Not with a pregnant wife and a two-year-old." I don't blame him one bit).
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The other thing we did was a Pumpkin Walk North Logan City hosts a thing at the park where people have carved elaborate pumpkins. They also make displays out of pumpkins. There were some really creative displays and pumpkins. Here are a few pictures of it. (There were also some cute cutout things that the kids could get their pictures taken in. Spencer thought he fell in the category of "kid" also).

For Halloween, we went trick or treating at my sister's house so Dylan could go with his cousins. He had so much fun! He still says "trick or treat" randomly. I guess he's hoping to get more candy. He dressed as Tigger and I was Pooh I figured I fit the part with my gigantic stomach. Anyway, it was a fun Halloween season. I love the fall and I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving next, even though Wal-Mart is already playing Christmas music on their speakers.

Dylan dancing to Collective Soul

2008-10-19T17:57:00.002-06:00

I'm So Grateful

2008-10-12T17:07:00.002-06:00

We had a very scary experience Saturday morning. Dylan woke up as usual at about 6:50 and Spencer got him out of bed and brought him into bed with us. We usually have him lie in bed with us for a bit before we actually get up. I noticed right away that he felt hot. His head and back and stomach were really warm. I mentioned it to Spencer but he was still kind of half asleep. Then, about ten or fifteen minutes later, Dylan started shaking. I looked at him and his eyes were rolled back in his head and I knew he was having a seizure. I told Spencer and he held him while I called 911. The seizure probably only lasted a couple minutes but it seemed like forever. We were scared because he wasn't breathing very well and his lips were turning blue. Spencer gave him a Father's Blessing while he was having the seizure. Finally, it ended and he was suddenly really tired and confused.

A policeman came to our door really soon after it was over and then an ambulance came. They checked him and said that we needed to take him to the hospital to have the doctor do tests since this was the first seizure he's ever had. Dylan was not happy about being strapped into the carseat they had attached to the stretcher, but after I got into the ambulance with him, he calmed down a bit. I told him we were riding in a firetruck (he calls ambulances firetrucks too). He seemed to think that was cool. The nice EMT was trying to distract him and he said, "Dylan, do you like balloons?" Dylan said, "Hmmm" which is his way of saying "yes." So the EMT blew up a rubber glove like a balloon but it scared Dylan and he started crying again. Poor EMT was just trying to help but I think Dylan was scared it was going to pop.

We got to the hospital and they had to take his blood to run a bunch of tests. They didn't get enough blood the first time, so they had to poke him twice. Then they had to put a catheter in him to get a urine sample. It was horrible! I felt so bad having to help hold him down while they hurt him! It gave me just a taste of empathy for parents who have chronically ill kids who have to watch that happen over and over to their precious babies. I felt so helpless. It also made me realize how difficult it must be for Heavenly Father to watch us go through physical and emotional pains but knowing it is for our good in the long run.

In the end, they decided it was most likely a seizure caused by his fever, which was most likely caused by a virus, and sent us home. My parents and Natalie and Luke came up to see us that afternoon and my dad and Luke helped Spencer give Dylan a blessing. Before the blessing, Dylan was feeling sick with the virus and he was crying and couldn't sit still. He wouldn't eat and he wouldn't even let my mom hold him, which is very unusual. Almost immediately after the blessing, he ate his lunch and even started running around a bit and playing with his toys. It was truly a miracle.

So, even though that was one of the most horrible experiences of my life. It also humbled me and made me realize how much the Lord loves me and is looking out for my little family. I am so grateful for the fact that Dylan was in our bed when he had the seizure so we were there to realize what was going on and comfort him when it was over. I am grateful for the EMT's and the 911 operator and the doctor who helped us. I'm grateful for the peace of having the great medical technology we've been blessed with. I'm grateful for the Priesthood and that Spencer is worthy to adminster blessings to our family. Lastly, I'm so grateful for Dylan. He has such a sweet personality and he gives his love and forgiveness so freely. I'm grateful that he is ok and that I have to opportunity to be his mother and this experience has made me realize that I should not take any moment I have with him for granted.

Pics from the Games

2008-09-26T15:28:00.006-06:00

I just wanted to post a few pictures of the first football games. The first game against U of U was way fun. Thanks to Natalie and Luke for coming up to entertain me and Dylan at the game. We had a blast. Although we may have confused people because Dylan and I were in our USU shirts and Natalie and Luke in their U of U shirts and Natalie was cheering for both teams. It was way fun even though the Aggies were beaten pretty badly.

Here is Spencer in his super sexy marching uniform!

Thanks to my mom and dad for coming to see Spencer perform at the USU - Idaho game. That game was especially fun because USU actually won!! I know it's a shocker. They haven't won a game in two years. So, that was exciting and Dylan had so much fun with Mana and Gampa.

Tenille's Web Page

2008-09-13T10:49:00.002-06:00

Ok this is hilarious. My sister has on her blog a suggestion to type in your first name and then needs into Google to see what your needs are. I did it and apparently there is a kitty named Tenille that needs to be adopted. So, anyway, I just thought I'd post the link so you can see what the cat Tenille looks like... (I'm not very pretty; kinda scruffy looking. I am patriotic, though).

Tenille's Web Page

"I would love you more than you can imagine. Please adopt me!" Or if you're looking for a boy cat, check out my brother, Captain.
Captain's Web Page
He looks a little evil to me though.

P.S. I also needs: to be cleaning house, and more sleep (that's for sure).

Back to Technology

2008-09-13T10:37:00.002-06:00

So I have sort of a good excuse for not posting anything for a month. We have not had the internet for a month while we have been in transition of moving and stuff. So, anyway, here is a little update of what's been going on.

The sale with the twin home did not go through. It is a really long story and most of you probably already know it. So, suffice it to say, we are renting a basement apartment in North Logan and we are really happy here. It has worked out very nicely. The homeowners are really friendly and they are about our age with a baby boy and they're students too. So, once again, the Lord helped us figure out where we were really supposed to be.

Spencer's school schedule is pretty crazy. He's in a ton of different band and music classes plus Biology. So he is staying very busy. His first official marching band performance is tonight at the USU vs. U of U football game. I never thought it would happen, but I will be wearing blue tonight to the game. I have to support my cute little marching guy ;) Dylan's already learned to say "USU!" but it comes out more like "ooo eh ooo" and he walks around the house blowing into Spencer's trombone mouthpiece. He's a little marcher in the making. So, anyway, Natalie and Luke are coming up for the game and then spending the night. We are way excited! (Even though the Aggies have no chance against the Utes. Spencer keeps saying a miracle could happen but I doubt it.) I will post some pics of the game and of Spencer in his smokin' hot uniform soon...

We Won't Be Homeless

2008-07-18T15:56:00.002-06:00

We were really starting to stress about finding a place to live in Logan, but we finally found one. We found a twin home that we really like and it's in our budget. Yea! We gave up on renting and decided to try to purchase something. We found an awesome Realtor in Logan who has helped us so much and everything is just falling in to place. I'm not sure why the Lord wants us in Logan, but I know there is a reason because He has helped us in every way to make sure we will get there. Every time I was about to give up hope, everything would work out in whatever obstacle we've faced. I'm excited to see what is in store for us there. I will miss my friends and family but we'll come back to visit a lot.

Spencer decided to go back to school back in February and it hasn't seemed real until now. I'm starting to pack up and it's sinking in. I've never lived that far away from my hometown before but I know that wherever my little family is, is "home" to me and I know we'll be happy as long as we have each other.

So a new chapter in our lives begins in just a couple weeks...

Happy 2nd Birthday Dylan!

2008-07-08T19:48:00.003-06:00

It's taken me long enough to finally post this, but we have been crazily trying to find a place to live in Logan because we sold our house and need to move out by the end of the month. Anyway, Dylan's birthday was on June 28. He turned 2! I was really bummed because I woke up sick in the middle of the night and I was sick all day on his birthday. Luckily Dylan is still too young to realize it was his birthday, but I still felt bad about postponing the party. But, we had the party at the park on Sunday instead and it was a lot of fun!

We are so thankful that you are part of our family, Dylan. Two years has flown by but we've loved it. Happy Birthday, buddy!

Dylan's birthday present from Mana and Bepa

His Woody and Buzz cake

All of the loot--it was like Christmas!

Happy 4th Birthday Lexie

2008-06-24T16:10:00.005-06:00

Today is our sweet angel, Lexie's 4th birthday. We miss her so much. I wish I could hold her again, but I'm so grateful for the Savior who's made it possible for us to see her again someday.

Last night as we were buying a birthday cake to take to the cemetery, I started to cry because I was thinking, "This isn't fair. She should be here helping us pick out her cake." I still have moments where I feel such grief and even anger and I have to have those feelings, but I know that this was God's plan for her and us and I'm grateful for all she has taught me. She has taught me that God loves us and Jesus mourns with us and comforts us whenever we need Him. She has also given me great motivation to live my life so that I can live with her again. She was so perfect that all she needed was a body and to give us the chance to love and cherish her for a week and then she had more important things to do on the other side.

The prophet Joseph Smith said, "The Lord takes many away, even in infancy, that they may escape the envy of man, and the sorrows and evils of this present world; they were too pure, too lovely, to live on earth; therefore, if rightly considered, instead of mourning we have reason to rejoice as they are delivered from evil, and we shall soon have them again."

Happy Birthday, baby girl. We love you and we'll never forget you!

Jensen Look-alike Meter

2008-06-10T16:05:00.002-06:00

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Free family tree - Pedigree

Ok, so everyone has always said Dylan is a "mini-me" of Spencer. Some people say he is a good mix. Well, I guess the results are in. Spencer wins by 7%. Still, I think Dylan looks more like me now that he is older. I will admit when he was a baby, he really looked exactly like Spencer. But, anyway, now we have the scientific ruling. Dylan is 43% me and 57% Spencer. :)

Memorial Weekend

2008-05-27T10:47:00.005-06:00

We went to This is the Place Village with my sisters and their families on Saturday. It was fun, we just wish we would have had more time there. We want to go again soon. Dylan had a lot of fun running around with his cousins. His favorite part was the petting zoo and the pony ride. He yelled when I had to take him off the horse. I think he would have just stayed there on the horse all day if we would have let him.

Monday, we went to the cemetery to put flowers on Lexie's grave. I love how beautiful the cemetery looks with all of the amazing flowers. I'm so grateful for my family and all their love and support. It's so nice to have family there to comfort us and to remember Lexie. As my mom said, it's so nice we have a special day to remember those we love who aren't with us anymore. I love the song "We Can Be Together Forever Someday" by Michael McLean. It says something like, "It's hard to say goodbye and let go and it's hard to see it end, cause these memories we just made may never happen again, but let's thank the Lord above who showed us the way, and we can be together forever someday." That is what makes being away from Lexie bearable for me and I'm so thankful for the knowledge I have.

San Diego Pics

2008-05-19T14:00:00.000-06:00

San Diego

2008-05-19T13:09:00.003-06:00

We went on a week-long vacation with my parents, my sister and her husband to San Diego. We had a blast! We drove there and Dylan did surprisingly well in the car. We went to the new In-n-Out (my brother-in-law's favorite) in St. George on the way and stayed the night there. We made the rest of the trip the next day and met my parents in San Diego. They flew there. We went to Sea World first. Spencer and I had never been there. We really liked it. I loved the animal shows and getting to touch the dolphins and stingrays was cool. We went to the San Diego Wild Animal Park and also Disneyland for a day. Then, we stopped in Las Vegas for a night on the way home. It was so much fun! It was a much-needed break for us and Dylan was in heaven spending a whole week with grandpa and grandma and his aunt and uncle. Every morning he would wake up and run to "mana" (grandma) "gampa," "nana" (Natalie) and "guke" (Luke). He was sad when we had to go home. So was I.

I will put pictures up as soon as I can figure out how to do a slideshow. I'm having technical difficulties.

Bountiful Chalkart Festival

2008-05-16T08:36:00.003-06:00

This is a picture of our brother-in-law, Luke and his brother, Joe, working through the night on their art for Bountiful's chalkart festival. Today and tomorrow is Bountiful's Main Street Chalkart Festival. Local artists use pastels to create art on the sidewalks of Main Street. Our brother-in-law and his brother have entered the event again this year with a piece that is right in front of DeBoer's on Main Street. They are so talented and their artwork is awesome. There is a lot of great art all along the street. Spencer will also be performing throughout the evening starting at about 4:30 tonight. So come and support our local artists!

Baby Jensen's First Photo

2008-05-01T20:36:00.002-06:00

Big news! There will be a new addition to our family by the end of the year! The official due date is December 18, but the baby will most likely be born around the 21st of November. So, we'll have a turkey baby ( a week before Thanksgiving). We are so excited!!! I'm feeling pretty good so far and I'm crossing my fingers that it will stay that way. I'm seven weeks now, so only about 29 weeks left to go (since the baby will be delivered four weeks early). So the countdown to Baby Jensen #3 begins...

By the way, the little white blob in the picture that I've circled in red is the baby. We saw the heartbeat today :-)

I'm back

2008-04-20T20:20:00.007-06:00

Okay. So I've pretty much neglected our blog for the past couple months, but I'm back! I've rededicated myself to updating much more often. I could name excuses like I've been busy with homework, being a mom, trying to sell our house...but I won't. :) Oops. I guess I already did. Well, anyway, as I said I am rededicating myself. So, stay tuned...

One exciting update is that we are moving to Logan so Spencer can go to school up at Utah State. He tried out for a music scholarship with his trombone and got one. Yea Spencer! I'm happy that he is pursuing his love of music. We're proud of you, babe! So, after we sell our house we will be moving north to the frigid city of Logan. Life changes fast, but I'm excited for the new adventures we will experience and we will be down to visit often I'm sure!

Happy Holidays!

2008-01-07T14:03:00.001-07:00

Merry Christmas!

I know. It's only taken me two weeks to post our Christmas pictures, but better late than never I guess!

We had a fun Christmas. Dylan was actually excited to open his presents this year. I think his favorite part was the candy, though.

Dylan in his Christmas jammies. Toy Story is his favorite movie.
We've probably seen it a hundred times.

The Jensen Men

Spencer as the faceless man.

We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and we wish you all a prosperous New Year!

Let it Snow!!

2007-12-03T13:45:00.001-07:00

It finally feels like Christmas time with the first real snowfall of the year! This was the first time Dylan has ever played in the snow. He was fearless! He trudged through the snow like a little trooper--even when the cold snow went right down his back (poor little guy). He even tried to help Daddy put the lights up. He was pretty upset when we didn't think it was safe for him to climb the ladder, though.

Bring on the holidays, I say! I already made Spencer and my brother-in-law watch one of my favorite Christmas movies--The Muppet Christmas Carol. I love this time of year. My mom always loved Christmas and I think it was passed down to me, too. I love the lights, the music, the smells, the tree, the story of the nativity, the sappy Christmas movies... So, happy holidays everyone and remember the reason for the season.

Our Thanksgiving Weekend Adventures

2007-11-28T10:29:00.000-07:00

Our Thanksgiving Weekend was pretty crazy! Dylan got sick right before Thanksgiving. I spent all night Tuesday with him while he threw up all night. (Poor kid!) He also had a cold and later got hives. We ended up taking him to the doctor on Saturday and he's doing much better now. :)

The second part is much more exciting, but still crazy. Thursday morning at 4:00 I talked Spencer into going to Kmart to stand in line for a Wii. My little sister got one a couple weeks ago and I got hooked! I have never really been into video games, and I was always skeptical about all the hype for the Wii, but after I played bowling, I knew I had to have one. Anyway, Spencer was 7th in line and Kmart had 8, so we barely got one. He had to stand in the cold for three hours but it was totally worth it. Right Spencer? After he got home, I found out there was a misunderstanding. He thought he was buying it for me, and I thought we were going to sell it on eBay and then buy one for ourselves later. Since they're so hard to find people are making a killing off them selling them online. So, I decided to stand in line Friday morning at Game Crazy to get one that we can sell and then we'd keep the other one. My little sister, her husband, his brother, my nephew and brother-in-law all waited outside from about 8:30 the night before to get their Wii's. I think they're insane, but they were the first in line. I came over at about 5:30 and stood in line for 3 1/2 hours. It was freezing cold!!! I was 11th in line, but I got one! So, if you are desperate for a Wii for Christmas, look out on eBay; we'll be putting it up for sale soon. Well, I have to go now, Wii bowling is calling my name...

Our first blog!

2007-11-16T11:08:00.000-07:00

Yea! We finally have our own blog now! I am excited to start posting pictures and stuff. I haven't been the best at taking a lot of pictures so maybe this will motivate me to do better. I don't have time to post much right now because Dylan just woke up from his nap. (I think I live my life scheduled around his naps :) ) Anyway, hopefully I'll find time to post more later. Our most recent family photo was on Halloween (Spencer was Raphael, I was April O'Neil and Dylan was of course Batman) so I'll just post that for now.